I haue spoken heretofore out of this place ( men , fathers and brethren , beloued in our Lord and Sauiour ) of the Exordium or entrance vnto the miracle which Christ wrought vpon the man that was blinde from his mothers wombe at Ierusalem , not farre from the gates of the Temple , in which I found three thinges to be contained : An introduction to a question , the Question of the Disciples vnto Christ , and the answere of Christ vnto the same . And now to procéede .

Our Sauiour telleth his Disciples that he wil helpe this man that was blind from his birth : which done , he annointeth his eies with the claye , and biddeth him go wash in the poole of Siloam , where he receiued his sight . For the first , he testifieth that he is prouoked therunto by two speciall arguments , the one deriued ab officio , from his office and duetie , and the other à tempore , from the time . From his office and duetie when he sayeth , me oportet operari , &c. I must worke the workes of him that sent me . From the time when he sayth , Donec dies est , while it is day : which hee expoundeth by the wordes that follow after : the night commeth when no man can worke , and so forth . In this first argument ( which hée deduceth from his office and duetie ) he yeldeth a reason to the Disciples why he did so earnestly beholde the man that was blind , The first argument deriued from his office . and séemeth thus to say : ye marueile not a litle wherefore I behold the blind man , the reason is ( saieth he ) because I must worke the workes of him that sent me .

Where note you that the worde ( oportet ) is not so to be taken , as though Christ did these thinges vnwillingly and of compulsion , but rather that in so saying he sheweth a singuler propensity and readines of minde to helpe the afflicted . And to this end and purpose was he sent of the Father , Luk. 4.18 . as him selfe doth testifye in the fourth of Luke , euen to preache the Gospell to the poore , to heale the broken hearted , to preach deliueraunce to the captiues , and recouering of sight to the blinde , to set at libertie them that are brused , and to preach the acceptable yeare of the Lorde . Whiche embassage of the Father , our Sauiour from time to time ( as often as occasion was minystred ) did moste carefullye séeke to fulfill and obserue . For speaking of the earnest zeale whiche hee had towarde the busines of the Father , he saith to his disciples in the fourth of Iohn , My meate is that I maye doe the will Iohn 4.34 . of him that sent me , & finish his worke . Hereby declaring that there was nothing that hee did hunger for more , or wherein he tooke greater delight , then painefullie to labour in the businesse assigned him of the father .

There was iust cause for Christe to speake of the necessitie of working the workes of the Father , for it was now the Sabboth daie when hee made the claie and opened the eies of the blind , whereat he knew that the Scribes and Pharises would be offended . Therefore to preuent the worst , before such time as he giueth sight to the blind , he saith : Me oportet operari , I must worke . As who should say , I know that mine aduersaries will bee offended herewith , notwithstanding , I must worke the workes of him that sent me .

A notable example to learne all men carefullie and painefullie to walke in their vocations and callings . For without exception all estates of men , the Minister , the Magistrate , and priuate person are vnder the bond of this obligation , and therefore eche one must saie in his degree , me oportet &c. I must worke the workes of him that sent me . Let the Minister then ( whom chiefelie it doth concerne ) féede , 1. Pet. 5.2 . ( as much as in him lieth ) the flocke of Christ : let him kéepe nothing backe that maie do good : let him open the whole counsell of God : Act. 20.27 . let him doe the worke of an Euangelist : let him bee instant in season and out of season : and let the Magistrate be a man of courage , 2. Ti. 4.5 . ver. 2. Exod. 18.21 . fearing God , and dealing truelie . For séeing we haue diuers giftes , according to the grace that is geuen vnto vs ( as Paule biddeth ) let him that hath an office waite on his office : Rom. 12.6 . and him that teacheth on his teaching : ver. 7. and him that exhorteth on his exhortation . In which wordes the apostle declareth , howe that euerie man must walke in the roundnesse of conscience in his vocation and calling . And it is of the merciful prouidence of God that we haue helpers and gouernours , 1. Cor. 12.28 Ephes. 4.11 . ver. 12. pastours and teachers , for the gathering together of the Saintes , for the worke of the ministerie , and for the edification of the bodie of Christ . Wherefore sith God hath so mercifully prouided for vs in this behalfe , without which there coulde not but ensue a disordered Chaos and miserable confusion , let euery one walke orderly and painefully in his vocation and calling , that when we shall bee called to the last account , it may be saide vnto ech of vs , Well done good and faithfull seruant , Math. 25.23 thou hast bene faithfull in litle , I wil make thee ruler ouer much : enter into thy maisters ioy . But if we shal burie the Lords Talents in the earth , that is , if we shall not do good with the graces which God hath geuen vs , wee shall bee throwen as vnprofitable seruantes into vtter darkenes : ver. 30. there shal be wéeping , & gnashing of téeth . As often then as wee féele our selues negligent and slothfull in the Lordes worke , let vs call to minde this argument and reason of Christ to stir vs vp vnto labour , which by nature are sluggish and slothful vnto euerie good worke , vnlesse we purpose to rebel , and to procure the heauie wrath and indignation of God to bee kindled against vs . Ye know that God was very angry with Moses , because he refused to do the message vnto Pharaoh , Exod. 4.14 . which hee inioyned him to do . Ion. 1.4 . Into how great perils & daungers Ionah was cast because hee woulde not promptly follow the Lords calling , who willed him to preach to the people of Niniueh , it is better knowne then I néed to declare . And truely , worthily was the Lord displeased with Moses , & worthily did he punish Ionah , that giuing place to their own reason , would flée from the vocation wherunto God had called them , & in which he would mightily haue assisted them with the might of his power . The Prophet , in the first of kings , & thirtéenth , 1. King . 13.24 . that did eate bread in the house of another prophet , contrarie to the commandement of the Lorde , was slaine of a Lion , and his bodie was cast in the way . A fearefull example , by which we are taught how daungerous a thing it is for men to behaue themselues coldly or deceitfully in that charge wherunto God hath called them . And I would to God al men would learne as by this , so by the example of Saul to beware , who receiued a commaundement from the Lorde by Samuell to apply the Lordes worke , to goe and smite Amalek , and ( without compassion ) to slaye both man 1. Sa. 15.3 . and woman , both infant and suckling , both oxe and shéepe , both camell and asse , howbeit hee left the Lordes worke vndone , for he spared Agag the King , and the better shéepe , and the Oxen , and the fat beastes , ver. 9. and the lambes , and all that was good , and he would not destroy them . But for this his negligence he receiued a most sorowfull message from the Lord : because thou hast cast away the word of the Lord , ver. 23. therefore hath he cast awaye thee from being king . True it is , that in euerie well ordered common weale , God hath authorized rulers to destroy Amalek , and to deliuer the poore , and such as be in néede from the hand of the oppressour . Now if they looke not to their charge , but ( as Saul did ) will suffer Amalek to liue , & not onely so , but to grow vp in might : doubtlesse the Lord almightie and God of Israel shal turne them out of their seates and bring them to confusion . Nom. 24.20 ,

But happely some will saie , we must do as we may do , and accordingly as time and occasion wil serue . Vnto such saieth the preacher : Eccl. 11.4 . Hee that obserueth the wind shall not sow , and hee that regardeth the cloudes shall not reape . For with such the weather is alway either too hoat or too cold , or els too wet or too drie . The sense and meaning whereof is this : that hee which feareth inconueniences , and setteth not forward , when necessitie requireth , shall neuer do his duetie . It teacheth vs then that we must not stande ouer long gasing at the season and putting off the time , but must earnestly and zealously go about the Lordes cause , and the Lord shall blesse our labours and giue good successe vnto the same . Otherwise , if we prolong the time and post it ouer from day to day , our prolonging and posting ouer will purchase the Lordes curse . For as Ieremiah telleth the Caldeans from the mouth of God , Iere. 48.10 . Cursed be he that doth the worke of the Lord negligently . Therefore Dauid commaunding his sonne Salomon to build the temple of the Lord ( which thing he himselfe was forbidden to do ) exhorteth him in this manner , vp , and be doing : 1. Ch. 22.16 . as if hee should haue said go about it quickly , and the Lord will be with thée . Yea Dauids zeale was such toward the furtheraunce thereof , that it made him to spare no expenses , but to bestowe his owne peculiar treasure , and withal to prouoke others to the forwardnes of the Lordes worke : for saide he , And who is willing to fill his hand to daye vnto the Lorde ? Hereto let vs ioyne the worthie example of Elisha , 1. Chro. 29.5 who returning from his father , and about to depart from the plowmen , tooke a couple of Oxen and slewe them , and sodde their fleshe with the instrumentes of the Oxen , 1. King . 19.21 . and gaue vnto the people . Elisha would not staye till woode was brought , so great was his desire to followe his vocation . So the Prophet Amos : Am. 3.8 . the Lyon ( saith hée ) hath roared : who will not bee afraid ? The Lord God hath spoken : who can but prophesie ? Wherefore , when Amaziah Priest of Bethel willed him to get him into the land of Iudah , Am. 7.12 . and to eate his bread there , and to prophesie there , & to teach no more in the land of Israel , contrary to the commandement of king Ieroboam , the prophet obiected his vocation & calling , & told him that he could not but obey God , ver. 14. who called him an herdman & a gatherer of wilde figges to such an excellent function , giuing him knowledge , & with knowledge constancie to reproue sinne and wickednes in all estates and degrées whatsoeuer , and to denounce his most horrible iudgementes against them , except they did spedily repent and amend . Ieremiah likewise , because he was in derision dayly , and mocked of euerie one for doing his office , determined with him selfe not to make mention of the Lorde , Ier. 20.9 . nor to speake any more in his name : saue that his word was in his heart , as a burning fire shut vp in his bones , so that hée was wearie with forbearing , and coulde not stay . This same did the apostles : for when as the rulers , Scribes , and Elders gaue them in charge to preach Christ no more , Act. 4 . 1● preferring their authoritie to the ordinaunce of God , they answered : whether it be right in the sight of God , to obey you rather then God , iudge ye : For we can not but speake the things which we haue sene & heard . Paul in like maner : necessity is laid vpon me , & wo is vnto me , if I preach not the Gospell , 1. Cor. 9 . 1● . Doubtlesse greatly is the worthines and authoritie of the vocation and calling of God estéemed of those , who know what God is , and weigh well with them selues what on their partes to him doth belong . But on the other side , intollerable is the slacknes or rather the wilfull obstinacie of those , and litle do they esteeme of the diuine vocation and calling , who halt in the knowledge of the caller , who hath called them to this or that , according to his good will and pleasure . And it séemeth vnto me that there can no better reason be giuen of this diuelish and damnable carelessenes which ( euen at this day ) is to bée seene in most ministers of the Church , magistrates of the common wealth , Parentes of children , Maisters of families and housholdes , and that too in all sortes both publikely and priuately , then that the greater part thinke and beléeue that they are seated in the roomes they are , not of God , but either of Fortune , or of their owne industrie . But let ech one in his degrée and calling knowe and vnderstande this much , that hee is called and sent of God , applying this sentence of Christe euerie man to himselfe : I must worke the workes of him that sent me , remembring the promise , that hee which hath beene faithfull in litle shall be made ruler ouer much . Math. 25.21 For sith there is such a great blessednes promised vnto those that shall dutifully labour in the Lordes worke , wee ought all in our seueral callinges to haue such regard hereunto , as that nothing whatsoeuer should prouoke vs to shrinke from the same .

But the world is at this point now a daies , that it is counted a fault and a matter worthy of reproofe , yea and of punishment , to be zealous and feruent in the Lordes cause : especially in beating down sinne and reprouing iniquitie , for which are vsed all allurements , occasions and excuses to harden their conscience in the same . For he that shall deale calmely and temperately , him they reckon a wise man , fittest to speake in the congregation , and to beare rule . But if the zeale of Gods house hath eaten him vp , Psal. 69.9 . if he touch the quicke , if he hunger and thirst the reformation of matters that are out of course , then by and by he groweth out of fauour , he is reputed rash , sonne , foolish , busie , vndiscréete , and I wot not what . So it is then , the more carefull wee shall bee to worke the Lordes workes , the worse we shall be thought off , and the more enimies wee shall haue . Howbeit we ought the lesse to marueile or to bee gréeued hereat , because the example is not rare and newe , but common and practised against the godly long agone . Ieroboam the sonne of Nebat biddeth lay holde on the man of God , 1. King . 13.4 . that cryed out against the altar in Bethel . Ahab telleth Eliah that he troubleth Israel , and Ieremiah of the false Priestes and Prophets is accused of treason : 2. King . 18.17 . Ier. 26.11 . so doe the wicked rage against the seruauntes of God , when they declare them his iudgementes . Neuerthelatter , the man of God cryeth out against the altar : Eliah reprooueth the Prophets of Baal , and Ieremiah ( notwithstanding that hee is censured worthy to die ) continueth his prophesying . And if wee looke to the time of the Gospell , Act. 24.5 . Paule is accused of the Iewes to bee a pestilent fellowe , and a moouer of sedition throughout the world , and a chiefe maintainer of the secte of the Nazarites . The Gentiles also crye out against him in Philippi , that hee was a troubler of their citie , Act. 16.20 . and preached ordinaunces , which were not lawfull for them to receiue . The like did the Iewes and Gentiles impute to the doctrine of the other Apostles : and therefore they ceased not to persecute them , as common plagues and enimies of the common peace & christian religion . The Apostles notwithstanding did not cease to do their duetie , but most constantly preached and professed Christ : for they knew that it was far better that the whole world shoulde bee troubled and in an vprore , then that the Gospel of the kingdome shoulde not bee preached , or that one soule should be neglected & perish , 1. Pe. 1.19 . so dearelye redéemed with the blood of Christ . They knew too , that their preachings were not the cause of those offences & sects , and therfore they were not discouraged , but cleauing to their vocation went forward dayly in the temple to teach , Act. 5.42 . & from house to house to preach Iesus Christ , knowing that the gospel which they preached ( howsoeuer it séemed to the Iewes and Gentiles foolish and offensiue ) was the power of god vnto saluation to all that beléeue . 1. Cor. 1.18 . Rom. 1.16 . All which examples are to encourage and to stirre vs vp to painefulnes in our ministerie , and not at all to be mooued with the poysoned tongues of the vngodly , to be negligent in our vocation and calling . For what if at these daies ( for working the workes of the father ) Ieroboam his hand be stretched out against vs ? What and if with Eliah we be counted seditious ? with Ieremiah accused of Treason ? With the Apostles forbidden to preach ? With Paul reported to be pestilent felowes , raisers of sedition , preachers of vnlawfull ordinaunces , troublers of the citie ? And to be short , what and if with Christ himselfe we be saide to haue the Deuill ? Shall we therefore faint and shrinke vnder the burden ? Iohn 8.48 . God forbid . Now that we haue put our handes to the ploughe , let vs not looke backe , for if we do , wee make our selues vnfit for the kingdome of God . Luk. 9.62 . Math. 10.37 ver. 39. He ( saith Christ ) that loueth father or mother more then me , is not worthy of me . He that will saue his life , shall loose it , and he that looseth his life for my sake , shall saue it . There is none that shall forsake houses , or brethren , or sisters , or father , or mother , or wife , or children , or landes , for his names sake , but shall receiue an hundreth fold more and shall inherite euerlasting life . Math. 19.29 Rom. 8.17 . Psal. 126.5 . If wee suffer together with him we shal in the world to come be glorified with him . We that sow in teares , shal reape in ioy . Let Ieroboam then bid , laye holde on the man of God : let Eliah be counted seditious : let Ieremiah be accused of treason : let Paule be reported a troubler of the citie , and let Christians with Christ be saide to haue the deuill : Math. 10.24 The disciple is not aboue his maister , nor the seruant aboue his Lord . Let the plowers plowe vpon our backes , Psal. 129.4 . and make long furrowes : the righteous Lord shall cut the cordes of the wicked . Let the kinges of the earth band themselues , and the princes assemble together against the Lord , Psal. 2.4 . 1. King . 22..24 . 2. Chr. 18.24 . and against his annointed : hee that dwelleth in heauen shall laugh : the Lord shall haue them in derision . Let Zidkijah smite Michaiah on the cheeke : he shall see the day when hée shall go from chamber to chamber to hide him . To be short , let wicked men ( to excuse themselues with shipwrack of conscience ) as Amaziah vs●● Amos , Am. 7.10 . intitle great and mighty personages into our reprehension , as though we had spoken such and such wordes which the land can not beare : all these notwithstanding , let the lords worke be applied : let ech one looke to the necessity laid vpon him , & say like as did our Sauiour me oportet operari &c. I must worke the workes of him that sent me . Which thing for as much as of our selues we are not able to performe ( being a charge so weighty and the greatest of all ) the Lord both by the pastour and people is to bee prayed vnto , to strengthen his minister with the spirit of boldnes and constancie , that his forehead may be as the adamant , Ezech. 3.9 . and harder then the flint , that he be not afraid at the lookes of men , but may boldly enter into the house of Israel , and ( in the feare of the Lord ) declare vnto them the fulnes of his wil , which I beséech him vniuersally to graunt vnto all the professours and preachers of his holy word .

Yet one other thing wee haue here to note in that Christ saith , that hee must worke the workes of him that sent him , Oportet mo operari eius opera qui misit me . that is , such works by which it might appeare that he was the sonne of God , and sent of God the father into the world , according to that written in the fifth of Iohn : Iohn . 5.36 . The workes which the father hath giuen me to finish , beare witnes of me , that the father sent me . Iohn . 6.38 . And in the chapter following : I came down from heauen , not to do mine owne will , but his will which hath sent me . Whereby we are taught , that wee must not worke such works as we like best our selues , but such as God in his word hath commaunded , that we may be knowne to be the sonnes of God . For our workes are naught , and our doings peruerse . Our waies are crooked , and our cogitations euill . Esa. 55.8 . My thoughtes are not your thoughtes , neither are your waies my waies , saith the Lord . For as the heauens are hygher then the earth , so are his waies higher then our waies , and his thoughtes aboue our thoughts . And this much of the first argument or reason of Christe , whiche hee deriueth Ab officio , from hys office and duetie .

The second argument of Christ deriued from the time . Now I come to the second , which hee deriueth à tempore , from the time : conteined in these wordes , Donec dies est , while it is day : which argument or reason of Christ is deduced from the common vse and custome of men , who when they take any taske in hand , are wont to apply and followe the same in the light of the day , least ( lingering the time ) they be preuented with the darkenes of the night . Now if men are wont to be so careful to finish that which they take in hand while it is day , which concerneth the vse of man , how much more belonged it vnto Christ , before his death and passion , to finish the workes of the father ? For ( saith he ) The night commeth when no man can worke . Venit nox ùm nemo lotest opeari . In which words Christ doth signifie , that he may not omit occasion and opportunitie to worke , for that the time would come when he should away . Which thing too he declareth more at large by a Similitude : comparing the time of his presence to the Day , and the time of his departure to the night . Now the day is the time to worke , and the night is the time to rest . Hée then that worketh not in the daye while it is light , shall not worke in the night when it is darke . The like similitude he vseth afterward in the leuenth chapter , speaking to the disciples in this manner . Iohn . 11.6 . If a man walke in the daye hee stumbleth not , because hee seeth the light of this world . But if a man walke in the night he stumbleth , Because there is no light in him . In both which it is apparant , that he calleth the day the time which in his humaine nature hee ought to spend here vpon earth in the businesse of the Father : & that he calleth the night , the houre of death , from which once raised , he carried with him his body triumphantly into heauen . But yet Christ here compareth the houre of his death vnto the night , not because he should yeeld and giue place againe vnto Sathan the prince of darkenes and God of this world , Ephes 6.12 . 2. Cor. 4.4 . whom before hee had spoiled and ouercome through the force of his death and passion , but because then ( being dissolued from the troubles of this life ) he passed to eternall rest , which now he enioyeth with the father till the latter day : in which he shall come againe with maiesty and great glory in the cloudes , Math. 24.30 with a shoute , with the voice of the Archangel , 1. Thes. 4.16 and with the trumpet of God , to iudge both the quicke and the dead : & at which time ( as S. Paul teacheth ) al things shall be made subiect vnto God , 1. Cor. 15.28 that God may be al in all .

We may not here contentiously reason and dispute , whether Christ also after his death did not the workes of the Father , or whether yet to this day he be not the light of the world : Quandiu fuero in mundo , Lux sum mundi . for the Similitudes of Christ are simply and plainely to be conceiued , and not to be wrested hither and thither . Christs meaning is then , that he must worke the workes of the Father while hee is in this life : signifying that shortly by death he should be taken away : who yet to this day shineth vnto his elect , and still worketh in them , by the power , grace and vertue of the holy Ghost , and will do to the end and consummation of the world , according to that most comfortable promise of his in the last of Matthew . Math. 28.20

Hereof we may gather this generall doctrine : that as Christ had a certaine time appointed him to worke the workes of the Father , so haue we a certaine day and time appointed vs to worke , which once ended and finished , we can worke no more . Let vs worke then while it is day , least ( if the night come vpon vs ) we be not able to worke . But now : the Day is the present life which God hath giuen vs here vpon earth , and in which we may worke : but when night , that is to say , when death commeth on , and when the Soule is once loosed from the bodie , wee shall not be able to worke , would we neuer so faine . So writeth Theophilact : Dies quidem est presens vita , Theophi . in Ioan. eò quòd possumus nunc sicut in dic operari . The day is the present life , because that nowe wee maye worke as in the day . Nox autem futurum seculum , eò quòd nullus illic poterit operari . But the night ( saith he ) is the worlde to come , because that no man can worke there . While then we are in this life , let vs not omit the present occasion that is offered vs , to do wel . Seeke the Lord ( saith Esay ) while hee maye bee founde , Esa. 55.6 . and call vpon him while hee is neere . Sirach saith : sinnes in this life committed , in the world to come . Wherefore , as Chrysostome counselleth , Omnia hîc dissolue , vt citra molestiam illud videas Tribunal . Set all thinges here in order , that without griefe thou maiest behold that Tribunal seate . For if all thinges be not wel and in good order whylest thou art here , it will bee too late for thee to redresse them when thou commest there . Hierony . in cap. 6. epist. ad Gal. 2. Cor. 6.2 . Psal. 65.7 . This is ( saith Ierome ) the last time of sowing . Beholde ( saith the Apostle ) nowe is the accepted time , now is the day of saluation . To day ( saith Dauid ) if ye wil heare his voice harden not your hartes . It is a daungerous thing in all kinde of matters to let passe opportunitie and conuenient time . If the generall omit it , hee maye léese the victorie : If the mariner , he may léese his passage : If the Marchantman , he may misse his gaine . And therefore are wee thus often admonished to take time while time is : to teach vs , that if wee take it not when it is offered , when we our selues woulde , wee shall not haue it . Christ himselfe , as wee see here , tooke his time . I must ( saith he ) worke the workes of him that sent me , while it is daye . For this wee must consider with our selues from the highest to the lowest : that one is the condition of the present time , and another of the time to come . We maye nowe doe that , which hereafter we shall neuer be able to doe . Worke then while it is daye , the night commeth when no man can worke , Yet a litle while ( saith Christ ) is the light with you : walke while ye haue light , Iohn 12.35 . least the darkenes come vpon you . And whereas it is vncertaine how long wee haue here to liue ( for death tarieth not , and the couenant of the graue is not shewed vnto vs ) we ought the more earnestly to labour while we are here , Eccl. 14.12 . least preuented by death , we be not able to finish the worke which is taken in hand . If the goodman of the house knewe at what houre the théefe woulde come , Luke . 12 . 3● hee would surely watch , and not suffer his house to be digged through . So likewise , if wee knewe when Death ( the messenger of the Lorde ) woulde come , Colloss. 4.5 . we would redeeme the time . We would amend all that is amisse : we would bring forward that which is behind : we would haue our worke at an ende : we would be prepared : wee would not slumber and sleepe out the time with the foolysh virgins : Math. 25.5 . we would haue lights in our hands , and oyle in our lampes . But for as much as it is not for vs to know the times , or the seasons , which the Father hath put in his owne power ( for them hath he wholy and soly reserued vnto him selfe ) it standeth vs all vpon to be diligent and carefull , Act. 1.7 . to giue the housholde their portion of meate in season : and blessed is that seruant whom his maister when hee commeth , Luke . 12.43 shall find so doing . But if with the vngratious seruant we shall say in our heartes : Our maister will deferre his comming , and shall beginne to smite our fellow seruants , ver. 45. and to eate , and drinke , and to be drunken , without doubt our maister will come in a daye when wee thinke not , and in an houre when we are not ware of , and will cut vs off , and giue vs our portion with the vnbeleeuers . Wherefore let vs worke while it is day , lest the night steale vpon vs , and wee couered with darkenesse bee not able to worke .

But out of these words ( Donec dies est ) While it is day , a farther sense may bee gathered , and that is this . Many thinke that they may lawfullye giue ouer and worke no longer the works of the father when they be once old & growen in years : and such men say , Wee haue borne the heate of the day long enough : wee haue wrought in the vineyarde long enough : wee haue preached long enough : wee haue borne office long enough : It is now high time for vs to giue ouer , & another while to take our ease . Let the younger men ( in Gods name ) take paines another while , as wee haue done , and so foorth . But Christ héere teacheth them by his owne example , that they must worke as long as it is day , that they must continue in wel doing to the last gaspe , and neuer giue ouer . For why ? It is nothing to beginne well vnlesse we continue to the end . Hee that endureth to the end , Mat. 10.22 . shall be saued . To him that ouercommeth , Apoc. 2.7 . shal bee giuen to eate of the tree of life , which is in the middest of the Paradice of God . Hierony . in 6. cap. Epist. ad Galat. Gal. 6.9 . A lasting rewarde followeth a lasting righteousnesse . Therefore did S. Paul exhort the Galathians Not to bee weary of wel doing , because that in due season they should reape , if they fainted not . Likewise he charged his Timothy to do the worke of an Euangelist , and to cause his ministery to be throughly liked of . 2. Tim. 4.5 . Whereunto that he might the rather incourage him , He setteth down his own example togither with the rewarde , in these words : I haue fought a good fight , I haue finished my course , I haue kept the faith . Vers. 7.8 . Henceforth is laid vp for me , the crowne of righteousnesse , which the Lord the righteous iudge shall giue me at that day : and not to mee onely , but vnto all them also that loue his appearing . For God is not vnrighteous that he should forget the worke , Hebr. 6.10 . and labour of loue . We muste not then call to mynde , how long we haue laboured , but muste haue a watchfull eye , and a diligent regard vnto the end . So runne ( sayeth the Apostle ) that yee may obtaine . Cor. 9.24 . And againe , We desire that euery one of you shew the same diligence , Heb. 6.11 . to the full assurance of hope vnto the end , that yee bee not slouthfull , but followers of them , which through faith and pacience , inherite the promises . And thus much for the first part .

Now let vs take a view of the order and meanes which Christ our Sauiour did vse in giuing sight to this blind man . The order and meanes which Christ did vse in giuing sight to the blind man . The Euangelist saith : As soone as hee had thus spoken ( as afore declared ) hee spat on the ground , and made claye of the spettle , and anointed the eies of the blind with the clay , and saide vnto him , Goe washe in the poole of Siloam &c. Christ could haue giuen sight to this blind man by his only worde and secret power , as he did to Bartimeus the son of Timeus in the 10. of Marke : Mar. 10.52 . but to declare to the disciples and vs all the occasion of the blindnesse of man and the remedy thereof , hee vseth these outwarde and externall signes and ceremonies , by which he prouoketh not only the minde , but also all the other senses into the contemplation of his grace and fauour , and confirmeth vs wholye in the truth of his promise . By the Clay then which he made of the spettle , and duste of the ground , is represented humaine and worldly wisdome : then which there can be no greater let vnto those that contend and endeuour to followe the course and pathway that leadeth to saluation . For as the Spettle doth partly distil from the head , and partly is gathered together in the mouth , by reason of the humour of the tongue and iawes , and through abundance causeth and procureth the lothsomnesse of meate : right so , the wisdome of the flesh springing vp out of the fountaine of our owne braine , is onelye busied about such things as serue to pleasure and volupteousnesse , and being puffed vp with the swelling wordes of mans pride , quencheth the desire of heauenly thinges , which alone can nourishe and feede the soule of man vnto saluation . And as the Clay stoppeth the eyes , that they cannot execute their office , which is to see and beholde the things which are present and before them : so the wisedome of the flesh ( through the grosnes of opinions ) so choketh the sight of the mind , that wee cannot looke vpon the thinges whiche are aboue in such manner and measure as we ought to do . They that are after the flesh sauour the thinges of the flesh : Rom. 8.5 . but they that are after the spirit , the things of the spirit .

The wisdome of the flesh : namelye , Ver. 7. whatsoeuer is most excellent in man , as will , wit , vnderstanding and reason , for these and such like are meant and vnderstood by the word [ Flesh ] is enimitye against God : For it is not subiect to the Law of God , neither in déede can be . S. Paule therefore in the second of the firste to the Corinthians , for examples sake , setting downe the manner of his preaching , 1. Cor. 2.4 . saieth that it was not in the entising speach of mans wisdome , nor yet in the wisdome of the princes of this world which come to nought , but in plaine euidence of the spirit and of power , euen in the wisdome which the holy Ghost teacheth , whose wordes the naturall man ( whose knowledge is not cleared by the spirit of God ) perceiueth not , for they are foolishnesse vnto him : neither can hée know them , because they are spiritually discerned . If then we couet to profit and to go onward in the way to saluation , to beholde the will of God , and the diuine misteries of eternall life reuealed in the worde , we must labour to haue the claie of carnal wisdome to be purged & washed awaie from the eies of the mind . And thus we are exhorted to do from the mouth of the Apostle in the first chapter of the former Epistle to Timothy : 1. Tim 1.4 . Where he forbiddeth vaine Philosophye which then reigned among the Gentiles , fables and Genealogies , which are endlesse , and which breede questions rather then godly edifiing , which is by faith .

But Christ now , ( who is euermore ready to strengthen our imbecillitie and weaknesse ) doth learne vs howe and by what meanes this clay of humaine wisdome may be washed away : For he sendeth this blinde man to the poole of Siloam . Go wash ( saith he ) in the poole of Siloam . This blind man did not forthwith receiue his sight : but assone as his eyes were anointed with the clay , hee is commaunded to go to the poole of Siloam , and there to wash away the clay with which his eies were embrewed : that so the nouelty of the sight , and the delaie through length of iourney , might purchase greater credit and testimony vnto the miracle : for the blinde man sate not farre off from the Temple , begging by the way side . And Siloam was a well at the foote of Mount Sion , whose water receiued or gathered togither not far off from the same , was called Piscina Siloam , the poole of Siloam . Hier. in Isa. cap. 8. Ierome writing vpon the eight chapter of the Prophet Esay saith , that Siloam is a well at the foote of Mount Sion , which at vncertain houres and times doth bubble vp through the cones and hollow places of the earth with great noise . Esa. 8.8 . But Esai ( speaking of the waters of Siloah ) saith that they runne softly , and complaineth too that they were despised : Not that the waters giue life vnto any man , but because they beare the figure of holie scriptures . Which scriptures of GOD , when without the blustering of worldly eloquence they issue forth calmely and smoothly from the priuy hid caues of godly wisdome , haue heauenlye force to remoue the blindnesse of mans minde how long so euer it hath continued , and to open that eye with which God is sene , whom truly to haue séene is true felicity .