Queene Elizabeths looking-glasse of grace and glory Wherein may be seen the fortune of the faithfull: that is to say, the wrastling, victory, and reward, or the combat, conquest and crowne of Gods children. All cleerely represented according to Scripture, & illustrated by diuers notable examples of Gods seruants both men and vvomen: and likewise enterlaced with many memorable alligories & morallties: both pleasant and profitable to be read. By I.M. Master of Arts.

The looking-glasse of grace and glory .

CAP. 1. That the Christian is called to hee Christs Seruant & Souldier from the Cradle and in the very spring time of youth .

MAns life is a warrefare , and a time of temptation & triall : 2. Corr. 10 4. for no sooner is he layed into the Cradle , to grow and waxe according to nature ; but almost as soone is hee called into the Campe , to bee Christs Souldier , and to beare armour .

Dauid was but a young Boy , 1. Sam. 16.11.12.13 . & 17.33.39.42.49.50 . when he went out against Goliah , and ouercame him : and all Gods beloued ones ( for Dauid signifieth beloued ) must goe out against the spirituall Goliah the great Captaine of spiritual captiuitie , ( for Goliah signifieth captiuity ) they must I say goe out against him when as yet they are young .

Dauid was no sooner annoynted by the hand of Samuel , but he began to be valiant , for the Spirit of the Lord came vpon Dauid from that day forward : and weare no sooner made Christians by the annoynting of Baptisme , ( for as Christ is as much as the annointed , so Christian is as much as one that is annointed ) but as soone our names are rolled vp among Gods warriours . 1. Sam. 16.13 . & 17.34 .

Samuel had no sooner powred out his horne of holy oyle vpon Dauids head , but as soone hee began to encounter with a Lyon which came to assaile and slay the sheepe which he kept in the field , and ouercame him , and killed him as he did also a Beare : & the appointed of God , Psal. 45.7 . Heb. 1.9 . ● . Corr. 1.21 1. Iohn 2.20.27 . ( for Samuel signifieth so much ) I meane Gods Ministers , his Priests , and Prophets , or rather the holy Ghost , haue no sooner annointed vs with the oyle of gladnes , but as soone we must begin to fight vnder our Sauiours bloody ensigne , & crossie Banner , 1. Sam. 17 40 prefigured by Dauids staffe , against the roaring and deuowring Lyon the Deuill : we must I say begin to serue God euen when as yet we are young .

Thus we read of Samuel himself , how that he was consecrated vnto the Lord , being yet a yong childe , euen as soone as he was wained , as Sampson and Iohn Baptist were set a part to Gods seruice from the wombe . Iudges . 13.5.7 . Luke . 1.15 . Samuel ( as hath bene already said ) signifieth as much as the appoynted of God ; and the good Christian , who is appoynted of God vnto life and glory , should as soone as he is wained from the breast , or at least as soone as he commeth to the yeares of discretion , begin to learne how to serue God , and how to eschue sinne , and how to fight against the Deuill , the world & the flesh , according to the tenor of the vow which was made in his name , when as hee was baptised . And truly as Parents offer vp their Children for a liuing sacrifice vnto God , when as they make them to be baptised so ought they take great care , that as soone as they come to knowledge , they may both learn and put in practise , the whole Christian duties that doe belong vnto that holy ordinance & vow . Likewise Ester was trained vp in the feare and knowledge of God from her youth : and as many as are of Gods secret and hidden ones ( for Ester signifieth secret or hidden ) must from their youth be instructed and trained vp in Gods feare ; Ester 14.5 . for the man or woman that feareth God feruently , shall not need to feare the Deuils hostility . Also of Obadiah King Ahabs Steward , it is said that he feared God greatly from his youth , 1. King . 18.3.12 . by whose godly example al Gods Seruants ( for Obadiah signifieth as much as Gods seruant ) are taught to begin Gods seruice in their young yeares , and not to delay it vntill old age . The same thing did likewise Daniel , Hananiah , Michael , Azariah , Tobiah , and Timothie , Dan. 1.4.5 6.8.12.15.17 . Toh 1.10 . & 2.13 . 2. Tim. 3 15. who is recorded to haue knowne the holy Scriptures of a childe . Daniel is asmuch by interpretation as the iudgement of God , and Hananiah the grace and vertue of God , and Azariah the helpe of God , and Tobiah the goodnes of God , and Timothie the honor or an honorer of God : and as many as desire to taste of Gods goodnes , to haue his helpe in time of need , & to finde mercy and fauour at his hands , chiefly in the day of iudgment , they must imitate these young mens example and begin to proue Timothies , that is honorers of God , when as yet they are young .

And therefore Salomon exhorteth all young folkes to thinke earnestly on Gods seruice in their youth , and not to defer or delay this maine duty , Eccle. 12.1 Remember now thy Creator in the dayes of thy youth , whiles the euil dayes come not , nor the yeares approach wherein thou shalt saywe haue no pleasure in them . As if he should say : Thou that art a young man or woman , if euer thou meanest to remember thy duty towards God , remember it now whilst thou art young , old-age is forgetfull , and youth is most able in memory , and most apt for remembrance , therefore either remember now or els neuer : for if thou forget God , when thou art young , when thy memory is at the best , it shall be hard for thee to remember him when thou art old , when thy memory shal be at the worst . Remember him therefore now , and delay it not till heereafter : to day , and defer not til to morrow ; this yere , and put it not off til the next ; in thy youth , and tary not till thou be olde . The present time is the surest time , for what wotest thou if thou shalt liue vntill old age ? and youth is the best time as being the flower of mans time : and what knowest thou if God will accept of the seruice of thy withered old age , if thou hast refused him the seruice of thy flourishing young yeares ? God giueth vs our whole time , be it short or be it long : is it not good reason then that we yeelde him the seruice of our whole time , but chiefely of the chiefe and best part of our time ? farre be it from vs then to doe God such a grieuous wrong as to reserue for him therotten dregges of our decrepit and old dayes . No master will be content that the seruant whome he hyred for the whole day , should enter to his seruice at the gloming of the day , or at the going downe of the Sunne : And shall we think that the great Master of mankinde , can be content that his hired seruant should enter to his seruice in the euening he being hyred in the morning ? mans life is as a day , a short life as a winters day , Mathew 20.1.2 . a long life as a sommers day , but be the day of a mans life short or be it long , be it faire or be it foule , it becommeth alwaies the good seruant to rise early , and to fall to his worke timously , to labour dilligently and to continue constantly , vntill the end of the day . As Elkanah with his wiues Anna and Peninna , 1. Sam. 1.2 19. rose vp early to worship God , so as many as haue the zeale of God ( for Elkanah signifieth the zeale of God ) they will serue God early , euen in the morning of their young yeres . And in so doing the Christian man shall proue an Elkanah in deed , that is , a man indued with Gods zeale , and the christian woman shal proue an Anna , that is , a gratious woman , and a Peninna that is , a precious stone in the spirituall building of Christs Church .

God is the first aswell as the last ; Reuct . 1.11 say 44.6 . the alpha and the beginning , as well as the omega and the ending ; and therefore he claimeth our first yeares as well as the last , and the beginning of our life as well as the ending thereof . Our young dayes are our best dayes , & our young yeares are our most pleasant yeares , for so Salomon doth signifie , when he calleth the daies of our olde age our euill daies , Eccles. 12 , 1 and saith that in the yeares thereof man hath no pleasure ; And therefore in our best dayes we must doe the best thing that man can doe , which is to serue God : and in our most pleasant yeres we must be about the most pleasant study of the pleasing of God .

As King Nebuchanezzar made choyse of young children , faire and wel fauoured to stand before him , Dan. 1.3.4.5 . and did commune with them familiarly , to whome hee did likewise assigne a portion of his owne meat , and of the same wine which he himselfe dranke , for their nourishment , So the King of Kings , maketh choyse of such persons as in their young yeares , when as yet they were tender , haue beautified their inward man by the meanes of Gods seruice ; for the fairest and best fauoured thing in the world is a soule that feareth God , and fighteth against sinne . And it is euen such that our great King dooth choose for his minions and chief fauorites , to talke and commune with them as the children of his loue and delight . And to them he alloweth a portion of the meate of God , off his own Table ; for he giueth them to eat of the hidden Manna and of the tree of life , which is in the mids of the Paradise of God , Reuela . 2.7.17 . Mat. 26.29 Ioh. 15.1 . Cantie . 2 ● . & 8.2 Reuel. 14 1.2 3.4 5. and he giueth them to drink of the new wine , out of the celestiall wine seller , such as the Vine which is aboue doth yeeld , which maketh them sing a new song before Gods seat , euen a song of exultation , and Iubilation . And as they doe now follow the Lamb whither soeuer he goeth in heauen , so being on earth among men , they were as the first fruits vnto God ; that is , they were such as in their very first yeares gaue themselues to Gods seruice by the study of sanctification , of newnes and holynes of life . Reuel . 21.5 He that maketh all thinges new , maketh also a new wine for all such as shall be new creatures . Wherefore , to the end we may then drinke of that new spiced wine , Cantie . 8.2 of the pomegranate of Paradice , let vs now endeauoure to put on the new man , Ephes. 4.23 24 which after God is created in righteousnes , and true holynes , according as the Apostle exhorteth , 2 Cor 5.17 If any man be in Christ , let him be a new Creature : olde things are passed away , behold all things are become new . No man putteth new wine into olde vessels saith our Sauiour ; Mat. 9.17 . wherefore we must both be made new vessels by newnes of life , before we can receaue that new wyne of glory in Gods kingdome : and also before we be old vessels , in yeares , we must labour to receiue into the new vessels of our young hearts the new wine of Gods renuing grace , by following his seruice in our young yeares . For it is very likely that God will neuer put the new wine of a new life into such an olde vessell as had once refused to receaue it , when as it was new ; I meane , that it is not likely that God will euer receaue such an old man or woman into his seruice , as had refused it being called thereunto when as they were young . Hebr. 16.17 12. As Esau when he would haueinherited the blessing was reiected , and found no place to repentance , though he sought the blessing with teares : so those kinde of persons when they would with all their heart be receaued into Gods seruice , they shall be reiected , neither shall they finde any place to acceptance or attendance , though they should seeke Gods seruice with teares .

Thus we see then how it standeth vs in hand to be entred into Gods seruice , when as yet wee are young & euen little children : and therfore our Sauiour was wont alwaies to make much of little children , to the end they might be more and more encouraged in the way of Gods feare : he inuited litle children to come vnto hìm , and he blessed them , & kissed them , when they came , and held them in his armes : Suffer little children to come vnto mee , Math. 19.13 14 15. Marke 10.13.14.15 16 and forbid them not , for of such is the kingdome of God , said our sweete Sauiour to his disciples . 〈◊〉 , 8 1.2 . and as the Psalmist sheweth how that God sometimes doth confound his foes by the mouth of sublings and babes ; Mat 11.25 so doth our Sauiour thank the Father for reuealing & opening the mysteries of his kingdome vnto Babes ; yea he recommendeth vnto his disciples , the imitation of such little children as had begunne to spell out the right way of Gods seruice . Verily I say vnto you , Math 18.1 2 3.4 5.6.10 . except ye be conuerted and become as little children , ye shall not enter into the Kingdome of heauen : Whosoeuer therefore shall humble himseise as this little childe , the same is the greatest in the kingdome of heauen : And whosoeuer shall receaue such a little childe in my name receaueth me : see that ye despise not one of these little ones , for I say vnto you , that in heauen their Angells alwaies behold the face of my father , which is in heauen . Our Sauiour had a chiefe care of wel-enclined young children , and such as had any seeds or beginnings of grace in the springtime of their youth , Mat. 19.16 20. Marke 10.17.20.21 he loued them most dearly . Thus hee loued the young man that came to aske him , touching the way how to be saued , who said , that he had obserued the commaundements from his youth , And by way of humaine affection he loued most of all his disciples Saint Iohn who was the youngest of them al , Ioh 13.23 . & 19.26 so that he is called the disciple whome Iesus loued , for there is nothing that the Lord taketh so great delight in as to see a man or woman beging in their young yeares to serue God and to fight against Sathan , sinne , the world , and the flesh . And as our Sauiour did alwaies encourage young children in the way of Gods feare so his beloued disciple St. Iohn whome he loued most , because he was the youngest of them all , and for that he was so forward in godlines in so young yeares ; he doth after his louing Lords example incourage little children and young men in the same way . Little children I write vnto you , 1. Iohu 2.1.12.13.14.18.28 . because your sinnes are forgiuen you for his names sake . I write vnto youyoung men because ye haue ouercome the wicked . I write vnto you Bahes because ye haue knowne the father ; I haue written vnto you young men because ye are strong and the worde of God abideth in you , and ye haue ouercome the wicked . And now little children abide in him , that when he shall appeare we may be bold & not be ashamed before him at his comming .

Thus we see then that Christians must begin to fight and ouercome sinne , and Sathan in their very youth . The Lyon that young Dauid encountred and ouercame was but a young one , and had inuaded but one sheepe : but the Lyon that the young Christian must encounter and quell , is an old one , & would faine swallow vp all Christs sheepe ; your aduersary the deuil ( saith the great Apostle Saint Peter ) 1 , Pet. 5.8 . as a roaring Lyon walketh about seeking whome he may deuour . He is alwaies hungry and bloodthirstie , Iohn 8.44 . for he bath beene a murtherer from the beginning , saith blessed Saint Iohn and therefore is he alwaies roaring & roauing abroad after his pray . His throate is as an open Sepulchre , yea it is wide as hell , and therefore vnsatiable and cannot be filled with thousands of sheepe : and yet he walketh along continually , and runneth about mcessantly , to catch ( if he can ) some one silly wandring sheepe , to abate some part of his hungry and vnsatiable appetite . And it is I say for this end , that he doth bothwalk along the earth , and run round about the earth , without beeing any whit wearied or taking any rest , And therefore Sathan being asked on a time of the Lorde whence he came ? answered , Iob. 1.7 from compassing the earth to and fro , and from walking in it . He is a walker , and therefore he walketh with the wicked , and with them hee doth rest , whensoeuer he taketh any rest : euen with and on al such as walke in the waies of wickednes . He is likewise a Compasser , for hee compasseth the godly round about , seeking to circumvent them , to deceaue them , & destroy them , but findeth no rest to the sole of his foote ; therin resebling Noahs doue , but yet more his blacke rauen . For as the rauen did nothing els but flitter to and fro vntill the waters were dryed vp vpon the earth , so doth this restles rauen , no other thing els but flitter and flee to and fro , and round about , vntill at what time there be no more sinful soules to destroy vpon earth .

Sathan compasseth the earth , and the whole earth , because he would consume the whole earth , and swallow vp all Christs sheepe , on earth . But he shall misse of his ayme : for the Shepheard of Israel , that leadeth Ioseph like sheepe , Psal. 80.1 . & 121.3.4 . euen he that keepeth Israel doth neither slumber nor sleepe . The olde Lyon may well come with Dauids young Lion and his Beare to the flock , to take a sheepe out of the fold ; But as Dauid rescued his sheepe , and tooke it out of the young Lyons mouth , 1. Pet. 2.25 . and slew him that came to flay , the like shall our great Shepheard doe . The good Shepheard that calleth his own Sheep by name , and leadeth them out and goeth before them , and giueth his life for them , and dooth not leaue them when the Wolfe or the Lyon cometh , he shall euen defend his sheep , and rescue them , and saue them from the olde Lyons iawes . My sheepe ( saith he ) heare my voyce , & I know them , Ioh. 10.2.3 4.11.14.27.28.29 . and they follow me , and they giue vnto them eternall life , and they shal neuer perish , neither shal any pluck them out of mine hand . My father which gaue them me is greater then all , and none is able to take them out of my Fathers hands .

Our good Shepheard hath not onely giuen his life for his sheep , but he giueth likewise eternal life to his sheepe . So that the roaring and deuowring Lyon may well compasse them , but he shall not catch them ; and though he catch them , yet shall he not be able to quel them or kil them ; he may well scatter them with persecution , but he shall not be able to consume them with destruction , Heb 2.14 . yea he himfelfe shall in the end be destroyed .

All Christians then are called from the very first houre of their spirituall birth , to be Soldiers & warriours against the Deuill , the world , and the flesh . The flesh is our enemy within vs , like an homebred foe ; the world is our enemy without vs , like a forraine ●oe ; and the deuill is our foe in both fashions , within vs , without vs , yea and round about vs . These be the three enemies which wee haue to encounter , and these be the aduersaries we must ouercome .

CAP 2. Of the christians fighting against the flesh and the lusts thereof .

AS the Philistims practised and allured Dalilah to deceaue Sampson , Iudge 16 promising her so many shekels of siluer for a reward ; so the spiritual Philistims , the procurers of mans double decay and destruction , euen both of body and of soule , ( for Philistim signifieth a double decay ) they will practise the consuming Dalilah of our flesh , ( for Dalilah signifyeth a consumer ) to deceaue vs , to the end we may be vanquished and ouercome in most wretched maner .

And the Dalilah of our flesh , wil not faile to betray vs vnto the Princes of the Philistims , euen vnto the Princes that rule in the aire , Ephes. 2.2 . & 6.12 for the hire of some fleshly pleasure or profite , except that we be aware . She will make vs sleepe on her knees , that is to say , she will lull vs , and rocke vs a sleepe in the cradle , of security , and in the meane time she will shaue off the seauen lockes of our head ; that is , she will bereaue vs of the seauen gifts of Gods spirit , Reuel. 3.1 . & 4 5. as of faith , charity , righteousnes , humility , patience , temperance , and dilligence ; and so in end , make vs loose our whole spirituall strength . So that it shall be an easie thing for the Philistims of our affections , to put out our eyes , euen the eyes of our vnderstanding , and for the Princes of the Philistims , I mean the principalities and powers that rule in the ayre , to binde vs Sampson like with fetters , so that we cannot walke in the waies of righteousnes and holynes as we ought . And therefore whensoeuer the Dalilah of our flesh beginneth to entangle vs , wee must learne of Sampson to beguile her , and to practise the wisdome of the serpent in the olde Serpents behalfe . Mat. 10.16 We must I say deceaue this deceitfull flesh of ours , at that time that she seeketh most to deceaue vs ; and this we must doe not onely once , twise , thrice as Sampson did , but alwaies by perseuering vnto the end . And therefore though Dalilah-like , our flesh should be importunate vpon vs with her faire perswasions , to ensnare vs , yet must wee beware to tell her our whole heart with Sampson , otherwise we shall not faile to be both shauen & shamed with Sampson . Yea the eyes of our vnderstanding shall be put out as were Sampsons two bodily eyes , and the feete of our spirituall faculties shall be fettered with the fetters of fleshly lusts , and we shall be made to grinde in the prison house of a grieued spirit : for where the spirit of God is not , there is captiuity , as where the spirit of the Lord is , 2. Corr. 3.17 . 2. Sam 15. & 18 there is liberty

The flesh Absalon-like , will vse many policies and practises to asspire to the soueraignty ouer the soule . She will vse great craft towards the affections , to entise them to dislike of the gouernment of the spirit : she will shew her selfe more forward to please the affections , then the reasonable part of the soule can doe , she will as it were put forth her hand to the affections and kisse them , and make much of them , to the end that shee may steale away their obedience from the spirit : No , she will not faile to rebell against the spirit ( for the flesh ( saith the Apostle ) lusteth against the spirit ) euen as Absaion did against K. Dauid his Father , who stole away the peoples hearts from him , and rose vp rebelliously against him .

And though it fall out oftentimes , that the Absalon of our flesh prevaile over the Dauid of our spirit , and make a great slaughter of his subjects ; that is , of good motions , & holy resolutions : yet in end , the Absalom of our flesh shall get the foyle . For when our flesh Absalom-like , shall be in a maner mounted vpon the Mule of sensualitie , it shall be left hanging as it were by the haire of an hard , & heavie heart , vpon the Oake of Gods anger , and it shall be smote with the three darts of three-fold affliction , in goods , in body , and in minde , till it be mortified and slaine by the terror of the tenne Commaundments , as Absalom was killed by Ioabs tenne seruants , and so be cast as it were , into the pitte of repentance , for all by-past misdemeanours .

The flesh wil play with the spirit , as the Harlot in the Proverbs doth with the foolish yong man . Prouer. 7. She wil be alwaies abroad to spy our opportunities , she will be still lying in waite at euery corner , hunting after occasions and aduantages for her , wher-through she may catch the spirit and kisse him , and with an impudent face allure him to yeild vnto her desires .

The flesh will decke her selfe with all costlye Ornaments ; she will perfume and paynt her selfe with the most artificial ointments , and will then say vnto the Soule , come , let vs take our pleasure in daliance , let vs delight our eyes with sensuall shewes and sightes , our eares with amorous & licentious sounds , our smell with the most exquisite & sweet sauours , our taste with the most delicious drinkes , and daintiest meates ; let vs take our fill of loue , of sensuall pleasures and passe-times , as long as the morning of our life shall last , let vs eat and drink , sport and play , sing & dance , for to morrow we shall dye . Thus the flesh with her flattering lips wil entise the soule , & the foolish and vnsanctified soule will not sticke to yeeld vnto her , and to follow her straight waies , as an oxe that goeth to the slaughter , and as a foole to the stockes for correction , til adart strike through his liuer , euen the dart of a relenting remorse . But the wise & the sanctified soule will be loath to decline to her wayes , or to wander or walke in her paths ; for it knoweth well that she hath caused many to fal downe wounded , and that troupes of strong men haue bene slaine by her ; for her house is the way vnto the graue , which goeth down to the chambers of death . The flesh wil speak to the Soule , as the spouse in the Canticles doth to the Bride , Open vnto me my Sister , my loue , my doue , my vnde filed , for mine head is full of dew , Cant 5.2.3 and my lockes with the drops of the night . But for al this her sweet alluring speech , and perswasiue talke , the Christian Soule must not by yeelding vnto the flesh , rise to let her in : and therefore the soule must returne her this answere , or the like : soft , Flesh , for I am not thy Sister , but thy Soueraigne , and thou art not my Sister but my Seruant ; It dooth not befit the Mistris to rise & open the dore to her maind , neither must the maid presume to expect any such seruice at her Mistris hands . It is thy part to obey , and not to commaund , to attend vpon my pleasure , and not to play the part of a mistris , or yet of a mate in my behalfe : or els let the soule returne her the first answere of the spouse , I haue put off my coate , how shall I put it on ? I haue washed my feete , how shall I defile them ? that is to say , Ephes. 22.23.24 . Colloss. 3.9.10 . Galla. 3.26 27 Mat. 22.11 12. Tit , 3.5.6 . Reuel . 19.8 I haue cast off old Adams skinne coate of originall corruption by baptisme , and haue put on the new fine linnen coate , of the white robe of Christs righteousnes , the which is not onely imputed vnto me by the father , but also imparted vnto me by his spirit : Ephes. 5.26 27. Act 22.16 . Tit. 3.5 . 1. Pet. 3.21 1. Co. 6.11 Iohn 3.5 . farre be it from me to put my new coate off , or mine olde coate on againe . I haue washed my feet in the lauer of regeneration with the fount-water of the fountaine of God ; farre be it from me to defile them againe , by yielding vnto any sensual suggestion or sinfull temptation . Can. 5 4.5 .

The alluring flesh will also imitate the Bridegrome , and put in her hand as it were by the hole of the doore to open it her selfe , with her owne fingers ; but the soule for all that must not bee in heart affectioned towards her , to yeeld vnto her , or to suffer her to come in : yea rather the flesh is to be chastised with fasting , hardnes and with abstinence from such things as doe most pamper and please it , for her malapert presumption : for as the soule must not debase herselfe so farre as to open the doore of her sanctified heart to her fleshly hand-maide , that she may enter in ; so must not the handmaide be so presumptuous as to put in her hand by the hole of the dore as it were to vnbolte it , that she may thrust her self in , for both it becommeth the handmaide to stay till her mistris call for her , and not to come into her closet or cabinet before she be called , and to stay no longer there then her mistris doth enioyne her to stay . In one word , the Soule must not rise to let the flesh in by assenting vnto any sensuall Tentation ; & if it chance that she hath risen by affēting , yet must she not put her hands to the drawing of the bar to let her in by a corporall acting of the euill whereunto she hath assented : for if she doe , she shall be sure that her heart shall smart for it , yea her hands shall drop downe the sharpe myrrhe of a mournefull wringing , proceeding from a sorrowfull heart , for putting of her fingers to the drawing of the barre , and to the opening of the doore ; that is , for putting of her hands to the acting of the cuill , as is said . But if that the soule chance to haue let in the sensuall suggestion of the flesh both by assent and action , then in the next place must the christian souldier endeauour , that at least it goe not forth at the gates of the Citie of his soule by publicke or notorious perpetrtion . For a priuate or secret trespasse weakneth the soule of the trespasser ; whereas a publicke & open offence , doth both weaken the partie that committeth it , and wounde others that either see it , or heare tell of it . And therefore we must labour to smother sinne in the shell of cogitation and delectation , before that it come to be borne or brought forth by action ; or if it hath already beene acted , we must keepe it captiue in the base prison of a penitent breast , till it be quite killed with contrition , & slaine with the sword of a godly sorrow , and afterwards cast out like a dead carkase by confession .

The flesh , as she will come somtimes like an alluring deceitfull Dalilah , to entice the Sampson of the regenerate spirit to yeeld vnto her suggestions , so will she come at other times like a disdainfull Hagar , dispightfully to vpbraide and flout the Sara of the christian soule , Gen. 16.4.5 , 6.9 . for not giuing place vnto her pleasant persuasions . Hagar despised and mocked her mistris Sara for her barrennes , and the sinfull flesh will flout and vpbraide the reasonable regenerate soule for her holinesse , and her barrennes in sensual and inordinate delights . Sara being despisd of her handmayd Hagar , complained vnto her husband Abraham , the father of the faithful , of her vndutifulnes : and the regenerate soule must complaine vnto her spouse Christ Iesus and vnto his ministers her Pastour and spiritual father , whome God hath appointed to heare the spiritual complaintes of his children ; who will enioyne the christian soule to deale roughly with his rebelling flesh , as Sara did with her mocking handmaide Hagar , ay til she humble her selfe vnder her Mistris handes , as the Angel commanded Hagar to doe in Saras behalfe .

Thus the soule will with hold from her flesh Dauidlike the silke and the sattin , Psal. 35.13 & 69.10.11 . and couer her with sackclothe ; and also Daniel-like she will depriue her flesh of the vse of dainty cheere , of the pleasant breade , of the nourishing flesh , Dani. 10.2.3 . and of the cherishing wine , till she be beaten downe and brought into subiection , as S. Paul faith he did , 1. Cor 9.27 . Gen. 21.14 in the behalfe of his own Body . And as Abraham gaue vnto Hagar Saras handmaid bread and water , and sent her away ; so the christians spirituall father or pastor to whome he doth adresse him selfe to find consolation and comfort to his distressed and troubled conscience for sin , he wil enioyn him to giue no other food to his disobedient flesh , but bread & water , till at what time she haue humbled her selfe sufficiently vnder her mistris hands . And by this meanes , the christian , according to the Apostles exhortation , shall by litle and litle crucifie and kill the flesh with the affections and the lustes thereof ; Gala. 5.16 24.25 he shall learne dayly to walke in the spirit , and shall not walke any more after the flesh , nor sauour the things therof , nor yet fullfill the desires thereof ; Rom. 8.1.5.13.17 . & consequently , he shall not come into condemnation . For there is no condemnation to them that are in Christ Iesus ( sayth the Apostle ) which walke not after the flesh , but after the spirit : for as many as are led by the spirit of God , they are the Sons of God , and consequently heires of God , and heires annexed with Christ .

CAP. 3. Of the christians fighting against the world and the allurements of the same .

AS the Christian must fight against the allurements of the flesh , wich is our enemy within vs , so must hee likewise against the vanities of the world , which is our enemy without vs . 1. Iohn 2.15.16.17 Loue not the world saith blessed St. Iohn neither the thinges that are in the world . If any man loue the world , the loue of the father is not in him , for all that is in the world ( as the lust of the flesh , the lust of the eyes , and the pride of life ) is not of the father , but is of the worlde , and the worlde passeth away , and the lust thereof , but he that fulfilleth the will of God , abideth for euer . As the lust of the flesh is the inordinate desire of the pleasures of the flesh , and of such things as the flesh doth naturally delight in , the branches whereof are , licentiousnes , luxurie , intemperance , lechery , drunkennes , gluttony , excesse , and superfluity , with such other fleshly debordments : So the lust of the world is the inordinate and immoderat desire of worldly things ; as of riches , which is couetousnes ; and of greatnes , which is ambition .

The Christian must striue stoutly against the immoderate loue of the world , Coll. 3.1.2 by setting his affection on things which are aboue , and not on thinges which are on the Earth as the Apostle doth exhort The world lyeth in wickednes , and therefore it is the part onely of wicked persons , 1. Iohn . 5.19 to set their harts on the world . The world is destitute of the knowledge of God , and therfore as many as doe desire to knowe God , Iohn 1.9.10 . & 17.25 . and to be knowne of him , must in a maner misken the world . I pray not for the world ( saith our Sauiour ) and therfore if we wold be partakers of Christs intercession & prayers , towards the father , Iohn 17.9 . we must not be of the world , though we liue in the world . If ye were of the world ( saith our Sauiour to his Seruants ) the worlde would loue his owne , Iohn . 7.7 . & 15.18.1 . Ioh. 3.14 but because ye are not of the world , but I haue chosen you out of the world , therfore the world hateth you . So that so many as are chosen of God out of the worlde , they are hated of the worlde , and they themselues hate the world ; so far are they from the loue of the world . And not onely doth the world hate Gods children , and all mortified Christians , but it euen hateth God and Christ himselfe . Ioh. 15.19 If the world hate you ( saith our Sauiour ) ye knowe that it hated me before you . And truly if the world doth hate not onely true and good Christians , but likewise Christ himself , what reason haue we to loue it ? yea rather ought we not to hate it with a perfit hatred ? and the Apostle affirming , that whosoeuer will bee a friend of the world , Iame 4.4 . maketh himselfe the enemy of God : he teacheth Christians to renounce the amitie and friendship of the world , as they doe tender the amitie and friendship of God ; for as the wisdom of the flesh is enmity against God , so is the friendship and loue of the world , Luk 16.13 the enmity and hatred of God : and as we cannot serue God and Mammon , so we can not be both Gods friends & the worldes ; but if we be the worldes freinds , we must be Gods foes & contrariwise : for as God cannot away with a diuided heart or with a deuided seruice , so can he not like of an halfed freindship . The whole heart is to him due ; he hath made the whole heart , and he would saue the whole heart , and therefore he both deserueth and desireth to be serued and loued with the whole heart : & consequently the worlde must haue no share in the heart , nor yet in the seruice : loue & friendship of the heart . As Eliah said once vnto the superstitious and Idolatrous people , how long halt ye betweene two opinions ? 1. King . 18 22. If the Lord be God , follow him , but if Baal be he , then goe after him : so may the good Christian say vnto all worldly minded men , how long will ye halt betweene two seruices , and two freendships ? if the Lord be your master and onely true and constant freend , then serue and loue him alone with your whole heart , for he cannot away with halfes in this kinde . But if mammon be your master and the worlde your trustiest friend , then serue mammon and loue the world , for no man can serue or loue two maisters sayth our maister Christ Such wordlie christians as will needes diuide the heart , the seruice , loue and friendship thereof , betweene God and mammon doe resemble that vnnatural harlot mentioned in Salomons iudgement who would haue had the liuing childe to be diuided in twaine , 1. King 3.26 . where as the perfite christian is like vnto the naturall mother , who chose rather to loose her childe so he might liue , then that he should he diuided in twaine or into halfes and so die : or they are like the luke-warme Laodiceans to whom the spirit doth thus speake , Reue. 3.14.15.16 . I knowe thy wortkes that thou art neither cold nor hot ; I would thou werest colde or hote , therefore because thou art lukewarme , and neither colde nor hote , it will come to passe that I shall spewe thee out of my mouth . In one worde , as the double hearted christian can not harbour in Gods kingdome , so the lukewarm louer of God , shal be spewed out of Gods mouth .

It is good then for vs to forsake the vnfaithfull freendship of the world , and to leane to the firme freendship of God , for we may be sure that the worlde will in end , both faile vs , and forsake vs . She will perhaps fawne on vs for a time , and bring vs a present with Ehud , Iudg. 3.15 16.17.18.19.20.21.22 . that is , aduance vs vnto some good degree of honour or wealth , but after that she hat spied out a fit opportunity , so that she may finde vs Eglon-like sitting alone , as it were in the sommer parlor of prospertie , she will be sure to shewe her selfe such a one as doth not a whit care for our kindnes : no , she will not faile to doe her best to thrust into our belly , or rather into our bosome , the two edged dagger of aduersity & anguishe , and so turne all our former plentie into pouerty , and felicity and excellency , into deiection and miserie .

The worlde will say vnto the christian , as Iaell said once to Sisera , Turne in my Lord , turne in to me & feare not : yea more , Iudg , 4.18 19.20.21 . she will not onely inuite him louingly to her house , but she will likewise giue him to drink the sweete milk of earthly pleasures , and she will promise him mony and wealth , which is sweeter then milk , and couer him with the mantle of wordly might , but cre all be done , she will make him by deere inough bothe her milke and her mantell , bothe her blanket and her bed . For she shall not faile , Iael-like to take the prinne of pride and beate it into his head , or rather into his heart , whervpon presently he shall fall . Iob. 21.7 . to 17. For as the prosperity of the wicked maketh them proud ( as the holy man Iob doth teache ) so pride goeth before destruction , Proue . 16.18 . & 18.12 . Iames 4.6.1 . Pet. 5.5 . and an high mind before the fall , sayth wise Salomon . And as God lifteth vp the humble and mccke , so he resisteth the proude and casteth them vpon their backe . Proue . 5.1.2.3.4.5 . The lips of the worlde like vnto Salomons strange woman , drop as an hony combe , and her mouth is more soft then oyle , flowing with smooth and sweete allurements : But the end of her is bitter as wormwod , and sharp as a two edged sword , her feete goe downe to death , and her steps take holde on hell .

When so euer then the world shall chance to tempt the christian to loue her , as Potiphars wife did allure faire Ioseph to lie with her ; G●n. 39.7.8.9.10.20.21 . the christian must labour by all meanes to proue a Ioseph indeede ; that is , a perfite one : for Ioseph signifieth perfite : ) and therfore he must answer the world refusingly as Ioseph did Potiphars wife , and say , far be it from me to make such a miserable exchange , as to loose the loue and freendship of God for thine : no , world , though thou wouldst giue thy self wholy to me alone , yet will I not forgoe the loue of my God for all thy glory , though it were euen a thowsand folde greater then it is , and millions of times of longer lasting then it is . And though that the world will perhaps frowne on thee fearefully , for thy refusall with Poliphars wife , and though she goe about to diffame thee & blame thee vndeseruedly , and euen shut thee vp with Ioseph in the prison of pouertie , and necessity : yet must the good Christian endeauoure to shewe him self ite in suffering patiently all kinde of affliction temporall , for that felicities sake which is eternall as he that must count with the Apostle , Rom. 8.18 . that the afflictions of this present time are not worthy of the glorie which shal be shewed vnto vs . And he that was with Ioseph in the prison , and made him to prosper , will likewise be with the good Christian that aymeth at perfection , in his penurie and pouertie , and in the mean time that his outward man is brought low , & as it were broken with aduersity , his inward-man shall growe and florish like a greene palme tree , and enioy all manner of inward comfort and spirituall prosperity . And he that brought Ioseph out of prison , and gaue him great glory , Gen 41.40 41.42.43 . changing his fetters of iron into gold chaynes , Psalm 10.17.18.19.20.21.22 his poore prison into a Princely palace , and making him of a dispised prisoner , a potent prince , he will likewise in his owne time crowne the patient sufferer of aduersity , with the royall Diademe of might and of maiesty .

The world Haman-like will seeke to be auenged on all such Christian Mordecaies as will not adore him & do him reuerence : Ester 3.2.3 4.5.6 . & 6.3.10 . & 7.10 . but if the Christian continue constantly in fighting against such base idolatrie , the worlde Haman-like shall hang , and the Christian wrastler with Mordecai shall come to honour . In one word , so many as are borne of God , it standeth them in hand to wrastle against the world valiantly , yea to conquer and ouercome it victoriously : I mean not Coesar-like , by subiugation or possession , but Christ-like , by conculcation : for all that is borne of God ( saith blessed St. Iohn ) ouercommeth the world , 1. Ioh. 5.4 . and this is the victory that ouercommeth the world , euen our faith .

CAP. 4. Of the christians fighting against the Deuill , and his subtill perswasions , and violent invasions .

THe third enemy that the christian hath to encounter & conquer , is the strongest and fearefullest of all the three ; for the two former , the world and the flesh , are but the olde Lyons arm ourbearers : the world as his chiefe page , and the flesh as his handmaid . This enemy commeth sometimes like a Lyon to deuoure vs , 1. Pet. 5.8 . Rcue 12 3 12.13.14.15.16.17.2 . Cort. 11.14 . and sometimes like a Serpent to circumvent vs , sometimes as a blacke Belial to peruert vs , and sometimes as a lightsome Lucifer to beguile vs . Sometimes he will carry himselfe as our greatest friend , and sometimes as our professed foe . Wee knowe full well how he played his Serpents part in the behalfe of our Grandmother Eue : Gen. 3.1.2.3.4.5.6 . he would needs shew himselfe as one that did tender the perfit estate of our first parents ; his wish for them was , that they were as wise as God in knowing both good and euill . And therefore he told them that they should become as wise as God by the eating of an apple . And yet in the meane time his intent was to haue them made like , not vnto God in perfection , but vnto the Deuill in defection .

Whensoeuer then the Christian is tempted by Sathan the old Serpent , to eat the forbidden fruit of any vnlawfull action , to the end that he may become as it were a little God amongst men , for worldly knowledge , for wealth , for honour , credit , or account , hee must dilligently beware least he listen vnto the Serpents aduise , and let him assure himselfe that the forbidden apple of disobedience shall bee as bitter to the taste of his soule , as it was to Adams and Eues . And when as he shall thinke to be like vnto God by eating of the forbidden apple , he shall proue but a meere man , yea a naked and miserable man , and he shall bee so vnlike vnto God , that he dare not be so bold as to abide the presence of God , yea he shall bee faine with old father Adam , to fly from the face of God , if hee wist well where . And in that day that God shall make an enquiry touching such mens disobedience the fig-leauie breeches of their light & slight excuses , shall not be able to hide their nakednes , or to couer their vncleanes from Gods cleere-seeing , ye all-seeing eyes . Let them flee wheresoeuer they wil , God shal find them out , Gen. 3.8 . Isay 2.19 . Hos. 10.8 . Luke 23.30 K●ue . 15.16 & though they should hide themselues among the thickest trees of the obscurest woods , yea amidst the deepest dennes of the earth , or among the ragged rocks of the mountaines , yet they shall not escape ( for except they repent & amend before that day ) they shall finde no denne or hole to hide them in at that day , till they bee thrown headlong into hel : euen hell shall be their hole to hide them in , and the Deuils dungeon shall be their denne .

Sathan commeth sometimes as one that knocketh at our dore , and so metimes as one that wold break open our dores , to get in vpon vs against our wil. He knocked at the dore of Euahs hart , to get in by flattery & fraudulence , but he laboured to break vp the dore of Iobs hart by forceand violence : Iob. 1.7.8.9.10.11.12 . & 2.4.5.6.7.8.9 . for his drift was to make him dispaire of Gods fauour , and euen to make him so to raile against God , to blaspheme him and dye .

Goliah the fearefull Philistim , Sam. 17.4.8.10.36 . the Giant of Gath , railed vpon the people of God , and reuiled them in most outragious maner : And so will the great Captaine of spirituall captiuity , I meane the Deuill , ( for Goliah signifieth captiuity ) he wilsometimes raile vpon the Christian , and reuile him , by laying open vnto the eies of his touched conscience , his owne vilenesse and vglines , to the and that he may driue him into despare .

But the Christian souldier must not be quelled or cast downe in his courage , though he be both weake and young , and his aduersarie both olde and strong . Dauid was but a young boy and in naturall strength farre inferiour to Goliah , for he was not able to goe in Sauls armour , though it were not so heauy as was Goliahs speares head : and yet beng inwardly fortified by faith in God , he went out against him with his staffe in his hand , and his sling together with fiue small stones in his skrippe , and said vnto the vncircumcised challenger thus ; 1. Sam. 17 40.45.49 50. Thow commest to me with a sworde and a speare , and with a sheild , but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hostes , the God of the host of Israel whom thou hast rayled vpon . And in the like maner the Christian must goe out against the spirituall Goliah in the name of Iesus the sonne of God , and the Lord of heauen and earth , being spiritually armed with the staffe of his crosse , the sling of faith , and with a feruent meditation vpon our Sauiours suffering , and his fiue bloodie wounds , answering vnto Dauids fiue flintie stones , the which he must alwayes carrie about him in the skrippe of a cleansed conscience , and of a deuoute and dutifull remembrance . Dauid ouercame the fearfull Philistim with his sling and with a stone , wherewith he smote him mortally in the forehead , so that he fell presently groueling to the ground : And the Christian shall ouercome the spirituall Philistim with the sling of an effectuall faith , which layeth holde vpon our sauiour Christ , whom Iacob calleth the stone of Israel , Gen. 49.24 Dan. 2.34.35 . and Dantel the stone hewed out of the mountaine without hands : for he was formed in his holy mothers wombe of Abrahams sanctified seede without humaine helpe , Luke 1.26 to 35. and cut out of this holy mountaine , dignified to be the spouse and mother of God without mans hand , by the powerfull working and ouershadowing of the holy ghost , he euen tooke vpon him our nature in the virginall wombe of his vnspotted and pure mother , to the end , Heb. ● . 14.15.16.17 18. that he might destroy through death him that had the power of death , that is the deuill ; and that he might deliuer all them which for feare of death were all their lifetime subiect to bondage : for in that he suffered and was tempted , he is able to succour them that are tempted .

Thus then if our great aduersary the Deuill , endeauoure to steale in vpon vs like a theefe , or to slide and slip into our bosome like a serpent , or if he knocke at our dore like a friend , then must we vse great circumspection , least we be gulled : for in that case he will not faile to disguise himself , in the likenes of an Angell of light , 2. Cor. 11.13.4 . and to borrow the sugred lips & sweet tongue of the bridegrome , and euen speake as alluringly and sweetly vnto the soule which he would slaye , as the bride-groome doth in the Canticles to his spouse , or to the soule which he would saue : Cant. 5.2.3 Open vnto me my Sister , my loue , my doue , my vndefiled , for mine head is full of dew , and my lockes with the drops of the night . But the Christian soule must beware of rysing to let him in , & must rather repell him with such an answer as this ; no subtill Sathan , thou shalt not come in , Reuel. 3.7 . for he that is holy & true , which hath the key of Dauid , which openeth and no man shutteth , and shutteth and no man openneth , euen he hath both opened and shut the dore of myne heart ; it is now shut and thou canst not come in , and my brother , my loue , and my spouse is already lodged in the house of myne heart , and is now lying in the bed of my breast , euen in his Brides bosome , and thou shalt not come in . Thou callest mee thy sister , when as thou wouldst make mee thy slaue ; thy loue , when as thou wouldst make mee forlorne ; thy doue , when as thou wouldst make me thy rauen , or thy dog ; thy vndefiled , when as thou wouldst defloure me , & defile me ; in one word , thou woldst haue me to take thee for my brother and my bridegrome , when as thou wouldest indeede be my burriour : thou wouldst make me beleeue that thine head is full of dewe to refresh mee , when as it is indeed ful of dust & of dirt to defile me , yea full of fire & brimstone to burne me , if thou shouldst once get into my bosome . Get thee gone subtill Sathan , thou cursed night-crowe , that takest pleasure thus to flie abroad in the night , and darest not be so bold in the day , for a darke time is fittest for the Prince of darknes , to be a stirring , and to be set on the entycing of simple soules , to the doing of the works of darkenes . I knowe well thy compassing & thy paines taking out of what fountaine it dooth flowe ; auoid therfore , for mine heart-dore is shut , and thou canst not get in , and my soules sweete heart is already lodged in mine heart and thou shalt not get in .

But if our aduersarie like a Lion seeke to breake open the doore of our heart , and in a violent manner , endeauoure to driue vs into despaire by reason of our grat wretchednes , wickednes and vnworthines , wherewith he will not faile to hit vs in the teeth , to the end that we may distrust of Gods mercie in our soules behalfe ; then must the Christian if euer at any time ells , stand out stoutly against him in the faith of Christ , and laying aside Sauls armour , I meane , all opinion and conceit of his owne worthines , towardnes , and strength , let him fling onely against Goliahs forehead the flintie stone of Christs death , out of the sling of an effectuall faith working by loue ; Gall. 5.6 . and no doubt , but the Philistim shall fall , and with Dauid hee shal winne the fielde : for the Christian ( to speake with the Apostle ) is able to doe all things through the helpe of Christ which strengtheneth him . Philli. 4.13

So then when Sathan commeth in his railing humour to reuile the Christian for his vilenesse and vnworthines , for his wretchednes and wickednes , for the finnes of his youth , or of his olde yeeres , for the multitude of his vnfanctified thoughts , peruerse and prophane speeches , and vnlawfull actions , for his faults both of knowledge and of ignorance , both of omission and commission ; and when as the Christian shall see that they doe exceede the haire of his head for nomber and quantity , and the sand of the sea for greatnes and grauitie , yet for all this let him not be dismayed or dispairingly casten downe ; but let him confidently reply and say to Sathan in this manner ; it is true , Sathan , that I am full of sinne , and my transgressions , I grant , are both many and mighty ; but Gods mercies are more . The Lord is full of compassion and mercy , Psal. 103.8 9.10.11.12.13 . slowe to anger , and of great kindes , he will not deale with me after my sinnes , nor rewarde me according to mine iniquities . For as high as the heauen is aboue the earthe , so great is his mercie towards them that feare him . As farre as the east is from the west ; so farre hath he remoued our sinnes from vs . As a father hath compassion on his children , so hath the Lord compassion on then that feare him . I know Sathan , that I am a sinner and an vgly one too , and thereof may I iustly blame thee ; but I knowe likewise that Christ came not to call the righteous but the sinners to repentance : Mat. 9.13 . for so he sayth him selfe . If there had not bene such sinful creatures as I am , Christ needed neuer to haue come into the worlde ; For this is a true saying and by all meanes worthy to be embraced , 1. Tim. 1.15 that Christ Iesus came into the worlde to saue sinners , of whom I am the chiefe .

But if Sathan goe not so farre , but onely take occasion of a mans afflicted or indigent estate to tempt him ( as he did our Sauiour ) to distrust of Gods prouidence , Mat. 4.2.2.3 . and to make as it were , bread of stones , that is , to purchase wordly wealth by vnlawfull meanes ; then let him repell the Tempter with some such answere as this ; if our heauenly father feedeth the fowles of the heauen , and cloatheth the lillies of the fielde , Mat. 26 27 28.29.30 how much more will he feede and cloathe me whome am much dearer vnto him then they ? And therfore how soeuer it be true , that I want diuers necessary or desirable things , yet will I alwayes waite on God patiently , Psal. 37.3.4.7.25.34 and assure my selfe confidently that I shall not be forsaken for euer : no , though my father and my mother should forsake mee , Psal. 27.10 . yet the Lord will gather me vp : Iob. 13.15 . and though he should euen slay me ( let alone to pinch me in the prouison of necessarie things ) yet will I trust in him .

Againe , Math. 4.5 . if the Tempter goe about to set a man on the pinacle of presumption , by inducing or alluring him to presume vpon Gods fauour and mercy in his behalfe , to the end that he may the more eafily win him to the working of any wickednes : then must he say vnto Sathan in this manner , farre be it fro me to make a baude of Gods mercy , to my miserable nature , or to abuse the riches of his grace to the committing of any grieuous trespasse . And with all , let him adresse his humble & hearty petition vnto the Lord in this or the like forme ; keepe thy seruant from presumptuous sinnes ; Psal. 19.13 let them not reigne ouer mee : so shall I be vpright and be made cleane from much wickednes . Because thy sinne is forgiuen be not without feare ( sayth Siracides ) to heape sinne vpon sinne . And say not , Eccl. 5.5.6 . the mercy of God is great : he will forgiue my manifold sinnes : for mercy and wrath come from him and his indignation cometh downe vpon sinners .

But if the Tempter goe yet further , and entise a man to adore him , and to that effect promise to carry him vp into the high mountaine of wordly might , and to giue him his hearts desire , euen abundance of treasure , and of earthly honour , to giue him perhaps a kingdome , or els the smiling countenance of a king : then must the Christian resolutely say , auoide Sathan , for I will not worship thee for all the kingdomes of the earth . Mat. 16.26 For what shall it profite a man though he should winne the whole worde , if he loose his owne soule ? or what shall a man giue for recompence of his soule what shall it profite a man to possesse all the kingdomes of the earth , if he be in the meane time depriued of the kingdome of heauen ? finally what shall it auaile him to enioye the fauorable contenance of an earthly king , if he be secluded from the fauour and contenance of the immortall king , Psal. 6.11 in whose presence is the fulnesse of ioy , and at whose right hand there are pleasures for euermore ? To what sinne then soeuer it be that Sathan tempteth the Christian vnto , let him take heed neuer to yeelde , but to striue stoutly , Heb. 12.4 . 1. Cot. 16.13 . Ephe. 4.27 . and to wrastle valiantly against the wicked one . Watch ye , stand fast in the faith quite yow like men , and be strong , neither giue place to the Deuil , sayth S. Paul . Neither must the christian be any whit desmayd , when as he is tempted : Mat. 4.1 . Heb 2.18 . Ma. 10.24 . for Christ our Captaine hath beene tempted aswell as wee : And we knowe that the seruant is not aboue his maister , and that the Captaine is alwayes aboue his souldier . The Temptation of the Captaine doth not exempt the souldier , but rather assure him that in his Temtation he shal not be ouercome , but shall conquer and ouercome , euen as his Captaine ouercame . Reue. 3.21 To him that ouercometh ( sayth the great conquerour Christ ) will I grant to sit with me in my throne , euen as Iouercame , and sit with my father in his throne .

CAP. 5. Of the first piece of the Christians spirituall armour , which is the girdle of verity , and of the meaning and vse thereof .

ANd as Christ our Captaine hath caled vs to fight , so hath he furnished vs with armour , wherethrough we may aduantageously fight : and as our enemies are spiritual and not carnal , Ephes. 6.11 12.13.14.15.16.17 . for we wrestle not against flesh and blood , but against Principailties and powers , and spirituall wickednes : So is our armour spirituall and not carnall . The weapons of our warrefare ( saith the Apostle , 2. Cor. 10.3.4 . ) are not carnall but mighty through God , to cast downe holds , casting downe the imaginations and euery high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God , and bringing into captiuity euery thought , to the obedience of Christ .

It is the armour of God , and not of man , though it be forged by the finger of Gods spirit for the vse of man . The seuerall parts & pieces of which armour being seauen in number , the holy Apostle doth thus set down 1. The Girdle of Veritie , in these words , stand therefore , and your loynes gird about with verity . 2. The brestplate of righteusnes in these , hauing on the brest plate of righteousnes : 3. The shooes of peace in these , and your feete shod with the preparation of the Gospell of peace . 4. The shield of faith in these , aboue all take the shield of faith , wherewith ye may quench all the fiery dartes of the wcked . 5. The helmet of hope in these take the helmet of saluation . 6. The sword of Gods word in these , take the sword of the spirit which is the word of God . 7. And lastly , the bowe and arrow of fasting and prayer , in these words , and pray alwaies with all maner prayer and supplication in the spirit , and watch therunto with al perseuerance . Where in watching is also included fasting , because a man is then most apt to watch , when as he fasteth .

The Christian must haue the loynes of his soule gyrt about with verity , which is no other thing but singlines of heart , vprightnes , and sincerity , 1. Cor. 1.12 Psal. 78.72 being free from all dissimulation and hipocrisie . Iosh. 24.14 1. Sam. 12 24 1. King . 2.4 5. Psal. 51.6 . And therefore we reade how that Ioshua and Samuel did exhorte the people to serue the Lord in vprightnes and truth with all their hearts ; for God loueth truth in the inward affections saith the Psalmist : & as he is a spirit , & the essential truth , so must he be worshipped in spirit & in truth , Iohn 4.24 . as the truth him selfe doth affirme . He must be worshipped in substance and in deed , and not only in word or in shew which is hellish hipocrisie , & most damnable iniquity . M t. 54.21 And therfore by our Sauiour , hel is called the portion of hypocrites , that is to say , of al such as haue a shew of godlines but haue denyed the power therof , 2. Tim. 3.5 as the Apostle speaketh . Wee must worship God not onely in word but also in worke , not onely in the speeches of our lips , but also in the actions of out liues , and not onely in our heads and intentions , but also in our hearts and affections : and yet more , not onely in the resolutions of our hearts , but likewise in the executions of our hands , Iam. 1.22 . according to that of the Apostle , Be ye doers of the word , and not hearers onely , deceauing your owne selnes . God will not be content with the eare onely , nor with the hearing of the eare , neither yet with the lips & the religious talking of the tongue ; no , the whole head , Iame 1● . 22 . and the cogitations and intentions thereof will not suffice ; it is the heart or els nothing at al Because this people ( saith the Lord ) come neere vnto me with their mouth and honour me with their lippes , but haue remoued their heart farre from me , and their feare toward me , was taught by the precept of men ; therfore behold , I will againe doe a meruailous worke and a wonder , Isay . 29.13 14 for the wisdome of their wise men shall perish , and the vnderstanding of their prudent men shall be hid . God is a Spirit and therefore he requireth chiefely the spirit , and the heart , for it is the chiefe part and the best part : My sonne ( saith he ) giue me thine heart : Pro. 23.26 he must haue the whole heart , & not an halfe of it , for an halfed heart , or a diuided heart , is a double heart , and God can not away with it or with any kinde of diuision . Pro. 23.26 Woe vnto them that haue a double heart , [ saith Siracides ] and to the wicked lipps , and to the faint hands , and to the sinner that goeth two manner of waies . An heart that goeth two wayes shall not prosper , and he that is froward in heart , shall stumble therein . The deuided heart is an vncircumcised heart , & God cannot harbour in such a hart as is subiect to vncircumcision & diuision : & therfore the Lord ( saith Moses to the people will circumcise thine hart & the hart of thy seede , Deut. 30.6 that thou mayest loue the Lord thy God with all thine heart , and with all thy soule , that thou maist liue . whereby is signified vnto vs , that except the heart be circumcised by the sanctification and renouation of the spirit , that it can not be wholy and vndeuidedly devoted vnto God , Luk. 16.13 as it should be . One man cannot serue two masters , and one heart must not be parted betweene two suters , to wit , the world & God . God hath made the whole hart & therfore should haue the whole heart ; it is he that sanctifieth and saueth the whole heart , Deut. 1.13 . & 10.12 . & 11.1 . 1. King . 2.4 5. Luk 10.27 Math. 6.21 & therefore good reason that he be serued with the whole heart . The Christians treasure is aboue & not belowe , and therfore his heart must be aboue & not below , in heauen , & not in earth ; with God , & not with man ; in whole , & not in halfe : and therfore as the Apostle exhorteth men to loue one another not in word or in tonge only , 1. Ioh. 3.18 19.20 but in deed & in truth , for thereby ( saith he ) wee know that we are of the truth ; so must the christian labour diligently to worship God , loue & feare him , not in tongue only , but also in truth , and as I said before , not onely in worde , but likewise in worke , and not onely with the heart , Isay 51.5.6 7.8.9.10.11.12.13 . but also with the hand . Is it such a fast that I haue chosen ( sayth the Lord ) that a man should afflict his soule for a day , and to bow downe his head , as a bull-rush and to lie downe in sackloth and ashes ? wilt thou call this a fasting or an acceptable day vnto the Lord ? Is not this the fasting that I haue chosen , to loose the bands of wickednes , to take off the heauie burdens , and to let the oppressed goe free , and that ye breake euery yoke ? Is it not to deale thy bread vnto the hungrie , and that thou bring the poore that wander , vnto thine house ? when thou seest the naked , that thou couer him , and hide not thy selfe from thine own flesh ? If thou take away from the middes of thee the yoke , the putting forth of the finger , and wicked speaking , if thou powre out thy soule to the hungrie , and refresh the troubled soule , then shall thy light spring out in the darknes , and thy darkenes shall be as the noone day . And the Lord shal guide thee continually , and satisfie thy soule in drought , and make fat thy bones , and thou shalt be like a watered garden , and like a spring of water , whose waters fayle not . If thou turne away thy foote from the Sabbath , from doing thy will on mine holy day , and cal the Sabbath a delight , to consecrate it , as glorious to the Lorde , and shalt honour him , not doing thine owne wayes , nor seeking thine owne will , nor speaking a vaine word , then shalt thou delight in the Lord , and I will cause thee to mount vpon the hie places of the earth , and feede thee with the heritage of Iacob thy father , for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it . Out of which notable place of the Euangelicall Prophet , we are cleerly taught what it is to be a worshipper of God in spirit and in faith , and what it is to be truly religious , and how that the soule and substance of religion consisteth in action . Iam. 1.27 . To which purpose the Apostle S. Iames teacheth that pure religion , and vndefiled before God euen the father , is this , to visite the fatherles and widowes in their aduersity , and to keepe him selfe vnspotted of the worlde . And Siracides doth likewise teach plainely , that the feare and true worship of God , doth consist not in an orall profession , but in a reall execution of the commandements of the Lord. Ecclu. 2.16 17.18.19 . They that feare the Lord ( sayth he ) will not disobey his word ; and they that loue him will keepe his wayes . They that feare the Lord will seeke out the things that are pleasant vnto him , and they that loue him shall be fulfilled with his law . They that feare the Lord will prepare their hearts , and humble their soules in his sight : they that feare the Lord , keepe his commandements , and will be patient till he see them . Finally , Psal. 78.72 as Dauid fed the Israelites according to the simplicity of his heart ; 2. Cor. 1.12 and as S. Paul walked in the simplicity of his heart , and as Ezekiah walked before the Lord in truth and with a perfite heart ; 2. King . 20 3. so must the Christian worship , honour , loue and feare God , in synceritie and simplicity of heart ; and likewise loue his neighbour feruently and without faining , with a pure , 1. Pet. 4.22 sincere and entire hart . And thus much is imported by the girding of the loynes with the girdle of verity , or of truth .

CAP. 6. Of the Breast-plate of Righteousnes .

ANd as the Christian must haue his loynes girde with verity , sincerity and simplicity , so must he beare on his breast , or rather in his brest , the Brest-plate of Righteousnes , equity and charity . That is to say , the Righteousnes of Iesus Christ must be made his , not onely by gratious imputation , whereby he is of God accounted righteous in Christ and for Christ , but also by spirituall participation & actuall imitation , whereby he is really made to be that which he is accounted . For as the father for the Sonnes sake doth pronounce and account the Christian righteous ( as the holy Apostle doth in diuers places deliuer ) and that by the meanes of his faith in Christ , which doth lay holde on his all sufficient righteousnes : Rom. 3.22 24.25.26 . & 4.3.22.23 24. 1. Cor. 1.30 Gala. 2.16 . Phillip. 3.4 . so the holy ghost doth worke righteousnes in our hearts , by the washing and renuing of the new birth according to the same Apostle . Tit. 3.5.6 7 8. Not by the workes of righteousnes ( sayth he ) which we had done ( to wit before the time of grace ) but according to his mercy he saued vs , by the washing of the new birth , and the renewing of the holy Ghost , which he shedde on vs abundantly through Iesus Christ our Sauiour , that we being iustified ( or made righteous ) by his grace , should be made heires according to the hope of eternall life . This is a true saying , and these things I would thou shouldst affirme , that they which haue beleeued in God , might be carefull to shewe forth good workes : these things are good and profitable vnto men . By the which cleere testimonie , it is more then apparant , that besides Christs imputed righteousnes , there is also an infused or imparted righteousnes shed abroad in our hearts , by the working of Gods renewing spirit ; the which infused or inherent righteousnes doth shewe it selfe forth in good workes , Rom. 6.12 16.17.18 flowing there-fro . And therefore the same Apostle doth exhorte men to giue their members as weapous of righteousnes vnto God , and that they should make them selues the seruants of righteusnes by actual obedience : for as many as are made free from sinne ( sayth he ) are made the seruants of righteousnes , euen the workers and doers of righteous actions . 1. Joh. 2.29 & 3.7.24 . For he that doth righteousnes ( sayth blessed S. John ) is righteous as he ( to wit Christ ) is righteous , & he that doth righteously is borne of him , yea he that keepeth his commandements dwelleth in him , and he in him . And it is of this inherent and actual righteousnes that the Prophet . Ezekiel speaketh at large in the 18. chapter of his prophesy . Ezek. 18.5 6.7.8.9.15 16.17 . But if a man be iust ( sayth he ) and do that which is lawfull and right , and hath not eaten vpon the mountaines , neither hath lift vp his eyes to the Idols of the house of Israel , neither hath defiled his neighbours wife , neither hath lyen with a menstruous woman , neither hath opressed any , nor hath witholden the pledge , neither hath spoiled by violence , but hath giuen his bread to the hungrie , and hath couered the naked with a garment , neither hath withdrawen his hand from the afflicted , and hath not giuen forth vpon vsury , neither hath taken any increase , but hath withdrawne his hand from iniquity , and hath executed true iudgement betweene man and man , and hath walked in my statutes , and hath kept my iudgements , to deale truly , he is iust , he shall surely liue saith the Lord God . Out of which place it is more then manifest , that the righteousnes or iustice by which a mans soule liueth , must be inherent in the heart , and likewise must bee acted by the hand : as also that perfite righteousnes , such as God dooth require at mans hands , is not onely to giue euery man what is his , by strict debt , which is equitie , but also to impart vnto the needy , a part of his owne goods , which is charitie . Likewise in the booke of Sarachs wisedome , these two , equity , and charity are described , as the parts of one , and the same inherent & actuall righteousnes . Eccle. 4.1.2 3.4.5.6.7.8.9.10 . My sonne ( saith the wiseman ) defraud not the poore of his liuing , and make not the needy eyes to waite long , make not an hungry soule sorrowfull , neither vexe a man in his necessity . Trouble not the heart that is grieued , and deferre not the gift of the needy . Refuse not the prayer of one that is in trouble , turne not away thy face from the poore . Turne not thine eyes aside in anger from the poore , and giue him none occasion to speake euill of thee , for if he curse thee in the bitternes of his soule , his prayer shal be heard of him that made him . Be curteous vnto the company of the poore , and humble thy soule vnto the elder , and bow down thine head vnto a man of worship . Let it not grieue thee to bow downe thine eare vnto the pore , but pay thy debt , & giue him a friendly answere . Deliuer him that suffereth wrong , from the hand of the oppressor , and be not faint-hearted when thou iudgest . Bee as a father to the fatherles , and as an husband vnto their Mother , so shalt thou be as the sonne of the most high ; and he shall loue thee more then euen thy mother doth . Likewise the Prophet Isay doth paint out charity & the works therof , as a part of righteousnes : If thou powre out thy soule to the hungry , and refresh the troubled soule , then shall thy light spring out in the darknes , and thy darknes shall be as the noone day . And in the same place he saith , that if a man deale his bread to the hungry , & bring the poore that wander vnto his house , and couer the naked , not hyding himselfe from his owne flesh ; Isay 58.7.8.9.10 . Then ( saith he ) shall thy light breake forth as the morning , and thine health shall grow speedily , and thy righteousnes shall goe before thee , and the glory of the Lord shall embrace thee . Wherein wee maye learne that as righteousnes is the life of Christians , acording to Ezekiel , so is it the light of Christians according to Isay . To which purpose tendeth likewise the exhortation of our Sauiour Christ , Let your light so shine before men , Mat. 5.16 . that they may see your good workes and glorifie your father which is in heauen . Moreouer that Charity or Loue is the perfection of Christian righteousnes , it doth appeare abundantly by the testimonies of the holy Apostles . Rom. 13.10 . Loue doth not euill to his neighbour ( saith Saint Paul ) therefore is loue the fulfilling of the law : and in the same chapter he exhorteth thus , Owe nothing to any man , Verse 8. but to loue one another : for he that loueth another hath fulfilled the law . And writing to the Colossians , he calleth Loue the bond of perfectnes , Collo . 3.14 which is as much as the perfection of Christian righteousnes . And hee that keepeth his word ( saith Saint Iohn ) in him is the loue of God perfite indeede : 1 John 2.5 & 5.3 . for this is the loue of God , that we keepe his commaundements , and his commandements are not grieuous . Loue ( saith the wiseman ) is the keeping of the lawes , & the keeping of the lawes is the assurance of immortallity , Wisd. 6.18 19. and immortallity maketh vs neere vnto God And therefore the Lord maketh alwaies a coniunct exhortation to loue and obedience : Deut. 30.6 15.16.19.20 . behold ( saith the Lord ) I haue set before thee this day life and good , death and euill , in that I commaund thee this day to loue the Lord thy God , to walke in his waies , and to keepe his commaundements , and his ordinances , and his lawes , that thou mayest liue and be multiplyed , and that the Lord thy God may blesse thee : And againe , I call heauen and earth to record this day against you , that I haue set before you life and death , blessing & cursing , therefore choose life , that both thou and thy seed may liue , by louing the Lord thy God , by obeying his voyce , and by cleauing vnto him , for he is thy life and the length of thy daies . Finally , our Sauiour expresly affirmeth , that Loue is both the greatest commaundement , Mat. 22.36 37.38.39 . and the next vnto the greatest . The first , standing & consisting in the loue of God , & the second , in the loue of our neighbour . 1. Ioh. 2.8 . & 3.23 . & 2 Ioh. 5 And Saint Iohn teacheth , that loue is both the olde commaundement of the Father , in the old Testament , & the new commandement of the Sonne in the new Testament : and consequently loue or charitie , is the consummation & perfection aswell of euangelicall as legall righteousnes .

Thus then wee see how that loue or charitie is the chiefe part of the breast-plate of righteousnes , and euen as it were that part of this spirituall armour-piece , that couereth and fenceth the heart , which thing the Apostle dooth yet more punctually insinuate , exhorting the Thessalonians to the putting on of the Breast-plate of Faith and Loue. 1. Thess. 5.8 And it is of this same inherent and actuall righteousnes , that the same Apostle speaketh , writing to the Corinthians , 2. Cor. 6.7 . and calling it by the name of the armour of righteousnes : Iam. 3.18 . & 5.16 . and likewise Saint Iames when as he saith that the fruit of righteousnes is sowne in peace of them that make peace , and that the prayer of the righteous man auaileth much . 1. Ioh. 2.29 And also St. Iohn saying he that doth righteousnes is borne of God : Reu. 22.11 and againe , he that is righteous , let him be righteous still : and Saint Peter , when as he saith that wee look for new heauens , and a new earth , according to his promise , 2 Pet. 3.13 wherein dwelleth righteousnes ; and our Sauiour himselfe , when as he telleth vs that he that receiueth a righteus man in the name of a righteous man shal receaue a righteus mans reward : Mat. 10.41 as also when as he teacheth vs how that the righteousnes of Christians ought to exceed farre the righteousnes of the Scribes and Pharises , Mat. 5.20 . and withall pronounceth them blessed that suffer persecution for righteousnes sake : Math. 5.10 . and Salomon doth almost euery where in his Prouerbs speake of this kinde of righteousnes , whereby the belieuing soule is inherently & actually made righteous , by the working of Gods sanctifying spirit , as may appeare by these few testimonies , selected out of many .

Righteousnes deliuereth from death , Prouerb 10 the Lord will not famish the soule of the righteous , Blessings are vpon the head of the righteous , The memoriall of the iust shall be blessed : he that walketh vprightly walketh boldly , the mouth of a righteous man is a well spring of life , the labour of the righteous tendeth to life , the lips of the righteous do feed many , God will grant the desire of the righteous , the righteous is as an euerlasting foundation , the patient abiding of the righteous shall be gladnes , the righteous shall neuer be remoued .

The righteousnes of the vpright shall direct his way , Prover. 11. the righteousnes of the iust shall deliuer them , the righteous escapeth out of trouble . In the prosperity of the righteous the Citty reioyceth , by the blesling of the righteous the Citty is exalted , he that soweth righteousnes shall receaue a sure reward , righteousnes leadeth to life , the desire of the righteous is only good , the seede of the righteous shall escape , the righteous shall flourish as leafe , a righteous man hateth lying wordes : righteousnes preserueth the vpright of life , Prouer. 13 the light of the righteous reioyceth , vnto the righteous God will recompence good , Prouer. 14. The righteous eateth to the contentation of his minde , hee that walketh in his righteousnes feareth the Lord , the tabernacle of the righteous shall flourish , the righteous hath hope in his death , &c.

Considering then the excellent condition of the righteous man , Prou. 28.1 . what meruaile is it though he be bold as a Lyon , to speake with the same Salomon ? he is bold , and what is it that maketh him thus bold , but this selfe same inward armour & spirituall breast-plate which he beareth within his bosome ? he is bold , and bold as a Lyon , yea the deuowring Lyon by his boldnes is turned into flight . In one worde , none must dwell in those new heauens and new earth , 2. Pet. 3.13 wherein dwelleth righteousnes ( as the great Apostle speaketh ) but such as in this olde earth haue had new hearts , and Christs infused righteousnes dwelling in those new hearts ; for onely the righteous shall liue for euer : Wisd. 5.15 16 their reward is also with the Lord , and the most high hath care of them , therefore shal they receaue a glorious kingdome , & a beautifull crowne of the Lords hands .

CAP. 7. Of the Shoes of peace .

THe Christian must haue on his feete the shooes of peace , that is to say , his wayes must bee wayes of peace , and such as are worthy of him that hath bene called vnto the participation of Gods peace : for it becommeth Christians to walke worthy of God , Ephes 4.1 . Philli. 1.2 Colos. 1.10 1. Thessa . 2.12 . and of the vocation wherevnto we are called , ( saith the Apostle ) and it is fitting that our conuersation be as it becommeth the Gospell of Christ , which is th Gospell of peace , and therefore the same Apostle doth often exhort the faithfull to the study of peace . Let vs followe then those things , ( saith he to the Romaines ) which concerne peace : Rom. 14.17 19. The kingdome of God ( saith the same Apostle ) is righteousnes & peace ; and therefore if we desire to be possessors of the kingdome of God , we must be followers & practisers of righteousnes and peace : Eccles. 5.10 Rom 12.18 and againe , if it be possible ( saith he ) as much as in you is , haue peace with all men : and writing to the Corinthians , be perfect , 2. Corr. 13 1● . be of good comfort , be of one minde , liue in peace , and the God of loue and peace shall be with you . And writing to the Ephesians he exhorteth all Christians in their persons , to endeauour to keepe the vnitie of the spirit in the bond of peace , Ephes. 1.1.2 3.4.5.6 . as there is one body , one spirit , & one hope of our vocation , one Lord , one saith , one baptisme , one God and father of all , which is aboue all , and through all , and in vs all . And to the Philippians , Phill. 1.27 that we continue in one spirit , and in one minde , fighting together through the faith of the Gospell . And to the Hebrewes , Heb. 12.14 follow peace ( saith he ) with all men , and holynes , without the which no man shall see God . God is the God of peace , and therefore no man can goe vnto God , except he haue on his feete the shoes of peace . Let the peace of God ( saith the same Apostle ) rule in your hearts , Colloss . 3.15 to the which ye are called , in one body , and be ye amiable .

The Christian , as he is at war , yea a continuall warre with the Deuill , the world , and the flesh , so is he at peace with God : Rom. 5.1 . For being iustified by faith , we haue peace towards God , through our Lord Iesus Christ , saith the Apostle : and as our God is the God of peace , Rom. 15.33 . 2. Cor. 13.11 . 1. Thess. 5.23 Isay 9.6 . Ephc. 2.14 15.16.17 and Christ the Prince of peace , so is he both the maker and the preacher of our peace : For he is our peace ( saith the Apostle ) which hath made of both one , and hath broken the stop of the partition wall , and came and preached peace to you which were a farre off , and to them that were neere . And this same thing the Angells did presignifie by their sweet song of peace , which they sung at his birth , Luke 2.14 . Glory bee to God in the highest heauens , and peace in earth ; and towards men goodwill . Giuing vs to vnderstand , that Christ came into the world , to make peace both betweene God and men , and betweene man and man : who as he preached peace vnto men , so was it alwaies his custome to wish peace vnto men , whensoeuer hee came amongst men ; saying , Peace be vnto you , Luk 24.36 Ioh 20.21 . luke 7.50 . & 8.48 . & 19.42 . and dismissing them , to bid them Goe in peace ; yea he wept ouer Ierusalem , because it knew not those thinges that belonged to her peace : And being to leaue the world , he left his peace for a legacy vnto his seruants , saying , Peace I leaue with you , my peace I giue vnto you , to the end that in him we might haue peace , and that the peace of God might rule in our hearts , Collo . 3.15 according to the Lords owne speech , and his Apostles exhortation .

The whole company and society of Christians make but one army fighting together through the faith of the Gospell , against the enemy thereof Sathan , and all his supposts . And if we be at peace and concord among our selues , we may be sure to ouercome ; but if we be at warre one with another , and if we be deuided one from another , in faith or in affection , we may be no lesse sure that Sathan and his army will be able to make among vs a great slaughter . Mark 3.24 25 If a kingdome be deuided against it selfe ( saith our Sauiour ) that kingdome cannot stand ; or if a house be diuided against it selfe , that house cannot continue ; and in like maner if the army of Christians be deuided against it selfe , it cannot preuaile : and therefore it is that we see the study of vnity , concord , & peace , is so dilligently recommended to vs in holy scripture . Rom. 12.16 Be of like affection one towards another , ( saith S. Paul ) and againe , I beseech you brethren by the name of our Lord Iesus Christ that ye all speake one thing , and that there be no dissentions among you : but be ye knit together in one minde , 1. Cor. 1.10 . 2. Cor. 13.11 and in one iudgement . And yet againe , If there be therefore any consolation in Christ , if any comfort of loue , if any fellowship of the spirit , if any compassion and mercy , fulfill my ioy , that ye be like minded , hauing the same loue , being of one accord , and of one iudgement . And as he prayeth and exhorteth christians to be of one opinion and of one affection , so doth he pray vnto God to giue vs that we be like minded one towards a nother , Rom. 15.5 6 according to Christ Iesus , that with one mind & with one mouth we may praise God , euen the father of our Lord Iesus Christ . Yea our Sauiour himselfe in his last prayer , Ioh. 17.20 21.22.23 . prayed that all beleeuers might be one , and be all made perfite in one . But alas ! it is a pittifull thing to consider how aduerse the most part of men now a daies are , from this study of christian vnion and peace . The Prophet Isay of olde complained of the contentions were of his time : Isay 59.8 . That they knew not the way of peace . Psal. 120.5 6 And King Dauid of the dissentious men of his age , made the like complaint , I seeke peace , and when I speake thereof , they are bent to war , they make them ready to battell ; and the same complaint may the peaceable minded men make now adayes with farre greater cause , in regard that Christians are on all hands so much adicted to discord . But the greatest pitty of all is to consider how that Christians can be so hard-hearted as to behold without pitty or compassion the misticall body of Christ , in so pittifull a passion , as to see it stretched along vpon the crosse of the crossenes of humaine conceites , bored through with the nailes of nicenes , crowned with the pricking thornes of subtil Sillogismes , & Sophismes transpearced with the speare of spightfull seperations , and exposed vnto the scoffage and mockage of both misbelieuing Iewes and vnbelieuing Gentiles . To see I say without sorrow and subuention , the Body of the Church of Christ lying in the sight of these two scoffers of Christianity , like the wounded man left of robbers , Luke 10.30 3● . 32.33.34.35 . halfe dead , lying betweene Iericho and Ierusalem ; and to behold both Priests and Leuites passing by without yeelding any succour or reliefe . So that either some Samaritane , some Prince , or some priuate lay person belike must put to his hand to powre the oyle of mittigation into the dissected bodies wounds ; & bind them vp , or els the charitable deed is like to lye vndone .

It is the part therefore no doubt of all good Christians , with the kingly Prophet Dauid , to desire and wish peace , to seek it , Psal. 120.6 . & ●22 ● . 7 8.96 to speake of it , and to pray for it . O pray for the peace of Ierusalem , they shall prosper that loue thee : peace be within thy walles , and plenteousnes within thy palaces : and not onely this , but euery one ought to seeke to doe her good , with the same Prophet , and to labour for her peace , by furthering and aduancing the same , according to their seuerall abilities : yea whosoeuer desireth to be blessed , or to be accounted & called one of the children of God , ought to endeauoure to be a peace-maker at least in affection , if so be that his ability can not reach vnto action and execution . Math. 5.9 . Blessed are the peace-makers ( saith the Prince of peace ) for they shall be called the Sonnes of God . And doubtles a most blessed and happy thing it were , if once princes and pastors could be broght to sacrifice their seueral abilities to the procuring and furthering of this holy peace that the ruines of Sion might be repaired , the breaches and desolations of Gods house redressed , and this much desired concord restored at last vnto Christendome . That such Iewes & Gentiles as are yet without being no longer scandalised by our dissensions and dissections ; but seeing peace and vnity flourishing among vs , might be thereby induced to like the better of our religion , and so in end might be hailed home vnto the society of the Christian profession , That so all the Kings and kingdomes of the earth , may know & acknowledge the Lord Iesus , Psal. 2.8.10 11. & 67.7 . & 102.15.22 & 86.9 . and feare and serue him : that his kingdome may encrease and flourish more and more , being freed from these dolefull diuisions , that do thus weaken and blacken the same , and so vnited , may be extended from sea to sea , euen from the riuer vnto the ends of the earth , Psal. 72.8.9.10.11.15.17.19 . Isay 45.22 . according to the tenure of the diuine Oracles , touching the plenitude and collection of the Gentiles , the beatitude and conuersion of the Iewes , and the amplitude and extention of Christs kingdome , consisting of both Iewes and Gentiles , vnited vnder one soueraigne Lord , and ruled by one Christian law .

The which Oracles doe beare , that in the last dayes all nations shall flowe vnto the Church , saying one to another : Come , Isay 2.2.3 . Micah . 1.2 . let vs goe vp to the mountaine of the Lord , to the house of the God of Iacob , and he will teach vs his waies , and we will walke in his paths : Vp , let vs goe and pray before the Lord , Zach 8.21 and seeke the Lord of hostes , we will goe also . So that then in this day ( ô the thrice happy and desireable day ! ) there shall be no contrariety or recusancy amongs Christians : for after long debate and much discord , they shall breake their swords into mattockes , Isay 2.4 . & 11.9 . & 63.5 . Micah 4.2 . and their speares into Sythes ; they shall not learne to fight any more , neither shall they any longer hurt or destroy one another in the mountaine of his holynesse . As if he should say , Christians shall burne their bookes of controuersies , and turne their controuersie shooles into schooles of concord , their warring and wrangling shal vanish , their iarring and iangling shall take an end . For the mountaines ( that is Christian Princes ) shall bring peace , Psal. 72.3 . and the hilles ( that is heauenly and humble priests ) shall bring righteousnes vnto the people . Psal. 72.7 . Isay 11.9 . Haba. 2.24 Isay 66.12 . Then there shall be abundance of peace , and the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord , as the sea that ouerfloweth with water ; yea he will extend peace ouer his church like a flood , and the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing streame ; Zephan 3.9 finally He will turne to the people a pure langage that they may all call vpon the name of the Lord , to serue him with one consent . Euen so , come Lord Iesus , come Prince of peace , & come quickly by thy spirit of peace into the heads and hearts of all diuided christians , Ioh. 17.21 22.23 . That they may be made perfit in one , as the father & thou art one . Inspire vs all with the spirit of peace , that the common people in their houses may pray for peace , Schollers in their schooles may write of peace , Preachers in the Church may preach for peace , and Kings and Princes in their kingdomes may worke for peace , and incourage peaceable spirits vnto the study of peace ; so that at last as children of peace ; we may sing vnto the praise of the God of peace , that most excellent song of peace Ecce quam bonum et quam iucundum fratres habitare in vnum . Psal. 133.1

O how happy a thing it is , and ioyfull for to see : Christians together fast to hold , the bond of vnitie .

CAP. 8. Of the shield of faith .

BVt aboue all , the Christian must take vnto him the Shield of faith , saith the Apostle : for it is of such efficacy & force , that it is able to quench all the fiery darts of the deuill , to vanquish the world , and to ouercome the wicked one . In the holy Scripture we may read , of the manifold and wonderfull effects of faith : It is of greater force then the most ouerflowing floods ; Heb. 11.29 30.31.32 33.34.35 for by faith the red sea was made as dry land for the belieuing Israelites to passe through into the earthly Canaan . And in like manner all Gods true Israelites , according to the promise , shall passe safely through the red sea of this restles and ruthles world , into the heauenly Canaan , where there is fulnes of rest . Faith is stronger then the strongest towne walles , for by faith the walles of Iericho fell downe after that they had bene compassed about seauen dayes . And by the same faith , the walles of the spirituall Iericho that is , of the citty of sinne wherein the christian soule dwelleth , though not as a Cittizen ( for so it belongeth vnto the Citty of God , which is the Citty of righteousnes ) but rather as a captiue or prisoner : they shal in end fall , after that wee haue compassed the same by wrastling and fighting against sinne , so many seauen dayes or weekes as the world shall continue . Faith is stronger then kingdomes and kings , for diuers of Gods Champions , as Gedeon , Sampson , and Dauid , through Faith haue subdued kingdomes , and turned to flight the armies of the aliants . And the same faith is stronger then the kingdome of sinne and Sathan , for it subdueth the same , and ouercommeth both the kingdome and the king thereof . Faith is stronger then Lyons , Dan. 3.23.24.25.26.27.28 . & 6.16.22 23. 1. King 17 . 17.18.19.20.21.2● . 2. King . 4 20.32.33.34.35 . for by faith Daniel stopped the Lyons iawes ; and stronger then fire , for the three children through faith quenched the violence of the fiery furnace . Finally , it is stronger then death , for through faith , Elias raysed vp the widdow of Sareptas sonne , and Elisha the Shunamites sonne . And by the same faith , the Christian doth stop the mouth of the deuouring Lyon , and as it were doth quench the hot fornace of hell-fire : it is stronger then death , yea then the author of death , for as it quencheth all the deuills fiery darts , so it vanquisheth the wicked one , it conquereth the spirituall death of the soule , by assurance and sanctification , and it ouercommeth the corporall death of the body , by a powerfull and a glorious resurrection : 1. Cor. 15.54.55.56.57 For when this corruptible hath put on incorruption , and this mortall hath put on immortall●ty , then shall be brought to passe the saying that is written ( saith the Apostle ) Death is swallowed vp into victory : O death , where is thy sting ? O graue where is thy victory ? And this victory we obtaine by faith in Christ , as the same Apostle teacheth , But thankes be vnto God ( saith he ) which hath giuen vs victory through our Lord Iesus Christ , Hose 13.14 for it is he that hath said I will redeeme thee from the power of the graue , I will deliuer thee from death ; O death I will be thy death ; O graue I will be thy destruction .

It is not then without great cause that the Godly haue beene alwaies wont ro pray vnto God , to encrease and confirme their faith , Mark 9.23 24. &c. 4. for so we read did not onely the belieuing father of him that was first possessed of Sathan , and afterward cured by our Sauiour , but euen the Apostles themselues , Lord I belieue , Luke 17.5 . helpe my vnbeliefe , said the one : Lord inerease our faith , said the other . And therefore the Apostle St. Iude exhorteth Christians to pray in the holy Ghost , Iude. V. 20.21 . to be edified and established in the faith : 2. Cor. 13.5 . and Saint Paul willeth euery man to proue himselfe whether he be in the faith or no , as also to grow from faith to faith , and to continue grounded and stablished in the faith : Rom. 1.17 . Collo. 1.2 . Ephe. ● . 18.19 Philli. 1.29 Gall. 5.22 . 1. Cor. 1● . 5.9.11 For as God is the giuer of faith , and euen the worker and beginner of it in vs , so is he encreaser , confirmer and finisher of our faith , act. 15.9 . Rom. 3.24 25. to 29. 2. Cor. 5.17 Colos. 1.12 1. Ioh. 2.3 Gall. 3.14.26 . Ephe. 3.26 1. Pet. 1.2.5.9 . & 5.9 . 1. Ioh. 3.4 Ephes. 2.8.9 . 2. Tim. 3.15 . acts 26.18 . by the holy Ghost : By faith our harts are purified , we are regenerated and iustified , yea raised vp from sinne : By faith we know God , we are blessed of God , and made his sonnes , we haue peace with him and free accesse vnto him . By faith we are strengthned in Gods grace , by it we resist and ouercome both the world and the deuill , and in end we acquire the saluation of our soules , and inheritance among the Saints .

But the Christian must in the meane time consider how that all these things and the like occurring in holy scripture are to be vnderstood of such a faith as doth liue and worke by loue and charity , and perseuere and last by continuance and constancy . For first if faith haue not good workes annexed vnto it , it is but a dead faith as the Apostle Saint Iames doth teach , Iame 2.17 ●o. 2● . 21 . and consequently it is both vnprofitable and vnable to work any of the aboue named effects . And therfore not onely doth the same Apostle teach vs that Abrahams faith was made perfit by works : But also St. Paul sheweth vs that the faith whereof he maketh so often mention in his Epistles is none other but that which worketh by loue . Galla. 5.6 For in Iesus Christ neither Circumcision auaileth any thing , neither vncircumcision but faith which worketh by loue : and againe , 1. Cor. 13.2 If I had all faith ( saith he ) so that I could remooue mountaines and had not loue , I were nothing . Neither are we iustified by any other faith ; for the iustifying faith of Christians liueth by loue ; and as for faith without loue , it is such a faith as the Deuill and the damned may haue , for the Deuils also beleeue and tremble , Iame 2.19 . ( saith the Apostle ) that is , they beleeue through faith , and they tremble through feare , but they loue neither God nor man through hearty affection . The Christians faith must not onely be in the head by light and illumination , but also in the heart by assurance and sanctification , and by loue and affection . It must not slitter in the braines , but it must nestle in the breast . In one word , it must be like vnto Arons pretious oyntment , which being powred vpon his head , Psal. 133.2 ran downe vpon his beard , and from thence vnto his breast , and went downe on the border of his garments . Faith I say , must diffuse and shed it selfe abroade like vnto a pretious oyle ; for it must go downe from the head vnto the heart , and from thence vnto the hands .

Thus then we see how that the sauing and iustifying faith of Christians doth liue and worke by loue . And therefore St. Paul writing to the Thessalomans conioyneth loue with faith , and maketh of them both but one breast-plate . 1. Thes. 5.8 Let vs which are of the day ( saith he ) be sober , putting on the Breast-plate of saith and loue . And writing to Timothie , he maketh of them but one maine end of one great commandement . 1. Tim. 1.5 The end of the commandement ( saith he ) is loue out of a pure heart , and of a good conscience , and of faith vnfained . So dooth blessed Saint Iohn ; 1. Ioh. 3.23 This is his commandement ( saith he ) that we beleeue in the name of his sonne Iesus Christ and loue one another as he gaue commandement . And the great Apostle St. Peter enioyneth all Christians to ioyne to faith vertue and loue , 2. Pet. 1.5.6 7.8.9 . to the end that it be not idle , nor wee vnfruitfull in the knowledge of Christ .

And as the christians faith must be a liuing faith by loue and charitie : So must it likewise be a perseuering faith by continuance & perpetuitie , Mat. 24.13 for he that endureth to the end shall be saued , saith our Sauiour . And therefore he exhorteth his disciples and vs in them to peseuer and abide in the faith Abide in one ( saith he ) & I in you ; as the branch cannot beare fruit of it self except it abide in the vine , Ioh 15.4.9 no more can ye except ye abide in me : as the father hath loued me so haue I loued you , continue in my loue . And to the Iewes which belieued in him he said , Ioh. 8.31 . If ye continue in my words , acts 13.43 ye are verily my disciples , and Paul and Barnabas exhorted the belieuing people to continue in the grace of God , and the same Apostle writing to the Corinthians , Watch ye ( saith he ) stand fast in the faith , quite you like men , 1. Cor. 16 13. and be strong . Heb. 3.12.13.14 And writing to the Hebrewes , Take heed ( saith he ) brethren least at any time there be in any of you an euill heart and vnfaithfull , to depart away from the liuing God : for we are made partakers of Christ , if we keepe sure vnto the end , the beginning wherewith we are vpholden . Heb. 4.1 . Let vs feare therfore least at any time by forsaking the promise of entring into his rest , any of you should seeme to be depriued : for it is impossible that they which were once lightened , Heb. 6.4.5.6.11 . and haue tasted of the heauenly gist , and were made partakers of the holy Ghost , and haue tasted of the good word of God , and of the powers of the world to come , if they shall fall away , should be renewed againe by repentance , seeing they crucifie againe to them selues the sonne of God , & make a mock of him . For such men as do with Hymeneus and Philetus put away a good conscience , 1. Tim. 1.19.20 . and make shipwrack of their faith ( as the Apostle speaketh ) they treade vnder foote the sonne of God , and counte the blood of the Testament as an vnholy thing , Heb. 10.29 wherwith they were sanctified , and in so doing , they doe despite and euen extinguish or quenche the spirit of grace And yet again the same Apostle doth dehorte Christians from falling away , in these wordes , Heb. 12.15 Take heede that no man fall away from the grace of God ; so he deterreth then from it in these . The iust shall liue by saith , Heb. 10.38 but if any withdraue him selfe , my soule shall haue no pleasure in him : likewise the blessed Apostles Peter and Iohn , 2. Pet 2.20 21.22 . Iohn . 2.19 . & 5.16 . admonish vs of the deplorable danger that doth follow vpon this back sliding and this falling away of men from the grace and faith of Christ ; for it is such a sinne , that he that committeth it in the highest degree , that is to say , by falling away finally or totally from the grace of Christ and by grieuing the holy Ghost , he must not be prayed for ; Mat. 12.31 32. Mar. 3.29 . Luke 12.10 yea our Sauour him selfe saith that it shall neuer be forgiuen . And therefore he exhorteth the Christian souldier thus by his Prophete , Beholde I come shortly , holde that which thou hast , & 3.11.12 that no man take thy crowne . Reue. 2.25.26

Finally there is no celestiall & eternall rewarde promised but onely to him that by perseuering in faith doth ouercome . Rom. 2.7.11.17.26.27.28 . & 3.5.12.12 The which thing our Sauiour doth teache vs , by an eight-folde repetition of a promise of rewarde to be rendered to him that ouercommeth , vttered by Saint Iohn in his reuelation . And therefore as the Apostle exhorteth Timothie to fight the good fight of faith : 1. Tim. 6.12 so he admonisheth him that he perseuere in fighting , when as in the next words he biddeth him lay holde on eternall life . And speaking of him selfe , 2. Tim. 4.7 8. he saith , I haue fought a good fight and haue finished my course : I haue kept the faith : hence forth is layde vp for me the crowne of righteousnes which the Lord the righteous iudge shall giue me at that day , and not to me onely but vnto them also that loue his appearing .

CAP. 9. Of the helmet of Hope

ANd as the Christian must be armed with the shielde of a liuing and perseuering faith , so must he likewise haue his head armed with the helmet of hope , that is to say , he must expect patiently & confidently for grace & glory & all good things at Gods hands , & at his onely & at none others els . Psal 9.10 . They that know thy name will trust in thee , for thou Lord hast not failed them that seeke thee . Yet my soule keepe thou silence vnto God , for mine hope is in him . Psal 62.5 . Thou art mine hope O Lord , and my portion in the land of the liuing . Psal. 142. ● The holy Prophet almost euery where calleth the Lord his hope , Psal. 1● . ● . 2 & 131.1.2 3. & 62.5 . & 65.5 . & 91.2 . & 142.5 . Prou 30.5 . Isay 26.3 . his rocke , his fortresse , his strength , his shield , and buckler , his refuge , and the horne of his saluation : yea not onely his helpe and hope , but euen of all the ends of the earth , and of them that are farre off , in the sea . Psal. 40.4 . & 146.5 . And he pronounceth him blessed whose hope is in the lord , and who maketh the Lord his trust . The like doth the Prophete Ieremie , Blessed be the man ( saith he ) that trusteth in the lord , Iere. 17 7 8 & whose hope the Lord is , for he shal be as a tree that is planted by the water which spreadeth out her rootes by theriuer , & shall not feele when the heate commeth , but her leafe shal be greene , & shal not care for the yeere of drought , neither shall cease from yeelding fruite . And therfore in his Lamentation , after much mourning and bitternes , he cheereth him selfe wmeto hat vp by reason of his sure hope in God , and sayeth , Iame. 3.24.25.26 . the Lord is my portion sayth my soule , therefore will I hope in him : the Lord is good vnto them that trust in him , and to the soule that seeketh him , it is good both to trust , and to waite for the saluation of the Lord . God is a shielde to those that trust in him sayth Salomon : Prou. 30.5 Isay 26.3 . trust in the Lord for euer ( sayth Isaye ) for in the Lord God is strength for euermore . And S. Peter teacheth that God the father did send his sonne into the world to redeeme vs with his pretious blood , as of a Lambe vndefiled , and without spot , and that he raised him from the dead and gaue him glory ; 1. Pet. 1.3.18.19.20.21 to the end that our faith and hope might be in God , who hath also begotten vs againe according to his aboundant mercy ( sayth the same Apostle ) vnto a liuely hope by the resurrection of Iesus Christ from the dead . Rom. 5.5 . & 12.12 . And it is no other hope , but this liuely hope in God and in him alone which maketh not ashamed , as the Apostle S. Paul speaketh , and wherin he exhorteth vs to reioyce . 2. Thess. 2.16 . It is euen God the father which loued vs and hath giuen vs euerlasting consolation and good hope through grace , as the same Apostle speaketh : and therfore good reason that our hope be in him who hath giuen vs the same ; for all other hope which is not in God is a vaine and a vanishing or a pershing hope . Ioh. 8.13.14.15 . The hipocrites hope shall perish ( sayth Bildad to Iob ) his considence also shall be cut of , and his trust shal be as the house of a Spider , he shall leane vpon his house , but it shall not stand , he shall holde him fast by it , yet shall it not endure . Such as despise wisedome and discipline ( sayth the wiseman ) their hope is vaine , Wisd. 3 . 1● 13. and their labours foolish , and their worke vnprofitable , and if they die hastily they haue no hope , neither comfort in the day of try all . The hypocrites and vngodly mans hope reacheth no farther then vnto corruptible and transitorie things , and therefore it faileth them as soone as this transitorie life faileth them and flieth away from them . So that when as they haue most neede of hope , they haue no hope at all , but are made both hopeles and helples in one instant . The vngodly man shall be so far from reioycing in his hope as the godly man doth , that he shall be in end ashamed of his hope : Wisd. 5.14 15.16 . For the hope of the vngodly ( saith the wiseman ) is like the dust that is blowne away with the winde , and like a thin foame that is scattered abroad with the storme , and as the smoake which is dispersed with the winde , and as the remembrance of him passeth that tarrieth but for a day . But it fareth far otherwise with the godly man , whose hope is in God ; For the righteous ( that is such as haue their hope in God and not in man , or in any transitory thing ) shall liue for euer : their reward is also with the Lord , and the most hie hath care of them . Therefore shall they receiue a glorious kingdome and a beautifull crowne of the Lords hand : for with his right hand shall he couer them , and with his arme shal he defend them . And for this cause the Apostle compareth the hope of the godly to an Anker , in regard of the stedfastnes thereof , which taketh hold of a better & surer foundation then any transitory or corruptible thing , Heb. 6.18.19 . For it enterreth into that which is within the vayle , that is , it is founded and grounded vpon an immortal and incorruptible Crown : for If in this life only we hauchope in Christ , 1. Cor. 15.19 we are of all men the most miserable , saith the Apostle ; so that our hope must reach further then this life , or any thing whatsoeuer that is subiect to our sense , or yet may be here in this world seene . We are saued by hope ( saith the same Apostle ) but hope that is seene is not hope ; Rom. 8.24 25. for how can a man hope for that which he seeth ? but if we hope for that we see not , we doe with patience abide for it . For there is one hope of our vocation , euen the hope of eternall life , of glory , Ephe. 4.4 . Collo . 1.27 and of an immortall inheritance . So saith the Apostle of the Gentils Saint Paul , T t. 3.7 . That we being iustified by his grace , should be made heires according to the hope of eternall life . And so saith the grear feeder of the flock Saint Peter , 1. Pet. 3.4 . Blessed be God , euen the father of our Lord Iesus Christ , which according to his abundant mercy hath bigotten vs againe vnto vs a liuely hope by the resurrection of Iesus Christ from the dead , to an inheritance immortall and vndefiled , and that fadeth not away , reserued for you in heauen .

And as wee are often in holy Scripture exhorted to grow & abound in faith ; & to be grounded & stablished in the faith , Collo . 1.23 so are we likewise admonished that we be not moued away from the hope of the Gospell , Heb 3.6 . & ● 18.19 & 105 23. but that we hold fast the confidence and the reioycing of hope vnto the end ; let vs keepe the profession of our hope ( saith he ) without wauering , for he is faith-full that promised . And the same Apostle as he praiseth God for the effectuall faith , feruent loue , and patient hope of the Thessalonians , 1. Thess 1.2.3 4. so he prayeth vnto God for the Romaines ; that he would fill them in al ioy and peace in belieuing , Rom. 15.13 . that they may abound in hope through the power o● the holy Ghost : hope ( saith he ) maketh not ashamed , yea we are saued by hope , Rom. 5.5 . & 8.24 . & 12.12 . and therefore he exhorteth vs to reioyce in hope So then as many as would not be ashamed in that great day , but euen reioyce with ioy vnspeakeable and glorious , let them now harbour in their hearts a stedfast and vnfaileable hope ; for blessed is he and yet more blessed shall he be that hath not fallen , neither doth fall away at any time from his hope in the Lord , as speaketh the wise Siracides .

CAP. 10. Of the Sword of Gods word .

NO good Souldier goeth out at any time to the field , without a sworde by his side or els in his hand : and the Christian who is called to be a spirituall Souldier , must haue a sword by his side , or rather in his hand likewise . And because that his warrefare and his weapons are spirituall and not carnall , 2. Cor. 10 4. therefore must he take vnto him not any material sword for this fight , but the sword of the spirit , which is the word of God . Heb. 4.12 . For the word of God is liuely ( saith the Apostle ) and mighty in operation , and sharper then any two edged sword , & entreth through euen vnto the diuiding asunder of the soule , and the spirit , and of the ioynts , and the marrow , and is a discerner of the thoughts , and the intents of the heart . And truly it had need to be a sharp sworde , that must be an instrument of the cutting off of all sinnefull and sensuall affections from the soule , and of the slaying and killing of our concupiscence , and inordinate desires and fleshly Iusts . And it had need be a strong sword that must in Iudiths hand , that is in the hand of the praising and confessing Christian , ( for Iudith signifieth praising and confessing ) cut off the head of so strong a Captaine as is the spirituall Olofernes , Iudith 13.6.7.6.8 9.15.17.18 . ( for Olofernus signifieth a strong Captaine ) the chiefe of our spirituall enemies . Iudith cut off Olofernes head with his owne fawchin , 1. Sam. 17.51 . and Dauid cut off Goliahs head with his owne sword : but it fareth farre otherwise with the spirituall Dauid and Iudith , that is with the Christian Souldier , man or woman : for no sex nor age is exempted from the spirituall warrefare . The Christian souldier I say must vse another kinde of sword , for the cutting off spirituall Olofernes and Goltahs head , then any such as he can take from Sathan himselfe ; yea his sworde must be the sworde of the spirit , that is such a one as the spirit of God hath forged with his owne finger , and hath deliuered vnto vs by the ministerial hand of his Prophets and Apostles . And it was this selfe same sworde of Gods worde which our great Captaine Christ Iesus vsed in his great fight against our great enemie , whome he repelleth once , twise , thrise with an Ita scriptumest , it is written . Whereby all his souldiers , are taught vpon the like occasion to vse the same weapon that he did then . As for example ; if Sathan entice the Christian to pride , let him answer him thus , in his heart , avoide proud Lucifer , for it is written that God resisteth the preud , Iame 4.6 . and giueth grace vnto the humble . If to couetousnes , let him say , auoyde couetous mammon , for it is written that the loue of money is the roote of all euill , 1. Tim. 6.10 Ephe. 5.5 . and that no couetous persone hath any inheritance in the kingdom of God . If to vncleanes and lecherie , let him say , 1. Cor. 6.15 19 Ephes. 5.5 . Reuel. 21.27 . auoide vncleane spirit , for it is written that our bodies are the members of Christ , and the Temple of the holy Ghost , and that no vncleane thing shal enter into Gods Citie . If to cruelty , let him say , avoyde manslayer , for it is written , Cen 4.10 . & 9.1.6 that the voice of blood crieth vnto God from the earth , and who so sheddeth mans bloode , by man shall his blood be shed . If to hatred and enuie , let him say , 1. Ioh 3.15 auoyde man-hater for it is written that whosoeuer hateth his brother is a manslayer , and ye know that no man-slayer hath eternall life abiding in him . If to idlenes and sloth , let him say , avoyde suggester of sloth and of allsinne , 2. Thess. 3.10 . Eze. 16.42 for it is written , if there be any that will not worke , that he should not eate , and that Idlenes was one of the sinnes of Sodome If to luxurie , excesse , intemperance and superfluity , let him say , auoyde licentious Sathan , for it is written , that we walke honestly as in the day , Rom. 13 . 1● 1. Cor. 6.9.10 . notin gluttonie , and drunkennes , neither in chambering & wantonnesse . If to a continuing anger and wrath , let him say , auoide author of strife for it is written , Ephes. 4.26 let not the Sun go downe vpon your wrath . If to reuenge , let him say , avoyde reuengefull Sathan , for it is written . Resist not euil , recompence to no man euill for euill , auenge not your selues , Mat. 5.39 . Rom. 12.17.19 . but giue place vnto wrath ; for it is written , vengeance is mine , I will repay , sayth the Lord . If to cursed and euill speaking , to foolish or filthy talking , let him say , avoyd Sathan , for it is written , Ephe. 4.29.30 . Collo. 3.8 . let no corrupt communication proceede out of your mouthes , let all bitternes and euill speaking be put away from you , put away cursed and filthy speaking out of your mouth . If to lying and deceiuing , let him say , auoid father of lies , for it is written , Ephes. 4.25 . Collos. 3.9 . cast off lying and speake euery man truth vnto his neighbour , for we are members one of another . If presumption , let him say , auoide presumptuous sathan , for it is written , Nom. 15.30 . The person that doth ought presumptuously , the same blasphemeth the Lord , therefore shall he be cut of from among his people . If to desperation , let him say , auoide soule-slayer , Psal. ●03 . 8 11. for it is written that the Lord is full of compåssion and mercy , slow to anger and of great kindnes , for as high as the heauen is aboue the earth , so great is his mercy toward them that feare him . Loe , Iob. 13.15 though he slay me yet will I trust in him , and will reproue my wayes in his sight . Finally , to whatsoeuer enormious sinne it be that sathan doth tempt and entice the Christian , let him answere , avoid sinfull Sathan , for it is written , Rom. 2.9 . that Tribulation and anguish shall be vpon the soule of euery man that doth euill .

Thus we see how the Christian must learne to make vse of the worde of God against all kinde of Tentations & instigations whatsoeuer , and we see likewise the excellent vertue & efficacie of Gods worde . By the worde of God , 1. Pet. 1.23 Rom. 11.17 Deut. 4.2.6 & 29.9 . Isay 8.6.19.20 . Psal. 119.105 . we are borne anew againe , and by the hearing of it faith is begotten in our hearts . The worde of God is our wisedme , and teacheth vs what we must choose and what we must shume , what we ought to doe , and what we must leaue vndone . It is a lanterne vnto our feete , and a light vnto our pathes to direct our wayes and footesteps according to godlines , righteousnes , honesty and peace . Gods worde is the worde of truth , Ephes. 1.13 for therby we are taught the right way and manner of Gods true worship . It is the worde of life , Acts 5.20 . for by it we are led into the way that leadeth vnto life , and the word of reconciliation , 2. Cor. 5.19 for it sheweth vs how that God in Christ hath reconciled the world to him selfe by the remission of our sinnes . Psal. 19.7.8 9.10.11 . The worde or lawe of the Lord is perfite ( sayth the Psalmist ) conuerting the soule , the testimony of the Lord is sure , and giueth wisdome vnto the simple : the statutes of the Lord are right , and reioyce the heart : the commandement of the Lord is pure , and giuetht light vnto the eies : the feare of the Lord is cleane , and endureth for euer : the iudgements of the Lord are truth , they are righteous all together , and more to be desired then golde , yea then much fine golde ; sweeter also then hony , and the hony combe : more oeuer , by them is thy seruant made circumspect , and in keeping of them there is gerat rewarde . The word of God is milke to such as are babes in Christ , 1. Cor. 3.1 ● . Heb. 5.12 . Ephes 6.17 . Heb. 4.12 . and strong meate to such as are more strong in Christ , yea it is a sharp two edged sword for all such as are souldiers in Christ , wherwith they may kill ther owne concupiscences , and make a slaughter of sinne , and both conquer Sathan and onercome them owne selues . Good reason then that Gods worde be read with all reuerence , and heard with great humilitie , & affected with all feruency and practsed with greatest diligence and industrie of all Christian people , according as we are exhorted in holy scripture . Eccles. 5.11 12 Be humble to heare the worde of God , that thou maiest vnderstand it & make a true answere with wisedome : be swift to heare good things , and let thy life be pure , and giue a patient answere sayth Siracide . Isay 56.2 Tio him will I looke ( sayth the Lord by his Prophete I say ) euen to him that is poore and of a contrite spirit , and trembleth at my wordes . Mth. 13.9 . Marke 4.9 Luke 8.8 Reucl. 2,7 . 11.17.29 . Heare the word of the Lord , all ye that tremble at his worde sayth the Prophete to the faithfull people . He that hath eares to heare let him heare sayth our Sauiour , and againe , let him that hath an eare , heare what the Spirit saith vnto the churches . But the eare and the hearing thereof , is not inough ; for Gods word must goe from the head and the eare into the heart . Deut 6.6 . & 11.18 & 32.46 . These wordes , ( saith the Lord ) which I command thee this day shall be in thine heart : and againe , therfore shall ye lay vp these my words in your heart and in your soule . Gods worde must not beleef swimming or flittering in the braines by knowledge and speculation , but it must sink donnewards into the breast , & their setle it selfe by beliefe and affection : we must I say keepe the sayings of Gods worde not in our heade but in our heart , Luke 2.51 . Collo . 3.16 as Marie the blessed mother of Iesus did the sayings of her sonne . Let the worde of God dwell in you plenteously ( faith the holy Apostle ) in all wisedome , teaching and admonishing your owne selues in Psalmes and himmes , and spirituall songs singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord . The worde of God must dwell in our hearts in deede , by faith and affection , but it must likewise sometimes come and stand as it were in the doore of the house , I meane in the mouth , by confession , instruction and admonition . And therefore the Lord conioyneth these two together , the heart and the mouth , Deu. 30.14 Rom. 10.8.9.10.17 . The worde ( sayth he ) is very neere vnto thee , euen in thy mouth and in thine heart . The same sayeth likewise the Apostle , and addeth , This is the word of faith which we preache : for with the heart man belecueth vnto righteousnes , and with the mouth man confesseth to saluation : yea vnto the heart and the mouth he addeth likewise the eare , faith is by hearing ( sayth he ) and hearing by the worde of God . And the Lord as he enioyneth his people to set ther hearts vnto his worde , and to lay his worde vp in their hearts by faith & affection , so he commandeth them to talke of it tarying in the house , Deut. 6.6 . & 32.46.47 . & walking by the way , at their lying downe and at their rising vp , by instruction & admonition ; for they must euen teache and instruct their children therin : And to what end all this , the Lord him selfe doth signifie , Deut. 30.14 & 3● . 46.47 . the worde ( sayth he ) is very neere vnto thee , euen in thy mouth and in thine heart for to do it , and againe , set your hearts vnto all the wordes which Itestifie against you this day , that ye may command them vnto your children that they may obserue & doe all the wordes of the lawe , for it is no vaine worde concerning you , but it is your life , and by this word ye shall prolong your dayes ; so that the end of al is doing . We heare the worde with the eare , that we may vnderstand and remember it with the minde ; we vnderstand it with the minde , that we may beleeue it and loue it with the heart , and talke of it with the tongue ; & the maine end of our hearing , vnderstanding , remembring , beleeuing , louing , talking and speaking of Gods word , is our liuing and doing according to the same : for as to hearken vnto the worde of God is better then the fat of rammes , so to obey his worde and his voice , is better then sacrifice ; and the doing of Gods worde is better then the hearing and speaking of the same . 1. Sam. 15 22. Luk 6.48.49 . For whosoeuer commeth to me ( sayth our Sauiour ) and heareth my wordes , and doeth the same , I will shewe you to whome he is like : he is like a man which builte an house , and digged deepe , and laide the foundation on a rocke : and when the waters arose , the flood beat vpon that house and could not shake it ; for it was grounded vpon a rocke . But he that heareth and doth not , is like a man that builte an house vpon the earth without foundation , against which the floode did beate , and it fell by and by : and the fall of that house was great . So that the doer of the worde is as a wise builder that groundeth his house vpon the rocke , where as the bare hearer of the worde is as a foolish builder that buildeth vpon the sand : for when the raine of Gods indignation shall fall downe vpon the wicked worlde at the day of iudgement , and the floode of his furie shall ouerflow the sinful earth , and the whirle winde of his wrath shall blowe from the foure corners and quarters of the earth , them the sandie building of an outward profession , together with the foolish builder , I meane , the bare hearer or talker of Gods worde , shall be beaten downe , neither of them shall stand , but both of them shall haue a great , yea an vnrecouerable fall ; and onely the rockie building of a religious life which consisteth most part in action , and in a godly , sober & vpright conuersation , shall vnshakeably stand & perpetually endure , Psal. 125.1 . euen as mount Sion which cannot be remoned but remaineth for euer . The Lord complaineth by his Prophet Isaye of such as come naere vnto him with their mouth , Isay 29.13 & 58.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.9.10 . & honour him with their lips , but haue remoued their heart farre from him . And he complaineth of such as would draw nere vnto him with the outward seruice ; submission and humiliation of their bodies , & of their hearts too , by afflicting their soule for a day , by bowing downe the heade , by lying downe in sackloth , by fasting and crying vnto the Lord , but yet bad remooued their hands too farre from him . And therfore be telleth them that he careth not for their whole religion when as it is not accompanied with action ; and that the thing he doth most like of , which in them notwithstanding was most lacking , is to put to their hands to the loosing off the bands of wickedens , to the taking of the heauie burdens , to the letting of the oppressed goe free , to the breaking off euery yoke , to the dealing of their bread to the hungrie , to the couering of the naked , and to the bringing of the poore that wander , vnto their house . And in another place he sheweth the people of the Iewes , Isay 1.10.11.12.13.14.15.16.17.18.19.20 . that the chiefe seruice he did require at their handes doth not stand in the multitude of their sacrifices , & oblations , nor in their sabbaths and solemne assemblies , neither yet in their often resorting vnto his courtes and their making of many prayers ; but in their washing and cleansing of them selues , in their taking away the euill of their workes from before his eyes , in ceasing to doe euill , in learning to doe well , in seeking of iudgement , in relieuing the oppressed , Zach. 7.9.10 . in iudging the fatherles and defending the widow . And he telleth them that without such godly actions & executions as these , that their whole religion and outward profession is in his eyes no better then an abomination , & that he maketh no reckoning of their drawing neere vnto him , with their feete in treading in his courtes , with their eares , in hearing of his worde , with their tongues , in making many prayers , with their hearts , in sorrowing and afflicting their soule ; so long as they drawe not neere vnto him with their hands by holy , vpright and charitable actions .

If ye knowe these things , Ioh 13.17 blessed are ye if ye doe them sayth our Sauiour Wherebi we are let to vnderstand that the blessednes of Christianes doth not stand in contemplation , but in action : & the Apostle Iames doth exhort men to be doers of the worde , and teacheth how that it is but a vaine religion which doth not acquire the owne perfection by vertuous working and godly liuing . Receiue ( sayth he ) with meeknesse the word that is graffed in you , Iame 1.21.22.23.24.25.26.27 . which is able to saue your soules ; and be ye doers of the worde , and not hearers onely , deceiuing your owne selues : for if any heare the worde , and doe it not , he is like vnto a man that beholdeth his naturall face in a glasse . For when he hath considered him selfe , he goeth his way , and forgetteth immediately what maner of one he was . But who so looketh in the perfect law of libertie & continueth therin , he not being a forgetfull hearer , but a doer of the worke , shall be blessed in his deede . If any man among you seemeth religious , and refraineth not his tongue , but deceiueth his owne heart , this mans religion is vaine . Pure religion and vndefiled before God euen the father , is this , to visite the fatherles , and widowes in their aduersitie , and to keepe him selfe vnspotted of the worlde .

CAP. 11. Of the Bowe & arrow of fasting and prayer .

TO the aboue named partes or pieces of spirituall armour , the Christian must ioyne yet another piece which is the seuenth & the last , & it is as it were the Bowe & the Arrow of fasting and praer . For fasting is as it were the Christians bowe , out of which he shooteth the Bolte or Arrowe of a pithy and effectuall prayer , able to penetrate or pierce thorow the highest heauens . Pray ( sayth the Apostle ) with all maner prayer and supplication in the spirit , Ephes. 6.18 . and watch thereunto with all perseucrance where ( as I said aboue ) in the exercise of watching , fasting is included , for man is then most apt to watch when as he doth fast . The same thing doth likewise appeare by the great Apostles exhortation ; be sober ( sayth he ) and watche , 1 Pet. 5.8 for your aduersary the deuill as a roaring lyon walketh about seeking whom he may deuoure . As if he should say ; when the deuill your aduersarie seeketh most busily to feaste vpon you by your fall , them be ye farthest of from feasting ; yea then more then at any other time els giue your selues to fasting and praying ; for in so doing ye shall make your enemy to roare and to rampe in vaine , when as he shall by the meanes of your fasting and praying find nothing to pray or to feast vpon . The holy Scripture sheweth vs abundantly how that the best and godliest men and women haue giuen themselues much to the exercise of fasting our Sauiour as foone as he was led aside of the spirit into the wildernes to be tempted of the deuill , Mat. 4.1.2.3 . began his long fast or lentfast of fourty dayes and as many nights , to teache all his yong souldiers chiefly in the time of any great Tentation to giue them selues in great earnestnes to the holy exercise of fasting and prayer For fasting mortifieth the flesh and weakneth the too strong arme of this our homebred enemy : and prayer viuifieth the spirit and strengtheneth the same to the foyling of the fleshe . The fasting of the flesh is the feeding of the spirit , and the subduing of the Body is the renewing of the mind . Well knew this the blessed Apostle S. Paul who sayeth of himselfe , that he was wont to beate downe his Body and to bring it in subiection , and that he was exercised in watching often , 1. Corr. 9.27 2. Corr. 11.27 . 2. Corr. 4.10 . & 6.6 . in hunger and thirst and fasting often . Euery where ( sayth he ) we beare about in our body the dying of the Lord Iesus , that the life of Iesus might also be made manifest in our bodies ; by watchings , Exo. 24.28 Deut. 9.9 . ● . 18 . 1. King . 19.7.8 Ma● . 4.1.2.3 by fastings , by purity . And as we read in holy scripture of the forty day fast of Moses , Eliah , and of our Saniour Christ , so we reade likewise of Daniels three weeks fast ; during the which time , he turned his face vnto the Lord God praying vnto him , Dan. 9.3.4 & 10.2.3 . Iudg. 20.26 1 Sam. 7.6 & 31.13 . 2. Chron. 20.3 . Ezr. 8.21 . Ierem. 36.9 Ionah . 3.5.6.7.8.9.10 . and making his confession , neither eate he any pleasant bread nor flesh , nor dranke any wine . There likewise we reade how that the children of Israel fasted & confessed their sinnes at diuers times before the Lord : and the people of Niniute did humble themselues by fasting , and crying myghtily vnto God , who was appeased towards them & their whole Citie . Dauid a man after Gods owne heart , and who knew well inough what thing was most agreeable vnto God , telleth vs how that he often humbled his soule with fasting and praying , his eyes with weeping and mourning , his knees with bowing , and his whole body with hardlying , and with fitting in sackloth and ashes . I was clothed with a sack ( sayth he ) I humbled my Soule with fasting , Psa. 31.13.14 and my prayer was turned vpon my bosome , I humbled my selfe mourning as one that bewaileth his mother . Mine heart is smitten and withereth like grasse , & 69.10.11 because I forgate to eate my bread . For the voice of my groaning , my bones doe cleaue to my skinne . Surely I haue eaten ashes as bread , & 102.4.5.9 . & 109.24 . and mingled my drinke with weeping , my knees are weake through fasting , and my flesh hath lost all fatnes . And godly Queene Ester who had beene trayned vp in the knowledge and feare of God from her youth , in the time of the great danger that Gods people were put in by the malitious practises of Haman . She together with her maydes of honour , Est. 4.16 & 14.1.2.3.4.5.6.12.14.19 . spent whole three dayes and three nights in fasting & prayer . She laid away her glorious apparell , and put on the garments of sighing and mourning , in the stead of a pretious oyntment , she scattered ashes and dung vpon her head : and she humbled her body greatly with fasting , and all the places of her ioy filled she with the haire that she plucked off . And she prayed vnto the Lord God of Israel , saying , O my Lord , thou art our King : helpe me desolate moman which haue no helper but thee , for my danger is at hand . From my youth vp I haue heard in the kinred of my father , that thou , O Lord tookest Israel from among all people , and our fathers from their predecessors for a perpetuall inheritance , and thou hast performed that which thou did dest promise them . Now Lord , we haue sinned before thee : therefore hast thou giuen vs into the hands of our enemies . Think vpon vs O Lord , and shew thy selfe vnto vs in the time of our distresse , and strengthen me O King of Gods , and Lord of all power . Deliuer vs with thine hand , and helpe me that am solitary , which haue no defence hut onely thee . O thou mighty God aboue all , heare the voice of them that haue none other hope , and deliuer vs out of the hand of the wicked , and deliuer me out of my feare . And as Q. Ester and her maides fasted , so did Mordecai , he also rent his clothes , and put on sackloth and ashes ; & in euery Proumce and place whither the Kings charge and commission came ( towit for the destruction of the Iewes ) there was great sorow among the Iewes , & fasting , and weeping , and mourning , Est. 4.15.16.17 . & 7.10 . and many lay in sackloth & in ashes . Ester and Mordecai by their fasting and prayer preuailed ouer Haman the great enemie of Gods people together with his cruel-minded complices , Est 9.1.2.3.4.5.13.14.15.16 & 1.11.13 . and disapointed their bloody deuises and made him an example that had begun destruction against them , according to their prayer . For Haman had not beene exalted before so high in the Kings court , but ere it was long , he was hanged as high , euen vpon a gibbet of fifty cubites height which he had prepared for godly Mordecai , and so were his tenne sonnes ; yea the Iewes put all their enemies to death , euen all those that rose against them . And in like manner the Christian Esters & Mordecaies , euen Gods secret ones ( for Ester signifieth hidden or secret ) and the children of bitter contrition ( for Mordecai signifieth bitter contrition ) that is , such as doe vnfainedly repent them of their sinnes by fasting and prayer , they shall preuaile ouer their spirituall enemies , and disappoynte all their practises and attempts for the compassing of their spirituall ouerthrowe . Yea and the spirituall Haman for all his hight , euen Sathan the professed enimie of all Gods people , & the great troubler and vprore maker ( for so much doth the worde Haman signifie ) shal in end be hanged vp on the selfe same gallous of desperation which he had set vp for Christian Mordecaies , that is , for the mourning children of contrition to hang them vpon ; for his drift is , to make all such ( by reason of the sight of their sinnes ) to despaire of Gods mercy ; but he shall be disappointed : for as I said , he himselfe shall hang on his owne gibbet , together with his ten children , that is the whole multitude of the impenitent transgressors of Gods ten commandements , which shall likewise be hanged vpon the tree of eternall condemnation . And in the meane time the sorow of Christs mourning Mordecaies , Ester 13.17 euen of all the repenting children of contrition , shall be turned into ioy , according to godly Mordecaies petition . O Lord ( sayth he ) heere my prayer and be mercifull vnto thy portion , turne our sorow into ioy , that we may liue O Lord and praise thy name : shut not the mouthes of them that praise thee . So that light , and ioy , and gladnes , and honour shall come vnto them ( as it did befall vnto the afflicted Iewes at that time of Hamans hurtfull attempt ) euen light in steede of darkenes , Est. 8.15.16.17 . solace for sorow , mirth for mourning , feasting for fasting , deliuerance for danger , fine linnen for sackeloth , royall apparell for rags , and in a worde , for dust and ashes , a golden Growne and a royall Diademe . Est. 2.7 . & 4.16 . & 14.1.2.3 . & 15.4.8 And as the faire and beautifull Queene Ester for all her beautie & maiestie was not ashamed to humble her selfe before the Lord by fasting and prayer & sitting in sackloth and athes , so godly Iudith who was a Lady much admired for her beautie of face and wisedome of words , sudith 8.4.5.5.6.7.8 was likewise wont to giue her selfe much to fasting and prayer : so that for the space of three yeeres and more wherin she was widowe , she fasted the most part of the weeke , & put on sackloth on her loynes , and ware her widdowes apparell . Especially before her enterprise against Olofernes the cruell and tirannous tormenter of Gods people , she humbled her selfe greatly before the Lord , who gaue her enterprise the desired issue . And truly the confefing and praising christian , ( for Iudith signifieth praising & confessing ) that would Iudith-like ouercome and kill such a strong Captaine as the spirituall Olofernes is ( for Olofernes signifieth a strong Captaine , as he was no lesse indeede , ) the Christian man or woman I say , that would deceiue and destroy the great deceiuer and destroyer , through the strength of Christ , must be much addicted to the deuout excercises of fasting & prayer . Luke 2.36 37. Also it is said of Anna the daughter of phanuel that she serued God with fastings and prayer , the whole space of fourescore and foure yeeres ; in which doing she did answere vnto her name , and proued a gratious woman and euen the godly daughter of a father seeing God ; for Phanuel is as much as the force of God or seing God : and truly so many as would see God , and take rest ( for Anna signifieth gratious as said is , or taking rest ) in Gods holy mountaine , must in this life harbour holines in their hearts , and giue them selues to such holy exercises ; Heb. 12.14 for without holines ( sayth the holy Apostle ) noman shall see the Lord . By prayer and fasting , Deuills are cast out , and by prayer and fasting the deuill is ouercome : Mat. 17.15 18.19.20.21 . also the flesh ( which is Sathans handmaide ) is effeebled by fasting , for it delighteth in feeding , and by it the worlde is weakned if not vanquished , for it deliteth in feasting .

The Christian that would playe the good and toward souldier , and preuaile ouer his spirituall enemie , must pray instantly ; for a praying souldier is the best souldier that can be , he must pray , and pray in the spirit , that is to say , faithfully and feruently , for God careth not for the effectles prayers of faithles people . Iere. 11.14 . & 14.12 . Of such it is that he sayeth , when they crie vnto me in their trouble , I will not heare them And as the Christian must pray , & pray feruently , so must he pray continually ; for so doth the Apostle exhort almost in all his Epistles : yea and our Sauiour himselfe saith , Rom. 12. ●● . Ephe. 6.18 . Coll. ● . 2 . 1. Thess. 5.17 . Luke 21.36 Watch and pray continually that ye may be counted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to passe ; and that ye may stand before the Sonne of man . Sathan walketh about vs continually , and he roareth continually for his pray ; and therfore the Christian must pray continually , and so by prayer he shall frustrate the deuill of his pray .

The prayer of Moses made the Israelites to preuayle , & Amalek to faile : and the feruent prayer of such as Christ hath drawen out of the muddie water of the worlde , as Moses was taken vp from among the bulrushes by the riuers brink , and there vpon got his name ( for Moses signifieth drawen foorth or taken out ) the praier of such I say , ouerthroweth spirituall Amalcek ( which is by interpretation striking , Ezod . 2.3.4.5 . siniting or licking ) euen all the bloodie and butcherlie smiters and strikers of mens soules , and the lickers of their blood .

Sampson by prayer recouered his strength , so that he was auenged vpon the Philistims which had put out his eyes , and put him in prison with fetters on his feete , and made him a laughing stocke , after that they had corrupted Dalilah to deceiue him . And if at any time the consuming & deceiuing Dalilah of our flesh ( for Dalilah significth a consumer ) consume vs and deceiue vs so farre as to make vs Sampson-like to sleepe vpon her knees , that is to say , lulle vs a sleep in the cradle of security , & shaue off the haire of our head , or bereaue vs of our spirituall strength , and sell vs to the Philistims of our inordinate affections , which will not faile Philistim-like to put out the eies of our vnderstanding , and to put fetters vpon our feete , so that we can not walke in the wayes of holynes : If I say at an time we runne into such a miserable mishap , and yet speedily thereafter shall returne penitently vnto God by fasting & prayer , humbly and heartily entreating him with Sampson to restore vnto vs our former strength , we shall not faile with Sampson to kill more Philistims then euer we did before ; that is , to slay more of our sinnefull affections then euer we did at any other time els before our fall . And euen as at the prayer of Samuel , 1. Sam. 7.9.10 . the Lord scattered the Philistims , and put them to the flight , yea made them to fall before Israel : in like maner at the voice of our prayer , the Philistims of our fleshly affections shal be scattered and ouercome , they shall flee and fall before the face of our inward man , which is the true Israel , which is by interpretation preuailing with God .

At Dauids prayer the counsell of Achitophel was turned into foolishnes . 2. Sam. 15.31 . 2. Kin 1.9.10.11.12 . At Eliahs prayer Ahaziahs messengers whom he had sent to apprehend the Prophet , were consumed with fire from heauen-At Elishas prayer , 2. King 6.18 the hoste of Benhadad King of Aram sent likewise by him to apprehend the Prophet , 2. Kin. 13.14 . was stricken with blindenes . Iehoahaz by his prayer was deliuered out of the seruitude of Hazaal King of Aram. 2. King 19.15.16.17.18.19.20.35 . Ezekiah by his prayer was aided of Gods mighty Angell against the King of Ashur , so that there was killed of his enemies in the campe in one night , an hundreth foure score and fiue thousand . 2 Chron. 20.1.10.23 Finally Iehosephat by his prayer moued God to confound his enemies of Moab , Ammon and mount Seir , in so notable and admirable a manner , that he made them to kill one another , so that none of them escaped . In the which and other the like examples , we see the great efficacie of prayer for the confusion of corporall foes : and yet the vertue of it is greater that doth appeare in the repressing of the furie , and disappointing of the policie of our spirituall enemies . For the prayer of the Christian Dauid that is of Gods beloued one ( for Dauid signifieth beloued ) or of an Eliah or of an Ezekiah , that is , of one that hath the strength of the Lord , or is strong in the Lord by faith ( for both these wordes or names do import asmuch as the Lords strength ) the feruent prayer of such a one I say is able to turne our ghostly enemies subtilty into folishnes , their sharp sight into blindnes , their force into feeblenesse , and their furie into faintnes ; In one word , the faithfull mans feruent prayer confoundeth their counsells , disapointeth their policies , turneth them to flight , and giueth them the foile . And what wonder though that prayer vanquish the wicked one , seeing that it hath often ouercome euen the good one him selfe , 1. Ioh 2.13.14 . Mat. 9.17 . Exo. 32.10.11.12.13.14 Iudges 10.10.0.17 I meane God who is onely good , and hath euen changed his minde from the punishing of his people ?

Admirable then is the force and efficacie of feruent prayer , seing it is able to vanquishe the deuill against his will , & to ouercome God with his will . So that it is not without great cause that the Apostle S. Iames sayth , Iame 5.16.17 . that the prayer of the rightcout man auaileth much , if it beferuent . And no doubt but that he doth commend vnto vs the diligent practise of prayer when as he exhorteth vs thus , Iam. 4 7 8. Resist the deuill , and he will stee from you ; drawe neere to God , and he will drawe neere to you . For by pray r the Christian soule doth both resist the deuill , & drawe neere to God ; yea by praying and inuoking of his name we walke with God as Enoch did . Gen 5.22.24 . And if we walke with God , then dare not the deuill though hebe the great walker & compasser of the worlde , be so bolde as to walke with vs . If God be neere vs , the deuill dare not stirre vs ; no , he will flee away from vs , and keepe him selfe a farre off .

CAP. 12. Of the putting on of the spirituall armour , & of the keeping on of it till the end , by perseuerance in fighting against sinne and inseruing of God .

Now as God hath framed and forged this spiritual armour , for his souldiers to arme them with all ; so doth he offer it to euery one of vs ; it resteth onely that we take it and put it on . Take vnto you the whole armour of God ( saith the Apostle ) that ye may be able to resist in the euill da● . And because it auaileth not that we take it , vnlesse we put it on , therefore the same Apostle exhorteth thus , Put on the whole armour of God , that ye may be able to stand against the assaultes of the deuill . Ephe. 6.11.13 . We can not resist in the euill day , or persist against the euill one without armour , and that Gods armour , such as the heauenly armour-house doth afforde , and without we take it to vs , and put it on . And therefore we must not be so folish as to refuse it when it is offered vs , or to lay it aside when as we should put it on . It were a great follie for the Christian to presume to fight without it , & euen a greater madnes , then if a man should goe to the warres without a weapon . So then it behoueth of meere necessity that the spiritual soldier , whom our great capaine Christ Iesus hath pressed out to the field to fight against Sathan , the world and the flesh ; that I say , he take to him the armour of God , if he would be able to resist in the euill day ; that is in the day that the euill one would bring him to an euil end by the perpetrating of an euil action ; for such is the deuils ayme . He must take the armour , and the whole armour , for a piece or part of it will not serue the turne . The seuen pieces of it are all of them equally requisite for the extirping and quelling of the seuen capitall sinnes ; to the end , that the Christian may become a fit habitacle for the holy ghost , & a meet receptacle of his seauen principall gifts .

If Sathan espie any part of our spirituall man vnarmed , he will not misse to worke vs some mischiefe , and to wounde vs in that part with one of his dartes , and that in a deadly manner , if he can ; and therefore if we wish to fight without receiuing of any deadly wound , whether in the head or in the hart , at our aduersaries hands , we must take heed that we be armed on al parts . And as the Christian must take this armor , yea this whole armour , so must he take it to himself , and for himselfe : take vnto you ( sayth the Apostle ) meaning that euery man must play the souldier for him selfe : Be we yong or olde , men or women , rich or poore , noble or base , strong or weake , euery one of vs must beare armour vpon our owne backe , & fight for him selfe as Christ hath foughten for vs all . Kings and great men haue their armour-bearers , but Christians must haue none . Kings haue men to fight for them , but Christians must fight for themselues . 1. Sam. 17.38.39.40 . Dauid could not goe out against Goliah in Sauls armour , and therefore he put it off , and betooke him selfe to his owne staffe , his sling and his fiue stones ; to shewe vs , that in the Christian warrefare eche man must fight in his owne armour , with his owne faith , charity , and hope , and not with another mans .

And as the Christian must take this armour , and this whole armour , and that to himselfe , and for himselfe , and as he must put it on , and not lay it aside , so must he continually keepe it on , and neuer put it off . For no man can stand stedfast in the faith , as the Apostle doth exhort , except hee stand fast in his armour , Ephe. 6.11.13 and be a stedfast fighter . He that perseuereth to the end shall be saued , and he that fighteh to the end shall be crowned . And therefore the Apostle , 1. Tim. 6.12 as he exhorteth Timothie to fight the good fight of faith , and to lay hold on cternall life , in so doing : so he speaketh thus of him selfe , the time of his departing being nere , I haue fought a good fight , 2. Tim. 4.6.7.8 . and haue finished my course ; I haue kept the faith , henceforth is laid vp for me the crowne of righteousnesse , which the Lord the righteous Iudge shall giue me at that day , and not to me onely , but vnto all them that loue his appcoring . Saint Pauls whole life time from the first houre of his conuersion to the last houre of his dissolution was no other thing but as a day of battell ; he began his fight couragiously , hee continued in fighting constantly , and ended triamphantly , and so must we .

Sathans fighting is his tempting , wherefore when the Christian is tempted , let this both comfort him and encourage him , that thereby he knoweth that he is not the Deuils subiect , but Gods souldier , euen the Lords warrior , and the Deuils vanquisher : for no King warreth at any time against his owne people , but against his enemies . When the Deuill tempteth thee , he maketh warre against thee , and consequently thou art none of his subiects , but one of Gods seruants . Endeauour therefore to play the part of a valiant warriour , and pretend neither the fortitude , nor the multitude of thine enemies for excuse . For the greater that they be for number and strength , the more shalt thou ouercome , and the more glorious shall thy victorie be , and the greater thy reward . Likewise , this ought to encourage vs to fight ; that wee haue armour forged for vs by the finger of God , and furnished vnto vs by the holy Spirit out of the heauenly armour house of the Lord of hostes . For it is hee that aideth and assisteth vs , Isay 43.2 . Psal 50. ●5 . & 121.1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8 . 2. Thes 3.3 and furnisheth vs with strength to stand fast , to fight and to ouercome . And if we be weake , his fatherly wisedome will not ouer charge vs as the Apostle teacheth . 1. Corr 13.13 . There hath no temptation taken you ( saith the Apostle Paul ) but such as appertaineth to man : and God is faithfull , which will not suffer you to be tempted aboue that you be able , but will euen giue the issue with the temptation that ye may be able to beare it .

And not onely doth he giue vs armour and aide in our Christian warfare , together with a spirituall strength , but likewise he will giue vs victory ouer all our spirituall enemies through our Lord Iesus Christ , as the same Apostle doth deliuer . Iohn 4.4 . Litle children ( saith S. Iohn ) yee are of God , and haue ouercome them : for greater is hee that is in you , then he that is in the world ; that is , then Sathan the Prince of the world , and the lusts of the flesh , and of the eyes that are in the world . For all that is borne of God ouercometh the world , 1. Ioh 5.4.5 and this is the victorie that ouercometh the world , euen our faith . And therefore the Apostle exhorteth men aboue all to take vnto them the shield of faith , wher with they may quench al the fierie darts of the Deuil . For it is euen faith in our Lord Iesus Christ that foyleth all our foes , 1. Iohn 2.13.14.15.16.17 . & 4 4. & 5.4 . Gen. 4 20 2. King 19.6.7 . 1. Sam. 17 46 47. Iuag. 4.14.15.33 . & winneth the field .

Abraham faught against Chedar Laomer , and God gaue him victorie ; so did hee to Ezekiah against Senaherib & to Daurd against Goliah and the Philistims , and to Debora against Sisera the Captaine of Iahin King of Canaan ; and if we prooue the children of Abraham by being followers of his faith , and workers of his workes , God shall giue vs victorie against the spirituall Chedar Laomer , which is by interpretation the generation of bondage , euen against our fleshsly affections which would bring vs into bondage spiritually and eternally .

If we endeauour to be Ezekiahs that is , men endued with the strength of the Lord by faith and holinesse , then the spirituall Senaherib which is as much as the bramble of destruction , shal be brought to destruction , together with the ravling Rabsakehs of our raging affections , euen these miserable master-drinkers ( for so much doth the word Rabsakeh signifie ) which drinke in sinne as the fish doe water . If we be deuote like Dauid & euen of the Lords beloued ones ( for Dauid signifieth beloued ) then the spirituall Galiah which is the great Captaine of captiuitie , shall be conquered by the meanes of the stone of Christ crucified throwen or flung against his forehead out of the sling of an effectuall faith ; & the Philistims of our affections , which are the authors of our double decay , euen in Soule and body ( for Philistim as I said abouesi , gnifieth a doubledecay ) shal be discomfited ; Finally if we proue such laborious & dilligent Bees in drawing the hony of holinesse out of the sweet dewy floweres of Christian vertues , as Deborah was ( which is by interpretation a Bee ) we shall not faile to triumph ouer the spirituall Iabin , the building Tyrant of wickednesse ( for Iabin was a Tyrant , and signifieth building ) and ouer all his Siseras , euen ouer all our sinnes . So that as when the Lord gaue victorie vnto the people of Israell ouer Pharaoh and his people , Exod. 15. then Moses and the Israelites sung a song of praises : In like manner , when as we haue got the victorie ouer the spirituall Pharaoh through the strength of Christ , then shall wee sing the song of Moses and the song of the Lambe : The Lord is my strength and praise ( shall the victorious Christian say ) and hee is become my saluation , he is my God and my father , and I will exalt him . The Lord is a man of warre , his name is Iehouah , spirituall Pharaos Chariot , his hoste , and his chosen Captaines , euen all his hellish hang-men hath hee drowned in the red sea of his indignation ; the depths of fire and Brimstone haue couered them , they shall sinke to the bottome as a stone . Thy right hand O Lord is glorious in power , thy right hand O Lord , hath bruised the enemie : the Lord shall raigne for euer and euer . O death , where is thy sting ? O graue where is thy victory ? O sinne where is thy soueraignty ? O Sathan where is thy power and policie ? O hell where is thy tyrannie ?

Thankes be vnto God which hath giuen vs victorie through our Lord Iesus Christ , 2. Cori. 15.55.57 . Amen .

CAP. 13. Of Gods ample rewarding of such as fight against sin valiamly , and continue in his seruice constantly vnto the end .

NEuer was there any seruant so well rewarded of his master for his seruice , nor souldier in the field so largely remunerated of his Generall for his valour & warly prowesse , as shall be Gods seruant & souldier for his towardnes & forwardnes in seruing of God , and in fighting against sinne and Sathan . We reade how Caleb rewarded Othniel for smiting and taking of the towne of Debir , in giuing him Achsach his daughter to wife , Iosh. 13.15.16.17.18.19.20 . together with fields and springs of water with her for an inheritance . And how Saul rewarded Dauid for foyling the Philistims by giuing him likewise his daughter Michal to wife , 1. Sam. 17.25 . & 28.27 . together with much riches . And if we proue valiant in the spirituall warrefare and in fighting Gods battels against the Philistims of our fleshly affections , and against the master Philistim , the spirituall Goliah , the great Captaine of spirituall captiuitie ( as the name doth beare ) we shall not misse to be honoured with the mariage of the Lambe in the land of the liuing , which shall be our inheritance ; where we shall be arayed with pure fine linnen and shining , for the fine linnen is the righteousnes of saints sayth S. Iohn euen he who saw the warriers of Christ following him vpon white horses clothed with fine linnen white & pure ; giuing vs therby to vnderstand that the Christian then fighteth most valiantly against Sathan , when as he endeauoureth to lead and liue a pure and an vnspotted life . And heer in true religion doth chiefly stand as S. Iames teacheth Pure religion ( saith he ) and vndefiled before God euen the father , is this , to visit the fatherles , and widowes in their aduersitie , and to keep him selfe vnspotted of the world . White is the colour of puritie , of grace and of glorie ; and therefore it is , that S. Iohn sawe none caried in heauen vpon white horses , and arayed in the white shining robes of glorie , but such as had heere on earth couered their inward man with the white linnen of an vnspotted life , or at least had washed out the spots and blots of their misbehauiour , with the salt teares of contrition . So that he that hath not worne and borne the white of integritie and puritie , in and on his heart heere in this life , shall not attaine to be adorned & decored with the white pearlie Diadenie of glorie vpon his head after this life The which thing the holy Psalmist doth likewise teache in these words ; Psalm 24.3.4.5.6 . Who shall aseende into the mountaine of the Lord ? and who shall stand in his holy place ? euen he that hath innocent handes , and a pure heart : which hath not lift vp his minde vnto vanitie , nor sworne deceitfully . He shall receiue a blessing from the Lord , and righteousnes from the God of his saluation . This is the generation of them that seeke him , of them that seeke thy face . None shall stand in Gods holy mountaine , but such as haue heere harboured holynes in their hearts ; Heb. 12.14 for without holynes no man shall see the Lord , sayth the Apostle ; and the man that seeketh not Gods face heere , shall not see his face heereafter .

And as the good seruants of God shall be clothed with fine white linnen in signe of puritie & integritie , so shall they beare palmes in their handes in signe of victorie and felicitie . And therefore blessed S. Iohn sawe those that stoode before the throne , Reuel. 7.9 . and before the Lambe , not only clothed with long white robes , but also hauing palmes in their hands .

K. Belshazzar commanded Daniel to be clothed with purple , Dan. 5.16.29 and a chaine of golde to be put about his necke , and made him to be proclaimed the third ruler in the kingdome for his wisedome , in reading the writing of the Angel vpon the wall , & in shewing the interpretation thereof . And Ioseph for his exceeding great wisedome , shewed in expounding of Pharaos dreame was so highly honoured , Gen. 41.40 41.42.43 . Psal. 105 17.18.19.20.21.22 . that the king tooke off his ring from his hand , and put it vpon Iosephs finger , and arayed him in garments of fine linnen , and put a golden chaine about his neck , and set him ouer his house , and ouer the whole land , and made him to sit vpon the best Charet he had saue one .

And no doubt but the King of Kings wil highly honour his good seruants that haue honoured him in this life , according to his promise , saying , 1. Samu. 2.30 . Them that honour me I will honour . He will euen honour his Daniels and his Iosephs , that is , all his vprightand perfit ones ( for Ioseph signifieth perfit ) which doe begin in their young yeares with Daniel and Ioseph to serue and honour him , and doe constantly continue in his seruice still increasing and growing in grace and in godlinesse , and alwayes ayming at Christian perfection whereunto our Sauior doth exhort vs , saying , Ye shall therefore be perfit as your Father which is in heauen , Mat. 5.46 . is perfit . The King of Egypt tooke off his ring from his hand , and put it vpon Iosephs , and arayed him in garments of fine linnen , and put a gold chaine about his necke , and the King of Kings will one day say vnto his seruants concerning such a man as hath serued him with an vpright heart , Luk 15.22.23 . Bring forth the best robe , and put it on him , and put a ring on his hand , and shoes on his feete ; bring forth the white wedding garment with the rest of the nuptial ornaments , and let him be clothed , & adorned therewith , & let him sit downe to feast at the table of God ( will hee say ) for such is his promise . Reue. 7.11 17.28 . & 3.5 . To him that ouercometh ( saith the Lord Iesus to St. Iohn ) will I giue to eate of the tree of life , which is in the middest of the Paradise of God : he that ouercometh shall not be hurt of the second death . To him that ouercometh will I giue to eate of the Manna that is hid , and will giue him a white stone , and in the stone a new name written , which no man knoweth sauing he that receaueth it : Euen as I receiued of my father , so will I giue him the morning starre . He that ouercometh , shall be clothed in white aray , and I will not put out his name out of the Booke of life , but I will confesse his name before my father , and before his Angels . King Pharao set Ioseph vpon the best charet hee had saue one , but our king wil honour his good & perfite seruant yet in an higher manner ; Reuel . 3.21 To him that ouercometh ( sayth our king Christ Iesus ) will I grant to sit with me in my throne , euen as I ouercame , and sit with my father in his throne Finally as Ioseph was set ouer Pharaohs house , and ouer the whole land of Egypt ; so God will make his good and perfite seruant ruler of all his goods . Reuel. 2.26 27. & 3.12 . To him that ouercometh ( sayth he ) will I giue power ouer nations , and he shall rult them with a rod of yron : and as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken . Him that ouercometh will I make a pillar in the Temple of my God , and he shall go no more out : and I will write vpon him the name of my God , and the name of the City of my God which is the new Ierusalem , which commeth down out of heauen from my God , & I will write vpon him my new name . Euen thus shall it be don vnto the man that hath serued Christ constantly by holines & newnes of life ; for the new name & the new Ierusalem , and the new wine the spirit of God speaketh of in the scripture , are ordained onely for new creatures . And therefore the Apostle doth exhorte thus ; 2. Corr. 5.17 If any man be in Christ , let him be a new creature : thereby giuing vs to vnderstande , that no man after this life shall see Christ in the new Ierusalem ; but he that in this life hath followed his footsteps by newnes of life . And this is that thing which is intimated vnto vs by the euangelicall Prophete S. Iohn when as he telleth vs that he saw all things made new . Reuel. 21.1 2. ● & 19.7.8 9 & 14.3 . For he saw a new heauen , & a new earth , and a new Ierusalem , comming downe from God out of heauen , prepared as a bride trimmed for her husband . He sawe the lambes wife arayed with pure fine linnen which was likewise new , and the supper which he saw made for the mariage of the Lambe , was in like manner new ; for he that sate vpon the throne said , beholde I make all things new . And as the things which he saw with his eyes were new , so the musicke which he heard with his eares was semblably new ; for he heard a new song sung by the harpers of God vpon a ten stringed instrument . And therefore questionles S. Iohn saw none inuited to that new mariage to eate of that new banket , and to drinck of that new wine with Christ in the new Ierusalem , to weare that new wedding garment , & to receiue the impression of that new name , & in one word , to hear the ioyful melodie of that new musick ; but such as did here in this olde earth ( where all things are olde ) indeauoure to be new creatures by newnes of life . As for all olde creatures , that is , such as doe follow the crooked footsteps of olde Adams corruption by carnalitie and sensualitie , and are not made new by the renouation of the holy ghost , after the likenes of the new Adam , when al old things shal passe away , they shal perish & passe away likewise with them . Psal 125.1 But the new creture shal be as mount Si on which cannot be remoued , but remaineth for euer , & shall enioy al the new things aboue named . Reue. 21.7 for he that ouercometh ( sayth our great Captain Christ Iesus ) shall inherit all things , and I will be his God , and he shall be my sonne . Est. 6.8.9.10.11 & 8.2.15 . Mordecaie for his fidelitie and good seruice , at the appoyntment of king Ahasuerosh , was arayed in royall apparell , in white , purple and blew , and a ring of gold was put on his finger , and a crowne of golde was set vpon his head , and he him selfe was set to ride vpon the kings horse through the streete of the citie of Shushan , & they proclaimed before him , Thus shall it be done vnto the man whome the King will honour ; and the citie of Shushan reioyced and was glad . In like manner our great Ahasuerosh , our great Prince and head ( for Ahasuerosh , signifieth a Prince or head , as he was indeed a great prince ) he will exalt & honour all his good & well deseruing Mordecaies euen all the children of contrition ( for Mordecaie signifieth so much ) which haue in this life honoured God by their holy liuing , and haue humbled them selues vnder his hand for their sinnes . No , the Christian that hath played the good seruant and stout souldier in fighting manfully vnder Christs Banner against sinne and Sathan , and hath perseuered in his seruice vnto the end , and consequently hath ouercome , he shall not misse of a far more glorious rewarde by a thowsand degrees then euer king Ahasuerosh could giue . The royall apparell that this king gaue Mordecaie was no better then a rag , if it be compared with the good Christians glorious wedding garment : and what is a kings corruptible crowne being compared with the incorruptible Crowne of glorie , which shall be set vpon the head of the heauenly minded man in the kingdome of heauen ? for the crowne that we runne , and serue and fight for , is an vncorruptible crowne , 1. Corr. 9.25 . so doth blessed S. Paul call it , and likewise the great Apostle S. Peter who calleth it the vncorruptible crowne of glorie . 1. Pet 5.4 . S. Iames calleth it the crowne of life . Iame 1.12 Blessed is the man ( sayth he ) that endureth Tentation , for when he is tryed , he shall receiue the crowne of life , which the Lord hath promised to them that loue him . Reut . 2.10 . So doth blessed S. Iohn or rather our Sauiour him self call it in the Reuelation , Be thou faithfull vnto the death ( sayth he ) and I will giue thee the crowne of life . In one worde , the crowne that shall be set vpon the good Christians head , is the crowne of life , immortalitie and glorie , which he shall weare in the kingdom of heauen , which is the place of life , immortality and glory .

Thus then wee see how that temptation is to the godly the high way of heauenly happinesse and honour : Let the Christian then endure temptation and he is blessed , and let him ouercome temptation & he shall be Crowned , and that with an incorruptible Crowne .

Thus shall he one day , being arayed in fine white linnen , ride Mordecay-like , vpon a faire white horse , with a Crowne of incorruptible Gold vpon his head ; Reu. 19.13 14. ( for Saint Iohn saw Christs warriours thus arayed , riding vpon white Horses ) he shall I say ride throgh the streets of Shushan , which is aboue , Ester . 6.10.11 . & 8.15.16 . and is the true Citty of ioyfulnes , more faire and sweeter a thousand folde then the Lilly or the Rose ( for Schushan signifieth a Lilly or Rose , or ioyfulnes ) and Gods Heralds shall proclaime before him : Thus shall the perseuering Christian be honoured in Heauen , who hath honoured God on Earth . And the Citty of Shushan which is aboue , euen the holy Citty new Ierusalem , Reuel 21.2 11. &c. which Saint Iohn saw discending out of heauen from God , hauing the glory of God and shining as a Iasper-stone cleere and pretious , whose wall is of Iasper , and the streete of pure Gold , & the foundations of twelue pretious stones , & the Gates of twelue pearles , and hath no neede of Sunne or Moone to shine in it , for the Lambe is the light of it ; and whereinto no vncleane thing can enter : euen this selfesame glorious Citty shall be glad and reioyce in the daye that our great Kings well deseruing Mordecaies shall goe through the streete thereof in royall apparrell of red and white , with a great Crowne of incorruptible gold vpon their heads . Finally , Est. 8.16.17 . that day shall bee a feast-day for Men and Angells , and God himselfe shall be the great Master of the feast , where they shall eate of the fruit of the Tree of life , which is in the middes of the Paradise of God , Reu. 27.17 & 7.17 . & 21.6 . & 22.1 . & of the hidden Manna , and drinke of the water of life , which Saint Iohn saw cleere as Christall , proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lambe : euen such a water as is sweeter then the sweetest wine , and is both water and wine , and both the best water and the best wine that euer either well or vine did yeeld , or yet any man did euer drinke . All men at the first set forth good wine , but God shall bring forth the best wine last : Reue. 21.5 . Mat. 26.29 for he that maketh all things new , shal also make a new wine for the marriage feast of the Lamb and his Spouse . Onely it belongeth to vs to make our selues new vessels for the receiuing of this new wine , by newnes of life ; for if no man putteth new wine into old vessels , Math. 9.17 as our Sauiour saith , then truly God will much lesse put his new wine into olde vessels . And therefore if we desire to drinke of this newe wine , in the new Ierusalem , & in the Celler of God ; let vs now endeauour to put on the new man , ( as I said before ) which after God is created in righteousnes and true holynes , Ephe. 4.23.24 . according as the Apostle exhorteth , and so in that great feast day , we shall sit downe at his Table and his fruit shall be sweet vnto our mouth , he shall bring vs into his wine-celler , Cant. 2.3.4.5 and Loue shall be his Banner ouer vs , & the Christian Soule shall then say vnto our Spouse , stay me with flaggons , and comforte me with apples ; for I am sicke of loue .

Thus in the kingdome of heauen the godly shall see and heare nothing but sweetnesse , and ioyfulnesse ; nothing but loue , life , and light . Reuel. 21.4.5.6 . & 2.7 . Then there shall be no more sorrow , for God shall cheere vs ; no more paine , for Christ shall ease vs : no more weeping nor crying , for Christ shall comfort vs , and wipe away all teares from our eyes ; nor no more death , for God will giue vs to eate of the tree of life , and to drinke of the water of life . He will giue vs water , but yet such a water as shall be wine , and a sweeter water then the sweetest wine , as I haue already said . To conclude , if earthly wine hath such a property to make glad the heart of man , how much more shall this heauenly wine reioyce the soule of man ? and what meruaile though that such new heauenly wine , make the glorified Soule sing a new heauenly song , euen a new Halleluiah Let vs be glad and roioyce , and giue glory to him ? Chiefely when as we shall heare our sweete Sauiour inuiting vs in this manner . Eate ô friends , drinke and make you merry ô welbeloued : drinke ( shall he say ) euen the spiced wine , & new wine of the pomegranate : and it being the time apoynted for the consummation of the Godlies ioy , by him who hath said it : I will create Ierusalem as a reioycing , and her people as a ioy ; and I will reioyce in Ierusalem , and ioy in my people . God shall then ioy in vs , and we shall ioy in him , with ioy vnspeakeable and glorious : For the things which eye hath not seene , neither eare hath heard , neither came into mens heart , are which God hath prepared for them that loue him :

To whome alone be glory .

FINIS .