Two fruitfull and godly sermons preached at Dorchester in Dorsetshyre, the one touching the building of Gods temple, the other what the temple is.

Two fruitfull and godly Sermons , preached at Dorchester in Dorsetshyre , the one touching the building of Gods Temple , the other what the Temple is .

Haggai . 1.8 .

Goe vp to the Mountaine , and bring woode , and build this house , and I will be fauourable in it .

Imprinted at London , by John Charle-wood , dwelling in Barbican , at the signe of the halfe Eagle and the Key . 1585.

To the right worshipfull M. George Trenchard Esquire , one of her Maiesties Iustices of the peace , in the County of Dorset , and one of the deputies Lieuetenants of the same sheyre . W. Chub wisheth the plenty of Gods graces in Christe Iesu .

THe great zeale of good King Iosias , 2. King . 22. and the singuler care he had in repairing the Temple of God , & maintaining true holines , was not onely prophesied by Iddo 300. yeeres before his byrth , but is now remembred many hundred yeeres after his death , as a most worthy president for all godlye and well affected mindes , for in him was first found lyberality , in disbursing money toward the building therof , then wisedom in appointing godly ouerseers to see it well doone , and last of all care , in hauing skilfull workmen to doo it , the which godly disposition of his , expressed the very fruits of a good mind in asmuch as he wold willingly haue the place erected , wherein the name of God myght bee glorified , and hys lawes & statutes read and exercised , and the people of God taught and instructed : such dispositions are the very badges and shewes of a feeling conscience , and a godly setled minde .

I may think no lesse in you ( right worshipfull ) but as a seconde Iosias , haue endeuoured your selfe very carefully for the erecting of gods glory in the Towne of Dorchester , my natiue towne , in that you haue not onely ben willing for the exercising of preaching in the same towne , but haue offred your liberality for the furthering , continuing , and establishing , thereof , to the great comfort of the towne , & no les ioy to the borderers . By occasion whereof , I was not onely moued with a comfortable minde for my natiue country , to see the prosecuting of so good a purpose , but was also bent vpon the same argument to preach these two Sermons following , which as well in thankfulnes for your proceedinges , as in signification of mine vnfained goodwyll , I humbly present vnto your worship , beseeching you to allow of the slender gyfte , and to couer the vnwoorthines therof with your accustomed clemency . And therein , as I shall think my pains cased , my works bettered , and my trauell well bestowed , euen so shall I perswade my self , to be much bound vnto your worship for your louing acceptation . And for the same shal continue mine vnfained hart in faithfull prayers vnto GOD , to blesse your dayes with the increase of his benefits , to whose mercifull tuition I commend you .

Your worships poore countryman ready at commandement . W. Chub. Minister . Written in Froome zelwood , the xii . of December . 1585.

¶ A Sermon concerning the building of Gods Temple . Ezra . 4. Cap. 1.2.3 . verses .

1. But the aduersaries of Iudah and Beniamin heard that the Children of the captiuity builded the Temple vnto the Lord God of Israell .

2. And they came to Zerubbabel & to the chefe fathers and sayd vnto them , wee wyll builde with you , for we seeke the Lord your God as ye doo , & we haue sacrificed vnto him euer since the time of Esar Haddon king of Ashur , which brought vs vp hether .

3. Then Zerubbabel and Ieshua and the rest of the cheefe fathers of Israell , sayde vnto them . It is not for you , but for vs to build the house vnto our God , for we our selues together will build it vnto the Lord God of Israell , as Kyng Cirus the Kyng of Persia hath commaunded vs .

THe moste comfortable doctrine of the building of Gods Temple , is expressed in many places of the olde Testament , as a notable example how the godly endeuoured themselues , to set vp that place wherein the name of the Lord should alwaies be glorified , and hys lawes exercised : not that the same place should simply be the Temple made wyth lime and stone wherin God should dwell , for God dwelleth not in Temples made with stone , but because God had ordeyned that a place should be erected for that purpose , wherin his Lawes should bee read , published , learned , established , and by God himselfe heard and allowed . And for thys cause many the godly kings , as Salomon , Cyrus , Darius , Iosias , Zerubbabell , &c. endeuoured with all study to accomplyshe and erecte it , and which God hath specially commaunded , hauing relacion principally vnto that Temple , wherein indéede his name ought to be glorified , his lawes established , and wherin himselfe as chéefe patron , is alwaies resident , which is our bodye , which by the vertue of our heade Christ , is called the Temple . Nowe for asmuch as the people of GOD in those dayes , were specially knowen by theyr great zeale , paine , and trauel , in erecting that holye Sanctuary , as hauing an onely care for the furthering of holy thinges , ( least they might otherwise bee drowned with prophane and worldly matters ) euery good and godly man endeuoured to sentt his hand to the building , by which occasion , the godly were discerned and knowen from the vngodly : but sithence that tyme through the weakenes of mannes iudgement , and the diligence of Sathan , the vngodly , ( hauing no other credite to afoorde Sathans marchandise , and sathan hauing no better meanes but by woorking hys slights and deceipt in the vngodly ) they I say , haue vnder the pretence of holines , wrought sathans purpose , and deceyued many séely yong ones in these dayes , as appereth by thys text which I haue now in hand , wherein is shewed , howe the aduersaries of the Church would haue builded with the people of God , 2. verse . and how they sought the Lord God , and how they hadde doone sacrifice vnto him , which profession of theirs , and ioyning themselues to the people of God to build with them , was but a slight to bring their deuilish practises to passe , as appereth in the fourth verse following . Their purpose . Where it is declared that they discouraged the people of God , troubled them in their building , and hired counsellers to hinder theyr deuise . A common practise amonge the vngodly , to pretende some mischiefe & wickednes vnder the colour of holines , such hath béene the pollicies of all the wicked and vngodlye from the beginning , to credite theyr wycked pretences vnder the colour of sanctimony . As in these appeared , who sayde first , that they woulde builde with them , that is to say , with the godly . This is a notable policy of sathan , to cause the wicked to bring their purpose to effect , the rather to deceiue the weaker sort by counterfeyting holines , and by making themselues as it were seruaunts of one houshold , and shéepe of one flock : for this cause doth sathan himselfe , sometimes transforme him selfe into an Angell of light , because by the glorious shape he wil the rather beguile and deceiue , allure and confound , the simple true meaning sorte , euen as the Wolfe by putting on a shéepes skyn , may the rather haue accesse to the flocke to murther and deuoure at his pleasure . After the same sort dyd Iudas salute and kysse hys maister Christ , which kisse and salutation was a signe and token of loue , but it hatched hatred and treason (a) (a) The gest without a wedding garment that thrust in among the bidden gests shewed the like effect . I may very well liken them to a great many in these dayes , which vnder the colour of comming to the Church , and frequenting the company of good men with fréendly faces , and bountifull gifts , doo further theyr wycked pretences , in ouerthrowing the estate , and confounding religion . In whom hath treason appeared strongest of late yeeres here in England , but in those that haue béene admitted into fauour . After that they had protested great loyalty and fréendship ? the old saying is verified . In trust is treason , and in the fayrest rose is soonest found a canker . Vnder the coloure of a fréendly quaffyng , King Iohn was poysoned by pledging a Fryer , such are colours of dissemblers , whose affections are farre from their outward shew . Pylate in a fayre shew of Iustice & fauoure , could wash his hands from condemning the giltles blood of Christe , and yet gaue sentence on him , such counterfeyted fauor is ioyned in stéede of fréendship , and such abhomination in stéede of holines , that we may say , the wood which they bring is wormeaten , and the stones they builde withall is as rubble , not fit for so glorious a sanctuary as the Lords Temple . They haue made estimation of their owne houses more then the Temple of the Lorde , Agge . 1 , 9 , which lieth waste , and yet they say , they will ioyne with the true and godly builders , furdermore they say , that they sought the Lorde , but as they did after a dissembling sort ioyne with the godly , offering to build with them , & purposing nothing lesse , euen so now do they say , that they haue sought the Lorde , whose diligence and industry is iudged the weaker , because they haue not founde him , for no doubt the Lorde is not so doubtfull to bée found , nor so strange to be spoken withal , but that if they had sought him with faith , and with a harty desire , they might haue found him . As our sauiour Christ hymselfe sayth . Querite et inuenietis , séeke and ye shall find , and as the Prophet Dauid fayth , Psal. 119 , 2 , Blessed are all they that keepe his testimonies , and seeke him with their hole hart , Deu. 4 , 29. and as Moyses sayth . If from thence thou shalt seeke the Lord thy God , thou shalt find him , if thou seeke him with al thy hart : but peraduenture if they sought him , it was ( as Christe saith ) with their lips , but their hart was far of , wherfore if we behold both their actions that is to say , to ioyne with the builders , and to bring nothing to the buidling , and to seke the Lorde and not to finde him , sheweth their bad pretences . Their religion . But now sée further and behold their profession and relygion , which was , that they had doone sacrifice vnto the Lord , in the which profession and religion of theirs , they expresse howe deuoutly and orderly they shewed themselues , in as much as they take theyr originall from Esar Haddon , otherwise called Sardanapalus , who was Senahcrib , his sonne who worshipped the Idoll Nisroch as his God . 2. Re. 17.26 It doth appeare in the booke of the Kyngs , how this people at their first enterance into Samaria , and possessing the Citties thereof , they feared not the Lorde , wherfore God sent Lyons to deuour them . Then they told the Kyng what happened , who commaunded that one of the priestes of the country shoulde teache them what to doo , how be it , euery nation made them their Gods , and put them in the houses of the high places . And this séemeth was their sacrifice vnto their Gods , that they themselues had made , euen a sacrifice agréeable to their profession , which was altogether as I said before in dissimulation , they were glad that they had caught the verye bare worde sacrifice , because it was the profession of the priests of the law , instituted by God , as a figure of Christes priesthoode , which signification , was as farre from their knowledge , ( I meane of the true vse of the sacrifice ) as their religion was from good deuotion , or as farre as Iudas differed from an honest disciple , yet as Iudas gloried of the title of a Disciple , though he vsed not him selfe as a Disciple , so these spake of sacrificing , 2. Kin , 17. Esra . 4 , 4 , yet knew not the vse thereof , as appered by theyr Idolatrye and dissimulation , enuy , interruption , trouble , and hindering the godly buildings : but as I sayde before , so I say still , all the vngodly from the beginning , haue had some shewe of godlines , the rather to vtter theyr deuilish purposes . The maner of the Scorpion is , to smyle and shew a louing countenance , to them that he wyll sting vnto death . Honny many times beguileth hym that is poysoned , so it happeneth alwayes with double consciences , whose conscience is wicked and profession good .

The priestes of Baal and Elias , dyd both sacrifice , but not alike , nor with the like conscience , for the priests of Baal dyd it in Idolatry and superstition . Elias did it in good deuotion , and with a pure hart vnto the almightie : therefore the old saying is true , The hoode maketh not the Monke . Hence is it that pure religion is grounded vppon a spirituall profession , and not a ceremoniall shew , and hence is it , that we shoulde beholde the Lorde in trueth , and vnderstand him in righteousnes , not in a profession whose signification we know not , otherwise we might reason well , to say the papists did well to vse the worde of God in the Latine tongue , because it was the worde of God , but that could not be , because the knowledge and vse , and necessity therof was hidden from men . But so is the sleight and subtilty of the deuill , to colour in the wicked theyr wickednes , and deuilish pretences , wyth godly titles or godly names , or godly ceremonies , without the true vse and signification of them . The Ammonits Ammonits did offer and vse sacrifice , but howe ? moste filthily and abhominably , when they offered their sonnes and daughters to Moloch . 1. Kin. 11. The Iewes did put their truste in their Temple , saying : Templum domini , the Temple of the Lord , and not in the liuing lord himselfe , and that with a faithfull harte , as Dauid did in many places , and as is required of all the godly . This is to be noted , that betwixt the godly and the vngodly , the matter is all one , but the manner differeth , for trust being required of all , is found in all , but not alike , for the vngodly trust in their Idols , and in stocks and stones , and the godly in the lyuing Lord , who is theyr maker , preseruer and gouernour . Israelites . Iere , 7 , 18 , Likewise the Israelites did worship , but whom did they worshyp ? not the hygh and mighty Iehouah , but the Quéene of heauen , that is , the Sunne & the Moone . Why ? because say they , then hadde wee plenty of victuales , Iere , 44 , 17. we were wel and felt no euill . Such was the illusion of sathan , to feede their adoration with a worldly sauour of security , as though the true blessednes did consist in the peace and plenty of this worldly life .

Also the Pharesies did obserue that whole Law in outward shewe , Pharisies , they fasted , they truly tythed mynt , annise , and commin , what could the world sée in them , but the whole body of godlines , but yet Christe , who knoweth the secrets of all harts , said they were hipocrits & dissemblers . Who were more deuoute , Math , 23 , and more gyuen to fasting then the Manichies , Maniches . which gaue straight order for the obseruing thereof , and refrained from the eating of fleshe , and yet concerning all other cates and deynties , they so porred themselues , that they cracked .

And I pray you what greater shewe of godlines , charity , humility , chastity , &c was there séene in our Papists , Papists . in al their actions here in England , and els where , they were ful of prayers , night watches , Dirges , and solemnities , but in what straunge tongue , and straunge deuise , and in what deuotion , the world knoweth , they were so full of chastitie , that none of them woulde marrye , and yet few but had his Curtisan : they were full of charity , and yet Tyrants , yea such Wolues , as did daily sucke the bloode of Christ his flocke , they gaue almes plentifully , but they had politike deuises to extort it from others : they ordeyned & obserued many holy dayes , which bredd and hatched many idellers , Idolaters , feasters gamsters in all sorts , dauncers , incontinent match-makers , and such like abuses great store , scarce was there one that coulde make account of hys fayth , for the comfort of the Gospell was hydde from them , and all good & godly exercises , in asmuch , as if euer the kingdome of ignorance raigned , it florished in theyr dayes .

And now in these last daies , wherin the Gospell ( God be thanked ) florisheth , Protestants and the word of God is dayly preached , we sée a great many lip Gospellers , which haue the word of God in theyr mouth , euen from the téeth forward , how they wil dispute daily of it , how they wil make choise of theyr companies , & yet by their workes ye shall know them , for some of them are great slanderers , backbiters , and scornfull dispisers of other men , many of them great enemies to the poore , such hold the gospell sometimes , for the fauour they beare to theyr fréends , sometime , for the malyce they bere to others , some are so couetous , that they are become priuy vsurers , and open extortioners . It is a lamentable world , to sée , in this present age , the verye picture of the yong man , that wold learne to enter into the kingdome of heauen , but would not forsake and sell all that hee had to follow Christ . An other sorte you shall sée , to be like Cleophas , to goe with Christ and yet not to know him , these are lyke such as S. Paule speaketh of , that wyll come in the latter dayes , hauing a shewe of godlines , 2 , Tim. 3 , but denying the vertue therof , and as the Apostle sayeth in an other place . They say that they know God , when as they déeme him in theyr déedes because they are themselues abhominable . The Prophet Esay doth sharply reprooue such hypocrits , saying : Esay , 48 , 1.2 Heare ye this O house of Iacob , which are called by the name of Israell , and are come out of the waters of Iuda , which sweare by the name of the Lord , and make mention of the God of Israel , but not in trueth nor in righteousnes , for they are called of the holy cittye , and stay themselues vpon the God of Israel , whose name is the Lord of hostes .

The very like hipocrites doth the Prophet Ieremy recite , saying : Run to and fro by the stréetes of Ierusalem , Iere. 5.1 , 2 , and behold nowe and knowe , and enquire in the open places thereof , if yee can find a man , or if there be any the executeth iudgment , and séeketh the trueth , and I wil spare it , for though they say the Lorde liueth , yet they sweare falsely . Thus may yee sée in this briefe discourse , the heape of aduersaries , which the church alwaies hath had , and yet hath , woorking vnder the colour of holines , by reason whereof , they haue not onely brought their mischiuous purposes the sooner to passe , as it is sayde before , in hindering the building of true holines , but by this meanes the credite and honor of the godly , hath béene embased , and oftentimes hadde in suspition , yea condemned amongst a great many of indifferent worldlings : wherefore that the one may the better be known from the other , euen as I haue before layde downe the maner and behauiour of the wycked , and theyr hypocrisie , so wyll I , as my text leadeth me , lay downe the conuersation and behauiour of the godly , with theyr profession , that as the one is séene & knowne by hypocrisie , so the other may bee seene and knowen by constancy .

In Zerubbabell , otherwise called Barachias , together with Ieshua & the reste , fathers of Israell was founde this godlye disposition .

1 That they refused the aduersaries offered helpe , lothing to ioyne with them .

2 They professed themselues to build together .

3 Vnto the God of Israel .

In the first fruit of their good profession & constancy , it appeareth , that they allowed not of the offered helpe and assistaunce of the aduersaries , although indéede the present occasion of newe repayring theyr Citty , Anno mun . 3419. and laying the foundation of theyr Temple , requyred al helpe and assistance , yet ( theyr purpose and labor considered ) they meant nothing les ( beeing the children of God ) then themselues to doo it , that as the Temple was a place of holye exercises , and a mistery of an euerlasting sanctuary , so it shoulde be erected by none but such as were vnfainedly the Lordes workmen , wherefore this séemed to bée a godly purpose in the children of God to refuse these aduersaries , and not to estéeme of theyr labours for two causes . First , for that they wexed not faynte nor weary in the trauell & performance of good thinges , dedicated to the Lord . Secondly , that they refused to ioyne themselues to the wicked knowing the inconueniences of a wicked participation , in the which two considerations , if Gods people doo well consider , of this president so long layde before theyr eyes as a good example , it cannot chuse but be a fruitful patterne , for in that they shrinked not at so great a labour , but were wylling to doo it themselues , it is notable for vs to learne , specially in these dayes , to doo our godly exercises , & labors ( especially which are dedicated to the lord ) our owne selues , without the care of our owne paynes , or the trust wee shoulde repose in others , and then wee shoulde see howe the Byshop sometimes woulde refuse hys Register , the Iustice hys Clark , the pastor hys seruing priest , the Sherife hys arrant bayllyues , the master hys seruant , and so foorth of many other professions of great charge , wherein the notable building of religion , and of a common wealth standeth at a stay , ( nay at decay ) for lacke of those that should take paynes themselues , and not estéeme the care of the trauell , whereby the building myghte goe forwarde , for if Zerubbabel and Ieshua with the Elders of Israell , had béene lazy themselues , and committed the building to others being Infidels , the woorke had neuer béene brought to passe , and surely I am perswaded , the small care & great ease that our chéefe builders haue , is the cause that the worke goeth not forwarde , I meane that christian religion is not substantially erected , and the common welth sufficiently stayed , but true it is that the labourer , that maketh more account of his wages , then of the performance of hys workmanship is so hasty in his labor that the woorke oftentimes shameth his master , but in stéede of shame & care in these dayes , is planted couetousnes and stoutnes , the one desireth inordinatly , and the other defendeth impudently . And yet no man can iustly charge any Prelate , Magistrate , patron or vsurer in these dayes , for bribery , extorcion , simony , or vsury , and why ? because they themselues committe none of these offences , but yet they haue factors and dooers for them , therefore indéede this is their fault , if the building be good , they shold doo the worke themselues , for if the worke be Gods , none is too good to doo it , for that cause whom the Quéenes Maiestie hath thought good , eyther for the roome of a Counseller , Bishop or Iustice , is committed to the same place , to vse it and discharge it himselfe , and not by séelie substitution . O howe bothe our common weales would florish , if our chéefe menne wold by the example of good Zerubbabell and Ieshua , labour themselues , and not faint at it . And againe , I wold they wold follow the other example of them , in refusing of them , then no doubt , that muste néedes be a pleasant Cuppe of wyne vnto the drinker , whose dregges are purified & clensed , so that gouernment especially ( because in them consisteth the chéefest building ) must néedes bee good and profitable , which doo seperate themselues from brybers , extortioners , factors , and wicked enticers , which many times corrupteth a whole country , & hindereth many a good minde . The Lord in any wise would not haue his people to ioyne wyth Infidels , least that by touching of pytch they might be defiled . Eccle. 13 , 1 The Prophet Dauid said , with the wicked thou shalt bee wicked , & wyth the frowarde thou shalt learne frowardnes . It is dangerous to lay towe by the fire , or to ioyne the Lambe to the Wolfe , for the wycked doo alwaies more forcibly infect , and corrupt , then the good doo or may change or alter , And what felowship hath Christ with Belial , therefore it is the part of all good and godly men , vtterly to refuse the company of the wycked , although they wyll offer their labors , and counterfeyte their simplicity , I meane such as are giuen ouer to worke wickednes , and in whom there is no hope of reconciliation and amendment , of whome S. Paule speaketh of saying : 1. Cor , 59 , 11 But nowe I haue written vnto you , that ye company not together , if any that is called a brother , &c. An other good and godly example they doo shew in their second disposition , Second disposition . when they will build together themselues in the which is most notably séene & learned the vnity of the builders , in that they wyl ioyne together among themselues , when they goe about a godly purpose , and not the one to drawe backward while the other goeth forward , the one to stand styll while the other laboureth , the one to slepe while the other watcheth , and so forth , for that is the spynning of Penelope her webb , which was neuer brought to good ende . Hence is it that the wiseman commendeth the vnity of brethren , Eccl. 25.1 because it is the fountayne of a good disposition , and it is the pricke that setteth forwarde euery good worke , it is the cause that religion is profited , the common welth profited , and euery good and vertuous action commended . For this cause is it that S. Paule commaundeth , Ephe. 4 , 3. That euery one endeuour to kéepe the vnity of the spirit , for by so dooing , the worke shal be both the better and the sooner brought to good passe , for wheras there are seuerall sortes of facultyes in building , as the Mason , the Carpenter . the Tyler , and so foorth , with many other assistants , euery one of them conferring hys owne profession with the residue , in a full entent to further the building , shall make the building the better , and bring it the sooner to an ende , wheras they shall louingly consent together in vnity , euen so , among Gods people we haue many orders , as the Minister , the Lawier , the phisition , the Magistrate , the priuate housholder , and so forth , and euery one of them a workman , to helpe further the building of the Sanctuary . If all these doo not consent together in the vnity of fayth , in the hand of charity , in the study of godlinesse , not preferring worldly causes before heauenly , they cannot further the buildyng with a beautifull shew , nor hasten it to a spéedy perfection , & therfore these wordes We wyll build together , be of great importance , and doo giue a good example to the godly , to consent and agrée together , for otherwise , as the Mason and Carpenter dissenting , wyll neuer build well , nor bring the worke to a good ende , euen so , euery man in his vocation & calling , some in preaching true religion , some in reforming manners , some in teaching a godly life , and euery man in shaping something or other for the building of true holines , if they vary or fall at square , they doo greatly hinder the building : wherfore , as the armes , legs , eyes , féete &c , in one body doo consent in theyr seuerall offyces , to the seruing of one bodye , euen so euery calling shoulde in his seuerall vocation , serue in the vnity of spyrite to the buildinge of Gods holie Temple , but as I sayde , if one bee quicke , and an other sloe , if one buylde vppe , and an other plucke downe , that workmanshyp wil hardly be brought to good passe , no more can it bee wyth true religion , if one be of thys mynde , and an other of that , if one goe forth and an other goe backe . What is it but as S. Paule sayth , a denying of Christe , and a hinderance to knowledge . An enuious mynde , and selfe wyl , be great hinderers in these dayes , which in déede , doo laye theyr foundation vpon affection and selfe loue , and therefore the buildyng can not be good . Wherefore they that wyll bee sounde , and sufficient builders , must laye theyr foundation vpon Gods worde , and that is the building that is founded vpon the rocke , and wyll not fall by stormes or tempests , as our sauiour Christ sayth . It is the same foundation that shall stande when heauen and earth shall fayle , Math. 7. and therefore , all the Prophets , Apostles , and Martirs , builded their knowledge & profession therevpon , some calling it (a) (a) Deu. 4 , wisdome , some a (b) (b) Psa 119 light , some the (c) (c) Rom , 1 power of God , and some (d) (d) Eph , 6 a sword , according to the mighty working and power thereof , from the which foundation , if any man flée , following his owne wyll or the inuentions of men , let him be perswaded that his workmanship is in vaine , for his building will not stande . The third and last disposition of these godly men , The thyrd disposition of the godlye . differed far from the purpose of the vngodly , as appereth euen in the plaine words , for the aduersaries sayd vnto Zerubbabell , and the rest , We seeke and doo sacrifice vnto the Lord your God , and Zerubbabell & the rest sayd , Wee will builde vnto the Lorde our God , in the which let vs sée euen the confession of the vngodly , in that they haue not the power to name the Lord their God , and againe , the confession of the godly in that they hold a firme faith & assurance to cal the Lord their God , nowe in that they are directed , the one by Ezer Haddon an Idolater , and the other by Cirus a worthy and noble King , it dooth appeare that the one fauoured Idolatry , and the other true religion , for in that Zerubbabel with the reste builded together vnto their God , which they farder interpreted to bee the God of Israel , they shewed a good , a deuout , and a godly & christian profession , for as indéede we ought to offer the sacrifice vnto God , and put our trust in God , as the prophet sayth so ought we to haue a spirituall care to vnderstand what he is , Psal. 4 , 5. & whether of right all honor appertaineth vnto him , which we shall easily perceiue , by beholding hys maiesty , his power , his strength , his mercy , his loue , his omnipotencye , in creating vs and all the worlde , in gouerning vs & ruling all things , in defending vs , in redéeming vs , in sanctifying vs , and in calling vs , and in giuing all things necessary for vs , in lightning our minds with vnderstanding , in refreshing our consciences with good things , whereas on the other side , ( for the iudgment of Idolatry ) we finde not the like vertues & consolations in the workmanship of mans hands made , to be honored & worshipped as a god , no nor in any the creaturs vnder heauen , nor in heauen , as the sun , moone , stars , woods , stons , calfs , hylls , gold , siluer , &c. Wherfore this name God , being an vnspeakable name among the Iewes , dooth minister vnto the godly , so many powers and operations , that when they shal say , Our God , they haue a heape of comforts and consolations in their hart which doth worke many godly knowledges and exercises , and extinguishe many ignoraunt and Idolatrous opinions . As for example , if we shold reason this wyth our selues , who hath made vs ? and hetherto preserued vs ? God , who sustaineth the heauens to giue light , and to powre downe dewes for the comfort of the earth ? God , who giueth encrease on the earth for our sustenaunce ? God , who giueth all things necessary for vs here on earth ? God , who hath redéemed vs , from the bondage of sathan ? God , who hath prepared for vs the kingdome of heauen ? GOD , the same God with hys mightye power , worke so in the heartes of all good beléeuers , that they may so learne him , know him , & follow him in this world , the in the world to come , euen in the kingdome of heauen , they may haue life euerlasting , to the which , I beséech God the father , the son and holy ghost , to send vs all . Amen .

A Sermon shewing what the Temple of God is . 1 , Cor , 6 , 19.20 .

Know ye not that your body is the Temple of the holy Ghost , which is in you , whom yee haue of God : and ye are not your owne .

For ye are bought for a price . Glorifie therefore God in your body , and in your spirite , for they are Gods .

THe Temple which is consecrated , and dedicated to an holy vse , for the learning and exercising of holy thinges , for the reading of the Lawe , couenant , and promises of GOD , and for the enriching of our selues in the true knowledge of Gods worde , and the vse of the Sacraments , finally , for all godly vses and exercises , is the same place where in all the congregation dooth méete together , in a deuout minde and pure hart , to call vpon God , the creator and maker of all things , to whom he dooth in the power of hys spirit appeare , which place is therefore called the Temple or his house , because of the holy exercises , and godly seruices which are there doone , and for those exercises sake , & because it is called Gods house , it ought to be kept cleane , and not defiled , neyther ought it to be reserued for any other vse , then for the exercise of holy thinges : Ioh. 2.15 . and for that cause our Sauiour Christ did cast out the buiers and sellers out of the Temple , yet buying & selling is a lawfull trade among men . Howbeit , because of the place it was not allowed , but sharply and with expulsion reprooued by our sauiour Christ himselfe . But now , the Apostle speaketh not of a Temple made of stones , lyme , and sande , in this place , but of our bodyes which he calleth a Temple , because of the vse and exercise which ought to be therein vsed , and daily exercised , which is godlines , & therefore it is called the Temple , or tabernacle of the holy ghost , wherin the holy ghost as a patron & president of Gods power dwelleth .

And as on the one side , euery manne and woman , should in hys hart , reade , learne , exercise , and dayly vse godly meditations , godly lawes , and godly obseruations , and also yéelde the Sacrifice of thanksgiuing , and the offering of righteousnes , and dayly strengthen the same with a féeling conscience , a faithfull hart , a charitable mind , and an humble deuotion . So on the other side hath God gyuen hys holy spirit to be resident therein , as a pledge of his loue , which dayly worketh in vs , knowledge , desire , chéerefulnes , ioyfulnes , patience , loue , & al heauenly riches assuring our spirits , that we are the children of God , to our great and endles comfort , for which occasions sake , we are wylled by the Apostle , not to gréeue the same spirit of God , by the which we are sealed vnto the day of redemption , for in that hée is dwelling in vs , and remayning as in an house among vs , wee trouble & greeue him , when we prophane and abuse his tabernacle or dwelling , eyther with pryde , whoredome , drunkennes , enuy , theft , murther , idlenes , filthy talke , surfeyting , or like , because they are not exercises agréeable for the Temple of God , and then , yf buying and selling , which is lawfull , bee prohibited the Temple , in respect of the materiall Temple , much more these filthy abuses , ought to bee caste out of the Temple , in respect that it is our bodyes , being of greater price and estimation then the building of stone . Herevpon the Apostle spake in this place , of the abuse of filthy fornication , and incestuous incontinencye , that it was such a great spot , as greatly defiled and polluted the whole body of the malefactor , which was the Temple ordeined for godly exercises , and therfore gyueth this sentence a little before , That he that shall defile the Temple of GOD , Cap , 3 , 17 him shall God destroy : because wee are called , not to vncleanenes , but to holines , not to fulfill the desires of the fleshe , nor to satisfie the lusts of our carnal minde , but to purge our corruptible man of them , and to adorne the Temple with godly ornaments , that like as the Temple of Salomon , Hagge , 2 , and the Temple of Zerubbabell were garnished , the one with godly ornaments , and the other with peace , so our Temples , I meane our bodyes , should bée decked , and furnished with ornamentes , méete for such an inhabitant as the holye Ghost is , and the ornaments méete for this Temple of ours , is fayth , loue , truth , mercy , pitty , chastity , knowledge , wisedome , and so foorth , which vndoubtedly are already sent downe by God to vs , to garnish this his Temple in vs , if by our owne disobedience and wickednes , we doo not defile them , and banishe them , but I am afrayd , and it doth partly appeare by this present age of ours , that we so gréeue the holy Ghost with worldly affections , and filthy delights , that wee banish bothe the holy Ghoste , and also defile those noble vertues which are giuen vs , as ornaments to pollish our Temple , so that both fayth , truth , mercy , loue , honesty & al , are gon to heauen to chalenge the celestiall roome , for that the harte of man is so defiled with sin and wickednes , that all the whole worlde is corrupted and ouerflowed with iniquity , and the inhabitants that now do holde the hart of man as a dwelling place , which are , discorde , selfe-loue , carnall pleasure , and worldly loue , haue vtterly expelled and quite banished , these former noble vertues from the mind and hart of man , in so much that if we behold them as they are , they worke a great confusion , and ouerthrow of all christian order , and corrupteth euery good conuersation , and are set vp as Idols in the Temple of God , for if you looke into the first of these inhabitants or Idols , Discord . which is discorde or variance , that is to say , the iarring and secrete malice among housholders , citties , prouinces and kingdomes , yea euen within themselues , one detracting and slaundering an other , one eating vp an other , one ouerthrowing an other , one taking away from an other , one robbing from an other , one murthering an other , and one vndooing an other , it is euen an hel to sée it , and a lamentable matter to sée the renting a sunder of Christes poore members , & the putting of loue and charity to flight , miserable is that estate , that shall sée such an exile . Sathan dooth worke so mightily by flatterers , and mens eares are so ready to heare them , that discorde and variance being quickly sowen , maketh a speedy haruest , and it is so contagious , that it hath almost infected all the worlde , in somuch , that it is to be demaunded , who is frée from a hatefull harte ? or from a dysdainfull and malicious stomacke ? and our nature is such , that wee can hardly sustayne it , it is a token that we are voyde of good affection , for when our neighbour or brother hath offended vs , or trespassed vs a small matter , to the value of one grote , is not our nature ready to spende twentye shyllinges , or twenty nobles to be reuenged by extreame Lawe , thys procéedeth not from Iustice , to be restored our wrong , or from patience , as the Apostle sayth , to forbeare one an other , for then we would looke but for a bare recompence or restitution , according to the measure of the damage , yea and that with patience , but it appeareth that we are hatefull and malicious , when we can not endure a grote damage , and yet can afoorde the spending of twenty shyllings , thys procéedeth altogether from the rankor of stomacke . Besides all thys , the manner of thys present world , is to stomacke at the happy estate of others , who are eyther promoted to wealth , or lyfted into fauour , contemning them with a malicious hart , iudging themselues ( euery man in hys owne opynion ) to be as worthy of the same happines , as they that haue it . In this thyng , they obserue their malice , and looke not into the distribution of Gods purpose , gyuing to whom he wyll , and taking away from whom he wyll . God grant that these discordes doo not admitte our aduersaries boldnesse and courage , to our ouerthrowe , for if it shoulde come to passe , I feare mee a greate manye woulde pray vppon their stomacked neyghbours , bending their enuious harts , rather then theyr country quarrel . The great citty of Numantia , being very strong and populous , was besieged of Scipid , and he layde siedge vnto it a long time , and neuer could ransacke it , in the ende , the Cittizens fell out among themselues , and were at variaunce , then theyr force weakened , and themselues drew not together , by means whereof , Scipio easily tooke the Citty , to theyr great spoyle and ouerthrow . Salust sayth , Concordia , res paruae crescunt , discordia magnae chlabuntur . By concord small things doo encrease , and through discorde , Math , 18. great things come to decay . Our Sauiour Christ sayth . Euery kingdome deuided against it selfe , can not endure . Wherfore , as the prophet Dauid saith , O howe good and ioyful a thing it is for brethren , Psal , 133 , to dwel together in vnity , for that vnity is so swéete & comfortable vnto them , as the dewe that falleth vppon Hermon , and as the hils haue no other comfort but the dewe of heauen , for it hath no running Ryuers to comfort the grasse thereof , euen so , nothing dooth make a more prosperous estate among men , then vnitie , as it is a fit ornament for the Temple of God , euen so is discorde a foule pollution , and a filthy spotte in the members of men . An other inhabitant or Idoll , Selfe loue . that is placed in the Temple of God , I meane in the hart of man , is selfe loue , a quality or disposition , altogether purposed to vnfettell good order , and to vnioynt the society of man , and to extoll himselfe , and to throw downe others , this happeneth first in those that doo insatiably scratch & heape vnto themselues , although they take from others to theyr vtter decay , these men are vayd of pitty , hard of conscience , not fearing God , nor forcing the Lawe , if they chance to be touched with the Lawe , they wil alwayes haue a shift , eyther to cosen the Law , or to blind the Iusticers of law , or to bribe the ministers of law , and whatsoeuer they doo among the common sorte of people , in company , pleasure , solace , or trauell , they wyll be sure , if they be dealing of nutts , How yee shall know them . they will reserue the kernels to their owne share . These men are knowen , sometimes by a fayre flatteryng face , as a Scorpion , sometimes by groning , and making themselues sicke , as Achab did , sometimes by a suddaine fitte of vnusuall liberality , in giuing a cuppe of drinke , but then beware the Fox . I haue heard it reported , that the Fox will tomble and make sporte before the Connies when he goeth about to catch one . Sometimes , by a rare fayre salutation , as the Iewes that came to take Christe , sayde , Hayle master , but alwayes ye shal know them by the parting blowe , for though the Cat play and dally with the Mouse , yet in the ende , she grypeth him to death , and aboue all the markes that I haue spoken of , to know this sort of selfe-louers , I hold this the chéefest , that is , they vtterly hate and contemne those men , that they be perswaded they can get nothing of .

An other sorte of selfe-louers , are such as cary a proude and a lofty mind , accounting themselues the singuler menne of the world , dishabling others , and discrediting others , to be best accounted of themselues , these haue a kinde of secrete enuy in theyr harts , for if you commend this man , or that man , eyther for wisedom , honesty , welth , pollicy , manhoode , comelines , vertue , learning , or any other good quality , straightway he will finde one occasion or other to dishable some of these qualities or vertues you shall quickly espye these kind of selfe-louers , either by their séelines , or by theyr silence , their séelines I account , a slender wysedome , or a sickly conueiance in theyr talke and communication , howbeit , they are full of iolity , and floe with such strang phrases as they themselues haue but borrowed , and are not acquainted withal , the other triall is silence , which you shall approoue by consenting wyth his dislikyng , and discommending of al men , in those former qualities and vertues , but then you must commend it in hym , & so if you finde him either to stammer or to bee silent vpon your commendation , then thinke no other but you haue found the foole , for Tully doth so call them saying . Qui innititur suae prudentiae stultus est , he that standeth vpon his owne wisedome , is a foole .

Both of these sorts of selfe-louers are filthy and abhominable Idols , vnséemly for the decent temple of god , howbeit , the whole world almost is combred with them in these present daies . 2 , Tim. 3 , S. Paule himselfe speaketh of them that such shall come in the latter daies , as shal be louers of themselues & vnnaturall An other most horrible Idol that doth much defile & prophane the temple of the holy ghost , is , carnal plesure , Carnall pleasure . which is such detestable desire of the flesh , as corrupteth knowledge , defileth the conscience , deformeth the soule , imprisoneth the mynde , and polluteth the members . It is that deuilish motion , which doth wholy carry vs from God , and swalloweth vs vppe in shame , I say vnto you , it is that thing , as if it were shaped , nothing would seeme more ougly or monsterous , for it translateth men into the forme of beasts , and into the nature of deuils , and therefore , an vnfit ornament for the Temple of God , whose reward is most horrible , eyther wyth shame , or with most odious and intollerable diseases , or with extreame pouerty , or with the blotting out of a posterity , or with eternall damnation , the Apostle sayth . The adulterer and fornicator shal not inherite the kingdome of heauen . I beséech thée O Lorde God of heauen , to gyue little Englande repentant harts , and féeling consciences , to purge their Temples of this filthy sin , Amen .

Worldly loue . There is an other Idoll in this Temple of ours , to whom all honour in these dayes is attributed , and which doth onely take away the honor due vnto God , and doth most abhominably pollute our harts , which is , the loue of the world , Thys Idoll doth so mightily allure , and so strongly prouoke , that it doth wholly rauish mens harts , and altogether withdrawe theyr mindes , from the true loue of God , from the estimation and dignity of hys worde , from the Law of nature , from mutuall loue , from the Kingdome of heauen , and from all other good and godly estimations . In so much , that we may say with the Poet , Quid non mortalia pectora cogit auri sacra fames ? What doth not the cursed desire of mony prouoke ? It made Iudas sell his master Christ , and in these dayes , it maketh not onely a great many to sell their master Christ , but vtterly to forsake him , it is the prouoker of displeasure betwixt man an man , it is the ingenderer of theues , it hatcheth cosoners , extorcioners , vsurers , pillers , pollers , periurers , murtherers , flatterers , sycophants , it maketh offycers and magistrats blinde , that they cannot sée notorious offenders , it causeth many to make the ministry theyr refuge , to the perishing of many a soule by their ignoraunce , it hath disordered the noble estate of matrimony , prouoking many to marry for muck , and to like for lyuing , wheras afterward in hart they hate all dayes of their life . A great many harts it defileth with dissimulation , contempte , enuy , vncharitablenes , hardnes , and so forth . It maketh the sonne to wyshe and expect the fathers death in respect thereof . It maketh men to buy offices , and seeke for dignityes , onely to haue the world , not regarding Iustice or reformation , but commodity , and aduantage , which greatly decayeth a common welth . It causeth many a conscience to shutte vppe his compassion from the poore , and it is the onely Porter in rich mens gates , to barre fast the doore . Many a man setteth his sonne to schoole , not for vertues sake , but for the worldes sake , many a one preferreth hys Sonne to the ministry , not for to preache , but to haue lyuing , many a one preferreth hys Sonne to be a Lawyer , not so much to doo equity as to get the world , and so of euery faculty , all is for the world .

Howe many bee there that purchase Heauen for theyr children , and brynge them vppe in such order as they may godlye behaue themselues , as meete members for the kyngdome of heauen , nay rather they séeke by all meanes to purchase the earth for them , howe many séeketh to enrich themselues with the treasure of the kingdome of heauen ? Euery man séeketh by al meanes to possesse the earth , and yet they sée not this difference , the one bringeth ioy , the other sorrowe , the one giueth life , the other death , the one ioy and felicity , the other penury , misery , sicknes , and calamity .

What reward had the rich man in the Gospell for all his abundance of treasure , lands , lyuinges , goods and delicate fare , Luke , 16 , yet in the ende he was rewarded wyth a miserable death , at which instant , hee had thrée attendantly that gréedily gaped for hys death , that is , The rich man his executors . the executor for hys goods , the wormes for hys carkas , and deuil for his soule , & this was the end and fruit of hys worldly gréedines and insatiable desire , such men must néedes runne to a bad ende , whose beginning and continuance is naught , howe can that mann haue hys part among the godly , that hath alwaies fauoured infidelity . It is impossible to serue God & Mammon , they haue serued Mammon , therfore his seruants they are to whom they obey , whether it bée of sinne vnto death , or of obedience vnto righteousnes . Thus I haue briefly shewed you , howe that wee are the Temple of God , and what Idols we haue set vppe in the same , to the great confusion of our selues , if we repent not in time .

Second parte . Nowe , as in the first part I haue shewed you what we are , so in this second part I purpose to shewe whose we are . The text sayth , Ye are not your owne , & bryngeth in the reason , for ye are bought for a price . In these wordes are many excellent & comfortable consolations . In that ( our vnworthines , and state of damnation considered ) wee are translated from darknes to light , from death to lyfe , from mortality , to immortality , from a miserable world , to an euerlasting worlde , replenished with all ioy and consolation .

Againe , so much the more is our comfort , in that we are no more our owne , or resting in our owne power , for if wee were , such were our weakenes , that wée should fall againe to damnation , and such were our insufficiency , that we could not ryse agayne of our selues , but shoulde bée vtterly lost , wherefore , wee are nowe hys that can sustaine and vphold vs , that wyll preserue and kéepe vs , and who in this life hath sealed vs with grace , and in the world to come with life euerlasting , and none els can doo it , or could doo it , but the only & blessed God which already hath doon it And againe , in that we féele the force of shine alwaies working in our bodies , and continually suffer the tyranny of sathan , howbeit , it shall not bee imputed vnto death , for the blood of Christ Iesus , hath taken away the force of the Law , and the sentence of guiltines , into whom wee are now graffed and vnited . So that nowe to sée our translation , out adoption & estate to be changed into the sonnes of God , and we our selues as children in his seruice , are in a most comfortable estate , in that wee are his who will not lose but preserue vs .

Now , in that the Apostle sayth , Ye are not your owne , but that wee are bought for a price , it doth appeare whose we are , and who hath bought vs , for we are as I sayd , the sonnes of God , and members of Christ Iesus , purchased by his precious bloodshedding , as appeared to the Ephesians . But now in Christ Iesus , yee which once were farre of , Eph 2.13.14.15 , 16. are made néere by the blood of Christ , for hee is our peace , which hath made of both one , and hath broken the steppe of the partition wall in abrogating through his flesh the hatred , that is the Law of commandements , which standeth in ordinances for to make of 〈◊〉 one nowe ●an in himselfe , so makyng peace , and that he might reconcile bothe vnto God in one body by his crosse , and ●●t hatred thereby . And as touching that we are not our owne , neyther haue ●●wer 〈◊〉 our selues but translated into a better estate and into a surer safegarde , it dooth most comfortably appeare in Saint Paule to the Romaines , Rom , 14 , 9 where he sayth . Christ therefore 〈◊〉 and ●ose ●●●●●e , and reuiued , that he might be Lord both of the dead and the ●ui●ke , so that our seruice and all that euer we haue , bee in●●●●erely bought by his precious bloode , is subiecte to his dominio● and rule , wherin we may ( to our great comfort ) behold our safety ; in that we are im●●●ked in so strong ●a●tell and defence , as he is , against whome the power of hell , cannot preuaile . And in that we are alienated & changed from our accusable and damnable estate , to become ( by the righteousnes of Christ , ) the acceptable children of God , in thys co●●isteth our honour & nobility aboue all the creatures that God hath made , which chaunge , we find in the Apostls words to the Galathians , saying , Wherfore the art no more a seruant but a Sonne , yf thou be a sonne , Gal , 4 , 7 , thou art also the heyre of GOD through Christ . It is a most excellent comfort , where this alienation or chaunge is founde among men , especially where God himselfe doth it , for he doth it alwayes for the better .

Wee finde that the name of Abram , was changed into the name of Abraham , the name of Iacob , into the name of Israell , and the name of Saule , into the name of Paule , the significations of whych named , are bettered in their exchaunge .

And so dooth it happen in vs , in that our exchange is for the best , for nowe we are beautified wyth grace , that were deformed by the accusation of the Lawe , and for that wee are the sons of God , the riches of grace is bestowed vpon vs , as S. Paule saith , By whome , ( that is by Christe ) wée haue accesse through faith vnto thys grace wherein we stande , Rom , 5. ● for thys occasions sake , we are called the temple of god , because we are incorporated by grace into Christ Iesus , who is the very pure and vndefiled Temple in whom his father is truely glorified , we had béene a filthy and polluted temple , if we had stoode of our selues , and depended on our owne power without this gift of grace , but because we haue accesse through faith into this grace , hauing apprehended grace , the spirit of God doth worke mightily in the faithfull beleeuer . Therefore it is a necessary doctrine procéeding out of this text of ours , Ye are not your owne . For vs to learne and sée , first what the power of man is , and what frée wil he hath , and then what merite he deserueth before God . In the which considerations , wee shall finde so great knowledge of our imperfection , that by the view thereof , we shal attribute the more honor , glory , and thanks vnto God , who worketh all in all . As touching our power , it is so small & so slender , that wee are not able of our selues to thinke one good thought , wee are not able to doo any good thing , wee can not strengthen our weakenes , we cannot make our selues to grow , we cannot lengthen our dayes , nor yet can we resist death , neither purchase vnto our selues life . As the Prophet Ieremy sayth , Iere , 10 , 23 O Lord I know that the way of man is not in himselfe , neyther is it in man to walke and direct his steps , and as S. Paule sayth , 1 , Cor. 11 , what hast thou that thou hast not receiued . If man hath any good thing in him , it procéedeth from aboue , as the Apostle Iames sayth , Iam , 1. Euery good and perfit gift commeth from aboue , whether it be knowledge , life , strength , fayth , honesty , &c , it is all from God , and by God . Iob. 7 , 1 , Iob speaking of mans time , sayth . Is ther not an appointed time to man vpon earth ? and are not his dayes as the dayes of an hyreling ? Our Sauiour Christ sayth , we cannot adde one ynche vnto our stature . And therfore , as we haue no power of our selues , to doo what wee list , as appeared by Balam , Numb. 22. who was hyred by Balake to curse the people of God , and he and hys Asse were interrupted by the way , and were not able to go forth . And as s . Paule in his blindnes of minde , was stroken with blindnes , and inhibited to persecute Gods people , wherein his power was weakened , and the strength of hys wyll was discouraged , there is it that Christ sayth , Ioh. 5. Without me ye can doo nothing . Euen so haue we no wyll of our selues , that is aualiable to doo any thing , vnlesse it be gyuen from aboue , Math , 16 , 17. as appeared by Peter , when he made his confession of Christe ; it was told him by Christ , that flesh & bloode had not reuealed that vnto him , but hys heauenly father . Likewise , in the tenth of Mathew , Mat , 10 , 20 , our sauiour Christ sayth . It is not yee that speake , but the spirite of your father which speaketh in you And in a great many more places in the scriptures it appeareth that mann hath no power or will at all of himselfe to doo any thing , vnles it be gyuen him from aboue , and it standeth in great reason , and to the godlye séemeth very comfortable , for if we should haue wil , A reason why we haue not free wyll , we must be free from sin ( which cannot be ) whereby our wyll might tend vnto good , or els in this state of sin wherein we stand , how can wee but yéelde sinne and wickednes , according to the originall of nature , and then is our wyll polluted , and the effect nothing worth , therfore wée haue the helpe of Gods spirite , which worketh in vs by the vertue of our head Christ , who hath sent the same spirit vnto vs , by the which spirite , we worke goodnes effectually , and necessary it were , that God shoulde haue hys prerogatiue of working in vs , because he knoweth what wee haue néede of before we aske , and he giueth better then eyther we can desire or deserue , and his grace is not in vaine in vs for his 〈◊〉 neither ought we to vse it in vaine for our parte , and therefore we may bee assured of the best neerest and right , when we hold of God and not of our selues , I● is sayde that one heare of our heade shall not perysh , which vndoubtedly is spoken because God preserueth vs , and therefore is God , among many of his vertuous names , called Adon , in the Hebrewe , which is custos , or seruator , a kéeper or preseruer .

It wee hee that preserued . Daniniell from the hungry Lyons , & Sydra● . Misac , and Abednago , from the hote Ouen : when the Martir Stephen hadde much a do , Acts. 6 , 10 , and great disputation with the Libertines and Cirenians , and them of Alexandria and Cicilia and Asia . These aduersaries were not able to resiste the wisedome and the spyrits , by the which he spake , and thus to our greate comforte wee sée that the worthiest worketh , & that is effectuall , if we should worke our wyll , it woulde he so weake and so wycked , as would be accounted nothing worth . And therefore is it , that to our comfort it is spoken , that we are not our owne , but his that careth for vs , and hath the ability to prouide for vs , euen the best . Now therefore let vs examine our selues farther , Mans merites . and sée our merits & deserts before God , which many haue preached and allowed to the great ouerthrowe of the estimation of Christ his death and passion , as though there were an ability in men to deserue any thing at Gods hands , which is contrary to the Apostles doctrine , who sayeth , When we haue doone all that we can doo , yet we are vnprofitable seruants . But for the better tryall hereof , let vs examine all our déedes , be they neuer so good , as continuall prayer , vnfayned loue , pitty , dayly feeding of the poore , the preseruing of our bodies in chastity and honesty , forsakyng the world , the flesh and the deuill , or what els may be commendable in a man , is it able to match one of Gods gyfts ? as our vnderstanding , our sight , our health , our sound lymmes , our nourishment , our lyfe , our children , our peace , wyth a great many moe blessings , can it deserue any of these , nay rather doth not one of these blessings , deserue and require all those good déedes at mans hands ? yes no doubt , how say ye then to a greater blessing then all this ? who hath giuen Christe Iesus to shed his precious blood , to purchase vnto vs the kingdome of heauen , and lyfe euerlasting ? euen he vndoubtedly , that can neuer be iustly recompenced by a sinful mans obseruation , and conuersation , be it neuer so holy , and therefore is it that wee are alwaies in debt vnto the Lord , and for that cause is it that our Sauiour Christe hath taught vs to desire God in our prayer , that he will forgiue vs our debts , as wee forgyue our debters , and then howe can we deserue any thing at Gods hands , when we can not make recompence for the smalest things that we haue had already , and doo dayly receiue . Wherefore it séemeth to be a very comfortable doctrine vnto vs , in that wee are not our owne , and in that wee are boughte for a price , for if wee were our owne , we should perish as men that are wicked sinners , and as men that can doo no good thing , nor deserue any good thing , therefore of all creatures wee are happy that wee are bought by his bloode , who hath made vs acceptable before hys father , and by whom and in whom , the father is well pleased , and h● whose onely meanes the kingdome of heauen is purchased for vs .

Wherefore this laste parte remayneth for vs , Our duety and is required at our hands , as duety , that wee glorifie God , which is as much to be vnderstanded , that we attribute not onely the power , superiority , and excellency vnto God alone , but also that we serue him , loue him , thanke him and obey him , according to his worthines , and that vndoubtedly , is so much as can neuer be fully performed at our handes , how be it , so farre we must endeuour our selues , and so farre stretch our selues , as the measure and ability of Gods spirite is giuen vnto vs , and because wée should neyther be weakelings in the power of the holy ghost working in vs , nor yet dissemblers , in outward holines , hauing no inward tast , we are wylled to be seruaunts , both in spirite and in body , because they are both Gods , that is , God hath purchased them both to set forth hys glory in them , as in a holy place or Temple , and to glorify God , is ( aswell in spyrite as in body ) to giue the excellence , or superiority vnto him , and therevppon in the same spirit and body to all things that are required at our hands , and are best agréeable for our calling , which is far more to be apparant in vs , then in any other creatures , by how much we are more excellent then they . The prophet Dauid sayth . Psal , 19 , The heauens declare the glorye of God , and the firmament sheweth his handy worke , which is asmuch to say , as these creatures , that is , the heauens and firmament , doo shew their order , course & effect , as is appointed them by God , and they do their obedience according to his wyll and pleasure , the sunne , moone , and starres doo shine and keepe their order and course , and haue doone from the beginning , the clowdes haue powred out their moysture , and yet these are not reasonable creatures , but ordeined as seruants vnto man , and because God hath appointed them in theyr seuerall offyres , they haue performed it according to his wyll . Nowe much more shold man setforth the glory of God , that is to say , to performe that which God willeth to be doone in him , namely , to shewe the effects of hys creation , and the effects of his vocation , for he is made a manne , hee shoulde not behaue hymselfe as a beast that hath no vnderstanding , eyther in filthy lust , as the swine , or in deuouring one an other , as the Wolfe , or in subtilty , as the Fox , or in enuy , as the dogge , or in flattery , as the Scorpion , or in hypocrisy , as the Crocodile , or in slothfulnes , as the Asse , but to vse himselfe as a man , which is a state aboue all these creatures , and as we are endued with reason , so we shoulde vary from the brute beastes in the difference of things , that is , to vse the good and refuse the bad , and especially because wée are called by God , redéemed by hys sonne Iesus Christ , and sanctified by hys holye spirite , we should therefore shewe our effects of Gods power working in vs , that as the Sunne is made to shyne , and in shyning doth glorifie God , because he performeth the effect and ende of hys creation , so should man performe and doo the effect of his creation and vocation , the rather because he hath the power of sanctification , and is made the vessell of holines , and this effect is to liue godly , not onely in outward shewe , ( as I sayde ) least hee might dissemble , nor alone in inwarde shewe least he myght be fruitles , but as well in body as in spirit , that the one might be doone in knowledge & vnderstandinge , and the other in facto , for if the inwarde spirite haue no vnderstanding or knowledge , how shall the dum and senceles body , which is but a corrupt thing , vtter any thing els but corruption , wherfore , the glorifying of God in man , dooth consist in true knowledge , in sure fayth , in perfitte mortification , and in a godly conuersation , that so we might behaue our selues in duety to God , in loue to our neighbours , in honest and godly conuersation amonge our selues , that so much we should surpas all other creatures in our duety , behauiour , and calling . By howe much we haue a superiority aboue them . Math. 5 , 16 Our Sauiour Christ sayd , Let your light so shine before men , that they may sée your good workes , and glorifie your father which is in heauen . 1 , Pet , 2 , 22 And likewise the Apostle Peter sayth . Haue your conuersation honest among the Gentils , that they which speake euill of you , as of euill dooers , may by your good works which they shall sée , glorifie God in the day of the visitation . So that now , to acknowledge God as he is , and to behaue our selues godly and honestly , according to Gods will , is to glorify God , and to beautify hys temple , in which dooing , as we shall shewe our selues meete tabernacles and tempels for the holy ghost , so I beseech God , with the strength of the same his holy spirit , to clense and purge our inward man , from al corruptible motions , and desires , and strongly to defende it from all fantasies , and illusions of sathan , that exercising all godly and honest conuersations and studies : we may onely be setled and established to sette foorth the glory and excellency of almighty GOD , that in the ende we may be rewarded wyth the crowne of glory , in the glorious kingdoms of God , vs the which I beseeche God the father , sonne , and holy Ghost in send vs all . Amen .

FINIS .