The Christian path-vvay Deliuered in a sermon preached at Paules Crosse, the last of Iune 1611. By Thomas Cheaste, minister and preacher of Gods Word.

A SERMON Preached at Paules Crosse the last of Inne 1611. by M. THOMAS CHEASTE , Minister and Preacher of Gods WORD . THE TEXT . EPHESIANS 5.1 .

Be yee therefore followers of God , as deere Children .

THE Apostle Saint Paul , right Honourable , right Reuerend , right Worshipfull , and well-beloued in our Lord and Sauiour Christ , in this heauenly parcell of sacred Scripture , doth insinuate vnto vs , who are by conception sinfull , by nature men ; not perceiuing the things of God , and by life and conuersation such as doe no good : that the meanes therefore most fit , and the way most direct for the consummating of our dayes , as acceptable to the Almighty , is the incontinent remouing and forsaking of all our vnruly affections , fighting in our mindes , and the soule-abandoning of immoderate concupiscence , reigning and raging in our members , by the suggestion of the Diuell ; whom , with all his workes , we must relinquish , and renounce , before we can enter , bee entertained , or receiued into the holy seruice of Almighty God : A reason of this the Apostle sheweth , saying : That there is no communion betweene light and darkenesse , 2. Cor. 6.14 . no concord betwixt Christ and Belial , no part hath the infidell with the beleeuer .

Then let vs forsake the workes of darknesse , and renounce the Prince of darknesse , and put on the armour of light , and walke as children of the light , and follow the Prince of light . Next , let vs depose our selues from all wicked & rebellious thoughts , words , and workes ; which come by the motion , suggestion , and perswasion of the Diuell . And lastly , let vs cease to bee incredulous , and beleeue on the name of our Lord IESVS , and in faith apprehend him , as our onely Redeemer ; that we may be ingrafted as sonnes vnto God , and bee followers of God , as deere children : as this our Text teacheth vs .

Wherein we may note an exhortation to imitation ; out of which ( omitting all long circumstances , and curious diuisions ) we may obserue , although it is not an ordinary kinde of methode , 1 The persons that should imitate & follow . 2 The imitation it selfe . 3 Thirdly , the person whom we should follow . 4 Fourthly , the manner how we should follow him . 1 The first expressed in these words : Be yee . 2 The second in this word : Followers . 3 The third in these words : Of God . 4 The fourth in these words : As deere Children .

Be yee therfore followers of God , as deere Children .

[ Therefore ] insinuateth a reason consequent of a matter precedent , which now I omit .

First to the persons exhorted : Not onely the Ephesians , But all Christians .

A Christian and well-gouerned Common-wealth may bee compared to an house , being builded and erected of diuers matters and substances ; as stones for the foundation , timber for the erection : and other things more to bring it to perfection . So in the building of a Common-wealth there must be diuers orders : some of high degree , some of meane estate , and some of low condition : and all to finish this House or Common-wealth . And as in sumptuous buildings , one chiefe stone , pillar , or post , cannot easily be wrenched out , without shaking of all the rest ; euen as Salomons post vnderpropped the whole house : The King . So the King being vnder God the stone , stay , piller , and post of the Common-wealth ; if he mis-carry , all the strength of his Common-wealth is shaken , and put in hazzard of a down-fall . To auoyd therefore this dangerous breach in this godly building , it is the duty of all faithfull and true-hearted subiects to pray vnto God , the King of all Kings , to giue vnto our King ( his vice-roy here on earth ) a wise & an vnderstanding heart , to giue to his Councellors the spirit of Councell , Councell . to giue to his Iudges Iudges . the spirit of Iudgement , to discusse and iudge rightly of all matters ; remembring that themselues shall be adiudged as well as others whom they haue iudged ; as one ancient Father writeth .

Veniet , veniet qui iudicata reiudicabit , illicita iurata confutabit ; qui faciet iusticiam iniuriam patientibus , & arguet in aequitate pro mansuetis terra .

He will come , he will come , who will iudge againe matters wrongfully iudged , who will reproue vnlawfull oathes , will right them that suffer wrong , and plead in equitie for the meeke of the earth : let them thinke , that if not shortly , yet sharply will the day of iudgement come to those that neglect the comming of the eternall Iudge .

Veniet , veniet dies Iudicij vbi plus valebit pura corda , quam astuta verba ; & consciencia bona , quam marsupia plena : quandoquidem Iudex ille , nec verbis falletur , nec donis flectetur .

The day will come , the day of Iudgement will come , when cleane hearts will more auaile then crafty words , and a good conscience more then a great purse : seeing that Iudge wil neither bee deceiued with words , nor weighed with gifts . But to speake to them of whom most are absent , I will abstaine , and frame my speech to them that are present .

And seeing the Magistrate Magistrate . is one of the staies , pillers , and posts of the Common-wealth , it behoueth him to attend his charge , assuring himselfe that hee shall render an account at the last day , how hee hath gouerned and behaued himselfe in his Magistracy and place ; whether hee hath beene carefull to beat downe sin , and suppresse vice : to maintain vertue , and support goodnesse ; whether his eyes haue beene open in looking to his charge , 〈…〉 , the people due beene op●● in the Lords 〈…〉 ●●mplaints of the poore 〈◊〉 laboured ; whether his mouth hath beene open in giuing them comfortable answeres ; whether his hands haue beene ready in defending them ; whether his feete haue beene shood in hastening to redresse wrongs for to such ends should he and all his members be applyed and imployed : to wit , To punish the nocent , and defend the innocent : To correct the hurtful , & protect the harmlesse . To suppresse the subtill , and support the simple .

As the silly sheepe in the storme and tempest , running to the hedge and thicket , to shroud and shelter themselues from the winde and weather , are oftentimes insnared amongst the thornes and briers , out of which , with much adoe they winde and wrest themselues with labour and losse of their wool , and in seeking to auoid a small damage they incurre a greater danger : So you that are Magistrates , ought to looke diligently into the dealings of your vnder Officers , least that the poore man ( like the simple and silly sheepe ) oftentimes being oppressed and wronged by his aduersary , running to them who should and ought to right them , by delaies and sinister dealings is fleeced of more then he lost before , and with the woman seeking for one lost groat , leese the other nine ; and with the man that had an hundred sheepe , hauing lost one , spend the other ninty and nine in suing for that on● , 〈◊〉 for want of right loose all . Luke 1● . Haue a speciall regard , you 〈…〉 of God , therefore , what Officers you 〈…〉 elect , let them be well qualified ; Exod. 18.21 . Iethro , Moses father-in-law , counselled Moses to elect Magistrates and Officers being thus qualified : to wit , Men of courage ; such as feare God , such as deale truely , and such as hate couetousnesse : Men of courage , not fearing any mans threatning words , not proud lookes , fearing God , not fearing what man can do vnto them , dealing truely and vprightly betweene man and man , without fauour or affection , hating couetousnesse , not corrupted with giftes , nor carried from the right with bribes : O happy , and twise happy , are the people and Common-weale whom God hath blessed with such Magistrates ! that Common-wealth and Country is in good estate where the Prince makes good Lawes , the Magistrates execute them , and the people obey them .

Minister . There is also another stay of Gods building , or Christian Common-wealth , which must not be omitted , to wit , the zealous and learned Minister , whose doctrine , by warrant of Gods word , must be a rule to guide and direct all their lawes by , otherwise they will be out of square . These Workemen should not bee idle in Gods Haruest , For the Haruest is great , but the labourers are few . Math. 9.37 .

It is recorded in sacred Scripture that a certaine man hired labourers into his Vineyard . Math. 20. The owner and Maister of this Vineyard is the Lord , the labourers , his Ministers and Preachers , the Vineyard is the world , the people the branches , but in the Lords Vineyard wee may finde some labourers , some loiterers , and some lookers on : Volentes , nolentes , & non valentes ;

To the first volentibus , to them that execute the Lords businesse with willing mindes , reioycing that God hath enabled them to doe the worke of Euangelists , it will be sayd ; Well done thou good seruant , because thou hast bene faithfull in a little , I Will make thee ruler ouer much .

To the second , nolentibus , to them that are able and yet not willing , it may be said : Hee that knoweth his Maisters will , and doth it not , shal be beaten with stripes .

To the third and last , non valentibus ( without offence I may say the worst ) that are neither able nor willling , it may bee said : Thou vnbidden guest , how camst thou in ? at the dore , or at the window ? surely not at the dore , vnlesse thou hast borrowed Simon Magus siluer piclocke , Math. 22.12 . ] Friend how camst thou hither , not hauing a wedding garment ? take him , bind him hand and foote , and cast him into vtter darknesse .

Let vs pray vnto God that euery 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 well-ruling Elder , suffer no vnruled & vnlearned lookers & gazers on , to steale into the Lords Vineyard , who are ready to receiue the penny and take no paines ; to take the fleece , and starue the sheepe : too too many such in times past haue crept in , Math. 13.28 . but how came this to passe ? surely , the enuious man hath done this : Therefore right Reuerend , you , to whom by authority it appertaineth , ought now to bee carefull and respectiue herein , lest that the aduersaries of our profession , by the ignorance and weakenesse of some Professors : take an occasion by such aduantage to scandalize , both the profession and professours , to defend this dangerous breach in Gods building , you ought to bee studious and vigilant : Math. 13.25 . For when the husbandman sleepeth , the enuious man will be ready to sow the tares amongst the wheate ; And so by your zealous care ouer the Lords heritage , his Vineyard in time might bee cleansed from such lookers and gazers on : and his Church purged of such penny-father idols : and hereafter such ignorant tongue-tied blind guides debarred by such your good meanes from entring into the Lords Vineyard . Which God for his Name sake , for his Sonnes sake , for his mercy sake , for his Church and deere children sake grant : Thus much touching the persons especiall , now in generall .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Ephe. 5.1 .

EVEN as Christ fed foure thousand men , Math. 15.33.34.35 . besides women and children , with seuen loaues and a few little fishes , when they had followed him three daies , in the desert or wildernesse , and would not send them away empty , least they should faint by the way .

So with these seuen loaues of the bread of life , are fed foure thousand , yea forty thousand , yea thousand thousands of men , women , and children ( for women and children haue soules to saue as well as men : ) if we , according to our Text , follow him in the desert of this wide world , ( no wider then wicked ) three daies in the true faith of the Trinity , God will not send vs away emptie , nor suffer our soules for want of spirituall food to faint . Therefore , let vs bee followers of him as deere children : and be ready to obey this precept of imitation , which is the second part of this our Text to be intreated of .

If we enter into due consideration of mans nature , Imitation it selfe . wee shall finde it strangely addicted to imitation ; and although in truth we should liue by lawes more then by examples , yet wee shall perceiue , that examples do more moue in these daies then lawes ; seruants in a family , souldiours in an army , subiects in a Common-weale may confirme this to be true , for Seruants most commonly imitate their Maisters , Soldiers their Captains , Subiects their Gouernours , bee they good , bee they bad , get they praise , or dispraise , profite or disprofite , fame or infamy thereby : thinking their liues to be a Law , and that to be well done , which is done after their example .

Note 1 Whereby we may note first , that they should haue regard vnto themselues , who are any way either for birth or for office , or for calling , whether it bee spirituall or temporall , aboue other men ; for they cannot sinne without great danger to the Common-weale , we may say of such , as Cicero said of Iudges , that mighty men , should mightely be tormented .

Note 2 Secondly , seeing our nature is prone to imitation , wee are to take speciall care whom wee follow or imitate : for euery one is not to bee followed , neither shall the vngodly behauiour of others excuse vs before God , the reason is : Wee must all appeare before the tribunall seate of Christ , 2. Cor. 5.10 . Reuel. 22.12 . to receiue according to our owne deeds .

The licentious life of the Magistrate , shall not excuse the Subiect if hee liue not vnder the Law , nor the wicked life of the Maister , acquit the Seruant , if hee be vngracious , nor the euill conuersation of the Preacher be a cause to saue the hearer if he be vngodly : the reason is , for that soule that sinneth ( whatsoeuer hee bee ) shall die . Ezech. 18.4 .

Two kinds of examples . 1 Of Christ . 2 Of man . In Christian imitation there are two kinds of examples to be folowed : The one both necessary and alwaies , the other but sometime and in some things , necessary and alwaies , the example of our Lord and Sauiour Christ , but sometime and in some things , the examples of good men and women are to be followed .

Strange it may seeme to some , that good men but sometime , and in some things , are to bee followed ; yet it is not so strange as true , for euery example of theirs is not to bee followed of vs , for the better conceiuing whereof wee may note that there are foure examples 4 Examples . of the faithfull , and elect , in sacred Scriptures .

Example . 1 The first we may behold and follow : as Abrahams faith , Iosephs chastity , Dauids zeale , Tobias pittifulnesse towards the poore , and such like : these are looking-glasses set before our eies , that wee should not bee slothfull in following them , but follow them as they follow Christ , which through faith and patience inherite the promises .

Example . 2 Other examples there are which are wicked , as Dauids adultery , Peters deniall , the Apostles ambition , and such like : which are not recorded in despite to disgrace them , but are placed before vs , for these three ends : 3 Ends : First , to keepe vs from vaine opinion of our selues , that wee presume not in our owne strength : Secondly , to make vs the more carefull to looke to our steps that we slip not as they did , for feare that wee cannot rise as they did ; it is easy to fall , but hard to arise : Thirdly , if we haue fallen , as they did , we should by their example learne to rise , as they did ; if we haue like sinnes wee should haue like repentance .

Example . 3 Other examples were well done by good men , in times past , which in these daies we cannot , nor may follow , without great offence to God : as circumcision of the male children , often and sundry bloudy sacrifices , which now to do is sinne .

Example . 4 Fourthly , and finaly , some examples , as wee may reade , were singular , such , as neither wee , nor others in those daies might follow , without the especiall , and extraordinary motion of the holy Spirit , as Abrahams readinesse to offer vp his sonne in sacrifice ; The spoiling of Aegyptians in robbing them of their Iewels and treasures , commendable in them , because they were commanded ; but damnable in vs because wee are forbidden , to them the one acceptable , the other commendable ; but in vs , the one the next degree to murther , the other to theft , whereby we may note that good men in all things are not to bee followed : 2. Cor. 11.1 . but as Saint Paul would bee followed , as hee followed Christ , so should they bee .

Now to the person whom we should follow , to wit , CHRIST .

WHen I was called heretofore to this place , by the warrant of Gods word , I deliuered certaine documents wherin we might learne , The way to Life ; and now in this Text we may learne whom wee should follow , as our guide in the way to Life : namely , CHRIST .

Graue and iudicious Audients , Christ is the example , of vs to be followed ; and that alwaies and necessary : Alwayes , for that he is most perfectly good : And necessary , because both hee and his Apostles haue commanded vs so to do .

Yet I pray you mistake me not : for all-be-it I say , our Sauiour Christ is alwayes ; yet do I not say , in all things : and although necessary to bee followed , yet not as hee is God : for hee fasted 40. dayes , and 40. nights , hee raised the dead , gaue sight to the blinde , and many other miracles by the Almighty power of his God-head : hee wrought things vn-able to bee imitated of mortall men .

In these things which our Sauiour Christ did , as he is God , he is most religiously to bee worshipped : and in these things which hee did , as man , he is zealously to be followed . He that loueth and hateth what Christ , as God , doth loue and loath , doth follow Christ as farre as a man may follow God . Hee that doth that which Christ did , as man , doth follow Christ as a Christian man should do .

We ought to abhorre the vanity of this world , Bernard . and that cuoragiously , because IESVS would not bee elected a King , hee fled from the multitude : to repent , and that heartily ; for IESVS was killed as a Lambe : to haue true Charity ; for IESVS prayed for his enemies . Christians haue their names of Christ ; therefore it is meet , as they are co-heires of his name , so should they be followers of his holinesse . No man is rightly called a Christian , who to the vttermost of his power , doth not resemble Christ , in life and conuersation : he that followeth not Christ , may bee called a Christian ; but is none . So Saint Augustine Augustine . saith : What doth it profite thee , to be called a Christian , whereas thou art not ? to vsurpe a strange name ? If thou louest to bee called a Christian , shew the fruits of Christianity ; and then well mayest thou take the name of a Christian vnto thee .

Whereas by naturall inclination wee are addicted to imitation , let vs follow the best : wisedome would so ; partly because we are Englishmen , who are reported , aboue all other nations , to be famous or infamous in imitating and following euery strange and new-found fashion . Many haue gotten fame in imitating Cicero in eloquence , Aristotle in Philosophy , Iustinians in Law ; and Galen in Physicke , and such like . But more haue gotten shame in imitating one Country in vanity , another in luxurie : the Spanish , in brauery ; the Italian , in letchery ; the Barbarian , in cruelty ; the Turke , in incredulity ; the Grecian , in Gluttony ; the Papist , in Idolatry ; the Atheist , in impiety ; and the Libertine , in impurity : and not in following our Sauiour Christ in heauenly wisedome and godlinesse of maners .

Saint Paul admonishing the Colossians to an imitation of Christ and his holinesse , Coloss. 3.5 . first exhorteth them to mortification ; as though without that meanes it were impossible : Mortifie therefore your members vpon earth , and giueth a reason of his exhortation , saying ; If yee liue after the flesh yee shall dye . Rom. 8.13 . As God commanded Moses to put off his shooes before hee should approach neere him , so God commandeth vs to put away all our sinfull affections before wee begin to follow Christ : he will haue vs to forsake our sinnes before he will suffer vs to follow him . As Peter forsooke his boats , nets and all , and followed Christ : so should wee leaue all worldly gaine and commodity , and follow Christ . Matthew left his office of custome ( although it was gainfull vnto him ) and followed Christ : So should we resigne all worldly gaine and riches , and follow Christ , who will make vs rich in him . Obiection . It may bee some will demaund why Peter often vsed his former trade of life , and Matthew neuer returned to his office ? Answere . It may easily be answered : Peter was a fisher-man , and did get his liuing by his lawfull paines , and honest meanes and labour ; but Mathewes Custome-office was very seldome , or neuer executed without corruption : and therefore it was vnlawfull for him , being a follower of Christ , to returne to it againe . 1. Kings . 19.20 . Elisha left his Plow and Oxen , and followed Elias : so should wee leaue oxen , lands , house , country , kindred ; yea our selues , rather then forsake Christ .

In following Christ we must trauell the right way : wee may finde in sacred Scriptures , two wayes proponed , the one straight and narrow , Math. 7.13.14 . Luke 13.24 . the other wide and broade : the one leadeth to life , the other to death : the one to heauen , the other to hell : The one straight and narrow in the beginning , but broad and pleasant in the end : the other wide and broad in the beginning , but straight and painfull in the end . The one in the beginning , Take vp thy crosse and follow me : but in the end , Feare not my little flocke , for it is your fathers will to giue you a kingdome . The other in the beginning , All the world , and the riches therof , will I giue thee , if thou wilt worship me ( saith Sathan : ) but in the end , Take him , binde him hand and foot , and cast him into vtter darknesse . In the one a good change , from a crosse to a kingdome : In the other a bad change ; from a kingdome to a prison , and dungeon of vtter darkenesse . Leaue therefore the broad and wide way , for it leadeth to destruction , and walke in the narrow and straight way , for it leadeth to life .

If thou wilt follow Christ , thou must trauell his way ; not a broad , pleasant , wide , and delightfull way , full of pleasure , wantonnesse , & worldly ioyes : but a narrow , troublesome , & straight way , full of afflictions , crosses , tribulations and sorrowes . All men , as long as they liue in this vale of misery , shall haue their part of misery ; euery man shall haue his turne of sorrow , more or lesse , one time or other ; which way soeuer we walke , we shall heare euery man complaine of some sorrow or misery . What shall wee doe then ? Before it come , let vs prepare our selues for it : when it is come , bid it welcome , and beare it patiently : when it is departing , giue it but halfe a fare-well , still expecting when it will returne againe . Yet keepe thou this narrow way , and follow Christ , and thou shalt bee safe , and finde rest vnto thy soule : but if thou wander out of this way , into the pleasant paths of sinne , and turne thy backe to God , and leaue his protection , there is no helpe for thee , Sathan will take thee prisoner , leade thee captiue , binde thee hand and foot , and cast thee into the deepe dungeon of darknesse . For this assure thy selfe ; If thou wilt not follow Christ , Sathan will follow thee : Be not like these idle Epicures , and carelesse slacke-graces , who liue as though they had no soules to saue , as though there were neither God nor Diuell , no ioyes in heauen , nor torments in hell ; lest thou loose the one , to thy griefe , & finde the other , to thy endlesse paine . If thou wilt not follow Christ in the way towards heauen , do not think that thou shalt escape hell ; there is no starting-hole betweene both for thee couertly to hide thy selfe : the Angell that fell from God , with all his adherents , could finde no such place ; none of Adams children could so shrowd themselues , but they were found out . Diues could finde no place betweene heauen and hell to stay him from torments , but needes he must into them .

Consider therefore thine estate ; to heauen thou canst not come , but by following of Christ . No man commeth to the Father ( saith Christ ) but by me . Hee is gone to prepare a place for none but for them that follow him .

Obiection . It may be , thou thinkest thy soule , being dislodged , and disburdened of the heauy weight of the body , shall flye , as a bird , into heauen . Answere . O bee not deceiued , if thou dye in a reprobate estate , thou shalt finde and feele that thy soule hath lost her wings : that is , the sanctified Will , Memory , and Vnderstanding , the three golden wings of the faithfull soule .

Obiection . Againe , it may be thou thinkest , that when thy soule shall depart from the body , it shall bee freed from all earthly things whatsoeuer ; and that no terrestriall matter shall cleaue vnto it , neither can it sinne when it is freed from the sinfull flesh . Answere . True it is , that when the soule is departed from the body , it cannot then commit any more sinne , because it wanteth the body , whose members are as the tooles & instruments to execute the wickednesse of the sinfull soule : but all-be-it the soule is departed from the body , yet sinne is not departed from the soule : for these two , to wit , Sinne , and an accusing Conscience , will cleaue closly to an impenitent soule : these it shall bee sure of ; no other thing shall it haue with it from the earth , but sinne , wherein it delighted , and a guilty conscience , saying ( as it were ) we are thy sinnes , we will not leaue thee , but follow and accompany thee vnto death , in death , after death , vnto iudgement , in iudgement , after iudgement , and for euer . O carelesse man ! remember in time , that the impenitent sinner , of all his worldly ioyes , wealth , pleasures and delights , shall haue nothing to comfort him ; but his sinnes and a guilty conscience cleauing fast vnto him , vn-remoueable , that neuer-dying worme , alwaies biting and gnawing on his sorrowfull soule .

Therefore in time mortifie thy sinnes ( before it bee too late ) that they may not mortifie thy soule : for the hazard of eternall life dependeth on the dying or not dying of sinne ; and that necessarily . Who is so voyd of vnderstanding , as not to thinke it expedient and necessary wisedome rather to destroy sinne , then himselfe : for one of the two must needs bee mortified , either sinne , or the soule , must suffer death and dye . Therefore spare not sinne , but mortifie it , crush the serpents head betimes , kill all thy sinnes , bee partiall to none : for one darling sinne is enough to binde thee fast vnto Sathan , seeing it is easie to hold him that striueth not to depart : One kinde of sin may kill thy soule as well as an hundred , and bring death which is eternall vpon thee . Remember Saul , and forget not thy soule , 2. Sam. 15. God commanded him vtterly to destroy the Amalekites ; he sparing but some of them , was cast off from God , and his kingdome rent from him . Our sinnes are the Amalekites , which God commandeth vs to destroy : wee must kill them all , and spare none ; wee must not spare Agag , wee must not spare any captaine sinne , lest God forsake vs , and so we loose a better kingdome then euer Saul found .

As Amelek resisted the children of Israel in their iourney towards the land of promise : Deut. 25.17 . so Sathan seeketh by all meanes , to hinder and let vs in following Christ , and forsaking sin . These two obstacles hee trumpeth in our way to stop vs from our conuersion : to wit , Delectatio peccandi , & audacia defendendi . That is , Delight of sinning , and Boldnesse of defending .

Peccatum quatuor modis perpetratur in corde , quatuorque modis consummatur in opere . Sin is foure manner of wayes committed in heart , and foure manner of wayes finished in action : That is , in heart By suggestion . Suggestion cometh by the Diuell . By delight . Delight by the flesh . By consent . Consent by the spirit . By boldnesse of defending sin . Boldnesse of defence by our elation stubbornnesse .

With these foure strokes the old and enuious aduersary of mankinde , vndermined and ouerthrew the vprightnesse of the first man : the Serpent perswaded , Eue delighted , Adam consented ; and when hee was vrged to confesse his fault , he defended it by audacious excuse . After suggestion commeth delight , after delight commeth defending of sinne .

As ( saith Chrysostome Chrysostome . ) it is impossible to kindle fire with water , so it is impossible to stirre vp repentance or conuersion in a man that delighteth in sinne : for as water doth quench the fire , and not kindle it , so delight in sinne doth bury repentance , and not reuiue it . Therefore the Prophet Dauid desireth God to keepe him from sinne , and from delight in sinne ; fearing lest presumptuous sinnes should haue the vpper hand of him . And the Apostle Saint Paul exhorteth vs to mortifie our earthly members , as the best way to cut off the delight of sinne , that sin may dye .

I reade in a pretty familiar history , ( not impertinent to this purpose ) that there was a certaine boy , hauing a great delight to play with a bird , tied a thrid to the legge of the bird , and sate downe and plaied therewith , letting the bird come and goe at his pleasure , Anselmus a godly man comming vnto him , grieuing to see him liue that idle and euill kind of life , cut the thrid : so the bird did flie away , and the boy arose and led a better kind of life . Morally , it may bee well applied thus , this boy may signifie a sinner , this bird , sinne , this thrid , delight in sinne , his sitting downe his continuance in sinne , taking pleasure therein , and making pastime to sinne at his pleasure : This Anselmus may signifie true repentance and vnfeigned conuersion in a man , intending and fully purposing to forsake sinne and follow Christ , which cutteth the thrid , that is the delight of sinne , sinne dieth , and the sinner ( well termed a boy for his childish and foolish actions ) riseth vp , that is , sitteth and continueth not in sinne , but leadeth henceforth a more sanctified kinde of life .

Saint Iohn in his Epistle generall , 1. Ioh. 2.15 . exhorting men to follow Christ , dehorteth them from the loue of the world and the delight of sinne reigning in them that loue the world : saying , Loue not the world , nor the things in the world : a reason in the 16 verse Verse 16. he giueth saying ; For all that is in the world ( as the lust of the flesh , the lust of the eie , and the pride of life ) is not of the Father , but of the world .

The world , is as the deuils golden cheine , to hinder men from following of Christ , which treasure he offereth to bestow on them that will forsake God , and follow him ; and therefore hee would haue giuen it , and all the riches thereof , to our Lord and Sauiour Christ , but it was none of his to giue , hee was but an vsurper : Therefore as our Lord and Maister Christ denied him , so let vs , his seruants , defie him , and as the same Apostle maketh ( as it were ) anatomy of certaine great sins in which men so delight ; so let vs by his admonition hate & detest them , and shun the way to hell , as hell it selfe ; amongst other capitall sinnes which hinder and let vs from following Christ , heere are three by the Apostle pointed out , to wit ; couetousnesse , pride , and voluptuousnesse : Colloss. 3.5 . coueteousnesse , although it be accounted good husbandry , and frugality : yet the Apostle Paul calleth it a let , Ephes. 5.5 . and idolatry : idolatry because men so much loue and embrace it ; a let , because it keepeth vs backe from following Christ ; if it bee idolatry , how can couetous men be good Christians , seeing they loue the world more then Christ ? if it bee a bar to keepe men from heauen , how doe couetous men thinke it possible to enter through the eye of an needle , being swollen with this sinne as great as a Camell ? if men were so couetous of the Kingdome of heauen , as they are greedy of worldly wealth , they would not take so much paines in getting of it , and so little labour in following of Christ : but we may finde it true , That Impij alacriùs currunt ad mortem quam pij ad vitam : The vngodly runne more hasty to death , then the godly to life ; they take more paines for destruction , then others for saluation .

For coueteousnesse hath no pleasure in it , but great trouble and misery ; for it is a trouble to the body , disquietnesse to the minde , and a griefe to the heart , it pincheth and pricketh with three great and deepe wounds : The first to the bone , the second to the braine , the third to the heart ; to the bones in tiring and wearying men in getting riches : to the braines , in great care to keepe them being gotten , as pricking thornes amongst the which the diuine seede of Gods words sowen fructifieth not . Math. 13.8.9 . The last cut which is most greiuous that is to the heart , in leauing and losing them , yea , and with his owne selfe , his owne soule , his owne life , yea life both of body and soule , too deere a price for so vile a thing , in selling his soule for sinne , Therefore Christ saith : Math. 16.26 . What shall it auaile me to winne the whole world , and loose mine owne soule ?

Let vs remember the couetous caterpillar , and meale-mouthed Farmer , that was not contented with his barnes full of Corne and much wealth , how hee was in a monent satisfied with a mouthfull of dust , and , which was most lamentable , his soule taken from him ; I feare hee hath many sons this day liuing , whom I would haue take notice hereof , and see Gods iudgement is such , that their wealth shall bee turned into woe , their plenty into scarcity , their prosperity into pouerty , their solace into sorrow , their gladnesse into sadnesse , their mirth into mourning , their pleasure into paine , their tranquility into calamity .

I reade in ancient writing , Is●od . that old men did picture Mercury , one of the Planets , like to a couetous Merchant , hauing in his mouth a thorny tongue , with wings spread abroad in the middest , seeming glittering gold , and vpon his head a cocke : The morallity of this story may be thus applied : The thorny tongue may represent the deceiptfull words , false oaths , and fraudulent dealing of cruell couetous men , in bargaining , buying , and selling with men : The wings may represent the hast , speed , and celerity that coueteous men vse in gathering of wealth , in trauelling from Market to Market , from Towne to Towne , from Kingdome to Kingdome , ouer Sea and Land , omitting no time , occasion , or oportunity : Glittering and shining may signifie the gaine of gold , seeming like fire , for gold may bee compared to fire , a little whereof is sufficient to warme a man , but too much burneth : Gold & gaine , in good , honest , and lawfull sort gotten , prospereth with a man , but by vniust and vnlawfull manner gathered damneth a man : Well gotten , and well vsed it helpeth , but wickedly gotten and wickedly vsed it hurteth .

The cocke representeth the carefull vigilancy that possesseth couetous mens minds , who rise vp earely and lie downe late , taking their rest but vntill the cocke croweth , or the clocke striketh .

Thus the description of a couetous mans life is expressed : and Iob hath a notable Epitaph at his death , to be ingraued vpon his Tomb , Hee is dried vp and withered , Iob. 6.17 . and in time consumed , and when it is hot he falleth from his place ; before he departeth from his way and course of life : A worthy note for shunning the like , and a fearefull iudgement vpon them that follow the couetous affections of this wicked world , and forsake Christ whom they are bound to follow vpon forfeiture of saluation , and paine of condemnation .

Let vs not settle our affections vpon earthly things , hunting after the vnsatiable desire of worldly wealth , like the mole or want that maketh many holes and diggeth many dennes in the earth , and yet is not satisfied but still laboureth and diggeth : Let vs not build many houses , digge many sellars , buy many Farmes , fill many barnes , and yet bee vnsatiable and vnthankfull , and in all our aboundance and plenty will not say , Blessed be the name of the Lord , which Iob did in his greatest pouerty : The couetous cormorant when his barnes were full and his house furnished , was satisfied , saying as it were , Soule thou hast sufficient , eate , drinke , take thine ease ; But some hauing enough , and more then enough , are not satisfied , but would with sathan compasse the whole world if they might : Seeing therefore that couetousnesse keepeth vs from following Christ , the ready way to heauen , and leadeth vs the headlong way to hell , let vs as the Apostle exhorteth : Bee followers of God , as deere children .

The other let that holdeth men backe from following God , is Pride , and it is no small enemy to mankind , although now it is accompted no sinne : It caused the Angell with many his Associates to loose heauen , it caused Adam and Eue to loose Paradice , and it will bee a cause to exclude and debarre vs of the Kingdome of heauen , vnlesse wee humble our selues and follow Christ , as dutifull schollars , learning the lesson which he hath taught vs , saying : Learne of mee , for I am humble and meeke of heart : Againe hee saith , Hee that exalteth himselfe shall bee brought low ; Prouerb . 16.18 Salomon telleth , that pride goeth before , and destruction followeth after : And the old Writer Gregory Gregory . saith : As humilty is a signe of election and approbation , so pride is a signe of reiection and reprobation . Pride may fitly be compared to a pale horse , Reuel. 6.8.9 . The name of him that rideth thereon is death , and hell followeth after : Pale it is , for that it wanteth the cheerefull and comfortable complexion of godly charity , and death rideth on it , for death is the wages of pride , which the deuill knew right well , who by pride brought spirituall death on all , and hell followeth after , being the place prepared for all proud persons , who are betraied by pride in their owne bodies and members : As Absolon conspired his fathers death by offering giftes to his fathers subiects : And Eue for a proud minde to bee like vnto God , was made more vnlike , and defaced the image of God in her selfe , and thereby lost Paradice : Pride is a sinne that God hateth ; all other sins flie from God , but pride stubbornely standeth with the hauty Pharisee and faceth with God : Therefore , he that will bee a follower of Christ must forsake pride .

For a proud man is 1 Deo odibilis To God odible 2 Diabolo similis Like to the diuil 3 & sibi damnabilis . and to himselfe damnable .

Three sortes of men my soule hateth , &c. The first whereof is a proud man : Eccle. 25.2 . examples in the Angels , and in men wee haue in no small number .

The deuill is the Prince of pride , and father of proud men , and as the seruants of Christ , and children of God are knowne by charity and humility ; so the seruants of sinne and sonnes of Sathan , are knowne by pride and crueltie .

Hee is hurtfull to himselfe , Examples wee haue , amongst diuers others , of Iesabell , Reu. 18 7. Esay 47.8 . of the proud strumpet of Babylon , of Senecharib , &c. who soaring aloft with their proud plumes , being at the highest pitch of their exaltation , were throwne downe head-long and plunged in the deepe lake and dungeon of destruction , and as the wolfe followeth the prey , and the Hunter followeth the wolfe to destroy him : so as man followeth pride , punishment followeth proud men to destroy them . Virque scelus sequitur paenaque iusta virum .

Now the third let that hindereth vs in following Christ is voluptuousnesse , which although in our time it is accompted but a sport : yet it is a canker that eateth vp vertue in a man which is eternall : Augustine . This vice old men should loath , and yong men should leaue , but by experience many , yea too many yong men , being trained vp by their carefull parents , either in vertuous schools , or honest trades of life , leaue manners with their Maisters , vertue in the schools , & run astray with the prodigal son , luxuriousty spending their portions : others , leauing their trades with their Maisters , & science in the shops ; with Esau sell their Birth-right for a messe of voluptuous pottage , in the kitchin of wantonnesse spending their time in sathans Synagogue of wickednesse : The more pitty that they haue so little piety , seeing it is not the losse onely of Temporall goods , but the losse of the Kingdom of heauen ; and one ancient father saith ; Iustum est vt qui peccata vti voluisset aeternaliter si potuisset , aeternaliter paenam sustinere cogeretur , it is requisite that hee that would vse sinne alwaies , if hee could , should continually bee constrained to suffer punishment , which that wee may escape let vs both old and yong cease to be voluptuous and turne to be zealous in following of Christ , for as long as wee harbour this vice in our hearts , wee carry ( as Vrias did ) letters to our owne destruction , and as long as wee greedily follow after it , we do follow it ( as Asahel followed Abner ) to our owne death .

Thus wee may see these great , grosse , and grieuous sinnes do stoppe , dampe , and rampire the way against vs to keepe vs out of heauen , as they excluded our first parents out of Paradise , and thereby displaced & dis-inherited vs of the possession and interest thereof , if wee hate him that vndermineth & beguileth vs of our earthly inheritance , as Esau hated his brother Iacob : how much more should we detest these sins , that defraud vs of our celestiall habitation ?

We do exceedingly hate him that killeth our father or mother : how much more then should we hate these sins that haue brought death and mortality vpon all our parents , our selues and our posterity .

The second Obstacle . Audacia defensionis .

THe second obstacle that fettereth the feet of our affection , is the boldnesse of defending or excusing sin : this was in Adam after hee had transgressed by committing the foresaid sins , beeing vrged by Almighty God to confesse his fault , still defended & excused his offences : So there are many of Adams children that will not ( although they see and know their owne nakednesse ) confesse it : but are lesse ashamed to commit sin , then to confesse their sins to God , & repent . As Nahash would haue had the right eyes of the people of Iabes Gilead to be put out , 1. Sam. 11.2 . & to bring that shame vpon the Israelites : so that spirituall Nahash seeketh by his subtilty , to haue the right eie , wherby we are brought to the sight & knowledge of our sins , to bee put out , and so to bring shame and confusion vpon vs : like the Rauen , that first of all striketh out the silly sheepes eye , that he may not escape his tyranny : so Sathan would haue vs not to see the shame of our sins : and when for want of shame we haue sinned , he would haue vs ashamed to confesse them , and repent .

I read on a time , a pretty familiar history ( agreeable heereunto ) of certaine religious and well disposed persons , confessing their sinnes , to whom the Diuell approched ; whom , when a godly and reuerend father espied , he asked him how he durst , or to what end hee came so neere such godly persons at so good an exercise : who made this answere : I come ( said he ) to restore that which long agone I haue taken from them . The godly man maruelling that the Diuell was become a restorer , ( exceeding many Christians that scarcely think on restitution ) demanded of him what that was . Shame , said he , which I took from them in commiting of sin , & now I bring it to them againe , to keep them from confessing of their sins . Thus we see that the Diuell would haue vs not to bee ashamed to sin , but ashamed to confesse our sins & repent : therfore when we should forsake our sins , and follow Christ , if wee shall perceiue any vnwillingnesse in vs to performe this duty , let vs know from whence it came : and so in despite of Sathan put off his visard , and vnmaske our selues , that wee may see these dangerous caribdes , & auoid them , and so follow Christ our precursor , our grand-captaine & protector .

The last part . As deere Children .

CHildren in the Scripture are diuers wayes taken , besides them that come of their parents , bloud , and generation : and besides them which are in the right descending line of the same linage or stocke .

For sometime subiects are called children : Dauid spake thus to Saul the King : My Father , 1 Sam. 24.12 . behold , behold , &c. Thus Abimelech was called King and Father . Also these are called Children that succed others in title or right of inheritance . Thus Ieconias , that neuer had childe , is sayd to beget Salathiel , because he was the next of Dauids stocke ; Ierem. 22.30 . who therefore succeded Ieconias in the kingdome of Iudah .

They that are guided by the councell of others , are called children : so Ioseph sayd : Gen. 45.8 . God hath made me a father to Pharaoh .

Seruants sometime are called children : The seruants of Naaman sayd vnto him : Father , 2. Kings . 5.13 . if the Prophet had commanded thee a great thing , wouldst not thou haue done it ?

Yonger men and women are called children , in respect of their elders : Rebuke not an Elder , 1. Tim. 5.1.2 . but exhort him as a Father , the elder women as mothers .

They which are vnder the tuition or helpe of others , are called children : so Iob sayd ; Iob. 29.16 . he was a father to the poore .

Scollers were called the sonnes of the Prophets : Elizeus said to Elias , My father , my father . 2. Kings . 2.12 .

Hearers are called children in respect of their pastors and teachers : 1. Kings 13.11 . Paul saith to the Corinthians ; yee haue many teachers , but not many fathers . And to the Galat. he saith : My little children , Gal. 4.19 . of whom I trauell in birth againe , vntil Christ be formed in you . All true beleeuers are said to be deere children in this Scripture , by the Apostles doctrine , shewing his fatherly loue , and tender care ouer them that imitate Christ . Rom. 9.8 . The true children of Abraham are they that imitate him in faith .

Math. 21.28 . Luke 15.11 . As in the parable of the Gospell it is recorded , that a man had two sonnes , the one performing his fathers wil , the other neglecting it : the one frugall , the other prodigall . Likewise

Abraham had two sonnes , Ismael and Isaac , but Isaac onely free-borne : so there are two sorts of children ; one , the children of God : the other , the children of the world .

The children of God are they which are vnited to God by adoption , as Brothers and Sisters in Christ , by hearing of the word of God , & keeping it . These are my brethren ( saith Christ ) that heare the word , and keepe it .

The children of the world are they which fashion themselues like vnto the world , setting & setling their affections on worldly things : but the children of God are changed in their shape , by renewing of their minds , they are of another fashion , they are of a new birth , of the spirituall kindred of Christ by regeneration . The children of God do follow Christ , the children of the world do follow it , and are led by it : but the children of God are led by the spirit of God . The children of the world haue their whole trust & confidence in worldy things : Rom. 8.14 . but the children of God are predestinated to bee his adopted children , Ephes. 1.5 . by faith in Christ . It is the greatest preferment in this world , amongst the children of the world , to be made the heire of a King , Emperour , or Prince , and to bee in great account with men in this world : but the children of God are of greater account with God and godly men , both in this world , and in the world to come .

The children of Kings are attended by noble men , and great personages , and guarded with strong men ; yet all but men , whose breath is in their nostrils , whose hands cannot accomplish the deuises of their hearts : But the children of God are guided by God himselfe , whose eye is alwayes ouer the righteous , they are guarded by Angels : Psalm. 34.15 . The Angels of God shall pitch their tents round about them that feare him .

The children of the world doe take delight in such pleasures as the world doth affoord them ; as carnall security , worldly prosperity , beastly sensuality , couetousnesse , pride , luxury , idlenesse , and such like . But the pleasures that God affoordeth his deere children , are such as neither the world can giue them , nor take from them : As the loue of righteousnesse , delight in the law of God , Psalm. 1.2 . patience in affliction , loue of them that excell in vertue , and such like .

The riches of the children of the world , are gold , siluer , houses , lands , lordships , rents , reuenues , and such like : which theeues may steale , rust may fret , fire may consume , water may drowne , plague may infect , time may weare out , and death may end . But the riches of Gods children are the word of God , firme faith , forgiuenesse of sins , freedome from hell , liberty with the Saints , the spirit of contentation , peace of conscience , continuall ioy in the holy Ghost ; and a kingdome of glory in heauen , which no theefe can steale , no rust can corrupt , no fire can consume , no water can drowne , no plague can infect , no time can weare out , no death can end .

The children of God are shrowded vnder the wings of his mercy ; but the children of the world are subiect vnder the weapons of his iustice , and a fearefull thing it is to fall into the hands of God in such a case . If the children , that were disobedient to their parents in the time of the law , by the law were stoned to death for their disobedience towards their earthly parents : Deut. 21.21 . how much more are the wilfull and wicked children of the world in danger of the father of heauen , and God of heauen , and earth , for their disloialty and disobedience in forsaking God , and following the world ? If the children of the righteous that offend God haue not escaped Gods seuere punishment , how shall the vngracious children of vngodly parents abide it ? If the sonnes of Eli , and the sonnes of Dauid were punished by death , as the reward and wages of their sinnes , without pardon or partiality ; although Eli was the holy Priest of God , and Dauid the Princely Prophet of God : the one high in Gods fauour , the other as great in his loue . How then shal 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 the euill egge of a bad bird escape vncrushed ? ● King . 2.23.24

If the children that mocked the prophet , were by Gods iudgement torne in peeces , and deuoured of Beares : how shall these prophane scoffers , and deriders of the Gospell , and professors thereof escape Gods fearefull iudgements ?

God loueth those children that imitate their parents good examples , and follow them as they follow Christ .

The Apostle in this our Text , maketh a distinction betweene the children of God and the children of the world ; terming the children of God , Deere Children . Deerely beloued , and deerely are they purchased with the precious and pricelesse bloud of his best loued Sonne Christ ; whom as zealously they ought to follow for his grace , 2. Kings 2. as Elisha followed Elias for his mantle and spirit . If children follow their parents , and obey their precepts for an earthly and terrestriall inheritance , should we not much more obey our heauenly Father for an heauenly and coelestiall heritage , assured to his deere children , that follow him , as he hath by his deerely beloued sonne , in his sacred word taught them .

The manner how we should follow him , is by the Apostle plainly expressed : to wit , As deere Children , according to Christs owne words ; affirming that whosoeuer will enter into the kingdome of heauen , must bee as a little Childe , innocent , humble and meeke : Not clothed with couetousnesse , puffed with pride , nor with voluptuousnesse : For to such ( saith Christ our precursor ) belongeth the Kingdome of heauen . Yong and vnacquainted with grosse sinnes are most fit to follow God in the prime-time of their yeares , in the maiden-head of their age , giuing him the first fruits of their loue .

Iohn the Apostle and Euangelist was knowne by the name of the Disciple whom IESVS loued . So was yong Samuel fauoured of God . So was Dauid , a man after Gods owne heart : for hee was a man that followed God from his youth . So was little Daniel , a great man with God : a little man amongst men , but a great Prophet of God . This religious affection of vertuous youth Saint Paul learned of Christ , and taught it to his scholler Timothy , and other Churches which he had by the word planted . But if we seeke to vrge the youth of our time thereunto , they will thinke that wee come before our time ; as though they might be licenced to run a wilfull and wicked course , Math , 8 , 29 , and will bee ready to tell vs ( as the Diuell told Christ ) that wee torment them before their time . The Prodigall sonne was the yonger .

Christ our heauenly king is gone before vs , and hath opened the gate of heauen : otherwise there had beene no passage at all ; yet he telleth vs , that the gate is straight , Math , 7 , 14 , and there are few that enter in thereat : therefore we must striue , straine , and stoope , if we intend to enter in . First , wee must strippe our selues out of the old habite of sinne : for if sinne lye at the doore , Gen. 4.7 , it will stop our passage , as it did Caines : whether it , these grosse and grieuous sinnes , or any other beloued sin , which wee so tenderly harbour and foster in our hearts , like a rocke , or an heape of sand , will stoppe and damme vp the gate . Therefore we must , like little children , creep low , and humble our selues : for if wee put on the true habit of humility and meekenesse , Sathan cannot hinder vs . As the Serpents will not come into the vineyard when vines bring forth their blossomes , no more will the old Serpent , and author of pride come neere vs , if we , like fruitfull branches , bud the blossomes of humility . The want of this vertue cast Nebuchadnezar out of his earthly Kingdome , and we must haue it or else we shall not enter into the heauenly Kingdome . The Pharisee swelled in his owne proud conceit , and therefore hee was too bigge to enter in , but the poore Publican stooped and went in , little Zacheus was a great rich man , but he diminish'd himselfe by restitution & giuing to the poore , he descended from the lofty branches to the roote of humility , and so entred in . This gate ( it should seeme ) was made for none to enter , but for these that are as children . Math. 18.3 . Verily I say vnto you ( saith Christ ) except yee become as little children , yee cannot enter into the kingdome of God .

How acceptable is the morning sacrifice of our tender age vnto God , no sacrifice of beasts was more welcome to God then yong kids or lambs , none of birds more acceptable then yong pigeons or Turtle doues : Manna was to be gathered in the morning before the Sun arose .

If we follow God as deere children , God will take vs for his children , and this is no small signe of Gods mercy , so much to fauour , and so highly to grace vs with the title of his children , that wee may call him father : Well , and worthily may he be called a father , for he is omnium Creator fideliumque Pater , the Creator of all men and Father of the faithfull , and therefore it is written , Is not hee thy Father that hath bought thee , and that made thee , and proportioned thee ? Deut. 32.6 . Yea without doubt , God is our Father , if we will obey him , an euerliuing and an euerlasting Father , as it is also written : Doubtlesse , thou art our Father , Esay 63.16 . though Abraham be ignorant of vs , and Israel know vs not , yet thou ô Lord art our Father and our Redeemer , thy name is for euer . If he be our Father , and our Lord , we should honour and feare him . Mallac . 1.6 . A sonne honoreth his father , and a seruant his maister , If then I bee a Father where is my honour ? If I bee a Maister where is my feare , saith the Lord of Hosts ? If therefore ye call him Father , 1. Pet. 1.17 . which without respect of persons iudgeth according to euery mans worke , passe the time of your dwelling here in feare , saith the Apostle .

In all our miseries and feare we are imboldened by the Spirit of Christ to call God our Father , as we may reade : Gal. 4.6 . Because yee are sonnes , God hath sent the Spirit of his Sonne into your hearts , which cryeth Abba Father . Math. 23.9 . Wherefore Christ commandeth vs to call no man father on earth , ( that is , in faith and religion ) a reason he giueth , saying : There is but one your Father which is in heauen , he is a father that made both body and soule , and is ready to saue both , when earthly parents forsake vs , he will take vs ; when they leaue vs , he will receiue vs ; when they will not , and cannot help vs , he can and will help vs ; when they dye , hee liueth , for hee is an euerlasting and an euerliuing Father : first and last , the beginning and the end , a beginning , without beginning , and an end without end .

Many children bragge and boast of their parents gentry , and they accompt it a great honour to be called the sonne of a King , as Dauid said , when hee should marry Sauls daughter , Doe you thinke it a small thing to be a Kings sonne ? Should the children of God thinke it a small thing to be the sonnes and daughters of the King of Kings , and Lord of all Lords , King of heauen and earth ?

He is worthily called a Father , for he is .

Pater sanctitatis . The Father of sanctity . Pater potestatis . The Father of power . Pater pietatis . The Father of piety .

The Father of sanctity and holynesse , and therefore Christ saith ; Iohn 17.17 . Father sanctifie them in the truth .

The father of power , because hee can doe all things , therefore he that knew best , said ; Mark . 14.36 . All things are possible to thee .

The Father of piety and mercy , and therefore the Apostle calleth him , The Father of mercy , 2. Cor. 1.3 . and God of consolation .

Seeing he is the Father of mercy we ought to pray to him with deuotion , For Christ saith , Whatsoeuer yee shall aske the Father in my name , Iohn 16.23 . he will giue it you .

Seeing he is the Father of power we ought to honour him , with humble obedience : therefore the Holy-Ghost by the Prophet Malachy saith : Mallac . 1.6 . The Sonne honoureth the Father , &c.

Seeing he is the Father of mercy , we ought to follow and imitate him in mercy ; as Christ commandeth vs , saying : Luk. 6.36 . Bee yee mercifull as your Father is mercifull .

And seeing he is the Father of power , of holynesse and mercy , of him as dutifull children , wee should ( bowing the knees of hearts ) seeke a blesnng : Isaac his sonne said to his father , Hast thou but one blessing : But the God of Abraham , Isaac , and Iacob hath a blessing for euery faithfull child of his , yea a triple benediction : Benedictio preueniens , benedictio adiuuans , & benedictio consummans , His blessing preuenting , his blessing assisting , and his blessing consummating or finishing : The first of his mercy , the second of his grace , the third of his glory ; The first of our conuersion , the second of our conuersation , the third of our glorification .

The first Benediction : Blessed is he to whom the Lord imputeth no sinne : Blessed is he whose sinnes are remitted .

The second : Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord and walkes in his waies .

The third and last benediction : Come yee blessed children of my Father , receiue the kingdome prepared for you from the beginning of the world .

FINIS .