\' 4 * f r &
r PLAINE AND FAMILIAR EXPOSITION OF THE Firft and Second Chapters of the Proueibcs of Salomon. By ROBERT CLEVER R. LVKE g.to. /Indhe Pid,Yntoyou it is gilen to know the ficret.s o{the kxngd©rrae of God, but to other in PA nA E, L E s that when they fee, theyj%ouidnotjee,andwhen they beare, they (Avi1dnot ondirigod. LONDON: PXäntGd by i. S. for THOMA s MAN. I x 4.
ïII _ Il1fEa uúi PI ®_' ! í1ND'ffiÌ 7 AI1`{üt . , a iNII e .. J , NCà Wa V ) s!'a.aá1: ., g-ehM 9 A á1?b IIIR sà!rP,._Cpf:è Tl et165st4I. (L'a.; IU:' li.e il t¢Qeq 1i]f 6 THE PRINTER TO the Reader. Eraduenture thouwiltmaruaileat the prefent Expofition of thefe Chapters as vnfeafonable; neither published in due time, nor feared in fir place,inafmuchas theyought either tohaue beetle dealt in foo- ner,and put in the fore -frontof the worke, or elfe ro be deferred lon- ger, vntill the latter Chapterswere finifhed ; For heere they flandalone,farre diflant and remote fromall thofe that as yet haue beerie expounded. If this be a matter worthy reprehenfion lay the fault on mee ; let the Author befreed from all imputation and blame, who hath no hand in this order and proceeding ; For he hath made anexplanationofthe whole Booke of 1.3 & o- VERB s, and committed the fame vnto mine hands, minding that it fhould fríl beprinted,8t this afterward annexed thereunto, with refolution as Toone as maybe to finial all thofe Chapters which remaine bemerne thefeand theNinth. But von reafonsfìtch as feemed of importance to mee , I nv.de bolde to take another courfc,as tobeginwith this which he thoughtfitteíl: for A a the
ti 1 e i-rin er to the Reader. the fecond place, and then to accomplitla his de.1rei, the other, wherevnto he wi(hed the precedencie: neÿ_ Cher am I willing,todoe him wrong herein , but Fort. Ûgnified my purpofevntohiu and was not gain fail by him, and allot will as footle as C may caufe the explanation to paffe thorow the Pre`fe, to fa. tisfie his mince, who doubtkífe both longe h and labouredA fór thy benefit and profit, F4re.Weli. zuas"""äs+iáoti s®L, W..-r`fing : í
de'dr)i`'` e, ate 611?) U IP Summarie ofall theDoarines collec`fed ow of the feueYau TYfes of theíe two Chapters. CITAP. I. VERS. I. Doi, i. He Scriptures ofGodare not oney repleniJhed with truth, but with profound wifedome. Doet.z. Salomon is the eleded, fanesified , and undoubtedly fatted chill' of God. Doi .3. Godly parents, and vertuous children are trnntt all ern& meets one toanother. Doc` .4. Great menare much gracedby thefruits oftbeirPietie, and Wifedonse. VERS. 2. Do1. i. ITmakethmuch for the commendation of words or writings to bevrefrxll or profitable. Doa.z . Knowledge is thefirfi ,andanecef fariefruit ofGods word sn the hearts of hisferuant r. Do .3 . He that wilt be iudicioua in theftsbfante of R, lgionmuff be s;!ull in the words andfenfe ofit. VERS. 3, Dock,I. THewordofGod as the onely true rule of allgood tai- ons. eflll men oieght to labour for integritie in well doing. VER S. 4. Do 51.i. 're Scriptures ofGod are written as wellfor thebenefit of the romane and ignorant, as ofthe great andlearned, Dat.2. 11 en without ff'irituall w f ea'ome are no better then chil- dren. V E A-.5.
ummaryo t e apters, V E R S. S. Data. THe morefound grace andknowledge anyman bath, the more he willget. Do&z. Whofoeuer will thriue in knowledge, muf be diligent in bearing. VERS. 7.. THen a man is wre indeed, when bee is truly religi- on'. Do61.z. Allfinfullperfonsarefooles. Doc`t.3. Wickedmen take it agreat indignitie to be taught their duetie. VERS. 8. poet'. THefameofeEiion ought to be between teachers and theirPeaple,as is between Parents andtheir Children 13661..z. Thefeare ofGod is to be learnedin childhoodunder the gouernmento fparents. Doet3 . Itbelongeth toboth theparents to informe their children ingodlinefeandreligion. VERS. 9. NO,ornament canfomuchadorneone as Gracewill. VERS. IO. Dolt. z. WHen anyman beginneth to to zegood n'aies, he is like t P to be refilledby euill counfels. Do&2 - They that benought themfelues, are alfo readie toper- uert others. Doct.3 . It isgoodbefore temptations,to refolue,not toyeeld vnto them. V E R S. II. Doct.I. TFIe Lord iudgeth of wicked mens waies according as they be, andnotafter the pretences that aremade of them. Do.z, when cruellmen intendmoll mfchicfe, they commonly make leafl _thew thereof. Doet.3. None arefomuchfubiú7 to wrongs, and injuries, as they that leafsdeferue them. Doe. A
Doa.4, Hope offafetie is one ofthe principarll caufes of all wickedneffe. VERS. 11. VNgodly men prefisme theyf .all f Bedewell, how lewdf foeser theirpurpofer be. VERS. 13. Doa.i. THe refpet1 ofgaine is an inducement to much ini. yuitie. VERS. 14, Doc,1. Hey whichare moll vnriihteous Pone yet itsfl and liberali to (orne.. VERS. I5. Do&i. ASwell the company as the conuerfation ofthewicked is to be efchew . ERS. Dat. r. IT is apropertie ofthewicked to befwift, and 'ref?to all that is emit ERS. 17. Doa, r, MAlitiousand crafty men apply themfelues ,cs bufily t. intrap the innocent,asfowlers dee to catch Birds. Doe. 2. ThefucceJfe of the wicked in their attempt 'isfeldom. anfwerable toyour hope. VERS, 18. Doa{.r AL1 hurtfullperlonsdoemo; hurt to themfeluer. E R S. T9. Do& 1. S0 farreat men be coteetouu they bealfo cruell. Do&.z. The more wordlingsdoe thrice in theircommodities tho worfe their'late is. VEB.s.to.&2I Do&i. THe perfetlion of Gods word is vfed in thepublifbingof bisword,and miniflerie thereof. Do&,Z., The Lord vfeth to deale euidenty and feriotsfly in hit word,andminifierie.
üt%iCrxAfLyLll 'ii'G . . , TcFS. Doa.3. God bath appointed his G9rpellto bepreached, andhe4rd publtkelyas may be Do6t.4. Gods mini?ers,hywhom Wiredore crieth, ought to doe goodto mensfonles in allplaces. ERS. 2 2, . Dot9. i . A Greater finne in one is no excufe ofa loge f in an- other, Dod.z. The longer any man'continueth inhi,franewithoutrepen_ tance, themore thefault increa,eth, Dott. 3 . Sinne is moft dangero*when at is lottedanddelkhted Do 1.4. They are vexier f000les which de/prfe irrtuall vnder- fllznding,thanwhich are defitute ofnaturali capacitie. E R S. 23. Doti.t. THe belt cosn/ell that canbegiuen,ts toperfwadeamax to repent ofhisfinne,andleaue it. Doec.a. proofes,itnd oft tionsare lent ofGod to helpemen to- uardfalaation, andmakethem better. Doc4.3. All themaladies ofGods eleft arehealedby hisfanFIify- ingiirat. VERS.24.and25, THemore meaner any manbath to make him good, thegreater is hisfnnc, anddanger if makenot vre ofthem, Dof.z. Thegreatefl offence agaínft the wordofGod is to con- tonne it. VERS.2, . and 27. Doe. t. COntemptuoazs andobflinate fsnner !ballfinde no fattour ofGod in their mferies. D061.2. Goldnef fe in committing (ânne, willm4e thepunifhment thereofvery terrible. Doßï`.3 . The de,pfèrsòfGods word, aredriaten tomakebootief fe prayers in theirdiref fes. ERS. 31. Do& t. Trickedmeat make tbensfelnes miferable by their o» se finne., VERS,Zm
a V E R. S. 22. Doti. z. SInfulnes dock murder them that will net lerne fe. dome to beware ofit. Dot4.2. e.fpro1erous ellatewithout grace is palinghurtful. chapter Lm V ER6. Y. Doa. z . MEn are nothingthe betterfor hearing Gods word,v leiTe they imbrace andentertaine it. DoL.2. TheyJhallintoy thecomfort c benefit ofthe word whieb arecarefullto retaine it. VERS.2. Doet. WHori0 uer tirillattaineto learne wifedome,muí1 applie both his cares and heart tothegettingofit. V E R DOd. . HEartypraiers to God,is a chiefe andexcellettt memo; t ocome byßiritssallgraces. V E R. S. 4. Do°t. z. GRace is to begotten withgreat diligence. Duda. As great frames to be takenfor jpirituallthings abf for the bell earthly commodities. VERS.5. Dot .z . THey that faithfully v,!egoodmeanes to come by k ew. ledgefhwil cersainely cbt.sine it. V E R t. 6. Doi.z. GOdhimrelfe istheonely efts::allteacher ofhispeople. VERs. 7. and 8. Doi. z. FAithfull men haue a better elate then the world knoweth of. Do61.2. Godly men lisle ingreatefifafetie. Doc`1.3. Godwatcheth as muchosier his people to refesse them fromfinne, itsfromany bodily dangers. VERs. zo. and zz. Doet. z . TIfefruit andvertueofwifedomc for preferuation,below. goth tothem that imbraceit with good . fcflion, B VE&$.
ummary.a$ theChapters. y S. Doc.C. I.1.7 is the proper marle ofapfull man to ccctAs`lo,ne his lippes to take lewdly, VERS. 13. Do. t. e more wilfully menfin,thegreater o 'enders they are, V :RS. 14. Doc.`. 1. THeyare ofallothers the n?o gricuoise MalefaFioNrs, towhom (inne is délatfssll. V E R s. 16. , Do. 1. Die /awe andvertsae, ofGodi rrgNkis,t'he.o.aey found re- medyagain.sq thefiniteofwhoredome. VERS,* I]. DoCt.I, THY whichfet their liking vpon ftrangers , doe alie- nate themfeluesfrom theiryorefellowes, DoF}.z , 3-he rvi fe is to 4e-ordered by thegouerasynenrx andgui- dance other häsfband. Doa.3 . It isfitforyongparties to be beFlowed in marriage with consaenientfjieed, asfoone ou theyareofripeyeares, Doc4.4. Tinfaithfulnef fe toonesyok,efellow,ísalrvaier ioynedwith impietyagains7 God,. VERS. Ip. Doet,Y. ALIadulterers lime ínperillofdeathandda>Q¢rsatiore, V ER S. 19. Do1,. yEryfew adulterers are curedofthatfinne , and repent to fa/Station, V ER s. 20, Do.I. l?`much concernethgem that wouldlije, Chrisiiany t® imitatethee.tamples ofthegodly. V E s.Zi.aild22. Do. I . THe Lord 'cloth not wholly referue mens reward for the .imdgement to come, butgijeth to many lonepart of theirpay in thisworld, FI N I S,
_. y PROVERBS. Chip. in this our Text ) and thirdly, from the endandvfe thereof, as (ball .ippeare in the wordsenfuing.The matter of it is Parables, whereby arc Cornett rocs meant, darke , and n yflicaJl fayings, mat to, not carte tobe vnderflood, as when they fay to aria , why ¿obn i 6.29. #eak ll thorn to themMParal les ? and againe, Loe now thouJJea- k:iplainely, and thou fea0 no `Parable : fometimes a bor- rowed ípeech, a fì :nilitude, or comparifon, as when it is faid, '4'14.. '3 34 era thefe things fake Iefits to the multitude in Parables : and fometimes fhort and tweet proverbiail (entences,full oft%eight and a ifedorne, as when it is laid, Mymouth(hall f ea(e of wife_ dore,and the meditationofmine heart is of knowledge. 1wiI1in- cline mine ears to a Parable,and vtter mygrauematter vpon the Z'fal,49.3.4 Harpe. And heere now doth the word beare all thefe fenfes in this place. TheScribe whom God vfed as his Secretary, or Pen-man,was Salomon, who is defcribed by his parentage, as being Dauidhis fonne, and by his dignitie, that bee was a King, whofe honourable cflate is illuf}rated by his glorious dominion or fubieas,1fraell, the peopleof the Lord, whom he had chofen to be his portion , and the lot of his inheri- tance, and that whilefl they were in their perfcc`lion of beau- tie, both for Church and Common-wealth , making but one and the fame entyre and vndcuided body , not yet difinem-, bred, nor rent a (-under one Tribe from another 3 as after- wards they were in the fucceedingages. Do5.t. The Parables, c. The Scriptures of God are not onely replenifhedwith truth, but with profound wifedome. If Col many Iemmes and Jewels bee to be found in this Booke,which is as it were, but one casket of the holy writings, what a multitude,&n:alic of richesare laid vp togethei: in the whole volumeof the Bible, which is the Lords full treafurie? They which hauebin writers of tome parts, have binalmoffi aflonifhed at, and rauifhed with the eminency of othr r parts, before manyof the diuine, and more then heaucnly Buokes and Prophecies were extant : as the Pfalmifl profciTethto the f43 19.129 Lord , faying : Thy tetirnonies are wonderfull, therefore dothmy k 3 ®, foule keeps them. The entrance into thy words lheweth 1 ght, c. The Apofllc Peter tcflifcth, thewords (that is the writings) cf
I7aft. PROVERBS. 3 of the Prophets to be both fore in regard of the veritie, and a light thatfhineth inadarkeplace,in refpec`lofthe fplendor,and L Pet, /,/9- excellency thereof. And Saint Pawl commendeth the Law for the glorywhich it had, but efpecially theGofpell to be ex- ceeding glorious. for reaCons ace will confine our felues to 2. eor.3. the booke in hand , and addc but little to the arguments wherewith the holy Ghofl adorneth this Scripture. Firfl then,the matter , and luch as is not without decent R fcn,i. forme, and vpon due caufe ; doth in the forefront and ente- rance , winne praife and commendation to the whole r orke, It contained] no (lenderand triuial difcourfe,butProuer1s,Pa- rabler,fclec`l (entences, (for faith,mannera, eíhte, and gouern- rnt,as well dome(licall, as publike) the choyfe, and chicle, z Kina.4.3 z. and very duintefíence of three thoufand, whereof euery one proceeded from rare wifedomeand iudgement. Secondly, the inflruments whomGod direc`led to indite Z. this booke andothers, are much to be refpeeted,as principal! then, asSalormn, C.lofes, Dauid, Ifaias, `17aniell, Paul, Peter, James, John, and the refl. What Arßorle ? what Plato ? what Socrates ?what Bauke-reader,or Bookewritcr,in any Nation z King.4,29.30 bath bin found to be matchable with them ? Hare what the Lord hirnfelfe doth teflifie of this our Salo,rnon: Godeauehim rvifdome, vnderftanding exceedingmuch,anda largeheart,eren as the rand that is on the Sea /bore. Húwi%dome excelled thewif- dome of-allthe childrenofthe Fafí,andall the "rifdome ofFcipt For he was rifer than any man. 1 if it be laid, that thoughhewas thewifefl then, yet afterwards among the Græcians , or Ro- manes, others might Iurmount him , let that be retaaembred which God did prornife vnto himJoel haveyinen theca wife, andvnderfanding heart,fo that there bath bin none like vnto thee Kind3, z z, before thee,neyther after thee /hall arirethe li vnto thee.Nowall this confirrneth the point w hich we intreat of;that from loch mens pens is to be expected both verity of matter,anddepth of vnderflanding,and that expretled in an elegant manner, though carnal! atlehation hecondemned by the Apoflle,For who can fpcake mare to this purpole than Salomon himfelfe, z cor,i,.s of whom , and of whofs workes , wee are now diCcourfng ? B 3 The
Eccl. cz.g,to. i 4- Themorewire, (faith he ) Ecclefialles wa6' , themore he taught thepeopleknowledge, andcaufed them toheare, andfè4rcloedforth andpreparedmanyparables. l'cclefaf tes fou,ht opt plc nt xi-ords, and an vpright writin, even the words of truth,. Suph wf has .1-rirth the Lord vied forthe benefit of his people;& fo h :h he honoured the (ácred volumes of h s Scriptures : and yet are theydignified with greater credit,authtrity,and iíclom:than either Salomon,Dauid,or Daniell,or any other creature in lrea- uen or earth is able toyeeldveto them:For thoughmen haue b encagents in thcm,yet the infin: re,andonly wife Gad is the author of them. 1110 prophecie inthe Scripture, (faith S. Peter) is ofany privatemotion : For theprophecy in old time came not by the willofman , but holy men ofGod f sake they were rneued by z Pet.t.zo.nt. the holy Ghof : Arid Saint Panl acco.rdeth with him fully, and T' 3'16' auerrcth the fatne,though more btiefely: ThewholeScripture re giasers by inf#irationfrom God, Thirdly, the fruit and good effeasofthisbooke in the fen- ' tenccs next following fpecified , and the fame ofothers , de clarethat they are richly furnifhedwith wifedonze : For how could they otherwifè make fomany wife ? How could they continually glue knowledge to the risoff ignorant , and in- creakknowledge in the molt learrsed,iftherewere not fonds, and flowingllreames of admirable knowledge in them ? For drie ditches vfe not to (end forth riuers of waters. Vfe Which ferueth for the reproofe of many curious heads, which cannot away with tthe (ìmplicity , and plainneffe of the word : it is toylefome and tedious to them to bellow their time in reading.or hearingofthat which is fo homely, fo rude,and rufticall (for no better doe they efieerne ofCods heauenly Oracles.) And what caufeth this diflaflefulnefffe ? Why doc they rclithrhe bread of life nobetter.? They finde no matter able to fatibfie their finewits , nor elocution fitting their nice,and dainty eares,Such rare gifts as they haue,mu{f beanfw'ered with finable learning,& exquifitc skil,and iud,ge- rnent.Wellthen,themeditations of mina arc too (hallow for your deepe reach, and profound capacity ; P ruts wrtingsbe too barren of matter tocontent your minder ;and Salomon: fay logs PR fl V E RBS. C,7ar. I.
Verj. 9 1 TI S. fayings fauour not of fufhcicnt learning&wifdotrre for your initrwfhon: but know that his conceit p:ocecdeth fromwit. le(neifeand Want OfwiCedome,as not hauing grace and vndere ffhndin ; to apprehend the counlels ofGod, which are delive- red by `Dauid, foul, Salomon, and the reft of the holywriters For who but a rook would make himfelf wifer than Salowon ? Thereforeyou loath Manna,becaute Onions, and Garlrckc, and Leckrs $ be fitter for you thanAngels food. You might know(proudnnen)if pridedid not depriue you ofknowledge, that the Prophets and Apoffles false rafedor4e,and wrote wits dome arming them.that are-`erfell, though notthe wifedome of this world : bit the wi'e,fimrne ofGod in a mi ery, even hid ITijre- dome, which Goal reuealeth by his Spirit : For the naturall man vaderfandeth not the things which are of God. Who feethnot in these perlons, an execrable careletizef1c of holy things, fo baleiy to vilifie that which in all the world is the mofit wore thy,and precious ? Neyther yet is this all that dicers are tobe charged with, though more than euer they can auoid; but in this they Phew a greater contempt, that they for fakeSalomens parables, and Christ his precepts,and Gods owne divine coun- fels, and cieaue toMacberaili his profane, doggilh, and diuel- lifh politiques. Thefe they read, (ludic, meditate of, and de- light in,and daily pra6ile, when they ca`t away theBible and contemne it. Of Salomon,&c.] Somewhat muff be spoken of the writer heeteMentïcíncd,Sàlomon,before we corne to the next point, feeing it pleareth the Lord to honour his Hanie, by prefixing it to thebeginning ofthis Sacred Booke, that it clothappeare bothby this worke, and the rest of his writings canonized for the petpetuail vie ofthe Church, that he is eIeaeci,fan- étif7ed, and ['sued ¡howfoeucr druers without due cause haue calledhis Bate in gticftioe) for the holy GhaftebySaint Peter, e- cloth witnefle of the Prophets, andwriters of the Scriptures, that they were holymenofGod. And as for Salomon, more per- ticular tettimonics are glues of him, and filch as snake mani- left the purpoi of God for his (aluation. Before hee was borne WeLord profet%ch his goodnetfe towards him , that he Do(51.2,. Pet.I.zs_,
ROVERBS. )ap. he would adopt him for his ownechilde, and (notwith(fan. dingall the tranfgre(Iions which he fhould cou,Enit ) yet he would continue faithfull, and gracious vnto him. twill behü San a Father( faith he) andbe 'ball be myCon : andifhefsnnel'will cha- a s. flife him with the rodofmen, but my mercyfballnot depart away from him.Afterwards at his birth he declared the conftancy of his fre(,& vadeferued kindneffcwhich he bare vim) him be- fore he was, or had done good or euili : and twifc inone place doth made that hce loued him , and therefore Cent the Prophet Nathan to appoint that he Ihould be named ledidiab, and who knoweth not that the loue of the Lora is eternal!, and neuer rubieet roany mutation ? And it is confirmed fnSalomon by good effctis,of whom it is laid , that he hued theLord , walking in the ordinances of Da/lid. Indeed he fell fearefully,and that into Idolatry , but he aroie againe by re- pentance, the authenticke records whereof hang at this day, and (hall doe to the endof the world vpon the file : as well theBooke Ecclefafles , which fheweth how that his lookwas gathered into the bofome of the Church againe , as that fay- ing in the Booke of Chronicles : They made Rc hoboam the 3. Cbroro, t t,i7. forme of Salomonmightythreeyeeres long: For threeyeeres long they walked in thew asesof Dauid,andSalotnon. Our ofwhich we may colic& that when his fonue carne to the Crowne , he found Idolatry demolifhed and rcligion,eflablifhcd,as it had beene formerly in the daycs of Dauid. Now albeit this point beper(onal,touchingoneman particu- lardy, & neither raifed,nor profecuted,in inch manner as other doetrines,yet mayit feruc for moregeneral vfc,as to be an ad- monition to all,euen of Mt gifts, and graces, to cake heed to themfelues that they loft not their lfanding. Salomon (as the feueral texts quoted doe beare him witneilc)had goudproofe &experienceofGods fauor,of Gods bleflîngs,of Gods Spirit, and yet he declined from the loue ofGod, from theway of God,and from theworshipof God,& prouoked God to threa- ten him,&to bring judgementsvpon his pof}erity: and there- fore if he flipt and fiumbled fo dangeroufly, let noman bee rcmilieto looke wellto his footing, Wilt thou fay thy wife., dome Y Kim; 2z.
dome (bail Cupport thee , and hold thee vp? So it will if it 'eane con(lantly on thewifedome ofGod , for his direction, otherwife remember thatSalomon,who fell fo grieuoufly, had beene allowife , and therein in that refpec9 thy better. Wilt thou fay myelection is confirmed to mee, I am chofen, and called, and beloued of the Lord , and therefore in no peril' of fwaruing? It is true, that by the venue ofclec}ion, vocati- on, and ettcrlafling loue ofGod, thou (halt be eflabliflaed, if thouwilt goe out of thy felfe, and in godly feare depend vp- on him , othcrwifeconfider that Salomonhad all the prero- gatiues ratified vnto him perfonally, and by name,and yet di- uerted, and went farre away. There is a worthy raying of Nehemiah for this purpoCe, though in a particular cafe, reprouing them that had married Idolatrous wiues 5 Didnot SalomonKingofIfraelfinne by thefe 1f,bem,13,t6; things,yet among manynations there Tras none like vntohim rFor be Trams belouedofhis God , andGodmade himKingouer I,iraed : yetflrange womenmade him to finne. By this likewife we may be induced to moderationofcen- rfi Z, Cure towards our brethren, which haue beetlewont to walke in the right pathos oftruth and piety , though theyfhould fails fornetimes in faithful' proceeding therein , nay though Satan fhould furprife them, though the world, or their owne corruptions fhould draw thccn to únfull courtes , and holde them fall in the fame for a teafon, wee may, and mull con- dernne their finnes, and inflabilitie ; we ought, and by duetie are bound to reprooueand admonifh them of their faults,ac- cording as our place requireth,andopportunity occalioneth; but depraue not the former fruits of Gods holy fpi it as though there neuer hadbeen anyvprightnetre in them, ney- Cher paire fentence concerning their future condition , as though their faluation were departed from them : For fo fhouldefl thou inrigour purtue chofe , whomGod in mercie bath feared : fö fhould Salornon , 4ra, and other godly men, whom the Lord in his thronebathacquitted , bebrought to thy barre to becondemned : fo mail} thou make thine owne wayes as flippery as theirs were,and falling,fhould findmany at
1 O V E RT3 S. Chl I, as ready to iudge thee as thou doer! them, and few to !hew corpallion on thee, as thou lbewef$ none to others . And therefore that equal! precept, and prudent Counfell of the Gal.b,t, Apoftle: Erethren,ifany man by occay on befallen into any fault, yes which are f irituall, refore!itch a one with the fiirit ofmee& ne f je , confidering .thyfelf',left thou 4116 be tempted. Taa.3> TheSonneofD amid,cc Godlyparents and vertuous chil- dren are mutual! ornaments one toanother. When thou rea- de(l that Salomon had (uch a father, thou rnaiel boldly con- clude that he was honorably defcended : and when thou rea- dell thatDauidhad fuch a fc)nne,thou maieG eafily conceiue, that he was happy in that his feeds andfucceirour. Agood roote maketh the branches to flouriflì,by vertue of the hue - ly Lippe that it fendeth vp : and flourifhing branches winne praife to the roots, for the pleafant fruit which they bring ?ro.;7.6. forth. Childrenrchildren are the crowne ofthe Elders, and the glory of childrenare theirFathers. Abraham, Haack, and Ja- cob, are fo renowrned by their relation each to other, in a re- ciprocall manner for parentage, and progenie, that wee fel- dome make mention of one without the remembrance of them all. Iofèph was the ioy and Jewell ofJacob , and Jacob brought honour, and credit to Io,reph, as well by his grauity and wifedome in the pretenceofPharao, at his fir (l comming intoEgypt, as by his laudable behauiour at all times after- wards among the Egyptians, as their dolefull lamentation at his Funerali declared. John the Baptifls father and mother haue teffimonie to be both ofthem is>fi before God,and to walke in all the cornnjanden,ents,andordinances ofthe Lord,with- out reproofe,which the fpirit ofGod Both purpofely record, to iiluf}rate his perfon, and miniftery, by their holy conuer -. fation, and to celebrate their names, and memories by his fhining graces. ,ayoNs I, Firti, this is true, right, and proper nobility for a godly off-fpring to fucceede religious progenitours : For that is a race of Princes, and linageofKings : enemy good man is of theheft faamily,and Gods childe,and euerychilde ofGod par - taket.hof Christ his royall dignity. -_ -:-çC; Secondly),
VerJ i. PROVERB!. t, Secondly, the goodraefre of God to the childe prepared him fuch a righteous parent, and made hinm fo wife, faithful[; and profperous in his government ; and his mercy to the parent gauc him fuch a gracious childe , and made him fo teachable,tra&abie, and obfeyuious to his difcipline. For vfe fee Chap. i o. verf. z . touching. the benefit ofgood children :and Chap.i 7.G.concerningthe honor arifing from godly parents. ICing of Ifrael, &c. Great men are much graced by the Dofl.q,, fruits of their piety and wifedorne. Salomon crowne was the brighter and more magnificent, in his owns time (his name was famous in all places) by his prudent and righteous a&s, and fayings : and it Brill retay. neth the honour his title ofKing of Ifrael is magnified,and much adorned by the recital!, and mention of there Para- bles , and thole other Bookes ofEcclefiafies, and Canticles, His father pert wading him (being but young) vnto fuch ho- nourable feruices, didalto fore-tell him of fuch. promotions. Exalt xrfdome (which is done, not by fpeculation, but by prac`bfe) and /he fhall exalt thee : fbe(hall bring thee to honour, ifthou embrace her: She,yea,Jhefballçiue thee a crowne ofglory. it 13 tobe obferued, that Princes of the fame place, but yet not walking in the time fleps, haue not all attayned to the famecminencie,and eftimation, fiches thewicked father was King of ludah, before Hezekjah the godly fonne, but yet bare, and deipifed, whereas his fonne was glorious, and re- nowmed. And is there any proportion betweene the me- morial! of.Sand, and Dauid, though Saul raigned ouer all If rael as well as Dauid ? Firft, fan&ity, well -doing, and goodnelïe,is eftimablewith Reeafoni. ¡, God : the Lord refpeð thole that are feruiceable tohim, and his Church : but henothing regardeth fuch as haue no- thing elk to decke them bat fuperiority, and dignity. Secondly, wifedome, godlinefle, mercy, and lodgement, allure mens hearts to like of them heft in whom they chine moil: and howfoeuer others that are vicious may haue bare heads, or bended knees prefented vnto them, with plaulible C z titles,
quo RovERBs. Chip. v titles, and formali complements, yet they are not truly reve- renced : the hearts ofall doe cenfure them,and fo would the tongues alíoofmoll, if by feare,and other like refpeets,they were not (ilenced. 3 Thirdly,ti e records and fame of piety and righteoufne(Te remaine aliue, when the bodies ofthe righteous andgodly, aredeadand buried : fucceeding ages (hall retayne the ma- numents,and enjoy the benefit thereof. Moids Pfalmes were norenclofed in Dguidr Sepulchre : nor the remembrance of Tof.i his zeale in redrefiìng things amifje, was intombedwith Iofas when hee was interred. Whereas the pompe, and po- tencie ofmen in great places and of no vertues dothperi& with their breath, and confunne before their bodies, that on- ly which tarrieth behinde them, is the trackeand teflification oftheir wicked wayes , for their perpetuall flume, and ig- nominie. Tf? I. Inflruc4ion for all noble men,and perfonages ofhigh de- gree to imitate SRlor,on , and follow him in his laudable pathes, and fore-fleps ofdoing, fpeaking, or writing offuch things as are worthy oftheirnames or places. Hee (pent not thedayes of his peace idlely, or euilly, but as hee guided his kingdome and hou(holdadmirably well in all things, fo he gaue himfelre to much private fludy, both ofDiuinitie and Philofophie: For ouer and betides theee three Bookes of ca- sonicall Scripture, referued for theChurch for euer, hee left alto the fruits of his labour in the cuflody of roan, among theirciuill records for future ages then next cnfiuing. Oh, that ours then , by his example ( they efpecially upon whom many depend) would glue forne teflimonie of their knowledge, that theyare acquainted with the wayes ofGod of their religion, that theyare well feafoned with the feare of the Lord: oftheir goodnetie , that their trauailes be to be- nefit thofe of theirovine times, to kaue infirudions for the vfeofpoflerity. V.r t. Confutation ofthat ordinary , and too often vrged (lift. they haue no Icafure for fuch exercifes, the multitude, and mu'tiplicity of their afFaires permit them not to beflon'e them-
ÿer¡.t. PROVERBS. II 1 themfelues in that fafhion. But haueyou more imployment then hadSalomon ? Is your bufinetTe greater ormore waigh- tie than his vas? He had a Kingdome to gouerne, eucn that ample, and honourable kingdome of Ifraell, the vifble ChurchofGod, whereof hee teflifieth to the Lordhimfelfe, fay ing , Thyferuant ú in the middeft ofthypeople , which them i Kin.3.8,9. haftchefen, euenagreatpeoplewhich cannot 6e told, or tutmtred for multitude : who isablero fudge this mighty people ? He had alfo many Prouinccs 0 rule, and retayne in fubieIion, as Moab, 4mmon, Edom, Palestine, and others. He had great buildings in hand, for many yecres , as theTemple of the Lord, the fairefi edifice in all theworld. It was net a (mall matter to maintaine feaucn-fcore, or eight-fcore thoufand men at worke daily for feauen yeeres together , betides the worke ofthe rninde, and thoughts occupied about the plot, contrivall,and furniture of fuch a building,wíth all nccefTary appurtenances belonging vnto it. Andhaue you more to do thanDauidhad, who iudged fo many Tribes, and fought fo many battailes for the defence of his Subicc`Is , and van. quifhing ofhis enemies ? and yet flee referued feafons for prayer, thanks giuing, . meditation, reading, writing, and all good duties. Io/hwah (notwithf}anding his hcauie burdenof gouerning, and warring) was commanded by the Lord, that that Booke of the law fhomld not depart out ofhis mouth , 6ut to meditate in it day and night. And the King is required in 'eutronomy, to made therein all the dayes ofhis life. And who are you that be more full of bulnetle than theywere Certaine it is, you aremore bulk then well occupied. Reproofeofthat nicenelfe, and pride, wherewith fo many VIZ' 3 are fo ilrangely poffelled,which thinke it a vexation ofminde to wcareout their wits, with this kindeof fIudics, and repute it a difparageinent to their dignities , to fpend their breath about fuchdifcourfes; when the reading oflafciuious Bookes is delecîable,whenoathes,and all kindeofexecrabl: fpecches feeme graceful! vnto theta, But curled creatures they are, which difdayne to performe honourable leruice to their Creator, delighting rather to be milerable bond-men, to doe C 3 the
1z PROVERBS. chap.I. the-vilefl drudgerie of the Diucll his enemle. They forget that they oweas muchhomage to the chide Lordofheauen, as the bafea pealant : his foueraigntie is as high ouer Ernpe- rours,Citting in their Thrones, as the poorefl captiues,grind- ing at the Milne. They forget that their prcheminences abone others in dignity, parenrage,pienty, or the like, ought to bemotives to greater feruiceablencllti , and not cauces of exemption from Chrillian feruices ö For the greater wages they receiue the more worke they fho+.old doe : the better tenements they hold, the larger rents they fliould pay : and the higher they are exalted by him a the deepelier they are indebted to him. Thole which honour him (ball receiue encreale of honour from him, There is none fo excellent, but he canmake him yet more eminent, and lironglier ella- blifh him, whereas on the contrary fide for their.impiety,and contumacie, hee will call downe flat to the ground Inch as f. eme to Band vp in the height and flrengthof rnountaines. Sec Chap .1 6.verfe i z. Verle z. To know wifedome and ins`lrn ion , to vnder land thewords ofknowledge. HEre beginneth the third part ofthe inscription, wherein is contayned the vfe, and end ofthis Booke,which is Ftrfl,generall;fuch as is common toall, ver.a. 3. Two-fold: Secondly , Ipeciall, Inch as concerneth forne kindes of men.ver.4.5.6. The general] vie is partly for the minde andvndertland- ing, as in this verle, partly for the prac`li1e, and wayes, as will appeare in the next. Our Text faith, that it was written to incite and teach men to knowWifedome, to attaine vnto,and proceede in the knowledge of things that may make a man Inge to faluation : and Inf ruF. lion, towit,the meanes whereby that wiCedome is to be obtayned , as dotrine , exhortation, reprehenfion, &c. andto vnderhand the words of knowledge, thofe fayings , and Ientences, wherein knowledge andwife- dome is deliuered,
PI' ';.x- It maketh much for the commendation ofwords, or wri- tings to be vtcfuil, and profitable.. Therefore would the holy Ghoif haue this Booke to be efteerncd, and embraced of all forts , becaufe all forts may be intiruc`ted by it : it will enlighten their vndcrltandings, it will workevpon their affections, it will diret,and order their behaulour. And it is fpoken in the pralle ofall theScriptures, not onely that they aregiuen by anfáration ofGod, but bealfo 2 Ti,n 3.IO profitable to teach, to improve, to correct, and to infizruEl in righ- teoffneffe, that the manofGod may beabfolute being madeper- feRveto allgoodworkes. And diversof the Plalmes of David, haue the vfes of theca prefix: cl before them in their tides, as togiue infiruCtion. Plal. 19. Pfalnseofprafe. Pfal. zoo. í PÏalmeforrc+menabraance, &c. On the contrary fide, the Lord himfelfèby this our Salomon , doth eond: mne vnprofitablc Treatifes, which (crue not to make their Readers the better, and admonifbeth thole that will hearken to him, tobeware of them : For there ù none end in reading many bookes, and Eccle, 11.12, much readingis a wearineffe to the flefb. And as for fpeeches, the cormpartfons whereby the spirit of God doth grace the mouthes, and tongues ofgodly men, doe give a cleare telfi- monie , that bee refpeceth them for the good which they do,and thecommodity that commeth by them : as the tongue Tro.to.ir.zo. ofthe lull man is asfinedfiber: themouth ofthe righteo.0 will be 3 i, fruitful) in wifedome. Fitt', all things are regardedof all wife men more or Ielfe, Reafon;.l, according to thevieof that may be made of them,and thebe- neñtwhich theywill yeeld. As fosse trees are well fenced,and tenderly nouri{hed, others cut dówne with the Axe,ordigged vp by the rootes : tome bath are foreuery Chap-mansmg/ ney , and no price too deare that is dernaunded for them : others are reieted as refutes, aidwill bring the owners no money in the Market : Liege grounds are farmed out at high rates, men are defirous ofthem, though their rents, or in conies grow great, others are neglesr-ted, and little let by,- fcarce any Tenant will glue ought for them. And w hat Hie ueth men to faille io partial) in their choife ? to put fuch a, difference Dear.
..r tfiti4.i9 (01.4.6. rroK. zo. xz. .I. difference betweene one thing andanother ? the different va. lue, and worth of the things, becaufe the one is farra more commodious than the other. Secondly, the tongue that is exercifed in (peaking fruit- fully, and the hand that is applied towrite vfefully, dot ma. nifea an heart that is (cored with loue , and other graces : e..fgood mean out ofthe treafure ofhisheart bringethforthgood things ; and aneuiii man cast ofthe treafure o f hisheart bringeth forth mill things : For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth f eaketh. Thirdly, when men publifh, or vtter fuch pointsas may vtter inítruc`}ion to the Readers, or hearers, they thew forth their owns vnderfanding, and knowledge, though without oUentation or purpofe ofboafling. The morewife Eccleftafes )a ',themaré he táasghtthe knowledge,. ndcaufedthem to heare, andpreparedmanyparables. Inftruetion toall,whether Minif}ers,or people,inChurch, orCommon-wealth, to bend their fludies, and endeauours, to direst their tongues, and talke to themolt vfe they can: His labours and fpeeches are worthy ofthe greatcil praife, whichworke bet} effects, and bring greatea profit. S. Paul his precept is,that nothing fhould come out ofour mouthes, but that which is good topedifie,thatit may miniL}ergrace to the hearers. And therefore that Our communication be al- waiesgratious, andpowdredwithfait. Let men confider, that when they make a fpeech, they thould makea leal{ to them that be prefent to heare it(as theProuerbsfaith) The lippes of therightesus doefeedemany. And when they write a Boake, they profetíe tokeepe open houle to all commers , that any wherewill rcade it; How vndecent a thing then it is to call their hungrygueflsvnto empty tables , or illudethcmwith the (hew of dillies without meate, whereas theyexpet plen- tifully to be fufficed with dainties? But this exhortationmay be extended yet farther , and reach as well to the cares to teach them where-vnto they f}iould liilen, as vnto the mouth, to tell it what it fliould fay. Ifínfec4iouswords, orvanity mull not befpoken, or written, neither 7
j/erf.z. PRGvÈRBS, ïS neither mutt they be heard, or readc : whatfoeuer onecan not deliuer without finne , another (hall hardly entcrtaine with fafety. That which is vnfauossrie(faith lob)!hall it be eaten withontfait ? or is thereany tall in thewhite ofan Egge ? Heart my words(faith Elihn) yee wife men, andhearken tome,yee that banevnderssanding : for the eare trieth words , as themouth ta- freth meate. Reproofc of Miniflers , and private perlons that (ludie hard, and take great paints in reading,or hcaring,but to little or no profit for thcmfclues, or their brethren. Some glue heedc to fables, or genealogies, without end, breedingclue- limns rather than godly edifying : fame filling the world with Bookes,and Sermons, vtterly barren ofall matter,that may either(hew Ianetity, or ftirre vpany to it, or ¡cade them in it : Come perucrting themindes of them that come within the (melt oftheir breath, and poyConing the hearts of thole that bc(}ow reading of their Bookes : and in this ranke are the Brownif}s , and efpecially the Popifh , and trayterous Prieffs, and Icfuites. Toknow, &c.] Knowledge is thehrff, and anecefI'ary fruit of Gods word in the hearts of his feruants. M anyother ver. tues are wrought by it, in them that !hall beGlued by it, but none without this, nor before this : this is alwaics oneetféa ofit, ahercfoeuer it is ordayned totake anyeffect; that is the elder}daughter ofthe Gofpell, and mother ofall other good graces. So runneth the promi:Ce of the Lord by Jeremiah : They !brill loowmefrom the 4,00 ofthem to thegreater ofthem. Such is theprofeffion ofthe faithful' people by Hofea : Then /baldwebaneknowledge, andendeassour to know the Lord. And thisacknowlcdgement is made in the name ofall the faith- ful l by Saint/ohm: We know that theSonne ofGod is come, Rnsi hathgiteenvsa mìrade toknowhim. See Chap.. i o. To vnderFiand the wordsofknowledge, &c.] He that will be judicious in thefubffance of wifedome,muf} beskilful' toap- prehend thewords, and fenceof it. It is expedient,that when we !hall heare fruitful! Preachers, we be able to conceiue of their Doctrine deliuered in their D publike lob 6.6. lob 39..2.3. i 7'irn.z.4. ler,3t.3§m Doe1.1].,
16 Pv.Ov EREs. Chap.i. publicke Sermons) and as oft as we (hall conuerfe with faith- full people, that we difcerne of their wholefome fayings, tt- tered in their private conferences.- It is fpoken in the praife ofthem that receiue the feed in good ground, that they heare the word, randvndersland it. The wretched elate of the ob- flinate hard- hearted hypocrites, is aggrauated by this, that in hearing they fhouid heare and not vnderfland, and in feeing they fhuuld fee, and not perceïue : and the happy condition of his difciples extolled by this , that they had their cares bleffed in hearing, and their eyes bleiled in feeing. The utility, and profit thereof, is manifold, andgreat : It flren,gtheneth the memory to contayne what it receiueth : it quickneth the affaclions with liuely motions : it perfwadeth the heart to glue credit, and yeeld obedience : the tongue is inabled by it, to tefiifie truelywith approbation, or improba- tion, as thecafe rcquireth. Secondly, many dangerous evils proceede from the con- trary : when men difcerne not the fenfe of the word, theyne- uer cnioy the fruit, andvertue of it , they arePubic& to et- yours, and rafh cenfuring, as to condemne the befl,and c orn- mend the wort}, to call light darkneiTe, and darkneife light. What. caufeth ,fo many, inuec`iiues , and clamours ¡Taint} comfortable doctrines, and neceffary íntlruc`tions ? Igno- rancemifconfiruing themeaning thereof, according to that which S. Peter faith , They f eátke e(ä11 ®f thole things which they know not. This is anhardfaying, (crie they out vpon our Sa- uiour, whenhe fpake moil gratioufly) Whocanheare it ? Euen Nicodemus , though a man not imrnodefl , but ignorant, thought he might iufily take exception againfi the pofition ofChri fl, affirming, that Except a man be borne againe, bee cannotfeethekin(dome of God. How cana man, (faith free) be bornewhich il. oleic? canheenter into his mothers wombeagain, and be borne ? And as the truth not vnderflood is depraued, and tradu- ced , fo is it alto many times abufed to iuflifie that which it refuteth, to allowof that which it conderuneth , and to pra- c ife that which it forbiddtth as the Apcille witnelieth: In
v er jZ. R O ii V D III' InPails Episiles areforce things hard to be vssderfiood , which s Pet.3, z 6. they that are vnilable, and vnlearnedperuert , as they doe alto other Scriptures ,to their owne des` rut1ion. Confutation ofthe Papi(}s,whofe practife, profcflion,and Yfe. con[}itutions, are all oppolite to the purpofe of Salomon, thewifedorne ofGod,and the (aluation of mens foules : For they lockcvp the Scriptures in a ['range language,theyper- mit them not to be truly tranilaed into knowne tongues, they forbid the people upon penaltiLs,to reade them in their natiue fpeech , that they Ihould not vnderfland fo much as the fignification of the words : and fo they relîff the holy Ghofl, by prohibiting , and punishing that as an hainous crime, which hee commandeth as a needful] dutie. A man might thinke that they Et light by Salomon, and ilomicked S.Paul , as though they purpaf -1y addit<ted themldues to thwart him, both by Doctrine, and deede. Hee had rather z cor,i4.rp: hauefuse words#o`en in theChs,rch , with the lenders anding, to infruïi oth frs , than tenne thousand in a f range language. And they hAd rather haue fifty thoufand babied in a Urange tongue, to fill mens Bares with winde, than fiue> or any that might enformemens mindes for edification. And others al- fo though not fo bad as Papi as, might here be taxed, which Teeming to fpeake nothingbut Englifh among Englilh peo- ple, doe yet fo fold vp, and not lay open their matter, in vn- couth, obfcure, and difficult termes, and manner, that it is almoff all one, as ifthey preached in Latine : a great part of their hearers comprehend but a fmall part of their Do- &rine. Reproofe , and terrour for many Auditors to horn the Gofuell ofChrif} is offered, who fatisfie thernfelues with the found of the Miniffers voyce, though they perceiue little;or nothing of that which hee teacheth. Euen this is a part of their petill, that they thinke it fafe to be blinde , or deale at Gods ordinances, to fit as it were in the Sunne-fhine, and yet neither to fie light, nor feele warmth. They know not that Satan the Grad ofthis worldMathblinded their mindes, that the light ofth. eglorious Gof#ell ofChri f , which is the Image of God, D z fhonld
Matth.13.19. Ijazg.ao. a a. $ ROVERES. Chat i. fhouldnot thine veto them; neither doe theyconfiderthat when they heare thewordof the Kii gdome, andvnderfland it not, the euill one, (the Diuell) commethand catcheth away that which waufòwen in their hearts. And as little doe they thinke , that theLerd hath covered them with the f irit offlumber, and hath Ant vp their eyes, that his word is as afealedBoeketo them, or they fuch as cannot rende ín a Booke that is open. Verfe 3 . To receiue the inflr,E1ion o fÿnder1I4nding, ofBs- flice, lodgement, andBquitie. T He knowledge mentioned in the former vcrfe, is amplibed in this, both by thecaufe of it, inifrunion receiued, whereby vnderffanding is gotten , and the effens ofit, the lira whereofisI,f1ice, which is not ref}rained to the Magi- flutesoffice, nor to the duties ofthe fecond Table of the commaundemewts , but to be extended to all thewayes of men , that they be warrantable, and lawful!: the fecond is /fudge/went, which is with mature deliberation to regard all caufes, andcircumilances that any way tend to the due man. nor ofour proceedings : the third is Equitie,that we doenot onelywalkewith an cuen foote, neither turning to the right hand, nor the left, but to propofea right end allo in all that we deale in, with truthof hcart,and vprightneife. To receiue The word of God is the onely true rule ofall good anions. When the Prophet demandeth of the Lord how ayoung manlouldredreffe his way, he required in likemanner for the directionof the auncient, and of all forts ; and the anfwere doth no 1cike concerne one than another, when he faith, by taking heede thereto according to thy word. For bee profeiTeth fo much afterward ofhimfelfe in this manner : Thy word is laaathorne tomy feete, and alight tomy pathes. Firif, the worke is Gods, and he is thepay-mailer of then that performe any good feruices , and therefore it is equall that hec fhould take authority to prefcribc what hec would hauc done and after what manner. Secondly,
Ve3. RO VERBS. x9 Secondly, all men naturally are blinde, andno man vn- deraandeth what is expedient fer thehonour ofGod, or his owncCaluation , farther than lice is illuminated by the spirit, which alwayes workerh by the word. Thirdly,nothing can be accepted of God frommanwith- 3 out obedience, and then is hec obayed when his precepts be obferued , and there deCpifed where men will be their owne dire1tcrs :For they renounce hisauthority as though he had no foueraigntyoucr them : they Cet light by his Counsels, as though in w :fe.dorue they exceeded him. Sec Chap. 13. verfe 16. Juice, ivdgement, tc.] All menought to labour for irate- Dois grity in well-doing. Naat is tobe attempted that is vniuf}, no manes to be vied that are unrighteous, no purpofe to be entertained that is deceitful!. This appeareth by that commandement of the Lord, in the law , Thot shalt lame theLordthy God with allthy Dekt.6.5. heart , andwith all thy foule , andwith all thy might. And by that precept of the holy Ghof} in the Gofpeli: Seeing wee Zcor.7. I, haste thefe promifes, dearely beloved, let vs clean(e our feluesfron allfilthinefe o f flet , andspirit , andgrowvp to full holine f fe in thefeare of God. It is writtenof eflmaz.iah the King ofJu- dab, that he did that which was right in thefight of the Lord, z Cbron.2,5.1' but not with aperfea heart : but Zachary, andElizabeth his wife arecommended tobe both iufl before God, and to haut walked in all the commandements, and ordinances of the lekik,T.6. Lord without reproofe. Fira, the vnion andagreement ofrighteous matter, man- Realm. i, ner and end in mens actions, is the efiedoffaith, the fruit of the Cpirit, and a feruice acceptable toGod. Secondly, thewant, especially the deprauation of any of them, is a finne that woundeth mans confcience,and tended' to the defacing ofGods Image. Thirdly, howfoeuer the Lord patTeth by infirmities in his + people , yet hec iudgeth , and rewardeth according to thcfe ioyntly , as the Prophet teflifieth : I the LORD fearch Ier.17.1ói. the heart , and trie the reines , awn to gise emery man ac- D 3 cording
p ROVERBS. cording to thefruit of hï,work s. Initrudion for euery man to call himlelfe to a recko. ning cuery day , how faithfully, andwith what careand re- ligion bee obterueth thefe duties, whether flee hath perfor- med all, or fayled in part , òr neglected thewhole , that there he bath faulted, he maybe lumb:ed, and amend,and where bee bath donewell, hemay becomforted, and pro- ceeds : forwee haue needs at all fcafons to Tooke very nar- rowly to all our wayes , lell we faite in ekede, or forme, or affeßion. z. Rc roofe of all vnrighteous perfons, which howfoeuer they f fitter witTon e and religion, and make a thewof liking therof,thorow vei ball profeflion;yet by tl conuerfation, contrary to thefepr, cepts of wifdon-ie , requiring ius` ice, sudgement and equity, they declare themfelues ro beditfem- blers . Theywould beaccounted her Schell,: rs, but they learne noletfon of hir:theywculíi be called jii bi :,but they obey not her commandement : they would be cfl.e- tn d her friends,but doe nothing t h,t may 'x.1iife their lour. No integrity is to be found in them , but this , th*r they .bx wholy and intirely finfull. Verte 4. Togitsetothe Jimple fbarpenefe ofr-it, and to the childe k owledgeanddfcretion. THe general! vfe of this Booke, and that which is com- mon to all,hath beene (hewed in the two former vertes, now heere followeth that which is fpeciall, and concerneth fome kindesof men, as the fin-Tier fort,in this verfe,and the learneder in the next. And it is vtrered by way ofan Anticipation, or an ob. iehion that might be nude agaìn(1 the premifles, in this manner. Thefe Prouerbi: are profound and deepefenten- ces , and themore fhort theyare , the more hard, and ob- fcure they be : well may great Schollers, menofgreatlear- ning gather wifdorne & knowledge from them,but wee fìrn- pie and filly perfons, vnlettcred, vnlearncd, &c. dull ofvn- demanding,
erf:4. PROVERB.r. 210.11 derflanding,fhal neuer be able to reapeany profit by them: Yes (faithhe) all forts that are exercifed in them aright,fhall receive good by them, one afwell as another . The firs} fort hee calleth by twonames, Simple, andChildren ; by tim- p aide ol perfons , whom elk-wherehe ca1- leth, foolifh, ignorant, vnskilfull and fuch as belecuc euerie thing tolde them , and yeelde to euery thing impofed vpon them . To thefe this Booke will glue fharpenetfe of wit, roger.' 4.I5 that is a good capacity, with cluickeneile of conceit , cun- ning (as the word fignifieth) orfubtilty 3 but fuch as is harm. late and holy , not whereby they are apt to beguileothers, but able (notwithffanding their Dc uelikefimplicity) tobe- ware and take heed to themfelues,that they be not beguiled of others a which krude of wifdome our Sauiour himfslfe conmendeth in the Gofpell . By Childe, he mcanethnot Mgts,ioa«. Babes and Infants by age , through want of yeares, but whatfoeueryeeres they haue on their backes, bee calleth them children, ifthey be Nouices , lacking judgement, and vndertianding, or rath, vnfetled, or mutablein that which they know r To thefe this booke will glue knowledge and difcretioni foundnetre in iudgement,flaiednetie in affection, and prudence in the orderingofall their wages. Sample, &c. TheScriptures ofGod are written afwell for Do7r, g, the benefit ofthe meane and ignorant, as of the great and learned. Theydoe not onelyglue good precepts to the learned and menofgreat capacity; but likewife make them, that are yet but filly, and vnexpert, to become judiciousand capa- ble ofthem. For this , together with many other matters , doth the Prophet celebrate the pralle ofthe Lord, andhis word, fay- g; Thy Tes`tironiesarewonderfull, therefore doth my Soule Pfal.t r9,r3o. k epetheni. The enterance into thy words fheweth light and 197 siuethvtaderfandiyg to thefimple. And for this calk it is that Wifdome calleth vpon fuch , by way of incitement, to be her guefls , and come to her feafl . Who fo isfimple, let him come hither, and to himthat 14 deifitote ®fwifëdome,feefaith, Pr"er.9,4,6, Come
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