John Trapp on Matthew 6

CHAP. VI.

Verse 1. Take heed that ye doe not your almes] YOur justice, saith the Syriack. For first, We doe the poor but right when we releeve them; for they have an interest in our goods, by vertue of the communion of Saints: whereupon [illegible: 1 word], Withhold not, saith he, good from the owners thereof: i. e. thy poor brethren. [illegible: 1 word], the great Authour and owner of all, hath [illegible: 1 word] Prov. 3. 27. A leo [illegible: 1 word] agimus, [illegible: 1 word]: [illegible: 2 words], alier um. [illegible: 1 word]. the rich (as his stewards, as his Almoners) with the wealth of this world. He hath entrusted them, I say, not lent it them, (to speak properly, for that which is lent, is our own at least for a time) but put it into their hands only, for this end, that their abundance may be a supply for others wants, 2 Cor. 8 9. that their full cups may over-flow into others lesser [illegible: 1 word], &c. which if it be not done, they can bring in no good bills of account. It is [illegible: 1 word] Rapina est [illegible: 1 word] non [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 1 word]. justice then that we doe the poor, and it is rapine or robbery (saith S. Chrysostom) not to relieve them. Secondly, Almes is called Justice, to teach, that almes should be given of things well gotten. In the reign of K. Henry 8. there was one accused (but very unjustly)Act. and [illegible: 1 word] fol. 765. of heresie, for [illegible: 1 word] that [illegible: 1 word] should not be given untill it did sweat in a mans hand. The Jews called their Almes-box, Kupha [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 1 word]. shel [illegible: 1 word], the chest of Justice: and upon it they wrote this abbreviate [non-Latin text not transcribed] A gift in secret [illegible: 1 word] wrath. Selymus the [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 1 word]. 14. great Turk, as he lay languishing, (his incurable disease still increasing,) leaning his [illegible: 1 word] in the lap of Pyrrhus the [illegible: 1 word] whom of all others he most loved, I see, said he, O Pyrrhus, I must shortly [illegible: 1 word] without remedy. Whereupon the great [illegible: 1 word], took occasion to discourse with him of many matters; and amongst [illegible: 1 word], that [illegible: 1 word] would [illegible: 2 words] to give order for the well-bestowing of the great [illegible: 1 word], taken from the Persian Merchants in divers places of his Empire; perswading him to bestow the same upon some notable Hospitall for relief of the poor. To whom Selymus replied; [illegible: 2 words]. [illegible: 2 words]. Wouldst thou, Pyrrhus, that I should bestow other mens goods, wrongfully taken from them, upon works of charity and devotion, for mine own vain-glory and praise? Assuredly I will never doe it. Nay rather see they be again restored to the right owners; which was forthwith done accordingly; to the great shame of many Christians, who minding nothing lesse then restitution, but making, ex [illegible: 1 word] locaustum, doe out of a world of evil-gotten goods, cull out some [illegible: 1 word] fragments, to build some poor hospitals, or mend some blinde way: A slender [illegible: 1 word] of their hot charity. Before men to be seen of them.] As those are, that act their part on a stage, and would please the spectatours, that they may be applauded: He that giveth, [illegible: 1 word] S. Paul, Let him doe it with [illegible: 1 word], Rom. 12. 8. with ingenuity, accounting it enough that he hath God the witnesse of his heart: Not but that men may see our good works, and their praise be sought, modo tibi non quaeras, sed Christo (saithAretius. one) so that you seek not your selves therein, but set up Christ, Let your end be, that the light may be seen, not your selves seen, Matth. 5. 16. A fool hath no delight in understanding (saith Solomon) Tantùm ut [illegible: 2 words] captet. Mercer. but that his heart may discover it self, i. e. that he may have the credit of it. But he takes a wrong course. For honour (as Duntaxat ad [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 1 word]. in [illegible: 1 word]. a shadow) followeth them that seek it not: as the Hittites told Abraham, he was a Prince of God amongst them; when himself had said a little before, I am a stranger and a [illegible: 1 word] with [illegible: 2 words] sua [illegible: 1 word] inscripsit, non hist orias: Et hoc ipso laudem veram meruit, quod salsam contempsit. Lipfius. you &c. Gen 23. 4, 5. Otherwise ye have no reward of your father, &c.] Ye take up your wages all afore-hand. Fruit by the way-side seldome resteth [illegible: 1 word] it be ripe. The cackling hen loseth her eggs, so doth the vainglorious hypocrite his reward.

Verse 2. Therefore when thou doest thine [illegible: 1 word] ] Unlesse thou set light by thy reward, as Esau did by his birth-right: unlesse thou holdest [illegible: 1 word] hardly worth having, and art of that carnallCard. Burbon. Cardinals minde, who preferred his part in Paris, before his part in Paradise. Doe not sound a trumpet before thee] As the Pharisees did, under a shew of assembling the poor to take doal, but indeed to [illegible: 2 words] continent, minùs [illegible: 1 word]. Sen. notifie [illegible: 1 word] liberality. If they had been truly liberall, they had made no [illegible: 1 word] of it: Those vessels yeeld most sound, that have least liquor. As the [illegible: 1 word] doe] From whom as the Saints differ in [illegible: 1 word], so [illegible: 1 word] should in practice: We should have nothing [illegible: 1 word] with them, no more then a chaste matron desires to have with a [illegible: 2 words], [illegible: 1 word]. 27. The spouse desireth to know where Christ feedeth, that she may [illegible: 2 words] to him: for why should I [illegible: 1 word], [illegible: 2 words], as one that turneth aside (or, that is covered and veiled, which was the habit of harlots, Gen. 38. 15, 15?) why should I be reputed a light houswife, whilest I turn aside by the flocks of thy [illegible: 1 word]? she would shun, and be shie of all appearance of dishonesty; so should we of hypocrisie. Those Christians of Corinth, are much condemned by the Apostle, that carried themselves so carnally, that a man could hardly discern them from other men. That they [illegible: 1 word] have glory of men] As Iehu, Come, see what a [illegible: 1 word] I have for the Lord of hosts. Is thine heart upright as [illegible: 1 word]?Hos [illegible: 3 words], qui omnia ostentant & [illegible: 1 word]. &c. A gracious heart is not a blab of his tongue, but rests and [illegible: 2 words] in the conscience of a secret goodnes. Not [illegible: 1 word] the hypocrite, the [illegible: 1 word], the stage-player, for so the word (hypocrite) properly signifieth; such as though little better then rogues, Sic Roscius [illegible: 1 word], [illegible: 1 word] AEneae [illegible: 1 word] personam, cum [illegible: 1 word] non [illegible: 1 word], [illegible: 1 word] AEneas. [illegible: 1 word]. yet sometimes represent the persons of Princes, and carry themselves with other faces then their own, that they may have glory of men, that they may get a [illegible: 1 word]. And here with agree all the former expressions; whatsoever these men doe is meerly theatricall ([non-Latin text not transcribed]) hypocriticall, histrionicall. They sound a trumpet, as is usuall on stages: they doe their devoir in the Synagogues, publike assemblies and streets, as stage-players act in open places, and by drums and outcries get as much company together as they can. And as they can act to the life those whom they personate, yea out-strip them in outward actions, so doe hypocrites, the true Christian. Doth the Publican fix his eyes on the ground? those hypocrites in Isaiah will hang down their heads like bullrushes. Doth Timothy weaken his constitution with abstinence? the false Pharisee will not only weaken his constitution, but wither his complexion with fasting. Doth Zacheus give1 Cor. 13 [illegible: 1 word]. half of that he hath to the poor? the pretender to piety and charity will bestow all his goods to feed the poor, and besides give his body to be burned, as Servetus did at Geneva, Anno 1555. And [illegible: 1 line]. all for a name, for a little glory among men, which is but a breath, and yet not able to blow so much as one cold blast upon hypocrites, when they shall be cast into [illegible: 2 words], when God [illegible: 1 word] wash off their varnish [illegible: 1 word] rivers of brimstone. No naturall face hath so clear a [illegible: 1 word] and red, as the painted. No rush is [illegible: 1 word] green and [illegible: 1 word], as the bullrush. He is curious to a miracle [illegible: 4 words]. [illegible: 1 word], 58. 5. that can finde a knot in it: yet within is nothing but a uselesse and spongy pith. Over fair shews are a just argument of unsoundnesse. Verily I say unto you] q. d. You would little thinke it, and themselves will hardly beleeve it: for they are an impudent kinde of people, and will not soon be said. But I assevere and assure you of it, in the word of Amen, the faithfull and true witnes, Rev. 3 14. [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 1 word]. 5. all the words of whose mouth are in righteousnesse, there is nothing [illegible: 4 words], [illegible: 3 words]. [illegible: 1 word] in Discor. froward or perverse in them, Prov. 8. 8. that this is the very truth, and time will prove it so. [illegible: 1 word] that have fed on hemlock, are so stupified thereby, that they lye for dead, and feel not till half their hides be hileded off: then they rise, and run away with a [illegible: 1 word] noise. So [illegible: 1 word]. [non-Latin text not transcribed], They [illegible: 1 word] it as their full pay: whence [non-Latin text not transcribed] an [illegible: 1 word]. They have their reward] Paid them down upon the nail in ready money, and have given their acquittance. They take up all their wages afore the years-end, they receive it now, and leave none till hereafter. Its all they are ever like to have, and let them make them merry with it. Egregiam verò laudem, & spolia ampla refertis. [illegible: 1 word] 6. [illegible: 1 word]. A poor reward, God wot; but 'tis that they would have.Virgil. 'Tis their own reward, not Gods, saith S. Hierom. As Judas went [illegible: 2 words], non [illegible: 1 word], Hier. to his own place, a place of his own providing; so these have their own reward; much good may it doe them: Here they have theirAct. 1. 25. consolation with Dives: Let them look for no further reward in the day of refreshing: if they do, they are like to be disappointed, [illegible: 1 word] the Judge. To themselves they bore fruit, Hos. 10. 1. and shall therefore be turned off as empty vines, ib. when the faithfull Spouse that laies up her fruit for Christ, Cant. 7. ult. shall hear,Hos. 14 8. Thou art like a green firre-tree, from me is thy fruit found. And albeit in her works of charity in [illegible: 1 word], and without hope of reward from men, he may seem to cast her bread upon the waters, [illegible: 1 word] 11. 1. down the river (as we say) or on the sea to feed fishes; yet after many daies he shall be sure to finde it. That labour of love cannot be lost that we resolve to cast away (as the world accounts it) upon Christ.

Verse 3. But thou, when thou dost thine alms.] The godly [illegible: 4 words] [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 2 words]. Christian must walk in a divers way to a world of wicked people, as Noah did, really reproving their darknesse by his [illegible: 1 word], their pride by his [illegible: 1 word], their vain-glory by his [illegible: 1 word], their ostentation by his [illegible: 1 word] devotion: not only (planet-like) keeping a constant counter motion to the corrupt manners of the most, but also shining forth fair with a singularity of heavenly light, spirituall goodnesse, and Gods sincerer [illegible: 1 word], in the [illegible: 1 word] mid night of [illegible: 1 word] impiety. Let not thy left-hand know, &c.] A proverbiall speech, q. d. [illegible: 1 word] thy self as much as may be, cast away the vain affectation of humane [illegible: 1 word]. Let not thy left-hand (if it had so much skill) understand what thou givest, and to whom, how much, how oft, at what time, &c. God sets down every circumstance in his book [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 1 word]. 18. of remembrance; as our Saviour (that true Arch-deacon, as well1 [illegible: 1 word]. 5. 4. as Arch-shepherd) sate and viewed the estate, minde and gift of [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 1 word] 41. every one that cast money into the treasury: and as he took [illegible: 1 word] observation of those that came to hear him, how farre they had come, how long they had been there, how little opportunity they had of providing for themselves, and how soon they mightMat 15. 32. faint, if sent away empty, &c. In pugillaribus suis omnia notat. Revel. 2. I know thy work, and thy [illegible: 1 word], saith Christ to that Church, so to us; I know thine alms and thy privacy. Many give much, and are little noted or noticed. It matters not, saith our Saviour, [illegible: 2 words] captabat [illegible: 1 word], & [illegible: 3 words] AEgyptū, [illegible: 2 words]. though thy left-hand should not know what thy right-hand doth: there's no losse in that. Some talents are best improved by being laid up. A treasure that is hid is safer from theeves. Steal we therefore benefits upon men, as Joseph did the money into the sacks. And as he made a gain of the [illegible: 1 word], and bought AEgypt: so [illegible: 7 words] [non-Latin text not transcribed]. may we of the poor we relieve, and buy heaven, Luke 46. 9. Rom. 2. 10.

Verse 4. Thy father that seeth in secret.] And best accepteth of secret service, Cant. 2. 14. O thou that art in the clefts of the [illegible: 2 words], [illegible: 7 words], [illegible: 2 words] qu [illegible: 1 word], [non-Latin text not transcribed]. Bez. rocks, let me see thy face, let me hear thy voice, &c. He is all [illegible: 1 word], he searcheth the hearts, and trieth the reins, those most abstruse and remotest parts of the body, seats of lust: And as he is himself a Spirit; so he loveth to be served like himself, in Spirit and in truth. He sets his eyes upon such (as the word here signifieth) he looketh wishtly, fixedly, steddily; he seeth thorow and thorow our secret services, not to finde faults in them (for so he may soon do not a few, but those he winks at, where the heart is upright) but to reward them, as a liberall pay-master, rich to all that [illegible: 1 word] upon him, or do him any other businesse. Who is there even [illegible: 1 word] you, that shuts the door for nought? that kindleth fire upon mine altar [illegible: 1 word] nought? Mal. 1. 10. that gives a cup of cold water, and hath not his reward? David would not serve God on free cost; but was he not paid for his pains, and had his cost in again, with [illegible: 1 word], ere the Sunne went down? Let him but resolve to [illegible: 1 word] his sins, and God (or ere he can do it) forgiveth him the [illegible: 1 word]. 32. 5. iniquity of his sinne, that in it, that did most gall and grieve him. [illegible: 1 word] him but purpose to build God a house, God promiseth thereupon (for his good intentions) to build David an house for ever. So little is there lost by any thing that is done or suffered for God. He sends a way his servants (that do his work many times, and the world never the [illegible: 1 word]) as Boaz did Ruth, with their bosome full of blessings; as David did [illegible: 1 word], with a royall [illegible: 1 word]; as Solomon did the Queen of Sheba, with all the desire of her heart; as Caleb did his daughter Achsah, with upper and nether springs; or as once he did Moses from the Mount, with [illegible: 1 word] face shining. He shone bright, but knew not of it, yea he [illegible: 1 word] his glorified face with a vail, and had more glory by his [illegible: 1 word] then by his face. How farre are those spirits from this, which care only to be seen? And sleighting Gods secret approbation, [illegible: 1 word] only to [illegible: 1 word] others eyes with admiration, not caring for unknown riches? Our Saviour (besides the vail of his humanity) saies, See you tell no man. Its enough for him, that he can [illegible: 1 word] to [illegible: 1 word]. 17 4. his father, I have [illegible: 1 word] thee on earth: I have finished the work that thou gavest me to do. His work he accounts [illegible: 1 word] gift; [illegible: 1 word] wages he looks for in another world, vers. 5. He was content his treasures of wisdome should be hid, Colos. 2. 3. And shall we fret our selves, when our pittances of piety and charity are not admired? [illegible: 1 word] it not enough for us that we shall appear with him in glory, and [illegible: 1 word]. 3. 3. then be rewarded openly? Shall reward thee openly.] I, but when? at the resurrection of Non [illegible: 1 word] est [illegible: 3 words] sub [illegible: 3 words] sed [illegible: 2 words] & [illegible: 3 words]. [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 1 word]. the just, Luk. 14. 14. at that great assize and generall Assembly, he will make honourable mention, in the hearing of Angels and men, of all the good deeds of his children: How they have fed the hungry, clothed the naked, &c. that which they had utterly forgotten: not so much as once mentioning their misdoings, Matth. 25. Yea he shall take them to heaven with him, where the poor mens hands have built him a house afore hand, and they shall receive [illegible: 1 word] in caelis [illegible: 1 word] pauperū [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 2 words]. Jun. him into everlasting habitations. But what shall he do in the me an while? Feed on faith (as some read that text, Psal. 37. 3.) [illegible: 1 word] upon reversions. [illegible: 1 word], but while the grasse grows, the [illegible: 1 word] starves. But so cannot a mercifull man, for he shall have [illegible: 1 word], Matth. 5. 7. Such a mercy as rejoyceth against judgement. Yea, he that can tender mercy to God, may challenge [illegible: 1 word] from God by vertue of his promise, as David doth, Preserve [illegible: 1 word], ô God, for I am mercifull, Psal. 86. 2. [illegible: 1 word] he shall obtain, 1. In his soul, which shall be like a watered garden, fresh and flourishing. For the liberall soul [illegible: 1 word] be made fat (Prov. [illegible: 1 word]. 25.) and he that watereth shall be watered himself. The spirits of wealth distilled in good works comfort the conscience. 2. So they do the bodyProv. 11. 17. Isa. 58. 8, [illegible: 1 word], 10. too, when sick and languishing, Psal. 41. 2, 3. Mercy is the best cordiall, a pillow of repose, a [illegible: 1 word] remedy. For if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, thy health shall spring forth speedily, Isa. 58. 3. For his name, the liberall are renowned in the earth, as Abraham that free-hearted house-keeper, or peny-father; and Obadiah that hid and fed the Prophets by fifty in a cave. Zacheus Act. 9. 39. and Cornelius, Gaius and Onesiphorus, how precious are their [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 4 words]. [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 1 word]. Manus [illegible: 2 words]. [illegible: 1 word] Christi. names! How sweet their remembrance! Who honours not the memoriall of Mary for her Spikenard, and of Dorcas for her coats and garments? Whereas the vile person shall no more be called liberall (in Christs Kingdom) nor Nabal, Nadib, the churl, bountifull. 4. For his estate: The most gainfull art is [illegible: 1 word]-giving, [illegible: 1 word] pau [illegible: 2 words], [illegible: 1 word] colligimus. saith Chrysostome. The poor mans bosom, and the Orphans mouth are the surest chest, saith another. Whatsoever we scatter to the poor, we gather for our selves, saith a third. What we give to the poor, we lend to the Lord, who accounts himself both [illegible: 1 word] and ingaged thereby, Prov. 19. 17. Neither will he fail to blesse the liberall mans stock and store, Deut. 15. 10. so that his righteousnesse, and his riches together, shall endure for ever, Psal. [illegible: 1 word] 2. 3. 5 Lastly, His seed shall be mighty upon earth, vers. 21. The son of such a tenant, that paid his rent duly, shall not be [illegible: 1 word] out of his farm, Psal 37. 26. And that Proverb is proved false by [illegible: 1 line]. common experience, Happy is that sonne whose father goeth to the [illegible: 1 word]: [illegible: 1 word] il-gotten goods usually come to nothing: the third heir seldome enjoyeth them: unlesse it be here and there one, that by repentance breaketh off, and healeth his fathers sinne by mercifulnesse [non-Latin text not transcribed] [illegible: 2 words], [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 1 line]. to the poor, that the property may be altered, and so his [illegible: 1 word] lengthned. Oh therefore that rich men would be rich in good [illegible: 1 word], ready to distribute, willing to [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 1 line]. (which was a peece of praise used to be ascribed to the ancient Kings of AEgypt.) This, this were the way, To lay up for themselves a sure [illegible: 1 word]; yea, to lay fast hold on eternall life; when those that with-hold their very crums, [illegible: 1 word] not obtain a drop with Dives, whom to vex and upbraid, Lazarus was laid in the bosome of [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 1 word].

Verse 5. And when thou praiest.] A duty of that necessity, that neither the immutability of Gods decree, Dan. 9. 1. nor the [illegible: 1 word] of the promises, [illegible: 1 word] 36 37. [illegible: 1 word] the effectuall [illegible: 1 word] of our Lord Christ (who [illegible: 1 word] his Disciples to pray) [illegible: 1 word] with us, for not doing it. The Jews accounted it an abomination of desolation, when the daily Sacrifice was intermitted and suspended, as under Antiochus. Our Saviour perfumed his whole course, [illegible: 1 word], his crosse with this incense, and thereby purchased [illegible: 2 words] priviledge, paved us this new and living [illegible: 1 word] to the throne of grace, [illegible: 1 word]. 16. 4. a sure and safe way to get mercy, [illegible: 1 word]. 23. The Ark was never separated from the Mercy-seat, to shew that Gods mercy is neer unto such as affect his presence. Some [illegible: 1 word] he hath reserved to this duty, that will not otherwise be yeelded, Psal. [illegible: 1 word]. 23. Ezek. 22. 30. As when he is [illegible: 2 words] to ruinate a people or person, he silenceth [illegible: 2 words], and forbids them to sollicite him any further; as he did Samuel interceding for Saul; and Jeremy for [illegible: 2 words]. [illegible: 3 words]. Be not as the [illegible: 1 word].] Who pretend to pray much, but indeedRom. 8. [illegible: 1 word]. can do nothing at it, because destitute of the spirit of grace, [illegible: 2 words]. [illegible: 1 word]. and of supplication; without whose help we know neither what,Mat. 26. 38. [illegible: 1 word] how to pray: Nay, Peter, James aud John will be sleeping, when they should be praying in the very hour of temptation. There may be good words and wishes found in a worldlings mouth, Who will shew us any good? But none but a David can with faith,Psal 4 6. [illegible: 1 word] and fervency say, Lord, lift up the light of thy countenance upon me, &c. Balaam may break forth into wishes and woulds, [illegible: 1 word] let me die the death of the righteous, &c. But can he [illegible: 1 word], as David in like case, Psal. 26. 9. Oh take not away my soul [illegible: 2 words] nor my life with bloudy men! An hypocrite mayHos 7 14. tell a [illegible: 2 words] for himself in earthly regards, or howl uponWhen God is [illegible: 2 words] his [illegible: 1 word], he roars, [illegible: 1 word] 27. 9. his [illegible: 1 word] in the [illegible: 1 word] of outward comforts; [illegible: 1 word] in extremity, as a [illegible: 1 word] at the [illegible: 1 word], as a pig under the knife; or importune God [illegible: 1 word] grace, as a bridge to lead him to heaven; not for any beauty he [illegible: 1 word], or [illegible: 1 word] he findes in it. But will he pray alwaies, willJob [illegible: 1 word]. 10. [illegible: 1 word] light [illegible: 1 word] in God? saith Job, [illegible: 1 word]. 27. No surely; he neither doth, [illegible: 1 word] can do it. When God defers to help at a pinch,1 Sam 13. 8, as [illegible: 1 word]; when [illegible: 1 word] and vexations encrease, he frets and meddles non ore with calling upon God, but [illegible: 2 words] him, because he handles him not [illegible: 1 word] his own minde; and be taketh himself to1 Sam. 28. 7. [illegible: 1 word] other course. If God will not come at his call, and be at his2 King. 1. 2. beck, away to the witch of [illegible: 1 word], with Saul; to the god of [illegible: 1 word] si ne queo superos, Acheronta movebo. Ekron, as [illegible: 1 word], to Baalim and Ashteroth, with the revolted [illegible: 1 word]. Wherein he is like to those barbarous Chinois, that [illegible: 1 word] their gods, when they answer them not: or that resoluteAb Ekron, ubi colebatur Beelzehub, [illegible: 1 word] videtur, [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 1 word], that profanely painted God on the one side of his shield, and the devil on the other, with this inscription, Si tu me nolis, [illegible: 1 word]: Or that desperate King of Israel, [illegible: 1 word] (saith he) this evil is from the Lord, and what should I wait for the Lord 2 King. 6 33. any longer? Loe, this is the guise of a godlesse [illegible: 1 word]. Either he calleth not upon God (which is the description David giveth ofPsal. 14. 4. him) but is possest, as it were, with a dumb devil, both in Church and chamber. Or if by reading, or otherwise he have raked together some good petitions, and strive to set some life upon them in the utterance, that he may seem to be well-gifted; yet he doth it not to serve God, but meerly to serve himself upon God, He draweth not nigh with a true heart, Heb. 10. 13. uprightly propounding Gods service in prayer, and not only his own supply and satisfaction. He is not brought into Gods presence with love and desire, as Psal. 40. 8. He labours not with strife of heart to worship him with his faith, trust, hope, humility, self deniall, [illegible: 1 word] well content that Gods will be done however, and [illegible: 1 word] seeking his glory, though [illegible: 1 word] be not profited, acknowledging the Kingdom, power and glory to be his, Matth 6. 13. Lastly, Working not by a right rule, from a right principle, nor for a right end, he cannot undergoe the strife of [illegible: 1 word], as Jacob, who wrestled by might and sleight ([illegible: 1 word] much the Hebrew word importeth) much lesse can he continue long in it, as David, he [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 1 word]. 32. 24, [illegible: 1 word], 20. soon sated, soon tired. If men observe him not, applaud him not, he giveth over that [illegible: 1 word], as tedious and [illegible: 1 word], that [illegible: 2 words] 27. 4. & 119. 81, 82. wherein he findes no more good relish, then in the white of an egge, or a dry chip. And in any extraordinary trouble, instead of calling upon God, [illegible: 1 word] runs from him, Isa. 33. 14 as Saul did, 1 Sam. 28. 7. For they love to pray standing, &c.] Stand they might: [illegible: 1 word] did the Publican. And when ye stand and pray, saith our Saviour,Luk 18. 13. [illegible: 1 word]. 11 25. not [illegible: 1 word] the gesture. It was commonly used among the Jews in the Temple, especially, at the solemn feasts, what time there was such resort of people from all parts, that they could hardly stand one by another. The Primitive Christians also stood praying in their publike Assemblies, betwixt Easter and Whitsontide especially, in token of our Saviours standing up from the dead. Whence came that Proverb amongst them, Were it not for standing [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 2 words] non [illegible: 2 words]. prayer, the world would not stand. Other gestures and postures of the body in praier we read of. David and Eliah sate, and praied.Tertul. Peter and Paul kneeled, and praied. Moses and Aaron fell1 Chron. 19. on their faces, and praied. In secret prayer, there is more liberty1 King. 19. 4. to use that gesture that may most quicken us, and help the duty:Act. 9. 40. Elias put his head between his knees in praier (as one that would [illegible: 1 word]. 4. 13. Numb. 16. [illegible: 1 word]. strain every vein in his heart.) But in publike our behaviour must [illegible: 1 word] 8. 2. be such as may witnesse [illegible: 1 word] communion and desire of mutuall edification:1 Cor 14. 40. there must be a uniformity, no rents or divisions: and speciall care taken, that our inward affection answer our externall devotion: that we stand not in the Synagogues, as these, with desire to be seen of men (as Saul was higher then the rest by head and shoulders) for that is putid hypocrisie, hatefull even amongst Heathens. Tully taxeth Gracchus for this, that he referred all his actions, not to the [illegible: 1 word] of vertue, but to the favour [illegible: 1 word]. quaest. l. 3. of the people, that [illegible: 1 word] might have esteem and applause from them. That they may be seen of men.] This was the winde that [illegible: 2 words] winde-mill a-work, the [illegible: 1 word] that made the clock strike. [illegible: 1 word] nat. [illegible: 1 word]. l. 10. 19 [illegible: 1 word] telleth us, that the nightingale singeth farre longer and [illegible: 1 word], when men be by, then otherwise. If [illegible: 1 word] had not seen C [illegible: 1 word]. l. [illegible: 1 word]. c [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 1 word] zeal that Iehu had for the Lord of hosts, he had been nothing [illegible: 1 word] hot, nor (in his own conceit) so happy. But Christian [illegible: 1 word] Sed vox tu [illegible: 1 word], [illegible: 1 word] nih l. [illegible: 2 words]. [illegible: 1 word], esse aliquid [illegible: 1 word] cupis, [illegible: 2 words]. teacheth a wise man, not to expose [illegible: 1 word] to the fairest shew, [illegible: 1 word] rather to seek to be good, then seem to be so. Not so, every [illegible: 1 word] and [illegible: 2 words]: these, like Ieroboams wife, never put [illegible: 3 words] but when they are to speak with the Prophets: [illegible: 2 words] so holy, as at Church, and in the presence of those whole [illegible: 1 word] they reverence.

Verse 6. But thou when thou praiest, enter into thy [illegible: 1 word], &c.] Act. 10 9. Act. 10 3. The proper place for secret [illegible: 1 word] (as the family is for private praier, and the Church for publike, Luk. 4. 16.) that being [illegible: 1 word] from company, we may more [illegible: 1 word] descend into our own hearts, and be the freer from ostentation and hypocrisie, and from discursation and wandering of minde (Anima [illegible: 1 word] fit [illegible: 1 word]:) As also for the demonstration of our faith, whereby we believe the omnipresence of God, Who seeth in secret, and [illegible: 1 word] openly. Daniel indeed opened his windows, and prayed [illegible: 1 word]. in Dan. 6. [illegible: 1 word]. in an [illegible: 1 word] room; not to be more secret (as Pintus mistaketh it) but to be more seen: and yet not of vain ostentation, but ofAct. 5. 29. [illegible: 1 word] and constant profession. The King had forbidden it (so Sic [illegible: 1 word] in [illegible: 2 words], [non-Latin text not transcribed]. did Henry the third, King of France, forbid housholders to pray with their families.) Daniel did it notwithstanding, as aforetime. God must be obeyed rather then men, as not Scripture only, but nature teacheth. He kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed; That had been his custome, and should be. [illegible: 1 word] also at morning, at evening, and at noon called upon God, and had his set times for such devotions. But the devil, as it is probable, 2 Sam. 12. 2. had caused him to come from his trench, and then [illegible: 2 words] wound him. He knows well enough that a Christians strength lies in his praier (as Samsons did in his hair)Ephes. 6. 18. that it buckleth all our spirituall armour close to us, and makes it usefull: that a Christian can never want help, whiles he can pray; as they were wont to say, the Pope can never want money, so long as he can hold a pen in his hand, to command and send for it: That secret prayer is a soul-fatting exercise, as secret meals, we say, feed the body. The old Serpent feels himself charmed and disabled to doe hurt by these kinde of duties. They have poured forth a charm, when thy chastening was upon them, Isa. 26. 16. Yea, he is deeply wounded and driven out of the field, by these Isa. 26. 16. arrows of deliverance, as the King of Syria was, 2 King. 13. 17. which therefore he keeps (what he can) from being multiplied1 [illegible: 1 word] 2. [illegible: 1 word]. [non-Latin text not transcribed], [illegible: 3 words]. and enlarged. Fervent praiers are the pillars of smoke, wherein the Church ascendeth to God out of the wildernesse of this world, [illegible: 1 word] Pet 3. 21. [non-Latin text not transcribed], [illegible: 1 word]. in [illegible: 1 word], [illegible: 2 words] electorum cum Deo [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 1 word] Pasor. and by an humble familiarity converseth, yea [illegible: 1 word] with him, as Abraham and Moses did (especially, when Satan, sinne and conscience accuse) and standeth, as it were, upon interrogatories; such as are those, Rom. 8. 33, 34, 35. And when thou hast shut thy door] So to shut out distractions, which yet will grow upon us, doe what we can. For though the spirit is willing to wait upon God, all the while of the duty, yet the flesh is weak. It being but partly mortified, draws away [illegible: 1 word] Rom. 7. 21. thoughts many times; and putteth us to St Pauls complaint, When I would doe good evil is present with me. Satan also will be jogging and interrupting us; and will needs be talking to us when we are most busily speaking to God, as the Pythonisse troubled St Paul, as he went to praier, Act. 16 16. Worldly things likewise are so naturall to us, and so near our senses, heavenly things are so supernall and supernaturall, that we cannot without watching our senses, and travell of soul, stay our spirits long upon them.Fratres [illegible: 3 words] & [illegible: 4 words] uti vo [illegible: 1 word], ne per [illegible: 3 words], & [illegible: 2 words] intentio For help herein: S. Augustine [illegible: 1 word] us, that the ancient Christans of AEgypt were wont to use only short and pithy praiers and ejaculations: such as was that of Elias, when he contended with the Priests of Baal, charging God (in two words) with the care of his [illegible: 1 word], of his truth, and of his glory. Many other helps there are for the curing and casting out (in a comfortable [illegible: 1 word]) these by-thoughts; these birds that would rob Abraham of his sacrifice; these swarms of AEgypt, that our hearts [illegible: 1 word] be as so many Goshens; these creeping things [illegible: 1 word], as David hath it. This among the rest, that our Saviour here presenbeth, to [illegible: 1 word] into a secret place, as Abraham did into his [illegible: 1 word] at Beersheba Gen. 21. 33. planted for the purpose (though that was afterwards abused by the Heathens, and therefore forbidden the Israelites, Deut. 12. 3) [illegible: 1 word] had his Oratory in the fields, where he praied with deep meditation or soliloquie, as the word there signifieth, Rebeceah upon the strugling of the babes, went to enquire of the Lord, Gen. 25. 22. that is, she went to some secret place to pray, and receive some revelation from God, say Calvin, Musculus, Mercer, others. Jacob had visions of God, when he was all alone upon the way: Elias praid under the Juniper, our Saviour in the garden of Gethsemane, Acts 9, [illegible: 1 word]. Act. 10 10. [non-Latin text not transcribed] [illegible: 3 words] a [illegible: 2 words], cum Deo colloquitur. [illegible: 1 word]. and many times in the mount: Cornelius in some corner of his house, [illegible: 1 word] on the leades, where also he fell into an extasie or trance, and saw heaven open. His soul was separated (after a sort) from his body for the time, whilest he was talking with God, he was so transported and carried out of himself, ut [illegible: 1 word] esset paenè nescia carnis, as S. Jerome testifieth of certain devout women of his time. For the place we pray in, no matter how mean it be, so it be secret. Where there is a Jeremy, a Daniel, If ye will not hear me [illegible: 1 word], [illegible: 1 word] me to my prison again among my [illegible: 1 word] and froggs, which will not [illegible: 1 word] me while I talk [illegible: 1 word] my [illegible: 1 word] God. Peter [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 1 word], a dungeon, a Lions den, a whales-belly are goodly oratours. Shut the door to thee, remembring the weaknesse of thy flesh and the malice of the devil, watching how. to distract thee. Covenant with thy senses, and binde them to the good abearance all the while: look God full in the face, as David did, Psal. 57. 7. call in, and concenter thy thoughts, as men doe the Sun-beams into a burning glasse: serve God with thy spirit, as Paul did, Rom. 1. 9. say, All that's within me praise his holy name. Have thy heart at thy right hand, with Solomons wise-man, lay Gods charge upon it to attend upon him: when it roves and wanders, call it in, and Act. and [illegible: 1 word]. fol. [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 1 word] it; judge and shame thy self for thy distractions, and strive to doe better, so shall they never be imputed unto thee. To bePsal. 13. 2. wholly freed from them, is a priviledge proper to the estate of perfection.Eccles. 7. Some diseases will not be cured near home, but men must repair to the Bath, or City for help. This infirmity is not to be healeo, till we come to heaven. No shutting of the door will doe it, nor any thing else, till the everlasting doors be opened unto us, till weRev. 21. enter in by the gates into the City of the living God. Pray to thy father which is in secret] There are no dumb children in Gods house; the least he hath can aske him blessing. All are not alike gifted, but every godly man prayeth unto thee, saithPsal. 32. 6. David: S. Paul was no sooner coverted, but he was praying presently, Acts 9. 11. The spirit of grace, is a spirit of supplication, and teacheth to cry Abba, father, or Father, Father. And this veryGal. 4. 5. naming of the Name of God in prayer (though it be no more,) so it be done in faith, entitles a man to heaven, 2 Tim. 2. 19. if withall he depart from iniquity: When such as have the gift of Prophecy, and of doing miracles shall miscarry, and be turned off at last day, because workers of iniquity, Matth. 7. And albeit Gods weaker [illegible: 1 page] [illegible: 1 page] children cannot utter their minde unto him in wel couched words, and variety of expressions, yet, [illegible: 1 word] their broken [illegible: 1 word] come from a broken heart, it avails more then affectation of Rhetorike, without affection of prayer. Men are better pleased with the stammering and lisping of their own little ones, then with all the [illegible: 1 word] speech of all the children in the Town besides. Yea, because the soul is sick, the service is twice welcome. As, if a sick childe reach us up a thing, we count it more then to send another of a [illegible: 1 word] errand. I will spare them, saith he, as a man spares his [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 1 word] 3. 18. sonne that serveth him. The businesse of prayer is more dispatched by sighs then speeches, by desires and groans of the heart, [illegible: 1 word] our father which is in secret, whether we can expresse them [illegible: 1 word] words or no. The Spirit also helpeth our [illegible: 1 word] (he [illegible: 1 word] [non-Latin text not transcribed] [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 1 word]. with us, and before us, as the word signifies) and maketh [illegible: 1 word] in us and for us with groans unutterable. And be that [illegible: 2 words] the hearts, knoweth what is the minde of the spirit: As [illegible: 1 word] heareth us without ears, so he understandeth us without our words. If we can but groan out, Ah father, it is an effectuall prayer. The voice is not simply required, Joh. 4. 24. There is great dispute ([illegible: 1 word] D [illegible: 1 word] of [illegible: 1 word]. one) among the school-men, about the speech of Angels; [illegible: 1 word] this they agree in, that one Angel speaketh thus to another, [illegible: 1 word] any one hath a conceit in his minde of any thing, with a will [illegible: 1 word] another should understand it, and that God should understand [illegible: 1 word] that's enough for the expression of it. So is it with the spirit of man in speaking to God: for the spirit agreeth to the Angels. Yet we must pray for fit words also. Hos. 14. 2. and strive to be [illegible: 1 word] in all utterance, and in all knowledge, 1 Cor. 1. 5. get [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 5 words] habit of heavenly-mindednesse, let the heart meditate a good matter, and then the tongue will be as the pen of a ready writer, Psal. 45. 1. first prepare the heart, and then stretch out the hands, Job 11. 13. The heart should be praying a good while before the [illegible: 1 word]; [illegible: 1 word] before the seven [illegible: 1 word] were sounded at the [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 3 words] [illegible: 2 words] seal, there was halfe an hours silence in heaven. [illegible: 2 words] if there be an honest heart, and a good [illegible: 1 word], an [illegible: 1 word] of prayer usually is in us, though we know it not; as a man may have money about him, and not know so much, till [illegible: 2 words] him willing to search, and glad to finde it: Remember, [illegible: 1 word], [illegible: 1 word] promise of the Spirits assistance, and Gods acceptance, and know, that as in singing, so in praying, the pleasing melody is in the heart. The voice which is made in the mouth, is nothing so sweet [illegible: 1 word] 16. [illegible: 1 word] that which comes from the depth of the brest. As the deeper or hollower the belly of the lute or violl is, the pleasanter is the sound: the fleeter, the more grating and harsh in our ears. And thy father which seeth in secret] And heareth too: asExod. 14. 15. [illegible: 5 words] corde [illegible: 1 word]. Aug. he did Moses when he cried to God, but said nothing; and [illegible: 1 word], when she moved her lips, but uttered not her self in an audible voice: and Nehemiah, when he lift up his heart to God, as he spake to the King: and as he doth still his praying people. His ears [illegible: 1 word] into their prayers, saith S. Peter, after David: that though [illegible: 1 word] Sam. 1. 13. [illegible: 1 word]. 2. 4. their prayers are so weak, they cannot ascend to him, he will [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 2 words]. 3. 12. [non-Latin text not transcribed]. to them. He hearkned and heard, those good souls in [illegible: 1 word], chap. 3 16. as loth to lose any part of their precious language. Thus the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous (when they are praying especially) and his ears are open to their prayers.Psal. 34. 25. He seeth his Church when she is in the clefts of the rocks, [illegible: 1 word]. 2. 14. when she is gotten into a corner and praying, he looks upon her with singular delight, and with speciall intimations of his love (as Ahashuerosh dealt with Esther) and saith unto her, as he, what Esth. 5. 3. [illegible: 1 word] thy petition, and it shall be given thee? And oh that every faithfull soul, whiles it is sitting and feasting with God by secret prayer, and other holy duties, would bethinke it self what speciall boon it hath to beg, what Haman to hang up, what corruption to be subdued, what grace to be encreased, &c. How should they be gratified, and their request granted, even to the whole of Gods kingdom? The truth is, they might have any thing: and that which [illegible: 1 word] said to his Courtiers flatteringly, God performeth to his people really, The King is not he that can doe any thing against [illegible: 1 word]. 38. 5. you. Luther was wont to say, that prayer was after a sort omnipotent: for whatsoever God can doe, that prayer can doe. Of Luther Iste vir [illegible: 3 words]? himself, for his wrestling with God and prevailing (as he wasDe [illegible: 1 word] Iustus [illegible: 1 word]. mighty and happy that way) it was said, That man can have any thing at Gods hands. Isa. [illegible: 2 words]. Will reward you openly] Here in part, hereafter in all perfection. [illegible: 1 word]. 34. 6. He never said to the house of Israel, Seek [illegible: 1 word] me in vain. This poor man (for instance) praid, saith David, pointing to himself, and the Lord heard him, and delivered him out of all his distresses. God is known by hearing of prayers, 'tis one of his Titles, Psal. 65, 3. 'tis his praise above all Heathen gods, Isa. 45. 19, 20. By this Manasses knew him to be God, 2 Chron. 33. 15. and all Israel, 1 King. 18. 37, 39. when it came to a matter of competition: Verily, verily I say unto you, whatsoever ye shal [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 1 word] father in my name, he will give it you. If we can finde a praying heart, he will finde a pitying: if we open our mouthes, God will fill them: and he is worthily [illegible: 1 word], that will not make himself happy by asking. Of some Heathen Princes it is said, [illegible: 1 word] they never [illegible: 1 word] away their suitors sad or discontented: this is most true of God; let a man bring right petitions, [illegible: 1 word] clear conscience, faith in the promises, and hope to wait the accomplishment, and [illegible: 1 word] shall not fail of the thing he asketh, or a better: As when God [illegible: 1 word] David the life of the childe, but assured him of his [illegible: 1 word], I shall go to him, &c. So he denied his Mother her particular2. [illegible: 1 word] 12. 23. [illegible: 1 word] for that time: and when his Disciples asked him:Joh. [illegible: 1 word]. curious question, Wilt thou at this time restore the Kingdom [illegible: 1 word] Acts 1. 7, 8. Israel, &c? That's not for you to know, saith he; but a better thing I can tell: you shall receive power after that the holy [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 1 word]. 4. is come upon you. But many times God is graciously pleased, not only to grant a mans prayer, but also to fullfill his counsell; that is, [illegible: 2 words] à Deo sertas preces quam sine precibus [illegible: 1 word] sum [illegible: 2 words] Rol. [illegible: 1 word]. in Joh. 6. 23. in that very way, and by that very means that his thoughts [illegible: 1 word] on. But say he doe neither of [illegible: 1 word]; yet the very ability to pray [illegible: 1 word] the [illegible: 1 word] Ghost, is a sweet and sure signe of salvation, Rom. 10. 13. And a very grave Divine writeth thus: I cannot but prefer [illegible: 1 word] prayers for some temporall mercy, far before that mercy for which I pray. Yea I had rather God should give me the gift of [illegible: 1 word]. in Luk 6. 12 prayer, then (without that gift) the whole world besides. As [illegible: 2 words] that are ita congregabiles (saith another Divine of good [non-Latin text not transcribed] note,) so very good-fellows, that they cannot spare so much time out of company, as to seek God apart, and to serve him in secret, [non-Latin text not transcribed]. they sufficiently shew themselves thereby, to have little fellowship [illegible: 3 words] or [illegible: 1 word] with God, whom they [illegible: 1 word] seldom come at.

Verse 7. But when ye [illegible: 1 word], use not vain repetitions] Babble [illegible: 1 word]. 10 14. [illegible: 1 word] sub [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 4 words]. not: bubble not, saith the [illegible: 1 word], as water out of a narrow-[illegible: 1 word] vessel. Doe not iterate or inculcate the same things-[illegible: 1 word] & ad nauseam, as Solomons fool, who is full of words (saith he:) and this [illegible: 1 word] of his [illegible: 1 word] [non-Latin text not transcribed], in his vain [illegible: 1 word]. A man [illegible: 1 word] not tell what shall be, and what shall be after him [illegible: 3 words]? Such a one also was that Battus (to whom the [illegible: 2 words] hath relation,) an egregious babbler. In common [illegible: 1 word] a signe of [illegible: 1 word], to lay on more words upon a [illegible: 1 word] then [illegible: 2 words]: how much more in prayer? Take we [illegible: 1 word] we [illegible: 1 word] not the sacrifice of fools, God hath no need of [illegible: 1 word], 1 Sam. 21. 15. with Psal. 5. 5. He is in heaven, and thou upon earth, therefore let thy words be few, Eccles. 5. 2. Prayers move God, not as an Oratour moves his hearers, but as a childe his father, (your Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things, ver. 8.) Now a childe is not to chat to his father, but to deliver his minde, humbly, earnestly, in few, direct to the point. S. Peter [illegible: 1 word] have men to be sober in prayer, that is, to pray [illegible: 2 words]. 4. 7. with due respect to Gods dreadfull majesty, without trifling or vain babling. He that is [illegible: 1 word] in spirit, prayes much, though he speak little, as the Publican, Luk. 18. and Elias, 1 King. 20. 36. But as a body without a soul, much wood without fire, a bullet in a gun without powder; so are words in prayer without spirit. Now long prayers can hardly maintain their vigour: as in tall bodies, the spirits are diffused. The strongest hand long extended will languish, as Moses hand slacked against Amalec: Its a praise proper [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 1 word]. 12. to God, to have his hand stretcht out still. Our infirmity suffers not any long intention of body or minde. Our devotion will soon lag and hang the wing: others also that join with us, may be tired out, and made to sinne by [illegible: 1 word] and wandrings. In secret indeed, and in extraordinary prayer with solemn fasting; or so, when the heart is extraordinarily enlarged, our prayers may and must be like wise. Solomon prayed long at the dedication of the Temple, so did those godly Levites, Neh. 9. Our Saviour prayed [illegible: 2 words] dies [illegible: 1 word] ut minimum tres horas, [illegible: 2 words] aptissimas, [illegible: 1 word] orationem [illegible: 1 word] Vitus all night sometimes, and rising up a great while before day, he went apart and prayed, Mar. 1. 35. Of Luther it is reported, that he spent constantly three houres a day in prayer, and three of the [illegible: 1 word] houres, and fittest for study. It was the saying of a grave and godly Divine, that he profited in the knowledge of the word, more [illegible: 1 word]. in [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 1 word] Melanchthonem. Wilsons Theol. Rules. by prayer in a short space, then by study in a longer. That which our Saviour condemneth, is needlesse and heartlesse repetitions, unnecessary digressions, [illegible: 1 word] prolixities, proceeding not from heat of affection, or strength of desire (for so, the repetition of theDan. 9. 17, 18. Mar. 14. 39. self-same petition, is not only lawfull, but usefull. See Psal. 142. 1. and 130. 6.) but either out of ostentation of devotion, as Pharisees, or opinion of being heard the sooner, as Heathens, when mens words exceed their matter, or both words and matter exceed their attention and affection. See that these be matches, and then pray and spare not. For they thinke they shall be heard for their much speaking] As Orpheus, in his hymnes, and other Pagans: calling, as the Mariners in Jonah, every man upon his God: and, lest they should not [illegible: 2 words]. [illegible: 1 word]. hit the right, closing their petitions with that Dij que Deae que omnes. [illegible: 3 words]. lib. 1. And as this was the folly and fault of Pagans, so is it also still of the Papists, whom the holy Ghost calleth Heathens, with whom [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 1 word]. they [illegible: 1 word], as in many things else, so in their Battologies or [illegible: 5 words]. vain repetitions: which are so grosse, [illegible: 1 word] the devil himself (had he any shame in him.) might well be a shamed of them. In their Jesus-[illegible: 1 word] (as they call it) there are fifteen of these prayers, [illegible: 5 words]. [illegible: 1 word], Iesu, [illegible: 1 word] have mercy on me. Iesu, Iesu, Iesu help me. Iesu, Iesu give me here my purgatory. Every of which petitions are to be ten [illegible: 1 word] times at once said over for a task. So on their [illegible: 5 words]. Church and Colledge-doors, the English fugitives have written in great golden letters, Iesu, Iesu, converte Angliam, [illegible: 1 word], [illegible: 1 word]. These be their weapons, they say, prayers and tears. But the truth [illegible: 5 words]. is, the [illegible: 1 word] (the Popes bloud-hounds) trust more to the [illegible: 1 word], then to their prayers: like vultures, whose nests, as Aristotle saith, cannot be found, yet they will leave all games to follow an Army, because they delight to feed upon carrion. Their faction is a most [illegible: 1 word] sharp sword, whose blade is sheathed, at pleasure, in the bowels of every Common-wealth, but the handle reacheth to Rome and Spain: They strive under pretence of long prayers, and [illegible: 5 words]. [illegible: 1 word] sanctity ([illegible: 1 word] is double iniquity) to subdue all to the Pope, and the Pope to themselves. Satan, they say, sent Luther, and God sent them to withstand him. But that which [illegible: 1 word] said of chariots armed with sithes and hooks, will be every day Lib. 1. cap. [illegible: 1 word]. more and more applied to the Jesuits: at first they were a terrour, afterward a scorn.

Verse 8. Be not ye therefore like unto them] God would not have his Israel conform to the Heathens customs, nor so much as once name their Idols, Exod. 23. 13. Psal. 16. 4. No more should [illegible: 5 words]. [illegible: 1 word]. Christians (as some are of opinion.) That of Cardinall Bembus is somewhat grosse, concerning their St Francis, quòd in [illegible: 1 word] Non [illegible: 2 words]. [illegible: 2 words], [illegible: 1 word] esse [illegible: 2 words]. Deorum ab Ecclesia Romana sit relatus. But this is like the rest: For if we may beleeve Baronius, we may see their lustrall water, and sprinkling of [illegible: 1 word] in Iuvenals sixth Satyre: lights in sepulchres, in Suetonius his Octavius: lampes lighted on Saturday, in [illegible: 1 word] 96. Epistle; distribution of tapers among the Baro. Annal. [illegible: 1 word] 14. people, in Macrob. Saturnals, &c. For your heavenly father knoweth what things ye need &c.] And therefore answereth many times before we aske: as he didIsa. 65. 24. David, Psal. 32. He prevents us with many mercies we never sought him for; that our praises may exceed our prayers. I am found of them that sought me not, saith God: but yet in the same place it is said, I am sought of them that asked not for me. Importing,Isa. 65. 1. that we never seek to him for grace, till effectually called by his grace. Howbeit no sooner is any truly called, but he presently prayeth. Say not then, if God know our needs, what need we open them to him? The truth is, we doe it not to inform himNon sanè ut Deus [illegible: 1 word], sed ut mens nostra [illegible: 1 word]. of that he knows not, or to stir up mercy in him, who is all bowels, and perfectly pitieth us: but 1. Hereby we acknowledge him as a childe doth his father, when he runs to him for food. 2. We run that course of getting good things, that he hath prescribedLuk. 11. 13. us, Jer. 29. 11, 12. Which Moses and Elias knew, andExod. 9. therefore the former turned Gods predictions, the later his promises1 King. 18. into prayers. 3. Hereby we prepare our selves holily to enjoy the things we crave: for prayer both sanctifieth the creature, and encreaseth our love and thankfullnesse, Psal. 116 1. 4. Prayer prepareth us, either to go without that we beg, if God see fit, as David, when he prayed for the childes life, and was fitted thereby to bear the losse of it; or else to part with that we have got by prayer, for the glory of God the giver of it. Those that make their requests known to God with thanksgiving, shall have (at least) the peace of God that passeth all understanding, to guard their [non-Latin text not transcribed]. hearts and mindes in Christ Iesus. They shall have strength inPhil 4 6, 7. their souls, the joy of the Lord shall be their strength, the glory ofPsal 138. 3. Nehe, 8. 10. the Lord shall be their rereward. In their marching in the wildernesse,Isa. 58. 8. at the fourth Alarm, arose the standard of Dan, Asher and Nepthali; these were the rereward of the Lords host; and to these were committed the care of gathering together the lame, feeble and sick, and to look that nothing was left behinde. Unto this the Prophet Isaiah seems (in that text) to allude, and so doth David, Psal. 27. 10. When my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will gather me, And this comfortable assurance was the fruit of his prayer.As the just must live by his own faith, so must he get his living by his own prayers. 1 Pet. 3. 7.

Verse 9. After this manner therefore pray ye] Forms of wholesome words are profitable. A set form of prayer is held fittest for the publike; and for such weak Christians as are not yet able to expresse their own desires in their own words. The utterance of wisdom is given to some Christians only, 1 Cor. 12. 8.Your prayers. Hos. 14. 2. yet are all to strive unto it, that the testimony of Christ may be confirmed in them, 1 Cor. 1. 5, 6. God will take that at first, that afterwards will not be accepted. If words be wanting, pray that God, that commands thee to take words and come before him, to vouchsafe thee those words, wherewith thou mayest come beforeProv 18. 23. him. Speak, as the poor man doth, supplications: so did the prodigall: Forecast also (with him) what thou wilt say: Praemeditate of the matter, disposing it in due order (as one would doe that is to speak to a Prince: God is a great King, Mal. 1. 23.) Some thinke we must never pray but upon the sudden, and extraordinary instinct and motion of the spirit. This is a fancy, and those that practise it, cannot but fall into idle repetitions, and be confused; going [illegible: 2 words], [illegible: 1 word]. forward and backward, like hounds at a losse (saith a good Divine) and having unadvisedly begun to speak, they know not how wisely to make an end. This to prevent, premeditate and propound to thy self fit heads of prayer: gather catalogues of thy sinnes and duties by the decalogue; observe the daily straits of mortall condition, consider Gods mercies, your own infirmities, troubles from Satan, pressures from the world, crosses on all hands, &c. And as you cannot want matter, so neither words of prayer. The Spirit will assist, and God will accept, if there be but an honest heart and lawfull petitions. And albeit we cannot vary them as some can; our Saviour in his agony, used the self-same words thrice together in prayer; and so may we, when there is the same matter and occasion. He also had a set form of giving thanks at meat; which the two Disciples at Emaus hearing, knew him by it. A form then may be used, we see, when it is gathered out of theLuk. 24. 30, 31. holy Scriptures, and agreeable thereunto. Neither is the spirit limited hereby: for the largenesse of the heart stands not so much in the multitude and variety of expressions, as in the extent of the affection. Besides, if forms were unlawfull, then neither might we sing Psalms, nor join in prayer with others, nor use the forms prescribed by God. Our Father which art in Heaven] Tertullian calls this prayer, [illegible: 4 words], & [illegible: 1 word] doctrinae [illegible: 1 word] a breviary of the Gospel, and compend of saving doctrin: It is framed in form of the decalogue: the three former Petitions respecting God, the three later, our selves and others. Every word therein hath its weight. Our, there's our charity: Father, there's our faith: In heaven, there's our hope. Father is taken sometimes personally, as in that of our Saviour, My father is greater then I; sometimes essentially, for the Whole Deity, so here. Now, that God is in Heaven, is a notion that heathens also have by nature: and do therefore in distresse, lift up eyes and hands thither-ward. And lest man should not look upward, God hath given to his eyes peculiar nerves, to pull them up towards his habitation; that he might direct his prayer unto him, and look up, Psal.Psal 73. 5. 3. that he might feelingly say with David, Whom have I in Ut au [illegible: 4 words] [illegible: 1 word] Adam. [illegible: 1 word] vita. heaven, but thee? Unto thee lift I up mine eyes, ô thou that dwellest in the heavens. Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their Masters, &c. Psal 123, 1, 2. It is reported of [illegible: 1 word], that he preached so powerfully, that he seemed to thunder, and prayed so earnestly, that he seemed to carry his hearers with him up into heaven. Hallowed be thy Name.] 1. Honoured be thy Majesty. According to thy Name, O God, so is thy praise, Psal. 48. 10. Now Gods Name is holy and reverend, Psal. 111. 9. Great and terrible, Psal. 99. 3. Wonderfull and worthy, Psal. 8. 1. Jam. 2. 7. High and honourable, Isa. 12. 4. Dreadfull among the Heathen, Mal. 1. 14. and exalted above all praise, [illegible: 1 word]. 9. 5. His glory is, as himself, eternally infinite; and so abideth, not capable of our addition or detraction. The Sun would shine, though all the world were blinde, or did wilfully shut their eyes. Howbeit to try how we prize his glory, and how industrious we will be to promote it, God lets us know that he accounts himself, as it were, to receive a new being by those inward conceptions of his glory, and by those outward honours we do him: when we lift up his Elevavit, evexit, conser, Isa. 5. 26. Name as a Standard, saying, Jehovah Nissi, The Lord is my [illegible: 1 word], Exod. 17. 15. When we bear it up aloft (as the word used in [illegible: 1 word] vex l. lum adgentes. [illegible: 3 words] ita inficit sermentū [illegible: 1 word], [illegible: 2 words] quē tant is [illegible: 3 words] tibus, nonut redem, torem expect ant [illegible: 1 word] pecca. to. sed exgentium temporali jugo. D. Prid. Lect. the third Commandment, whereunto this petition answers, signifieth) as servants do their Masters badges upon their shoulders; Being confident (with S. Paul) of this very thing, that in nothing we shall be ashamed (whilest we hallow this holy God, Isa. 5. 16.) bue that with allboldnesse or freedom of speech, as alwaies, so now Christ shall be magnified in our bodies, whether it be by life or by death, Phil. 1. 20.

Verse 10. Thy Kingdom come.] Thy kingdom of power and providence: but especiaily, enlarge thy Kingdom of grace, and hasten thy Kingdom of glory. The Jews pray almost in every praier, Thy Kingdom come, and that Bimheroch, Bejamenu, quickly, even in our daies. But it is for an earthly Kingdom: that which the Apostles also so deeply dreamt of, that our Saviour had very much adoe to dispossesse them. For most absurdly and unseasonably many times, they would ask him foolish questions that way, when he had been discoursing to them of the necessity of his own death, and of their bearing the crosse. [illegible: 1 word], S. John [illegible: 1 word] 9. 34. very wisely interrupts him, one time among the rest, as weary ofvers. 37, 38. such sad matter, and, laying hold on something our Saviour had said by the by, tels him a story of another [illegible: 1 word]. They were besotted with an odde conceit of [illegible: 1 word] and offices to be distributed, here, among them, as once in Davids and Solomons reign. And what shall we think of their opinion, that not content to affirm, that [illegible: 1 word] the fall of Antichrist, the Jews shall have a glorious conversion, and the whole Church such a happy Halcyon, as never before; but also that the Martyrs shall then have their first [illegible: 1 word], and shall raign with Christ a thousand years? [illegible: 1 word] This they [illegible: 1 word] on [illegible: 1 word]. el. [illegible: 1 word] 4. tor holdeth, they shall so raign in heaven. Alstedius not only saith, they shall raign here on earth, but beginneth his millenary about the year of our Lord, 1694. Let our hearts desire and prayer [illegible: 1 word] Rom. 10. 1. God for Israel oe, that they may be saved. Let us also [illegible: 1 word] and pray for such poor souls in Asia and America, as worship the devil: not inwardly only (for so too many do amongst us) but with an outward worship. And this we should the rather do, because Divines think, that when all Israel shall be called, and as it were raised from the dead, Rom. 11. 15, 26. when those two sticks [illegible: 1 word] be joined into one, [illegible: 1 word]. 37. 16. then shall many of those deceived souls, that never yet savingly heard of God, have part and portion in the same resurrection. Thy will be done.] Gods will must be done of thee, ere his kingdom can come to thee. If thou seek his kingdom, seek first his [illegible: 1 word]. 11. 12. righteousnesse, If thou pray, Thy Kingdom come, pray also, Thy Sunt qui [illegible: 1 word] divinae distinctionem in revelatam & arcanam, quasi ipsius [illegible: 3 words] au dent. Sic Siguardin. [illegible: 1 word]. on. Christ. will be done. Pray i, and do it; for other wise, Thou compassest God with lies, as Ephraim did. Now the will of God is two-fold, Secret and Revealed, whatever Siguardus blasphemeth to the contrary. His revealed will again is four-fold, 1. His determining will concerning us, what shall become of us, [illegible: 1 word] 1. 5. 2. His prescribing will, what he requires of us, Ephes. 1. 9. 3. His approving will, by the which he graciously accepts, and [illegible: 1 word] regards those that come to him in faith and [illegible: 1 word], Matth. 18. 14. 4. His disposing will, and this is the will of his providence, Vide Pareum in Jacob. 4. 15. 1 Cor, 1. 1. Rom. 1. 10. Now we should resign our selves over to his determining will, as the highest cause of all things: rest in his approving will, as our chiefest happinesse: obey his prescribing will, as the absolutest and perfectest form of holinesse; and be subject to his disposing will, being patient in all trials and troubles, because he did it, Psal. 39. 9. David hath this commendation, [non-Latin text not transcribed]. that he did all the wills of God. And it is reported (saithAct. 13. 22. M. Bradford) that I shall be burned in Smith-field, and that very shortly. Fiat voluntas Domini, Ecce ego, Domine, mitte me. The Act. and Mon. fol 1502. will of the Lord be done, said those good souls in the Acts, when they saw that Paul was peremptory to go up. This third Petition,Act. [illegible: 1 word]. 41. Thy will be done, &c. was [illegible: 2 words] text that ever M. Beza handled, Deficere potius quam [illegible: 1 word] visus est [illegible: 1 word]. Adam. [illegible: 2 words] died; and departed (rather then [illegible: 1 word]) to do Gods will more [illegible: 1 word] in heaven, as he had done to his power on earth. They that [illegible: 1 word] us do, and [illegible: 1 word] the will of God, are his [illegible: 1 word], Isa. 62. 4. And [illegible: 1 word] should be our constant care so to apply our [illegible: 2 words], that God [illegible: 1 word] take pleasure in us, as in men after his own [illegible: 1 word], and say of us, as he did of Cyrus, He is the man of my will, that executeth all my counsel. This is toIsa. 45. 11. set the crown upon Christs head, Cant. 3. 11. Yea, this is to set the crown upon our own heads, 2 Tim. 4 8. 9. In [illegible: 1 word], as it is in heaven.] By those heavenly Courtiers: TheRevel. 4. 8. crowned Saints [illegible: 1 word] no rest (and yet no [illegible: 1 word],) crying, [illegible: 1 word], holy, &c. They [illegible: 1 word] the Lamb wheresoever he goeth, with [illegible: 1 word], Domine? How long, Lord? &c. Revel. 6. 10. Which words also were M. Calvins symbolum, that he [illegible: 1 word] sighed [illegible: 1 word] Adam. in vita Calvin. [illegible: 1 word]. 100. out, in the behalf of the [illegible: 1 word] Churches. As for the glorious Angels, though they excell in strength, yet they doe Gods [illegible: 1 word], Psal. 103. 20. hearkning to the voice of his Word. They rejoyce [illegible: 1 word]. 18. more in their names of [illegible: 1 word], then of honour, and ever stand beforeDan. 9. [illegible: 1 word]. the face of our heavenly father, as waiting a command for our good: and so willing of their way, that Gabriel is said to have come to comfort Daniel with wearinesse of flight. They do the will of God: 1. Chearfully: whence they are said to have wings, six wings [illegible: 1 word], Isa. 6. 2. 2. Humbly: therefore with two they cover their faces. 3. Faithfully without partiality: with two they covered or harnessed their feet. 4. Speedily and [illegible: 1 word]: with two they flee abroad the world upon Gods errand, and for the good of them that shall be saved, Heb. 1. 14. burning, and being all on a light fire, with infinite love to God andAngeli igniti. his Saints, their fellow-servants, Revel. 22. 9. whence they areShindler. called Seraphims or burning-creatures. 5. Constantly: Jacob sawJob 38. 7. them ascending, to contemplate and praise God, and to ministerHeb. 8. 1. unto him, Dan. 7 10. He saw them also [illegible: 1 word] to dispence [illegible: 3 words]. [illegible: 1 word] benefits, and to [illegible: 1 word] his [illegible: 1 word], Revel. 15. 6. This they do. 1. Justly; whence they are said ([illegible: 1 word]) to be clothed in pure white linen. 2. Diligently, and constantly: therefore they have their brests girded. 3. [illegible: 1 word], and with faith in [illegible: 1 word] Gods Commandments: [illegible: 1 word] are [illegible: 1 word] said to have golden girdles; Go ye now, and do [illegible: 1 word]: otherwise ye may be as [illegible: 1 word], for gifts and good parts, and yet have your part with the [illegible: 1 word] and his black Angels.

Verse 11. Give us this day.] We have not a bit of bread of our own earning, but must get our living by begging. Peter himself was to obtain his very bread by humble petition, how much more his salvation? He that shall go to God, as the Predigall did, with, Give me the portion that pertaineth to me, shall receive the [illegible: 1 word] of sinne, which is eternall death. God giveth meat in [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 3 words]. (saith Elihu) That thou givest, they gather, saith David. And [illegible: 1 word], [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 1 word] 28 Thou givest them their meat in due season. Now what more [illegible: 1 word] then gift? Beggers also pay no debts, but acknowledge their [illegible: 4 words]. insufficiency, and speak supplications in a low language, as broken men: so must we. Oh lie daily begging at the beautifull gate of heaven: look intently upon God, as he did, Act. 3. upon [non-Latin text not transcribed]. Peter and John, expecting to receive something. And, because beggers must be no chusers, ask as our Saviour here directs, 1. [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 1 word] opponit [illegible: 1 word] libis & [illegible: 1 word], l. 1. [illegible: 1 word]. 10. quality, bread only, not manchet or junkets, but down-right houshold bread (as the word imports) the bread of carefulnesse or sorrows, Psal. 127. 2. which the singing Psalms interpret, [illegible: 1 word] bread. Our Saviour gave thanks for barley-bread: and his Disciples were glad to make a Sabbath-dayes-dinner of a few ears of corn rubbed between their fingers. A very Philosopher could say, He that can feed upon green herbs, need not please [illegible: 2 words] se cum [illegible: 3 words] esse de [illegible: 2 words], si aquam [illegible: 1 word] & [illegible: 1 word]. AEhan. Dionysius, need not flatter any man. And Epicurus himself would not doubt to content himself as well as he that hath most, might he but have a morsel of course meat, and a draught of cold water, The Israelites had soon enough of their quails: they had quails with a vengeance, because Manna would not content them. They died with the meat in their mouthes: and, by a hasty testament, [illegible: 1 word] a new name to the place of their buriall, Kibroth-[illegible: 1 word], the graves of lust: Cibus & potus sunt divitiae Christianorum, [illegible: 1 word]. saith Hierom: Meat and drink are the Christian mans riches. [illegible: 1 word]. Bread and cheese (saith another) with the Gospel is good chear, [illegible: 1 word] is content with a [illegible: 1 word], grace with [illegible: 1 word], saith a third. [illegible: 2 words] me [illegible: 2 words] vel [illegible: 1 word]. ei, [illegible: 1 word]. 30 8. A godly man as he asketh but for bread; so (2) for the quantity, [illegible: 1 word] for daily bread, the bread of the day for the day, enough to [illegible: 1 word] him [illegible: 1 word] with Jacob, [illegible: 1 word] much only as will bear his [illegible: 1 word], till he [illegible: 1 word] again to his fathers house. He passeth thorowI he [illegible: 3 words] [non-Latin text not transcribed], [illegible: 1 word] [non-Latin text not transcribed] [illegible: 3 words] [illegible: 1 word]. the [illegible: 1 word], as Israel thorow the [illegible: 1 word], content with his Omer [illegible: 1 word] the day, with his [illegible: 1 word]-measure, with his fathers [illegible: 1 word]. As he journeyeth to the promised land, he bespeaks the world, as Israel did Edom, thorow whose Countrey they would [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 1 word]. 21. [illegible: 1 word] & [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 1 word], Ale. [illegible: 2 words]: Let me passe thorow thy land. We will not turn [illegible: 2 words] the fields nor vineyards: neither will we drinke of the water of thy Wells: we will goe by the Kings-high way, until we be past thy [illegible: 1 word]. [non-Latin text not transcribed]. And as a traveller when he cometh to his Inne, if he can [illegible: 1 word] ab Ar. [illegible: 1 word] ad facultates [illegible: 1 word] accersitus, [non-Latin text not transcribed], [illegible: 1 word], [non-Latin text not transcribed] [illegible: 1 word] ep. get a better room or lodging, he will: as if not, he is content, for he considereth it's but for a night: So the Christian pilgrim. If God [illegible: 1 word] him in a plentifull estate, he gladly makes [illegible: 1 word] of it; [illegible: 1 word] if otherwise he can live with a little: and if his means be not [illegible: 1 word] his minde, he can bring his minde to his means, and live upon [illegible: 1 word]. Give him but [illegible: 1 word], he stands not upon [illegible: 1 word]. Give him but daily bread, that is, bread for necessity, [illegible: 1 word] the Syriack, so much as will hold life and soul together, saith S [illegible: 1 word] Panem [illegible: 1 word]. Syr. Vitae conserva. [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 1 word]. Brentius. Sufficient to uphold and sustain nature, saith Beza (with the Greek Scholiast) that where with our nature and [illegible: 1 word] may be content, and he is [illegible: 1 word] apaid and [illegible: 1 word]: he cries out with Jacob, I have enough; and with David, The lines are fallen unto me in afair place. A little of the [illegible: 3 words] In Annotat. turn to carry him thorow his pilgrimage: in his [illegible: 1 word] house [illegible: 2 words] esse possit [illegible: 1 word] & [illegible: 2 words]. [illegible: 1 word]. he knows is bread enough, Luke 16. And on the [illegible: 1 word] of that he goes on as merrily, and feeds as sweetly as [illegible: 1 word] did of his honey-comb, or Hunniades, when he [illegible: 1 word] with his shepherds. [non-Latin text not transcribed]. This day] Or as S. Luke hath it, by the day: for who is [illegible: 1 word] of [illegible: 1 word]? May not his [illegible: 1 word] this night be taken from him? We [illegible: 1 word] [non-Latin text not transcribed], as Diogenes was wont to say of [illegible: 1 word]: and should (as [illegible: 1 word] speaketh of the birds and [illegible: 1 word]) in diem Tur. [illegible: 1 word]: 10. [non-Latin text not transcribed] [illegible: 1 word]; taking no further thought then for the present [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 3 words] 20. [non-Latin text not transcribed]. The Turks never build any thing [illegible: 1 word] for their own private [illegible: 1 word], but contenting themselves with [illegible: 1 word] simple cottages, how mean [illegible: 1 word], commonly say, that they be good enough for the time of their short [illegible: 1 word]. Turk hist. f. 342.

Verse 12. And forgive us our debts, &c.] Loose us (saith [illegible: 2 words]) and let us goe free: for [illegible: 1 word] sinners are in the [non-Latin text not transcribed] bond of [illegible: 1 word], as Simon [illegible: 1 word]; and [illegible: 1 word] is called a [illegible: 1 word], Rom. 3 25. The guilt of [illegible: 1 word] is an [illegible: 1 word], binding [illegible: 1 word] over to [illegible: 2 words]. God hath against us, Matth. 5. [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 1 word] our hand-writing, which is contrary to us, Coloss. 2. 14. This [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 1 word] against himself, Psal. 32. 5. and upon [illegible: 1 word] praier obtained pardon. He only acknowledged the debt, and God [illegible: 1 word] the book. God crossed the black lines of his [illegible: 1 word] with the red lines of his Sonnes bloud. Thou forgavest me (saith David) the iniquity of my sinne; the maliguity of it, the [illegible: 1 word] thing that was in it. For this shall every one that is godly pray [illegible: 1 word] thee, by mine example, and obtain like favour. For our God is [illegible: 1 word] sin-pardoning God, Nehem. 9. 31. none like him, Mica. 7. 18. He forgiveth sinne naturally, Exod. 34. 6. abundantly, Isa, 55. 7, constantly, Joh. 1. 27. He doth take away the sinnes of the world. [illegible: 1 word] a perpetuall act of his, as the Sunne doth shine, as the spring doth runne, Zech. 13. 1. The [illegible: 1 word] is not weary of seeing, nor the ear of [illegible: 1 word]: [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 1 word] 8. No more is God of shewing mercy. All sins, yea, and [illegible: 1 word] shall be forgiven to the sons of men, saith our Saviour: [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 2 words]. as the sea covers not only small sands, but huge rocks. Christ [illegible: 1 word] [non-Latin text not transcribed] the propitiation or covering for our sins, are they how many, and1 Ioh. [illegible: 1 word]. how great soever, as was sweetly shadowed of old by the [illegible: 1 word] Exod. 25. 17. covering the Law, the mercy-seat covering the Ark, and the [non-Latin text not transcribed] [illegible: 1 word]. Cherubims over them, both covering one another. In allusion [illegible: 1 word], [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 1 word]. 32. 1, [illegible: 1 word]. whereunto, Blessed, saith David, is the man whose transgression is forgiven, whose sinne is covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord imputeth not sinne. A metaphor from merchants, who when they will forgive a debt, doe not put it into the reckoning, and so, doe not impute it. Sinne casteth men deep into debt and arrearages with God. It is called a debt of ten thousand talents. [illegible: 1 word]. 18. 24 It casts a man into a [illegible: 1 word] condition, makes himSo Luk 7. 47. hide his face for shame, as Adam, causeth a continuall sound ofLuk. 13 4. fear in his ears: so that he thinks every bush a bailiff, every shrub [illegible: 1 word] sergeant, &c. An evil conscience hunts him, follows him up and down so close, like a bloud-hound, hot-foot, that he sometimes serves himself, as that Jesuite in Lancashire, followed by one that had found his glove, with a desire to restore it to him; but pursued inwardly with a guilty conscience, leaps over a hedge, plunges into a marlepit behinde it unseen and unthought of, wherein Wards Serm. [illegible: 1 word] was [illegible: 1 word]. This and worse is the case of a poor [illegible: 2 words], [illegible: 1 word] is caught and [illegible: 1 word] up in prison, laid fast in bonds and [illegible: 1 word] of [illegible: 1 word]; and what can he give in exchange for his soul? [illegible: 1 word]. 16 [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 2 words] the [illegible: 1 word], nor [illegible: 1 word] off the arrest: [illegible: 1 word] or [illegible: 1 word], [illegible: 1 word] will serve him with a writ to appear, and [illegible: 1 word] at the great [illegible: 1 word], [illegible: 1 word] Gods tribunall. [illegible: 1 word] doth [illegible: 1 word] excuse him: for [illegible: 1 word] is [illegible: 1 word], whether a man know of [illegible: 1 word] or not, and will light so much the more heavily, by how much [illegible: 2 words] is done upon him more unexpectedly. Now there [illegible: 1 word] no way in the [illegible: 1 word] of discharging this debt, but by the [illegible: 1 word] of Christ [illegible: 2 words], who hath paid the utmost farthing for [illegible: 1 word] elect. This good Samaritan hath discharged all for us: and [illegible: 1 word] for [illegible: 1 word] sake accounts of our sinnes, as if they had never [illegible: 1 word] committed. He bindes them in a bundle, [illegible: 1 word] them up as [illegible: 1 word], Dan. 9 24. and casteth them behinde him, as old [illegible: 1 word] into the bottom of the sea, and all, because mercy pleaseth [illegible: 1 word], Mica. 7. 19. This he doth at first conversion, when he [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 1 word] 3. 2. sinner, Rom. 3. And whereas in many things we sinne all, we [illegible: 1 word] a pardon of course for those weaknesses, that are of daily [illegible: 1 word], included in that generall pardon, which we have upon [illegible: 2 words] repentance. Only he looketh we should sue out our [illegible: 1 word], by daily prayer for it. Intreat we God to remit our [illegible: 1 word]; and, sith he must be satisfied, to take it out of his Sonnes [illegible: 2 words], who is become surety for us; and saith unto his Father in [illegible: 1 word], as Paul to Philemon, If this Onesimus of mine hath wronged Philem. 18, 19. [illegible: 1 word], or [illegible: 1 word] thee ought, put that on mine account. As we forgive our debtours.] Not as if God should therefore forgive us, because we forgive others; but this is the argument. We do and can, by Gods grace, forgive them, therefore God can [illegible: 1 word] will much more forgive us; sith all our goodnesse is but a spark [illegible: 1 word] his [illegible: 1 word], a drop of his ocean. No article of our Creed is so [illegible: 2 words] by Satan, as that of the forgivenesse of [illegible: 1 word] by [illegible: 2 words], which is the very soul of a Church, and the life of good soul. All the former Articles of the Creed are perfected in his, and all the following Articles are effects of this. Now one [illegible: 2 words] of [illegible: 1 word] us in the sound [illegible: 1 word] of the pardon of [illegible: 1 word] own debts, [illegible: 1 word], if we can forgive our debtours. He that can put [illegible: 1 word] all purpose of [illegible: 1 word], and freely forgive his brother, may with boldnesse ask and expect forgivenesse at Gods hands. For [illegible: 1 word] rejoyceth against judgement; and our love to others is but aJam. [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 1 word] of Gods [illegible: 1 word] to us. It is a fruit of [illegible: 1 word] faith, [illegible: 1 word]. 17. 4, 5. It is [illegible: 1 word] a sweet [illegible: 1 word] of our [illegible: 1 word], Col. 3. 12, 13, [illegible: 1 word] an effectuall [illegible: 1 word] of our [illegible: 1 word]. For [illegible: 1 word] our [illegible: 1 word] shall commend the righteousnesse of God, Rom. 3. 5. both in [illegible: 1 word] of his [illegible: 2 words] in pardoning so great sinnes, and our thankfull acknowledging of that grace in walking [illegible: 1 word] of it. Now if any ask, Why the petition for pardon of sin, is set [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 1 word]. that for daily bread? It is answered, 1. In [illegible: 1 word] four former petitions we pray for good things: In [non-Latin text not transcribed]. the two later we pray against evil. 2. Our Saviour [illegible: 1 word] herein to our infirmity, who [illegible: 1 word] sooner trust God for pardon then provision, for a [illegible: 2 words] a [illegible: 1 word]. 3. That by an argument from the lesse to the greater, we [illegible: 1 word] the more boldly beg spirituals.

Verse 13. And lead us not into temptation.] Here we beg sanctification, as in the former petition, [illegible: 1 word]: and are taught after [illegible: 1 word] of sins, to look for temptations, and to pray [illegible: 1 word] them. Temptations are either of [illegible: 1 word] (and so God tempts men) or of perdition, and so the devil. Both [illegible: 1 word] great temptations began with one strain, [non-Latin text not transcribed], Get thee [illegible: 1 word], Gen. 12. 1. Gen. 22. 2. Here God led Abraham into temptation, but he delivered him from evil: yea, he tempted him and proved him, to doe him good in his later end. His usuall way is, to bring [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 1 word]. 8. to heaven by hell-gates, to draw light cut of darknesse, [illegible: 2 words] of evil: As the skilfull Apothecary maketh of a poisonfull viper, [illegible: 2 words] triacle; as the cunning Artificer with a crooked unsightly tool, frameth a straight and beautifull piece of work: [illegible: 1 word] the AEgyptian birds are said to pick wholsome food out of the Serpents eggs: or as the Athenian Magistrates by giving to [illegible: 1 word] hemlock (a poisonous herb) preserved the Commonwealth. The devil tempts either by way of seducement, [illegible: 1 word]. 1. 15. or grievance, 2 [illegible: 1 word]. 127. In the former he excites our [illegible: 1 word], rubs the fire-brand, and makes it send forth [illegible: 1 word] sparkles, carries us away by some pleasing object, as the fish by the bait. Yet hath he only a perswading sleight, not an enforcing might: our own [illegible: 1 word] carrieth the greatest stroke. In the later (those [illegible: 1 word] of buffeting or grievance, horrid and hideous thoughts of Atheisme, Idolatry, blasphemy, [illegible: 1 word], &c.) himself, for most part, is the sole doer, to trouble us in our Christian course, and make us run heavily toward heaven. The Russians are so malicious one toward another, that you shall have a [illegible: 1 word] hide some of his own goods in his house whom he hateth, [illegible: 1 word] Geog. pag 243. and [illegible: 1 word] accuse him for the stealth of them. Such is the devils dealing oft times with Gods dearest children: He darts into their [illegible: 1 word] his [illegible: 1 word] injections, and then would perswade them, that they are accessary to the act. Here our victory is, not to give place to the devil, but to resist stedfast in the faith. Which that we may, pray we alwaies with all prayer and supplication, Ephes 6. 18. pray as [illegible: 1 word] Saviour did, Father keep them from the evil, or from wickednesse, Joh. 17. 15. Pray as our Saviour bids, Lead us not, &c. that is, either keep us from occasions of sinne, or carry us over them. Either preserve us from [illegible: 1 word] into sinne, or help us to rise out of sinne by [illegible: 1 word]: grant us to be either innocent or penitent. Deliver us from those devoratory evils (as Tertullian calleth them,) such sinnes as might frustrate perseverance, 2 Thes. 3. 3. And from that evil or wicked one, that he touch us not, [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 1 word] 5. 18. that is, [illegible: 2 words] (as [illegible: 1 word] expounds it) with a deadly touch, so as [illegible: 1 word] altar us from our gracious disposition. Howbeit, sin and temptation come both under one name in this [illegible: 1 word], to warn us and teach us, that we can no further shun sinne, then we doe temptation thereunto. For [illegible: 1 word] is the Kingdom] That is, all soveraignty is originally and [illegible: 1 word] invested in thee. Other Kings are but thy servants and [illegible: 1 word], by thee they raign, Prov. 8. 15. and of thee they [illegible: 1 word] their power, Rom. 13. 1. Where then will they appear, that say to the the King Apostata, Job. 34. 18. that send messagesLuk. [illegible: 1 word]. 14. after him, saying, We will not have this man to raign over us: thatExod. 2. 14. bespeak [illegible: 1 word], as that Hebrew did Moses, Who made thee a Prince and a Judge amongst us? should they not rather send a Lamb toIsa. 16. 1. this [illegible: 1 word] of the earth? and bring a present to Fear? should theyPsal. 76. 11. not [illegible: 1 word] to his scepter, and confesse his soveraignty? And the power.] Some have Kingdoms, that yet want power to help their subjects: as that King of Israel that answered her,2 King. 6. 17. that had [illegible: 1 word] her childe, in that sharp famine of Samaria; where an Asses head was worth four pounds: If the Lord doe not help, whence shall I help? But the King of heaven is never at such a Non-plus, He can doe [illegible: 1 word] he will; and he will doe whatsoever is meet to be done, for the good of his servants and suppliants. Peter wanted power to deliver Christ, [illegible: 1 word] wanted [illegible: 2 words]. will, but God wants neither: what a comfort's that? Let us rest [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 1 word]. on his mighty arm, and cast the labouring Church into his everlasting arms. He is able to doe more then we can ask or think, and will not fail to keep that which we have committed unto him against that [illegible: 1 word], 2 Tim. 1. 14. And the glory] To wit of granting our requests. Praises will follow upon prayers obtained, Psal. 50. 15. what a man winnes by prayer, he will wear with thankfullnesse. Now who so offereth [illegible: 3 words]. [illegible: 1 word], he glorifieth me, saith God: And the Gentiles did not [illegible: 1 word] God, neither were thankefull, Rom. 1. 21, 28. But the 24 Elders ascribe unto him glory and honour. And this is a most powerfull [illegible: 1 word]. 4. [illegible: 1 word]. argument in prayer, as are also the two former. And it pleaseth God well, to hear his children reason it out with him [illegible: 1 word], [illegible: 2 words]. 9, 10, 11, 12 as Iacob did, and the woman of Canaan. Because by shewing [illegible: 1 word]. 15. [illegible: 1 word], [illegible: 1 word]. such reasons of their requests, as our Saviour here directs us, they shew proof of their knowledge, faith, confidence, &c. And befides they doe much confirm their own faith, and stir up good affections in prayer. Amen.] This Hebrew word, [illegible: 1 word] remaineth untranslated in [illegible: 5 words]. most languages, is either prefixed or proposed to a sentence, and [illegible: 1 word] it is a note of certain and earnest asseveration; or else it is affixed, and opposed, and so it is a note either of assent or assurance. Of assent; and that either of the understanding to the truth of that that is uttered, as in the end of the Creed and four Gospels; or of the will and affections, for the obtaining of our petitions, 1 Cor. 14. 16. how shall he say Amen at thy giving of thanks? Of assurance next, as in this place, and many others. It is the voice of one that beleeveth and expecteth that he shall have his prayers granted. It is as much as so be [illegible: 1 word], yea, so it shall be.

Verse 14. For if ye forgive men their trespasses] Our Saviour resumeth, and inculcateth the fifth petition with a repetition; because upon charity (which is chiefly seen in giving and forgiving) hangeth, after a sort, the restfull successe of all our [illegible: 1 word], 2 Tim. 2. 8. Malice is a leaven that swels the heart, and [illegible: 1 word] the sacrifice, 1 Cor. 5. 7, 8. Out with it therefore, that we [illegible: 1 word] keep the feast or holy day; that we may (as we ought to doe) [non-Latin text not transcribed] keep a constant jubilee, nexus solvendo, & noxas remittende. [illegible: 2 words] [non-Latin text not transcribed] This, [illegible: 1 word] and bloud will not easily yeeld to. But we are not debters to the flesh, we owe it nothing, but the blew eye that S. Paul gave it. When Peter heard that he might not recompense to any [illegible: 1 word] for evil, but must studiously seek his conversion and salvation. Lord, saith he, how oft shall my brother sinne against me, and I forgive him? till seven times, this he thought a mighty deal; a very high pitch of perfection. Our Saviour tells him, till seventy times seven times, that is, infinitly, and without stint: yet hē alludes to Peters seven, and, as it were, alludes it, and his rashnesse in setting bounds to this duty, and prescribing, how oft, to him that was the wiledom of the Father. This is when my brother returneth, and saith, It repents me: [illegible: 1 word]. But what if he doe not? In forgiving an offendour, say Divines, there are three things.Sol. 1. The letting fall all wrath and desire of revenge. 2. A solemn Dikes Worthy Communicant. p. 3. [illegible: 1 word]. profession of forgivenesse. 3. Reacceptance into former familiarity. The first must be done however. For the second, If he say, I repent; I must say; I remit, Luk. 18. To the third, a man is not bound till satisfaction be given. Your heavenly father will also forgive you.] Yet is not our forgiving men, the cause of his forgiving us, but a necessary antecedent. The cause is only the free mercy of God in Christ. He puts away our iniquities for his own sake, Isa. 43. 25. Neverthelesse, forasmuch as he hath [illegible: 1 word] us this promise here, our forgiving others Annot in Luk. 11. 4. (saith learned Beza) seemeth to have the nature of an intervenient [illegible: 1 word], a cause, sine qua non, of his forgiving us.

Verse 15. But if ye will not, &c.] This is a matter much to be observed, therefore so often inculcated. Iudgement without mercy, Jam. 2. 13. shall be to them that shew no mercy. There's but a hairs bredth betwixt him and hell, that hath not his sins pardoned in heaven. Such is the case of every one that doth not from his heart forgive his offending brother, Mat. 18. 35. or that saith, I will forgive the fault, but not forget the matter, or affect the person. Men must forbear one another, and forgive one another, as Christ forgave them; and that if any man have a quarrel against any, Col. 3. 13. for [non-Latin text not transcribed]. else what thanks is it? The glory of a man is to passe by [illegible: 1 word].Prov. 19. 11. It is more comfortable to love a friend, but more honourable to love an enemy. If thou reserve in thy minde any peece of the wrong, thou provokest and daily prayest God to reserve for thee a peece of his wrath; which burneth as low as the nethermost Deut. 32. [illegible: 1 word]. hell. Neither will it help any, to do as Latimer reporteth of some in his daies, who being not Willing to forgive their enemies, would not say their Pater-noster at all: but insteed thereof, [illegible: 1 word] our Ladies. Psalter in hand; because they were perswaded, that [illegible: 1 word]. Serm by that, they might obtain forgivenesse of their fins of favour, without putting in of so hard a condition as the forgivenes of their enemies into the bargain. Neither will your Father forgive your tresp [illegible: 1 word]] And if [illegible: 1 word] doe not, who can give pardon or peace, saith he in Iob? The Rhemists talke much of one that could remove mountains, God only can remove those mountains of guilt that lye upon the soul. [illegible: 1 word] may forgive the trespasse, God only the transgression. Against [illegible: 1 word], thee only have I sinned, saith David: And, to the Lord [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 1 word]. 51. 4. God belongeth mercies and forgivenesses, saith Daniel. Ministers [illegible: 1 word]. 9. 9. remit [illegible: 1 word] ministerially as Nathan did; God only [illegible: 1 word], and by his own power. If the Son set us free, we are free indeed, Who shall lay any thing to the charge of Gods pardoned ones? It is God that justifieth. Or as S. Austin readeth the words interrogatively, shall God that justifieth? No verily: that were to dot and undoe: he keepeth no back-reckonings. Fear not therefore, though the Devil or his imps, or our own misgiving [illegible: 1 word] condemn us: as the prisoner careth not though tha goaler or his fellow-prisoners condemn him, so long as the Judge acquitteth him.

Verse 16. Moreover, when ye fast.] Fast then they must, [illegible: 1 word] even after the Lords ascension, when Gods grace and Spirit was poured upon them in all abundance, Luk. 5 35. This exercise hath still the warrant and weight of a duty, as well from precepts as examples of both Testaments, And he that blamed the Pharisees [illegible: 1 word] 2. [illegible: 1 word]. here for fasting amisse, will much more blame those that fast not [illegible: 1 word]. 22. 12. [illegible: 1 word] 9. 14, 15. at all, The Israelites (besides other occasionall) had their annuallActs [illegible: 1 word]. 3. fast appointed them by God, Lev. 23. 27. It was called a day [illegible: 2 words] 7 5. of Expiations or Attonements in the plurall; because of their many and sundry sinnes they were then to bewail and get pardon for. God had appointed them sundry sacrifices for severall sinnes: But for [illegible: 1 word] as it might not be safe to confesse some sinnes to the Priest (as those that might bring them, by the Law, in danger of death) of his grace he vouchsafed them this yearly fast, for expiation of their secret sinnes, and making their peace with their Maker, by a generall humiliation. Now, albeit the circumstance of time be abolished, the equity of the duty abideth, and tieth us no [illegible: 1 word] (if not more) then it did the Jews. Heathen [illegible: 1 word] practised it: so did, in their superstitious way, the AEgyptian Priests, the Persian Magi, Indian Wizzards, Priamus in Homer, &c. The Turks at this day have their solemn fasts, (as before the fatall assault of Constantinople) wherein they will not so much as taste a cup of water, or wash their mouthes with water all the day long, before the starres appear in the skie: which maketh their fasts (especially in the summer, when the daies be long and hot,) to be unto them very tedious. In the year of grace 1030. Turk. Hist. fol. [illegible: 1 word], 777. there arose a [illegible: 1 word] of Fasters, that affirmed, that to fast on Saturdaies with bread and water (as they called it) would suffice to Ex illa Syno. dica conclusione, seriâ [illegible: 1 word] jejunare constituerat, secta illa le junantium, originem suam habuisse videatur. Funcc. Chronol. the remission of all sinnes; so that men bound themselves to it by oath. And many French Bishops voted with them: But Gerardus Episcopus Cameracensis withstood and abandoned them. So great ignorance was there, even then, of the merits of Christ among the governours of the Church. The Papists slander us, that we count fasting no duty, but only a morall temperance, a fasting from sinne, a matter of meer policie: And out-brave us, as much as the Pharisees did the Disciples with their often fasting. But, as we cannot but finde fault with their fasts in that; First, They set and appoint certain fasting-daies howsoever, to be observed, upon pain of damnation, be the times clear or cloudy, &c. Secondly, They fast from certain meats only, not all; which is a meer mock-fast, and a doctrine of devils, 1 Tim. 4. 3. Thirdly, They make it a service Cave, ne si [illegible: 1 word] coeperis, te [illegible: 1 word] esse sanctum! [illegible: 6 words], non [illegible: 2 words], &c. [illegible: 1 word], ad [illegible: 1 word]. of God, yet consecrate it to the Saints. Fourthly, They make shamefull sale of it. Fifthly, They ascribe (as those older Hereticks) merit unto it, even to the meer outward abstinence, as these Pharisees did, and those hypocrites in Isaiah, chap. 58. 3. Now as we cannot but condemn their superstition, so neither is our forlorn oscitancy and dullnesse to this duty to be excused. God hath given us, alate especially (many gracious opportunities of publike Humiliations, more, I think, then ever before, since the Reformation: But [illegible: 1 word], how doe many fast, at such times, for fashion, fear of Law, or of meer form; so that they had need to send, as the Prophet speaketh, for mourning women, that by their cunning they may be taught to mourn, Ier. 19. 17? And for private fasting, whether domesticall with a mans family, Zech. 12. 12. 1 Cor. 7. 5. Acts 10. 30. or personall by himself, as here, Matth. 6. 17. We may [illegible: 1 word] to have dealt with it, as the Romanes with the Tarquines: they banished all of that name for Superbus his sake. And as the Nicopolites are said to have hated the braying of an [illegible: 1 word], that, for that cause, they would not endure the sound of [illegible: 2 words]: So many are departed so farre from Popish fasts, [illegible: 2 words] fast not at all; and so open the mouthes of the adversaries. But acquaint thy self with this duty, thou that wouldest be [illegible: 1 word] with God. It is a fore-tast of eternall life, [illegible: 1 word] in holy practises we tast the sweetnesse of that heavenly Manna, this Angels food, those soul-fatting viands, that makes us, for a time, to forbear our appointed food. It is a help to the understanding of heavenly mysteries, as Daniel found it, It fits us for conversion, [illegible: 1 word] 9 [illegible: 1 word]. Ioel 2. 12. and furthers it, Acts 9. 9. Hence it is called a [illegible: 1 word] of Humiliation, or of humbling the soul, Lev. 16. because God usually by that Ordinance gives an humble heart, to the which he hath promised both grace, 1 Pet. 5. 5, and glory, Prov. 15. 33. It [illegible: 1 word] out corruption, and is to the soul as washing to a room, which is more then sweeping; or as scouring to the vessel, which is more then ordinary washing. It subdues rebell-flesh, which with fullnesse1 [illegible: 1 word]. 9. 27. [illegible: 1 word]. 16. of bread will wax wanton, as Sodom, [illegible: 1 word], [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 1 word]. 32. 15. It testifies true repentance, by this holy revenge, 2 Cor. 7. 11. [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 1 word]. whiles we thus amerce and punish our selves, by a voluntary forgoing [illegible: 3 words]. of the [illegible: 1 word] and commodities of life, as altogether unworthy, Psal. 35. 13. What shall I say more? Hereby we are daily drawn to more obedience, and love to God, faith in him, and communion with him; a more holy frame of soul, and habit of heavenly-mindednesse: Whence our Saviour, after this direction for fasting, immediatly subjoins that of laying up for our selves, treasure in heaven, ver. 19, 20. And lastly our prayers shall be hereby edged, winged, and made to soar aloft, which before flagged, sainted, and as it were groveled on the ground. Therefore [illegible: 5 words]. our Saviour, here, next after matter of prayer, adds this of fasting, which is a necessary adjunct of prayer (that which is extraordinary especially) as that which very much fits the heart for prayer,Bern. [illegible: 2 words]. [illegible: 2 words]. 4. and the severe practise of repentance. Hence it is, that else where, these two fasting and prayer go coupled, for most part, as Luk. [illegible: 1 word]. 37. Matth. 17. 21. 1 Cor. 7. 5, &c. A full belly, neither studies, nor prayes willingly. Fasting enflames prayer, and prayer [illegible: 1 word] fasting; especially, when we fast and weep, Joel 2. 13. fast and watch, watch and pray, and take heed to both, Mark. 13. 33. Be not as the hypocrites] For they fast not to God, Zech. 7. 5, 11, 12. but to themselves, they pine the body, but pamper the flesh, Quid [illegible: 2 words] absti. [illegible: 3 words], [illegible: 4 words] super. bia? [illegible: 1 word].they hang down their heads, Isa. 58. 5. but their hearts stand bolt [illegible: 1 word] within them. Their fasting is either superstitious or secure; whiles they rest in the work done, or with opinion of merit; whereas the Kingdom of heaven is not in meat and drink. And whether we eat or eat not, we are neither the more nor the lesse [illegible: 1 word]. 14. 17. accepted of God, They fast for strife and debate, and to make [illegible: 2 words]. [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 1 word]. their voices to be heard on high: Whereas secrecy in this duty, is [illegible: 1 word], 58. 4. the [illegible: 1 word] argument of sincerity. They loose not the bands of wickednesse, nor break off their sinnes by repentance: therefore God regards not (which they repine at) but rejects their considence, and answers them according to the idols of their hearts. When they fast, saith he, I will not hear their cry, Jer. 14. 1, 2. they are not [illegible: 1 word] san. [illegible: 1 word] as duplex iniquit as, a button the better for all they can doe. Displeasing service proves a double dishonour; their outsidenesse is an utter abomination: they present the Great King with an empty cask, with a heartlesse sacrifice, with a bare carcasse of Religion, as the Poets feign of [illegible: 1 word]. Of a sad countenance] Make not a sowre face, look not grim [non-Latin text not transcribed], [illegible: 1 word] oculis, & subductus supercilijs [illegible: 2 words] Chemnit. [non-Latin text not transcribed], Christus-alladit ad [illegible: 1 word], quibus Mimi velati in [illegible: 1 word] prodibant, ut cum alias essent [illegible: 1 word] sellivè, ridiculi, repraesenta [illegible: 1 word] vultum [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 1 word]. Chemnit. and gastly, as the word signifieth; so that one would be afraid to look on them, they doe so disfigure their faces, so wanze and wither their countenences, so deform, and (as S. Ierom rendreth it) demolish their naturall complexions; pining themselves, to make their faces pale and meager, that they may be noted and noticed for great fasters. Such a one was that Non-such Ahab, and those [illegible: 1 word] bullrushes, Isa. 58. 5. those hollow hypocrites, Ier. 14. 12. that proud Patriarch of Constantinople, that first affected the stile of Universall Bishop; and is therefore pointed at by Gregory the great, as the forerunner of Antichrist: yet by his frequent fasting, this proud man merited to be sirnamed Iohannes Nestentes, Iohn the Faster. Such pains men will put themselves to for a Name, so far they will trouble themselves to go to hell with credit. The Jesuits had set forth a Psalter, a little afore theArch. Vsher, Gravis. quest. powder plot should have been acted, for the good successe of a wicked counter-Parliament. And to increase the iniquity, with wicked Iezabel, they would colour it with a fast: yea with blasphemous Rabshakeh, they would by their hypocriticall practises, bearSpec. bel sac. the world in hand, that they came not up against us without the Lord. That they may appear unto men to fast.] There is a great deal of seemingnesse, and much counterfeit grace abroad. The sorcerers seemed to doe as much as Moses, the Pharisees to doe more, this way, then the Disciples. But bodily exercise profiteth little. Somewhat it may get at Gods hands, as Ahab, for a temporary repentance, had a temporall deliverance; such is Gods munificence, he is rich in mercy, to all that doe him any duty. But if the leaves of this [illegible: 1 word] be so medicinable, what is the fruit? If the shadow thereof be so [illegible: 1 word], what the substance? If the shell so profitable, [illegible: 5 words]. what the kernell? Oh let us rather seek to be good, then [illegible: 1 word] to be so: lest the Lord say of our outward shews, as Iacob said of Iosephs coat, Gen. 37. 33. the coat is the coat of my sonne, some evil beast hath devoured him. So, the outward form of their fasting, praying, practising, is the form of my sonnes and daughters, but some evil spirit hath devoured them, that use it in hypocrisie. Lest men also say unto such, as John Caepocius did to Pope Innocent the third, preaching peace, and sowing discord; You speak like a God, but doe like a devil. You are fair professours, [illegible: 5 words]. but foul sinners. And when the filthy sinner goes damned to hell, what shall become of the seeming Saint? As the clown said to the Bishop of Cullen praying in the Church like a Bishop, but as he was Duke, going guarded like a tyrant, Whither thinkest thou the [illegible: 1 word] of [illegible: 1 word]. Bishop shall go, when the Duke shall be damned? They have their reward] All they lookt after, and all they are to look for. The Eagle though she fly high, yet hath an eye to the prey below all the while. So hath the hypocrite to profit, credit, or [illegible: 1 word] other base respects, and let him take it, saith our Saviour. Non equidem invideo, miror magis.— Breath they have for breath; much good doe them with it.

Verse 17. But thou when thou fastest, anoint thine head, &c.] Not but that a man is bound at such a time, to abridge [illegible: 1 word] of [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 1 line] comforts and delights of life, whence it is called a day of restraint, Joel 2. 15. and of afflicting the soul. The Ninevites sate in [illegible: 1 word], as unworthy [illegible: 1 word] any covering. Others put ashes on their heads, in token that they deserved to be as far [illegible: 1 word], as now [illegible: 1 word] were above ground. David lay on the [illegible: 1 word], 2 [illegible: 1 word]. 12. 16. Daniel laid aside all delights of sense, as musick, mirth, [illegible: 1 word], [illegible: 1 word], &c. Our Saviour fasted to the humbling of his soul, Psal. 35 13. weakning of his knees, Psal. 69. 10. [illegible: 1 word] and [illegible: 1 word] of [illegible: 1 word] body, Psal. 109 24. And when [illegible: 1 word] the [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 9 words]. [illegible: 2 words] him wine mingled with myrthe, to [illegible: 2 words], and make him [illegible: 1 word] sensible of his pain, he received it not, [illegible: 1 word]. 15 23. To [illegible: 1 word] us ([illegible: 1 word] a [illegible: 2 words]) in our extraordinary humilations for our sinnes, to forbear all such refreshments as might hinder the course of our just griefs. Let your laughter be turned into mourning, and your joy into heavinesse, Jam. 4 9. such [illegible: 2 words]. a [illegible: 1 word] as may be seen in the countenance, as the word [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 2 words] & [non-Latin text not transcribed], [illegible: 2 words] comedere. [non-Latin text not transcribed], [illegible: 2 words] vultus demis. sione. Budaeus. But when our Saviour biddeth, anoint the head, at such a time, and wash the face, it is, as he expounds himself, that we may not appear to men to fast: In a private fast, eschewing wholly the [illegible: 1 word]; in a publike, not performing to the shew, or to this end, that we may be [illegible: 1 word].

Verse 18. That thou appear not unto men to fast, &c.] [illegible: 1 word] [non-Latin text not transcribed]. Ne te [illegible: 1 word] extra. [illegible: 2 words] the glow-worm, which seems to have both light and heat; but touch it, and it hath neither indeed. In the history of the World encompassed by Sr Francis Drake, it is [illegible: 1 word], that in a certain Island to the southward of Celebes, among the trees, night by night did shew themselves, an infinite swarm of fiery-seeming worms, flying in the ayre, whose bodies no bigger then an ordinary flye, did make a shew, and give such [illegible: 2 words] encomp. [illegible: 1 word] S. Fr. [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 1 word]. light, as if every twig on every tree had been a lighted candle, or as if that place had been the starry sphere. This was but a semblance, but an appearance: no more is that of hypocrites, but a [illegible: 1 word], but a flourish. A sincere man is like a crystall-glasse with a light in the midst, which appeareth through every part thereof, so as that truth within, breaketh out in every parcell of his life. There is in his obedience to God, 1. An universality, he doth every as well as any part and point of Gods revealed will, so far as he knows it. 2. An uniformity, without prejudice or partiality, I [illegible: 1 word]. 5. 21. without [illegible: 1 word] the balance of one side, Inequality [non-Latin text not transcribed]. of the leggs [illegible: 2 words], and an unequall pulse argues bodily [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 1 word]. 104, [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 1 word]; so doth an unsuitable carriage an unsound soul. 3. [illegible: 2 words]: [illegible: 2 words] the same at home as abroad; in the closet as in [illegible: 1 word]. 23 [illegible: 1 word]. the [illegible: 1 word]; and mindes secret as well as open [illegible: 1 word]: [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 1 word] is [illegible: 2 words] the same in his masters house, in the [illegible: 1 word] and at [illegible: 1 word]; [illegible: 2 words] or [illegible: 1 word], not like the planet [illegible: 1 word], that is [illegible: 3 words] with good, and bad with bad. [illegible: 4 words] is unfained, 1 Tim. 1. 5. his love [illegible: 1 word], [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 1 word]. 3. [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 2 words]. ndissembled. [illegible: 1 word]. 3. 17. his repentance, [non-Latin text not transcribed] a renting of [illegible: 2 words] [illegible: 1 word] 2. 12. his [illegible: 1 word], an afflicting of the soul. with [illegible: 2 words], till [illegible: 1 word] heart be as sore within him as the [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 2 words] the third day aster circumcision, Lev. 16. 31. & 23. 37. He truly [illegible: 1 word] at pleasing God, and not at byrespects. This is truth in the inwards, Psal. 51. 6. this is that [illegible: 1 word] and truth, 1 Cor. 5. 8 that simplicity and godly sincerity, 2 [illegible: 1 word]. 1. 12. A dainty word: It is a Metaphor (saith one) from [non-Latin text not transcribed]. such things as are tried by being held up against the beams of the [illegible: 5 words]. Sun (as chap-men doe in the choice of their wares) to see what faults or flaws are in them, It is properly used (saith B. Andrews) of [illegible: 1 word] wares, such as we may [non-Latin text not transcribed], bring forth, [illegible: 5 words] her [illegible: 4 words]. and shew them in the Sun. And as a godly man is sincere, without wax, or grosse matter, as he is unmingled, and true of heart, so he doeth truth, Joh. 3. 21. he will not lye, Isa. 63. 9. that great reall [illegible: 1 word] mel. 1. [illegible: 2 words]. lye especially. Hypocrites in doing good, they doe lyes (by their delusion, as grosse hypocrites, by their collusion, as close hypocrites.) Thus Ephraim compassed God with lyes. His knowledge was but a form, his godlinesse a figure: his zeal a flash, all he did, [illegible: 1 word]. 11. 12. a semblance: as these Pharisees only appeared to fast and doe [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 1 word] 2. [illegible: 1 word]. duties. But every fowl that hath a seemly feather, hath not the2 [illegible: 1 word]. 3. 5. sweetest flesh; nor doth every tree that beareth a goodly leaf,Luk 8. 18. [illegible: 1 word]. 6. [illegible: 1 word]. bring good fruit. Glasse giveth a clearer sound then silver, and many things glister besides gold. A true Christian cares as well to approve his inside to God, as his outside to the world: And it is a just question, whether the desire of being, or dislike of seeming sincere, be greater in him. He [illegible: 1 word] his worst to men, and best to God (as Moses did, when going to the mount he pulled off his veil; and shents himself oft before God for [illegible: 1 word], which the world applauds in him. God he knows, seeth in secret, there's no tempting him with Ananias and Saphira, to try whether he tryeth the hearts or not. His sharp nose easily discerneth, and is offended with the stinking breath of rotten lungs, though the words or outward actions be never so sented and persumed with shews of holinesse. Thy Father, which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly] He is the rewarder of all that diligently seek him in this soul fatting [illegible: 1 word]: Heb 10. 6. which as it was seen and allowed by the Lord Christ, Luk. 5. 33. so it was never rightly used without effect: It is called the day of Reconciliation or Attonement, and hath most rich and precious promises, Ioel 2. 13. to the 21. Its sure, God will pardon our sins, and that carries meat in the mouth of it, Psal. 42, 1, 2. Its probable, that [illegible: 1 word] leave a blessing [illegible: 1 word] him (and the rather, that we may therewith chearfully serve him) even a meat-offering and a drink-offering to the Lord our God: according to that of the [illegible: 1 word]; There is mercy with thee that thou mayest be feared, i. e. served. Fullnesse of bread was Sodoms sin, and in those sacrificing Sodomites, Isa. 1. 10. it was noted for an inexpiable evil, Isa. 22. 14. They that fast not on earth, when God calls to it, shall be [illegible: 1 word] with gall and [illegible: 1 word] in hell: they that [illegible: 1 word] not among men, shall howle among devils: whereas those that sow in Psal. 126. 5. [illegible: 1 word] shall reap in joy, they that mourn in time of sinning, shall beEz [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 1 word] in time of punishing: and as they have sought the Lord [illegible: 1 word] fasting, so shall he yet again be sought and found of such with [illegible: 1 word]. 8 10. [illegible: 1 word] feasting; as he hath [illegible: 1 word] and performed to his people inJudg. [illegible: 2 words]. all [illegible: 1 word] of the Church, not an instance can be alledged to the contrary. [illegible: 1 word] 8 [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 2 words]. [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 1 word] three great fasters met gloriously upon mount Tabor. [illegible: 1 word]. 4. [illegible: 1 word]. The Israelites fasting (and not till then) were [illegible: 1 word], Iudg. 20. [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 1 word]. 26. [illegible: 1 word] was delivered, Esther and her people reprived, Daniel Acts 10. 30. [illegible: 1 word] visions from heaven, Ezra help from heaven. And surely if with fasting and prayer we can wrestle with God, as Iacob, we need not fear Duke Esau, with his 600 cut-throats comming against us. Si Deus nobiscum, quis contra nos. Numa being told [non-Latin text not transcribed], [illegible: 1 word]. that his enemies were coming upon him as he was offering sacrifices, thought it sufficient for his safety, that he could say, At ego [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 1 word]. rem divinam facio, but I am about the service of my God. When [illegible: 1 word] had once established a preaching Ministery in all the Cities of Iudah, then, and not till then, the fear of the Lord fell upon 2 Chron. 17. the neighbour Nations, and they made no warre; albeit he had [illegible: 1 word], 8. 9. before that placed forces in all the fenced Cities. Leotine Prince Ego, [illegible: 1 word], formido [illegible: 1 word] eleemosynas [illegible: 3 words] quam ejus copias. D Povvel, in sua Camb. [illegible: 1 word]. of Wales, when he was moved by some about him to make warre [illegible: 1 word] our Henry the third, replied thus; I am much more afraid of his alms then of his Armies. Frederike the Electour of Saxony, intending warre against the Archbishop of Magdeburg, sent a spy to search out his preparations, and to hearken out his designes. But understanding, that the Archbishop did nothing more then commit Alius insaniat ut [illegible: 1 word] inserat ei qui [illegible: 1 word] se [illegible: 3 words]. Bucholc. his cause to God, and give himself to fasting and prayer, Alius, inquit insaniat, &c. Let him fight, said he, that hath a minde to it: I am not so mad as to fight against him, that trusts to have God his defender and deliverer. It is reported, that at the siege of [illegible: 1 word], the people of God, using daily humiliation, as their service would permit, did sing a Psalm after, and immediatly before their [illegible: 1 word] forth; with which practice the enemy coming acquainted, ever upon the singing of the Psalme (after which they expected a sally) they would so quake and tremble, crying, They come, they come, [illegible: 1 word] though the wrath of God had been breaking out upon [illegible: 2 words], [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 1 word]. them. The souldiers that went against the [illegible: 1 word] (where God was sincerely serv'd amidst a whole Kingdom of Papists) told their Captains they were so astonished, they could not strike. Some others said, that the Ministers, with their [illegible: 1 word] Act. [illegible: 2 words]. [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 1 word]. and praier, conjured and [illegible: 1 word] them, that they could not fight. It was the custome of this poor people, so soon as they saw the enemy to approach, to cry all together for aid and [illegible: 1 word] to the Lord, &c. while the [illegible: 1 word] fought, the rest of the [illegible: 1 word] with their Ministers, made their hearty praier to God, with sighes and tears, and that from the morning to the evening: when night was come, they assembled again together. They which had fought, rehearsed Gods wonderfull aid and succour, and so all together rendered thanks. Alway he turned their [illegible: 1 word] into joy. In the morning, trouble and affliction appeared before them, with great terrour on all sides: but by the evening they were delivered, and had great cause of [illegible: 1 word] Ibid. 885. and comfort.

Verse 19. Lay not up for your selves treasures upon earth.] This is the fourth common-place handled here by our Saviour, of casting away the inordinate care of earthly things, which he presseth upon all, by nine severall arguments, to the end of the Chapter. By treasures here are meant worldly wealth in abundance, precious things stored up, as silver, gold, pearls, &c. All [illegible: 1 word] are but earth, and it is, but upon earth [illegible: 1 word] they are laid up. What is silver and gold but white and yellow earth? And what are pearls and precious stones, but the guts and garbage of the earth? Dan. 2. 45. The stone brake in pieces, the iron, the brasse, the clay, and silver, &c. The Prophet breaks the [illegible: 1 word] order of speech, for [non-Latin text not transcribed] clay, iron, brasse, silver, &c. to intimate (as some conceive) [non-Latin text not transcribed] that silver is clay, by an elegant allusion in the Chaldee, shouldBroughton. we load our selves with thick clay? Surcharge our hearts with cares of this life, Luke 21. 34? Gen. 13. 2. It is said, Abraham was [illegible: 1 word] rich in cattel, in silver and in gold. There is a Latine translation that hath it, Abraham was very heavy. And the originall [non-Latin text not transcribed] indifferently beareth both: to shew (saith one) that riches are a heavy burden, and a hinderance many times to heaven and happinesse. They that have this burden upon their backs, can as [non-Latin text not transcribed]. hardly get in at the straight gate, as a Camel or Cable into a needle, [non-Latin text not transcribed]. and that because they trust in their riches (as our SaviourMat. 19 23. [illegible: 1 word] expounds himself) and here plainly intimates, when he [non-Latin text not transcribed] [illegible: 1 word] of [illegible: 1 word] up [illegible: 1 word]; providing thereby for hereafter, [illegible: 1 word] to morrow (so [illegible: 1 word] word [illegible: 1 word]) and thinking themselves [illegible: 1 word] the safer, and the [illegible: 1 word] for their outward abundance, [illegible: 1 word] the rich fool did, The rich mans wealth is his strong City, saithProv 10. 15. [illegible: 1 word], his wedge his confidence, his gold, his god; [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 1 word]. 5 5. [illegible: 1 word]. Paul calleth him an Idolater, S. James an [illegible: 1 word], because he [illegible: 1 word], 4. 4. [illegible: 1 word] God of his flower, his trust; and goeth a whoring after [illegible: 1 word] vanities: he soweth the winde, and reapeth the whirlwinde: [illegible: 1 word] treasureth up wealth, but withall wrath, Jam. 5 3. and by [illegible: 1 word] all sish that commeth to net, he catcheth at length, the [illegible: 1 word] and all. Hence it is that S. James bids such (and not [illegible: 1 word] Atistoteles [illegible: 2 words] [non-Latin text not transcribed]. l 4 Ethic. ca 1. cause) Weep and howl for the miseries that shall come upon them. [illegible: 1 word] looks upon them as deplored persons, and such as the [illegible: 1 word] could call and count incurable and desperate. For the heart [illegible: 1 word] is first turned into earth and mud, will afterwards freeze and [illegible: 1 word] into steel and adamant, The Pharisees that were covetous [illegible: 1 word] Luk. 16. 14. Christ, and perished irrecoverably. And reprobates are [illegible: 1 word] by S. Peter to have their hearts exercised with covetous practices, 2 Pet. 2. 14. which they constantly follow, as the Artificer his trade, being [non-Latin text not transcribed]. [illegible: 1 word]. ab [illegible: 1 word] illu [illegible: 1 word] viduarum domos devorantibus [illegible: 1 word] apprentices to the devil, 2 Cor. 2. 11. Lest Satan should get an advantage against us. or [illegible: 1 word] us, as covetous wretches do [illegible: 1 word] novices. These as they have served an ill Master, so they shall receive the reward of unrighteousnesse, and perish in their corruptions, 2 Pet. 2. 12, 13. Their happinesse hath been laid up in the earth, nearer hell then heaven, nearer the devil then God, whom they have forsaken, [illegible: 1 word] shall they be written in the earth, Jer. 17. 13. that is, in hell, as it stands opposed to having their names written in [illegible: 1 word]. 3. 19. heaven. Those that are earthly minded have damnation for their end. God to testifie his displeasure, knocks his fists at them, Ezek. 22. 13. as Balac did at Balaam. And lest they should reply, Tush, these [illegible: 1 word] but big words, devised on [illegible: 1 word] to [illegible: 1 word] silly people: we shall do well enough with the Lord; he addeth, vers. 14. Can thine heart endure, or can thine hands be strong in the daies that I shall deal with thee? I the Lord have spoken it, and will doe it. Oh that cur greedy muck-moles (that lie rooting and poring [illegible: 1 word] the earth, as if they meant to dig themselves thorow it, a nearer way to hell) would consider this before the cold grave holds their bodies, and hot Tophet [illegible: 1 word] their souls [illegible: 1 word] the one is as sure as the other, if timely course be not taken, O [illegible: 1 word] nequam, saith S. Bernard; O most wretched and [illegible: 1 word] world, how little are thy [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 5 words]. beholden to thee; seeing thy love and friendship exposeth [illegible: 1 word] to the wrath and [illegible: 1 word] of God, which burneth as low as [illegible: 1 word] nethermost hell. How fitly may it be said of thee, as [illegible: 2 words] the river [illegible: 1 word]: they that know it at [illegible: 2 words] [illegible: 5 words] it, they that have experience of it at last, doe, not [illegible: 1 word] cause condemn it? Those that will be rich, are resolved to get rem rem, [illegible: 1 word] modo rem, as he saith, these [illegible: 1 word] necessarily [illegible: 1 word] many noisome lusts that drown men in [illegible: 1 word]: desperately drown them in remedilesse misery (as [illegible: 1 word] word signifieth;) Christ must be praid to be gone, saith that [illegible: 1 word], [non-Latin text not transcribed]. lest all their pigs be drowned. The devil shall have his dwelling [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 5 words]. gain in themselves, rather then in their pigs: Therefore to the [illegible: 1 word] shall they go, and dwell with him, &c. They feed upon carrion, [illegible: 1 word] Noahs raven; upon dust, as the Serpent; upon the worlds [illegible: 1 word], as those in Job, They swallow down riches, and are [illegible: 1 word], as the Pharisees, Luk. 11. 41. but they shall vomit them [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 1 word]. and [illegible: 1 word]. fol [illegible: 2 words]. again, God shall cast them out of their bellies. Their mouths [illegible: 1 word] cried Give, Give, with the horse-leech, shall be filled ere long [illegible: 5 words] with a shovell-full of mould, and a cup of fire and brimstone [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 5 words]. down their wide gullets. It shall be worse with them, [illegible: 1 word] it was once with the covetous Chaliph of Babylon, who being [illegible: 1 word], together with his City by Haalon, brother to Mango the great Chan of T [illegible: 1 word], was sit by him [illegible: 1 word] the middest of the [illegible: 2 words] which he and his predecessours had most [illegible: 1 word]. heaped up together, and bidden of that gold, silver and [illegible: 1 word] stones, take what it pleased him to eat, saying, by way of [illegible: 1 word], That so gainfull a guest should be fed with the best, whereof he willed him to make no spare. The covetons Caitiff, kept for [illegible: 1 word]. Hist. [illegible: 1 word]. 113. certain daies, miserably died for hunger, in the midst of those things whereof he thought he should never have had enough, whereby he hoped to secure himself against whatsoever dearth [illegible: 2 words]. [illegible: 1 word] loveth to confute carnall men in their [illegible: 1 word]. They shall passe on hardly bestead and hungery; and it shall come to [illegible: 1 word], that when they shall be hungry, they shall fret themselves, [illegible: 2 words] their King, and their God, and look upward. And they [illegible: 2 words] unto the earth (where they have laid up their [illegible: 1 word], but now [illegible: 1 word] their hopes) and behold trouble and darknesse, [illegible: 1 word] of [illegible: 1 word]: and they shall be driven into darknesse, Isa. 8. 21, 22. utter darknesse; where their Never-enough shall be quitted with [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 1 word], but a black fire, without the least glimpse of light or [illegible: 1 word]. Where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where [illegible: 1 word], &c.] A [illegible: 3 words] earthly-mindednesse, [illegible: 1 word] the [illegible: 1 word] of riches, [illegible: 3 words] to a double danger or waste. 1. Of [illegible: 1 word] in [illegible: 1 word]. 2. Of violence from others; rust or robbery [illegible: 1 word] undo us. As the fairest flowers or fruit-trees breed a worm [illegible: 1 word], that eats out the heart of them. As the Ivy killeth [illegible: 4 words] it; so, of the matter of an earthly treasure [illegible: 1 word] moth or rust that [illegible: 1 word] it. [illegible: 1 word] ward things are of a [illegible: 1 word] nature, they perish in the use, they melt away betwixt our [illegible: 1 word]. S. Gregory upon those words in Job, Qui ingreditur in Job 38. 22. [illegible: 1 word] nivis? Who hath entered into the treasures of the snow? [illegible: 1 word], that [illegible: 1 word] treasures are treasures of snow. We see [illegible: 1 word] children what pains they take to rake and scrape snow [illegible: 1 word] to make a snow-ball; which after a while dissolves and [illegible: 1 word] to nothing: Right so, the treasures of this world, the [illegible: 1 word] that wicked men have heaped, when God entreth [illegible: 2 words], come to nothing. He that trusteth to his riches shall fall, [illegible: 1 word]. 11. 28. as he shall that standeth on an hillock of ice, or heap [illegible: 1 word] snow. David, when got upon his mountain, thought [illegible: 1 word] cock-sure, and began to crow, that he should never be [illegible: 1 word]. But God (to [illegible: 1 word] him) had no sooner hid his face, butPsal. 30. 6, 7. [illegible: 2 words] troubled. What's the air without light? The AEgyptians had no joy of it: no more can a Christian have of wealth without Gods favour. Besides, what hold is there of these earthly things? more then there is of a [illegible: 1 word] of birds? I cannot say they are mine, because they sit in my yard. Riches have wings, saith Solomon, great Eagles wings to flee from us, saith a Father; but to follow [illegible: 1 word] us, Ne passerinas [illegible: 1 word], not so much as small sparrowsProv. 23. [illegible: 1 word]. wings. Whereupon Solomon rightly argues, Wilt thou set thine [illegible: 1 word] upon that which is not? that hath no reall subsistence, that is, nothing, and of no more price, then meer opinion [illegible: 1 word] upon it? The world cals wealth substance, but God gives that name to wisdom only. Heaven is said to have a foundation, earth to be hangedJob. upon nothing. So, things [illegible: 1 word] said to be [illegible: 1 word] heaven, as in a mansion, [non-Latin text not transcribed]. but on earth, on the surface only, as ready to be shaken off. Hence the world is called a sea of glasse, frail and fickle, mingled R. v. [illegible: 1 word]. 15. 2. a Pet. 3. 10. with fire of temptations and tribulations. The very firmament (that [illegible: 1 word] name from its firmnesse) shall melt with servent heat, and the whole visible fabrick be [illegible: 1 word] by the fire of the last [illegible: 1 word]. Solomon sets forth the world by a word that betokeneth [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 1 word] for its mutability. And S. Paul, when [illegible: 1 word] telleth us, That [illegible: 1 word] fashion of the world passeth away, useth a word of art, that signifieth [illegible: 5 words]. a bare externall, mathematicall figure, Cui veri aut selidi nihil [illegible: 1 word] saith an Interpreter, that hath no truth or solidity in it at all Gilliner King of Vandals, being conquered, and carried in [illegible: 1 word] by Bellisarius the Roman Generall, when he stood in the [illegible: 1 word] field before the Emperour Justinian, and beheld him sitting [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 1 word] 528. his throne of State, remembring withall what an high pitch himself was fallen from, he broke out into this speech, Vanity of [illegible: 1 word], all is vanity. That was Solomons verdict, long since delivered up, upon well-grounded experience. But men love to [illegible: 1 word] conclusions; and, when they have done, What profit, saith [illegible: 1 word] hath a man of all his pains? what [illegible: 1 word] and remaining fruit ([illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 1 word]. the word signifieth) to abide with him? When all the [illegible: 1 word] Eccles. 1. 3. subducted (his happinesse resolved into it's finall issue and [illegible: 1 word]) there resteth nothing but ciphers. A Spider [illegible: 1 word] himself, and wasteth his own bowels to make a web to catch [illegible: 2 words]: so doth the worldling for that which profiteth not, but [illegible: 1 word] in the use: Or say that it abide, yet himself perisheth, when to [illegible: 1 word] the things he hath gotten might seem a happines, as the rich fool, Alexander, Tamberlain, others. Most of [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 1 word] gat nothing by their adoption or designation, [illegible: 1 word], ut citius interficerentur, that they might be the sooner slain. All, [illegible: 1 word] most of them till [illegible: 1 word], died unnaturall deaths, and in theJer. 17. [illegible: 1 word]. best of their time. He that gettethriches, and not by right, [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 1 word]. 5. 15. leave them in the [illegible: 1 word] of his daies, and at his end shall be a fool. God will make a poor fool of him. As he came forth of his [illegible: 1 word] womb, naked shall he return, to go as he came, and shall take nothing of his labour, which he may carry away in his hand. Say his treasure escape both rust and robber, death as a thief will break in, and leave him not [illegible: 1 word] a groat. Who would not then set light by this pelf, and put on that Persian resolution, Isa. 13. 17. Not to regard silver, nor be desirous of gold? Who would not tread [illegible: 5 words]. in the steps of faithfull Abraham, and answer the devil with his golder. offers, as he did the King of Sodome, God forbid that I should take of thee so much as a shoe-latchet? When great gifts were [illegible: 4 words]. sent to Luther, he refused them with this brave speech, [illegible: 2 words] me [illegible: 1 word] fic satiari a Deo, I deeply protested that [illegible: 1 word] should not put me off with such poor things as these. The Heathenish [illegible: 5 words] Romans had, for a difference in their Nobility, a little [illegible: 1 word] in the form of a Moon (to shew that all worldly honours were mutable) and they did wear it upon their shooes (to shew that they did tread it under their feet) as base and bootlesse. This is check to many Christians, that have their hands elbow-deep in the world, and dote as much upon these earthly vanities, as Xerxes once did upon his Plane-tree, or Jonas upon his [illegible: 1 word]. There is a sort of men that say of the world, as Solomons [illegible: 1 word], It is naught, it is naught: but when he is gone apart, he boasteth and closeth with the world. S. Paul was none of these: for neither at any time, [illegible: 1 word] he, used we flattering words, as ye know: nor [illegible: 2 words]. 14. a cloak of covetousnesse, God is my witnesse. No; he looked upon [illegible: 2 words] a very [illegible: 1 word] of mortisication. the world as a [illegible: 1 word] dung-hill, and cared to glory in nothing, save in the crosse of Jesus Christ, whereby the world was crucified to him, and he to the world. So David, My soul, saith he, is even [illegible: 1 word] a weaned childe, that cares not to suck, though never so fair and [illegible: 1 word] a brest. So Luther confesseth of himself, that though he were a [illegible: 1 word] man, and subject to imperfections, yet the infection of [illegible: 1 word] Pully his [illegible: 2 words]. never laid hold of him. Now I would we were all Lutherans in this, saith One, &c.

Verse 20. But lay up for your selves treasures in heaven] That which you may draw out a thousand year hence. For in a treasure there are three things; a laying up, a lying hid, and a drawing out for present use. Riches reach not to eternity. Therefore whiles others lay [illegible: 1 word] upon riches, Lay thou hold on eternall life, 1 Tim. 6. 12. and that, by following after righteousnesse, god inesse, faith, love, patience, [illegible: 1 word]. This, this is the true treasure: this is to be [illegible: 5 words]. rich, as our Saviour speaketh, toward God, and is opposed to laying up treasure for himself, Luk 12. 21. as [illegible: 1 word], laying up treasure in heaven, is to that of laying up treasure in earth. [illegible: 1 word] cannot be done, because the heart cannot be in two so different places at once. The Saints have their commoration on earth, but their conversation is in heaven. Here are their bodies, but their hearts are, [illegible: 1 word] Christ their head is. Sancti ibi sunt ubi [illegible: 1 word] sunt, & non sunt ubi sunt, saith Chrysostome. The Saints are there, in their affections, whether as yet they are not come in their [illegible: 1 word]. All their plowing, sailing, building, planting tends to that life that is [illegible: 1 word], supernaturall: they run [illegible: 1 word] the high prize, they strive for the crown of righteousnesse, they breath after the [illegible: 1 word] vision, with, Oh when shall I come and appear before God! And [illegible: 1 line] as the Athenians, when they were besiged by Sylla, had [illegible: 1 word] hearts with him without the walls, though their bodies were held within by force: So the Saints, though detained here for a while in a farre countrey, yet their hearts are at home. They go thorow the world, as a man whose minde is in a deep study, or as [illegible: 1 line] one that hath speciall haste of some weighty businesse; they wonder much how men can a while to pick up sticks and straws with so much delight and diligence. The time is short (or trussed up into a narrow [illegible: 1 word]) the task is long, of keeping faith and [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 1 line] good conscience; hence they use the world, as if they used it not, as having little leisure to trifle. There's water little enough to runne in the right chanel, therefore they let none runne beside; but carefully improve every opportunity, as wise merchants, and [illegible: 1 line] care not to sell all, to purchase the pearl of price. In a witty [illegible: 1 word] (saith Broughton out os Rabbi Bochai) Kain and Abel contain in their names advertisements for matter of true continuance and corruption. Kain betokeneth possession in this world, and [illegible: 1 word] betokeneth one humbled in minde, and holding such possession vain. Such was his [illegible: 1 word], sheep-kinde, the [illegible: 1 word] of all living beasts, and therefore the favour of God followed him. And the offering of Kain was of the fruit of the earth, as he loved the [illegible: 1 line] possession of this world, and the service of the body (which yet can have no continuance) and followed after bodily lusts. Therefore the blessed [illegible: 1 word] favoured him not. Kains chief care was to build Cities, that he might call his Land after his own Name, Psal. 49. 11. and make his sonne, Lord Enoch of Enoch. Not so the better sort, Abel, Henoch, Noah, Abraham, they were content [illegible: 1 word] 11. 10. to dwell in tents, as looking for a City, which hath foundations, whose maker and founder is God. Abraham bought a piece of ground, but for buriall only. Ishmael shall beget twelve Princes, but with Isaac will I establish my Covenant: and although he grow not so great as his brother (that man of Gods hand, that had his portion [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 1 word]. 5. here,) yet he shall make reckoning, that the lines are fallen unto him in a fair place, that he hath a goodly heritage. Esau had his Dukes, [illegible: 1 line] and grows a great Magnifico: but Jacob gets first, the birth-right for a messe of red, red, which the hungry hunter required to be [illegible: 1 line] [illegible: 1 word] with, as Camels are fed by casting gobbets into their mouthes (so the word signifies:) And after this, he gets the blessing by his mothers means. And when [illegible: 1 word] threatened him, and had bolted out some suspitious words, she seeks not to reconcile the two brethren, by making the younger yeeld again, what he had got from the Elder; but prefers the blessing before Iacobs life, and sends him away. This was to lay up treasure in heaven, forPartus [illegible: 2 words]. her sonne, who took herein after the mother too. For if Esau will but [illegible: 1 word] him to settle in the Land of promise, a type of heaven; he will spare for no cost to make his peace. Silver and gold he hath none, but cattel good store: 550. head of them sends he for a present, to make room for him, as Solomon hath it. Let heaven be a mans object, and earth will soon be his abject. David counts one good cast of Gods countenance, [illegible: 1 word] better then all the corn and oil in the countrey. Solomon craves wisdom and not wealth. Paul counts all but drosse, dung, and dogs-meat, so [non-Latin text not transcribed]. he may win Christ, and get home to him. Here we have but aPhil. 3. 8. glimpse of those gleams of [illegible: 1 word], we see but as in a glasse obscurely; 2 Cor. 5. 6. our life is hid with Christ in God, as the pearl lies [illegible: 1 word], till the1 Cor. [illegible: 1 word]. Colos. 3. 3. shell be broken. Compare the estate of Prince Charles in his Queen-mothers womb, with his condition at full age, in all the glory of his fathers Court; there is not so broad a difference as betwixt our present enjoyments (albeit our joyes here are unspeakable1 Pet 1. glorious) with those we shall have hereafter. Sursum [illegible: 1 word] cursum nostrum dirigamus. Let therefore our affections and actions, our counsels and courses, be bent and bound for heaven: our earthly [illegible: 1 word] dispatch with heavenly mindes, and in serving men, let us serve the Lord Christ. The Angels are sent about Gods message to this earth, yet never out of their heaven, never without the vision of their maker. These earthly things distract not, if we make them not our treasure, if we shoot not our hearts over-farre into them. The end of a Christians life is (not as [illegible: 1 word] dreamed of the [illegible: 1 word] of man, to [illegible: 1 word] the heavens, but) to live in heaven. This he begins to do here by the life of faith, by walking with God, as Enoch and Elias, those Candidates of immortality Gen. 6. 9. (so the Ancients called them) by walking before God, 1 King. 9. 4. as Abraham and David by walking after God, as the Israelites Deut. 13. 4. were bidden to do. With God, a man walks by an humble friendship and familiarity; before him, by uprightnesse and integrity: after him by obedience and conformity, by doing his will on earth, as it is in heaven. And this is, to lay up treasure in heaven; this is, as the Apostle expresseth, and interpreteth it, to lay up in store for our selves a good foundation against the [illegible: 1 word] to come, that we [illegible: 1 word] lay hold on eternall life, 1 Tim. 6. 19. There shall be [illegible: 1 word] of thy times, strength, salvation, wisdome and knowledge: for the fear of the Lord shall be his treasure, Isai. 33. 6.

Verse [illegible: 1 word]. For where your treasure is, &c.] i. e. Where your chief happinesse is, there your affections will be setled; Where the carcase is, there will the Eagles be also. Beetles delight [illegible: 1 word] muck-hils: but Christs Eagles are never in their pride, till farthest off from the earth: they are said (even here) to be set [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 1 word]. 2 6. with Christ in heavenly places. The Church in the Canticles, hath this given her for an high commendation, That she had a nose like [illegible: 1 word]. 7. 4. the tower of Lebanon, Siverborum faciem spectemus, saith an Interpreter, [illegible: 1 line] [illegible: 1 word] poter it mag is dici ridiculum? The words at first sight seem somewhat strange: for what so great a praise is it, to have [illegible: 1 word] nose like a tower? But by this [illegible: 1 word] is notably set forth that spirituall sagacity and sharpnesse of [illegible: 1 word], whereby the Saints resent and savour the things above, being carried after Christ the true carcase, with unspeakable desire and delight. The earthlyminded, that have their bellies filled with Gods hid treasure, the [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 1 word] 17. 14. of this world, and take it for their portion; these have their heads so stuft, and their eyes so stopt with the dust of [illegible: 1 word], that they neither see nor savour heavenly things. As they are of the earth, so they speak of the earth, and the earth hear's them. As the [illegible: 1 word]. 3. Grashopper is bred, liveth and dieth in the same ground: so [illegible: 1 word] terrigenae fratres, these muck-minded men, are wholly earth in their whole [illegible: 1 word]. And as the Grashopper hath wings, but flieth not: sometimes she hoppeth upwards a little, but falleth to the ground again: so these have some light and short motions to [illegible: 1 word], when they hear a piercing Sermon, or feel a pressing affliction, or see others snatcht away by sudden death before them: but this is not of any long continuance, they return to their former worldlinesse. The devil hath got full possession of them, as once of Judas by this sin, and could a man [illegible: 1 word] up their hearts, he might finde there fair-written, The God of this present world. He [illegible: 2 words]. 4. 4. holds his black hand before their eyes, lest the light of the [illegible: 1 word] Gospel should shine upon them. We cry, O earth, earth, earth, Hear the Word of the Lord: but the devil hath made a path way [illegible: 1 word] their hearts, so that the seed cannot enter. Earth [illegible: 1 word] cold and [illegible: 1 word], so are earthly-minded men to any holy duty. Earth is heavy and bears downward: so do earthly affections. Earth doth often keep down the hot exhalations, that naturally would ascend: so do those holy motions and meditations. Earth stands still, and hath the whole circumference carried about it: so are Gods mercies and judgements about earthly-minded men, and they are no whit moved thereat. Grace, on the other side, as fire, is active and aspiring. And as Moses would not be put off with an Angel to go before the people: he would have God himself, or none: so the true Christian must have Christ, or nothing will give him content. Christ is his treasure, and hath his heart: all his cry is, None but Christ, none but Christ. As the Sun draws up [illegible: 1 word], so doth the Sun of righteousnesse, the affections of his people. And as the hop in it's growing, windeth it self about the pole, alwaies following the course of the Sun, from East to West, and can by no means be drawn to the contrary, chusing rather to break then yeeld: so the Saints (as well militant as triumphant) do follow the Lamb wheresoever he goeth; and being risen with Christ, and spiritualized by him, they seek the things that are above: their thoughts feed upon the fairest objects (such as are those set down by the Apostle, Phil. 4. 8.) and run withDan. 12. much content, upon that firmament, and those starrs in Daniel, [non-Latin text not transcribed]. That inheritance undefiled and unfadable in Peter; those palms and1 [illegible: 1 word]. 1. 4. white robes in the Revelation. They take ever and anon a turn or two on Tabor, and are there transfigured with Christ; or on Mount Olivet, where he was taken up, and have thence continuall ascensions in their hearts. And as our Saviour in the Interim betweenAct. 1. 3. 1 Ioh. 2 6. his Resurrection and Ascension, whiles he walked here on thePsal. 45. 1. earth, spake of the things pertaining to the Kingdom of God, and Nusquam origenes non ardet, sed [illegible: 1 word] est ardentior, quam ubi [illegible: 1 word]. mones [illegible: 1 word] tractat. [illegible: 1 word]. waited for his exaltation into heaven: So the faithfull Christian (that hath his part in the first resurrection) walks in his measure, [illegible: 1 word] Christ walked, talks as he talked, he speaks of the things concerning the King, and therein his tongue is as the pen of a ready Writer. Of Origen it is said, that he was ever earnest, but never more then when he treats of Christ. And of S. Paul it is well observed, that when he speaketh of heaven, he useth a [illegible: 1 word], lofty kinde of language, his speech riseth higher and higher, as 2 Cor. 4. 17. a degree above the superlative: so Phil 1. 23. to be with Hic oratio [illegible: 1 word] assurgit, &c. Rolloc. Christ, is far far the better: so 1 Thess. 2. 19. See how the Apostles mouth is opened, his heart enlarged, he cannot satisfie himself, nor utter his conceptions. This a Christian can do, he can sigh out a cupio dissolvi, I desire to be with Christ: whom as he more or [illegible: 2 words] here, in the same measure he is merry; like as [illegible: 1 word] never sing so sweetly, as when they are [illegible: 1 word] in the air, or on [illegible: 1 word] top of trees. As when Christ with-draws his gracious [illegible: 1 word] and influence, he is all amort, you may take him up for a [illegible: 1 word] man. [illegible: 1 word] cries after Christ, as idolatrous Micah did after his lostJudg 18. 14. gods: And as King Edward the third having the King of [illegible: 1 word] prisoner here in England, and feasting him one time most [illegible: 1 word], pressed him to be merry, the French King answered, [illegible: 1 word] can we sing songs in a strange land? So the good soul is in great [illegible: 1 word], while Christ absents himself, and never heartily [illegible: 1 word], till she get home to him, till she lay hold on him, whom her [illegible: 1 word] loveth.

Verse 22. The light of the body is the eye, &c.] Here our [illegible: 1 word] Saviour illustrateth what he had said before, of laying up, not [illegible: 1 word] earth, but in heaven, by a fit similitude. Like as the eye is the light of the whole body: so is the minde of the whole man. If [illegible: 1 word]. 4. 9. therefore thine eye be single, that is, if thy minde be sincere: If [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 1 word]. 19. have that one eye of the Spouse in the Canticles, that one heart promised in the new Covenant, set upon God alone, and not divided, and as it were cloven asunder (which is to have a heart [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 1 word] Cor. 11. 3. a heart) but minding the one thing necessary, as the main; and be not double-minded, or corrupted from the simplicity of Christ; then shall thy whole body, that is, thy whole, both constitution and [illegible: 1 word] be lightsom, diaphanous, transparent, as a [illegible: 1 word] that hath a candle in it, or as a crystall glasse with a light in the midst, which appeareth through every part thereof. There will be an uniformity, aequability, ubiquity and constancy of holinesse running thorow thy whole course, as the warp doth thorow the [non-Latin text not transcribed]. woof; when a double-minded man (that hath not cleansed his [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 1 word]. 8. heart, nor washt his hands of worldly lusts) is unstable and [illegible: 1 word] Jam. 1 8. in all his waies. Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy minde, Luk. 10. 27. And with my minde I serve the Law of God, saith Paul, which he acknowledged to be spirituall, though he were carnall in part, sold under sin. The old man is still corrupt [illegible: 1 word]. 4. 22. according to the deceitfull lusts (which sometimes so [illegible: 1 word] and beguile the judgement, that a man shall think there is some sense in sinning, and that he hath reason to be mad) but be ye renewed [illegible: 1 word] 23. in the spirit of your mindes, in the bosom and bottom of the soul, in the most inward and subtile parts of the soul, and as it were the [illegible: 1 word] of it. Reserve these upper rooms for Christ, and be not ye conformed to the world (who minde earthly [illegible: 1 word]. 3. [illegible: 1 word]. things, and have damnation for their end) but be ye transformedRom. [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 1 word]. by the renewing of your mindes, that ye may see and prove by good experience (not by a Nationall knowledge only) what that good, and holy, and acceptable will of God is. Concerning the East-gate of that Temple in Ezekiel, Thus saith the Lord;Ezek. 44. 2. This gate shall be shut, and shall not be opened, and no man shall enter by it, because the Lord God of Israel hath [illegible: 1 word] by it. Here through signifying, saith a Divine, that although the heart of a Christian, which is the temple of the holy Ghost, may let many things enter into it at other gates, yet must it keep the East-gate, the most illuminate and highest power and part of it, continually shut against all men, yea against all the world; and opened only to one thing, I mean to God, who hath already entered into it, and [illegible: 1 word] it with his Spirit. That as at the windows of [illegible: 1 word] Ark, there entred in no mist nor water, nothing else but one thing only which is light: so at this East-gate, no mist of humane errours, no water of worldly cares may enter in, but only the light of heaven, and a sanctified desire to be fast knit, and perfectly united by faith and love to God.

Verse 23. But if thine eye be evil, &c. If the light that is in thee be darknesse, &c.] An evil eye is here opposed to a single eye, that looks on God singly abstracted from all other things, and affects the heart with pure love to him for himself, more then for his love-tokens. These we may lawfully have, but they may not have us. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in 1 Ioh. 2. 16. [illegible: 1 word]. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, that is, pleasure, profit and preferment; these three, like those three troops of the Caldeans (Job 1. 17.) fall upon the faculties of the soul, and carry them away from [illegible: 1 word] the right owner. The minde is filled with greater darknesse then [illegible: 1 word] à non [illegible: 1 word] dicitur: & Mydas ecundum Etymologiam Graecam [illegible: 1 word] est. can be expressed. How great is that darknesse? The Prince that [illegible: 1 word] understanding is a great oppressour: but he that hateth covetousnesse, that hath not his eyes bleared and blinded with the dust of earthly-mindednesse, shall prolong his daies, Prov. 28. 16. So, Isa 56. 10, 11. His watchmen are blinde: And why? They are greedy dogs, which can never have enough, and they are shepherds which cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter, Isa. 56. 10, 11. Of this sort were those covetous Pharisees, that devoúred widows houses: therefore blinde, because covetous, Luke 16. 14. the property of which sin is to besot and infatuate, as it did Judas, who, though he wanted for nothing in our Saviours [illegible: 1 word], but was sufficiently provided for, yet for filthy lucre, basely sold his Master, and [illegible: 1 word] for thirty silverlings (the known and pitcht price of the [illegible: 1 word] slave) and had the face after all, to ask, Master is it I? when he knew Christ to be the true God, and to know all things. [illegible: 1 word] Comets (though but Comets) as long as they keep [illegible: 1 word], shine bright, but when they decline from their pitch, they fall to the earth. So, when men forsake the Lord, and minde earthly things, they lose that light they had, and are dissipated, destroy'd and come to nothing. Good therefore is the counsel of [illegible: 1 word], [illegible: 1 word] 23 4. 5. [illegible: 1 word] facies [illegible: 2 words] tuos in [illegible: 1 word]? Labour not to be rich: Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? Or as Mercerus otherwise reads that text, Wilt thou darken [illegible: 1 word] eyes upon them? As those that walk long in the snow, or that [illegible: 1 word] in a smoaky corner, can see little at length. Whoredome and [illegible: 1 word] Iob 11. 17. take away the heart, saith Hosea, cap. 4. 11. as they did [illegible: 1 word]; Amos 4. 13. they drew out his spirits, and dissolved his reason: so doth covetousnesse. It makes a man that he cannot see the net that is [illegible: 1 word] before him, which every bird can do, Prov. 1. 17. but whiles [illegible: 1 word] Aves quae vident rete [illegible: 2 words] capiuntur, sed videntes periculum cavent. [illegible: 1 word]. coveteth the bait, loseth his life, as Shimei did by looking his servants: as Lot, who had like to have run the same hazard, by [illegible: 1 word] the plain of Jordan: as Jonas, that suffered himself to be cast into the sea, that the ship with her lading might come safe to shore. How many carnall mindes, like [illegible: 1 word] raven, fly out of the Ark of Gods Church, and imbrace this present world: and like the Mariners, when they found out Jonas, yet fain they would have saved him: So many will rather venture their own casting away, then cast their worldly lusts over-board. How much better Joseph, who let go his garment to save himself, as Elias did his mantle to go to heaven; and Bartimeus his cloak to come to Christ? How much better Moses, who by faith seeing him that is invisible, and having an eye to the reward; when he was come to years (as the text noteth) and therefore well knew [illegible: 1 word]. 21. 24, 25, [illegible: 1 word], what he did, for he was no baby, refused to be called the son of Pharaohs daughter, and the worlds darling; and chusing rather the afflictions of Gods poor people, then the pleasures of sin for a season, he esteemed the reproach of Christ (the worst part of him) greater riches then the treasures of Egypt. And why all this? For [illegible: 1 word] had respect to the recompence of reward. He set his foot, as it were, upon the battlements of heaven, and there-hence looked uponPost quam in [illegible: 2 words] assendertmus parva nobis & [illegible: 1 word], & [illegible: 1 word] etiam videntur: sit parva videbantur otium gloria [illegible: 1 word] cum coeium respicias. these earthly happinesses, as base and [illegible: 1 word], [illegible: 1 word] and slender, waterish and worthlesse. The great Cities of Campania seem, but small cottages to them that stand on the top of the Alps: the Moon covereth her self with a pale vail, and shines not at all in the presence of the Sun: No more doth the beauty and bravery of the world (wherewith carnall mindes are so bedazelled and [illegible: 1 word]) to a man that hath been in paradise with Paul, that hath already laid hold on eternall life. The moles of the earth, that are blinde and cannot see farre off, that have animam triticiam, a wheaten soul, with that fool in the Gospel, and know no other [illegible: 1 word]. Hom. happinesse, [illegible: 1 word] to have and to hold; these have their eyes blinded15. ad pop. [illegible: 1 word]. by the god of this world, as Isaac had his wels stopped up with2 Pet. [illegible: 1 word]. 9. [non-Latin text not transcribed], Muris [illegible: 1 word] habentes, subterranei scilicet muris, hoc est, [illegible: 1 word]. earth by the Philistines. And as a small dish being held near the eyes, hideth from our sight a great mountain: and a little hill or cloud, the great body of the Sun, though it be farre bigger then the whole earth: So these earthly trifles being placed near mens [illegible: 1 word], do so shadow and over-cloud those great and glorious excellencies that are above, that they can neither truly behold them,Gen 26. 15. nor rightly judge of them. When men travell so farre into theThe Poets [illegible: 1 word] Plutus the god of [illegible: 1 word] to be [illegible: 1 word]. South, that the sight of the North-pole is at length intercepted by the earth, it is a signe they are farre from it: so is it, that men are farre from heaven, when the love of the earth comes in betwixt Divites facul. tatibus [illegible: 1 word] alligati magis [illegible: 1 word] suspiciunt, quam coelum Minut Octan. their souls, and the sight thereof. Earth-damps quench the spirits lamp. Much water of affliction cannot quench that love, that yet a little earth may soon do.

Verse 24. No man can serve two Masters, &c.] The Mammonists minde must needs be full of darknesse, because utterly destituted of the Father of lights, the Sun of the soul: for ye cannot serve [illegible: 1 word] est cognatio [illegible: 1 word] & [illegible: 1 word]. two Masters, God and Mammon. By Mammon is meant earthly treasure, worldly wealth, outward abundance, especially when gotten by evil arts, it commeth to be the gain of ungodlinesse,Gen. 37. [illegible: 1 word]. the wages of wickednesse, riches of unrighteousnesse, filthy [illegible: 1 word]. When Joseph was cast into the pit by his bloudy brethren, What gain (saith Judah) will it be if we kill him? The Chaldee there hath it, What Mammon shall it be? What can we make of it? What profit shall we reap or receive thereby? Now these two, God and Mammon, as they are incompatible Masters, so the variance between them is irreconcileable. Amity with the world is [illegible: 1 word] with the Lord, Jam. 4. 4. Emnity, I say, in a sense both active and passive, for it makes a man both to hate God, and to be [illegible: 1 word] by God: so there's no love lost on either side. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him; that's flat. But the [illegible: 1 word] any one is drowned in the world, [illegible: 1 word] more desperately he is divorced from God, who requireth to be served truly, that there be no halting, and totally, that there be [illegible: 1 word] halving. Cambden reports of Redwald the first King of the East. Saxons that was [illegible: 1 word], that he had in the same Church, one Altar for Christian religion, and another for sacrifice to devils, And [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 1 word] Deo [illegible: 1 word], [illegible: 2 words], qui [illegible: 1 word] vellet. Callenucius, telleth us of a Noble-man of Naples, that was [illegible: 1 word] profanely to say, that he had two souls in his body, one for God, and another for whomsoever would have it. The Ebionites, [illegible: 1 word] Eusebius, would keep the Sabbath with the Jews, and the Lordsday with the Christians, as if they were of both religions, [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 1 word]. lib. 5. hist. [illegible: 1 word]. in truth, they were of neither: So Ezekiels hearers sate devoutly before the Lord at his publike Ordinances, and with their [illegible: 1 word] Euseb. lib. 3. cap. [illegible: 1 word]. shewed much love, but their heart, meanwhile, was on their halfpenny, it went after their covetousnesse. So the Pharisees heardEzek. [illegible: 1 word] 31. Christs Sermon against the service of Mammon, and derided him:Luk. 16. 13. and while their lips seemed to pray, they were but chewing of that murthering-morsell, those widdows houses that their throats (as an open sepulchre) swallowed down soon after. Thus filled they up the measure of their fathers, those ancient Idolaters in the wildernesse, who set up a golden calfe, [illegible: 1 word] then caused it to be proclaimed, To morrow is a feast to Jehovah. And such is the dealing ofExod. 32. 5. every covetous Christian. S. Paul calleth him an idolater, S. James an adulterer, for he goeth a whoring after his gods of gold and silver: And although he bow not the knee to his mammon, yet with his heart he serveth it: Now obedience is better then sacrifice: Rom. 6. 16. and Know ye not, saith the Apostle, that his servants ye are to whom ye obey &c? Inwardly he loves it, delights in it, trusts on it, secures himself by it from whatsoever calamites: Outwardly, he spends all his time upon this Idol, in gathering, keeping, increasing, or honouring of it. Hence the jealous God hateth him, and smites his hands at him, Ezek. 22. 13. and hath a speciall quarrell against [illegible: 1 word] that blesse the covetous, whom the Lord abhorreth. As for [illegible: 1 word]. 10. 3. his servants, he strictly chargeth them to [illegible: 1 word] their conversation without covetousnesse, Heb. 13. 5. yea their communication, Ephes. 5. 3. yea their cogitation, 2 Pet. 2. 14. branding them for [illegible: 1 word] children, that have so much as their thoughts exercised that way. He will not have his hasten to be rich, or labour after superfluities, [illegible: 1 word] nor anxiously, after necessaries. For worldlinesse ([illegible: 1 word] not [illegible: 1 word]) when men oppresse themselves with multiplying of [non-Latin text not transcribed]. [illegible: 1 word], or suffer their thoughts and affections to be [illegible: 1 word], [illegible: 1 word] taken up, with minding these things on earth, as a main hinderance from heaven: It fills the heart with cares, and so unfits [illegible: 1 word] deads it to divine duties. The thoughts as wings, should carry [illegible: 1 word] in worship even to the mansions of God, which being laden [illegible: 1 word] thick [illegible: 1 word], they so glue us to the earth, that the [illegible: 1 word] of [illegible: 1 word] word and ordinances cannot draw us one jot from it. The [non-Latin text not transcribed]. [illegible: 1 word] is also hereby made like a mill, where one cannot hear [illegible: 1 word], [illegible: 1 word] noise is such as takes away all intercourse. If conscience call [illegible: 1 word] them to take heed of going out of Gods way, they are at as little [illegible: 1 word] to listen, as he that runs in a race; who many times [illegible: 1 word] with so much violence, that he cannot hear what is said unto him, [illegible: 1 word] it never so good counsel. And having thus set their hearts, and [illegible: 1 word] their hopes upon earthly things, if ever they [illegible: 1 word] them, as it [illegible: 1 word] falleth out, they are filled almost with unmedicinable sorrows, [illegible: 1 word] as they will praise the dead above the living, and wish they had [illegible: 1 word] been born, Eccles. 4. 1, 2, 3. Lo this is the guise and guerdom of those Inhabitants of the earth, those viri divitiarum, as the [illegible: 1 word] stiles them, those miserable muck-worms, that prefer Mammon before Messias, gold before God, money before mercy, earth before heaven: as childish a weaknesse as that of Honorius [illegible: 1 line] the Emperour, that preferred a Hen before the City of Rome. [illegible: 1 word], saith one, is a monster, whose head is as subtill as the serpent, whose mouth is wide as hell, eyes sharp as a Lizard, scent quick as the Vulture, hands fast as Harpyes, belly insatiable as a Wolfe, feet swift to [illegible: 1 word], as a Lionesse robbed of her whelps. Ahab will have Naboths vineyard, or he will have his bloud. Judas was both covetous and a murderer, and therefore a murderer, because covetous. He is [illegible: 1 word] also a thief, and why a thief, but [illegible: 1 word] a Mammonist. [illegible: 1 word] draws a man fromSee [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 2 words]. all the Commandments, Psal. 116. 36. And there want not those, that have drawn the covetous person thorow all the Commandments, and proved him an Arheist, a Papist, a perjurer, a [illegible: 1 word] of Gods Sabbath, an iron boweld wretch, a murtherer, an adulterer, a thief, a false witnesse, or whatsoever [illegible: 1 word] the devil will. And can this man ever serve God acceptably? can he possibly please two so contrary masters? No: he may sooner reconcile fire and water, look with the one eye upward, and with the other eye downward, bring heaven and earth together, and gripe them both in a fist [illegible: 1 word] be habitually covetous and truly religious. These two are as inconcurrent as two [illegible: 1 word] lines, and as incompatible as light and darknesse. They who bowed down on their knees to drink of the waters, were accounted unfit souldiers for Gideon: so are [illegible: 1 word] [non-Latin text not transcribed] for Christ, that stoop to the base love of the things of this life: [illegible: 1 word] discredit it both his work and his wages: [illegible: 1 word] Abraham would not, that ancient and valiant souldier and servant of the most [illegible: 1 word] God. For when Melchisedech from God had made him heir of all things, and brought him bread and wine, that is, an earnest, [illegible: 1 word] little for the whole, &c. he refused the riches that the King of Sodom offered him, because God was his shield, and his exceeding great reward: His shield against any such enemies as [illegible: 1 word] omer and his complices had been unto him, and his exceeding great reward, for all his labour of love in that or any other service,Gen 14. 18, 19, 23. with chap. 15. 1. though he received not of any man, from a thread to a [illegible: 1 word].

Verse 25. Therefore I say unto you, Take no carefull [illegible: 1 word], &c.] This life is called in Isaiah, the life of our hands, because it is maintained by the labour of our hands. Neverthelesse let a [illegible: 1 word] Isa. 57. 10. labour never so hard, and lay up never so much, his life [illegible: 1 word] not in the abundance of the things that he possesseth, saith our [illegible: 1 word],Luk. 12. 15. and therefore bids, take heed and beware of covetousnesse. There is in every mothers-childe of us, a false presumption of selfsufficiency in our own courses, as if we, by our own diligence, could build the house. The devils word is proved too true. He said we should be like Gods: which as it is false in respect of divine qualities resembling God, so is it true in regard of our sinfull [illegible: 1 word]: for we carry the matter for most part, as if we were petty gods within our selves, not needing any higher power, This self-confidence, the daughter of unbelief, and mother of carking care, and carnall thought-fullnesse, our Saviour [illegible: 1 word] by many arguments [illegible: 1 word] and [illegible: 1 word]. Take no thoughtfull [illegible: 1 word] for your life, what ye shall eat, &c. The word here used in the [non-Latin text not transcribed]. originall, signifieth sometimes a commendable and Christian care, as 1 Cor. 7. 33, 34. He that is married careth how to please his wife: Likewise she careth how to please her husband. It implieth a dividing of the minde into divers thoughts, casting this way, and that way, and every way how to give best content. And [illegible: 1 word] should be all the strife that should be betwixt married couples: This is the care of the head, the care of diligence, called by the Greeks, [non-Latin text not transcribed]. But there is another sort of [illegible: 1 word] here spoken against, as unwarrantable and damnable; the care of the heart, the care of [illegible: 1 word], a doubtfull and carking care, joyned with a fear of future events, a sinfull sollicitude, a distracting and distempering care, properly called [non-Latin text not transcribed], because it tortures and tears asunder the minde with anxious impiety, and fretting impatiency. This maketh a man, when he hath done his utmost indeavour, in the use of lawfull means, for his own provision or preservation, [non-Latin text not transcribed]. to sit down, and with a perplexed heart sigh out. Sure it will never be: sure I shall die a beggaer; be utterly [illegible: 1 word], &c. Surely I shall one day perish by the hand of Saul: were it not better for me to shift for my self, and to [illegible: 1 word] speedily into the land of the Philistims, 1 Sam. 27 1? A sinnefull consultation, for had not God promised him both life and Kingdom after Saul? Psal. 1 16. [illegible: 1 word]. but he said (very wisely) in his hasty fear. All men are liars, Psal. 31. 21. Prophets and all. And again; I said in my sudden haste, I am cut off. What ye shall eat, or what ye shall drinke, &c.] I would have you without carefulnes about these things, saith the Apostle, that [non-Latin text not transcribed]. ye may sit close to the Lord without distraction. And again, In nothing be carefull. How then? Why, make your requests known to 1 Cor. 7. 32, 35. God in prayer, as children make their needs known to their parents, whom if they can please, they know they shall be provided for. Little thought do they take where to have the next meal orPhil. 4. 6. 7. [illegible: 1 word]. the next new [illegible: 1 word], neither need they. [illegible: 1 word] but we have praid, and yet are to seek. [illegible: 1 word]. Sol. Add to your prayer, supplication, saith the Apostle there, strong cryes out of a deep sense of our pressing necessities, and then see [non-Latin text not transcribed], [illegible: 1 word] [non-Latin text not transcribed] est [illegible: 1 word]. what will come of it. I have done so to my poore power: and yet it [illegible: 1 word]. To thy supplication add thanksgiving for mercies already [illegible: 1 word], [illegible: 1 word]. saith he, Thanksgiving is an artificiall begging. See [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 1 word]. in thy most carefull condition wherefore to be thankfull. Praise God for what you have had, have, and hope to have. What will follow upon this? [illegible: 1 word]. Sol What? The peace of God [illegible: 1 word] passeth all understanding, shall [non-Latin text not transcribed] keep as [illegible: 1 word] a guard or [illegible: 1 word] your hearts from cares, and mindes from feares, in Christ Jesus. This shall be the restfull successe [illegible: 1 word] your praiers and praises. And is it not good that the heart be [illegible: 1 word] with grace rather then the body forced with meats. [illegible: 1 word] [non-Latin text not transcribed] brave letters, and how full of life, were written by Luther to [illegible: 1 word], afflicting himself with continuall cares, what would be [illegible: 1 word] issue of the Imperiall Diet held by Charles the fifth, and [illegible: 1 word] States of Germany at Ansborough, about the cause of [illegible: 1 word] Gospel? Ego certè oro pro te, saith he, & doleo te, [illegible: 1 word] simam curarum hirudinem, meas preces sic irritas facere. I [illegible: 1 word] for thee, and am troubled at it, that thou, by troubling thy self [illegible: 1 word] unnecessary cares, makest my prayers of none effect for thee. [illegible: 1 word] after many sweet consolations, mixt with reprehensions, he [illegible: 1 word] cludes. But I write these things in vain, because [illegible: 1 word] thinkest to rule these things by reason, and killest thy self [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 1 line]. immoderate cares about them: not considering, that the [illegible: 1 word] Christs, who as he needs not thy counsels, so he will bring about [illegible: 1 word] own ends without thy carefullnesse, thy vexing thoughts, [illegible: 1 word] heart-eating fears, whereby thou disquietest [illegible: 1 word] self [illegible: 1 word] measure. Is not the life more then meat, &c?] And shall he that hath given us that which is greater and better, deny unto us that which is lesse aud worse? Shall we beleeve Gods promises in the [illegible: 1 word], but not Gods providence in the means: as the Disciples [illegible: 1 word] they [illegible: 1 word] forgotten to buy bread, and as Abraham in the case [illegible: 1 word] promise of issue of his body? Excellent is that of the Apostle, He that spared not his own sonne, but delivered him up for us all, [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 1 word]. 2. how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Whereupon [illegible: 1 word]. 8 32. St Bernard, Qui misit unigenitum, immisit spiritum, [illegible: 1 word] vultum, quid tandem tibi negatur us est? And to like [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 1 line]. S. Hierome: Never thinke, saith he, that God will deny thee any thing, whom he inviteth so freely to feed upon the fatted calfe.

Verse 26. Behold (or cast your eyes upon) the fowls of the [non-Latin text not transcribed]. ayr] Look upon them [illegible: 1 word], consider them wisely, learn of them carefully, to cast away carnall caresullnesse, and to cast all your care upon God, who careth for them, how much more for you? Ask now the fowls of the ayr, and they shall tell thee, saith [illegible: 1 word] 12. 7. Job, that there is a reward for the righteous, and a God that judgeth in the earth. As he made them at [illegible: 1 word] for his own glory (that we might admire his workmanship in their multitude [illegible: 1 word] variety of colours, [illegible: 1 word] and taste, 1 Cor. 15 39.) and for our both use and [illegible: 1 word]: so he knows them all, Psal. 50. 11. and maintaineth them: [illegible: 1 word] both for their use, Ps. 147. 9. and delight, Psal. 104. 12. [illegible: 1 word] us wisedom beyond them, Job 37. 11. and yet setting us to [illegible: 1 word] to them, to learn dependance upon God, both for [illegible: 1 word] from evil, Matth. 10. 29. and for provision of good, as here, [illegible: 1 word] Iob 39. 16. He taketh care of the Ostriches young ones, and of [illegible: 1 word] young Ravens that cry unto him, Psal. 147. 9. They are fed of God, when forsaken of their dammes, and left bare and destitute:Aristot. hist. [illegible: 1 word] out of their dung, and carrion, brought before to the nest, [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 1 word]. 9. a worm, which creepeth to their mouth and feedeth them. [illegible: 1 word] 31. They sow not, neither do they reap, &c.] They take no care, nor [illegible: 1 word] any to care for them, as Geese, Hens, and other tame pullen; [illegible: 1 word] yet they are provided for, we see. And oh that we would see, [illegible: 1 word] our Saviour here enjoyns us, and behold not only the fowls of [illegible: 1 word] ayr, but the clouds above them, and other heavenly bodies! [illegible: 1 word] one asked [illegible: 1 word], where he could be safe and at quiet? [illegible: 1 word] coelo, said he. And to Pontanus the Chancellour of Saxony, Scultet. [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 1 word] propunds to be viewed and weighed by him, that most [illegible: 1 word] arch-work of heaven, resting upon no posts nor pillars, and yetIn Epist. [illegible: 1 word] fast for ever and ever, meerly upheld by the mighty hand Non decidentes, [illegible: 1 word] velut [illegible: 2 words] nobis [illegible: 3 words]. Luth. of God. The clouds also, as thin as the liqour contained in them; [illegible: 1 word], saith he, how they hang and move, though weighty with their burden; they salute us only, or rather threaten us, and vanish we know not whether. These things would be thought on, that God may be the better rested on. [illegible: 1 word] not ye of doubtfull minde, [non-Latin text not transcribed] . saith our Saviour, live not in carefull suspense, hang not as meteors in the ayr, betwixt heaven and earth, uncertain whether to keepLuk 12 29. explained. your standing, or sall to the ground, to trust God, or otherwise as [illegible: 2 words] volunt, quod [illegible: 4 words], & quasi [illegible: 1 word] teneant. [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 2 words] de [illegible: 1 word] eorum [illegible: 3 words] vero altquo modo [illegible: 1 word] gisse Magir. [illegible: 1 word]. you can, to make sure for your selves. Meteors are matters that few men can tell what to make of. Aristotle himself [illegible: 1 word], that he knew little of many of them. And as little can the distrustfull person [illegible: 1 word], what to make of those infinite projects, and discourses in the ayr, that he [illegible: 1 word] frames for the compassing of his desires. When, he needs but either to look up to the birds, or down to the [illegible: 1 word], and learn, that if God feed and cloath them without [illegible: 1 word] their care and pains, surely he will much more provide for his people that rely upon him, and with their reasonable pains and moderate care do [illegible: 1 word] his providence. Shall the great housekeeper of the world, water his [illegible: 1 word], prune his plants, fodder his cattle, and not feed and cloath his children? Never think it. God provided for the necessity and comfort of the unrèasonable [illegible: 1 word] ere he made them: [illegible: 1 word] for the beasts, and light for all [illegible: 1 word] and moving creatures, and all for [illegible: 1 word], for the man in [illegible: 1 word] especially. Compare P [illegible: 1 word] 8. 45. with Heb. 2. 6, 7, &c. and it [illegible: 1 word] appear, that whatsoever is spoken there of man is applied to Christ; and so is proper to the Saints, by [illegible: 1 word] of their union with Christ. In which respect, saith one, they are more [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 2 words]. then heaven, Angels, or any creature: and shall these want food and raiment?

Verse 27. Which of you by taking thought, can adde one cubite [illegible: 2 words] stature?] And as little able are we (though we take never so much care and pains) to adde [illegible: 1 word] mite to that dimension of our [illegible: 1 word], which God by his wise and powerfull providence [illegible: 1 word] allotted unto us. Every man shall have his statute-measure, [illegible: 1 word] [non-Latin text not transcribed] slint and proportion in his estate, as well as in his stature, to the [illegible: 1 word] 12 [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 2 words]. [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 1 word]. which he shall come and not exceed. All carking care therefore is bootlesse and unprofitable. Men may eat up their hearts thereby, and trouble their houses, Prov. 15. 27. (what with labour, [illegible: 1 word] what with passion, a covetous man and his houshold never live at [illegible: 1 word], all is continually on a tumult of haste and hurry) [illegible: 1 word] cannot adde any thing to their [illegible: 1 word] or [illegible: 1 word], much I [illegible: 1 word] to [illegible: 1 word] spirituall growth, which is hereby exceedingly hindered and hide-bound: as we see in the [illegible: 2 words], the [illegible: 1 word] young Pharisee, and those other, that being called to be Christs disciples, were so taken up with the care of their worldly [illegible: 1 word], that they could finde no present [illegible: 1 word] to follow Christ.

Verse 28. [illegible: 1 word] the [illegible: 1 word] of the [illegible: 1 word].] Contemplate [illegible: 1 word], [illegible: 1 line] saith Luther: Understand them well, [illegible: 1 word] Erasmus: Learn [illegible: 1 word] they grow, saith Beza: Hang upon these fair flowers, with the [illegible: 1 word] Bee, till [illegible: 1 word] have suckt some sweet meditation out of them. [illegible: 1 word] quomo. [illegible: 1 word], &c. God is to be seen and admired in all his wondrous works. A skilfall Artificer takes it ill, that he sets forth a curious piece, and no man looks at it. There is not a slower in the whole field (the [illegible: 1 line]. word here rendred Lillies, signifieth all sorts of flowers) but [illegible: 1 word] sorth God to us [illegible: 1 word] lively colours. [illegible: 1 word] to [illegible: 2 words], is to incur the [illegible: 1 line]. curse he hath [illegible: 1 word] against such, [illegible: 1 word] regard not the work of the Lord, that is, the first making, Neither consider the operation of his hands, that is, the wise disposing of his creatures, for our [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 1 word]. 5. [illegible: 1 word]. explained. and benefit. A godly Ancient being asked by a [illegible: 1 word] Philosopher, how he could contemplate high things, sith he had noAnton. Erem. upud de [illegible: 1 word] Clrist. l b 1. & [illegible: 1 word]. lib 8. c. 40. books? Wisely answered, That he had the whole world for his book, ready open at all times, and in all places, and that therein he could read things divine and heavenly. A Bee can suck honey out of a flower, that a flie cannot do. Our Saviour could have pointed us to our first parents clothed, and Elias fed, the Israelites both fed and clothed extraordinarily by God in the [illegible: 1 word]. Never Prince was so served in his greatest pomp; not Solomon in all his royalty, as they. But because all men have not faith to believe that miracles shall be wrought for them, he sendeth us to these more ordinary, and more easie instances of Gods bountifull and provident care of birds and lillies; that in them (as in so many optick glasses) we may see Gods infinite goodnes, and be confident. They toil not, neither do they spin.] This is the sluggards posie.Ne que laborant, [illegible: 2 words] Imp. How much [illegible: 1 word] that Emperour who took for his Motto, [illegible: 1 word]: Let us be doing. God made not man to play, as he hath done Leviathan, but commandeth him to sweat out his living. This was at first Gods ordinance in paradise, that his store-house should be his work-house, his pleasure, his task. AfterGen. 2. 15. the fall, it was enjoyned as a punishment. So that now manGen. 3. 19. is born to travel, and must labour with his own hands, neither eatingJob 5. 7. the bread of idlenesse, nor drinking the wine of violence. That MonkEphes. 4. 28. that laboureth not with his hands, is a thief, saith an Ancient:Hist. Tripart. Is a body-louse, sucking the bloud of others, saith a Neoterick: Ezek. 18. 18. he shall die in his iniquity, saith God, because he hath not done good Hic [illegible: 1 word] est Vacia. among his people, He buried himself alive, as [illegible: 1 word] Vacia in Seneca, he shall be buried with the buriall of an Asse, when he is dead:Jer 22 19. he shall hear, O thou wicked and slothfull servant, when he riseth againMat. 25. 26. at the last day. God puts no [illegible: 1 word] between [illegible: 1 word] and Nequaquam, an idle, and an evil servant. This made M. Calvin answer his friends with some indignation, when they admonished him, for his healths-sake, to forbear studying so [illegible: 1 word], Quid? Vultis ut Dominus [illegible: 1 word] me otiosum inveniret? Beza in vita Calvin. What? Would you that Christ when he commeth should finde me idle?

Verse 29. And yet I say unto you, that even Solomon in all his glory.] In all his bravery, which doubtlesse was very great, in the day of his espousals, especially, when his mother crowned him, [illegible: 1 word]. 3. [illegible: 1 word]. Herods cloth of silver did so dazle the peoples eyes in a Sunshine-day, that they deified him. Alcisthenes the Sybarites cloak,Act [illegible: 1 word]. was sold to the Carthaginians by Dionysius for 120. talents. And [illegible: 6 words]. Demetrius King of Macedon had a robe royall so stately and costly, that none of his successours would wear it, for avoiding of envy. There is no doubt but Solomons roy all robes were very sumptuous, [illegible: 1 word]. being so mighty and wealthy a Monarch. Great ones may go arraied according to their state: and they that are in Kings houses [illegible: 1 word] softs. Yet is it reckon'd as a fault in the rich man, Luk 16. 19.Mat. 11. 8. [non-Latin text not transcribed]. [illegible: 5 words] [illegible: 5 words]. 18. that he was often clothed in purple and fine linnen; and God threatneth to punish even Princes, and Kings children, and all other such as are cloathed with strange apparell. The Jews for [illegible: 1 word] the Chaldaean habit, were soon after carried captive into Chaldea, Ezek. 23. 15. And what heavy things are thundered against those curious dames of Jerusalem by the Prophet Isaiah, who being himself a Courtier, inveighs as punctually against that [illegible: 1 word] vanity, as if he had lately viewed the Ladies wardrobes. [illegible: 1 word] Saviour findes fault with the Scribes that loved to go in long clothing, Mark 12. 38. And S. James with those Christians that would fawn upon a gold ring, and a goodly sute, Jam. 2. 2. In the year 1580. great ruffs with huge wide sets, and cloaks reaching almost to the ancles, no lesse uncomely then of great expence, were [illegible: 2 words] as [illegible: 3 words] & [illegible: 2 words] bern. restrained here by proclamation, saith M. Camden. And need we not the like [illegible: 1 word] now, when so many Prodigals turn rents into [illegible: 1 word], and lands into laces, Singulis auribus bina aut terna dependunt patrimonia, as Seneca hath it, hang two or three patrimonies [illegible: 2 words]. [illegible: 3 words] [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 3 words], [illegible: 2 words] est [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 2 words]. [illegible: 1 word]. at their ears, a pretty grove upon their backs, a reasonable Lordship, or living about their necks. This is farre from that humility, wherewith S. Peter would have young men cloath themselves; and from that meek and quiet spirit, wherewith, saith he, the holy women of old adorned themselves, not with plaited hair, and golden abiliments, 1 Pet 3. 3, 4. Cyprian and Austin say, that superfluous apparel is worse then whoredom: because whoredom only corrupts chastity, but this corrupts nature.1 [illegible: 1 word]. 5. 5.

Verse 30. The grasse of the field, which to day is, and tomorrow [illegible: 1 word] cast into the oven.] A fit resemblance of all outward things, the subject of our carking cares, likened (when they are at best) to the flower of grasse, Isa. 40. 6. The Sun is no sooner risen, saith S. James, with a burning heat, but it withereth the grasse, and [illegible: 1 word]. 1. 10, 11. the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his waies, his riches cannot ransom him. But as grasse, when ripe, withereth, and is carried away, either by the teeth of beasts, or hands of men: so are all, by impartiall death. And as the sithe with a few stroaks, mows down thousands of piles and forms of grasse; so do Gods judgements millions of men, Psal. 9. 17. Prov. 11. 21. And as grasse is to day a flourishing field, to morrow cast into the oven: so are the greatest into their graves (if not into that burning fiery fornace) then when they are in their prime and pride, in their greatest flourish, in the ruff of all their jollity: as the rich fool, therefore a fool, because he stuck his clothes with these flowers of the field, these fading felicities, and thought himself thereby becomeAct. 8. 9. (as Simon Magus) some great one. Contrarily S. James makes it a signe of a convert, that though of high degree in theJam. 1. 10. expounded. world, yet he is herein made low, that he hath low thoughts of these low things, which he seeth to be mutable and momentary, as the flower of the grasse; and bids him rejoyce in that he is exalted, Animo magno [illegible: 1 word] magnum. in that he is now made a greater man ever since; being converted he is become too big for these petty businesses: As a man grown up, delights to deal in lands, and laies by his Cherry-stones. But we pitty that want of wit which maketh the minde run on bables, but never think on ought substantiall. O ye of little faith.] Ye petty fidians, ye small faiths. Unbelief is that root of bitternesse, whence carefulnesse springeth. Hence it was, that the Heathen so abounded in it. Strive we therefore to a full assurance of faith and hope: so shall we rowl our selves upon God for all things needfull to life and godlinesse. Faith fearsFides famen [illegible: 2 words]. no famine, it quelleth and killeth [illegible: 1 word] fear: but awfull dread, it breedeth, feedeth, fostereth and cherisheth. When a man can sayHier. ex Tert. with Abraham, God will provide, he will be out of fear and doubt: when he can believe not only Gods promise, but his providence, as David, 1 Sam. 26. 10, 11.

Verse 31. Therefore take no carefull thought, &c.] From the fore-named grounds. Our Saviour here resumeth and enforceth theCic. Tusc. 4. former exhortation. Sollicitudo est aegritudo cum cogitatione, saith the Oratour. Carefulnesse is a tormentfull plodding upon businesses. It is, say Divines, [illegible: 1 word] act of fear and distrust, taking up not only the head, but chiefly the heart, to the very dividing and disturbing thereof: causing a man inordinately and over-eagerly to pursue his desires, and to perplex himself like wise with [illegible: 1 word] and [illegible: 1 word] thoughts about successe. Now our Lord Christ would have none of his servants to care inordinately about any thing, but that, when they have done what they can in obedience to him, they should leave the whole matter of good or evil successe to his care. To care about the issue of our lawfull endeavours, is to usurp upon God, to trench farre into his prerogative divine, to take upon us that which is proper to him. And it is no lesse a fault to invade Gods part, then to neglect our own. Adde hereunto, that God out of his wise justice, ceaseth caring for such an one, and because he will not be beholden to God to bear his burthen, he shall bear it alone, to the [illegible: 1 word] of his back, or it least, till he is much bowed and [illegible: 1 word] under it. If we [illegible: 1 word] such as will put no trust in us, but love to stand upon their own ground, we give them good leave: as contrarily, the more we see our selves trusted to, [illegible: 1 word] more [illegible: 2 words] is carefull for them that stay upon us. Thus it is with [illegible: 1 word] heavenly Father. Saying, what [illegible: 1 word] we eat? [illegible: 1 word]] Our Saviour by these distrustful. Questions, graphically expresseth the condition of [illegible: 2 words], their endlesse projects and discourses in the air. They are full of words, and many questions, what they [illegible: 1 word] doe, and how they and theirs shall be provided for? They haven ver done, either [illegible: 1 word] themselves, or consulting to no purpose, in things that either cannot be done at all, or not otherwise. And so some [non-Latin text not transcribed] understand that of our Saviour, Luk. 12 29. Hang not in doubtfull suspences; after he had brought in the rich fool, vers. 17. reasoning and saying, What shall I doe, &c. And Solomon brings in such [illegible: 2 words] [non-Latin text not transcribed] [illegible: 2 words], [illegible: 2 words] See M Harris on Mat. 5 7. And M. Pen. [illegible: 1 word] on Eccl. [illegible: 1 word]. 1. another fool, full of words, and he recites his words, A [illegible: 1 word] cannot tell [illegible: 1 word] shall be, and what shall be after him, who can tell? Eccles. 10. 14. And in the next Chapter, ver. 1. and so forward, he makes answer to many of these mens [illegible: 1 word] queries and [illegible: 1 word], when moved to works of mercy. Old men specially are [illegible: 1 word] of this weaknesse, who are apt to cark, because they [illegible: 1 word], saith Plutarch, [non-Latin text not transcribed]; that they shall not have enough to keep them, and bring them well home, as they call it; whence some conceive that covetousnesse is called, The root of all evil, 1 Tim. 6. 10. because as there is life in the root, when no sap in the branches: so covetousnesse oft liveth, when other vices die and decay. It groweth, as they say, the Crocodile doth, as long as he liveth.

Verse 32. For after all these things doe the Gentiles seek.] With [non-Latin text not transcribed] [illegible: 3 words]. whom if you should symbolize in sins, or not exceed in vertue, it were a shame to you. They studiously seek these things, they seek them with all their might; as being without God in the world, andA [illegible: 1 word] and busie kinde of enquiry is [illegible: 1 word]. therefore left by him to shift for themselves. When we observe a young man toiling and moiling, running and riding, and not missing a market, &c. we easily guesse and gather that he is [non-Latin text not transcribed]. fatherlesse and friendlesse, and hath none other to take care for him. Surely this immoderate care is better beseeming infidels [illegible: 1 word]. z. that know not God, but rest wholly upon themselves, and their own means, then Christians, who acknowledge God most wise and all-sufficient to be their loving father. As we differ [illegible: 1 word] Heathens in profession, so we should in practice: and a grosse businesse it is, that Jerusalem should justifie Sodom, and it should be said unto her, Neither hath Samaria committed half af thy sinnes, but thou hast multiplied thine abominations more then they, Ezek. 16. 51. Such as have hope in this life only, what marvell if [illegible: 1 word] labour their [illegible: 1 word] to make their best of it. Now many of the poor Pagans believed not the immortality of the soul, and those few of them that dreamt of another life beyond this, yet [illegible: 1 word] of it very [illegible: 1 word], and scarce believed themselves. Socrates the wisest of [illegible: 3 words] meli [illegible: 1 word] Dij immortales [illegible: 1 word]: hominem quidem arbitror soire ne [illegible: 1 word]. Plato & [illegible: 1 word]. Heathens spake thus to his friends at his death: the time is now come that I must die, and you survive: but whether is the better of these two, the gods only know, and not any man living; that's mine opinion. But we have not so learned Christ; neither must we do as Heathens and alients from the Common-wealth of [illegible: 1 word]: [illegible: 1 word] now in Christ [illegible: 1 word], we who sometimes were farre [illegible: 1 word]. 2. 16, 18 off, are made nigh by his bloud, and have an accesse through him by one spirit, to the [illegible: 1 word]. For your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all [illegible: 1 word] things.] Not with a bare barren notionall knowledge, but with a fatherly tender care to provide for his own in all their necessities: which who so doth not, he judgeth him worse then an infidel. We need not be carefull of our maintenance here in our [illegible: 1 word] and none-age, nor yet for our eternall inheritance, when we come to full age. We are cared for in every thing that we need, and that can be good for us. Oh happy we, did we but know our happiness! How might we live in a very heaven upon earth, could we but live by faith, and walk before God with a perfect heart? He made himself known to be our gracious and [illegible: 1 word] father before we were born. And did we but seriously consider who kept and fed us in our mothers womb, Psal. 22. 9, 10. when neither we could shift for our selves, nor our [illegible: 1 word] do ought for us, how he filled us two bottles with milk, against we [illegible: 2 words] the light, bore us in his arms as a nursing-father, Numb. 11. 13. fed us, clothed us, kept us from fire and water, charged his Angels with us, [illegible: 1 word] all windes to blow good to us, Cant. 4. 16. all creatures to serve us, Hos, 2. 21, 22, 23. and all occurrences to work together for our good, how could [illegible: 1 word]. 8. 18. [illegible: 1 word] but be confident? Why art thou so sad from day to day? and what is it thou [illegible: 1 word] or needest? Art not thou the Kings sonne said Jonadab to Amnon, say I to every godly Christian. Profane [illegible: 2 words]. 13. 4. [illegible: 1 word] could go to his father for a childes portion; so could the Prodigall, [illegible: 1 word] a [illegible: 1 word]; and had it. Every childe of God shall [illegible: 1 word] a Benjamins portion here, and at length power over all [illegible: 1 word], Revel. 2. 26. and possession of that new heaven and new earth; wherein dwelleth righteousnesse, 2 Pet. 3. Either [illegible: 1 word] disclaim God for your Father, or else rest confident of his fatherly provision. Certa mihi spes est quod vitam qui dedit, idem [illegible: 3 words]. Et velit, & possit suppedit are cibum. God that giveth mouths, will not fail to give meat also.

Verse 33. But seek ye first the Kingdom of God and his [illegible: 1 word].] That, as the end, [illegible: 1 word], as the means: for grace is the way to glory, [illegible: 1 word] to happinesse. If men be not [illegible: 1 word], [illegible: 1 word] no heaven to be had; as if they be, they shall have heaven and earth too: for [illegible: 2 words] the promise of both lives; and godly men, in Scripture, (Abraham, Job, David, others) were [illegible: 1 word] then any: and so men might be now, if they would be as Bonus [illegible: 1 word] Constant. mag. [illegible: 5 words]. godly. The good God had furnished Constantine the great with so many outward blessings, as scarce any man durst ever have desired, saith S. Austin. He sought Gods Kingdom first, and therefore other things sought him: and so they would do us, did we [illegible: 1 word] run the [illegible: 1 word] method. Riches and honours, delights and [illegible: 1 word], [illegible: 1 word] and length of daies, seed and posterity are all entailed upon [illegible: 1 word]. The wicked, In the fulnesse of his sufficiency is [illegible: 2 words], Job 20. 22. when the godly in the fulnesse of their [illegible: 1 word]. 3. 16, 17. straights are in all-sufficiency. Oh who would not then turn spirituall [illegible: 1 word]. 28. [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 1 word]. 2, [illegible: 1 word]. purchaser, and with all his gettings, get godlinesse? Seek [illegible: 3 words] animi. ye first the Kingdom of God, saith Divinity; Seek ye first the good things of the minde, saith Philosophy, Caetera aut aderunt, [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 1 word] certè non oberunt. But our [illegible: 1 word] over-valuing of earthly things, and underprizing of [illegible: 1 word], is that that maketh us so [illegible: 1 word] carefull in the one, and so wretchlesly affected in the other. The lean kine eat up the fat, and it is nothing seen by them. The strength of the ground is so spent in nourishing weeds, [illegible: 1 word], or corn of little worth, that the good [illegible: 1 word] is pulled down; choaked or [illegible: 1 word]. Earthly [illegible: 1 word] sucketh the [illegible: 1 word] of grace from the heart, as the Ivy doth from the Oak, and [illegible: 1 word] it [illegible: 1 word]. Correct therefore this ill humour, this choakweed: cast away this clog, this thick clay, that makes us like [illegible: 2 words] woman in the Gospel, that [illegible: 2 words] of a spirit [illegible: 1 word] years could not look up to heaven. And learn to covet Luk. 13. 11. [illegible: 1 word] things, labour for the meat that perisheth not. Lay hold [illegible: 2 words] life, what [illegible: 1 word] you let go. [illegible: 1 word] things are, Nec vera, nec vestra, [illegible: 1 word] and momentary, mixt and infected with care in getting, fear in keeping, grief in losing: [illegible: 1 word], [illegible: 1 word] are insufficient and unsatisfactory, and many times prove [illegible: 1 word] of vice, and hinderances from heaven. Spirituall things [illegible: 1 word] in [illegible: 1 word] facit [illegible: 1 word] in [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 2 words]. on the other side, are solid and substantiall, serving to a life that [illegible: 1 word] supernaturall and supernall. They are also certain and durable, [illegible: 1 word] prodi, nec perdi, nec eripi, nec surripi possunt. They are sound [non-Latin text not transcribed]. [illegible: 2 words], a continuall feast, [illegible: 2 words], or the least [illegible: 1 word]; they serve to and satisfie the soul; as being the gain [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 1 word]. of earth and [illegible: 1 word], and of him that filleth both. Seek ye therefore first, &c. Our Saviour, in his praier, gives us but one petition for temporals, five for spirituals, to teach us this [illegible: 1 word]. Scipio went first to the Capitoll, and then to the Senate, [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 1 word] 26. &c. [illegible: 1 word]. l. [illegible: 1 word]. c. 1. And all these things shall be addod unto you.] They shall be cast in as an over-plus, or as those smal advantages to the main bargain, as [illegible: 1 word] and pack-threed is given, where we buy spice & fruit, [illegible: 2 words] bargain. These follow Gods Kingdom, as the black guard do the Court, or as all the revenue and [illegible: 1 word] doth some great Lady, that one [illegible: 1 word] wedded. The night of Popery shall shame such as think much of the time that is spent with and for God: for in their [illegible: 2 words] they were wont to say, Masse and meat hinders no mans [illegible: 1 word]. It would be a great [illegible: 1 word] of minde, if the King should say to us for our selves, [illegible: 1 word] same that David did to Mephibosheth, Fear not, for I will surely shew thee kindenesse, and thou shalt surely eat bread at1 [illegible: 1 word]. 9 7. my table continually: Or if he should say to us for our children, [illegible: 1 word] David did to Barzillas the Gileadite concerning [illegible: 2 words] shall goe over with me, and I will doe to him that which [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 3 words]. seem good unto thee: and whatsoever thou shalt require of me, [illegible: 2 words] I doe [illegible: 1 word] thee; Hath not God said as much here as all this, and shall we not trust and serve him, cleave to him, and rest on him without fear or distraction?

Verse 34. Take therefore no thought for the morrow] The Lord Christ, well knowing which way our heart hangs, and pulse [illegible: 1 word], beats much upon this string, drives this nail home to the head. When things are over and over again repeated and inculcated, it imports. 1. The difficulty. 2. The necessity of the duty. 3. Our utter [illegible: 1 word], or at least, dulnesse to the doing of it. How hardly we come off with God in this most necessary, [illegible: 1 word] much neglected duty, who knowes not, feels not, bewails [illegible: 1 word]. The world is a most subtle, sly enemy: and by reason of her [illegible: 1 word] neighbourhood, easily and insensibly insinuates into us, and [illegible: 1 word] the best hearts. Our Saviour saw cause to warne his Disciples of the cares of life: and where was Thomas, when [illegible: 1 word] appeared to the rest of the [illegible: 1 word], the doors being shut, [illegible: 1 word] either lurking for fear of the Jews, (in probability) or packing up, and providing for one, now that his Master was [illegible: 1 word], and taken from him? What ever the cause was, the effect was wofull, Joh. 20. 24, 25. And albeit in both Testaments (as [illegible: 1 word] observeth) [illegible: 1 word] in [illegible: 2 words]. the Saints of God have been noted to be subject to divers infirmities, yet none tainted with this enormity of [illegible: 1 word]. Yet St John saw cause to say to those that were Fathers also: Love not the world, nor the things that are in the world. And [illegible: 1 line]. David praies heartily, Incline my heart to thy Testimonies, and not [illegible: 1 word]. 119 36. to covetuousnesse. Satan will be busy with the best this way, as he was with our Saviour himself: he knew it a most prevailing bait. And when this would not work, he fleeth from him, as despairing of victory. Be sober therefore (in the pursuit and use of these earthly things) and watch, for your adversary the devil watcheth [illegible: 1 line] you a shrewd turne by them. They are so neer and so naturall to us, that, through Satans pollicy and malice, when we think upon them (that we may the better learn to flee, and slight them) they stick to our fingers, when we should throw them away: they catch us when we should flee from them: they come over us with fained words usually; 2 Pet. 2. 3. To hide our faults from the view of others, or subtle thoughts and evasions, to blindefold the conscience, with colour of Christ, necessary care, &c. Whence it is called, cloked and coloured covetuousnesse, 1 Thes. 2. 5. A Christian-hath ever God for his chief end, and will not, deliberately, forgoe him upon any tearms: He erres in the way, thinking he may minde earthly things, and keep God too: so being insnared with these worldly lime-twigs: (like the silly bird) before he is aware, the more he struggleth, the more he is intangled and disabled. All this, and more then this, our Saviour well [illegible: 1 word]: and therefore reiterates his exhortation, and sets it on with so many Arguments. Care not for the morrow, &c.In a letter to M. Philpot. I will be carelesse according to my name, said that Martyr John Carelesse: for now my soul is turned to her old rest again, and Act. and Mon. fol. [illegible: 1 word]. hath taken a sweet nap in Christs lap. I have cast my care upon the Lord, who careth for me, &c. And Bishop Hooper in a letter to certain good people taken praying in Bow-Church-yard, and now in trouble, writeth thus. Reade the second Chapter of Luke: there the shepheards, that watched upon their sheep all night, [illegible: 1 word] as they heard Christ was borne at Bethlehem, by and by they went to seek him. They did not reason, nor debate with [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 1 word]. themselves, who should keep the woolf from the sheep in the mean-time: but did as they were commanded, and committed their sheep to him, whose [illegible: 1 word] they obeyed: so let us doe, now we be called, commit all other things to him that calleth us. He will take heed that all things shall be well: he will help the husband, comfort the wife, guide the servants, keep the house, preserve the goods: yea, rather then it shall be undone, he will wash the dishes, and rock the cradle. Cast therefore all your care upon God, &c. Judaea (as one hath well observed,) lay utterly waste for 70 years. Insomuch that after the slaughter of Pemble, on [illegible: 1 word]. 7. 14. [illegible: 1 word], when all, man woman and childe, fled into Egypt, there was not a Iew [illegible: 1 word] in the Countrey. Neither finde we any colonyes sent thither, or any displaced to make room at their [illegible: 1 word]. A wonderfull providence, that so pleasant a Countrey, left destitute of inhabitants, and compassed about with such warlike Nations, was not invaded, nor replanted for 70. years [illegible: 1 word]: but the Land kept her Sabbaths, resting from tillage, &c. and God kept the room empty, till the returne of the naturalls. Ieremy, immediately after he had foretold the captivity, and the Caldeans were now besieging the City, was bidden to buy a field of his uncles sonne; Which also he did, weighing him the mony, and [illegible: 1 word] the evidences: for although it might seem an ill time to make a purchase, yet he took no further care, then to trust God who had said, Houses, and fields, and vineyards, shall be possest again [illegible: 1 word] this Land. Now Gods promises, he knew, were the [illegible: 1 word] freehold: Ier. 32. 15. So in every seventh years rest, the people were taught to depend on Gods providence, by [illegible: 1 word]. For though the owner of the field might gather, even on that year, for the maintenance of himself and family, [illegible: 1 word]. 25. 6. yet he was neither to so we his field, thereby to greaten his harvest, nor to hedge his field, or lock up his vineyard. For the morrow shall take thought for the things of it self] That is: the providence that brings the day, shall also [illegible: 1 word] new [illegible: 1 word] to comfort us over all the evils of the day. First, no man is sure of life till to morrow, thou knowest not what this great-bellyed [illegible: 5 words]. day may bring forth. Petrarch tells of a good old man, that being invited to a feast the next day, answered: If you would have any thing with me now, here I am: what's to be done to morrow, think on't you that have time afore [illegible: 1 word], Ego enim, a multis annis, [illegible: 1 word] non habui: For I have not had, for these many years, [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 1 word]. 3. [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 2 words]. morrow to dispose of. Young men, he knew, may die, old men must die. [illegible: 1 word] mors in junuis, adolescentibus in insidijs, saith Bernard. Old men may say as Iob 17. 1. My breath is corrupt, my daies extinct, the graves are ready for me. The young man, as Iob 16. 22. When a few years (perhaps a few houres) are come, I shall goe the way whence I shall not returne. Secondly, grant a man had a lease of his life, as Hezekiah had, yet who seeth it not to be extream folly, to anticipate [illegible: 1 word] cares and combers before they come, yea even those of the next day: seeing they will come time enough to our sorrow, though we send not for them by our [illegible: 1 word] fore. thoughts, and so redoubles our vexation? It is possibe we may never feel the evils we fear. God may repent upon our repentance, and [illegible: 1 word] better to us then our [illegible: 1 word]. And therefore what a [illegible: 1 word] is it, to undergoe certain trouble and care about [illegible: 1 word]? Or if they shall happen, we may have [illegible: 1 word] to foresee them, but no power to prevent them: and therefore to vex [illegible: 1 word] selves before they come, is to be miserable before the time. It is excellent [illegible: 1 word], [illegible: 1 word], that Salomon [illegible: 1 word] us in this case: [illegible: 1 word] the [illegible: 1 word] of God: for who can make [illegible: 2 words] that he hath made crooked? In the day of prosperity be joyfull, make the best of thy present comfort, but in the day of adversity consider: God also hath set one against the other, to the end that Eccles. 7. 14. man should finde nothing after him, to wit, of those things that may come upon him in the course of his life, and after-times. He cannot, by wit foresee, or by pollicy prevent ensuing changes. Therefore it is a great part of his wisdom, to let certain, and inevitable evils sleep, and keep in their [illegible: 1 word] till the time appointed; and not to make himself a thousand times miserable by one [illegible: 1 word] misery. Let us mannage the affairs, and master the [illegible: 1 word] of the present day; and not, by too much fore-thoughtfulnesse, and painfull preconceit, suffer fained or future evils before [illegible: 1 word] seize upon us. I grant that a [illegible: 1 word], Christian, provident care and forecast, is both convenient and commanded, both for provision of [illegible: 1 word], and prevention of dangers. See 1 Tim. 5. 8. 2 Cor. 12. 14. we reade Revel. 6. 6. A measure of wheat [non-Latin text not transcribed]. [illegible: 1 word] a penny &c. The word signifieth properly, such a measure of [illegible: 1 word], as was usually allowed for a day to servants. Hence that speech of Phithagoras, Super Chaenice non sedendum. Rest not in the provision that sufficeth for the day; but take care for the [illegible: 1 word]. But this lawfull care of necessaries, both for our selves and ours after us, Prov. 13. 22. (such as was that of Iacob for his own house, Gen. 30. 30. And that of the good huswife, Prov. 31. 15, 21.) is not distresse-full, but [illegible: 1 word], [illegible: 2 words] by. God, who sendeth us to the pismire, to learn this care of hereafter, Prov. 6. 6. Sufficient to the day is the evil thereof] The strongest minde and [non-Latin text not transcribed], idest [non-Latin text not transcribed]. labor improb [illegible: 1 word]. best composed, is weak enough to [illegible: 1 word] the brunt and encounter of every daies [illegible: 1 word]. whereof he is sure to have his back-burden. Troubles without, and terrours within, are the Saints [illegible: 1 word] here. And what day shines so fair over them, wherein they meet not with a sharp shower ere night? Sith therefore every day brings forth sufficient sorrow, and the heartiest man shall have his hands full, what a base and unworthy weaknesse is it (saith a reverend Divine) to unfit and disable our already too weak mindes, [illegible: 1 word] a comfortable dispatch, and digesting of daily uncomfortable [illegible: 1 word], by such needlesse, fruitlesse, [illegible: 1 word] M. [illegible: 1 word]. distractions, [illegible: 1 word] of vanity, and Utopian peregrinations, &c.