An A. B. C. FOR laymen, otherwise called, the Layman's Letters. AN ALPHABET for Laymen, delivering unto them such Lessons as the holy Ghost teacheth them in the word, by things sensible, very necessary to be diligently considered.  
AT LONDON; Printed by Robert Waldegrave for Thomas Man, and William Brome. 1585.   

TO THE RIGHT Honourable, his very good Lord, Sir William Cicill, Baron of Burgley, Lord high Treasurer of England, etc. And to his honourable Patron, Sir WALTER MILDMAY, Knight, Chancellor of her majesties Exchequer, GEORGE WHITHER wisheth Grace and peace, with all heavenly blessings, from the father of our Lord jesus Christ.  
IT is an usual manner (right honourable) for all those that go about to publish any work or writing of theirs, to dedicate it to some one or other, either to be a Testimony to the World, of their mutual love and friendship, or else to witness their dutifulness or thankfulness for benefits received, or else that under the protection, defence and favour of authority, their works may the better pass● and be the safelier guarded and defended against all busy reprehenders. Wherefore unwilling to break the received custom, & looking amongst the Honourable, to when for benefits I am bound: As I confess that amongst them I have found many and great well-willers, so to you two, whom my estate hath compelled to trouble and use most, for your constant good will and continued favour showed and benefits bestowed, I am above all others most bounden, and therefore as a thankful remembrance have dedicated this simple silly labour unto your honours. God in these our days, hath raised up a number of worthy, learned careful men for the Church of ●od, whereof some bestow themselves wholly in teaching of their flocks; others for the more general benefit of the Church, spend part of their time & pains in writing. Of the latter sort, some translate into our tongue the learned works of other, some set out learned Sermons, Catechisms and other treatises for the admonition & instruction of the people: some show their learning in mightily refuting and confounding the common adversaries: Yet amongst them all, one thing I see wanting. For where I see that God hath given unto men two manner of Instructions and teachings: one by his word, another by his creatures, and for to help our dullness ●o learn by his creatures, hath by his Spirit in his holy word, given a marvelous number of Lessons drawn from things sensible. In the former manner of teaching, God hath bless us (in comparison of our Fathers abundantly) But in the latter I have not seen any man of our time, that of purpose hath taken pains. Which want no doubt is some cause, that (by these outward things, which God hath appointed to be so many helps not only for the present necessities of this life but also to Heaven) Men, ignorant of the good Lessons which the Holy Ghost giveth by them, for want of further and deeper consideration, are detained upon earth, and drowned in earthly things, and do not possess but are possessed of their possessions. Wherefore in some little part to supply that want, but chiefly to give to others of greater learning and gifts, occasion to bestow this way some part of their leisure: I have collected into the order of an Alphabet these few Lessons given by the spirit of God: Wherein, as I have chiefly respected the benefit of the ruder sort, so to accommodate myself unto them, I have endeavoured with plainness as much brevity and shortness as I possibly could, and therein for the most part, I have delivered the very words of the Holy Ghost, word for word: And wheresoever I have gone a little from them, yet there the very words give manifest occasion of the collection. Which, that it may of all men the better and with less pain be seen and viewed, I have in the Margin noted not only every Chapter, but also every verse whence I have gathered the note set down. If then any may be occasioned by mean hereof, by the sight and using of earthly blessings, to lift up their minds to heavenly contemplation, and thankful consideration of the Power, Wisdom, and goodness of God; then have I my desire, and that which I only seek for. Thus I commit your Honours to the protection of Almighty God, whoever preserve both you and yours.  
Danbury, the 29. of january. 1585.   

An Alphabet for laymen, delivering unto them such lessons as the holy Ghost teacheth them in the word, by things sensible.  

Abundance.  
WHen God blesseth us with Abundance, 
Deutr. 10.14.  then are we to call to mind whose gift and liberality it is: 
Psalm. 24.1  namely, that the earth is the Lords, and all that therein is, and that manifold are his works, all which he hath in wisdom made, and the earth is full of his riches. 
Psal. 104.24 28.  He giveth it to men and they gather it, he openeth his hand, and they are filled with good things. Yet notwithstanding they must beware of covetousness. For though they have Abundance, yet their life standeth not therein. 
Luke. 12.15  But they must remember that they which be rich in this world, are charged to be ready to give and glad to distribute. For if they have this worlds good, 
1. Tim. 6.18  and see their brother have need, and shut up their compassion from him, 
1. john. 1.5.  the love of God dwelleth not in them. And then shall this judgement light upon them, that as their goods increase: so shall they increase that eat them, and no good shall come to the owners, but the beholding of it with their eyes, and they shall beget Sons, 
Eccles. 5.10. & 13.  and in their hands shall be nothing else, though they have riches, treasures and honour, and want nothing of all that their heart desireth, 
Ecclesi. 6.2.  yet they shall not have power to eat thereof, but strangers shall eat it up.   

Adamant.  
BEcause wicked men are impudent and stif-headded, and also in great number and countenance, therefore God promiseth his assistance to his Ministers, and to give them boldness and constancy in their calling, 
Ezech. 3.9.  and to make their foreheads as hard as the Adamant, so that they shall not fear the great looks of them that rebel against God.   

Adder.  
THE Adder expresseth the nature of obstinate wicked men. For as he is by nature inclined and desirous to sting and to hurt with his poison whomsoever he may: 
Psal. 58.4.5.  so all their counsels tend to the increase of wickedness and mischief. And as this evil in the nature of an Adder can by no means be redressed, no not by enchantment, for he stoppeth his ears against the charmer. So there is no hope of the conversion of these obstinate wicked ones, who stubbornly refuse to here all wholesome doctrine and good counsel that proceedeth out of the Word, whereof we have example in the counsel that stoned Steven, 
Acts. 7. ●7.  for they stopped their ears. And in the Papists amongst us, who will not come into those places, where the Word is read and preached.   

Age.  
TO live long is a blessing given of God, to them that duly and dutifully honour their Parents. 
Exod 20.12. 2. Kin. 22.20  But sometime God taketh them away sooner for their benefit. For Age is not to be gloried in, but when it is found in the way of righteousness, we must honour the aged, 
Prou. 16.32.  and rise up before the hoar head. 
levit. 19.32  The children that forgot this duty, God showed heavy judgements upon them, 
2. Kin. 2.23.24.  by causing wild bears out of the wood to tear them in pieces, God's arm is not shortened, his hand is stretched out still. Therefore we must not rashly rebuke an old man, 
1. Tim. 5.5.  but beseech him as a Father. And further we must take heed how we forsake the counsel of old men, 
1. Kin. 12.13 14.  who by reason of their long experience know much, and betake ourselves to the counsel of young men, which for the more part is more bold than wise.   

Ambition.  
AMbition is a dangerous evil, it doth not only overtake the wicked, but it often creepeth into the Godly, 
Math. 18.1.20. verse, 24.  and dangerously infecteth them, so that Christ himself divers times findeth his own Apostles deeply touched with it, till men reform this vice, and be as free from it as little infants, 
18. verse. 3.  they can not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Nay they can not believe so long as they are greedy to be honoured of men, 
john. 5.44.  and seek not for the honour that cometh from God alone. Let them think of this, 
Genes. 3.5  that hunt after honour and dignity, and mark from Cain forward, what mischiefs this wrought in wicked men. It was the cause of the fall of Adam. 
11. verse 4.  It caused men to give the attempt to build the Tower of Babel. It caused Chore, Dathan, and Abiron, and the rest to rebel against Moses and Aaron. 
Num. 16.3.  It made Haman think all his honour riches and estimation nothing, 
Ester. 3.6.  as long as Mardocheus who would not serve his ambitious affection) lived, and such like.   

apples.  
apples made of Gold, and beautiful pictures framed of silver, are neither so precious nor so comely, 
Prove. 25.11  as a word spoken and uttered in due time and place.   

Alms.  
Give Alms, sell that which you have and give Alms, 
Luke. 11.41.12. verse 33.16. verse. 9  make you bags which wax not old, a treasure which can not fail in heaven: make you friends of the riches of iniquity, that when you want, they may receive you into everlasting habitation. What a man soweth, that shall he reap. 
Galathi. 6.7. 2. Corin. 9.6  He that soweth sparingly shall reap sparingly. Our Alms if it be frankly bestowed is a sacrifice of sweet savour, 
Philip. 4.18  and pleaseth God very well, but yet we must do our Alms secretly, 
Heb. 13.16 Math. 6.2.  lest we hunt for the praise of men by doing it openly, and so show ourselves to be Hypocrites.   

Anger.  
WHen we be provoked to Anger, or see other angry, then let us think that he which is slow to Anger is better than the mighty man, 
Prou. 16.32  and he that ruleth his own mind, is better th●n he that winneth a City, 
14. ver. 17.  and that he that is hasty to anger committeth not only folly, but also in the judgement of GOD is a murderer. 
Math. 5.22  Wherefore let us learn so to be angry that we sin not. 
Psalm. 4.4  And when we deal with hot and hasty men, let us abstain from grievous words, for they stir up Anger, 
Prou. 15.1.  and rather use soft and mild answers, for they put away wrath. Further, an angry man stirreth up strife, which he that is slow to wrath appeaseth, above all take heed of angering the Prince. 
Ibidem 18.    

Apparel.  
BY our first creation we were not subject to the injuries of the weather, neither yet had we any thing to be ashamed of, or that we need to hide. 
Genes. 2.25  Therefore afore Adam's transgression he ware no apparel. The putting on & off & shifting of our garments should cause us to remember out of what felicity we fell, and therefore should not increase, but rather repress pride.  

Genes. 3.21.  The first garments that Adam and Eve did wear, God made and put on, which was to them and their posterity a sign and seal of God's goodness, that he would not deal with them according to their deserts, considering that when they had most grievously offended, than he most graciously provided for their necessity.  

Psal. 102.25.26 Hebr. 1.12  As our clothes when they wax old, we change them: So heaven and earth and all that is in them shall be changed.  

Math. 9.16  An old rotten tottered garment, cannot be comely peeced with new, whole, and sound cloth: so they that plant and place their righteousness in fasting and other external exercises, can not admit that righteousness that cometh only and wholly by Christ.  
Soft silks and other ruffeling bravery in apparel, 
Math. 11.8  very often bewrayeth climbing spirits, and therefore are ordinarily to be found in kings Courts.  
When we see men by apparel or such other outward means, hunt after the estimation of men, then let us call to mind what Christ spoke in like case of the pharisees: 
Math. 23.5  namely that they do all their works for to be seen of men.  
We are to be contented and to satisfy ourselves, 
1 Tim. 6.8  if God give us meat for our bellies, and clothes for our backs.  
Finally, Saint Peter teacheth us not to beautify and deck ourselves with gay apparel and costly jewels, 
1 Pet. 3.3.4  But with the incorruption of the heart, and meekness and quietness of spirit.  
As other men desire to be gorgeously appareled, 
2. Corin. 5.4  so the children of God desire to be clothed with their house which is from heaven.  
The proud man doth think violence as comely for him, 
Psalm 73. ●  as a decent and a fit garment.  
The garments that are laid by till they be motheaten, 
james 5.3.  shall witness against the owners of their pride and superfluity.   

Army.  
AN Army of men should make us remember that the Lord he is GOD of hosts, that is, that all strength and force of men is at his beck and commandment. For both it withdraweth us from procuring the curse of God, in making flesh our arm, and also causeth us to despise the might of men that seek to destroy the Church and truth of God. For he hath given his Angels charge over the Godly, and they encamp themselves round about them that fear him. 
Psalm. 27.3 91. verse 11 34. verse 7  Further, we are to remember that as the army of heaven is innumerable, and the sand of the Sea unmeasurable: even so God will multiply his Church. 
jere. 33.22    

Armour.  
THe sight of Armour should bring to mind, how convenient it is for us to put on the Armour of light, 
Rom. 13.12.  that is such defences against sin, as light: that is, knowledge and understanding of the Word doth lead us unto. Further, by it we are admonished how many and great enemies we have to do with all, 
Ephe. 6.13  and therefore that it is necessary to be armed at all points with such Armour as God in his word hath appointed unto us. For otherwise we can not withstand the assaults of so mighty, so fierce, and so wily adversaries. But against the might and power of our God nothing can prevail.   

Arrows.  
BItter words pierce like arrows, they are secretly shot at the innocent, they suddenly strike him and wound him when he lest thinketh, 
Psal. 64.3.4  and when he imagineth no hurt towards him. 
102. verse 4.  But God with his Arrows mightily shot, shall pay home again the guileful and deceitful tongue.  
As Arrows are at the commandment of the owner to be used: 
Psalm. 127.4  So children at the commandment of Godly parents. And as Arrows are an excellent Weapon of defence to a strong and a mighty man, that can shoot them with courage: So children godly brought up, are a special protection and defence to their Parents. And as the strong man's quiver, the better it is furnished with chosen shafts, the better defence he hath: So, the more such Children, the greater is the happiness of the parents.   

Ass.  
MAn, if he look back to his birth, and consider how little wisdom, a silly new born Babe bringeth with him into the World, shall see that the Ass Colt, 
job. 11.11.12  which of all other beasts ●s counted the veriest dullard, bringeth more wit and ability to help himself then he. So that whatsoever we have, we have it afterwards ●y the gift and liberality of God.   

Axe.  
WHen we see men hew down wood with Axes, we are to remember, that they whose ministry & service, God useth to destroy to plague others, are so in the hand of God, as the hatchet in the hand of the hewers or workman. 
Esay 10.15.  As therefore on the one side we are to comfort ourselves in affliction, because God is the moderator thereof: so on the other, if God use us against others, we must take heed of pride, and of exalting ourselves against him that moveth us. As men throw away their worn & broken tools, so God when he hath finished his work, 
Esay. 10.12  then casteth away them, whom only he useth as instruments of his wrath.   

Balances.  
THose that buy and sell, whensoever they look upon their balances, 
prover. 11.1  are to remember these admonitions of the holy Ghost: that false balances are an abomination unto the Lord, and a perfect weight pleaseth him. divers weights and divers measures, both these are abomination unto the Lord, 
20▪ verse 10  and deceitful balances are not good. You shall have just bal●lances, true weights, 
levit. 19.36  a true Ephah, and a tru● hin, for I am the Lord.   

Bag.  
WHen rich men look among their bagge● let them call to mind, 
Haggi. 16.  that except th● seek diligently for the kingdom of God, th● are like those that put their earnings into broken and bottomless bag.   

Bands.  
THe bands of the godly, are by God turned to the preferment of the Gospel. 
Phil. 1.12.13 jerem. 5.5. Psalm. 2.3  When we see broken Bands, then are we to think of them, who when they have known the way of the Lord, and the judgements of their God, yet have broken his yoke, and burst his hands.   

Barrenness.  
THe Barrenness of a woman that after a long time childeth signifieth unto us, 
Esay. 54.1.  that though God's people be never so few, and the Church never so small in number, yet God will multiply and increase it.  
Our sins procure and provoke God to make our fruitful land barren. 
Psal. 107.34.  For when the earth deceiveth us and doth not yield her fruit, sure it is, 
Esay. 24.5.  because the inhabitants thereof have transgressed the law, changed the ordinances, and broken the everlasting covenant, 
Deut. 28.23.  for then the heaven over us shall be Brass, and the earth under us Iron.   

Beasts.  
WHen we see wild Beasts devour that, that hath been diligently planted and preserved, 
Psa. 80.12.13  and now is neglected and unfenced. Let us tremble and quake at the judgements of God against his own people and Church, 
Esay. 5.4.5.6  who after he hath heaped all manner of benefits upon them, 
●sa. 4.5.6.  for their ingratitude and unkindness, giveth them over into the hands of those that waste and spoil them. Also let us be thankful to God for his marvelous goodness, who when wild cruel raging beasts are abroad all night seeking their prey, 
●sal. 104.20 ●1. 22.2.3.  doth so terrify them with the light, that in the morning they retire themselves and couch in their Dens, that the day may be commodious for man to go to his work and necessary labour abroad.  
Wild and fierce beasts are often by the industry of man tamed and lose their desire to hurt: 
●sai. 11.6.7.8  which when we see we are to consider, that as they are by nature, so we be glad and desirous one of another's hurt, 
●9. ver. 25.  till God work an alteration in us by his holy spirit and reform us.  

●erem. 10.14  Men, if God do not illuminate them, but leave them to their own knowledge, are like brute beasts.  
The Teachers in the Church, if they seek not the Lord, he pulleth away their understanding, so that they become no better than beasts. 
jere.. 10.21.   
When we see any Beast over-laden and ready to sink under his burden, except there be present help at hand to ease them, then are we to think what a great and grievous burden of sin we bear, 
Math. 11.28.  and what danger we stand in, of sinking into the pit of perdition, and let us fly to Christ, who only and alone can unburden us, and ease and refresh us.  
Beasts and Birds may be tamed: 
james. 3.7.  but the tongue is so unruly, that no man can tame it.  
Men whom God hath advanced to honour and dignity, 
Psa. 49.20.  and yet understand not how much and how greatly they are beholding to God, are no better than Beasts, whose end is utter destruction.   

Banner.  
A Banner borne in triumph, should admonish Warriors, 
Psalm. 20.5  that in confidence of none other thing but of God, they should advance their standards. 
60. verse. 5  And when God by them doth give victory to his Church and people against their enemies, then let them acknowledge that God gave them their Banner to fight under.  
Further God's Standard is advanced, when people that know not God, are stirred up to war upon and destroy other wicked Nations, 
Esay. 13.2. 11. ver. 10.12. john. 3.14.  that have been plagues to the people of GOD. Christ is also set up of GOD for a Standard, not only for the dispersed of Israel and the scattered of judah to assemble to, from the four corners of the earth, 
8. ver. 28.12. ver. 32  but also for all Nations to seek to.   

Bear.  
A Bear robed of her whelps is meeker, 
Pro. 17.12.  & a man may meet her with less danger than an angry raging fool. 
●mos. 5.19.  They that fly from the Lord, are like them that flying from lions light upon bears.   

Bible.  
AT the sight of the Bible we should call to mind, 
●om. 14.4.  that whatsoever is written, is written for our learning, and therefore should be stirred up diligently to learn those things which God would have taught. And further, we must remember that the examples of God's judgements and wrath therein contained, are writ for us, 
● Cor. 10.11  upon whom the ends of the world are come, that we might be afraid to provoke God as our Fathers did.   

Birds.  
AS the Birds falleth not into the Snare where no Fowler is: 
Amos. 3.5.7  so God revealeth not his secrets to his people but by his Prophets. Sparrows and other small birds taken by the Fowler and offered to be sold, should make us call to mind how provident and careful a Father we have in heaven, 
Math. 10.29.  whose providence stretcheth itself to the smallest things upon the earth, for not one of these poor birds are caught without the will of our heavenly Father.  
When we see birds fly to their nests, then are we thankfully to remember to how vile, 
Math. 8.20  poor and base estate, our Saviour Christ abased himself, that he might enrich us, seeing he had no place of his own in the earth to rest his head in, So that in worldly respect he was worse provided for then poor birds.  
Further, 
Math. 6.26  our preposterous care in heaping up goods for ourselves and our posterity, is rebuked by the poor fowls of the air, who notwithstanding they look but for their present necessity, yet God feedeth them.   

Bit.  
AS a sharp Bit put in the Horse mouth maketh us able to rule his whole body, 
james. 3.2.3  and compelleth him to obey us: so he that can bridle his tongue, shall the better rule all his other affections.   

Blindness.  
WHen we see long continued Blindness and ignorance begun to be taken away by preaching of the word, 
Esay. 35.5  than we are to acknowledge that the time of the kingdom of Christ is come, which Esay prophesied of saying: the eyes of the blind shall be lightened, and the ears of the deaf shall be opened.  
The groping of a blind man for the wall, when he knoweth not how to come by a guide, 
Esay. 59.10  plainly expresseth the heavy judgement of God upon us, Where are such numbers ignorant and destitute of leaders, not knowing by whom to be guided.  
Further when we see them that take upon them the place and state of leaders to be as blind as the best, then let us know that the vengeance threatened to the Church by the Prophet Esay is come upon us, seeing our watchmen are blind, and have no knowledge, 
Esa. 56.16.  they are dumb dogs, they can not bark. Those that content themselves to be led by them shall perish with them. Therefore Christ counseleth us to leave them. 
Math. 15 14.    

Blood.  
MEn that delight in blouddines, shall have their recompense with blood. 
Ezech. 35.6.   
Without shedding of blood there is no remission of sins: 
Heb. 9.22.10. ver. 4.  but it is impossible the the blood of Bulls and goats should take away sins: wherefore it was necessary that the blood of jesus Christ Gods own Son should cleanse us from all sin. 
1. john. 1.7.   
The stone crieth out of the wall, the Beam out of the timber shall answer it, 
Aba 2.11.12  woe to him that buildeth a town with blood, and erecteth a City with iniquity.   

Body.  
THe body compacted of many members, setteth before us the unity that ought to be amongst all true Christians, 
1. Cor. 12.12 13. Ephe. 4.4  who are the mystical body of jesus Christ. The multitude of the members of our body with the variety of their uses and offices, 
1. Cor. 12.8.9.10.11.  declareth the variety and measure of God's gifts diversly distributed to the particular members of the Church, according to the good will of the giver. That every member hath need of an other, and every office of each member is profitable for the whole body, teacheth, that even so the variety of gifts diversly distributed unto the Church, 
Ephe. 4.7.  are given to profit withal, and to edify the whole body of Christ in love.  
Further, that those members which seem most vile, 
1. Cor. 2.25  carry a marvelous necessity with them that they cannot be spared, It admonisheth us to beware of division, which groweth often by contempt of those who want the greater and more excellent gifts, and yet whom the Church can not spare.  
Lastly, 
Roma. 15.1  as the bones being the stronger, bear up the skin and f●eshe which is the weaker: so we whom GOD hath endued with greater strength, should learn to bear with many infirmities in others.  
When we see any vile or loathsome body, 
Phil. 3.21.  then let us remember that it expresseth our present miserable estate, which notwithstanding shall be changed by him that is able to subdue all things to himself, to a glorious immortal state.   

Bondmen.  
By Bondmen and bondwo-men compared with the state of those which are free, we learn the difference of the two Testaments, 
Galat. 4.24. & so to the end of the chapter.  and the freedom that we are called unto by Christ, with the slavery that they remain in which are not of the Church of God.   

Barrels.  
Barrels newly tunned with Liquor that worketh, if they have not vent break, 
john. 32.19  which showeth how painful a thing it is for that man to hold his peace, that loveth to speak, and is delighted to here himself.   

Bowes.  
LIke as a Bow bend with an arrow ready set in it to shot at any thing, 
Psalm. 11.6 37. v 41 erse.  So are the devices of the wicked against the godly. As he whose Bow breaketh in drawing misseth his mark▪ So the enterprises and endeavours of the wicked, even then when they think to destroy the godly, are broken and come to nought.   

Brandes.  
WHen we see Brandes-endes burning, which very shortly will be burnt out or quenched out, Then we are to remember that the holy ghost compareth to them, the devices attempts and threatenings of wicked Kings, 
isaiah. 74.7.  when God doth not establish and ratify their councils.   

Bread.  
BRead should bring to our mind, 
joh. 6.48.51.  that Christ is the Bread of life. And as Bread perishing, nourisheth us in this life for a small time▪ so Christ the Bread that perisheth not, 
john. 6.58.  but endureth for ever, nourisheth to everlasting life. 
joh. 6.26, 27  Therefore our labour and pains for the Bread that perisheth should warn to take greater pains for the bread that came from Heaven. 
joh. 6.35.40  And as he that will be nourished by Bread, must eat it: 
john. 6.55 1. Cor. 10.17  So he that will be benefited by Christ, must believe in him. Further, the properties of the bread, eaten representeth unto us, the properties of Christ's flesh, in whom we believe.  
Finally, we are admonished what unity should be amongst ourselves, by eating of one bread, made of many grains.   

Books.  
THe sight of a book clasped, should make us fear the vengeance of God, for our unkind contempt of his word, 
Esa. 29.11.12  lest he leaving unto us the Books of his Law, yet take away our wit and understanding, so that the having of the books profit us as much, as the looking on the backside of the book, doth benefit them that cannot open it, or the looking of the inner side doth to them that cannot read or know a Letter.   

Bottelles.  
AS easy as it is for men when they have filled Bottelles with Wine, to spoil and break them by dashing them together: 
jere. 13.12.13.14.1  So easy is it for the Lord to fill all estates and sorts of them that despise him with drunkenness, And then by setting debate and dissension amongst them, utterly to destroy them.  
As new Wine with the strength of the working thereof will break old bottelles: so that if in them it should be turned, it were but spilled and lost: 
Math. 9.17.  so those who have placed righteousness in the outward exercises of religion, cannot savour, taste or receive the Doctrine of righteousness by faith only in Christ.  
As an earthen bottle, when it is broken to pieces, the shards cannot be set together again: So when God is disposed to punish wicked people, 
jere. 19.10.11.  no man can help or heal them.   

Breastplate.  
IN putting on a Breastplate, the Soldier is to consider what a perilous enemy the Devil is, 
1. Thes. 5.8.  and how safely Faith and Love doth protect our breast and heart against him.   

Breath.  
KIngs, Princes and judges can not abide the breath of God's displeasure: 
Esa 40.23.24  for at it they wither away and come to nothing.  
Man's breath is in his Nostrils, therefore he is not to be feared nor esteemed nor trusted unto: 
Esa. 2.22  For his breath departeth, he returneth to his earth, 
Psal. 146.4  and then his thoughts perish.  
As breath is to the body of man: So is a godly King to the people whom he governeth. 
Lam. 4.20.    

Brooks.  
MEn, when they see in Summer brooks dried up the ran with abundance of water in Winter by reason of rain or Snow thawed, 
job. 6.14.15.16.17.18.  are to remember that they resemble men that fail, forsake, and give over their friends in the time of greatest need, and when their help and comfort is most wanted.   

Brides.  
THe joy that the new married Bridegroom maketh over his bride, representeth unto our consideration, the rejoicing of God over his spiritual jerusalem, 
Esa. 62.5.  that is to say, his Church purchased to him by the blood of his dear Son.  
As the bride pertaineth to none but to the bridegroom: So the Church pertaineth to Christ alone. 
Hose. 2.19. 2. Cori. 11.2. john. 3.19.  And as every true friend to the Bridegroom rejoiceth to see the bridegroom's voice obeyed, so every Godly man is glad to see every member of the Church to frame themselves to the obedience of the word of Christ.  
The decking of the bride setteth out the glorious estate of God's glorified Church. 
Apoc. 21.2    

Building.  
WHen we see men building we are to remember, 
Psalm. 127.1 jerem. 22.13  that that which God buildeth not, men labour about it in vain: Therefore, Woe is justly pronounced against them that build their Houses by unrighteousness, and their Chambers without equity.  
As a building set up with untempered Mortar, the Mortar Crumbleth and washeth away, with every storm, 
Ezec. 13.10.11  So is the peace and prosperity, that false Prophets promise the people, and preach unto them out of their own hearts, when God hath not sent them.  

luk. 14.28.29  By the Care that builders, have to consider afore they begin, how the charges may be defrayed: we are admonished to consider what the greatness of our profession of Christianity requireth.  
Christians are God's building. 
1. Cor. 3.9.   
When we see one man build a house, and an other man dwell therein, 
Amos. 5.11.  then let us consider that such shall our reward be, if we oppress and rob the poor.  
As those that build without a good foundation, either the wind or water overthroweth it, so they which in matters of faith stay not themselves upon the word, 
Math. 7.27  but upon the credit of their Teachers, shall not be able to withstand the subtleties of the Devil, but be overthrown.   

B●lles.  
AS wild bulls, young lusty and strong, so is the rage of malicious wicked men in persecuting. 
Psal. 22.11.    

Bulwarks.  
VUhen we see mighty strong bulwarks to strengthen an hold, 
Esay. 26.1.  then let us call to mind that salvation itself is the bulwark or safe defence of the City of God.   

Burial.  
BVriall, should put us in mind of our burial with Christ in Baptism, 
Rom. 6.4. Collos. 2.12.  and that we ought to live as men dead to sin, and yet raised again to newness of life.   

Butter.  
BVtter in smoothenesse and softness representeth unto us the words, 
Psal. 55.21.  and speech of the wicked, when they most of all intent to deceive, and beguile the simple.   

Cage.  
AS cages do ordinarily serve for keeping of Birds: So the Houses of wicked and ungodly men, do ordinarily serve for inventing of deceits: And as for the most part, cages are full of Birds, 
jer. 5.27.  so the dwelling places of the wicked, are replenished with all manner of guiles, whereby they become great and wax rich.   

Candle.  
THe Godly after the darkness of Affliction and trouble, being restored to prosperity, are like a candle lighted up in a dark house. 
Psal. 18.28.  As a Candle light, ought not to be put under a Bushel, but set upon a Candlestick, that all they that come into the house may see light by it: So the Ministers of the word, ought not to hide their gifts, 
Mark. 4.21.  but so plainly to set forth the light of Gods most Holy word, that every man in the Church may thereby be guided and directed in his calling. 
Mat. 5.15.16  Further, as the Candle lighteth every man in the house: So should our good and wise dealing and conversation shine bright before men, 
1. Pet. 2.12.  that GOD by us may be glorified. Now that this light may so shine in us, 
Luke. 11.33.34.  we must be careful to follow the true light, and that we deceive not ourselves, making that our light which is but darkness.  
The prosperity of the wicked, 
job. 21.17.  is like a Candle which is often put out.   

Canker.  
THe Canker and rust fretting and consuming, even those things that amongst men are so precious, 
Math. 6.19.  should alienate our minds, and estrange our affections from those things on earth, which so shortly perish.   

Carpenter.  
Minister's, like wise and skilful Carpenpers, should lay the Foundation which only may be laid, which is Christ jesus, And then take marvelous heed that they erect nothing thereupon, 
1. Cor. 3.10.11.12.  but that which will abide the Fire of GOD'S own examination.   

Carelessness.  
WHen we see Carelessness of religion increase in the world, and men frame themselves to live in security which way so ever the world turn, 
Esay. 28.18  thinking to make falsehood their refuge, and to hide themselves under vanity: Then let us remember that their covenant with death shall be disannulled, 
1. Thes. 5.3  and their agreement with hell shall not stand, when God sendeth a scourge it shall take them, and they shall be trodden down by it: even when they say peace peace, all is safe, then shall sudden destruction come upon them.   

Cart.  
AS a Cart that is laden with sheaves of corn in harvest is pressed under the load. 
Amos: 2.13  So God is pressed with bearing with those that are given over to sin and wickedness.   


job. 12.7  Cat-tail.  
THe Cat-tail of the field, the Fowls of the heaven, the fish of the sea, they set forth and declare their Creator.   


Psal 62.12.  cedars.  
THe height of cedars in a ground fit for them doth express and show how highly God doth advance the righteous.   

Cheese.  
THe making of Cheese, and the turning of milk to Curds, 
job. 10.10.  and the setting of them together, representeth unto us our making.   

Childbirth.  
SO often as Women with child feel griefs and pains, 
Genes. 3.16.  either in their travel or before, let them think that it is a penalty first laid upon Eve for sin, and after together with sin derived to her posterity. And further let them assure themselves that God in all other, as well his threatenings as his promises will be so found true, as they by fearful experience have found him true in this from the beginning of the world to this present day.  
When we see women travailing in Childbirth, 
Esay. 37.3.  and not having strength to bring forth, then let us remember, that even so it is with us in the days of trouble and tribulation, if God therein leave us and forsake us. Also let us call to mind that, that which is borne of flesh is flesh, 
john. 3.6.  and so be mindful of the corruption that we brought into the world by our first nativity, and most earnestly call upon God, that he will vouchsafe by his mighty working of his most holy spirit, to make the word preached the seed of a new birth, and the beginning of a new life to us. The exceeding joy of the mother for the birth of her Child, immediately after the great sorrows and griefs in her travel, 
john. 16.21.  teacheth to us the marvelous change of the state of the godly in this life, with that which is to come.  
The great and wonderful pains of a woman in childbirth, 
Gala. 4.19.  expresseth the great pains, toil, and grief which true Ministers of Christ take, to form and fashion Christ in them that pertain to their charge.   

Children.  
CHildren of our children are a crown and a blessing unto us, and if we fear GOD then are we also their glory. 
Pro. 17.6. Psal. 128.6.   
The bearing of children in arms, and the lulling of them, doth offer to our consideration, how lovingly and kindly God dealeth with his people. 
Math. 11.16.  Children that are of such heavy sad mould, as that they are never moved with mirth, nor with the crying of other children, do represent to us the dullness of a number of people in hearing of the Word, who are no more moved with the judgements of God to fear, nor alured with the sweet promises of God to love and like, then if they were so many stocks or stones: but how so ever Preachers behave and frame themselves, either to severity or mildness they give evil words.  
The simplicity and plain dealing of little children, together with their humility, teacheth us to learn those points of them, if we regard or esteem to be meet and fit for the kingdom of Heaven. 
Math. 18.3.   
The difference betwixt the knowledge of children in their infancy, and of men grown to understanding and ripe judgement, doth shadow unto us the wonderful difference betwixt the unperfect knowledge which we now have, 
1. Cor. 13.11  & the perfection which we shall have in the life to come.  
The simplicity of Children, 
1. Cor. 14.20 1. Peter. 2.1.  admonisheth us to become like them in malice, guile, dissimulation and envy, but like men in understanding.  
We ought not always to be children in knowledge, and to be carried about with every puff of doctrine, 
Ephe. 4.14. Heb. 5.12.13  and continually to need to be taught the first rudiments of religion and principles and beginnings of christianity.  
As Fathers correct their children whom they love, so doth God also by us. And as children take patiently correction at their Father's hand, 
Heb. 5.6.7.8 9.10.  though sometime it be preposterous and otherwise then it should be: So ought we to take that which God layeth upon us, knowing that God always doth it for our benefit.   

Chaff.  
WHen we see Chaff blown abroad with the wind and scattered, 
job. 21.18.  Then should we remember that such is the state of the wicked when God bloweth upon them with the breath of his displeasure. 
Psalm. 1.4.  Therefore how great, how mighty, how terrible, how fast grounded soever, they seem now to be, 
Psal. 35.5.  we need not fear them, for in respect of our God, they are as Chaff before the wind. 
Esay. 17.13  But let us endeavour to live so, and to embrace our Christ, that when God shall fan the Corn and Chaff asunder, we be not cast away as chaff into unquenchable fire. 
Math. 3.12  As fire consumeth Chaff and stubble: So God shall make the wicked, 
Esay. 33.11.  overthrow, destroy and bring to nought their own devices.   

Church.  
WHen we see how careful they that are of the Church, 
Ephes. 5.14.  are to obey and to do their duty to God, Then women are to learn how careful they ought to be to obey their husbands. Also we are to remember that the church of God shall be perpetual, 
Math. 16.18.  and hell gates shall never prevail against it.   

Ceremonies.  
WHen we see men very diligent in an outward show of serving of God: Then are we to remember, 
Psalm. 50.10  that such please not God except his fear be planted in their hearts. 
Esay. 1.14. Psal. 51.17.  For God will not take Bullokes out of our houses nor he Goats out of our Folds. He hateth our solemn Feasts, they are a burden unto him: H● is weary with bearing of them, But the sacri●fice that pleaseth God is an humble and a con●trie heart, For that he will not despise.   

City.  
WHen we see a City what by nature, & what by the industry and diligence of man, so fenced, that it seemeth impossible to be won by strength: 
Prou. 18.19  Then let us consider that a Brother offended is harder to win again then that. And therefore let us be as careful and diligent to keep his amity, and love, as we would be heedful to keep such a City from turning to the enemy. As a City the walls and defences whereof are broken down, 
Prou. 25.28.  is in danger of every enemy, that is of force and might: so a man that hath no stay of his appetite, affections and desires, is always easy to be spoiled of any that will seek it. As it is to no purpose to seek to take by force a City so well fenced and manned as it may be: 
jere. 1.18.19  so vain are the attempts of them that oppose themselves to God's ministers to hinder them from doing that for which God hath sent them.  
The first City was builded by Cain, and inhabited by his brood, 
Genes. 4 17.  wherefore the godly a great time did dwell in Tents to show that here they have no abiding City, but look for one to come that is Heaven.   

Clay.  
AS that which is made of clay is brittle and easily broken, 
job. 10.9.  and soon returneth to earth again: So man is frail and quickly shall return to dust again. God therefore hath compassion on them that fear him, because he is mindful of how brickle a mould he hath made them. 
Psal. 103.14.  As it is an absurd thing for a piece of Clay wrought by a Potter to challenged the Potter of want of wit or understanding: So is it a wonderful folly for men to persuade themselves that they have such deep reaches and fetches, 
Esa. 29.15.16  and that their Councils are so privy and secret, that they can escape the eyesight, knowledge and understanding of God. As it is unreasonable for a piece of clay to challenged the Potter for the form, 
Rom 9.20.2  shape or use that he is made for: So it is an intolerable presumption of man to reason against his maker, for the end that he is made for, whether it be honour or dishonour. The Prophet Esay teacheth us therefore, in respect that we are in the hand of God, 
Esay. 64.8.  as clay in the hand of the Potter, to crave mercy and the forgiveness of our offences.   

clouts.  
Foul, filthy, mattery and stinking clouts, do lively and aptly represent unto us our righteousness and goodness that is in us. 
Esay. 64.6.    

Clouds.  
THe sudden vanishing of clouds putteth us in mind, 
job. 7.9.  how suddenly our life vanisheth away, as in dry weather Clouds that threaten rain, but are indeed empty and vanish: So is the liberality of great bragger's and boasters, which will promise apace but perform slowly. 
Pro. 25.14.  As of clouds when they be vanished away, there is nothing seen: so the sins of gods people, 
Esay. 44.22  when he forgiveth them, are clearly put both out of sight and remembrance.  
As a morning cloud that at the Sun rising, vanisheth away: 
Hose. 13.3 2. Peter. 2.  So is the prosperity of the wicked. False and untrue teachers, are like these empty clouds, which are blown away with the Wind, 
jude. 1.12.  for they bring not that which they brag off.   

Cloaks.  
AS a good and fair cloak being large, so covereth a man that many things may be carried under it and conveyed cleanly, which we would be loath and ashamed to have seen: 
2. Cor. 4.2.  so hypocrites▪ craft and deceit, hideth and covereth their untruth, which to be plainly seen and perceived they would be ashamed. Also we are to take heed that we make not Christian liberty, 
1. Peter. 2.1  a cloak to cover the satisfying of our lewd lusts and wicked affections withal.   

Coals.  
AS we see one coal kindle another, & wood to be apt matter to make a fire, 
Pro. 26.2  so those that be disposed to contention and brawling, be apt to kindle strife, & to set men together by the ears.   

Contribution.  

Rom. 15.27. 1. Cor. 9.11. Galath. 6.6  WHen we see any Contribution or gathering made for Preachers, than we are to remember; that it is but duty, that men should minister to them carnal things, that made them partakers of spiritual things.   

Corne.  
Corn that is blasted afore it be ripe, admonisheth us of the state of such cities, 
Esay. 37.27  as God hath determined shortly to destroy for the ●innes of the inhabitants, continually provoking him unto wrath.   

Council.  
WHen we see men run upon head, and that there is no man amongst them that giveth good and wholesome Council, 
Prou. 11.14  there we may well conclude that they shall shortly perish. But where there are many that can give good Council, and there Council is obeyed and embraced, 
Esay. 30.1.  the common wealth shall flourish. But good counsellors must not trust to their own brains and wisdom, but must seek to direct themselves according to the Word and wisdom of the Lord, otherwise God doth accurse their Counsels.  

Prou. 19.20.21.  Men that will be wise in their latter end, must hear Conuncell and receive instruction. For the devices of a man's heart are many, but only the Council of the Lord shall stand. Otherwise the Counsels of the wicked, of what might or wisdom so ever they be, 
Esay. 7.5.6.7  they shall not take effect, nor be brought to pass.   

craftsmen.  
THe gains that cometh by Idolatry to divers & sundry sorts of craftsmen purchaseth their friendship, 
Act. 19.24.25 26.27.  & maketh them earnest enemies against the Gospel & truth of God. 
Exod. 28.3.  Otherwise the skill & cunning of craftsmen, are the good and praise worthy gifts of almighty God, 
Exod. 35.41  such as no common wealth without great inconvenience and danger can want or be without. 
1. Sam. 13.19  But these craftsmen must take heed that for covetousness they make them not partners of other men's sins, 
Ephes. 4.28  in becoming instruments to beautify idolatry, superstition, vanity, curiosity, etc., But labour only that which is good, that they may not only be able to suffice their own need, but relieve others.   

Creation.  
THe omnipotency of the word, seeing by it all things were made, is declared in the creation of the world, 
Genes. 1. Psal 105.5. john. 1.3. Rom. 1.18.19.20.  and of all that is in it. Whatsoever may be known of God is manifest and may be seen in the creatures, and in their creation, so that though men had no more teaching then that which the works of God represent to their eyes, yet are they left quite void of excuse for ignorance: 
Psal. 19.5.103.20.21.  more the creatures rejoice to keep their course to work his will, and to execute his commandment. But above all, they are exceeding glad, that GOD hath glorified himself, by redeeming his people, 
Esa. 44.23.  and bringing them into an assured expectation of being delivered from the servitude of corruption.   

Crown.  
A Crown, because it is a token of the highest dignity and honour in this life, 
1. Cor. 9.25.  the holy Ghost useth it to express the greatness of the dignity and honour, 
2. Tim. 8.  whereunto the children of God shall be advanced in the life to come, an incorruptible crown, 
james. 1.12.  a crown of righteousness, a crown of life.   

Cruelty.  
WHen we see the meek oppressed and the godly scorned, and cruel men raging & taking on at their pleasure: 
Esay. 29.20.  then let us call to mind that the time shall come, when the cruel man shall cease, and the scornful shall be consu●med, and all that hasted to iniquity shall be cut-off. For cruelty is proper to the wicked and vn●godly, whose very bowels are cruel. But even as they do, 
Pro. 12.10. judg. 1.7.  so God doth pay them home again, and judgement merciless shall be to them that show no mercy: namely, depart ye cursed into euerla●sting fire, 
james. 2.13.  which is prepared for the Devil and his angels. 
Math. 25.41.    

Cup.  
AS we see men take the cup one at an others hands, and drink in course: so we when we have tasted of the cup of God's wrath for our sins, 
Esa. 52.21.22  if we repent are to comfort ourselves, that it shall be taken out of our hands, 
jerem. 51.7.  and given to our enemies, even to those which hitherto have made a spoil of us, and they shall suck out the dregs thereof. 
Ezech. 23. 1●32.33.34.  The people by whom God plagueth others, are likened to a golden cup which serveth to make many drink withal. Those who have seen others taste of the cup of God's wrath, and yet persever and go forward in the like sins as they have seen others punished for, shall drink of the same. They which are the Scholars of Christ, 
Math. 20.23  are to make account to drink of the same cup that their master did.  
When we see cups very fair on the out side, and within sluttishly kept, 
Math. 23.25.  then are we to remember, that they are a plain pattern of hypocrisy, and to look into ourselves, least seeming something to the world, we be careless how we appear to God, who looketh to the heart and inner parts. 
Apoca. 17.4.  Also a fair cup that hath dregs or bad drink in it, should make us mindful of the cup full of abominations and filthiness, which is in the hand of the Romish antichrist, otherwise called the Whore of Babylon, 
Apo. 18.3.4.  and whereof all the kings of the earth have drunk: and heedful lest we all be partakers of her sins, and so receive of her plague.   

Day.  

Gene. 1.3.16  FIrst, in the creation of day, which was mad● 3. days before the son, we have to consider the almighty power of God, who is not tied to any in●feriour or instrumental causes. For carnal reason & wisdom, is not able to reach to it, or to conceiu● how daylight should be without the Son. 
john. 11.9.  Se●condly, as they that use the benefit of the day t● travel and walk in, needeth not to stumble an● fall at the things that lie in their way, for that the● have light to direct them by: so they that direct themselves in their calling by the light of the wor● go aright and upright, because God doth give them. 
Rom. 13.13  Therefore it is sometimes used for knowledge, gotten by reading and hearing the wor● preached. Thirdly, the day of the Lord shall no● come suddenly and unlooked for upon the chil●dren of light, 
1. Thes. 5.6.  stealing upon them as it were thief in the night, for that they be endued with god●ly knowledge, and therefore live in continual expectation of his coming, and watch looking for it. 
Heb. 3.7.8. & 13  Lastly, we are to exhort one another, whil● it is called to day, and also to obey them 〈◊〉 whom God doth speak to day, both because 〈◊〉 know not whether he will speak to us any more, and also lest we be excluded out of his 〈◊〉 as our Fathers were.   

Darkness.  
THe Darkness of dungeons in prisons where prisoners are void and destitute of all comfort, 
Math. 8.12  doth shadow unto us the terribleness and fearfulness of Hell. 
Rom. 13.12 1 verse 21  The works of darkness are so called, either of ignorance of the doer, which the Darkness of the mind causeth, or because they are commonly done in the night, 
Esay 29.15  or closely out of sight, or else because the doers of them dare not, 
1 Thes. 5.7  and love not to come to try their doings by the light of the Word, or else because the rulers of the Darkness of this world, 
john. 3.20  work them in the reprobate.  
Darkness should make us remember what we sometime were, 
1 Ephes. 5.8.  and what we be now called unto, and how we should therefore walk and lead our lives, 
john. 12.46 3 verse 13  least we declare ourselves to be unfaithful, and show that we love Darkness better than light, which is flat damnation.   

daubers.  
AS daubers that daub Walls, with Mortar which was never tempered, cannot make those walls continue, 
Ezech. 22.28  for that the mortar crumbleth away: So false and lying Prophets, that speak in the name of the Lord, that which he never commanded them, can not make their words true or to come to pass as they have promised.   

Death.  

Gene. 3.19.  THe death of all men doth admonish us of the truth and constancy of god's word, and how certain that is which he once hath uttered.  
The Death of the godly which yield their souls to god joyfully, should make us consider, that though death be the last enemy that shall be destroyed, 
●. Cor. 15.26 45.55.  that is to say, abolished, yet he is already swallowed up by our Saviour Christ in victory, and his sting taken away, and so after a sort for ever destroyed, 
Esay. 25.8.  because his power of hurting and harming God's people is taken from him.  

Esay. 25.8.  When righteous and merciful men die, and are taken of the earth, It is time for us to look for evils which God will send upon us for our sins, 
1. Cor. 11.30  from the sight and grief of which, God hath taken them away.  

Rom. 5.12.  By this that all men die, we are taught that all men are sinners.  
When we see how hard a thing it is for a man, be he never so good, or so well-beloved, to find another man to suffer Death for him: We are to consider the unmeasurableness of the love of Christ, 
Rom. 5.7.8.  who died for us, not only when we were most sinful wretches, but also most spiteful enemies to him.  
Further death should teach us to die to sin. 
Rom. 6.2.   
As the bands of matrimony are set free by the Death of one of the married couple: 
Rom. 7.3.4.  So are we by Christ, made dead to the Law, and freed from the yoke, servitude and bondage of it.  
When we see God plague us with the sickness and Death of great numbers: 
1. Cor. 11.30  Then are we to enter into ourselves diligently to spy the cause thereof, And especially to look whether our gross contempt of the word, and unreverent abusing of the sacrament, have not procured the same.  
Dead men can do nothing that living men should do: 
Ephe. 2.1.  So when we are dead in sin, 
Col. 2.13.  we could do none of those things which declare and show forth our life in Christ. As great a miracle therefore as it is for dead men to be raised again: So is the change that Christ hath made in those that be his. 
1. Peter. 4.6.  Christ by dying, not only overcame death, but also him that had Lordship over Death (that is) the Devil, 
Heb. 2.14.  and that to this end, that Death now should be no more fearful and terrible to us.   

Defence.  
ALl outward means of Defence, when men passing by God, put their confidence in them are but vain: 
Esay from the 7. vers of the second chapter to the .4. ver. of the. 3.  As Silver, Gold, Horses, Chariots, high Towers, strong Walls, victuals, strong men, valiant captains, honourable persons, ●age & grave couneellers, etc. Put not therefore ●our trust in princes, nor in the sons of men, for ●n them there is no help, 
Psal. 146.3.  But know that he is accursed that maketh flesh his arm. Therefore, though some trust in Chariots, 
Psal. 23.7.8.  and others in Horses, yet the people of God advance their standards in the name of the Lord. And when their mighty enemies, are brought down and fallen, they rise and stand upright.   

Dew.  
AS the morning Dew, soon after the son rising vanisheth away, 
Hose. 13.3.  So the strength, glory, prosperity and pride of the Idolaters, is by God soon brought to nought.   

debtor.  
IF we, when we have poor and needy debtor, pitying their poverty do forgive their debts, and then think that by good right we may challenge love, 
Luke. 7.43.  and the more love, where we have most forgiven: then are we to think, how much and how deeply we are bound to love Christ, by whom so many and so great things are forgiven us.   

Dearth.  
DEarth is procured to countries and nations, by their great and grievous offences, especially by Idolatry, 
jere. 3.3.  whereof we have example in the days of king Achab; next by perjury, as appeared in the days of King David, 
● King. 17.1.  three and ready to kick against their keepers: so is it with very many men, 
Deut. 32.15  the more temporal blessings and worldly commodities God heapeth upon them, the more they kick against him, and will be the less ruled by his Ministers and Word.   

Father.  
THe natural piety and compassion that Fathers and mothers have towards their infants, 
Psal. 103.13.  doth teach us how much greater the compassion of our heavenly Father is towards us his children. 
Math. 7.9.10 11.  And if our Parents are ready to give their infant's good things when they beg or crave: 
Mat. 6.31. ●2.  then much rather we shall be denied nothing, if we in faith do beg and crave of God. And if Parents be careful according to their ability, to provide things needful for their children: how can we want any thing at the hands of our GOD, which he knoweth to be good and needful for us: Also Christ hath therefore in praying taught us to to call him father, 
Math. 6.9.  that we might be admonished to come with such reverence as Children own unto their Fathers, that we come not in confidence of ourselves or any thing in us, but in confidence of his mediation, by whom & in whom we are made the children of God: and that we do not envy prosperity to such children of God as he advanceth, neither yet disdain nor contemn the basest of those, to whom God vouchsafeth to be a Father, and advanceth to the dignity of his children. 
Luke. 15.23.24.  The joy that a father conceiveth and expresseth when his son that hath been wild and an unthrift, returneth to frugality and thriving, expresseth to us how pleasant and acceptable a thing to God the conversion of a sinner is. 
1. Cor. 415.  He by whose ministry it pleaseth God to regenerate us and beget us a new, aught to be esteemed of us as our father.   

Fathers.  
THe ordinary course of the world teacheth us, that fathers get and lay up in store for their Children, and for that purpose make no spare of labour,, 
1. Cor. 12.14.15.  travail, and toil, in viewing whereof, the ministers of the word are to learn the pains and care that they should have for their flock, 
2. Thes. 2.11.  of whom God hath made them fathers, to make no spare of themselves, but to bestow themselves and all their gifts fully and wholly upon their flock. 
Psalm. 78.6.  And as a Father comforteth, exhorteth and beseecheth his children: 
Heb. 12.7.  even so ought a Minister his flock. A father ought carefully to teach the law of the Lord unto his children, and moderately to correct them.   

Fatherless.  
WE are to take heed how we contemn or neglect the fatherless, 
Psalm. 68.5.  for God is the Father of the fatherless, and his fatherly care is hourly seen in providing for them.   

Feast.  
WHen Friends meet at Feasts and banquets, 
Pro. 15.15.  they give themselves to be merry, and exile all cares and thoughts, that might hinder mirth out of their minds: then they should remember, 
Esay. 5.12.  that those joys that their banquet bringeth them to at that time, a good conscience would afford them continually, and therefore should study and care to keep a good conscience. Further, in the middle of feasting, men must take heed that God be not for-gotten, nor his liberality unthought on, but that there be of it amongst them a thankful remembrance.   

Fields.  
WHen in the Corn fields we see tars grow amongst the wheat till Harvest, which can not well be rooted out afore: 
Math. 13.29.30.  we are admonished that wicked hypocrites and other evil men, of whom there is hope that they may be converted, shall be always in the outward account of the Church till the end of the world. But it is evil husbandry, to let tyne and such other weeds grow, as both may easily be discerned, and also are noisome and hurtful unto the corn. Also if we hurt our neighbour's field, we are to make recompense with the best that groweth in our own field. 
Exod. 22.5.  Further we ought not to encroach by removing the bonds or taking away the 
Deut. 19.14  landmarks of our neighbour's field.   

Fire.  
GOD taketh vengeance of his enemies by Fire. 
Esay. 5.24.  For as Fire quickly consumeth stubble and straw: so the wrath of the Lord kindleth as Fire, 
jerem. 4.4.  and consumeth the wicked for contemning his word, and for the wickedness of their inventions. 
Genes. 19.24  Experience hereof we have in the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrha, by Fire. The burning of Nadah, 
levit. 10.2  and Abihue, Aaron's sons. The plaguing of the people that murmured by fire. 
Num. 11.1.16. ver. 35  The burning of two hundred and fifty that offered incense unto the Lord by Fire that proceeded from the Lord. 
2. King. 1.10 12.  The consuming with fire from heaven of the two Captains and their bands which were sent for Eliah. It appeareth manifestly therefore, that our God is a consuming fire, 
Esay. 10.17  and that all his enemies are but as thorns & briars, which are easily and quicky consumed by fire, 
Esay. 43.2.  but fire shall not hurt the godly, because God is with them and protecteth them. 
Daniel. 2.27  Hereof we have manifest experience in the three children cast into the fiery furnace by the King of Babel. The word of the Lord hath also the same property that God hath, 
jerem. 5.14.  for it shall be to the ungodly as fire to consume them, and the ungodly to it as wood to be consumed by it. The Church of God also, 
Obadi. 1.18  shall by the just judgement of God be a fire to consume the ungodly withal, even all the enemies of his people. 
Zacha. 12.6  The Princes and Captains of God's people shall be unto their enemies round about them, as Coals of fire to wood, 
Luke. 12.49.  and as firebrands in a sheaf of straw to consume all that lift up their hands against them. 
2. Cor. 3.14.15.  The gospel also is a fire, which Christ by his preaching kindled upon the earth. As by fire metals, so by the word every man's works shall ve examined and tried what they be. 
jam. 3.5.6.  As a very little fire kindleth never so great a heap of matter apt to kindle: so the tongue setteth the whole course of nature on fire and is kindled itself of hell. 
1. Pet. 4.12.  Fire purgeth and fineth metals: so God purgeth the dross of his children by afflictions. And as it is a common matter to try Gold and Silver by fire: so it should not seem strange to the children of god to be tried by tribulations.   

Fisher.  
AS Fishers with nets and hooks catch fish in great number: so shall they that GOD stirreth up to execute his judgements against any people, 
jere. 16.16.  catch and destroy great plenty of them. 
Ezech. 47.10  On the other side, when it pleaseth God to bestow his graces in abundance, than his Preachers shall be like the Fishers that fish in the main Sea, and shall catch men with the preaching of the word, in as great abundance and variety as Fishers do fish. 
Mark. 1.17.  Therefore Christ called his Apostles from fishing, and made them Fishers of men. And when they had laboured all night and caught nothing, 
Luke. 5.5.6.  yet in the day they cast out again at the commandment of Christ, and enclosed a great number, to teach us never to despair, though we do not see that we win any by the word. For God will for us espy opportunity for that purpose.   

Firmament.  
THe brightness of the firmament setteth out, 
Dani. 12.3.  the glorious estate of those in the resurrection of the just, who shall be found wise with godly wisdom.   

Flax.  
THe care of Christ in bearing with the weakness and infirmities of his children, 
Esay. 42.3.  is set out in the similitude of not quenching of smoking flax.   

Flesh.  
THey that trust in the help of men and not of God, 
Esay. 31.1.3.  of flesh and not of spirit, because of the multitude of their warlike furniture, shall fall and perish together with their helps. 
jere. 17.5.  For cursed is the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and withdraweth his heart from the Lord. Cease therefore from man, whose breath is in his nostrils. 
Esay. 1.21.  For wherein is he to be esteemed. Trust unto the Lord with all thine hart, 
Prou. 3.5. Rom. 8.7.  and lean not unto thine own wisdom: for the wisdom of the flesh is enimytie against God, and therein dwelleth no goodness. 
Rom. 7.18. Gala. 5.17.19.20.21.  The carnal man is sold under sin, and flesh longeth continually against the spirit, and the fruits thereof are all kinds of impiety and wickedness.   

Flood.  
GOds blessing in abundance, 
Esay. 44.3.  is like floods of waters, and as the overflowing of them, maketh dry grounds fruitful: 
jere. 47.2.  so his blessings are welcome to the people of God. As floods overflow and destroy all: so those by whom God plagueth any land or people. But if God be on our side, 
Psal. 124.5.6  though the enemies like a flood make account to overthrow and overwhelm all, yet their waters shall not drown us, nor their stream go over our souls. 
Luke. 17.26.27.  But floods many times happen suddenly, and when we least look for them, as noah's flood, which should make us remember how suddenly and unlooked for, Christ shall come to judge the world.   

Flies.  
THe great power of almighty God is herein seen, that by so small and weak a creature, as Flies are, can tame the proudest Tyrant and make the stoutest upon earth to stoop to his pleasure. 
Exod. 8.28.  The Flies are busy in Apothecary's shops, and if they happen to get into his glasses of sweet syrups and ointments & there die, they stink and spoil his syrup or ointment: 
Ecclesi. 10.1  even so doth a little folly him that was had in great estimation for his wisdom.   

Flower.  
AS a flower so soon as it bloweth is cut down, or very shortly gathered: So is the continuance of a man's life. As the beauty of a Flower which suddenly fadeth, 
job. 14.2.  so is all the glory and graces of all flesh. Therefore we are not to rejoice in wealth, 
Psal. 130.15.  honour, and dignity: nor set our whole mind to seek after them. For they shall vanish as suddenly as doth the Flower of the grass: 
Esay. 40.6.7.  But we are by the consideration hereof to leave seeking these worldly things, and seek earnestly for the immortal seed of the word, 
jam. 1.10.11  whereby we may be regenerate and begotten again of God to everlasting life, 
1. Pet. 1.23. ●4.  and so enjoy his mercies which endure for ever.   

Flint.  
GOd maketh his Ministers harder against the ungodly and wicked, 
●xech. 3.9.  then is the Flint.   

Flail.  
GOd shall make his people like a threshing instrument, 
isaiah. 41.15.  and they shall thrash the mountains to powder, and the hills to chaff, that is all their lofty and proud enemies, that rise up against them.   

Flocks.  
WHen we see the plentiful increase that Flocks of cattle bring, and that they multiply exceedingly: 
Ezec. 36.37.38.  Then we are to remember, that though god sometime waste his people for their sins, yet he will exceedingly multiply it, and increase it again.   

Fools.  
THey that do mock and scoff at their own sin and offences are fools, and in so doing bewray their folly. 
Prou. 14.9.18. verse 3 17. verse 21.  Their mouth shall be their destruction, and their lips a Snare for their soul, he that begetteth such, getteth himself sorrow, and the father of a fool can have no joy. But there are many silly simple ones, in worldly respects, but Fools which go before us in embracing of religion, 
Rom. 10.19.  in knowledge of the word, and in framing their life according thereunto. The consideration whereof, should make us to understand, that God provoketh us thereby to emulation of their well-doing, and so stirreth us to contend to overtake and overgo them▪ Wherefore let no man deceive himself. If any among you seem to be wise in this world, 
1. Cor. 3.18  Let him be a fool that he may be wise.   

Folly.  
THe wisemen of the world always esteemed it folly and madness to believe in Christ crucified. 
1. Cor. 1.24 25.  And the preaching of the Gospel is thought folly of the wicked worldlings, and therefore contemned. But by this foolishness it hath pleased God to save believers, even all that believe. And this folly is wiser than the wisest men, and hath prevailed against all their wisdom, from the one end of the world to the other.   

Food.  

1. Tim. 6.8  WHen we have food and apparel, we should be therewith contented.   

Foot.  
AN unfaithful man in whom a man reposeth confidence in trouble, is like unto a sliding foot that layeth his master in the dirt. 
Prou. 25.19  A man's foot so sore that it cannot be healed, and putteth the other parts of the body in danger to be infected by it, is wont to be cut off for the preservation of the rest: which admonisheth us what we have to do with our friends, 
Math. 18. ●.  or any commodity earthly, when they become hurtful to our souls, and endanger us to looze life everlasting, how necessary and needful soever they seem to be, for this our present state.   

Foules.  
THe Fowls of Heaven are good proofs of God's providence: for notwithstanding they make no provision but for the present time, yet God of his merciful goodness feedeth them, 
Math. 6.26  and therefore they should teach us in due order to hang upon his providence. If any corn be spilled or shed in any common way, the Fowls presently fall upon it & devour it, 
Math. 13.19  and suffer it not to remain there any longer: so also the seed of the word, that falleth into hard hearts, is by and by taken away of the Devil and wicked spirits, and so cannot remain there, nor be understood.   

Foundation.  
AS buildings can not stand, except they be borne up by their foundation: so Christians are in an unstable state: 
1. Cor. 3.11  except they stay themselves upon Christ. Whosoever therefore goeth about to build, 
1. Cor. 3.10  in any other Foundation, is an unskilful builder, layeth his Foundation upon the sand, in winds and stormy rains, his work cannot stand.   

Fountains.  
AS Fountains d'ye continually in great plenty cast out waters: 
jeremy. 6.7.  So do the wicked their malice. One Fountain can not give forth both sweet and salt Water, 
jam. 3.11.12  yet we see that out of one mouth very contrary things proceedeth, even blessings & cursings, which showeth what an unruly evil the tongue is. 
Psalm. 114.8  God giveth unto his, Water pools out of the hard Rocks and Fountains, out of the flint stones.   

Fruit.  
THe dangers that proceeded to our first parents, by the view of the fruit of the Tree of knowledge of good and bad, 
Genes. 3.6  should admonish us how dangerous a thing it is, to give liberty to our senses to judge, and then to follow our own judgement & reason in any matter, wherein God hath once pronounced sentence. The Church of God shall grow and be fruitful, 
isaiah. 27.6.9  and the world shall be filled with the Fruit thereof, and this is the fair and pleasant Fruit, that it shall bring forth, namely, that the iniquity of jacob shallbe purged, and all his sin put away. As the goodness and badness of trees is discerned by the goodness & badness of their fruits: 
Math. 7.16.  so men, especially such as take upon them to be teachers of others, are discovered by their well or evil doings. And as the Fruit cannot be good except the tree be first good: So from the evil heart of a wicked man, 
Math. 12.33  nothing that is good in the eyes & sight of God can proceed. Good ground, which when it is tilled and sowed, bringeth forth Fruit plentifully, 
Math. 13.23  is an image and representation of those which receive the word preached gladly, believe it steadfastly, and express it in life accordingly. In the Law the offering of the first fruits, all the Fruits of the earth were sanctified: 
1. Cor. 15.20.  so by Christ, the first Fruits of them that sleep, the promise of the rising again of our bodies to life everlasting, is to us confirmed and assured. Nothing is judged fruitful but that which bringeth forth Fruit plentifully: so it is not one or two good things, 
Philip. 1.11.  whereby we must be judged good Christians, but we must be filled with the Fruit of righteousness.   

Friends.  
HE that will have friends must show himself friendly, that his friends may think that he esteemeth and setteth store by them: 
Prou. 18.24 17. verse. 17.27. ver. 9.10  For a sure friend is more to be esteemed and set by, than the nearest Kinsman that is: for the love of such a friend is at all times showed, and his hearty Counsel doth rejoice the heart: Therefore him that hath been thy Father's friend and thy friend, forsake thou not.   

Frogs.  
Frogs was one of the great plagues, wherewith God plagued Ggipt, 
Exod. 8.3.  there was neither field nor house free: For what place could they be kept out of, 
Psal. 105.30.  when the kings privy chamber was annoyed with them.   

Foxes.  
THe foxes excel in subtlety and shifts, wherein false Prophets and corrupt teachers do rightly resemble them. The foxes have holes and boroughs in the ground, 
Ezech. 13.4  where to repose themselves and their young ones, 
Math. 8.20  but the Son of man hath not of his own, where to rest his head. They therefore, that pretend to follow Christ, and yet seek themselves, and their own benefit, profit and commodity, look to be in better estate than their master, and often times being deceived, change their course.   

gain.  
Greediness of gain troubleth the house of the covetous person, 
Pro. 15.27.  and often bringeth himself in danger. For they which will be rich fall into temptation and snares, 
1. Tim. 6.9. & 10.  and into many foolish and noisome lusts, which drown men in perdition and destruction. For the desire of money is the root of all evil: 
1. Tim. 3.3  It maketh men err from Faith, and pierce themselves through with sundry sorrows. Therefore filthy lucre is to be fled from and shunned of all men, but especially of the ministers of the word.   

Gaul.  
THe bitterness of affliction of the soul of the godly, 
Lam. 3.3.19  when the Church and people of God is cruelly persecuted of the ungodly, is like unto the bitterness of Gaul: 
Acts. 8.23  So also is the impiety, and wickedness of the heart of the ungodly.   

Gardens.  
WHen we recreate ourselves in our Gardens, the liberality of God present: is thankfully to be considered, 
Genes. 2.8  by occasion whereof, we are to call to mind how pleasant that Garden was, which God himself planted and placed our first father in, and with how great unkindness and ingratitude God was recompensed a gain, whereby both Adam and we ever since have been deprived of so great felicity and happiness.   

Girdle.  
AS a man girdeth himself with his Girdle: so God tieth his people to himself. 
jerem. 13.11.  And as a soldier girdeth his armour to his body with his arming Girdle, 
Ephesi. 6.14  that his armour do not hang lose or fall of from him: so must we our spiritual armour, with the Girdle of truth.   

Giant.  
AS a Giant is too strong for mean men of middle size, & as his voice and look is fearful to such enemies: 
Esay. 42.23  so will God be to all such as rise up against him. This is a special comfort to all those that for God's cause are assailed of wicked men, 
jerem. 2.11.  and therefore are assured that God will stick to them to defend his own cause, and ouert●●●w their persecutors.   

Glass.  
SUch difference as there is betwixt viewing of a man in a dark or dim Glass, and the sight of him face to face in a bright day: 
●. Cor. 13.12.  so much difference is there betwixt our present knowledge of God in this life, and that which shall be in the life to come. As he that looketh his bodily face in a Glass, and by and by departeth away about other business, 
jam. 1.23.24 25.  and forgetteth his fashion and form: such are the forgetful hearers of the word, which never practice that which is taught them. But as a man may the better both spy his spots that he may wash them, and also set his attire in the better order about him, if for that purpose he diligently view himself in a glass: so he that is careful to avoid that which he should not do, and to execute that which he ought to do, hath very great help by hearing the Word, and printing of it in his mind.   

Gold.  
THe godly are tried of God by tribulation, 
job. 23.10.  and come forth like tried Gold out of the Fire. Wisdom cannot be bought with gold or any earthly treasure, 
job. 28.15.16.17  of what price soever it be. The word of the Lord giveth Wisdom to the simple, and therefore is more to be disired then gold, 
Psal. 19.7.10.  yea, than much fine gold. It is better to us then thousands of Gold and silver. The Church of God, when it is afflicted by persecution, is like dim gold, 
Psal. 116.72  which though it be fine, hath lost his glorious brightness and shining colour. 
Lamen. 4. ●  Though wicked Cities have never so great heaps of gold and treasure, yet God in his good time shall spoil them. 
Zachar. 3.4  That gold will abide the fire and pass through the more pure: 
2. Cor. 3.12 14.  teacheth us that we should build upon Christ, that which will abide the trial of the word. Gold though never so well tried and pure, yet in continuance wasteth and corrupteth. But faith approved by good trial, endureth to the appearing of our Lord jesus. We are not redeemed by gold or any corruptible thing of what price soever, 
1. Pet. 1.7.  but by the blood of the undefiled and unspotted lamb jesus Christ. 
1. Pet. 1 18.19  Gold that lieth in the coffers till it be rusty and canker fretted, shall be a witness against wicked and covetous hoorders at the last day: 
james. 5.8.  and a cause to increase their torments.   

Goats.  
AS often as we see Goats, we should remember the miserable estate of them that Christ shall place at his left hand in the day of judgement, and the terrible sentence of condemnation which shall be pronounced against them: which should make us fearful of encurring the like, and careful to live here, so as that there we may be acquitted and discharged of that sentence.   

Graffing.  
WHen we graff or see others graffing, 
Rom. 6.5.  we should consider that as the graff is translated from his native tree, to grow in another: so we, as many as be true Christians, are translated from Adam to Christ, and from being Gentiles, 
Rom. 11.17.  to be of one body, with the posterity of Abraham: that as the graffs now liveth not by his natural juice, but by the juice or moisture received from the root of the stock, whereinto he is graffed: So we now live by the power of Christ's spirit working in us, or rather Christ liveth in us. And as to that end we graff, that the verdure of the stock may correct and amend the taste of the fruit, that it may be the more pleasant to the eater: so we should have our corruptions corrected and amended by Christ and his spirit working in us, that we may better taste to God.   

Grapes.  
AS every man that eateth sour Grapes, his own teeth shall be set on edge: So shall every one that committeth iniquity die, 
jere. 31.30.  not for others, but for his own sin. When Grapes be full & ready for the press, who knoweth not that vintage is at hand: 
joel. 3.13.  So, when wickedness aboundeth, God's vengeance cannot be far of.   

Grass.  
THough the wicked flourish like the grass or green herb, 
Psal. 37.2.  yet quickly shall he be cut down and whither away. He shall be like the grass on the house top, 
Psal. 129.6.7.  which for lack of root withereth afore it can grow up to be mowed, or to any other good use: So is also the flourishing prosperity of such cities & lands, as by manifold wickedness provoke God's wrath and indignation against them. 
Esay. 37.27.  The godly therefore, are to be of good comfort, and not to fear any mortal men: 
Esay. 51.12.  for, as withered grass, so shall they be shortly.   

Graves.  
Graves, upon which lie fair stones, costly engraven with imagery, and having inscriptions in brass, and the arms of them that lie in them fair set forth, 
Math. 23.27. &▪ 28.  and blazed by heralds cunning, having within them nothing but a rotten stinking carrion: doth plainly set out hypocrisy before our eyes, which outwardly beareth a glorious show and inwardly is most foul, filthy, and loathsome. The grave always craving for more, and never satisfied, 
Rom. 3.13.  is an evident and a plain pattern of the unsatiableness of the throats of the wicked.   

grasshopper.  
grasshoppers should make us fearful obstinately and stubbornly to withstand God as Pharaoh did, 
Exod. 10.14.15.  least by grasshoppers he consume all the green things that the earth bringeth forth for our necessary sustenance. 
Esay. 40.22.  Further, the great and mighty upon the earth are in comparison of him, but as grasshoppers.   

Grief.  
Wisdom is not gotten without grief, neither can knowledge be increased without labour, 
Ecclesi. 1.15  and sorrow.   

Ground.  
A Waste Ground broken up, and rid of those things, wherewith it was overgrown, and the fruitfulness thereof hindered, 
isaiah. 35.1.2  and by good husbandry brought to flourish and to be fruitful, expresseth the state of the Church, when after persecution it pleaseth God to send peace and prosperity thereto.   

Guests.  
BY Guests, which when they be bidden to a banquet refuse to come, 
Math. 22.5.6 7.  or evil entreat the messengers that are sent for them, & so make them selves unworthy of the good cheer which was provided for them: we understand how justly God hath deprived the jews of the knowledge of his truth, 
Luk. 14.9.10  and how deservedly all froward refusers of his graces offered, are by him rejected and cast off. As it is honesty for a man when he is bidden to a feast, to be removed hire, than he proffereth to sit, rather than to be removed lower: 
Luke. 14.13.14.  So humility in our dealings bringeth honour and estimation. Also, when we bid Guests, we are to bid them that can not recompense us again, if we will have recompense at the hand of the highest.   

Gifts.  
Gifts great and liberal or rather magnificent, which great princes in their triumphs after conquests are wont to bestow upon their captains and servitors, 
Ephe. 4.8.11  should make us thankfully to record the liberality of Christ in his glorious and triumphant ascension, not only in all other spiritual & heavenly gifts: but especially in furnishing his church with teachers. 
Prou. 22.14.  Gifts given in secret pacifieth anger, & seasonably they stop and cease great wrath. 
Exod. 23.8.  But the receiver had need to take heed: for Gifts blindeth the eyes of the Wife, 
Esay. 1.23.  and perverteth the words of the righteous. And he that loveth gifts & hunteth after rewards is next Cousin to a thief.   

Hail.  
AS a mighty tempest and storm of great hailstones where they fail, do beat down and destroy, 
Esay. 28.2.  all the fruits of the earth: so, the armies and hosts of men, which God stirreth up to plague any people withal, do bear down and destroy all before them.   

Hammer.  
WHen we see smiths with their Hammers beat out the iron and steel, and frame it to that fashion, 
jere. 15.20.  that they will have it: and again, when we see the freemasons do the like upon hard stones: Then are we to remember of how much greater force they be, whom God useth as his hammers to break down and to destroy kingdoms and nations withal. 
jere. 50.23.  Further, we are to consider the almighty power of God, who can also break down and destroy them that have been hammers to the whole world.   

Hand.  
THe breadth of our hand should teach us the shortness of our days. 
Psal. 39.5.  Our hands are weakened, and our hearts melt within us, when God will have us overcome of our enemies: 
Esay. 13.7.  example hereof have we in them of jericho, when the spies which joshua sent, 
josua. 2.11.  came thither. Friends and other commodities earthly, though they be as necessary, and can as hardly be spared as our hands, yet if they hinder and stop us in our right course to life eternal, 
Math. 5.30.  or allure or entice us into the snares of death and hell, are to be renounced, forsaken and cast off.   

Harp.  
haps & other instruments of music, 
Psalm. 33.2  which God of his great liberality hath given us to recreate our spirits by, aught to be used to set out the praises of our God. The harp, if it make a confused noise and giveth no distinct sound, it delighteth not, it recreateth not, because no man can tell what it is that is played: so he that speaketh in the Church in a language which other men understand not, 
1. Cor. 14.7.5  cannot edify, because men understand not what he speaketh.   

Harvest.  
WHen we see men that have great Harvests, seek carefully for labourers and many times want: 
Math. ●9. 37 38.  then we are to remember how much greater Gods harvest is, and what wonderful want of labourers is therein, and therefore we ought earnestly, to pray to the Lord of the harvest, who alone can remedy that matter, to thrust our Labourers into his Harvest. Further, Harvest should make us remember, how great a blessing of GDD it is to ministers, when GOD hath made the people ripe and ready to be reaped and carried into the barn: 
joh. 4 37.38  and how great an ease it is for us by God to be called to those places, wherein others before us have faithfully and fruitfully laboured.   

Hatred.  

1. john. 3.15. job. 5.2  Whosoever hateth his Brother is a murderer. Yea, the fool fretteth himself to death through envy. Wherefore hate not thy Brother in thy heart, 
levit. 19.17  but plainly rebuke thy neighbour, and suffer him not to sin. For though thou thinkest thyself to be in the light and hatest thy brother, 
1. joh. 2.9 11  yet art thou in darkness, & walkest in darkness thou wottest not whither, because darkness hath blinded thine eyes. 
Pro. 10.12  Further hatred stirreth up contentions, and therefore it is not lawful for them, 
Mat. 5.43.44  who ought to seek to be at peace with all men, to hate their mortal enemies: 
Psal. 139.21 22.  yet it is lawful for us to hate, and that with perfect hatred the enemies of God. Also we which profess the name of Christ, 
Math. 10.22.  are to look for none other in the world, but to be hated of all men for his name sake.   

Heaven.  
IF man by search can not find out the height of Heaven, 
job. 11.7 Psal. 8.3.4.5. ●.  much less is it possible to attain the perfection of God. But beholding the Heavens with the visible creatures thereof, we should wonder that God would vouchsafe to give such worship, 
Psal. 19.1  glory and dominion unto man being but earth and dust. For the Heavens declare the glory of God, and the Firmament showeth his handy work. 
Psal. 11.4  Yet though heaven be his Palace and throne, his eyes will consider, his eyelids will try the children of men. 
Psal. 113.5.6 Psal. 103.11  Though his dwelling be on high, yet he abaseth himself to behold things here below in earth: His mercies showed to them that fear him, 
Math. 5.18  surmount the heavens in height. This heaven and this earth shall perish and pass away: 
Esay. 65.17  but every jot and title of his word shall be fulfilled. But God will create a new heaven and a new earth, 
2. Pet. 3.13.  which we look and wait for according to his promise, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 
jere. 31.37  So long as man can not measure the height of heaven, nor search the foundations of the earth, 
2. Peter. 3.7  so long (I say) God will never forsake his whole Church. The heavens that now are, and the earth are reserved by the word in store unto fire against the day of judgement, 
Colos. 3.1  and of the destruction of wicked men. Wherefore the godly should not seek nor savour earthly things, but things in heaven above, where Christ being risen again, sitteth at the right hand of God.   

Hedge.  
MEn Hedge their grounds round about, 
job. 1.10.  to keep them from being spoiled with cattle: 
Esay. 5.2.  even so God doth fence those which fear him round about, that they may be defended against all evils. And as the grounds are eaten, wasted, devoured, and rooted up, when the hedges and fences thereof are neglected and suffered to lie open: 
isaiah. 5.5.  so fareth it with them that profess the name of God, when God provoked with their sins, withdraweth his friendly defence and fatherly protection.   

Heap.  
WHen we see great Heaps of rubbish, and marvelous ruins, where great and famous cities have been: 
Esa. 25.2.  we are both to glorify God who is of such might and power, and to fear lest we by continual provoking of his wrath, bring our land and cities into the like case.   

Hairs.  

Psal. 40.12.  WHo can number the Hairs of his head, but his sins in number far exceedeth them: how great then ought the troubles and sorrows of his mind and heart to be therefore. But God hath numbered all the hairs of our head, which is a special comfort unto us, 
Math. 10.30.  seeing his providence stretcheth unto the smallest things, and vouchsafeth to have care of those things which we lest regard.   

Hen.  
THe Hen clocking and calling her Chickens together, 
Math. 23.37.  and lovingly spreading her wings to keep them under, and to protect and defend them from all things that would injure them and hurt them, should make us consider, how lovingly God continually by the preaching of his holy word, doth call men to the embracing of his mercy.   

Helmet.  
AN Helmet saveth the head of a soldier in the day of battle: 
Ephe. 6.17.  so salvation which cometh from L the ord, saveth and protecteth us from the deadly wounds of our spiritual adversaries.   

Hearts.  
THe Hearts desire the water brooks, even so should our souls long after God. 
Psal. 42.1.  As the Heart when he can find no pasture is poor and bare of flesh, and void of strength when he is hunted and pursued: 
Lam. 17.5.6.  so are the princes and rulers of those countries, which by the just judgement of God are oppressed and over run with foreign nations.   

Heath.  
AS Heath in the dry and desolate wilderness, where no habitation is, is apt and good for nothing, and yet easy to be consumed with fire: So the man that putteth his trust in man, 
jere. 17.5.6.  and maketh flesh and blood his strength and defence, and passeth not on the Lord, shall not see any good, but shall perish together with his helps.   

Heresies.  
WHen we see Sects and errors grow amongst the people, 
1. Cor. 11.19  than we should remember to walk the more carefully and heedfully, because GGD himself appointeth such days and times for the trial of his.   

Hire.  
THy workman's Hire shall not abide with thee till morning. Thou shalt give him his hire for his day, 
levit. 9.13  neither shall the sun go down upon it, for he is poor and therewith sustaineth his life. 
Deut. 24.13  For otherwise he shall cry unto the lord, or rather the hire that he is defrauded of shall cry, and shall enter into the ears of the Lord. 
james 5.4   
As hired servants will not tend men's sheep and cattle longer than there is money, 
john. 10.12 13.  and profit coming to them for it: so they which serve in the Church of God, if their end be their own profit and promotion, 
Philip. 2.2  than they surely give over and change their copy, when days of prosperity fail, and when storms and persecution for the word begin to grow.   

Honey.  

Prou. 16.24. Prou. 24.13.14.  Fair words are like the Honey comb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones. As Home is good, and the honey comb sweet unto the mouth: so also is the knowledge of wisdom unto the soul.   

Hold.  
WHen men in times of trouble and of war are compelled to fly to hold: 
Nah. 1.7.  then are they to remember that there is no hold so strong, as the Lord is to them which put their trust in him.   

Holiday.  
WHen we see our Holidays spent and consumed in idle pastimes and belly cheer: 
Exod. 32.6  then are we to remember, that as the children of Israel took that corruption from the Egyptians, 
1. Cor. 10.17.  so to us it is come from popish idolaters and idolatrous Papists.   

Hooke.  
AS in fishing when the Fish deceived with the bait, 
Esay. 37.29  have the Hook in their mouths, men draw them and make them follow whither soever please them: so God withdraweth mighty tyrants from executing their devices, and from obtaining their enterprises.   

Houses.  
WHen we see wonderful great Houses, 
john. 14.2.3  containing many rooms and costly furniture and rich array, large and sufficient to receive many princes with their trains of Nobles: then are we to remember, how large a palace the house of our heavenly father is: what multitude of mansions there are, and that there is one head and captain Christ, who in his good time will come for us, and bring us all thither where he is, for there is room and provision sufficient. Again, the careful and clean keeping of those houses do admonish us, how carefully we should keep the house of God, 
Heb. 3.6.  whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and rejoicing of the hope unto the end.   

householder.  
AS a careful householder is not only content with provision for the present time, 
Math. 13.32.  but provideth a fore hand, and hath by him store of things needful both old and new, as well for his household as for the entertainment of his friends: so he that is a Teacher in the Church of God, aught by long study and meditation aforehand, to be thoroughly furnished and stored with all manner of doctrine and comforts needful for every sort of men. The householder that feareth thieves, 
Math. 24.43.  will cause his house to be diligently watched and looked unto, lest the thief come upon him at unawares: of him we should learn to be watchful, and to be prepared for the coming of our Lord and Saviour, who will come in an hour wherein he is least looked for.   

Horses  
WHen God by his Ministers doth teach and instruct us in the way that we should go, 
Psal 32.8.9 Psal. 33.17.  and we continue as before ignorant, neither understand the thing which is taught us: then we be like Horses and Mules which must be ruled with bit and bridle. In battle an horse is but a vain help, neither can he deliver his rider through his much strength. 
Pro. 21.31.  For the horse is prepared against the day of battle: but salvation is from the Lord.   

Husbandmen.  
AS Husbandmen that misuse their Landlord and his servants which he sendeth to them for the rents and profits of his land, are worthily and justly thrust out & others planted in their rooms: 
Math. 21.41.  so we have seen the jews cut off from being the people & Church of God for misusing of Christ, his Apostles and prophets, and so assuredly shall all they be, that despise and nought set by, and cruelly misuse and entreat the Ministers of the gospel, & the preachers of the truth which are sent unto them. As husbandmen wait patiently forth fruit of the earth, & tarry for the former and latter rain: 
james. 5.7.  so all Christians ought patiently to abide and wait for the coming of our saviour Christ.   

Husbandry.  
Fields barren and unpleasant, made fruitful by pains and good Husbandry, 
1. Cor. 3.9  do show unto us what difference there is betwixt us in the time of ignorance, & ourselves, when God by the teaching and pains of his ministers hath made us his husbandry.   

Idleness.  
BY slothfulness the roof of the house goeth to decay, 
Eccle. 10.19  and by idleness of the hands the house droppeth thorough, and is neither able to keep out wind nor rain.   

Idols.  
THe images of the gentiles were silver and gold, 
Psalm. 115.4. Esay. 46.7. jerem. 2.28.  so were the images of the Papists. They were borne by men and set in their places, and so stood and could not remove themselves from thence. 
Abuck. 2.18.  According to the number of their Cities and villages, so were the multitude of their Patrons represented by images: 
Esay. 44.17.  They did think them books and teachers: They fell down afore them & made prayers unto them. 
josua. 23.7  They swore by the names of their Idols. They did ascribe unto them help & delivery from dangers, 
2. Chr. 28.23  yet could they not help themselves. For by God's just judgement they were taken & broken down, 
1. King. 19.18  and destroyed and consumed by fire: so are the images of the papists. 
Esay. 73.19  But there resteth a sentence of malediction, woe and curse, aswell to the image maker, 
Abuck. 2.19.  as to all that say to wood, awake: or to stone, rise up.   

Idolatry.  
IDolaters in falling down to images do humble themselves to hell: yet they are very constant in their religion, 
Esay. 57.9.  and very rarely and seldom give over and forsake their false Gods: 
jere. 2.11.  which constancy of theirs aught to make us ashamed of our inconstancy and coldness in professing the truth, 
jere. 4.17.18  yea they ascribe the blessing of plenty to Idol serving, and penury and misery to the leaving of that service.   

Ignorance.  
WHen we see in this light of the gospel many vile and gross sins: 
Rom. 1.21.28  let us remember that it is the just judgement of God against this unthankful world, partly for that men that know him do not glorify him as God, and partly for that in so great and divers means to know god, many have had no regard or care to know him, and therefore are given over into reprobate minds.   

Image.  
WHen we enter into the Churches of Papists, and see how they be decked with Images of all sorts, 
Psalm. 115.8  which notwithstanding they be well shapen, yet have no manner of sense in them: then are we to remember, that by the just judgement of God, in sense and understanding of matters pertaining to GOD and the life to come, 
Psal. 115.8.  such as the images are, their makers are also, together with all them that put their trust in them. 
Psal. 135.18.  The image makers are vanity itself, and God hath shut their eyes that they can not see nor understand. What an absurd thing it is, when they have burnt one piece of a tree to make an image of an other piece of the same, 
Esay. 44.9.15 17.  and to bow down to it.  
Therefore when we see them in their churches, cense their images, 
Esay. 42.8.  knock, kneel, and pray to them, then let us call to mind that God sayeth, I am the Lord, 
isaiah. 46.6.9.  this is my name, and my glory will I not give to an other, neither my praise to graven images. 
Act. 17.29.  For he is God and there is none other, and there is nothing like him, or whereby his likeness may be expressed. 
1. Cor. 4.4  Therefore we may not imagine the Godhead to be like silver or gold graven or carved, 
Collo. 1.15.  by the art & invention of man, Christ our saviour is the very Image of God, 
Heb. 1.3.  in whom God hath revealed and made known himself, and he is the express form of the father's person.   

judging.  
WE are to take great heed, and to be very careful in judging of others, 
Math. 7.1.  and when we judge, we are to judge justly, which we can never do, 
john. 7.24.  except we judge by the Word, the judgement whereof, must stand at the last day, and when we do judge others, 
john 12 48.  we are diligently to view & consider ourselves, whether the like or greater faults be not in us worthy reformation. For otherwise we shall both bewray ourselves to be blind hypocrites, 
Math. 7.5 Math. 7.3. Rom. 2.1.3.  & also ignorantly when we think not of it, give sentence against ourselves as David did. Besides in outward and indifferent things we must take heed how we judge our brother, 
2. Sam. 5.12. Rom. 14.4.10.  for he is not our servant, he standeth or falleth unto his Lord, he and we all shall stand before the judgement seat of Christ and be there judged.   

judges.  
Judges are adorned with the name of Gods, 
Psalm. 28.2.  because they are Gods deputies amongst men, and for that cause are to be highly reverenced of men. 
Exod. 22.18.  wherefore such are to be chosen as are of courage, that is, 
Exod. 18.21  such as fear not the face of man. Men dealing truly and hating covetousness, such as in judgement neither for pity to the poor, 
Levi. 19.15.  neither for reverence to the rich decline from justice, neither can be drawn to follow a multitude, 
Exod. 23.21  nor in judgement to follow the sentence of many to overthrow right, but always seek and search to give true judgement to all, as well strangers as Citizens, having always before their eyes, that they execute not the judgements of man, 
Deut. 1.16 2. Chro. 19.6  but of the Lord, who is ever present with them in the examination and judgement of the cause.   

jewel.  
Look how evil a ring or jewel of gold becometh the filthy snout of a swine, 
Prou. 11.21  that is always rooting in the dirt and mire: so uncomely is beauty to a woman that hath not wit nor discretion to behave herself.   

Iron.  
AS with Iron tools sharp Weapons are made of Iron, so doth one Friend help to sharpen, encourage and embolden the face of an other.   

King.  
IT is folly for a king to put his trust in the multitude of his host and army. 
psalm. 33.16  The death of kings and Princes showeth us how vain a thing it is for us to put our trust in men, 
●say. 37.24  or in the sons of men, for there is none help in them, for their breath departeth, 
●sal. 146.4.5  they die and turn again to their earth, and then their thoughts perish. 
●rou. 20.8 p. 28.  If a King will see evil and wickedness driven and chased away out of his realm and land, he must severely punish the wicked. Yet he must mingle mercy with justice, 
●rou. 29.14  for mercy shall establish his throne. 
●●ou. 28.4.  He must also have an especial care to defend the poor in truth, for that is an other mean to uphold him in his kingdom. He must abstain from the love of gifts, for otherwise he shall destroy his country. He must marvelously take heed of giving ear to untruths, otherwise he shall be sure to have wicked servants. When dross is taken away from Silver, there proceedeth a vessel for the finer: so take away the wicked from the king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness. As the height of heavens and the deepness of earth, 
Eccle. 4.13.14.  so the king's heart is unsearchable. Yet his heart is in the hand of God, he turneth it which way so ever it pleaseth him. A poor child that is wise, is better than an old foolish king that can not abide to be admonished or counseled. For out of prison he cometh forth to reign, when he that is borne in a kingdom cometh to poverty and misery. Woe to the land where the king is as a child without wisdom, 
Eccl. 10.16.17.  and where the Princes and Rulers give themselves altogether to voluptuousness and pleasures. But happy is that land, whose king God hath endued with celestial wisdom, and all graces meet for government. We must beware of speaking evil, 
Eccle. 10.20  or thinking evil of princes: For though we do it never so secretly it cannot be kept close. So necessary as breath and life is for the body, so be good kings and Princes for their people and common wealth. Though kings and princes sometimes conspire against Christ, 
Act. 4.26.2  to destroy the Church, and to quench the light of the Gospel, yet we are assured that all they can do nothing, but whatsoever Gods hand and counsel had afore hand determined to be done. The king is the minister of God to take vengeance on them that do evil. Therefore let evil doers be afraid of him, for he beareth not the sword for nought. Finally, the king must have God's book continually with him, 
Deut. 17.10  & therein for his continual direction he must read all the days of his life.   

Labourers.  
WHen we see painful labourers, if we be ministers we should by their example learn, what pains we ought to bestow upon God's flock: if we be common persons, we are in them to view the care and pain, that vigilant pastors take for us, and to consider how worthy they are of their reward. 
1 Cor. 3.9.  Again, when we see either for want of labourers, or by negligence of those which are set on work, 
Math. 10.10  things do perish and be lost: then we should consider, how many thousands of souls are in danger of perishing, 
Math. 9.37.38.  for want of painful and careful ministers, and should earnestly call upon God to thrust out labourers into his harvest,  
Further, the view of labourers sweeting, toiling, and taking pains, 
job. 5.7.  should put us in mind whereunto we are borne, and also that that there is a penalty laid upon men by God, 
Genes. 3 19  in the sweat of their brows to eat their bread. To the painful labourer sleep is sweet, 
Eccle. 1.11  whether he eateth much or little. He that for need stole, let him steal no more, 
Ephesi. 4.28.  but let him labour with his hands the thing which is good, that he may both eat his own bread, 
●. Thes 33.12  and also be able to give to him that needeth.   

Lamb.  
WIth such patience and meekness as a lamb is carried to the slaughter, 
jerem. 11.19  with such are the Prophets and preachers of God brought by the wicked to most cruel death. 
john. 1.29.  For his meekness and innocency, wherein a lamb resembleth him, Christ is called the lamb of God, which taketh away the sins of the world. And because that as a lamb is dumb before his shearer, 
Acts. 8.33  so he was led to the slaughter, not opening his mouth.   

Lying.  
AS uncomely as magnifical talk is for a poor fool, 
Pro. 17.7.  so unmeeete is lying and untrue talk for a Prince. 
john. 8.44.  As the devil is the father of lies, so lying is an evident token of his Children. The gross and apparent lies commonly believed and received in Popery, 
2. Thes. 11.  is a manifest token of God's just vengeance upon them to their damnation, that they are given over to believe lies, because they received not the love of the truth: which punishment, we see how it lighted upon the jews, 
jere. 5.31.  whose Prophets preached lies, and the people delighted therein. Who soever loveth or maketh lies, 
Apoc. 22. ●  shall never enter into the gates of the heavenly and Celestial jerusalem, but shall have their part and portion in the Lake which burneth with fire and brimstone. 
21. ver.  Yet we may complain with David, 
Psalm. 12.1  that there is not a godly man left, and that the faithful do fail from amongst the children of men.   

Lyar.  

Prou. 17.4  THe ears of the wicked are always open to the lips of liars, and Liars are glad to hearken to the tongues of them that are accustomed to lies, 
Exod. 23.7.  yet we are commanded to fly from lying, because it is amongst the things that God abhorreth. 
Pro. 6.16.17.30. verse. 8  Therefore we are earnestly to request at God's hands to remove far from us vanities and lies, 
Ephesi. 4.5.  and to teach us to speak the truth, every man to his neighbour.   

Lightning.  
SO quickly as the Lightning in the East, is seen unto the West: 
Math. 24.27.  so suddenly shall Christ appear unto the whole world, at his second coming.   

Light.  

●ob. 18.6  AS a dark or dim light which a man can not discern any thing by, nor use to his benefit, 
Psam. 27.1  but is ready so soon as it is stirred to go quite out: so is the prosperity of the wicked: but God is the light of his, 
Psa. 611. 10●  and giveth them eyes, and wisdom to eschew all the perils, and dangers of their spiritual enemies. As men in the night because of the darkness, use Lantern and Lights, that they may see their way: so we ought in this blind, dark and ignorant world, to use the word as a Lantern unto our feet, and a light to our steps, 
john. 1.9.  that we may walk in those ways that God hath provided for us to walk in. For Christ preached, in the word is the true Light which lighteneth all that come into the world, that are lightened. The benefit that we receive by light, 
joh. 3.19.20.  setteth out the benefit of the knowledge of Christ. And as they that love it hide their doings in the dark, it is a manifest token, that their own consciences beareth them witness that their doings be nought: So they that love and choose rather ignorance, than the knowledge of Christ, It is a manifest token that they loathe to see the filthiness of their own works. Moreover, it is a manifest token of condemnation, when they shut their eyes against the truth.  
As Light endureth not always, but darkness succeed: so the times and means to get knowledge, endureth not always: 
john. 12.35.  but we are to use them whilst God doth give them. Otherwise, as he that goeth in the dark, catcheth a shrewd turn afore he wotteth of it: 
john. 14.46.  so he that walketh in ignorance, runneth headlong to destruction, when he lest thinketh of it. Whosoever think that they believe in Christ, and yet abide in their old ignorance, and care not for knowledge, deceive themselves. The light that shineth unto us out of darkness, 
1. Cor. 4.6  is the knowledge of the glory of God in Christ. And those which are endued with this knowledge, are now light in the Lord whatsoever they have been, & ought carefully to walk as is comely for the children of light. 
Ephes. 5.8.  For many things which whilst they were in darkness & ignorance seemed not, & were not thought of them to be faults & vices, are discovered & made manifest by the light of knowledge, 
Ephes. 5.13  and therefore to be diligently avoided and eschewed of them, which willingly & wilfully will not continue in wickedness. For it is a vain persuasion for men to think that they have fellowship with God, who is light, 
1. john. 5.6  and in whom is no darkness, and yet walk in darkness still. Also they are foully deceived that think themselves to be in the light, 
1. john. 2.9  & yet hate their brethren.   

lily.  
AS the lily doth flourish and spring in the field or garden: so God doth make the penitent, whose sins he forgiveth & pardoneth, to grow and flourish. 
Hose. 14.6  The lily of the field, whose beauty exceedeth the glory of the richest raiment that ever any king or potentate in the world ware, 
Mat. 6.28.24  declareth what God is able to do for those that rest and repose themselves upon his providence, when ordinary means fail.   

Lion.  
GOd killeth up them that disobey the voice of his words, by the cruelty of raging of lions: So was the Prophet that prophesied against jeroboams calves, for eating in Bethel contrary to the precept of the Lord destroyed and slain by a lion. 
1. Kin. 13.24  So were the Samaritans newly planted by the king of Ashur in the land of Israel, 
2. Kin. 17.25  for not fearing the Lord, destroyed by lions. But God can shut up the lion's mouths, 
Dani. 6.27.  & make them calm and meek to them which fear and serve him. As lion's rage and roar when they seek after their prey: 
Psalm. 7.2  so do wicked men, when they seek to destroy them that fear God. 
Psalm. 57.4  So fearful as the roaring of a lion is: so terrible is the wrath of a king. And as the lion and lions whelps fiercely rageth on his prey: 
Prou. 19.12  so shall God on the enemies of his Church, when he riseth up to defend it. 
Esa. 31.4  Ravening lions express the nature of tyrants, that make havoc of the people committed to them. The lion caught in a net or pitfall, expresseth the miserable estate of a king taken captive, 
Eze. 19.5.6.7 19 verse 4.8.  and held in captivity. As a raging lion spoileth and devoureth all that he can catch or come by: so the Lord devoureth and spoileth the wicked that fall from him, 
Hose. 5.14.13. ver. 78.  and exerciseth all manner of cruelty upon them. As when the lion roareth, whosoever is within his danger, can not choose but be afraid: 
Amos. 3.8  so, when the Lord speaketh, what prophet or preacher of his can hold his peace?   

Leopard.  
AS impossible as it is for a black-more to cast away his Skin and to become White, 
jerem. 13.23  and for a leopard to put away his spots: So impossible it is for them that nuzzle themselves and accustom themselves continually with evil doing to change their custom, and to endeavour to do well. 
Abuck. 1.8  The swiftness of the Leopard is not comparable or equal to the pace of their horses, whom God stirreth up to plague the wickedness of them that that provoke him to wrath or anger.   

Leaven.  
A little leaven hidden in a great lump of dough: 
Math. 13.33.  by little and little leaveneth all: which teacheth us not to be amazed or astonished at the small and unlikely beginnings of the gospel, but patiently to wait and abide God's leisure, 
Math. 16.6  till the fruit and increase thereof be made apparent: And as sweet Doughty is made sour by a little leaven: So is the sweetness and comfort of the doctrine of truth corrupted, if it be never so little intermeddled with human doctrine or man's traditions. 
1. Cor. 5.6.7.8.  The like is to be seen in our conversation, If the leaven of maliciousness and wickedness remain in us. We must take heed therefore of suffering a little evil, and fostering a few wicked persons amongst us. For it doth quickly corrupt much and many: 
Gala. 5.9  the beginnings therefore of wickedness are to be refrained.   

Life.  
AS that is counted the life of men, wherein they most delight and rejoice: So that is a good ministers life to see his flock stand fast in the Lord. 
1. Thes. 3.8 Ezec. 20.11  God gave unto his people stacutes, and declared his judgements unto them, which whosoever doth, 
Rom. 5.12.23.  shall live in them. But this life all men lost, & death prevailed in all, because all men sinned, that is to say, transgressed the law. But God of his mere mercy, favour and goodness, hath given us life eternal in Christ: and when we were dead in sin hath quickened and raised us again in Christ, 
Ephe. 2.5.6  & hath revealed it to us by the preaching of the Gospel, 
1. john. 1.2. john. 3.16  to the end that all that believe should not perish, but be partakers of life everlasting.   

man..  
WHen we see any possession kept by strength & force of armed men, which cannot be removed, but by greater strength & force: then also we are to remember, that even so, we were kept by the prince of this world, whose possession we were and whose force could be by no means removed, but by the might of our God showed in his son Christ, 
Mark. 3.27  that victorious lion of the tribe of judah, by whom the prince of this world was cast out of doors. When we see a man rob or wounded, or in any other kind of necessity: then are we to remember, 
Luke. 10.37.  that he is that man's nearest neighbour, that dealeth most neighbourly by him, & giveth him most and best comfort, how far soever he dwell from him, or whatsoever enmity or strangeness have been between them.   

Marriage.  
AS often as we are present at any marriage, and see man and wife, coupled together in holy matrimony: 
jerem. 2.2  so often we should remember how much God hath done for us to couple us as his spouse to himself. 
Hos. 2.19.20.  The keeping of the promise and faith of marriage inviolable, should admonish us carefully to keep the like to our God. And the detestation that the good husband conceiveth against the wife, 
jere. 2.19.20  if she play the Harlott, should make us to think how grievous the anger of God is against us, if we forsake him. And as it is against good manners for a man to mourn at the marriage of his friend: so it is against duty for men not to rejoice with thanksgiving, when they by evident testimonies, perceive the favour of God towards them in coupling them to himself, 
Math 9.15.  Whereby they are straightlyer conjoined than they can be in this world, 
Math. 12.49. 1. Cor. 7.29  by any band of alliance or kindred. Yet we must take heed that marriage make us not worldly minded, nor yet be an impediment to God's matters.  
The institution of it was in paradise with this condition, 
Genes. 2.21.1. verse. 28  that whatsoever friends were nearest or dearest by nature were to be left and forsaken, that the married couple might cleave and continue together. The blessing thereof was by Gods own mouth, that the face of the earth might be replenished with mankind. The estate of it is honourable for all men, 
Heb. 13.4  and the bed thereof impolluted and undefiled. But marvelous necessary for them which have not the gift of continency: 
1. Cor. 7.2.4.7. verse 4  the bond thereof is mutual and tieth either to other. The prohibition of marriage to any sort of men or women, 
1. Timo. 4.3.  is a doctrine which the papists learned of the devil himself.   

Maids.  
THe mindfulness of maids to deck and trim up themselves in the best manner, who hardly or never forget those things which they think may beautify them, shall serve to our condemnation, which can so easily and so lightly forget God, 
jerem. 2.32  and so quickly quite exile, & banish him out of our minds.   

Measure.  
FAlse and unjust measures are an abomination to the Lord, 
Prou. 20.10  he cannot abide them: but by his just judgement he recompenseth them into their bosom by one means or other. 
Math. 7.2  For what soever measure we meat, the same we must look for to be met to us again. Therefore thou shalt not have in thy house divers measures, a great and a small, but thou shalt have a right and a just weight, 
Deut. 25.14.15.16.  a perfect and a just measure shalt thou have that, thy Days may be lengthened in the Land, which the Lord thy God giveth thee. For all that do such things, and all that do unrighteously are an abomination unto the Lord.   

Meat.  

Psalm ●9. 1  THe wicked run here and there seeking for Meat, and shall not be satisfied, but the godly have as great delight and desire to please God and to perform his will, 
john. 4.34  within compass of their several callings, 
Rom. 14.14.  as to eat their meat when they are an hungered, and when they see men labour and toil hard to have wherewith to feed themselves and their families: 
john. 6.27  then they call to mind how much rather they are bound to labour for that meat that endureth to life everlasting. And as oft as they see meat of what sort soever, they remember that no creature of God, is of itself unholy or unclean, but that all meats are sanctified to the receiver by the word of God and prayer, 
Rom. 14.20.21.  and therefore they abhor that devilish doctrine of the Pope, which at sometimes not for civil policy, 
1. Cor. 8.8  but for conscience sake commandeth some meats to be abstained from as unlawful. Wherefore as they condemn none for using their lawful liberty, so they themselves are careful, lest that in rash or unadvised use of their liberty they should offend, or be occasion of backsliding to their weak brethren. For neither the using or abstaining from meat, maketh a man the more or less acceptable to God, but always in eating or drinking, or what soever else doing, they have a thankful consideration of God's liberality, to glorify him for his benefits.   

Millstone.  
IT was in the old time, the office of slaves to grind in the mill, 
Esay. 47.2  and is at this day the punishment of masterless men and vagabonds, and the sight thereof should make us remember, to what vile slavery God threateneth to bring the enemies of his people and Church to. Further, as he that is thrown into deep waters with a millstone about his neck, 
Math. 18.6.  is sure to perish and to be drowned: so we were better to sustain that, or any other bodily punishment, then to hinder weak and simple Christians from the truth.   

Mockers.  
MOckers and scorners at the gospel & truth of God, 
Psalm. 1.1.  are in the highest degree of impiety. Wherefore be no mockers, for if the Lord for the ungodliness of the inhabitants, 
Esay. 28.22.  decree a consumption upon the whole land, much more shall he destroy the scorners. For the cruel man shall cease, and the scornful shall be consumed, 
Esay. 29.20.  and all that hasted to iniquity shall be cut off.   

Minister.  
WHen we see the church abound with blind, idle, ignorant covetous Ministers: then let us fear the plague, that the like brought upon the Church of the jews, 
Esay. 56.10 11.  whose watchmen were all blind, had no knowledge, were dumb Dogs, could not bark, delighted in sleeping, had never enough. ignorant ministers, that oppose themselves against Preachers and preaching, are to be terrified with the curse of Christ, which he giveth against those that take away the key of knowledge, 
Luke. 11.52.  and neither would enter themselves, nor suffer them which would: which also stretcheth to them that maintain ignorance to be the mother of devotion, and also to them which with their traditions, and impure glosses have corrupted the true sense and plain meaning of the word. 
1. Cor. 3.4.  And when we have as excellent ministers as can be, if we stay and ground ourselves upon them, and not upon the word, we are carnal and not spiritual. 
Rom. 10.15.  Howbeit, the feet of them that bring tidings to us of our salvation ought to be marvelous welcome, 
Luke. 10.16.  and those that despise them, despise Christ himself.   

Moats.  
WHen we see the sun so clearly to shine that we may see the motes that fly up and down in the Sun-beaems: 
Math. 7.3.4.5.  Then we are to consider how many greater things there are in ourselves and others, which we see not: And thereby we are to learn to look narrowly to ourselves, that we be not curious in spying small faults in others, and either blind or reckless in passing over great faults in ourselves unespied, and so bewray our hypocrisy.   

Moon.  
THe light of the moon should make us mindful of the promises GOD made unto his Church, 
Esay. 60.19.20.  that their sun should never go down, and their moon never be hid, for the Lord shall be their everlasting light. 
job. 25.5.6.  If the moon be not bright, nor the stars clean in the eyes and sight of God, how much more filthy is the son of man, which is but an earthworm?   

Mony.  
THe image of the Prince, together with his inscription upon his money coined, teacheth us that those external things are his, 
Mark. 12.17.  and that in those we own him subjection, and are to be at his commandment, for they all are his, & we his subjects have them of him, and under him, and by the benefit of his Laws: 
Rom. 13.6.7  and therefore we are commanded to give him tribute because to him it belongeth.   

Moth.  
AS moths eat garments, and worms wool: so the wicked shall be fretted away and consumed. Wherefore we need not greatly to fear their reproaches, rebukes and threats. And GOD shall be come like a moth and rottenness, 
Hose. 51.8.  to those that bear the name of his people, and yet abound in wickedness. The moth eating, 
Math. 6.19.  the canker corrupting, the thief stealing, should cause us by the consideration thereof, to alienate our mind from that, which either so shortly perisheth, or, so quickly changeth his owner, and therefore can tarry with us we know not how little while. Those that let their clothes lie by them, till they be moth-eaten, seeing every day a number of naked souls to want them, 
james. 5.2.  shall have their own moth-eaten garments to be a witness against them, to their condemnation at the day of judgement.   

Mourners.  
WHen at burial and at other times, we see men mourn and in heaviness, than we are to remember, that we are to mourn, and lament for our wickedness and sins, 
Ezech. 9.4  If we look to be spared at the hands of God in the day of the general destruction of the Land for impiety.   

Morsel.  

Prou. 17.1.  A Dry morsel is better for man with peace & quietness, than a house full of all delicates with brawling and strife.   

mortar.  
WHen we see things bruised and broken in a mortar, then are we to remember, that all correction is in vain bestowed upon a fool, 
Prou. 27.22.  to bring him to learning and wisdom: for it will not be as long as folly abideth with him, which can by no means be chased from him.   

Mountains.  
AS far as the great and huge mountains exceed the rest of the earth: so far do the justice of God exceed and excel the righteousness of any creature. 
Psalm. 36.6    

mire.  
AS a man or Beast that suddenly falleth into a deep quagmire, whereof he can find no bottom, 
Psalm. 69.2  must needs perish, except there be some at hand to draw him out: so he that falleth into extreme adversity, except God do help him out, must needs be therein overthrown and perish.   

Mite.  
WHen we see men give largely to good and godly uses, 
Mark. 12.43 44.  and amongst them, some poor men give gladly of that little which the Lord hath lent them: then are we to remember that it is not the quantity of the gift, 
2. Cor. 8.12.  but the cheerfulness of the giver, which the Lord liketh.   

Mustard.  
THe smallness of the seed of mustard, compared with the greatness of the increase thereof, teacheth us from how small & unlikely beginnings God doth bring forth his Church to a wonderful increase, 
Math. 13.31 32.  and largeness. The consideration whereof is a great comfort to those, whose labours. God employeth in those places, where least likelihood is that they should do good.   

Milk.  
Milk serveth usually to feed children and infants: 
1. Cor. 3.2.  which when we see, we are to remember, that all are not capable of one, and the same manner of instruction, but we ought otherwise to deal with younglings, and novices in Christ, then with those that are grown to more strength and knowledge. For the rudementes of religion, and the first principles, and as it were the A.B.C. of Christianity, 
Heb. 5.12.13.14.  is as milk for babes in Christ. And a deeper insight and knowledge of the true understanding of the word, & of the doctrine comprehended in the same, is meat for them which are further grown & are men in Christ. Therefore, if we be regenerate, and borne again in Christ, 
1. Pet. 2.2.  we are to desire the sweet and sincere milk of the word, without any mingle mangle of traditions or human doctrine, that we may grow thereby.   

Needle.  
THe smallness of the eye of a Needle, compared with the greatness of a Camel, should make men remember, how great and dangerous an evil it is for men to be possessed of their possessions: 
Mark. 10.24.  so that as it is impossible for a Camel to go through the eye of a needle: so also is it impossible for such a rich man to enter into the kingdom of heaven, for he hath made his gold his God, though he do not so think nor persuade himself.   

Net.  
AS the net craftily laid, 
Psalm. 31.4  encloseth a number of fish: so the wicked by their privy devices, seek to catch & draw into their danger the godly. 
Ezec. 12. 1●  But god on the other side, both maketh them fall into their own nets which they have laid for others, and also maketh the hands of their enemies to be nets & snares to catch them. Further, they that ascribe their wealth and other blessings of this life, to the outward means, and instruments whereby they have gotten those things, are like fisher men which when they have sped well do go & burn incense, 
Aba. 1.16  and offer sacrifice to their nets.   

Nurse.  
Even as a Nurse doth favour and with all mildness foster and cherish his Children, 
1. Thes. 2.7  even so ought a minister with all kindness and lemtie to cherish his flock.   

Obligation.  
THe making, sealing and giving in evidence of Obligations and other hand writings, should make us remember that there were as many hand writings against us to condemn us in the time of the law, 
Collos. 2.14  as there were ordinances of the law to be executed or exercised of us: and the canceling, discharging, and defacing of obligations or other such writings, should bring us to a thankful remembrance of God's great goodness and kindness in Christ, who when we stood so many ways indebted, hath not only paid our debts, but also hath put out and canceled the obligations and hand, writings of the law which were against us.   

Obstinacy.  
WHen we see any place wherein the graces of God most mercifully offered by the preaching of his word, 
Math. 11.20 21.22.23.  are obstinately refused and maliciously resisted: Then are we most heartily to lament their misery, for that their state and condition in the day of judgement shall be far more miserable and wretched, than the condition or estate of Sodom and Gomorrha, 
Mark. 6.11.  or any other upon whom God hath executed most just judgements and most terrible punishment.   

Oath.  
WHen we see men believed upon their Oath, 
Heb. 6.17.  then let us remember how much more we are bound to believe the promises of God, seeing to show the stableness of his council, 
james. 5.12.  he hath bound himself thereto by his Oth. Men in common speech are not to swear, 
1. The●. 2.5  but their communication must be yea, yea, nay, nay. But it is lawful for them to swear, 
Rom. 9.1. Heb. 6.16.  so it make for the better credit of the ministry of the word, for the readier believing of the doctrine of the truth, for the preservation of love amongst men, 
Deut. 6.13.  and for the ending of contentions. But then in our oaths we must use the name of God with exceeding reverence, 
Exod. 20.7 Deut. 5. ●1.  not for every light and trifling matter, neither falsely nor untruly, but in truth, in justice and judgement, 
Zachary 5.4.  so that all that see and hear our reverent dealing may bless and praise our God: 
jerem. 4.2.5. verse. 7. Sopho. 1.  but to swear by any thing that is not god, is a flat falling away from God. So is it also in swearing to join any other thing with God.   

Olife tree.  
IN the midst of the miseries of this world, the godly man, when he seemeth to be of men rejected and cast of, the sight of a green Olife tree should comfort him, that he may say with David, yet I shall he like a green Olife tree in the house of my God, 
Psalm. 52.8  for I trusted in the mercy of God for ever and ever. Further, a flourishing Olife tree should bring us to a diligent consideration, of the covenant and promise of blessedness made by Abraham and his posterity. Boughs broken or cut off, 
Rom. 11.17.  should make us remember, what numbers naturally descended from Abraham, are for the neglecting and contemning of the covenant cut or broken off, and the graffing in of grifts, should make us thankful to God for his goodness, in accepting of us in their rooms.   

Olives.  
AS in the time of gathering of Olives, a few berries escape here and there ungathered: 
Esay. 17.6.24.13.  so when God doth bring general destruction upon any land, for the impiety of the people therein, and for the contempt of his word and ordinances, a very few here and there shall scape.   

Oil.  
IN the old time the use of Oil was manifold, especially to anoint them that were consecrated to great offices, as to be Kings and Priests. For by Oil the plentifulness of gods graces powered upon them, for their better enabling to execute their offices was represented, and therefore that unmeasurable abundance, wherewith our Lord and Saviour Christ was endued, 
Psalm. 45. ●. Heb. 1.6.  was called the Oil of gladness, and we that believe called his fellows, 
1. Pet. 2.9.  brethren, and partners, because that out of his fullness, we also in some measure have received, so that we also are made Kings and Priests.   

Ointment.  
AS an Ointment well compounded of sweet & odoriferous things, cannot but be acceptable to the sent of all men: so that unity which beginneth at religion, 
Psalm. 133.2  and stretcheth to the uttermost borders of the Church and common wealth, can not but both please God and all good men. 
Prou. 27.9.  And as the scent and savour of a sweet ointment or perfume, is comfortable to the brains and hart: so is the wise and hearty council of a man's assured friend. 
Eccle. .7.3  A good name is sweeter than a most pleasant ointment.   

Ornaments.  
WHen we see the Children of them that be great and rich men decked with chains of gold and other costly Ornaments, 
Prou. 19  than we are to remember that there is no such beautifying of a Child, as is the diligence and pains of Father and mother in seeing their child taught, and instructed in all kind of literature and nurture.   

Oppression.  
WHen both by craft and subtlety, and also by outward and open rage, the tyrants of this world oppress the church of God, & go about utterly to destroy & to root it out from of the face of the earth: Then the providence of God in preserving his people in Egypt, aught to be our comfort and consolation: 
Exod. 1.12.20.  for he is the same God still and is not changed. When Oppression hath gotten from justice her authority, 
Amos. 5.7.11  and cruelty reigneth in steed of equity, than judgement is turned to wormwood. But the judgements of the Lord shall follow those cruel oppressors, for they shall build houses, and not dwell in them, and plant vineyards, and not eat the fruit of them. Therefore sith God is so severe a revenger of oppression and wrong, 
1. Thes. 4.6.  we are diligently to take heed that no man oppress or defraud his brother,   

Oven.  
AS in an Oven or furnace, the fire doth quickly consume the wood which is put therein; 
Psalm. 21.9.  so the wicked in the day wherein God will show forth his anger, 
Mala. 4.1.  shall quickly be consumed. Or rather with what facility and speed, straw or stubble is consumed in the heating of an Oven, with the like the wicked shall be destroyed.   

Owl.  
AN Owl doth not only keep alone and not show herself in the day time, but also if at any time she happen to be seen, 
Psal. 102.6.  all other birds do wonder at her. Wherein we see the state of a godly man well expressed, when he happeneth to dwell alone amongst a number and multitude of wicked men, he neither delighteth in their company, and yet is a common gazing or wondering stock, when he happeneth to be among them.   

Palm.  
THe nature of a Palm tree is always to be green, and the more it is pressed with any weight, the more to grow and flourish, and therefore in those Countries where it commonly groweth, 
Psalm. 92.12.  is apt to express the blessings of God upon the righteous.   

Pelican.  
A Pelican is wont to keep alone and without company of other Birds, his voice or singing hath no pleasantness in it. 
Psalm. 202.6  Wherefore it well expresseth the state of a sorrowful man, and an heavy hart forsaken of all men, even of those whom sometime he took to be his dear friends.   

Pearl.  

Math. 13.46.  WHen we see Pearls of great price, such as we can well be content to bestow all our substance and wealth on, thinking thereby to be great gainers: then are we to remember, how much more precious the kingdom of heaven is, and that for the attainment thereof, no earthly treasure is to be spared.   

Penne.  
AS the letters carved in stone or other hard metals with tools of iron and steel, are wont to be set up for a perpetual memory of that which men will have remembered: 
jerem. 17.1.  So God never putteth out of memory the froward sins of obstinate wicked men. As the Pen of man serveth to commit to writing those things whereof he would have the remembrance continued: so the holy ghost registereth in the hearts of the children of God, 
2. Cor. 3.3.  those things which God seethe necessary for their salvation to be recorded of them.   

Pot.  
AS in the fining Pot the goldsmith trieth the Silver: so doth God by tribulation try the hearts of men. 
Esay. 30.10.14.  As an earthen Pot so broke to pieces, that a shared of it can not be found fit for any use: so shall the destruction of such be whose ears can not abide the truth, but will needs have their Preachers flatter them in their sins, 
Ezech. 24.6.  and foster them in their errors. As a pot of meat seething on the fire which no body skommeth, must needs be full of loathsome filth: So Cities and Countries continuing in bloody violence with out repentance and amendment, must needs be loathsome and abominable in the eyes of God. And as no man can accuse the Potter for making of the same lump of clay a drinking pot and a chamber pot: 
Rom. 9.21.  so none ought to quarrel or find fault with their creator, whose work manship they are, framed at his good pleasure and will.   

Pismire.  
THE nature of the Pismire is, to be diligent in gathering and carrying to her Hillock in Summer that, wherewith she should live in winter: wherefore Solomon sendeth the slothful idle man, 
Pro. 6.6.7.8.  to the Pismire to learn to labour in season for his living.   

Pillows.  
WHen we see men sowing soft Pillows and cushions for men to lean on, 
Ezec. 13.18  or sit on, then are we to remember to be heedful, that we be not persuaded by false and lying Prophets, to look for at the hands of God, peace and prosperity, when our contemptuous and obstinate sins deserve the contrary.   

physician.  

Math. 9.11  Physicians for the body, should put us in mind of the heavenly Physician of our soul. And as they that are in health, have no need of the Physician, 
Mark. 2.17.  and therefore seek little or nothing after them: so they that know not the dangerous diseases of their souls, 
Luke. 5.31  but think themselves in case good enough, do seek little after Christ, and set little by him. It is dangerous also for them that are bodily sick, to trust to the cunning of the Physician, 
2. Chr. 16.12  and not to seek the Lord.   

Plants.  
IN rooting out unprofitable Plants and throwing them out of our Garden: we are to remember that every Plant which God hath not planted, 
Math. 15.13.  shall be rooted out of the Church.   

Planting.  
WHen we see men in their gardens diligent in Planting and watering, 
1. Cor. 3.7.8.  and taking great pains upon hope of the fruit thereof: Then Ministers are admonished what pains they own unto the church of God, and other men are thankfully to remember what pains God hath laid upon his Ministers, for the saving of their souls. As it is reason that he which planteth a vineyard should eat of the fruit thereof, so also it is reason, that the teacher of the gospel should have a living of them whom he teacheth for himself and his charge. 
1. Cor. 6.7.    

Place.  
WHen we see men glad to hide themselves in secret places from peerill and danger: Then are we to remember that there is no secret place so safe for us to fly unto, 
Psalm. 32.7  as is our good God.   

Ploughing.  
THE discretion to take time fit to Blow & sow, 
Esay. 28. 2●  the skill to use the diversity of instruments belonging to Husbandry, and the wisdom to make choice of ground apt and sit for every kind of seed, cometh of the teaching and instructing of God, and therefore is to be thought upon with a thankful and kind remembrance. As ploughing, reaping and eating the fruit, do successively follow one an other: so he that ploweth wickedness shall reap iniquity, 
Hose. 10.13.  and eat the fruit of lies. Without breaking up of our fallow grounds, 
jerem. 4.4.  it is but a folly to lay on seed, and when the follow is broken, & hath his due tilth, which is the hardest part of the plowghmans' work: then such as he soweth he is like to reap. 
Hose. 10.12.   
When we see men wax weary of the plough, & give over labour and pains: then we are to remember, that he that continueth not in the vocation wherein God hath planted him for the benefit of the Church, is not apt for the kingdom of God. 
Luke. 9.62.    

Poor.  
ARte thou poor, miserable, and afflicted, there is no such way as to cry unto the Lord, for he will deliver thee, and rid thee out of all troubles. 
Psalm. 34.6  The miserable estate of men to whom the glad tidings of Christ their deliverer out of all those miseries are welcome, are set out unto us by poor broken hearted men, captives, blind and bruised. 
Luke. ● 8.  If God have blessed thee with wealth, and granted thee to live in delights, and given thee both abundance and delicacy of fare, daily take heed of being unmerciful, and let not poor Lazarus be neglected, 
Luke. 16.23  much less despised at thy gate, lest thou follow the rich glutton into hell. For he that despiseth or mocketh the poor, reproacheth him that made him. 
Prou. 17.5.  And poverty is the more patiently to be borne, because it was consecrated in Christ, 
2. Cor. 8.9.  who being rich, for our sakes became poor, that we through his poverty might become rich. 
Prou. 15.16.  And a little with the fear of the Lord, is better than great treasure and trouble therewith. But if any of our brethren fall to poverty, 
Deut. 15.7.  we must neither harden our hearts nor close our hands.   

Post.  
THe speed that Posts make on their journey, 
job. 9.15.  doth admonish us with what speed and hast our days of this miserable life do pass and haste away.   

Pit.  
MEN that devise mischief, and seek by subtlety to hurt others, are at every Pit they pass by admonished to fear the just judgements of God, who oftentimes maketh them to fall into the pit which they dig for others. 
Psal. 7.15.6  Further, pits and snares do admonish us to take heed of provoking God to anger. 
jerem. 48.44  For when he will punish, he that escapeth one punishment, shall surely fall into an other. Deep pits, 
Zacha. 6.11.  and yet dry in the Bottom, should bring us to mind that God will deliver his Church out of all dangers, how great soever they seem to us to be.   

Preaching.  

Esay. 6.10.  WHere the Word is preached, and yet men grow not in understanding and knowledge, but continue the same (or worse than they were before) still, than the judgements of God are to be feared, lest he will not have them converted and so saved, For so the Prophet concludeth against king Amaziah saying: I know that God hath determined to destroy thee, both because thou hast done this, 
2. Chro. 25.16.  and hast not obeyed my counsel.   

Pricks.  

Act. 6.5.  AS he that beateth his heels and kicketh against sharp pricks, doth nothing but hurt his own heels: so he that striveth against God, prevaileth nothing but harmeth himself.   

Prophets.  
THe killing, stoning, and misusing of the prophets of God sent unto men, 
2. Chth. 39.16.  is an evident token and a most certain foreshew of their destruction in short time following. How be it, how soever the rage and cruelty of men, 
Math. 23.37  seem to make havoc of the Prophets and people of god: yet they shall not so root out the Church of God, 
Rom. 11.4.5  but that God will always have some remnant according to the election of grace remain to himself. Prophets at this day are such as labour to expound and apply the doctrine of the Word. Fellow after love, and covet spiritual gifts, 
1. Cor. 14.3.  and rather that ye may prophecy. For he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edifying, to exhortation, and to comfort.   

Pride.  
WHen men feel themselves exalted in hart, 
Prou. 16.18  proud, and high minded, then let them know that their destruction is at hand, and their fall draweth near. 
Luke. 10.52  For God scattereth the proud in the imagination of their hearts, and putteth down the mighty from their seats. 
Dani. 4.27.  Hereof have we example in king Nabuchadnezer, and in Hamman, 
Ester. 5.11.  who prepared the gallows for Mardochaie, that he was hanged upon himself. Therefore, though a man's pride mount up to the heavens, 
6. verse. 14.  and his head reach the clouds, yet shall he perish for ever like the dung, and they which have seen him shall say where is he? 
job. 20.6.7.  The tokens then of pride that abound and are plentiful amongst us, do show sharp vengeance and judgements at hand. 
Esay. 3.16.17  Because the Daughters of Zion are haughty, and walk with stretched out necks, and with wandering eyes, walking and mincing as they go, and making a tinkling with their feet: Therefore the Lord shall make the heads of the Daughters of Zion bald, and the Lord shall discover their secret parts. 
1. Pet. 5.5.  For god doth resist the proud, and giveth grace to the humble and meek.   

Pleasure.  
WHen we see foolish men drowned in voluptuousness and pleasures, and not having any regard to godliness, honesty or comeliness, then are we to remember salomon's admonition, 
Prou. 19.10  that pleasure is never comely for a fool: and most commonly the immoderate love of pastime, bringeth them to poverty and beggary.   

Raine.  
THe Rain maketh the new mown grass freshly to spring again, and showers so comfort the earth, 
Prou. 21.17.  that it yieldeth the fruits thereof: Even so shall Christ refresh, foster, nourish, and cherish his people. As a raging Rain beateth the Corn down, and washeth away all before it: 
Psalm. 72.6  so when one poor man oppresseth an other, commonly it is without pity or mercy. Raine and snow falling from heaven returneth not thither again, 
Prou. 28.3.  but watereth the earth, and maketh it fruitful: Even so the word that cometh out of God's mouth shall not return void, 
Esay. 55.10.11.  but shall accomplish and bring to pass that which God will, and shall prosper in that whereunto he sent it. The rain falling from Heaven, and causing the earth to yield her fruit, was at all times and is still to all ages, 
Act. 14.17.  an open and a plain evident testimony of the goodness of God, so that no man can excuse himself of ignorance. The earth that drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, 
Heb. 6.8.  and bringeth forth nothing profitable for the use and behoof of man, showeth what is to be hoped of that man, whom the knowledge of the word doth in no part reform.   

Razor.  
AS a sharp Razor with the least touch that can be, 
Psalm. 52.2  shaveth and cutteth, so doth also the tongue of a mischievous lying man.   

Rebellion.  
WHen we see a stubborn froward and unruly Woman, brawl, skoulde, chide and rebel against her husband, 
jerem. 3.7.8.9.  we are diligently to look into ourselves, how the case standeth betwixt us & God: for commonly, that expresseth unto us our unruliness & rebellion against God: but all that resist God, 
Esay. 45.24.  shall be confounded: for rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and transgression is wickedness and Idolatry. Therefore, Samuel said to Saul, 
1. Sam. 15.23  because thou hast cast away the word of the Lord, therefore the Lord hath cast away thee from being king. 
Rom. 13.2.  To resist man, whom God hath set over men, is to rebel against GOD. Wherefore, 
Deut. 17.12.21. verse. 21.  God himself hath set upon rebellion and contumacy against magistrates & parents, no less penalty than death. His wonderful judgements against such, 
Num. 16.32. 2. Sam. 18 9  are to be seen in Core, Dathan and Abiron, and also in Absolom.   

Reed.  
A Reed shaking too and fro, with every little small wind, declareth the inconstancy and mutability of the common sort of people, 
Math. 11.7.  whom every small trifle doth cause to alter their mind and judgement. 
Math. 12.20  When we see any pass by a bruised reed and not break it: we are to remember that our saviour Christ did bear with many infirmities in those which were his, lest he should break of or quench those good things, which began to appear in them. And of him we are also to learn by bearing and forbearing, to cherish and foster such good as we see beginneth to live, and grow in our weak brethren.   

Reward.  
AS the price or best game for running cannot be obtained of any that either run not, or else give over afore they be at the end of their race: so none can attain the celestial Crown of glory, 
1. Cor. 9.24.  but they which persever in the right trace of Christianity unto the end. And as they which run in a race, having only regard to the reward, make themselves as light and as nimble as they can, and therefore throw away whatsoever is heavy, or may hinder their swiftness: so we in our course to heaven, having that glory only before our eyes, 
Heb. 12.1.  should throw from us sin, which like an heavy burden hangeth upon us, and whatsoever else may hinder us in the way and course to life everlasting. Yet in this course, the greatest pains that can be taken, and the greatest perfection which is possible for men to attain unto, 
Luke. 17.10.  is not meritorious, neither can deserve life. And therefore our Lord and saviour teacheth us, when we have done all that is commanded us, 
Math. 5.12.  to say and confess that we are unprofitable servants, though he of his mere liberality for our better comfort and encouragement in all good things, 
Heb. 10.35.  hath promised large and liberal rewards.   

Robbery.  
WHen we see men which have no conscience in getting, liberal to the poor, and to other things, in common intendment good: Then are we to put them in mind, that God hateth and abhorreth to accept robbery or theeverye for burnt offerings. 
Esay. 1.23.  To love gifts and to hunt after rewards in princes and men of Authority, is cousin germane to robbery.   

Rocks.  
AS the rocks that are hard to be clambered unto, are good refuges for the afflicted to fly unto from the face of their pursuers: 
Psalm. 18.2  So God is the safety of all such as in distress, do fly to him for succour. As he that setteth the foundation of his house upon a firm rock, may be sure that the Foundation shall be able to bear the weight of that which shall be set upon it, 
Math. 7.24.  and that no rain or flood shall wash it away: so he that buildeth his faith upon Christ, 
Math. 16.18  as he is set out and preached unto us in the gospel, shall be sure that hell gates, that is, all the power, force, and cunning of the Devil, shall never be able to prevail against him.   

rod.  
SO oft as the child seethe the rod, he is to call to mind these lessons following. First, that it is fit for the back of him that wanteth wisdom, 
Prou. 10.13.  and that therefore correction is necessary for him, 
Prou. 5.11.12 ●3.  that is to be instructed and taught. For correction, and instruction, is the very way and path to life. 
6. verse. 23.  Wherefore they must think, that if Father or Master spare his rod, that he loveth not his Child: but that then, he loveth him when he beginneth to chasten him betimes. 
Prou. 13.24.  For naturally, folly is bound to the heart of every child, But the rod of correction doth drive it or scour it away: 
Prou 22.15  Therefore parents should not withhold correction from their children. For as the common proverb is, birtch breaketh no bones, neither moderate correction bringeth danger or death, 
Prou. 23.13.  but oftentimes it bridleth and keepeth back him that otherwise would run headlong into hell, and so is a mean to save his soul. For it bringeth him to a wise consideration of duty, 
Prou. 26.15.  where otherwise if he be left at liberty, he oftentimes bringeth his Parents to shame. When strangers and Aliens prevail against the people of God, 
Esay. 10.24  then are we to comfort ourselves, that they are but God his rods, and that therefore God will not always for that purpose use them, but that in short time they shall be broken, 
Esay. 14.5  worn to the stumps and thrown away. When we see scholars, very fearful of their schoolmaster, coming towards them, with a rod in his hand: then are we to remember & to take heed that we so behave ourselves towards them that are over us in the Lord, that they rather use us to the sweet and spiritual comforts of God's promises, 
1. Cor. 4.21  than the terrible severity of Dicsipline.   

Rushes.  
AS Rushes and other green things, that commonly grow in watery places, If in hot weather they want moisture, 
job. 8.11.12.13.  do quickly consume, wither, & come to nought: so the ways of the wicked, and the hope of the hypocrite shall perish.   

riches.  
AS the glutton that overchargeth his stomach with meat, 
job. 20.15.  is compelled to spew and cast it up again: so the greedy Cormorant that gathereth great riches, and devoureth and swalloweth up great substance, 
Psalm. 37.16  shall lose it again, for God shall even draw it out of his belly: so that the smallest blessing of worldly wealth, which God giveth to the just man, is much better to him, 
Psalm. 39.6.  then great riches and wealth, which the wicked and ungodly do possess. For experience teacheth how vainly men disquiet themselves in heaping up riches, 
Prou. 3.9.10.  which they know not who shall possess: wherefore he, which with riches will have the favour, and blessing of God, must be liberal and frank to all such uses, as tend to the service, honour, and glory of God. For, if we procure his anger, 
Prou. 11.4.  indignation & wrath against us, our riches and treasure shall nothing avail, profit nor help us. 
Prou. 2 2.1.  Therefore a good name is above riches, and favour above silver and gold. It is therefore a very vanity to travail too much for riches: 
23. verse. 4.  when a man thinketh he hath them most sure, then suddenly they slip and fly away.  
He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver, 
Eccles. 5 9  and he that loveth riches shall be with out the fruit thereof. When we see a rich man suddenly die, 
Luke. 12.20.21.  and those to possess his wealth, whom he never gathered it for: Then are we to remember what a vavitye it is for a man to disquiet himself in heaping up of wealth, 
Collos. 1.27  and how much better it is for a man to be rich in God, or to make Christ his riches and wealth, for whose sake every Christian ought with joy to suffer the spoil of his goods, 
Heb. 10.34.  knowing that in heaven he hath an enduring substance, and that the worldly rich man together with his wealth, shall vanish as the flower of the grass. 
james. 1.10  Wherefore, we should not follow the fashions of this world, in accepting and regarding of men, only for their riches and wealth, which commonly they heap together by tyrannous oppression, and by persecuting the saints of God, 
james. 2.2.3.4.5.6  joined together with the blasphemy of his most holy name. They that desire to be rich fall into many temptations and snares, 
1. Tim. 1.9.  and many foolish and noisome lusts. And the desire of money is the root of all evil. 
1. Tim. 6.17.  Wherefore rich men are to be warned, that they be not proud, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in God, who abundantly giveth to every one.   

Roller.  
WHen we see Husbandmen use rollers to break great and hard clods and to make them fall to power, 
Esay. 41.15.  then are we to call to mind the power of God and his Christ, to break down the might and force of his enemies, though as high and mighty as the highest and greatest mountains.   

Rainbow.  
Whensoever we see the Rainbow, we are to call to mind God's judgements against the world in the days of Noah for their wickedness, 
Genes. 9.12.13.14.15.16.  and also the kindness of God, who in mercy hath promised us that he will never a-againe destroy the whole world with Water, and hath given us the Rainbow in the clouds as a pledge, and seal thereof, for our better assurance.   

Shadow.  
AS now the sun is shadowed with clouds and by and by shineth forth bright: so subject to change is the life of man. 
job. 8.9  And as the servant working abroad in the hot Sun longeth for, 
job. 7.2.  and is glad of the cool shade: so men in affliction and misery are glad of a little ease.   

Sacrifice.  
THe persons of Infidels and impenitent wicked men God abhorreth, and therefore the Sacrifice of such is abominable. 
Prou. 21.27.  But God favourably accepteth the Sacrifice of the faithful. 
Heb. 11.4.  And these are the Sacrifices left now unto the Church of God: 1. Contrite Spirits, broken hearts, 
Psalm. 51.17.  such as tremble at his word, 2 Our reasonable serving of God, 
Rom. 12.1.  that is our serving him according to the prescription of his will. 3 martyrdom for the testimony of his truth. 
Phil. 2.17  4 The fruit of our Lips, that is, Praise and thanksgiving unto his most holy and blessed name: 
Heb. 13.15. verse. 16.  5 Benefiting our brethren, and distributing that which God hath blessed us withal to the needy, For with such sacrifices God is pleased, 
1. Pet. 2.5  and for that cause he hath made us priests that we should offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God by Christ.   

Salt.  
AS often as we see Salt stones, we are to remember the strange punishment, wherewith God punished Lot's wife for disobedience, 
Gen. 19.26.  and to fear the like or greater. 
Mark. 6.49 50  Salt also aswell because it is savour itself, as because it seasoneth all other things, expresseth unto us the duty of good ministers, aswell in life as doctrine.   

Sand.  
IF the sands of the sea be innumerable, so that it is impossible for man to take in hand to number them: Then how great is the sum of God's cogitations, 
Psalm. 139.17.18.  and how far beyond the reach of man. And though the people of God be sometimes for their chastisement given over to the enemy, who thinketh utterly to extinguish them, 
jerem. 33.22  and to root them out, yet God will again multiply, and increase the number of them, that they shall be as innumerable as the sand of the sea.   

Savour.  

2. Cor. 2.15 16.  THe sent and Savour of the Minister of the word, is very delectable and pleasant to those, whom God hath appointed to be saved: but unto the other who perish he is an odious, loathsome and deadly savour.   

Sea.  

Psalm. 117.23.24.25.26.  THe marvelous storms that Mariners and passengers abide oftentimes at Sea, show forth the mighty and wonderful works of god. The calm that often suddenly followeth, and the bringing of men into their desired harborough: 
26.28.30. Esay. 33.2.16  setteth out the love and kindness of God to such as call upon him. For God for his people doth make away in the sea, and a path in the mighty waters. As the sea when it rageth, the waters thereof cast up dirt and mire: 
Esay. 57.20  so the wicked in their outrageousness, show abroad their filth. But God ruleth the raging of the sea, and stilleth the waves thereof. Whereby we understand his great power and might, 
Psalm. 89.9  and that there is none in ability like him.   

Sedition.  
Fear the Lord and the king, and meddle not with them that are seditious, 
Prou. 24.21 22.  for their destruction shall rise suddenly, and who knoweth the ruin of them.   

Sepulchers.  
Sepulchers and Tombs which are costly built and richly adorned, 
Math. 23.27.28.  and have nothing within them, but a stinking Carcase and rotten bones, do aptly represent the notable goodly outward shows, which hypocrites make, their hearts being full of all wickedness and corruption.   

Seeds.  
AS the seed once sowed, wheresoever it pleaseth God to grant his blessing unto it, whither the sour sleep or wake, or whatsoever he doth, 
Mark. 4.20.  and howsoever he is occupied, groweth & increaseth, till it come to maturity and ripeness: so the word by the minister of God being scattered, where God worketh withal by his holy spirit, there it bringeth a great, marvelous, & an unlooked for increase. 
Rom. 9.29.  As a number of things should yearly decay, & come to nought, except seeds of them were saved, whereof they are by sowing renewed: so the people that bear God's name upon earth, should in the day of visitation of their sins be clean and utterly destroyed as Sodom and Gomorah, 
Rom. 9.29.  but that God spareth some remnant to be as it were a seed, for the increasing of his Church, and people again. Seeds that are sowed, except they corrupt grow not again: so our bodies except they consume rise not again. And as the same seed in substance, that is sown springeth again, yet altered in form and fashion: even so our bodies shall rise again the same in substance but marvelously altered in qualities: so our bodies, 
1. Cor. 15.37 38.  except they consume, rise not again, yet altered in form & fashion, even so our bodies shall rise again the same in substance, but marvelously altered in quality.  
Such as the seed is, such is the life of the which proceedeth from it. As therefore of mortal & corrupt seed, 
1. Pet. 1.  men are first borne to this mortal and corruptible life: so must we of the immortal & incorruptible seed of the word, be borne again to a life immortal and incorruptible, 
ver. 23.24 25  if we will live ever.   

Serpent.  
THe sight of a serpent should bring to mind the subtlety & malice of the devil, whereby he deceived and seduced our first father Adam, and induced him to transgression, 
Genes. 3.1.  and disobedience, and also it should make us the more heedful and careful to espy his crafts, & to withstand his malice, seeing that we are eazlier now to be overthrown, by reason of our corruption, than Adam was afore his fall: We also that are ministers should also thereby learn to be wise, 
Math. 10.16.  considering the manifold dangers, which are incident to our calling.   

Servants.  
THe diligence of our man-servants, 
Psalm. 123.2  and maid servants in attending upon us, and doing their duties, upon hope of finding help, & friendship at our hands: is a good lesson, as well to teach us how diligently we ought to be in pleasing God, and also how well content we should be to tarry his leisure, for those graces & mercies which we look for at his hand. A wise servant is a great pleasure to his Lord & master, 
Prou. 14 35  but a lewd servant always provoketh him whom he serveth to anger. 
Prou. 17.2.  A discreet servant, is better than a lewd son, & shall divide the heritage amongst the brethren. As impossible as it is at one and the same time, 
Math. 6.24.  for one man to serve two divers & sundry masters, for that he cannot be diligent, & employ himself about & upon the business of the one, but he must needs neglect the others affairs: so impossible is it for man, 
Math. 8.8.9.  to addict himself to God & riches. When we see our servants at our beck and commandment, and diligent to do those things which we appoint them: then we should remember by how better right & equity, we, & all creatures should readily obey the voice of God our creator and of Christ our redeemer. If thy calling be to be a servant, 
●. Cor. 7.21  care not, but if thou mayst be free, use it rather. For he that is called in the Lord to be a Servant, is the lords Freeman: But learn that the property of a good Servant, is to give all reverence to his master, obeying him in all things, 
●. Tim. 6.1.  and that in singleness of heart, and in the fear of the Lord, endeavouring always to please him, 
Collos. 3.22.  yea, though he be froward, executing the trust that is committed unto him aswell in his master's absence as in his presence. 
1. Pet. 2.18.  If a liberal, good and bountiful master to his servants, 
Math. 24.45.46.  can not but be very angry and much offended, if any of them deal cruelly with their fellows, 
Math. 18.33 34.35.  how much more justly shall God withdraw his mercy from them that deal unmercifully with them that live amongst them. If men be bountiful unto such servants, whose faithfulness & diligence they have good trial of, as well in their absence as presence, & on the contrary side, angry, severe & sharp to them which deceive their expectation, & do not answer the trust, 
Math. 24.45.46.47.48.49 50.  which is reposed in them: how much more justly shall God put the like difference, in rewarding or punishing, the good endeavours or negligence of them, to whom he hath committed services of trust in his people and Church. As men have just cause with more sharpness and greater severity to punish those servants, 
Luke. 12.47 48.  to whom they have showed their mind and will, and yet their business is neglected, then others who therefore do it not because they know it not: So GOD to whom soever he hath revealed most, and upon whom he hath bestowed most greatest gifts of knowledge, them, if notwithstanding they be negligent in using their gifts to the profit of God's Church, will he most severely and sharply above all other punish. Servants, be they never so diligent in executing that which is committed unto them, 
Luk. 17.9.10.  yet cannot justly vaunt themselves, that they have done any more, than bounden duty: So we then, when we have travailed as much as for us is possible, yet are to confess ourselves unprofitable servants. It is an old saying, Service is no heritage: Therefore, when we see servants, when they have served a time, 
joh. 8.35.36.  change their masters, and are either masterless, or serve others: then let us remember that so unstable and uncertain is our condition in the Church of GOD, except we have the spirit of freedom: namely, the spirit of adoption of children, and so by Christ and in Christ, be truly made free. 
Rom. 6.16.22.23.  Men are their servants, to whose commandments they yield all obedience. Therefore, if we obey sin, we are the servants of sin, and our wages is death. But if we obey God, then are we the servants of obedience to righteousness, and our end is everlasting life. For the most part, some private respect of commodity, 
Rom. 16.17▪ 18.  and the service of their own bellies, is the cause that men stir up division, and contention in the church of God, contrary to the doctrine received, and delivered unto us in the word.   

Shepherd.  
WHen we see Sheep well kept, by reason that they have a good, 
Psalm. 23.1.  diligent painful Shepherd, who carefully provideth as well to feed them as to fold them: Then are we to remember, that the people of God can want nothing, because God is their shepherd. For he feedeth his, 
Esay. 40.10.  he gathereth his Lambs, into his arms, and carrieth them in his bosom, and guideth them that be with young. But when we see idle shepherds, that suffer their sheep to run astray and to scatter and perish: Then we are to lament the state of the church, 
jerem. 23.1.2  wherein we see such idol ministers, as these idol shepherds do represent to abound, 
Ez●ch. 34.2.  and if we ourselves be such then are we to tremble at the woe and heavy judgements of the Lord, 
verses. 11.19  pronounced against us by his prophets. God himself will seek up his sheep, 
14.23.24.  he will find that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away. He will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen the weak: he will cause them to lie in a good fold, and to feed in a fat pasture: he will remedy all their evils, by setting a shepherd over them even his Christ. 
Math. 9.36.   
Shepherds, that do but bear the name of shepherds, & show no care of their flock, and do small or no duty to them, God shall deprive them both of strength, 
Zac. 11.17.13 Math. 9.36.  wisdom, and judgement. The loss of a good, diligent painful shepherd is the discipation and scattering abroad of the sheep.  
When we see numbers of people for want of the word in their own parishes, do stray and scatter abroad hither and thither to hear the word: then are we to lament this present estate, and to have compassion upon that people, because they are as sheep scattered and dispersed without a shepherd. The diligence of a shepherd, in seeking up any of his sheep, 
Math. 18.12.13.  that are gone astray, is an example to us to spare neither pain, nor diligence, to reduce them which are gone astray from God by reason of any error. And the joy of a shepherd in finding of his sheep again, showeth how joyful the conversion of a sinner ought to be unto us. 
john. 10.11  Shepherds that refuse no pain nor peril, but do endanger, & that most certainly their life, do represent unto us the goodness of our Christ, who most frankly and freely gave his life for us. When we see shepherds careful and diligent, about their flocks to feed, 
john. 2.15.16▪ 17.  and cherish them: then we are to call to mind, that it is the chief, and almost the only means, whereby Christ doth require his ministers to testify their love towards him: namely, the feeding of his sheep. It is lawful for a shepherd that feedeth a flock, to eat of the milk of it: Therefore it is lawful for the ministers of the gospel to be partners of the temporal blessings of their hearers. 
1. Cor. 9.7.    

Sheep.  
Sheep driven to the shambles to be slain, representeth to us the state of God's Children and people here upon earth. 
Psalm. 44 22  Sheep unruly to be driven, 
Esay. 53.6.  and running hither and thither astray out of the way, show to us our own unruliness and aptness, to stray out of those ways which God hath appointed for us to walk in. That sheep brought to be shorn, 
Esay. 53.6.  or to be slain, are dumb and open not their mouth, it representeth unto us the great and wonderful patience of our Christ in dying for us, 
Acts. 8.32.  which we are also to learn at his example. As sheep do represent the people of God, so the good pastures and pleasant waters, do represent the word of the Lord wherewith he feedeth his, and the treading down of the pasture, 
Ezech. 34.18.19.  and the troubling and stirring of the water whereby it is made thick and foul, showeth forth the corrupting and mingling of the word with humane inventions and dregs of man's brains.  

Math. 10.6  Sheep in the country which abound with wild beasts, lost or run astray out of the custody of their shepherd, represent unto us the dangerous estate of men, 
Math. 15.24.  so long as they are not brought, or continue not under the custody and safe keeping of our Lord jesus Christ. 
Mat. 12.11.2.  If it be lawful on the sabbath to pull sheep or other cattle out of a pit or ditch whereinto it is fallen, and wherein it would otherwise perish: how much more is it to do good & to relieve any kind of necessity of our neighbour the same day. Further, the very sight of sheep, and goats, should make us call to mind the state of men at the last day of judgement, 
Math. 26.32  and make us carefully to endeavour that the notes and marks of God's sheep may be found in us, that we may be partners in the sentence, come ye blessed, etc. Amongst other marks this is the principal, that as sheep hearken to the voice of their shepherd, so we give ear to, 
Rom. 8.36.  and obey the voice of Christ. When we see sheep in the butcher's shop appointed for the slaughter, then are we to remember, that such is the condition of the godly in this wicked and frail life. When we see sheep from going astray, returned home to their fold and flock again: Then let us remember, that we lately in the days of ignorance were astray, and lately by the benefit of almighty God, who hath suffered the son of knowledge to shine amongst us, 
1. Pet. 2.25.  returned to the shepherd and bishop of our souls.   

Shettle.  
THE sliding to and fro of the shettle in weaving, do admonish the weaver how speedily and fast his days of this life do slide away. 
job. 7.6.    

Shield.  
AS a shield defendeth the body from blows and wounds, 
Psalm. 5.12  so the great mercy and favour of God, defendeth those which are his from evil.   

Ships.  
Ship's in which men are carried in safety through the raging seas, should make us remember Gods heavy judgement upon the world in drowning it for sin, 
Gen. 6.14.15  and to give him thanks for his great mercy, that he would not utterly destroy mankind, but taught him to frame the first ship that ever was, for the safeguard of himself and his family. As a ship being never so great and huge, is turned about with a very small rudder, whither so ever it please the master of the ship to direct it, so the the tongue though it be a small member, 
james. 3.4.  oftentimes over-ruleth the whole body, and setteth it out of course.   

Shoes.  
WHen we see brooms and other things bartered for old shoes, then are we to detest the intolerable corruption of bribing officers, who for the price of a pair of shoes, 
Amos. 2.6.  or such a trifle, are ready to pervert justice, and to sell the cause of the poor which is able to give him nothing. The sight of shoes should cause us to remember how vile and base the most excellent, and most reverend ministers of the word are, if they be compared with Christ, seeing as they are not worthy so much as to unbuckle his shoes. 
Mark. 1.9.    

Sickness.  
WHen we are grievously sick, we are to call to mind the greatness of our sins. 
Psalm. 38.3.  For if there be nothing sound in our flesh, it is because of God's anger: And when there is no rest in our bones, it is because of our sins. Yet we are with this to comfort ourselves, that it is God's loving chastisement, to the end that we should not be damned with the world. 
1. Cor. 11.30.32.  Therefore though sin be the cause of our affliction and sickness, and though we be brought even unto deaths door, yet let us with true and unfeigned repentance cry unto the Lord, 
Psalm. 107.17.20.  he will heal us and deliver us from our griefs. And let us look about that our unreverent abusing of the holy mysteries of Christ's body and blood, be not a cause that many be sick, 
1. Cor. 11.30.  and many die amongst us.   

Silver.  
AS pure as Silver is, being seven times tried and fined: so pure is the word of GOD. 
Prou.. 2.4.  With such labour and diligence as we would seek for Silver, and search for treasure, with the like we should study for the knowledge of God in his word. For the wisdom therein learned, 
Prou. 3.14 15.  is more worth than Silver, more gainful than Gold, more precious than pearls, and without all comparison to be preferred before any thing which we can desire. He that loveth silver, 
Eccles. 5.9.  shall not be satisfied with silver, and he that loveth riches, shall be without the fruit thereof. Though wicked covetous men do heap silver together as dust, 
Zach. 9.3.4  and gold as the mire of the streets, yet the Lord shall spoil them.  
Further, the sight of silver and gold, and such like as passing through the fire consume not, should admonish us to endeavour that our works may be such, 
1. Cor. 3.12 13.  as may abide the touchstone of the Word, and the fire of God's examination. Moreover it was neither silver nor gold, neither any other earthly thing, how precious soever it was, that could redeem us, but only the blood of the immaculate and unspotted lamb jesus Christ. 
1. Pet. 1.18.19    

Schoolmaster.  
AS a Schoolmaster serveth not for his scholar continually, but till such time as the scholar may grow to some good ability to go forward at his book by his own study: 
Gal. 3.24.  So the Lord feareth his people with his law, not always, but till such time as they have sufficiently learned to know themselves, and therefore to fly from themselves to Christ jesus, who freeth them from the curse and condemnation of the law.   

Sleep.  
AS often as we rise from sleep, having our weary limbs refreshed, and as it were revived, so that we feel ourselves in better case and ability to do any manner thing then before, so often we should remember, that death unto the godly, 
1. Thes. 4.13 14.  is but a resting of their weary bodies and bones till they rise again, exceedingly bettered by immortality and glory, 
Prou. 20.13.  and therefore termed by the name of sleep. But love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty. Open thine eyes and thou shalt be satisfied with bread. 
E●cles. 5.11.  Sleep is sweet to him that travaileth and taketh pains whether he eat little or much.   

Silence.  
SIlence in open places, is to be observed of women, as a token of their dutiful subjection where under God hath put them. 
1. Cor. 14.34  Men also ought to be swift to hear, and slow to speak, for in much speaking, 
james. 1.19.  sin cannot be wanting.   

Smoke.  
AS Smoke vanisheth and cometh to nothing, so the wicked and ungodly perish at the presence of God. 
Psalm. 68.6  As smoke vanisheth and passeth away, 
Esay. 51.6.  so heaven and earth and all that in them is, shall vanish and pass away.   

Sparrow.  
IN time of persecution, when we cannot be suffered to frequent the assemblies of those, which truly serve the Lord. The state of the poor sparrow or swallow, which are there suffered to build their nests and have their young, seem to us more happy than our own, so great a desire have we (if we be godly) to be with them among whom or at whose meeting, Christ hath bound himself by his promise to be present. The sale of sparrows, and such other small birds in markets or other places, should bring to mind, that seeing these fell not, 
Math. 10.29  nor were caught without the providence of God, it can not be, but that he, whose providence extendeth and stretcheth to such small things, should also have a special care, regard, and eye to those that are his.   

Speaking.  
AS it were a madness, or at the least a great folly for one man in communication with an other, 
1. Cor. 14.9.11.  to speak in a tongue which the other understandeth not: so is it much more for a man to speak to a multitude, or a whole congregation in that sort or order. And where God granteth not to people to have his word so spoken and preached unto them that they may understand, it is a manifest token of his anger and wrath against them for their unbelief. 
verses. 21.21    

Spots.  
AS spots deface the things they light on, which ought to be clean: so false prophets and false brethren, defile, and stain the society and fellowship of Christians. 
jude. 1.12.    

Snail.  
AS a Snail melteth and consumeth to slime and earth: 
Psalm. 59 ●  so shall God consume the wicked and bring them to nought.   

Snares.  
WHen we see divers and sundry snares and engines set for beasts, 
jerem. 48.44  vermin and fowls, and we see those that have escaped divers, in the end to be trapped in one or other: then are we to remember, that though some wicked do at times seem to escape the heavy judgements of God, yet in the end they shall be snarled.   

Sodom.  
WHen we here, read, or by any means remember the heavy, fearful, and terrible judgements of God upon Sodom and Gomorrha, and the places adjoining, 
Math. 10.14 15.  which God destroyed with fire and brimstone from heaven: Then are we to look about, and to consider what and how much more intolerable estate and condition remaineth for us, if we continue contemptuous refusing and misusing the messengers of God now sent to us.   

Sun.  
WHen we see the sun shine in his full brightness and beauty, than we are to remember that, that light is but for a season. But that God which is for ever and ever is the everlasting light of his Church. 
Esay. 60.19.20.  But in the mean season, the constant course of the Sun, according to the appointment of God in the beginning, 
Psal. 104.19. Psal. 136.8.9.  teacheth us our obedience to our creator. That the Sun staid his course in the days of joshua, 
jos. 10.13.  that it returned backward in the days of Ezechias, and that it withdrew his light at noon days, 
Esay. 38.8.  in the death and passion of our Lord and saviour, showeth the glory and omnipotency of God, 
Mark. 15.23.  who can whensoever it pleaseth him, change the whole course of nature, and make it serve whatsoever turn pleaseth him.   

Soldier.  
A Soldier taketh wages of them for whom he fighteth and goeth on warfare: Therefore a minister of the gospel, 
1. Cor. 9.7.  may lawfully receive maintenance at the hands of them to whom he preacheth the gospel. A Soldier, if he be not shod but barefooted, shall quickly be surbated, and unable to travail. A Christian not having the gospel of peace cannot endure. As it is an absurdity for a soldier, to put himself into the field naked, without armour, and Weapon, aswell to strike the enemy as to defend himself: so also is it always necessary for a Christian to be armed at all points: 
Ephes. 6.15 16.17.  especially, to have the shield of Faith, the helmet of salvation, the sword of the spirit which is the word.  
A soldier pressed forth to the wars, 
2. Tim. 2.4.  entangleth not himself in other civil affairs. Whereby Ministers which be Gods soldiers learn, that they should keep themselves free, from all such things as might hinder them from their calling. 
Luke. 3..14.  Finally, soldiers should learn to leave spoiling, pilling and polling, and to content themselves with their own wages.   

Son.  
BY the two Sons, whereof one promised to do his father's will, and yet did it not: the other refused to do it, 
Math. 21.28.29.30.31.  and yet after repented him of his stubbornness, and did it: We learn that there is greater hope of the conversion of open and notorious sinners, then of close hypocrites, who under a fair show, deceive themselves and others.   

Sower.  
THe yearly necessity of sowing, whereby the sustenance of man is every year renewed, doth well show unto us the necessity of preaching, 
Math. 13.3.19.20.  without the which it is as unlikely for our souls to be preserved to life everlasting, as it is for our bodies in this life to continue without any ordinary provision.   

Standard.  
AS good soldiers to their Standard, so all faithful are appointed to flock to Christ. 
Esay. 11.11.12    

Stars.  
SO bright and so glorious as one star appeareth above an other: so much shall the state and condition of our bodies at their resurrection, excel the state and condition that they are now in, during this time of mortality. 
1. Cor. 15.41  False Prophets for their gifts of knowledge and utterance think themselves, and are thought of others, to shine bright like stars: but yet as shipmen can not guide themselves by wandering stars without danger of shipwreck, their course is so uncertain and wandering: 
jud. 5.1.13.  so no Christian can without assured destruction make those Prophets his guides, for that they stay not themselves, upon the only and infallible rule of truth.   

Soothsayers  
WHen we be provoked or counseled to seek to soothsayers or fortune-tellers, then let us remember, 
Esay. 44.25.  that God will destroy the tokens of the soothsayers, and make them that conjecture fools. 
Esay. 47.10.11.  He will also destroy them suddenly and unawares, who trust and think to be foretold of all things by their soothsayers. Therefore let all such as to take upon them to deceive others be put to death, 
levit. 20.27  so shall their blood be upon their own heads.   

Stumbling.  
WHen we see men through recklessness, and for want of heed taking, stumble and fall at that, which if they had given but a little heed, they might easily have avoided: 
Rom. 3.3  Then are we to remember, that even Christ himself to some is a stone to stumble at, 
Math. 11.6.18. ver. 6.7.  but happy are they that stumble not at him. Howbeit we must carefully take heed that we in using of our liberty, give none occasion of offence of stumbling or falling unto our weak brother. 
Rom. 14.13.  Our liberty standeth in using or refusing, at our own choice outward things, left free unto us by God, and the Magistrates put in authority under him, for the things of this life are subject to their commandments.   

Steward.  
THe unjust steward making his masters debtors his friends which will be liberal, imparting to them his masters goods, teacheth us by being liberal of that wherewith God blesseth us, 
Luke. 16.2.3 4.5.6.7.8.9  to the poor, to provide for life after this, because God doth accept as done unto him that, which is bestowed upon them. The sight also of Stewards or factors disposing of their master's goods to his gain, should cause us that be Ministers to remember, that the secrets of God, and mysteries that concern the salvation of man, are committed to us to dispose, and that God doth look for it at our hands, that we should be diligent and faithful disposers of them.   

stork.  
THe Stork and other fowls, know their appointed times of their coming and withdrawing themselves, 
jerem. 8.7.  but they which bear the name of God upon earth, and profess to be his people, understand nor know not his judgements.   

Strangers.  
AS strangers and travailers abstain in the Countries where they are strangers, from many things which would but hinder them in their voyage: so we in our passage through this world, should abstain from the lusts of the flesh, which hinder our souls from life everlasting. 
1. Pet. 2.11.    

Stubble.  
AStrologers, star-gasers, Prognosticators, shall be as stubble, the fire shall burn them, they shall not be able to deliver their own lives from the power of the flame. As stubble also, shall God make them which persecute his people, 
Isay. 47.14. abad. verse. 18. Nahum. 1.10  and shall raise a flame amongst the persecuted, to consume their persecutors. Stubble, straw, and hay, and such like, quickly consumed by fire, do admonish us to look to our ways, that our works which we suppose to be good, and to be works of obedience, 
1. Cor. 3.12 13.  be not such as turn to ashes, so soon as the fire of God's examination by his word toucheth them.   

Stones.  
WHen we see the chief corner stones of great and huge buildings, 
Heb. 4.6.  to bear the weight of the whole building: Then we are to remember, that the whole congregation of the faithful is God's house or building, whereof every one of us are parts or lively stones, 
1. Pet. 2.5.  and that the people Circumcised & uncircumcised that believe, 
Ephes. 2.12  are the two walls, which in Christ were coupled, & upon him as upon the head corner stone, 
Act. 4.11.  do rest and are upholden. When we see precious stones, then are we to comfort ourselves, 
Psalm. 118.22.  that though we now with the residue of the Church are afflicted: Yet as these stones exceed the common sort of stones in estimation and price, so we also shall exceed in glory. The very stones in the walls shall cry woe to him that buildeth with blood, 
Esay. 54.11.12.  and erecteth and setteth up with iniquity. Stony ground, which in the spring first waxeth green, 
Habac. 2.12  and of all the rest seemeth forwardest, and after when the weather waxeth hot burneth and seareth away: 
Math. 13.5. ● 21.25.  representeth unto us the hasty forwardness of many, who at the first in days of peace seem to receive the word joyfully, and afterwards in time of persecution, by their speedy shrincking show, that it had never good and settled root in them.   

Subjection.  
LEt every soul be subject to the higher power, for there is no power but of God, and the powers that be are ordained of God, 
Rom. 13.1.2  whosoever therefore resisteth power, resisteth the ordinance of God. Amongst the powers, the king is the highest. 
1. Pet. 2.13.  They are appointed of God for the benefit and wealth of their subjects, to suppress evil, and to maintain those which are good. 
Rom 13.3.4.  Therefore we are most earnestly to pray for kings, 
1. Tim. 3.1.2  and all that are in authority, that we under them may lead a quiet and a peaceable life, in all godliness and honesty.   

Swine.  
AS Swine will muzzle up and down in the mire, whatsoever precious thing shall be offered them: so wicked contemners and despisers of the word do (as it were) tread under their feet, 
Math. 7.6.  whatsoever promise is offered, or judgement threatened to them out of the Word. The destruction of an heard of Swine was of more force to make the Gaderenes weary of Christ, 
Mark. 5.17.  than the saving of the man possessed with the Devil, was to cause him to be welcome, and to be well accepted and received of them. Such is always the estate of Christ, & of his gospel amongst worldlings, whensoever it is joined with any loss or danger of worldly benefits. Wash swine never so clean, yet so soon as they can find a miry plat, they will wallow and tumble themselves in it again: 
2. Pet. 2.22.  so bestow never so much pains to reduce the wicked and ungodly from their impiety, they will shortly pollute and defile themselves again.   

Sword.  
sword that new come from the cutlers, newly whet, which cut wheresoever they touch, do lively set forth the qualities of wicked and ungodly tongues. 
Psalm. 57.4 64. ver. 3.  So also do they of the wrath and anger of God, kindled as well to destroy and consume the hypocrite, 
Ezech. 21.9 14.  as him that is openly and notoriously wicked. Further they do most plainly represent, 
Math. 10.34 35.36.  the nature of dissension and disagreement in religion. For there is no band so strong of nature, affinity or friendship, which it doth not clean break and cut a sunder. The sharpness of a two edged sword, doth lively express the lively & mighty operation of the word, which cutteth a sunder the strongest things in man that oppose themselves against it, 
Heb. 4.12.  and pierceth into the most secret and hid corners of them, which cover themselves with hypocrisy against it.   

Sorrow.  
SOrrow is increased by increase of knowledge. 
Eccles. 1.18.    

Song.  
THe sharpest rebuke of a Friend, is better and more delectable to the ear of a wise man, 
Eccle. 9.7. Psalm. 30.4. Psal. 83.1.2 Collos. 3.16. Ephes. 4.19 james. 5.13  than the pleasantest song of a fool. It is a comely thing for the saints of God, to set forth the praises of the Lord, with songs and Psalms, and in singing of them, to observe that which maketh for their admonition, and instruction. They take therein a singular pleasure, they make it their mirth and recreation.   

Tabernacle.  
WHen we see in any fairs, markets or camps, tents or booths, set up for men's present necessity to abide in a little while: 
Heb. 11.9.  let us remember that our bodies are but tents and tabernacles, lent unto us to dwell in here for a time, and that therefore we should live here, like strangers and pilgrims, looking and tarrying for an eternal mansion, 
2. Cor. 5.1.  or city in heaven: the author and founder whereof is God.   

Talent  
THe great and fearful punishment of him that received a talon of his master and went and digged it in the earth and hide it: do teach us to fear the heavy and grievous judgements of God against us, 
Math. 25.30.  If we have received any gifts of God, and do not employ them to the common use, benefit and profit of the Church and people of God.   

Teachers.  
THose teacher's dishonour God, and slander his gospel greatly, 
Rom. 2. 17.18.19.20.2● 23.24.  which openly fall into those gross vices and sins, which they reprove in others: As they are very welcome, and received joyfully of us, which bring us tidings of that which we greatly desire: so ought the feet of our preachers, 
Rom. 10. 1●  to be esteemed beautiful, which bring to us the glad tidings of peace, and reconcilement with God. For the which cause, they are reckoned, amongst the most precious gifts and greatest treasures that Christ at his glorious and triumphant ascension, 
Ephes. 4.12.  enriched his Church withal: The devil envying this felicity, thrusteth out lying teachers, which bring in damnable sects, 
2. Pet. 2.1.  and draw upon their own heads, and the heads of their followers swift damnation.   

Tempest.  
WHen we see any great raging tempest, which beareth down a number of things afore it: 
jerem. 23. 1●  Then are we to consider how much more violent, 
jerem. 30.2  the wrath and anger of the Lord is against wicked and ungodly men.   

Tears.  
WHiles the wicked prosper against the people of God, and do freely blaspheme God, and make waste and havoc of the Church of God: 
Psalm. 42.3.80. verse. 5.  the Tears of the godly powered out from grief, are to them in steed of meat and drink: but the time shall come, 
Esay. 25.8.  when the Lord shall wipe all Tears from their eyes, and shall take away their rebuke from out of the earth: 
Luke. 6.21.  for blessed are they that weep now, for they shall laugh.   

Tiethes.  
TO withdraw and withhold Tieths and offerings, by the law appointed to the living and sustenance of God's minister, 
Mal. 3.8.  is to rob God & to steal from him. They that Tieth truly, and yet in the rest of their life are lose and dissolute, do rightly express unto us them, 
Math. 23.23.  that make great conscience in outward things commanded by men, and yet make not so great a matter of leaving their calling, and giving over their flock, to the which they were tied, both by the laws of God and man. In payment of our Tieths, we should consider, what a great dignity, & what an honourable calling, 
Heb. 7.4.6.  God hath advanced his ministers unto, and therefore yield them that honour, and reverence due unto their calling.   

Thief.  
AS a Thief taken in stealing with the deed doing, is brought to open shame: so Kings, princes and nations putting confidence in idols, 
jerem. 26.27 23.  and yet deceived in finding no help in them, in time of their distress are put to manifest shame and confusion. A thief as near as he can, cometh closely to rob an house then, 
Mar. 24.43.44.  when men think least of him: so upon a like sudden, when men least think of it shall Christ come again to judgement. Wherefore we ought at all times to be ready for his coming. 
1. Thes. 5.4.  When we see thieves & such other malefactors executed for their deservings, we are to take heed, 
2. Pet. 3.10.  that we when we suffer, suffer not as murderers, thieves, evil doers or busy bodies: 
1. Pet. 4.15.16.  but if we suffer as Christians then are we not to be ashamed.   

Thirst.  
BLessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness, 
Math. 5.6.  for they shall be satisfied.   

Thorns.  
Thorns cannot be touched nor handled, except men's hands be fenced with hedging gloves: so are wicked neighbours very cumbersome except a man be well defended, 
2. Sam. 13.6.  & take great heed unto himself. As a fire made of thorns burneth fiercely for the time, and keepeth a great noise and cracking, 
Psal. 118.12  but yet is speedily burnt out and consumed: so the attempts of the wicked, are for the time violent, and dangerous, but GOD in his good time doth with speed extinguish and quench them. 
Nahum 1.10  A hedge or good fence of thorn, is hard to ve passed through: 
Prou. 15.19  so is every way of gaining or getting to the slothful. It is impossible that Corn should grow or prosper, and come to good among the bushes of thorns: so likewise is it, that the seed of the word, should become the seed of new-birth, 
Math. 13.22  to him that continueth full of worldly cares, and is snared with the deceitfulness of riches.   

Thrones.  
Whensoever we see thrones or Chairs of state, wherein it is not lawful for any but princes, 
Math. 19.28.  and great estates to sit: then are we admonished to remember the great majesty and glory whereunto Christ will advance those that follow him.   

Temples.  
Temple's, Churches, chapels, which places we therefore esteem holy, because they are dedicated to the service of GOD and holy exercises of religion, should bring to mind that we are also the temples of God, 
1. Cor. 3.16 17.  and therefore ought also to be holy.   

Tooth.  
AS the stump of a tooth is unprofitable to eat withal: So they in whom there is no faith nor credit to be reposed, 
Prou. 25.19.  are friends unfit & unprofitable for a man in the day of trouble.   

Top.  
THe house top should put us in mind, how much better it is for a man to be quietly matched, 
Prou. 21.9.  though he dwell in never so small a corner, rather than have never so pleasant and roomthy an house with a contentious brawling brabbling wife.   

Tongues.  
THe gift of speaking with strange tongs, though it be very commendable and excellent: yet if it be not used to the common benefit & profit of those among whom we live: 
1. Cor. 13.1.  It maketh a man no better than a piece of sounding brass, or a tinkling cimbal. 
1. Cor. 14 11. verse. 23. verse. 21.  They that speak to other in a tongue that the other understand not, are as strangers to them, to whom they speak, so are they that speak latin to the unlearned multitude at church. Men cannot judge them to be well in their wits, whom they hear talk and prate to them in a tongue which they understand not. Further, when things are so uttered in the church, that they can not be understood of the hearers, it is a plain and manifest token of God's anger against them for their unbelief.   

Travail.  
ONe great travail that God hath given unto men to humble them thereby, 
Eccles. 1.13.  is to learn and gather wisdom, by the diligent, and advised consideration, and view of all things under the sun.   

Trees.  
WHen we see trees digged up by the roots, not to the end to destroy them, 
job. 8.18.  but to plant them in another place, where they may grow better, & more conveniently: then are we to remember, that the grievous troubles of the righteous sent to them from God, are of the like sort, for their better planting in another place. 
Psalm 13.  A tree pleasantly planted by the water side, prospering & bringing forth fruit in great plenty, 
jeram. 17.8  doth admonish us, how we which pretend to be graffed in Christ jesus, should abound & be replenished with all good works. 
Psalm. 28.5  The strength of a Cedre tree; or of a great Oak, suddenly rend or pulled up by the roots, 
Psalm. 38.35  and the green flourishing of a bay tree, suddenly blasted and withered away, do represent unto us the strength and prosperity of the wicked, how momentany they be, and how suddenly they perish. A tree, the fruit whereof, is good for preservation of life and health, & therefore of many much sought for, 
Prou. 15.4.3. verse 18.  should bring to mind, how wholesome a good tongue is, and carefully Wisdom is to be sought after. Trees in Winter, which for that they are naked, and void both of leaves & of fruit, do seem for the time little to differ from dead & starved trees, and yet have secretly hid in them their juice, 
Esay. 6.13.  which maketh them spring again, and as it were revive again in summer: do represent unto us the state of the Church of God, which though in bitter persecution, seemeth to be as it were quenched & extinguished: Yet when God giveth some peace & rest flourisheth and springeth again. When we see a little twig spring out of an old sear stock such as we would have thought it impossible for any thing to grow on it: then are we to remember in what decay the stock of David was when Christ was borne.  
The Church of God after persecution shall like a fruitful Tree, 
Esay. 11.1.  take root again, flourish and grow till the world be filled with the fruit thereof. When we see some trees, higher, fairer, greater and stronger than others: 
Esay. 27.6.  then are we to remember, that even so, is the great power of those Nations, which God above other hath exalted. As trees are known to be good or bad by their fruit: so men are discerned by their doing. 
Ezech. 31.3.  And as men are wont to hue down the trees, that either are unfruitful or else bring forth bad fruit, & make firewood of them: so God in his good time will root out of his church all wicked men, and throw them into eternal fire. When trees blossom and shoot forth buds, we are assured that summer draweth near. So when we hear of wars, 
Math. 24.6.7  rumours of wars, pestilence, famine and earthquakes, then are we to know that the end of the world draweth near.   

Troubles.  
GReat are the troubles of the righteous, but the Lord riddeth them out of them all, 
Psalm. 34.19  and in the mean space comforteth them in the midst of their troubles, that they may be able to become instruments of comfort to others, 
2. Cor. 1.4.  and able to cheer others in their affliction, by that comfort which they themselves received of god.   

Trumpet.  
WHen we hear the trumpet sound out aloud, to give soldiers and servitors warning to prepare and put themselves in a readiness for that which they are appointed for: Then are ministers to remember, how much they should strain their voices, and how loud they should cry, 
Esay. 58.1.  both to Princes and people, to show them the dangers that are imminent and at hand for their sins. As the Trumpeter that is set to watch for the coming of his enemies, is guilty of the blood and death of his Citizens and people, if through his negligence and for want of warning by his trumpet the enemy steal upon them, and make slaughter and havoc of them at unawares: so the ministers of the word also, if the people without continual admonition and calling upon to repent, do perish in their sins. If the trumpet should give an uncertain sound, it should not profit: for so the soldier should not be warned, to provide for the battle: even so the tongues which the people understand not are not profitable to be spoken withal in the church. 
1. Cor. 14.8.9  And by the sound of the Trumpete, we are warned to hearken after, and to look for the sound of the last trump at the noise of the which, 
1. Cor. 15.25  the dead shall rise incorruptible and we shall be changed. 
1. Thes. 4.6    

Treasure.  
THe gathering of treasur●, by deceitful tongue and speech is a vanity: even so delighting men, 
Prou. 2.6.  and as commonly exercised of men that seek their own destruction, as the tossing of a tennis bal. As in treasure houses or store-howses, men keep all manner things to serve their purposes: so God keepeth in store, weapons of his wrath to revenge himself upon the wicked, 
jerem. 50.21  for the injury and violence done to his Church. Treasure that by some occasion hath been long and closely hid, 
Math. 13.24.  It is a rare matter to find it: which showeth how few there be, that understand and know of the riches of the kingdom of God. And as the man that findeth the treasure, can not justly enjoy the same, except at his great charge, he first strain himself to purchase the soil. So heavenly riches cannot be had but of them, which (if need so require) can be content to forego all their worldly wealth for it. 
2. Cor. 4.7  As great and rich treasure is many times hid in an homely earthen vessel: So it pleaseth God to put the precious knowledge of himself, and his truth into poor, weak, and frail men.   

Vapour.  
AS vapours appear for a little while, and afterward vanisheth quite out of sight: So the life of man is quickly vanished and gone.   

Vessel.  
A vessel how profitable soever it hath been to the owner, and how necessary for his turn, yet when it is broken it is thrown away and regarded no longer, which is a plain image and an express form of a man forsaken of those, 
Psalm. 31.12.  whose friend he hath been so long as he was able to stand them in steed. As in a great house there be many vessels of sundry sorts, to divers uses, not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and earth: 
2. Tim. 2.20 21.  some for honour, some for dishonour: so in the outward society of the Church, there be men of all sorts appointed for divers ends: wherefore we are diligently to look about us, that we may be vessels apt and meet for the Lord, 
1. Pet. 3.7.  being prepared for every good work. A vessel, the weaker it is, the more it is to be favoured and spared, if we will have it continue: so a woman, because of her infirmities, is much to be borne withal.   

Vine.  
AS a vine when the fences thereof are broken lieth open to the waste, and is spoiled of every beast of the field: so the people and church of God, 
Psalm. 8.12 13.  when for their sins God seemeth for a time to withdraw his protection and defence, is subject to the injuries & violence of all sorts of the wicked. A vine planted which neither for choice of good ground, neither for any other thing, which the hand of the husbandman might do to it, can justly complain of any want, and yet deceiveth the husbandman's expectation, and maketh him to lose both pain and cost, express the unkindness of people oft times, who would be cowted for the people of God, and whom God hath diligently called to the knowledge of himself by the preaching of the word, 
Esay. 5.1.2  and yet proceed in impiety and ungodliness. Of the shreding of the vine cometh no profit, neither can they serve for any other use but for the fire: 
Ezech. 15.1 2.3.4.5.6.7  so those whom God cutteth & casteth of from his church, can serve for none other end, but for the hell fire. A Vine representeth to us Christ, the branches representeth Christians. 
john. 15.1.2.3.4.5.6.  As branches can not bring forth fruit except they abide in the Vine: so Christians cannot bring forth fruits of righteousness, except they abide in Christ. The husbandman or dresser of the Vine, representeth to us God the father. For as the vine-dresser cutteth of every branch that bringeth not forth fruit, and letteth it whither, and maketh a fire of it: so God doth cut of fruitless Christians, and throw them into hell fire. And as the vine-dresser doth purge the fruitful branches, that they may bring forth more fruit: so God by divers means doth purify and cleanse his children, that they may be the more fruitful.   

Virgin.  
christ, by the parable of the five wise, and of the five foolish Virgins, teacheth us how profitable and good it is for us, 
●ath. 25.1.2 ●. 5.6.7.8.9 ●. 11.12.  if we watch and be prepared against his coming again in glory. And again, how dangerous it is if we be a sleep, and unprepared at his coming.   

Vinegar.  
Vinegar is as bad and hurtful to the Teeth, as smoke is to the eyes: and yet more hurtful then either of both, 
●ou. 10.26.  is a slothful servant to him that sendeth or setteth him about any business.   

Viper.  
AS Viper's brood destroyeth them that breed them: So generally the children of them that murdered the prophets, 
Math. 3.7. Math. 23.33  and showed cruelty to the saints of God, fulfil the measure of their fathers, and are unmercifully bend against all those that seek their life and salvation.   

Wages.  
WHen men receive the wages which they earn: 
Rom. 6.23.  then let them take heed lest they earn at God's hand by sinning: for the wages of sin is death.   

Way.  
AS oft as we walk in the high ways, and common paths, 
Psalm. 25.4  we should call to God to direct us in his ways, and to guide us in his paths, for the way of the wicked is as dangerous to walk in, 
jerem. 23.  as an exceeding slippery way to them that walk in the dark. Yet it is very broad, and well beaten, 
Math. 7.13  & marvelous many tread it, though it lead to destruction. As oft as we walk to a place, 
john. 14.6.  whether leadeth no more ways but one, we should remember that Christ is the only way to heaven, and that no man can come to the Father but by him.   

Wall.  
A Wall when it beginneth to bow, or is shaken will shortly fall: 
Psalm. 62.3.  even so ruinous is the seat of the wicked, howsoever it seemeth to be. A whited or painted Wall, the bravery whereof, serveth for no profit, but for a mere show, seateth forth the profit that cometh to the common wealth by those judges, 
Act. 2.3  which sitting in place of justice, do wrong to men contrary to the laws.   

Weights.  
TO buy by an heavier weight, & to sell by a lighter, is abominable in the eyes and sight of God. 
Prou. 20.10.    

Waste.  
AS soil that hath lain long waste, by good husbandry is rid and often brought to flourish with corn or grass: so the Church of God after long persecution, 
Esay. 35.1.2.  Is by the power and goodness of God, brought again to a flourishing estate.   

War.  
Civil dessension and war, is commonly by God's just judgement sent into those lands for their sins, 
●say. 19 2.  which he will afterward destroy and bring to desolation in short time. The root and wellspring of all contentions & wars grow from our corrupt lusts and affections, 
james. 4.1  that fight and strive in our members. Upon stubborn transgressors of God's law, God will send a sword to avenge the quarrel of his covenant, 
levit. 26.25.  And when they fly into their City, he will send pestilence among them, and they shall be delivered into the hand of their enemy. In war peace is to be offered, and to be performed to them which peaceably yield themselves, 
Deut. 10. 1●  and are content to become Tributaries. If we be of great skill in warlike affairs, 
Psalm. 144.1.  we are to bless God, who teacheth our hands to fight, and our fingers to battle.   

Water.  
SO often as we see the waters of the sea, we are to praise the goodness of the Lord, 
Genes. 1.9  who gathered them together on a heap, and to marvel and wonder at his power, 
Psalm. 3 3.7  who hath set them bounds which they may not pass, and doors and bars, 
job. 38.10.  whereby they are kept within their appointed limits, and can not return to cover the face of the earth. 
Psalm. 104.  As the raised waters with great rains fall suddenly with great rage and peril of drowning to many: so are the persecutions of the Church, 
Psal. 124.4  if God do not miraculously rescue it from them. But though his people pass through the waters he will be with them, 
Esay. 13.4.  & through the floods, yet they shall not overthrow them, For God maketh for them away in the sea, and a path in the mighty Waters. As water refresheth the thirsty, and as floods do moisten the dry land, and make it fruitful: so God by his spirit rejoiceth the people of his Church, 
Esay. 44.3.  and poureth out abundance of his blessings upon them. As water runneth and falleth away, so shall all hands be weakened, 
Ezech. 1.17.  and knees shall shrink, when God shall punish impiety and wickedness. As clean water washeth and maketh clean our bodies, 
Ezech. 36.26  so the spirit of God maketh our hearts and souls clean in the eyes and sight of God. As the water of mighty floods do with great violence and rage flow, 
Hose. 5.10.  and can not be stopped: so the wrath of the Lord cometh upon the wicked, who pervert all laws and all religion. A cup of water should bring to mind, that the least liberality that can be given for God's cause, shall not scape unrewarded at the hands of God. 
Math. 10.42.  If he that is a thirst doth greedily and joyfully receive a cup of water to quench his thirst, and to ease him for a little time: how much more greedily should we receive the water of life, whereby the thirst of our soul shall be quenched eternally. 
●oh. 4.14.15.  As waves of water are tossed and carried away by force of wind: 
●ames. 1.6.7.  so he that prayeth without faith, must needs be carried of every forcible affection, and therefore can not look to obtain his petitions.   

Wax.  
AS wax melteth with the heat of the fire: 
Psalm. 22 14.  so the hart of man fainteth with the greatness of troubles and tribulations. 
Psalm. 68.2  And as wax melteth at the heat of the fire: so the wicked perish at the presence of God. 
Mate. 1.4.  For how can they abide his presence when the great, huge, and mighty mountains do melt thereat as wax. 
Micah. 1.4    

Webbe.  
AS the Spider's web is now whole, and strait ways broken, almost for the least thing that may happen unto it: so the expectation of the wicked faileth & deceiveth them. And as of those webs no man can make cloth to clothe him: 
job. 8.14.  so they who bend their wits to conceive mischief, and whose whole labour is to bring forth iniquity, shall not reap profit by their devices and pains.   

Weapons.  
ONe Nation stirred up against an other, 
Esay. 59.5.6  to execute the vengeance of God, are the weapons of God's wrath.   

Welles.  
AS wells dry in the bottom, 
Esay. 13.4.  deceive them which seek for water in them: So they which look to learn a truth at the hands of false Prophets, 
2. ●et. 2.17.  are deceived of their expectation.   

Weather.  
MEn easily wax cunning to foresee what Wether will shortly happen by the standing of the wind, by the gathering of the clouds and by other tokens, 
Luke. 12.54.55.56.  which as it did condemn the sloth of them which lived in the time of Christ, because they were not careful, not diligent to mark the tokens, whereby they should have known the coming of Christ: So also it will condemn us, if we mark not, neither observe the tokens of the second coming of Christ.   

Wheat.  
WHeat except it be sowed in the ground and there die, 
john. 12.24  and not spring again, and so multiply: so the knowledge of those benefits which we have by Christ after his death, increased, grew, and multiplied throughout the whole world.   

Wicked.  
WHen we see wicked men, whose whole delight is in wickedness, and all whose studies are vanity and abomination, than we may well conclude that these men have said in their hearts, 
Psalm 14.1.53. ver. 1.  that there is no God.   

Widow.  
WHen we see a Widow in extreme grief for the loss of her husband and of her children, 
Esay. 47.9.  because she is now destitute of all help & comfort: then let us remember, that such grief and affliction God will bring upon all those, which when they flourish and are in prosperity, are proud and unmerciful. The continual weeping of a Widow, 
Lamen. 1.1.2.  forsaken of all her friends, representeth to us the woeful estate of a City destroyed and desolate.   

Wife.  
HE that findeth a good Wife, findeth a good thing, 
Prou. 18.22.19. ver. 14.  and receiveth favour of the Lord. Houses and riches descend from parents, to their children by inheritance, but a wise and prudent Wife, is the gracious gift of the Lord.   

Wilderness.  
WHen men are driven to hide themselves in wild & desert places, 
Exod. 16.35  where all things are wanting that should serve for the necessary sustenance of man: 
Num 20.11.  Then are they to comfort themselves with the power and goodness of God, who hath taught us by good experience, that he can and will extaordinarily provide for his, by giving food from heaven, water out of the hard rocks, by making their apparel neither to wear nor tear, 
1. King. 17.6.19. verse. 8.  by making ravens to feed them, by giving extraordinary strength to endure with out meat a great time.   

Wind.  
AS wind suddenly passeth away with a blast: so also suddenly passeth the life of man. 
job. 7.7.  As they which have nothing to feed on but the wind, do famish and pine away and so perish: 
Hose. 12.1.  so they which are fed with fair promises, and set their hope and confidence in the defence of men are deceived, and left destitute in their most need. The wind bloweth in what quarter of Heaven it listeth, and where it beginneth blowing, & where it endeth no man can tell, neither can any man devise means to stop the course of it: even with the like liberty, and with the like open appearance worketh the spirit of God, where and in whom he will, 
john. 3.8.  and no power nor ability of man is able to resist and withstand it.   

Wine▪  
AS new Wine will burst the vessels, which it is put in, except they have a vent: So a man desirous to hear himself, 
job. 32.19  can by no means hold his tongue. Wine is a mocker, and strong drink is raging, 
Prou. 20.1  and whosoever is deceived therewith is not wise. Look not upon Wine when it is red, 
Prou. 23.31  and when it showeth his colour in the cup, and goeth down pleasantly, in the end thereof it will bite like a Serpent, and hurt like a Cockatrice. When we see men make no conscience, how they get but think all well enough, 
Amos. 2.8  so they bestow some part upon God, and good uses, we are to remember the threatening of the Prophet against them, that drink the wine of the condemned in the house of their God.   

Wisdom.  
Wisdom is better than all manner of warlike provision and furniture. 
Eccles. 9.18.  Yet when in God's matters, and in matters of life to come, we are alured and enticed away by worldly wisdom and fleshly reasons: then are we to beware and take heed of consenting, 
Rom. 8. ●  because the wisdom of the flesh is enmity against God, it is not subject to the law of God neither can be. When we hear in the pulpit rhetorical flowers of speech, and an overmuch affection, and seeking to show learning: 
1. Cor. 2.4. ●  Then let us call to mind that preaching ought not to be in the enticing words of man's wisdom, but in the plain evidence of the spirit and of power, that the faith of the hearers may rest, not in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.   

Wise.  
THe rebukes of the Wise, are more profitable to be harkened unto, 
Eccles. 7.7  than the pleasant songs and melody of fools. The continual unkindness and unthankfulness of nations, for the manifold benefits which God bestoweth upon them, causeth God against the day of deserved destruction, to make their wise men fools, and to cause their wisdom to perish from them. When we wonder that so many wise and learned men do not know nor embrace the evident and clear truth of the gospel, 
1. Cor 2.6.7 8.9.10.  then are we to call to mind, that it is not the wisdom of the world, but of God, and that therefore no man can know it. 
●. Cor. 3.20  But he to whom God by his spirit doth reveal it. But as for all the thoughts and conceits of the wise of this world, God knoweth that they are but vain.   

Wood  

Genes. 3.8  Woods that grow thick, & are meet for evil men to lurk in, should make us remember how great a mischief disobedience to God is, and that that was the first cause that made men ashamed and afraid to show their face, and therefore to seek covert to hide them in. Wood serveth to kindle and keep fire, talebearers stir up and nourish strife. 
Prou. 26.20.  Dry wood is apt to burn, and green wood, though not so quickly will be consumed with fire: so both strong and weak, high and low, rich and poor, one and an other go to wrack, 
Ezec. 20.47  when God punisheth impiety and wickedness.   

Whore.  
THey that forsake their husbands, and give themselves over to strangers, 
Ezech. 23.1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8  and so become common Whores, do represent to us the state of those which leave God & the truth, which some time they professed, and commit idolatry, and cleave to superstitions.   

Women.  
WHen we behold women, we should thankfully acknowledge the goodness of God, who provided them to be helps and comforts unto men. 
Genes. 2.18.  Women also thereby are admonished to be aunswearable to their creation in their doings and dealings. 
Esay. 26.17  A woman in travail in the middle of her sorrow crieth in her pains, 
Esay. 42.42  even so is the estate of God his Children in the midst of persecution, and as a woman then desireth with speed to be delivered, so God will be at once avenged upon the enemies of God's Church. As the heart of a woman fainteth and yieldeth in travail, 
jerem. 49.24  so the hearts of strong men faint, when God will be enemies, afflict and scourge their country. And when women prevail with men in their suits by great importunity: 
Luke. 18.7.  Then are we to remember, that by prayer without ceasing, we shall obtain our requests of God.   

Words.  
WHen we see men given to be full of words and delighted with much prating: then let us remember that in many words there can not want iniquity, 
Prou. 10.19  and that for every idle word that scapeth us, 
Math. 12.36  we shall be called to account at the last day. Howbeit, he that sinneth not in word, must needs be a perfect man, 
james. 3.2.  and well able to bridle his affections.   

Wormwood.  
THe bitterness of Wormwood representeth to us the bitterness of affliction and oppression. 
Lamen. 3.19 Amos. 5.7  judgement is as bitter as wormwood when a man by it is untruly oppressed and condemned.   

Wrestler.  
IF they which run or wrestle for the best game, do of their own accord abstain from all things, which may either make them short winded, or hinder their lightness, strength, or nimbleness: 
1. Cor. 9.25  much more than we should willingly cast of and abstain from all those things, which might hinder us in the way and course of everlasting life. The wrestler obtaineth not the crown or garland, exeept he strive for it according to the laws of wrestling: 
1. Tim. 2.5.  so ministers are not to look for any reward, except they do their diligent endeavour, 
2. Tim. 2.5  to do their duties faithfully.   

Wolves.  
Wolves breaking into a flock of sheep, devouring some, & scattering the rest: do resemble false Teachers, which creep into the church of God, 
Act. 20.29  and bring to destruction those whom they can allure within compass of their nets, and divide and separate the rest by dissension and debate.   

World.  
SUch safety as sheep have amongst wolves, such must the Ministers of God look for in this World. 
Math. 10.10  For the love of the World, and the love of God can not abide together in one and the same man. 
1. john. 2.15.  But this is the comfort of the children of God, 
1. john. 2.17.  that the World with all the desires thereof shall pass away, but they that seek to fulfil the will of the Lord, shall abide and endure for ever. 
john. 15.18  If the World therefore hate us, it is no matter: it hated Christ first. And there is one and the same cause of hating, both because Christ and all his true followers do witness unto the World, 
john. 7.7.  the wickedness of their works. For it is a continual work of the spirit, in all those which are therewith endued, to convince the world of sin. 
john. 16.8.  Whosoever therefore joineth in friendship with the world, 
james. 4.4  forthwith becometh the enemy of God. Love not then the world, 
1. john. 2.15  nor the things that are in the world. For if any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.   

Woorkmen.  
AS oft as we pay Woorkmen their hire, we should think, 
Math. 10.10.  how much better do they which labour in the Church of God, for the salvation of our souls, deserve the reward allotted and appointed them for their pains, and therefore we should gladly bestow it.   

Worms.  
THe Palmer Worm, the canker Worm, the grasshopper, the Caterpillar, and such like, devouring the fruits of the earth: 
job. 1.4.  do invite and stir us to repentance, seeing they are sent of God to plague us for our sins. When we take small Worms in our hands, 
Acts. 12.23  than we are to remember, that God needeth no greater nor mightier soldiers, to tame the proudest Prince upon the earth.   

Yokes.  
WHen we see cattle and Horses, strong, young, and wanton break their Yokes and bands: 
●erem. 5.5.  then we are to consider the great estates of this world, who being exalted in honour, and abounding in wealth, though they know the way of the Lord, and the judgements of their God, yet can not submit their necks to the yoke of the Lord, or be subject to his discipline: yet is his yoke very sweet, 
Math. 11.30  and the burden which he layeth upon his very light. When we see yokes very strong, 
Acts. 15.10 28.  great, and heavy, cumbersome for cattle to bear: Then are we to remember, to give God thanks for his great mercy to us Christians, in delivering of us, and setting free from the yoke of the Law.   
FINIS.