A very godly and necessary Sermon, preached before the young Countess of Comberland in the North, the 24. of November, 1577.  
By Christopher shut.  1. Pet. 4.7. 
The end of all things is at hand, be ye therefore sober and watch unto prayer.  Eccles. 12.13, 14. 
Let us hear the end of all: fear God, and keep his Commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every work unto judgement, with every secret thing, whether it be good or evil.  
Imprinted at London by Christopher Barker, Printer to the Queen's Majesty.   

To the right honourable and most virtuous Lady, the Lady Margaret, Countess of Comberland, C. S. wisheth all happiness and increase of grace, from God the father, through our Lord jesus Christ.  
AS I descended (right honourable and my good Lady) into a secret consideration of the age of this present world, and of the last end thereof, I perceived, that our saviour Christ, in going about by sundry signs and tokens, to foreshow & premonish his elect, of the ruinous decay and dreadful downfall of this last generation, 
Mat. 24.37 Mar. 13.32 Luk. 17.28 1. Pet. 3.20  compared the days thereof to the days of No before the flood, what time the wicked gave over themselves to all unrighteousness, heaping one sin upon an other, until the water came and swept them all away: to the end by due remembrance of God's fearful plagues, most justly powered upon that sinful and careless generation, the godly might in all reverence and holy conversation, watch and wait within the ark of Christ's Church, for that long wished & most welcome time, of their translation to eternal happiness. which thing, whilst the faithful have reason to remember, it banisheth far from them the vain delights of earthly vanities, and prepareth them most readily to the obedience of the word of God, whereby they be forewarned with watchful No, of many future woes & fearful dangers, and also enkindeled in true godliness and holiness of life, with fear & trembling to work their salvation. 
Phil. 2.12.  For sith they know themselves on earth to be but strangers, 
Ebr. 11.13.  where all things must consume, and have a sudden and a certain end, their chiefest purpose aught to be, (as sayeth the Apostle) to be sober, 
1. Pet. 4.7. 1. these. 5.3  and to watch in all godly conversation unto prayer. For suddenly, no doubt, the end shall come, as was the coming of the flood in No his time, yea even in an hour, when man thinketh not, and then blessed shall he be, that is found in No his ark, & watcheth, with his garments clean, 
Apo. 16.15 Mat. 25.10  and his lamp of righteousness burning, for he shall enter with the bridegroom into rest, and so be saved from destruction.  
Neither do I see what days may be so rightly compared with the days of No, as these wherein we live: wherein so few be righteous, & so many sleeping in security of sin. Whereat I can not but tremble, to behold in the spirit, the great calamities & endless woes which may fall upon this sinful generation, the wickedness whereof is written with a pen of iron, & with the piont of a diamond: 
jer. 17.1.  which these eyes of ours are very likely to behold, 
2 Re. 22.11 Isa. 49.8. & 55.6.  except with good josias we be humbled in this acceptable time & day of grace, to seek unto the Lord, & in true repentance, to avoid his heavy wrath. For, no doubt, since the first time that England ever had the knowledge of God's Gospel (I speak not of the times of ignorance, the misty clouds whereof are past) was there in it, never more ripeness of all manner of sin, and carnal security, than these present days in all estates express, and therefore the more we stand in danger of destruction.  
God hath called us early and late by the preaching of his word, 
2. Chro. 36 15.  but we are nothing better: what remaineth then, but that we feel his scourges? 
Gen. 19.2. pet. 2.6.  When Sodom and Gomorrha would not be moved by the preaching of just Lot, what remained but fire and brimstone from heaven to be their destruction? When Pharaoh and the Egyptians refused the words of Moses, 
Exo. 14.28  the read sea was appointed to be their confusion. 
2. King. 17.6, 14.  When Israel and juda would not be counseled by the voice of the prophets of God, 
jer. 4. & 7. & 19  the Assyrians and the Babylonians were raised up to plague them & destroy them. When jerusalem was nothing bettered by all the sermons & miracles of our saviour Christ, 
Luk. 19.43  and would in no wise acknowledge the time of her visitation, the Romans were appointed to be her desolation. And even so in this sermon ensuing, it may be gathered, that when the careless man refuseth to be warned by the word of god, the Lord hath many plagues prepared for his destruction. Can the Lord's word them be of some so stubbornly among us contemned, and hypocritically of other some received, & the fruits of holy life in few brought forth, and the land escape unpunished? It is to truly verified of us, which in times past was witnessed of the days of No, wherein all flesh had corrupted itself, & filled the land with iniquity, whilst only No and his family being but a few in number, were occupied in making of the Ark for their deliverance. Whereof (Madam) when I had preached before your honour, more compendiously perhaps, through shortness of the time, then either your Honour could have desired, or I myself have wished, I was then of some so vehemently required, to impart in writing to their further consolation, what then in pulpit I had spoken, that notwithstanding I judged my labours to simple to pass abroad, and myself far unmeet for such a purpose: yet durst I not deny to comfort such, as thirsted after spiritual knowledge, & to warn such as would escape, of the vengeance to come, and so eftsoons resolved myself, as near as god would give me leave to explain and augment, what my purpose was then in the pulpit to utter. Neither had I far to seek to whose patronage, I might commend what herein I went about, when as daily your honours godly zeal and virtuous life, called me to offer it unto your wisdom: whose willing heart, not only I have had experience of, to accept my labours in good part before this time, but also see your whole endeavour always bend to further the proceedings of the Gospel, and to reclaim this ignorant country from their wonted errors, to the church & ark of Christ. A rare virtue in your sex, and such as may condemn the slackness of some other kinds, who care full little how it goeth with the Church, so they themselves may live at will and ease. 
Psal. 119.30.  But as your honour hath chosen the way of truth to be your treasure and delight, 
Psal. 119.30.  and eke your perfect wisdom and nobility, 
Deut. 4.6.  and also by your happy and welcome coming into these rude and desert parts, have ministered great solace to the godly: so do I wish with all my heart, and daily pray, that your honour may happily proceed, as you have virtuously begun, to the great benefit of Christ's church, & to the comfort of your quiet conscience in the last day.  
Your honours most humble in Christ, Christopher shut.  

C B    

¶ A very godly and necessary Sermon preached before the young Countess of Comberlande in the North, the 24. of November. 1577. by M. Christopher shut.  Ebr. 11.7. 
By faith No being warned of God, 
The Theme.  of the things which were as yet not seen, moved with reverence, prepared the ark, to the saving of his household, through the which ark, he condemned the world, and was made heir of the righteousness, which is by faith.  
THe holy ghost (right honourable and well-beloved) layeth forth to our consideration, 
Ebr. 11. toto.  in this chapter, a long rehearsal of the faithful men of God, in the former ages of the world, whose perfect faith and true religion is made manifest, to all posterities, in this place of scripture: who after that by faith they were justified before God, 
Rom. 3.2 & 4.5, 6. Isai. 6.3.  like trees of righteousness, they brought forth the fruits of all obedience, in godly conversation. Among whom the Apostle reckoneth up the lively faith and godly life of righteous No, in the latter end of the first age. 
Goe 6. toto.  Who beholding the great ripeness of sin, and corruption of all flesh, 
1. Pet. 3.20 & 2. pet. 2.5.  with overflowing waters to be punished, being warned of God, with all reverence and fear, prepared the ark, for the safety of himself and his household, and also to condemn the great security of that careless generation: 
Mat. 24.38  whereby he obtained through the free mercy of God, to be called the heir of the righteousness which is according unto faith. The due remembrance whereof, may enkindle in us, if we loath not our salvation, the vigilant care wherewith we aught to be pressed, in this last age and winding up of these our sorrowful days, wherein such ripeness of all iniquities, so horrible contempt of God's word, and so manifest ungodliness, foretell and prognosticate the small fall of this totering world, to be very near an end, that when the same shall come, we might be saved within the ark of Christ's Church with faithful No, rather than by our carnal security, to hazard loss of body and soul for ever.  
The words of the Apostle as they lie in order, contain especially, two things to be observed. The one, whereupon it came, that No was moved to prepare the ark: The other, what effect that ark had, when it was made. The former is contained in these words, By faith No being warned of God, of the things which were as yet not seen, moved with reverence, prepared the ark. Wherein is perceived, first an admonition to be given him: Secondly, a readiness in him to believe the same: and last of all the making of the ark, to declare the obedience of his faith. The other followeth in the text: He prepared it, to the saving of his household, through which ark, he condemned the world, and was made heir of the righteousness, which is by faith. Wherein is noted, what effect it had in No and his family: next of all, what effect concerning the wicked: & lastly, how this obedience of No, was accepted and rewarded of God.  
Albeit (right honourable and beloved) the elect of God in this life, walk through the valley of tears and shadows of death, 
Psal. 23.4.  yet the Lord continueth, their light & strength and rock of sure defence, 
Psa. 27.1, 5.  who in the time of trouble, will hide them in his tabernacle, that not one hear of their head shall perish: 
Luk. 21.18  but when the floods of adversities approach, he giveth them warning to escape, and so delivereth them out of temptation, 
2. Pet. 2.9.  and reserveth the unjust unto the day of judgement to be punished. Which warning the Lord gave now to No, with whom he had, 
Genes. 6.8.14.  according to the riches of his grace, entered into a covenant, to the end he might prepare an ark for his deliverance, against the coming of the flood, wherewith the wicked should be drowned. In like manner when the sins of the Sodomites cried for vengeance from heaven, 
Gen. 19.15  the Lord premonished righteous Lot, being wearied with their uncleanness, to separate himself and his from them, lest he should have perished in the flame of the city, which was ready with fire and brimstone to be destroyed. 
Nom. 16. toto.  When Corah, Dathan, and Abiron, with their company, had repugned the ordinance of God, and contrary to his commandment, offered up strange incense, and so provoked the wrath of the Lord against them, the Lord commanded Moses & Aaron to exempt themselves & the rest of the congregation from their company, jest they should have been swallowed up together with them, quick into hell. Such faithful warning the spirit of God, giveth to the elected saints in the revelation, that they should come out of Babylon and touch no unclean thing, 
Apoc. 18.4  lest in being partakers of her sins, they should have been partakers of her plagues. wherein we may learn the great care, 
Psal. 34.15 & 121.4.  which the Lord hath for the salvation of his people, forewarning them always of the dangers to come, to the end they might safely rest under his protection. For surely he will do nothing, 
Amos. 3.7  but he first revealeth his word unto his Prophets, that they may warn his chosen early and late, 
jere. 7.13.  to save themselves in time of trouble. The Lord foretold the people of Israel & of juda, 
Isa. 10.5. jere. 25.9.  by the mouth of his Prophets, their captivity in Assyria & Babylon, long time before they felt any sore, that the godly might seek deliverance. Our Saviour Christ premonished his elect of many dangers to come, 
Mat. 24.16  that those which were in jury, might flee unto the mountains and seek to save themselves, under the cross. 
Act. 20.29. 2. thes. 2.3 1. tim. 4.1. 2. tim. 3.1.  The Apostles foreshowed the coming of false prophets, and of Antichrist the man of sin, and of his manifold abominations, wherewith he should poison the world, that the godly might be the better furnished with the word of truth, to preserve themselves against his wily trains, of man's decrees and vain inventions. We have been admonished these nineteen years and more, and warned by the preaching of the Gospel, to forsake papistry and superstition, to leave our sinful ways, and to follow the righteousness of life, that we might be saved from destruction. We have been at our wit's end, 
Luk. 21.25.  with signs and strange reports, and fearful sights from heaven, calling us to repentance. We have felt of earthly consumptions, 
Deut. 28. Amos. 4.  & divers kinds of death, with loss of friends and other things, to humble us to fly from the wrath to come. We have been astonished with the lamentable ruin of Monarchies & kingdoms round about us, that we sleep not in security. And daily we do see such troubles every where, as do forewarn our overthrow, if in time we do not repent. Wherefore as the Lord hath set watchmen over us in bidding us take heed to the sound of the trumpet, 
Ezek. 3.17 & 33.4.  let us beware with reverence and fear: for if we walk after the stubbornness of our stony hearts, and say with the wicked, we will not take heed, 
jere. 6.17, 19 jere. 5 25.  then will he bring upon us the fruits of our own imaginations, and all the curses of the law, and so we shall lie down in our own confusion, and be covered with our shame, because we loathed instruction, 
Prou. 1.29.  and hated to be reformed. For surely the overthrow of the wicked sleepeth not, though yet they live in all prosperity, 
job. 21.7. psal. 37.35. jere. 12.1, ●  and flourish as a green Bay tree. Let not us then follow their ●●usion of riot, 
1. Pet 4.4  but in time receive the lords warning with No, 
Micah. 6.8.  to humble ourselves to walk before our God. The Storcke in the air (as saith the Prophet) knoweth her appointed times, 
jere. 8.7.  the Turtle, the Crane, and the Swallow, observe their opportunity of coming, and shall not we know the judgements of our God? 
Isai. 1.3.  Or can the Ox know his master's stall, 
Isai. 1.3.  or the Ass his master's crib, and shall not Israel know his God? Let us be warned by the voice of God, let us receive instruction and be wise betime. 
Prou. 8.33.  For blessed is the man, that heareth wisdom, watching daily at her gates, and giving attendance at the posts of her doors: For he that findeth her, findeth life, and shall obtain the favour of the Lord, and only this is our wisdom and perfect understanding, to receive and observe the admonitions of our God.  
When No were thus admonished by the Lord, he did not by and by forget his word, or choke it with the cares of life, 
Luk. 8.14.  and voluptuousness of living, than prevailing: but as his faith was wrought thereby, so was he now emboldened and his faith increased and preserved by these admonitions, 
john. 1.12. Rom. 10, 17. 2. Thes. 3.3  concerning things to come. For as by meats & drinks the body is increased, and by the wholesome counsel of physicians, the sickness to be feared, is prevented: so by the word of God, the faith of No was increased, and by the admonitions thereof, the dangers to be feared were avoided, whilst he willingly gave credit to that which was spoken. By this his readiness to believe the word, appeareth plainly (beloved) the faithful heart, which the godly aught to have towards the same, that in believing the word of truth, 
Levi. 26.3, 12. ier. 7.23 Nu. 10.29  the Lord may be their God, and they his people. This readiness was in the Kenites, when they left their own country, to go with the Israelites into the land of Canaan, that they might be further instructed in the law of God. 
2. Kin. 22.21, 13.  This readiness was in the good king josias, when his heart melted within him for fear of the plagues of God towards the land, neither ceased he, until he had inquired of the Lord what was to be done. 
Psal. 84, 6.  This readiness was in all those which went through the valley of tears, from strength to strength, to seek the Lord in Zion. This readiness was in the Prophets and Apostles, 
Mat. 19, 27  whilst they left all things to obey the will of God. 
Act. 2.37.  This readiness was in the jews when they were fired with the words of Peter, and with penitent hearts required what to do. And this aught to be our readiness towards the word of our salvation, and towards the admonitions of the most highest, that whilst he speaketh, we give ear, 
Pro. 1.24. ier. 7.26, 27  whilst he crieth, that we make answer, and whilst it is said, to day, 
Psal. 95.7, 8  that we believe and hear his voice. These should be the days, wherein men should follow no more the stubbornness of their wicked hearts, 
jere. 3.17.  
Mic. 4.1, 2. psal. 122.1.  but rather should go up to the mountain of the lord, to be instructed in his laws with reverence and fear. 
Esai. 2.18.20.  These should be the days, wherein the idols should be destroyed, and men should forsake their molten gods. 
Psal. 110.3  These should be the sweet and joyful days of jerusalem, wherein the people should offer willing offerings of obedience and thankfulness. These should be the Halcionios' dies of the Church, when righteousness and peace, when mercy and truth should meet and kiss each other. 
Psal. 85.10.  But in stead of readiness to the world, the ears of many are uncircumcised, 
jere. 6.10.  that they neither can, nor will hear the law of God. In stead of casting away the vanities of Idols, 
Apo. 13.8, 16.  they are marked with the beasts mark, whom they worship. In stead of quietness & love, the hearts of many are set on mischief, whilst discord, envy and debate prevail so much. 
Colo. 3.8.  I fear therefore, these days are more like the days of No, wherein the contempt of truth bore rule amongst so many. 
Gene. 6.  They are the days of the provocation in the wilderness, 
Nu. 11.4, 5. psal. 95.9.  wherein the delights of Egyptiacal servitude, is preferred before the sweet Manna of everlasting happiness. I wonder what evil spirit hath bewitched men, 
Galat. 3.1.  that they should not believe the truth. Why have they put upon them an whorish face, 
jere. 3.3.  and a shameless look, and made their hearts like an adamant, 
Zach. 7.12.  whilst they walk in the error of their hearts, and in the vanity of their own imaginations? Every man flattereth himself in his own ways, 
Esa. 65.5.  & thinketh himself more holy than his fellow, but yet he plucks not the beam of pride out of his eye. 
Mat. 7.3, 4.5.  We say with filthy juda, 
jere. 2.23.  that we be not polluted, nor have followed after Baalim: and yet we are unclean, by means of popish superstition. 
Apoc. 17.4  We brag and boast with the proud Pharisie, 
Luk. 18.11. Psal. 38.4.  of our righteousness: yet feel we not the burden of our sins and faith in Christ, and therefore remain unjustified. We say with the angel of Laodicea, 
Apoc. 3.17 18.  that we be rich and much increased with goods, and have need of nothing: & yet we know not that we are wretched, miserable, poor and blind & naked. What remaineth then for us, but to buy of the Lords fine gold, that we may be rich, & white raiment, that we may be clothed, that our filthy nakedness do not appear, & that our eyes may be anointed with the eye salve, that we may see, with all readiness to obey the truth, & to be warned with No, to make preparation against the floods of evil to come.  
But especially (well-beloved) the faith of No appeared in this, that he saw the things to come, which presently could not by outward senses be discerned. For, seeing that the flood was not come, before an hundredth and twenty years were ended, the tract of time might have removed and banished away the remembrance thereof. It might also have seemed incredible to flesh and blood, that such a water should come so quickly: besides all these, the wicked followed their delights without respect: and to be short, these threatenings of such floods might have been judged vain: but No his faith did mount aloft, and reached above the capacity of outward senses, and looked up to things more excellent by much, than could by outward means be understood: which things yet hid and not apparent, the holy ghost sealeth in our hearts, for our more assurance. 
Ebr. 11.1.  According whereunto the Apostle calleth faith the substance of things hoped for, & the sure demonstration of things which are not seen: thereby not only lifting up our faith to things to come, but also fully assuring us of the performance thereof, for God is faithful which hath promised. 
Ebr. 10.23.  We are already saved by hope, 
Ro. 8.24, 25  but hope that is seen is no hope: for how can a man hope for that which he seeth? but if we hope for that which we see not, we do with patience abide for it. 
2. Cor. 4.7.  And this treasure we have in our earthen vessels, that the excellency of that power might be of God, & not of us. And therefore our conversation is in heaven, from whence we look for the saviour, 
Phil. 3.20.  even jesus Christ, with whom our life is hid in God, 
Col. 3.3, 4.  that when Christ, which is our life, shall appear, them shall we also appear with him in glory: Such a sure persuasion of things to come had No, neither wavered he in faith at all. This is that exceeding comfort, which maketh glad the hearts of the elect in the midst of the sorrows of this life, assuredly beholding with the eyes of faith, such things as neither the eye of man hath seen, 
Esai. 64.4. 1. cor. 2.9.  nor his ear hath heard, nor yet his heart perceived or understood. Such an undoubted hope and trust had the godly fathers under and before the law, 
Gene. 3.15 & 15.5. & 22.17, 18. Deu. 18.18 2. Sa. 7, 16.  when with the eyes of faith they beheld the Messiah & saviour Christ to come, and so were justified, as we believe now, that he is come already, and hath wrought our redemption. Such was the faith of Abraham, Isaac and jacob, 
Ebr. 11.13.  concerning the promises of the land of Canaan, when as they were but strangers upon the earth, & had not a foot breadth to possess, believing what the Lord had promised, should surely come to pass. Such an assurance of faith had Moses, when he refused the delights of Egypt, and the pleasures of Pharaos' court, 
Ebr. 11.24, 25, 26.  to suffer persecution with his brethren, looking to the promised reward. This assured faith of things to come had good king David, 
Psal. 89.28, 29.  when he trusted that his throne should continued, and be established for ever. This assurance of things to come, our Saviour Christ commended to his disciples, against the assaults of persecution, promising them, that they should sit upon twelve thrones with him, 
Mat. 19.28. luk. 22.30.  and judge the twelve tribes of Israel. This assurance had the Apostle Paul, when he desired to attain the righteousness of faith, 
Phil. 3.8, 9 10. 2. Ti. 4.8.  and resurrection of the just, that he might wear the crown which God had laid up in store for him. And what else moved the saints of God, 
Apo. 12.11  to withstand the beast, and not to love their lives to death, but that by faith they saw the new jerusalem? And this is that golden saying of Ignatius going to be martyred, 
Euse. lib. 3. cap. 36.  Nihil moror visibilium, nec invisibilium, modo jesum Christum acquiram. I neither (sayeth he) care for things now seen, nor things which are not seen, so that I may say hold of jesus Christ. This is our comfort (dearly beloved) in these dangerous days and billows of the world, that our faith is not fixed of things present, but of things to come. For though now we be the children of God (as sayeth the Apostle) yet doth it not appear what we shallbe. 
1. john. 3.2.  For we know, that when Christ shall appear, we shall be like to him, for we shall see him as he is. We see now in a glass darkly, but then shall we see him face to face: 
1. Cor. 13.12.  we know but now in part, but then shall we know, even as we are known. We are now corruptible, 
1. Cor. 15.53.  but we shall be clothed with incorruption. We are now but mortal, but this mortal shall be swallowed up of immortality. We are now afflicted & in distress, 
2. Cor. 4.17, 18.  but the same is but for a moment, & yet causeth in us, a most excellent, & eternal weight of glory, while we look not on the things which are seen, but on the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen, are but temporal, but the things which are not seen, 
Rom. 7.23, 24, 25.  are eternal. Though for a while we feel the relics of sin in us provoking us to evil, yet look we daily when that time shall come, that this body of sin may be done away We feel in ourselves the sparks and seed of much unrighteousness, yet do we hope in stead thereof, we shallbe clothed with the fine reins and righteousness of Christ, 
Apo. 19.8. 1. Cor. 1.30 2. cor. 5, 21. Psal. 32.1, 2  and all our transgressions to be pardoned. We feel for a little, hunger & cold, yet do we hope for the abundance of all delights & heavenly treasures. We daily sorrow and weep, 
2. Cor. 4.8, 9, 10. 2. pet. 2.7.  & are vexed with the unclean conversation of the wicked, yet trust we that our sorrow shallbe turned into joy, 
joh. 16.20, 21. Apoc. 21.4  & all tears wiped from our eyes. We now abide with patience the taunts and checks of Antichrist and his members, 
Apo. 14.9.  but yet we see by faith, that Babylon the mother of all abominations, 
Apoc. 17.4  shall suddenly fall and come to naught, for that her sins are in remembrance with God. 
Apoc. 18.5  We daily fear the assaults of sin & death, yet do we know by faith that Christ hath conquered them for us. 
2. Cor. 5.21 colos. 2.14. apo. 20.14.  We feel our frailty in this life, and thraldom to infirmities, 
1. Cor. 15.31, 32.  yet do we hope for everlasting rest in the resurrection of the just. Such is the assurance of our faith, surmounting far the reach of man's capacity: she wavereth not, she sinketh not, she doubteth not (as saith the misbelieving papist, leaning to his idle works) but she maketh the good conscience sure, 
Rom. 4.16.19. & 8.16, 38, 39 Ebr. 10.22  and always hath 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, whilst she plainly beholdeth the things as yet not seen, but surely for to come to pass.  
Further, whereas this readiness of No was joined with reverence, it is (dearly beloved) to teach us, that his faith was directed both to the promiss of the covenant, whereby he was received into favour, & also to the threatenings of GOD, whereby the Lord menaced the destruction of the world, which he believed to come, and so did tremble. And as by the former, he was assured of god's favour, so by the other, in respect of his own infirmity, he feared lest he should have perished with the wicked. Wherein we must note two things, the one, what is the object of our faith: the other, how it trembleth in respect of our selves, at the plagues denounced, 
Psal. 42.5, 11. Rom. 8.38  & yet for all that, is assured of God's mercy.  
Our faith is leveled & directed, especially at Christ the object thereof. For like as the Israelites did with their bodily eyes behold the brazen serpent, & were cured: 
Num. 21.9. joh. 3.14.  even so doth faith the eye of our soul, behold the Son of God lift up upon the altar of the cross for our redemption. And like as wholesome meats only nourish the body, even so nothing doth feed our faith, but Christ crucified, the bread of life: 
joh. 6.35.48.51.  at whose work of redemption, our faith must always look, or else we must needs be pressed down, with the terror of our own conscience into hell. 
Mat. 11.28 joh. 3.16. Col. 1.19. and 2.3.  For seeing that the promises of the Gospel are a ready way to lead us to the knowledge of God's mercy revealed in Christ, in whom it pleaseth the father that all fullness should devil, and in whom are all the treasures of wisdom & understanding, to whom we can not come, but being fully persuaded, that our salvation resteth in his free grace and mercy: the object of our faith, which she doth chief behold, must of necessity be the promises of the Gospel, laying forth to us Christ crucified for our sins, 
joh. 3. & 5. & 6. tot. Ro. 5.19.  by whose obedience our salvation is wrought, & in whom alone the Father is well pleased: 
Mat. 3.17.  for in him our faith beholdeth the law of God fulfilled for us, who took the curse thereof upon himself, 
Galat. 3.13 Ephe. 1.7. & 2.13.  that he might make us blessed. In his blood our faith beholdeth perfect redemption and remission of our sins: & we which were far of, are now made near, & reconciled to the father. 
1. Pet. 2.24  By his stripes, we feel by faith, that we are made whole, & clothed with his righteousness: 
1 Cor. 1.30  by his only sacrifice done once for ever, 
Ebre. 9.12. & 10.10, 18  our faith beholdeth eternal redemption purchased, and them consecrat for ever, that are sanctified: so that where forgiveness of sins is, there is no more oblation for sin. In him, through him, 
Ro. 5.1. & 8.34. Ephe. 3.12  and for his sake, faith boldly approacheth to the throne of grace, to found mercy to help in time of need: 
Ebr. 4.16.  for he is our peace, our advocate and the propitiation for our sins. 
1. john 2.2  Finally, by faith in him we are assured of God's favour, 
joh. 3.16. Ro. 8.1, 34.  and of eternal life, so that there is now no damnation to such as be graffed in Christ jesus, which walk according to the spirit, & not according to that flesh. For it is Christ that doth justify us, and therefore none can condemn us, none can lay any thing to our charge, neither separate us from the love of God. And thus is Christ with his death and passion, the only object of our faith. Also these two, Christ crucified, and our faith, always must go together. For, as the sun shining in the firmament, availeth him not, that hath none eyes to see the same, neither him that winketh with his eyes & will not see, but only him that doth behold the light thereof: So doth the death of Christ profit him nothing, which lacketh true faith to lay hold upon the same, 
Galat 2.20 joh. 3. & 6. tot.  but only such as by a lively & fruitful faith, apply the same unto themselves.  
Besides that No his faith was specially directed to the promise of the covenant, yet was he made more watchful a great deal, and kept in obedience, by the terrors of the flood, and so with fear and trembling wrought his salvation, 
Phil. 2.12.  not that he wavered in the faith, but that he feared in transgressing to be punished with the wicked. For this effect the plagues powered upon the wicked, bring forth in the lives and conversation of the godly, that these are made more circumspect by much to stand in fear, lest they should fall. 
Deut. 29.2 & 18.12.  When Moses counseled the Israelites to the observance of the law, he warned them to fear, by the plagues powered upon the Egyptians, and upon the Canaanites, thereby to keep them in obedience. When jeremy threatened captivity unto the land of juda, he used the captivity of the ten tribes then being in Assyria, 
jere. 3.8.  to make them tremble & afraid. When the Apostle understood the haughtiness of the romans, 
Ro. 11.18.  he used the punishment of the jews, 
1. Co. 10.5  in whose place they were graffed, to bridle them and keep them in obedience. When the Corinthians waxed proud of the graces of God, the Apostle laid forth the plagues of God against the jews in the wilderness, that who so stood, might take heed he did not fall. And this is the cause why the holy Ghost calleth us to fear, that we should not by our dissolute life shake of and loose our faith, and make the last end worse than the beginning. 
Luk. 11.26 Mala. 1.6.  The son honoureth his father, and a servant his master. If then God be a father to us, we must honour him, if he be a Lord, we must fear his stripes. O that we had the reverent dread and fear which No had, it would make us ready to know and do the will of God, it would bring forth an unfeigned loathing and hatred of sin in us, it would bud forth the study of true godliness, it would set us forward to the love of God & profit of our brethren. But though we feel the scourge of God so sore, that there is no whole part already in the body, 
Isa. 1.6.  yet are we not humbled nor afraid: though we be stricken, 
jere. 5.3.  we do not sorrow: though we be consumed, we refuse to receive correction. For why? we have made our faces harder than a stone, and will not return though we be warned of the future woes. In stead of keeping the commandements of GOD, 
Mat. 15.9.  we observe the precepts of men, wherewith we worship God in vain. In stead of fear & true obedience, 
Psal. 14.1, 2, 3.  we lose the bridle to the effusion of all riot. In stead of true religion, nothing is to be found but either mere Atheism, 
Apo. 3.16.  or flat dissimulation. In stead of holiness of life, we deck ourselves with pride, and in stead of judgement & righteousness, 
Isa. 5.7. Hos. 4.2.  we bring forth oppression and crying of the poor, and blood toucheth blood. Where is now the reverence and fear, wherein we live, or how are we restrained from offending, by the remembrance of the sea of evils to come? Not, not (beloved) we fear men more than god. And if in some things we submit our obedience, to the hearing of the scriptures, and ordinary administration of the Sacraments in Ecclesiastical assemblies, yet is such duty in many of us but constrained, and not of a good and zealous heart, delighting in the Gospel. But if we do neglect, we fear the magistrates sword. Well, let us not play to long with our fleeing shadow, 
Isa. 8.13.  but sanctify the Lord, that he may be our fear, and betime begin with No to fear the worst: for if the wrath of God be kindled but a little, 
Psal. 2.12.  blessed are all they that put their trust in him. And thus ye see, that our faith is specially directed at the promises of God, and yet must we not be careless and void of fear, and so do what we list, but always we must stand in awe, & be afraid to offend, jest with the wicked we have reward.  
He prepared the Ark. When No was in sundry wise thus moved, he addressed himself without delay to the making of the Ark, thereby to witness his obedience of faith. For even as water floweth from the fountain, so doth this his obedience spring from faith, whereby he had apprehended the promise of salvation. His obedience appeareth the more, for that the making of this work was tedious, and often hindered with the furiousness of the wicked: which uneath he could patiently have abiden, if that he had not safely rested in the promise of the covenant. But faith the mistress of obedience, brought forth such fruits as might express his willing mind, to obey the Lords commandment. This is that excellent branch of our religion, that our faith be not fruitless, as our adversaries make report, 
Mat. 7.16, 17. & 12.33  but like a good tree it must bring forth the fruits of integrity and righteousness of life. For even as fire burneth & cannot be without heat, no more than the sun without his light: 
jam. 2.14. Ro. 12.1, 2. Ephe. 2.10  even so is it impossible for a true faith, to be without good works. which although they do not justify us before God, yet are they to be done, that our obedience of faith may thereby be discerned, 
Mat. 5.16. Rom. 1.5.  which may be seen, whilst we walk in the law of God.  
When Moses was ready to take his leave of the Israelites, how earnestly he required of them obedience to the law of god, 
Deut. 4.6. & 28. toto.  it is most manifest throughout the whole book of Deutero. When Samuel had appointed that jews a king, 
1. Sam. 12.14.  how sweetly doth he move them to the obedience of the law? When David would publish and sing the praises of God, how vehemently doth he counsel the jews to hear the voice of God, 
Psal. 95.7, 8. & 119. toto.  and not to harden their hearts, as in the desert? When the Prophets would have the people to turn to the Lord, that his wrath might be turned from them, their chief persuasion resteth herein, that they would testify their faith, not by the multitude of sacrifices, 
jer. 7.22, 23 Hos. 6.6. Micah. 6.8.  but by obeying the word of God. This obedience our Saviour Christ requireth of his disciples, if they love him, 
joh. 14.15.  to keep his commandments: & this is the same which the Apostle Paul calleth the obedience of faith: 
Rom. 1.5.  to the end after we be justified, we might express the same by our obedience to the law of God, 
Rom. 6. toto. & 8.1. & 12.1. Gal. 5.1. Ephes. 4.1. etc.  and therefore in all his epistles, after the treatise of justification, he commandeth the fruits of newness of life. whereby (dearly beloved) we are to learn, how fruitful our obedience aught to be in good works, 
jam. 2.14. 1. pet. 2.12  for so much as our faith is made manifest thereby, god is glorified, 
Rom. 13.8. T●●us 2.14 & 3.14.  and our brethren profited, he hath made us a peculiar people unto himself, that we should be followers of good works, we must therefore live holily, soberly, & righteously in this present world. he hath redeemed us from the hands of our enemies, 
Luk. 1.71, 74.  that we should serve him in holiness & righteousness for ever. He hath given us heavenly graces many, 
1. Pet. 4.10  and endued us with his holy spirit, therefore must the body die to sin, 
Eph. 1.13. & 4.24, 30. Rom. 8.10. 1. Pet. 1.15  & the spirit live for righteousness sake. He is holy who hath called us, therefore must we be holy in all our conversation. Let us therefore (dear brethren) show forth our obedience in newness of life, 
Rom. 6. tot 2. pet. 1.10  and make strong our election and calling by our good works, 
1. Cor. 15.58.  and our labour shall not be in vain in the Lord  
We make great boasts and cracks, that we be Christians, let the same be proved true or false by our lives: for not every one, that saith, Lord, Lord, 
Mat 7.21. & 12.50.  shall enter into the kingdom of heaven, but he that doth the will of God: neither is every one brother or sister to Christ, but only those which hear and keep his word. & this is the fruit of our obedience and righteousness towards God.  
If we covet to be blessed and have good success, 
josua. 1.8. 1. king. 2.3  we must needs begin at this obedience of our faith. 
Levit. 26.3 12. jere. 7.23.  If we will have the Lord to be our God, and we ourselves to be his people, then must we humble ourselves to obey his word. if we will be counted the friends of Christ, 
joh. 15.14.  then must we do whatsoever he hath commanded us. If we will be purified by faith in heart, 
1. Pet. 1.22 Acts 15.9.  we must begin to obey the truth. If we will be safely armed against spiritual wickedness, 
Eph. 6.17.  we must hold fast the word of God. finally if we covet to be saved, 
Rom. 1.16.  we may not be ashamed of the Gospel, but in all meekness receive the same, 
jam. 1.21.  for it is able to save our souls. We say with the Israelites to Moses, 
Deut. 5.27 29.  that we will observe the law. But, o, that there were such an heart in us, to fear the Lord, and to keep his commandements always, that it might go well with us, and with our children for ever. Wherefore as obedience is better than sacrifice, 
1. Sam. 15.22. Deut. 4.6.  so let this be our wisdom, with No to declare and show forth our faith by our obedience unto the word of God.  
Besides all this, the obedience of righteous No, more plainly did appear in that he did not follow his own purpose and devise, 
Gen. 6.15, 16.  but the appointment of God in this making of the ark. for he made it in length, in breadth, and height, & in all other parts accordingly as he was commanded. This is the wisdom of God, who will not have his Church builded according to man's devise, but by the direction of his word. 
Exo. 25.40 Act. 7.44. Ebr. 8.5.  When Moses was commanded to build the tabernacle, he was straightly charged to do it according to the pattern showed unto him in the mount. When the Israelites were instructed how to serve God, 
Deut. 12.29, 30, 31, 32.  when they came into the land of promise, they were forbidden to serve him after the manner of the Canaanites, and only to worship him according to his law, without either turning to the right hand or to the left. 
Ezra. 3.12, 13.  When the jews returned out of captivity, and repaired the ruins of the temple at jerusalem, they re-edified it according to the former building made by Solomon. When our saviour Christ builded the spiritual ark & temple of his church, he laid no other foundation but himself, 
jer. 3.11. eph. 2.10. mat. 16.18.  who was the rock, against the which the gates of hell should not prevail. For finishing whereof, in the gathering together of the saints, 
Mat. 28.20 rom. 15.18  he charged the Apostles straightly, but to speak, what he had taught them. This aught to be our special care in building and reformation of religion, not to do what we think good, but as the Israelites before they took any thing in hand, 
Exo. 28.30 num. 27.21 judge. 1.1.  asked counsel of God: so must we in all our ways be ruled by his word, which is the way for us to walk in: 
Isa. 30.21.  which the holy ghost hath written, 
joh. 20.31.  that we might believe, & in believing might have life. Wherefore whosoever bringeth any other Gospel, though it were an angel from heaven, 
Gal. 1.8.  let him be accursed, neither let us receive him into our houses, 
2. joh. 10.  neither bid him, God speed. Now then, if this be the wisdom of God, which No followed, when he would not build, but as he was appointed, which Moses, the jews, our saviour Christ and the apostles have observed, what kind of building may that be, which standeth only upon men's devices & vain imaginations, such as is the whole religion of Antichrist? surely, it is like the religion of the false prophets which sewed pillows under the elbows of the jews, in flattering them in their sins, 
Ezek. 13.10, 15.  whilst they daubed & walled their building with untempered mortar. Or it is like the house builded upon the sand, 
Mat. 7.26  which because of the weak foundation can not well endure. Or it is like the straw and stubble, 
1. Cor. 3.12, 13.  which is laid upon the good foundation, which at the fiery trial of the spirit of God consumeth, and comes to naught: & like as a paper ark or ship of leaves had been a vain devise against the water to save No and his family: so is the whole religion of Antichrist in vain to save our souls. What a foolish paradise delight they in, which make their ark or ship, of the rotten boards of man's traditions, 
Mat. 15.8, 9  which can never hold together? how loathsome an ensign hath that vessel, 
Apoc. 13.17.  which carrieth the mark and Image of the beast? How lightly, how perilously, 
Isai. 55.2.  & how vainly is he fraughted, that makes the chaff of bulls and pardons, his surest traffic? What lose anchre hold hath he, 
Isai. 64.6. luk. 17.10.  trow ye, that rests & rides upon his own merits and sinful works? How uncertain is his course, 
joh. 14.6. col. 2.18.  who directeth his race to sail to heaven by the mediation of saints? What a cowardly mariner is he, that always is afraid at the paper rocks and painted fierce of purgatory? What vain ordinance is holy bread, 
2. The. 2.10 1, tim. 4.1. 2. tim. 4.3. 2 pet. 2.1, 2 apoc. 18.3, 4.  and holy water, to fight against the powers of hell? What food or nourishment can his beads, his palms, his candles, his oil, his ashes, and other relics, minister unto him? What an uncertain trumpet is sounded, 
1. Cor. 14.  where the vanity of organs is good service? finally, how can he ever sail in safety, who hath none sitting at the stern, but only Antichrist, whose purpose is to overthrow the ship? In such a naughty ark and ship they sail, that row on forward without let, in their own inventions and rotten ship of papism and Idolatry. but the ark & ship of God, is made of the pine trees of his word, 
Ephe. 4.12 ioh. 10.27. & 17.3. Col. 1.14. Ephe. 4.30 Apoc. 7.3, 14. Mat. 11.28 Ebr. 4.14, 16. Mat. 16.18  pitched within & without, with the assured grace of Christ, marked with the spirit of God and faith, fraughted with the weighty merits of Christ's passion, casting sure anchor in his promises directed by his mediation to the father, emboldened with his blood against the rocks and gates of death, defended with the ordinance of Christian armour against the force of Satan, 
Ephe. 6.11 1. thes. 5.8.  and nourished with the word and food of life. Let us no more than sail with them, 
Apoc. 18.4  nor yet retain any of their abominations. But let us address and prepare ourselves with No to be warned, let us with readiness of faith obey, and let our good life express the same, in furthering the building of the Church in our several callings, in all things being governed by the word of God, and then with No we be well admonished. And thus much of the former part, whence it came that No was moved to make the Ark. 
2, Tim. 2.7.  The Lord give you understanding in all things, and he that hath ears to hear, let him hear.  
He prepared the Ark to the saving of his household. The Lord (well-beloved) hath divers means to save his people from destruction: and therefore the Ark is said first to have had this effect, that No his family might be saved thereby. For like as in the burning of Sodom, the little town Zoar was a refuge for the safety of Lot, and his two daughters, 
Gen. 19.20  & Chaldea for God's people, in the destruction of jewrie, and Egypt for joseph, Marie & the child jesus, 
Mat. 2.13.  against the furious assaults of Herode: even so the Ark was now the means which God would use for No his refuge, to save him & his from drowning. This is the loving care which God hath over his people, 
Psal. 34.15 & 95.1. etc.  in defending them under the shadow of his wings, from falling with the wicked. Let us then cast our care upon him, 
1. Pet. 5.7.  for he is careful for us: and then in the perishing of the wicked, we shall be safe within the Ark.  
Neither must we think that the Ark was able to have preserved No and his family from drowning: Not not, it was the grace of God, 
Gen. 6.8.  who had received him into favour, which grace he did assure him of, by preserving him alive within the Ark. Which thing the Apostle Peter doth declare, 
1. Pet. 3.21  where he compareth Baptism and the Ark together, for like as in Baptism, not the putting away of the filthiness of the flesh saveth us, but a good conscience, that maketh request to God, by the resurrection of jesus Christ: even so, not the outward making of the Ark, but faith, believing the promise of God unto salvation, justified & preserved No, whereof the Ark was a holy sign or sacrament, for the confirmation thereof: whereby we must observe, not to give that unto the Sacraments, which is proper to the grace signified thereby. For Sacraments, 
1. Sa. 4. tot. joh. 1.33. 1. Cor. 10.5  neither of themselves, nor in themselves, include the grace of God: for that belongeth to the Creator, and not unto the creature. But they be as instruments, seals, 
Gen. 17.10 exo. 12.11. mat. 26.26. & 28.19.  pledges and confirmations of God's promises, whereby he doth make more strong his graces in our hearts, the fruits whereof we do receive by a lively faith. For the salvation of Gods chosen resteth not in sacramental signs, 
Tit. 3.5.  but in the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and good pleasure of God. 
Ephes. 1.9.  Abraham, to whom the promise was made, 
Gen. 15.6. Rom. 4.3, 4  was justified in believing the word of grace, long time before he received the sign or Sacrament of Circumcision, which afterward was added for the confirmation of the promise. jacob was chosen, 
Gen. 25.23 Rome 9.11, 12. Act. 10.44, 47.  when he was yet unborn, & never had heard of any Sacrament. Cornelius and his company, believing the words of Peter, were endued with the holy ghost, bef●●●●hey were baptised. Whereby we learn that our salvation resteth not in the outward Elements, but in the promise of God's free mercy & grace in Christ, 
Eph. 1.4, 5  who before the foundations of the world were laid, chose us by him to be adopted unto salvation, which grace he sealeth in our hearts by the Sacraments, for our more behoof, the virtue whereof we do receive by faith.  
Neither herein must we (beloved) abridge or extenuate the dignity of the Sacraments, and think they be but only signs of grace, (as the papists falsely slander us) But as we say not with the jews, nor with the papists, 
1. Sa. 4. Conc. trident. ses. 6. cap. 8.  that the Sacraments do give grace, and so with them commit Idolatry: so do we not say that they are only bore signs unto the godlies' faith, but rightly hold the mean between them both, & believe assuredly, with the sacramental sign, 
Tit. 3.5. Mat. 26.26.  that grace is present undoubtedly to the faith of him, that doth receive the same aright. And thus ye see, that not the Ark, but the grace of God preserved No and his family, for whose salvation and deliverance, the Ark was made an instrument and means.  
It is not without good consideration, that the Ark was for the safety of No his household: for it doth express the right government of his well disposed family, wherein the fear of God did flourish and continued. For like as when the head is well & sound, and also the stomach pure from hurtful humours, the body is commonly well affected: even so where the head or chief of any family is found in faith and feareth God, it commonly goeth well with all the household. For this cause Moses gave commandment unto the jews, 
Deu. 6.5, 6 7. & 31.12.  that the law might be kept in their families, that they might prospero in all that they went about. 
2. Sam. 6.11.  When Obed-edom had received the Ark of God into his house, which signified true religion, the Lord blessed him and all his household. When the widow of Zarephath in the days of Eliah, 
1. King. 17.10. etc.  and the other widow of Israel in the days of Elisha, 
2 King. 4.1 etc.  had received the Prophets of God into their houses, how mightily and mercifully the Lord provided for them, who is ignorant? When our Saviour Christ had restored the ruler's son to his health, 
joh. 4.53.  the ruler believed and all his family. After Zacheus had received Christ into his house, 
Luk. 19.9.  and was converted, salvation came to the same household. To be short, 
Act. 10.44.  when Cornelius the Centurion embraced the Gospel, his family also believed and was baptised, and the holy Ghost fell upon them all which heard the preaching. How well that house was ordered, where Timothy was brought up, 
2. Tim, 1.5. & 3.25.  his knowledge in the scriptures from a child can witness. This is the care of religion, which aught to be kept in our houses, and this is the good conversation which the Lord looketh for at the hands of the householders of all degrees, 
Ephes. 6.1. etc.  especially if they look for the blessing of God to fall upon them, & to be saved with No in the Ark of Christ's Church. But look round about us, and what shall we find in our families? Is it not verified of us, which the Prophet jeremy spoke so long agone upon the jews: The children gather sticks, 
jere. 7.18.  the fathers make the fire, & the women bake cakes for the queen of heaven? So foully are our families for the most part corrupted, with ignorance and superstition. In stead of the knowledge of God, and true religion, there is nothing to be found, but Atheism & gross idolatry. In stead of the reverence and fear of God's majesty, blaspheming of his name, 
Hos. 4.3.  and every other word most horribly powdered with an oath. In stead of honest and sober living, 
Ro. 13.13.  chambering and wantonness, banqueting and minstrilsie, 
Isa. 22.13.  eating and drinking like Epicures, for to morrow we shall die, thus feeding ourselves as an Ox unto the slaughter. In stead of godly meditations, abominable gaming, as carding, dicing, & consuming of the gifts of God, 
Luk. 16.1.  not lent to us for such a purpose. In stead of reading and hearing of the word of God, 
Col. 3.16.  to comfort and exhort one another, the reading and good liking of profane fables and fruitless books, more meet for Mearcers' shops, to wrap their spices in, then for a well disposed family to be taught & nurtured by. O where shall we find a good No, to order his household aright in fear and true obedience, and to forewarn them of the flood of evil to come? If to govern a family aright, were to purchase land, or for a man to enrich himself, or leave a wealthy son, few were behind with this endeavour. But O vain man, hast thou more desire to leave thy son a fair building, and full of lands, then for to instruct him in the way of godliness, and leave him a virtuous conscience? Hast thou rather a desire to hoard up treasure for him, 
Mat. 6.19.  with rust and moth to be consumed, then for to teach him the knowledge of God, which will not canker but last for ay? 
Deut. 6.5. & 28.2.  If either thou or thine will prospero well, you must begin in true religion to serve the Lord, and then you shall be blessed. Will't thou than know how to order thy family? Nourish none, keep none, I say, make much of none, 
Psal. 15.4.  but such as fear the Lord. The godly king David describing the government of his well disposed family, speaketh in this wise: 
Psal. 101. toto.  I will (saith he) walk in the uprightness of my heart, in the midst of my house. I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that fall away, it shall not cleave unto me. A froward heart shall departed from me: I will know none evil. Him, that privily slandereth his neighbour, will I destroy. Him, that hath a proud look and high heart, I cannot suffer. Mine eyes shallbe unto the faithful of the land, that they may devil with me: he that walketh in a perfit way, he shall serve me. There shall no deceitful person dwell within my house. He that telleth lies, shall not remain in my sight. etc. Wherein we may plainly see, the right pattern of a well disposed family. We read in the Ecclesiastical stories of the primitive church, 
Euseb. de vita Const. lib. 1. ca 11.  that when Constantius the Emperor would take a trial of his household servants, he commanded them to show forth of what religion they were. And when the time was appointed unto them, either to sacrifice unto the Idols, and so to remain his servants, or otherwise to confess Christ, & so to departed away, (for thus he thought to try them) when every one had showed what he was, all such as were Idolaters, & denied Christ, he banished from his Court, supposing them never to be faithful towards him, who were unfaithful towards God: and contrary to their expectation, he made much of them that feared the Lord, and did confess his name. An apt way for our behoof, to vanish sin & superstition from our families, that when the end shall come, we may be saved with No and his family in the Ark.  
And where as the holy Ghost sayeth, that the ark was for the safeguard of No and his family, it is to admonish us also, that there is no salvation without the church of Christ, prefigured by the ark. For as the branch can not bear fruit, 
joh. 15.4.  except it do abide within the vine, for else it dieth and withereth: and as the hand cut from the body, can not live, but wasteth and consumeth for lack of life: no more can we, except we do abide in Christ: he is the vine, we are the branches. This made the prophet David call upon the Lord, to remember him with the favour of his people, 
Psal. 106.4.  & to visit him with his salvation. When the prophets described the restoration of the Church in the later days, 
Isai. 37.32. joel. 2.32.  they did not teach that every man should be saved by what religion so ever he retained, but only promised salvation to such as fled to mount Zion, and to jerusalem, thereby understanding the church of Christ. 
Ezec. 13.9.  When Ezechiel denounced the wrath of God against the false prophets, he told them that they should not be in the assembly of the Lords people, neither should be written in the writing of the house of Israel, neither should enter into the land of Israel, neither should know that he was the Lord God. Here then (well-beloved) it standeth us upon, to try whether we be within the ark of the church of Christ or not, for else we perish. For as the light of the sun availeth not him that lieth in a dark and close dungeon, where is always night and never day: even so the graces of god do nothing help those that lie in darkness, and shadow of death, until they have access into the Church of the faithful. For so long as we be without the church and number of the faithful, we are aliens, strangers, pilgrims, 
Eph. 2.19.  and men without God in this world: yea, 
Rom. 5.10.  we be enemies to God, until we be reconciled to the father by Christ. 
1. Pet. 2.10 Ezec. 16.6.  We are without mercy, and polluted in our blood, until by him we obtain grace, & be washed from our sins. 
Apoc. 1.5. Ephe. 2.1, 2. etc.  We are dead in trespasses and sins, till we be raised up with the righteousness of Christ. 
Apo. 14.8. & 17.2. & 18.3.  We be drunken with the poisoned dregs of superstition, until we have the sovereign treacle of God's promises in the word of the truth, for our preservation. How then aught we, think you, to make haste into this ark? your own consciences herein shall be my judges. Surely, we can not be partakers of the heavenly graces, 
joh. 15.1. etc.  except we be within the church of Christ: for only upon the same, they are bestowed. Where can our souls be fed with the word of God, but among the faithful, 
joh. 10.27.  who are the sheep of Christ, & hear his voice? Where shall we show our thankfulness, and confirm our faith with the sacraments, 
Mat. 26.26. & 28.19.  but in that Church, where they be sincerely ministered? Where can we have forgiveness of our sins, 
Rom. 3.25. Eph. 2 8. Gal. 4.6. 1. Pet. 4.10  the grace of God, the holy ghost, the righteousness of Christ, and other his benefits, unless we be within the Church, for whom he wrought the same? If therefore we hope for happiness, & look assuredly for salvation, them must we keep within the ark, & then we shall be safe and sound. And that we be not deceived with the title of the Church, 
jere. 7.4. & 18.18. mat. 3.9.  which the adversaries always have in their mouths, the Lord hath left us his true and sincere word, 
joh. 10.27. Acts. 2.42. ephe. 5.25, 26, 27.  the right administration of his sacraments, and ecclesiastical discipline, to be the perfect marks of this his spiritual ark, whereto whilst we do cleave & stick, we cannot be deceived, or perish with the wicked.  
What then (saith the papist) shall we think of all those, which lived in the time of ignorance, and were without the Church, which now we have, which was so lately found? shall we judge them to be damned? which thing we must needs do, except we make the Church of Rome, the ark and Church of Christ. Concerning the Church of Rome, this is to be observed: that this Church of Rome which now is, is not the same, but only in place, with that which was in the primitive time. For than they followed the doctrine of the Apostles, now they have revolted from the same, and Antichrist sitteth in the Temple of God. 
2. Thes. 2.4 apoc. 13.11. etc.  And though the ancient fathers speak much in the commendation of the Church of Rome, yet speak they only of the church before that superstition crept into the same.  
And now before I answer to this question, I must propound the like to them. Before the time of Boniface the third, than Pope of Rome, when superstition and corruption crept into the Church, and the light of the truth began to be darkened, were all damned, which never before or after yielded to the sea & religion of Rome? Were all undone which never believed transubstantiation, concluded by Innocentius the third? or those which never worshipped their breaden god, which thing Honorius did decree? What need I speak of other vanities? Were all the Prophets and holy men of God, was Christ and his Apostles, and the ancient fathers of the primitive Church, beside the way, and out of the ark, which had the spirit of God, 
Isai. 59.21. iohn 16.13  to lead them into all truth, who taught the sacred verities, and all things necessary to salvation, and yet did never retain such vanities, as these men hold? 
Matth. 24.2. thes. 2.4. 1. tim 4.1. 2. pet. 2.1, 2  And if they did foretell any thing thereof, it was but to bid the Church beware of such ungodliness.  
And as for the ark or Church wherein we be, it was before theirs was ever devised, not newly and of late years, as many judge, begun, but renewed and reformed of late, according to the word of God, and is in substance and doctrine, all one with the Church of God, 
Gen. 3.15. & 22.18. deut. 18.18 ioh. 8.56. hebr. 13.8.  from the beginning, directed by his spirit, and by the sceptre of his word. And albeit it was long hid through the tyranny of the devil, who drove the woman into the wilderness, 
Apoc. 13.8  yet ceased there not infinite numbers, to withstand and gainsay the pollutions of Idolatry, whom God preserved by his grace, though they could not be seen by the eyes of men. For like as faith is chief known to God, and cannot be discerned by outward senses, otherwise then by the declarations thereof: 
2. Tim. 2.19.  so the Lord knew only who were his, whose faith was known by their resistance to the beast. When john foretold the corruptions of the later times, and of the man of sin, he showed that there was of all tribes many sealed with the spirit of God, 
Apoc. 7.4.  and marked with the blood of the Lamb, received by faith, who perished not in the lake of Antichristes pollutions. He told that the two witnesses of Christ (whereby he meant the small number of the true Church) 
Apoc. 11.3  should be murdered by the beast: 
Apoc. 13.7  who should make war with the saints of God, and torment them to death, 
Apoc. 17.6  who should be drunken with the blood of saints and holy martyrs, which could never have been, if there had been none, to have gainsaid his wicked ways. I need not speak of the churches of Grecia, who still withstood the popish vanities: yea there never ceased some, to withstand her erroneous religion. Neither must we think that all was lost, that lived them. For why? the Lord hath ways & means unknown to man, to save his people, as he saved the thief, 
Luk. 23.42  even in the last hour, 
Ephes. 1.4.  upon the cross. And as he hath chosen in his secret purpose, unknown to man, who shall be saved: 
joh. 6.37. & 10.28.  so will he not loose one of them, but call them in due time.  
As for this argument, which they use herein, 
Psal. 78.7, 8. jere. 9.14. ezek. 20 18.  it hath been a stumbling block to the wicked of all ages. The jews were moved with nothing so much, to gainsay the doctrine of the Prophets, calling them from their Idolatry, but that their fathers had lived, as they did at that present: and yet they aught not to have followed their fathers further, than their fathers followed the word of truth. 
john. 4.20, 22.  The woman of Samaria reasoned thus against our Saviour Christ: Our fathers (saith she) worshipped in this mountain: but he made her an answer, that they worshipped they knew not what, for salvation came of the jews.  
But it is not the part of a good conscience, when the truth is opened, to leap from the same, into the seat of judgement, and define who were saved, who were not: but rather referring all to the mercy and good pleasure of God, both concerning our forefathers & all others, to labour our wits to do his william. For now this thing is condemnation, 
joh. 3.19.  that light is come into the world, & men love darkness more than light. And to say the truth, if some of our elders in the times of ignorance, had had the truth as we have no we revealed, they would long since have repented in sackcloth & ashes. 
Mat. 11.21  But it is greatly to be feared, which our saviour Christ doth threaten to come to pass against the jews, to be laid against us. For as the men of Ninive repent at the preaching of jonas, 
Mat. 12.41  and not the jews at the preaching of Christ, who was greater than jonas: even so the good and faithful dealing which they had in times passed in civil causes, doth reprove our iniquities, and tell what they would have been if they had had the light. And therefore a good father saith full well: 
Beza epis. 1.  Men had better consciences then, and less knowledge: now have they more knowledge & worse consciences.  
But if these men will brag of ancienty, them must they look unto the old ways of the Prophets and Apostles, 
jere. 6.16.  & to Christ the truth itself, 
Col. 2.3.  in whom are all the treasures of wisdom and understanding: for Antiquity without verity, is nothing worth. If they would boast of unity, the same must be reposed in true doctrine, 
Ephes. 4.3. phil. 2.2.  and the holy ghost, & not in idle ceremonies. If they will glory of succession, the same will help them nothing, except they follow the ancient fathers, 
Ephe. 5.1. phil. 3.17.  in sincerity of doctrine and godly conversation: for they be not the true successors of holy men, which always sit in their chairs, but they which follow their faith and godly works. 
Dist. 40.  And if they make their vaunt of multitude, the most part are not always best inclined. For why? narrow is the way, that leadeth unto life, 
Mat. 7.13, 14.  and few there be that find it, but wide is the way that leadeth to perdition. And though many be called, yet few be chosen. 
Mat. 22.14  Only No his family which were but eight in all, were saved alive, 
Gen. 7.  when all the world beside was drowned. And though they brag much of the title of the church, 
jere. 7 4, ●1.  the church, yet have they made thereof a den of thieves, 
Mat. 21.33 mar. 12.1.  & broken down the vineyard of the Lord, & erred from the way of truth. Let us therefore repair not unto them, but unto the Ark of Christ, & so we shall be sure and safe, from drowning & destruction.  
Furthermore, it is to be noted, that notwithstanding No and his family were safe within the Ark, and sure from drowning, yet were they tossed to & fro, with the fearful waves & sourging seas, & also dismayed with the cloudy & misty air, not much unlike unto the disciples of our Saviour Christ, 
Mat. 8.24. mar. 4.35.  afraid upon the seas at the dangerous tempests, tossing the ship wherein they were. But as then our saviour Christ most comfortably did awake, and command both winds and seas to be still: so was the merciful God careful for No in these afflictions within the Ark, and after many wearisome days, did bring him safe to land. Thus is the Church of God always in the raging tempests and billows of this world afflicted with many tribulations, 
joh. 16.33. act. 14.22. 2. tim. 3.12.  before she can arrive to the haven of heavenly happiness. Albeit Abraham had the Lord to be his buckler and exceeding great reward, 
Gen. 12. & 20.  under whose defence he was safely guarded, yet was he tried by famine and other dangers many, for the better exercise of his faith. 
Psal. 27.1. & 66.12.  The Prophet David was well assured of the lords favour and mighty protection, that he needed not to fear, yet was his faith and patience proved by many afflictions, both of wicked Saul and others more, and himself ordained to go through fire and water, before he came to the place of sweet refreshing. Before our Saviour and captain Christ, 
Mat. 16.21  the head of the Church did with our flesh ascend into heaven, he passed through the grievous torments of the cross. Before the saints and holy men of God attained everlasting happiness, their faith & patience was tried by the manifold persecutions of Antichrist and his members. 
1. Pet. 4.12 Apoc. 11.7. & 12.11. & 14.12.  And even in these days, the beast and man of sin, and son of perdition, together with many kings and nobles of the earth, 
Psal. 2.2. Apoc. 17.12, 13.  doth breath grievous threats and wicked counsel against the Church and spouse of Christ, and stir up strife all the day long, wherein we must learn (dearly beloved) to arm ourselves with faith and patience against such persecutions. For although we be within the Ark, yet will the waters of afflictions stream and strive against us. 
Mat. 7.24.  Though our faith be builded upon the rock and sure foundation Christ jesus, yet will the boisterous blasts and winds of wickedness assault & shake us, if it were possible to make us fall. We must needs be like fashioned to our master and captain Christ, 
Rom. 8.29. 2. Tim. 2.11.12.  to suffer with him, that we may reign with him, to die with him, that we may rise again with him, 
2. Cor. 1.5, 7.  to be partakers of his sorrows, that we may be fellows at his joys. We must needs be tried as fine gold from base metal, 
1. Pet. 1.7. & 4.12, 13, 14. Ebr. 12.7. etc.  as the godly from the ungodly, and as children from bastards in the fiery furnace of afflictions. We must needs have the relics of sin punished in us, and therefore we are tossed within the Ark & chastised of the Lord, 
1. Cor. 11.32.  lest with the wicked world we should be condemned. Hereby the Lord will also have us to be stirred up, to seek for succour from his throne of grace in calling upon him in the day of trouble. 
Psal. 50.15.  Our faith, our patience and other virtues more, must needs be explored & known. 
1. Pet. 1.7. iam. 1.3, 4, 12. 2. Cor. 5.1, 2.  we must be inflamed with the desire of the life immortal, wherewith we shallbe crowned, after we have endured tentation. Neither must we in the midst of these afflictions be discomfited or faynt-hearted: for why? we abide nothing, but it is according to the will of God, 
1. Pet. 3.17 Mat. 5.11, 12.1. pet. 2.21.  neither happeneth any thing unto us, but the same hath happened to the godly of all ages. And although for a time we eat the bread of tears, and drink the waters of adversity, yet afterward shall we be filled with the heavenly Manna, 
Apoc. 2.17 & 22.17. Psal. 30.5.  & waters of everlasting life. Heaviness may well endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. The Lord hath promised to be present with us, by his grace, 
Mat. 28.10 1. pet. 4.14 & 2. pet. 2.9  and to comfort us in distress, and to deliver us out of tribulation. And though we be tossed in the Ark for a year, perhaps for more, yet shall we rest at length upon Armenia, 
Gen. 8.4, 5  and the floods be dried up: and then the Lord shall take vengeance of them who here afflict and molest us. 
Apoc. 18.20.  And in the mean time, he shall turn their hearts that they do us no wrong, as he turned the heart of Esau towards jacob. 
Gen. 33.4.  He shall call them back from persecuting us, as he called Saul from following and pursuing after David, 
1. Sa. 23.27  yea he shall put such a snaffle in their mouths, than they shall do no more then in his secret providence he hath appointed. 
Act. 2.23. & 4.28.  Wherefore, 
Ephes. 6.12.  when we be impugned by sathan and the spiritual powers of wickedness above our bodily reach, when we walk through the midst of many false brethren, 
2. Cor. 11.26.  and by these adversaries of the truth be reproached, slandered, reviled and persecuted, & also weakened through our own infirmities, let this be our hope and comfort, that we be within the Ark, and once the joyful day will come, 
Isai. 25.8. apoc. 7.17  when God shall wipe away all sorrows from our eyes, and crown us with glory and worship. And therefore, whilst we be within the Ark, let us not despair for trouble and adversity, for God is faithful who hath promised. 
Ebr. 10.23.  And thus much of the first effect of the Ark.  
The second effect it had, was touching the wicked, for the scripture saith, Whereby he condemned the world. Whilst No and his family (dearly beloved) were long exercised in the making of the Ark, and thereby obeyed the commandment of God, they did condemn the stubbornness of the wicked which refused to do the same, and to be warned, and so took away all excuses from them, so that as the Ark was for the safety of No, so was it likewise a condemnation for the wicked. This is (dear brethren) the nature of the admonitions and warnings of God, which for the most part have a double effect, for to the godly, which believe the same, they are the savour of life, to life, 
2. Cor. 2.16  but to the wicked which refuse the same, they are the taste of death unto destruction. 
Exo. 14.  For as the red sea was a safe passage for the Israelites coming out of Egypt, and a drowning to the Egyptians: And as the fire of Babylon hurt not the three children cast into the Oven, 
Dan. 3.21, 25.  but yet burned the ministers which cast them in: And as the Lions saved Daniel alive, 
Dan. 6.22, 24.  but quickly did devour his accusers: even so is the nature of the word of God. Wherefore it is compared to the fire, which melteth wax, and hardeneth clay, and to the trump in battle, 
jere. 6.17.  which encourageth some, & discourageth other some. And as the rain coming down from heaven returneth not thither again, 
Isai. 55.10.  but maketh the earth fruitful: even so shall the word of God accomplish every where, whatsoever his will is. And therefore as it is a condemnation to the wicked, so is it the power of God unto salvation, 
Rom. 1.16.  to all those which believe the same. Let us therefore submit ourselves & all our cogitations to the same, 
2. Cor. 10.5.  lest in refusing it, we be condemned thereby, and all excuse taken from us.  
But it fareth with this generation, whereof few embrace the truth and live thereafter, as it did with the world in the days of Noe. For as then they were disobedient to No, 
Genes. 6. 1. pet. 3 20 & 2. pet. 2.5  and contemned the preaching of righteousness: so now many good noah's preach the word sincerely, but alas, it falleth into the hearts of many, 
Mat. 13.3, 4.  but as good seed into evil ground, and therefore, either bringeth forth little, or else no fruit at all: the contempt whereof was then, and so is now, the cause of many plagues. 
Gen. 3.  What banished Adam out of Paradise, & brought so many woes upon him & all his posterity, 
Rom. 5.19.  but the contempt of God's word? what overthrew the Israelites in the wilderness, 
Psal. 95.9. ebr. 3.12. etc. jude. 5. etc.  & plagued their posterity in the land of Canaan so often, but the contempt hereof? what lost Saul the favour of God and the sceptre of his kingdom, 
1. Sa. 15.  or what led Israel and juda into captivity, 
2. Kin. 17.14. jere. 9.12, 13. luk. 14.18. rom 11.21. ebr. 4.1.  but the contempt of this? what held the jews from the heavenvly supper & graces of God? what deprived them of the dignity of the children, & benefit of the kingdom, but the contempt of this? what should I speak of the manifold plagues of God powered upon this realm of England, & nations round about us for the contempt of his word? And then how happeneth it, 
Nom. 11.5, 6, 7.  that we still loathe the same, as the Israelites did Manna in the wilderness? or is it that we would be in the spiritual Egypt of filthy papistry again, and so deprive ourselves of the land of rest?  
But as in No his time, 
Gen. 6.12.  all flesh, even all degrees were sore corrupted: so is it now, most lamentable to behold, all flesh is gone astray, and iniquity ripe on every side. Look into the heads & high estates of all sorts, who should have knowledge & be lights for others: & even these (as the Prophet saith) have broken the yoke & burst the bonds asunder. 
jere. 5.5.  Where should be zeal and true religion? Where should be godliness and innocency of life, but chief in these? but do we not see many of them, either professed papists, or manifest dissemblers? Where should the ministery be relieved and upholden, but by these? and do not divers o● them make spoil & havoc of the Church goods, to clothe and feed themselves, and starve the poor? Where should the good and godly laws of England be better executed, but by these? They do not make, they mar and break the laws. And if there be some godly statutes made, 
Isocrates 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  it is to true in some, which the Orator saith, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Many laws we make, but we little regard or keep them. And as the Poet saith, Auro venalia iura. Why are the laws like spiders webs, to let the wasp escape and to torment the fly? If gentlemen offend, as their hands are rifest in transgression, 
Ezra. 9.2.  they have their purse, & courtly friends, they shall escape unpunished: But ay the poor goes by the walls. What else is this, but even to make and sell the laws? I need not speak of bribing and insatiable officers, who rather seek for gain, then for maintaining of the truth, 
Psal. 14.4.  who make the poor their pray and spoil. But this I say, as sometimes an ancient king hath said: Saepè boni judices habent malos vicarios, 
Foxus. to 1. pag. 111.  quorum reatibus ipsi domini constringuntur, si non eos coërceant, & à rapacitate cohibeant. that is, Oftentimes good magistrates have evil vicegerents, or under officers, with whose offences the heads themselves are chained, if they stay them not, and refrain them from greediness. And what may we rightly judge to be the cause of these offences, but even the neglect of the word of God, which should teach us to do aright, and to flee from evil?  
And as the contempt in this degree is horrible, so would I wish it spread no further: then should our ministery be the freer from offence, and our gospel have the better speed. But it is herein, as jeremy said, 
jere. 2.8.  The priests say not, Where is the Lord? and they that should minister the law, know not the Lord: the pastors have offended against him, & the Prophets prophesy in Baal, and go after things which do not profit. Our ministery is foully (to say the truth) corrupted: for whilst ignorant ministers and dumb dogs, 
1. Kin. 12.31. 2. chro. 13.9. isa. 56 10.  more like to jeroboams priests, and sacrificing massmongers, have cure & charge of soul, while tag & rag may be admitted to this function, whilst gentlemen may have the profits of the flock, and hire Sir john Lackelatine to sing or say the service, how shall the Gospel have good success? whilst Church to Church is joined, 
Act. 20.28. nehe. 6.3.  and non residencies borne withal and well liked, what can go forward in the building of the Lord? where preaching is but once a quarter (I say not where it is seldom or never, which I might) or once a month (which some think more than needs, & if it be each Saboth, it is counted a work of supererogation) how can the people be reclaimed from their vanities, or kept within the fold in due obedience? Go to, what springs of such contempt in these estates? even effusion of all riot, and running into sin, of the inferior sort. For as the wall within and eke without, is made of squared stones, between the which the less stones are contained, to make the building up: even so the minister within the Church, & the Magistrate in the common weal, should support and uphold the meaner sort in dew obedience. If then the squared stones within, or else with out fall down, the less can never long endure, because they lack their stay. And of contempt in these degrees, it comes to pass, that lack of discipline & good living is the cause of many sins, 
Mat. 18.17.  both in the Church and common weal. Neither would I have this forgotten, that whilst ecclesiastical officers may for money dispense with offenders, 
1. Sa. 15.8. 1. kin. 20.42.  and also vain pity in the common weal may shadow iniquities, the Church can not go well. Surely, Surely it is with England, as the Prophet Osee said it was with Israel: 
Hos. 4.1, 2, 3.  The Lord hath a controversy with the people of the land, because there is no mercy, no truth, no knowledge of God in the land. But by swearing, lying, killing, stealing and whoring men break out, and blood toucheth blood: therefore shall the land mourn, etc. How ripe the sins of England be for the sickle of God's vengeance, 
Apoc. 14.15.  every Christian eye can testify. And yet for all this, we are fast a sleep with the careless world, in the time of Noe. We eat & drink, 
Mat. 24.37 luk. 17.28. 1. pet. 3.20  we marry & give to marriage, most like, until the flood shall take us hence: 
Amos. 6.4.  we lie upon our soft couches, and put away the evil day far from us: we bless ourselves, 
Deut. 29.19.  when we hear the threatenings of the Lord and curses of his law, and say, We shall feel none evil: we are drunken with foolish Nabal, 
1. Sa. 25.36  until Abigail bring us word that we must die. We spoil, and make ourselves merry with the goods of other men, 
1. Sa. 30.16  as the Amalekites did in Ziklag, until David, God's scourge come upon us to wound us to death and make a rescue. 
Da. 5.3, 30.  We drink with Balthasar in bowls, until the Medes take away our kingdom. we enrich ourselves, 
Luk. 12.18.  & also enlarge our barns, and lay up treasure in store for many years, and yet this present night our soul must be taken away, 
Luk. 12.20.  and then who shall possess our substance? we waste and spoil our master's goods, 
Luk. 16.1.  & live unmindful of our duty, until we be called to tender an account of our stewardship. we sleep full hard with the foolish virgins, 
Mat. 25.5.  and our lamps quite put out, till that the bridegroom be gone in, and the door fast locked that we can not enter. We sit like the proud strumpet Babylon, 
Apoc. 18.7, 8.  & feed ourselves with folly, that we shall feel no sorrow nor widowhood, & yet all sorrows shall suddenly come upon us. Finally we say, 
1. The. 5.3.  Peace, peace, & all things quiet, even when the end is at hand. Nay rather, 
Mat. 25.13  let us watch & pray, and have our lamps of righteousness burning, that we may enter into rest with the bridegroom at his coming, & leave betimes our great security, lest we perish with the wicked.  
It is reported of Tamberlane the king of the Parthians, who termed himself Iram dei & orbis vastitatem, to have set up three several days three several kinds of tents, whereof the first was white, betokening mercy, if his enemies would that day yield: the second day, the tents were read, betokening the bloodshed of the rulers, the third was black, signifying the burning and destruction of the city, neither was there hope of mercy when the white tents were taken down, although they humbled themselves with laurel. Let us go forth with laurel branches in this our time and day of grace, for it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God, who is a consuming fire: let us be admonished by the word of truth, or else the same will condemn us with the wicked.  
But the time is past, & I have wearied you to much, I will therefore note one word or two, of the last words, and so make an end.  
He was made the heir of righteousness, which is according to faith. This is now the acceptation & reward of No his faith, who first was received into favour by believing the promise of God, and thereby had God a merciful father. Of whom, this his obedience was accepted, not for any the worthiness of flesh & blood, which was none, 
Ro. 8.33, 34.  but by the free grace of God, accepting in good worth, what he did. For when faith believeth the promises of God concerning salvation, 
Rom. 8.15, 17.  & apprehendeth the adoption of the children, then followeth the inheritance of our righteousness, for that we being by faith the children of God, are heirs, even fellow heirs with Christ of his kingdom. For after we believe, we are sealed with the spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance, 
Ephe. 1.13 14.  until the redemption of the possession, purchased unto the praise of his glory. This is that which the Apostle saith, 
Tit. 3.7.  that we being justified by the grace of God, should be made heirs, according to the hope of everlasting life. And for this cause is Christ the mediator of the new Testament, that through death, 
Ebr. 9.15.  which was for the redemption of the transgressions which were in the former Testament, they which were called, might receive the promise of the eternal inheritance. Blessed be God therefore, (let us all say) even the father of our Lord jesus Christ, 
1. Pet. 1.3.  which according to his abundant mercy, hath begotten us again, unto a lively hope, by the resurrection of jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance immortal and undefiled, reserved in heaven for us.  
This inheritance of righteousness, 
Gen. 12.1. ebr. 11.8.  Abraham beheld with the eyes of faith, when he forsook his own country looking for a better, and everlasting in heaven, rejoicing in spirit to see the day of Christ the Messiah. 
joh. 8.56.  This inheritance David longed after, 
Psal. 42.1. & 27 13.  when like as the Heart desired the water brooks, even so his soul longed after the Lord, hoping to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. This inheritance the Apostles believed to have, 
joh. 6.68.  when they confessed Christ to be the Son of God, and to have the words of Eternal life. This inheritance the Saints in the revelation cast their eyes upon, 
Apoc. 12.11. & 14. 1●  when with patience they endured the torments of death, because they would not yield to the pollutions of Antichrist. And this is that crown of righteousness which we desire, whilst we daily pray, 
Luk. 11.2. Apoc. 22.20.  Thy kingdom come. Come Lord jesus, come quickly. Finally this is that inheritance of faith, which our Saviour Christ hath already taken possession of for us, and which we shall feel, when he shall sweetly say, 
Mat. 25.34  Come ye blessed of my father, possess the kingdom prepared for you, from the beginning of the world. 
Apoc. 21.48.  Then shall all sorrow and tears he wiped from our eyes, then shall we see death, sin, Satan, Antichrist & his members trodden under foot, 
1. Cor. 15.55, 56, 57  and swallowed up in victory, 
Apoc. 14.2  whilst we shall sing the songs of triumph before the throne of the lamb, & this shallbe the reward of the obedience of our faith. Wherefore whilst we see the end to draw near, 
1. Pet. 4.7. & 2. Pet. 3.11.  let us prepare & address ourselves, that we may be found in the Ark of Christ's church, so shall we be sure from destruction, & assured of everlasting happiness, to be the reward & inheritance of our faith, given us of God for the love & worthiness of his only son jesus Christ, 
Ro. 6.23.  our only redeemer & Saviour: to whom with the father and the holy Ghost three distinct persons, and one invisible and everlasting God, be all honour, glory, praise and dominion for ever. So be it.  
FINIS.  Blessed are they which hear the word of God and keep it. Luk. 11.28.  

 

  

   

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