^••^: LIBRARY OF THE THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY <^/^ O PRINCETON, N.J. % Purchased by the Maby Cheves Dulles Fund l9^ Tivoancicwentie -' Sermons of Maifter John Caluin. In which Sermons ismofl rcligi- oufly handled , the hundredth and nine tcenth Pialme of Dauid,by eight verfes apartc according to , . ' ^ the Hebrcwc Al- '* phabct. TranJlatedoHt of French int9 Enghjhehy-X.S. "aft-k-Citi-'y^ ^fmprinted at Londvn for John Harifon aud^ J . Thomas Man^ r) 1580. -^ Jf'^. To the right worjhipful Sir Robert ler^ inyn,Knight,and to the right worihipful his godly ^ndvertuoHs wife ^the Lady ludXihlcvmyn , Thomas Stocker reipjeth continHall increafe of allfphitHail and earthly good thinges in this life , with an carncft zcale to the glorious GofpellofChrifle lefus, atsdferfetferaHnceef pradife thereof vnto the ende and in the endy And aft tr this life.eucrUfl'tng toy and ^ bliffe in the life to conte through the fame Chrifl lefus our Lorde, Lbeit the whole Scrip- ture vniucrfally ( Right Worfhipfull) is as it were a diuinc Maiftreffe, teach- ing bothc vcrtue and true faith: yetnotwithftanding theBooke of Pfalmcs hath ouer and befides that in a manner an expreCTe image of the ftateand condition of foules,and thcrforc ve- ry ncceflary for all people in general!, Howbeit this hundrethandninteenePfalme, namely contey- nethaperfedartanda woonderfuU vehemencie of the Kingly Prophet, in fetting foorth and highly extolling theprayfeof Godslaweand theexcellen- cy thereof: wherein hcc cannot fatiffiehim{elfe,nor yetfufficientlyexprcfletheaffeaion which he bea- reth thcrunto,adding moreouermany notable com- plaimes and eonfolatioas,wherf ore it is moft mcetc CS'.at for The Epifile for all the children of Godtohaucit alwayesbothe in their heartes and mouthes,and fo continually me- ditating thereon as this holy Prophet did in his di- ftrclTejthey may alfo findcthelike conr!fort,whenfo- euerandwhatfoeucrafflidion (hallaiTaile them,and alfo to flie and abhorre that which is wicked ande- uill in thefii^ht of the Lord. Which Pfalmebeeing deiiidcd into twoo and twentie partcs,by eight verles aparte,accQrding too- the Hebrew Alphabec,the godly and leaned Father and mofte famoufc furtherer of the glorious Gof- pell of our Sauiour and Redeemer Chri/]-e , hath ac- cording to that orderjvery religioiifly handled and drawne into as many Sermons,too the bcneiitcand comfort ofall the true and fa ithfullScholcrs in the Schoolcof God, which (hall diligently reade them, and earneftly flriucto foUowethe fame dire6lion in their life and conuerfation . Which Sermons according to my poore (kill , I haue englifticd fr5 the French, and haue taken bold- nefle to dedicate and offer this my iimple traueil vn- loyourWorlhips, as a fpeciall token of my good will in Gbtifl:befeechingyouto accept of this my labor^not^accordingtotherudetranflationj but the goodncde of the matter which they propound, and my heartie affedion vnro you, And the ratherhaue I beenc enbo dened this to doe: both for that I haue beenccredibily informed off,cither of your greate paines taking in reading ouer fuch like godly works as alfo that my felfe am Tefln octiUm^ of your dayly prefence and diligent attention at all Sermons and godly cxercifes vied in this countrie of SufF* Whofe good Sc godly beginnings with the reft of the right worfhipful T)edicatorj. worfhipfuU both men aiid women in thcfc pirtcs (and all others of what ftate and condition (o eucr they be) Iheartely befeech our good God and merci- ful father,cuen for his ChnftjhistruethjSc mercyes fake,toincreafe,ftrcngthcn,and continue witth day lypradifeofthefamejinfomemearur: inyour Hues and conucriation^with full perfeuerauncc vntoo the end of your dayesherc^without which all the reft is but labor loft. For as the Apoftlc witnefleth, wc arc made partakers of Chrift, if wee keepefurevnto the cnde that beginning wherewith wearc vpholden. The Lord God therefore by his holy fpirit work thefeeffe£ts in you and in vs all thatprofcflc his gof- pell,andleadeouraduerfaryes(whenit fliali pleafe him)into the trueth^s he is God of tructh:that whe hisfonnc Chrift ourSauiour fhallappeere in gla- ry, wee may be foundc to haue walked without halting in whatfoeuer hce hath thought mcete to open to vs for our faluation. From Mildenhall the 4. of Nouerabcr, I$7P. Your vp or/hips to command in the Lorde Tho, Stockgr, t5*.3. To the *VL'^a «WT^ S^Q^i C\01A2) €/^^ OAbDKS ^To allfaithfull Readers, |H£ Readmg otter ojthefe pre« fern Sermons , w// fuffictenUj declare vohat commodttie and profit e they may h'mg veith thems Aiinverydeede the Anthor of them right welfljeweth through- cm all his vpoofkfs^in what Jorte the LordeG O D hath heerete-* fore beeneferued^andalfohoyf I cr dinar tly he e tsftruedby him, A»d therefore for a full recommendation afrvell of the ^jittthor , as alfo of the woorke itfelfe, I intende through GOD fjis affiflaunce toofette foorth none otherthing, then the fame frnite and profite , whtch they hat*e already gotten ^ that haue read them, and that fruit e which they may make reporte of, that Jhall heere after reade them. For this may very well he t hought that nothingin the whole worlde maketh a man more b^effed y then the liuely and conttnuall meditation of the holy I awe and good mil of our heauenlj father. Nowe then this is the Pfalme, Vf hich is framed^nd wholly ferueth too this ende and purpofe^ dayly to exercife our felues heere inland although that heefo of* tenttmes repeateth thefe woordeSyLawePrdtnaunceSi Statutes , EdtElfiommaundementsfDecrees, and other fuch bhe : yet are they no vaine repetitionsiBut vfedto this intent and purpofe , tea let vs throughly vnderfland^ howemeruelous peruerfe andfrO' warde our nature is cau^ng thefe fo neceffarj thmges, too too ea- Rly to melte ( like v^axe againfi the Sf4>ine,as wee fay ) cleane Avcayfrom vs^and.alfo to make vs too bee touched at thequickfy ' th:itwe might feele howeferuently we ought too figh andgrcne^ A)terti)elAweandordinafinceofGody how z.ealoHfly too defire topHt the famt in exscmiony'tudalfo how greatly too be greeuid »tth \v%thhsholdi*igthemofie^YoudemA v'tlUnom contempt 9fthc vn godly treading the fame vnder their feete» Audhecaufe there arefome rvha rather depre too haut fich Tookes at they may eafily carry about e with them , / hattt therathertopleafe all parties heene very willmg too [*\ ttffie them herein, alwayes rcferHing this good ajfeBioft y that GOD might bee ho-* nohred^and glorified jry this myfmall tramlyand the building vp of hts ^hterch aduaun-- cedt Farer^elL k ^-v'hi'^- i^^^^^"^"' The firjl Sermon of(t5\f. fohn Qal^ uinc, vpon the bundtcth and nintcenc Pfalme^': «f the Kfft^/j Prophet Diuid, ' Thefirfl eight Ferfesvpo» Aleph. I BlelTcd arcal thofc which arc vpright in th?, wa[y^ and Walke in the lawc of the ibr^c. Ir ^;^',j t Blctled arc they which keepe his Teftinjooycj t. and fecke him with their whole hearty 5 Surely they worke no iniquicic: that waike in his wayes. 4 Thou haft commaunded to keepc thjr Prcceptcs diligently, 5 O that my waycs were dire6bed too keepe thy Statutes, S Then (hould not I be confounded : when I hauc refpcd vnto all thy Commaundemcnts* 7 I will pray fe thee with an vpright heart : when I fliall learne theiudgements of thy rightcoufncs» I I w ill keepe thy Ceremonies : 6 forfake mcc not oiierlonge. Elouedjwe ought to be greatly afliamed of our fcluesjwhen as our good God and heauenly Father ^ goeth aboute by all meanes posfible toodrawevs vnto him , and yet wee in no mk will come nighe him , but rather as is commonly faid,do pul our heads out of the collet .vc^v<5-v^andhalebackwarde» If there were none other teiiimonie heereof againftcvs, but this A. Pfalme ^' • Thefirjl Sermon of zIM.fo.Cal. Pfalme which I am hcere nowe in hand aboutto handle, it might fufFiceTheiumaie whereof is this, tollKwe vnto vs what grace the Lorde our God offercth vnto vs, when as we are taught the ftraightrule and order , by which wee may rightly and truely ieruehim , wherein confifteth the whole effect of our faluation, and the fame to bee the very way andmeane to com therunto.When as God then gran- tcth vnto vs his gracc,to be thus inftruded by his woorder, beholdehehathnow giuen vnto vs an vnfpeakeable trea- fure, and impoH'tble too bee futficiently valued. By this Pfalme is declared vntoovs , that this is the very vfe of the IXKQr of /^Gpd 5 ; and alfo of all the holy Scripture : and that we are inftruded and exhorted tooprJ:)fite our felues by that wlpch is there ©ftred vnto vs. But becaufe that when any talke 'is minittred of drawing vs to God, wee arc- fo blocki(l;ie and dull,that it is pittie and lamentable to fee: and albeit that Godapprochcth neerevnto vs , and that wee haue many and fundry times cleerely forgotten all whatifoeuet? weehaue voderftoode and learned of him, fee heercwhat anaydeand helpc he hath added for our be- hoofc; which is thisjthat his will and meaning is, that this Pfalme (houlde bee drawne and framed into an order of eighcverlesaparte,andthatalltheverfesof euery eight a- parte,(hould begin with a feuerall letter,after the order of an A,BX, As if he lliould fay, It (hall not be materiall that vrc be profoundc learned men, for our inftruftion in that whichisneceflarytoourfaluation: But that the dodrine is common afwell to the learned as cothcvnlearned. Are ourwittesand memoryesgrowcnfofliort? Let vs then reclccn and tell vpon our fingers, when as wee haue lear- ned ourA.B.C, Let v% then ioync eight verfes tot^ither, and fo eight by eight,^ go through the whole crofi'crow, and wee (hall haue the whole Pfalme at our fingers endcs. What (hall we farther fay ? If wee will hcercby profite our felues no way, neither yet vouchfafc to hearken vnto our §;oodGod,ne yetfufFcrvs to be fo familiarly guydcd by him "yfpon the Cxix. Tfaime. z bim,ycaeuen vnro that thing vvhich is more then necefiSi-r ry, may it not be very well fayd, that we arc al moil accur-' fed? Trueitisthattheverfesindecdebeginne not either, withtheEngliihorycttheLatine letters: but with the Hc- bructwherin Dauidmade and wrotethis Pralme,Notwiih* iianding (6 it is, that the wil and piirpofe of the holy ghoft, is to make vs to fieele and vnderlland that which before I hauc declared::© wittjthat the doftrins herein conteyned, is not onely fet downe for great Clear kes which hauc gone to fchoole ten or twentie yeeres: but alfo for the moft fim-' pie :Co the ende none flioulde pretende any excufc of igno- raunccAnd heerewithal let vs note this by the way : That wealjought too knowc and vnderfl:and this Pfalme as per- feftly as our Pater nofter as we vfually fay,But here we muft not fay as a number of men doo,that our wit & capacities are not fo excellent and fy ne, as to comprehendc & vnder- ftandc the holy fcripturcs : and be fides, that ourc mc- raoriewill not fcrue too reteine and keepc that whichc fometymes is preached vntoo vs . A ftraungc cafe : wee will cafely retaine and kcepe in niinde not onely vayne andfooliftie fonges and ditties, but alfofuchasareboth wanton &diflblutC5&euenfuch as S.PauIe faythjdoe cor^ rupt and poyfon good manners, for this horible infeftiori is alwayes Ihutte vp foe an euil intent and purpofe ♦ l^or if wee fhall heare any villainous and ribaudrous fong ^.which fliall only ftirre vs vp to all filthy luft and {liamelefneflTe; the fame by and by we retaine with greatc cafe. BeholdenowejhowtheLordeour God heere teachcth vs as it were by an A. B, C a mode excellent fong cmongft the reft, by which we may learne to rule & order our Hues,' whereby alfo he cxhortethvs to well dooing,tocomforte, vs in all our afflidions , to ratifie vnto vs the promilfes of faluation, too open vnto vs the Gates of his euerlafting •Kingdomc, that wee might enter into euerlafting life: and all this is conrayned within this A.B.C of this- pre- fent Pfalme, and yet wee will all fay tliat our (nemory A.2, isouec Thefrft Sermon of z%f.foXaL is oucr fliorte, and onr witte too too grofle, or weake to holde it» Nowe I befeech you tell mce this , will this ex- cufe gocfor payment or not f Verely I beleeue not, wher- fore let vs learne to beftowe our whole indeuour and ftudy to recorde the leflbns which are heere taught vs : & that we may be heerafter throughly acquainted with this Plalme, if we wil be repured & take to be theehildren of God.And feeing we Tee our nature to be giuen to many vngodly and j>ernicious,or at the leaft to very vnprofitable thing: let vs yet retaine and holde that which ihallbe mofte profitable forvs, and the rather becaufethat God fo abafeth him- felfetothemofterudejfiniplcandignoraunteft emong \s* Formineownepartcbecaufelwill frame my felfc to that manner and order which the holy Ghofte hath heere fet downe, I fliatlinforcemy felfeto foUowe asbriefely as I can theplaineand true meaning of the text : and withouc continuing in longe exhortations* I will onely doe my befte too mince or flired, as we fay, the wordes of Dauid , bccaufe wee may the better digeft thcm» For performance whereof » I determine by the grace of God , too finifhe eight verfes apartein euery Sermon,and to holde my felfe withinfuch acompaflcaasthat the moft ignoraunt (hall eafily, acknow ledge and confefTe that I meane nothing elfe but to make open and playne the fimple and pure fub- ftaunccofthetext. Andnoweletvscometothe contents ©fthcfirftviii. verfes apart,beginning with the firft letter Aleph* Blejfedare they ( faith Dauid ) rvhtch are vpright ii the »ay : a»d rvalke in the Lawe of the horde » Firft of all, he doth ^^ heereto witte.that we vnderftand not wherin our chiefe bleflcdneffeconfifteth , and the rcafon is, becaufe that wee are blinde, and doe Hue in the worlde as fauagc and wilde beafteSjVttcrlyvoydeof fenfeand reafon: and fufferour feluestobe leddeandcarryed away of our brutiflie and iwinifli affe<5Hons and luftes . And becaufe it is fo , that we are thus carryed away, it is a manifeft figne and token that wee difcernc not good fromeuill : or elfe that the DeuB yponthe QxixJTfalme. ; Dcuill hath fo bewitched vs, that wee thinke thereof no whitteat all. True itis that the mofte wicked wil con- fefleandfay, that they defire too beefaued but yet in the defire thereof , they cleerety flye from ic 9 and goc as cleaneaway from it , as they can for their Hues. But what is the caufe whyc they fo greatcly with- drawc them felues from that which they fo highly protcllc too loue?Yea they drawe as nccrc vnto it,as they can pofli- bly flye from it . By this it feemeth that they haue con- fpyrcd too reicde and make litdeaccounte of that good which GOD meancth to doe for them» And hcere we are too note, that Dauid in this firfte vcrfc accufeth vs of horrible blindeneffe, as ifhcftiould fay. Surely you arc all fenfelefle and without witte. And to fay the tructh if there were but one droppc of rcafon in vs, without doubte , wee would not foreiC(5ie and rcfufc ourialuationof a fettpur- pofeasweedoc. Sec heerc howe mercifully our good God dealeth with vs, whoflicwethYS howe andinwhat manner we may be bleflcd , and yet we for all that drawc altogither backwardc . Doth not Dauid then of very right , iuftly condemne vs ? But becaule cuery of vs protefteth to knowe the right way,hce addcth, They which rvalke tn the voay of the horde. Hee hath fayde .' Blejfed are they vohich are vnde filed in their way: that is, whiche walks aright. And who are they? It is very true in deede as be- fore I haue {ayde,that there are a grcate number , which will boaft them felues too walke aright, and that in fuch forte,as that it can not be much amended : and yet not- withftanding, if they be afked who made their way , and who it is that aflureth them that they flioote at the true marke^they knowe not what aunfwere to mjake. For there is bur one way which leadeth to faluation,which is the law: as Dauid heereof fpeaketh,whcrefore as many as walke in theLaweof the Lord e,(ayth hejgoe not out of their way. We haue in this firfce verfe twoo notable leflbns ; The one is, that God heerc acufethvsjthateuery of vsftrayeth and A. 5, errcth The firjl Sermon of^^fJo, CaL crreth from the way of faluation, and although wee pro- tege that we are willing and defirous to bee faued , yet for all that our wicked affcdious doe in fuch forte carry ys a- way 5 as that we defire nothing elfe but that wee may bee farre from that fclicitie and blefledncfle which is fct be- fore vs. For there it i? fayde, Bls[fed are they which jra'l^ m th e right iv ay. And thus much for the firftpoynte. The fe- eonde iSjThat wee may inuent and deuiie many and fun. dry kinde? of life, and fo think that we go the b^ft & furelt way that may be, and hy this meane deceiue our felues.for there is but one way that leadeth to faluation. What way is it? It is not that which wee of ourowne braine doe ima- gine : For when Ifaiah fayth,that euery one hath declined from his wayshe meaneth that we all runne into euerlafting deftruclion. The Law ot God then is the way which muft rule and order our life, and when we will hearken vnto it, all thinges fliall goe well with vs, butwhofoeuer fwarueth from that, the fame is like vnto afauagc^and wilde beafte, which can doe nothing elfe but gallopp and flinge ouer- thwart the fieldes* There is none, of vs all but that may haue many motions which may feeme good to vs, as wee mayleeby the poore and filly vnbeleeucrs, which are very feruent andearneft to doe this or that , which too their thinking feemethvery good and profitable : butyet the Spirit of God is not their leader and guide. Nowe it is faydejThat when wee haue the lawe of G od beforevSjitflialgo wel with vs:& that without it jit is im- poffiblcjbut that our life muft needcs bee confounded and come to naught. He fayth a little after, Tileffed are thty yvhichhee-pe his Tefttmonies : an A feeke htm reith tjoetr whole heart X>?i\xi6. now vfeth another worde ,then this word the law, to witjteftimonieSiThis word in it felfimporteth a couenantor c6tra6:5& it is not to bevnderftood otlierwife than to beayplyedto thisend: towit,that Godcouenan- ting with vsjdeclareth, that his meaning is to pull &drav YJS vnto him, and aJTo howe we ought to order our Iife,be- cauf« yponthe QxiKJTfalme. ^ caufe ici? a mutuall Contra(5t bstwecnc him and vs. As if he lliould haiie faide; Goeronowr, vnderftand you that hcere I make a couenaunt with you, that you acknovv- kdgemee to bee your GOD : That you doubte not ot" my loue towards you jand in louing you that lam your Sauiour, and that you call vppon niee in this affiauncc and truft,and befides that you bee alfo my louing & obe- dient ChildreHjthac 1 dooprotcdandgouerneyou,and that you are my houfeholde Seruauntcs . When the Lordc our GOD thus abafeth and ofFereth him felfc vntovSjand thatheevfcth fuche famyh'aritie and gentle- ncfle towardcs vs,as to talke with vs. It is fayde , that hee giueth vs his Teftimonyes of his louc and fauour to- vardes vs« Heerenowe Dauiddcdareth, That they are blefTcd: which keepethe Teftimonyes of G O D : and fceke him with their whole hcarte . As if hec (houlde fay that the I-awe of God. confifteth not oncly in this, that it Ihew- wethvntovswhat wee ought too doo, but that it car- ryeth alfo with it another fpeciall Dodrine : toowecte, toaffurevsthat hee will bee our Father, that hee loueth vsfo deerely that hee defireth none other thing of vs,: but that wee woulde bee his fonnes and heyres . And heercvntotende all the Cercmonyes, whereof wee ihall Ipeake heereafter more at large , Yet this is true, that af- wellin this place abouefayde, as alfo by the reftc of the names couched in this Pralme,as of Statutes , Decrees, and Ordinaunces , Dauid alwayes mcaneth the doc- trine of the Lawe.Howbcitit.is to be noted , that this di^ uerfitieof woordes,it isnotheere fette downe without good caufe» For it exprefieth, mofte plaindy vnto.vs, what varietie of confolation wee rcceiue by that which GOD fiiewethvntovsin theLaweof MoyfeSjand in all tlieProphctes,who are as it wercExpofitors thereof. For many times when wee fpedkeof the Lawe> wee fuppofe that there k nothing eHemcaut, but: that which GOD ^.. A. 4, comman- The fir Jh Sermon ofd beareth Ys,and how we ought £0 ypon the Qxix. Tfalme. 5 to afTure our (elues of his good will and fatherly loue. And afterward he tellethvs to what end andpurpole itis,than God grau nteth vnto vs fuch an afliirance,bicaufe(raith he) wc ihould ieeke him.For this is moil furcjwhen as we iliall vndcrftand God to be fuch a one ^as he decbreth himidfe vnto vs by his worde, it is impofsiblc but chat wee (houlde ftirre vp our {eluesjand be moucd to giue our fclues wholy vnto him. And to proue that this is true,behold theinefti- mable bountieand goodnes declared vnto vs in our God, what man is hec that is fo pcruerfe and voide of fenfe and reafon,which wil not be contented to place him felf there, where he thinketh his whole bleflednes and felicitie con- iiftcth and licth .Eut n fo likewifc,when as we become carc- les in fecking after the Lordc our God, it is a figne and to- ken that we haue vnderftoode nothing of that which he hath lliewed vnto vs of his goodnes and mercie , a nd of all his fatherly affeftion^which is witneflfed vnto vs in the law, and in the holy fcriptures. But becaufc it fliallbe no great adoe for a number of men, to make a countenance of fce«^ king the Lord,Dauid (hcweth that wee muft not feeke him withourfeetcandhandesjwith the outward gefturesof the bodie alone , but with a true and pure affedion » And ihereforCjhe faieth , BUjfed are they which feeke him with their whole heart. As if he (liould fay,! would not haue you to doe as the hypocrites do, which beare of religion with ftrog handjnojl meane not fo:but I would haueyour loue to be {bund and true. As touching that faying, Withthetr whole hearty it is to declare vnto vs. That G od cannot away with parthig of ftakes5as we men many times doe : For we are well contented to beftovvefomepartvpon God, and would be at free libcrtie to holde vs with the world^and to ferueGodbyhalfes.ButDauid rcacheth vshere toferuc him with our whole heart : to wit, in all integritie and founJnesnnd norwirh two faces in one hood. He would not haue vs parted in funder to fiyc, Wcll,Iam contented to (enie God,howheit I would not that he fliould require my whole feruicc :o him fclfe : but that I might after fatif- A 5 fie and "Thefrjl Sermon o/e5kf»/6//. fie and followe my owneluftes and pleafures, thati mighc be at lib;;rtie to ferue the u^orlde. No not fo (faith he : ) It muft be brought into a true and perfed foundnes^aiKl not to deuide man after fuch a maner . True it is that wee fliall neuer be able to feekc God with fuch a perfeftion.but that it may be greatly ameded : ncitherdoth the holy fcripturc meane by this faying, iV'th their whole heart y^\x\ perfection, but only oppofeth it felfe againft the hypocrifie of a great nuber of men, and which would be in vs al,were it not that God him felf did remedy & help it. That is, we would with good wil ferue G od by halfes^if fo be he would let ys alone with the relljto do what we thought good . As for exam- ple. Wee fliall haue very many which will not fticke with Godjtocometothe Sermon on a Sunday, and to be pre- fent at the prayers of the faithfuiljand to make fome (hcwc of religio ; and yet they would haue God to giue them free choife to do what they lifted al the reft of the wecke after: or if they come to a Sermon oftener then on the Sunday, it fecmeth to them that they haue done very well , that they are throughly difcharged of their dueties if they tarrie there but one houre But becaufe they might be {qx. atmore libertie, they will not fticke to faye , that they will bee free from fome one vice, one will fay that he will be no whore- maifter, Another, that hewill be no drunkarde, Another, that he wilbe no blafphemer: & yeteuery one of thefe wil haue his particular vice, and thinke that God ought to beare with them/eeing that for his honour,and to do him pleafure,they abfteined from fome (ynnc , and tK'>t they o- beycd him in (bme point, But the fcripturc • . V< h vsthat all this is nothing, but that euery one ought to examine him felfe throughly and in all pointes, and finding in him felfe any thing which is againft the wil of God:to be vtterly difpleafed therewith , clerely to renounce it, and to defirc nothing but to be cleanfed thereof. See nowe^this is that perfection,whereof Dauid here fpeakerh . Nowe let vs fee ^wfeatistherummeofthelecond verIe,toweete,ihat wee {hould ypon the Qxix. Tfalme. 6 ftiould doe nothing els butPaidyinthelawe of God, not onely tokno\»'e what is forbidden or commaunded^but to be ccrtaine what maner of one G O D is towardes vs, and whataffeftion he bearcth vs,that we might put thetruft of ourfaluationin hinijand call vpon his holy nameAnd be- (idesjthereis declared vnto vs^that when we haue railed of the mercies of God , thathee hath certified vs of his loue and grace,that the fame ought to Itirre vs vp to feeke him^ and to cleaue wholy vnto him , and to yelde our felues wholy to his feruice : and that not in the outward flicwe,. and in hypccrifie ; but with a pure and found heart and af» fedion,and not by halfes :fo that there bee foundc true found nes and integritie,as before I haue touched* Now it followeth , Sturdy they woorke Mne iMt^itie that wal^mhiswaies* Firft Dauid. here (liewethin tiiisprcfent verfe, what the caufc is why all men abounde in euill and iniquitie : to weete,for fo much as they will not bee ruled by the Lordc their God. See here the fpring head of the outrages 3 of all the diforder, and confufions in the worldc,to weete , that God is prefl and ready to guyde and gouerne vs,but what? we may not awaye to bearc his yoke ^ euery man refufeth ir.and wilbe exempt from it . Loe here whereupon arifeth our diffolute and wanton Ufe,to weete, bicaufe we will not fuffer the authoritie which God hath ouer vs, to lead e and guide vsjas he is alwayes ready to do , and as he alfo fhcw- eth vs by his lawc ♦Let this then be an Item for vs . And it followeth further , For Dauid meaneth to con- firme the woordes before fpoken , to weete, howe it com* meth to pafle that wee are blefled, that is , if wee keepe the rel^imonies of our G O D, and walke in his lawe. For, fayeth bee , they which doe no wickedncfle walke in his wayes : contrar)wyre , wee doe nothing but prouoke his heauy wrath and difpleafure againft vs, in commit- ting of fynne and iniquitie. Wbea-. T^hefrjl Sermon of^IMJX^J. when as God then flandeth againft V55, & becommeth our cncmie.muft not our life be vnhappy and accurfed .? It can not beotherwife chofcn.Heere then is one proofcof that which before hath beene faid;to wit , that our whole feli- citie confifteth in this , that God is ourinftruder and tea- cher , and that we holde our felues too the doftrine which wee recciue from him And what is the reafon? Forloc, faythDauid, they will abftaine from euilldooing, When then wee abftaine from dooing of euill, wee prouokc not God his heauy wrath againft vs : and folctvs conclude, that herein confifteth ourchiefefclicitic. Moreoucr,hcre isto be noted,that as many as walke not in the law of God, cannot but runnc into mifchiefe and deftrudion : yea how fbcuer they thinke of their well doing , and perfuade them felues to liue holily and godly^, yet hath God tolde them that it is clcane contrary* And here this parcell of fcripture is worthie the marking,for hereby wc may fee the pry de of vsnienjinthatweemakc all the worldcbelecuc,that all things goe with vs as well as ispofsible,when as we follow our own fan tafies, being thus arrogant to fay, whatfoeucr we do it is all well done. But behold what God (the onely iudgc hereof) hath certainly fet do wne , which wc can no way, rcpealcor call backe, neither flialbc pofsible to be re- traced as we luft , to wit , that no man can abftaine from cuill doing, but fuch onely which walke after this hea- uenly dodrinc. They then which walke after their ownc pleafure,muft necdes runnc into eucrlafting perdition. Now then there are two maner of waycs wherein men doc crre.For one fort cxceede in open and moft manifeft tranP- grefsions and finnes : and although they very well knowe that they arc cuill and wicked , yet take they leaue, conti- nually to followe them. As a whoremonger can not iuftific his wicked doing : no more can a thecfe , a fwearer , nor a dronkard. Andyet it is fo with them^that they alwaies giue them felues leaue to goe from better to worfe » Howbeit there \s another maner of way of euill doing,which is mere dagerou s, and a great deale more to be feared, bicaufe it is more vpon the Cxix. Tfalme. 7 more couerc and (ecretto weete,\vhen as men will not ac- knowledge themfducsto be worthy ofconJefTiWation, and that they thmke that there is none that can detecte or condemne them , ham'ng a foolifli and diuclilli opinion which blindeth their eyes. Thefe men then(as it is the ma- ner ofall hypocrites) may well iuftifie them felues ; bur yet the cafefo lhndeth,that God condemneth them , as here we may feejt remaineth now , that we vfe nothing for the whole rule and order of our life,bnt the law of God alone i for without it , all our life mull necdes bee diffolute , and there ilialbe nothing in it but confufion and dcftrudion, ItfoUoweth next after , 7 hut God hath comtxamded vstoo keepe diligently his precepts^ That is,alwayes , according to tlie truth which Dauid Iioldeth.For it is very fure,that God is fo carefull oner our faluatioHjthat he procureth and fur- thereth ic.as much as is pofsible for vs to defire . No we if God be thus touched with vs , and beareth vs fuch a good will and loue : let vs vnderlland that when he chargeth vs to keepe bis ordinances and prcceptcs, that he thereby fig- nifieih vnto vs , that the fame is our whole blcffednes and fclicitic. And to prooue it to be fo, God rcquireth not our feruice,bicau{e he hath fomc bufines for vs to do : For he hath not^nor needeth any helpe of hiscreattres . When then we are not able do that which he commaundeth vs^ we can neither do good nor hurt vnto our creator.What is itthatmoucthhimtobeefocarefull ouer vs as he is, and what is it that pricketh and thrufteth vs foreward to keepe his commandcments? Surely, fince neither his profite nor gaine leadeth him to be thus carcfuljdoutles he refpedeth onely our faluation^By this we may conclude, that there is none other bleflednes which we can enioyjbutto walke in his lawe.as he hath before faid , But in the meane while we may fee how villainous and wicked a thing our vnthankfal- nes isfor God (lieweth net vnto vs onely in a worde what is our duetie to doe, but vfeth alfo a familiar & gentle doc- trine, to drawe vs vnto him . And afterward he exhorteth\ vs,bicaufe he feeth vs to be very cold and vntoward ♦ And^ for The fir jl Sermon of^SKd^. lo. CaU for the felffame caufe he vfeth much diuerfitie , and purfu- eth it diligently as we fee : to the ende u^e might prettndc no excule of ignorance, when we haue not pertbrmed that which he hath fet downc vnto vs by his lawc : but that wc fhould be conuinced of malice,and that wee migh t vnder- ftand and knowe that wee are well worthic oF euerlalting condenation.And fo much the more ought we throughly Co markc this dodrincjwhere it is declared vnto vSjthat no cxcufe (hall ferue vs, whe as euery of vs outrageth fo much and foUowcth his owne luflsfeeing that God hath preucn- tcd vs , and that he hath declared vnto vs ^that the right rule to walkc by, is to follow his comandementcs: neither that he hath done the fame flightly,but that hee hath per- fifted and continued therein , as much as was pofsible for him to do» Thirdly, that by this meane hee hath lliewed vnto vs hisgreat loue towardes vs , and what care he hath ©four welfare & life.Dauid the goeth on for ward^Sc faith. that mj wayes rvere dtreBedto keepe thjf Statutes, Here Da- uid prickcth him felfe forwardcjand fl\ewcth the defirc heq hath to cometothaDblefTedncsand felicitie whereof hcc hath fpokcn before. And we muft be fure to obferue this order,for it is not enough for vs to vnderftand and knowe wherein our felicitie and bleffedncs confiflcth , and the way to come thereunto,as God hath appointed vs:but we muft alfo^nter into our felues. For euery man muft thinke thus with him felfe. What maner of man am I ? Seeing my God is fo louing and mercifull that he feeketh me, & that he requireth nothing els of me but that I (hould come vn- to him , is it reafon that I fhould fit ftill ? fliall I become a blocke > fhall I become a fenfles and witlcs creature ? ihall 1 not be moued with fuch fauour and grace as my G O D fiicweth vnto mejand maketh me to feele. See here what Dauid meaneth to teach vs in this verfe, O that my waycs were made fo dired, that I might keeps thy commaundements.When as he fpeaketh of his waies, l:.e meaneth al the adios of his life, for the life ofnia'is cal- led a Wave I And that not, without caufe , for all out thouuhtcs vpon the Cxix, Tfalme. 8 thoughtes and affe(5tians , arc as waycs , and as onr foote- fteppes . Nawe he fayeth , O that my waycs were made fodirectjthat I might keepe thy commandemcnies.Hers- in he dcclarethjthat a faithful ma,af ter he hath knowe this mercie of God in guiding our iife,ought to enter into him felfc, and thinke that there is neither reafon nor wifedome inhinihowtogouernehimfeUc: but that all proccedeth from the good u'ill aixl lotting kindnes ot the Lorde . Sy- thensthen that wee arefoenclined to roue in our owne wayes hether and thether , by reafon of the foolillie pre- fumption and vaine confidence which we hauc of our own wifcdome,Iet vs vfe fuch remedy as God hath afsigned vs: to weeicthat we forfakc our fclues,and treade vnder foote this carnall reafon which dcceiueth vs : that wee fet at naught all our luftes and vngodly affedions that God on- ly may beare rule, and our Ufe be guided according.to his his lawe. It followeth, Then fhotiU I not hee confoun^eA ywhen / haHeref^silto allthy commdtindementes . Here Dauid COtl- firmeth him felfc in the dodrine next before; forhcede- clarcthwhatthemarkeis whereat be aymeth , O Lorde, fayeth hee, when as thou (halt doe me that good, that I may be directed according to thy word,I Ihal neuer be co- founded. When Dauid now hath fuch a de(ire,he thereby right well declareth, that euery man ought to be careful & to endeuour himfelf therntOjOr els he iliall neuer obey the will of God jcofidcring that there are fo many gainfayings in our fl?fli & nature,as is moft pitifull to thinke vpon. For looke how many our affc(9:ions & thoughtes are, we hauc euenfo many enemies rebelling againft God 5 and which^ hinder vs to walke after his will. Wee ought therefore to praye vnto him that he will holde vs in^that he may be our maifter ,& we his vafiails. Morcouer^le t vs confider wel of that which is here fpoken, to weetCjthat in keeping the c6- maundemcntes of God, we fiiall neuer be confounded.By this he doth vs to vnderftad that fo many as foUowc their ownc luftes & fantafies,which looke this way & that way^ and Thefirjl Sermon ofthat that is not all which u'ee haue learned that God Qacweth vnto vs in his word; but Dauid fpeakcth here of an inilruc- tion which taketh roote , and is fettled and abideth in the heart of a man , according to that which hath heretofore beenc faid For a number may imagine of their own brainc what the lawe of God is,but in the meanc while it flandeth £0 with them, that when we beholde their life and conuet- fation,it appeareth thatthey haue profited no whit at all in his fchoole.It is meete therefore that our heart be broughc to the fchoole of God , to weete , that whatfoeuer hee tea- «hcth vs , it may bee throughly imprinted and engrauen within. And thisisthatmaneroflearning,whereof Dauid iiere fpeaketh, For if we haue beene exercifed in this fort , that we haue holdcn the doftrine^nd law of God, we may very well glorifiehisbleflfed name : to wecte> we may truly praife him as he hath commaunded vs» When he faieth, / mllkeepethy Statutes: that is,That Hfe is fo refolued and confirmed in the dodrinc of the lawe, that he hath oucrcome all the affeftions and lufles of the flefli and the worldcjwhich might refill and hinder him in the feruiceof God. He hath fayd before, O that my wayes were made fo dired . He defireth , as a man which when he cannot haue that which he wiflieth for,is iu great painfe and trauell. It behoueth vsalfo to pourc out fuch fighes & groanesjconfidering the rebellion of our f!e(h , which is fb cotrary to the righteoufnes of God,that all our thoughtds and aff e(5lions(as is abouefaid) are fo many gainefayinges, that they turne vs cleane away from his obeyfaunce , Wee ,mu(} therefore fayewith Dauid, Alasthoweisitpofsible that I fliould be cuer able to come to the pcrfefi: feruihg.of •sxiyGod ? to truft vponhim , and w^holy to fettte i?^^ felfe B vpon Thefirfi Sermon of zIMSfo.Cd, tpon that rule and order which hee hath fee downe vnto me / Loe I ray,thefe fnould be our wiflies and defires.. But this is not fufticient cnough,to haue adefire that we mighc feruc God» But there isyetmuchmore,as when wefliall defire that God will pullie vs forward andftirrevs vp thereto, and yet we muft not flay there neither. What muft we then do? Let vs ftep forth with Dauid and protert,that we will keepc the commaundemcnts of God: to wit j when wee hnuc fought againft our inordinate affedions , and that wee are affured to haue vidorie ouer them, that we then make this conclufion: God fliall fo conduft me,that 1 Ihalbe able to keepe his Statutes, As for the reft , bicaufe we can not haue this as of our felues,wc arc alwayes to pray as Dauid did : O Lordforffikememtvtterly . For if God withhold his holy hand from vs, alas what (hall become of vs Ms it pof- iiblc for vs to haue one good defire or thought in vs ? No, it is impofsible , but we Ihall wholy decline to all euill and mifchicfc, yea and we (hall become his enemies and aduer- laries.Wc muft therefore,hauing all our refuge from God, bcfecchc him with Dauidjthat he wil not forfake vs. When lie faith,0 Lord forfake me not oHerlong}\t fignifieth vnto vS, that God many times fuffereth vs to go wrong,& fuffereth YS to falljOrcls to ftublc. And why doth he fo ? Becaufe hee would humble vs : for what is he which gocth not out of th c waycjor at the Icaft haltcth not , and which oftentimes - fallcth not flat downe? Butyetfor all that hee would not haue vs difcouraged.Whcn then we fee our wcakencs,and that there are many faultes and imperfedions in vs. Let vs befeech the Lordc our God that hee will not forfake vs for cuer: for there is no difficultie which Dauid wouldenot butthatwefhouldeknowe ,and hee knew a great many of faultes in himfelfc ; But yet he hoped that God would not forfake him for euer . And he knewealfo that though he happened oftentimes to fell>yet that he would rclieuc him by his grace. And thi§ ')^ his meaning alfo wliat we muft doe : for we knoi€ , ypon the Cxix. TJalme. 1 o knowc this, that there is no man which wholy kcepeth the la-AX of God : wc are al tranfgreflbrs thereofjwe are all mi- ferable finners » We niuft therefore runne vntoour good God,and befeechs him that when wc are fallcn,that he wil relieae vs through his fatherly goodnes , as hee is alw'ayes ready to doe,and that he hath promifedhcc vviFl goiiernc ys,in fupportingof vSjViitil! fuch time as he hath defpoyled Ysof all the impcrfedions of our fleflie. And according to this holy dodrine,lec vs proftrate our felues before the face ofour good God in confcfsing our faultcs.befecching him that it would plcafe him to giue vs a raft that wc may feele what a picafure he doth vs> when he communicateth bis word familiarly among vs , and that hee will inftrud vs thereby , not onely to vnderftand to difcernc betwixt good and euill ; but that wc may alfo be fure and ccrtaine of his loue and good will towardcs vs : to the ende that wc liuing vnder his charge and condudion , might runne vnto him, that in the middeft of the miferies and wretchednes of this worldjhe will make vs bleffed, that wee may come to cuer- laf Hng b!ifle , and the glorie immortall , which hath beenc purchafed for vs once for all by our Lord & fauiour Chrifte Icfus his fonne. And that when he hath once fet vs into the right wayc^ that he would kecpe vs therein more and more,vntill the time thatheha^Si '^ brought vs into his hcauenly king- ' 4omc. That not onely ,&c. T^hefecond Sermon of the hundreth and nineteenth PfaJme. BETH, Wherewithal! fliall ayong man rcdrdTe his waye.^, in taking hcedc thereto according to thy word. = With my whole hearte haue I fought thee : let mce not wander from thy commaundementes. I haue hidde thy promife in my heart : that I mighf notfinneagainftthec. Blefled art thou O Lord: teach me thy fhtutes» W ith my lippes haue I declared all the iudgements of thy mouth. I haue had as great delight in the wayeof ^hytefti- moniesrasinallmanerofriches. I will meditate in thy commaundementcs: and cOn- fiderthy wayes. Ajy delight flialbc in thyflatutestand I will not for- get thy word es. Pen Sunday laft pafl I decla- red vnto you in fumme the ar- gument of this Pfalme, the vfe thereof 5 and the inftrudioa that wc may gather by it : to- weete , that a faithfull man is here taught to ftlrre vp himfclf to the readingof Godsu'ord, and thereby to ccnfirme him felfe accordingly . Dauid him felfe hath doone this,who of all others was the moft cxcel- lentthow' much more then ought we to do tl»e like ? euen ve I f3y,which are fo rude and igtu>rant , and farre from (o much profiting in the fchoole of God, as he? But bicaufe we. im^mmam M K^ 1 l0pm the £xix.Tfalme. . ii ke are facoldc, and haue necde to be rpurredforurard like' Artes : Beholde why Dauid here lljewech vs , what prolica and coaimodity we may receiuc by this continual Iludy, ii ciicry of vs wil apply our (clues to (scand heare tliat which God hath maniteilcd vnto vs in his lawe, and in the holie Scripturcs:Asherche (aycth, 'WherewithAllfhallajaung m^m redrejle hinway. lin takw^. hicde thereto or itadijig vpon his gard according to th)r tvord^ He ilicweth vs here, that if we be defirous to order out life as it becommeth vs^to haue ic rightly gouerncd,and to be pure and fimplcwemuftholdethatway which GOI> hadi (et before vs. For wee muft not truft vnto our owac wits . Neither frame & falhion v nto our felues fuch a way as fliall to vs feemc bcft : but to fufFer God to rule and con- dud vs , and to obey him fimply andplaynely . To bee fhort, Dauid fignifycth vuto vs, that all the wifedome and pcrfeifiion of our life , is to followc GO D , and cleauc vn- to his wilLTruc it is,that thisfcntence atthc firft fight may feemc to vstooto common, and as it were more then neo-i deth ♦ For we will fay, what is he that knowcth not this^ 8c wil not confefTe it, I will not deny but that it is an ordinary thing to confcs iu But in the mean while.how few are ther which are perfuaded of that which is here (jx)ken : or if we imagine fuch a thing in our head,whcrc is the pradife of it? I feare mc,we (hal finde k in a very fmale number of vs. Let vs not therefore thinkc that this rule which the Ipirit of G od hath fet before vs, is in vainc/or it is for the amende- ment of our life according to his wordc,and to make vs to vnderftande, that without it, all is but doung, & filth,that we haue al erred,& that we hold no way,althoiigh we think al to the contrary. But wearetoconfider,whyheerpeciaIly (peakcth here,ofa yong man.For we are fure that God hath geuen his law afwetfDr the great as the fmal, for the olde as the yong: that when we fhal begin to be taught it euen fro our youthjwe muft hold & continue it to the graue»Wher- fore then doth Dauid ftraine this dodrinc of the lawe too yong men ? It is not for that it reache th not vnto the aged i B3 but The fecond Sermon of<^^AfJoS^L continue and holdc vs in this ftiidy all the daies of our life. Let vs not then tarry vntill we come to the graues brinks to become wife m this behalfe , as wee fee thefe fcorners, which make them felues mery , and outrage in mocking of Godjfaying, Well fir , wee (hall haue leifure to repent time enough* For if we may haue but one hearty fighe,carea- vay.Sithcns then this is moft (ure that it is Satan which cg- gcth the thus greeuoufly to abufe the patiece of Godilet vs beware that we be not fo bewitched. But let vs follow that which is here fet downe , to wecte , that wee may be Gods fchollers euen from our youth. And aboue all things let vs confider,that yong me haue here a fpeciall leffon to learne, as before hath beene touched* For Dauid here declarctb ^p[i*7S ♦-?*• vnto them, that they haue a great dealc more needc to bee 3:eflrained, the any of the relt.It is very true that we are be- fore God alwayesjcuen as yong childre : Yea,I fay that the elder fort of greater experience,and fuch as appeare grauc and wife to the world , are without all dout before the ma- ieftiteiof G6d Very fooles and idiotes.We hearc alfo what Pauidiroftfeffcth of him felfe in ail other; place, where he faieth,thatfac vvas like ^ calfe , and a beaft .without reafon or wifedome* And if it went fo with hinl,with him I ray,that was foexcellent a Prophet , what fl^all become of vs ? I fay then that the elder fort ought greatly to profite in this fchoole of Gods wifedbme : and yet this Isno vaine things thereunto Dauid here efpecially cxhorteth the yonge- men 4, And why fo ? For as I hauealready fayde, this age is fo without any confideration,as nothing can be more,and is much fubic(5t to the temptations of Satan , and of the fle|K And on the other fide , ouer and befides that^there is neither iudgeTTfenrnorwifedome in yongmeniin fo much thatthey are fo ftirfedvp ^kh heaccas thacthcir boiling affeaions breakeout : Yet in {\Q2iie of hauingfome mode- Hie , & to take in good patt the admoritions whith might be giuen them^they will be the more loftie and itubborne, which might take better oGcafion to be more grieuedin beeing reprehended or rebuked. And yj^on the (^xix. Tfalme. i j And that this is true, we fee at this day howe all things ai* outofordcr.ThisislurCjthatthetrue vercue which Ihould be in youth,ismodeftie:and that the younger forte oiight toknowcthatfince they are not furniilied with wifdome and difaetion as the elder forte arc, they ought toheare themjand not to be giuen ouer to their owne will and wit. This is the mode priucipall wifedomethat ought to b&e in youngmen. .But what f they arc at this day pall all fliamc* By this we may lee that the worlde is eueri asit were vtter- lydeIperate,andthatwearegrowcrito thefulnefle of all mifchiefeand rniquitic. For wee (hall fee thefe beaftly and graccleffe boyes and wenches, which fcarlcly are able tod wype their owne nofes, as we fay, yea and that might yc^ be vndcr the rod ten y ceres, like pecuilh wretches as they are,that when (b euer thcyflialbe (poken vnto,wilmake no reckoning bfwhatfouer is faid jbut poutcand mowe at it, counterfaiting the very Apes and Monkeyes, as dayly wee may fee. And when we ice fuch extreame pridein this peo- ple, what ihatt wee fay buttliat Satan harhcuen pdif^flfedt them ?. and that they will flaewetthenifelimgias iii'deedc they are5to weece,witliout ail amendfnent? Sb then^' this^pbii^f is fo much the more to be wcl confidered of ,: when as hetf {2\ihxl1^ermth^l/lhaU ayouKgrnaft-addr^jfe hitwap by taking heedetheretiraccojr^wgtothyrvorAe. TrucitiSi'that a^^reiat" many which hauic nrade heerera be:toltis tbi^-'^^fe ; car«^ not for filling.of their eares .with anyflichitiatttr j^ they* haue knowledge inough too keepo' them {eMes frc>m the Church: For they haucthethingwhiththcydefircwhen. they may beat tlicTauerne, playing and Dauncing, But, whatf It iscercaine that this dodritie will not le^ue them xncondemhedwhenas Godcryethvntothem.ashcewit- jleflcrh by Solomon, where he briRgcth in Wifedome (ay-"^'*^^* ^* ingjhauecryedont ,and put foorih my voyce in thc'^°'^^""^5* ftreetes,! haue bidden both great & fmall,to the end that men might heare mce , and none bath vouchfafed too rc- ceiueme,neycttogiueme lodging. When God declareih vnto vs, that our life fliall be well ordered if w'ee keepc hii B,5. wordcj T^hefecond Sermon of <^5h/[JX^L wordjfurely as many as flye from this do<^rine and admo- n}don,{liall render an account at the laft day, becaufe God hath called them. And aUo becaufe they haue not only bin deafe^but alfohaue added this mifchiefe, to flye fronithe admoniuonsjwhich Gods word ad moniflicd them off, to bring themagaineintothc wayoffaluation, from whiche they were Itrayed* It is efpeciallyfaydjT'^'^, hy takifjgheede thereto accordtng to thy worde, Dauid his meaning is heere to expreffe vnto ys, that;U'e may make our lelucs beleeuejthat y^Q haue wifedome and difcretion inough» But yet it (hail profite vs no whit at all,without we wil I b ee gouerncd and ruled by God,according to that which hathbeenc before faide. NoweitfoUoweth: fVith my rvhole hearte haue I fought thee: let mee not rvatu derfrom thy CommaHndementei. Dauid heere makcth a notable confefHon , which is not common to all men. That hec hath fought God with his . whole heart.For although we haue a dcfire to goe to God, y^t it is fo feeble as is lamentable, feeing we are withdrawn with fo many vanities^by reafon the world iiath fuch domi- nion oue? YS, andyet ought not to retire our felucs fro any good deuotion,whc as we haue had a through feeling ther- of.There are very few of vs that are able to fay with the pro phct Dauid,that we haue fought God with our whole hart: to wit, with fuch integritie and purene{re,that we haue not turned away from that marke^as from t he moft principal! thing of our faluation.It h very true , that Dauid had not y<;t any fuch perfcdion.butthathee flacked in the fighta- gainft the prickings of the fleflie^and went back. Saint Paulealfoconfcfleth that hce went too God as it were halting, that he did not that good which hee woulde & defired, but that he was encompaffed with his naturall ^icts, to doe the cuill which he condemned.Dauid was not without fnch temptations: but howfoeuer it was,ic \% moft certaine that the principall matter wherto he bent himfelf, yas toferucGod.NowasIhaue before f2id,we are all farr t^mjhis^ssampIe.For as many of vs as at this day are beft ypontheQxix.Tfalme. i^ affededitnay be letted and hindered by a number o^ykss^ vaine cares of this worldj& with lufts & dcfires of the flefli, that if vvre (hould reniouc our foote eucry day too goe one pace forward, it were much and yet it may come fo to palTc often times, that wc would drawe back againe to the place from whence we came. And yet notwithlbnding, Dauid^ after hec had protefted that he fought God with his whole ijeactejbefought God that he would not fuffer him to de- cline from his Commaundementes . Hcereby let vsfec what great neede we haue to call vpon God, too the ende he may holde vs with a mightie ftronge hand . Yea, and although hee hath already mightely put too his helping hand^andwealfoknoWethathehath beftowed vppon vs great and manifolde graces: yet is not this all: But there are fo many vices and imperfedions in our naturcjand wee fo feeble and weake,as that we haue very greate neede day- 3y to pray vnto him,yea and that more and more, that hee -win not fuffer vs to decline from his Commaundementes. For although Dauidprotefted that hee fought God with all-hisheartineucrthelcfl£,heeaddeth,yct fuffer mee not OLorde too goe wronge from thy Commaundementes > What (liall we doe then ? Letvs alfolearne to walke care- fully: forfincehee is the God which giuethvs that good mindetowiljandthatalfogiuethvs the power too per- forme,and all of his mcere fauour and grace i wee ought (fayth Saint Paule)to walke in feare , and to keepe good p,.. -^ watch, too the ende that Satan taketh notvs vnprouided, ^ ^*'^** and that he enter not within vs* . And loe what is the caufe that wee hauefeene fbme men which. haue made a grcatc flicwe of holineffe for a time J and haue feenied too bee more like Angels then menjwhich at length haue growne too outrage : and haue fo greatly exceeded their boundes, as that GOD euen forfooke them , likedefperate men. And whence then proceedeth this } Verily from their owne Jecurytie and negligence , bccaufe they thought them felues to bee ve- ry perfect, ButPaule is dcane contrary to thisjf or thus he fayib> ^hefecond Sermon of (iS\fJ^CaL faythj I haue not actayned as.yecro-tha(C ful perfedioii^ ce- uerthdciTel hauedoone wbacinmelyeth.When he feytlv, I haucdoonevi^hatin me lycth^hcdcclareth that there was thathumilitbin hira,whereof hefpake ia the place before bymeah:ead^?alIeaged;andthishumilitieimportethj that we (hould call vpon God as Dauid did,as he ilie wetli vnto YS hecre in this place .^ Itfollowrth : / haue hidmn promt fe wkhinffjyheartuhia I might not (tmeagaiKfi thee, WhenDauidfpcaketh after this manner , I hauc hid thy word orpromife in mine heart,he wel declarcth.that if we haue but only a wandring know^lcdgejthat the fame wil ootholde Ysin , but that the Deuil hath by and by woone rpon vs to opprefle vsjwith temptations,and in the ende to caft vs downc hedlong. What muft wee then doc ? It is not inough that we haucbccne at church ^and heard what hath bin there faid vnto vs, and that cucry of vs hath mumbled vp vnto himfclfc fbmc one thing or another, but the word of God muft be fetled in vs and be hid in our heart, to wit, that it may there be refiaunt and continually abyding : and to haue receiued it with fuch an afFcdion,as that it bee as it were imprinted in vs. If this be not Co,, finnc will rcigne in ysjfor it hath by nature his habitation with vs : For all our fenfes are wicked and corrupt,all our willcs and dcfircs are cnemycs vnto God, vnlefle Gods woord be wel hidden in our heartcs-Moreouer, we arc to vndcrftande, that Dauid licere vaunted not him Telfe of his ownc power & flrcngth, as though he were in admiration thereof: but the fpiritc c^ God fpeaking by his mouth , cntendeth to giuc vs a glafle, wherein we muft be confirmed,to weete , that wc muft not haue onely our cares beaten with the Dodrine of falua- tion,and receiue it in our braine; but that it fliould be hid- den in our heart, to witjthat we fliould lay it vp as in a Trea* furehoufe. For this faying, to hide, importeth that Da- uid ftudycd not to be ambitious to fet foorth him rclfe,3nd to make a glorious (hew before men: but that he had God forawitncffeof thatfecrctdefire which was within him. vponthe Cxix.Tfalme. ij Hee neucr looked to worldly creaaires^bnt beeing content that he had fo great a TreafarCjhe knewe full w el that God \rho had giuen it him,would fo furely aiid (afely garde ic,as that it (hould not be layd open to Satan to be taken away, ^ j-^ % jo. SaintPaulealfodeclarcthvntovsj thatthe cheft whereia * ** this treafure niuft be hid^is a good confcienccEor itis faid, t hat many beeing voy de oi this good coaifcience > haue loft aUo their faith,and haue beenc robbed therc&t As if a maw flioulde forfakc his goods and put them in aduenture,vvitlv out (Ivjtting of any dorc^it were an eafy matter for theeues to come in and to reaue and fpoyle him of all tEuen fo :, if wee Icaue at randon too Satan the Treafure which t> O I> hath giuen vnto vs in his word, without it be hidden in this goodconfciencCjandin the very bottomeof our hearte as bauid heere fpeaketh^we ihalbe fpoiled thereof.He addeth immediatly after: 'S/efeci an thou O Loftie : O teach i»e thyjiatuth, -■ Af'ierha^iadrayd, I haiic fought thee with minewhole heart: hee addeth ; Bleffedart thott- O hordes Oteachmeethy Statutes, bauid ftieweth in this v€rfe,that the requeft which he made here aforc,is not founded or grounded of any me* rite or defert which he pretended to haue. In very dccde, at the firftiightit migfet befaidjthacE^uid mentthat God would not forfak^ him,becaufe he had fought him,& the r- vpon conclude that nian mullfirft beginne to goeoft , too prcuent Gods graccjand then that God wil afterward aide him. Yee fee heere what men may imagine , but this is not Dauids meaning and purpofe, Andtoproueittobefovit is mofte fiirchee attributeth itnor to his owne power and ftrength,that he had fought God with his whole heart, for we muft firft be touched with the fpiritc of God , when as we haue any fuch affection, And why fo? For by nature we haue all ilrayed from God, and all our force, power, and ftudy.bende them feluestoefh-aunge vs from him» And therefore wee muft come vnto him in fuch forte as is de- clared vnto vs in many places of the holy Scripture. Dauid thea was preuented already by Gods grace, and hee onely * • rcquireth.* The fecond Sermon ofc^Kf. lo. CaL requircth of God to continue the fame in him which hcc hach beganncjfor he kne we right well ihat hee had greatc ncede thereof. As if he (houldhaucfaid,! know very wel O Lord , that thou haft already mightily put too thy helping hand by thy holy fpirit,whcn as I fought thee: in very deed I had neuerdonc it,without I had bsene conduced by thy holy hand^neither is this yet inougb, except thou continue the fame in me : & when thou flialt fo doe O Lord,all praifc and glory Ihalbe thine for the fame,becaufe thou haft done it of thy meerefauour and grace. By this then wc may fee,thatDauid hccre meaneth not to glotifife himfelfe as beeing puffed vp with his ownc vcr- tues and merites; But becaufe God deferueth to be blefled and exalted to the end that we flioulde render vnto him all honorandglory* See now wherefore hee aflureth himfelfe that he will teach him,and that he (hall be more and more confirmed in that dodrine which he hath already learned. For when he fay th, Teach n^ie thy Statute? O Lord : it was not becaufe that he was altogither rude and ignorant, tha<; hee coulde bee nowe a Nouice, which was a Prophet , had charge to inftrudothers,and\»fas:alfo a King. Dauid then fpakenotasonethatwasvnlearned;buthce knewewell i- nough thatallthiswiis not (ufficient, without hee profited ftill more and more. Now if Dauid fpake after this man- ner,! bcfcech you what ought wc to dof When foeuer then that wc would obtaine this grace at Gods hands , to be in- ftrufted in his ftatutes,lct vs bring this reafon vnto him, & ground our feluesvpon this, to wit, thathebcbleffed and prayfed. And abouc all thir^gs, let vs vnderftand the great necdewchauc heereof:that is, that although wee hauc al- ready beeneinftruded in the holy Scripture,that wee mufl be Scholcrs vnto the ende, and too pray vnto God dayly to cncreafe our fayth: I mcane fuch chiefely as are appoin- ted too preach the woorde. True it is, that it were a mer- -uelous great pretimption forany roan top come into the Pulpit,and to vfurpc the office of a Preacher, excepte hcc were well ftudycd in the holy Scripture . But fo it is that wee vponthe Cxix.Tfalme. . i6 vce goevpp in the Pulpit day ly, with this condition too learne,whcn as we teach others. And bciing thus, I doo not oneiyfpeake that I might bee hearde : but tor mine ownepartelnniftalfobeethe Scholerof God, and that the word which proceedeth from my mouth might profitc my felte likewjicjOtherwile curfed zm I, Let vs'then note this by the way , that they which are moftc perfe^c and ready in the Scriptures 5 are arrogauntfooks,txcept they acknowledge that they had needc too haue God for their Schoolcmaifterall thedaycsof their life, and to bee more and more con firmed, after the example of Dauid. In very deede thefe things very well deferue to bee fpo- Icen of more at large, buttbat I pefpe<5te one thing , that ivk handling of thisPfalme by parcelSjit may be imprinted the better in our memory. For as I haue fayde in the firil Ser- mon whiebl made on Sunday lift paft, that it is not with- out caufe, that the fpirite of God would haue this Ffalme to be made according to the Letters of an A..B. C. becaufe cuery one (hoiild learneitas perfedly as their Pater Noftetj as wee commonly fay. Seeing then: that our Lorde God would that we ilioulde haue this Pfalmeperfe(5Uy, and for ourownevfc, itisalfogood and neeeflary that the han-* dling of it be pure and fimple, and fo to follow the plain- ncffe of the text , as that.wee might vndcrftandas it were worde by worde,whatfocuer is contay ned therein. It re* maynethnowj that euery of vs :vnderfland what hath byri h3ndled,withoutlooking after any longer repetition. Ne*« uerthclcfTe I will fo endeuour my felfe to be fliorte , as that (God willing) thcwcords whichKhalvtterihallnotbce very darke,efpecially to thofe which be attentiue. - It followethi fVith VTji itppei. bane I declared Alltheluigt-m mentes of thy mouthy Dauid Iheweth heerethe accorde which ought tO'bebe^ twixt God & vs:to witjthat god hath inftruftcdvs,& when we haue heard that which hath bin (aide vnto vs,that cuery one fliould fay Amen, & that there bee a fweetc harmony & accorde bptwLxt him & vs^withoutiar or contradiction* Lot The fecond Sermon of ^5V[. lo. Cal. Loe heere in fumme that which is ment in this verfe. Nowe ill the meane while we haue to note,lhat Dauid declarech that he contentcth not himfelfe alone with following of God and cleauing vnto him: but that he laboureth and de- fireth afmuch as in him lyeth,to ftirre vpp his neighbourcs likewife^andtobringitfotopafl'e,asthat God might bee feruedwith a common accorde, throughout the whole worlde. He then that will haue a true zeale to honor God j will not thinke onely of himfclfe, but will haue an eye eue- ry where^nd feeke by all meanes poiTible that he can , too redrefle thofe which are wickedly giuen^to ftirre vpp thofe which are colde and negligent, to ftrengthen thofe which are weake and fceblc,to entertaine thofe which are already in a good forwardnefeand to make them more forwarde. Loe heere whereunto all the faithfuU haue an eye. For the Lord our God teacheth vs vpon this condition, that euery of vs thinke not onely particularly ot himfelfe^but that wee fiiould alfo haue a mutuall care one of another, and when* foeuer wefliallhaue this zeale, let vs vnderftand, that God hath created the whole worlde vppon this condition , that wealllhould be obedient vnto him. But we muft wel way the order that is heere fet downe:For Dauid beginneth not with this fentence. That with his Hppes he hath tolde of all the ludgementes of the Lordcs mouth. For he hath faydc before, that he hath hid them in his hart. The thing which Bauid faid to be hidin hishearte,he foone after declareth it with his mouth,wherin heflieweth that euery of vs ought to beginne with himfelfc . When wee meane too inftrud and teach our neighbours , we muft not fay vnto them,Go you before: but, Coriie next after me,or elfe harde by me t and hauing care all to goe the right way, wee (hould all ar- once labour to goe togither t o our God, to be conioyned vntohimintruefayth. Andlfpeake it too ihisende,bc- caufeweefliallfeemanywhoin this behalfe can very wcli prattle and babble,and would fceme to be the greateft do- 6:ory in die world .Rutwhat of all this? Let vs in the meane time loftkeintw their lines and conuerfation, and wccfliali finde ypontheCxix.Tfalme. 17 fijide in them nothing but infedion and flench , nothinga elfe but mocking of God in all they goe about and doe. Wc muft therfore foUowe theorder which Dauid here holdeth: to vvitte, that the word oi God bee hid as aTrca- fure in the bottomc of our heart:and afterwardwhen as wc (hall hauc this affedion, let vs indeuourour felues to draw- others alCo thcreto,and goe altogither with oneaccorde to honour our Lorde God : ind thathee which hath bcenc better taught then any of his neighboures haue beene, let him confeflc that hee h fo much the more beholden and bound vnto God^ to doo that which {% heere lliewed vnto vs by Dauid. For although wee are not all Pr ophetes as hec was,yet for all that.this was fpoken to vs all in general, j, ^ Admonifli ye one another. Saint Paule fpeaketh it too all ' ' ^u^*S» the faithfull and to all Chriflians. And that we ftiould alfo J^' knowe that this belongeth and appertaineth toovs :and J f*'*^ * chiefely asl haue before fayde , that they which are mofte ^ '^'^^' forwarde, fliouldc layfoorththe grace which was giuen ' vnto them for the common building vpp of the Church, and inftrudion of their neighbours* It followeth : Ihane haX m great dehght in the way of thy tej^imonyet , as tfi all manner ofrtches^ Heere Dauid dcclareth that hauing wayncd him felfc from his earthly afFedions,wherwithall we are ouer great- ly intangled, he wholly traueleth to come to God. For it isimpofllblefor vstootaftethe fweetenelTe conteynedin the worde of God, to take pleafure in this dodrine of our faluation, and to bee altogither giuen therevnto, before fuch time as we haue cut off from vs , all our wicked luftcs and affedions which rcigne too too much in our morrall bodyes. Itislike asifamanwoulde hauelandto bringe foorth Corne , which were altogither full of thornes aiKl weedcs.Orwhatis he that would haue a Vine gro we vpon ftones and rockes, wherein is no moyfturefPor what \s the flate of the nature of man?Forfoth it is as barre land as po • il'ibly can be.Whar are al ouraffedi6sjbutbuflies,thorncs, and weedes , which choke and make all the good ieede of C God The fecond Sermon of :3/fJfoZaL God nothing worth? So then, it is not without caufe thac Diiiid hecrematchech riches with tiieVorde ot God, and this auarice wherwith we are led and inflamed , againrt the dciire that hee had too toUowe God , and too waike atrcr his word. As if he Qiould haiie fayd,Al as Lord,it is true that I a:ii giuen to the vanities of this world afwcl as others are: But yet haue I chiefely defired thy word , & haue twtw iiri- uen with my felf to fubdue al the euil afteftions of my fle(h. Here we fee what dodrin we haue to gather vn to ou r lei ues out of this place: to wit, that if we wil be the good (chokrs of God,and take delight in the way of his teiiimonyes, we mult firft fubdue the luiles of our fie(liei& not learne to be giuen to worldly things,neither yet to bee noufledin that which we imagine to be thehigheft pointe of our felicity : but that we might vnderftand to contene riches^^ al other things whatfoeucr, which might withdrawe vs from our ^m, 3» * . ^ Q J ^^^ Qy,, fauiour lefus Chrift,to make no more accofit of it then of doung and dy rt,as S.Paule faith, And yet it is moft fure that Dauid contemneth not the riches which he had-For bceing a mightierich king,as we Icnow,yet he caft not his G oldc & filuer into the botto of the feajbut vfed of the abundance & ftore which God had giuen him • yea wee lee what an excellent and beautiful houfe he had, as the ho- ly hiftory telleth vs.Butyet he followed the rule which the Scripture fetteth downc vnto vs: which is, that hec fo vfed , ., thegoodsofthisworld.as though he neuer had them. We j,€#r»^.3t« muftthcrforepaOe through thisworldjwithout (laying our felues altogether in it,as S.Paul exhortcth:that if God giue vs abundaceofrichesjwe might kriow how to vfethe^with outhauing our harts imprifoned in them: &yet notwith- {lading to bepore in fpirit j to wit jto hi redy to forfake all whatfoeuer.asoftcn as god would haue vs to be ridof the, & to haue alwaits one footc rcdy lifted vpto go vnto him, whefoeuer it flialbc his wil & pleaiure to take vs out ofchis world.But it is not without caufe thatDauid hath fpokcn hcere of the abundaunce of riches* For ^tt{t^ itmaketh tn^ncouetousjwhichis the fprityghiOidofaH mifchicfc, as h:-..) sins ypontbeCxix.TJa/me. i3 Jainl Paule raith.Forafmuch then as we are fo much giuen i.timJ.is^ to the goods of this worlde, andtharweholde ourldues accurfed if we haue not whcrwithall, and them to bee ble- fled which arc wel furniflied ^^ith them : let vs keepe well the Icffon which is hcerc taught vs; to wit, that all ourde- fier muft be in the way of the ceftimonycs of God^as in all manner of riches ; to wit,that all our delight and contenta- tion be wholly in them, Now in the end Dauid goeth oti and fay th J IrfUlm^dttAtemth^ CommamdementcsaHdcon^ . My delight ^jalhem thy JfatHtest^ I vfH not forget th^vfordf^ This is the concIu(ion,to confirme the matter whicb[vvc h aue already fpoken off For Dauid hcere (peaketh of no newe mattcr,but protefteth as he hath begun: That his de- light dial be alwayes in the commandements ofGod, & in the dodrinc conteined in the holy Scripture, and that hec wil bcftowe his whole ftudy therin,& fo continue the fame and neuer forget the defires which he hath to profite in the obedience of God. If Dauid nowc hath thus faide, let vs vnderlland that it is not inough for vs to be wel afl-e6ted to ferue God, and that for the performing thereof thatwee haue already fufficientlytraueled: but we muft alfo be pric- ked forwardCjthat wc might alwayes goe on And according to this holy dodrine,lct vs proftr.tte our iehics before tlic face ofour good god,ackno;vledgingour C.2, innume- The third Sermon of ^S\d^.fo,CaL inniimsrablefinneSjby which we continually prouoke his hsaiiywrath.and indignation againft vs. Befeeching him that it would pleafe him to makevs toteele our finnes and iniquitics^more then euer tofore we haue done, to the end we might feke for fuch remedies as he hath ordained for vs in exercifing our felucs about the reading of his holy word, and the dayly Preaching thereof wliicbhath graunted vnta vs. A nd furthermore not to forget to ftir vs vp to call vpon him, to the end that by his holy fpirite he might to put his helping hande euen in our hcartes , and not too fuffer the doctrine which we heare by the mouth of his Preachers, to become vnprofitable vnto vs , but that it may haue the full power & ftrcngth: fo that we may from day to day be con- firmed therein : and more and more learne to forfake the worlde,and all whatfouer may withdrawe vs from the vni- onandconiunftion of our Lord and Maifter Icfus Chrifl, who is oupheade. And that hee will not onely (hewe vn- to vs this fauour and grace , but alfo vnto all people and nations of the earth. &c. The third Sermon of the hundretk and nineteenth Pfalmc. G I M E L. BcebcDcficiall vnto thy Seruant ; that I may liuc Sc kecpe thy woordcj Open mine cies,that I may fee the wondrous things of thy lawe* lam aftraungervponEanh: hide not thy comman- dements from mc. My hart breakcth out : for thedefire vnto thy iudgc- mentesalwaies. Thou haft dcftroyed the proudc : curfed arc they ihatdoo errcfrom all thy Commaundements. Remoue yi^Gnthe Qxlbut can tel wel inougii how to greeue & vex our felue? one with ambiti5,another with couetoufnesj 6c fome with fornication & adultery. So the our life (l^ould be very accurfed ifwe looked no farther.But we muil alwayes ainie at this marke,to rerueGod,& to keepe his word, For when as all our aftc6ion and loue flial reik in itj then fnall our life be bleffed But contrariwife, when we arefo brutifh as to defire nothing elfe but to liue heere a long time.&: to haue none other care but ofour body, and this temporaU life: the longer we Hue heere in the world, the more do we heape vppon vs the maledidion and curfe of God* Let vs then keepe in mindethis prayer which Dauid heere ma- Iceth: to witjthat he befeecheth God to beftowethat bene- iitevpoti him jthat he might keepe his commandement all the dayes of his life. As if he fliould haue faid» Alas my God, Ifecvsto bee foperuerle and frowarde.as that none of vs all thinketh to what endc we 1 iue . And we are (o giuen to all finne and wickednefle, that wee doo nothingelfe but more and moreprouoke thy heauy wrath and indignation againft vs. Suffer me not O Lorde to be one of that com- pany, but grauntvnto methy grace , that my life may bee ruled and gouerned as it ought to bee : that is. That 1 may employ my felfe wholy to ferue and honour thee. It fol- loweth by and-by after. Open mine eyes ^ that I may fee the wocndroui things of thy latve. Heere he declareth that it wa9 not without caufe, that he made this requcft vnto GodrForif it were in our po- wer to follow the word of Godjand keepe it, it were meere bypocryficandfeynedhoUnelTetoraake any fuch prayer. Fos yponthe Qxix.Tfalme. zo For u^e craue ac Gods hand that which we haue not : and in our Prayers we mult alvvayesconfeflc our pouertie and want Were it not a mockery thinks you , too craue of God the thing which I haue already? I Ihall befeech him to glue it me,and I haue it already in my pofleflion? Ir is mofle true, that wee muft craue that at Gods hande which already wee haue. And why io? Becaufe wee are certaine that wee cannot inioy it , nor yet vfe the fame without his grace and fauour : And that the vfe tliereof fliall neuer proflte vs without he blefle it, euen as we defire of him our dayly Breade. And although the table be co- ucredjand the meatefette ready on the boorde, yet we de- fire of God to make it noutilliment for our bodyes. Wher- by 5 as I haue before faydeat fliall profite vs no whit at all, without God blefle it through his grace and liberalitie* k is very (o that we doe craue it, by reafon of our continuall confefling of our want and neede. So then,it cannot pofllbly bee , that this was inPauid his owne hand and power , to keepe the woorde of God. And he flieweth it to be (o in this which foUoweth, O Lorde opett thou mwe eyes. As if hec fliould haue faide, Alas deere fatherjitisfofarreoffthatlamablcto keepe thy worde, as that I fliould not be able to vnderftand any whit there- of, if thou guidell meenot thereto ; For it is thou which muft both be ginne the fame, Sialfoperformeitwholyin me.This is the way and meanesfor vs to vndeniande what to doe; For many there arc which knowe the thinge that is good,and yet for all that they vttei ly refufe it.| Nowe Da- uid declarethjthatheisnotonely voyde of all power too keepe the word of God: but alfo that hee is without all' vn« derfl:andingjexceptit be giuen him by the holy Ghoft. Lee vs note well who itis that fpeakcth Euen Danid a mofl ex^ cellent Prophet* And yet for all that wee fee that hee declareth (yea and that boldely ) him fdfe to bee igno- raunte, without G O D iuflrudeth him. Neither dooth ht-e heere fjK'ake cf any woridely iafl:ru6tion , as wee woulde imagiie of the thinges whiche wee knewe not C4, of The third Sermon ofz5\fJo,QL of before.Dauidconfefleth.thatallthat^wouldfcrue him ro nopurpofc at all, without God,acided therunto a notabler or more excellent thing ; to wit^that hee did enlighten him with his holy fpirite, Sithens then it is fo that Dauid, whc was an excellent^ Prophet, did knou'Cjthat hee could neither by reading nor preaching vnderlland that which was requifite vmofal- iiation: what Ihall become of vs, which are yet farre from that forwardneflethat wasinhim? And let vsnot thinke that through our owne labour and indiiftrie, and by our owne fliarpnefle of wit, to come fo farre as to vnderitande thefecretesofGodjbutktvs knowe that wee had neede to be inlightned with the grace of his holy fpirit , to open our eyesj for without it we are poore blinde foules, Nowe if this were wel vnderftood,we lliould neuer (cefuch a pride amongft vs as is , that euery of vs is m^Q inough too go- uerne himfelfe.Tt is an eafy matter for vs to make protelia- tion that God hath giuen vs his word : and yet for all th?.c Wc (hall (till be blinde,and knowe nothing.vntill fuch time as he openeth our heartes and mindes. For when nothing elfeflial gouerne vs but our own fenfeand naturall reafonj what beaftes and Calues fliail wee then bee? See then how Wc (hall bs better inftruded in humilitie, when as the do- ctrine rtialbe imprinted in our heartes. True it is^^ that this wasnotfpoken in vaincjbut to theend^that we (lioulde be admonifliedafter the example of Dauid, tooprefent ourc fclues before God: and inconfefsingour felues thar we are not capable to vnderftande any thing,without that he put «o his helping bandjlet vs befecche him too open our eyes by his holy fpirit. And bicaufe it lliould not feeme ftraun'ge, that Dauiddefired to haue his eyes open,hedecIareth.that the wifdom conteined in the lawe of God g is too high for our capacities, yea although we think oure felues to hana ncuerfolliarpe and fine v/ittes. And therefore hee fayeth, O Lorde of en mjne eyes: that I may fee the rsfoofiderous thinges of thy Lawe ♦ Wherefore vfeth hee this woorde «roonderous?Icjs3asifhe would hauefewfaide: Although tke ypon the Qxix, Tfalme. i \ the w'orld taketh the lawe of God to be but a light thing, and fcemeth to be giiien but as it were for fimple foules, 6c yong children; Yet tor al that there feenieth fuch a wiledom to beeinit,asthatitrurmountethallthevviredome of the worlde, aud that therein lye hidde vvondertuU fecrets. Afniuch is faide of the Gcfpell , and that not without great caufe . And in very deede , that which at this daye is moftplainely declared in the G ofpell, was before contei- Ked ill the lawe: oncly thefe were darker Qiadowes, then _ ihey are,which were fince the commingof our Lord lefus Clinft. And yet notwfthftandmg, there is no chaung or al- teration \\\ this vvircdome,as God alfo is not mutable. It is r . ^ iiot then without caufe that all the holy fcripture is called fp*^'^^* wifedomej and that the Angels ofheauenthefelues do wo- * ' '^'' der thereat . If then the Angels be aftoyned at the fecrets conteined in the holy fcripture, Ibefeecheyoutell mee, what reuerence deferueth it to haue among vs mortall men f For we are but poore wormes vpon earth , creeping here belowe ♦ If there be comparifon made betwixt vs and the AngelSjwhat fliall it be ?See ho we the Angels are won- derfully rauiflied to fee thewifedome of the word of God, and yet we make no accompt of it , but efteeme of it as a bafe and childiih thing ♦ The more therefore ought wee throughly to marke this faying of Dauid jthat the dodrinc of the lawe is not as wee take it to bee :to wit, a thing of fl-nall valure , or a common and ordinarie dodrine , but a wonderfuU wifedomejwherein are fuch kcxtzs as ought to rauillivs with admiration , bicaufe they farre furpalfecur wit a,-id reafon ♦ But what is the caufe that we fo lightly efteeme of the lawe of God ? that is to fay .his whole word? Herein xh^ common prouerbe is verified when wc faye , A foole rcgarcleth nothing. Which prouerbe we declare to be rightly veriF.ed in vs : For many of vs make no eftimation of the holy fcripture5& it feemeth to vSjthatjthat which we readc there,is tooto comon and thisis the reafon.bicaufe we know not what it is , re yet the great and abundant tr^afure hidde therein.But fuch as haue once knowen what C 5 th^ 77;^ third Sermon of cSh/fJX^^- ^tyi^iz'^xtoi oo^'\s^\<\\\d\\itz flieu'eth and ceclareth him felfeto be there,and do fee whether it is,thacGod cal- kth andallureth them,and do alfo vnderftand and knowe the large and fweete promifes offered vnto thein therein^ (uch 1 (ay,will fay with Daiud, O Lordcjthy law is wonder- full , And fo confeqaenily will defire that their eyes might be lightenedjconfefsing them fellies to be blind,vntiil fuch time as God hath ayded them with his holy fpirite.Now it followeth, I amafirangervpon earth : hj/de mt thy cammAndemmtes from me. When Dauid did put to this verfe, he ment to confirme the matter which before he touched, that is to fay, that he defired not fimply to Hue, as if his life had beenc deareand precious vnto him,without any other refped : but he had a further meaning.For he faith by and by after, I am a llran- gerin the world: therefore hyde not thy commandements from me : They which make their continuall nefl; here ac- cording to their owne fanficjand thinke to make tlieir hea- uen in this worldjthefe men I fay,haue nothing to do with the commandementes of God for their faluation.For they are fafe enough ifthey may eate and drinke to be glutted, that they may take their pleafures and delightes, that they may behonoured,thatthey may be in eftimation and cre- dit.loe here is all that they defire or wy fli to haue« Yea for- footh : For they looke no further , but to this corruptible and tranfitorie life. Thefe men I faye are not greatly trou- bled , ne yet haue any care of the commaundementesof G od, but when as they (halbe taken fromthem,all fliall be one to thera.When as the couetousmaujthewhoremon- getj the dronkarde , the ambitious perfon , fliall heare no preaching ofthe word at all: neither any talke of God, ne yet of Chriftianitie,nor of life euerlalling He in the meane time ceafeth not to purfue his owne waye. Yea^ and it is to themalothfomeand vnpleafant kindeof fpeachtoheare God fpokenof 5 but had rather haue no mention in the whole worldemadeofhim . And therefore it is not with- out caufc why Dauid rcquireth, not to haue the cQmande- inents ypon the Qxix. ^Pfalme. 2 z ments of God taken from him,& this is his reafon : to wif, bicaufeheisaftrangerontheearth. Asif he (hould hiiue faydjO Lord, if I had none other confidcfation but oi this prefentliFe^lftioiild be euen accurfed,and it had beene bet- ter my mother had beene deliiiered of rnc as of a dead bo- dy ,and that 1 had beene an hundred tiines plunged in hell* And why fo ? For we are here in this world but as pilgrims and wayfaringmen : and we pafle to a more excellent life: as to that alio wherein we repofe our whole truft . Seeing thenjO Lord jthat I am a llranger in the world , let not thy commandementes be taken away from me. Nowe in this part is conteined a very profitable dodrinc , and exhorta- tion for vs,for we knowe how cold wee are, where in deede we ought to haue an ardent defire to be taught the worde of God,and to be m.ore and more confirmed therein. And I befeeche you how careleflfe are we f But what is the caufe hereof f No doubt of itjWe mufl alwayes euen fearche and looke into the depth 2nd' bottom of this corruption and mifchicfe : for when wc fee any vice in our felues,we ought to enquire from whence the caufe proceedeth , to the ende vc might finde remedy for thefame.Now the reafon isjbi- cau(e we are blynde,and do fuppofe our abode fhould bee here rtill vpon earthjand euery man imagineth him felfe to haue liere euerlafting life. Wherefore when we are thus gi- nen to the world-& thinks our felues to haue here an eucr- lal^ing enheritance , loe this is the caufe of our thus conte- ning of God and his word , or rather that wecare no whit at all for the fceking out o f the dodrine of our faluation. What muft wc then do.^Forfooth \^eemuft looke a great deale further then to the world, if we will come vnto God, and be exercifcd in this fludy wherof metion is here made, and to fay with Dauid,0 Lord, bicaufe we are Grangers in this world^to witjthat we are to paffe here only,& that no- thing can be fliorter then our life is here , let not thy com- mandcments be taken away from vs. On thother|fide,Da- iiid his meaning here^is to fignifie vnto vs, that he was but as a poore pilgrime andwandringman, without he were tgnciuded and guided by the worde of God, And * The third Sermon ofSs/[J^Cal And this is a.very fie fimilitiidcFor thepurpofe.We know- that a man in a ftraung countrey, will thinke him fell' to be s ftraung and forlorne man/o that if he hath not a conduct and guidcjhe knoweth not what fi-jall become of him. Euc (o fareth it with vs^if we be not direded and condu5:cd by the hand and powxr ofGcd . And why To ? Bicaufe we are as ftrangers here in this world. It is very true .that wee are but too too much tied vnto our afFeftions and wil,and yet out alasj our fenfe and wittes are fo confounded , that wee know not what way to take or holde, except u e be (lie wed it. Loe here the meaning of the fimilitude which Dauid here vfeth,in faying that he is a ftragsr in the world : which isjthat hecomplaineth thathc is a (Trang and fcrrlorne ma, and therefore befeecheth God to guide him by his worde. NowitfoUoweth. Mj hart hreAketh out ^f or the hfire^vntoo tfy iudgemcntes altvaiey. When hee fayeth^that his (bule breatccth out, it is too protcft,thathecdefired not that thing of God which wee hauehcarde» either for fafliions {ake,or countenance, as many doo , which befecche God very often too inlighten, confirme,and guide thcm,in the trueth of his woorde: but in the mcane ty mejthcy neuer feeke after it as they (liould do,Now,this is butafter a fortCjand God wil not be thus mocked.For in thus doing,we doe nothing els but profane his holy naraCjwhe as wemakc (iich rcqudtes , as procecde not from a true affedion and defire . Loe here, wherefore Dauid faicth, that his foule brake out : For this worde em- porteth as much as if his foule had vtterly fainted.My (bule then fainteth for the defire which it had to thy comaunde- ments, Wherfore here are three things to be cofidered off. 'Hie one is,that if we will obtaine at Gods handes to be conduci:ed by him , and ro haue his worde to be our waye and dircdion.we fliould not make fuch an hypocritical nor cold prayer vnto him , with mockingof him thereby : But with fuch a true defire as caricth vs euen out of our felues, and to make no fuch accompt of this prefcnt lifcj but to be well vpon the Cxix. Tfalme. 2 } well aduifedjio (lioote at an higher matter, And thus much as touching the firft poiut,\vhich here we haue to note. The fecond is^that this dtfircought not to be oncly as a wauering delirc,but an ardent and an hoat defire, For he faith,That his foule hath fainted, And why Co f Let vs here a little coiifiderjwhat our appetites and luiles are^vhen wee turne our felues away from God,and glue our felues who- ly to worldly things . They arc Co excefsiue and inordinate, thatitiseuen pitifull,being without end and meafure.But if we haue aJeane defire , & fuch a one as I know not what, to walke according to the will of God : this defire wouldc beasfoonealayedjasadroppeofwine put into an hun- dreth times fo much water. 1 befeeche you what fliall that be ? (hall it taftc any more as wine ? Euen fo forcible iliould the good affedion of a faithful! man be. If this affedion be not feruent,and very vehement, it (halbc (bone choked by the corruptions of our carnall pafsions &affe<5lions which (as 1 haue before faid)haue neither meafurcjmodeftie, not temperance . See then for the fecond point what we haue here to note in this behalfjto wit,that it is not enough that wc haue a meane defire to ferue God , for that wouldebce very foonc quenched in vs, and be made nothing woorth. But we mult be Co attentiue thereto,as that wc may be able to fay that our foule fainteth, and languiteh jthat our power and ftrength droppeth and mclteth away as it were vntill fuch time as God rclieueth vs , in graunting that vn- to vs which we require of him. The third point which we haue here to notc,is,the firme- nes and conftancie in this our defire. And fee here why Da- uid is not contented with this faying, that his foule is bro- ken outsbut he faieth, AiiPayes, As if he fliould haue (aide, this was nota blafbof wyn ter walke in hi sfeare,to obey him lyeajand that he puni- (heth Others for our amendemcnr , as I haue already %d. And eipecially^he addeth , ^ttrfedare thejf, thafi me from thy €ofjimAHndemefitcsj:ii that gdetyrongiUw nv i • . By The third Sermon ofz5\^. lo. CaL By this hee farther dcclareth and expreffeth that which wee iiauealready (hewed, to wittchowehec hathbcene taught to walkc according to the will of God , by the pii- niflimentes which lighted vpon the proud and di^obedle^ And here he makech thisgenerall conclufion.That all they which erre from the commaundementofGodareaccur- fed.Whereupon we are to gatherfirft ofalUthac the parti- cular iudgementes of God ought not toferue vs for one deede alone : but that we (hould apply it for a general! in- ftrudion all the dayes of our life. As how .? When as wc fee God punifh one perfons, O, wcemuft not ftay our felues vpon fuch an afl:, to fay , that God puniQicth but one per- fon which deferucth it': but wee muft conclude and fay(ac- RoT?f.i,ii. cordingtothatfayingofS.Paul)Thcre is norcfpeaof pcr- fons with God. Now when he hath puniihed fuch a fault, wc muft then fay^that this fault difpleafeth him in as many as do committe it. As in an otherplace he flieweth Sirhens that God fo grieuoufly puniflied the children of Ifrael for Idolatric^we muft conclude that he vtterly abhorreth Ido- latrie. As greatly alfoabhorreth he Lechery,murmuring,& difobedientperfons,and horrible & wicked couetoufnes. I .(or J . ver^ And all this ( faith S. Paul ) (hould feme vs for an Image or 7.8.^.10. paternejto the end,that when we fee thelikccome to pafle, we (liould remember vs of that which is contcined within the holy fcripturc , and applie it wholy to our own vfe and profitc, And thus much as touching the firft point, which we haue here to note: to wit,thatif God puniftieth a man, we muft gather out of it a general 1 inftrudion , and con- cludcjthat all they which go wrong from thccommaude- mentes of God arc accurfed. Now we haue to touch the fccond point , which is alfo notable : that is^we muft not tarrie vntill fuch time as God fcourgetli vs jbut beeingaduertifed by that which hee hath Shewed vs a farre of, wee might prcuentthe puniflimentes and corre6tions^w hich might light vpon vs in the end . And this is it which wee muft igarher vnto our felues in gencrall, of that which hath. be;eiJefpoken« That all they ^M which ypontheCxix.Tfalme. if which errefrom the commaundeinentes of God , areac- curfed. Moreouer , let vs alfo in the third place learne , that all the happinefle u'hich we imagine, when wee are farre fronii God^is nothing but accurfedjand that in the ende the fen- tenceofour Lord lefusmuftbcaccomplifhcdjCnrred arc ye which laiighe, for ye iliall wecpe,and your laughter {hall ^^^^* '-^r. be turned into gnaflhing of teeth* Let vs then vnderdand, that whiles the poore worlde maketh it felfe mcry,and that it feemeth to be come euen to the full aboundaiice of the wiflhcs and defircsj and that it hath obteined the chiefe fe- licitiCjthatitiseuen then vnderthc greatcft andchiefeft curfe, And why fo ? For all they which ftray from God, arc accurfedjbicaufe that hce is the fountaine of all goodnes^ and without him there is nothing but all miferie . True itis.thatforatimehecfuflfcreththe infidels and vnbelcc- uers to make them fclues mery,that we might thinke them to be the happicft people in the worlde , but what of that > It will all rctume to their greater confufion . It foUoweth foone after. Rem one from mefhume aftdcontempte : for Ihaite kept thy tejltmonies . ^ HercDauid commenceth a newe fuite vntoGodjto witjthat he would hold him in hisinnocencieandpuritie. And it 1% not without caufe that he fo doeth/or we fee that they which ferue G od with their whole heart, are contem- nedjand defpifed,yea,they arc moft (hamefully flaundered. For we fee euen at this dayc, that he which walketh fimply, hefliall by and by be called an hypocrite . All they which -^ould ferue God, are thus cried out vpon, Othefe hypo- crites ! O thcfe mortified 1 See here how the puritie & fim- plicitie of the faithful! is defpifed & naught fet by .For the that it fuffifeth vs to haue him on- ly,aadtofeeIehis mercie and compafsion towardes vs s and when wee haue gotten that , to bee contented oncly therewith.But bicaule we can not come vnto God, with* out he him fclfe draweth vs , when as wee defire him to re- ftore vs , and to ftrctche cut his handc vnto vs , wee muft adde thereto this faying here exprelTedjto mt^ that he will quicken vs according to his word. Now by thisj as I haue already fayde ,• wee are taught that in the middeft of death we findc faluation and health, bicauic the promifes of God neucr fayle vsjt followeth in the fecond verfc, / haue declared my tPAjts^And than heardefi mee : teache mg thji [tatfites^ Here Dauid allcdgeth another rcafon that GOD hea- reth him, to wit j that this is not the firft time that he had heard him , neither yet that God is mcrcifuU and liberal!, to graunt vnto his faithfull , their petitions and requeftes* But wee in very deede muft , in continuing the matter which wee are herein hande to opeujbe throughly affured and refolued , that it is not in vayne,when as we make our prayers vnto God , neidier yet that wee lofe our labours, but that our prayers (liall profite vs. We muft therefore be fully refolued herein . And howe muft that bee ? For- footh,Dauid euen very now alledged vnto God>his promi* fesafturinghim felfe that hee receiued them through his meere mercy and goodncfle. And this is no foolehardireffe. Euen fo then,Iet vs in no cafe feare to come vnto God boldly and cher efully vpoii this condition, yea fo long as wee buildevponhis promi- D 4 fesAVe The 4.. Sermon ofz%f, lo, CaL ks. Wee muft not come vnto him according to our oM'ne fantafies : neither cruft we allege and fayc, my God , I pre- fent my felFe here before thy maieftie , bicaule 1 thinke or fuppofe that thou oughtci^ to heare me : this were too too fonde and lewde arrogancie : but tofaye jAlas my good God , it is very true tliat I am not worthy to come neare vnto thy prefencc. and akhougii it fliall feeme to me that I might approche to thee , yet muft I pull back that foote a- gaine : Neucrtheleflcjfincethou biddell mc to come vnto thee.,and haft commaunded me to call vpon thee,and pro- jnifed alfo for to heare mee : Loe here my God the caufe which maketh mec fo bolde, not to doubt to come vnto thee,bicaufe I beleeue thy worde ♦ And now O Lorde^, I ftand in no doubt that thou wilt-apt receiue mee, when as I thus buyldc vpon thy promifle. After Dauid hath vfed this kinde of fpeech, to ftirre hina felfe vp to praye vnto Godjand alfo to obtair.e his requcft* he addethj O horde ^ I buns ack»oKvledge^ my vpajcs , And thoH heardefi mcc. As if he fliould haue faide , Ouer and be- sides thy promiile , my God, there is another reafon which . cnboldeneth and encourageth me to come vnto thee: to ^'it, the experience which thou haftlhewed vnto me of thy great goodnesj neuer required any thing of thee \\\ my ne- cefsitie,but thou diddeft heare me : to witte^but that thou fatiffiedft myrcqueft^butthat-Ihauefelt howethou haft Telieued thy fcruauntes , and haft alwayes beene ready to luccoure them in their diftieiTe : Yea , O Lcrde , and that thou haft not tarried nor wayted vntill they came vnto thee, but halt cucn oftered thy felfe firft vnto them, Seeing then it is fo that thou haft ihewed thy felfe to be fo good and liberall, O, I no we doubt not but that thou wilt continue the fame thy goodnefle: Wherefore I befeeche thee teache mee thy ftitutes . See here a text worthy the marking : For, as I haue before fayde , wee muft not come vnto God doubling and waucring : but with full refolu- ^on, that hee wDl heare vs. Aud bowe i? thgtf Q jve \m% 4 oioft fure and infallible x%%» yponthe (^xix.Tfalmc. ^ 29 tcftimojiie:too wit^he hathpromifcd too bee ncare vnto al thofe which flial crauc and beggc of him in trueth; we may then dy, wee befeeche thee, c3 Lord,to haue regarde vnto vs according too thy woorde.It is very true, that: wee are viuvoorthy that thou lliouldeft b^e careful ouer vs : But fo itisjthat hauingthy woordeandproniife, wee may boldly come vnto thee: and be(ides,let vs adde theretoo the expe- rience which God hath already Ihewed vntoovs: thathee ncuerforgettethhis,butpreferuethandkeepeththem3and alwaics waccheth ouer them .And why fo? That wee ought to be much more heedful then wee are of al the benefits of God,too the ende wee mightcome too this confideration of the realbn which Dauid heere bringet h in :too wit, that wee might fay vntoo God,that hee hath hearde vs. Nowe there are very fewe of vs that can doo this. And why fof Bi- caufe that when wc are in any diftre{l3,wee neuer thmke to calvponGodjyea although thegriefe or diieafeprcfleand ^rieue vs neuer fo much .And yet if wee doo then cal vpon him,it is fojthat afloone as we haue efcaped the danger,we wihK)t acknowledge it too bee God that hath had pytie and compafsion vppon vs,but is quyce out of memory and troden cleane vnder foote»Bycaufe then we remember not the bencfites of God,Lce what is the caufe why we cannot favjwhcn vv^ee comf!arrefli to prayjO Lcrd,thou haR heard mee.For(as i haue before faide) our vnthankfulneife hin- dereth vs that we cannot haue any fuch experience & pra- dife too pray vntoo God inceffaunrly, And feealfo what is the caufe of our fo colde and faynt prayers:for if wee were ready too cal to minde the graces of God ; 0,we fiiould be fure and certaine to bee alwaies fencedjwhen as we meant to prcfent our felues before him.jto fav^ Alas my God, this is nonouckie vntonreemeitheroughtl , Lorde,tothinke itftraunqetooprelentmyfelfc before thee, for thou haft graup.ted mfefreeaccclTe and libertie *. thisis notthe firft tyme that thou haft doonemeegood,no, I hauefeltethy fauour by cxperienceeuen from my youth: and when as I fl^al fpeak e of the number of tymes which thou haft hearde P 5 mce>I T^he ^ Sermon of<^5\fJX^^' me, I (hall finde them infinicel I may very well then repofe and put all my truft in thee, hoping that thou wilt continue thy goodnefle towardes me, as thou art alwayes ready fo to doe* Nowebecaufew^arefovnthankfiilivntoGod^aj not to acknowledge his bencfitesas becomjmeth vs,and as to him apperteyneth: Loe here, why we cannot benefite Gur feUies by this confeffion in truth,to confirme our hope to come vnto him^as (Ijould be good for vs« Moreouerjwe are to note, that we muft not deale with God,as with mortal! men* For ifany man hath doone vs a pleafure, wc may truely fay^as we commonly do : I flialbe the more beholding vnto you J becaufe you haue already bound mec thereto, this (hall come in amongft the refte; But yet ifweiliall haue borrowed much of any man, wee ihall be a (hamed that we haue troubled him fo often. But the cafe ftandeth not fo betwixt God and vs* And why fo? For God is neuer weary of well dooing as men arcjand be- {ides he neuer diminiflieth his fubftaunce when hee dooth vs any good. If any man beCloweth his goodes libtrally vpon vs, hee hath fb much the Icfle i if he giue his wccrde for vs : hee will fay , this is all that I can doe for you* But Godfo aboundeth in riches, that it is like too a Spring which can neuer be drawnc dry : & the more that i$ drawn out of it, the greater abundance is to be (eenc* So then, wee muft not be affrayde too come vnto GqJ, when as he fhall haue beftowed vpon vs (lore of wealth ^& that we (liall be fo much bounde vnto him, as is pofTible to be thought; but the fame ought to make vs the boulder, as Dauidheeredeclarethvnto vs. And of this arc many like fay ings in the Scripture. O Z^r^tfX fay th Jacob )/»' to the ende that God may be honpured^and that they all may (erue to the com- mon faluation of the members of our Lord lefus Chrift. Butji^^re we haue in thisTexte too note , that It is im- polfiblefor vs toinflruft others,exccpt we haue beenc be- fore ;hedifciples and Scholers of God. There area greate ' riiapjftwJ^dh will pt^t^QOith them felues^ asif thevwcTe fufficitnt vpontheCxix.T^falme. ^r futricient and able Clearkes inoughe too teach others : And infothrufting in themfelues , they haue not once know^en what they ought to vnderftand , either for theni- /elues or yet for any others. Let vs then confider the order* which is heere obferued : to wit , that euery of vs doe ac- knowledge our owne ignoraunce. Dauid was a mofte ex- cellent Prophet,and yet notwichftanding he befought God that he woulde make him too vndcrftande the way of his commaundcmentes. Yea, but had not he the Lawe writ- ten? Wherefore tHendcfired he that which hee had alrea" dy in his handes? For he knewe well inough that to read, to preach, and to hcare, was not all that was ncedfull: For vnlefTeGod open our eares,wc (hall neuer be able to vndcr- ftad it. And therforc it behoueth that he inlighten vs,or elfe we (liall neuer be able to fee the brightnefle thereof, albeit it lye wide open before our eyes. If Dauid made this re- queft (as we haue already heeretofore intrcated ) I befcech you what fliall we doe then ? Let vs then cuen fo confefle our ignoraunce,and befeech God that it would pleafe him to teach vs. See now that we muft needes bee firft fcholcrs : before we viurpe the office of a Maifter : and before wee thruft our felues in, too fpeake vnto others , that we heare God firft fpeake vnto vSjand that we bee grounded in his woorde,that we may proteft as Saint Peeter telleth vs, that I 'Tit, 4, sj. it is the woorde ot G O D which commeth out of our niouthes. lVloofoeuerfpsaketh^{{zycx\\hz€) let him fpeake the rpoord of God; For it is no realon that a mortall man fhoulde extoll him felfe, and preferre his owne drcames • and fantafies. And although that this facriledge be ouer- common in the worlde,it behoueth vs too haue greate rc« garde therto! & that we al keepe filencCji^ that both great and fmalliignorauntandwife,the fimpleand learned,giuc care to the word of God)& fuffer them felues to be taught by him : and after that,cuery man according to thofe gra- ces which he hath receiucd , to communicate them vnta his neighbours. And when any of vs fliall be better inftruc- ted in the word of God then any of our brethren^we oughc T'he 4.. Sermon of (SMC. lo. CaL (o much the more to exhorte them that haue neede therof to repreheade and rebuke thole which make deFaulte, and toinftruclthc ignoraunt and vnlearned. For our Lorde God beftov\reth not his graces liberally vpon vs,to the end we fliould holde them fait locked as it were in a cheft : but that we fliould make them common to others, to fet forth and commend them to other according as opportunitie fliallferuejandalfo according to the difpofitions of thofe to whome we addid our felues to teach^ are contented to hearevs* Moreouer when Dauid fayth, Thatheemll fpeakeofthe ^voondroHt vpoorhes of God, Let vs mar ke that he dooth it not of any ambition,or vaine glory, as many doe, which could be very wcl contented that we Hiould heare them, when as they (hall doc nothing elfe but babble atrandon of the wordeofGod. And why is that ? Itisbecaufc they pro- phaneit, without hauing any reucrence thereto* For wee (eethat the moftc ignoraunt will be moft bolde according to theolde faying, None fo bolde as blinde Bayard, or, A foolillimandoubtethno perill. When foeucr any would goe about to teach them, O by and by the word of God ftiall be nothing with them: For ye fliall hauc them alwayes to haiic anfwearcs ready coynedin their fleeues ♦ There are then which wouldc be accounted great Clarkes, who not- withftandingfliewe them felues not to knowe what holy- neffe,and Maieftie the worde of God carryeth with it.Buc contrarywife Dauid telleth vs , that if we will inftrud and teach our neighboures, that wee ought firftc to vnder- ftandthe lawc of G OD to be full of woondcrfull and ftraunge fecrets: to be fo high a wifdome,as that wc ought not to prefume to take on hande too handle it without all modeftie and fobrietic. Let vs then learne, if we will be good Dodors and teachers,to proceede in all humblenes and feare, knowing that the leaft fcntence in the fcripturc fnrmounteth our vnderilanding, and that wee are too too dull and blockiCli to attaine vnto fo high wifdome , except the Lord our God guideth and leadeth vs thereto* Lo how that vpo'n the Cxix. Tfalme. 3 z that both fcholers and maifters & as many as are hearers, andfpeakerSjOughc to come with great reuerencewhen as they meane to handle the word of God.it followeth ioone after: Myfoule melteth rvnh very heaatfjejfe : raife me vp ac^ cordwg to thy rvoorde, Heere Dauidttiore deerely exprefieth that which wee haue already touched : towitte, that the abundauntioy of the faythfuU confilfeth wholly in this, that God is mer- ciful vnto themj^and knowing him to be fuch one, they arc comforted by his gracCjOOthing doiiting of his goodwill* Andtoproueictobefo,Dauid{aith in the firfl: place, /i/j^ foule meliethax-ay with very heaHtnejJey as if hee ihoiild hauc faidjthat all his power and vertue was cleane gone from him.For this fimilitude heercjis alfo very welliet downe in diuerfe places of the Scripture* We haue guflied and burft our like water .So then,fee how Dauid is heere become as a forlorne man, fo throwne downe and humbled, as that he is cleane voydeof all flrengthjand all other things whatfo- euerjand therevpon befeecherh God to comfort him.Nowr heere we are to note that he fpeaketli not of the feeblenes ofhisbody,to fay that he was humbled by fickneflTc, & yet; his foale ro b^juflyand ftroprg: but he fayth that he is melr ted away with very heauinefltjas if he fhould haue faid,that he was vtterl/ouer throwne. And therevpon he delireth to be comforted jand that by the wordeof God. Heere then we fee,that when God (hall mortifie vs, we fliall be as men forlorne: and that not onely all our force and Hrength in this prefent life fliall be of no value, but alfo our foules and fpirites flialbe as it were humbled and caft downe, too this ende that we might boldely call vpon God after the exam- pleofDauid. Let vs notfeare then that God wil forfake vs, butletvsrafher learnetobefeechhimtocomfortevs, for Dauid hath lliewed vs the way vnto iz, neither went heefo on of his owne proper motionsbut it was the fpirit ofGod which puflhed him forward thereto. Wherefore,hauing fo goodaguydCiletvsnotfearejtobe fruflrate andvoyde of our petitions and demaundes,fg long as wee foUowe the dodrineheereinconteyned, Nov The 4.. Sermon cfcS\^. lo. Cal. Nou'e returneth heetothefirfte A'rgument which we hauealready touched: to wit^accordiKg to the woord of God. Wherein we feejthat all theaflarance and certaintie which we ought to haue in our prayers to God, isy to looke vnto that which hechath promifed vs.For they which truft vnto themfelueSjand think there is fufFtcient in them, why God fliould hearc them : it is moft fure that they dial neuer open their mouthes to defire any thingofGod: orifthey docjic fliall be all but meere hy pocrifie: As in Popery, where wee are not taught the promifes of GodTrue it is that they wil babble muchj mumble ouera number of Pater Nofters with a mixture of Aues,yea and will al(b dired their Pater- nofter to the Puppet of S. Agatha^ or fome other Saint,as ifit were to abufed: that the deuill might fundry wayes beguile and deceauehim: thathec might bee feduced through many temptations : allured by the luftes of the fleflie ! and often- times fallwere it not chat God did take from him the way of lyingXoe heere a poynjtc which we ought thorowly too mark,0 Ltrd, faith hCytaf^from me the way oflywg.lx. is fpo- kentothisende,thateucryof vs might knowe ourowne wante: to wit,that we (liould enter into our {elues,and me- ditate after this manner. Goe to now J am as a poore, wret- ched, and fofraile a creature as is pofl'ible: my faith fovcry weake, and the luftes of my flefliefoftronge, as that they might haue fudenly oppreffed me* Alas my God, fithens I E. a«i The 4.. Sermon of^SKd^. lo. Cat. am fo weake and fce'ole,! muft needs be aflifted by thee and by thy power and might. And againe howe many are our cnemyes which molell and grecuevs? howe mightie and ftrongistheDeuilf How great and infinite are the meanes wherewith he aflaylethvs i* and when hee (liajl aflayle vs ivith his Dartes and arrowesjit is impoffible for vs too ef- cape them, we lliall become then likevnto theLambe in the throte of the Lyon»Whe we Qiall thus haue vnderftood thefe our wantes and needesjthen may we fay with Dauid, O LorAe take from me the way of lying . Nowe he (he weth the remedy when he (zythiCanfe me tomakemnch of thy LawSy or graunt me thy grace that I may keepe thy law : For the word which Dauid vfethjimportethmeerefauour and free gift; As if he fhould haue faid, it commeth of thy meere fauour and grace jthat thou giueft me thy lawe. See heerc the remedy which our lord and Sauiour vfeth, when he would withdraw vs from the law of lying, to wit, that we (hould keepe his truth:For the truth of God i|fuf-- ficiently able to encounter al the fubtekies and flye pradi^ i zes ofSatan,to withftande al temptations,and toiranquidic? and ouercome al the luftcs of our flcQi .The trueth ofi:God> ^phe.6» then wil fuffice againft al this . And this is it- whiche Saint s^3P»C^^» Paule fpeaketh of, that when we Ihal be ftregthened in the dodrine of the Gofpeljthat then we flial haue wherwithaiV too bee luftyandftrong, and become valiant Champions too fight vnder thenfigneof our Lordlefus Chrift, and tri- umphe ouer al our enimies.So then, wil we bee farre from' hypocrifie?wil we be deliucred from lying,from al the fub- tekies of Satan,and from al the deceits of the worldfLet vs befeeche God then tograunt vs his law, and to doo vs that good that we might be inftruded therein, as wee are heerc taught by the example of Dauid Now aker al this he ma- 3sethhisprotefbtion: Thathehathchofenthewayoftrt*etb,a*tdhathcleauenvnto thetefitmoniesofGoiithathehathfolowedhisiHtigements: and hecrevpon he befeecheih hun,wf too bee confomded. HeetA vpon the Cxtx. T/alme. 5 1. Heere now wc fee^that when we Uefcech God to giue vs his lawjio ddiuer vs from temptacionSjCo fufter vsnot too be decerned neither by Satan,nor the woddj that ve doeic with fucha true de{ire,as Dauid (hewcth vs bcere , in this place. For there are many which may fay with tiieir mouth, O Lord I would gladly rcfift alltemtations.Buc what? The/ compound wich the Deiiil»confpire with him too (et then* fclues againft God^tter them (elues in all their iniqdtics, and dcfirc wholy to giue themfelues to all wickednes. Are not heere I befecch you faire and proper petitions which ^vc make with the mouth,when as the hart bcndeth it fclfe altogithcr to mifchiefe,and iiiiquitie. Is not this I pray you to mock Godfwhat other thing elfe is it? Let vs then learnc to fay with Dauid, O Lord, Ihane chofen the way oftrueth^and hoHefikken to thj tejlimomes ,When hc (ay th, that hee hath chofenthewayoftructh,hcemeaneththathe defired no- thing elfe, but to follow that which was right and good , as G od had fhewed it vnto him.When he faith,that he clcaued to the teftimonyes of God,he declareth what tructh that is whereof he made mention: For men many times imagine vnto them felues certaine fantafics in their headsjand think the fame to be the bcft & moft Pure foudation in the world, and that there is no other rcafon.tructhjnor wifdome, but that which they haue conceiucd in their owne brainc.Lct vs now beware of rhat,and afTure our feluesthat trueth it felfe is inclofcd within the word of God, & that that is it,which we muft feeke! And not to haue vs thinke that to bee the trueth .which wee in our owne fantafies doe iudge too bee good; but euen then haue weechofen the way of trueth, when as we (hall ftickc to the teftimonies of God, when we (hall vnderfland and knowe that it is hee onely which may leade vs ftraight, and that we haue doone this honour vn- to his woorde, to be ruled thereby all the dayes of ourlifa Loe,howe we (lioulde followe the way of trueth . J. . Nowe when Dauid hath made all thefc pro reflations, hee dcfireth that hee may bee confounded . As if hee ihoulde haue fayde , My G O D,(ince that it is fothat I E.2. defirc The ^. Sermon of^5\/r. lo. Cal. defirc to obey thee/ufFer me not nou' to bee confounded, that I be not fcorn^d^and fuppofed to bee as a vacabonde and without a guide, Loe heere a place which ought dily- gently to be marked : Fori befcech youjwhen we Ihall bee defirous to cleaue vnto God and his word, when wee (hall haue preferred the fame before all our luftes and plcafures, yeaaboue all whatfoeuer (hall (eerae good and right in our owneeyes; if wee fliall then I fay bee put to contufion and fhame, what ftiall become of vs when we fhall layc the rainc ofthe bridle in the necke of all our defires, and take from God all his authoritie? Deleruc we not to bee vtterly con- founded? No doubt we doe. So then, let vs way thefirftc parte of this dodtine, that wee mufte not let our tongues walkeagainftGodtForheknoweth how to bee right well auenged thcreof.How many doe we fee at this day too be- come after this manner fobeaftly,as that it is ftiame to fee their brutiflmcfle? and what is the caufe f They haue caft of the yoke of Godjthey haue not vouch fafed to do him thac honor , as to bee gouerned by him : It is mecte then thac they be confounded in the open fight of the wotlde , that they may be pointed at^that eucn young Children may per- ceaue their beaftlyneflejand are very well woorthy fo to be ferued. And fo lead: wee fall into fuch fhame : let vs pray ivithDauid, that it wouldepleafe God tomakevsfotoo iftick vnto him and his woord, as we neuer be confounded. Nowe too conclude with thefc eight verfes aparte , Dauid fayth, J mil rume the i»ay of thy Comafiudemef/ts .• i»he» thou (bait mlarge mine heart e. When he fayth , That when God hath fet his hearteat libertie, hec wiU runne: it is toofliewe vnto vs , that when ourheartesare inclofed and faft fhutte vp, that wee are not able fb much as too remoue one of our fingers to well dooingjvntill fuch time as GOD gladdethvs,and fhew- ethvsamery countenaunce. Nowe Dauid in this firfte place declareth vnto vss that wee are able to doe nothing fjjcept GodiUrreiiivs vpp thereto. And yponthe QxixSPfalme. 55 And although he hath already folicired & admoniilKd ▼s,) et tha: is not all.W^ Ihould cry out and Alas ; & pourc out fome fightrs and groncs. But becaufc God will be fer- ucd w ith a checrcfuU minde,and not with an cuill will, (o long as we are faft iliut vn>we cannot once f Urrc out of the place, to goc on forwardc in the Way of faluation.And how can wc then runne? When as he iliall hauc fet our heart at libertie: to wit, that he dial hauc fo difpofed & ordered vs, as that wefliould freely bend our felucs, & fully &wholy yeeid ourafFcftions vnro hiai.For orherwire,vc iiauing our harts faft fliut vp fiial alwaies become the bondflaues of fin. It is very tiuc,hat while wc are in this world, we neuer run fo faft ne yet fo pcrfcftly , as is required, yea wee fhall many times go as it were halting.where 'iKi dccde we (hould make jjaftBut thus itis with vsith^t whciifocncr he Ihall goucro vs wiih his {Jnrit, and that wc ft)al) be yndpr:the cofip.ii|i^ of our head & Captaine Icfus Chfift, we may fay witfiDauid, that we doe not oncly walkc in his commaundeonentSil^uc that we alfo runne in them: Yea/o that our affeHion bee not hypocrrtical5and that our zeaJc be alfo ferucnc to adt* di(5i: our felues vnto our good God, fince he hath placed v5 intheworldtothiisendjto obcyhimj and too glorificffis holy name. And according to this dodrinc.let vs proftratc our felues before the facco four good God, in acknowledging our finnes: befceching him, that it would pleafe him to m^e vs to fecle our finnes and iniquities more and more, & that it would alio pleafe him to make vs fo to remember them, that wc may learne to acknowledge how neccflary it is for vstobcmore& more cncreafed& confirmed in his graces which he beftoweth vpon vSjto the end that in allowing & efteemingofhis benefites as it becommeth vs,we may ren- der vnto him our humble and hearty thankes : bcfceching him alfo to continue vs in fuch fort in his holy vocation ,35 that we may be glorified in the latter day jnhauing fought a good fight,and that we may inioy the prize & rewarde of the vidorie, to triumph in burXorde lefus Chriftc. Lee " ' E.3.' vs The 5. Sermon of zf^, lo, Cal. Ysbefeech him that he will not onely giue vs this,gracc,but; iiiro all the people and nations of the wcrlde, &c» The fifth Sermon of the hundreth and nineteenth Pfalme. HE* Teach me O Lord the way of thy ftatutes: and I wil kecpeitvntotheend. Giuetneevndcrftanding and I will keepethy lawe: yea I yvillkecpe it withtiiy wh^^^ I)ire£lmeinthepath of thy Conunandementes: fot V - . ' therein i s niy delight. - '. ! ' ] -EncUacmy heartcvntothy |:ej(liinonyes rand not to '/ couctouihefle^ i-;- ' r. r - Turne away mine eyes from regarding van itie : and quicken thou me in thy way, Stablifh thy promife to thy feruant bccaufe he feareth tlice* Take away thy rebuke that I am afray de off: for thy ludgementes are good. Bcholdel defire thy commaundcments: quicken me in thy rightcoufacfTe. ^Hefe eight Verfcs heere conteine the Prayers which wee hauc already before fecne : to wi tte , that Dauid prayeth too be taughtin the lawe, that he might the better feruc God. Nowevponthis wee ^ue to note, that this is noi all to heare and yponthe Qxix.Tfalme. 7^6 iifld to be raught by preaching vnto vs, that the fame is a* it weccfrom thetruethof GOD: but wee rnuftalfo be taught by the holie Ghofte^ yea and that twoo manner of wayes.For when God lliall haue inlightened vs , to the end we might knowe that it commcth from him, it behooueth' thatheimprinteinourheartesadcfiretoocleaue vnto it, for without th^t wee (hall doe clcane contrary, as natural- ly we are enclyned. So then , although it bee not fuperfluous too rcade and licare: yet wil it prolite ts nothing at all , excepte the holy- Ghoftc tcacheth vs: yea and that to difcernc afwel betwenc good and euill, as alfo to be wel and rightly afFe<5leda too walke according to the Commaundementes of G O D* Which thingeis fuflficiently confirmed vntovs in ih6pcr7 fon of Dauid : For (as wee haue heeretofore declared ) hcc vas a mofle excellent Prophet. Noweitappeareth thatheewasnot onely fufficlently inftruded for him felfc, but GOD hadde alfo orday- ned him too' gouernc and inftrufte others : this was the bo(9:or of tbe whole Church ♦ And yet notwithftan- dingj hee confeiTeth him felfetoo be vtcerly ignoraunt and bliudeiCxccptGoddirefledhimbyhis holy fpirite. Yea, tnd hee declarcth vnto vs mofte plainely , that hee had neede of thefe t woo partes of the grace of G O D , heere by vs touched: towitte, to bee taught too knowethat which is good : and aftcrwarde too haue hismiudc fra- med to continue therein* This circumftaunce alfo is fpeclally too bee noted, that Dauid in making his rcqueftes heerein conteyned , wasnoNouice: For God had already inflrufted him by his holy Spirite. And that which is more , he dcclaretfis that hee had already defired toofollowe God, and too obay his Commaundementes . Wherefore then is it, thnthce prayeth afrenie,but onelythat heefelre in him felfegrcateweakenelTein this point jand that hee was but in the mid way? ' .' £♦4. tec The 5. Sermon of ^5\/C Jo, Ql^ Let vs thevndcrftandjthat euen they which are inh'ghtened by the fpirit of God,& are wel afteded, ought not z6 con- tent themfelues hcere\4^ith,as if they were already come to a ful perfcdion: but rather to acknowledge their weakencs, that they are not growne to that forwardnesjbut that they may faikjand that it is God which caufeth the to perfcuer and to be more and more confirmed. Loe hcere, what wee hauc yet to obferucjby the example of Dauid. Nowe let vs follow the words which he vfethjto the end the efFcdof this doiftrine may the'better be imprinted in our memoryes:, Teach me O horde the way ofthyftatmei: and I wtil keefe it vntothe end, ■ Heere Dauid declareth that he hath well begun to ferue Godjbut he right wel feeleth that we are fo fraylejthat wee €an hcuer tome home to the mark, without God ftregthe- neth vsi wherfore he hath recourfe vhto this high & migh- ty jpiOw6r,by which God remcdieth the vices that are in his cl^bfenjWhich hfe knoweth,not to be intheir nature. We fee ^erijthat whien God ftretcheth out his hande vnto vs , fo tfiat we haue'alfedy bin inftrufters & teachers of our neigh bours,yet that we muft not prefume of our owne power .^ llrcngthjbut ftand alwaies vpon our garde: befecching god with all humilitic and reuerence,that as he hath wcl begun in vs,fo he wil performc & go through with the fame. Da- uid 4id not,0 Lord,! hauc itrayed . But he hath very well faid hcrctofore,that he was hy nature a wandring ihepe : & lb fhall wcfce him to be: And yet notwithftading our Lord iiad already brought him into the way of faluation^yea and liad bcftowed vpon him excellent graccs.But yet he know- ing that he micht erre an hudreth times in a minutc^wirh- ioutGodheldnim with amightichand: praycth to bein- ftruflcd anew,asifan the reft which hcc had done had bin hothing»Sothen,whenas God (hat haue beftowcd vpon vs his graceSjlet vs not be negligent & fecure to hil our felues afleepe, as though our ftateand condition were not to bee jamended.But let vs rather think with our felues and confi- der,tbat he which hath \m uke» aiid hol4?n for a good & vertuoj^s ypon the Qxix. Tfalme. 5 7 tertiious man for the rpace often or xx.yeeres might bee fecneoiiercome in a matter of nothing ^ were it not that Godafilded him. Loe here how the faithfulljafcer that God hath liberally bellowed vpon them great graces30iight alu ales to walks infeareand humblenes, knowing that they are fnbiei^to many temptations 5 which they are neuer able to rcfift if God continued not the fame in them , as well to inflru O Lorde I knowe that we men, as we are pufted vp with pride and arrogancie , doe thinke vs too haue accomplidied and fulfilled all the whole lawe,whenas wee hauefeta good countenauncc of the matter 5 and haue made fome apparaunce orflicweto the worlde J if there were no more in it but this, yet fboulde it be enough for mee , confidering that all our members doe fo rage in wickedneflc , as that it is very harde too holde them in » But all this fhoulde bee nothing ♦ Forit Cbouldc be all but meere hypocrifiei^id bycaufe that thou bail T^he 5» Sermon of ^^Pvfd^Cal. haftrefpeftto the heart, all my carnall pafsions and affe- ctioiU iimft be pulled down & my felfein fuch fort renucd, as that I may be w holy conformed vntothy righteoufnes, Alas my God^and if 1 mull be brought to that J fee it to be an impofsiblc matter* And fo thou muft needcs put thy helping hand vntome,that I might be taught by thy holy fpirite. It foUoweth in the thirde verfe, fi^Makf me togoe m the waye of thj/ commaundements ifer there'mismjfdeftre. Here u^e fee that which hath beenc touched, to wit, that Dauid prayeth not vntoGod that he would beginnc to fee him m a good way : For he was already cntred into it , hec had already walked in it a good long feafon. And in deedc, this defire is a very great furtherance vnto vs , when as wee may praye vnto God to befceche him to gouernc vs , and wc ought to prefcrrc this felicitic or blcflfcdncs before all the things in the worldc. And herein let vs (licwc our felues to hauc greatly profited . Now Dauid proteflethjwithouc fiypocrifiCithat he hath kept the comaundcments of God: Neucrthclcflc he bcfccchcth the Lord to graunt vnto hitn power toperfeuer therein , and that hec may come to the pcrfedion thereof. Wherein wee fee that it is not enough that whc God hath begunne and (ct vs in a good way, that wcmay cuer after doc what foeuer feemcth good in our ownc fight. Wc fee here to the contrary , that when God Ihall hauc taught vs, and that wl: hauc beenc apt to Icarnc from the beginning : ncuerthcleffe that his grace flioulde be made voide euery minute, without hee did continue it. And fo in the fitll place, when as God fliall hauc inftruded vs,to make vs to come to a good vnderftanding and know- ledge,he mufl alfo graunt vnto vs a good affeftion and de- iire. And hath he giuen vs that'It is alfo mecte that he con- tinue the fame in vs , and make vs defircus to walke in his commaundem.cntcs . Finally after that he hath giuen vs to willjhe muft alfc giue vs to petf ouinicas S. Paul faith^tliat jie doe all in all,but not to rewarde this good will or any o- ther good preparation which is in vs , but to doc it ac,cor- ypon the Cxix. T^falme. sp •ding to his pleafure^to w'it,of his free mercie. Moreouer , let vs on our behalf confider , when as wee would cbteineany fuch grace at Gods handes: to wittc,to leade vs into the way of his pathes, that our hearts be there fctlcd as that we be not fo accnrfed as to forfakc God, and to fet light by hini,to quechc this light which he fhal haue put in vs . For otherwife , if wee bee alwayes giuen to the vanities of this world , as commonly we are , and that wee make no accomptc of the graces which God fliall beftowe vpponvs rjtisgood reafon, that hec take them from vs, and fet vs cleane without them , yea afid that hee take his holy fpirite from vs, although we had bene before enduccl with the fame.He added foohe after, Encline my heart vmo thj uji monies : and not vnto coiie-^ tonfrejfe. '''■ ' "■'' '-. '^''" Here we fee how it hathalrekdy byti taught j'that 6'o4 muft haue the gduern^ment of all the p^attes of man : that it is not enough that he giue hini a good witt, to the ends toiudge that which is good 3 but his courage and minds muft alfo be tied thereto:He hath faid before, Gi.ue me vn- derftanding: and by and by,Enciinemy heartvhto thy te- ftimonics . And to what ende fhbUld he enclinc.it? Let vS here note that it is the office of God, to encjineourheartcs vnto his ordinances, or els 3 they would goe cleane againft the hairc»For if we were difpofed of our fclucs to walkc ac- cording to the wil of Godjto hold & conceiue whatfocuet is written in his worde, Dauid needed neucr to haue made this requeft 5 or els he (hould fpeakc it faynedly and after 3 lying maner. Whenthenhe befoughtGodtocnclinchif hear t to well doing : it is as much, as if he had confeflcd & faidjlt is not in me,0 Lord,neitheryetin any mortal aea- tures,to walke as thou haft commaunded , for our hcartes are altogether peruerfe and wicked . There is nothing iu vs but rebellion and treafon againft thee, wee (hall neuer be able to walke inthy obedience, nor neuerplace ourfelucs therein,except thou putteft to thy hand, and cnclineft ou| mindesandheartcs thereto. We fee then what the con- dicipn The 5* Sermon ofS\/fjf'o.Zals dicion and difobedience of mans nature agamft God isl Ytttillfuch time as bee hath fofcened our itony and flinty hearces and that we haue learned to bearc his yoke : to bee iliortjthat our heartes be fo abafed and humbled , as thac. wee haue learned to hate that which iseuill, andtodefirc that which is good.Loe,what is declared vnto vs in the firft place* Nowc whenDauid fpcakcth here of couctoufnes , hee (hcweth vnto vs that tliefe thingescan abide no fellowfhip Cogcther^as to followe the word of God^Sc to be giucn to the goodes of this world.In very deede , he putteth in here cnekindeforalthc whole.Butin the firft place,let vs note, that in oppofing againft the keeping of the commaunde- me;its of Godjthat,which he kncwe to be cleanc contrary vnto itjhemcaneth to declare that wee are intangled with fo many vices and dcfircs,as is moft lamentable, And to (ay ihc truthe,what arethe appetites anddefircs of menfwhen as we (hall haue called ouceuery of them by their felfe , we fliaJl finde nothing in them but a mere contrarietle to refift the JLorde our God . For looke howcmany thoughtcs and afFc<9:ions are in vs,thcy are cuen fo many me of warre to fight againft God .So then Dauid acknowledgeth , that he can not ferue Gbd,vntil fuch time as he be clcnfed/rom all his cuiil dcfires,and vitious affcdions, and therefore he befeechcth God to expell outof him, thatperuerfenefle which he felt in himfclfe, that he was ouermuch giuento c.ouctoMfnes,and to fuch other like things. And thus much for this firft point, Eucn fojwhen as wee would followe God , let vs vnder- ftand that we can not do it without great conflid : to wit, vntill fuch time as all our pafsions are mortified. For our heart will neuer place it felfe rightly,vntill fuch time as our nature be brought vnder ♦True it is, that wee muft not ftrue God either by force or conftraynedly, Yea, but let vs fee howe wee doe feruc him. Are wee thereunto enclined Sis of our fclues f Alas ^it is nothing fo , vntill fuch tyme as he hath lifpon the Cxix. TJalme. 40 he hath renucd in vs our minde and will. For fo long as we remaine in this ournaturc , all our fenfes are ftirredvp to doe euill : fo that, as I haue before faid , wee fliall ncuer bee able to feme God,in captiuingour affedions,and holding thcni in^as pry foncrs : to the end wee be not letted to fol- ' lowe that which God hath commaunded vs. Let vs now come to the fecond point. Bicaufe that fome vices are greater then other fome, and fithcnsthat euety man may be giaen more to one vice then to an other : lee vskeepe good watche, and warde, and ftandevpponoiir garde* Iftherebeanymanthatfeeletha vicetoreignein him felfe , let him vnderftand and fayc , loc a combat encn ready at hand *. and fo let euery other man doe the like ♦ As how f If a man haue a great number of feruants vnder him, he wil appoint euery one his taflce r hcc will appoint to one man this thing*, to another that thing , and euery of them: muilbcftowe himfelfe accordingly as hee is appointed. Euen fo is k in an army jSome are appointed to waytevp- on the ordinaunce,(bmeothcrare harqucbu2;iers,fome arc horfemen^and other fome armed pykes,or othcrwife.Nov/ euery of thele mufi: haue regarde whereunto to applie him fclfc , and the fame is looked for at his hand, Euen fo it is with vs, when as any vice warreth againft vs : foritisas tnuchjas if Godaddrcffedvs to be exerci fed therewith ,ta the endewee might fight againft ic-» Nadoubte , there is not that man which hath not in him felfe fome one roote of all kinde of wickednefTe , and this is a bottomlefle pitte wherein we are all confounded . Butyet , as I haue before faide,there are vices which more plentifully doe abounde in one more then inanother. Euery man therefore ought to haue great regarde , wiiereunto his nature is moft cndi- ned,and fo much the nr^re enforce him felfe to refiftall thofe temptations » wherewith hee may bee moft cruflhed and diakcn And that which is more, wee miift haue refpcft to thofe wicked aifedions and though tes, which might ia any wyfe deceiuc vs by occafions oftered vs. U\9 The i. Sermon of z5M.fo.Cal, It is not like to be true that Daiiid was naturally coue- tons, neither yet do we fi u4e that he vi^as fp. But wee reads that he was a king.that he had afertil? and plentiful! coun- trey,and that he might hage gathered together exceding- ly,as we alfb fee he did. When men come to wealth and ri- ches after that maner , it is great perill , but that they will giuc them felues too too much thereto, where before they had them in contempt. Euen fo then, it m^y be that Dauid had a care to defirc to bemorc wdthy the he was,al though asthefcripturewitncfTcthjthat Gold and filucr was then little fet by ; For he had fuch plenty of them, as that golde and filucr were no better accpmpted ofFthe leadc or earth* He then feeing him felfe to haue fb great occafions to bee giuen and drawne vnto couetpufnes,was the more carefull £opray vnto God to deliucrhim from ic»Wee haue now to gather out of this place a good and holfome doftrinejthat ihey which arc chofen to dignitic and honour , ought to haue great regard that they bee not ouertaken with ambi- tionjwhereby they might fhew thefclues to be both migh- tie and noble touching the worldc. And againe , that they, which are welthy and richc , bee not giuen ouer y nto their wealth,as in anotherplace of the Pfalmcis faid. If thou a- bound ip richesjfet not thine heart on them ♦ And alfo thac they which might bee ouertaken with their pleafures and delightesjftiouldkecpe an hard hand on the bridle, and be well aduifed that they abufc not the goodes which GOD hath bellowed on them, Loe here, fay I,in the firfl place how eaery man ought to bridle his nature 5 to the ende to refill and withftandethe vices and finnes , whereunto he is cnclincd. And next , as cuery one hauing lettcs or occafios to caufe the to exceede, they ought to kecpe fo much the better watcheouer them felues.Forjas I haue already faidc, albeit that eocry ofvs is giuen more to one vice then to another,yet for all that, we areeuery pfvs contagioufly infected with themj2ll,& there is not that man which can exempt him felfe from the fame* ^0% it is true in deede , that Dauid here Ipeaketh namely ofcous- ippontheCxix.T^fatmc. 4.1 oFcouetoufnes* Ami why fo fBicaufe it is a vice which brec- deth exceeding many mifchicfes . And it is not withouc caufc, that S, Paul calleth it the roote of all cirill : For after j^tJj,^ ^ that a man is once giuen to the pertilent couctoufnes of ' the goodcs of this world,hc makerh an Idol of his money, riches,and poffefsions^Hc is fo violently carried away with them , as that he will neuer be fariOied . Hec is like vnto a bottom Idle depth which ncucr wilbe filled . And after- ward it maketh him to Uc fuUofcrucltichauing neither pitic norcompaflionof his neighboures, making nej'ther confcience nor doubt to fal out with God and the worldc^ fo that he may hauc them^al (halbe one to him. Let vs note thcn,that if there bee any vice which hindreth vs from the feruing of Go J,this is it:to wit5thi$ coucrous defireof get- ting worldly goods.Now Dauid(afcer he Hath fpoken fpe- cially of couetoufnes) faith, ' Turneav^ay myneejfetfriim1nh»lfii>ngofvAmue: andquiC" kenmeinthyrvay. When as Dauid praycth that his eyes might bee turned away , Icaft he beheld vanitic: It is as if he (hould haue faidcj Alasjmy God,I had neede too withftand a thoufande tep^ tarions , yea and they are infinite which may comebefore me,and'thatthc deuill mayprefent me with : to the cnde I might bee wickedly ledde, from feruing of thee 5 if there were nothing els but this ,it muft necdcs bee that I mufl: hauebeenc vanquiihed athoufandtimcs,ifthou haddeft not inftrufted me , and that I haid beenc ftrengthencd with thy mightie hand: And yet O Lord,behold two gates open to receiue in the enemies . I befeeche thee , O Lorde, that whenfoeucr we llialbe aflailed with an huge armie,and bee- ing not of our fclues able to refill: them , and that in fteade to be in fomemoft fare place jwhere we might repuKe and be.ite backe our enemies, the gates fliall ftande wyde open to let them in : to what purpofe were all this ? Euen fo is it in this cafe, for the two eyes of man are as it were the twoo gates whereat the enemies enter, Andtowhatende (hall F it be. ne y. Sermon ofc5\f.foXaL it be, when as wee fliall haue neither power nor abilitie too refift, and goe out againft them. And fo,fince we haue ene- mies euen lurking within ourfelues, and that wee are not onely weake, but that there is nothing els but weakeries in vs: andarealfothruft out as it were toraprayetooSatan, when we ftiall lee thefe twoo gates ftand fo wyde open vn- to all the aflaultes wherewith he aflaileth vs , wee haue very great neede to praye vnto God ( after the example of Da- uid,^ to turne away our eyesjleaft they behold vanitic, Let vs then vnderltande , that the meaning of Dauid is to de- clare vnto vs in this place, that the eyes of men are alwayes bent to beholde vanitie : that is to faye , that they are eucr carried away to all euilljto all wicked concupifcenfeSjvntill fuch time as God turneth th^m away ♦ Yea , and our eyes are notonely gates to receiuc all euilhbut are euen raeflen- gcrs alfo. As if the gates were notonly open,but that there were alfo tray tors within>to giue intelligece to inftrud the cnemies.Loc where and which waye you muft come : and which ^^ aye you muft ^nter»Euen (o is it with our cycis: our eyes receiue on the one fide the cncniies, and on the other iide,.they fendemeffageseuen from the bottom of the heart, to enuenime and poyfon vs all ouer. So then, we fee howe ncceflaric this requeft h fotvs all, as Dauid hath made before vs. But according as eucry man mofl: pro- fiteth in the knowledge of God: fo much the better com- prehendeth he this doctrine ; and they which knowe and vnderftande leaft herein j {hall be they which will prefumc greatlieft of their owne power and ftrength.But contrarie- wifejwhen God (liaU haue giuen, and liberally beftowed vpon vs many of his graces, itfliould be to this ende^that wee might fo much the better vnderftande our miferies and calamities : befeeching him to remedy the lame , and too make prouifion for vs againft all our cuils and vices, Noweheaddcth, Quicken thou me in thy waye, asirvthc ende hcefayethj quicken thou me in thy rightuoufneflfe ^ This may be in- tcrpre* ypontheCxix.Tfalme^ ^z Cerpretedtwoomanerof waycs; Qutckenthott mee in thy pi>*%ye,x.o wittc,0 Lordc, make me lo u^alke in thy woorde, that I may lyue.Or els:0 Lorde, giuc mee ftrength , to the cnde I may foUowc thy woorde , We knowc that when: wc withdrawc our fducsf rom God,wccan not but committc all miquitie , for which is the waye of life but cuen thac which God (hewcth vs,and calleth vs vnto ? All they thea which forfakc the worde of God , goe aftraye , and runne headlong vnto death , and into cucrlafting deftrudion* Euen fo, it is not without caufe,that Dauid dcfireth to bee quickened in the waye of the Lorde : as if he flioulde hauc fayde,that all they which forfakc the Lorde , and the waye which hce (heweth them , are vndonc, and vtterly ouer- throwne. But according to the true meaning of the place, wceare to note that Dauid his meaning is rather to figni- fie vnto vs,that all men of them felucs, are as it were dead, that they haue no power nor ftrength when there is any queftion of walking according to the will of God. True it is , that in all euill, wee are therein too too puiC- (aunt and ftrong^ndfo diligent in it as in nothing more: to be (hort , there is not that hee , which is not therein too coo able : But when wee meane to walke according to the commaundemcntcs of God , wee arc not able once to re- fnoueafinger:ourarmes and legges {halbe cleane bro- ken '. to be fliort, wee are not ondy weakc in this , but alfo vtterly dead therein. The Papiftes will confeflfe 5 that men arc weake , and not able to fatifficthe lawe ofGod,except they be ayded : and thinkeitfufficientcnough, if Godgiue them a figne to ayde their weakcneflc , as if a man flioulde reache his hande to a young infant , and faye vnto him , come he- ther my prety childe,and hce commeth^and the other inaketh fcmblat as though he would take him by the had to leade him , & yetfuffcreth him to go alone by himlclfe. Loe howe the Papiftes haue diminifhed the graces of G OD« But contrariwife, the fcripture telleth^vs thac Fa w« ^}The f.Semonuf^5\l.foXaL we are asdead men^to witte, that there is in vs no ftrength nor habilirie at all » And therefore Dauid defireth to be quickened in the way of the Lord. A s if he (hould hauc (aid, O Lorde,my life is altogither giuen to wickedneffc, For all my power and ftrength beftdeth and difplaieth it felfc thereto. Euen fo^O Lord , (ince ihou grauntt A vnto mee a cleane contrarie kindeof life : to witce, that I endeuour my felfe to ferue theejgraunt me now,0 Lord,thac I be earneit and feruentAvhere before I w^as very flow and dull,yeaj eue altogether weake and impotent,- Noweheegoeth on and fayeth: EJlabltfhe thy promt fe to thyfeTUAntjficaufe hefeareththee. When as he defireth God to eftaWifli his wordc in him, and with this addition that he may feare God , hce confir- meth the requeftes which he had before made. Nowe wee ought to cariethis pointalwaycs in minde, that when wee meane to prayeVnto God , wee muft laye our foundation vpon his promifes <. We muft defire nothing of him , but that we are already aflured that hee will giue it vs, that hee hath of his ownc good will promifed rs without our requi- ring thereof firft. Forit wetcfoolchardinesto prefent our felues befor^the Lord our God,and to make dur petitions after our owne plcafures: but it is mete that God him felfe preuentjand fpeakcth firft vnto vs . Herevpon then we may aflfure our felues to prayevhcn as wee haue his woorde forit» According to which reafon , Dauid after he had made liis requeftes as we hauc heard,addethj O Lord^eflabhfhe thy vorde m thy Serctunt. As if hc ftioulde haue faidc, O Lorde, I defire nothing of thee, but that which thou haft pro- mifed ♦ And loe it is i: that maketh mee fo bolde too comcvntothee , bicaufe 1 knowe that thou art faithful!, and wilt too doe vnto mee euen as thou haft promifcdv Wherefore as the promiitcs of G O D .ought to giue vs an entrance into our prayers , and al waycs to go on : euen foo alfo after that wee haue prayed , lette vs call too mindchis owne pronaiffcs , to the endc wee may bte aflured '\}pon the Qxix. Tfalme. ^ j iflfured that it (hall notbeinvaine^thatwcehaue required of him* And why fo? Bicaufethac God ofhiscwne free good will, hath boundehim fcll-evnto vs,there is no doubt but that we iliall obtainc , confidering tliat he will accomr pliflic whatfoeuer he hath faide/or he can not fayle vs.Loe then the meaning of the beginning of this verfe. Nowc when Dauid faieth that Umayfettre the Lord, ho mcaneth not that he would here allcdgc his merires : but he doth it to this ende, to declare that hee hath followed the fame vocation whercunto he was called: and yet not- withflanding hee (heweth, thathee couldc not walkein the fearc of God,but by the vertuc and power of the hol)^ ghoftjwhich was continually in him . And euen fo muft wo alfo do.For whenfocuer we fliall fcelc any good zealcin vs, wee muft not bragge vpon it : for what hauc wee that wcc haue not receiucd : according to the faying of Paul ? Foe what is it that (hould feparatc vs,that.we ihould|not be like ynto the moft wicked fcommcth it of ourownc nature? no furely .It muft ncedes be then jthat it is God which hath put to his helping hand . And fo, whatfoeuer goodncfle is in vs,itis a teilimonic of the good will which God beareth vSjand that he wilbe our father and Sauiour. Loc here why Dauid fettcth this foremoft,as though he would ratific the promiHcs of God,Now he concludeth, Takeaway 7f^ rebuke that I am afraideof:for thy iudge- ments are good, - behold I deftre thy commandementt : O quicken mee in thy right e OH [Kejfe. We (hal ncuer be able to knowe,what the rebuke which Dauid here fpeaketh of isjcxcept we haue regard whereun- to all his whole drifce heretofore tendeth , and too what cnde : to witte , that God would defende and keepe him, and alfo guide him , as it were with his hande, to theende that as he had begunne well , hee might alfo in like manec pcrfeuet and continue . Nowc the (bame which all the raithfull ought to feare is, that God fuffcreth them notto beconfoundeduhativhen they haue for a certainetime F 3 walked T^he 5. Sermon of (i%fJX^L walked well , they might not in the ende giue them felues to wickedncfle : that the latter part of their life might ma- nifert that it was not well and furely rooted within,but was hypocriticaU and diffembled. Behold the rebuke which Dauid feared, to wit, that af- ter he had walked well,that God would not kaue him as a confounded man x And namely he fayth, tor thy mdgemcnts are good. As if he (hould haue faide, ^las; my Godjfo that I folio we the fame which thoiihalVcomnraundedmee, al- though that'men fpeake euiilbfine andllaunder me for it, all is one to mee 5 wheiias my confcien<-e- fhalbe pure and cleane , ?itld that thou art my warrant and witneflej it is c- nough forme . Behold then;0 my God, the rebuke from which I defire to be deliuered^to witte^that thou fuf?cr me not to be wickedly giucn,nor that I depart from thy corrt- ^aiindetiiehtsibut lec ftiy Mf^ and conueffation be agrea- ble to thy worde'. O that fiJffifethme : and ietmenfpeakc what them lifte, thdr itidgemeat is ialfe , and I appeals fromthem. ,'"'^' ; '.,^7 Then to cbnclude*he faieth', MTdeUgUth'imby h^hfB' dementeffe : Oijtitok^n me tn thy righ^emftks'. The figlitec^'lif^ nefle of God oftentimes is taken for th6 grace whicn God vfeth towardes his children, or at the lealtwife w'Irerewith liecondudeththem^But-he fetiethdowne righteoufneflc here,for right, and equitie- l-ke hath faide before 5 quicken we accordingto thy woordc. Noweby and by after follovi'eth rigbteofifncfe, Neyther mud: we thinlce this to bee ftraunge, for we haue lliewed here before,that Dauid fpeaking of the commaundementes of G O D, after that he hath vfed his termenamely of thefe woordcs jordinaunces and ftatutcs, ht taketh other wordes. As in this place, after he hath faid, qnicken me in thy worde^liQ fayeth foone after , ftt thy right e~ ortfnejfe. And hcmaketh alfo this requeft, that heeminht bee conduced in the way of the Lori/» Whereby hee would ihc'ffc, that it is not enough that we be wel afteded, but that God muftencreafe the fame invs,yea,hec muft conduftand quicken vs,as here he telleth vs.For it is fo farre off,that of ' our ' ypontbe Qxix^Tfalme. 44, our {elues we can doe any good, that we are notable once to tliinke a good thoughr,as S. Paul faith . Loethetijhow Dauid deliredtobc quickened : buttliat wis in protefcirigtl^at4ieAras as touching him felfe and hiJj ownc namre,biit as ic were a condemned man . And herein mull we aUo do the like» Por wee muft goc" vnto our good God as men condemned in our felues , be- feeching him that he would quicken vs. And when he fliall, hauc caufed vsVo feele his grace , and that wee haue ftaycd our (elues thereoHjlet vs (ay.wc befecche thee O Lord,thac fince it hath pleafcd thee to beginne in vs well doing, that thoii wouldeftalfo pcrfourme the (ame in vs » And accor- ding to.this dodrine l^t vs nf oftrate our felues before th© Maieiiie of our good God, in acknowledging our faultes: Befceching him that it would pleafc him tomakevsfeele our miferie and wrctchcdneffe , whereuoto wee are giuea whiles we Hue here in this world: to the end we may walka fo fearefully and carefully as that wee may be able to per- cciuethatweehauercceiuedfome fauourand grace fron:^ our God, and that in following the right way which hee hath (hewed vnto vs , wcc niay^laily more and more afpirc to the ende which he hath fet before vs^which is to attains to that immortall gloric,to conioyne'vs vnto our head and captaine our Lord leCus Chrift , after that he (haUllauc defpoyled vs of all the vices and imperfedions of our i^efli, and cloathc vs with his rightepufnes* And that he wil) not pnely graunt vs this grace, but alfo vnto all people and nations . of the world,&c. p^ T^he I.-. •»;:. -;: ^he Jtxth Sermonofthe hundreth and nineteenth Pfalmc* VAV, And let thy louing kindncs come vnto me, O Lord: and thy faluation according to thy promiffe. So /hall Imakeanrwerevnto my blafphcmers : for my truft is in thy word. And take not the worde of thy truth vtterly out of my mouth : for I waitcfor thy iudgements* So fliall I alwaics keepe thy lawc : yea for eucr and eucr. And I will walke at libcrtic : for I feeke thy com- manndemcntes* ,■ - 1 Will fpcake of thy, teftimpnies alfo cucn before, kinges:andwill notbeafliamed. i - And my delight fhallbcin thy comraaundcments: which I haueloued. My haridcs alfo will I lift vp vnto tliy commaunde- ments, which I haueloued : ahdmy ftudy fhalbc inthyftatutes» ■JHE beginning of tliefe eight verfcscGteine arequeftwhich Dauid made vnto God, that hefieltthe accoplifhmentand performance of the promifes which god grauted vnto him, and after which be hoped. As ifhefliould haue{aid,0 Lord, declare vnto mc, that the pro- ■roifle which thou haft made vnto me to do me fo much good, be not in vainc,but that thou Wilt make mcfcelc in dcedcthat thy word and pro- mife is moft ccrtaine and true. Now, that he founded him fclf vpo the promjfes of Gpdjappeareth by his thu5 faying: yponthe Qxix.TJalme. 4^ uindUt thjr lotiiKg kindenej[e come vnt9 nu^ O Lord: and thy faluationiAccordingto thy promife, Sojhalllmake anfvtrevntomj hlafphemers : for mj trnfi isinthjworde^ Wherein alfo we fee that Satan craftely goeth aboute to ouerthrow his faith,as if God had made it nothing worth. So then, Firft of all wc are to note^that Dauid feeling him felfe preffsd downc , runneth vnto the promifes of God» And this is a poynt very profitable for vs.For beholde how we muft put the word of God in pradife, when as wc haue learned it, that when we come to the fight,and Satan affai- leth vs on euery fide,in fuch fort as that it might feemc that all -the worlde had confpyred againft vs , and that wee fee nothing but deftrucf^ion rounde about t Eucn then ,1 fay , muft we-run vnto the proinifes which God hath made vs, and make accountc of thjem^^nd feapply them to our own vfe , that then wee may ^eele thepowcrand ftrength of them . Nowe it fliall be an eafy matter for vs , when as wee are at reft and quiet, to receiuc whatfoeuer God hath (aide vnto vs. And why fo? BecaufcourFaith-all that wh^lcfhall not beexercifed and troubledjfo that we iliallnaicrbee a- ble to feele whether wchauc beleeued in good earn eft^vn- till fuch time as we are tryed»Loe,Why Ihauefaid that this place is worthy the marking, that Dauid (peaketh notwith outcaufe when he fayth,So (hall I make anfwcre vnto thofe that go about toftiae me.For by thele words he protefteth j that the wicked contened,defpifed & mocked him, as if he had bin a very foolcjin truftiog fo much vnto God ,but yet for that,hisfaith was not ftuken. And feehowSatan aflay- Icthvs with temptations,when as the wicked and vngodly fpeakereprochfuUwoordesof vs : infonmichas wee haue thought it to be woonderfull ftraungegeere, becaufe that wehiuingheardethe fo honourable & excellent promifcJ ofGod,thoughtourfeluesftraightwayes tobeerapte and caryed aboue thedoudes,and yet this fame our perfuafion pFOued nothing at all fo,as it made a fliewe to the outward apparance: Euenfolikcwifecameitcopaffein Dauid, as F.J* we« The 6. Sermon of (^f.Io, CaL wemay cfpecially fee in the fventie and twoo Pfalme. And our Sauiour Chrid alio, who is the very true pate rn and mirrour of all the Children of God hath futhined ^< abiden fuch combates .Very ^^'ell (laid they vnto him) hce trufteih in God 5 Let him nowx fee whether God will helre him or not.Letvs then note, that Dauid hath notdeuifed and made heere any vaine fpeculations , as- an idle body might doe,which neuer had bcene tempted nor diftrefled* J5,utbeeingfo mocked by his enemyes, that his faith Tee- med to beouerthrowne,and he him felfe in great hazards vtterly to be deftroyed,thcn<:ame he for refuge to the pro- mifcsof God, faying: My God , thou hafte giuen meethy wordcjwhich cannot fayleme: Loc wherein is all hope and tf uft. Kuen fo alCo ought we to folJowe this dodrins , too vit5when the worlde on the onefidc fliallderide and fcorne vSjbecaufe we haue oner lightly credited God, and that Sataa fliall trauei all he cantoo turne vs-cleaneaway from the certaintje which wet^haue had : yet let vs not ceafe too (ay, O Lordiitis thou which haft fpoken j^nd in thee is all. 6ur hope and truft* , - Morcauer,as wee are to call too minde the promifes.of God, when as wee are aiTayledby Satan and the.vngodly: Let vs alfd note(as hath bcene heeretofore treated of ") thac this is it whereon we mull builde al our requefts: For if we willearneftlyprayvnioGod,and obtaine that which wee pray forjwc muft not pray in theayre, & fay, O Lord Ipray vnto thee for fuch a thingjand I would it might fo come to pafle.For this were ouer rafti and too too great boldeneffe to think to make God fubied to our willes, to briddlc him aswelift,andtodefirehimtograuntevs whatfoeuer fhall pleafe our appetites : but it is his wordc that muft leadc vs, and be our Creflcttand we muft referre our fclues wholy to it,and aicogirher reft thereon.Behblde,fay I,afcer what fort our prayers are allowed,to wir,whe as we pray not to God for that which feemethbeft incur ownecyes, but when as we be fenced with that which he hath promifed vs. And thlsis itj wherein we differ from the Fainimes and Infidels. Dponthe QxtxfPfalme. ^6 Infidel?. For wee fee that the Turkes and Idolaters doe greatlyprayvntoGod. But after what manner pray they? Forfootheucnatall aduenture; fothat they knowe not what they doe, Butcontrariwifeweemuft pray vnto iiim, with full afl'uraunce that he will heare \s, But From whence lliall thiscertaintie procecde,if wee haue not the trueih to goe before vs,and fay ; beholde the Lorde, who calkth vs vnto him.'' And then when wee come vnto him, this is no foolifliprefumption: Butwecomeinfuch forte vnto him, as he hath commaunded V?. Let vs then fee what wee haue yet to note in this place, whenDauidfettctlidowneheerethepromifesof God,by which he is bounde vnto him: O Lonie^hyth he, /et it. he doone vnto me according to tljyr^orde, Noweheere is a very profitable poynt to be coniidered off: to \i^itte , af ter thac •we are once aiilurcd, that God hath promifedtoo doe that forvswhich welhaUafkcofhimjWemuftno more doubt, that it fiiall be fo; but that the thing is fully concluded vp- on,io that we are euer furc and certaine thereof. For when God fpeakcth vnto vs, we are very fure, that he will not de- ceiue vs): hce.will not giue vs faire woordes, and theri de- ceiue vs,as men many times doe,dealing very liberally with their tongues, but yet notwithfianding very clofe fifted : But God dealeth not in fuch foi te«Let vs then eome before him without diftruftjHauc wee his woorde? Let vstben holde thething as already performed.And (o when Dauid hyth^accordmg to thy. word, hee fignifieth vnto vs , that hee was not onely aflfurcdjthat God is falthfnll and liberaljthat he meaneth not to abufe vs when as wee trude to him j bur flieweihvs , that this certaintie which wee haue of the trueth of God, (liould not make vs weary, to fay, that wee bee as it were euen ouerwhelmed. But wee muft rather be carefull and diligent to pray vntohim» There are fome men which will in deede (ay, that they beleeuethepromifcsof GOD, butfince, fay they , hee knoweth what wee haue neede of, whatncede wee to bee aupottune vppon hiin. Now: The 6. Sermon of So then, when men doe wonder and !ooke at the brightnefle of God,they then learnethat they are no better but doung and filthy ftench , are eiien angry and diTpleafed with them felues, and greatcly afhamed of their owne filthyncffe. See then, that humilitie proceedeth from faith. And therefore Dauid (iyxhjthatthe prond^^to witte, the wicked and Infidels imagweda Ije againji him, Xet vs then knowc , that pryde is ingendred of men, and that they bringeit with them into theworlde fofoone as they are borne,that it groweth and increafeth vnto ful age, vntiilfuchtimeasGod correfteth it by his holy fpirit and by Fayth. And To when as wee (hall fee the contemners •of God, and the wicked who knowe not what it h too be ordered by G OD,when weefliall fee them ,1 fay, thus outrage \ let vs not think it ftraunge , feeing it is the courfe of nature. Moreouer,letvs well note that Dauid ipeaking of the needc yponthe Qxix.Tfalme. 78 neede which hee had of God, (lieweth vs by his example, that the more wee are vexed with temptations, that fo much the mcy:e bolde wee ought too be, too befeech him ot his ayde, that he will reach out his hand too vpholde vs, and not to fufFcr vs to be ouercome . And this is fpecially too be noted : for when wee are greeued with any tempta-- tion, we knowe not that the fame is to make vs runne too G od,who is the onely remedie.by Which wee muit be deli- uered. And fo the Diuell may very cafily enter into vs too oiierthrowc oar faith, (ince it is as it were put out there vn-* CO him as a prayiand befides we vouchfafe not once too re- ceiue the remedy which is offered vs for our helpe. So then, let vs keepe the order which Dauid heerc fettcih downe:towitte,thatifwebeafrayledwithgreat and very ftrong temptations, that then it is high time for vs to hauc r^courfe vnto God, befeeching him to faue vs, and too re- medy out faulteSjwhich elfe would leade vs too euerlafting dertruction. And thus much for this. Nowewce haue foone after too note: that wc fhaU make goodproofe of our well willing to ferue God, if wee refift the temptations. If the wicked goc about too drawe vs vnto wickedneffe, and yet wee fland faftand fure, then is our Fayth and conftancy well approued . And this is fpoken, to the ende that no man (houlde flatter him felfe, forweethrnkethistobeafufficient cxcufe, and that God fhould alfobee well contented therewith, too fay, that wee were drawne to doe wickedly by the meane of fomeothcr. see I pray you, will euery one fay,I was once in a very good f orwardenefie , and defired to liue according too the wiU of God. But when I fee the worlde fo peruerfe and wic- ked, and that all men were giuen to fo many vices , it w*S impoffible for mee too efcape, but that I mufte doo as o- ther men did. When wee (hall alledge for our felues fuch cxcufes, wee thinke that God Ihouldeholdehimfelfc welt contented therewith* The p. Sermon ofz!P[,is the diflblute and brutidie life which they leade; becaufetheyareas fatte as an Hoggein his Itye, that hath bcene kd with Accornes and Barley \ and that lyeth walU^wing 4)n an heape in his owne greace. Hee is fo very fatte and heauy that hee is notabletogctvp:and41though heebeealready amerue- lous fatte and heauy beaft, which defireth nothing clfe but draffe and fwill , yet will hee bee farre fatrerand heauyei^, twhena^heilialibeltyedvppandfofatted. Eiien fo fareth it with t^fcfecurfedconteners of Gbd^which haue no re- garde vnroeuerlafting life, but are wholely giuen vpptoo their God the belly. They wallowe them felues in their dwnegreac^^ asa Swine which hath his grwne alwayes in •thetrough »• 'NowecontrariwifeDauid fay th, that all his^ delight hath beene in the woorde of God . Whereby hee •d6t>i vs to witte, that although God had made him fatte, yetthathewMlowed not for all that in his owne greace, but delighted in that fpirituallgiftc which was giuen him| *becaufe that God had taught it him in his Schoole. "^ ■ Loe then what we haue to gather outof this place: that '^hhdu;gh wee fee the greater parte of the worlde con- temne God, yet muft we not be abafticd thereat » And why fo? Letvswellconfider wherein men doe put their chiefe fclicitietandweciliallfinde them too be lyke vnto Oxen,. and Swine, defiring naught but to Hue heere in this world, ■without lookihg afiy farther. Nowe wee muft haue a ^farther regarde,if we will ferue God as too him appcrtay- neth:to witte, that wee take fuch pleafure and dehghtin the worde of God, that wee bee no more giuen too the worlde, as we are ouermuch, And although God giueth; vsaboundauncc, yet that wee haue our cafe and commo- diciea< ' The 9 . Sermon of in faying, Jtisagoodturne formeeO Lorde,that I hauebeene.i^ XtO\ih\CiThat I may Uamethy StatHteti, ;, Nowe (tnce it hath fo fallen out, that Dauid was aifflic- tedjto the ende he might be the better difpofed too learne theordinauncesof God, what ftiall become of vs , which are full of worldely vanities ?, Let vs then knowe that wep liad necde to be corre^cd by the hand of God, anci to be tyed {hoTt,ifwe will profitein thedodrineof faluadpii.Loc thcnjhow we muft pradice the admonition of Dauid* And .when we (hall haue fo done, we may conclude and fay with that which is fet downe in the lafte vcrfe , to wit : That the laxve of (3od is more deere vnto vs then Gtlde cr Stluer. And this is it that we njuft doc in this point, wee mufteftcemc andmakemuchofthewordeofGod,asitis woorthy and not to flay our fclues on the thinges of this worlde, but to looke alwayes farther off: to wit, vnto heauen.When then wee fhall haue profited our felues thus by the afflidions *i';]3ich God lliall fend vs, hee will beftowe his. grace vpon vs •CO/.. by .vpontbeCxix.Tfilme. 80 by little & litikjtliat we flial fo cftceme of hii word, as that wc lliallwholyftick to it, Andktvs bcfeech him, that it voiildpleafehimtoodifpoyle vs of all our wicked fleftily defires and affcdions , & to caufc vs to craue none other thing but that hcwil rcigneandjiuc in,ys. ^ ^ According top this nofy dentine, let vs proftrate our fellies before the maieftieof our good Godjih'acknowled- ^ing our offences: Befccching hnm thatit'irouldc pleafe bim too takie from vs the wicked affections whiche might tutnc vsaway from him,and from his fcruice : and that wee might forget ail whatfofuer might turne vs from the right way of faluation,that we define nothing but that wc^ may attainc top.that cue^laftinglife, which we lookc for in hca* uen.That it would pfeafe him not too fuffer vs to liiic heere like briite bcaftes, not knowing to what end we were aea- tedihthiJwotld'i bu^thatwfe might acknowledge him ta be our Creator, our Fathet arid Sauiour, thatweemighc fubi^d'i&ur (eiues'vnro him as his cwatures, and obey him as trueandfa&hfjjO Ghildrdnyvntill fuch tiipe as hee(hall take vs out of this world to make v^pattakers of that euer- lafting blilTc, &imraoitall inheritance, which he hath prcr pared iiiBeauen , and which is pur'chafcd for vs by " our LordelefusChrille. . That hee will not ' •' onelygraunt'.vs this grace, 'but alfi^ vnto all people and nations in the worlde, &c. »^^m^p^ the The tenth Sermon of the hmdreth and ninetccDth Pfalme* lOD. Thine hands hauc madt ;^Dd fafliioned mec: O giud , me therefore vndcrftancling'[chai I may learne thy Commauddemcnts* So they that feare thee, when they fee mee (hall re- ioycc : becaufc I hauc put my truft in thy word. Iknowe,0 Lordethat thy Iiidgcmentcs are right: arid that thou haft affFided me iiiftly; I pray thee that thy mcrcic may comfort me : accor- ding to thy promifc vmo thy Seruant. Let thy tender mercies come vnto mee, that I may liue:for thy lawe is my delight. Let the proude be confounded , for they hauc dcaltc wickedly and falfely with mee: but I meditate in thy Commaunderocms. Let fuch as fearc thee , and know thy Teftimony es : turnc vnto mee* Letmyheartbccyprightin thy Statutes : that I bee notafhamed« E E ought to holde and keepe this rule and order in our prat- ers to God J not: too meafurc his afFedion and loue after out own imaginations & thoughts but to acknowledge him to be fuch one as in deedc he is, & as he flieweth himfelfe vnto vs to be. And loe why he faith by his Prophet Efaiahjafter he had de clared , that he would haue compaflion to Cme his church* Thwke Tkmhe not (faythhe,) thatJamlikevntoyou^fort'hrreisat great dijinnce betvoeene my thptightes andjoiin , at is bstrveene Heauen and Earth, Letvs^en meafure the goodnefic of God,aftcr our vaine imaginations i But ( as I haue already iayd j let vs knowe that it is not in vaine,which he declareth and teftifieth vnto vSjthat the good will and loue which he beareth vs, are infinite thinges which wee muft beholde by faith oncly. And it is to the ende that we iliould come vnto him with greater boldenefle toocall vpon him , not doub- ting but that we fhallobtainc whatfoeuerweccraue at his hands, yea euen afinuch as (hall be expedient for our falua- tion. And according to this, Dauidheerefettethdowne, that God had made him* As if he had faid^I come not vnto thee, O Lordjas we commonly come vnto men . I fet not downe any meritc or worthyneiTcjwhereby I haue bounds thee vnto me: For thou art beholden nothing at all to me : but I talkc of thy benefices which I haue already felte , too the ende I would haue thee to continue them vnto me Foe beholde the true and very perfed nature of God : to wit, his nature is alwayes to fpread vpon vs his graces without ceafing: as heeisafountaineiwhich neuer canbeedrawen ^xy. euen fo muft we not feare that he diminilheth or le fle- neththem,neitheryetis {paring of his benefites , forhce hath plcntieinough to continue them without end or cea- fing.Letvs then throughly confider this argument which Dauid hcere vfeth: to wit that he telleth God that he is his Crcature,to the ende he might teache him,ycaeuen to vn - derftand his law. We haue hcere then to note , thatDaiu4 puttethnot«himfelfeheerejiimplyin the rankc with all the reft of his creatures: butcommeth before God, as a man fafliioned after his own image and likeneflc: Thy harJt (fay th \\€)haHe made me and fajhtoned z»f :that is to ray,Thoil bait graunteti me O Lord to be an iivhabiter in this worlds yea,and haft made me a reafonable Creature, Since then it is fo, O Lorde, that thou haftc already begun fo gent- ly too in treatcmee, Ibefeech theethat thou wilte conti- nue it. Nowe we fe^ what a kinde or vsine of fpeakin^ we muft ■ X.. vfc TThe 10. Sermon of(:5\f. lo. Cal. vfe,to be affurcd that God will heare our requeftcs: to wit, that we miift lay before him bis graces, which we haue al- ready receiued of him . For that ought to make vs to hope that like as hee hath begunnej fo likewifc will hee goe through with it, vntillfuchtimeas hee hath brought his worktoperfedend.NoWjifwedefire god to giuevsvnder- ftandingtocomprehed his law, inafmuch as he hath made vs mortal men we haue fo much the better occafio to do it, in telling him that he hath adopted vs to be his children. & taketh vs to be as of his houfholde.Now, when as we haue this aduantage and priuiledge»oiir confidence ought to be fo muchthe more certain , that we (huld not dout but that bee would augment thofe graces which he before had be- llowed vpon vs.And (Ojto the end we might profire by this place, we haue to gather briefeiy tiiree poy ntes : The firfte and principall which we are to wilhe is this , that God will inftrud vs in his lawe, that we be not fo giuen either to the goods of this worlde, or elfe to the pleafures of the body, and to all the refte, but that we might alwayes,haue regard to our fpirituall health. As touching the firrt, wee are to defire "that this afFetfti- on may reigne in vs, to the end to keepe all the relt in good order, which violently might carry vs away: towitte,that weilioulddefiretobethe right Scholers of God. And thus much for this.Now immediatly after followeth the meane to befeech him^ that he will beftowe vppon vs his grace to be taught in his lawe : to wit, becaufe he hath made vs too this endjandnot like vnto Oxen,Afres, nor Dogges.which arebrutebeaftes^andnothmg but corruption: but that he hath imprinted in vshisimage^andordayned vstooeucr- lafting life. Seeing then that he haih created vs after this manner, let vs trull in him,and befeech him , that hee will continue and make perfed that, which hee hath begun in vs. But we fhall haue the greater courage too make this requeftvntohim,whenaswe fnallbee brought vnto him in the fcconde place, that oucrand befides that hee hath made vsmcn^he hath chofenys alfotobe hischildre,hath cade vpon the Cxix. Tfalme. 8 z made vs partakers of this diuine wrifdome^which is contai- ned in the Gofpcll, hath Ihewed him felfe to be our father, and called vs into the company and fellowfhipp of his Sonne Chriftclcfus, that wee might bee members of his body. When as then wee may charge God with this. Loc this is a farre greater approbation of our Faith: and wee ought to bcfeech him with much more certaintie and aflii- raunce, without doubting that it woulde pleafe him too heare vs. And thus much for the (cconde poynte. The third is , that although God hath taught vs ^ wee muft not by and by thinkc that wee are fuch great Clarkes, and fo well learned, as that we neede not to defire him roo confirme vs more and more in his knowledge, and too bcc al wayes like vnto prentiics & yong nouices.As in very deed they which haue mofte profited , Ihouldc alwayes bee thus humbled^not to think that they had attayned to th c grea- teft abundaunce of knowledge : But that they had oncly fome little tafte and fmattering ot thcwifcdome of God, that they had neede too haue him to inacafe it alwayes in them more and more. No we if Dauid made this requeft, yea and that in trueth knowing that he had great neede to be inttru(fted of God: I pray you whatarrogancie (liall this be in vs, when as wee iliall prefume to haue our brainc fo full fluffed , as that wee needed no more inftrudion? that wee Ihoulde content our felues with that which he had learned: ought it not to bee fayd that we are moft arrogauntf And fo,lct vs after the ex- ample of Dauid, all the daycs of our life pray vnro God to teach vs, and that we be neuer weary of beeing taught of him, vntill fuch time as he hath defpoyled vs of this mor- tall body: For fo long as we fliall rcmainc in this hody,wee muft needcs be compared aboutewirhblacke and thickc cloudesof ignoraunce, from which hee will then dcliuec vs, through the brightneffc of his comming . Nowe it followeth foone after. So they that fe are thee, (ha 'Ire'tojce to fee ntchecatife I haue ^Htmy trnft in thy word, L2. Dauid l^he 10, Sermon of<:IAf. lo. Cal. Dauid bringethin heerc yet another reafon, fortheob* tayningof hisrequeft: to wicte, that the faythfull will bee glad feeing that God hath hearde him. And this is a place greatly woorth;he marking: For we are let to vnderrtand by thefe woordes,that when God befloweth any benefites vpon any one of our Brethren and neigh boures, we ought not onely to acknowledge this goodneflc in this ade (iai» ply, but wholy apply it too our owne vfe, that it may ferue vs for our better confirmation; that we might vnderftand, that we fliall be no more refufed, then he which hath alrea- dy obtayned his defire. And why fo ? For God is equal! and iuft to all thofe which call vpon him vnfaignedly . He fayth not, that hee will doe good too one and not too an- oiherj but we haue a gcnerallpromife which extendech it fdfe too all without exception : to witte, that if wee come vnto him for ruccoure,and that in trueth, that hee will bee very ready to receiue vs: yea, that before we fliall open our mouthes hee will ftretch foorth his hand too giue vs what- fbcuer he knoweth to be good and profitable for our fair uation. Since then that this promife is generall, if wee be not too too vnthankfulljWe muft needcs beleeue that God will hearctls afwell as thofe whome wee haue already feene him to haue hearde heeretofore: and wee muf^e take theit example for our better cofirmation of the promises whicb> he hath made vnto vs. Seehcere, why Dauidfayth, Tha^ they which feare God,(lialfee him, and in feeing him, will be glad of it : yea, and wee are throughly too confider of that which followeth; for I hatte put my trnfi intby Commaun dements. h^ if he had faid,They (hal find nothicig in me why thou hafle fliewcd thy felfe fo louing and liberal!, when as thou hafl taught me by thy holy fpirir, but becaufe I haue put my truft in thy word.Now thy woorde, is come too all thofe which feare thee . So then , let them knowe that the fame which thou hafl doonetoo my perfon, appertay-- neth too them alfo, and may applyc it too their owne vfe .This is faid for a better cofirmatio of that which I haue ^eadyfpoken: towittCjthatif God hath gently dealte U'ith ypont]oe Qxix/Pfalme. 8j with any of our neighbours, that lie hath had cb-TipafTion Ypon him: we are to conclude, that wc (hall feele him too doethehkevntovs And why foPBecaufehe hathgiuenvs his woorde: which is true^ind will ncuer deceiuevs . Let t$ then put our truft in him,and we fliall feele the like of that which wee haucfeenc in others that haue gone before v?, andlhewedvstheway,andhaue giuenvsan example too repo(callourtruftinthe goodnefle of God , hauing the promifes which he hath offred vs. Loe heerc the meaning of Dauid in this verfe. No w it followeth, Ik»oweO Lord^hanhjf indgementes are rtght\ANdthat thoH hafle afflt^edme infllj, Dauid thinketh good to fpcake heere a common thing,' That he knowcth the ftatutes of God to be right. For what is he thatis fo accurfed, which will^confeiTe that? Yea,cuen they which dare blafphemc and fpcake cuill againft God, when they fliali be prefled thus farre , yet will lay, that the holy fcripture is a do(flrine that cannot bee amended , and that the lawe of G od is the rule of all equiticThe very wic- ked then, will fpcake thus wel of it : but yet there arc very few which haue this cofideration imprinted in their harts : to wit, to makcthiseftimationofthelaweof God, as too •fay .that what foeuer is con teincd therein is iuft. And why fo.' That is firft^by rcafon of the cotrarietie that is betwene our wit and the wifedome of God. And next, by reafon of the contrarietie of our wicked lulles , and affedions, with the bridle which he hoi Jcth vs, too rule vs according too his plearure,and in his obedience, when as men will take councelloftheirowne head, that they thinke to controlc thereby, whatfoeuer God fpeaketh in his woorde : wee then agree cuen like fire and water. For all our wifdome is butvanitieand leafing, when as wee fhall appofe and fet ourfeluesagainfte the holy Scriptures, the doftrineofthe Lawe,andwhaifoeueris contaynedin the Prophetcsand the Gofpell. As we fee at this day, the worldewillinno wife fubied it felfc thereto, From whence come all thefe L,j. <:ontro- The 10. Sermon ofzIAf. lo. Cat. controuerfies and diflentions throughout al chriftendorn? Forfooth it is becaufethat men jwill be ouerwife , and will iieuer honor God in fuch rorCjas to fay. Although O Lord ourownwitces lead vsaltogitherprepotteroufl/jyetniuft wee needes be ruled by thee. And becaufe that wee are not able to attaine to this reafon.it cannot bee chofen but that the tyle rtiardes n^ufl needes flye about and the worlde bee infected .See then,what is the caufe that letteth the bigger number too confefTeboths with hearte andmouthe, that the iudgenientes of God are right: to wit, that all perfedi- on of wifedome is in his lawe, in his Prophetes, and in his Gofpell: that it muft needes fall out, that weought to doc him homage in all this , knowing that it is impofl'ible too finde any one iot therein contay ned, to be amended . For although wee very well knowe, that the iudgementes of God are right 5 to wit, in fuch forte as that ourwittes and mindes might thereby be confirmed, that we might iudge it to be fo: yet it fo ftandeth neuertheleffe , that beholds our luftes and paflionSjdoe violently withfland God , and arc euer a^aintl him. As howe? An whoremonger fliall be vanquilhed that his whoredome is wicked and abhomina- ble. Adrunkarde fliall condemnehis drunkennefle : and fhal ncuer be able to ray,that the vice wherevnto he is giuen isa vertue. And fo much may bee fayde of the fwearer and theefe. But yet it is fo, that fuchkinde of people cannot giue God the glory, fay in g,that his lawc is right : For they murmureagainf^ him and are very angry , that they haus not the raynesofthe bridle layde in their neck, and giueth them not all the lybertie that may bee too doc what them felucslifl. No doubt of it , if it lay in their power, they would plucke G O D out of hisfeatCj that hee might haue no authoritic ouer them.Loe what mens affedions and de- fircs are.So then,wc fhall finde a very fmall number of peo- ple to be like vnto Dauidjwhich wil fay in trueth and with - outhypocrifie, I knowe O Lorde that thy iudgementes are right, When hee fay thjthat he hath knowcn,hc meaneth that "y^ponthe Qxix.T Jaime. S^. thai hce hath gotten newe vnderftanding \*'hich hce nencr had before, as if hee had fayde, I haue O Lo rde profited fo much, that I haue cleane giiien ouer mine owne wittc and rcafon.Forlknoweittobeblinde.becaure that men will al^ayes lifte vpp them fekics abouc meafure* But novv'c O Lorde 5 thou haft brought me to this poynt, that I will no longer bee gouerned by mine owne heade and fantafie : I will not truft to my felfe to knowe whether the matter (hall be good or not, but I will reft me on that which thou fay- eft vnto mc. And thus much for the firft poy nte. And a litle after he fay th,Although mine affedions are cleane againft thy lawjthat they are ready to caft mee quite out at the Cartes arfe, as we fay, yet for all that O Lordcjl haue bridled all my paifions , yea and that through thy mightie power befceching thee to continue and holdthem aspryfonerS:,vntillfuchtimeasthou{halte fully haue deli- ueredmefromthem.LcehowDauidpraftifcd this know- ledge which he fayd he had of God byhiswordc. And let vs after his example continually reccrdcthis leflbn : Let vs beftowe all our ftudy both euening and morning vpon it, to the end we may fay that we haue knownc, that it is that, which G O Dhathcommaundedvs,yeatoofolloweit. But Dauid dooth not heere fet downe this fimpic know* ledge of the woorde of God: but goethon farther: too wittejthatGodofveryfaythfulneflc,^^i^c4A?/?^^/OT to bee troubled^ Nowc is this farre harder then the firfte. It is very true, that we fliall haue great conflides before wee can be able to fubmit our felues toGod,in fuch humi- litie5as for to knowe & fay, that he is onely wife : But yet , they which knowethis, think not his chatiftments too be gentle and gratious ', but are impacient , and conceiue fome griefe, that maketh them too grinde their teeth, NoweDauidioynedthefetwootogither, to wit, that he did not onely make much of the word of God, but alfb of the punifliment which he fentehim : asifheehad faidcjO ' Lord, I do not only fuffer my felf to be taught by thy word, but to bee c haftifcd alfo with thy hand : and I befeech thee L4» to ^The 10. Sermon of<^5\d^. lo, Cal. to Icourge and beatc mee with thy rodeSj (o often as thou &eft mee too doe amiffe, and too caufe mee too amende, (hewing thy fclfe amofte louingand pittifuli Father to- wardes mee. Wee haiie heere nowe a very good admonitioH ; to mt^ that firft we muftlearne to be ruled after the will of God* to receiue his woorde without contradidion, that wee re- ' ply not according as it pleafeth our owncwittes and affec- tions, neither too make any noyfe when wee keare God fpeake : But let him haue fuch authoritic ouer vs , to make vsfofilent, asthatwee may knowe that whatfoeuer hec fayth vnto vs is iufte and true. And thus too doe , let vs learne not to be fo fleepy and fluggifn, as wee are by nature in our vices and finnes , and fpecially in this vice of ambiti- on^hauing al wayes a greedy defire to be aduaunced. Let vs rather knowe that God \s the Mayfter of the humble and lowely j and let vs therfore humble our felues, & not looke fo bigge and bee fo foolKli hautie, which ddti? nothing elfe but caft vs hedlong into deftru(flion , when as wee aduaunce our felues higher then becommethvs. Lee vs rather be aduifed to bridle all our Luftes and that which holdethvsasitwerecaptiuesas SatntPaulfayth.For what is the caufe that fo many people at this day doe fet them fcluesagainft theGofpellfIt isnot,becaufe they know not this doSrine too be good, and that they iudge not fo of it: But yet arc they not therein thorowly perfwaded too fay, Loehowewemnftliuc? Euery man will doe whatfoeuer himfelfthinketh to be good, We muftthen needes confefle that the iudgements of God are right , that wee learne to holde all our paffions in bondage: that we fufftr our felues to be condemned by him , and to be rebuked for all our vi- ces and imperfeftions as becOmmcth vs , Now can we doe this? to wit^are we become fubied & obedient to the word of God? We muft alfo (ubmit our felues vnder his hand, to Itrike vs when it (hall pleafe him, and liuely to vnderftande that wee haue doonc amifle, conferting that he hath iuftly chaftifed rs^or as heereit i§ fayde^of very faichfulneffe. ypon the (^xix. Tfalme. 85 This is tlie fumme and eflfed , that he is iuft in punidring ofvSjas he is wife in teaching ofvs: the one hagethonthe otherjthat is to fay^the fecond hangeth ypon the firft. For whofocuer flial come to this humilitie that Dauid fpeaketh off, to knowe , that in the worde of God there is but one holy dodrine,one infalhblc truthjOne fopcrfed equitic,as can be no pcrfeder : hee that (hall haue knownc this , fliall by little and little haue wherewith too bee fortified too receiue tlie corredions with a mekc fpirirc , and not to bee gricuedjand to kicke againft the pricke, as wee arc wonted to doc . Let vs no we then fuffer God to rebuke vs , yea and- to corre<5t vs , feeing hee doeth all this for our profit and healch, And this is the fumme and effe6i: of this vcrfc* It fol- loweth next after, I praye thee thatthjmercrtmftj^cotnfort'me lOeccrdin^ vnt^ thy^romtfevntotkjferuant. Here Dauid maketh a more gencrall requeft , then that which before we haue feene. Hee dcfireth God to inftru<5t himrandnowheaddeth, O let thy mcrcifull kindnes bee my comfort. As if he had faid,0 Lord I haue bcfought thee forafpecialland particular thing, but I adde nowe, that thou wilt be merciful! vnto me in all and through all , that thy mercie bee extended vpon me , that I failc in nothing. Thou knoweft what is neceffarie and profitable for me ; O Lord let meefecfe theetobeegrationsand pttrfuU allma- nerof wayes» Loe what difference there is bctwcene the firft requeft which ^'t hauealready feene , and this fecond* Now this is a point worth the noting, For(as wee haue be- fore faid ) (ce the firft which we ought to haue in a fingular recommendation ^and that \%^ that wee may bee taught by- God, and not to be taught oncly by wordes , but that hee will alfo lighten vs with his holy fpirite^to make vsknowe^ that it is his worde which guideth vs. See here, Ifayjthe ver)' right way to faluation. Nowe haue wee made this re- queft ? we may craue of God that hee willnot let vs fall in- any thing whatfoeuer,that his mercy may comfort vs , But yet here we fe how that Dauid was not comforted nor yet L $ reioycc(P "^he 10, Sermon of oSM^JXal reioyced but onely in God 3 knovving that all thpioye that we haue here bilowc (lialbc accurfed,when as wee haue no regardc vntoour Creator, And yet for all thisjfc how com- monly wee are wonted to reioyce and comfort our felues, that isjcuen to forget God,& toturne our backs vpo him. Now accurfed be fuch ioy/or the iflue thereof can be none other, but as our Lord Chrift lefus fayeth,Thatitfliallbec turned into weeping and gnaflliing of teeth. Howbcit,the worldc is waxen dronke , for whatfoeuer is faide vnto it , it maketh no reckoning thereof,but vtterly refufeth al good & found dodrine* In deede this is true , that this fame was not written in vaine: but that we flialbe fo much the more inexcufable, when as wciliall haue the example of D^uid, except we folowe it. See then for this firft point, that after Dauidhadcompaffcdthe whole worldeboth aboue and beneath,he founde no reft to comfort his fpirite and fonle, but at fuch time as he made his repairc vnto God . And there I fayjhe found wherwith to reioyce and comfort )^\m felfejfinding nothing els but vnquietnefle in all lining erf a- tures.Now he foone after fettcth downCjhow weougbt to reioyce and to be comforted in God : to wit , through his mercie:forif Godftioulde dealewith vs according to our defertesjwe fliould haue no caufe wherefore to reioyce,but rather be confounded with very horrourand feare. When as Godflialdeclare him felf to be ouriudge^alasjwhich way (hall wee be able to turne vs / Muft wee not needes bee call headlong into the deepe pit ? If it be faid that wee mult ap- pearc before the maieftic of our G od , what Qiall become ofvs which fuckevpiniquitie euen as the fiilie fucketh in water,as it is written in the booke of lob ? Wherefore, let vs know that if we will rightly reioyce, and findc fure reft in ourconfciences, wee muft betake our felues to this free aiercieofou r God,that he declareth him felfe pitiful! vnto vs in that he feeth vs to be miferable & wretched creatures, i^nd toputfoorthourhand vnto him toreceiue his mer- cie. Nowe Dauid in the ende ftieweth whereuppon he buil- deth yj^ontheQxix.l^falme. 8(5 deth hiralelte^in making ilich a requeft : According vui thy vrorde^maae "vnto thy ferftavf, Loe w^hereupon we muft builde and fettle our fdues, when as we will cc mc vnto God^to be heard oiihiritito wit, vpon his meere niercie,as we haiie here aboue faid. But are wee already conie thus farrefurihf And if wee be^yet is there an other point farther required: to ^wic, wee muft afsure out felues chat the graces ot God (hall adorne and garmlhe vs, fo wefceke them according to his word, And to prouc it to be fo, marke 1 bcfceche you , for it were :marueiIous great prefumption in vs,to come vnto God , without we had his promiles for it,and to defire of him any thing , and fay , O LordjI haue neede of this and that. Goto now, here is al- ready fomeoccafion which caufethvs to comevntoGod. And againe, O Lord, thou art good and gracious : loe this is an other thing alfo which augmenteth our courage and l>oldnes»But bicaufe we are lb farrefrom God, that we are not able to come nere his maic^ie, without be come down vnto vs : we muft then , before wee can haue any accefle to make our prayers vnto him, lay this foundation which i$ here fet before vs : that is to (ay,the word of God,when as thereby God witnefTeth vnto vs , that his mercie is alwaycs readie, that he there laieth it before ys, andoffereth the fame there vnto vs,Tlierercmaineth now nothing els, but that wee recciue it by faith , and that there wee declare our fairh through our calhngvpon him. So then wefeejthe or- der which Dauid here fetteth downe,tbat is, that bee brin- geth vs to G od,to the ende we might take our whole con- tentation;.repofe,and reioyfing mhis meere goodneffc* And finccjthai he hath receined vs through his mercie , let vs befecche him that he would looke vnto vs with his eyes of pitie.For the third point,he (lieweth vs how we ought to makefuch ourpetitionSjthatiSjbicaufeGod hathbounde him felfe vnto vs of his own good will, and hath witneffed vnto vs that he wil be nearc vs.When then wcflial come vn- to him in this fort,let vs not doubt but that he wil hcarc vs & graunt whatfoeuer we (hall defire according to his will* Aq4 The 10. Sermon of (l5^./6?/. And namely he fayeth .thywoorcle made vnto thy {er- uant, to thende he would declare to euery of vs that euery man (hould apply the promifcs of God particularly vnto him felfcAnd not to vfe the maner of the Papiftes, to faye» Ic is very true that God hath prqmifed this and that , but we know not whether the fame belongeth vnto vsornoc. And thefe are no foolcs, which fay thus, but this is the do- drine which they teachc in all their Satanicall and deuelifli Schooles and Synagogues. Loe here the very dodrine of popifli doftorSjthat the promifes of God are vncertaine,& that we muft rcceiuc the as things hanging in the ayre,not to take them generally , to fay, I doubt not but that GOD ipeaketh the fame vnto me3ut contrariwife, we muftcon- clude as Dauid here doth,and fay O Lord let it be done vn- to thy fer uant according to thy word . He faith not , accor- ding to thy word,! knowe not to whom, nor vnto fuch me of which number I am not, fo that I can not builde vppon it:but he faithjaccording to thy promifc O Lordjmade vn- to me,Let vs then learne by his example, that when we de- fire the Lord God to afsiftc vs,to charge him with his pro- mifcs, yea & let vs apply them vnto our fclucs , and beleeue that they arc alfo ipolin to euery of vs in particular , and generally vnto all: I meane vnto all the faithfull. When as the Lord our God faieth,! recciue all finners to-mcrcy : let euery one fayc, O Lorde, I am one of thofc miferable and wretched creaturesjand therefore I come vnto thee , char- ging thee with thy promife made vnto me ♦ Loe howc wee muft behaue our fclues herein : for els, we lliall but wander in the holy fcripture all the daics of our life ♦ It followcth immediatly after, Let thy tender mercits come vfito me that I may line \for thy Uxpets my delight. In this verfe we may very well (ec , that Dauid was as it Vere cftranged from the mcrcie ofGod.Now this is a very notable point to be confidered ofF.-for what is the caufe of purdiftruft,yeaeuen toclofevp the gateagainft God for shat we would not come vnto him , but oncly bicaufe wee ihinkc ypon the CxixSPfalme. 87 thinkethat God hath eflraunged himfelFe from vs, and that we (liould be thereby contounded . It is very true that he will fonietimes caufe vs to feele them,as if he had cleane turned him fclfe away from vs , and all bicaufe we firft for- fooke him; but yet we muft notwithftanding returne vnto him,and not be difcouraged , butfoUowethe example of Dauidjthat although the mercies of God to the outwarde apparance and in our iudgement bee farre from vs , and in fuch fortjas that we may well pcrcciueit:yet muflwe ncuer cea(e to ray,0 Lord, let thy louing mercies come vnto mc: furely to the outrward {liew5& fo farre as I can iudge, they are farre of me: but yet O Lorde, I knowe that thou wilt in the ende make me to attainc vnto them ; yea and although thou manifeftly flieweft me them rK)t,yct fiotwithftanding I will wayte and furely lookefor them, with an aflured faith and hope.Moreouerj when he fayeth,that I may Hue: that is to fignifie vntovs the fame which I haue already feidito wit,that although his wit andfpirite , ftayedit felfc vpon crcatures.yet that he was butas a dead man,& whiles he thought God not to be ncare him,hee fuppofed himfelf to be but as a fbrlorne man. And in deede although we had all the world on our fide,and had GOD againft vs > and were fure that he neither loued nor fauoured vs,all the reft would turne but to our ruyne and deftrudion. And if wee clleeme notthus of him, muft it not ncedes be but that we muft bee bewitched by Satan , and caried violently away^ when we ftiall content vs onely withthefe worldly things, and neuer haue regard vnto the fpring head and fountame of ail goodneffe : to wit , the bounty of God ? But in the meant while let vs note this.that although we bee dead for a time,after theexampleof Dauid , yet fhall wee be quicke- ned/othatwe comcroGod,be(eechinghim nottoholde backc his mercies farre from vs.Now he faieth in the ende, ror thy larr-e is rnv dehght. Ry this we are admoniflied what k is that we muft craue atthc handes of God in good ear- Beft.forfooth that his mercies may remaine with vs:to wit, when as we are conformable to him and to his woorde. Let it The xo.Sermonof^S^f.fo.Cah Let it not now abafli vs although wee feele fo little tafle orGod:iiis mercies. And whyfo.'' For what is he that will acknowledge ixl Wee are io beguiled with thefe falfede- ceiptes of .the worlde, that we thinkc we may triumphe by them J that wee (hall bee exceedingly bkfled whenas weq (hall haue all thinges after our owne heartes defire ♦ But in thus doing we can contemne God and his grace. Wemuft not then be abaflicd if we be fet befides that which apper- teincth to our (aluation , and that God fuftereth vs to lan- guifhcin wretchcdnefle and miferie. And fo let vs learne af- ter the example of Dauid, to bee as it were reieded of the worde of God,and to bee as it were eftraungcd from it to craue in good carneft , to caufc his mercies to retoutne vn- to vs : to wit, that he would graunt vs this grace, to let vs in fuchfort vnderftand what necde we haue of his fauour and aide,that notwithftanding that we haue declined from his f ommaadements,yet that he would graunt vs for ail that^ to feele his mcrcicjal though he hath held the fame from vs forafeafon. Now it foUoweth, Let the^roude be confounded ^f or they hofte dele voichedly afsd falfelywithme: but [meditate in thy commaundementes. Here Dauid fetteth downe another reafon, to confirmc him felf continually more and more , that hee (hall obtaine thatwhich hcpraieth vntoGod forztowitjbicaufethe wic ked doperfecute himjwhom he calleth the proud.And this is the fentence which wee haue already heretofore treated off,neither will the time fufFcr vs to ftay any lenger vpoii ir» It (hall therefore fuffice vs for this time , that faith onely is the thing which bringeth vs within the compaflc of humi- litie,when as we know that there is nothing in vs but wic- kednefle , and that wee are thereto tied , by the iuft iudge- mentesofGod. Whenl{ay,thatthefaithfull knowethis, it puUcih downe their high mindes , they are no more ar- rogant nor prefumpriouSjto lifte themfelues vp againffc Godj,and thdr neighbour-^ Contrariwyfe the wicked and enemies of G OD are called proude ; for the pride which they vie againUGODjengendreth alfo crutUie againft their ypon the CxixJTfaime. % 8 their neighbour^. As many as.will humble tliem felues before God , wiU alfo bee very gentle too their neighbours : but they which haue a fierfc and high mynde to Itande againlt God , mull ncedes hkevife calt their poyfon againft their neighbours. And for this caufe Dauid layeth., kt the proud Q Lord be contoundedjtoc they go wickedly about to confound me. Whereby wee are admoniihed ,that although the wicked vcxe and grieue vs neuer (b iniurioufly. and without caufe, yec we are thereby taught to haue thc.raiher a great deale inoretruft that God williauemcrcievpdn vs. And why fo? bicau(e it is hewhich gratinteth our requeft : and when as we ihall make it vnto hirti , it (hall not xomc of our fdues, but he fhalbe authour thereof.Sb then, when as we Ihall be grieued and iniuried by malitious and ciruell men>let vs go •boldly vnto God,andbc(eechehim to hauepitie and com- pafsioii vpon vs . Nowe head^cth,thathc neuer ceafcd to meditate vpori the teftinionies of Godjal though hevrafs fo afffidcd* And this is an.excellentadmonitionibt vs ^thac when wee are tormented both from heauen ,- and on the earth J that God on the one fide , to the outwarde fliewe,- eftraungeth him felfe from vs : and we on the other fide are fo forfaken , that wee are troden vnder mensfeete, befides athoufand other villaines done vntO vsc when as,Iftyi wee fhall be fo vexed and grieued* We ma fayittgt O vrhen wilt theu com fart me ? By this hee (lieweth vs , that if we haue a true faith fctlcd vppon the promifes of G OD madevntovs,whenasitrtiall pleafe him foone after to af- .fli as that hee was without all llrcr>gth,and wit'iiDutKc^eoflife. Now he addeth ndtr- ,wirMandiiig,T/64fif?it//-j^w/ ye^ forget the fiatmes of godj.. , ■■. Locan example: which weebught toofbUowe , neither mult we alledge here our infirmitie : for Dauid was a paP donate man aswe arc ; he might very well haue fainted, if God had not ftrengthened him . And how fo/ Hauing^tijc promifesjliichdpcdvpoti them > iriowirig th^i; .Cod cojiti- iiucJth . has betiefitfis towardes ihiSf children .i- bicaufc-they 'ihould hauc recourfe vnto him -■ heccatled vpon him , for 4hat hec had already founde merde and fuccour of him : God foholpcliim through his holy fpirite . Nowc , haue ■not wet at this daye the Smc promiCes which Dauid had ? 3r^a,haue wee riot mbrel^arge and ample prQmifcs f Haue not wee aigrcatjdeak inbre farni4iar acceffe then Dauid hadjbicaufe that lefus Cbfifteis declared too bee a media- tour moremanifeftly , then he was vnder the lawe f Whea God then rendrcth ys fuch a teftimonie pf his good will» that wee may freely come before hini topfaye yntp him, totheendehee ttiight helpe our'neeef^kieSi:,Ipraye you what excufe (ball wee make , if wee come not boldely vnto him as Dauid did jandbe conflant to perfeucrein the fame purpole, feeing that God ofFerethtthefelfefame meanes, to fight again ft whatfoeuer may.turne vs awaye from it. Morcouqrjjlsfhepov^cr of God leflened fir.ce that time? 4)a:ch he noc at this d>l^ helpe gll hi& fauhfuU.wich his holy fc'jbfiiihwj '(liwi sdt>^w?tLfrfn3'(,?:)3a'ii:;]nf ui:../; fpirite '\)pon the Qxix. T^falme. p z ipirite^as he did voder the law'e ? Yea>doth notiie Taye that ke will cncrcale the kiogdome of our Lorde iefus Chnlt^r more then euerjie did at that time? ■.,.:■ i; . , i \ oi There is nothing then but our vnthankefulnefle vrhich ' Iia^th (hut the gateagainft God,fo that his graces can haue no acceflfe nor entraunce into vs.It is very true, that he will ■• fay enough vnto vs,but \rc will ftopeour earesthewil make : vs fayre promifes enough , but we u'ijl foonc forgecthcm: or els ifwc keepc them in raindc , it (halbt but a raungitig imagination , neither (hall it haue any deepc print , or yet liuely rootc in vs. Bicaufe therefore , that wee cftceme not of the promifes of God , loe the reafon why wee are fo fud- denly caft downe, euen with the lead temptation that may come. Howcexcrcifc wc our faith in prayers t what teadi-i ncflc and zeale is there at this dayc amongft GhrilHansin ? calling vpon the name of God ? Alas it is io colde and fee« - blc as it can not be more. And fofcc why God hath pluckti bflcke his hand from vs^bicaufc of our infideliticfo thit we 1 feelc not his hclpc as we fljould . . ^c mcirc depfly^^t^erc-i:> fore oughtw^tpconfidcrof thisfentenccjierc j^hen.©a*iji uid dedareth that he wafcleAmxirie^ vfn^djteitfixtnkxhMb'i forgot not the ^rtrntfes of God, '.: r ;r ]L:::of^ Let vs now goe and vaunt ouriehiestobeegood Ghri*^! £lians,that wehaue greatly profited in the Gofpel ,andyet j when as wee flialbe touched' withany little, yea, and that ' with a very light afflidion , wee (hall bee lb amafed as it is t woonder . Alas what Should become ofvs, if wee fiiould t be asDauid protefteth hee was ? that God threatned vs ■ through flitche 5 that there were but one droppe of fub- ftance of life,and that it fliould feeme that we were euen as ' it were dead. If then, there were fuch a kinde of parched dryneflein vs,what(J)puld become of it ? But \»^iiat ^. here- * in refteth the faulty, tl>at euery man flatteretb' himftlfc, " and wee alfo thinke that G O D fliouldc fubmittc him fclfc to our flatteries, ..m.-HW. U/oqlor! ?i , .; .u-...::*. .-.:...... iMj^-Zlit-b^Ynfiut'l ,ri;:s3f« •»Jolo:9»ic2Y'io3:A^ on rl;£d3d vM bn& The lu Sermon of e5W, /.6//. * Butit is-iiot in vainc that this exampJc is hcK fet before ] y$Xex, vs exercifoour felues then better then w€ haue here- - tofore done, and call to minde the teftimonies of God. Wherras vi^e fl^al bee parched,and fo dried,as that it might feemc \vee had not one droppe of life ^ let vs notwithftan- ding,meditate yet more the euer before we did of the pro- ' xoifes of God, to the ende we might get vs newe force ahd^ ftreogch* Now when Dauid had thus fpokcniheaddcth,^ [' l://e^ ntany areltbi dates '^fthf femant '.? when wit thbft he «w -' ftf^£e,doJtheM that perfetute mef . ' . : ' . ~ : ' ■ 1 he-^oaskbAU'C dtggedpitttsfar me: ivhiehay'e Wfiiafiir thjh ' i4vre.: . ^ :■...:■■ ■ ' ■ '■ .i''-: . .■it> \ HereDauid purfuitighis|^i*pore nKafcathnietioiief the' griefcs!which hiiendured, that is, the? wicked and vngodly'* pcrfcootedhihi wrongfoJly j-andthat hee beeing retired td, when as he (h aU bfe fij r^ ' ftored by him , and railed vp agaitte as it were from death. Let vs thcmiote, that E)auid here fettefh doWne a certainc nianer and of der to (hewe vs , that when God , to the o«r- wardlhewcfh^U f^eme tO'efttaungc him felfe , yet we moft ' takehcdethattheramd feeepfevS not from hauing retourfe vnto him^Nowit nnay very-tt^el fcemejthatGbd fometimes thinkethnotofvs, but fpecially, when hcefliall fufferthe wicked to runne whether they lift , and let them doc what- foeuertheydefire. 'How this is a terrible temptation. And-wfiy-/ Tor on the one fide Vi^elookd, that if Godtoo^e vs for his children , & loue'd rsas he teftifiethjfliould he not bfdhd by haue com- pafsibn ofourmifcries ? (hould he not put forth his hande to helpc vs ? When then he fufftreth vs to be thus vniuftly troden vnder foote , it is a figne that hee hath forfaken vs^ and that he hath no care of YS,nor of our health, Loe yponthe Qxu.TJalme. pj Ldc hcere a very hard and grceuous temptation. And the fecond is,that it fliould fceme that God doth not his office. How is that? Beholds how the vngodly fall out with him fo I hat it fecmeth they would giue him open defiaunce.For is not this to make warre againft him , when as they giuc them felues licence to doc wickedly ; that whatfoeuer can bcfayd vntathem, they can neuer bee brought too good- ncfle? And yet God maketh femblaunce as though he had nd cateioFtheir wicked dealing , Tliefe we (ee arc two-mar- uelous daungerous temptations . And this is the caulc namely why Dauid hath heere recited his perfccutions, which he^bbde at the handes of the wicked. : i Now it i s fo^ that he beeing in ttich coinflides, hauing ioi fight againft theretwo temptations, which' I hauc noted ^. fl5ew€t?h f ight^ei that he t-eniained ftil eonqtiet »r> Attd fee why h e fay th. How manf are the day es'oftkffemar)t^? when wtd thonbe a»engedof the that perpcmeme}T>2imd fignifieth that he made not this r^qiieft vntill (ucfe time i* }f6e was dritteh ttjothis fe^tremitiby'that he wi5^nblo*»get' ableto abidcifv- As if he (hould haiw faydevAla-s, my-gpod^Goii,wiItethotii h^lpe meaftcr r am deid^e? tiiif thton^feeft thac t hau0 'tflrea-^ dy abidden fo much,a9 it is not pofTibld to irtdore tnorc : thou feeft mecuen at thegraues brinke: It is n6v^ time, or el fe neuer tohclpe.But yet I pe!>ceiue no (uccbur cbm- ming from thee, And what is the catffe ? When^wilti^ tJiott doe it? It cannot bee chofen but that-I>auid had as it were an intollerable affli<5tion,whcn ht called vpon God in this manner .Wherefore we are fo much the rather to meditate on this place.For although God fuffereth vs to be afflided but for a little while :yet the fame lafteth fo withvs, as that we beeing vexed eiien Co the vrtermofie,willfay,Iknowe not wherci am, nor what codoe hecrein.Whatis thecaufe why God deferrech his ayde fo long? For in fteade too call vponhimjtisoutof doubt rather that we murmure , yea and moyte as it werefecretly againft him. Nowcthc right rcnriedy to oucrcomc thefe temptation5,& not to to mur- mur againft God in ourafBidions, k this^ to call vpOn him M.5, with The 1 1. Sermon of that It was without all queftion, i;^t hemuft be vtterlyconfoudcdtyea& although he neucr burtanyof them^that it might be %4> that he had iniuri-; oufly pcrfccuted them, yet had he al wayes his recourfe vn- to God* So thcn,wc may now bee better confirmed in the do(5hine which we haue heeretpfore handled : to wit, that t^ wjbaffoeuer cxtremititie we arc driucn vnto in our affii - ^ioQS^, we fhall bring thcrti to^ very good end,when as we being fenced with the power of the fpirit of God, do looke vnto his promifles.Now let vs fee why he addeth and (ay th. Thy (^emmamdementes are true, they perfecme me falfeljf , O help wf.Dauid fetteth downe hecre three poyntes. The on^ is that God is true : & after he addeth a proteftation of his good condu(ft and guydance, and of the malice of his ad- iierraryes:Thifdly,hecaIlethvpponGodin his afflidions. Now' as concerning the iirft,hee{heweth vs, that although ^4tan to fliake vs,and in the ende vtterly too carry vs away fi>|3/;illy.and cunningly goeth about to decciue vs, we muft, tftj^he contra^jkarneliow to.knowe his ambuQicSj and tp , fiji // • •' , keeps yponthe Qxix/Pfalme. p^ keepe vs from out of them. So often then as wee arc gree" ued yyith aduerfitic and affliftion, where muft vrt beginne.^ Sec Satan howc he pitcheih his nettes, and layeth his am- builies to induce and perfwade vs to conie into them,what fayih hcjdooil thou not fee thy rclfeforfaken of thy God? where are the promifes where vnto thou diddeft truftfNov heere thou feett thy felf to be a wretched fotlorne creature So then, thou right well fceft that God hath deceiued thee, artd that the promifes whcrevnto thou tru(ledft,appcrtaine nothing at all vnto thee. See heere the fubtlety of Satan. Wliat is nowe to be doonef We are toxonclude with Da- uid and faye , yet God is true and faichfull. ;. ■ Let vs 1 fay keepe in minde the trueth of God as a llieeldetoo beate back w hatfoeuer Satan is able to lay vnto our charge,when as he lliallgoeabouc to caufe vs todeny out Fay th, when •as alfo he fliall lye about vs too make vs beleeue that God ■tihfnke^h rro more of vs, Or elfe^thatit is in vairtc for vs too tnill vrtto his promifes. Bat let ys khbwc cleane contra- ry, that it is very, plaine and foundc trueth which GOD fayth vnto vs. Although Satan cafteth atvs neuer fo'many . dartes, although he haueneucrfo exceeding many deuifes againftvs, although nowe and then by violenve, fomc- times withfubtiltieand cunning, it feemeth:in rery,all be mortally perfecuted J and our life too be as it were deTperate,to be already as it were in the very throteof the Woulfe,yea to bee already cuen as men fwallowed vp and that it is not in vaine which he hath declared vnto vs, that heevvill aflift vs in all bur neceflitics5which wee fliall craue of him in true fayth s yea not onely in our fmall and meane afflidit>ns : but euen when as he thinketh wee ftiouldfe be vtterly ouenhrowue : knowing that he will accompliflTfor our proftte & health, ^';"^ whatfbeuer we may hope after,and beholde uith the ' ■ eyes of fayth* Let vs befeech him that hce will not onely graunte vs this grace , but alfo vntoall people and nations of the Earth. &c. Tk tic- 97 7 he nvelfth Sermonypon the hundreth and nineteenth Pfalmc* Lamed. O Locdc,thy woordc iiiduredi for racr it^ H^^^ uen. ^•jf • Thy tructh is from one generation to another : thou hafte layed the foundation of the Earth and it abideth. They continue eucn to this day , according too thy ordinauncc: forallarethy feruauntes. Except the Lorde had bcene my delighte : I fhouldc nowe haue periQied m my trouble. I will i^euer forget thy Commandements : For by . them thou haift quickened me, I am thine/aue me: for I haue fought thy CommaQ- demcntcs. - The VTigoodly layd waite fer mee ; but I will confi- derthytefttmonyes* I haue feene an endcof all perfe(^ion : but thy com- maundement is exceeding large. EE fee howc chaungeable men are. It is -very true that when wee ftiall talke of the fliadowe, wee may fay that ic remooueth andchaungcth c- uery minute of an houre, Co that it reftcth not: but if wee looke well and thorowlye fearch out that which is in the minde of man : wcefliall fee N. there a ^he 1 y Sermon ofo^Kl* h. Cal. ^ere a great deale more vanicie and chaunge,then is too be feene iii the very Uvadowe . And that which is more, Dauid Ciyth in aa other place , that if man were laide in one fchole, i?i vanitie in an other,that vanitie which is nothing, would uaydowne man greately, And wee Ihall notneede too ftande longe difputing of this : For euery man by his owFif experience can cellifie whauitis, and what it canda>- afblit there were riothing written nor yet any thmg there- of coiuein^d in the Scripture . What refteth there then fop vsto dbeV Fdrfooth wee muil fceke for our conftancy elfe wheretheninourfelues, Nowe God giueth vs a very good meane if we will take it, whi<;h is , tOibuHde^-nd fettle our felues vpon his word, If^^O, S, _And for this caufe it is,th^t,the Prophet Etaiah (ayth.. That the^wordepfQodmdartthforeHer : Hee had fpokcn before of the frailtie and ficklenefie of men,as that nothing could be more: & althbugh it might feeme that there was fome ftrength in them,tt is yet incontinent cleane par cHed and dryed vpp , that it vani(heth away into lefle then nothing ; ■ ^Ut he coocludeth ^nAb^y^hiTbdttheivoordeof'godahtcieth for euer. So then, fee the meane , howe that - men ( al- though they be tran{itory , and haue.no conllancie at all in them) (hall notwithftanding haue a perfed conftancy, and fure eftate: to witte, wh^n as they (liall ftay thenifclues vp- oil the trueth of God and his worde. Accordin g to this, it is heere lay d , Thy worde O Lcrde ahidethfor euer in heaiier- . Some expoundc this, as if it had becne fayde, That becaufe thcheaucns haue continued long,they render a good te- ftimonyofthc trueth of God. But heere Dauid namely ipeaketh of the hcaues becaufe we fee by them a more ma- nifeft figncof the MaieftieofGod then we fee here belowe on earth. And in deedein that we are rude and earthly, we had neede to haue God to guide vs, and roolifre vpp our mindes when that he would haue vs to thinke on him: too the ende we might forget the world, & all the corruptible things heere beneath.See the the reafon why Danid in this place^ yponthe QxixJTfalme. p8 makcrli the feateand houfeof the vocdofGotiio heiucn* becaufe we had nede to looke a great deale more byerthca into our ownefenfesjwhen wee would comprehend howe God istrueandfaitlifull. When wee vv^ouldefecle the cer- taintieandafluraunceofhiswoord^jwnemuft enter into « . more deepe conlideration, then our fenfs h able too bearc, And not lookc fo into the vifible thing, ,or into that which we conceiue on earth. Hee addeth, That thetrueth of God it from gefter^ti* «n to generdtton. As if hee (lioulde hauc fayde. It is true, O Lord, that men arc heerc very circumfped and adui- fed : and we fee alfo howc ihinges haue their alterations, fo that there is nothing which i% not waucring and incon* flant: wee arc as it were in the whirlewindes and tempefts: and if at fome times thinges bee in peace and at quiet, it la- ileth notlonge: andalthough the creatures bee peaceable Jind at quiet , yet are the men neijier at reft , but are coDti-* nually chafed and troubled. .Biitfihytrq^th , O Lorde^is fure and certaine , which can neuer be ifliakcn through the alterations and chaanges:which heere we fee, no otherwifc but by the lightnefl'e.andinconftan<:;y of^men, when as they ■doe nothingelfe but wander heerc and there. . True it 15,0 Lorde, that all ^is impayrethaio whit;ihf. (Jiprtaintie^pf ili^ Uuethandwoorde. :•' •; .;-•:' ;i!',;'., :,'.>./<; liu: Loe hcere in futnme,tHc meaning of Dauidin this place. Nowe hee bringeth in a proofe of this fentenccjtoo witte. That Qoi hath layd thefomdation of the earthy and tt abfdeth X that is to fay,That the order of nature hat h her courfe, and fo continueth without ende-And why ^oi Forfommh as God hath appoytited them i becaufe thit hee hath fo declared it , and that al creatures arc fubied vnto him .This difpofing & ordering muft needs continue in his eftate. And although wee fee all things to turnc on this fide and on that.yet God alwaycsgiuethvs feme vifible figncj too rneweysthat hee neuerakereth nor chaungcth his purppfe.' Afid chiefejy, that his ttueth is ncuer fubiede too aiiy^n^ufige. -. - ^ N.2. Wee . The I z. Sermon of (^fM. CaL We fee nove in fumme what the fubfUunce is that is coii- tayned in thefe three verfes. No^-e that wee may apply all this too ourvfe , and too make oar proficehecreof, letvslearnctoo haue recourfe vnto the woordfiofGod,ro often as wee iliallbeeaftony- ftied j'aild know^e not what fnall become of vs : too witte, allthe dayes of our lifet For there paffeth not one quiet day ouer our heads , wherein wee are notmooued toothinke either ofthisthirigor of that. Sometimes the temptati- ons are eafie toooiiercomc : but after, wee (InalUee fome appanaunce of daunger,thatfhall trouble vs a great deale more, yea and fome otie threate or other we lliall haue that fhalleueniabanicvs. And if that were not fo, yet fliouldc wee haue occafions enough in our heads too make vs vn- quietjthat we (hould not nedc to be otherwife troubled: but cutry one ofvs hath in himfelf ftore of tempefts & Itormes, fathatiftherewetenothingelfebutour owne very fanta- fyes, they would be fo many whyrlewindcs , too make vs fteuec CO haue quiet nfiindes. Nowe fee then a good reme- dy , that is. Let vs knowe, that although wee are enuironcd withagreatnumberofdaungers, although there bee no^ certayntie in our life : although there is alwayes an hun- 4f ethdeathes befo^eour eyes,y€athat wc choughr the de- uill (houlde fwallowc vs vpp eucry minute of an houre: yet inuftwcbepbaceable,andh6kleo;ur felues quiet and ftil, becaufe that God hath layde the foundation of our faJua- tionin his woord: and that he hathpromifed to kecpe our life.When then, wee fliall haue the worde of God , to cer- - . tific vs, that he hath care both of our foules and bodyes, let vs knowe and be certainly alTured that heerein coniifV-. cth all ourconftancy. So then, let vs rightly applyc this dorine for our in- ftrudion, that when it is fayde, that the worde of G O D is permanent in Heauen, that his truethc (heweth it felfe firom age to age, & fo continueth,that it is namely fpokcn, to the ^nde that we ibould be patient in the middefl of all the yponthe QxixJTfalme. pj^ thetroublcs,giefes, andanguidiesj which wee may haue, beeingfhaken amidftfomany daungers : andalfo, feeing theendlefleandinceflauntchaiinges which are heere be- neth,and nothing elfe but all vnquietnefl'e» Let vs then fee, what is heere to be confidered for the firft point : wee mult not feeke to take our reilin this worlde, for wee fliall ncuec haue it heere: But let vsalwaies haue our recourfe too the ttuethofGod» Moreouer,let vs fee i£^t can rightly praflile this do- ^rine, that nothing hinder vs , but that wee may line in peace and tranquilitie in the middeft of the moft great and dangeious confufions which may light vpon vs. Let vs alfo fee,that whether the windes blow in this corner or in that „ that there be garboyles of war, that there bee peftilencc & famine, and fuch like, thatitfeemed weeftiould perillic a thoufand manner of waycs.* yet all they which fettle them felues vpon the woorde of God, wil neuer bebutcertainci for they (haiffeetebothe in life and death , that they are in hishandeandprotedion. And hauing this confidence with themfeluesjthey will make no reckoning of all whac- ibeuer (haU come vnoo them J as wee fee Saint Paule com- .maundeth vs too exalte our felues againft all thinges pre- (ent and too come, fo that wee be fully refolued,that God loueth vs .When this fhall be in vs, and we fhall haue heere- Rom\ f, |>. of a good teftimonie in our ownc confciences , through S9% Fayth and the woorde of God: Loe howeweemay afliit'e our felues , and folace our felues m the middeft of all our troubles and confufions which heere wee fee : and by that meanesbeneueratpeaceandrefte,and not too be greatly •-turmoyled forany thinge that may come vntovs the next day. And why fo? For hath God, who hath declared him {elfe vnrovs too be our Father, fpoken it but for a day onely ? where as hee hath teftifyed vnto vs , that hee will •haue our faluationin his hand? is heere any time lymit- ted? ' Nowe we fee toothe contrary , that God fayeth , Veist ■.:j--' N,|» hee ^Thet^. Sermon of (^P^^IoXaL bee will ncucrforfake vs.Ourhope then muftftretch it felf cleanebeyondethsworlde, andfowe Ihailnotbce tofltd with the vvindes and tetnpeftes which Ihall blow agatnrt vs, to make vs turne back,when as we fhal haue a furc tounda- tion vpon the word of God. And as concerning this proofc which Dauid addeth/aying. That God hath Uyd thefounda- tian of the earth, the fame is but a little taft which he giueth vs of the trueth of God. Nowc it is not enough for v$ to haue this tafl:eonely,to knowe whether God befaythfull and that his trueth is eucrlaftiiig. For to proue it to bee fo^we fee that neither heauen norearth^but are fubiedtoo corruption, and that all mufl:epa(te,onely the woorde of Godis (aid too laft for euer. And itniuit needes bee fo : forelfewhatllioulde become of our faluation? It Ihoulde be corrupt very foone. Let ys not once thinkc then, that Dauid his meaning heereis too make a comparifon,and an equall proportion, of the continuance of this worlde , ati'd thfe. conftancye which wee fee inthcorder of nature ,.with.thc trueth of God. Buthslhewethvntovsthat euen in thfiXe corrupti- ble thingesj wee might the better percciue.bawc faythfull -GOD istaodifheebcetrueinthefethinges on the earth, what fliall hce him felfe then bee f I befeech you tcU mee, from whence hath the earth her foundation? Ic is foun- ded bothe vpon the water and alfo vpon the ayre : Loe her foundation . Wee can not poflibly build a houfe fiftee ne footehightvpoatheiirmegroundebutthatweemufte lay a foundation.. See all the whole earth is founded, onely wauering,and as it were hanging, yea, and vppon fa bot- tomlcffe deapthes, as that ic might be turned vpiidedowne in the minute of an houre, and the whole RiblhunGeof'ic ▼tterly ouerthrowne. It muft needes then be , that thereis a wonderful power of God (hewedintheconferuingofir, in the fame fort it.ftadcth* And that is it which is here flicw- cd vnto vs: to witte becaufe thatGod hath faydc , That the •carthwas lathe middcii: of the worlde ; and that it was fo layd«> '^pon the Qxix/PJalme. i o^ Uyde as it is : lieereby we knou'e what the certaf ntic of his trueth is ♦ But wee muft heere forlooth compare the lefltf thingcs with the greater, a^ we fay.How from the leflcr ta the greater?! wil (hew you by examplejf I fay we did fe fucli cxcellecie in the body of a manjas that it might bethought to be euenthe vcryimagcof God:wherbyweknowethe thine that is writtCjthat God hath ordaynedman tobe the chieS of all his creatures, and giuen him greate dignitic, nobleneffe, and power ouer all lining aeatures. Eucn p/4/4.^ fo alfo; ir\ prayfing that which is in man, we may defcende from the body to the foule: and this is from the hyeft too the loweit, and from the Icfife to the more : So likewifc is ic in this place, whenDauid (etteth before our eyes the or-' der of nature: This is not(as I haue already fayde ) to mea- ftire and compare the trueth of God , with fuch a mea- fure : But to the endc wee might reafon and fay, If in thefe frayle and tranfitory thinges which arefubied to corrup- tion, wee fee (uch a conftancy becaufc it is God his will it (houlde be fo: What fhall we then fay of his trueth, which, furpafleth all the worlde f When then we (hall make fuch acomparifon,betweenethe ftatc of the worlde, and the trueth of God, we may certainly conclude,tbat Godfuffi- cienly graunteth vs wherewith tooftttle our (elues vpoiv his woorde,we murte not bee foinconftanras too let our Fay th bee fliaken , fo often a^ wee fliall fee the worlde coi^: fed with any troubles, but rather too take this plac^which is heere (hewed vnto vs by Dauid for our refuge. And this is the fummc o£ this place. Nowe it followeth after* i - i 'Except the Lor^e hadheenewjf ^ehght : IpjoftldcHOWc < . . \ haue pertjhe^i tnmj/ trouble, '■ "> :i tt ..... . ;. .^.> . ...L Dauid heere fpeakcth this of his owne proper cxpcry- cnceand knowledge before hee fpakc of the trueth and cxccllcncye of G O D in generall , and fay th that it was in N.4 hcauen ^he 11. Sermon of <^^7\/[, lo. Cal. hcauen : and afterwarde heproouech it by vifible thinges,, whichisverymanifeftvntovSjand which God poyntcthf out vnto vs, as it were with his fingerjn the third place hea fayththathefpeakethnotof vnknowen thinges, thathee might difputeoftheni at randon, bat that hee had rightly practized that which he had fpoken , becaufe that hee was prefer ued by the woord of God. And therefore hee nowc flieweth vs, where we ought to feeke for this worde, where-, of hee had generally fpoken heeretofore* For wee may vie this name of the woorde of God,and yet it may be hidden in the ayre, or emongft the Cloudes: But becaufe hee hath giuen vnto vs his word faniilyarly ,iand communicateth the feme with vs dayly.euen in the holy (cripture : Let vs confi- der,that in giuing honor vnto the worde of God , Wee fay that it is infallible, Let vs not imagine it to be an vnknowen wordjbut let vs goe vnto thit^hich God at all times hath giuen to his feruaunts: and that is it which is contayned in; thelaw^See then , how God hath firft declared his woorde vnto vSjwherein our faluation is altogither certaine. Nowe heere wee hauc to note in this ftreine, that Dauid hauing had fuch experience, defcructh wcl to be heard, and that they are no vayne woordes which hee heere fetteth downe before hand : But that God alfo wouldehaueit fo, too the ende wee (hould giue the more credite vnto it, and that weefliouldcnowhitte doubt of anythingc that hee teacheth vs, when as hee him felfe hath made proofe of all that which he before had fpoken. And thus much for the firftepoynte«The experience then whereof Dauid fpea- kethihouldevery welKeruevs infteade of our Scale , hy. which GOD mcaneth too make the Dodjhow finrte & found it is ? So thenjlet vs well cdnfider(as we hauealready faid)that fince we haue knowen the power of the wotde blT Godito befiKh ask inhere (hewed vs^w'ee may in fuch fort rcfiftall the grcat^ft temptations whifch thedeuill is able eraftely to worke againft vs,fo that we^albe able to efcapc as it were both from death and the graue. And thus much for this. Now for the (econd point , Dauid fheweth vs howe it Js that we are preferued in all our affli(ftions by the worde of God, how our fife fhalbe faulfe,& our health alfured there- by . And that is jfwe delight therein: to wit, that wee bee Co N5 comfor- The II. Sermon of (Sh'f.lo.CciL comforted with the loue which GO D there flieweth vs aod wherewith he certifieth vs, rhatlirjce he hath adopted vs for his childrerijhe will therefore alwaycs fliewe him felf to beourtather.Wherefore wemay boldely recommendc our foules vnto him, and he will receiue rhem , fo tliat wee fli^l not periihc, hauing ailgur refuge Co vnto him* If wee then content our feluesfo , the wotde of God: will giuc vs life in the middeft of anhudreth thoufand deaths. But if we hearc it without hauing any fuch aff^dio , that we tafte not of the promiffcs of G od , or els that wee al waycs fom what diftruftand.doubCjtP reafon how: it.goeth, and afterwarde waijder after creatureSjOt cjs builde vpon our lelucs, if wee b^ip i:h&ngeable, wee (liall neuer feele any vertue of the wprdc of GOD 5 but may beeouerrhrownc anhundreth timcsithcleaft afflidion in the world ^ (h^lbe as a gulfe to fwalldwe vs vp: that we (hall not neede the mayne fea: but cpen a finger depth of water too fmouthcr apd drowne YS»ifit were notthatwehad learned of Dauid , to bee aflfu- rcd of the loue which God bearcth vs : and that by his irordc. So then, let vs ynderftand what the true delight of the faithfull is, and that which preferueth them from death, & quickeneth them : th^t is ,wheiJthey are contented with theloue of God , to/et their whole felicitie there , to haue him to be mercifull ^nd fauoprablf ,to haue this priuiledge to haue recourfc vnto him, be:ing alTured that he will hearc them.See, I fay,how we (hould be quickened by the wordc as wep are-ac- cuflomedii; , Now although wee are not without a great number of vices,yet is this one of the grcateft , that we doc not onely f^-oftentimes fuffer the benefites of God toelcapc out- of our mindeSjbut we are alfo fo wicked, as that we define no- thing more then for to buric the: we thinke we Ihould haue neuer ypon the Qxix, Tfalme. i oz neuer time enough vtterly to forget them » See, I {aye,th€ ftate and conditionof our vile and corrupt nature . And thereforCjDauid m this place protefteth, that hewiUnentr forget the commaundementes of (^odjbicaufe he hath binc^ukk^ r.ed hy them.Knd, moreouer,he fpeaketh it not only for hirti fclf,but {lieweth vnto vs by his example, what our office & dutie is. When God then fliall haue thus aided vs in our af- flidions,that he iliallhaue raifcd vs vp euen from the graue through the migh t and power of his wordc , and that wee (hall feele fuch a benefite , let vs neuer forget it , but be al- waies mindful! thereof. And yetDauid meaneth to fhewe vnto vs a farther point : to wit, that bicaufe.the woorde of God hath already profited him * that heewiU efteeme df it and haueicin great price for the time K^cotpe*. Knowing that it'i's isnot fora time onely^tjajat we m^ft bee pficTerued and comforted by the word of God,but for euer and euer# This might feeme for vs to be very c>bfcurejWere it not de- .clared vnto vs more at large* See now tben^^^ at Dauid his j^pfeaF^illg is Jf a man be as it wcrec^ftdowii^^'^otltafting of the piromifes ofGod,and when it fl>all be Uideibdforehini, that although God afflid his.andby that meknftthe. px)wet of the woorde of Godturnethinto aH euill to htmwardv VVhatistheto bedone?Let vs markefwel that which Dajiid :here fpeaketJA^ that he wil pcuer^fot'g'^t the comandements of God , t>icaufe hehathbln quickened by them , As if he fliould haue faid, when as thou haft once pieferuedmeby nieane of thy wo.rd,that thou haft giue vntpit this power& property thar I being as one dead. & out of the world,haue bin thcrby fully reftored to helth, the haft thou taught me .what I ought to doq all the dales of my life : that is, I muft qacditat*: T*he 11. Sermonof(i%'f.IoX^L meditate vpon thy worde , I mull exercife my felfe therein, and I muft continually liudy tothinkevppontheteftimo- nies, which thou o£ thy fatherly loue haft beftowed vppon me;to theende I might hold mee contented , and beefurc that thou wilt ncuerforfake me.The vfcjO Lord, then that I feele by thy worde,hath caufed mee to applie the fame to my profite all the dayes of my life ; to the cnde I might bee able to refifte whatlbeucr Satan fhall craftely goe about to worke againft mee , and too perfeuer in thy feare and loue, whenfoeuer the wicked and vngodly (hall make warrea- gainft me. Thou then, O Lorde, hafte (hewed mee that thy worde ought alwayes to be before mee . For that neuerlo- ieth his power and ftregth; neither is it a thing that is con- fiimed and worne by much wearing . A man may foone tnakc-an ende of a loafe in eating it : but when hee hath fo done, he muftlooke for more bread* And in continuall drinking of wyne,the hoggeshead wil be empty: butwhcn as the woordc of God hath ferued to quicken vs , it ftill re- maineth found and whole, without diminifhing^sny \vhit sat al.So then, let vslearne after the example of Dauid , too makccftimation of the vertue and power which God hath giuen to his worde, and neucr forget it. Nowe hee addeth byaiKlbyafter, i. I fttHthine^fAHe me :for Ihaue fou^tthy commandements. r- : fht VKgodljf Imyde way te for me to de^royt meJtM IwiUcoKm ■ffderthyt^iniibmes. After that Dauid had m^ fuch proteftation,hee com- mitteth him felfe to G O D , euen declaring that hee hath fought his commaundementcs . And fo hee fpcaketh not onlyof the time paft,but remaineth alwaies coftant in this purpofe.Now we hauehereto cofider of three points:the one isjthe requeft which Dauid maketh toGod^Oy^^^rzw^: The fecond is,the reafon why he defireth God to faue him, '^tcmfe faith \\t^I(tm thine. And afterward he (lieweth how lie is godSythar \s, for //aieth he, haue fought thy commande- *iM*?fi;; Arid thus We fee in the firft place, how God offereth Jiirti'i^k^ Vi¥^ v6 5 apd t-hat hee defireth nothing els but to V.'>::^vyjiii holdc ypon the CxixfPfalme. lo j holde vs in his protedion,to hauecare of our faluatioDjyca fo that we come vnto him after the example of Dauid. And I befeeche you, what priuiledge is this,that we haue fuch libertie to come vnto God,and to commit our felucs rnto his handes ? whether we wake, or fleepc, whether wee labour either in the towncjor in thefieldcs , that God is as it were a watchman ouer vs , to keepe vs ? Yea, and that he hath not care ouer our foules, to keepe them from the am- bullies of Satan , but alfo that his fatherly prouidcnce and loue extcndeth it felfc euen to our bodiesf When God the, I fa/jgi ueth vs the libertie , that we may make fuch rcqucft vnto him, 1 pray you tell me,is notthis anineftimablcpri- uiledge <' But we neuer a whit thinke of this: as may well be feene by our flackeneffe and wearineflfe in prayer to God ac this daye. And yet for all that, it is not without caufe that* Dauid fetteth downe here this rcqueft:but to the end that we Ihould knowe,that in praying to God, he will graunt vs the grace to commed our felues wholy vnto him, no more alfo Ihould wee haue too too great a care ouer our life • for we being aflurcd of his loue,(houlQ bee contented with all the reft whatfoeucr. And thus much for the firft point. Now for the fecond we are rightly to con iider,that if we ^111 haue God to be our warranr,andto be vnder his pro- teclion,we muft nccdes be hisjand may fay truly , as Dauid here doth. It is very true that God keepeth his creatures , who arc not worthy thereof, as hee alfo caufeth the Sunne to fliinc as well vppon the good as on the bad, and that it is of his ^ownegoodnefle 2nd mercie that the wicked doe Hue : but yet to their vtter deftrudion. And when it is here faidj^o be kmhyGo(\:\r.\s{wQ)ci a keeping and preferuation , as that the ilTue thereof is both good and healthfull. And this is not done fane onely to fuch as are truely thepoffefsion and inheritance ofGod,and his true houflioldcferuantes and childrcn.Will we haue God then to rcceiue vs into his pro- te£tion,and to be our protedor ? Wil wc haue him to take care and charge both of our foulcs and bodies ? Let vs firft T^he 11. Sermonof (^^Af. loX^l' be'his. And howi fl^all w^e be his? Forfooth, vvc mufl come to the third point;to wit,to feekehis teftimonies. Loe then hou' God will take vs for his poflcfsion : for hee euen then alloweth vs for his children , when as wee put our whole truft in him/eingthat he hath fo familiarly called and bid- den vs,and hath certified vs by hiswordjthathewill neuer forfake vs. If then we (o feeke theteftimonies of God , and fticke vnto them with a furc faith, letvs neuer doubt but that he wil allowc vs for his houfliold meiny and children. And then we may well fay with Dauid/aue me O Lord See I fay,in what maner we ought to come vnto Godjif we will be (iire to haue him to proted vs. Now Dauid addeth, The VKgodlj hatie Uid way te for mt , to de^rojf me: hut I ml cenfider thy teflimonies. Whereby he doth vs to wit , that although God is fted- faftly purpofed to be the protedor of the faithfull,yet that they are not without a great number of griefcs and trou- bles/ubied to many forrowes : and bee marueloufly , en- trapped and thereby thinke,that they can not chofc but to fall into the fnares of the vngodly . And befides,the fubtel- ties of Satan are great .■ and againe , all the vngodly which feme Satan , and are lead by his fpirite , ceafc not to inuenc fubtelties and deceiptes,to entrappe the childrc of God,by lying in wayte for them.Dauid his meaning then hercjis to declare vnto vs,that although God prefer ueth vs , it is not therefore to be faid,tliat we are without moleftations, and temptations. But what ? So it is that the woorde of God ought to fliffife vs,as he faieth, / will cenfider thy tejimontef^ As if he (liould haue faide. O Lorde , I haue made thi^ my buckler and fortrcfie , which is, that thou haft promifcd to be my fauiour : and hereupon haue not forced for all the treafonSjthat all the vngodly can confpire againft mce. It is very true that they haue layde a platforme ro betray me, yea 5 and it fecmeth that I am already within their clawes and tceth^readyto be deuoured -but thy teftimonies, O Lorde^haue fo ftrengther.ed mc^as that I h.iue net faintcd- Lervs Icarne ihen to""fight in this fort againft all the fubteJ- tie« of ypon the Qxix. Tfalme. i o^ tiesof Satan, and malices of men j and notwiihllanding that tlicy lliall goe about to dclkoye vs,y et let vs faften our tycs vpon the worde of God, attende vpon it, and therein perfeuer vnto the end. Novre for coclufion Dauid addeth, / hauefeene an ende cfallperfe^ion : but thj commaunde' went IS excee^Ang hroadc^or Lr^e. The vi'ord then which Dauid v(eth,fignifieth {bmetimes pcrfedion , and fometimes accompliflimentibicaufe that the things which are come to aperfedion,haueanende. Now he faith in fumme^that when he hath throughly con- fidered of all things, that there is nothing in ihisworldc which hath not an end,and that is not confumed by conti- nuance.but that the word of God is plentiful: that is, it ex- tende:hitfelfevntoallthe creatures of God jandouer all whatfoeuer wee are able to fee. See here a fentence very like vnto that which we haue fcene in the firft verfe.Daiiid then by riiis condufion confirmeth the faying which before hc« held . to wir, that the word of Godis euerUfting . A Ithough that we here fee maruelous alteratios, that we fe the world toiled with fo tempcftuous whirlewindes , as that there is iiother end nor meafurc of the yet (hal we haue in the mfdft ofal the fe troubles an euerlalling aboade inthewordcof God, which will affure vs of all together. Let vs not then meafure our faluation by the prefent e- ftate of the worldjand as it (eemeth now in our eycs,wher- by we may well perceiue and difcerne the fame ♦ And why fo?B:caufe that all things here belowe haue an ende, as wee hau.: faid,that heauen and earth fhall periili; but God hath giuen to vs his truth , which is of fuch an euerlaftingneffe, asthatit furpafiethbcth heauen and earth. It behoueth vsthentobeeliftedvpand rapt with this.eternitieof the kingdome ofGod/o often as his word fliall befpoken vn- to vSjwhertin oorfilleth all our faluation. And according to this holy doflrine let vs proftratc our felues before the maieflie of our good God^with acknow- ledging our innumerable offences, by which wee ccafe not daily toprouoke his heauy wrath & indignation againft vs: Bcfecching. TThe ti.Sermonof z^f.foX'aL Befeeching him that i c would pleafe him to caii(e vs to fcele our wretchedncfle more then heretofore wee haue done, to the endc ure might be di^pleafed with our finnes, & feeke for remcdie,wherc it is fliewed vs :to wii,that feing there is nothing els in vs and in all creatures, but vanitie, that we befeeche the fame good God to confirme vsin his promifles : that all our ftudie be wholy there : knowing that all our life refteth in them , to the ende wee fearche no other where but there where hee hath promifcd wee fliall finde ic,that is,in his worde. That it would pleafe him fo to make vs taftc and fauoure the power and ftrength thereof, as that we may be wholy giuen to feruehim, and thatre- ceiuing vs into his holy protcdion and conduft. he wil not impute vnto vs fo many vices and impcrfedions as are in vs: but that he will (upportethcm through his goodneffe, vntil fuch time as he harh defpoyled vs of al together. And that it would pleafe him alfo, too vfc the like grace and fa- uoure towardes all people and nations of the earth.&c. ^be thirteenth Sermon ypon the hun^ drcth and ninctcene Pfaimc. MEM. Lord what loue haue I vnto thy lawe ? al the day long is my ftudy in it. Thou through thy commaundcments haft made mc wifer tljcn mine enemies : for they are cuer with mce. 1 haue had more vndcrftanding then al my tcachcri; for thy teftimonies arc my If udic* I vnderftode more then the aged: bicaufe I kecpethy commaundemcnts, I haue ypon the (^xiK.Tf^Jme. \ 05 I banc refrained my feete from eucry euill way : that I might keepe thy worde, I haae not dcchned from thy indgcmentes : for thou diddeft teach me. How (weete are thy woocdcs vnto my throat ; ycai fweetcr tlien hony vnto my mouth, 'Through thy commandementes I get vnderflan- ding : therefore I hate all the wayes of falfehood. Efliall/ec in this behalf a great many which will not fticke to bragge,and fay, that they haue greatly profited in the woorde of God; but yet if we looke in- to their Hues, wee (liall fee and finde that they haue profited as much , as if they had neuer rcad,nor heard , one worde of the holy fcripture . Moreouerj, all the goodly and gay proteftations which they (hal make, tende to none other end but to get them fel ues eftimation and credit; there is noone other thing in them^but a foolifli and vaine glorious fhcwe , that is , they dcfire to bee com- mended and prayfed , as though they were the mofl able and worthy people of all others. Nowe when we will faye that we haue profited in the fchoole of God , firfl of all we ought to (hewe by our life and conuerfation whether it bee fo or no « For this is the true telHmonie wiiereunto wee mu fl holde vs . God teacheth vs not to the ende we fliould do nothing els but prattle and babble : but he ^inftrutoh vs in what maner u»e ought to Hue . Hee then which (hall Icade a diffolute and wanton lifejdeclareth niariifef^ly,thac he neuer knew either God or his truthe , Morepuer , th^ fneaningisnotthatwe fliould (et foorth out fellies , to beq had in euimation of men , or to get vs reputation and icre- O dit;buc The 1 J, Sermon o/qSM^. Io. CaL walfce ippon the Qxix.TJalme. i o 6 walke accoiding to his will. A great deale the rather cughc we then throughly to confultrot the order that is here lec iiowne in the fir It verfeihe faithjO Lon),r,>/sat Icne h.we I vn. tc thy Urve.-al! the day long is myflndj in tt. Tlic faying w hich Dauid here vfcthjfignifieihy^v^c^ a-Mmtdnathn ♦ And the verbs whereof It commeih^ fignifiethj tc/pe.ikf , todsuife^to tu!ke»or rather to applte his mindc to my thtKg , to he therein ex.. €rct(ed^atidfiudted,^o\v there is no doubt, but that Dauid fpake here of a matter which is conioyned witji meditati5. For(as before wc hauc (aid) it is not meant by them which make fbme certaine fhew at their tongues ende , and yet to haue nothing to be found in their life and ccnuerfation of the thing whereof they babble ♦ Hee then was exercifcd in the word of God,and that not onely for his o wne particu- lar vfe, butto thende alfo toinftruft his neighbpurs,and to communicate to them the matter which he had heard and learncd.Now we fee the fumme.and cffe(3: of this firft ve rfe« He protelleth that he harh loued the word of God, & that not after a common manner,but with a vehement zeale,ia flich fort as that it hath beene his whole purpofe and drift; as when we haue liking of any one thing, we cannot holde from talking thereof,S<: continually to be thinking of it. As ve Qiall lee a miferable couetous man , neuer but hunting after his weaich;<3ccupied about his lands.poifefsionSjmar- chandife,& cattle.- & mifft make prouifiofor this and that. In like fort alfo is it wuh die whoremonger , and the glut- tomand accordingly as euery mansdefire leadeth him » (b muft the toiigue rpeake,& euery one apply him (elf wholy to that.Se wherefore Dauid addeth,thac he was continually exerdledmths ntfr<^<7,^(jo<^;mcaningthcreby tofliewj howe greatly he hath lotted it,as he hath in deede faid.And nowc we fee what thexample is which is here fet down before vs: for Dauid fpeakerh not this for himfelfjbut telleih vs what \ve ought to be, if we will haue God toinftruft vs^and too haue him to make vs partakers of histruth,wherein confi- fteth our whole felicitic and welfare : forif wee waxcolde, & make no accept of the word of God,we are not worthy ijiavhe lliould giue vs the lead tafte thereof. And for this O a caufe, The 13. Sermon of^f. lo, CaL caufe/A'e mufl: not marueile much, tTiough fo fraall a num- berat this daye haue profited in the fcripture. Although cuery man defirelh to bs praifed and efteemed amongeit men to bee very able and fuflficient , yet for all that wee fee whatignoraunceis in the greater number . And therefore it is good reafon that God lliould fliut the gate vpon vs , fo that we might not haue fo much as the leail entraunce iii' to his woorde» And why fo ? For where is the loue and de- fire that Dauid here maketh mention of? Nowe when wc lliall know fuch a vice to be within vs, we ought by and by to feeke to amende it , and befeeche God to put this cold- neffcfrom out ofourheartes, and that it would pleafe him to enflame vs in fuch fort 3 as that wee might learne to pre- ferre his worde before all ourfleflily defires : that we be no more fo much giuen to all thefe vayne follies of the worlds- but that we may looke vnto the principal thing.Let vs now:.- come to that which followeth. He fayeth, ; ThoHthroHgh thy cemmaHndementeshaflmade meewifer' thenntwegnemtei^tedchers^andaumientes.. He fetteth down here three fortes of people,with whom < he compareth him felfe,and faith ^that God hath beftowcd this grace vpon him to furpaffe them all . Now here Dauid; (heweth vnto vS, what profit fhallredounde vnto vs , wher^, as we(hal readethc word of Godafterbisexamplejto wir^, that we (hall get thereby fuch wifedome as fhall defende vs , from our enemies to be better learned then our teachers, and thofe which otherwife lliould haue byn in ftead of our inftruftours.To be (liort,that all the men of the world flial not haue that which wee fliall finde there, and that all the wifedome which is in al thecreatures ofGod,dcferueth not- to bee egall and comparable too it , Loe here ineffedjthac which he meanetht N6w we ought alwaies to cal to minde that which we haue already touched. When as D2im6. here fetteth downe him felfe in the firft ranke , and fayeth , that hee hath furpafTed his enemiesjteachers , and thofe which were the mofte wyfe , and of greateft vndcrftanding , that • this is not too attribute anyc thing rntoohini felfc, and! ippon the Cxix.Tfahe. lo 7 and to hisownepcrfonc : but to the cnde that God might be glorified in him-and that wc might knovt^e what profic (hall redound vnto r$ by the word ot G od , when as we flial giue our fclues vnto it . Wc fee then that Dauid had no re- garde to him felf , but mcaneth rather to giue vs occafion to gloriheGod.And bcfides his purpofe is to fkirre vs vp to thcioucjas wc hauc already touched, which hee had to the word of God:knowing the fame to be fo profitable for vs. For what is the caufc that wee are fovery negligentjas in decdc wee arcjn giuing our felucs to the ftudy of the holy fcripture: that we thinke it to be euen labour and time loft ifweonelyfpendbutonehoureoftheday therein f What is the caufe of fuch contempt? Verely bicaufe we know not the profit that might come vnto vs thereby : for if we were thuspcrruadcd that all our wifedome is and confiftethin the worde of G O D, and that without it we arc like vnto miferable beaftes : fo that Satan hath caught and holdeth vs faft bound in his grinncs and fnares,and that we cannot «rre in all the whole courfe of our life if we know this : and againe,that it is fufficient that God hath taught vs , and Co haue thereby fuch a deare light , as that will neucr faile vs, that we be fcnccdagainft all the ambuflies o( Satan, and a- gainftallthevillanies and dccciptes of the world .'if then vc were thus throughly pcrfuaded that the worde of God >* ere fufficient againftalltliisj itismoft ccrrainc that wee fliould be a great deale more in loue fwithout all compatii- fon with the ftudie thereof 5 then now we arc, And therefore, let vs well recordc this leffon , which is here fetdowne vnto YS by Dauid : to wit, that in the firtt place,wee (hall be wyfcr then all our enemies , if that wee haue the woordc of God al wayes remayning with vs. Nowe when he (aycth, that h^ff vras made wyfer andhAd morevnderfiandingthinhis eftem'es t hcemeaneth that hee had fo excellet a knowledge , as that God would not fuffet him to fall into the ambuflies & priuie engines which the fngodly hadlaydc forhim, fuddehlytobec entrapped & O I caught The M.Sermonof QS\anitie» wliichc pafletb pofarther tiien theoutwardc derkwntcs ofdiewoildc: by tWs wee are (b much the nipre too be adnxHuThed^too ellccnae this heauenly knowledge which is cotayncd in the. holy Scripture, which we can neucr be able toattainc vnto* without it pleafc God toinftru(^ vs:: to jtbcejidcthatirvtho firftc pUce,none of vs i^l (houlde b^ proudc ©f our gooJ wittcs,ne yet of our other excellent ayde«i noc too be hau- tie in that wee haue gteatly profited at Schote, haue vndcr- ftoodall theliberal5:ienccs,and tOibcmcoofgreate cxpe- tience. When then a man (hall be the moiie perfe<5l in fci* cneejaodknowledgcjthatitispofiblytobeimagined , yet ought w« to Icarne to humble our fclues>aad to caft all our pride clcane vnder fotc that the worldly knowledge which God hath giucn vnto vs to ferue him, bee fubied vnto his wordc. Shall we finde a man that fiiall be mofte eloquent, moft cunning and moft excelling in eucry condition all o- thers? That man I fay, ought to doe homage vnto God for that which he hath receiued fro him knowing that no worldly fcience or knowledge ought to fliadowe or darken him who farre furpaflcth the fame , becaufe the Heauens are farrcaboue the earth. In very deede both two proceed from the mecre goodneife of God.ButtojJu$ point muft - rFJoe I :^. Sermon of<^5K^. Lo. CaL ii be broiightjThat whatfoeuer hebe that fliall attayne to the true and heauenly light,muft fay,I am nothing O Lord; For all that,which.thpn haft giuen mc conirtieth alfo from iliee, receiuethofl then the fame ^s the moft (peciall thinge abouethe rert,A'nd fincc thou hafte (hewed meethat grace and fauoiir to be inftruded by thy worde, worke fo in mee I befeech thee, that all the reft yeelde'fuch honor and ho- mage as appcrtaineth CO this wonderful knowledge which I haue learned in thy fchoole. ; Sec then, what it- is that D'autd mcapletli to leatfie vs by hisexample. Andbefidesjwhen hefayth;7^/&^f /j^wi^fcowtf rpifer the,n hts mncienfs : It is to (hewc vs, that wee ought too feaue fach accrtaintie of our fayth^ as that U'hen there (hall bcc layde before vs what foeuer (ball fe allcadged of this worlde^j,that it be rayde,Aria what I befeecH you? mu(k not thcauHcicntrtienbfeewi(e? fhcy lyued thus in the oldd tiuac^rXhere are a great number of perfohs^ And wee fee a great many to be of the contrary opinion to this. If then fiiey (hallalleadgeVntb vs m^n for their age^ for their long CYjieriencejind alii their ftudy , and whatfoeuer elfe that *»aybecfayde: Whajtof alithis? All that can beefayd, is nctfhing in refpedof this word of God .So then, wee fee fco-wc Dauidafteihe hath taught vs the way vntohumili* tic, to the end we (liould prefent before G od all the know- ledge that is in vs, he (hewethagaine that the word of God ought to be of that authoritfe with vs , as that wee (houlde notfearetoowalke the way which hee hath taught vs, al- though we fee all the reft of the world to go cleane cotrary. Whe as we dial heare that thatmay be faid,And what I pray you? Is it po(fible that they which arehelde and accounted to be fo wi(e, (hould erre like poore and miferable beaftes? yea, and that the fame hath continued fo many yecres? wil any man fay, thatithathnoreafoh for it in all the whole woi Ide.^ Is it pofllble that this may be fo? we ought not to trouble our felucs for all thefe fpecches.And why fo ? I an- fwerchath god fpoken the wordfThenjIfay , let mans rea- foPf^-witftay there, let it huhible & make it felfciioihing 3dK xO wcrch VpontheCxixi^falme. '\ixo worth, and kt vs confefTe with Dauid, that ther^ is one. onely word of God,which ought to beare rule oqer all,& that this woorde hath fuch^aii excellent wifedorii in it fclfe, as that it fliall cohfmn/c ail the. kc^pwdedge and wifedomfc " whatfoeuer, that men thinke they haue .; J5 from the obedi- ence of God^ and the ccrtsjpjic^wljic^-^h&y haue. i;i his WQord- fp-^alloifS^ ys learne, th%?.th^^i^^icn;OVighi: not ■toobee^opinatiue againll ^ojij v,nderjtf^i? (h^dojve, thac .they^haue-reenemuch ; that they haue fcaie many thinges euen befhp.we'^ .\y;iU;gp beyon4Go!d«Buc^n[;k^0a|^ P^vii A^ew^ph^^ v^., that when ^s weifcal) be ypupg-.a^iic'e Jiajch befpfc tr^^ ted, that although w,e haue hot boylyigafifeSiphsj & thap our witfes-are troubled wjith many l^ard ;]iatt€rs, , that we? . be without all confid?rait;ipn:yet if \v^-b|eiru]e4 te^^ wpr^ . Gpdjiip ^out it wijf^al^^ vs pe^e^blei}: ,qu:^5^.c^ufe ovp .life to be rightly gpu^rfie^. An^ j;^^? .much fp whE(yp!.\i^?j! 'fort. As tQuching xh^ ageder^it isfoiifljtari^ogaricy in the, tp build-vpon that which they hau^ feengjand pa^ed througjb their handsrbut let theni know that true wifdpmp which is, to be ordered by Qodjjs common to all :; &that thef ^fcre they ought tq apply and giue them fclues thcrtoiu^ll;agef« And for this caufe it is that S« lohn itvhist^nouica^ %iftl*?, , /^ f -^, after that hee hath made a generaU exhortation vmpo ajl * ^ '***f men, fayeth Ifpeake vnto yon fathers ^p^he eudeyou fljonlde '^^*^^ haue regard vn to him rvho is the Father ofallthe veorld^ ijfe^ks ttntojoHjang mjsn^oths endjou^ouUcAlvt^on^fit.jitArief^ ' ' fatbof- The 1 1^. Sermon ofz5\£. lo. CaL father . Andy oh oUe wcfjy Ifendej/oH Agtiine vnf him whick it from the begm^ir.g^ To beftiortc , Dauid fhcwcth vnto vs by this place, thac the faithfull haiie wherein tooreioyce, when as they arc taughtinthcwordeof God: that they haue whereon too ftay and afllirc them felucs, knowing that they fliall neuer want any thing: that they ought not to be drawcn neither this way nor that wiay , bccaufe they follow him of whome Chcy hcldc the do<5h'rhe, So then, they bccing fettled heere- ▼pon, may be able too make their parte good without any great a doc : and wlien they fliall fee cuery man goc aboute towithdrawc them, let them pray vnto God that hcc will giue them the grace to holde them felucs fimply vnto him. Loc hecre Dauid his meaning* Nonvc hec addeth foonc <- i hauerefrapttd ttf)i feet'tfim efteryemlw^ i ihfLlJfnight ^'>^ keepethywoorde, '■> ^•' Hecrc'Dauidteachcth vsy that they w4iich are defirous ItyierueGod and^td ftick to his wordc , are neuer without afflidfons* But what is then to be dodnc? We mnft be of a good courage to withftandall the temptations which Sa- tan can any way affaylc vs with^to withdraw & turne vs fro that which is good» Ihattt fay th he refrayned my feetefrom fHerycuill way. And had Dauid neede of this? hec that ^as an holy Prophet, yea.and fuch a one as wee k^ the ho- ly Scripture too haue reigned in,euen from hisyouth : Hcc thenhauing receiued fo excellent gratis of God^ beeing a mirror ofailperfeftion, was it needefuU that hcc fliouldc leepe him fdfe fro euery euill way? It fliould feeme that he was alredy vtterly paft going any ctiil way: Yea, butbecaufc he wasa mortall manjhewas not for all that without bee- ping incompaffed with many vices and cuiUluftes againAe i4,'«^?,\,i f^hiehhewastofight.AndindeedCjWe fee how God fuf- ,^ _, V - ^r^ Dauid to fall brice fb greeuonfly j as that his fall ought tb be ^ horrouf vrit?o vs all* • "ivloreouer, let vs well confidcr, that if it was needefuU ^^]E>Suid tec fightagviinft the temptations which might with- ypon the Qxix. Tfalme. 1 1 1 withdrawc him from the right wavjand-that hee was with' much to doe,turned away from euill vvayes to fcrue God : cuery of vs verily ought a great deale more too enforce our felues: For we are nothing fo forwards as he was.Forifhec hath gone on an hundreth paces , wee haue hardly gone on that way three or foure.So much the more then ought we rightly to pradife this do(5krine,whcn it is faide, that vi^e ought to rcfraine our feete from euery euill way. And too doe thisj let vs a little beholde howenauirallywee are in* -lynedto wickedneffe»Weneederieucr oncctoo remoue ourarmcSjlcggcSjheadjnor any thing elfe within vs to doe wickedly: For wearealtogither giuen^therto, And befides, weareasitwerevpontheyfc.Iprayyou tcllmee, when a ma i% not able to hold himfelf vp, that he (bal haue neither feete,norlcgges,but that all fliall tremble and be afraydc, and (liall be (et vpon theyfe,and in a fteepcplaeeyhowe is it pofTible for that man to hold him (elf vp? In like forte is it with vs : for firft & formort thei'e is nothirig'in vs biit debi- litie and weakencs: & befideSjwhat is our liffe in tbis'world? Haue we any firme or certaine pkce to hc^<3ebr 'ffay vs in ? WearealwayesvpontheyfejConftdering the temptations which affaylevs on euery fide; And Dauid alfo vfeth this limilitude in another placet and yet this is not all, that wee are vpon the Yfe: but the place is alfo ftecpetoo bring vs downewarde^The irore therefore haue we necde too pray vnto God, that he will ftrengthen vs , to theende wee bee notouercomeof the euill : For otherwife, wee (liall neuec come to that cndc and perfedion , eonfiantly too atbide by hisworde. • Nowe when Dauid fayth that f/>i^/?^f# Umftlfefrome^ »5r7f?^f//n'47jHeemeaneth not that hee was fo throughly preferued from all, but that he might be amended. For as we haue already faide, hee fell fo horribly , as that the very ifhought thereof ihould make the hay res of our heade too ftand vpright. He meaneth not that his life was To perfcd^, as that he was able to fay ,that hee fay led not in fomc one poince^and that he had wholely fulfilled the lav^ of God. That l^hc 1 3 . Sermon of <^^. lo, CaL Thatis not the intent oi Dauid . What is then his pur- pofef he iTieanerh {imply , that for the holding of himfelfe in the obedience of God,and keeping of his woord, it was neediful for him too refille a number of temptations : too {land vpon his guarde^and to be watchful! , or cife that hee fliould be tliiowne downe hedlong an hundred thoufande ^m£5;.A»d hereby head moniflKthvs, that if we wiUoilov the way pffaluatioq,and take good heede that wee be not turned therefrojthat there is noquelHon of bending , nor ofleadingvsheere and there, but that wee muft remaine conftant in the vocation of God,whe we are once brought intoit by him .It fotloweth anon after: - . ; Jhauenotdech>jedfromthjfmdgfme»teS'.forth<>»hafi€ y^ yMughtmee, • :i ;Lo in fumme what Dauid heere faythjthat becaufe God fcathinftruyhy S, P^tet writing too all the faithful in generall, telleth them,that they {hould doe very well to be atrentiue and to „ _ . , - take hede to the word of Godjas to a light fliining in darkc *!^(?!^*^^' |>^ces.By this S,Peter declarcth vnto vs,that it i% not with- out y^ontbe£xix,T^falme. \\^ out caiife that Dauid hath vTed this fimih'tudc cf a Lan- terne. And why for For he fayth.that wc being in the world are as me in the darke :& to prone ic robe fo,] befeechyou what wifdom is in any of vs.^Alrhough that euery of vs efte- meth of him fdf inough,& a great deale more the needcth, yet for all that when as wee lliall be throughly knowne,we (hallfindeallourvnderftandingtoobe fullof vanitie and follie, and although we think our feluesto haue a goodly light,yetare we in a deepc dungeon of darkenefie ♦ And befidcSjletYsfcekeall themcanes poffibletoo guide and gouerne vs well heere in this worlde, yet fliall it be alwayes but darkenelle. Let vs then vnderftandjthat it cannot be cbofen but that wc muft be as ftrayed wilde bcalks without the woorde of God^and that without it there is neither way norftay for vs. And although wee thinke our feluesto be wifeinough, yetftiallwecbealtogither abuf^d : and when as wee (hall thinke vs to be fully refolued, yet fliall all our cafe & eftatc be but fmoke.When then we fnall knowe this too be true, we may very well fay with Dauid , that the woorde of God is in fteadeof a Laiiterne vnto vs.For what is the caufe that we will notbeordered& ruled by God,but either by reafon- of our pryde, or elfe becaufe we know not our own want?' Some of vs are hindered through a vaine foolin*>c opinion which we haue ofourfelues, that wee are fufficiently lear- ned too iudge of that which is good and profitable . Loe heere is the very caufe why wee will not giue place vnto the wordeofGod. There are other fomeof vs ; that although tvefe truftd' not fo much vnto our owne wifdome , yet knowe wee not what a mifery it is to be heere ,as it were in a place of eon- fiifion^and that there is no f1:ay of all the whole ccurfe of our life. And heerevppon wee contemne the woorde of God, and make no accounte of it. So then, wee muft come too this humilitie that beeing wholly throwne ddwneas touching the prefumption of our wittcSjWe mufl ftifFer our fellies too be taught of God. P,2. And The \^. Sermonof <:fM^Jo\QL And befids that wc might alfo know-, that our ftate & con- dition is too too mirerabkjvntil fuch time as we are hghte- ncd with this laiitern^Now thenjlikea^ Dauid Ilieweth vnr^ to vs by his example,that we ought not to haue any other guide.nor ftay,but that which proceedeth fro the word of God:Euen fo alfo iheweth hee vnto vs, that if fo be we bee teachable of God & accept him as our fchohr)aifter,& fub- mit our felues to himjthat wc fliall finde light inough in his word.thatwe nede not to feare to be confouded as though we knew not which way to turne vs, For God will giue vs fufficient h'ght in his word,to leid vs to faluation. And this is fuch a comfort as cannot be fufficietly inough exprefl'ed: Forasitisdeclarcdjthatwearemiferable blind fouies,and thatwhilitwewalkeinthisworldjwearebut in darkenes, fee how God puttcth a remedy into our hands: that is^thac we Qiould he^re him fpeake,and that we fliould learne to be ordered by his WQrd:§c that thenjalthough this fame world be 4 maz.e,akh©ugh we haue many troubles in our life, al- though the dettil neuer ceafeth craftely to inuent many de- ceits to turn vs from the right wayjyet we Oialbe aflured to go ftraight,& to attain vrtto faluatio. And by this wee may fee how Satan hath pofftfled the papifts, when as they fay, that the word of God is fo darke^ that wee are neuer able once to bite atit: and that we ought not to fhy our felues thereoDibccaufe it is fo vnccrtaine a.tjiing; ^ befids that it isalfoa nofeof wax, which aman may turne what way he liftcth.Theyfliamenottofpueout fuch horrible blafphe- inies. But contrariwifc. let vs truft vnto the fpirit of God, fpfakingby the mduth of D>iuid: to wit,that if we be ligh- tcncdby the word of God.wc neede not to feare falling.' & that there is no rule fo certain.For although the deuil went about with a thoufand deceits to turne vs this way and that by crooked bypathes : yet muft wc be fully afliired that the word of God is a lantern vnto our fcete,to lead vs the right way.Neuertheles Dauid flieweth vnto vsjhowe we fiioulde feclc fuch a comoditie comming vnto vs by the lavr of god: to wir,when as vc QiaJl receiue it withli^rty affedjon "For k faith, ikwi *tfpon the Cxix.Tfalme. i ? 5 ihdHeprorne4Hti willperfernfeft'. that Iwillksffpe thjri^k*. teoMs indgements. Nove hccre hce flieweth .that if there bee a wauering minded fpirit, which readcth the Scripture for curiofiticy fakcjihefamcmuftnecdes rcmaine and continue alwaycs' bhnde and ignoraunt: as wc (hall fee many of them whicfi doc nothing clfe but turnc oucrthelcaues ,' and wander ia fuch fortc^s that there is neither firmeneiTe nor yet found* neflc in any of them. And what is the caufe thereof ? FoC (both itisjbecaufecheyfceke not God with a right & car- neft affcftion Jf we then will haue the commodiric , which Dauid heere fpeaketh of,we muft come back againc to the woord of God'i and apply all our ftudy fo couragioufly , as that wee defirc nothing clfe but too bee inftruSed in this truethjand to fubmit our (clues wholly vnto it. And yeC Dauid was not contented to fay that this was his onely de- termination : But fayth, that hee had fwor ne and was fted- faftly purpofcd to obferue if.Forthc word which he vfeth, fignifieth jthat I will eftablifh it: to wit, I will wholly giuo my felf vnto ittfor I am fo refolute in this matter , as that I will ncuer be turned away from it.Wherby he (hewethjthaC' there is no queftion, but that we haue certaine fmall moti- ons, which flip vs, but wee muft haue fuch a feruent zeale, as poflefleth our whole minde: and after we muft with this zeale be conrtant,beca«fe then we flialbe able rightly to fee thofe men which fo trimly and fairely puf and blowe at vs* But what? This is but a falfe fire as we fay.Nowe if wee bee truely affcded to feruc God, the fame our affedion mufte be firme and fure.that we may vnfaignedly (ay with Dauid, ' that we haue fworne, and are fully purpofcd too ftand and abide by this matter. In vsry decde heere may fome quefti- \ on arifc: For ic (liould feme that Dauid hath too too much - prefumed of him fclf, to fweare that he wil keepe the tcfti- monies of God.For we are not able to pro mile anything, which is not in our power and ftrength.If a man dial thruft in himfelf to promifethac which he hath not, he of right is to beaccufed of foilie:foreuery man wil fay,that it is great P.3. arrogancjf TJoe \\.Sermonof but they deiire of God to accomplilh that whiche they haae promifed him , And why doe they foe? Now let vs note, that heere he fpeaketh of the commaundementes of God, And we haue here already declared, that when Da- uid liameth the lawe,hee looketh not fimply too the Com* maundemcnts, but alfo to the promifes: and in tliefc pra* mifes it is [aide,that God will circumcife the heartes of his children: Hefayth,thathe wilfoliuelytouchthem,asthac he will bring them into his obedience. So then (as we haue already faid) the faithfuU binde not them felues to God to do any thing of their owne power & flrength,but they de- {irc .him to fulfil what foeuer is wanting in them, to fupply their weakene{Te,and to fend fuch remedy as hee knoweth beft to be mo^needefuU and expedient for them.^cethen withwhat confidence Dauid hath fworne too obferue the Teftimonyes of God: hee did it not,T fay, of any vaine pre- fiim|)tion,thathehadconceiuedofhis owne power and ftrength,ne yet that he was able to doe itjno, he attributed nothing to bis owne ftrength: But f^-eareth and doth it5by rea(6 of the promife of god^by which promife he dedareth that he wil byhis holy fpirit gouerne al thofc which are his» Loc whervpon Dauid flayed himfelfe.Now by & by follo- weth the fecond point: to wit, that Dauid hath fworne too obferuethe tcfiimonies,yeaeuen flaying himfclfvpon that vhich God hath promifed, that he wil vpholde vs through liis mercye , that although wee halre and that all the obc- oJicnce which we go about coyeeld vnto him be weake,and faulcis ');)pon the CxixSPfalme. i j (S faultie, bccaufe it is done but by halues , yet he not hditifrg rcfpeft to al our faults,mcaneth to make a rafteof the de fire which vvx (hall hauc to pleafe him : & in cffed^wil accept onr fcruiceasitis, difpenfingwithallthe faultes which fliallbc mingled amongft them. Which thing Dauid confidering, ' was able to fay that he would obrcrue the comandemcnrs ofGod.So then let vs note, that when the faithFuli bindc themreluestoobleiuethewordofGodjtheyniuftnottruft to them feluesj nc yet be pufFv^d vp with a foolifli opinion, that they haue the power to do it: but they muft fay, Acco- pliQi thou this, O Lorde, and then I will tollowe it : write thy lawe O Lorde, in mincihearte , and ibeft IhalM hailea defire to ferue thee; and befideSjLetthefaithful alwayesrt- membcr^that God wil nothandlcthent fharply ! yta & al» though they faile in a great number of pointcs, fo that they are not able to obferuc one only.point,iior iot pcrfe(ftly tyec wil he fpare them through his:free goodnes & metciiiWhc thc^ithful&iehildreof god flid haueijiowen thus mucly, and (hallTweare that they will otsferiic tliie- Coniandemeri^ of God : ye t let them.not ceafc for all thattoo flic Vnto the forgiuenes of their (innes,that they may fecle the fame too be a necertary remedy agreeable to the will ofGod, for the fulfilling of one parte of hiscopimanJdcnieQts, We f(fe«o\r then why Dauid hath fivorae to' kecpe thc-CommWaiidi^- ments of Godiand that he witneiisrchautige this pi#p6(c in his hart.Now he maketh two rcqueft^imtinediatl^^ after: whereoftheone is to be quickened attd reftoredvW herein he flieweth that which I hiauealredy touched iwhithi^^that hec was not led de wi^afooUil^preftiti-i^tbfrof*ii;9'di^n6 power &ilregth For hcuili«rh de(ife%.Q?odt^b'^>eftof6di confcfledi that he hobrhdiotas of himrtlfsfeutthi^f fe 'nftift needs liuc by the gfaeci&^gb3C>di'.esof God.Arid j^tDaiiitl tnakcth this confellioil TrtOreej^prclly, when' he addeth-thitf rcafon why hd vfeth' to make fuch rcc\\.Ki{iF/>r/amvifyfore af,Uied O Lord^iixk he.Sec thcli:Dauid wHo confeftiHg hfrfi fclf to be troubled j*rx^ is it weroX'tterly n>ade nJ^thingi>ei fccheth godf^flTCd t^ftotc liinn.Sh^l'wei^yth'at he truftcd to P.4. hisownc The x^.Sermonofc^MC.foXaL owne ftrength? or that hee attributed any thing whatfoe- uer vnto him felfe.'" w^e fe the cleanc contrary. So then,ac- cording to that which we haue already declared, let vs vn- derlland that he fware not vpon any vaine prefumptio: but becaufe he knewe that God would neuer fayle him . And this is the reafon why he toke vpon him this boldenes. And that is it which he addeth : According to thy word: that is,ac- cording to thy promifes.Now we ought throughly to con- sider all what foeuer that is heerc (axdyQittchen me O Lorde^ faith he. And thus much for the firft point .Wherin he (hew €th that he U'ueth not as of hini fclfjbut defiereth it of God> And afrerwardjhe addeth the reafonjfaying after this mzxi* nttJamverj^foreafiiBed. Whereby hee declarethvnto V5, that wc arc not able too releeue and maintaine our felues, when as our ftrengthfaylethvs, but that it is God which , muft put to his helping hand* And befides we may be allu- red that he will he]pcvs,and be ready toreftorevs, fo that we will deliceiiimjand call vpon him, & hauS' recourfc vn- to hi^goodneffcLoeheercamightie comforte foralL the faithful, when as they finde them feUies to bee (o without ilrer!gth,as that they feelc them felues too faintc , too be cleane caft dowhjand to fee nothing clfe in them felues but romi{e was not made tGO,himalon^,'this isno perfo^ naU Priuilcdge, as wccfay, appert^ng to oa^man only : "■""". -'"Tr . ■' "■" bk& vpon the Cxix. Tfalme. 117 But it is a gcnerall rule which we muft holde, that God wil raife vp againe from death thofe which are throwne down, and as it were made nothing j yea euen when as they doe call vpon ^, and acknowledge , that it commeth of his owne pure grace that they ought to be fo reftored^and not otherwiTe, No we here is yet another requeft which hee maketh, O Lord J befeechethee let thefreevfill ojfr'tnges ofmj momh tleafe thec\andteach me thy tftdgements. HereDauid dtfircth God to accept the praifcswhich> he fliall render vnto him.For the oblations whereof Dauid fpeaketh,are nothing els but prayfc and thankcfgiuing, by which Dauid acknowledgeth the benefites of God ♦ And yet for all that, he in very deede looketh vnto the common order of the lawe : For when a man hath becne cured of ^ difeafejor hath beenedeliuered from fome daungcr, orels th^t.God hath indued him with profperitie,hec commeth to come vnto our Lord Icfus Chrift,and giuetbakes vnto God by himjas jj , - - alfo the author to the Hebrewes exhorteth vs to do.For he ™ "^^ ''♦'.'^ namely declareth that vnto vs,that it is onelylefus Chrifle, ' which giueth vs acceffe vnto God his father jto confefTe his bountie towardes vs ; and otherwifc, wee (hall but profane ?5^ ~ W? The 14, Sermon ofr,ii6.ii.ii. ^^^'^^ Pfalme,What reward fhall I giuc vnto the Lord.for al ' * the benefites that he hath beftowcd vpon me?I will recciue the cup offaluation: and call vpon the name of the Lordc: as if he (liould haue (aid.that he knewe none other wayc to pleafe God butro giueihankes vnto himjwhen as hee had liberally beftowed all the benefites of the world vpon him, in fuch fort as that he felt himfelfe moft bounden vnto his goodntffe Eucn fo likewife will hee bee contented with vs, when as wcrender vnto him fuch thankes, Yeajbutinthe nicane while let vs confider that Dauid knewe,that if God had not freely accepted the praifes which hee yelded vnto hinijthat they had byn nothing worth,as wee haue already dcclaredjbut we haue of this here a fufficient and manifeft cofirmatio.Whatis the reafo why Dauid befought God to accept the praifes which he redred vnto him ? he did it not like an hypocrite4He cofefleth then^that whe hee prefented -him felf before. God,to magnifie his name, that hee might very well haue byn put by , & his mouth to haue byn ftop- pedAnd why fofbicaufc that we profane the name of God feing there can proceeds nothing but filth & ftench , from thole which are altogether corrupt, neither ca there be any one drop of goodnesinthe,And althoughGod hath put in to them any good vertues,yet they are fo cntermedled with vices jas that it is lamentable.Andtherfore Dauid knowing this to bcfojpraieth God that his praifes might pleafe him* Now if Dauid knew his vnworthinefle to be fuch, I befeech yoUjdarcth any of vs to fay, that we are of cur owne power ' • ^ca,pable5tQ magnifie the na!reofGod,&: to reder him fuch pthakes as to him appcrtaineth,without he of his meeie free rgoodiwii^lloweth the,notiniputinp,amed to be faint harted, when as it ilial pleafe God to cxercife vs onely but now and thenfEuen fo, although affl ftions oppreffc vs,yet muft we not cca(e too fight againft them , attending and crauing the htipeofGod.Aid thus much for this. And bcfides, when wee are thu s aflured,let vs feeke our comfort where it may bee founde,that is,in the woorde of God,and to be thus conftant neucr to forget the lawe of God ♦ Let vs the confider and obfcrue thfs dodrine . For it is no t without caufc that Dauid fayethjThat although my foulc bee in my handejyet haiie I not forgotten thy lawe . Hee llieweth vs hecrcby5that as wee are weakc/c we (houlde be foone (ha- ken^ and in tlie endc throwne downe,when as wee fhoulde fee our felucslaide wydeopentodcath* Wee then hauing this vnderftanding ought to ftand vpon our guarde,to th? cnde the diuell might ncuer beguile vs , vnder the coloure, that God had as it were forfaken vs ,and thatwefliouldbs as it were in the iliadowe of death . Moreoucr, we fee what doltillmefle (or rather beaftline(Te )this is amongft the Pa- piftes,to take this pi ace for proofe of freewill. Myfouleis in my hand • to w kj I am able of mine owne nature , and of my owne proper ftrength , to difcer ne baweene good and euill.and to do whatfoeuer I thinke bcfl: . If brute beaftet could rpeake jthey would fpeakcalittle wifelierthen thus. For to what purpofe fliould Dauid fay, although.O Lorde^ that my foule is in my hande , yet haue I not forgotten thy lawe ? He fliould altogether fpeake clcane againll nature^ But as we haue al ready declared , this is a kinde of fpeeche much vfed in the fcripture, to fay that the life of a man is in his handcjitis as it were in the winde,or I know not where, Let vs now come vnto the protefktion which he addeth. The vvgoAly haue laid afnarefor mt ; I^Htyet IfwArueAmt from thj commaHndemetrtes, T^hei^' Sermon of (i5\w'cth themthatall their felicitie confiftethiu his onely mercie, He faieth in the ende» / bans applied mine heart to fulfill thjflatutes. aliv^jes : euen vnto the ef.de ^, Nowe when he fayeth, that he enclined his heart to ob- ferue the commaundementes of God : he (heweth vs, what /eruice it is thatGod requireth tthat is a voluntary & wil- ling feruice . See here yet a point which ought well too bee confldcred off, too thecndc wee (houldenotthinkc that Thei^* Sermonof fcrute beartcs : Neuerthdes for my parte I will not goc one foote forwarde with them, but willgoe towards my God, And out of thfsfaying weareto gathera good inftrudion^ to wit that when we lee rounde aboute vs all people giuen ouer to wickcdnes.that it fecmeth the worlde hath confpi- red to make the maicflie <>f God nothing worth , that wee declare by our liucs and conuerfation , that wee hauc no Icnowledgeofeuerlaftinglife : when as then wee (hall fee fuch impietiesjk is cuen to thisend and purpofe too with- drawe vs quire and cleane from out God* It is very true, that thefe are very daungcrous offences and- temptations. But let vs al wayes be fure to abide ivrme, and ftedfaft,lct v$ continue conftant in this tructh which once we haue rccci- ued. See then what Dauid meaneth to exprefle in this fay- ing, fJHy God.lt is true that the faithf ull will often fay thus. But when there is any queftion to make thefe comparifons with contrary thinges, the fcripture vfcthnot this faying, Mjf god J fo that it is to declare vnto vs,that nothing ought to The 15. Sermon of zS\ I will meditate or ftudyjn thy Statutes, and therein take dcU^ht» In ikade that, before he hath&ydj Efiai->Ii/h me O Lord, or ^ay me in thj rvorde : Hcere hee fayth, Holde mee vp. Nowe this is no fimple and plaine prayer which heerc he malceth jbut hauing fpoken of the woordc of God , he fpeaketh of the power which hee (heweth to- wards his faithfulK It is very true, that when wee thinkc that wee haue not one foote of grounde too f^and vppon, that there is nothing but thefeavnder vs, and darkenefTe ouer vsj that we fliould be as it were in a bottomleffe pitte, and ouerwhelmed:yet we ought to ftay & fettle our felues on the worde of God. But when as our hope fliall be thus fjtercifedjand that we haue doone God this honor,to hold hm The I*}. Sermonof<^^f.IoXaL him for faythful, although we do not pcrceitie any fuccour to come from him : hee will addc a fecond grace , to wit, he will giuc vs his hand, to be releeued by his powre , and to be vpholden by him .and wil preferiic vs all the dayes of our life. Loeheererhe the meaning ofDauidjwhche defi- fcd God to ftay him in his woord,hc fay th , Holde me vp, yea by thy hand and power* So then,let vs learne to fiye vn- toGod, when as we would be in any good fafetie.For with out it, as I haue already faydejwee may very wel for a while affurcourfeluest and thinkc no euill can come vntovs : But when as we fliall be thus fooliflily perfuaded , too fay , , ^ peace and affurauncc, dcftrudion muft needes fuddainly tMTheJj.j.i. come vpon vs,and w&to be vtterly confounded. Butaftcr wc haue way ted and fee ne God too haue appeared in very deed,let vs learne tofeeke all our affuraunce in his woord , to walke in his comandements, to take our whole delight in them,and in them to beftowe all our ftudy. In fumme, Dauid in this place declarcth,That when as God (hali haue bellowed any bcncfites vpon vs j that wee haue prooued his mcrcicjand fatherly affcdion : It is to cofirm^ vs more and more in his word,to tye all our fenfes thcrto; to learne to forfake all vanities, which hinder and occupy our fpirits In thefe wildc afFedions wherewith wee arc carryed hither and thither .That wc then beeing retired from themmight be inflamed with fuch a zcale as Dauid was to meditate in thecommaundements of God, and in them too take out whole delight. Nowcitfolloweth, Thou hdfte troden dovpneatlthem that def arte fir cm th^ [ta- ttttesifor their deceit e is vaine. Heerc in this place Dauid confidercth of the fudge- men tes of God, which hec executeth vpon the wicked : howbeit we are notalwayes able to perceiuc them. For we cfhall oftentimes fee^as it were againft alLGods forbod, as wee fay) the wicked to beare audhoritie, and in fuch forte to tdumph,as that they think it cannot be poffibly amen- ded ypon the Qxi.K.Tfalme. 12 S ded, and fuppofe them felues to be the moft bkflcd pcopk? in the worlde. And then for the while we (lialHee all things goecleane againft the haire. But afcer that the Lords God (hall long time paciently haue abidden all thefe abu- fersofhismercifull lolling kindeneffe: it cannot bee cho- fenbut that at the laft hee muft vtterly deftroy them. And foletvsconfidernottoobe fo blockidi as too forget the iudgenients of God: but let them rather inftrufte vs after the example of Dauid , to walke in his f care and to loue his Commaundementes. Now he fayth. in the firft placer "thoMhafle trodcn the vngodly vnderfoote , and all them that depart e from thj j? and all right and equitic.ouerthrowne, fo that there is nothing but confufion throughout: that then we ought to pray vnto God the more earneflly, to the end It might be known that he doth his office.If this euer were nece{rary,itisatthisprercntmoftnece{rary.Forletvs cofi- der the eftate of the world I befeeche you , what hauocke is there made of the lawe of God? Arc wee not come to the very extremitie,to contemneall doflrine of faluation ? When God at this day fpeaketh vnto vs, what ears glue we vnto ypon the Qxix/Pfalme. \^6 we vnto him ? aiid how reuerently ? See heerejicc hath bc- flow^-edvpponvs a fingular grace at this dayc, when as his worde hath beenconce againe pubHQied . Let vs beholdc our vnthankefulnefTe ? Let vs lay all thcfe things together,, and we fliall fee that the maieftie of God his woorde is no more cfteemed then the very pyll ofanonion,as wcefayc* See I pray you too what a point wee are grownc and comes f uen vnto fuch an horrible and brutiftie impietie as is moft lamecable.Moreouer,let vs looke into the maner of our life and the order of gouernemcnt.-fhall we finde either iuftice, loy^lt;ie,reafon,or modeftie ? no: but deanc contrary, wee fliall fee the w hole ftate of our life, and order of gouernc- menCjfullof treafon,malice,cru€ltie,and violence :al full of blafphemieagainftGod: plentie of drunkennefle', glutto- rie , anddiiTolutenefle •• ftorc of lechcrie and all other vyl- lanies whatfoeuer : To be fliort,it leemeth that the whole world hath confpired toexceedc euen vnto the higheftide- gree ofwickednefle* When then ^^zkt thelaweo?Godt0 be thus oucrthrowne euery maner of wayc, ought not wee to gtue our mindes a great deale more then wee doe,to bc- feeche God to take order, & to prouide for the fame, Nov when we lliall haue fuch a zeale to pray vnto God , as wee lee that Dauid had,lct vs not doubt but that he wil remedy all the confufions which we fee to be at this day. And now he condudethjand fayeth, Therefore hue I thy commanAementes: abotitgolijea aboHt vtofi fine golde , Therefore I efleeme all thy commamdementsmojlitffi : and ail falfe n>aies Ivtterly ahhorre. See here what a notable pro tcftation he maketh, & luch one as we ought throughly to marke , For w he Dauid hath faid here before , that the wicked haue deftroied the lawcj yea,&fpeakingof no fmall numberofmen,butasofanin gencral/eeingalthe world to cxccede& to be corrupt -.hce addeth;for this caufe, O Lord,! haue loued thy comandc- tnents,aboue all gold,yca and abouc moft fine gold. I haue Ibued them inall & through al, & haue vtterly abhorred aJJ £alfewaycs. Nows: The \6* Sermon ofz^f. lo. Cal. Nowe I haue faide that this is an excellent proteftation, confidering the circumftances. For if Dauid had dwelt amongeft the godly faithful! oncSjwhich had (crued God, and walked ia his feare:then it might haue beene faidjthat it was an eafie matter for him to liaue conformed him felfe vnto them .For although we fee men alwayes enclined to e- uill,yet they are many times reduced and tramcd to good« iieflc through good examples. But I pray you in what time was it that Dauid lined ? Forlboth in fuch a time as that he was compafled with the defpifers of God , hee fee nothing butfoUowing of euill throughout the worlde, hee fee as it were a madde and diuelifli impietie , he fee euery thing full of iallinfedion : to bee fliort, there was neither iufticenor equiticjno fcare of God,nor yet any religion. And yet not- withftanding hefaithjthathe loued the word of God.and his comniaundements , and that hee made more accompt of them, then of all the moft precious things in the world* Lctvs thelearne to loucthc word of God, not only whe as wee fhaill be rtirrcd vp by thote which keepe vs company to ferue God all with one accordc: but alfo when we (hall bee amongeft perucrfe and frowarde people,ihat wee bee as it were in hell amiddeft all the dcuillt s, yet to perfeucr in this iaffe6i:ion,and not toleaue following of the wordeof God: that whatfoeuer offences wee ftiall (ec committed by men, that they withdrawe vs not from the loue which wee ought to bcare to the woordc of God. See then what wee muft keepe in mindc for the vnderftanding of this text* And after, we are too note for the laft vcrfe , that Dauid faying , that he loued the commaundcmentsof God, faith not that he did it by halfcs,as wee many times doe j but I, fayethhee j haiie loued thycommaundements aboue all thinges. As if he (hould hauefayd, I am not like vnto thofe, O Lord .which come to (erue thee by halfes : but in all and through all , I louc whatfoeuer that thou baft comraaun- tledi Andaft^rthismanerit is that we muft alfo do : for it li-'fiidt ifti's to deMde and make a partition of the worde of .^[^^^Tfei^h'^f^^idarrwe^nfiakeit, And thereforejlet vs bcff ypon tBe QxiK. T^falme. 1 5 7 wel aduifed to obey Godjin whatfoeucr he flial commaund vsjand to loue his commandementes from the firft too the laftrand not to do as a great many do,which wil be contc- ted to receiue the Gofpel/orfooth, fo farre Foorth as it mi feme their turneand plcafure them. Or els^if they paflTeo- uer this or that: and thinke themfehies to giue God grcate credit,when as they (hall giue him authoritie ouerthem hx fome one point: But if foone afterjthey (hall bee any thing grieuedjthcy wil neuerouerflipthat pointNeiiertheles wc are there admoniftied too the contrary ,that it is not for vs, as I haue already {aid to make a partition of that which god hath conioyned:biit wee muft yeeldc our obedience vntoo him euen to the ful.that although whatfoeuer he faieth or commaundcth vs to dojbe hard and (harpc too our nature, yet let vs take it in good parte with a gentle and mild mind: and fay with Dauid.O Lord I haue loued thy commaunde- ments which thou haft giuen mcjnot in onejtwOjHor three pointSjbut in al and through al. According to this holy do- drine,let vs humbly proftrate our felues before the Maiefty of our good god,in acknowledging our offeccs,be(eeching Jjim that it would plcafe him to make vs better to fecle our miferiesjto the end wc might be grieued witli them and to feekc for remedy at his hands :That in renouncing whatfo- euer that js in vs ,and whatfoeuer power and ftrengih wee thinke our felues to haue,lecvsbcfcech him CO fortifie ys, and fo to inlightenvs with his holy fpirite,as that wee may more and more draw nearc vnto him : And as hee hath al- ready begunne to inlighten vs^thatit would pleafchim too <:aufc vs to fee his brightnes better than we haue don hcre- tofore,vntil fuch tyrae as we flial come vnto his kingdome, where we (hal perfedly fee that which now we do but halfe know. And although this worlde be fo peruerfe & wicked, as that we might take occafion to withdraw vs fro the right way :notwithftanding let vs befcech him,that he wil alwaies vphold vs wirh a mighty and ftrong hadjto thend wee may ftand iledfaflly in that whervnto he hath called vs, & neuer decline fro it whatfoeuer came of vs.That it wold pleafej&x S, The T^hefeuenteenth Sermon ypon the hun drcth and nineteenth Plalme. P HE» Thy tcftinaonics arc wonderful \ therefore doth my foule keepe them « The entrance into thy wordes : ftieweth light, and gill tthvndcrftandingvnto the fimple* I opened my moiuh and panted;, bicaufe Iloued thy commaunderacntcs. Xooice thou vpon mc and be mercifull vnto me : as thou vfeft to do vnto thofe that loue thy name. Order my Itcppes in thy worde : and let no vvickcd- neilchauedcminionoucr me. O deliuer me from the wrongfull dealings of men: and I will keepe thy commandements; Shewe the light of thy countenance vpon thy (cr- uant : and teach me thy ftatutes • Mine eyes gufhc out wi ih ryuers of water : bicaufe men keepe not thy lawe. N very deedc the fentence c6- teined in this firft verfe of the eightjfliould be a very ordina- rie and common thing with vs. And in very decde there is no man but will confefle it to be true: but yet it is fo very far of,as that there is none oFvs al which hath thefeelingthereof in him felfe : that is , that the I«wc of God is a wonderfull wifedome: for we doe fee how « is contemned and defpifed. It is very true that God in all the ^^i I y port the CxixSPfalme. i^8 the holy (cripture fpeaketh rtiarpely enough and dfo hum- bly : but it is for this caufe that he would fit him Iclf to our fimple capacities. And bicaufe that wee are blockifhe and earthly ,it is meete that he fhould fo plainely fpeake as that wee might vndcritand him. Ncuerthelefifcjin this fpeachc, vhichcarriethno great gloriewithit, neyet is coloured with any worldly eloquence, are certainc fccretes , which may very well rauifli vs with marueilousaftonifliment.And in deedcjthc very caufe why thefc faithlefTc aand comtem- ners of God, fo littleclleemc of the dodrinc of faluation, iSjfor that they beeing brutilli, neuer tafted of that, which itmeaneth to vtter.Sec then wherevpon this pride and vn- godlinefle arifeth which wee fee at this daye too bee in the greater parte of the worlde, fo that there are very fewe which beare that reuerence to the woordc of God as they ought : for it is an olde faying , no man can loue a thing, betore fuch time as he knoweth it. They then which are (o blockiflj, as that they hauc neither fenfe nor iudgement rightly to difcernc of the truth of God, flippe it ouer, yea, and treade fuch an ineflimable treafure as it is vnder their feete.But they which baue onceknownc, what it isthac God tcacheth vs in the holy fcripture , may very well fayc with Dauidjthat they are woderful things,and fo high my- fteries as that we ought to wonder at them, & doc defcruc that euery one of vs fhould wholy apply his mynd thereto* Nowe he fayeth , That for this caufe hts fou/edtd k^epe the te- fiimomes &fGod . This importeth a greater matter , then if he had fimply faydji haue kept them : for he fignifieth that he hath kept them (as we fay) with an hartie affedion. And loCjhowcindecde,we ought to eftcemcof the dodrine of God:it is not oflely to haue an opinion,that it is excellent, and worthy to be had in foueraigne and high honour; but that we (hould be very earneflly touched therwith that wc might haue fucha feare and an obedience rooted in our heartes,as that the faying of the Prophet Ifaiah might bee fulfilled in vs,that we might treble at the voice ofourGod» Loc herein effeft the content of the firfl verfe, of thefe S 2 eight, The 17. Sermon of SS^. loX^l eight, which we are nowe about to handle j that is to fs^yty that the faithfull whofe eyes God hath opened, might knowc.that the holy fcripture conteineth no common do- ftdncbutfiichawifedodrine as is worthy to bereueren- cedand honoured all the world ouer. Nowe when aswc ftial once haue knowne that God layeth wydeope his hea- ucnlymyfteriesin hislawe,it is good reafon that wee for our pare be touched , & moucd to hearken vnto our God when hefpeaketh vnto vs: yea and that in fuch rort,as that he haiidleth no fmall and light matters , and of no impcr- tance:butopencthvntovs his myfteries , which arc farre beyond our reach and capacities,except that of his infinite goodneflbjhee bare vs that fauoure too fit him fclfe to our vnderftandingStNow Dauidaddethin thefecond verfe: The entrance into thy wordes ^fheivethltght and giiiethvn- derftandingvntQthemoji (im^le. Wherein he fignifieth , that if we vnderftand not all the myfteries of God which he fliewcth vnto vs in hisworde, we mull not ftraightwayes therefore fay, that the dodrine is vnprofitable vnto vs.Why fo ? Bicaule theonely fauoure which we (hall fecle therein ("hall profit vs. It is nor nedef ul. that wee bee great'clarkcs norperfed dodorsto recciue- ibme benefire and edifying from the word of God : for we can not haue fo fmall an entrance into ir,but that wee fhal become already both wife and well aduifed . Loe here in fiimme the meaning of the fecond verle . And it is a place which we very well ought to obferue: for like as there are a great fort of people which make no accomptofthcworde of Godjbicaufe they neucr taftcd of the myfteries therein conteincd:eucn fo alfo there are fome which excufe them lelues and fay that the wordc of God is too too darke and harde , in fb much that it maketh them too fliefrom itj& dare not come neare it* Alas willonefay , I am a very ignoraunt foule, or , I am not fo (harpc witted as in deede a man would iudge : or els, lam but a fimplefcholler, and therefore can not conceiuc ©f fo hi^h niyfteries»Lo here what excufes a number of men wiil vpontheCxix.Tfalme. ii9 will make vbicaufe they would not be acquainted with the word of God, No doubt of it wc (hall haue of thofe people which willvfc fuch cxcufes and ftartingholcs, oncly hi- .caufe they would be ignorant , and hauc their eyes faft clo- fcd vp,although they hauc the light ofGod too fliinc vpoa them. Againe there arc another fort which will keepe them felues cleane away firom the wordc of God , fearing that if .they (hould once enter into itj that it would be like vnto a -maze wherein they (hould be held faft in and fo bee vttcrly confounded. And thereforcjlet vs for this caufe throughly confider the (aying of Dauid:to witjthat although wee at- taine not vnto fuch a perfe<5lion,as that wee are able to vn- dcrftand and know whatfoeuer is written in the holy fcrip- tures,and to be fo exerci(ed therein euen at the full,as that nothing hath efcaped vs : but let vs be throughly acquain- ted with the lawjand haue the very true and vndoubted ex- pofition and meaning of the ProphetS5yea and let vs know ?ind vnderftand the Gofpel at our fingers endes .• and yet although, I fay we haue not attained vnto this excellency, let vs not for all thisceafe to bee inlightened . Let vs then boldly approche, when as we fee that God calleth and al- iurcth vs.and isready to teach vs his word : and let vs know that when we (hall haue neuer fo little a taft thereof, that it flialbc for our fakiation , fo that we (hall not be altogether |)linde,but that wc may be able to know which is the right way vnto euerlalKng life . To be {hort,we (halbe inlighte- -ned as Dauid fpeaketh of in this place. And hereby we may 'fce,whatagreatabufeatthis day raigneth in this point in 'Poperie,when as they (hall put by the greater part of Chri- ftcndome from the reading of the holy fcripture vndcr a /Colour.it fliould thereby be vttcrly confoiided: and againe being neuer able once to come to haue any taft therof,that it is cuer high a thing for them to meddle with. Now, this is to make the holy Ghoft a manifeft liar, who hath fpoken & pronoiiced by the mouth of Dauid, that which we hauc already heard. That the firft entraunce into the woorde of God (heweth Iight:in fo much that fo fooneas we (hal hau€ S3 ynder- The 17. Sermon of z5M[. lo. CaL vnderftoode but one onely fentcnce thcreof,the fame to be already euen enough to kade and guide vs to euerlarting life.Now fithens then wee fee how the deuill poflefleth the Papiftes J when as vnder fuch a cloke , they withdrawe the limple people from the reading of the word oi God,yeain forbidding it them with fuch a cruell tyranny :let vs for our part, hauing fo good and fure a ground, take great heedc how we wauetjand how wealwayes abide wittingly igno- rantjConfidering that God hauing openly and at large nia« nifefted himfelt vnto vs,c6tinueth ftill more and more our goodGod,3ndgiueth vs fo great leifure and large a time to profit in his fchoole. And why fo? Bicaufe thentree alone is cleare and bright : what will it then bee when as wee ftiail enter on fomewhat further: that euen in the very entrance, wefinde faluationPin what cafe then I befeech you fliall we be,when as wc dial haue once paffed the midway on ? And to the ende that Dauid might the better exprcffe , that the queftion is not here of the great learned doftors he name- ly faieth, 7hai itgmethwfirH^ion to the pntple and [tUj [ohUs ^ to the ende they might haue light andvnderftandmg.. As if he (hould haue faid,that God hathfo communica- ted his word vnto vSjand in fuch fort framed and wrought it for our vnderftandmg, as that there is not the moft fim- ple & ignorant which ftial not find himfelfe capable to b?c the fcholler of God,yea fo that we come vnto it in all lowli- neffe and humblenefle.For Dauid, in faying that the word of God maketh the lowly tovndcrftandjright wel (hewcth, that if we come vnto it in the pride of our own mindsjpre- (uming of our own fine heads , as in this point a great na- bcr of proud and glorious men doe,who wil rather cotroll Cod then fubmit them felucs vnto him & to his word : no ^ubtof it wee (halbee left in the darkcFor let vs not bee abaflied although fuch people of w home I haue already fpo ken,do continually remains moft blockiHi.But wee for our partes ought to know, that we muft be hiibled & throw nc downin ourfelues^to thend god might lighte vs, And then let vs not dout but that we ffial fcele God to be euer more seady to play the'part of a good fchoolemafter vnto vs,whe aswft vpon the Cxix. TJalme. 1 4.0 as we dial (lievr our fclues to bse true and dutiful fchollers* Now by and by followeth, lopenedmy mouih and paatedxhc was fcarfly able to fetch his breath. And by this is fignified the feruent zeale which he had,which was to be wel inftru- ded in the law of God.Now here Dauid flieweth,how it is that wee fliould bee enlightened , that is, thatafter wee arc knowne to be lowly and hubled , feeling our want and ne- cefsitie ,let vs figh & groane vnto the maieftie of our God, in bclecching him to inftrud vs. For wee (hall not needc to be greatly learned for our right and perfcd walking,if wee trucly and earneftly defire to be his fchollers , & to preferrc his word before all other things,Dauid might very wel fay, OLordjIhauedefiredtovndcrftand that which thou haft fliewed me by thy Iaw,and yet contented not hee him felfe with this onely faying:But faith namely,that he opened his mouth^as a forcpined ghoft, who was no longer able to a- bide it. And afterward he faicth that he drew iJi his breath, that he was fo zelous , as that it tooke away as it were fais very fpeach from him.Thcre is no doubt that Dauid meant here the very fingle affedion wherewith hee was touched: not for any defire he had to commed himfelf,buc to (hewc vnto vs by his example what our office & dutic is towardes God :that is.that we fliould feekc too profite our felues by liis word»No w then we haue here to notCjthat euen the we (hall be enflamed with the word of God, when as wee fliall haue yea euen fuch a vehement defire,as hereof is mention made,and as hath by n before fpoken off, That the word of God ought to be more dcare and precious vnto vs then all the riches of the woTld,& more fweete then al other fwxet- ncflc in the earth ^When then wefliall haue fuch a defire as this, we ftial finde God to bee alwayes ready to accomplifh that which is faide in the long of the holy virgin, that hee hath filled and fatiffied the hungry and empty ;God wil fa- tiffie and fil thofe that hunger after the thinges which con- cerne but this preCent life. And do you thinke that when we ihalbe dcfirous of his dodrine, knowing it to bee the moft principal bcncfite that we can pofsibly wifli , & whereunto we ought to apply our whole hart,that he wil let vs famifli? S 4 Do The 17. Sermon of ,:;■- r ■' hee '\}pon the Cxix,Tfalme. 1 4 z lie had faidCjO Lord, haue mercy vppcn me, euen as thou arc wonted to haiic mercy vpon thole which call vpon thy name.Now we are to gather from this faying, that Dauid made not this petition only for himfelf :but hath fet down vnco vs a general rule,which we may and ought too apply vnio euery childc of God, too the ende that euery one for his owne part might be fure that God wil haue mercy vpo him, and ilretch forth his hand to aide him in his neede. And why fo? For the holy Ghoft namely pronoiicethjthat it is the ordinary maner of God to be louing and pitiful to al thofc which loue his name. What remayneth then for vs to dofForfooth we muft lone the name of God.Andheere we are alfo to confider^what this faying meanethjtooloue : the name of God:For wee flial haue fome men wiiich wil feare god,fo3fo,and yet be contented neuer to come neerc himjit they could otherwife chur€:yea they wil not f^icke to fiiut thedore againff him,andk€pe themieluesas far from iiimasispofsiblc. Nowe Dauidflieweth hecre vnto vs,what the true fearc ^f G od is.tb wit^that we mufl louc him of our owne good wil,and that with reuerence:and not conltrainedly to loue and feare him , but that wie defire too come vnto him, and wholy to fubrait our felues vnto his Maicftie.If we flial do thustthen may we truly fay that wee loue him,&in louing him/earc him alfojn very jdeed,thefe are things thatmay not be feparatedjbicaufe it is impofsible for vs rightly too reuerenceGod,and to feare him as we ought,except(as it isfaid inthePfalme)thatwcfirfl acknowledge him to bee our fatherjoking for al goodnes and courtefie from him. This then affoordeth vsjin the firfi place,that wee are affui- ted that God loueth vs,that wee mufl take him as for our father,that wee feele , that hee in the louing of vs, defireth nothing els but our faluation « And thus much for the firfl point » And after from thence alfo procecdethjhumilities whenas wee fee G O D fo too abafe himfelfe , as too fceke for vs myferable Creatures, wretched wormcs of the Earth, yea euen very condemned and vtterly lofle pcrfons^. The \y. Sermon of (SM[.fo.CaU pcrfonSjthc bondflaucs of Satan, That God fceketh for vS cueninHcll,anddrawctb vs {pjouingly vntohimrelf,An4 muftk not nccdcs be that we are very llubborne, if we bcp not touched,and mooued to come vnto him y and yeelde our felues vntoo him , and bee ruled and gouerncd by his hand and protedion/Loe/ay I,how wee ought toloue the nan:>c of God, to the endc wc might be glad of that felicitie which Dauid hcere fpeaketh of,thatis,that God lookcth to kcepc vs through his prouidence. And although wee arc bcerc compaflcd with a great number of miferyes,afflided a great number of wayes,and iudged to be molt wretched^ yetGodisathandtohelpournecclfitjes* And namely it is fayd to loue the name of God, Bccaufe wee muft receiue a teitimony from him, to comprehend his good wilU Wee fee not God in his Eflfcncej or as he is in dcede, but he ma- nifcfteth himfelfe vnto vs by a nothcr meane : to wittejthac wee mightbcholdehimintheglaffeofhiswoorde, where lie (hcweth himfelfe vnto vs openly inough, Nowe Da- uid addeth foone after. Order m^ftepfes in thy voorde : and let no mckednejfe haue domimoHofterme» Hecre wee fee more clecrely thatjwhichi haue already touched : to wit, what the petitions of the faithful! oughc to be,to the ende they (hould not be giucn to vaine things. For wc neede not to haue any thing to make vs by and by togoeaftray, feeing our owne nature draweth vs ready ly inough thereto.Thereis no queftion, but that wee wil go more then a footcpacc,when as wccare bent too doe mit» chiefc: yea wc will trot onmofte fwiftly and violently.euen as wretched men that were bewitched .Wherefore ,heere is a remedy fet downe vnto vs: confidering that our nature is inclyned to all euill,and caryeth vs thereto headlong , that we only ought to indcuourour felues too bridle our vaine and wicked affedions : and befidcs wee ought too defirc God to keepc vs through his woord, and not too fuffer any iniquitic too rcigne in vs . Loe, I fay, in what forte all the faithfull muftc order them felues, fighting againft allthcic ■ ^ fielliljr iDpon the Qxix.Tfalme. \^ 5 ficll^ly luftes: For it is meete that wcc vttcrly renonnce the • cuill that is in vs,if wee will feeke after God and come vn - to him.Nowe heereare two things which Dauid defiereth, To hauc his fc^otefteppes ordered according to the wordc ofGod:Andafterwarde,thatnoiniquitic haue dominion oner him. Which is afmuch as if hee had fayde, That God had conformed him to his word,and giuen him power and ftrength to withftandall temptations. Nowe when he fayth, Order my (iefpes according too thy rrord: he mcaneth, that wc can doe nothing at all, exccptc God gouerneth vs by his holy fpirit. So then, it is not e- nough that we haue the woorde of God preached vnto vs, TO heare itjand to be exercifed in the reading thereof : Bue it is God that miift put to his helping hand ouer& befids: he it is thatmuft make the preaching of it eflfeftuall, and pearce our eares, to the cnde wee might vnderftande that which is fet downcvnto vs, and open our eyes when wcc readejand that altogither by his holy fpirit.And thus much for this. For although we haue the woorde of God offrcd vnrovs, yetfliall wee profite nothing thereby vntiH fucb time as G od giueth vs vnderftanding to fee ir^And bcfides, it is not inough to haue the knowledge of the will of God, and to vnderibind the right way to faluation : But God al- fomuftleadevshimfelfejandholdevs by the hande eucn vnto the cnde , And why fo? For wc will neuer ceafe draw- ing backward,when as God (hall haue faithfully inflruftcd vs, if fo be he himfelf doth not ftil conduct vs, and alwaycs holdethvswithaflrongeandmightiearme: becaufe that our rebellious nature will neuer ceafe too withdrawc vs ^ cleane contrary. For Saint Paule,who had fo greatly profi- ted in thefeare of God, and was fo very forwarde therein as the like was not in his time, yet ceafed hec not ftill too fay, /fee two latves ifj my felfex Ihauea dejrreto [erne GodJ?Ht 'Rpf/f.a",^ yet there is another thin^ aifo which lettdeth me te the contrary^ fothat I doe the eulll xvicb I abhorre^ndxvouldnot doe-.andif I due any goodyit is not doone with fo cheere full an affeEiion as 1 voHld, See hcere in w hat forte Saint Paule coniplay ncth biro. The ly. Sermon of<^5\f. lo. CaL him fclfe,and in the ende concludeth and fayeth : Alas mcfi Ephe»6. 1% T4 ""^retched man that I am^hofhaUdeliHer me out of thts prtfcfj ? IfSaintPaule vfcd this kinde of fpeech, what fliall become of vs.when we lliall be no whit guided by the fpirit of God? I befecech you what (hall the bare dodrine profitc \s? It is meete then,that after God (liall haue taught vs,that hee al- io guide VS5& after,that he giue vs the power and ftrength to foUowe him,and too confirmejimprint and engrauc his lawe in our heartcs,asalfoitis fufficiently fcttedownein the fcripture touching the fame. Dauid gocth forward and fay th, Suffer not any miqmtie to hatte dommton mer w^ .To what end]and purpofe faieth he this? For he had before dcfired God too order his ftcppes, to the ende he might (crue him in true and faithful! obcdi- ence,Forfooth itiSjbccaufe that when God hath beftowed hisgracevponvSjtobedefiroustoo cleauevntohim, yet (hall we neucr come to the ful ende there of without greate afflidions,hauing fo mightie an cnemic to fland againft vs as we haue. It is very true that we defire nothing elfe but to be made teachable of God,and to fuffer our felues to be gouerncd by the great Paftor or Shcphearde lefus Chrifte: this is already one good fteppe: but let vs a little better con (ider,whereforefuch grace profiteth vsnot. It is becaufe the Deuil commeth foone after too fet it on fire , for hce alwayes findeth good flore of Woode in vs accordin g as we are ftored with many vices and imperfections in our na- ture,vntill fuch time as God (hall haue wholy taken vs fro out of this fle(h.For all our iuflcs and a ffedionsare fo ma- ny rebellions againft God,as that wee neuer ceafe to fight againft him,that if at anytime on the one fide we go about to do good, we areon thother fide carycd to do euil, What murt we then doe? We had neede to haue G od too array vs with a power and conftancy, to rcfifte all thefe ccntra- rietes and wicked luftes which arc in vs : that wee bee not onely teachablcjand gouerned by him , but alfo that wee befenrced with fuch armour and weapon,as are meeete too fight vpontbeixix/Fjalme. i^^ fight againll Satan and all his craf; ie fleights and ftrengths, to the ende our encmic might haue no holdc of vs : To that wee hauing as Saint Pauls layth,bothe our headpecce, and fliielde , might bee armed and appoynted at all peeces, And when as we (hall be thus armed, then to fee howe wee ihould wholly and fully cleaue vnto our God. And whatfo- cutTtheDeuilfliiall craftily inuent againftvs, whatfoeuer itoppes and lettes are in vs ;yet let vs not doubt but tooob- taiae vidory. So then,! t is not without caufe , that Dauid heereioy- nethchefetwoothingestogither,to be guided by the ma- ieitieof G O Djandabooueallto beefo mightily ftreng- then£d,as that no iniquitie could haue dominion oucr him but that hewas well able to ouercomc all the temptations wherewith Satan any way coulde affaile him . Nowe if Diuid^wasfaine to make fuch a petition vnto God, with out hypocrifiejby tliis we may gather of what ftrength and effitft our free w'ill is , which the Papiftes fo highly extolh Whenas we fliall fpeake of the feruing ofGod,they flraight wayes think that it cometh ofourownepower & ftreiigth, Nonhat they doenotconfefle, but that they had in fome forte neede of God his hclpe , butyetthat they will bee companions and fellow workers withGod, and that with- out they for their pane did fomething of their owne po- wer and rtrength,all of it were nothing . And contrari- wife,excep:e the fpirit of God leadeth and guideth vs, wee mufte needcs flippe, yea and vtterly fall away* We fpeake notheere of an haife ayde onely : But it is G O D that mufl take the whole conduce and leading into his owne charge. And againe hath he taken vs into his hand.^Then no doubt of it, there is a feconde grace to be looked for t that is to fayjthatwebeftrengthencdwithhis holyfpirite, and fo to be goucrned, as that wee may haue an inuincible power to perfeuer in wcl dooing .Howbeit there is yet one pointmoretobcconfideredofinthisvcrfc :And that is, that Dauid dcfiereth to haue all his ftcepes ordered accor- ding too the woordeof God. Nowc , The 17. Sermon of^f. lo. CaL Nowc by this he flievveththat if w^e be gouerned accor- ding to our ownemindes and fantafiesj wee will bee very fwift CO run: But yet not be too feeke our faluation. And why fof becaufe we runne thwart the fieldcs jwithout hol- ding any way and path.Loe heere the maner of the Papifts, arc they able rightly to fay, that their Hcppes are ordered by the woordc ofGodf but contrariwifejthe abhominati- on of their Antichrift withdraweth them from the right way,to makethem wander and ftray heere and there,and in the ende to call them felues headlong into the bottome of hell: in fuch forte , as whatfoeuer they call the feruice of Godjwhen as both the cndcs (hall be brought togither, we (hall finde to be fo many blafphemyes againd God . And if they beafkedj NowSir^I befeech you,fr6 whom haue you your Mane,your inuocation of SainteSjpraycrfor the dead, images,yourdeifiingof SainteSjyour ercding of Aultars vntoo them , your torcheSjcandIeIights,piIgrimages, and all the reft of your beggerly traflii' what aunfwcre will they make? They are neuer able to anfwere you one iotte for the maintenance of this their cloutery out of the holy fcrip- turc. What wil they the fay PForfooth^we folow our fathers and their traditions. Yca,but it is heere namely fet downc, that we muftbc ordered by the woord of God. For all our wholelifeisavery greatdiforder: and we wander & ftray like vnto brute beaftsjexcept the word of God be our on- ly rule and plaine fquare. Wherefore let vs bee wel aduifed not to ftray as thefe miferablc accurfed people, which clofe vp their eyes in the cleerc day light, yea and which whet them feKesand ftubbornly ftandin opinion againft God, when he goeth about to rcforme them, and to fliewe them that ihey haue hitherto vainely fpente and loftc all their time and trauell. And although that they bee alrogither fo hardened ,yec let not vs be fo: But let vsknowethat there is none other diredion that is good, but the very fame which God fliewerh vnto vs>as was fayde too Moyfes , Loe this is the way which thou muft follovve. Nowe it folio w- «th fconc after, , ypon the Qxix.Tfalme. i^. 5 i . O deUaer me fror/t the r^rongfHlldeAliyigs ofimfi : and Iviilt keep e thy CO mmarindem: fits. . Dauid by this manner otYpcaking right well dec-arcth, that the Children of God fliall alvvayes bceaflaykd with many and fundry aflki2lres,perfeci'.tions & gricfes, fo long as they line hcerc in this worldcj and the meaning of God is to appoint him to be as it were a Glalfe for all the fayth- fbll to lookcin-Foras wcfce how he hath beene intreared, and do alfo fee his condition and ilate,no doubt God hath fet him as it were vpon a (caffolde.to the ende we might be conformed according to his example ■ as he was alfo in ve- ry deede^a figure of our Lord lefus Chrift, Now we kr.owc that our LordeJcfus was a true patron of all the Children of god^ccordingvnto whofe image we muft be made like, namely in this poyntjto wit,in afflidions, in ai guiflies,and miferyeSjas Saint Paulethercf witncfleth to ihc Romanes* Since then it is fo,let vs kn^w that fo long as we arc to Hue inthisworid,we(hallbealwaycsafflidedand troubled by wickcdandvngodIymen,neither ought wee toothinke it ^^^'^'l%* any ftrange thing,(incc that Dauid hath (hewed vs the way? and that God hath purpofed too haue vs framed after hi$ €xamplc,let notthe afflidions and perfecutxons,which wee niuft abide at this day/ceme ncwe and ftrange vnto vs. Nowc heerevponitfoUowcth, 7/j^r^«'B';//^/tf Aw c(jw- wrf«»^«w^»//. Whereby he fignifiedjthat he will not forget him felfe of fuch a benefite, when as he fliall hauc God too be his protedotjto fuccour him againft the malice of men that hee will keepe his commaundementes. Let vs learnc then,that when God (hall haue maintained and defended ySjthat we ought to be a great dcale the more ready too o- bay and fcare him: and that this ought alwaies too ftirre vis vp to a greater confidcration: that as hee dayly increaceth more and more his benefites vppon vs,fo ought our affec- tion alfo to feruc him, increafe- and befides it muilemore profite and inflame itfelfct Nowc it followeth h'i and by after, T« Shewc T^he 1 7 . Sermon of cSA/f, lo. Cal. Shewe the hghi of thy count enaunce vpon thyfsmaufJt : mi tekch me thjfiatutes. By this he coJifirmech the matter whi ch he before han- dled*, and therefore we fliall not neede to ftande much vp- on this verfe: for he (hew^eth that he is contented too hauc God to looke and care for him» And to proue this too bee true^you may fee,that the thing which hee defirethjis that which I haue already touched; thatis,theprincipall (afetie which the Children of G od ought to haucjis, to ftay them iclues vpon this prouidence of God,when as they certain- ly knoweand may bolddy fay, that God ftandeth for vs, and will neuer forget vs: and although wee be neuer fo mi- lerable creatures,yet for all that he careth for vs , watchetb ouervs.yea , and alfo hee hath an eye vntoo vs, neither will he fuffer any hurt to come vnto vs,but will prouide for all our needesand wantes.And if we carry this minde witli ys^^t haue the greateft benefice that is poifibly to be wifh- ed. And this is it which Dauidfpeaketh of in this place, when he ^Zyzth^Shewe the light of thy count enannce^ O.Lordf^ i/pan thy fertf am. l^orhc meaneth that when he fiiall feele the protedion of God, he is then fure that God looketh vnta him .and that the fame is it, which fhalldeliuer him front all cares. Nowcletvs note that 'this manner of fpeech is? .drawnc from a fimilitude, as when wee thinke God his countenaunce to be darkened in the time of oar trouble & aducrfitie { and feeling no comfort whereby too glad our felucs in him, it feemeth to vs by & by, tliat there are great and monftrous thick cloudes betwixt him and vs , and ir^ differently we irnagine that God fee th vs not. A nd there^ foreDauidfofarreasf^ediand bloodxoulde reach vnto, faith,Shewe the light of thy countenaunce, that is , makci' me to fccle that thou haft care ouer me. A nd in the ende .he fayth,/f//«iF eyesgupi out with riuen of renter : hecaafe men k£cpe not thj Iaxx^, Here he declareth that ouer and befids the defier which we ought to haue,and wherwith we ought to be afFeded to cleaue vntq God according tQ his word,what a great mif- chiefc vpon the Cxix. T^Jahne. ij^6 chifc &: griefit (liould be vnto vs,to Ice the fcorners which foconteaincanddefpifethcwordofGod, too treadc the fame vnder footc,& befids^to fee the wicked to ouerthrovv all good order and iuftice.See then,that the true childre of God ought not onely to be contented with their own wal- king arightj& to be framed according to the law of God: But ihey ought alfo by al meanes poifibleto labor to bring the whole world to thatpafl'c with them, too thecnde that all the creatures of God might with one accord reuerencc and glorifie his maieftie. And therefore when as they fee God to be contencd,they (liould begrecued thercatj& not only to be fory & vexed; butalfo to bee as it were mortally wounded. For it is not without caufe that Dauid faith here That riuers o f water gttfhed out efhis <7 open vnto him,and to feekc for remedy where it is too bee founde: that is, that after this our good God bath inligli-< fened vs in his knowledge , that it; would pleafe him mora and more,to increafe the brightnefle thereof in vs., and fo« to confirme vs,as that wee neuer chaunge from tlte _aght way. And although we are too withftand a great number ofaf&ultesand that the Deuill neuer ceafeth crafcely tcK> §oe aboutinfiaite wayes too trouble vs: yet notwichftan-i ding let vs be(eecb him too giue vs. an inuincible po- wer to rcfift them, vntill fiich time as we bee- come fully Conquerors , and bee cohj- . i ioyned vnto him felfe , too liue in^ J y ,1 lU tU rw hiskingdome in euerlaft-., '• f'- ir>"^ 'h;D ingioyandfelicitic. •■ Tk The xyiii Si^rmon ypon the hmdrcth i±y Sind ninctcencli Pfalme* Zade, Righteous arc thou O Lordc : and true in thy ludgemcnr. Thou had coiTimaunded; iufticcby thy tcftimonics and tructhefpecially* My zcale hath eucn confumcd mc: becaufc minccoe- inyeshaue forgotten thy words. ;iv:.54ir Thy word is pro(jcd mofte pure: and diy fcruantlb"^* ueth it, I am fmall and of no reputation : yet doc I not fpr-C getthycoramaundements. ,, \'.'x Thy righteoulhcdc is an cuerlafling righteou(heflc: and thy Jawe is the trueth* Trouble and heauineflc hauc taken holde vpon mcc: ' yet is my delight in thy commaundemcnts. Therighteoufncdeof thy teftimonies is euerlaflin^ graunt tac vndcrftandiog and I (hall liue* ^'^ T is ccitaine that there is nd man but will eafily graunte, the lawc of God to be bothc good and holy, and that we6 ought not onely to alloweof it: but alfo to receiiie it with allfeareand reutrencc. Not* withftanditig, tliere arc very few touched with this affefti- .^ , . . onjtovndcrftand that there IS luch a perkaion in the word of God,as that nothing carf pee Founde therein, bucallpuritieandfinceriije; and too T.5. bee 1 The 18. Sermon oj oyVL. lo. CaL be fo infallible a trueth >&:a righteoufneflfe fo eertaine as poflible can not be more eertaine and fure. But very fewe there are which vnderftand this, or at the leafte which are very greatly touched heerewith» And therefore it is not without caufejthat Dauid in this prefent pfalmcvfeth fuch arepetitiOjthathe fo highly magnifieth the doftrine which heehachkariiedoutofiheiaweofGod : totheendetoa declare vntoo vs, that wee haue greatly profited^when wee fliall haue fuch a fauowr and iudgement throughly imprin^ tediri our heartes.' VV'lien as,I fay, this righteoufneffe, this wifedome, and this finceritie which is contayned in the. WQDrde ofGodjfliall be very well and throughly knowen vnto vs: then may we be able to fay with Dauid , Rtghteous an t.hoH,O.Lcyd^4}id true m thy mdgemems ^ r^ow as the holy fpirite of G od fpeaking by the mouth Daiiid,hath fet down h^re no fuperfluo u s matter, but fuch: as He khewe to be profitable for our inftruaioa ; Let vs al- " fo diligently weigh andconfider all the wordes, which are hcefe touched»Ifi%Efe firft place he fay th, Righteous .an thou' O Lord: andtme m thy /^-/^tfWf/^f/.Wehaue already heere- toforc handled,that theindgemetits of God in this Pfalmc^" are calledjthe; be ypon the Qxix.Tfahne. \/^% b^e contented that there rere fuch a medley as that thcrci were no more diuinitiekiiown^Now fee hoNT god Ilieu'Ctlz hinlfelf,as I haiie raid_,by Lis word. \Vc miift theHjiT w^ee ia- tend to cofclTe him to be righteous,good jtrue,& faithful!^ to giue thefecomendations vnto his wordjwherin he hath once for all declared vnto vs his wil.Now after Dauid hath vfed this word righteous,hc addeth , Thmhafl commanded infl/ce hythy te(ltmomeSyn»d trueth efpicUllySt^ the how Da- iiid handleth it hinifejfe,{liewing that the lawe of God is wholy righteousjbccaufe faith hejthat it leadeth vs to righ- teoufnes and tructh.Now when thefe two thinges are in it, what may we fay,biit that which hath already becne before faid? What is that? It is fo far of with a greate number, thac when they are couinced heerofjare pcrfwaded in good ear- ncft to fay Amen without deflebling. And to proue it to be (byhow many men dial we fee fubmit thefelues in this point to the trueth of Godjwhereunto he defireth to leade vs by his wordfHow many I fayjftial wefindjwhich wilyeeld the {elues teachable vnto it? But contrariwife,we fliall finde the greateft part cleane contrary.Tt is very true we flialbe afha- /ned,yea cuen horribly affraid,to fay,ihat there is any thing ifl the law of God, which is nottrue & iuft: & yet for al that k may as eafily be perceued,that thcfeis no fuch knowledg ingrauen in our hart.s,as to be affured therof. To be (hort, this is fardeft of from our mindes .when we flial fay thus : I fpeake now of thofe which are not yet throughly inftru(fied[ by the fpirit of God. Neither yet let vs think this too be a common & ordinary thing,when as Dauid faith, That the teflimonics of God are nothing but true & righteous. Fot although we haue learned fom what out of them, yet is not this inough,vntil fuch time as we are conformed & framed Vnto them,that we fully & wholy agree with this faying &r comendation which is heeregiuen to the law oiGod.Now becaufe Dauid would fliew with what afFedio he is moued, he protefteth,that he was not only grcued,whe as he felt in feimfelf any rebellion againft God, but whe he perceiued it T.4. ia The 1 8 . Sermon of c5\f. lo. Cal. in others,that he conceiued a woaderful forrowr andgn'efe, yea euen a meruelous torment of minde. For lice layeth. That his zeale had euen confumcd him, that he was as one deade,andrQchrowncdo\vneasheecouldenot be more» Now, he namely fpeaketh of his enemies, and of Inch as had'afflided him: But heefignifiech anon a^ter, that all the mifchiefes and iniui^yes which they had done vnco him, didnochalfc fo mightily greeue him, as the contempte which he knewe to be inthena touching the lawe of God, Forheefayih, Mj/.z.eale hath eHeneo»fHmedT»e:hc^fe mine cficmjies ■■ h.me forgotten thy vooordei, \ Heerc then Dauid flieweth in effect , that hcc was not fo greatly greeuedn or yet fo forrowfull for all theeuils and wrongs which he indured at thehandcs of men , as too fee ihewoordofGodtobecaftvnder feete and ckercly for- gotten^See hcere,I (ay, a moftc fure tcftimony that^e high- ly preferred the word of God^before his pwne perron:tha£ he had not chat pleafure in his life, nor in whatfoeuer con- cerned the fame,as he had in the reuerece which al the cre- atures of God ought to hauc towards his maieftie. Nowe if he had not had this zealcjhc could neuer haue bene thus? grieued and vexed, when as men made no reckoning of the word of God,and caft itbehinde their backs.And heere we arc throughly too confider , that Dauid fpake not in this place of a meaneforrowe.For then this had beene inough, to hauc (aid, Alas my God,I haue beene a great deale more greened to fee the wicked cotemne thy word,then when aiS^ thcyperfecuted my-felf^although that I was fore troubled & greuoufly oppreffedjyet had I greater regard tp thy law, then to al whatfoeuer concerned mineowncperfon. This had bininoughjfay Ijif Dauid had faidbut thus much: but lie went a great deale farther, faying,T^r x^eale of the hot^fe «fGod:,hath eueftgmrrne andeaten me zz/'.Hecre he faith that fee was confumed & brought to nothingjfo that he had no firength in hiajfclf,Now here we muft note by the way,that Dauid ')[>pon the CxixfPfalme. 1 4 p D:uld rpake not this to bragge oF him felf: but rather hath fet fborth this his example tor our better inftrudion^to the ende we mi^ht learne to haue the honour of God a;id the reucrence oi his woorde in fuch recommendation , as that when we fee the ivorlde to make light of ic, and too torgec it, we fliould be grieued and tormented a great deale more, then if we did abide all the gricfes ,extreeme wronges and iniuries that were pofsibleiyeajthat all our particular bcne- fite,or domagc,and whatfoeuerismoftdeare, ought to be nothing vnto vs in refpeft of this light reckoning of the word ofGod.Loe here what holfome leflbnsandinllruc- tions,we haue to gather out of this place. Nowe when he faich^that it grieued him to fee the word of God cleane forgotten , what then (hall become of the matter, when as menftiall not onely forget it, but cuen with amoft deteftable furie oppofe themfelues wholya- gairkft it ? As at this day>we dial not oncly fay that the word ofGodis forgotten: but men ofafitpurpofe runne vio- lently vpon it vtterly to abolidic it. And to proue it to bee fo,! befeeche you,whencc commeth this crueltie and furie of the Papiftes : butbicaufe that they are purpofed clerely togoeagainftit? to be angry with God y not abiding too fufterthemfeluesto be fubicd vnto him byanymaner of meanes? They will not fay thus in plaine woordes^but wee may ludge of the matter fo farre foorth as wee fee it ♦ For^ ho we ftiould it be po{sible j that they (hould fo rage againft the knowne andcettaine trath , if they were not euen the very profelfed enemies of God ? and without they went a- bout to ftand agoipft him eue toithe hard hedge,as we (ayf 1 will not deiiie but that men many times rtiall forget the word of G od , when as they flialbe carried away with their wicked aflfedions. As thus, when a man is greatly giuen to lechsrie, this villainous defire (b blindeth him , as that hee clerely forgetteth whatfoeucr he hath heard fpoken againft it neuer fo little before : to wit^they which defile their bo- dies with lechery , do deface , as much as in them lieth the image of God,pollutc his temple,deuideand pull in pieces T5 the ^he i8. Sermon of 'SK'I. loCaL the body of lefus Ghrift , Oiut them felues quite out of the kingdorneotheauenjand prouoke the heauy wrath and curie of God againft them ♦ And yet an vvhorennaifterfor- getteih all thefc notable fayings, which arc fct dovvne too keepe him within his reyne . The couetous man alfo for- gettethwhat eq-uitie and right is , let him be admoniflied thereof neuer fo often , as to bee pitifull to his neighbours, to helpc the poore and needy, rather then to take away an other mans goods and fubftance , and to be fo giue to our own gaine;to procure and proficthc welfare of our neigh- bours, rather then to be giuen too feeke our owtie priuate commoditic* A couetous man I fay , will quite forget all this.And why for Forfooth, bicaufe he is Winded with this couetous defire ofgayne,and too heape vp together the goods of this world.See then when it is, that the worde of God (hall be forgotten ,verely euen then when as men (hall be drunken with their inordinate greedy paisios. But they which fet them felues againlt God ,yea with a fury & fren{y vttcrly to abrogate his worde,too turne his truth into lea- fin gs, thefc me, I fay,do not onely forget the word of God, but remember them felues of it too too much j euen to fett themfelues purpofely againfl it, And we need to go no fur- ther but euen into the ftate of Popery , to fee fuch a villa- nous and dcteflable impietie.For we flial fee thefc contem- ners of God,which arceuen here am6g{tvs,yea and which come fometimes to defile the temple of God , to thrufl in their fwynifli groynes : and to fcorne the dodrine which Ihalbe read, which maketh euen the very deuils in hell too tremble. Wee fhal fee then here thcfe contemners of God, which will euen lift them felues vp againfl him, and powre out their blafphemies,& is it meete that we diffcmble thisf No,notfo,butlet vs rather flirre vp our felues to groaning yea to crie out with a loude voyce , befeeching G O D too ftretchforth his mighty and ftrong arme , againfl fuch vil- laines,& fier brades of hell,fuch vpholders of Satan. which thus come too defile the facrcd and holy things of God, which bis maieflie hath fet before vs for our faluation .A nd thus ypon the (^xtx, Tjalme. 1 5 o tlius much for this poir.t. And againe let vs not ondy bee grieiied and forrowefuU , bicnufc chere are in vs rebellious . atfcdions which (o hinder vs , as that wee cannot take any fuch tafte as is tc be wiftied for m the worde of God : but alfo when as we lee that men fo hghtly efteeme and forget this word of God^that they outrage in all wickednes,it can not be but that we muft be grieued and forrowefuU for the fame. And yet there is a further matter to bee required ac our handeSjwhich is this,that when wee (hall fee and heare the name of God to be blafphemed,and his maieftic viola- tedjwe fliould be tormented , and feele a greater griefe for the fame J then for all the euiil that might comevnto our felues-foritisvery goodreafon that the maielb'e of God (liould bs more deare vnto vs without all conrparifon^thew our owne perfons and Hues. Nowe fince it is (ojthat if wee ought to be forrowefulljwhen as we fee the worde of God: to be forgotten by othersjeuen to beginneat the beft end,- if tlie euiU be founde in vs ( as Satan moueth vs to fall vnto wickedneffe, and we are very farreof from truly feruing of God,and looking to his wordj with fuch feare and humili- tie as in dcede we ought:) fince then, I fay,wc are fo greatly to be amededjthat we haue fo many finnes fighting againft the lawe of Godreuen fo much the more ought we tofigh and groane : as faint Paul right well fheweth vs/aying, Oh accurfcd man that I am^who iliall dcliuer me out this mor-' tall body.Loe here faint Paul, in fliewing their condition & (lace to be miferable which liue in this worldjCxhorteth the to groaningjSnd to a conrinuall forroue and care , bicaufe they are not able fully and throughly to yelde themftlues to the word ofGod:fo that whenfoeuer wee flialldoebut,' eucn fo much , we fliall render a true proufeand tef^imonic , ofour faith &Chri[lianitie. No wit folio weih foone after, 7hyw!)rdtsproHeAmr,f}-ptire:andthyftrHant/oHethitt Here it verily feemeth(as we haue before faide)that Da- uid bringcih in a mofl mahifefl fentece, yea , knowne euen vnto the fimpleft, to wit,that the word of God is pure and > cleane , without fpot and blemiOie . But what? let vs fee a little whether wee puttc this puritie in pra<5lize or Tloe 1 8 . Sermon ofz%f:fo. CaL not,aIas,weearefarreffomit.For eucn then wee may faye the \*^orde of God too bee.piire and without rpot,w hen as without any gay nefaying we only truft in hinij and that we hauea true certaintie of our faluation^bicaufe he hath once flretched fborth his hand vnto vs, and promifed neiier too faile vs,W hen then we (hall haue fuch a confidence in God that wee may boldly walke through death , and the very gulfe of helhthat in feeing thcbottomles pittesopen too f wallowc V s vp,we fliould not doubt of our faufctic j fince that we are in the hand of God:loe howe the word of God (halbe pure vnto vs . But nowe are wee all in a cleane con- trary vayne.And from whence commcth this ? It is bic^ufc we are full of infinite filthineffe and pollutions: to be fljort, there is nothing but flienche in vs, and all our fcnfcs arc de- filed. Let vs firft beginne at our eyes, and we flail haue fuch a, number of filthy troubkfomc and g imfing gloatirgs:to wit,fuch a number of vanities which hinder vs too knowe thcpuritie that is in the worde of God , as loe wee haue al- ready loff one of our fenfes. Afterwarde,we are depriued of our hcaring^bicaufe our earcs are fo filled with fuch trifling yea and peruerfc matters J that wee can giueno eare vnto Godjor els,that which entreth in at one tare,goeth out at another,as wc fay. Now if this be already a great vice in vs, to be fo flackc as to receiue but one good leflbn,the fecond is no whit lefle, that when we (hall haue gotten euen a vtry Uttle,it fliall incontinent fo melt away from vs , as that wee fhallncuerthinkemoreofit. Wcftehowe iollyand frif- king our feete and bandes are^whcn as wee heare any talkc ofribauldrieand filthincffe.and altogether dull and fenlles when any fpeach isof vertucand godlineffe. There is neuer afingerin our handes,but will bee as good asarayfour , to <;iit euen to thequicke, if any talkefliaibe had to offend t.be maiellie of God And in the meane while we fliall nor finds one man that will once lift him felfe vp too doe any good. Sechowe af 1 our fenfes are corrupt, and howe full of pollu- tibrvs andiirlrhinene. And this is it which hindreth vs, that we^cnbrabletokiicw-e hp^A'C the worde of God is to be - ^ ' tried. ' ypomhe (^xix. Tfalme. i 5 1 tried. Now it foUowctb, .r ■ ■ lam (malt afid of no reputation '.yetdo J net forget thr/atya. Tliis faying here importeth more thenatthcfirftligM it feemcth to doe : It is very true,thatit ifaould feeme a fane jiiirdcr matter for the mightiemen of this worlde to feru^ God then the meatterfort:in {omuchas\v€c willncueraci compt it ftraungeifa manof bafe condition hath iwt for- gotten the word of Gotl, Bat what is the caufe why wee {^o greatly prattle , iangle, and lift vp our felues fo arrogantly againlt him,and that we fubmitte notour felues wholy vn- To him ? IVjrfooth cuen the very honotirs and delightes of this worlde are oftentimes the chieffeft caufes.When a man dial be in afty credit,e^fi7atioH^^nd reputation hee imagi- neth vnto him felfe an idoll inliis owne heartjand h^cvp6 forgetteth God , and thiiiketh himfelfa to bee lio longer vndtr hisgouememeht, When then our Lorde God hoF- dec'h vsftf a lowe eftate , hee puttcth vs in nsmde ^ and for^. ceth vs by this-nieartesnot to fofget his cornmand^ffterit^, kfid to Valke in his fearc with all humilitie;. ButDaUiicl his meaningtendeth to anothefend^.that is,althf>loekifli,asihat wetHnkc our feTuesleaftbelibld'cn'vR^Gf him. And contrariwifei they vpon whome hee hath notbeftowed fuch graees , thinlcc them felues for their partes , not fb greatly bounden-vnto WmAndinycry deede,tli€worldewiIl alwayes finde ftar- tin§.*h^es,tokeepe it felfe out from the feniicc and feard of G od , or els will bfe fo lightly difcharged thereof, as that! it may be done without any great paifi'e .'As howe I praye youfWefee.that they which pretend colour of ignorance, which haue neither knowledge either of God or of triie rc- ligionjwill fay , furcly for my part I am but a poorc fimplc inan,and without learning , and therefore I will leauc this gcarc to thofe that arc learned. One fort will cxcufe them fclufs The \%.SemonofzfM.fo.Cal felucs one wayjanothetjanothenvay: but yet they all tend« to thisende,to cxcmptthem felues from the obedience of God J & not to be fubicd either to him or yet to his word. See here the common faying amogft the Papiftcs- Ha firra: This is the office of the prielks & thecloyfterers: our pre- lates haue the charge ouer vs : wee arc fecular and lay men, we muft hauc nothing to do with thisgcare . And befides, cucn the meanedfort of vs, haue alfo our cxcufes, and will fay,I am a poore ma^I muft get my liuing with great paines all the day long by my handy worke, I hauc fcarlly any ley- fure once co come to hcare a fermon on the Sunday . See what ftartingholes we finde out, to the ende we might fol- lowcour vaniticsjpleafurcsjand idle times, or I knowc not what other our flouthfulncs^rather then wee woulde hearc the word of God and meditate thereon. So then , Dauid contrarily (heweth , that whiles he was fmall and of no re- putation :yet that he neucr ceafed continually to be exerci- fed in this lefTonjCuen to (libmit him felfe to the obedience of God.And fo we fee him to be giue from his childhood: and that he did not onely take pleafure therein.when God had aduaunccd him to the kingdome,that hee did not be- gin then totafte of the laweofGojd& to apply his whole ftudy thereto: but when hee kept his fathers (heepe and cattle,and was brought vpin the ftieepecoatcs, before hee cameany thing neare the court:euen all that while,! (ay,hc neuer cea(ed but was wholy occupied in the holy ftudy of the lawe of God, Nowe let vs learne hereby not to exempt pur feUies by pur trifling cxcu{es,as a great number of men ^pibut let vs vnderftandjthat Dauid here exhorteth all the filithfullin gcnerahthat the contemptible,bale,and fimplc per(bns,ycaeuen as fimple as yong childrcn,and that haue no knowledge of that which is moft eftcemed amogft me, that they ought not for all that to forget the word of God. And fojlet alfo both great and fmal giuc them (elues to the fludy thereofjthat we may be all the fchollers of the lawe, and of the Prophets 5 but efpecially of our fauiour lefus Clirift.fceing that God hath now beftowcd a more excellet grace y^onthe Cxix.Tfalme. i j z grace vppon vs,then euer hee beftQwcdYppon-Dauid, For' ouer and befides the dcx^trine which Dauid receiued frooa ( the mouth of Moyfcs/ce how God hath layd open vntovs the infinite treafure ot his heauenly wiredome,infomuch as? we haue theGofpcl , out of which thp fonne of God hatli; fpoken vnto vs,who is maillcr ouer the whole hoUfholdiaSi it is faid in the Epiille to the Hebrewes,Nov is this the do-? drine that muft make hcaucniand earth to tremble ,,as it is He^.^.g^ fpoken by the Prophet Haggay % & as this place is alledgcd by the Apoftle,to Ihew vnto ys that we oughtto tcceiuechVi74^.2.7; Gofpel with greater reucrence,then thefathers did the law^ & the Prophets,For God made the earth to (hake wl«en ^^ifff^^j^^^f; gaue the law by Moyfes,which fince thai: time hath bin co*:^'^ firirted & ratified by the Prophet s:but when as hec opened ; ' * bis holy mouth by his fonne to tpach vs,: that, was to make; both heaucn and earth tofliake, bicaufe he ha?h layd open fuch a wonderfuUwifedoimei as that it oughtto (liake &a-i ftpnilh vs,when as God (peak^th with fuch power & niaie-».- {lie vnto vs. See thvU as copce^ning this faying^ where X)a^? uid faithjthat he did not forget the c6mande.met$ of God,' although he was fmal &; ofjiio 5§putation.NQw h^addech.^ 7fj^ rtghtecufyjes is an eHerUjiing rtghteoufnes :atjd thylarve u t^e trulls., Yea in Tuch fort ^ rhac when he was affti^cd & gricucdjthaf he took^.pjcafureiii faying; ?hy righteoiufnes. is an euerlaftingrighteournc(re,hccre Dauid repeatetKa word which hath a doable fignifiGati6,For in the firft place Rightcoufnes,figmfieth the law pf GodjSt thatbJGaule it is the rule of all goodnes^ And the n^:^t y he giueth it the {;itle of righteoufneflej/ignifyingthercbyiThat ihis-lawi? fo;cct;-t taine a rute^ajj that when we iVt^lhawe ^hroughlyofoiided it euen to the bottonie,we dial fif>cic that Qod hathf^t down* therein a perfedion of allcquitieand finceritie : as if bee fliould haue faidjthisiswithout all doubt aperfed ruleof righteoufnes: Now hecoupleth as hee hath already before donCjtruih, with righteoufne{fe.I haue already faide ,that thcfe wordes here,arc oftentimes repeated :and yet it is no fuperfluouskind€oflpcache, ' . v ^ ^he 1 8 . Sermon of (^5\f, lo , Cal. And what is the reafon? Becaufe v/e mijht fully and who- Iyconf«(rethat God hath-fpoken molic wifely, that all- mennes mouthes might be liopped,aad that we al at once mighcbciilentandftilroheare him,There is no man but wilTconfefle this at the togues end; But in the meane time forvs«o knowe this eqiiitieand trueth, which is contayned in ^e word of God, Alas we are too too farre off. ; * Sothcnjieteuerymanlookcwellvntohimfelfcjandfee' wjiether his life be agreeable vnto the word of God or no* ;,y Andifitbe,itisa maniteft proofe that the righteoufnefle andtnieth thereof isdeepely imprinted in hisheart»Nowe 11 .'Vi\ i^^h*s be fojChen no doubt pf it God his woord is honoii- ^- . , jfed as itis worthy .Tlien let vsrender vnto him cffedually, theprayfes which are heere attributed vnto him , and as they doe appertaine vnto his maicltie. But it wee doc fay that the word of God is good and holy, that it \s a won- derfut righreoufnefle and power that cannot fail, and yet ddpife It 1ft dcedeifliewe our fduescleane contrary vnto it in ^ar life and€onuerfati_on,and making a goodly fliewe to hofioritidoefpitatit: What a kirtde of honor call yee this? VVherforc we are to confider^that it is mete that this righ- teoufnefleandtruethoftheiaweof Godbe imprinted in Odr heaftes,that we may make fuch a confcflion thcreofas Dauidl^erehathdoonev And fee why heere heeaddeth, Xeli't my 4ehght in thj CommauKdementiy Y^z^'hcn hce was affliftedjandinaduerfitie. For it is an cafy matter for men CO pfaife God whiles they are quiet and out of trouble, & haue all their heartesdefire. Yeawcefliallfeethe very hy- pocrites cty out with open mouthe ^ O blefled bee God, Jfndour gbcki God; Forfooth when ks hec fendeththem €&dti thdi' Wi(he , and intreateth them according too their ownedefires.But when God Qiallafflidlvs, fo that wee be grieuouflyvexed.vntillwecannomore : Loe heere a good tryatl to make ys feelcjthat we haue willingly and in earncft m>flored'h{rtTih his word. And we (hall (hew it too bee (0, \«hefJasW^(haH'i!H3t •ehaungeoiifmindes : but eonftantly j>er(euei: in it,and fay , whether (hall I now runne ? fee how L'A I am vpon the Cxix. T Jaime. i > 5 I am afliidedrw'elljit is my God that tnuft redore mc. It is yery true that I aai not without great ftosre of forroviTS and griefes which trouble mee : But yet I u'iJl content my felFc with this , that God loueth nie . It is true that as tou- ching the worlde I am tormented; but I will comfort my felFe that my God hath called me vnto him,that he fne wcth vnto me in deedc that he will haue compafsion vpon mee, that he taketh me for one of his children, and will extende his fatherly goodnes towardes mee. Sec here a very good proufc and triall , that wc take the woorde of God to bee true and righteous : that is, thatifwee bee grieued with trouble and aduerfiticyct that we do neuer forget him,noE it.But what? let vs once come to the pradize thereof) and then we fhall fee ho we it faretii with vs, For it is a matter of nothing too lende our eares and faye , furely this is a very good rerm6,& that there was;nothing taught in it but very good and holfome dodrine , and truely if wee haue once iayde buteuen thus muchjwee will by and by thinke, that God is greatly in our debte. A man that commeth thus euen with the cares of an Affe toplaye the hypoaite j thin- Teeth verly that God is bounds vnto him,bicaufe hee hath done him thus much honour. Now this is an ouergrofle and impudent kinde ofdiC- femblingjinthismanerto thinke topleafe the maieftie'of God.But yet the cafe fo ftandeth , as that the greater part is euen fo giuen : nowe what is the next way for vs too bee riddeof alltogithcrf Forfooth euen this,That when wee for a time (hall make a (howe to giue diligent eare vnto the . worde of God,that all whatfoeuer we haue heard , willin- continent melt and vani{h cleane away from vs. And here- by wee very well ihewe,that the truth and righteoufnelTe which is in his word,is not fo imprinted in vs as it ought to be.Now Dauid addeth in the ende, Tet my delight is in thy comm.vidententi. Wliereby he aduertifeth vs , that it is not enough that we cal to minde that we haue vnderftoode the word offaluation, too the ende to profile our fclues in the time of affliftionrbut it muft be of this ftrength and power V euen The iZ. Sermon of (S\^.Io. Cal. €uen to gladde vs in the middeft of our rorro\»'es .It is very true, that wq Aiall not be fenfeks and without feeling. And Dauid alfo hath very well experimented, how greatly affli- ftionandanguifli tormented him. He felt then both harde and bitter pafsions : and yet this hindered him little , to re* Joyce and to be glad, And although he was greatly vexed as touching the flelh , yet felt he fuch fpiritual ioy in the tefti* monies ofGod,that{brrowouercamehim not,Novv,if Da- uid as before wee haue declared , tookefuch pleafurein the laWjWherasGod only (lie wed himfelfto the ancient fathers, as it were in Qiadowes I befeeche you, how ought the word of God at this day to glad vs? Where as he flieweth him felf fo familiar a father towards vs, eue opening vnto vs the ve- ry botame of his heartjhiding nothing from vs^When thS our Lord Godpoureth out the treafures of his infinite loue and goodnes vpon vs fo aboundantly : haue not wee a farrc greater occafion to reioyce,then the fathers who lined vn- der the lawe fYes verely : but our vnthankefulnefTe fo hin- dreth vSjas that in knowing, we know nothing, and in fee- ing, we fee no whit at al. And yet is not this written without caufe.Euen fo,when as we lliall fcele the griefcs, anguiflies, and afflidtions of this worldeto trouble vs , let vs haue rc- courfe vnto thisword of G od: for in it we (hal Ends him to ftretch forth his hand to drawe vs vnto him,declaringthat he will helpe the af Aided , hauepitie of the milerableand vexed,ayde the wretched,defireth nothing els but to bring backagaine poore finners which wilyeld Uiem felues vnto him,lay all their cares in his l3ppe,o. id chat hee will vnbur- den vs of them all. When then wee are fure, and refolute of liich God his goodneffe towardes vs, by hispromifes , wee ought to come vnto him, to call vpon him , and to reioyce inhimifothat we may fay with Dauid, G Lord, mydelight hath byninthy te{timonics,ihat they 'might glad me in the iniddefl of my afflidions, Loe how the children of Godjin all the time of their afflidion may continually doe, reioyce in the affurance of their faluation,yca when as they dial fet- tle them felues vpon his promifcs^and recciucthem in fuch forc: vpon the Cxix. TJalme. 1 5 ^ fort as that they may turnc to their benefit, New for a con- Clufian Dauid faith, 7 hsrighteo;fft7esofthy tefttrKoy.iei is euet" Uftin^ : and akerward he maketh his prayer & faith, granMt me vnderjlanding and [(halllme, S.ey et againc this worde, righteoufnes whicii is here repeatedjand that to vet)' gocexcept we be already prepared to acknowledge his benefites,and too haue this full refblutc mindcthatbanid had: towit,toglorifieGod,whcnashe (hall haue hearde our prayers, y.5, Asal- The ip Sermon o/(ty\d, h. CaL Asalfo wefee thefe two things to gootogitherin another place, where it is faid, CaUvfon me in the 'diiy of trouble , and Iv^tlldehfterthee^and thou [halt gorifie me. Scethen what we haue to note vpon this faying where Daiifd fay th , That hee VPillkeepe the ordtmunces and ttjltmonjes of God. But wee ' are to confider in the feconde place , what the thankes are which God requireth of vs^after he hath holpen vs,& that we haue fel t his goodnes in not reieding our prayers. No w this is true,that it is meete that the mouth doth'his office to magnifie the name of God,in confefling how greatly we are beholden vnto him: and yetitisnot inough that our mouth hath fpoken, butweemufte glorifie him with the whole adion of our Ufe,and too (hewe this acknowledge- ment^howe greatly we are bounden vnto him, in feruing & honowring him in all and through all. Dauid then in fay- ing,That he would giue thanks vnto God bccaufe he heard him/ayth notjthat he wold do it only with the mouth,buc Iheweth that he will pafli farther, that is^to keepe the tcfti- moniesofGod,andtofubmithimvnto his ordinannces. See howe the glory of God ought to refound. not orely at the toungesend of the faithfull,but alfo in the whole ac- tion oftheir handes and feete, and whatfocuer elfe ought to apply them too honor this good Godj that wee fl^ould doe him homage all our life longe, confidering that wee holdeallofhim: and not onely for our creation , but alfo for our maintenaunce and conferuation, and for that hee continually Iheweth him felfe too be ourprotedor. For there pafleth not one hower ouer our heads, wherein God deliuereth vs not from one mifchiefe or other. We haue then a large matter to thanke him for, not onely with the mouth and in words: but alfo in making proteftation ther- of all thedayesof ourlife. Weefeenowethcfummeand cffed of that which is heere fpoken, to witte, Ihane called vppon th^e with my whole hartfi he Are me^ and I willkeefe thy Statutes . And zkerwardcSj I hmecal/edvpoff thee , faueme and I rviU keepe thy Teflmonjes.hxid after \!SiZX>lhaHe^reHe%. teethe dAXphing ofthedaj^ ypon the (^xtxSPjdme.. 1 58 / hMte called vppo» thee^ yea in trttjl'tng in thy vrorde. Now heere he againe rcpeateth the point which wee haue noted in the other Sermon ; that is, that for our well praying vn- toGodjWemuftebuilde vppon the truftofhispromifes. And thi? is the true preparation which wee ought to make, euen fiich a one as this, It is true that we had neede to feelc ourmiferyesandneceflities^asithathbeene before decla- red, For wee fliall neuer pray vnto God with a right afFec- tion,and from the hcarte without this . And befides it is very needefull alfo that we fo lay open our heartes , as thac we come boldcly too prcfent them before our good God too difcharge and vnburthen thofe our heartes of all their cares and forrowe s. But in the meane while , howe is it pofllble for vSjfo watchfully and carefully too pray vnto G O D,and to be at full Ubertie to come before him, if wee had not this hope thathee woulde heare vsf And howe coulJewee haue any hope , if hee had not giuen vs his woorde which witneflsth vnto vs his will , and certifieth vs that wee (liall notlofe our labour in prying vnto him? Thcfirfte laying open then which is requifite for rightly calling vppon G O D jis, that wee come vntoo him in full alturaunce that he will heare vs, And why fo? Becaufe hee hath promi fed vs. They then which (liall pray at all aduenture, (hall gaine nothing^as the fcripture (ayeth; For it is doone but in hy- pocrifiv;: when asweeaffurenot ourfelues that God will hearevs. We mu(l,3S the Apoftlefayth,in drawing neere vnto God, knowe that k is G O D which calleth vs vnto hhn. And they which haue noc this knowcledge , (hall be voydeoftheirhope, And therefore euery man muft looke into him fclfc, to be thus refolucd and fay, Wei, fince it is G od that calleth and biddeth me to come vnto him ,1 muft not (land in doubt ofobtayning that which I fliall aflccof him, yea becaufe I truft to his woorde . When then wee fliall be thus fully aiTured, we may very well beginne too pray: But if this be not in vs,we may bellow greatpaines in praying The ip. Sermon of <^IA4.. h. CaL praying vnto God.yea from morning vntill eucning ; wee rjiay continue all the whole night in babling^but wee (liall get nothing atall by it: although we had lome dcfire and zealCjWc (liould neuer know wliat gaine we rtiould haue by our prayers, bccaufe wee truft not to the promifes of God nor yet ftay our feluesvpon them. Let vs Chen not dout but that hee will helpe vs, and that we (liall fcele his aydein time conuenienuHeereby wee fee, that we could neuer duely and truely pray vnto God i n all the Religion of Popery, 1 fay according too that dodrine which they hold. And why [o? Becaufe they teach the wret- ched world to be alwayes in doubt and waucring. See then that a meerc and profeffed Papift can neuer bee able too make one prayer to pleafc God : and cannot choofe but to prouokc the wrath of God againll them felues in all their Prayers. And why fo? Forfomuch as they looke not vnto his promifesjvpon which we muft fettle our felues, to be afTu- red: but that which is worfcjthey teach that in their pray - crs they muft alwayes ftand in doubt, So much the more tlien ought this dodrine rightly too be confidered of vs, where it is declared, that the key which openeth the gate for vs to approch vnto God in calling vppon his name, is this,that we muft haue the promifes contained in the holy Scripture, & to learnc fuch an affiaunce out of it,as that we doubt not that God regardeth vs : and that fo oftentimes as we pray vnto him.thatour prayers enter into him , and that he will receiuethem, declaring that hee is ready too grauntevnto^vs what foeuer wee fliall aaue of him in his lonnes name according to his wil. Nowcinthemeanewhile^becaufethat God ordinarily hearethnotvsatthefirftchop,thacistofay, (lieweth not it according to the outwarde (liewCjandas we would wifli, heere is required patience to remaine conftant in this affii- raunce, and*:-: jretaineand nourilliitinourheartes after the example of Dauid . For hee fay th not, that hee prayed onely vnto God for a rime: but flieweth that he continued therein , and that hee preuented the night watches. See thea ypontheCxix/Pfatme. 159 then what perfeueraunce was in him as touching prayer, NoweitisafignethatGodihewedhimnot toohaue ob- tayned the thing thathe prayed for. It falleth out then that Dauid his patience was troubled in that that hee langui- (hed: and yet for all that he alwayes trufted to the woorde of God,Nowe wee for our partes are 8o doe eucn the like. tor although God (lieweth not himfelt to be mercifuU vn- to vs fo foone as we would wilh , and too graunt vs our rc- qijcftsjyec ought wenotwithftanding too builde heerevp-i on that hee will bee faithfull , and (he we him^ felfe fo in the ende. Although he prolongeth it for a time, he doth it be- caufe he knoweih it to be very profitable for v^iito humble vs,and to proue our patiencejt foUoweth foone aitBfi: : i -^ Mtfte eyespreuem.ths mght watches', tbatlmtghthe occufji* edinthfworde. .--'.' :;' /' This verfe is not put to without caufc. I hauc already faydjthat we can haue no accefie vnto God' in our prayei;s» without we trufl to his word. For it is a very harde matter for vs to iiay vpon G od,if we onely confider of him accor- dingtoout haturaUreafon,whcther he bee ncere vsor no, and whether he puttethfobrth his hand to help vs. When then we- (hall not pcrceiue this power and grace of God^s we would i\'i(he,itis a very hard thing for vs too belceue in him, and therefore wee muft ftourely ftriueinthis behalfe^ And fee why Dauid %th, Th^ ha eyei preuifitedthe ni^bi >4'^fc^,tob'eoccupycd in that which might cotifinnehim* Asifhethonldhauc feyde, O Lordc^ I haue belecued tlijji word, butit was iwith greate paine, and with manyhardc conflids.Forl ama'weakcman,and of mine owne nature inclyned to diftruft,and befides I am affayled with a gteate number of temptations: Burycthaiic I remedied all this g^ere, when as loccupyed nr>y felfe aboutc this continuail hieciitation ofthy wcrd,whichldid notoncly beftowe on the day time 5 butalfo in parte of the night ♦ Sec hecre what we are in very dccde to gather out of this place. But lirft we muft mark the proceedingof Dauid. For after hee hath fpoken of the hope wherein he was fttkd, to pray vnr toGodi T7;^ \^.Sermonof as gftcaas wee, fliall call vpon him. i > ^ Nowe eueryof vsmay very well fee, that wee paflc not of his helpe one minute of an houre. And yet howe many are there notwithftanding which will vouchfafe too fteppe one foote, too come to occupy them felues aboute the promifes of God, that their memoryes might be rcfre- flied in them to thend they might fo much the better be re- membredofthemfNaywefliallfarcelyhauea number of them com to it oh the Sunday,yea,and ifpercafe they come once , they thinke it too bee as it were ouer much, And forfooth they mufte not come thither neither euery Sunday, becaufe their eares will bee ouer much fiHed with noyfe: and againe fuch as doe come too it, with what; afF.-dion come they, thinke you? Verely , becaufe that they cannot deny, but thattheremuft bee one day in the weeke for them to mecte togither : and befides ,they will for once come thither: but it (liall be to fleepe, fo that they vnderftand and carry away afmuch as thefe fillers i or clfe she ftoles whereon they fi:. loa The I p . Sermon of oSK^.fo. CaL Loe heere^how^e a great number of the people come to the Sermon. Yea and there arc no fmali number which wil comcthither,eucntomockGod,aswe fee thefe fcciFers andgibersjwhocometo none other ende, but toodifpite him, bring with them whorilhe and (hamelefle faces, and fuchabeaillyimpudcncicas cannot bee greater. All this we fee. Nowelet vs confider that it is fo farre of that our ilouthftilnefifefhouldbcexcufed, as that God cannot buc iiiftlvpunilhvsjinthattvcfliallbedepriued of the abilirie to call vpon him in our ncedejand fliall haue our mouthcs alfoftopped. And afterwarde themifchiefclhall increafc 4ayly more and more^vntill fuch time as we are come euen to the deapth of the bottomleffe pittes : that is to fay, wee Ihall be Vtterly excluded from the help of our good God, that he will retire him (clfefrom vs, and cleerely banifli vs his kingdomcBeholde heere the fruite which commerh by our negligence,when as we fliall make no accountc of the cjtercifing of our felues in this fludy of the promifes of God* Nowe Dauid addethj ■ Heave my i/oyce^O Lord^atcording vntq thy loHing ki^tdenes i t^uicken me according to thy ittdgement . Heere Dauid dcclareth yet more plainly , vppon what ^ound he laydc his foundation of praying vnto Godj to witjhe brought no kindc of prefumption with him , thin - king to make account of this or that,and fo to be thought very woorthy that God (hould hearc him: but he preferred thcgoodAeffc and faithfulneffeof Godaboueallhis ownc woorthinefles^Loe heere,wherevnto weemuft looke if wee Wil haiieCod to be merciful vnto vs. And whe as we would profite our felues by our prayers , wee muft not once talke bfbringiiig in ofany thing of ours with vs, ne yet alledge this thing nor that,as thinking too binde God vnto vs fojr f> a: £^H ■"2 02 ~ i/ ^ o _ C o ^ - 1=1 V. ^ ^ 02.;:: *< >- o ^^1 ill "^ ^ ^ ^ s '^ u — -^^ « a-s ■ ~ o g .si ■ >,> _ s c ^^<^ ^ s 5 ^f 5 1