Two treatises: the pearle of the Gospell, and the pilgrims profession to which is added a glasse for gentlewomen to dresse themselues by. By Thomas Taylor preacher of Gods Word to the towne of Reding. Taylor, Thomas, 1576-1632. This text is an enriched version of the TCP digital transcription A13560 of text S105335 in the English Short Title Catalog (STC 23855). Textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. The text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with MorphAdorner. The annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). Textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. This text has not been fully proofread Approx. 228 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 236 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. EarlyPrint Project Evanston,IL, Notre Dame, IN, St. Louis, MO 2018 A13560 STC 23855 ESTC S105335 99841064 99841064 5622 2240858455

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 Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 2, no. A13560) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 5622) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1475-1640 ; 941:08) Two treatises: the pearle of the Gospell, and the pilgrims profession to which is added a glasse for gentlewomen to dresse themselues by. By Thomas Taylor preacher of Gods Word to the towne of Reding. Taylor, Thomas, 1576-1632. Taylor, Thomas, 1576-1632. Pilgrims profession. aut Gunter, H. [16], 172 [i.e. 188], [8], 191, [3], 52 p. Printed by I. H[aviland] for Iohn Bartlet at the gilt Cup in Cheape-side, London : 1625. Printer's name from STC. "The pearle of the Gospell," "The pilgrims profession" and "A glasse for gentlewomen" have separately dated title pages, all dated 1625 except that for "A glass," which is dated 1624; each has separate pagination and register. "The pilgrims profession, or a sermon preached at the funerall of Mis Mary Gunter" is edited by H. Gunter, who also wrote her appended life. Numerous mispaginations in first sequence; page 188 misnumbered 172. Reproduction of the original in the Folger Shakespeare Library. eng Pearl of great price (Parable) -- Early works to 1800. Christian life -- Early works to 1800. Sermons, English -- 17th century. eebo Two treatises: the pearle of the Gospell, and the pilgrims profession: to which is added a glasse for gentlewomen to dresse themselues by. By Thomas T Taylor, Thomas, 1625 472 40099 44 0 0 0 0 0 10.97 C The rate of 10.97 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the C category of texts with between 10 and 35 defects per 10,000 words. 2011-10 Assigned for keying and markup 2011-10 Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2011-11 Sampled and proofread 2011-11 Text and markup reviewed and edited 2012-05 Batch review (QC) and XML conversion

Two Treatises : THE PEARLE OF the GOSPELL , AND THE PILGRIMS PROFESSION : To which is added A Glasse for Gentlewomen to dresse themselues by .

By Thomas Taylor Preacher of Gods Word to the Towne of Reding .

a woman in front of a looking glass or mirror

LONDON , Printed by I. H. for Iohn Bartlet at the gilt Cup in Cheape-side . 1625.

THE PEARLE of the Gospell , OR Jewell Euangelicall : 1. Diligently sought 2. Ioyfully found 3. Dearly bought by the wise Merchant .

Infolded in Christs Parable , AND Vnfolded by the Application OF THOMAS TAYLOR , Preacher of Gods Word to the Towne of REDING .

LONDON , Printed by I. H. for Iohn Bartlet at the gilt Cup in Cheape-side . 1625.

TO THE RIGHT WORSHIPFVLL , Mris. Elizabeth Backus , Wife to Mr. Samuel Backus Esquire , and Iustice of Peace : And to her three vertuous and religious daughters , Mris. Mary Standen , wife to Mr. Standen Esquire , and Iustice of the Peace ; Mris. Flower Backus wife of Mr. Iohn Backus Esquire and Mris. Elizabeth Bellingham , wife to Mr. Richard Bellingham Esquire ; Grace and Peace from the Fountains . Right Worshipfull ,

PEarles are small in quantitie , but great in their hidden qualitie , and smaller often in the weight than in their worth : such an one is this which I haue presented vnto you as a token of my due respect and vnfained loue to your selfe , and the Church in your familie . Pearles from earth fit not common persons ; but this from heauen belongeth to all who meane to partake in the common saluation . As this Pearle is yours in the common right of Saints , so this offer of its is yours by a second and more peculiar right , as who first helped it out of the darke into this light . Your earnest and often desires of some of the written notes of this Treatise , drew from me a promise , the thought of the paiment whereof , was my first thought of this publication . And now this Pearle being yours , weare it as your chiefe ornament , the price of which raiseth your owne price and reckoning in the eyes of God and good men , Pro. 30.10 . aboue the Carbuncles and Rubies . Other ornaments seuered from this , are but beautifull vanities . The largest reuenues , the richest estates , the most ample treasures , the costliest cabinets , filled with pearles and precious stones , sets the person wanting this pearle , in no higher reckoning than common flints , or other contemptible stones , Isa. 40.15 . with him to whom the Nations are but as the drop of a bucket , or as the dust of a balance . So of all naturall endowments , wee may compare them ( as Salomon doth beautie ) to a ring of Gold , which outwardly commendeth the wearer ; But the iewell of this ring is this pearle of the Gospell , or the life of the Gospell , in the life of the Gospeller . Let this Iewell be lost once , or missing , the ring may be gilded , and glistering without , but the touchstone and triall will finde that it was neuer gold . 3 Ioh. 4. And because I know that you haue no greater ioy than to see your children walke in the truth , I am assured , you will gladly afford them an equall share with you in this so precious a commoditie , and therefore haue I taken them into this dedication . Psal. 127.5 . Blessed are you that haue your quiuer full of such louely arrowes . Of the vertuous woman is said , Her children praise her . Prou. 31.28 . Were this a verball praise of the mouth , children might seeme testes è sinu , and the spreaders of the partiall praises of their mother ; but this is an actuall and solid commendation , and vnsuspected , when the shining vertues of the feare of God , sobrietie , and modest conuersation of children , proclaime the grace , pietie , and care of the mothers education . Among that rich store of earthly comforts , with which God hath beset you , you haue none comparably gracefull to this , if you except your sweet societie with your graue and religious husband .

And now to you three daughters , worthy of such a Mother : When I call to remembrance the vnfained faith , which dwelt , and yet dwelleth in your Grand-mother , ( whose reuerend old age is crowned with an ancient and honorable profession and practise of holy religion aboue any I know in these parts ) and in your deare mother ; and am assured it dwelleth in you also , I could not but put you in remembrance , to stirre vp the gift of God that is in you : And exhort you , as you haue happily begun , to hold on in the way of grace , and see that your works bee more at last than at first . God hath aduanced you into the fellowship of religious and compleat Gentlemen your husbands , to faire estates and portions in this world , but especially to a sure expectation hereafter , by meanes of your inseparable coniunction to your Head and Husband Iesus Christ . You must now aduance him who hath thus aduanced you , and loue him for himselfe , who hath loued you in his Sonne : and hold euery new sense of mercy , a new spurre and prouocation vnto dutie . In the way and pace in which you goe , I must acknowledge I passe and slip an opportunitie , by passing ouer in silence so many commendable parts in you all , Prou. 31.30 . which make you worthy to bee praised among women fearing God . But my praises can lift you no higher than your owne vertues doe , whose diligent paines in gaining knowledge of holy things , conscionable practise of sound religion , charitable refreshing of the poore members of Christ , and whose humble , sober , wise , modest , and louely carriage , ( especially in these loose dayes ) are as so many tongues , and mouthes , and pens ( without mine ) to publish your due praises : and knowing that you will be better pleased , that I turne my praises into praiers , for your progresse and prosperitie in the good way , I shall endeuour to supplie that want this way , heartily commending you to the power of his grace , who only can further enrich you with the pearle of the Gospell ; who also giue you with the new yeere , new supplies of all holy graces , till the new man be compleat in Iesus Christ , in whom I rest

Your Worships to be vsed for your furtherance in the faith , THO. TAYLOR .
THE PEARLE OF the Gospell . MATTH. 13.45 .

The Kingdome of Heauen is like vnto a Merchant man that seeketh good pearles .

Who hauing sound a pearle of great price , went and sold all that he had , and bought it .

OVr Lord Iesus comming from the bosome of the Father , to reueale the mysterie hid from the beginning of the world , spent the whole time of his ministerie in discouering to the Church , the excellencie , the vtilitie , and the necessitie of that blessed and sauing truth , the daughter of eternitie , without which the whole world had lien in perpetuall death and darknesse .

This parable among many , The scope of this Parable . and aboue many , manifests , that how base soeuer and vile the things of God seeme to naturall men , yet there is such worth , vertue , price and beautie in them , as the godly man who only can discerne them , will exchange all he hath with them , yea & part with all the world before he will part with them .

In which Parable consider foure things . Foure parts of the Text.

1. What is this kingdome of heauen . 2. What is this pearle , and the goodnesse of it . 3. Who is this Merchant man . 4. What are his actions , namely three . 1. He seeketh good pearles . 2. Hee findeth a pearle of great price . 3. Hee sold all to buy it .

For the first .

By the kingdome of heauen , What the kingdome of heauen is not . is not meant the blessed estate of the Church triumphant in heauen : as in Matth. 5.10 . Yours is the kingdome of heauen .

Nor the Church militant and visible : as in Matth. 13.47 . which is like a net cast into the Sea .

Nor the time of grace vnder Christ exhibited to preach in his owne person : Mat. 3.3 . For the kingdome of God is at hand .

Nor the estate of grace , wherin the elect be iustified by faith , and are lead forward by grace , toward the kingdome of heauen : as Matth. 13.51 . The kingdome of heauen is like a graine of mustard seed .

Nor the kingdome of power , by which God in heauen as a King gouerneth all the world , and euery particular creature in it . What it is .

But by it is meant the preaching & publishing of the Gospell , called here , 1. A Kingdome . 2. A Kingdome of Heauen .

A Kingdome , 1. Why a kingdome , 3. Reasons . for three reasons .

1. Because the doctrine of the Gospell bringeth vs to Christ , that he as a King may reigne in vs : hence it is called the Gospell of the kingdome , Matt. 4.23 .

2. Because it is a powerfull meanes ordained by God , to pull vs out of the kingdome of darknesse , and translate vs to the kingdome of his deare Sonne , Coloss. 1.13 . and the Apostle calleth it the power of God to saluation , Rom. 1.16 .

3. Because God hath set it apart , not only to erect vp the kingdome of God within vs , which standeth in inward righteousnesse , peace of conscience , the ioy of the Holy Ghost , Rom. 14.17 . but also to leade vs thorow to the participation of that kingdome of glory reserued in heauen for vs .

Secondly , of heauen . Why of heauen .

1. Because of distinction from earthly kingdomes : it preacheth Christ a King ; but withall , that his kingdome is not of this world : hee ruleth not after a temporall manner , but sitteth as King in the spirits of his subiects , and ruleth the conscience , and holdeth vp this scepter of his kingdome in the hearts of men , so as this kingdome is heauenly and spirituall .

2. For exaltation and aduancement , lifting it vp aboue al that earthly kingdomes can afford , for worth and excellencie : and so to stirre vp our affections , and pull our eyes toward it ; the very name of it should rauish vs , and commend the priuileges of the Gospell vnto vs .

3. For admonition and caution , that the subiects of this kingdome should receiue their lawes from heauen , and contemning earth & earthly things , should aspire , meditate and frame themselues to heauenly conuersation : this very title of the Gospell should be of power to lift vs aboue the earth .

Now what is meant by this pearle ? What is meant by the Pearle . By the pearle is meant , 1. The happy estate of grace here . 2. The happy estate of glory hereafter .

Of which latter , see Reuel. 21.21 . the foundations of the new Ierusalem were garnished with all manner of pretious stones ; Iasper , Saphir , Chalcedon , and the twelue gates were twelue pearles , &c.

But here it signifieth the happy estate of grace , in which wee are still seeking , and purchasing the pearle , and the good things of the Gospell , as namely , the glad tidings of it ; the offer of Christ with his merits ; the gift of faith , iustification , sanctification ; Good things of the Gospell resemble a Pearle in fiue things . sanctification ; and these are called a pearle for sundry reasons .

1. For the value and worth of them , 1. In value and worth . which passe all other treasures in excellencie and estimation . As siluer is beyond brasse , and gold beyond siluer , so pearls are beyond gold , and the good things of the Gospell beyond the most precious pearles : so saith Salomon , Pro. 3.14 , 15. The merchandise of wisdome is better than the merchandise of siluer ; the reuenue of it is better than that of gold : it is more pretiou than pearles , and all thou canst desire are not comparable to it . What a world of wealth both spirituall and heauenly , is manifested by the Gospell , which exhibiteth Christ , in whom are al treasures of grace and glory ? What a rich store-house is Christ himselfe ? the least drop of whose bloud was more precious than al the world ? How precious are all his merits , and plentifull for redemption ? What a good thing , and precious grace is faith , which storeth a man with all the good things of heauen ? How precious is the doctrine of saluation , which must not be cast to swine ; as Matt. 7.6 ? Well doth our Sauiour therefore call this a pearl of great price for the most precious pearles in regard o● these good things o● the Gospell , are but dust and clay .

2. 2. In rarenesse . For the rarenesse . Pearles are not so common as pibles , nor in the hands of common and ordinary men ; but fit for Princes & great personages ; common men know them not , nor the price , nor the vse of them : Euen so the good things of the Gospell are not known or obuious to euery one , but hidden mysteries , vnknowne to the most part of the world , and a wisdome reuealed to Babes . And as Pearles are easily contemned of vnskilfull persons , who are ignorant of their price and vse : so the mysteries of the Gospell ; offer them to the Gentiles , they esteeme them foolishnesse : 1 Cor. 1.23 . to the Iewes they are as a scandall : Christ crucified is the very scorne of the world ; onely a few beleeuers aduanced to be Kings and Priests to God , Reu. 1.5 . know the price of this commoditie , and lay out for it .

3. 3. For hidden vertue . In regard of the hidden vertue and secret excellencie of them . The body and quantitie of a Pearle is small , but the vertue and power of it great : so the Gospell seemeth small , and contemptible , Rom. 1.16 . but it is the power of God to saluation : and faith in the Gospell draweth vertue from Christ to open blinde eyes ; to cure all spirituall diseases , to raise from death in sinne ; to driue away deuils , and breake the force of temptation : all the Pearles betwixt heauen & earth haue not such power ; onely faith as small as a graine of mustard seed , draweth vertue from Christ : and grace though it bee neuer so little ( if sound ) it is of power to open blinde eyes , and to carry the Saints along vnto their saluation .

4. In regard of their excellent qualities , Foure qualities of a rich Pearle . as puritie , and cleerenesse : 1. Brightnesse . 2. Famnesse . 3. Greatnesse . 4. Roundnesse and orient brightnesse : so the law of the Lord is pure , Psal. 19. The doctrine of grace , for the brightnesse and perspicuitie of it , is as a resplendent gem , which draweth all eyes to it . Secondly , in Pearles is firmnesse and strength ; so hard and firme are some of them , as fire consumeth them not , nor much strength can breake them : euen so firme and sure are the promises of the Gospell ; all of them are Yea and amen : 2 Cor. 1.20 . fire nor water , prosperitie nor aduersitie can conquer them : so firme is sauing grace , which can neuer bee shaken out of the heart . Thirdly , 2 Tim. 3. last . their magnitude and greatnesse ; so great is the mysterie of godlinesse ; amongst all Gods secrets , there is none so great , as this of mans redemption : In the beholding of which , the Angels cannot yet satisfie themselues , 1 Pet. 1.12 . Fourthly , equalitie & roundnesse much commend pearles . The Gospell is offered to all alike , to beleeuers and vnbeleeuers ; to masters and seruants , rich and poore : it is no fault of the Gospell , if thou beest not saued by it .

5. 5. For the effects , which are three . 1. To inrich . In regard of their effects . Pearles supplie our needs at al seasons ; and therefore Nonius a Senator of Rome , persecuted by M. Antonius , prouided only for himselfe an Vnion of inestimable price , to carry with him in his flight , by which alone bee was rich enough : So the Gospell supplieth all our wants ; Christ in the Gospell supplieth vs all things , prouideth for vs bread of life , and water of life , and garments of his owne righteousnesse ; hee payeth all our debts , inricheth vs with inestimable treasures , and naked Christ is wealth enough .

Secondly , 2. To adorne . Pearles serue for ornament , and honour , and shew a man to be in dignity : some hang them in their eares ; some hang them in golden chains vpon their brests ; some set them in gold , and weare them on their singers : So the Gospell is the honour and ornament of a Christian , and maketh vp all his indignities & wrongs : while he hangeth it on his eare , by diligent and carefull hearing : while he fastneth this Vnion , and Pearle , and maketh it shine by faith in his heart : and while he weareth it as a ring on his finger , by conscionable practise of the commandements of the Gospell ; which is , to beleeue in the Sonne of God , and loue one another ; this man is honoured of God and all his Saints . Thirdly , to cure and comfort .

Thirdly , many Pearles are of great vse , and effect , to preuent poison , to preserue naturall strength , and recouer it decaied : many of them great Cordials , and others great comforters of the principall vitall parts of man .

So the Gospell and good of it preserue the soule from the poison of sinne , preserueth supernaturall strength , restoreth and reneweth strength of grace decaied ; is the only heauenly Cordial to comfort the heart in gripes of temptation , and accusation : it is the comforter in all afflictions ; that a Christian may say of it as Dauid of the Law , Psal. 119.92 . Had not my comfort beene in thy law ; I had perished long agoe in my trouble .

Labour then to see the worth and price of the Gospell , that with Christ thou maist preferre this Pearle of the Kingdome , aboue all Pearles & Kingdomes , and value this Pearle of grace aboue al naturall Pearles .

Our Sauiour would haue vs see how carnall we are , while such supernaturall treasures are so slightly accounted , and at so little and low a rate with vs . How carnall is it to preferre other Pearles which are from earth , or sea , before this Pearle which onely is from heauen ? How vnwise are we , so highly to value the Pearles whose matter is dust and slime , and whose beautie is by the Sun beames included : and contemne the Pearle , the matter of which is the eternall loue of God by Iesus Christ : and the beautie the light & grace of Christ the Sunne of righteousnesse , which for the orient brightnesse excelleth the Sunne shining in his strength .

Beside , neuer shall this Pearle be purchased before it be prized ; nor euer be of vse to vs vntill we haue purchased it : as a Pearle keepeth it shine , beautie , and vertue , wrapped vp in the darknesse and bowels of the earth ; but no whit enricheth him that findeth it not .

Also let vs place our riches in the Gospell , Place our riches in this Pearle . which is so farre aboue Pearles as the substance is aboue the shadow : Pearles here doe but shadow forth the worth of grace , but there is no proportion betweene them in shining , vse , or beautie .

First , because opinion setteth the price of the one ; 1. The excellencie of this Pearle aboue all other in fiue things . but worth on the other : the true worth of the grace of the Gospell , heighteneth it to him that can truly esteeme it .

Secondly , no Pearle can buy a graine of grace ; but grace may bring riches & Pearles ; hauing the promise of this life as well as of that which is to come .

Thirdly , no Pearle can auaile in the day of wrath : only grace opposed to Gods displeasure stinteth it , Prou. 11.4 .

Fourthly , Pearles and treasures can no way further a mans saluation ; many wayes doe and may binder it : many for gaping after the world lose their owne soules : but the wealth of the Gospell only saueth soules , and there is no other meanes besides it .

Fiftly , Pearles may make a man rich in this world , and adorne the outward man ; but not the inward : neither will they goe with vs hence to doe vs any good ; here we finde them , and here wee leaue them . But the rich Pearle of the Gospel is indeed ours ; and maketh vs richest in heauen : content thy selfe therefore with it as the blessed Disciple Peter saying , Ioh. 6.68 . Master , thou hast the words of eternall life , and whither shall we goe ? How haue the Saints esteemed and made grace their only iewell and treasure ? Ps. 119.111 . Dauid made the testimonie of God his heritage , yea the ioy of his heart . Ephes. 1.7 . The Apostle calleth it a rich grace , and Chap. 2.7 . the exceeding riches of his grace : and Col. 1.17 . which riches is Christ in you .

But men that seeke after grace are the poorest men , meane , and vnprosperous in the world .

No , they are the richest men , though neuer so meane in the world , they haue many waies to be rich , which the worldling wanteth . They haue a rich knowledge , 1 Cor. 1.27 . they haue faith a rich commoditie , more precious than gold that perisheth , 1 Pet. 1.7 . they haue Christ liuing in them , and dwelling in them ; they haue praier a rich storehouse ; they naue title , and are indeed heires of the Kingdome of heauen . And suppose they be afflicted , reiected , and scorned amongst men ; yet can they with Moses , account the rebukes of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt , Heb. 11.46 . On what a world of sweet content lodgeth in the heart with Christ ? in want of all things hee hath all things . It one aske a Christian , What is thy Country ? he may answer , Christ and his Country . What is thy kindred ? Ans. Christ is my kindred . Matth. 12.50 . Behold my mother , and my brethren , and my sisters . What is thy wealth and honor ? Answer , Gods Kingdome is mine , yea God himselfe : he is all things to mee , here and hereafter .

Men cast vp their heads , and looke aloft , if they be Lords of some small Manour , or possession : but to be a King or Prince of a peece of earth , lifteth them in their conceits aboue the tops of the clouds : But a poore Christian is better contented with poore and naked Christ , than with all such high and stately vanitie .

Wee must also doe for the Gospell as men will doe for pearles and treasures , Doe for the Gospell as men doe for Pearles . take paines to purchase and obtaine it .

1. 1. Painfulnes to procure it . What a deale of paines and trauell doe men take to Faires and Markets , in hope of a little profit , of which yet they may be disappointed : but refuse all cost , and trauell for the Gospell ? Oh that men would heare the call of the Gospell , and seeke for faith aboue siluer , and for grace aboue fine gold ; happy is the man that findeth the merchandise of grace , and the commoditie of faith , which is aboue all commodities : alas that such precious wares should lie neglected , and neuer asked after , nay refused and thrust off , when God maketh offer to thrust the same vpon vs ; while for euery trifle wee want , for euery shooe-string , we can inquire , aske , and pray for : but content our selues with goods wanting goodnesse , and with a full chest of siluer , or gold ; and a heart emptie of God and his grace : woe to so rich a begger ; and vnhappy is that man that hath only not purchased what was only worth purchasing .

2. 2. Carefully locke it vp in thy surest thest . Locke vp the doctrine and promises of the Gospell in faith full hearts and memories . A man that hath a Iewell of inestimable price , will bee sure to locke it vp in the surest chest hee hath ; How careful then should we be of safe keeping the instructions of Gods word ? which wee can lightly reiect ; and will bee more carefull to keepe the least peece of siluer that euer we saw coined , than the most inualuable treasures of Gods word that euer we heard preached ? But Mary pondred Christs words , and laid them vp in the closet of her heart .

Againe , Comfort to poore Christians . this tends to comfort poore Christians . Thou art poore and despised in the world ; but God hath honoured thee with a Pearle , worth all the Kings ransomes in the world . Thou art a loser in the world , the profits of it flie from thee , into other mens hands ; But 2 Cor. 6.10 . as poore , and yet making many rich ; as hauing nothing , and yet possessing all things . Thou losest thy name , goods , and libertie ; but this Pearle remaineth with thee in all estates ; thou art neuer so poore as thou seemest , nor such a loser as the world takes thee for : Dauid found the word his comfort in trouble , and that kept him from perishing : yea the statutes were his songs in the time of his pilgrimage , Psal. 119.50.54 .

This of the second thing .

3. Who is the Merchant ? Who the Merchant is . Answ. Euery Christian man and woman , who are in the way to heauen ; and in respect of their trade of Christianitie are compared to the Merchant . Prou. 3.14 . for the merchandise of wisdome is better than the merchandise of siluer , and the gaine thereof is better than gold . Luke 19.13 . And hee called his ten seruants , and deliuered them ten pecces of money , and said vnto them , Occupie this till I come . Christianitie is a spirituall merchandising : I say spirituall , to distinguish it from ciuill ; neither is it altogether so like , but that there is much difference and dissimilitude betweene them : Seuen differences betweene ciuill and spirituall merchandising . and the difference is in seuen things .

1. In respect of persons : 1. Persons . in ciuill societie , all must not bee Merchants . The Polititians call Merchants , Pedes corpor is politici , that is , the feet of the body politicke ; both to carry out needlesse commodities into forraine parts , and by exchange to bring in more and other necessaries for them : Now all the body must not be a foot ; nor all the members of a naturall body haue the same function . But in this mysticall body it is farre otherwayes : For here euery Christian ought to bee a Merchant , Luk. 19.13 . seeing euery Christian man hath receiued some talents of his Lord to trafficke with ; & charge also to trade , and occupie with them till hee come : And whereas in ciuill dealings Ministers are excepted , and prohibited , that they must neither make merchandise of the word , nor intangle themselues with the affaires of this life : 2 Tim. 2.4 . No man that warreth intangleth himselfe with the affaires of this life , because hee should please him that hath chosen him to be a souldier ; These are in this supernaturall trading the chiefe Merchants , of whom men must expect , & inquire of these chiefe and heauenly commodities .

Secondly , 2. Commodities . in respect of the commodities ; Ciuill Merchants doe only deale in profits from earth , and for earth : in earth are they gotten , and in the earth are they left ; but these spirituall Merchants deale in commodities farther fetcht , namely from heauen , and for heauen ; not left by vs , nor leauing vs , till wee get into heauen ; the Apostle calleth them heauenly things in Christ .

Thirdly , in regard of the manner of obtaining them , they doe much differ : these are often gotten by indirect meanes ; as by false weights , measures , counterfet money , lies , and oathes ; and this ciuill merchandising is one of the Arts or Trades , that may bee well or ill vsed : But in spirituall & supernaturall trading , the Merchant aduanceth his estate by true and iust meanes onely : euery thing is weighed out , and taken in by the weights of the Sanctuarie , sealed by God himselfe for true and iust ; they are people of a pure language ; casting deceit out of their mouthes : here they are not craftie Merchants to deceiue their brethren , Iohn 1. but true Nathaniels in whom there is no guile .

Fourthly , Fourthly , effects . in regard of the effects ; Ciuill trading oft times calleth men from the worship of God , and hindreth it : Luk. 14.18.19 . wee may read of three sorts that refused to come to the supper , two of them were Merchants ; the one had bought a farme , and the other fiue yoake of oxen , and these must be excused : But this euer furthereth it ; for no man can attaine to the meanes of saluation ( which is this supernaturall merchandising ) but by such parts of Gods worship , & mans duty , as the Lord hath appointed in his word .

Fiftly , Fiftly , meanes in respect of necessary meanes to vphold and driue the trade withall : In ciuill trading money is necessarium subsidium ; for when men needed not the commodities exchangeable , mony was inuented to preserue contracts ; without which the Merchant cannot compasse his commodities . But in supernaturall trafficke , the Merchant buyeth without money or money worth . Esa. 55.1 . Hoe , euery one that thirsteth , come yee to the waters , and ye that haue no siluer , come buy and eat : come ( I say ) and buy wine and milke without siluer and without money : Not the least of these commodities are to be valued by money , gold , pearles , and the desirable things of this life , Prou. 3.14.15 . for the merchandise thereof is better than siluer , or whatsoeuer men can deuise or desire besides it .

Sixtly , 6. Circumstances . 1. Of time . in regard of circumstances of time and place .

For the time : Ciuill merchandising is to be exercised on the six dayes , not on the Sabbath day . 13. Neh. 19 , 20. And when the gates of Ierusalem began to be darke , before the Sabbath I commanded to shut the gates , and charged , that they should not be opened till after the Sabbath : and some of my seruants set I at the gates , that there should be no burden brought in on the Sabbath day : So the chapmen and Merchants of all merchandise remained once or twise without Ierusalem .

But for supernatural and spirituall trading , as all the six dayes are fit ; so the seuenth especially is the Lords mart or market , to furnish all his people with prouision for the whole weeke following .

And for the place : All places are not fit for ciuill marts & Merchants ; but the principall prohibited place is the Church the house of God : Matth. 21.12 . Iesus went into the Temple of God , and cast out all them that bought and sold in the Temple , and ouerthrew the tables of the money changers , and the seats of them that sold Doues : Christ would not endure his Fathers house of praier to be made a house of merchandise . But in spirituall trading , for heauen , all places are fit for Christian Merchants , who should goe no where but still be trading for grace : and continually either be doing of good , or taking of good : But especially the house of God is the most proper place appointed , for the inriching of the heart , and increasing of the stocke of faith and knowledge , and of all graces .

So much for the dissimilitude betweene them : The similitude and resemblance between earthly and heauenly trading standeth in fiue things . Now the similitude and reason of this resemblance standeth in fiue things .

1. A Merchant man is a man that dealeth in great and precious commodities ; The Greeke word is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , not 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , the Merchant is no pedler , nor chapman of small wares , nor taken vp in selling pins , or points , and toyes for babes : but tradeth for great things , for great bulks , & quantities , 1. In greatnes of the commodities . for great summes , and dealeth in most rich commodities .

So the Christian Merchant carefull for heauen , aimeth not at the base profits of this life ; as siluer , gold , and such corruptible things : for these things are but small in his eye and contemptible , in respect of the businesse of iustification , of holinesse , grace , and glory . These are that one thing needfull , Luke 10.42 . and that better part that taketh vp his thoughts and desires : such a rich Merchant was Dauid , Psal. 4.7 . Thou hast giuen me more ioy of heart than they haue had when their wheat and their oile did abound . Let other men peddle and barter for corne , wine , and oile , the Christian Merchant hath a commoditie beyond all this , in his eye : Psal. 4.6 . Lord lift vpon me the light of thy countenance ; Such a Merchant was Zacheus , Luke 18.8 . when saluation was come to his house ; he cast away these pedling profits , faster than he gat them ; halfe hee gaue to the poore , and the rest he reserued to restore fourefold .

Such a one was Paul , Phil. 3.8 . who counted all things losse and dung in comparison of Christ ; and to know the vertue of his death and resurrection . Such rich Merchants were the Martyrs ; who hauing heauen in their eye , esteemed their goods , libertie , yea life it selfe not worth hauing in comparison thereof . For as a man if hee were as high as the Moone , would see the earth but as a pricke : so hee whose thoughts are in heauen , and his eye on things that are aboue , within the veile , esteemeth the earth but small , and despicable . For euen as the great light drowneth the lesser ; so the bright shining of the Sunne of righteousnesse , drowneth all the lesser candles and comforts of this present world .

Secondly , 2. In the skill of the commoditie . there is likenesse in the skill of the commoditie hee dealeth in : For as a Merchant greatly aduanceth his estate , if he haue skill , and insight , what commodities are like to be of the quickest returne : if he know and lay out for the best conditioned commodities of euery kinde : So the Christian Merchant labouring for Skill , knowledge , and sound iudgement in the matter of Religion , whereby he may be able to iudge aright of Doctrines deliuered , shall grow rich in knowledge , and to a great measure of faith , and full of Christian wisdome ; whence the Apostle ( Phil. 1.10 . ) praieth , that they may abound in all knowledge and iudgement to discern things that differ : and thus they shall be rich , and filled with fruits of righteousnesse , vers . 11.

And contrariwise , for want of this skill , a Merchant dealing for great bulkes , soone falleth into great losses : but especially the Ieweller or Lapidarie by ignorance may soone ouerthrow his whole estate , in respect of many cheaters and couseners , who can notably counterfeit Pearles , and make them seeme very orient by false arts , and so put away at a great price a peece of a fish bone or shell , or some peece of painted glasse for rich Pearles and precious stones .

Euen so , many spirituall Merchants decay , and breake for want of this skill , by meanes of many imposters and deceiuers , heretickes , false teachers , Apostates , Libertine Preachers , and the Popish guides , furnished with all arts to deceiue , as with wit and speech , and other insinuatiue faculties , that make offer of pibles for Pearls , and thrust vpon men for the true Pearle of Gods word , the glassie , and brickle conceits of mans braines : which because they haue made to glister , and haue set a good colour on them , they hold at as high a rate , as any Pearle can be valued ; and now many inconsiderate persons are taken with the beautie , profit , or some seeming pleasure , and so robbed and gulled of their soundnesse , for the present ; and of their expectations and hopes hereafter . Now that we may not be thus abused , let vs listen to those Apostolicall precepts : Ephes. 4.14 . Not to be children , wauering and carried about with euery wind of Doctrine , by the deceit of men , and craftinesse whereby they lie in wait to deceiue : and in 1 Ioh. 4.1 . Beleeue not euery spirit , but trie the spirits whether they are of God : and 1 Thess. 5.21 . Trie all things , and keepe that which is good

Thirdly , 3. In conferring of their commodities . the similitude is in their conuersing and conferring one with another : Euery Merchant will be speaking of his commodities ; he will make offer of his pearles , and wares of price , that he may put them off into other mens hands for his owne aduantage . So the Christian Merchant will bee talking and conferring of this Pearle of the Gospell ; as in Cant. 5.6 . The Spouse spendeth her dayes in breathing out the praises of Christ . A faithfull Christian cannot hide grace in a napkin , nor hold it so close to himselfe , but hee must communicate it and make offers of it to others : Such good Merchants were the two Disciples going to Emmaus , conferring of Christ , whom Christ ioyned himselfe with , Luk. 24.19 . Such a one was Paul offering the Pearle to Agrippa , and wishing all the people were such as he was , except his bonds , Act. 26.29 . And the reason is , whatsoeuer hee can communicate to another , is his owne cleere gaine : For this is the difference between the secular riches and spirituall : A worldly rich man is rich for himselfe only , and the more he imparteth to others , the lesse is lest for himselfe ; But hee that is rich in God , is not only rich in & for himselfe ; but these riches doe more inrich him by inriching others , than holding them to himselfe : and the more he communicateth , the more remaineth ; as the oyle in the cruse and the meale in the barrell , were not wasted with spending , but rather increased .

Fourthly , 4. The earnest desire of increasing their estate of both . in the earnest desire , & endeuour of increasing wealth , they may be fitly compared . The Merchant refuseth no paines or perill , no labour or danger , no cost or charge , no hazard by Sea or Land to purchase such commodities , as may yeeld him returne of profit and aduantage : But especially Lapidaries and Merchants for Pearls , toile themselues by many weary iournies , and voyages , into all lands and countries ; and haue their factors lying abroad euery where to meet with Pearles and precious stones which are of greatest gaine and aduantage .

So the Christian Merchant hath an insatiable thirst and hunger after the good things of the Gospell ; and with vnweariable study and desire he trauelleth to euery Mart , where this Pearle may be met withall : he apprehendeth all opportunities , frequenteth euery Sermon , waiteth at the gates of Wisdome : Pro. 8.34 . hee swalloweth easily matter of labour and charge , to become owner of the Pearle , and hee is instant in this painfull endeuour : for here it is not as in ciuill trading , wherein many Merchants hauing gotten money enough , giue vp their trade , and take their ease in the Country : but so long as there is any good comming in , he will be ready for it : and as the labour of the body bringeth thirst , so the labour of the soule increaseth thirst after grace . Besides that , grace is so sweet to a godly heart , as a Christian Merchant can neuer bee satisfied , nor euer giue vp as hauing enough ; and as hee knoweth the streame from whence hee sucketh , can neuer bee drawne drie : so himselfe is euer in want of some good things , or at the least of some measure of it ; and is euer seeking the supplie of the same .

Fiftly , 5. They agree in care to preserue their estate . they agree in the care of preseruing , and safe keeping the Pearles , and wealth gotten : the Merchant doth know hee is in continuall danger of theeues and robbers ; and that the more precious the commodities be , the more eagerly they are assaulted : and himselfe for them often set vpon ; sometimes with hazard , sometimes with losse of goods , & life it selfe : now hee is so much the more carefull and watchfull to barre , and locke vp in the surest and strongest places his richest commodities .

So the Christian Merchants are in continuall chase and pursuit by Satan , seducers , heretickes , false teachers , tyrants , and all prophane ones in the world ; Besides their owne inbred rebellion and lufts , which fight against their owne soules .

Now then all these lie in wait so much more diligently , as the wealth is more precious than any other , to rob these Merchants , not of siluer or gold , but of faith and hope , and all their graces , the least of which is much more precious than gold , or the most precious Pearles that euer lay hid in the bowels of the earth : Yea themselues are so furiously assaulted , as hardly they may escape with goods or life , as wee may see in Christ himselfe , and in the Martyrs , who for his sake were bereaued , and stripped of all outward comforts of life , and life it selfe .

Hence the wise Christian Merchant carefully fenceth himselfe with Gods feare : Secondly , standeth on his ground and guard of faith : Thirdly , locketh vp his graces and the word in his heart : Fourthly , keepeth watches with God morning and euening in holy praier and praises : Fiftly , with Christian fortitude and armour , hee maintaineth the measure of grace receiued : By all which meanes hee not onely disappointeth the enemie of his prey , but also sheweth his owne valour & vertue which is no lesse in keeping and retaining the good things of the Gospell , Non minor est virtus , quam quaerere , parta tueri . than in getting and attaining them .

Now if Christians be Merchants , then not Monkes nor eremits ; Merchants & Monks very different . not a cloistred people who liue alone ; and not to any other . Ciuill Merchants must trade and conuerse together for the good one of another ; and Christian Merchants much more : I would these bellies had eares , and that these drones would consider ; First , how vnnaturall this course of life is , condemned by the heathens themselues . Aristotle could say that Homo est natura animal gregabile , Politie . 1. a man is naturally sociable : and Cicero , that no man is borne for himselfe , Offic. 1. Non nobis nati sumus , sid partem patria , partem parentes , &c. but his Country , kindred and his neighbours , yea euery man hath a part in euery man secondly 〈◊〉 other more essentiall efference is there , between the life of man & brute beasts ; but the beasts life is a kind of fingle life for it selfe : but mans life is a life communicatiue ? Thirdly , these droues of idle cattle are the vnprofitable burthens of the earth ; for , what gift soeuer they haue , all is lost ; what profit is there in a hidden treasure ? Paulum sepultae distat incrtiae Celata virtus . so wisdome and gifts denied to the Church and Common-wealth , to what are they profitable ? God hath not giuen all gifts to one ; but varietie of gifts to diuers ; Vt ego tuis , tu meis indigeres : God will haue men taught , edified , gouerned , by men , not by Angels : How then can he set vp the duties of pietie , promote the good of his neighbour , or edifie the Church by precept or example , which flieth societie , and imprisoneth himselfe in wilfull fetters ; vnnaturally putting off manhood , and blessing himselfe in a fearfull curse , as any temporall almost can be ?

Let all of vs therefore carry our selues like wise Merchants . Imitate wise Merchants in three things .

1. A wise Merchant will know what stocke he putteth into trade : so must we take notice what talent or talents we haue receiued of the Lord to trafficke withall ; what portion or proportion of gifts we haue in our hands : and esteeme our selues worth so much , as we haue receiued of grace , and no more .

Secondly , the Merchant will not lay out his money but for a hopefull bargaine . Esay 55.2 . Wherefore doe you lay out siluer and not for bread , and your labour without being satisfied ? Hearken diligently vnto me , and eat that which is good , and let your soule delight in fatnesse ; taxing the folly of such as labour and dearely buy externall food , and prouision : with neglect of the wholesome bread and water of life .

So a wise Christian Merchant will spend his time and labour on that , which when hee hath gotten , will satisfie him ; which if hee bestow in outward things , ( suppose hee doth gaine them ) they cannot satisfie him . Eccles. 5.9 . He that loueth siluer shall not bee satisfied , and hee that loueth riches shall be without the fruit there of : And of all earthly things may be said that of Salomon . The eye is neuer satisfied with seeing , nor the eare with hearing : onely godlinessE bringeth with it contentment .

Thirdly , the Merchant will often cast his estate , his bookes , his shops , and his reckonings to see whether his stocke increaseth or decayeth : If he finde himselfe a gainer , then he is glad ; if the contrary , he is heartles and sorrowfull .

So the Christian Merchant is much and often in trying his estate and standing in grace ; and is most glad when hee findeth in himselfe increase of grace , knowledge , humility , faith , loue , &c. but it is a death to him to goe backward , and to see his estate of grace rather to decrease than increase : hee hath no comfort in his present vnfruitfulnesse ; much lesse in Apostacy , and backe-slicing : but his comfort and account to the Lord is onely when hee can say , Luke 19.13 . Lord , thy talent hath increased ten talents .

Let this consideration also comfort godly poore men despised in the world : The poorest Christian is a very rich Merchant . thou that art a poore Christian , in a low estate in the world , labour busily for grace : and thou maist bee as rich a Merchant , haue as rich a stocke , and deale in as great and rich commodities ( if poore in spirit ) as the richest . Thou that hast no money , and but little credit in the world , maist heere make as good a bargaine and as gainfull returne for thy selfe , as he that hath thousands of money beyond thee . The poore receiue the Gospell , saith our Sauiour , that is , few but the poore in estate , none but the poore in spirit ; for this trading is without money , like the poore womans curing , who spent all her money on the Physitians , and yet was not cured ; but Christ commeth and cureth her freely . Againe , art thou a poore man , hast thou a great charge of children , and no meanes to put them forth to trades ? here is a rich trade : make Merchants of them , teach them and binde them to this trade of godlinesse : this is the way to make them prosperous in earth , and bring them happily towards heauen , Prou. 14.26 . The feare of the Lord is an assured strength , and his children shall haue hope .

Haue likewise a care , that hauing bought and purchased the Pearle , Part not from the Pearle once gotten . thou doest not fell it againe . Pro. 23.23 . Buy the truth , but sell it not : likewise wisdome and instruction , and vnderstanding , for what wee sell , we esteeme it lesse worth than that we sel it for : but we must value this Pearle aboue riches , glory , libertie , Pearles , and life it selfe : by no meanes part from wisdome , neither by our forgetfulnesse , security or ouer-sight any way : Besides , we can sell it for nothing which is not vncertaine gaine , but this is most certaine and most lasting ; and therefore not to bee exchanged with any other .

This of the third generall .

The Merchant mans actions are three : Three maine actions of a wise Merchant .

1. He seeketh a good Pearle . 2. Findeth an excellent one . 3. Selleth all he hath to buy it .

Euery man naturally will be seeking some thing to make him happy : the naturall man hath some naturall Pearle or other , on which hee setteth his affection , and in which bee taketh greatest delight . Some Merchants esteeme pleasure their best Pearle , some honour , some riches , and the most of the world seeking some Pearle , light vpon some counterfeit or other ; wherein they content themselues , and blinde both themselues and others : which made an ancient Father cry out : Foelix negotiator qui nouit qua rerenon necina vt ambitiosi , nen inuti●a vt curiosi , sed salubria vt sancti . Happy is that Merchant that knoweth to seeke not hurtfull things as the ambitious doe , nor vnprofitable things as the curious doe ; but the most wholesome things as doe the Saints : but this a supernaturall both seeker and seeking and things sought : The thing sought is the grace of the Gospell : a good Pearle indeed as before the seeker was , the wise Merchant .

But how can any man seeke grace , seeing Psal. 14. and Rom. 3. no man seeketh after God ?

Answ. No man by nature can seeke after grace , nor of himselfe once aske after it because he is destitute of the spirit of God , no more than the lost groat can aske after her that lost it , or a wandring sheepe after the Shepherd , or a dead man after life : So as those places are meant of men before conuersion and calling : for the elect seeke not God till God first seeke them , and findeth them . But this is to be vnderstood of men called , conuerted , already found of God , and mooued by the Spirit of God : who mooued by God can now moue themselues , and sought by him now can seeke him . Which both setteth out our infinite miserie , who of our selues neuer minde the meanes of happinesse ; and also magnifieth Gods mercie which is infinite : who offering vnto vs a free grace , doth truly say , I was found of them that sought me not ; and giueth him also the honour of goodnesse , and of our seeking of him .

Only the godly and all they are seekers of the good Pearle : Doct. they seeke after God in Christ , and the grace of the Gospell ; Only the godly and all they are seekers of the Pearle . euery where the godly are called seekers of God , and seekers of wisdome , Prou. 2. and seekers of the kingdome , Matt. 6.33 . and wicked men are described to be such as seeke not after God , Psalm . 14.4 . And why ?

1. These onely doe see their owne want and beggerie , which is implied in seeking . No man seeketh that hee wanteth not , or that first findeth not in himselfe a want of grace . Psal 143.6 . Dauid desired grace as the thirstie ground , and grace is not promised , nor giuen to any but the thirstie . Isa. 55.1 . Euery one that thirsteth , come yee to the waters . Psalm . 14.2 . First they must vnderstand ( namely their estate ) and then seeke after God .

2. All these , and they alone doe see the excellencie , as well as the need of this Pearle , and God hath let them see , in some measure , the worth of it . Why are men so earnestly caried to seeke Pearles , farre and neere swallowing insensibly all toiles , dangers , and charges , but because they know their worth and price , and that if they can light on them they shall be well paid for all their labour .

Euen so , such as to whom God hath made knowne in some measure , the worth of this inestimable lewell , are quickned daily to the vnweariable inquisition after it . Paul knew that one graine of grace would weigh downe all the world ; and therefore would procure it through all perils and dangers , through good reports or euill , through wants and losses , euen of the dearest things , and most desirous in all the world ; whereas Ignoti nulla cupido , none will seeke that he knoweth not , or not any goodnesse in it .

3. They only know , that without painfull seeking , they shall neuer attaine the Pearle : for as Pearles doe not lie on the face of the ground , but are hid in the bowels of the earth , or in the sands ; so the mysteries of the Kingdome lie not abroad for euery one to stumble vpon vnawares ; but they are a hidden treasure , not discerned by the naturall man ; nay hated by the wisdome of the flesh , and scorned by the wisest of the world .

Besides , that this is the condition vpon which the Lord bestoweth his best blessings : Pro. 2.4 . if we dig for wisdome as for treasures ; which words implie , that it is not easie to come by ; he knoweth our nature , that wee lightly set by what wee lightly come by : and if Pearles were as common as pibbles , wee should as lightly set by them as we doe by the other .

4. The godly alone see , that without the Pearle , they cannot by any thing else be satisfied : for so seeking , implieth a discontent in the want of the thing sought for . Common men , if they finde health , wealth , friends , pleasures , and the like outward things , are well contented ; corne , wine , & oile , to cheere their hearts : But these wise Merchants seeking grace , no other thing contenteth them but grace ; one glimpse of Gods countenance through Iesus Christ , is sweet aboue all . And as hee that seeketh a Iewell , doth looke still after it , ( a thousand things come in his way and eye , but he passeth slightly ouer them , and seeth them not , nor seeketh hee them ) euen so doth the Christian Merchant ; and as the ciuill Merchant attaining Pearles , doth rest ioyfull in them as in such commodities as will helpe his happinesse in the world : So the godly Merchant finding this one Pearle of the Gospel , which is the grace of life , goeth away reioycing , and resteth well appaid for all his labours and sufferings . He was before hee light vpon this Pearle , the most vnhappie man in the world ; but now hee cannot hide his ioy : but as the poore widow , which called in her neighbors to reioyce with her , because she had found the lost groat , Luk. 15.9 . so can he neither wholly hide , nor yet expresse halfe the ioy hee conceiueth in his new commoditie and purchase .

But many seeke , and that with reares , that faile of grace , as Esau , and many shall striue to enter ( saith Christ ) and shall not bee able : and Rom. 9.31 , 32. Israel sought right nusnesse , but obtained it not .

Answ. Many seeke , but amisse , Fiue conditions of right seeking the Pearle . and therefore faile : so Israel sought , but not by faith . Now the true condition of seeking as the wise Merchant , and as the word directeth , standeth in fiue things .

1. 1. Affectionately . With an earnest and true loue , desire , and estimation of the thing sought ; this will make a man seeke diligently , and as a thirsty person , not coldly , carelesly , remisly , slightly , or negligently ; for such seeking shall neuer finde : for why did the Church seeke Christ so laboriously , till she found him , but because it was hee whom her soule loued ? Cant. 3.3 . The watchmen that went about the Citie , found mee , to whom I said , Haue yee seene him whom my soule loueth ? And why did Mary seeke Christ , hauing lost him three dayes ? Because she loued him and reioyced in his person and presence ; which made her heart so heauie in his absence , Luk. 2.42 . Behold , thy father and I haue sought thee with heauie hearts . The Merchant , because hee loueth and esteemeth of siluer , doth seeke it carefully and earnestly , Pro. 2.4 . and the heauenly Merchant shall finde grace vndoubtedly , if he seeke it as the other doth siluer . Loue is laborious ; he that loueth Christ and his grace , will neuer cease to seeke him , nor faile to finde him . See the promise in Ier. 29.12 , 13. Then shall you crie vnto mee , and you shall goe and pray vnto me , and I will heare you : and you shall seeke mee and finde mee , because you shall seeke mee with all your heart : Whosoeuer then euer meaneth to finde God and his sauing grace , must vnfainedly and heartily seeke after him . 2. Wisely in the likely place of finding .

Secondly , it must be sought in the likely place and meanes of finding : the ordinary place where this Pearle is to be found , is , the assemblies of the Saints : there God holdeth forth his scepter , and maketh offer of the grace of life . Cant 1.7 . Where was the Church to find Christ with his graces at noone , in her thirst , but in the steps of the shepherds ? And these assemblies are the Suburbs of heauen , called therfore the Kingdome of grace : and hee that refuseth the good offers of grace , in the word , sacraments , praier , hearing , reading , conferring , & the like , shall neuer finde it . No wise Merchant will slacke any good opportunity of aduancing his estate ; now the likely meanes in wise seeking are diligently to be vsed , as

1. To search the euidence of the Pearle , & this euidence is contained in the Scriptures . Iohn 5. Search the Scriptures , for they witnesse of me .

Secondly , the grant of it is from heauen by prayer . Let vs therefore goe boldly to the Throne of grace that we may find mercy and grace to helpe in time of need , Heb. 4.16 .

Thirdly , the couenant is by the application of these meanes signed , and deliuered , yea and witnessed by the blessed Spirit of GOD , by a blessed change in the beleeuing heart ; by mortification , and subduing the corruption of nature ; by heauenly motions , heauenly mindednes , and gracious conuersation , standing not in a shell , a forme or shew , but in the kernil , power , and substance of sound godlinesse .

Thirdly , 3. Principally . it must be sought first and principally , yea onely sought and that for it selfe : it must be sought first in time : As Psalme 63.3 . Early in the morning wil I seeke thee . The Israelites must seeke Manna , the first thing they doe in the morning . Esau seeketh , but too late ; the foolish Virgins doe knocke , but the doore is shut . 2. It must be sought in the first place . Matth. 6.33 . Seeke yee first the kingdome of heauen , and the righteousnesse thereof : Seeke neither other things before it , as worldlings , nor other things with it , as prophane Epicures , who would graspe heauen and earth together ; nor yet seeke it for other things , as Hypocrites , who professe the Gospell for fauour , credit , profit , or some other ( in respect of that ) base things . But seeke it alone for it selfe , and in sincerity ; for only such seeking findeth it : Neuer will Christ bee sought for loaues , nor can the same eye looke to heauen and earth together .

Fourthly , Fourthly , humbly . it must be sought humbly , that is , first out of thy selfe : a man that wanteth water , will go to the fountaine ; the waters of grace must flow from the fountaine , and well-head Christ Iesus : seeke it therefore in him and from him . The eye of faith spieth it in him , and the hand of faith doth take it vp from him .

Secondly , it must be sought with godly forrow and repentance for sinne . Isay 1.16 . Wash you , make you cleane , take away the euill of your works , from before mine eyes ; cease to doe euill .

Thirdly , with reformation of heart and life . Psal. 14.4 . The workers of iniquitie are vnfit and vnworthy seekers of grace .

Fiftly , 5. Constantly . it must be sought constantly : Mary and Ioseph neuer gaue ouer seeking Christ vntill they found him , nor the Church till shee found him : neither must we giue ouer seeking , hauing found grace , for it is not in this seeking , as in other things , where hauing found , we rest contented , and seeke no more : but here hauing found the thing wee sought , we must seeke still : for a Christian is euer wanting of grace , if not in whole , yet in part , if not in substance , yet in some degree and measure of it : and therefore this worke ( as the husband mans ) is neuer at an end .

This must needes condemne many of vs , of extreame folly and sinne : how few of vs , haue sought after grace as after siluer ? for siluer we will take great paines , rise early , goe to bed late , and eat the bread of carefulnesse : but when doe wee so for grace ? for siluer we will trauell many miles on horse , and foot , to a market or faire , if wee can but gaine or returne halfe a handfull of siluer : but for grace we will hardly step out of doores or bestow the least paines , to frequent the places of Gods exchange . In seeking siluer , euery man will seeke a good penny-worth ; hee is carefull that none ouer-reach him : hee parteth with his money as warily as may be : and will be ready to lay hold on a good bargaine , when it is offered . In the matter of grace , how fearefully doe many thrust it away with both hands , wilfully forsaking their own mercy ? Iona. 2.8 . They that wait vpon lying vanities , forsake their owne mercy : that is , refuse the bargaine of eternall life offered , almost forced vpon them and others , that seemed to haue receiued a good sum of grace , foolishly depart with it , and fall away either quite or wholly , or else from their measure and their first loue ; these men are farre from seeking grace , and farther from finding it .

This should stir vp our thirst after grace , to expresse our selues wise Merchants seazed on the Pearle , which that we may earnestly seeke after , let vs consider these fiue motiues .

1. 5. Motiues to prouoke vs earnestly to seeke after grace . Christ seeketh vs , and desireth vs to seeke him ; and shall Christ seek thee for thy good , and not thou seeke him for thine owne good ? But Christ seeketh vs , as a Hen that gathereth her chickins vnder her wings , Matth. 23.37 . and woe vnto vs if we remaine vngathered . The father of the prodigall , goeth out to meet his sonne returning home , to incourage vs to goe out of our solues to seeke him .

Secondly , the fearefull reuenge against such as seeke not , nor inquire after GOD , should mooue vs to seek him : as Zeph. 1.6 . in the fourth Verse , I will cut off the remnant of Baal ; & in the sixth , And them that turne backe from the Lord , and those that haue not sought the Lord nor inquired for him . And if they vnder the Law were so reuenged , how much more shall wee liuing vnder the Gospell , Heb. 2.3 . if we neglect so great saluation ? If the Gospel be now hid , it is hid to them that perish , 2 Corin. 4.3 . Oh what a fearefull case is it , that the Gospell should serue for the conuiction of men , and not for their conuersion ? Oh thrice vnhappy man that shall peruert this so aboundant grace to his owne destruction : and yet the plenty of Gods grace in the Gospel shall condemne thousands that neuer required or sought after it .

3. Thou shouldest seeke grace from God , but he seeketh to pin his grace on thy sleeue : God bringeth home the Gospell to thy house and doores ; hee sendeth forth his seruants , he continueth to seeke thee by continuing the meanes and the season of grace : he seeketh thee daily by his word , his Ministers , his blessings , his corrections , by the motions of the spirit , by the checks of thine owne conscience , and wilt thou not seeke being so sought vnto ? darest thou receiue such grace still in vaine ? 2 Cor. 6.5 . or turne it to wantonnes ? Iud. 3.

Fourthly , of this saluation the Prophets search diligently , 1 Pet. 1.10 . and shall wee to whom it more specially belongeth , not so much as aske or inquire after it ? or shall we thrust it away as the Iewes did , Acts 13.46 . but not without the most fearefull reuenge that euer hapned to any nation vnder the heauens , vnder which they lye at this day ?

Fiftly , for a man to abide destitute of desire and indeuour after grace , sheweth that Sathan the God of the world worketh mightily in such a one , and hath him in his power to hood-winke him , and hide from him the grace of the Gospell , that the brightnesse of this Pearle should neuer shine to him , least he should conuert and be saued : See 2 Cor. 4.3 , 4. This of the first action : Who hauing found a Pearle of great price .

The second action of the wise Merchant is ; he findeth an excellent Pearle ; Of the Pearle , and of the excellencie we haue spoken : Now are we in this part onely to speake something of the finding of it . And by the Pearle being meant the grace of the Gospell , as wee haue heard , wee learne this Doctrine : Seekers of grace shall finde it . That seekers of grace shall finde it : and onely they . Psalme 118.5 . I called vpon the Lord in trouble , and the Lord heard me , and set me at large : and Psalm . 138.3 . When I called then thou heardest mee , & hast increased strength in my soule : Salomon seeketh wisdome and findeth it . Luke 15.9 . Matth. 7.8 . The woman that sought the lost groat , found it : Whosoeuer asketh , receiueth , and he that seeketh , findeth . Why ?

1. Faithfull seeking can neuer take God wanting or vnwilling to giue grace , both because hee hath promised , and is able to performe , aboue all we are able to aske or thinke : His power is sufficient to supply all our wants : and Isay 65.1 . I was found of them that sought mee not : and verse 24. Yea before they call I will answer , and while they speake , I will heare .

If earthly fathers that are euill , Matth. 7.11 . ( both in comparison of God , and in their owne inclination ) can giue good things to their children that aske , much more our heauenly Father can and will . How glad is an earthly father , when his children can seeke after that which is good for them ? and our heauenly Father much more : Besides , God who hath promised cannot lye , Titus 1.2 . now he should deceiue his people , if they should not finde the grace they duly seeke : but he hath said , Matth. 5 , 6. that the hungring and thirsting soule shall be satisfied and supplied .

2. The Lord will not so farre discourage his seruants , and dishearten them , as neuer to let them finde that , they bestow so much true paines in seeking : but he vpholdeth them in seeking , by supplying , some way or other , some time or other , that they seeke : his wisdome not only feedeth his children with hopes of an haruest to come ; but affordeth them present food and finding , euen in this life , so far as will stand with hunger and thirst : by which hee incourageth them in their prayers , teares , labours , and sufferings , and without which finding for the present , in part , the smoaking wicke should bee quickly quenched , and all the beginning of grace easily lost : oyle is not more necessarie to feed a lampe , than the supply of grace is to feed grace . Psal. 116.1 . I loue the Lord , because hee hath heard my voice and prayers : and Psal. 65.2 . Because thou hearest prayer , vnto thee shall all flesh come .

3. The Lord will not so much withstand his owne glory , as not be found of true seekers , because his owne glory is the maine end of all his mercy . Psal. 22.26 . They that seeke after the Lord shall praise him : namely , in acknowledging him true in his promises and plentifull in his mercies .

But God is a free giuer of grace , and before wee can aske wee shall haue it without seeking : what need we then seek so diligently ?

Answ. 1. Gods grace is free in respect of merits , not of meanes : if God should not giue vs sauing grace before we aske it , we should neuer haue it ; and no man can seeke grace but by grace ; yet God giueth not grace to idle or sleepy persons , but to the vigilant and watchfull : he is not so prodigall of so excellent a Pearle , as to bestow it for nothing : or vpon those , who hauing tasted the sweetnes of it , will not bestirre themselues for more , that they may grow in grace .

2. Though God doth bestow on vs free saluation which costeth vs nothing , yet wee must accept it in the meanes : which do excite & exercise our graces , & suffer vs to bee neither idle , nor vnfruitfull in the worke of the Lord .

But if we seeke , our seeking is a cause of finding , & so Gods grace shall not be free .

Ans. 1. Our seeking is no cause of finding but a meanes or way in which we finde .

2. In seeking we doe our duty , but merit nothing by it ; for when we haue done all we can , we are vnprofitable seruants .

3. The promise of finding is not made to the seeking , but to the seeker , being in Christ : who findeth for Christs sake , not for his owne .

But I haue sought long , and haue not found .

Ans. There is a 2. fold seeking , 1. 6. Sorts of seekers amisse . a seeking amisse , and then no maruell if thou findest not ; Esau sought with teares , and findeth not : many shall seeke and strine to enter , and shall not bee able ; and of these are sixe sorts , 1. wicked men being destitute of the spirit of GOD , want their eyes cleared : and a blind man shall sooner find a Pearle lost , than they this .

2. Some seeke without light , as fond Familists and Anabaptists , who seeke grace in the darke corners of Enthusiasmes , and reuelations , scorning the light of the Scriptures and Ministrie : in which the spirit onely and ordinarily offreth himself to be found .

3. Some seeke without the promise and so without faith : Israel sought it by merits , Rom. 9.31 .

4. Some seeke without repentance . Isay 1.16 . wash you , make you cleane , and then come and reason together .

5. Some seeke it vnseasonablie the doore being shut , so did Esau when the blessing was bestowed .

6. Some seeke withon out sincerity . Hypocrites seeke a while but giue ouer , as weary of so much paines ; now the promise is made to none of these : the goale is not giuen but to such as striue lawfully .

A second Kind of seeking that is which faileth not , and that is in the true and lawfull conditions of seeking , as by the supernaturall eye of faith , by the light of Gods Word , in the right veine of finding , and in the places where the Pearle lieth , and in season of seeking , whilst the day lasteth and the light is with vs : hast thou thus sought , and art yet held off ? I say God must be true Quaerentibus recta & rectè , hee that seeketh , quae oportet & quomodo oportet , shall certainely finde ; and therefore I say to thee that seekest good things well : 1. Thou hast found grace sufficient , 2 Cor. 12.7 . as Paul did when hee seemed to be denied of the grace desired : thou hast found grace in some measure , at least in such measure as may cause thee to hunger for more .

2. God may delay to giue thee a greater measure , and yet not deny thee ; it may bee that which thou seekest , is worth more labour than yet thou hast bestowed : distinguish now betwixt Gods delayes and denialls : hold on thy seeking , thou shalt find in good time .

Thirdly , The best seekers find but in small measure in this life , and why . the best and holiest seekers of al find but for the estate of this life ; that is , in small measure , a taste , a first fruites , heere is but a sowing in grace . God leaueth his children in many wants for the present , for diuers ends . 1. For their humiliation , as Paul had a pricke in the flesh left .

2. To maintaine hunger and thirst after more .

3. To long after the time of perfection , and full saciety , when they shall bee fully conformed to the Image of God .

Fourthly , thou hast found a promise of God to be fully satisfied at length , Matth. 5.6 . in the meane time esteeme thy seeking as a seede time , thy labour is sowen in heauen , thy seede is cast into the bosome of God : and if it presently returne not so much comfort , ioy , and increase as thou desirest : it is layd vp and will bring thee good store , and a happy crop for hereafter : Gal. 6.9 . therfore be not weary of well doing , for in due time thou shalt reape , if thou faint not .

If no man seeketh this Pearle aright but findeth , see a difference betweene this commoditie , and all other . Seeke any other thing in the world , with thy best indeuour , and thou maist faile , Eccle. 5.9 . and not finde . He that seeketh siluer , shall not bee satisfied : Seeke wealth , pearles , honor , pleasures , thou shalt often faile of them : but seeke the best thing , & alway speed . In all other things , many seeke one thing , but finde another : goe to the Physitians to seeke health , thou maist meete with death ; to the Lawyer , to seeke law and justice , thou maist find iniustice and oppression : at some friends hands thou maist feeke fauour & friendship , but finde hatred and enmitie , as Ioseph sought at his brethrens , but findes them foes and enemies .

But in matters of grace , thou shalt finde the same things thou lookest for : seekest thou the Pearle , thou findest the Pearle , as the Merchant did : nay , findest an excellent one , farre better than thou lookedst for ; the worth of which is not to bee valued in this vale of dacknesse .

Here is also a difference betweene seeking things at Gods hands , and at mans : all that aske at mans handes speed not : though thou maist aske neuer so iustly , as in the example of the vniust Iudge . A poore man asketh at mans hands mercy , and misseth of it : knocke at mans doore , it is not alway open : But the gate of grace is neuer shut ; Gods eare is alway open , and as a fauorite sitteth in the eare of the King , and speedeth in any suite , so doth the godly seeker speed with God .

This comforteth poore soules seeking & panting after grace ; so long as thou canst seeke , thou art sure to find , though the Lord hide his face for a time , and seeme to locke vp his mercy from thee , yet vpholde thy selfe in seeking , and thou shalt find in due season , Psal. 9.9.10 . The Lord also will bee a refuge for the poore , a refuge in due time , euen in affliction . Wantest thou strength against temptations ? Seeke by prayer the grace of Christian fortitude : be strong in the cry of prayer ; and as a theefe will runne away when the true man maketh a noyse and out-cry , so will Sathan vpon this noise of feruent prayer cease his assault . Wantest thou peace of conscience , chearfulnes in doing , or suffering ? wouldest thou see a sweet looke from God ? or needst thou any other blessing for life or godlines ? Seeke it with instance , doe as the woman of Canaan , who sought grace at the hands of Christ , and would not be repulsed , Math. 15.22 . And the poore woman by her importunitie preuailed in her suit with the vniust Iudge , Luke 18.5 . And how much more shall faithfull importunitie preuaile with the most righteous & faithfull God ?

But my seeking is so weake and sinfull , that I shall neuer finde : my sinne quite marreth my seeking , and hindreth my finding .

Is there more weakenesse in thy seeking , than in Iacobs seeking the , blessing ? yet his weake and faultie seeking found it .

O that I could finde any feeling or worke of grace , but the strong hart of my corruptions is not yet broken : I haue lost all my labour , and found nothing but discomfort of it .

Let not thy soule prescribe and instruct the Lord , how , or what way or when to do thee good : but waite and striue , and find and preuaile .

Secondly , seeke against sense and feeling , euen out of the belly of the whale of desperation it selfe , lay hold on the free grace of God , and thou shalt find an issue , & his sweet loue dropping comfort , sweeter than hony combes to thy soule .

Thirdly , see the reason why grace groweth so thin euery where , Grace not found because not sought . euen because hee that hath not attained grace neuer sought it aright ; the want is not in God , nor in the meanes , but in thy selfe and manner of seeking : Non deficit dantis misericordia . Non medicorum insufficientia , sed quaerentium negligentia culpanda ; Blame thy selfe for not finding , who hast failed in the manner of thy seeking ; for perhaps ,

Thou art full and feelest not the need of grace , as the Church of Laodicea , Reu. 3.17 . and then how canst thou seeke ? A beggar will not stir abroad so long as hee hath any thing at home .

Or art prophane and scornest the blessing , as Esau .

Or art a hater of it , and the seekers of it ; turnest their glory into shame , & art of the generation of them that hate them that seeke the Lord .

Or art idle and seekest slightly , or formally ; and can God attend that prayer , or request , which thou carelesly & formally castest out , and thy selfe attendest not ? And here numbers of men lye vnder just reproofe ; as

1. Such as neuer spent so much labour in seeking grace , as Saul did in seeking his Fathers Asses , 1 Sam 9.4 ,

2. They that neuer spent so much time to find it , as they could for a handfull of siluer , and yet hope they haue it , or shall haue it . When didst thou breake thy sleepe , disease thy selfe , put thy selfe into all weathers by night and by day , for the Word , as thou hast for wealth ? When wast thou so good and thriftie an husband for thy soule as for thy body ? Neuer looke for grace before thou prizest it : and bee sure thou hast it not , who so vnder-valuest it .

Thirdly , let vs examine our selues whether by all our seeking wee haue found the Pearle , & that by these rules .

1. He hath found by seeking who still seekes to find , 5. Notes of one that by seeking hath found the Pearle . for it is not here as in seeking other things : heere the finder giueth not ouer seeking : but the more be findeth the more he seeketh ; heere is an vnsaciable couetousnesse , and a couetousnesse warrantable .

Secondly , much ioy and large affections to expresse the sence of so great a commoditie : the testimony of Gods Spirit witnesseth our adoption ; once receiue it , and it refresheth the soule with ioy vnspeakable and glorious , 1 Peter 4.5 . and this ioy will not be hid , as in the woman finding the lost groat .

Thirdly , the Pearle once found , there followeth a contempt of the world , a killing of the cares of this life , a fencing from the loue of earthly things : there is no true content in any thing else , he that hath found this Pearle esteemeth all other things , euen the best of that the world so admireth , dung in comparison of Christ .

Fourthly , being so rich a commoditie , it enableth to good workes and ( as no other Pearle can ) it worketh the will also to be aboundant in good workes , aboundant in the fruits of the spirit , in the fruits of Sanctity , and holines of life .

Fiftly , it is of so precious vertue , as it is in euery one that findeth it , an antidote against all the poison of sinne , the grace of repentance presently expelleth it : the grace of patience is a salue for euery sore : the grace of faith is a most soueraigne Cordiall ; it is of vertue to renouate the whole man , and all the parts of the man : it cleareth his sight daily , it maketh him quicke of hearing , it sharpneth all his senses in diuine things ; it preserueth his stomack , and appetite to Gods word : it purgeth out his corruptions , reneweth his strength , as the Eagle : All these and a thousand more vertues hath this Hearbe-Grace wrought in thee in some measure if thou hast found it , and so aboundantly recompenseth all thy labour .

He went & sold all that he had and bought it . ] The third action of the Merchant . Our Sauiour continueth the allegory of the wise Merchant , who 1. hath sought , 2. found the Pearle , and then sitteth not downe : 1. Vadit ad forum spiritualium per effectum . but ( thirdly ) maketh purchase . In the words are three things . 2. Vendit omnia per affectum & contimptum terrenorum .

1. He goeth away , to the Mart and meanes where it is to be had . 3. Emit per conatum & desiderium aternorum .

2. Hee selleth all in affection to it , and contempt of earthlythings .

3. He buyeth it by a carefull desire and endeuour after heauenly things .

For the meaning , 1. he goeth away . ] Selfe-denial is the first lesson in Christs schoole , Whosoeuer will saue his life , Mat. 16.25 . shall loose it , and whosoeuer shall loose his life for my sake , shall find it ; hee that forsaketh not his own will , reason , affections , and euill habits , and doth not crosse his owne desires , shall neuer prize or purchase this Pearle .

2. And selleth all ] That is , in comparison hee contemneth all earthly things , & setteth them at a low rate and value in respect of the Pearle , and doth not care much who haue them , so hee may enioy the Pearle : let others get the wealth of the world , he will be rich in grace ; let others get corne , wine , and oile ; if he can get naked Christ , hee hath enough .

But is it necessarie to sell all , to haue eternall life ? It may seeme so : Matth. 19.22 . Iesus said vnto him , if thou wilt be perfect , goe and sell all that thou hast , and giue it to the poore , and thou shalt haue treasure in heauen , and come and follow me .

Ans. The Papists build a state of perfection vpon voluntary pouerty : and hold it a counsell onely fit for perfect Christians , and farre more meritorious than the keeping of the whole Law .

But 1. to answer them , and then the question .

1. It is a friuolous conceit to thinke , that any man may come to an higher estate of happinesse , by some other meanes than by keeping the Law .

Secondly , it is absurd to thinke that any worke can be acceptably done toward saluation , which is without the walke and compasse of the law , which is so perfect , that cursed is he that doth dare to adde to it , or detract any thing from it .

3. Christ desired no more of the young man , than he did of his Disciples , who said verse 27. wee haue left all to follow thee , and yet Peter had an house still , and Iohn , to which hee tooke the Virgin Mary .

And therefore Christ would haue the young man to part with all , which hee could not hold with his loue and affection to Christ himselfe , and the Gospell .

Fourthly , that which Christ required of this Iustitiarie , is not any deuised Euangelicall counsel aboue the law ; but a dutie contained in the law : the summe of which is , Thou shalt loue the Lord thy God with all thy heart : and whereas hee had boasted , that hee had kept all the law ; Christ doth send him backe againe to the law , to let him see his want of loue , both to God and his neighbour ; to God , if the loue of his friends hinder him from following him , whom he confesseth a teacher from God : And want of loue to man , if at Christs word hee will not part with his money , especially if not at Christ his especiall commandement .

So as this is not a counsell to some perfect recluses or orders of wilfull men ; but a commandement to all Christians , that must striue to perfection . 1. Cor. 2.6 . And we speak wisdom amongst them that are perfect : who must not onely leaue goods and lands , and houses for Christ , and the Gospell ; but must hate father , mother , wife , and children , brethren , sisters , and their owne life , if they cannot hold them with Christ .

So much to answer the Papists :

Now to the question .

1. Who can denie wealth to be the gift of God , if it be held without couetousnes , confidence , pride , and subordinate to heauen and heauenly things ? Or who can denie but riches may become helps to heauenly Tabernacles ? who can denic but good men may both haue them , and vse them ? Abraham was a man of great possessions , and Iob and Dauid men of most great wealth : and yet godly men , and poore of spirit ; goods therefore in themselues are not to be cast away : but first in comparison , Wealth in foure cases to be renounced . rather than we will not attaine , and retaine the Pearle of the Gospell , we must abandon all we haue .

Secondly , when they proue an impediment to our calling , and holy profession , we must renounce them , Heb. 11.25 . as Moses in this case refused to be the sonne of Pharaohs daughter , and to suffer with Gods people : a traueller may carrie a staffe to helpe him in his iourney , but not to ouer-load himselfe : and he may beare some money in his purse for his charges , but not burthen himselfe with it .

Thirdly , in affection alwaies wee must renounce them , and hold them retiredly and weignedly , vsing the world as not vsing it : 1 Cor. 7.3 . Let them be in our hands , not in our hearts ; to lay downe , or lay out ; not to lay vp , or lay vp our hearts with them .

Fourthly , actually , but not vncalled , wee must leaue them , not of our owne accord , but called by God , non sponte sed vocati : let vs alwayes see wee haue a good ground , as if tyrants , or persecutors , keepe vs from inioying either Christ , or our own estate ; then in this choyse , we must prefer a poore estate in Christ , before a rich estate in the world .

And buyeth it . ] Our sauiour vseth this word buying , not to signifie , that we can make any recompence , payment , or merit , to purchase eternal life : for , first , that is infinite , we finite , and betweene these is no proportion . Secondly , it is a free gift of God , Rom. 6.23 . Thirdly , it is a buying , Esay 55.1 . but without money , & money worth . And the poore are called to buy it , who haue no money to lay out for it . Fourthly , this Pearle is such a commoditie , as neither men nor Angels can giue any due price for . Fiftly , we can giue God nothing but his owne .

But Christ here speaketh figuratiuely , namely , that this wise Merchant dealeth as a buyer ; The Christian man resembleth a buyer in 4. things . first , hee seeth the want of Gods grace & Christs merits ; the thirsty are called to buy , Esay 55.1 .

Secondly , as a buyer , he priseth , valueth , and casteth the worth ; esteemeth Christ at the hiest rate , and all things else in comparison of him , losse , and dung , Phil. 3.13 .

Thirdly , as a buyer he maketh an exchange ; not of money , nor money worth , but vseth all good indeuour , and labour , by prayer , and diligence , and the vse of all good meanes , to obtaine the grace of the Gospell . Which price God doth set vpon grace , and on which condition , an 〈◊〉 is made . The 〈◊〉 putteth ouer his sinnes to Christ , and receiueth righteousnes from Christ . 2 Cor. 5.21 . For he hath made him to be sinne for vs that knew no sinne , that we should be made the righteousnesse of God in him .

Fourthly , the bargain , made , is earnested ; so the beleeuer , able to giue nothing to God , taketh from God the earnest of his Spirit , in some sauing graces ; by which the whole bargaine of eternall life is assured vnto him .

From this selling all , A wise Christian will part with all before he part with Christ . and buying the Pearle , learne , That a wise Christian must , and will part with all hee hath before hee will part with Christ . Prou. 4.7 . Aboue all thy possessions get wisdom and vnderstanding . The godly follow Christ out of Ierusalem , and out of the campe , Heb. 13.13 . they sold their liues , & loued them not to the death for Christ .

Pauls possessions and his life was not deere , Acts 20. so hee might finish his course with ioy . And why ?

1. Such sound iudgement is restored vnto euery sound Christian , as he thinketh nothing so deere to him as Christ , and his grace : and doth suppose himselfe rich indeed if hee attaine naked Christ ; and the deerest things are base in this comparison . The Church of Laodicea will neuer buy gold & white rayment , so long as her iudgement is blinded , till shee annoint her eyes with eye-salue to see ; and seeing once the worth , she is content to be at any paines for it . The text implieth , that no lesse paines bee made for wisdom than that of most industrious Merchants , who take long and dangerous iournies , and voyages by sea & land for Pearles , and swallow all paines and perils in hope of attaining them .

Secondly , the Christian knoweth that hee shall bee no loser by the bargaine ; other Merchants buying great commodities know not whether they shall be gainers or no : and many seeke Pearles with infinite losses and finde them not : But here is a certaine and an vndoubted gaine , for whosoeuer forsaketh house , wife , lands , liberty , children , and life for Christs sake , and the Gospell , shall receiue an hundred-fold in this life with tribulation , and in the world to come life euerlasting : here is vsury enough , not ten in the hundred , but an hundred for tenne : haue this Pearle and want nothing ; want this Pearle , and haue nothing .

Thirdly , this putteth a difference betweene soundnesse and hypocrisie ; the hypocrite can sell much for Gods fauour . Mic. 6.6 . they will giue thousands of rammes , and ten thousand of riuers of oyle : and their first borne , but will not part with their sinnes . Ananias and Sapphira can part with three parts of their portion : but soundnesse esteemeth the Pearle better than the whole , were it the whole world .

Fourthly , because it seeth Christ forsaking all , liberty , life , wealth , heauen , and happinesse for it ; in the way of thankfulnesse , grace in the heart doth hold it selfe bound to forsake all for Christ .

This condemneth foolish Merchants , who make a base reckoning of the Pearle : esteeming the Gospell worth nothing . The Gadarens accounted euery pig , and base profit better than Christ , and his Sermons : Prophane Esau despised the blessing in respect of pottage ; There are other scornefull Merchants , who scoffe at such simplicity , as to forgo profits , and delights , for vaine conceits , as to strip ones selfe of the pleasures of life , to runne many miles to Sermons , where is none at home : Others would buy the Pearle , if by it they might gaine ease , reputation , and wealth , like the Swallowes that will take their Summer with vs , but in Winter take their leaue of vs : these measure religion by their gettings , and say with the old Iewes , What profit is there in seruing God ? Mal. 3.14 .

2. Many who thinke they haue the Pearle deceiued . We may see it is not so easy a matter to haue part in the Gospell , as most men thinke : that vtterly deceiue themselues in this commoditie ; and this is the cause why so few respect it , 1. Some men thinke they haue it because they haue heard of it , but there is as much difference betweene finding and buying , as betweene calling and answering . 2. Some heare , and like , and wish , and praise it : but as in a faire they see many rich commodities ; but they passe by them and bargaine for none : so many approue of Doctrines in general , but lay out nothing , nor lay aside any lust : they can commend a good Sermon , but will be sure it shal doe them no good .

Thirdly , there are others that come neerer , cheapen , loue , and bid somewhat ; but as hard chapmen nothing neere the matter : rich men can cast some of their superfluity sometimes to good vses ; but not as the widow that had but two mites and cast in all : this were too hard a bargaine .

Fourthly , some would exchange some of their sinnes , but not all : others will doe some duties , as come to Church , heare , pray , sometimes reade at home , and reprocue sinne : but come to chargeable or dangerous duties , to shew loue to Christ in time of danger or disgrace , they are backward , and draw in the tender horne for feare they be losers by him .

Let vs therfore learne to hold Christ , and the Gospell as the only iewell , or pearle worth hauing ; and to thinke our selues rich if we sell our selues out of all , to purchase the Pearle : let vs thus aduance our religion , and shut the mouthes of our aduersaries , that say we will leaue nothing for our religion , while they giue all they haue to the Church and pious vses . Notes of a man that hath purchased the Pearle .

How shall I know a man that purchaseth the Pearle ?

1. He changeth his own merits , for Christs merits apprehended in the Gospell , and casteth them away like dung : and with Paul , who laieth his birth , kindred , righteousnesse , ciuill vertues & good works , and holinesse in the scoale : but all is too light , and found losse weighed with Christ . So bring Wealth , libertie , friends , life it selfe , into the sight of a sound bele euer : and if he must leaue these , or Christ & his Gospell , farewell they ; he soone maketh his choyse : As in the danger of life , Act. 27.18 , the Mariners cast out their wares with their owne hands , and the tacklings out of the ship : so we must cast away all in comparison of Christ , our Lord and our life . Where note , that the Papist that cannot disclaime his owne merits , shall misse of Christs .

2. Hee goeth away reioycing , all his affections are on it ; his chiefe ioy is , Luke 10.20 . that his Name is written in heauen , no affliction can remoue this ioy .

3. Hee desireth nothing in comparison , beyond , or besides it ; Simeon was content with Christ in his arms ; Iacob had enough , that Ioseph liued : so the beleeuer hath enough , that Christ liueth in heauen , and in his owne heart .

4. He retaineth his confidence to it ; euery thing else chalenging his confidence , is but a staffe of reede .

5. He will neuer sell his purchase at any rate . Pro. 23.23 . Buy the truth , but sell it not : Great merchants , what they buy for great prizes , they will sell for greater : but nothing is sufficient to buy the grace of the Gospell out of our hands : what wee sell we value vnder the price ; but wee must deeme it aboue much fine gold , Psal. 119. yea , aboue all that in the world is counted precious .

This is also a comfort to poore men , who may here light on a good bargaine , and make a good purchase for themselues , although they haue no money : nothing is set for the price but paines , endeuour , godly desire and affection . Christ and his benefits freely passe to all , and are indifferently imparted to poore and rich ; nay , if either haue the aduantage , it is the poore man , for the poore receiue the Gospell , saith our Sauiour : whereas Not many rich , 1 Cor. 1.26 . not many noble , not many wise attaine to haue their share in it .

I haue now according to the measure of the gift giuen mee , set forth the choisest and chiefest commoditie in all the world , which no Fayre , or Mart can match , if into one Fayre all the treasures of the earth were brought to sale : say not now as the buier vseth to doe , These Sermons were preached on seuerall Fayre dayes . It is naught , it is naught .

I haue set an easie price vpon it , a little paines , a few good affections , an vpright endeuour , which is so low a price as your selues can wish . You need not disburse siluer , or gold , but may carry away this commoditie in your hearts , & your money in your purses too : as Iosephs brethren carried from their brother , euery man his sacke of corne , and his money in his sacke too : he that now seeth on the one hand , his owne want , and on the other the worth of the Pearle , will come & cheapen , and buy , and purchase it at any rate , and will not leaue it behind him . But hee that still esteemeth the Pearle , but as a common pibble , will goe home without it , or tread it vnder his feet . Of this man sayth Salomon , Wherfore is there a price in the hand of a foole , Prou. 17.16 . and hee wanteth heart ? And to this man I say , the day commeth , in which thou shalt say , thou once refusedst a good bargaine which was offered thee , and that was thine vnhappinesse : but now attended with a greater , that it shall neuer be offered thee any more ; Be wise betime , 1 Cor. 12.31 . and couet after the most excellent gifts .

FINIS .

THE PILGRIMS PROFESSION , OR A SERMON PREAched at the Funerall of M is MARY GVNTER by Mr Thomas Taylor . To which ( by his consent ) also is added , A short Relation of the life and death of the said Gentle-woman , as a per petuall Monument of her graces and vertues .

Omnis peregrina regio patria est corum , Et omnis patria corum est peregrina . Iustin Martyr . epist. ad Diognetum .

LONDON , Printed by I. H. for Io: Bartlet , and are to be sold at his Shop in Cheap-side , at the gilt Cup in the Goldsmiths Row . 1625.

TO THE RIGHT HONOVRABLE The Lady LETTICE , Countesse of Leicester , All encrease of Honour and Happinesse . MADAM ;

HAving importuned and prevailed with that Reverend Preacher , who performed that last office for your LADISHIPS late Servant , to afford mee a perfect Coppie of his Sermon , ( which for the fitnes and worthinesse of the matter , I thought much pittie to bee buryed with her : ) and purposing to adde a short Relation of the happie Life and Death or my deare Wife , both which I thought were very exemplary ; I emboldned my self , to present the same to your HONOVR , not only as a thankfull testification , of my humble dutie and service , for all those gracious endowments , which I so happily enioyed in her , ( of all which , vnder God , your ( HONOVR was a chiefe instrument ) but also because I know that your HONOVR , who gladly apprehended all the meanes of her comfort through her life , would as gladly receiue the true Narration of her assured Comforts and Conquest in her so Christian death and dissolution .

Neither is the Sermon vnfit for your HONOVRS pervsall , whom God hath honored with so many dayes , and yeares , and taught not to feare eyther the end of your Pilgrimage out of this strange Countrey , or the neare approch to your own home .

Thus humbly praying your HONORS acceptance of that which is most properly yours . I pray the Father of mercies , to adde to all your noble Vertues , the continuance of your true prosperitie .

Your HONOVRS in all humble service , H. G.
THE PILGRIMES PROFESSION . PSAL. 39.12 .

I am a stranger with thee , & a soiourner as all my Fathers .

THIS holy Prophet being by great distresse of mind , and disease of bodie , brought very low , ( as appeareth in the whole Psalme ) and so low as he was readie to breake patience , and to offend with his tongue ; yet after a doubtfull combat , betweene faith and Frailtie ; his Faith stepps aboue flesh , and leades him out of himselfe , to wait vpon God with holy silence : and lifteth him vp to God in fervent and earnest Prayers ( which are the breath of Faith ) both for pardon of sinne , the cause , and for release from the affliction and plague , the effect of it . And because the sense of misery was deepe ; he striues with God , with great , vehement , and earnestnesse of spirit , ingeminating his petitions in this twelfth verse . Rising vp in his requests by degrees , as one that meaneth to preuaile with God ( as another Iacoh ) and not let him goe till hee haue blessed him ; and therefore first he desireth the Lord to heare his Prayer . But because the Prayers of the Saints are often faint and feeble , and without any strong motion ; hee desires the Lord to hearken to his cry ; the sense of his neede vrged strong cries , feruency , and importunitie . And further because euery strong cry is not heard , vnlesse it proceed from a broken and contrite spirit : He prayeth the LORD not to keepe silence at his teares ; well hee knew that prayers of faith , watered with teares of godly sorrow , are eloquent perswaders , to draw a comfortable answere from God ; they cannot suffer him to sit silent long ; who hath prepared both a bottle to reserue them in , and an hand-kerchiefe to wipe them away from the eyes of his children . Try it after holy Dauid who will , or can ; make euery day a spring to sowe thy prayers in heauen ; and water them sometimes with an Aprill shower of mournfull reares for thy sinne , and misery ; and thou hast preuailed against Gods silence ; thou shalt beare a sweet and comfortable answere in due season .

Now the wordes read are a reason of bis earnest request , drawne from the acknowledgement of the frailty , vanity , and breuity of his life , layd downe by a comparison taken from strangers , or Pilgrimes , of which number hee professeth himselfe to bee ; and may well bee called , The Pilgrimes profession .

In tying which words with the former , it may be asked , first , what force can there bee in this reason , to mooue or encline God to mercy , because hee was a stranger with him ; it might rather imply , that God should the more estrange himselfe from him , and stand further from his helpe .

I answere . 1. The Hebrew phrase , Quis dubitat quod bic psaltes posuit gnimea tecum , idem esse quod Liphneca , id est , coram ie . Bucer . I am a stranger with thee , signifieth as much as to say , I am a stranger before thee , or in thy sight . And not that hee was a stranger in affection , or conuersation from God , as the wicked , who are said to be strange children , and strangers from the wombe . Psal. 58.3 . For how could Dauid bee such a stranger , who set the Lord euer before him , and at his right hand , Psal. 16.8 . that hee might not sinne against him ?

2. As it is a confession and testimony of bis own humility and sense of his misery , it is a motiue to mercy ; as if he had said , I am a stranger and need helpe , because as a stranger , I lie open to many iniuries and inconueniences : but thou art the God of the abiect ; and thy property is as to cast downe the proud , so to raise vp such deiected soules as I am , and therefore heare my prayers , cryes , and teares .

3. As it ascribeth vnto the Lord the honour of mercy , it is a motiue to mercy ; for holy Dauid puts the LORD in minde of his owne gracious inclination and affection to strangers ; Exo. 22. ●1 . Re● . 19.23 Do● . 10.19 for hee hath commanded vs to be kinde to strangers ; and hath in speciall manner vndertaken the protection of strangers . Psalme 146.9 . The Lord keepeth the strangers : and therefore his faith binding God after a fort to his owne law and promise , assureth himselfe of Gods mercy , because he is a stranger .

4. As it is an acknowledgement of his owne impotency , and the misery of his life , it pleadeth strongly for mercy , as if hee had said ; Thou knowest Lord , that I am a stranger heere , and so long as I am so , I cannot but carry a burden of flesh , and a body of sinne , and daily thereby deserue thy most heauie displeasure : and therefore I beseech thee , bee not so extreame against mee , as in iustice thou mayest ; but considering my frailty , mingle thy corrections with mercie . And whereas I discerne also by my bodily weaknesse and infirmity , that I am a stranger here , and of short continuance , I pray thee remooue thy hand , and let not all my life bee miserable , but stay thine anger from mee , that I may recouer my strength , before I goe hence , and bee no more . And vpon the same ground , Iob makes the same request , Iob 10.21 . Let him cease and leaue off from me , that I may take a little comfort , before I goe and shall not returne , &c.

Secondly , it may bee asked , How can Dauid vse this as a reason for his recouery , which hee vsed before , verse 4. for the hastening of his death ; for because his life was short and miserable , therefoer hee desires hee might die in all haste .

To which I answere . That great difference there is betweene Dauid foiled by flesh , and Dauid supported by the Spirit ; for wee haue in him lying vnder the temptation , an instance of our owne strong-hearted corruption ; which out of a good proposition , can draw most dangerous and wicked conclusions ; for , out of the consideration of the shortnesse of his life , hee could draw conclusions of murmuring , impatience , and almost of desperation . But now Dauid is another man , and the Spirit of grace hath conquered those assaults , and now hee can out of the same premises , draw the cleane contrary conclusions , to support his faith , patience , and dependance vpon God . For such is the wisdome of the Spirit , that hee can draw holy , sweet , and comfortable conclusions from those principles and grounds , from which flesh and corruption vseth to sucke sinne and poison ; and teacheth the Saints so to doe .

In the profession it selfe , Meaning . consider for the meaning foure things ; 1. 1. What is this stranger . What a stranger is . 2. Who is this stranger . 3. Where he is a stranger . 4. The communitie of this condition ; as all my Fathers were .

1. A stranger is hee , that being absent from his owne Countrey is trauelling homewardes vnto it . For these two conditions are proper to a stranger . First , that hee is absent from his natiue soyle , absent from his naturall friends , absent from his Fathers house , and absent from his owne home and inheritance ; thus was Abraham a stranger in Canaan Secondly , that he is trauelling home as a Pilgrime to his owne Countrey ; Thus was Iacob a stranger , whose whole life was a trauaile in forraine Countreys , out of any certaine and settled dwelling , as himselfe professeth , Gen. 47.9 . The whole time of mypilgrimage is an hundred and thirtie yeeres .

2. Who is this stranger ? Dauid saith , I am a stranger , which may seeme strange , if wee consider that Dauid was a King , and that in his owne Countrey , and that the Countrey of Iudea ; in comparison of whose inhabitants all the world besides were strangers , as Matth. 27.7 . For Dauid was not now in flight before Saul , 2 Sam. 21.23 . as when hee plaid the foole in the Philistims Countrey before Acbish to saue his life ; nor in likelihood , in chase before Absalom , as when being driuen from home , hee went vp to the mount of Oliues and wept . Neither vndertooke hee any meritorious iourney in a Pilgrims weed . For besides that , hee was King of Ierusalem , and needed not make any tedious Pilgrimage thither , Popish Pilgrims were not borne some thousands of yeeres after his Age. Peregrinatio ad Imagines nalla fuit ante 600. annos a Christo nato . Perk. Probl. There was now no Sepulcher of our Lord to visit ; nor no Image of our Lady , and yet he professeth himselfe a stranger .

3. But where was Dauid a stranger ? Himselfe saith , Before thee , that is , wheresoeuer hee is before God , there hee is a stranger ; not in another mans kingdome or Countrey , as of Moabites or Philistims : but in his owne Countrey , in Canaan he is a stranger ; yea , at Bethlem in the City of Dauid ; and in Sion the Fort of Dauid hee is a stranger . This hee expresseth , Psalme 119.19 . I am a stranger vpon earth , that is , in euery part of the earth , euen in mine owne house , in mine owne bed , in mine owne body and bosome I am a stranger with thee . Wherein the holy Prophet both acknowledgeth the Lord the proprietary , of whom he held his Countrey and Kingdome . Lev. 25.23 . For it is as if hee had said , I am a stranger in thy Countrey ; my Countrey is thy Countrey , and thy Countrey is my Countrey ; and now I doe but so●ourne a while with thee in thy Countrey , till I returne home and dwell with thee in my Countrey . As also hee insol●●th a motiue , why the LORD should encline his eare to his Prayer , and shew him fauour , because hee is a stranger in the Lords Countrey ; and therefore committing himselfe to the protection and safe conduct of the Lord of the Countrey , hee doubteth not , but to finde grace in his eyes , and by his meanes a comfortable passage , till hee come happily to the end of his way . For who should heare the complaints of a soiourner , but hee with whom he soiourneth ?

4. But is it otherwise with Dauid now , than with other men ? No surely , but hee beareth part in the common condition of his Fathers . Although hee was deare to God , and the King of Gods people ; yet hee is no better than his Fathers ; hee is a stranger as all his Fathers were . Hee meaneth not the fathers of his flesh onely , who were all dead , and gone to their iourneys end , but the Fathers of his faith also ; those holy Patriarchs , Abraham , Isaac , Iacob , and their posterity , which were the holy seed ; who in their times accounted themselues strangers , Heb. 11.13 , 14. and declared themselues so to bee ; both in that they chused to dwell in Tents , Heb. 11.9 . and not in houses or Cities ; as the posteritie of Cain did , for they held themselues strangers on earth , and expecting euery day the word of God to call them hither or thither , at his pleasure , they would not cumber themselues with buildings or purchases ; but betooke themselues to poore and portable tents , which were soone pitched vp , and as soone taken downe . As also in that they were contented to wander vp and downe as Pilgrims , restlesly from place to place , insomuch as the iourneyes and trauels of Abraham recorded in his Story , amounts to 1794. miles ; Iacobs little lesse , whose posteritie was a stranger in Egypt foure hundred yeeres ; and from thence were taken into the terrible Wildernesse ; where they wandred forty yeeres , and all the rest of them in the wide wildernesse of this world , and vale of Baca , onely passed thorow as Pilgrims vnto the heauenly Canaan . All which our holy Prophet reuoluing in his minde , subscribeth the same schedule , that he is a stranger also as they were . Doct.

Hence wee learne , That all the Saints of God , and true beleeuers , are strangers vpon earth : for so was Dauid , and all his Fathers of his flesh , and of his faith , as himselfe not onely heere in sense of his affliction professeth : but elsewhere stirred vp by the sight and sense of Gods abundant mercie towardes him , and in the time of his solenme ioy and festiuitie vttereth the same words , 1 Chron. 29.15 . All things come of thee and of thine owne hand ●ee haue gi●en thee ; 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . for wee are strangers before thee , and solourners like all our Fathers , 2 Cor. 5.6 while wee are at home in the body , wee are estranged from the Lord . And indeed euery Christian is a Gershom ; that is , a stranger and in a strange land : in respect , first of place , for they are absent from heauenly Canaan , their owne home and Countrey ; heere is not their fathers house , nor their brethren and sisters , nor their treasure ; they are Citizens with Saints , Eph. 2.19 . and heauen their home , where our Lord Iesus is preparing Mansions for them , Iohn 14. Secondly , as for the world , it is but a way to their Countrey , and as a wildernes thorow which the Israel of God passe towards their Canaan . They are indeed in the world , but not of it : for they are called out of the world ; 1. by Christs separation , Iohn 15.19 . I haue chosen you out of the world . 2. Christs interdiction , 1 Iohn 2.15 . Loue not the world nor the things of the world , 3. Christs operation , Gal. 6.14 . Commorandi diuersorium , non habitandi Cicero de Senect. The world is crncified to mee , and I vnto the world . The very light of nature saw and said , that nature hath affoorded vs in this world onely an Inne , and not a dwelling : and should not grace much more acquaint vs with Gods decree and ordinance , which is , that man should bee a while in the world , as in a way to passe him vnto his finall estate elsewhere , or at most , but a trauailer in an Inne , which hee is ready to leaue the next morrow .

Secondly , in their owne account and confession they are strangers , Heb. 11.13 . All these confessed that they were strangers and pilgrimes vpon earth . And in the account of the world also they are strangers , which vseth them strangely and coursely , as Dauid was a stranger to his brethren Psal. 69.8 . And whereas , were they of the world , it would know them , loue them , and hugge them in their lap : they being strangers , it is an other Egypt to Gods first borne , and knoweth them not but to vexe and oppresse them .

Thirdly , in respect of the short time of their continuance , for as a stranger abides not in a strange place ( as the natiues doe ) but hasteneth through his way , and so with his time cutteth and shorteneth his iourney ; Heb. 13.14 so the godly haue here no abiding city , neither is this their resting place . For this cause the whole militant Church is called a Tabernacle : Psal. 15.1 . & the Saints call the time of their life for the shortnesse and discontinuance of it , but a being in this tabernacle , 2 Pet. 1.13 because first , as a Tabernacle is but a soiourning place , set vp for a shift , to hide our selues for a small while , as the Souldier hides himselfe in a sconce or tent onely for the time of a siege at the longest : so is it with the Tabernacle of the body , set vp for a small time , not so much for it selfe as for the Inmate , the Soule which is contained in it . Secondly , as a Tabernacle is a moueable tent , pitched for a day ; ouer-night is set vp , and perhaps , the next day the stakes are pulled vp , and the cordes are slacked , and the couering is folded vp : no otherwise is it with the Tabernacle of the body , which no man knoweth , whether it shall stand vnmoued till the next morrow , no , nor till the next houre .

Thirdly , as a Tabernacle is onely a couering but hath no foundation to settle vpon : so Iob speaketh of our bodies , as houses of clay , Iob. 4.19 . whose foundation is in the dust : that if God did not fasten the siluer cords of them to his appointed time , euery blast would ouerthrow them euery moment .

Fouthly , the godly are strangers heere below in respect of their businesse , and employment ; a stranger is vnacquainted with the affaires of the place where hee takes vp his Inne , hee meddles not with the gouernment , the offices , the passages of causes in the towne where hee lieth as a stranger ; but intendeth his iourney , and onely careth how hee may passe through : and if hee haue any businesse there , it is onely to aduance his estate at home in his owne Countrey . And so it is with the godly ; they estrange themselues as much as may bee from the world , and the common courses of it : their callings they cast not off , because they are commaunded to abide in them with moderate care , to prouide for themselues , and theirs . And for earthly things they cannot bee without them , while they haue a life to maintaine by them ; but yet they meddle no more with them than needes must ; and in the middest of their earthly businesse are not earthly minded . They are Burgesses of another Corporation , Col. 3.10 . and all their trading and traffique heere is to make themselues a rich and sure estate there . They haue a chiefe businesse to doe , which they principally intend , namely , to seeke the kingdome of God , and the righteousnesse of it ; to repent of their sinnes , to beleeue in the Sonne of God ; and to make their election sure : whereto they giue all diligeuce , as they are exhorted 2 Pet. 1.10 .

Fiftly , The godly are strangers in respect of their affection ; for , as strangers long after home ; and where euer their bodies bee , their hearts and mindes are not there , but at home where their deare friends and estates are : So is it with the Saints , whose mindes and meditations , and conuersation are in heauen before hand ; for there is their Fathers house , and there is their inheritance ; there is Iesus Christ their treasure ; and no maruell if their hearts bee there where their treasure is . The worldling hath his whole portion in this life , and therefore hee bestowes all his heart , his thoughts , his cares , his desires , and endeauours vpon the world ; he runs after it with a full desire . But it cannot bee so with the godly man , who is minded as was good Nehemiah , 2.3 . Who although his person was in the King of Persia his Court , and was a neere attendant at the Kings Table , yet his heart was at Ierusalem . And as Daniel , who while hee was in the land of his captiuity , yet he opened his windowes euery day towards Ierusalem .

Quest. But are not wicked men strangers heere vpon earth , as well as the godly ?

Answ. Wicked men and worldlings are indeed strangers here , if we looke towards God , they are strangers with him , strangers from the Couenant of God ; and strangers from the life , and wayes of God . Or if we consider the time of their continuance heere , they haue no more continuance heere , than others ; they haue no Leases of their liues ; nor no surer hold of their estates than others haue . The rich Glutton heard ; Thou foole this night shall they take away thy soule , and all . Or if wee consider the place in which they liue , they are strangers ; for the East wind takes away and hurles them out of their place , Iob 27.21 . as easily as any other . And the mightie die suddenly , Iob 34.20 . and are taken away without hand . And their houses and possessions which knew them once , shall know them no more , but take in other strangers for a terme of dayes , as they tooke in them .

But wicked men are not strangers as the godly are , in foure respects .

1. In their owne account , or conceit ; for , though their estate bee as vnstable as any others ; yet haue they a strong conceit of continuance , and of taking their rest for many yeeres . They are described to bee such as put off the euill day ; and make leagues with death ; and are hardly brought to confesse themselues to be Pilgrims and strangers .

2. In the worlds account they bee not strangers , but neighbours , and Towne-dwellers . The world knowes them , and loueth them as her owne : yea , lulleth them in her lap as her children , shee graceth them , enricheth them , and aduanceth them as men of best deserts . In a word , shee thinketh nothing shee hath too good for such fast friends , and diligent seruants .

3. In their owne affection they bee no strangers ; for how can they considering they haue no other portion but here ? Psal. 17.14 . How can they but minde earthly things , Phil. 3.19 . to whom God hath shewed no better ? How can they but giue away their affections , and bury their hearts in earth , and drowne themselues in the delights of it , that haue no other God , no other Heauen ? What man will bee willing to giue ouer a broken title , till hee bee assured , and seated in a better ? which because they are not ; like prophane Esaus , they hunger after pottage , let the blessing goe where it will .

4. In their course and conuersation they doe not declare themselues to bee strangers . All their studie , their paines , their sweat and endeuour , is to get a sure and contented estate in earth : they treasure all in earth ; If they can encrease their Corne , their Wine , their Oyle , their Coyne , their Commodities , they rest as in a good portion ; seldome or neuer seeking in earnest that good part which should neuer bee taken from them , nor they from it , if once they could attaine it . Thus much of the Doctrine , and this question . The Vse followeth .

First , In that the godly man is a stranger and Pilgrim here , we learne sundry duties . As first to practise Christian sobrietie , in the affecting , Christian sobriety in 1. affecting . enioying , and vsing the things of this life . For 1. a stranger in his way affects not , desires not , lookes not for great things for himselfe in the Citie hee trauelleth thorow ; hee lightly regardeth the honours , offices , reuenues , and priuiledges of it : his chiefe desires and affections are elsewhere ; all the priuiledge he expecteth there is how to passe quietly & safely through ; Euen so ought the Christian Pilgrim by the weaned carriage of himselfe towards things below , declare plainly ( as the Patriarches did ) that hee seeketh a Country . Heb. 11.14 .

Seekest thou great things for thy selfe ( saith the Lord to Baruk ) seeke them not . Ier. 45.5 . And why must hee not ? because he was but a stranger in that Land , now presently to bee giuen ouer into the hands of strangers .

Secondly , 2. Enioying . A stranger enioyes the things of a strange place as a stranger ; he vseth other mens goods for a night , but he setteth not his heart on them , nor taketh much delight in them , because hee knoweth hee must leaue them next morning , and may take none away with him ; Euen so a Christian stranger taketh but little delight in his iourney , because hee thinketh not himselfe at home , neither doth hee enioy things here as his portion , nor as his owne , because hee is to bee countable for them ; and because hee well knoweth , that too much delight in fleshly and worldly pleasures giueth life to corruption , and weakeneth grace in him ; hee attendeth that wholsome Apostolicall exhortation , 1 Pet. 2.11 . Dearely beloued , as strangers and Pilgrims abstaine from fleshly lusts , which fight against the soule .

Thirdly , 3. Vsing the world . a stranger vseth the necessary comforts hee meeteth with in his way as a stranger ; hee vseth them rather for necessitie than for satietie , onely for present occasion , and that with moderation and sobrietie ; Euen so a Christian Pilgrim must learne to vse the world as not vsing it : 1 Cor. 7.31 . and in the midst of his wealth and abundance , in the fruition of his greatest delights and pleasures , to take his minde off them , and to lift vp his thoughts to heauen , the place of his abode . Which dutie the Apostle strongly enforceth , Phil. 3.20 . Carnall men minde earthly things . and forgetting both heauen , and the God of heauen , Make their belly their God , that is , drowne themselues in the pond and puddle of sensualitie . But farre bee it from vs who professe the teaching of grace so to doe , Our conuersation is in heauen , from whence wee looke for a Sauiour ; they haue their portion in this life , Psa. 17.14 . but our portion is in another , and contrary courses beseeme men of contrary Countries .

Secondly , In that wee are strangers heere , wee learne another Dutic , which is , the exercise of Christian patience and contentment in all estates , be it sicknesse , pouerty , reproaches , abuses or wrongs in any kinde : a stranger is contented to endure the wrongs that meet him in his way ; hee digesteth , and putteth vp all patiently ; he complaineth not , and much lesse seeketh reuenge : for hee knowes he shall haue little rest or redresse till hee come home : Euen so the Christian Pilgrim must learne patiently to endure the afflictions , and course and crosse vsages of this strange Country , 2 Cor. 4. last verse , the blessed Apostle was contented to endure all indignities and wrongs ; because hee was of another countrey , the high priuiledges and excellencies whereof , Eie hath neuer seene , nor eare hath ever heard , nor ever entred into the heart of man . Ioh. 14.4 . When the Disciples of our SAVIOVR tooke it heauily that Christ sayd hee must leaue them : for now what could they expect but to bee exposed and layd open to all the worlds malignitie , destitute of their Lords presence and protection ? hee comforteth them by this same argument ; That this is not their place of rest , but hee goeth to prepare a place for them . Moses chused to suffer afflictions with Gods people , Heb. 11.26 because hee was a stranger heere , and looked for a recompense of reward hereafter . A cloude of Martyres as witnesses seale this truth , who were slaine , hewen a sunder , wandred vp and downe in sheepes skins , in goats skins , being destitute , afflicted , and tormented ; and would not bee deliuered ( namely vpon vnequall conditions ) because they saw that God had prepared better things for them .

A stranger turnes not against euery Dogge that barketh at him ; let Doeg accuse , and Shemei reuile , let Currs barke , there is no hope to still them ; the best way is to contemne them , and attend and ride on thy way . A stranger shrinkes not for euery shower of raine , nor is disheartned with the roughnesse , Nubecula est , transilis . and foulnesse of the way ; but hee will through thicke and thinne , through drops and drought , and all because hee is going home . Neither must thou that art a Christian Pilgrim , shrinke for the stormes of the world , nor the asperousnesse of the way , which is all strewed with crosses ; but hearten thy selfe as the Passenger who vsually sayth , it is neuer an ill day that hath a good night ; and though many bitter pils of harsh and strange vsages must bee swallowed by these strangers , yet the consideration of home is as sugar in their pockets to sweeten them all .

A stranger measures not his owne worth , nor thinketh worse of himselfe for things befalling him in the way ; but esteemeth and valueth himselfe , according to his estate at home : So must the Christian stranger , liue by faith , looke vpon things not seene . Let the world vnder-value thee , content thy selfe , that thou hast credit , and reputation at home , where thou art knowne , and thy worth is knowne , which by no disparagement in the way can be obscured , or diminished .

Thirdly , a third dutie hence that wee are strangers heere , is to learne to estrange our selues from the world , and courses of worldly men . A stranger when euer hee trauailes , reteineth the manners , fashions , and customes of his owne countrey ; a Christian stranger although hee bee in the world , yet hee is not of the world , hee is of another corporation , and therefore though hee walke in the flesh , 2 Cor. 10.3 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 yet hee must not warre according to the flesh . Hee carrieth this body of flesh about him as others doe , but hee must fight against flesh and the lusts of it , contrary to the Patrons , and defenders of the corruptions that are in the worlde through lust . The worlde may and must enioy our presence for a time , but must at no time gaine our conformity to it , Rom. 12.2 . Fashion not your selues according to this world , that is , the customes and guizes of it ; because it lieth in wickednesse , and the Christian is cast into another forme of doctrine and conuersation , Art thou now sollicited to follow the lusts and fashions of this world ? thinke with thy selfe , that thou art a stranger heere , and of another Countrey ; thou liuest vnder other lawes ; thou maist not cast in thy lot with the wicked of the world ; nor giue voice or suffrage in their meetings ; but bee as Lot , who though hee were in Sodome , was not of Sodome ; but was perpetually vexed with the vncleane conuersation of those wicked men . Art thou prouoked to sweare , to drinke excessiuely , to lie for aduantage , to breake the Sabbath for gaine , to vncleannesse , or any other foule lust ? Now say to thy selfe ; I am of the kingdome of light ; but this is a worke of darkenesse ; this is an vnlawfull act in my Countrey , and why should I practise it heere ? seeing my Lord and King must needs know it : if I commit treason heere against my King and Countrey ; my King hath informers enough , and I shall loose my whole estate there , and bee banished out of my countrey for euer . Shall I ( saith Ioseph ) commit this sinne against my God , against my Master ? Seeing my Master hath kept nothing from mee but sinne ; I will not doe this thing , I will not sinne , and commit this high wickednesse .

Fourthly , A fourth dutie is , that seeing we are strangers heere , to learne to affect our owne countrey , and highly to esteeme it . Euery man by nature loueth his natiue Countrey best ; neither thinketh himselfe so well in any forreine land ; and strangers , especially hauing parents , kindred , and great reuenues in their natiue soyle ; and being hardly entreated where they soiourne ; would be glad to returne home , and enioy the sight of those whom they haue long longed to see : Euen so the Christian Pilgrim . Neuer did Israel more affect and extoll their owne Countrey in their banishment from it , and captiuitie in Babylon , than the Christian stranger doth affectedly desire , and preferre his heauenly Countrey aboue this strange land , the Countrey of his captiuitie ; For , hee discerneth that this is not his Countrey , first , That is a mans Country where he was borne and brought vp , but whence taketh a Christian his spirituall birth , or where is hee brought vp but in the Church and kingdome of Christ ? Earth giueth him a birth and being as hee is man , but as a Christian hee is borne of God . Secondly , againe , that is a mans countrey where his parents , his ancestors , and deare kindred dwell , and inhabit . Now where dwelleth the Christian mans Father , but in heauen ? Where is his elder brother but there ? Where are all his brethren and sisters , sonnes and daughters of the same parents but there ? and therefore heauen is his Countrey . Thirdly , Further , that is a mans Countrey where his principall estate , and goods are , where his patrimony and inheritance lyeth ; and where is the chiefe portion , the treasure , the immortall inheritance of the Christian , but in heauen ? And where else is his Countrie ? Now then , a Christian considering on the one hand , that hee is in a strange Countrey , and how hardly hee hath bin intreated in it , and so likely to be still ; and on the other hand , that hee hath an home and a father there that loueth him dearely ; and that his elder brother Iesus Christ , and all his spirituall kindred , the Saints of God are there ; And besides that , hee hath a rich portion and a large patrimony , euen an immortall inheritance in heauen ; how can hee chuse but to bee reared in his affections , yea , rauished to bee there ? desiring nothing in the world more than to bee dissolued hence , and to bee with Christ , which is best of all . Phil. 1.23 . A Traueller hath his minde , and thoughts still vpon home , and saith with himselfe , Home is homely . And the Marriner , or Sea-faring man in a storme , or rough Sea , hath his desires on the Shore , and his minde is not where his body is . So is it with the Christian Passenger , his minde is not where his body is ; and if hee cannot get home in the body as soone as hee desireth , yet in his spirit , hee will minde heauen , and heauenly things ; hee will get as neere home as hee can ; if he cannot get into the heart of the citie , hee will bee sure to get into the suburbes , the Church of God . If hee cannot get suddenly into that Ierusalem which is aboue , Reu. 21.2 . hee will get into the Ierusalem which is from aboue ; and where his person cannot bee for the time , his conuersation & meditation shall bee in heauen ; Matt. 6 21. for where his treasure is , there will his heart be also .

Vse 2. In that wee are strangers with God , wee learne diuers things ;

1. The soueraigntie and power of God , who is the great owner , Zach. 4.14 and ruler of the whole earth . Kings themselues , who are the highest earthly Lords , and commanders , are but strangers with God , Psal. 24.1 . for the earth is the Lords , and all that therein is : And no man sitteth in his owne , but are Tenants at will vnder this great Land-Lord . The greatest of men , yea , of Kings , are but as David was , soiourners in his sight , Leuitic. 25.23 . The Land is his , and wee are but strangers and soiourners with him .

2. Wee must hence gather out our owne dutie towards God , in whose Countrey wee soiourne ; and our dutie is manifold ;

1. To aske leaue of GOD , to passe through his Countrey ; so did Israel of Edom , a wicked Prince and people , Numbers 20. I pray thee that we may passe through thy Countrey , &c. It is fit to aske leaue where no right is . Besides , that by daily prayer for Gods leaue , and fauourable loue in our way , wee both ascribe vnto God the honour of soueraigntie and bountie ; as also sweeten his mercies which hee giueth vs leaue to enioy , all which are sanctified to vs by the word and by praier . 1 Tim. 4.5 .

2. Binde thy selfe from trespassing in the way and Countrey through which thou passest ; So did Israel vnto Edom , Num. 20.17 . We will not goe through the fields , nor the vineyards : neither will wee drinke of the water of the wells ; wee will goe by the Kings way , and neither turne to the right hand , nor left , till wee bee past thy borders ; So must the Christian bee carefull hee transgresse not the lawes of the Countrey in which hee soiournes , to stirre vp against himselfe the wrath and reuenge of the Lord in whose Countrey hee soiourneth ; but frame himselfe to please him , by whose leaue hee trauelleth through his Countrey . How carefull and diligent were Iosephs brethren to please their vnknowne brother , Gen. 44. the Lord of that strange Countrey ? Much more ought we to please our brother Iesus Christ , the Lord of this strange countrey , through which wee passe to our owne Canaan .

3. Cast thy care vpon God , and depend vpon him for all needfull supplies ; so did holy David heere , because hee was a stranger in Gods Countrey , he therefore casteth his burden vpon the Lord , desiring him to heare his prayer , and to hearken to his cry , and not to bee silent at his teares . A stranger ouer-loadeth not himselfe with cares , and carriages ; but carrying a competent viaunce with him , dependeth for all necessaries vpon them where he soiourneth ; so a Christian stranger need bee in nothing carefull , Phil. 4.6 . but in all things let his requests bee shewed vnto God ( the King of the Countrey ) in prayer . All distrustfull and excessiue carefulnesse is to bee auoyded of a Christian , yea , suppose the care be about things lawfull , if it bee excessiue , it is sinfull , and vnseemely in a Christian Pilgrim . Let thy chiefe care be , Psal. 37.5 . 1 Pet. 5.7 . to commit thy way vnto the Lord , and trust in him , and hee shall bring it to passe , Psal. 55.22 . Cast thy care vpon the Lord , and he shall nourish thee .

4. Be much in thankefulnesse vnto God for all the comfortable blessings thou receiuest in thy Pilgrimage : a stranger thankefully accepteth all the fauours shewed him in a strange Countrey : and so did holy Dauid , when God had enabled him to prepare abundantly for the building of the temple , breake out into abundant praises ; Wee thanke thee our God , 1 Chro. 29.13.14 . and praise thy glorious Name . But who am I ? or what is my people , that we should offer vnto thee ? for all is thine , and of thine own haue we giuen thee ; for , wee are strangers before thee , and soiourners , as all our Fathers were . And surely , it well beseemeth the iust to bee thankfull , seeing they are strangers in the Lords land , and all the comforts they enioy , are his by right , and possession , and theirs onely by leaue , and thankfull acceptation .

5. Be contented and patient , if this great Lord deny thee any thing thou wouldst haue whilest thou passest through his Countrey ; Numb. 20 21. so was Israel when Edom out of a churlish and hurtfull minde , denied them peaceable passage . But the Lord of this Countrey knoweth what is fit for vs , and neuer denieth any thing out of a churlish minde , neither can deny any thing good in it selfe , and good to vs ; and if he with-hold any hurtfull things , we must be not onely patient but thankfull .

Vse 3. In that wee are strangers heere , and trauelling to our countrey , as all our Fathers haue done before vs , it appeareth that our wisdome will bee to resolue of paines and trauell all the dayes of our life , and not to expect rest till the night of death come , when dying in the Lord we shall rest from our labours ; and because this is not our rest , Mica . 2. ●0 . wee must arise and depart hence . And seeing wee can no more auoid this weary iourney , than any of our Fathers could doe ; we must rather bestow wise and carefull thoughts , in fitting our selues to our iourney , and in behauing our selues through our way , than to expect to auoid the tediousnesse and difficulties of it .

Quest. How may we fit our selues for our iourney home into our owne Countrey ?

Ans. A traueller fitteth himselfe to his iourney two waies especially ;

1. By casting off , and leauing behinde him whatsoeuer would burden or hinder him in his way .

2. By prouiding for himselfe things fit for his iourney .

Of the former sort there be three especiall encumbrances that the Christian Pilgrim must lighten himselfe off . The first of them is sinne , which as an intollerable burden presseth vs downe , Heb. 12.1 . and hangeth fast on ; and therefore the Apostle counselleth to cast it off , if wee meane to runne the race before vs . Now the way to lighten our selues of this weight , is to exercise euery day the grace of repentance and mortification , and daily to take some sinne or other in hand , and at least to slake and abate the power of it , that if wee cannot bee rid of the sinne in respect of the presence of it , yet we may be rid of the reigne and command of it .

The second , are earthly cares , profits , and pleasures , which are as heauy stones tyed vnto vs , and pressing vs from heauen to earth , making heauie and sad the soule , and vnweildy in her motions . The way for vs to lighten our selues of these encumbrances , is daily and continually to eleuate , and raise our thoughts homeward , and heauenward , and exercise our selues in holy meditations , praiers , and praises , sundry times through the day .

For as he that would keepe a Clocke in true motion , must euery day sundry times winde vp the plummets , which are stil drawing downward ; euen so must we doe with our hearts ; the cares and pleasures of the world are as plummets of Lead , pressing downe the soule incessantly , in her motion towards heauen ; and hee that would continue his motion must daily wind vp his heart towards God : and by maine strength of grace fetch it vp from earth , that it may be sirmly setled on heauenly things , delighting it selfe with the riches of heauen ; & with contemplation of those pleasures , that are at the right hand of God for euermore .

The third encumbrance , is the feare of death , which presseth vs all our life ; and the Christian must lighten himselfe of this burden by looking beyond it to his own home ; by longing after the liuing God , whom none can see in the body and liue ; by considering that the nearer he is to death , hee is so much neerer home . And what stranger feareth to goe home ; or is sorry when after a long absence , hee is entring into his owne Citie ?

Secondly , A wise Christian will furnish and prouide himselfe with necessaries , and needefull supplies , to helpe him through his iourney .

There be fiue things especially which a traueller must fit himselfe withall , that his iourney may bee lesse tedious , and more prosperous to himselfe .

1. The knowledge of the direct way . Now whereas no man knowes the way to the heauenly countrey , without Gods teaching , euery one must goe to God himselfe first , and then to such as God hath appointed to bee the directors , and instructors in this way . The former wee see in holy Dauid , Psalme 119.19 . I am a stranger vpon earth , therefore hide not thy Commandements from mee . Hee knew well how hardly a blinde man could performe a farre and dangerous iourney , and thus it is onely the Commandement that shewes the way to this heauenly Countrey . Why , was Dauid a blinde man , or did hee not know the ten Commandements ? Euen Dauid who was not stone blinde , but much enlightned , was blinde in part , and still earnest , that the LORD would further open his eies , Psal. 119.18 , 34 , 35. to see the way more plainly , & clearely than yet hee did : And though hee knew the words , and true sence of the ten Commandements , yet hee desireth still to bee led further into the particular vse , application , direction , and obedience of them ; and of all other parts of the Word , which hee saith , is exceeding large . And for the latter ; As a stranger in an vnknown Country , and way , will euer , bee asking the way of euery one neuer so simple , who knoweth the way better than himselfe ; and will obserue the seuerall markes , and statues , by which hee may know , whether hee bee right , or no : So must euery Christian Pilgrim bee inquisitiue of his way ; for which purpose he must frequent the ministry of the word diligently , which God hath erected to bee as A light in a darke place ; as the Pillar of the Cloude and fire by night and by day , to direct vs through this dry and desert wildernesse ; as Ariadnes threede to helpe vs through this trouble-some Maze and Labyrinth ; and as a voyce behinde vs , saying , this is the way , walke in it . An inquisitiue Christian will bee still consulting with Gods Ministers about the way of God : and conferring with priuate Christians , bee they neuer so meane in place or appearance , concerning their great iourney betweene heauen and earth ; and will take speciall notice of the markes of their way , as whether it bee the narrow way , or the broad way ; whether it be strewed with crosses , or pleasant to the flesh ; whether it bee a cleane way , or a foule , dirtie , and mirie way of lusts ; whether it bee an old beaten way by the feet of ancient beleeuers , the Prophets , the Apostles , and holy men , yea , of Iesus Christ himselfe ; or a new broken and deuised way , vnknown vnto them , and the Scriptures ; whether it bee a right way , Hos. 14.9 . or a crooked path of by lanes , and turnings to the right hand , or to the left ; whether it bee a lightsome , or a darke way , Pro. 4.19 . and the like . Thus inquisitiue and carefull will a Christian Pilgrim bee of the best directions he can get ; as the poore iaylor will know of Paul his prisoner , what hee may doe to bee saued ; and it is none of the lightest plagues of God , to haue an heart vnwilling to ask about the way of heauen

A second comfortable helpe in an vnknowne way , is a good guide . The Christian stranger hath neede of a guide , and the best guide is God himselfe , yea and more , God is the only guide . In any other way or iourney , the natiues or inhabitants can guide a stranger from place to place , but here none but God can bee our guide , Psalme 25.9 . He will guide in Iudgement , and teach the humble his way .

Quest. But how then may a man get God to bee his guide ?

Answ. By two speciall meanes ;

1. By earnest Praier . Dauid knowing that none but God could guide him , prayeth , Psalme 143.8 . Shew me the way that I shall goe . And verse 10. Let thy good Spirit leade mee vnto the land of righteousnesse .

2. By constant subiection to Gods word ; for God goeth before vs by his word , as hee did before Israel in the Pillar of the Cloud & fire , and willing obedience to Gods word maketh God our guide .

Thirdly , A stranger in his way needeth his viance , or prouision for his expence . The word of God is the Christians viaticum , & supplyeth all his needs , it affoords him food in his hunger , being the bread of life , and the Mannah that came downe from heauen ; it yeeldeth him drinke in his thirst , being water of life , and whosoeuer thirsteth , is called to these sweet waters of consolation , drawne out of the wells of saluation ; it affords him Physick in his soules sicknesse ; strength in his weakenesse ; and neuer leaueth him that leaneth vpon it , without sufficient means to helpe him through his iourney .

Fourthly , a traueller hath need of a weapon to defend himselfe , and to wound or keepe off his enemies . The same word of God is a speciall part of our spirituall armour ; it is the sword of the Spirit . And as Dauid said of Goliahs sword , Oh , there is none to that , giue mee that ; so there is no sword to this for the repulse of all spirituall enemies , and for the sure defence of him that shall buckle it close vnto him . Besides that , it directs him to obtaine and fasten vnto him all the other peeces of Christian armour , so as in no part he lie open or naked to danger .

Fiftly , A Traueller hath neede of good company , which is pro vehiculo , as good as a Waggon or Coach , to carry him with the more ease through the tediousnesse of the way . The same testimonies of God are sweete companions , and helpe to deceiue , and passe ouer our time comfortably ; if wee can talke of them in the way , and in the house , and in the field ; and if wee can whet them vpon our selues and others ; if wee make them The man of our counsell , and meditate on them night and day ; hee is neuer alone that hath God and Christ conferring , counselling , and directing him in the Scriptures ; neither is hee alone , who when hee is most alone , is in Soliloquie with God ; this man wanteth neither company nor comfort .

Now how happily shall this man compasse his iourney , Psa. 119.54 . and goe singing through the most tedious wayes of his Pilgrimage , that hath thus furnished himselfe with the vnderstanding of his way ; with a faithfull and vnerring guide ; with sufficient provision for his expence ; with a serviceable weapon ; and with a sweet and chearefull Companion ?

Vse 4. In that wee are Pilgrims in the way to our Countrey ; In this way 〈◊〉 must learne to demeane our selues as way-faring men , and imitate the Pilgrim in these particulars .

1. To bee stirring early for our iourney , and take the day before vs , that wee may dispatch our iourney before wee be benighted It is our Lords counsell to worke while the day lasteth , because the night commeth wherein none can worke , Ioh. 11.9 . And his owne practise propounded for our imitation , Iob. 9.4 . and imitated by the Saints , whose prayses are in the Scriptures . Holy David served out his time according to the counsell of God , that is , while he lived hee was a servant of God , for the good of the age in which hee lived . And the Apostle Peter exhorteth , 1 Pet. 4.2 . that henceforth so much time as remaineth in the flesh , wee spend according to the will of God . Well did the holy men consider , what an advantage it is to set out in the way of God early , even in the morning of the life ; What a sweet comfort it is to bee early graced ; that wee haue but a short day passed away in a few houres to travell in ; that this day stayeth not , but hasteneth from vs ; that this day is the onely time to walke in ; and that this day being shut in , there is no more time to worke or walke in , and therefore did bestir themselues lest they should fall short of their intended iourney .

2. As a man in his iourney , will bee glad of any good company that will goe but part of his way with him ; So must the Christian in his iourney , bee glad of companie in his way to heaven ; and heartily embrace the fellowship and societie of the Saints , which meane to goe through with him . Indeed if a man would chuse to sort himselfe with evill men , hee might get more company , but they goe the contrary way ; but a wise traveller will rather chuse to goe with one , or two , yea or alone in his right way , than goe a cleane contrary way for companie . Let vs bee glad to meet our countrymen in this through-fare , bee kinde to them for the same Countrey sake ; and as wee shall easily know them by their language , habit , and conversation , so let vs heartily affect them , & vndividedly cleaue vnto them .

3. In this way bee glad ( as a stranger in a strange Country ) to send home vpon enery occasion offering it selfe ; send home thy prayers , thy daily desires , thy thoughts , thy meditations , thy prayses , thy sacrifices , thy loue tokens . And because some thing is to bee done for thee at home now in thine absence , beseech Christ thy best friend , to set forward thy businesse there , and to looke to thine occasions , lest all goe to wracke , by preparing a mansion for thee ; by making intercession for thee ; by sending out his Spirit for thy direction and comfort , till thou returnest home vnto him ; eternall prayses and thankes for such great favours , so freely conferred vpon thee .

4. In this way bee content if sometimes thou are weary as one that goeth vp a steepe hill if sometimes thou sighest and pantest in thy painfull travell , through a foule way , and stormie weather ; Let the tediousnesse of the way make thee desire the wayes end , and to covet to bee at home with Christ , which is best of all . But bee sure in thy wearinesse thou sit not downe ; much lesse looke backe with Lots wife ; but presse hard forward to the marke , Philip. 3.13 . as one resolved to goe through and persevere to the end ; considering that after an hill commeth a valley ; after foule way commeth fayre ; and after a storme a faire shine and gleame againe ; Psal. 30. heavinesse may endure for a night , but ioy returneth in the morning . If wee haue need of patience for a while , Heb. 10.36 . it is but to enioy the promises . If the sufferings for Christ encrease . 2 Cor. 1. so shall also the comforts . Psal. 34 . And many are the troubles of the righteous , but the Lord delivereth them out of all . The end which crowneth all thy labour is worth all thy paines & patience

Vse 5. Seeing all the Saints are strangers here as all our Fathers haue beene ; Here are sundry grounds of comfort arising hence to beleevers .

1. Against the disgraces and open iniuries they perpetually sustaine from the hands of evill men , and the small favour they find in the world ; for what can they looke for other , being strangers , but strange vsages and entertainements from the world . If they were of the world , the world would loue them as her owne . Euery Corporation preferreth into offices her owne free men , and inhabitants ; and it were folly for a stranger passing but through , to expect those places , and preferments ; hee must rather cast to endure wronges , where his worth is vnknowne , and expect no remedy or release at any of their hands ; but herein comfort himselfe that hee hath credit , and can haue right in his owne countrie , and if he were once at home , hee should put vp no such wrongs and indignities .

2. Against the troubles and oppressions of the Saints of God in these heavie times of warres and bloudie persecutions ; in which the Captaines of Antichrist chase the godly from their seates , houses , estates , and countries ; not suffering the Doue of Christ a rest for the sole of her foot . Here is a ground of comfort .

1. That all the furie of the enemies , exiling and banishing the godly , can but make them strangers , and so were they before , whersoever they dwelt in any place of the earth . It is no great addition of miserie to banish him , that was in banishment before ; or to driue a man out of one strange place into another : Hee that is alreadie a stranger vpon earth in affection , can easily become come actually a stranger , if God call him vnto it .

2. When the enemies haue exercised all their rage , they cannot banish them out of GODS Countrey ; but they are strangers before God , who is equally present with them in one corner of the earth as well as in another , to protect them , to provide for them , to pittie them , and guide them home to their owne Countrey .

3. Although the enemies would bee endlesse in their rage against the Saints ; and were they to liue ever , they would ever nourish and exercise an immortall wrath against the people of God , yet can they not inflict so much mischiefe on them as they desire ; For besides that themselues are mortall , and besides the justice of God breaking quickly to peeces the rods of his wrath , and casting them into the fire ; the godly themselues are but strangers here , and of short continuance ; so as , suppose their sufferings bee sharpe , yet they bee but short . The rods of the wicked shall not alwayes lye vpon the lot of the righteous ( as they desire they should ) seeing the godly are strangers as well in time as in place , and themselues not continuing , their miserie cannot bee continuall .

3. In the many losses of these worldly and corruptible things , which take them to their wings , and flie from one maister to another , by meanes of warre , mortalitie , and many casualties ; a Christian hath comfort , that hee beeing a stranger here , he hath no great estate to lose ; some Mooveables , such as hee carryeth along with him in his iourney , hee may lose by the way , but his estate and inheritance is safe enough at home . Nay , in that great and finall destruction of the whole world by the dreadfull fire of the last day ; 2 Pet. 3.10 . When the heavens shall passe away with a noyse , and the elements shall melt with heat , and the earth , with the workes that are therein shall bee burnt vp : When all other men shall bee loosers of all their whole estates , onely the godly ( because they are Strangers here ) they shall escape all these things , and be no losers at all .

If some whole Citie should bee consumed by fire , when the whole multitude of Inhabitants sustaine losse , and beggery , by that Accident ; a stranger that is but passing through the Cittie , and hath his estate and dwelling elsewhere , hee loseth nothing at all ; So the godly shall be glad in that day , that they haue no stocke nor portion with them , who had no other portion but in this life .

4. As his estate is safe , so likewise is the person of the godly Pilgrim ; For hee not being of the world , hee shall not perish with the world . It was happie for Lot that hee was a stranger , Gen. 19.9 . and scorned as a stranger by the Sodomites ; for when all they were scalded with a shower of fire and Brimstone , the Lord being mercifull vnto him , his person was in safetie . Sever thy selfe from the condition of sinnefull men ; estrange thy selfe from the condition of sinnefull men ; estrange thy selfe from their courses ; walke as one deliuered from this evill world , if not yet in respect of place , yet in respect of new qualities ; thou shalt haue Gods protection , and see the salvation of the LORD , when all the wicked Inhabitants of the earth shall call for the hills to cover them , and the mountaines to fall vpon them , to hide them from the wrath of the Lambe ; for the great day of his wrath is come , Rev. 6.16 , 17. and who can stand ? ( ⁂ )

FINIS .
A PROFITABLE MEMORIALL of the Conversion , Life , and Death of M ris . MARY GVNTER , set vp as a Monument to be looked vpon , both by Protestants and Papists .

I Could not better spend some part of the dayes of my mourning for the losse of my deare wife , than in setting downe briefly some Passages of her course and Pilgrimage , that the happy memory of her graces and vertuous life might euer liue with me , both for incitation , and imitation . And if my desires were strong to make them more publike for the direction of some others , I hope it will rather be charitably ascribed to the working and stirring of my affection towardes her Ashes , than to any vanitie of minde , or ostentation in her . Besides , I am sure , that if a Protestant had beene seduced from vs ( as shee was called out of Popery ) and had liued and died so zealous in that Religion , as shee did in this , the aduersaries would haue made their aduantage of it , and published the same as one of the miracles of their Church . And I see not but it may bee as lawfull for mee , as it may prooue profitable for others , to set down the knowne Truth concerning her ; that as shee was in her life , so also shee may happily continue now after her death , an happy instrument of Gods glory in earth , as I am assured shee is a vessell before him filled with his glory of heauen .

THis gracious Woman was for birth a Gentlewoman , Her birth . but descended of Popish Parents , who dying in her infancy , shee was committed vnto the tuition of an old Lady , Popish education . honourable for her place , but a strong Papist , who nousled and misled this Orphane in Popery , till shee came about foureteene yeeres of age ; at which time this Lady died . Vpon which occasion , God ( hauing a mercifull purpose towards her conuersion ) by his good Prouidence , brought her to the seruice of that Religious and truly honourable Lady , the Countesse of Leicester , who entertained her with more than ordinary respect , both because of her young yeeres , as also because shee was allied to Sir Christopher Blunt , then husband to the honourable Countesse ; at whose request his Lady had taken her into her care .

To this Honourable Countesse shee came a most zealous Papist , and resolute , as soone as possibly shee could apprehend a fit opportunitie , to conuey her selfe beyond the Seas , and become a Nun ; for she then thought that that was the surest and likeliest way to get Heauen : which as shee had an earnest desire to attaine , so would shee take the neerest way which shee thought would bring her thither . This religious care of the honourable Countesse , as shee did all her life thankfully acknowledge it , so is it very obseruable both for the high commendation of her honor and for the imitation of others of her honourable ranke . But shee could not so closely carry her secret deuotions and intentions , but that by the carefull eye of her Honourable Lady , they were soone discouered , and not sooner discouered than wisely preuented ; for presently her Lady tooke from her all her Popish books , Beades and Images , and all such trumpery , and set a narrow watch ouer her , that shee might bee kept from her Popish Prayers , and not absent her selfe from the daily Prayers of the Family , which were religiously obserued : further , requiring her to reade those Praiers that her honour daily vsed to haue in her priuate chamber with her women .

Her Ladiship also carefully preuented her from her Popish company and counsell by word or writing , for neither might shee write nor receiue any letter without the view and consent of her Honour .

Shee also constrained her to bee countable for the Sermons which shee heard in the house , which were constantly two euery Sabboth day , ( for the increase of the sound knowledge of God , which is the onely Hammer of Popery . ) And heereby shee in short time obtained great ability to communicate to others the substance of those Sermons which shee heard , the rather because it was constantly obserued by all the women in that honorable Family , to come together after the last Sermon , and make repetition of both .

And this shee did as yet for feare , but still with this reseruation , that shee would keepe her heart for Popery ; and trusted that God would bee mercifull vnto her ( as Naaman ) in this which shee did onely through feare and constraint . But God ( who in his owne time worketh in his owne meanes ) began to worke in her first a staggering in her old way ; For , when shee saw the holy conuersation of that Reuerend Preacher , Master I. W. who was then Chaplin to the Countesse ; she began to perswade her selfe , that surely this mans godlinesse must needs bring him to Heauen . And then the reuerend respect of the man made her begin to giue some better care to his Doctrine , to examine his proofes , and to reuerence his Ministry ; whereby in short time , Her new birth . it pleased God that shee was wonne to beleeue the Truth , and renounce her former superstition and ignorance . And , as it is the property of a true Conuert , Iohn 1.45 . being conuerted her selfe shee endeauoured the conuersion of others , and was a great helpe and furtherance to the publique Ministery that way ; For this was a thing which that honourable Familie tooke speciall knowledge of ; and there were many that had great cause to blesse God for her in that respect .

Reuel. 12. Now presently Satan ( that Dragon that watcheth to deuoure euery man-childe which shall bee borne vnto God ) begins to rage , Her long and strong temptations . and reach at her with strong and violent temptations : and first hee terrified her in that shee had sinned the sinne against the holy Ghost ; for shee had played the deepe dissembler ; and being in heart a Papist , yet ioyned with the Protestants whom shee held for Heretickes , and all this against her knowledge and conscience , and so fiercely and incessantly hee followed this temptation , as that shee was perswaded it was impossible that euer this sinne should or could bee pardoned . And this temptation was pointed and sharpened with that dreadfull and fowle suggestion of selfe murder , as if the remedy of the sinne against the holy Ghost , were to destroy ones selfe . While shee was thus long tossed and tumbled in these waues and billowes of Satanicall suggestions , wherein shee was so low cast and deiected ( still concealing her griefe ) as shee almost despaired of recouery ; It pleased God to direct that Reuerend Preacher ( who was her Father in Christ , and whom shee euer after embraced with the most entyre loue of the most naturall Childe ) to entreat of this sinne ; and to shew what it was , and by whom and in what manner it was committed . To which Doctrine shee diligently hearkening , and by examination of it , and her selfe , finding that shee had not so sinned after illumination , nor with obstinate malice against God or his Truth ( which when shee was most superstitiously deuoted , shee desired to finde out ) it pleased God to quiet her minde for that ; and so led her ouer that temptation .

But Satan that departed from our head , Iesus Christ , onely for a season , was not long away from the molestation of this his member , but returned and brought leuen worse spirits ( were it possible ) than before , and now his name may be Legion ; for now hee would confound and oppresse her with multitudes of blasphemous thoughts , and doubts . Now must shee beleeue there is no God : That the Scriptures are not his word , but a Pollicie : or if it were his word , who must interpret it ? or how could shee a silly woman get the vnderstanding of such deepe mysteries as are contained in the same ? Besides , as she was of minde that shee was gotten out of one errour , so shee knew nothing but that shee was misled into another ; for , how could shee bee sure that this was the truth which shee now professed , seeing there are as many or more learned men of the one opinion as of the other , and all of them maintaine their opinions by the Scriptures . Thus was shee vexed and exercised with Armies of rouing and vnsetled conceits for fiue or sixe yeeres together , till God ( whom she often sollicited for direction and assistance in the combat ) brought her to this resolution , that shee would hold these conclusions , whatsoeuer disputes Satan might weary her withall . That there was not onely a God in himselfe , but a God that was her God : and whatsoeuer opinions there were in the world , that there was but one Truth , and that was to bee learned out of the Scriptures ; and though there were much in the Bible which shee did not vnderstand , yet shee was perswaded , that if shee would diligently reade and search the Scriptures , with earnest Prayer to God for a good vnderstanding in them , shee should attaine thence a measure of knowledge , sufficient to bring her to heauen ; and holding strongly these groundes , shee found the temptations waste away by degrees , and her selfe daily more strongly setled vpon the foundation .

Neither was shee onely by the grace of God a Conquerour in these temptations , but I may say with the Apostle , in a maner more than a Conquerour by them ; for , God ( who bringeth light out of darkenesse ) made these temptations a sweet seasoning of her whole life . By occasion of which , shee tied her selfe to a strict course of godlinesse , and a constant practise of Christian Duties , which she religiously obserned euen till her dying day .

For first , Her religious life . that shee might bee stablished in the Truth , and confirmed against those former wauerings and weaknesses , shee vowed , that God assisting her , shee would euery yeere reade ouer the whole Bible in an ordinary course , Extraordinary diligence in the Scriptures . which course she constantly obserued for the space of fifteene yeres together , beginning her taske vpon her birth day , and reading euery day so many Chapters as to bring it about iust with the yeere . By which exercise shee gained a great increase of knowledge , and no lesse strengthening of her faith ; for shee did not reade carelesly or negligently , but alwayes kept a note of what places she did not vnderstand , and would still be inquiring the meaning of them , as shee met either with Ministers , or such as shee thought were able to informe her in the same . And her custome was euer before shee opened her Bible , to send vp a short prayer vnto god , for the opening of her blinde eyes , to the vnderstanding of those sacred mysteries , that so they might bee as a Lanthorne to guide her feet in the wayes of holinesse , vntill shee had attained her desired happinesse .

And not here with contented , as a good Mary shee pondered the Word of God in her heart , for by her great industry in the Scriptures , shee had gotten by heart many select Chapters , and speciall Psalmes ; and of euery Booke of the Scripture one choife verse : all which shee weekly repeated in an order which shee propounded to her selfe : and being asked why shee was so laborious in getting and retaining those Scriptures in memory ? Her answer was , that shee knew not what dayest of triall , or persecution might come , wherein shee might bee depriued of her Bible , and other good bookes and helpes ; but so much of the Scriptures as shee could get into her heart , shee knew no Tyrants or Enemies could bereaue or rob her of ( God make thee that readest , and me that writeth this , so Christianly prouident , as in these dayes of plentie to lay vp somewhat for the dayes of straitnesse and famine . ) Secondly , Her instance in her priuat Prayers . from that time of her trouble shee resolued vpon Daniels practise , wherein shee was also constant ; namely , besides the family duties , which were twise a day performed by the Chaplin in that Religious house in which shee liued till within one yeere of her death ; And besides the priuate Praicrs that shee dayly read in her Ladies Bedchamber , she was thrice euery day on her knees before God in secret , like a true worshipper , whose delight was to bee in Gods presence . By meanes of which daily exercise , besides all other comfortable fruits , shee attained a singular sweet gift in prayer , whereby shee could both strongly wrestle , and happily preuaile with God , whose grace suffereth himselfe to bee ouercome with the praiers of his weake seruants .

And because shee knew that religious fasting is the whetstone of Prayer , shee tied her selfe to set apart six dayes in euery yeere , wherein she was extraordinarily humbled in fasting and prayer , for her owne sinnes , and the sins of the times . At all which times shee was in speciall manner earnest with the Lord , that hee would bee pleased further to reueale vnto her his whole Truth , needfull for her saluation , and keepe her constant in the obedience thereof vnto the end .

And because shee knew that the right and worthy Receiuing of the Sacraments affordeth a Christian speciall strength , and much stability in the course of godlinesse : as shee diligently apprehended that comfort when she could conueniently receiue that Sacrament ; so for many yeeres shee had laid a band vpon her selfe , neuer to receiue it , but the day before to fit , and examine her selfe seriously , deeply humbling her selfe before the Lord in fasting and prayer all the day long .

Thirdly , The tendernesse of her conscience . the trouble of her conscience , made her euer of a tender conscience : fearefull shee was of offending God and her owne conscience ; and watched her selfe narrowly ; and to keepe her selfe in awe ; for the space of fiue yeeres before her death , she kept a Catalogue of her daily slips , and set downe euen the naughtie thoughts which shee obserued in her selfe , that one day in euery weeke she might extraordinarily humble her selfe for all the failings of that weeke , and this with such moderate abstinence as might best fit her weake body to humble and feruent praier . And all these priuate religious duties , shee performed so secretly , that none but her bosome friend knew of their performance . As she was thus fearefull of sinnes present , and to come , so her conscience was tender in respect of sins past as may appeare by this memorable instance . Whilest shee was a child bred vp in the chamber of that old Lady , she was entised by lewd seruants who fed her with figs , and other such toies , fit to please children withall , to steale money out of the Ladies Cabinet which often stood open in her Chamber , and which they knew shee had the fittest opportunitie to doe of all other : whereunto her childishnesse giuing way , shee found it not missed , and so continued it for seuen yeeres or thereabouts without any great checke of Conscience . But when the light of God came in and made a priuy search in the heart ; and made her able to take her selfe with the fact ; now shee was ashamed and confounded in her selfe , and her stirred conscience gaue her no rest , nor could shee conceiue any hope of quiet , beeause shesaw , she had done that which she could no way vndoe . If she looked at the summe of money taken 〈◊〉 giuen away , 〈◊〉 conceiued that by continuing in that course seuen yeeres together , shee might haue wronged that Lady thirtie or fortie pound . If shee thought of restitution , shee was no way able . Thus shee carried the burden of this sin a long time , easing it aswell as shee could with a resolute purpose , if euer God pleased to make her able , to make restitution to the heires of the deceased Lady . And accordingly so shee did . For when that honourable , and bountifull Lady , whom shee so long serued , gaue her a large portion when shee bestowed her in marriage , shee forthwith made choice of a Reuerend Minister , whom shee emploied therein ( enioyning him secrecie ) and because shee would bee sure to make full restitution , she deliuered him sixty pounds , to tender vnto this Ladies heire , as from a concealed seruant of the Ladies , who had vniustly taken it away from her . And when the Gentleman returned ten pounds of it backe againe , such was the tendernesse of her conscience , that shee would receiue none of it to her own vse ; but gaue it away to poore and pious persons and vses . And this childish errour God turned to her good ; for in all the two and twenty yeeres of her seruice vnto that honourable Lady , shee neuer durst make vse of any thing that was vnder her charge , were it small or great , but set it downe in writing , and once euery yeere did make it good , either in the kinde , or in some other thing which shee bought for her Ladiships vse .

Fourthly , Her charitable disposition . the sense of her owne weaknesses and wants made her of a pittifull , and charitable disposition towards the wants , and miseries of others . Shee had euer a large heart to the poore , especially the godly poore ; she neuer did see or heare of any that were in want , but her heart did mourne if shee had not to releeue them , neither was her hand shut , for shee did yeerely lay aside a portion of money to the vttermost of her ability ( if not beyond ) for their releefe . Thus shee liued holily , happily , and desiredly : Neither could so gracious a life be shut vp but by an answerable , that is , an happy death and dissolution , wherof I will adde but a few wordes , and so leaue her to her happinesse till wee meet happily againe .

True it is , Her Imgring sicknesse . that the life of a Christian should bee a continuall meditation of death , as it is a continuall motion to death : and such was the latter part especially of the life of this Christian woman , who was of weake and sickly constitution many yeeres before her death , which made her so much the more prepared for her last combate and sicknesse , which lasted ten weekes ; in all which time shee certainly apprehended and expected her dissolution , it being the principall , and almost onely subiect of her discourse , six moneths before it came . But thirty dayes before her departure , she finding her paines increasing , and growing very sharpe and tedious , she spent an houres talke with mee concerning her desire for the things of this life ; and hauing said what shee purposed , shee thus concluded her speech : Now sweet Heart , no more wordes betweene you and mee of any worldly thing , onely let me earnestly request , and charge you , that as you see my weaknes increase , you will not faile to assist me , and call on mee to follow the Lord with prayer and patience ; For , now I know , that Satan will shew all his malice , because his time is but short against me , and he will easily espie my weaknesse , and make his aduantage of it , and therefore now especially helpe mee with your counsell , comfort and praiers .

In all the time of her sicknesse , our gracious God who as a fast friend standeth closest to his seruants when they haue most need of him , shewed his gracious presence with her , as in all other comfortable supplies answerable to that depth of distresse , so especially in hearing and answering her prayers , and desires of her heart .

There were foure requests which wee ●bs●rued shee especi●●●● preferred vnto God in her sicknesse , Foure requests 〈…〉 them all . and in none of them was denyed .

The first , that shee might be armed with strength against Satans assaults , which shee expected would be fierce & frequent ; from whom she was mercifully freed ; for onely three dayes before her death , shee began to bee deiected in the sense of her owne dulnesse , and thereby began to call in question Gods loue towards her , and the truth of Gods grace in her ; for said shee , were I the Lords , why should not I lift vp my head now , seeing the time of my dissolution draweth on so neere ? But these complaints continued not aboue sixe houres , but shee had much cheerefulnesse and comfort againe , which shee expressed , both in earnest and excellent Prayers , ( wherein her gift was more than ordinary for her sex ) as also in many cheerful thanks and praises to God for his great mercy , for that hee had now so chained Satan at this time of her great weaknesse , that hauing beene formerly molested , and daily vexed with his assaults , for the space of aboue six yeeres together , now hee would not suffer him to rest on her with his malice aboue six houres .

Her second request was , that the Lord would strengthen her with patience to endure all her paines to the end ; and herein she was as graciously heard as in the former , for although she was full of paines , and assaulted with many strong fits , in which no part was exempt from deadly paines , and euery of these sits of many houres continuance , yet was shee neuer heard to vtter any word of impatience in her selfe , or discontent to any that were about her , and much lesse to charge God foolishly , in whose hands she was as the clay in the hand of the Potter .

Her third request to God was , that shee might in all her sorrowes be still supported with some sense of his loue ; and with the assurance of the pardon of all her sins . And that God was comfortably found of her in this request , was very apparent in her ioyfull expectation of death ; the time whereof shee truly foretold fiue dayes before it came ; and as this time approached , her ioy increased ; so as shee was able to comfort her mournfull husband and friends , saying ; Mourne not for mee , but for your selues , for I shall very shortly be more happy than the wishes of your hearts can make me , and therefore cease your mourning and helpe mee thither by your praiers as fast as you can .

Her fourth request was , that shee might haue her memory continued vnto the last , that so by no idle , or light speech , she might dishonour God , or bring scandall on her profession ; for she said , If I through paine or want of sleepe ( which shee much wanted ) should haue any foolish , or idle talke , I know what the speech of the world vseth to bee ; This is the end of all your precise folke , they die madde , or not themselues , &c.

And as she praied , God gaue her her memory to the last gasp , Her happy departure . that she died praying ; for a little before her departure , she called vs that were about her and hasted to Praier , for now ( said she ) I shall bee gone presently : ( which words wee then beleeued not ) but Praier being ended , she said with more strength than shee had spoken any thing foure houres before ; Amen , amen . Into thy hands , O Lord , I commend my spirit . Lord Iesus haue mercy on mee , and receiue my soule . And thus with her last breath and words , her soule was carried into Abrahams bosome in the Heauens , to which her eyes and hands were lifted . This was the life and death of this sweet Saint , as it was obserued , and now faithfully witnessed by her mournfull husband , who wisheth both his life and latter end like vnto hers .

FINIS .

A GLASSE for Gentle women to dresse themselves by .

By THOMAS TAYLOR Preacher of Gods word to the Towne of REDING .

LONDON , Printed by I.H. for Iohn Bartlet at the gilt Cup in Cheape-side . 1624.

A GLASSE for Gentlewomen to dresse themselues by .

BEcause I know that sundrie women fearing God , faile in the matter of their attire and ornament , because they want direction , which might lead their consciences in stead o● the common errour o● riotous times : And because it is requisite that all that professe the Name of God , should be more carefull of adorning their profession , than their persons : I haue here set downe a few briefe directions in generall for their helpe that are willing to bee ruled by God and his Word ; and are more desirous to approue themselues vnto him , than to please themselues , or others , with his high displeasure .

I.

First then , such must know , that the practise of godlinesse depriueth no person of the good creatures of God , neither for the necessary , nor delightfull fruition of them , ( for , it onely giueth right , and libertie in them ) but it ordereth the vse of them , and the vsers of them ; and setteth them in the due place of their goodnesse , wherein only they are beautifull and lawfull . Rebecca a woman fearing God , Gen. 24.30 . and 41.42 . wore ornaments . So Ioseph and Mordecay , Ester 8.2 . and Daniel . 5.29 .

II.

Know , that wee are not at our owne hand in the vse of outward ornaments , but vnder rule and appointment . GOD prescribes women how to dresse their heads , 1 Pet. 3.3 . and taketh order for the habit of the body , and findeth fault with the dressings of the daughters of Sion . Isa . 3. And threatning the Princes and Kings children cloathed with strange apparell , Zeph. 1.8 . speaketh to our Gallants that build towers vpon their heads , or erect them as with large hornes , or any way take vp an vnlimited libertie in their dresses with some speciall vanitie , and offence . For such dressing of the haire the Lord threatneth the daintie women with baldnesse and shame , Isa. 3.

III.

Such must know , that as the kingdome of God standeth not in any of these outward things , 1 Cor. 8.8 . so they must not be suffered to hinder the kingdome of God in our selues or others : And though they being things so indifferent in themselues , as they commend vs not to God ; yet in the vse of them all , wee must exercise certaine vertues in which we must bee acceptable to God ; and auoid such vices in the abusing of them , as will else discommend vs before him . For suppose they be things in their nature neither good nor euill , neither commanded nor forbidden ; as , Whether . I should weare cloth or lether , whether a plaine band or a ruffe , whether single or double , whether white or yellow ; yet in the vse of any of these outward and indifferent things , my action is either good or euill , according to my exercise of vertue or vice in it . Neither can any thing be so indifferent in it selfe , How indifferent things become euill to vs . but it may become euill and sinne in me many wayes : as ,

1. By my election and choise of it without assurance of my libertie in Christ , or with doubting whether I doe well in vsing it , or no.

2. By my intention , which may be corrupt and vicious in my selfe , and preiudiciall to others .

3. By many accidentary euents : as , if others be by my vse of lawfull and outward liberties occasioned to sinne , or thrust forward in carnall licentiousnesse . All which I rather propound to be wisely considered for the remouing of that common obiection & conceit , That the things are not great , and God cares not so much for the dressing of the body , so I keepe my heart to him , and giue him content in my soule . As if these persons conceiued , that the body is not the Lords as well as the soule , or that that soule can bee Gods , when the deuill hath the dressing of the bodie .

IV.

We must know , that although the word of God afford not particular directions for euery particular habit and attire , yet we may not thinke it a defectiue rule , or short and wanting to guide vs euen in the least or lowest action of our liues : because it supplieth vs with many generall rules , to all which we must reduce euery particular action of common life , for the allowance or refusall of it . And therefore for the helpe of such as are teachable , I thought it might bee profitable to apply vnto those generals , and bring to their triall , this particular of habits , and attires ; vnto which while they are squared , none haue so much right to vse them as women fearing God : but if they depart from those rules , they are not so vnseemely in any , as in them .

The generall Rules are these , reduced to foure heads . 1. Some concerne God . 2. Some our selues . 3. Some our brethren . 4. Some the ornament it selfe .

For vnto all these we must haue respect euen in our attires and ornaments .

I. In respect of God , we must attend three rules .

1. The first concerneth our warrant , and is this : No ornament must be vsed , but by warrant and leaue from God . Our warrant is from the word ; our leaue is by praier : the rule for both is expresse , 1 Tim. 4.5 . Euery creature of God is good , sanctified by the word of God , and praier . Whence it followeth , that whatsoeuer ornament , attire , or fashion , is not warranted to the heart by some part of the word , the ground of faith , or for which it cannot send vp a praier of faith for Gods blessing vpon it : that cannot be warrantable to a godly heart . Which of our Gallants in their strange fashions ponder that of the Apostle , Col●ss . 3.17 . Whatsoeuer ye doe in word or deed , doe all in the name of Christ ? that is , 1. By the warrant of his word . 2. With inuocation of God in the name of Christ .

2. The second rule concerning God must looke to the right end , namely ,

No ornament or attire of any fashion or colour may be vsed till the heart be assured that this be the proper end , that in adorning the body it honour God . 1 Cor. 10.31 . Whether yee eat or drinke , or whatsoeuer yee doe , doe all to the glory of God . The word whatsoeuer , being a word of vniuersalitie , fetcheth in the smallest action of life , in which we are bound chiefly and principally to intend , and set vp the glory of God , for which end hee created not our selues onely , but all his works , first for himselfe , and then for vs . Whence it followeth , that whatsoeuer fashion , attire , or ornament doth spot or staine the glory of God , the Gospell of God , or our holy profession , that is vnwarrantable and vnlawfull .

3. The third rule concerning God , is , That

No ornament may bee vsed to correct Gods workmanship , which euen a skilfull Artificer would take ill at any mans hands . It is true , a woman may nourish her haire , for it is her glory ; and may seemely adorne her selfe with her own , Cant. 4 3. for so was the Church in Christs eyes ; yea and in want of their owne , if for seemelinesse they borrow of others , it may be excused ( so modestie be not exceeded : ) but of very wantonnesse or pride to dislike their owne , or to affect such ornament of strange haire as their naturall and proper haire will not reach vnto , argueth vanitie and discontentment with the worke of God , saying vnto God , Why hast thou made mee thus , or why hast thou made my haire of this colour , and not of that ?

And much more to grow out of liking with Gods workmanship on their faces , and by painting to refine them to their owne sancies , is an immodest sinne condemned in whorish Iezabel . 2 King . 9.30 . We denie not but it is lawfull to couer a blemish , or hide an hurt or deformitie in seemely manner : but by defacing Gods workmanship , and by stamping pride on their faces by painting and colours , can by no colour be warranted . Say not , It is custome ; for all custome must bee ruled by the word of Christ , who said , I am Truth ; and not , I am Custome . Nor say , I must be handsome and comely , and therefore I may ; for this is but to couer pride vnder this pretence . Neither say , I am young and may take libertie ; for young men and women must be sober as well as other . Titus 2.4.6 . Nor say , I must please my husband . True ; but it must bee in the Lord , and in things honest and lawfull . Or can it please any husband , to come before him in a visard , a borrowed and adulterate face and fashion ?

II. The second sort of rules respecting our selues , are fiue .

1. No ornament or attire may bee worne , till the heart be resolued that it will be fitting and pleasing to the holy Ghost , whose Temple the body of euery beleeuer is . 1 Cor. 6.19 . Know yee not that your bodies are the temples of the holy Ghost ? Now because this holy Spirit cannot take pleasure in any ornament but such as becommeth holinesse , neither indeed can any other beseeme his temple ; therefore all good Christians will make conscience of what they offer to adorne this temple withall , and bee sure it be no light , strange , odde , or swaggering fashion or attire , taken from light and wanton persons , that they present the blessed Spirit of God with , for the beautifying of his temple .

And besides , seeing euery beleeuer hath put on Christ as a garment , Rom. 13.14 . it will bee the wisdome of euery Christian to see that his ornament be sutable to his apparell , that neither his ornament shame his suit , nor his suit disgrace his ornament . Euery thing in a Christian , from a Christian , on a Christian , or about him , should sauour of Christ , and expresse him . Be sure that thy ornament suit with the same minde that was in Iesus Christ . Phil. 2.5 .

2. No ornament may be vsed with affection or affectation . 1 Pet. 3.3 . the Apostle forbiddeth broydred haire : and 1 Tim. 2.9 . he forbiddeth not that onely , but gold , and pearles , and costly apparell . Which wee must not vnderstand as if he simply and absolutely did forbid and condemne the wearing of gold , or chaines , rings , bracelets , billiments , spangles , and the like : but the thing forbidden is the affecting and studie of these things .

When women ( for to those hee writeth in both places , as being more impotently carried away with this vanitie than the other sex ) not onely take pleasure in outward ornament , but studie brauerie , and striue to be as braue or beyond others , at least not behinde them in vaine and new-come fashions , which is a signe of a sluggish and delicare minde , giuen vp to the delights of the flesh , and farre from mortification .

Our Lord in Matth. 6.28 . allowes not Christians to bestow their thoughts on apparell which is more needfull than ornament . And his Apostle commands vs to vse the most necessary things as not vsing them , 1 Corinth. 7.31 . Then must wee restraine our selues euen in lawfull liberties , when wee finde our selues prone to bee brought vnder the power of any of them , as 1 Cor. 6.12 .

3. No ornament or habit may bee worne or vsed against shamefastnesse and modestie . 1 Tim. 2.9 . The women must array themselues in comely apparell , with shamefastnesse and modestie . We know , that since the fall , nakednesse is a shamefull thing , and sinne hath cast shame on euery part , and calleth for a couer ouer all but for necessitie ; and garments were ordained to hide nakednesse , no● to display or discouer it . And mee thinkes it cannot stand either with religion , or modestie , or with the shamefastnesse of that sex , so to attire themselues , as to display their naked breasts , and some somewhat lower ; or bare their armes beyond that which is fit for euery one to behold . I cannot enter into the heart to iudge any : but I must feare whether they are , or haue euer beene deiected with a deepe sense of their soules nakednesse , and therewith ashamed and confounded before God , that are not ashamed to vncouer their bodily nakednesse ( beyond that which is comely ) before men .

4. No ornament or attire may be vsed to the impeachment of our good name , which is better than the most pretious ointment or ornament : Eccles. 7.3 . as if it carry a brand of pride , wantonnesse , lightnesse , or inconstancie , or a note to bee an inuenter or follower of new and strange fashions : whereas the Apostle would haue the outward habit and attire expresse the feare of God which they professe , 1 Tim. 2.10 . and would haue women to bewray the hidden man of the heart in all their outward artires , 1 Pet 3. that is , the new creature , and diuine nature , which is hid and seated within , but shewed forth in vertuous behauiour , and sober carriage . But alas , how doe they prouide for their reputation , that ( as Chrysostome complaineth of some women in his time ) so lightly and wantonly tire themselues , that when they come into the Church or Oratorie , they seeme rather to come in to dance than to pray . And the euill is greater , that the hurt falleth not only on their owne names , but on the name of God also .

5. No ornament or attire may be vsed to the wasting of our outward estate , or the abuse of Gods blessings in riot or prodigalitie , or the disabling vs from being helpfull to others . The reason is , because we sit not in our owne , but are stewards of these things , and must be countable how wee expend them . The godly heart must bee sure therefore to lay out nothing for attires , or fashions , but that which it may comfortably bring in accounts vnto God .

Besides , the word of God laieth necessarie iniunctions vpon vs to doe good , and distribute to the necessities of the Saints ; to be rich in good works , thereby both to testifie the truth of our faith , as also to be furthering our owne reckoning . Now what an vnanswerable ouersight were it , by excesse and superfluitie in things ( comparatiuely ) vnnecessary , to disable our selues for so necessary duties , and preuent our selues of so large and comfortable retribution .

III. Now follow the rules concerning our brethren .

1. No ornament or fashion may be vsed to offend our Christian brother . Rom. 14.21 . It is not good to doe any thing ( suppose it more necessary than attires ) with offending the weake brother . If the heart suspect or discerne , that this or that attire may or doe offend any Christian ; if the iust cause of the offence rise not out of the thing which may be allowable enough , but out of his weaknesse that takes the offence , the precept of the Apostle bindeth it , to tender the weaknesse of his brother , and now to forbeare his or her lawfull libertie ; and vpon very good and grounded reason . 1. Because charitie is better than outward ornament . 2. The nourishing of our brothers faith , is farre more precious than the nourishing of our owne flesh . 3. The edification of our brother is to bee preferred before our owne pleasure . So as a conscience well informed will bee very tender to offend a weake brother by vndue and vntimely vse of his libertie , although himselfe be perswaded well of it .

2. No ornament , attire , habit , or fashion , may bee vsed to the strengthning of any vaine minds in their new-fangled & strange guises . Rom. 12.2 . And fashion not your selues to this world . A godly minde may not like , or be like vaine-minded persons in their fashions , forme , and courses ; no not so much as enter into their way , Prou. 4.17 . nor be companions with them in any of their works of darknesse , Eph. 5.7 . Now as it will be a sorry plea for thy selfe in thine account to say , I thought I might doe this or that , because I saw some before me whom I thought well of ; so will it iustly increase thy iudgement , that thou hast by thy practise strengthned the hands of sinners , and hardned them in their sinne , whom by thy sober and seemely carriage thou shouldest haue actually and really reproued . Yea and in that rule of the Apostle , 1 Cor. 14.26 . Let all things be done to edification , thou art cast as guiltie , who hast destroyed him by thy example , whom thou shouldest haue edified .

3. No ornament or attire may bee vsed , which may become either a snare to our selues or others . There are some habits framed to draw eyes , to get louers , and to occasion vnlawfull desires . The daughters of Sarah detest such whorish habits , and are carefull that by nothing about them any eye or heart may bee entangled . Their endeuour is not to auoid onely apparant euils , 1 Thess. 5. but appearances of euill . To discouer by our habits some naked parts , as many doe , is a danger of temptation to many beholders . And as in the Law , bee that digged a pit and left it vncouered , must answer for the oxe or asse , or beast that fell into it : so here ; although they are beasts that fall into the pit of lust vpon such spectacles , yet are they not free , that couered not the pit . Neither will it excuse , to say , But I intend no such thing by my habit ; for if thou knowest it may bee an occasion of mouing euill lusts , and doest not preuent the occasion , thou art blame-worthy , as the first in that sinne . Veneni poculum porrexit aspicientibus , etsi nullus sit inuenius qui biberet . Chrysost. in Matth. Thou hast filled a cup of poison to the beholder , although there bee none to drinke it , saith Chrysostome .

IV. Now followes the last ranke of rules , concerning the ornaments or attires themselues .

1. No outward ornament or habit may be vsed vpon the bodie , which is seuered from the inward ornaments of grace vpon the soule . The Apostles no where mention this argument , but they commend this to the chiefe care of Christian women , to bee more sollicitous and curious in adorning the soule with grace , than the body with gay clothing : and plainly teach that the true ornament of a Christian woman is her sanctification , 1 Pet. 3.3 . which beautifieth the hidden man before God . This is the ornament for her head , Prou. 1.9 . and chaines for her necke . This is the borders of gold and studs of siluer , which make her comely in the eye of Christ , Cant. 1.10 , 11. Yea this is her grace among men , Prouerb . 31.25 . And when fauour shall proue deceitfull , and beautie to bee vanitie , then shall a woman fearing the Lord bee praised . All ornaments of nature , all artificiall colours and couers are but filthinesse , where this is wanting . See Prouerb . 11.22 . A iewell of gold in a swines snout , is a beautifull woman without inward comelinesse . Seuer this from outward ornament ; and though she may please her selfe a time in her conceit of brauerie ; I shall assure her , she shall haue no reioycing in heart , no hope in death , no ioy in God , no boldnesse in iudgement . Take the counsell of Christ in time , Reuelat. 3.18 . I counsell thee to buy of mee white garments , &c.

2. No ornament or attire must be worne against the iudgement and example of the modest , frugall , and graue persons of our owne ranke . Philipp. 4.9 . We must thinke and doe whatsoeuer things pertaine to good report , and whatsoeuer things haue any vertue or praise in them . Now to imitate the most modest , sober , and vertuous of our ranke , is vertuous , and praise-worthy , and of good report : whereas to bee inuentors of euill fashions , or imitators of light , wanton , garish , or proud persons , in their proud or fantasticall fashions , brings a iust blot vpon the person , and a gash into the name and reputation , which will not easily be healed . And how iust is it , that such as will pride themselues , and glory in themselues , against the glory of Iesus Christ , and the Gospell of Christ which they professe , should meet with shame and contempt amongst men of sound iudgement , and be sent away with a little contemptuous flatterie only of such wantons as themselues ?

3. No ornament must be vsed which is not as well expedient as lawfull . 1 Cor. 10.23 . All things ( meaning things indifferent ) are lawfull for mee , but all things are not expedient . Euen such things as are lawfull , may be inexpedient for a meane estate and condition , whether it be in degree , or in abilitie .

What an inconuenient excesse is it , to weare gold for ornament , when they want siluer for necessaries : now to weare iewels for pride , and then pawne them for need : to ruffle it in silkes , when they can scarce pay for cloth : to make an idle shew and ostentation of abundance , when indeede they are in great wants ? Is it fit for such to follow fashions ? No , but as wee must eat according to that with which the Lord hath blessed vs ; so must we also in our attire and habits . The Lord hath called such persons to frugalitie and thriftinesse , and to suit their cloathes and ornaments to their present estate . Euen a ciuill wise man will fit his minde to his estate , if his estate bee not fitted to his minde .

Besides , costly ornaments fit not euery degree that are able . As it was a diforder for Nabal to keepe a feast like a Kings ( although hee was able ) so in attires and ornaments , 1 Sam. 25. for meane persons to suit themselues with great personages , breeds a great deformitie , and lets in a confusion in degrees , and a neglect of distinction of persons , offices , and dignities , which the God of order hath set amongst men .

Adde hereunto , that such things as are lawfull , may be inconuenient at some times . It was noted riotous in the glutton , that he went in purple , and fared deliciously euery day . Luk. 16. There be wedding garments for times of ioy and feasting ; but some times are mournfull , and call for mourning garments , Ion. 3. and Daniel 9.3 . It is more than inconuenient to bee in pompe , excesse , and delicacie , when there should bee weeping , humilitie , fasting , and renting of hearts and garments . I trust godly women will be content by looking vpon the afflicted estate of the Church of God euery where at this day , to restraine themselues in their excesses in their lawfull liberties , and follow the Lord calling them to consider the afflictions of Ioseph .

FINIS .