THE TREE OF GOOD AND EVILL: OR A Profitable and Familiar Exposition of the Commandements, directing vs in the whole course of our life, according to the Rule of Gods Word, whereby we must bee iudged at the last day.

By THOMSS GRANGER Preacher of Gods Word.

DEVT. 30. 19.
I call heauen and earth to record this day against you, that I haue set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore chuse life that both thou and thy seed may liue.

LONDON, Printed by N. O. for SAMVEL MAN, and are to bee sold at his Shop in Pauls Church-yard at the Signe of the Ball. 1616.

TO THE RIGHT WORSHIPFVLL SIR IOHN LEVENTHORP, KNIGHT, and to the most wise and vertuous Lady IOANE his wife, Grace and Peace from God the Father, and our Lord Iesus Christ, bee multiplied.

MANY causes there were ( Right Worshipfull) that mo­ued mee to penne this Ex­position on the Comman­dements, but especially these following.

The first cause was, the hindering at least of Satans busie working, euen in our reformed Church, who as in the times of darknesse hee murthered mul­titudes of soules through Idolatrous Deuotions, and the false imagination of [Page] meritorious workes: euen so doth hee now in the cleere light of the Gospell, slay a great number through a liuelesse faith, and outward empty profession: Yet in both times hath there been a cer­taine number, whose workes were faith­full, and whose faith is fruitfull: There­fore to the end that they who through selfe-loue, and ignorance of Gods lawes seeme to bee somewhat, may see what sinnes they daily commit, and what ver­tues they continually omit, that they (I say) who seeme to themselues beautifull and rich enough, may see themselues to bee but wretched, miserable, poore, blind, and naked, Reu. 3. 17. For their be­nefite and good, I first attempted this short Treatise.

A second reason was, because I saw very many, yet so ignorant, as that they thinke they can keepe the whole Law, grossely, and Pharisaically, examining themselues by the outward letter of the tenne Words, or Commandements, euen which notwithstanding they make small conscience continually to breake, [Page] because God is mercifull: so that with them, as with carnall Gospellers, the commandements are quite growne out of request.

A third reason like to this was, be­cause that many euen on their death­beds, doe comfort themselues onely in their owne righteousnesse, which stan­deth in this, that they haue alwaies paid euery man his owne; That they neuer hurt their neighbour by word or deed; That they haue euer carryed a good meaning whatsoeuer they said, or did; That they haue giuen almes to the poore, whereupon some, being exhor­ted by their Minister to repent, and to call vpon God for mercy in Iesus Christ, haue answered, that they knew no sinne they had. Others againe, being more then wontedly sick, haue maruelled that God should so vndeseruedly punish them.

A fourth reason was, because that ma­ny not willing to buy a larger Expositi­on, partly for the cost, partly for the length thereof (as they thinke, who are [Page] cumbred with Martha about many things) might bee induced, and allured to buy, and reade this short Exposition, both for the little price, for the plaine­nesse, and for the many proofes, and bre­uitie thereof.

A fifth reason was, that children and yong folkes, hauing learned by heart the Principles of Christian Religion, might be instructed further in the Law, which is the end of vertuous and godly life, both that they may vnderstand Sermons the better, when they heare that whereof they haue already a fundamentall know­ledge (which must needes stirre vp in them, a desire to heare and know further therein, whereof commeth dilligent at­tention) and also, that knowing when they do well, and when they do ill, not onely in deed, but in word and thought, they may bee brought to make consci­ence of euery sinne, which the ignorant cannot do; that their mindes and con­sciences being possessed with the lawes of God in euery particular, in their yong age, the head of sinne may be sup­pressed, [Page] and kept vnder; that they may truely repent of their sinnes, which they that know not sinne, cannot do; and that they may know to what commandement euery vertue and sinne is referred.

And lastly, the reasons why I was bold to offer so small a present to your Wor­ship, of whom I haue receiued so many kindnesses, and am indeed for sundry respects for euer obliged vnto you, are. First because I haue alwaies knowne you to be a sincere louer of learning, simply for it selfe without by-respects, which plainely appeareth in this; that you haue not onely beene alwaies a speciall fauo­rer and Patron of the learned, but also separating your selfe from the world, as much as your place and calling will per­mit, haue euer deuoted your selfe to all good learning. Moreouer the inward and sincere loue and affection in the Lord, that I haue alwaies heeretofore, at this present, and euer shall beare vnto you, and your good Lady, for these ex­cellent and most amiable vertues, wise­dome, truth, vprightnesse, kindnesse, [Page] compassion tender-heartednesse, haue enforced mee to shew forth my hid and smothered loue, wherein I am able, and wherein it could finde passage: There­fore I desire your Worships both in one, whom coniugall and Christian loue, and vnanimity, haue made one, to accept this little gift, which I am bold to cast into the treasury of Gods Church, vnder your Worships protection.

The Lord continue still his fauoura­ble kindnesse, goodnesse, and mercy to­wards you, in powring downe still his manifold blessings vpon your ancient and honoured Family, from generation to generation for euer:

Botterwike in Holland neere Bosten in Lincoln. 1616.
Your Worships In all duties to command. THOMAS GRANGER.

To the Reader.

COurteous Reader, the Lord forbad our first Parents to eate of the Tree of Know­ledge of good and euill with denunciation of an euerla­sting curse vpon their disobedience. Againe, the same Lord commandeth vs to eate of the Tree of good, and euill, as a prepara­tiue to an euerlasting and perfect remedy: For as the eating thereof was the begin­ning of all euill, so the eating thereof is the beginning of all good. For as the desire of the knowledge of good and euill brought ignorance, and death, euen so the know­ledge of good and euill maketh wise vnto life. But heerein wee shew out of what root wee are growne, and out of what rocke wee are hewne, namely, to be alwaies against the Lord. For as our first parents being forbid­den to eate of that one Tree, did first of all eate of that Tree; so wee being commanded [Page] to eate of this one Tree of the Garden with promise of blessing, had rather eate of any other Tree of the Forrest, though the fruits thereof be present death: which obseruation of our froward hearts caused the Heathen Poet to say, ‘Nitimur in vetitum semper, cupi­musque negata.’ Englished thus:

To things forbidden wee chiefly doe aspire.
And things denyed wee most of all desire.

Now seeing that the onely good and wise God hath turned this curse into a bles­sing that both the knowledge of our sinne and misery, and also of perfect holinesse and righteousnesse should come by the Law, that so working guilt of sinne, feare of iudge­ment, and vtter despaire of life in the con­science, wee might bee inforced to flie to Christ for succour and reliefe in this di­stressed estate, and that being in Christ, the sting of death which is sin, and the strength of sinne which is the rigour of the Law îs abolished, and is become the rule of Christi­an [Page] life, and a Tree of life to them that eate thereof; seeing I say, it is thus, let vs desire to eate of this Tree, for the fruites thereof are not grieuous; yea, they are pleasant, de­lightfull, and more sweet then hony and the hony combe, to the sanctified taste, reuiuing, and quickning the soule to eternall life.

For these causes did the Lord so strictly charge the Israelites to exercise themselues in his Lawes continually: And that they might haue them in perfect remembrance aboue all things, hee commandeth them to rehearse them continually to their children, to write them vpon the posts of their houses, and vpon their gates, Deut. 11. 18. 19. and to weare fringes couered with a riband of blew silke on the borders of their garments for the same end, Numb. 18. [...]9. that in all things, in all places, and at all times, they might, as an holy and peculiar people do the will of God, and not their owne lusts as the Gentiles do, Deut. 26. 17. 18. 19.

Now although these, and such like cere­monies be abolished, yet the Law is euerla­sting, and giueth no more liberty of sinning to vs, then vnto them; yea hauing receiued [Page] greater measure of the Spirit of Adoption, wee should more ioyfully and cheerefully performe all obedience, then they that had but the spirit of bondage, viz. who like children were held in awe with temporall threatnings, and sharper outward punish­ments: Let vs therefore which haue recei­ued the promises (which they saw a farre of) freely without constraint, ingenuously and willingly as adopted sons reade, heare, talke, and meditate in the Law continually, and in steed of Iewish fringes, ribands, and Phylacteries, fitter for children then men of perfect age, let vs carry the Law ingrauen in the fleshy tables of our hearts.

And because the Law maketh but shal­low impression in our stony hearts, and is therefore quickly defaced, and worne out with the rust of corruption, wee haue need of daily meanes to cleanse, purge, and correct those furring vessels, and so much the more because wee haue also corrupters and temp­ters without vs and about vs, the world and the deuill that old deceitfull cauiller withdrawing and mis-leading vs in euery action and thought of the mind, from the [Page] will of God to their owne lusts.

Now for thy more distinct knowledge, and more spirituall and true vnderstan­ding of the Law, for thy better direction in all matters, and for thy furtherance in godlinesse and vertue in these latter euill daies, wherein that wicked one, 1. Ioh. 2. 14. so wonderfully hardneth the hearts of most men, 2. Tim. 3. 1. I haue drawne an Expo­sition of the Commandements, in such a forme and order, with such breuity and ful­nesse, and with so many & manifest proofes, as that any man, learned or vnlearned, may reape great benefite thereby.

And seeing that it is easie for the price, waighty for the matter, and light for the carriage, either in pocket, or in thy bosome, or in thy handes: thinke it I pray thee no more trouble to thee then Fringes and Phy­lacteries Mat. 23. 5. were to the Iewes, then Crosses and Crucifixes to the Papists, who think hereby to scarre away deuils, whereas indeed the deuils know where to take vp their Iunes and Lodgings by these whorish tokens & markes. Contrarily, here thou hast God speaking plainely to thee, and louingly [Page] instructing thee, and informing thee as a father doth his sonne. Thou hast heere a powerfull weapon, euen the voyce of God, to scarre away deuils, and to reproue the wic­ked in all their vniust dealings: Whatso­euer men say, iudge, or do, and howsoeuer the world swaggeth and reeleth, as the spirit of the aire that worketh in the children of disobedience hales it from iniquity to iniqui­ty: Heere thou hast a firme Foundation and vnmoueable Rocke; cleaue to this Rocke con­fidently, and build therevpon without wa­uering, so shalt thou abide for euer, 1. Ioh. 2. 17. when others with their wisedomes shall come to naught, 1. Cor. 2. 6. and with their vnfruitfull workes of darkenesse shall perish euerlastingly: For they that haue done good, as the Law of God informeth them, shall go into life euerlasting, and they that haue done euill shall go into euerlasting fire.

Thine in the Lord, T. G.

To the Christian Reader Grace and Peace.

GOOD Reader, thou hast heere a small Treatise, penned by a learned Diuine, wherein is plainely laid downe the sense and meaning of euery Com­mandement, both in the Negatiue and Affirmatiue part, as well of Graces com­manded, as of sinnes forbidden, confirmed with many pregnant proofes of Scripture, wherein much is expressed in few words: Which Treatise I haue pervsed, and doe esteeme it very profitable, especially for the vnlearned which desire knowledge, and the rather because I know none that hath ope­ned the Commandements so fully in this manner. I commend it to thy diligent rea­ding, [Page] continuall remembrance, and care­full practise, and thee to the Grace of God, and to his fauour in Christ,

Thine in the Lord, Neuill Drant.

A Profitable and Familiar Exposition of the Com­mandements.

THE FIRST COMMANDEMENT.

Thou shalt haue none other Gods but mee.

THe occasion of this Comman­dement is our lusting after false Gods.

The principall vertues here­in commanded are sixe.

First, The knowledge of God, Iohn 17. 2.

Secondly, The loue of God aboue all, Deut. 6. 5.

Fiue signes of the true loue of God.

1 A pure heart, a good conscience, faith vnfeigned, 1. Tim. 1. 5.

[Page 2]2 Our loue to his Word, Ioh. 14. 5. of this there are two signes also: first, To loue them that loue it, Psal. 119. 63. secondly, To draw others to loue it, Deut. 6. 5. 6. 7.

3 Loue of our brethren. 1. Iohn 4. 19. 20.

4 Reioying to thinke and talke of Christ more then any worldly thing, Gal. 6. 14. 15.

5 Our loue to all things that pertaine to his seruice, Psal. 84. 1. 2. 3.

Thirdly, trust and affiance in God, Ier. 17. 7.

Fiue signes of true confidence in God.

1 To seeke for the fauour and counte­nance of God aboue all worldly things, Psal. 4. 6. 7. Math. 6. 33.

2 Delight in the Lord. Ps. 37. 4.

3 Hope in the Lord, Ps. 37. 35.

4 Cleauing alwaies to the Lord, Iosh. 23. 8. Act. 11. 23.

5 Comfort in the Lord in troubles, 1. Sam. 30. 6.

Fourthly, Feare of God, Ps. 128. 1. Deut. 28. 59. 1. Sam. 12. 24.

Two signes of the feare of God.

1 To eschew euill, Gen. 39. 9. Iob. 1. 1.

2 To do good, Gen. 22. 12. Ps. 112. 1.

This feare is bred and preserued in vs by foure meanes.

1 By meditation of Gods mercy in Iesus Christ. Ps. 130. 4.

[Page 3]2 By meditation of his power and iustice, Iob 31. 23.

3 By hearing the Word Preached.

4 By Prayer.

Fifthly, Humility, Gen. 32. 10. Gen. 28. 27. Psal. 131. Mica. 6. 8.

4 Signes of Humility.

1 Acknowledgement of our owne want of goodnesse, Gen. 32. 10. Gen. 19. 19.

2 To bee sorrowfull because we cannot better please God. Rom. 7. 14. 26.

3 Contentment, Gen. 28. 20. 21. 1. Cor. 7. 20.

4 Not to despise our brethren, 1. Pet. 2. 17.

Sixthly, Worship of God in Spirit and truth, Ioh. 422. 23.

Vices or sinnes forbidden.

I. Ignorance of God and his will; both naturall ignorance, 1. Cor. 2. 14. and wilfull ignorance, Hos. 4. 6. Esay 1. 3. Iob 21. 14. 15.

II. Denying of God, which is called Atheisme; and it is either open, Ephes. 2. 12. 2. Pet. 3. 4. 5. 6. or secret in the heart, Ps. 14. 1. God is denyed, when his prouidence, pre­sence, iustice, mercy, are denyed. &c.

Fiue signes of secret Atheisme.

[...] Not to seeke to know God, Ps. 10. 4.

[Page 4]2 To deny his prouidence and iustice, Psal. 10. 12.

3 To liue securely, and without feare in sinne, 2. Tim.▪ 3. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

4 To seeke greedily for the wealth and pompe of the world, Phil. 19.

5 To reuolt from God, because wee haue not our owne present desires, Mal. 3. 14.

III. With-craft, Deut. [...]8. 10. Ex. 22. 18.

IIII. Seeking to Wizards or Wise-men. Leu. 19. 31.

V. Withdrawing of the heart from God, Esay 29. 13. Ier. 12. 2.

VI. Distrust in God, Heb. 10. 38.

Foure signes of Distrust.

1 Impatience in crosses, Ier. 20. 14. 15.

2 Tempting of God, that is, not to be­leeue without signes of his truth and power, Exod. 17. 2.

3 Desperation, Gen. 4. 13. 1. Thess. 4. 13.

4 Doubtfulnesse or wauering in the truth of Gods promises or threatnings, Ps. 116. 11.

VII. Confidence in Creatures; as in strength, Esay 31. 1. Ier. 17. 5. In riches, Mat. 6. 24. Ecclesiasticus 5. 1. In strong holds, Ier. 49. 16. In oppression and robberie, Ps. 62. 10. In pleasures, Phil. 3. 19. In Physitions and Surgeons, 2. King. 16. 12.

VIII. Loue of the creature, Math. 10. 37. Ioh. 12. 43. Ioh. 5. 44. 2. Tim. 4. 10. Iam. 4. 4.

[Page 5] IX. Hatred of God, Rom. 1. 30. Rom. 8. 7.

X. Want of feare of God, Psal. 36. 1.

XI. Feare of man, Mat. 10. 28. Ier. 10. 2. Deut. 1. 17.

XII. Hardnesse of heart, Rom. 2. 5.

XIII. Pride, which disposeth all things to a mans owne credite and vaine-glorie, 1. Cor. 4. 7.

The second Commandement.

Thou shalt not make to thy selfe any grauen Image, nor the likenesse of any thing, that is in heauen aboue, or in the earth beneath, or in the water vnder the earth: Thou shalt not bow downe to them, nor worship them; For I the Lord thy God am a iealous God, and visite the sinnes of the fa­thers vpon the children, vnto the third and fourth Generation of them that hate mee, and shew mercy vnto thousands in them that loue mee and keepe my Commandements.

THe occasion of the second Commande­ment is our aptnesse to carnall worship, [Page 6] whereby we falsely imagine that wee can de­uise a right manner of worship to God.

The worship of God is either inward in minde, or outward in body, Ioh. 4. 23. chap. 9. 38.

The forme of Gods worship herein com­manded hath foure principall branches.

1 The publicke Reading and Preaching of the Word, Math. 28. 19.

2 The publicke Hearing of the Word, Ioh. 5. 25.

3 Prayer and thankes-giuing, Act. 2. 42.

4 Administration and receiuing of the Sacrament, Math. 26. 26. Luk. 22. 19.

Prayer hath two helpes, Almes Dan. 4. 24. Actes 10. 2. and Fasting, Ioel 1. 14.

The whole Worship of God hath two helpes also; Vowes, and reading of godly bookes, Actes 17. 11. Gen. 28. 22. Psal. 116. 18.

Vices, or sinnes forbidden.

I. To make Images of God the Father, Son, or Holy Ghost; either painted, which are called Pictures, or ingrauen and molten, which are called Idoles.

II. Worshipping of the Image it selfe, Bel and Dragon.

III. Worshipping of God by Images, Exod. 32. 4.

[Page 7] IIII. Worshipping of imaginary Gods, Act. 28. 11.

V. Worshipping of creatures, in, by; or without an Image.

VI. Images of Christ, Crosses and Cru­cifixes, &c. which ought to be abolished as the Brazen serpent was.

VII. All occasions to Idolatry, which are principally foure.

1 To be present at Masse, and Popish ser­uice, 1. Cor. 10. 21. 1. Cor. 6. 20.

2 To fauour or to giue approbation to Idolatry.

2 To keepe any reliques or monuments of Idolatry, Ex. 23. 13. Gen. 31. 32.

4 To haue fellowship with Idolaters, which is foure waies.

1 By marriage with Idolaters, Ez [...]. 9. 14. 2. King. 8. 18.

2 To ioyne in league with them, 2. Chro. 19. 2.

3 To sell them wares to Idolatrous vses.

4 To giue or sell Popish b [...]okes to the ig­norant or wauering minded.

VIII. Will-worship, Col. 2. 23.

IX. Worshipping of deuils, which is principally by Witch-craft, and censulting with witches.

Witchcraft hath fiue parts.

1 South-saying, Deut. 18. 10. Eze. 21. 21.

[Page 8]2 Necromancy, or coniuring, Deut. 18. 11. 2. Sam. 28. 7.

3 Sorcerie, Reu. 21. 8.

4 Iugling, Exod. 7. 11.

5 Charming, or inchantment, Deut. 18. 11. Exod. 7. 11.

X. Neglect of Preaching, Esay 56. 10. 11. 1. Cor. 9. 16.

XI. Preaching of false doctrine, or true doctrine to a false end, 2. Ioh. 10. 1. Cor. 11. 19

XII. Vnprofitable Preaching, which is by séeking vaine-glorie and flattering. 1. Cor. 1. 18. 1. Cor. 2. 1. Lam. 2. 14.

XIII. Contempt, or refusing to heare the Word, Ier. 11. 10. Ier. 11. 8. 1. Ioh. 4. 6.

XIIII. Vnprofitable hearing, which commeth,

1 For lacke of preparation, Eccles. 4. 17.

2 Through vnbeleefe, Heb. 4. 2.

3 Through coldnesse of affection, and an earthly heart, which may be called dead-hear­tednesse, Reu. 3. 15. 16. & ver. 1.

4 Through forgetfulnesse, Iam. 1. 22, &c.

XV. Not to pray at all, or seldome, 1. Thess. 5. 17.

XVI. Vnthankefulnesse, Esay 1. 2. 3. Psal. 78. 43.

XVII. Vnworthy receiuing of the Sa­crament, 1. Cor. 11. 29.

XVIII. Reading of prophane and [Page 9] wanton bookes.

XIX. Wicked vowes. Actes 23. 12.

XX. Hipocrisie, Math. 15. Math. 23. 23. Math. 23. 4. 5. Esay 58. 5. 6.

The third Commandement.

Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vaine▪ For the Lord will not hold him guiltlesse that ta­keth his name in vaine.

THe occasion of this commandement, is our aptnesse & readinesse to despise God.

Vices, or sinnes forbidden.

I. To giue occasion to the wicked to slan­der the Gospell, Rom. 2. 24. 1. Sam. 2. 17.

II. Vaine & curious talking of the Scrip­ture, Tit. 3. 9. Col. 2. 8:

III. To mingle Scripture and ribaldry together, as Minstrels do at feasts, &c. Col. 3. 16. 17.

IIII. Blasphemy, whereof there are fiue sorts.

1 To thinke or speake of the Scripture in mocking, ieasting, or scoffing manner, 2. Pet. 3. 4. 5. Esay 5. 19.

[Page 10]2 To make ieasts out of the Scripture, Esay 66. 2.

3 Grosse reproach against God, 2. King. 19. 10. Mat. 27. 29. & ver. 40. &c.

4 Alleaging of Scripture to maintaine sin errour and heresie, Math. 4. 6.

5 Excusing of sin by the infirmities of ho­ly men in the Scriptures.

V. To vse the name of God carelesly in common talke, Phil. 2. 10.

VI. Lightly to passe ouer Gods iudge­ments in our selues and others, Luke 13. 1. 2.

VII. To abuse the name of God to char­ming and witchcraft, Actes 19. 13.

VIII. Popish hallowing of Candles, Ashes, Oile, and Palmes, Salt and Water.

IX. To praise and thanke God for euill things: 1, Sam. 23. 21.

X. Cursing and banning, either of our selues, simply, or conditionally.

XI. To abuse the properties of God, as

1 His power, by rash, and faithlesse spea­king of it, 2. King. 7. 2.

2 His wisedome and prouidence, vnder the names of chance and fortune.

3 His mercy and patience to embolden vs in sin, and impenitency, Rom. 2. 4. Ezech. 12. 27. Amos 6. 3.

XII. Fearefull swearing by the names and properties of God.

[Page 11] XIII. Vaine and idle swearing among ignorant people, Math. 5. 33. 34. Iam. 5. 12.

XIIII. Superstitious swearing, Iosh. 23. 7. Zeph. 1. 5. Ier. 5. 7.

XV. Blasphemous, and out-ragious swearing, as among Dicers and Carders.

XVI. Swearing wickedly to doe euill, 1. King. 19. 2. Actes 23. 12. 1. Sam. 25. 22.

XVII. Periury, Leuit. 19. 12. Mal. 3. 5.

XVIII. Vaine and wicked Lots casting. Prou. 16. 33. Actes 1. 26.

XIX. Mocking, ieasting, and speaking vn­reuerently of the workes of God.

XX. Superstition.

Vertues commanded.

First, Reproofe, correction, and punish­ment of the former sinnes and sinners, accor­ding to our power, place, and calling, 1. Sam. 2, 23, &c. Tit. 1. 3. Leuit. 19. 17. Math. 18. 16.

Secondly, a lawfull and religious oath, Deut. 6. 13. Exod. 22. 11. Heb. 6. 16.

Thirdly, priuate instruction of Families, Deut. 6. 6. Iosh. 24. 15.

Fourthly, to take, & seek occasion in time, & place conuenient, to commend Gods Great­nesse, Excellency, Wisedome, Power, Good­nesse, Iustice, Mercy, manifested in his Word and Workes.

Fifthly, to vse the names of God onely in [Page 12] waighty affaires, and with all reuerence, Deut. 28. 58.

Sirthly, Zeale of Gods glory aboue all things in the world, Numb. 25. 8. Psal. 69. 22. Actes 7. 51. 52. Actes 13. 10. Reu. 3. 19. Tit. 2. 14. Gal. 4. 18.

Fiue signes of true Zeale.

1 It beginnes at our selues.

2 It is suspitious of our owne secret euils.

3 It is constant, not hote by fits.

4 It causeth vs to reioyce in the prospe­rity of the Church, though our selues bee in affliction.

5 It is earnest in matters of godlinesse, but cold in worldly things.

Seuenthly, Sanctification of Gods gifts and ordinances; they are sanctified by two meanes.

1 By the Word, that teacheth the holy and right vse of them, Psal. 119. 24.

2 By prayer, whereby wee obtaine the assistance of Gods grace to vse them rightly: and whereby we magnifie and blesse God for giuing them to vs, and giuing vs grace to glorifie him in them.

The fourth Commandement.

Remember that thou keepe holy the Sa­both day: Sixe daies thou shalt la­bour, and do all that thou hast to do; But the seuenth day is the Sabaoth of the Lord thy God; In it thou shalt do no manner of work, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, thy man-seruant, and thy maid-seruant, thy cattell, and the stranger that is within thy gates: For in sixe daies the Lord made hea­uen and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seuenth day; Wherefore the Lord blessed the seuenth day and hallowed it.

THe occasion of this Commandement, is our readinesse to fall away from God, vnlesse daily meanes bee vsed.

Vertues commanded.

First, Preparation of y e body y e day before, by moderate labour, and diet, and earely ri­sing [Page 14] on the Saboaths morning, Exod. 32. 6. Ex. 19. 14. 15.

Secondly, preparation of mind, by fréeing it from worldly thoughts and cares.

Thirdly, preparation of the heart, by pur­ging out corrupt lusts and euill affections, Esay. 1. 13.

Fourthly, the rest of man, and beast, the whole day from all labour not necessary, nor holy, Exod. 34. 21.

Fifthly, Sanctification of the Saboath, that is, the separating of it to Gods worship onely, as the second commandement requi­reth, Esay 58. 13.

Sixthly, visiting of the sicke.

Seuenthly, relieuing of the poore, 1. Cor. 16. 1. 2. Neh. 8. 12.

Eightly, instruction of our Families, Deut. 11. 19.

Ninthly, reconciliation of them that are at variance, and admonition of them that offend.

Vices forbidden.

First, to do any worke at any time, with­out present and euident necessitie, Ex. 34. 21. Math 12. 11. Numb. 15. 25.

Secondly, néedlesse iournies, Ex. 16. 29.

Thirdly, Bargaining, Faires, and Mar­kets. Neh. 13. 15, &c.

Fourthly, all vaine ieasting, sporting, ga­ming, dancing, banquetting, Esay 58. 13.

Fifthly, outward worship without in­ward affection, Esay 1. 14. 15. 2 T. im. 3. 5. Amos 5. 21, &c.

Sixthly, giuing liberty to seruants and children, to spend the Saboath in idlenesse and gaming.

Seuenthly, neglect of bringing our whole Family to the Church, as necessity shall permit.

The fifth Commandement.

Honour thy Father and Mother, that thy daies may bee long in the land which the Lord thy God giueth thee.

THe occasion of the fifth commandement is our proud and enuious nature that cannot abide to be vnder gouernment, or giue men their due.

By Father and Mother, is meant our na­turall Parents, Kings; Magistrates, and all Gouernours spirituall, and temporall, mini­sters of Gods Word, by what name or title [Page 16] soeuer they bee called. Guardians that haue the Ward-ship of children, Maisters of Li­berall Arts, and Mechanicall Trades: All aged persons, and all that excell in any gift or calling.

Two sorts of vertues, or duties are heere­in commanded.

1 Generall duties of superiours, and in­feriours, one towards another.

2 Speciall duties of particular calling.

The duties of the Superiour to the Inferiour.

First, to loue, and seeke for the welfare of their inferiours, hauing the place, and title of parents, 2 King. 25. 13. Rom. 13 4. Esay 49. 23.

Secondly, to giue example of godly and Christian life, Tit. 1. 2. 3.

Thirdly, to shew forth grauity and digni­ty by their countenance, gestures, words, and deeds, Iob. 29. 8.

Fourthly, to yeeld to their inferiours in good matters, as to their brethren, Deut. 17. 20. Iob. 31 13. 2. King. 5 13. 14.

Fifthly, not to shew their owne authori­ty, but Gods in them, for that is to rob God of his honour, which is the sin of the Deuill, and Anti-christ, Ex. 16. 7. 8. Numb. 16. 11. 29.

Duties of Inferiours to their Superiours.

First, to rise vp and stand before them, when they sit or passe by vs, Leuit. 19. 32.

Secondly, to rise vp and meet them, when they come towards vs, Gen. 18. 2. 1. King. 2. 19.

Thirdly, to how the knee in token of re­uerence, Gen. 18. 2. 1. King. 1. 23. 30.

Fourthly, to vncouer the head before the ancient, 1. Cor. 11. 7.

Fifthly, to giue them the better place in all méetings, Rom. 12. 10. Eph. 5. 21. 1. King. 2. 19. Gen 43. 33. Luke 14. 7. 8. 9. 1. Pet. 5. 5.

Sixthly, to giue the Elder the first place of speaking, Iob 32. 6. 7. ver. 16. 17.

Seuenthly, to giue them their right and titles, according to their place, 1. Pet. 3. 6. 1. Sam. 1. 14. 1. King. 1. 24.

Eighthly, to obey their lawfull Comman­dements, Rom. 13. 1. Actes 5. 29.

Ninthly, to honour, and obey them accor­ding to their Calling and Office, for consci­ence sake, not for ciuility and manners sake▪ Rom. 13. 5.

Vices of Superiours forbidden.

First, to neglect the good they ought to do to their inferiours, or to enrich themselues in [Page 18] harming and hindering them, 1. King. 21. Mica 2. 1. 2. 3.

Secondly, To glorifie themselues by aba­sing their inferiours, and disgracing their vertues.

Thirdly, to giue euill example, Pro. 31. 4.

Fourthly, light, vnsober, and foolish beha­uiour, Pro. 31. 4. 5. 1. King. 16. 9. 10. Dan. 5. 23. 1. Pet. 3. 3. 2. Sam. 18. 9.

Fifthly, to attribute the honour and reue­rence giuen to them, to themselues; not to Gods Image in them, and so God himselfe, Actes 12. 23.

Sixthly, not to correct and punish sin, and sinners, but the innocent, 2. King. 22. 16.

Vices of Inferiours forbidden.

First, to hate their Superiours for their Callings sake, as carnall Gospellers doe Mi­nisters, because in spirit they hate God, Amos 5. 10.

Secondly, to ascribe or giue more honour to them then is due, Actes 12. 21. 22.

Thirdly, to aggrauate, and discouer their infirmities. Gen. 9. 22.

Fourthly, to flatter them in their sins, as all parasites and flatterers do, 1. Kin. 12. 14. 15. Ier. 6. 13. 14. Ier. 14. 13. 1. King. 22. 6.

Fifthly, not to admonish them in loue and reuerence, if neede require: Ioab offen­ded [Page 19] herein, 2. Sam. 19. 5. 6. 7.

Sixthly, to contemne their lawfull and iust commandements.

2 Speciall duties of particular Callings.

Duties of Parents to their Children.

First, the mother must preserue the life of the child with all care till it be borne and come to yeares of strength.

Secondly, she ought to nurce her child, as all godly Matrones haue done, 1. Tim. 5. 10. Gen. 21. 7. 1. Sam: 1. 29.

Thirdly, Fathers must prouide for the maintenance of wife and children: 1. Tim. 5. 8. Gen. 30. 30.

Fourthly, both parents iointly must bring vp their children in instruction, and informa­tion in the Lord: Deut. 4. 9. Deut. 6. 6. Eph. 6. 4. Pro. 31. 1. Tim. 1. 5. 1. Tim. 3. 15.

Fifthly, Parents must correct and chasten their children with wisedome and moderati­on, and that betimes, Pro. 13. 24. Prou. 19. 18. Pro. 23. 13. 14. Pro. 22. 15 Pro. 3. 12. Heb. 12. 5.

Sixthly, Parents must traine vp their children in some Profession, or particular Calling, that they may bee profitable mem­bers in the Church and Common-wealth: Prou. 22. 6.

Seuenthly, Parents must haue a godly [Page 20] care for the marriage of their children, that it may bee helpefull for their generall Cal­ling, Gen. 24. 1. 2. Gen. 27. 46. Gen. 26. 35. Ruth. 3. 1. 2. 3.

Eighthly, they must consecrate their chil­dren wholly to the Lord that they may bee his, and do him seruice.

Duties of children to their parents.

First, cheerefull reuerence, that is, to loue and feare them, Leu. 19. 3.

Secondly, to obey their lawfull comman­dem [...]nts, readily and willingly, Ephes. 6. 1. Gen. 22. Ier. 35. 14. Luke 2. 51.

Thirdly, to help their parents infirmities, and to prouide for them when they are old, 1. Tim. 5. 4. Gen. 45. 9. 2. Tim. 3. 3.

Fourthly, to beare with, and to couer their parents infirmities, 1. Sam. 19. 3. 4. Gen. 9. 23.

Fifthly, to defend their parents from their aduersaries, to their power, &c.

Vices of parents forbidden.

First, not to prouide for the welfare of their children, 1. Tim. 5. 8.

Secondly, to carke and care for their bo­dies, but to suffer their soules to rot in sinne: Such bring not vp children for God, but reare vp beasts for the Deuill. Pro. 23. 13. 14.

Thirdly, to bring vp their children in loose­nesse, [Page 21] pride, idlenesse, and wantonnesse, 1. Sam. 1. 2. 1. King. 1. 6.

Fourthly, to prouoke them to anger through vnreasonable chasticemēts in words, and stripes, Ephes. 6. 4.

Fifthly, to make sport and pastime at their childrens folly, either of their words or déeds.

Sixthly, to allure them to obedience with flatttering words, promises, and gifts, rather then from the knowledge of their duties, and conscience of sinne begotten in them, by Ca­techising and instruction.

Seuenthly, to giue euill example to their children, or to speake any thing that may cor­rupt their minds.

Eighthly, to with-hold their children from marrying longer then is conuenient, for ri­ches sake, thereby causing them to fall into diuerse lusts.

Ninthly, to dispose of their children in marriage for goods sake, with an idolatrous or prophane person, or without their chil­drens loue, liking, and consent.

Tenthly, to marry them in their child-hood for goods sake, or some other sinister respect.

Vices of children forbidden.

First, vnreuerent and contemptible beha­uiour towards their parents, Gen. 9. 22. Pro. 20. 17.

Secondly, to reuile them, to curse, or to speake bitterly to them, Exod. 21. 17.

Thirdly, to smite father or mother, and to turne againe on them, Exod. 21. 15.

Fourthly, disobedience to their lawfull Commandements, and stubborne refusall of their good admonitions, Deut. 20. 20. 21.

Fifthly, vnreuerent and sullen answeres, Gen. 34. 30. 31.

Sixthly, vnthankefulnesse, and want of louing affection to parents, 1. Tim. 5. 4. Prou. 23. 22.

Seuenthly, secretly to wish their death, to enioy their goods, lands, houses, possessious, or for liberty, Gen. 27. 41.

Eightly, to marry without parents know­ledge and consent, Gen. 27. 46.

Duties of Maisters and Seruants.

First, Maisters must instruct their ser­uants in the knowledge of God, Tit. 2. 10. Gen. 18. 19. Gen. 14. 14. Act. 10. 7. Act. 16. 15.

Secondly, Maisters must giue to their housholds good example of faith, godlinesse, purity, sobriety, and to guide them in loue, méekenesse, wisedome, and iudgement.

Thirdly, Maisters must giue to their ser­uants the recompence of their labours, Col. 4. 1.

Fourthly, Maisters must bee bountifull [Page 23] towards faichfull and good seruants, Gen. 15. 2. 3.

Fifthly, Maisters must giue a liberall re­ward to them that haue serued them long, at their departure, Deut. 15. 13. 14.

Sixthly, Maisters must correct the vices of their seruants, especially their sinnes against God, and according to piety, and not their owne lusts, Pro. 29. 19. ver. 21. 1. King. 16. 11. 1. King. 11. 21.

Seuenthly, they must lay aside all anger and wrath.

Eightly, they must harbour no slanderers, lyars, nor tale-bearers to poison their Fami­lies, Psal. 101. 10.

Ninthly, they must passe by, and couer many faults in good seruants, Eccles. 7. 23.

Tenthly, Lesser faults must bee punished with admonitions, Pro. 17. 10.

Eleuenthly, greater sinnes must be chasti­sed and corrected, Pro. 29. 19.

Duties of Seruants.

First, Humble and Christian subiection to their Maisters, in word and gesture: Tit. 2. 9.

Secondly, Obedience to their lawfull com­mandements: Col. 3. 22.

Thirdly, Simplicity, and singlenesse of heart, without fraud or colour, seruing truely for conscience sake, rather then for feare, or [Page 24] wages: Ephes. 6. 7. Tit. 1. 10. Gen. 24. 32. 33.

Fourthly, to bee carefull, diligent, and painefull for their Maisters good, being there­vnto called: Gen. 31. 38. 39. 40. 41.

Fifthly, to be content with their calling: 1. Cor. 7. 20. 21. 22. 23.

Sixthly, to submit themselues to the re­bukes, admonitions, and corrections of their Maisters with all méeknesse of spirit, 1. Pet. 2. 13. 18.

Seuenthly, Secre [...]e and counsell kéeping, 2. Sam. 16. 3.

Eightly, to giue godly example by their Christian seruice, to their prophane Maisters: Titus 2. 9.

Vices of Maisters forbidden.

First, tyranizing ouer their seruants, and oppressing them with cruell vsage, Exodus 1 & 2 chap.

Secondly, not to instruct them in the knowledge of God, and admonish to godli­nesse as their brethren in Christ, but to respect their bodies onely for labour, as they do their beasts.

Thirdly, to make them instruments of their malice, reuenge, or other corrupt lusts: 1. Sam. 18. 22. &c. 1. Sam. 19. 11. 1. Sam. 28. 7. 1. Sam. 22. 18. 2. Sam. 11. 4. 15. 16. 17. 2. Sam. 13. 28. 29. 1. King. 21. 9. 10. 11. 2. Chron. 24. [Page 25] 20. 21. Dan. 3. 19. 20. Hest. 3. 13. Mar. 6. 17. 27.

Fourthly, not to reward bountifully, faithfull and good seruants, Gen. 29. 25. 26. Gen. 31. 7.

Fifthly, after their long seruice, not to ac­knowledge their deserts, but to be disconten­tented and frowning, that they might giue them nothing: Deut. 15. 9. 10.

Sixthly, to rebuke and chasten them se­uerely in their worldly businesses, but other­wise to maintaine, or winke at their folly.

Seuenthly, to send away seruants, or to stop their wages, or not to seeke help for them in time of sicknesse: Mark. 8. 6.

Eighthly, to hide the mysteries of Trades from Apprentises.

Ninthly, to let them do and say what they will, so their worke be well done.

Vices of Seruants forbidden.

First, Eye-seruice, which is, to shew duti­fulnesse outwardly, especially in their Mai­sters presence, but not in singlenesse of heart, nor of conscience, Coloss. 3. 22. Ephes. 6. 5. 6. Tit. 2. 9.

Secondly, answering againe when they are reproued, Tit. 2. 9.

Thirdly, filching, picking, and conueying away of their maisters goods, by themselues, or through the enticements of theeuish neigh­bours: [Page] Tit. 2. 10. Philemon 11.

Fourthly, to refuse y e authority & correction of their Maisters: Gen. 16. 6. Philem. Onesim.

Fifthly, by negligence to become vnprofi­table drones in their maisters seruice.

Sixthly, to serue for wages rather then for conscience sake, and for feare of punishment rather then for loue of God: Rom. 13. 5.

Seuenthly, to discouer their Maisters in­firmities, or to hinder them any way in goods, or good name: 2. Sam. 16. 3.

Eighthly, to giue aduantage to their Mai­sters aduersaries, through discouery of their counsell, which is treacherie: Math. 26. Iudas.

Ninthly, not to maintain the good name of their Maisters being wrongfully ill spoken of.

Tenthly, not to crosse & hinder the mischie­uous purposes of wicked maisters to their po­wer lawfully: 2. Sam. 17. 7. ad 15. 1. Sam. 20. 38

Eleuenthly, to flatter, and further their maisters in wickednesse for hope of prefer­ment, as Sauls followers did.

Twelfthly, to tell lyes & tales of any in the family, or of others to their Maisters, to make discord betwéene man and wife, & neighbors.

Thirtéenthly, to obey their Maisters wic­ked commandements: 1. Sam. 22. 18. Doeg.

Duties of Husbands towards their Wiues.

First, to loue their wiues as their owne [Page] selues: Ephes. 5. 25. Coloss. 3. 19.

Secondly, to reioyce and delight in their loue in y e Lord, which are y e causes of chastity, patience, & agréement: Pro. 5. 18. Pro. 19. 20.

Thirdly, faithfulnesse in regard of body and goods.

It stands in two things.

1 In forsaking all others and liuing onely with her, to her, and for her, in the Lord: Gen. 2. 24. Pro. 5. 9. 10. 11.

2 In prouiding for her, and maintaining her without fraud according to his state: 1. Tim. 5. 8.

Fourthly, to edifie his wife by instruction, and good example: 1. Cor. 14. 35.

Fifthly, to gouerne and serue his wife, as the head doth the body: 1. Cor. 7. 3. 4. 5. 1. Cor. 11. 12.

Sixthly, to dwell with her according to knowledge: 1. Pet. 3. 7.

It standeth in three things.

1 In couering her infirmities, by honou­ring her as y e weaker vessell: 1. Cor. 12. 23, &c.

2 In accompting her his equall in Christ, who regardeth neither seres, nor persones.

3 In discret behauiour, that hee bee not hated nor despised, but feared and reuerenced: 1. Tim. 4. 12.

Seuenthly, to loue his wiues kinsfolkes.

Duties of Wiues.

First, to bee subiect and obedient to their husbands: 1. Pet. 3. 1. Col. 3. 18. Eph. 5. 21. 22. 24. 1. Pet. 3. 6. 1. Cor. 11. 7.

Secondly, to feare their husbands, Ephes. 5. 33. 1. Pet. 3. [...].

It standeth in two things.

1 In loue: Tit. 2. 4.

2 In reuerence.

Thirdly, faithfulnesse in regard of body and goods, Psal. 45. 11. 12.

It stands in two things.

1 In forsaking all other, and liuing onely with him, to him, and for him, in the Lord: Psal. 45. 11. 12.

2 In helping to maintaine and increase his estate.

This helping stands in three things.

1 In kéeping at home, Titus 2. 5. 1. Tim. 5. 13.

2 In good huswifrie: Pro. 31.

3 In meane and decent apparell, 1. Tim. 2. 9. 10. 1. Pet. 3. 3. 4. 5.

This meane stands in two things.

1 In comelinesse, not in costlinesse: 1. Tim. 2. 10.

2 In the modest, and chaste fashion of it: 1. Pet. 3. 3. Esay 3. 16.

Fourthly, Silence: 1. Tim. 5. 13. 1. Tim. 2. 11. 12.

Fifthly, to giue example of Christian con­uersation: 1. Pet. 3. 1. 1. Sam. 25. 3.

Sixthly, to loue their husbands knisfolkes.

Vices of Husbands forbidden.

First, to vse their Wiues but as seruants for their worke, as many inhumane niggards doe.

Secondly, to preferre their seruants before their wiues, as many leud worldlings do.

Thirdly, to preferre riotous, wanton and vnthrifty company before hers at home.

Fourthly, iealousie: Pro. 6. 34.

Fifthly, froward, teasty, and lumpish beha­uiour towards her: 1. Sam. 25. 3.

Sixthly, light, vaine, and foolish behauiour, which breedes contempt, and shakes off the yoake of obedience.

Seuenthly, indiscreet gouerning of her.

It stands in foure things.

1 In despising the counsell of a wise and vertuous wife, which is sometimes of better gouernment then the husband: 1. Sam. 25. 11.

2 In being led by a foolish, malicious, or wicked wife, and to giue too much ear [...] to her words: 1. King. 21.

3 To depriue a good wife of conuenient maintenance, Christian recreations and de­lights.

4 In giuing too much liberty to an idle, [Page 30] wanton, or gadding huswife.

Eighthly, to despise his wiues kinsfolkes.

Vices of Wiues forbidden.

First, to despise their husbands: 2. Sam. 6. 16. 23.

Secondly, disobedience to their husbands: Hest. 1.

Thirdly, vnreuerent behauiour towards their husbands: these are the vices of proud stomachfull huswiues.

Fourthly, idlenesse and wastfulnesse, 1. Tim. 5. 13. 1. Tim. 2. 9.

Fifthly, Prattling and gadding abroad: Pro. 7. 11.

Sixthly, Scoulding and babling: Ecclesia­sticus 26. 28.

Seuenthly, contention and brawling: Prou. 21. 19.

Eighthly, Iealousie.

Ninthly, contempt of her husbands kins­folkes.

Duties of Magistrates towards their Subiects.

First, hee must reade in the booke of God continually, that hee may learne to feare God and keepe his Lawes▪ Deut. 17. 18. 19. 20.

Secondly, to maintaine and confirme the [Page 31] true worship of God: 1. Tim. 2. 2.

Thirdly, to roote out Idolatry and false worship to his vttermost power: 2. King. 18. & cap. 23.

Fourthly, by his wisedome, strength, and goods to promote the Ministery of the Word: Esay 49. 23.

Fifthly, to do iustice and iudgement: which standeth.

1 In punishing of euill doers.

2 In protecting, and rewarding the godly.

3 In deliuering the afflicted from his ene­mies.

4 In relieuing, and succouring the Or­phanes, and helpelesse.

5 In defending the good cause of the poore.

6 In preseruing and maintaining peace.

7 In protecting the Church & Common­wealth by force of Armes, if need require.

8 In punishing the breakers of Gods Law, without respect of persons.

9 In making good lawes, for the establi­shing and preseruing of religion and peace.

10 In reforming corrupt members, and taking away the causes of corruption: as Stewes, houses of filthinesse, disordered Ale­houses, Tauernes, &c. Iob 29. 30. 1. King. 15. 8.

11 In cutting off dead members that will not be reformed. The contrary is forbidden.

Duties of Subiects.

First, inward reuerence, and outward obe­dience: Rom. 13. Tit. 3. 1.

Secondly, submission to their power in vnlawfull commandements; but not obedi­ence: Actes 4. 19. Dan. 3. 16. 17. Dan. 6. 13.

Thirdly, payment of their dues willingly, and without discontentment: Rom. 13. 7. Math. 21. 22. The contrary is forbidden.

Duties of Ministers to their Parishioners.

First, to Preach the word of God sincere­ly, and that without respect of persons, Iam. 2. 1. 3. 4. 5. 1. Tim. 5. 21. 1. King. 22. 13. 14. Pro. 28. 21. Rom. 10. 12. 13. Actes 10. 34. 1. Sam. 16. 7. Iob 34. 19. Deut. 10. 17.

Secondly, to vse all dilligence in Catechi­zing and Preaching: Pro. 27. 23. 1. Pet. 5. 2. Ezech. 33. 2. 3. &c. 2. Tim. 4. 2. 1. Tim. 4. 13.

Thirdly, to teach, exhort, rebuke, with all authoritie, as the Embassadors of God: Tit. 2. 15. 1. Tim. 1. 20. Tit. 1. 13.

Fourthly, to set forth the authority and power of God ouer mens consciences, not their owne▪ 1. Pet. 4. 11. 1. Pet. 5. 3. 2. Cor. 4. 4. Ezech. 3. 1. 17. Luke 12. 42. 45.

Fifthly, to bee constant, bold, and feare­lesse, in the discharge of their Calling: Reu. 2. 3 [Page 33] Ephe. 6. 19. 2. Cor. 5. 6. Ier. 1. 17. 18.

Sixthly, to beate downe the pride of sinners, to raise vp the humble that sorrow for sinne, to comfort the afflicted in mind, and to beare with the weake: Ier. 1. 10. 2. Cor. 10. 4. 5. 6. Heb. 4. 12. Esay 61. 1. 2. 3. Rom. 15. 1. 1. Thess. 5. 14. 1. Cor. 9. 22. 1. Cor. 8. 9. 10. 11.

Seuenthly, to approue themselues to God in the sincere and vnpartiall application of his Word: 2. Tim. 2. 15. 1. Cor. 9. 22. Acts 20. 20. 21. 22. 26. 27.

Eighthly, to giue ensample of Christian conuersation to their Flocke: 1. Cor. 11. 1. 2. Thess. 11. 9. 1. Tim. 4. 12. 2. Tim. 12. 22. 1. Tim. 3. 2. to 8.

Ninthly, to pray feruently, to make hum­ble confession, and to giue hearty thankes to God for himselfe and his people: 1. Sam. 7. 8. 9. 1. Tim. 2. 1. 2. 1. Sam. 12. 23. Rom. 1. 9. Epes. 1. 16. to 20. chap. 3. 14. to 21. 1. Thess. 3. 12. 13. Phil. 1. 9. 10. 11. Coloss. 1. 9. to 13▪ 2. Thess. 2. 16. 17. 1. Thess. 5. 23. Phil. 1. 4.

Duties of Parishioners to their Ministers.

First, to maintaine him, to their power, according to his calling: 1. Cor. 9. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 2. Cor. 9. 6. 7. Phil. 4. 10. 16. 18. 2. Cor. 8. 2. 3. 4. 1. Tim. 5. 17. Gal. 6. 6. Luke 8. 3. Actes 4. 34. 35. Gal. 4. 15.

Secondly, to honour him according to his Calling, that is, as an Embassadour of God for their good: 1. Tim. 5. 17. 1. Cor. 4. 1. Gal. 4. 14. Reu. 2. 1. 1. Tim. 3. 1. Ephes. 6. 20.

Thirdly, to be obedient to them, as to their spirituall Captaines and Fathers in Christ: Heb. 13. 17. Ecclesiasticus 23. 2. 1. Thess. 5. 12. 13. 1. Cor. 16. 16. 2. Cor. [...]. 9. 2. Cor. 7. 15. 1. Cor. 4. 15. 16. 1. Cor. 3. 2. 2. Ioh. 5. 21. Phil. 10. Gal. 4. 19. 2. King. 2. 12. 2. King. 13. 14. Math. 2. 6. 1. Thess. 1. 6. chap. 2. 11.

Fourthly, to pray for him: Col. 4. 3. 2. Thess. 3. [...]. Ephes. 6. 19. 2. Cor. 1. 11.

Fifthly, to maintaine him against the wrongs of wicked men: Rom. 16. 3. 4. 2. Tim. 4. 16. 1. King. 18. 4.

Vices of Ministers forbidden.

First, to admire mens persons: that is, to esteeme according to their wisedome, riches, honour, dignity; not according to their vertue and feare of God: Iud. 16. 1. King. 22. Iam. 2. 1. Amos 7. 12. 13.

Secondly, to make Marchandize of the word of God: Amos 3. 11. Esay 56. 11. 2. Pet. 2. 14. Tit. 1. 7. 2. Cor. 2. 17. Rom. 16. 18. Act. 8. 18. 19.

Thirdly, to flatter men in sin for hope of reward, or for feare of ill will▪ Rom. 16. 18. 2. Pet. 2. 18. Lamen. 2. 18. Ezech. 22. 25. Esay [Page 35] 23. 31. Ier. 6. 14. Mica, 2. 11. 1. King. 22. 14. 1. King. 18. 18. Actes 1. 18. 9. Actes 7. 51. 52.

Fourthly, not to labour in the Lords har­uest, but to liue idlely: Esay 56. 10.

Fifthly, to preach of pride and vaine­glory, as the false Apostles did at Corinth, which vsed eloquence of speech, and mans wisedome to encrease pride and contention, but not to edifie.

Vices of Parishioners.

First, not to giue their Minister sufficient maintenance according to their abilities: Gal. 6. 6.

Secondly, Church-robbery, which is to vse deceit, fraud, and concealement in Tithes paying: Mal. 3. 8. 9. 10. 11.

Thirdly, to despise them for their calling, either openly or couertly, which is to despise Christ himselfe: Math. 10. 22. 40. 2. Tim. 1. 16. Esay 28. 14. 2. Chron. 33. 10. Amos 5. 10.

Fourthly, to scorne, despise, ieast at, or to neglect, their admonitions, reproofes, and ex­hortations: Math. 7. 6. Prou. 15. 12. Ezech. 33. 30. 31. 32. Esay 5. 19. 1. Thess. 4. 8. Math. 5. 22. Actes 2. 13. Ioh. 7. 20. 2. Sam. 6. 16. Act. 26. 24. 25. Gen. 19. 14.

Fifthly, to deuise, and to do euill against them: 2. Tim. 4. 14. Ier. 18. 18. Ier. 11. 18. 19. Math. 22. 17. 18. Psal. 105. 15. Math. 26. 59. [Page 36] 60. &c. Actes 6. 11. Actes 13. 50. 2. Tim. 4. 16. 10.

Sixthly, to count their labour in the de­struction of the Kingdome of sin and sathan, and in the building vp of the Kingdome of Grace, contention: Ier. 15. 10.

Duties of Equals.

First, to study to bee quiet, and to meddle euery man with his owne businesse: 1. Thess. 4. 11.

Secondly, a common Christian care one for another: Phil. 2. 4.

Thirdly, euery man to estéeme other better then himselfe: Phil. 2. 3. Rom. 12. 10.

Fourthly, to exhort one another in loue: Heb. 3. 13. 1. Thess. 5. 11.

Fifthly, to admonish them that are vnru­ly: 1. Thess. 5. 14. Gal. 6. 1. 2.

Sixthly, to be courteous, tender-hearted, and to forgiue one another: Ephes. 4. 32. Coloss. 3. 12. 13.

Vices of Equals forbidden.

First, Contentiousnesse, and medling of other mens matters: Prou. 6. 19. Phil. 2. 3. 1. Thess. 4. 11. 1. Cor. 6. 7. Pro. 26. 17.

Secondly, caring for none but themselues through couetousnesse and want of loue: Phil. 2. 4.

Thirdly, in publicke businesses to aime at their owne profite and vaine-glorie: 1. Thess. 4. 6.

Fourthly, slandering, back-biting, and quarrell-picking: Leu. 19. 16.

Fifthly, not to exhort, admonish, and re­proue in loue, them that offend: Leu. 19. 17.

Sixthly, reuenge and wrong among neigh­bours: Leuit. 19. 18. & ver. 13. 1. Cor. 6. 8.

Seuenthly, corrupt communication, and filthy ieasting: Ephes. 4. 29. Ephes. 5. 4.

Eighthly, dissembling, lying, and gripple­nesse in bargaining: 1. Thess. 4. 6.

A duty towards a mans selfe.

First, A man must preserue and maintaine with modesty, the dignity that is in his owne person: Phil. 4. 8.

Vices towards a mans selfe.

First, through his naughty behauiour to obscure, and almost extinguish those gifts which God hath giuen him.

Secondly, to bee too wise in his owne con­ceite: Rom. 12. 3.

The sixth Commandement.

Thou shalt do no murther.

THe occasion of this Commandement is, our impatiency and vncharitable desire of reuenge.

Sinnes forbidden.

This Commandement in generall forbid­deth all manner of cruelty in thought, word, and deed, against our selues, our neighbour, and the creature.

1 Cruelties against our selues.

I. To carke and care continually for the body, but to neglect the life of the soule, which is soule-murther: Hos. 4. 6. Prou. 10. 21. Iob 23. 12.

II. All Intemperance.

III. Gluttony: Rom. 13. 13. Gal. 5. 21. Heb. 12. 16. Luke 16.

IIII. Drunkennesse: Esay 5. 11. 12. 22. Gal. 5. 21. Ioel 1. 5. Hab. 2. 15. Rom. 13. 13. Gen. 9. 21. 22. Gen. 19. 33. 2. Sam. 13. 28. 1. King. 16. 8. 9. 10. 1. Sam. 35. 36. Pro. 23. 29.

[Page 39] V. Kéeping of company with intemperate persons, Math. 24. 49. 1. Cor. 5. 11.

VI. Excessiue care and toyling for world­ly good: Math. 6. 25. Prou. 17. 32. Eccles. 4. 8. Luke 21. 3 [...].

VII. Excessiue pensiuenesse, sorrow, griefe, and heauinesse, 1. Thess. 5. 16.

VIII. Vnthriftinesse, and imporuident care for food and rayment, Eccles. 4. 5. 1. Tim. 5. 8.

IX. Idlenesse, and slothfulnesse, Pro. 6. 6. 11, Ezech. 16. 49. Pro. 12. 11.

X. Enuy and wrath.

XI. Violent murthering of ones selfe: 1. Sam. 31. 4. 2. Sam. 17. 23. Math. 27. 6.

2 Cruelties against our neighbour.

I. To kill and slay the soule of our neigh­bour, which is to bee an offence to him in life and doctrine, Math. 18. 7.

II. Not to Preach the Word of God be­ing thereunto called, Pro. 29. 18. Esay 56. 10. Ezech. 3. 18.

III. To Preach negligently, Ier. 48. 10. Reu. 3. 16.

IIII. Hatred of our neighbour in heart, 1. Ioh. 3. 15. Leu. 19. 17.

V. Vnadui [...]ed anger, Math. 5. 22. Eph. 4. 31. Col. 3. 8. Mark. 3. 5. Rom. 1. 29.

VI. Enuy, Gen. 31. 1. Math. 27. 15. [Page 40] Gen. 37. 1. Sam. 18. 8. 9. Dan. 6. 4. 1. Pet. 2. 1. Gal. 5. 21. Gen. 4. 5.

VII. Grudges, Phil. 2. 14. 1. Pet. 4. 9. Wisd. 1. 11.

VIII. Want of compassion, and sorrow at our neighbours calamities, Amos 6. 5. 6. Gen. 40. 23.

IX. Frowardnesse, when we will not bee reconciled to our neighbours, Rom. 1. 30.

X. Desire of reuenge, Psal. 5. 6. Rom. 12. 17. Pro. 20. 22. Leu. 19. 18.

XI. Bitternesse in speaking: Prou. 12. 18. Epes. 4. 31.

XII. Reproaches, which is the casting of a mans sins in his teeth which hée hath com­mitted, or obiecting to him his infirmities, Math. 5. 22.

XIII. Railing, 2. Sam. 16. 7. 8. 1. Cor. 6. 19. chap. 5. 11.

XIIII. Contentions; when men striue in speach for superiority: Phil. 2. 3. Pro. 26. 21. Pro. 6. 19.

XV. Brawling in any conference, Eccle­siasticus 28. 11.

XVI. Crying, or loud brawling; Gal. 5. 19. Ephes. 4. 31. Gen. 16. 11.

XVII. Complaint to euery one, of such as offer vs iniury; Iam. 5. 9.

XVIII. Cruelty, or hatred in counte­nance: Gen. 4. 5. 6. Math. 27. 39.

[Page 41] XIX. Cruelty and hatred in gesture, Pro. 6. 13. Psal. 35. 16. 21.

XX. Cruelty and hatred in the eie: Deut. 9. Psal. 35. 19. Pro. 10. 10. chap. 6. 13.

XXI. Cruelty and hatred in humble be­hauiour, in a sad countenance and ciuill car­riage.

XXII. Cruelty and hatred in laughter, ieasting, mocking, smiling, scor [...]ing: Gen. 21. 9. Gal. 4. 29. Gen. 9. 22. 25. 2. Sam. 6. 20. 23. Iudg. 16. 30. 2. Sam. 10. 4. 2. King. 2. 23. Psal. 35. 15.

XXIII. Cruelty and hatred in ciuill countenance, and peaceable words: 2. Sam. 20. 9. 10. Math. 26. 49.

XXIIII. To fight with, or to beate our neighbour, and to maime his body: Leu. 24. 19. 20.

XXV. To procure the death of our neigh­bour any way, by sword, famine, or poyson: Gen. 4. 8.

XXVI. To exercise tyrannous cruelty in inflicting punishments, Deut. 25. 3.

XXVII. To take occasion by our neigh­bours infirmities to vse him discourteously, and to make him our laughing stocke, and taunting recreation: Leu. 19. 14. 2. King. 2. 23. Iudg. 16. 25.

XXVIII. To iniure the impotent, the féeble, the poore, the strangers, the father­lesse, [Page 42] and widowes: Exod. 22. 21. 22.

XXIX. Not to pay the Labourer his hire: Deu. 24. 14. 15.

XXX. Not to restore the pledge of the poore: Exod. 22. 26. 27.

XXXI. To withdraw corne from the poore: Pro. 11. 26. Amos 8.

XXXII. Pardoning of murtherers: Numb. 35. 16. 33. Math. 26. 52.

XXXIII. Vnskilfull practises of Phy­sick and Chirurgery for gaine.

XXXIIII. Not to preuent occasions of murther and death: Deut. 22. 8.

3 Cruelties against the creatures.

I. To kill bruit beasts rudely in sports.

II. Inhumane and cruell vsage of them: 2. Tim. 3. 3. Deut. 22. 6. 7. chap. 25. 4.

Vertues commanded.

I. In generall to preserue the life, body, and soule of our neighbour to our power.

II. Brotherly compassion: Rom. 12. 1 [...]. Esay 24. 16. Lament. Ier. Rom. 9. 13. Psal. 119. 136.

III. To help him to our power: Iob 29. 15. 2. Cor. 8. 3.

IIII. To help him willingly, and spéedi­ly, if hée can: Pro. 3. 28.

V. Not to suffer him to sinne to our [Page 43] power: Leuit. 19. 17. 1. Thess. 5. 14.

VI. To seeke by all meanes to winne him to the profession of Christian Religion: 1. Cor. 10. 33. Heb. 10. 24.

VII. To liue among men without giuing offence: 1. Cor 10. 32. 1. Cor. 8. 13.

VIII. To giue example of godly life to our neighbour, Math. 5. 16. 1. Pet. 3. 1. 2.

IX. To giue encouragement to them that loue and feare God: Psal. 119. 63.

X. Vsing of lawfull recreations for the health and strength of our bodies: 2. Sam. 1. 18. Neh. 7. 67.

XI. Not to bee angry with our neighbor vpon small and light occasions: Numb. 12. 3. Pro. 9. 11.

XII. Neuer to bee angry but vpon most iust cause, that is, when God is dishonoured, Mar. 3. 5.

XIII. Iust anger of short continuance: Ephes. 4. 26.

XIIII. Free forgiuenesse of iniuries: Ephes. 4. 32. Math. 5. 24. chap▪ 6. 14. 15.

XV. To couer our neighbours infirmi­ties: 1. Pet. 4. 8.

XVI. Departing sometimes from our owne right: Math. 17. 25. 26.

XVII. Ouercomming euill with good­nesse: Rom. 12. 21.

XVIII. Séeking peace with all as [Page 44] much as may be: 1. Pet. 3. 11.

XIX. Courteous answeres: Pro. 15. 1.

XX. To passe by many infirmities of men, in their deeds and words: Pro. 19. 11.

XXI. To take euery thing, if it be possi­ble, in the best part: 1. Cor. 13. 5. Rom. 1. 29.

XXII. To minister food and rayment to the néedy: Math. 25. 41. 42.

XXIII. To defend, and helpe our neigh­bour being in danger: 1. Ioh. 3. 16.

XXIIII. Not to gleane the corne from the poore, after reaping.

The seuenth Commandement.

Thou shalt not commit adultery.

THe occasion of the seuenth Commande­ment is our lustfull and fleshly nature.

Sinnes forbidden.

I. In generall all vnchaste behauiour in word, and deed, and all vnchaste thoughts of the heart: Mark. 7. 20. 21. 1. Cor. 7. 34.

II. The euill concupiscence of the flesh: Math. 5. 28. Col. 3. 5. Pro. 7. 25. chap. 6. 25.

III. Burning in the flesh; i. the inward [Page 45] heat of lust, whereby all godly motions of the heart are ouer-whelmed and burnt vp with contrary fire: 1. Cor. 7. 9.

IIII. Strange pleasures with beasts: Leu. 18. 23.

V. Carnall pleasures with euill spirits.

VI. Buggery, or Sodomy, which is ab­homination with one of the same sere: Leu. 18. 22. Rom. 1. 26. 27. 1. Cor. 6. 9.

VII. Mastupration, which is fleshly plea­sure with ones selfe, it is like Onans sinne: Gen. 38.

VIII. Incest, which is carnall pleasure with one of neere alliance and mariage with­in the degrées forbidden: Leu. 18. 1. Cor. 5. 1. Math. 14. 3. 4. 2. Sam. 13. 14.

IX. Rauishment, Gen. 34. 1. 2. 2. Sam. 13. 14.

X. Polygamie, which is to haue two, or moe wiues: 1. Cor. 7. 2. Gen. 2. 14. chap. 4. 19.

XI. Entising and stealing of Virgines.

XII. Marriage with one vnlawfully di­uorced, Mat. 19. 8. 9.

XIII. Abuse of marriage: Leu. 20. 18.

XIIII. Fornication, Deut. 22. 28. 1. Cor. 10. 8. chap. 6. 9. chap. 5. 11. Ephe. 5. 3. 1. Cor. 6. 18.

XV. Whoredome or stewes: Deut. 23. 17. Ier. 5. 7. Heb. 13. 4. Ephes. 5. 5.

XVI. Adultery: Deut. 22. 22. 23. Ier. 5. 7. [Page 46] 8. 9. Heb. 13. 4. Prou. 6. 30. 31. 32. 33. Prou. 2. 17. 18. Reu. 21. 8.

XVII. Baudy ieasts, vncleane, rotten, and vnsauory spéeches: 1. Cor. 15. 33. Ephes. 4. 29. chap. 5. 3. 4. 1. Tim. 5. 13. Math. 12. 36. Col. 4. 6.

XVIII. To haue fellowship or familiari­ty with vncleane persons: Ephes. 5. 7. 11. Psal. 1. 1.

XIX. Wantonnes, or effeminate life, when one seeketh occasions to stirre vp lust: Gal. 5. 19. 1. Cor. 6. 9.

XX. All occasions and temptations to Whooredome and Adultery: as

1 Adulterous eyes, or wanton lookes: Math. 5. 28. Prou. 6. 25. Ecclesiasticus 25. 23. chap. 42. 12. Gen. 39. 7. 2. Sam. 11. 2. Gen. 6. 2. 3. 1. Pet. 2. 14.

2 Naked pictures which are allurements to lust; for sin brought shame, and shame ap­parell to couer it: Gen. 3. 7. 1. Thess. 5. 22.

3 Ryotous and wanton apparell: 1. Tim. 2. 9. Esay 3. 16. 17.

4 Pampering of the bedy with meate, and drinke, which prouoke lust: Rom. 13. 13. Luk. 16. 19.

5 Idlenesse: Ezech. 16. 45. 1. Tim. 5. 12. 13.

6 Curiosity, and vanity in strange appa­rell: Zeph. 1. 8.

7 Painting of the face, laying out of [Page 47] the haire, curling, crisping, curious bin­ding, and strange attires: 2. King. 9. 30. Pro. 7. 10.

8 Dishonest and alluring spéeches: Prou. 6. 24. Prou. 7. 21.

9 Gadding abroad to houses, through the streetes, méetings, and companies to gaze, and to bee gazed on: Prou. 7. 11. 1. Tim. 5. 13. Gen. 34. 1. 2.

10 Squint-lookes, glances, minsing, trip­ping, ietting, amorous countenances, tink­ling, creaking, alluring gestures: Esay 3.

11 Dalliance, courting, and vnseemely companying with women: Pro. 7. 13. 22.

12 Loue-songs, ballads, stage-plaies, and wanton bookes: Eph. 5. 3. 4.

13 Mixt dancing of men and women to­gether: Mark. 6. 22. Iob 21. 11. 12. Gen. 34. 1.

14 Swéet perfumes, and costly smels, vsed for pronocations to vncleannes: Pro. 7. 17. Esay 3. 24.

15 Vnlawfull diuorcement: Math. 5. 32.

16 Light punishment for adultery.

Vertues commanded.

1 In generall, chastity, and purity in soule and body, as much as belongeth to na­turall generation: 1. Thess. 3. 4. 5. 1. Cor. 7. 34. 1. Thess. 5. 23.

[Page 48] II. Continuall exercise of the heart in ho­ly thoughts, and godly meditations: Prou. 4. 23. 2. Cor. 7. 1.

III. Modesty and chastity in the eies: Iob 21. 1.

IIII. Chastity of the eares, which is re­fusing to heare vncleane ieasts, and commu­nication, and to reproue them.

V. Chastity of the tongue, which is to speake onely that, which is good to edifie, and to minister grace to the hearers: Eph. 4. 30.

VI. Modesty of the lippes, which is, to speake of those things with shamefastnesse, which nature hath couered, Gen. 4. 1. 1. Sam. 24. 4. Iudg. 3. 24. Ephes. 5. 3. 4.

VII. Sobriety and temperance in all spée­ches: Iam. 1. 19. Mat. 12. 19. Pro. 10. 19. chap. 7. 11. Gen. 24. 64. Prou. 17. 13.

VIII. Modesty in countenance: Gen. 24. 64. Pro. 17. 13.

IX. Holie comelinesse, and sobriety in apparell: Tit. 23. Deut. 22. 5.

X. Sober, and moderate vse of meate and drinke, that the body may be enabled to do the actions of godlines: Luke 21. 34. Prou. 25. [...]0. Prou. 25. 16. chap. 31. 4.

XI. Sober, and chaste behauiour of the whole man: 1. Pet. 3. 2, &c. Ps. 119. 9. Eccl. 4. 1.

XII. Chastity in wedlocke: Heb. 13. 4. 1. Cor. 7. 5. Rom. 13, 4.

[Page 49] XIII. All meanes that preserue chastity, which are principally fi [...]e,

1 Marriage, where the gift of continency is not giuen; Heb. 13. 4. 1. Cor. 7. 9.

2 Fasting: 1. Cor. 9. 27.

3 Prayer.

4 The fellowship, and company of the faithfull: 2. Tim. 2. 22. Pro. 13. 20. Psal. 1. 1. Ephes. 5. 3. 4. 5.

5 Labour and trauaile in a Calling allow­ed of God; Rom. 13. 14. 1. Tim. 5. 13.

The eighth Commandement.

Thou shalt not steale.

THe occasion of the eighth Commande­ment is our couetous nature, discontent euer with our present estate.

Sinnes forbidden.

I. Hindering, or diminishing our neigh­bours goods by any meanes, in thought, word, or déed.

II. Couetousnesse, which is the theft of the heart; 1. Tim. 6. 2. Ioh. 12. 6. Esay 5. 8.

20 Signes of a couetous heart.

1 An eager and sharpe desire of getting: Eccles. 4. 8.

2 A pinching and niggardly kéeping of them, either from himselfe, or others: Eccles. 4. 8. 1. Sam 25. Pro. 27. 20.

3 Neglect of holy duties, the whole man being taken vp with worldly cares and busi­nesses: Ps. 4. 6.

4 The couetous man trusteth in his goods as though his life were vpheld by them, therefore in the losse of them he is ouerwhelmed with griefe and sorrow, and of­tentimes maketh away himselfe in despaire: Luke 12. 15. 19.

5 A cold affection and dead heart to the word of God: Luke 8. 14.

6 They are for the most part priuy moc­kers, or open scorners of zealous Ministers, and religious people: Luke 16. 14.

7 Their talke is of worldly things alway, wherein they can say much, but in heauenly, things nothing or little, and that formally, and hystorically; Psal. 4. 6. 2. Tim. 4. 10.

8 He is like a beare, or some vgly beast go­ing through the stréetes, hauing all mouthes and eyes of man, and beast, set against him▪ Hab. 2. 6. 7.

9 He wants the inward peace of consci­ence: Esay 57. 17.

[Page 51]10 He is broken with cares, sorrowes, feares, fretting and chafing, falling into di­uers temptations, and snares of the deuill: 1. Tim. 6. 9. 10.

11 He will not let to doe much hurt, to gaine himselfe a little.

12 He will not loose a peny to gaine his friend a thousand: 1. Sam. 25.

13 He is cruell and tyrannous, where he can ouermatch, otherwise he loues no doubt­full suites.

14 He hates prodigall and dissolute per­sones, because he thinkes they hate him, and loue him as Lyons do their prey.

15 He loues a poore man, that is driuen through néed to make vnprofitable bargaines, but he cannot abide a beggar: Luk. 16. 20. 21. 1. Sam. 25. 10. 11.

16 He is an idolatour, for he giues his body and soule, with all the members and faculties thereof, night and day to wordly goods: Ephe. 5. 5. 1. Tim. 6. 17. Coloss. 3. 5. Hereof the Apostle warneth all Churches, 1. Cor. 6. 9. 10. Gal. 5. 19. 20. 21. Ephes. 5. 5. Phil. 3. 10. Coloss. 3. 5. 1. Thess. 2. 5. 1. Tim. 6. 7. 8. 17.

17 He is base and proud: 1. Sam. 25. 10.

18 Hee enuies both others and himselfe: Eccles. 2. 26. & chap. 6. 2.

19 He neuer doth good willingly: Eccl. 14. 7.

[Page 52]20 God diuideth him, and scattereth him abroad; that is, his goods to others, his bo­dy to the graue, and that often in the midst of his daies, and his soule to hell: Ier. 17. 11. 13. Psal. 37. 10. Psal. 73. 17. 18. Luke 12. 19. 20.

III. All fraud in selling, to sell the bad for good: Amos 8. 4. 6.

IIII. To vse deceitfull words in buying, by discommending a thing against our know­ledge and conscience: Pro. 20. 14.

V. All deceit in false weights, measures, colours, shadowes, lights: Deut. 25. 13. 14. 15. 16. Pro. 20. 23. Leut. 35. 36.

VI. All secret practises of Ingrossers and Monopolists: viz. such as store vp all goods of one kind, to sell the same at what rate they list: Neh. 5. 7. 8.

VII. All fraud, and vnmercifulnesse in letting house, land, beasts, as by racking rents, and ouer-prizing euery thing, to raise, and increase the hire without compassion on the poore: Esay 3. 15. 16. Amos 8. 6. Mica, 3. 2. 3.

VIII. Engrossing of Grounds, or Farmes, which is to hire them of the owners, and to let the same vnmercifully to their neighbours: Neh. 5. 7. 8. Amos 8.

IX. To with hold the sale of corne till the poorer sort bee spent, that they may sell the deerer. This is the common théenish conspi­racy [Page 53] of churles against the poore: Amos 8.

X. All cunning and secret practises to en­haunce the price of things.

XI. To hire vp all from the poore to make them our seruants, and slaues: Neh. 5.

XII. Concealement of lands and abili­ties, that the poore may bee ouerburthened in all manner of charges, which our selues might easily beare.

XIII. Wastefull spending, and prodigall giuing away of our patrimony, or substance, without respect in what measure, to whom, and when: Psal. 112. 5.

XIIII. To bee liberall on the purses and goods of other men, to keepe countenance and credite, to get sauour, and to séeme boun­tifull: Ephes. 4. 28.

XV. Mixt Sessements, viz: to ioyne a ne­cessary and a voluntary sessement together, that the meaner sort may be compelled to pay for the profite and lust of some few. A wicked theft lately come in vse.

XVI. All kinds of cousenage, and dissi­mulation in bargaining: Pro. 21. 6.

XVII. To oppresse our neighbour so in bargaining, as that he can neither gaine, nor saue by vs.

XVIII. To cause our neighbour to pay for his necessity, besides the worth of the thing, which is to tread on him that fals: [Page 54] whereas we should relieue and help him: This is a most biting vsury.

XIX. Not to giue a man the worth of a thing, because néed compelleth him to sell it. Many secret théeues lie in waite for such preyes: The poore must buy deere of, and sell cheap to the Churle; but the Churle will sell deere to, and buy cheap of the poore.

XX. Lending of mony, or any thing else, without regard to the estate, quality, or good of the borrower, vpon bond to repay the principall with some aduantage, which is pro­perly called vsury.

Rules for lending.

1 That which we may spare▪ we must lend freely to any that néed our helpe, for they de­serue more at our hands, then wee doe at Gods, Luke 6. 35. Eccles. 11. 1. yet with dis­cretion and iudgement, Psal. 112. 5. Pro. 17. 8. chap. 20. 16.

2 Wee must lend freely to the poore, that which we can hardly spare, without respect to their desart, Luke 21 4.

3 Wee must lend, and giue to the godly and religious beyond our ability in their ne­cessity, and that freely; 1. King. 17. 15. 2. Cor. 8. 3. 4.

4 If lending bée to our owne hinderance, and for the furtherance of the borrower, wee [Page 55] may require y e principall with reasonable ad­uantage, being of equall or better ability.

XXI. To borrow on vsury, not for néed so much, as from a couetous desire of pur­chasing, and buying vp all commodities.

XXII. To borrow on vsury to conceale our wealth, and that others may not borrow of vs.

XXIII. To borrow at all on vsury: Ier. 15. 10.

XXIIII. Peruerting of iustice in Courts for filthy lucre: Deut. 16. 18. Pro. 21. 7. Esay 1. 23.

XXV. Respect of persons, more then of the cause in iudgement: Deut. 16. 18. Ex. 23. 6. Esay 1. 23.

XXVI. To patronize a knowne euill cause for filthy lucre; Ex. 23. 8. Esay 1. 23.

XXVII. Delaies in Courts of Iustice to the impouerishing of our neighbour.

XXVIII. Vnaduised suretiship: Pro. 27. 13. Pro. 20. 16.

XXIX. All secret foule nests of disordered people, y e liue by idle, vaine, vnseemely sports and games, in play-houses, dicing, dancing, tabling-houses, cockpits, beare-baiting pla­ces, such for the most part maintaine this kind of life by vnlawfull meanes: Gen. 3. 19. Eph. 4. 28. Pro. 21. 17.

XXX. To liue by magicall Arts, sorcery, [Page 56] iugling, ignorant profession of Phisicke and Chirurgery for gaine.

XXXI. To become bankrupt, that thou maist bee inriched by the damages and goods of other men.

XXXII. Idlenes, which is against Gods generall decrée: Gen. 3. 9. Eze. 16. 4. 6. 2. Thess. 3. 10. Pro. 6. 6. Eccles. 4. 5. Pro. 23. 21.

XXXIII. The profession of beggery; as begging Friers in the Romish Church, and all wanderers contrary to the Law.

XXXIIII. The Profession of Roguery; of which sort are all counterfeit Schollers, sea-faring men counterfeiting losses, counter­feit Proctors, procurers, Patent-gatherers, counterfeit Collectors for gaoles, prisons, or hospitals; Fencers, Beare-wards, wandring Players, Minstrels, Tinkers, petty­wandring Chapmen, Egyptians, sturdy and stout loyterers, which will not worke for lawfull wages, but either beg, or liue by ga­ming, Ale-house-haunting, or pilfring: Act. 4. Stat. Anno. Eliz. 39.

XXXV. Remouing of Land-markes, or any Ground markes whatsoeuer, which is accursed theft: Deut. 27. 17. Pro. 22. 28. Pro. 23. 10. 11.

XXXVI. Secret Church-robbing, which is priuy conueiance of Church-goods, con­cealement of Tithes, and all kinde of fraud, [Page 57] whereby the Ministers liuing is diminished: Rom. 2. 22. Pro. 20. 25. Mal. 3. 8.

XXXVII. All extortion, robbery, op­pression, and any practise of theft by sea and land: 1. Cor. 6. 9. Luke 3. 14. 1. Thess. 5. 3. 6. Zach. 5. 2. 3.

XXXVIII. Wastfull and dissolute mispending of Gods benefites, pride, whore­dome, gluttony, drunkennesse, which are causes and effects of theft: Prou. 21. 17. Prou. 23. 21.

XXXIX. To deferre restitution of wrongfully gotten goods: Pro. 3. 27. Leu. 6. 6. 7. 8.

XL. To conspire with a thiefe in giuing him counsell, or concealing his fact: Pro. 29. 24. Psal. 50. 18. 21.

XLI. Not to restore the pledge of the poore in due time: Exod. 22. 26. Deut. 24. 12. Ezech. 18. 7.

XLII. Not to restore things found: Leu. 6. 4.

XLIII. To borrow, and not to pay againe: Psal. 37. 21. Prou. 3. 28.

XLIIII. To take that in pledge where­with a poore man getteth his liuing: Leuit. 24. 6.

XLV. To defraud the Labourer of his hire: Leu. 5. 4. Leu. 24. 15.

XLVI. Vnmercifull exaction of bonds [Page 58] forfeited: Esay 58. 3.

XLVII. Disquieting, or hindering of our neighbour in suites of Law for trifles, and not séeing or refusing reconciliation for greater matters: 1. Cor. 6. 5. 6. 7. Math. 5. 39. 40. 41.

XLVIII. Wearying of our neighbours with many suites and delaies, to enforce him to forgo his right.

XLIX. Not to giue, lend, nor let to the poore, but rather to take, or hire from them, because they are euill: Such a one counts himselfe in the number of Gods hang-men, viz. of the deuill and the wicked: Math. 18. 23. to the end.

L. Not to giue, lend, nor let to the poore, but to take and hire all from them, by en­haunsing the prices, to make them our ser­uants, and to keepe them vnder, because they would keepe vs vnder. These haue the tyran­nous, and cruell hearts of Pharaoh, Ex. 1.

Vertues commanded.

I. Contentednesse with our estate, with that portion which the Lord hath giuen; which is wrought in our hearts by faith on Gods prouidence; Heb. 13. 5. Iosh. 1. 9. Phil. 4. 11. 1. Tim. 6. 6.

II. Thankfulnesse toward God for that we haue, without murmuring, seeing we de­serue [Page 59] no good thing, Gen. 28. 20. 21. Gen. 32. 10. Psal. 86. 12. 13.

III. Quieting, comforting, and resting our hearts on the promises of God, though wee bee in present want: Genesis 28. 12. 13. 14. 15.

IIII. Labour and trauaile in a lawfull Calling: Gen. 3. 19. 1. Tim. 5. 8. 2. Thess. 3. 10. Ephes. 4. 28.

V. Thriftinesse in keeping, and discreet spending of that which is lawfully gotten: Pro. 21. 20. chap. 5. 15. 16. 17. chap. 21. 5. 17.

VI. Harmelesse simplicity in all affaires, and speaking of the truth from the heart, Psal. 15. 2. 3.

VII. Iustice and equity, Mat. 7. 12. chap. 5. 20. Psal. 37. 31. 32. 38.

VIII. Liberality towards our selues and others: Eccles. 5. 17. 1 Tim. 6. 17. 2. Cor. 9. 6. Psal. 37. 21. Deut. 15. 11.

IX. Mercifulnesse, and compassion to­ward the poore in releiuing and giuing almes: Ps. 112. 5. 9. Iob 29. 12. Mat. 5. 7. Deut. 15. 11.

X To lend freely to our distressed neigh­bour, according to his necessity with wise­dome and deliberation, Deut. 15. 7. 8. 9. Luke 6. 35.

XI. Restoring the pledge or pawne of the poore, which he cannot want but to his hin­derance, Exod. 22. 26. 27. Deut. 24. 12.

[Page 60] XII. Restitution of any thing commit­ted to ones safe kéeping: Pro. 3. 28. Ex. 22. 7. 8.

XIII. Restitution of that which is found to the true owners thereof: Deut 22. 1. 2.

XIIII. Restitution of goods gotten by any manner of stealth, iniury, iniustice, for­ged cauillation, fraud, deceitfull bargaining, couetousnesse, oppression, bribery in suites, concealements, vsury, extortion, lying, false­swearing, dissembling, &c. 1. Sam. 12. 3. Luke 19. 8. Neh. 5.

Reasons for Restitution.

1 Such persons as restore not, are altoge­ther vnmeete to serue or worship God, either to pray, or to receiue the Sacraments: Leu. 6. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Math. 5. 23. 24. Numb. 5. 6. 7.

2 All their outward exercises of religion are abhominable: Esay 1. 12. 13. 14.

3 He that restores not shall die in his sin: Exech. 18. 13. 16.

XV. The son must restore goods wrong­fully gotten by his father, if hée know it: Ezech. 18. 14. Luke 19. 8. Pro. 28. 8.

XVI. Tryall of controuersies for goods and lands in Courts of iustice, for the main­taining of equity, and right, and that euery man may possesse his owne: Ex. 18. 25. 26.

XVII. Restitution of goods wrongfully taken from the Church.

XVIII. In buying, selling, letting, and [Page 61] hiring of Farmes, Tenements, and Lands, in Marchandize and all manner of commo­dities men must euen the price to the thing, and that is when the profite of the buyer is regarded as well as the gaine of the seller: Leu. 25. 14. Math. 7. 12.

XIX. To sell good for good, meane for meane, bad for bad: Amos 8. 6.

XX. To make sale of such things as are in their kind good and profitable.

XXI. To vse iust waights, and measures: Deut. 25. 13. Ezech. 55. 10. Mica 6. 11.

XXII. To pay the appointed hire, and to make the thing good also, if harme come to it through our default: Ex. 22. 14. 15.

XXIII. To become surety for men that are honest, and very well knowne, and that warily, and with much deliberation: Pro. 11. 15. chap. 17. 18.

XXIIII. To performe all iust couenants and promises though they bee to our hinde­rance: Psal. 15. 4. Pro. 25. 14. Iudg. 1. 24.

XXV. To sue our neighbour at the Law being thereto compelled, not willingly; and for matters of importance, that otherwise cannot be decided, being euer mindefull of the Law of charitie: 1. Cor. 6. 7.

The ninth Commandement.

Thou shalt not beare false witnesse against thy neighbour.

THe occasion of the ninth Commande­ment is our seditious nature.

Sinnes forbidden.

I. In generall to diminish the good name of our neighbour, whether he bee friend or foe, knowne or vnknowne.

II. Enuy, Gen. 31. 1. Dan. 6. 4. Math. 27. 18. 1. Pet. 2. 1.

III. Disdaine, Math. 21. 15. It is to con­temne, and to haue a base conceit of the wor­thinesse of another man.

IIII. Desire of vaine-glory, which is to seeke for the approbation and iudgement of men, but not of God, nor a good consci­ence, Ioh. 5. 44. Ioh. 12. 43. 2. Cor. 12. 6. 7. Gal. 5. 26.

V. To seeke base, and shamefull vaine-glory by disgracing and vilifying other mens gifts.

[Page 63] VI. Euill suspitions: 1. Sam. 17. 28. Actes 28. 4.

VII. Hard censures and sinister iudge­ments of our neighbours; that is, priuate, re­proachfull, and slanderous.

They are made two waies.

1 When a good, or indifferent action is construed to the worst part.

2 When a light offence is made heynous through ill will, without desire to amend, or to couer the same. Actes 2. 13. 14. 15. 1. Sam. 1. 13.

Three kinds of censures, and iudgements not forbidden.

1 The Ministery of the Gospell, which iudgeth and reproueth sinne.

2 The iudgement of the Magistrate.

3 The iudgement of a friend admonish­ing vs.

VIII. Reueiling of secrets to the disgrace of our neighbour: 1. Pet. 4. 8. Pro. 11. 12. Gen. 9. 25. Pro. 13. 5.

IX. Foolish ieasting to the disgrace of other men, Gen. 21. 2. Sam. 6. 23.

X. Cauelling, which is to declare the bare words of our neighbour, and not the sense and meaning, Mat. 26. 59. 60. 61. Ioh. 2. 19.

XI. All lyes in words, deeds, and conc [...]a­ling of the truth, Leu. 19. 11. Psal. [...]5 6. Prou. 19. 5. Ephes. 4. 25. Reu. 21. 8. chap. 22. [Page 64] 15. Psal. 15. 2. Psal. 52. 3. 4. 5. Psal. 35. 11. Pro. 13. 5.

XII. Slandering and cauelling, which is to walke about, séeking all occasions to br [...]a [...]h a false report, intending thereby mali­tiously the hurt of any man: Pro. 13. 5. here­of hath the deuill his name.

He is like the deuill in fiue things.

1 In lying; Ioh. 8. 44.

2 In working secretly: Psal. 101. 6.

3 In vsing soft words full of deceit: Psal. 52. 5. Psal. 41. 6. Psal. 38. 12. Psal. 36. 3. Psal. 28. 3. Pro. 20. 19.

4 In malicious accusation: Reu. 12. 10.

5 In sparing none that hee can secretly wound for his owne aduantage▪ Psal. 50. 19. 20. Doeg, Siba, &c. Pro. 20. 19.

XIII. Dissimulation, which is the coun­terfeit shew of a thing which in heart we nei­ther meane, nor entend: 2. Sam. 13. 22 to 28. 1. Pet. 2. 1.

XIIII. Whispering: Rom. 1. 29. Ps. 41. 7. Whisperers and close persons for the most part, are neither true, nor honest, therefore they seeke corners, and loue darkenes.

XV. Tale-bearing: Leu. 19. 16. Eze. 22. 9.

Tale-carryers come of sundry fashions.

1 Some come whispering or ieasting in [Page 65] secret to the disgrace of others: Gen. 9. 20. 2. Cor. 12. 20. Pro. 26. 20. 21.

2 Some come glosing, and peruerting the words of men: Math. 26. 61. 1. Tim. 5. 13.

XVI. Entertaining of Tale-bearers, Ly­ars and slanderers: Psal. 101. 10. Exod. 23. 1. Pro. 17 4. chap. 25. 23. 1. Sam. 24. 10.

XVII. To giue in false euidence in the place of iustice against any man: Deut. 19. 16. 17. 18. 19. 21. Pro. 19. 5. 1. King. 21. 13. Math. 26. 60. Act. 6. 11. Pro. 25. 18.

XVIII. To pronounce vniust sentence in iudgement: 1. King. 21. 12. 13.

XIX. To giue sentence vpon the testimo­ny of one witnesse: Deut. 17. 6. Leu. 19. 15. Deut. 19. 16. Iob 29. 12.

XX. Giuing and receiuing of gifts and bribes, to peruert iudgement, iustice, and equity; Ex. 23. 6. 7. 8.

XXI. Openly to raise forged and hurt­full tales, and reports of our neighbour, or priuily to deuise the same: Rom. 1. 29. 30.

XXII. To accuse our neighbour for that which is true, through hatred, and with in­tent to hurt him: 1. Sam. 22. 9. 10. Ps. 52. 1. 2. [...]. 4. of Doeg the Edomite.

XXIII. To open and declare our neigh­bours secrets to any man, especially if he did it of infirmity, Math. 18. 15 Pro. 11. 13.

XXIIII. All babling talke, and bitter [Page 66] words: Ephes. 5. 3. 4. Ioh. 9. 34. Gen. 19. 9.

XXV. Flattery, whereby we praise our neighbour aboue that we see in him: Pro. 27. 6. 14. Act. 12. 22. 1. Thess. 2. 5. Ier. 6. 23. 14. Rom. 16. 18. Mica 2. 11.

XXVI. Foolish, and ouer-confident boa­sting: Pro. 27. 1. 2.

Vertues commanded.

I. In generall, carefully to preserue the good name, credit, and estimation of our neighbour.

II. To haue a religious care for getting, and keeping a good report of our selues: Phil. 4. 8. Pro. 22. 1. chap. 15. 30. Eccles. 7. 3. Ps. 112. 6. Pro. 10. 7.

A good name is gotten foure waies.

1 If we séek the kingdome of God aboue all things, by repentance from dead workes, and following after righteousnesse: Pro. 10. 7. Mark. 14. 9.

2 If we haue a care to speake well, and iudge well of others: Mat. 7. 2. Eccles. 7. 23. 24.

3 If we abstaine from all kind of wicked­nesse; for one vice doth obscure and darken a mans good name: Eccles. 10. 1.

4 If in all things wee seeke the glory of God onely, and not our owne: Math. 6. 5. 6.

III. A reioycing for the good estimation [Page 67] and credite of our neighbour: Gal. 5. 2 [...]. Rom. 1. 8.

IIII. Willingly to acknowledge the goodnesse we see in any man whatsoeuer, and duely to speake of the same: Tit. 3. 2.

V. Desire to receiue and beleeue reports of our neighbours good: Actes 16. 1. 2. 3. 2. Chron. 25. 2. chap. 27. 2.

VI. To enterpret a doubtfull euill to the better part: 1. Cor. 13. 5. Gen. 37. 31. 32. 33.

VII. To reiect euill reports, running among the common people, through whispe­ring tale-bearers: Psal. 15. 3. Pro. 25. 23.

VIII. To couer the infirmities of our neighbours: Pro. 10. 12. Math. 1. 19.

IX. To be euer plaine and simple, without colour or fraud in any matter: 2. Cor. 1. 12. Gen. 25. 27.

X. To speake the truth in all affaires and occasions of life, especially when we are cal­led into the place of iudgement and iustice, which is a figure of Gods Throne in heauen: Zach. 8. 16. 17.

The tenth Commandement.

Thou shalt not couet thy neighbours house, thou shalt not couet thy neighbours wife, nor his seruant, nor his maide, nor his Oxe, nor his Asse, nor any thing that is his.

THe occasion of the tenth Commande­ment is the frailty of our nature, which intermitteth the worke of the Holy Ghost by sinfull fantafies.

Sinnes forbidden.

I. In generall concupisence, which is our vncleane and accursed nature, which is en­mity against God and against our neighbour: Ephes. 2. 3. Iob 14. 4. Iob 15. 14. 15. 16. Psal. 51. 5. Rom. 7. 18. Iam. 1. 14.

II. Euery suddaine thought and passion of the heart springing out of the bitter roote of concupisence: Gen. 6. 5. Ier. 17. 9. Act. 8. 21. 22. Gal. 5. 17.

III. To giue the least entertainment [Page 69] to Sathans suggestions: Iam. 4. 7.

IIII. The least thought and motion that inueigleth and tickleth the heart, with or without consent of the will.

Two signes hereof.

1 Rouing and generall wishes, and desires of the heart, arising from discontentednesse, and tending to our neighbours hurt: as, if I had but this or that, &c.

2 Particular wishes and desires: as, I would such an house were mine, such a liuing, such a thing, &c.

V. All vnchaste dreames arising from con­cupisence.

Vertues commanded.

I. A pure heart towards our neighbour: 1. Tim. 1. 5.

II. Holy thoughts and motions of the Spirit: 1. Thess. 5. 23. Eph. 4. 23.

III. A conflict, or warfare, against the euill affections, and lusts of the flesh: Rom. 7. 21. 23. 24. 2. Cor. 12. 7. 8. 9.

ROM. 7. 7.

I knew not sinne but by the Law; for I had not knowne lust, except the Law had said, thou shalt not lust. Exod. 20. 17.

[Page 07]

9 I was once aliue without the Law, but when the Commandement came sinne re­uiued.

14 For the Law is spirituall, but I am car­nall sold vnder sinne.

24 O wretched man that I am, who shall deliuer mee from the body of this death?

PSAL. 119. 9.
‘Wherewithall shall a yong man cleanse his way? euen by ruling himselfe after thy Word.’

A Prayer for any priuate Person.

MOST mighty God, and in Iesus Christ my most louing Father, and mercifull Sauiour, I being one of the meanest of thy ser­uants, and vnworthy of the least of all thy mercies, do ac­knowledge and confesse thy great goodnesse and bounty towards mee, in that thou hast from my birth till this present, powerfully preserued mee, graciously susteyned mee, and mercifully prouided all things needfull for my soule and body, as well as for thy deerest children. Thou mightst haue made mee a ser­pent, hatefull and loathsome to all thy crea­tures. Thou mightst haue vtterly taken from mee the spirit of wisedome, vnderstanding, [Page 72] and knowledge, and giuen me vp into a repro­bate minde, and into a foolish and corrupt iudgement, to hate the truth and to beleeue lies. Thou mightst haue taken from me health, strength, and soundnesse of body, and conti­nually haue tormented mee with paines, sicke­nesses, and diseases, and haue fastened all the sharpe arrowes of thy wrathfull indignation in my head, heart, liuer, lungs, and other mem­bers of my body: Thou mightst haue depri­ued me of all the meanes of necessary mainte­nance, and made mee a common reproach and by-word to the most abiect and basest people; Yea, thou mightst with-draw thy presence from mee, and cause the fretting worme of feare, and despaire, to gnaw on my heart day and night, giuing mee my portion heere with the wicked, and after death with the damned in hell for euermore. But (louing Fathert) [...]y mercy hath beene endlesse towards mee a wretched sinner, thou hast not with-drawne thy louing kindnesse from mee, but alwaies comforted, and refreshed mee both in soule and body, with all things needfull; thou hast reioyced my heart with the riches of thy grace; thou hast measurably corrected mee, louingly instructed mee, and plentifully offe­red the meanes of saluation vnto mee. And now, most gracious God, least I forget those fearefull iudgements oft-time [...] inflicted on thy [Page 73] deerest children, and despise these heauenly graces, and tender mercies, through the de­ceitfulnesse of sinne, sathan, and this euill world, thou that openest mine eyes from bo­dily sleepe of the night, open I beseech thee also the eyes of my minde, enlighten me with the sauing knowledge of thee, thy blessed will and holy waies, that I sleepe not in death, lighten the heauinesse of my wordly heart, waken the drowsinesse of my dul & dead spirit, reforme and set in order my sensuall and earth­ly affections, take from me this hardnesse of heart, rebellion of will, foolish thoughts, vaine imaginations, selfe-loue, pride, froward­nesse; take from me the way of lying, dissem­bling, double-dealing, treachery, flattery, worldly craftinesse, and all vnlawfull getting.

Conuert, ô Lord, and strengthen my vn­beleeuing, fearefull, and distrustfull heart, that trusting in thee the liuing God, and rely­ing wholly on thy gracious prouidence in the lawfull vse of such meanes as thou daily offe­rest to mee, I may escape the snares of the de­uill, and auoid a sea of euils, whereinto the men of this world doe plunge themselues to eternall perdition. O Lord incline my heart to thy Word, and not to couetousnesse, cause mee to valew the worth thereof aboue gold and siluer, and to humble my selfe to my Spiri­tuall Pastors and Teachers, whom thou hast [Page 74] sent to call mee out of the darkenesse of this world into thy maruellous light. Giue mee power and strength to redresse my waies ac­cording to thy Word, and let not those com­mon sinnes of presumption, and carnall secu­rity get the dominion ouer mee: Inable mee in some good measure to discerne the spirits of men, and the vaine fashion of this transitory world, that I turne not aside with the multi­tude to do euill, but that I may delight in the Saints heere on earth, and such as excell in vertue.

And whereas Satan and his instruments are enemies to Christian loue and fellowship, giue me wisedome, strength, and constancie, that I neither giue offence vnto them, whereby they should withdraw themselues from my compa­ny, neither yet take offence at their infirmi­ties and imperfections, that I should with­draw my affections from them, to sort my selfe with such as know not thee, feare not thee, and condemne the generation of thy children. Giue me grace to walke warily in these latter euill daies; preserue my going out and comming in this day and euermore, and send thy good Angell to guide and protect mee in all my waies. And as, ô Lord, I grow elder in yeares, and euery day draw neerer to my graue; so grant that I may grow in know­ledge, faith, hope, loue and all vertue, that [Page 75] when it shall please thee to call me to giue vp an account of my Stewardship, I may enter into thine euerlasting ioy. Vouchsafe, ô Lord, to bestow and encrease these graces in me, for thy deerely beloued Sons sake, Christ Iesus my Sauiour, in whom onely thou art well pleased, to whom with Thee, and the holy Spirit, bee giuen all honour, glory, praise, and thankes­giuing, now and for euer.

Thankes-giuing before Meate.

VVEe thank thée, O heauenly Father, for all thy mercies, and blessings heretofore bestowed vpon vs, and still con­tinued and renewed vnto vs, and especially at this time for these thy good creatures, that of thine owne goodnesse and bounty thou hast ordained and prouided for the mainte­nance of our bodies, giue them vertue and power to nourish vs, that thereby our strengths being renued, wee may bee made the more fit and able to serue thee in the du­ties of our Callings, to thy honour and glo­rie, and to the comfort of our owne soules and consciences, through Iesus Christ our Lord: Amen.

Thankes-giuing after Meate.

THe God of all glory, and power, who hath created, redéemed, and presently [...]ed vs, hee blessed and praised, now and for euermore, Amen.

God preserue his Church, our King, his Realmes and Dominions, increase in vs a true and liuely faith, continuall peace of consci­ence, and the comfortable ioy of the Holy Ghost, through Iesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

FINIS.

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