Certaine sermons preached and penned by Richard Rogers preacher of Weathersfield in Essex, directly tending to these three ends. First, to bring any bad person (that hath not committed the sinne that is vnpardonable) to true conuersion. Secondly, to stablish and settle all such as are conuerted, in faith and repentance. Thirdly, to leade them forward (that are so setled) in the Christian life, to bring foorth the fruite of both. Whereunto are annexed diuers godlie and learned sermons of another reuerend and faithfull seruant of God, Mr. Samuel Wright, Bachelor of Diuinitie, late president of Sidney Colledge in Camebridge, deceased, tending also to the same ends, with diuers particular points in both, profitable and fit for these times.

TWO SERMONS VP∣ON MATTH. 13. vers. 45.46.

[Vers. 45]

Againe the kingdome of heauen, is like vnto a Mar∣chant man, that seeketh good pearles.

[ 46]

Who hauing found a pearle of great price, went, and solde all that he had, and bought it.

THe summe and effect of this Parable is this; that how base and vile soeuer the Gospell seemes in the eyes of men; yet whosoe∣uer commeth to finde the worth, price, and excellencie of it, will giue all that he hath to get it, and will rather part with all, then he will forgoe it.

* 1.1For here by the kingdome of Heauen▪ (that I may shew what is meant by it) wee are not to vnderstand the place of the blessed mansion of the faithfull after this life, whither Christ is ascended; though the words are thus to be taken sometimes,* 1.2 as in Matthew: I say vnto you, that many shall come from the East, and from the West, and shall sit downe with Abraham, Isaac, and Iacob in the kingdome of heauen: nei∣ther is it taken for the absolute kingdome of God, whereby he guideth and gouerneth all the world, and all his creatures, from the greatest vnto the least of them: neither lastly, is it taken for that especiall rule and regiment, which Christ as the head, hath ouer the Church his bodie, which is likewise called a kingdome after a more especiall manner: but here by kingdome wee are to vnderstand the Gospell of the king∣dome,* 1.3 as it is called in Marke: Iesus went forth into Galile preaching the Gospell of the kingdome, and in diuers other like places.

And this Gospell of the kingdome is not only in many places of this Chapter, but most euidently, in the 21.* 1.4 Chapter of this Euangelist, called the kingdome of God; in these words: Therefore I say vnto you, the kingdome of God shall be taken from you and giuen to a nation, that will bring forth the fruite thereof. The kingdome of God, shal be taken away,* 1.5 that is the Gospel should be taken away from them. Now the Gos∣pell is called the kingdome of heauen or the kingdome of God, because it is that powerfull meane, or instrument, that God hath appointed for the pulling of vs forth of the king∣dome of darknes, and translating vs into the kingdome of his Sonne, for the Gospell is the power of God vnto saluation,* 1.6 to euery one that beleeueth.

This kingdome is also called the kingdome of heauen, to distinguish it from all eorthly kingdomes, such as many ima∣gine, and the Apostles long dreamed the kingdome of Christ the Messias, should haue bin. And therefore the people were sometime ready to haue crowned him;* 1.7 other whiles his dis∣ciples disputing, and contending among themselues, who should be the greatest, and made sute for the places of grea∣test dignity (as the sonnes of Zebedeus,* 1.8) one to sit at his right hand, the other at his left. But this kingdome, as it beareth the name of the kingdome of heauen: for it is a spirituall, and heauenly kingdome, not earthly and pompous in glory, to the sight and view of the world. And therfore, our Sauiour being demanded in Luke by the Pharises, when the king∣dome of God should come, he answereth:* 1.9 the kingdome of God commeth not with outward obseruation, neither shall men speake of it loe it is here, or loe it is there, for behold the kingdome of God is within you. It is a kingdome ouer the inward hart and conscience; there he hath set his throne, and there he wil reigne euen in vs; and therefore the lawes of our king doe not bind the outward act onely, but his lawes binde the very conscience. And he searcheth and tryeth, (as himselfe spea∣keth in the Reuelation,) the Reynes, and the harts,* 1.10 to giue eue∣ry man according to his workes.

It is therefore called the kingdome of heauen; first, in 〈…〉〈…〉 it is spirituall. Secondly, this kingdome is hea∣uenly,

because it is a righteous, ioyfull and peaceable king∣dome.

* 1.11The kingdome of God (saith the Apostle to the Romanes) is not meate and drinke, but righteousnes, and peace, and ioy in the holy Ghost. It consisteth in the inward righteousnes of the heart, and conscience, in the peace and tranquillity which we haue with God our king, and within our soules, and in the ioy that is shed abroad in our hearts by the holy Ghost.* 1.12

Now this Gospell which is the powerfull instrument of God for the erecting of this his kingdome in vs, and is there∣fore called by the name of the kingdom of God in this place, is here commended vnto vs by a parable. The effect whereof, as I said, is this, that how great a reckoning soeuer men make of other things, and how smal and slight account soeuer they make of the Gospel of Iesus Christ, [Note.] yet whosoeuer he be, that commeth to know the incomparable value, and excellency of it, he will thinke no paines too greate, nor cost, to much, that he may obtaine it: nor any care too greate to keepe it when he hath it: but rather he wil part withal he hath, House, Land, Goods, pleasure, friends, and whatsoeuer els, then hee will forgoe soe pretious and so inualuable a iewel, as he seeth the Gospell to be.

But for our more cleare vnderstanding of this Parable, we are to know, that the Gospell or kingdome of heauen, is here compared not to the person, as the words may perhaps seeme at the first, to carry it, when it is said: the kingdome of heauen is like to a marchant man, seeking good pearles: but to the pearle the rich and pretious pearle, which the Marchant findeth.

So that the meaning of the words is all one, as if they had bin layed downe in this forme and manner; The kingdome of God is like vnto a most pretious pearle,* 1.13 which a marchant hauing found, that sought for good pearles, sold all that he had to buy it.

According to this exposition, I will handle the parable. We are therefore to vnderstand, that the fruitfull and kind hearer of the Gospell, is resembled heere to a merchant man: and that in three properties, though they be not all commen∣dable:

neither therefore is the hearer a profitable hearer, till he be commendable.

So that the best hearer in his beginning and first estate that he is in to God-ward, thereby is likened to a merchant man, and to such an one, as by the kind of his trafficke and mer∣chandize, whereabout he is occupied, seeketh pearles.

[ 1] For as he doth, so euery hearer at first, seeketh pleasure and profit, &c. that is his pearle. [ 2] Secondly, he is cōpared to a mer∣chant, in respect of the euent that commeth after his seeking, that as he seeking common pearles, lighteth sometime on a pearle of great price, so many a hearer, while he is busie a∣bout commodities and pleasures, beginneth to see in the Gospel preached, a pearle of greater price, then he had found before, that is, assurance of saluation.

[ 3] Thirdly, and lastly, this hearer is compared to the merchant in another respect, namely, of the effect that followeth. For when he hath found that pearle of great price, he selleth all that he hath and buyeth it. So the hearer that hath found this pearle of saluation in the Gospel, that he neuer found before, and knoweth the value of it, he setteth light by all his com∣mon pearles and former delights, and selles them all away, to the end he may enioy this.

To prosecute these three therefore in order, that yee may haue the right vse of this parable, vnderstand that the hearer is compared (to set it downe briefely) to the merchant in three things, to wit, in seeking, finding, and buying.* 1.14 In see∣king good pearles; in finding one of great price: in buying that, and selling all for it. Of these in order more largely. The first propertie therefore of the merchant, fitly resembleth the estate and condition of all men that are hearers: for all seeke pearles, that is, they seeke for that, which may in their opi∣nion, make them happie and blessed men, and looke what they haue imagined in their own conceit, to be like to bring them to be happie, that they labour, and by all meanes ende∣uour to obtaine. In that (I say) the hearer is like to a mer∣chant man, that careth not to trauell by wet and drie, by sea and land; so that he may store himselfe with rich and preci∣ous pearles. For there is no man, but if he look into his owne

heart, and diligently examine himselfe, he shall find some∣thing, which aboue all other things for the time, he doth af∣fect; and whereunto the sway of his desires carrie him, and that thing is the pearle of that man, and he vseth al the means he can to compasse and attaine it.

Thus one man studieth and bendeth all his paines and care, only for this, how he may liue at ease and in pleasure, and voluptuousnes. Another, he seeketh after gaine and pro∣fit, and to adde house to house, and land to land. A third, he followeth his ambitious humour in seeking after fauour and authoritie, and renowne in the world. But these are all but deceitful pearles. They make a glistering shew to a mans cō∣ceit a farre off,* 1.15 but when he hath them, and considereth them aright, and as they are; then the vanitie and the basenesse of them appeares, and therefore they that follow these, with tooth and naile, as they say, they are alwaies restlesse, while they think of the vncertainty and momentany state of them; and neuer satisfied with any thing they haue attained. Nei∣ther the voluptuous man with his pleasure, nor the couetous man with his wealth, nor the ambitious with his honor, nor any man with that he hath neuer so greatly desired.

* 1.16For euen the very pleasures, and ioyes, and delights of the voluptuous man, are as a continual feauer or ague, to vex and disquiet his mind, howsoeuer he make a faire shew, and seem to be merry & happy; yet he euer carries a sting in his consci∣ence, that inwardly prickes, and torments him in such sort, as in his greatest mirth and iollitie he neuer can heartily and soūdly reioyce. And though the pleasures be as hony for a lit∣tle time in his mouth; yet he shal find thē, whē they are sunck into his stomacke, to be as bitter and as vnpleasant as gall. The like may be said of the couetous and ambitious person.

* 1.17First for the couetous man, suppose he hath heaped vp, and gathered together his chests full of gold and treasure, at least more then euer he thought he should, yea let him haue got all the pearles and precious stones into his owne possessi∣on, that the East and West Indians can afford; what hath he gathered together, but euen a heape of cares to vex & to dis∣quiet himselfe withall? for as before he got and scraped them

together with great paine and toile, and infinite dangers, which he hath passed through; so now he is to take no lesse care to keepe them, as being many wayes in continuall dan∣ger of losing them. And suppose he lose them, as he shall ei∣ther in his life or at his death, then it is an exceeding griefe and heart-sore vnto him, to see by experience, how vaine, flitting and vncertaine things they be, that he hath so exces∣siuely toiled for, and kept with so great care. And hence it commeth oft to passe, that he hauing lost that, wherein the confidence of his heart was set, he fals into despaire, whence hardly he is euer able to be recouered.

The ambitious man in like sort,* 1.18 he highly priceth promo∣tion, and rising vp from a meaner estate, to an higher degree: as the meane cottager, if he could be but a yeoman; and he a man of worship, he should be therwith content; and if the worshipfull could come to be but a Knight, and the Knight a Lord, or an Earle, then he would desire to be no higher, he saith, but would rest well satisfied: but when he hath gotten his Knighthood, Lordship, or Earledome, which were the pearles he trauelled for, he cannot yet be at rest, because he sees other in places aboue him; he is yet a subiect, and vnder a Prince, if he were a King, then he thinkes he should be full content, and aspire no further. But it is not a kingdome of a whole countrie, no, nor of the whole world that is able to stay the ambitious affection of men. Alexander the great Monarch, hauing in a manner conquered the whole world, is said to haue wept when he heard some dispute that there were no more worlds.

But not to stand particularly in exemplifying this point, I will bring one, who had his part in them al, pleasures, profits, and honor: let him tell vs the worth of them.* 1.19 Salomon was such an one; he made triall of all wayes, and spared no paine, labour nor cost, to trie what fruit and commoditie was to be reaped of them all. He had honor and fame, the greatest that euer any Prince had, that liued on the earth. For pleasure he inioyed whatsoeuer his wisdome could deuise, and his hart desire. He had his Orchards and Gardens, planted and set with all the most choice and excellent trees and herbes,

whereof he had not only the sight to feed and please his eye; the sent to feed his smell; and the fruit to please his taste; but the exact knowledge of euery tree and simple therein, which he also committed after to writing; and imparted to others.

If musick might delight, he had besides the solemne quier of singing men, such a quier as no Prince in the world had vnto this day; singing men, singing women, which he had priuately for his owne delight: he had his possession of ser∣uants, of Beeues, of sheep, of houses, of vineyards, of siluer, of gold, of all precious stones, and all the choice treasures of o∣ther kingdomes and prouinces, aboue any King that euer raigned in Ierusalem, or that we can reade of in any histories. And all these did he enioy, with great peace and prosperitie, both at home and abroad.

So that if any man could euer be happie by following his pleasures, Salomon was the man. He had a greater wisedome, then euer had any to inuent, and contriue and deuise, and he had all meanes at will, to compasse and effect them all. If any man could be happie by his wealth, Salomon was the man, for he had siluer as the stones of the street, and gold for all his vessels, and the adorning of all his buildings, and store of rich and precious stones. If honor might make a man happie, he had more then euer any Prince in regard of the incompara∣ble glorie and wisdome, which God gaue vnto him.

All these Salomon enioyed, as much to his desire as euer a∣ny hath done or shall do. And what was the happines that he found in them?* 1.20 Surely, vanitie, and vexation of spirit. And what then should we account of these? Did Salomon find these to be vanitie, and most vaine, and emptie of all good∣nesse, and shall we thinke to find something, where he could find nothing? to find substance, where hee found but sha∣dowes and vanitie? and to find happinesse, and a paradise of pleasures, wherein he found nothing but trouble, disquiet, and vexation of spirit? He tried all these, and he tried them throughly, and as they say, vnto the proofe; and found them in experience such, as in his Ecclesiastes he hath laid them downe to be, and as euery one that will be so foolish as to make triall, shall find them to bee by his owne experience.

Let this be instead of many examples vnto vs.

So that all men, we see, seeke for pearles, and for good pearles, but the most are deceiued with false and counterfeit pearles, when they come to the triall, they find them as base, and of as small value and reckoning, to rest in, as the dirt which is vnder their feet; so vaine and vile are all the plea∣sures, and riches, and honors, and worldly things (to make a man happie) which men so highly price in their owne con∣ceit. And this vilenes and basenes, is much more in all other pearles, that is, in all worldly things, which men heere hunt and seeke after.

The vse of this doctrine is,* 1.21 that no man please himselfe in the most precious things in this world, but seeke for those which may make him happie. And that these pearles are all so meane and little worth. Our Sauiour Christ very euident∣ly noteth vnto vs, in the words following, when he saith, the merchant found one pearle of great price.

By the which is meant the Gospell, giuing vs thereby to vnderstand, that it is a pearle of great price and value, he aba∣seth the other pearles, and noteth them to be of no price, nor value to rest vpon. But of this afterward in the next point: In the meane while we see (and with that I will conclude this first point) that in this first act of the merchant, all men that are hearers in the visible Church, agree with him: namely, that they seeke for pearles, that is, one way or other to be happie in this world. I haue shewed also, what vse we ought to make thereof. Now it followeth that I come to the second act or propertie of the merchant, and that is,* 1.22 that he finds one pearle of great price.

In this propertie two things are to be considered. First, the thing that he is said to find: secondly, what it meaneth and importeth, that he is said to find it. First, the thing that he is said to find, is one pearle of great price. By which pearle he mea∣neth nothing else (as I haue shewed) but the Gospell, that is to say, the glad tidings of saluation by Iesus Christ, for the kingdome of heauen, as elsewhere, and so in this chapter, is in diuers regards compared and resembled diuersly. In regard of the manner of teaching and receiuing it, and the diuers ef∣fects

it hath in the hearers, it is compared to seed cast by the hand of the sower. In regard of diuers corruptions and errors that commonly spring vp together with it, where it is taught it is compared vnto a field, wherein tares are sowen and grow vp among the good corne. In regard of the small beginnings and mightie encrease, it is compared to a graine of mustard∣seed. In respect of the power and force it hath to change and to alter the heart, it is compared to leauen. In that God draw∣eth by it, of all sorts of men, good and bad, one and other in∣to the compasse of the visible Church, it is cōpared to a drag or draw-net, that draweth as well weeds and stickes, and o∣ther such vnprofitable baggage, as it doth good fish. In re∣gard of the hidden and secret excellencie thereof, it is com∣pared to treasure hid in a field. In regard of the inualuable worth and excellency of it,* 1.23 in comparison of all other things, it is heere compared to a pearle of great price. That before he compared it to treasure, it did in part set forth the excellency of it: but this doth more amplifie and encrease it. Treasure, we know, consisteth either in siluer or in gold, which are of great account: but yet pearles passe them both farre, in value and estimation; as both it is commonly knowne, and if we knew it not, Salomon could teach vs thus much, Prou. 3.14.15. where he saith; the merchandize of wisdome is better then the merch indize of siluer, and the reuenue thereof better then gold. It is more precious then pearles, and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared with it. First, he preferreth wis∣dome before siluer. Secondly, he preferreth it before gold, which is yet more excellent; and in the third place, as before the most excellent, he preferreth it before pearles.

The meaning of our Sauiour then in this parable, is to pre∣ferre the Gospell in regard of the excellencie of it, infinitly before all other things, were they neuer so rich, rare, or pre∣cious. For if it be more precious then pearles, then much more precious then gold, then siluer, then any other thing of lesse reckoning and account. And this is the reason, why Sa∣lomon hauing preferred it,* 1.24 Prou. 3.14. before siluer and gold, and pearles, he addeth, that all the things a man can desire, are not to be compared with it: as if he should say, suppose

either there be, or you can inuent any thing more precious then pearles, yet wisdome is more precious then it. And Iob in the 28. of his booke, 15. verse, and so-on,* 1.25 because hee would extol wisdome before al precious things, he repeateth a great many of them. Gold, saith he, shall not be giuen for it; neither shall siluer be weighed for the price thereof. It shall not be valued with the wedge of the gold of Ophir, nor with the precious Onix, nor the Saphir; the gold, nor the Crystall shall not be e∣quall vnto it, neither shall the exchange be for plate of fine gold; no mention shall be made of the Corall nor of the Gabish, for wis∣dome is more precious then pearles.

Now we see wherein the comparison standeth,* 1.26 let vs a lit∣tle consider wherin this great and inualuable excellency con∣sisteth. And that is, in that it exhibiteth Christ vnto vs, who were lost, and had no way any hope of recouerie out of our deadly woe, that euen then he is our deliuerer, our iewell, our life, our ioy, our happines, and whatsoeuer our heart can desire. All the pearles of the world do not so enrich a man,* 1.27 as Christ enricheth all them that by true faith lay hold vpon him, for if it do not so, he hath not faith. For Christ is a shel∣ter where we that bee in tempests and stormes may shroud our selues, and be safe from the wrath and vengeance of God that hangeth ouer, and shal fall vpon the heads of other men. He is our attonement and propitiation for all our sins, so that we shall neuer haue them imputed vnto vs, or haue any pu∣nishment inflicted which was due for them, his death, and his bloodshed hath deliuered vs from eternall death and con∣demnation; yea Christ is our storehouse, and treasurie, in whom and from whom we haue all varietie of good things that may make men truly happie.

In Christ we are righteous (our owne righteousnes being as a filthie and menstruous cloath) because he by imputation, doth cloath and couer vs, as it were with the robe and vesture of his righteousnesse. From him also we receiue inward san∣ctification and holinesse, wherein we labour to be pleasing and acceptable to God in all things, whereas otherwise we could not haue any true euidence of this faith. From him we receiue succor and comfort in all our tribulations and wants,

and ioy in all our sorrow. Hee hath all power giuen him in heauen and in earth, and therefore he will supplie both our outward and inward necessities, and powre vpon vs that store of his graces, as shall be most for our good, and best for the bringing of vs to eternall glorie. But heere I will stay and go forward with the rest, in the next Sermon.

THE SECOND SER∣MON VPON THE SAME TEXT.

* 1.28I Haue shewed in the former Sermon what it is, that the hearer hath found, when it is said of him, that he hath found the pearle of great price. Now let vs see, what it is to find this pearle. To find the pearle of the Gospell, which is the next thing that I pro∣pounded to speake of in this second propertie of the hearer, is nothing else, but by the powerfull hearing thereof, to see and to perceiue, what excellent and worthie graces, benefits and prerogatiues it conferreth vnto such as feele great need thereof, and that Christ is thereby to be made theirs, that hee may bee a defence and protection vnto them to shel∣ter them from the wrath of his Father; that he may loose the bands and chaines, wherewith they are tied and fast fettered in their sinnes to the will of the diuell: and that he may vnite them in soule, and in bodie, to himselfe and to God. In a word, the Gospell layeth out most plainly the way to eter∣nall life.

The due and serious beholding, and consideration of these and infinit other graces depending vpon these, which God by the hand of the Gospell reacheth out, and offereth vnto vs, is the first finding of this pearle, which many heare a long time, and yet neuer see thus much, I meane the beautie of it. And so long as men do in hearing, neuer see and behold this admirable and vnualuable treasure in it, they haue not yet found the pearle of great price. For the Gospell howsoeuer

it be in the declaration of the many good things of it, conti∣nually sounded in their eares, yet it is a mystery hidde, and secret to their vnderstanding.

The Gospell is, to all such as yet, as the light of the sunne to the man that is starke blind. The sunne, it shineth vpon the blinde man, as it doth vpon the seeing man, but the blinde he hath no greater benefit of the mid-day, then hee hath of the midnight, and therefore for himselfe he careth not for the sunne, in respect of any light hee hath by it, because hee is blind: So the light of the Gospell, it shineth vpon the blind and vpon them that see: the faithfull, and vnfaithfull: but here is the difference. The one hath the eies of his vn∣derstanding opened by the spirit of God, though it be but a common gift of the spirit, and hee sees the light of the Gospell, and accounts and priseth it at a great reckoning: But the other cannot discerne any whit of the excellencie of it.

The vse then that we are to make of this point, is this;* 1.29 be∣cause we see finding goeth in order,* 1.30 before the getting and the purchasing of the iewell and pearle of the Gospell; and that none findes it, but he to whom God by his spirit reueiles it: it is our duty when we come to heare the Gospell of Christ preached, to lift vp our harts with prayer to the Lord,* 1.31 that he would giue vs eyes to see into the riches, and excel∣lency of it, that thereby our heart may be inflamed, and kind∣led with an earnest desire and longing after the sweetnes of it. For the reason why men are so cold, and so backward in af∣fecting the Gospell, and why they take so small delight, and pleasure in it, and esteeme any pleasure and commodity of their owne before it, it is this, because they haue not yet found either the vanity of other things, or the excellency of the Gospell.

And if we haue found that the Lord hath in part opened our eyes, that we can but dimly and darkly discerne it,* 1.32 as the man in the Gospel, that at first sawe men, but he sawe them as trees, vntill Christ againe put his hands vpon his eyes; let vs desire the Lord, againe, and againe, to lay his hand vpon the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 minds, & vnderstandings, that we may clearly see

the excellencie of the Gospell, whereof we have as yet but a darke, and obscure glimpse. So will it come to passe, that, that which now we haue a saint, and litle desire vnto, we shall daily growe more hoately and earnestly to affect, and labour for it, which the other cannot abide.

And such as God loueth; shal, though they haue not some∣time looked after it, but haue been worldly minded; they shall, I say, haue their eyes opened to see into the beautie, power, necessity, and comfort of this Gospell, and what hap∣pinesse it bringeth, by hearing it preached; which to doe, is to finde it: Yea he whom God will saue shall bee brought to heare, if not otherwise, by father, sonne, friend, neighbour, himselfe not intending any such thing. And thus hearing what the treasure is,* 1.33 shall finde that which is hidde in it. And so he beginneth to see, consider, weigh, resolue of the all suffi∣ciency of that, which the Gospell hath brought to light vnto him; and to wonder at the same, Psalm. 87.3. Ioh. 6.66. Psal. 84.* 1.34 And wondring, shall desire a part in it against all lets, and discouragements, and searching with Salomon, and finding nothing like it!* 1.35 Oh how shal he maruaile, that he neuer sawe so much before. And such a one hath found this pearle in the Gospel, and may be said truly to haue found it: and yet it may be, he hath heard a hundred sermons before, who yet neuer had his eyes opened to see that which he now doth.

Thus the woman of Samaria found it, when she had heard Christ.* 1.36 And Agryppa Acts 26. when he said to Paul, almost thou perswadest mee to become a Christian. Now when he hath thus beheld the beauty of the Gospell, and seeth it to bee of such value, as I haue said, he is much before the first sort of hearers, who haue their felicity in this world, and yet com∣meth much short of, and behind the last sort following who hath bought it; [Note.] and saieth with the Queene of Sheba, I haue heard much of it, but now I see farre more then I haue heard. But if ye aske,* 1.37 is he, now that hath found it, past the worst? that is to say; happy, and hath he done all that is required? I say noe, till he hath bought it: but he may fall away from his esteeming so preciously of it, and become secure againe, not∣withstanding he is so well affected, euen better then ••••er he

was, for he is but of the second or third sort of hearers,* 1.38 men∣tioned by our Sauiour, out of this which hath bin said three things may be noted: [ 1] first, let not such thinke,* 1.39 they be con∣uerted, that in this sort are thus reuiued, and thus inlightned to see the price of it; no, though they sigh for sin or ioy for the hope that the Gospell offereth, yea, though they weep at a sermon, for we must not more flatter, then discourage men.

[ 2] The second thing is, that we maruaile not, if we see some, who haue bin so forward as these that I haue spoken of; to fall away; neither ought we to be discouraged at it; if wee haue true faith our selues, as though we must needes fall a∣way too: for such were neuer setled in beleeuing, neither euer had sauing knowledge, though they haue bin zealous.

[ 3] Thirdly, such as haue long prized the pearle, and yet are now dazeled againe with pleasure and profit, let vs bewaile them, whether they be ministers, or people. Many learned men haue bin such, who had the Gospell in an high account sometime. Oh they haue profitted fairely, [Note.] and be come a∣bout commendably, are they not, thinke we? that they bee turned to their first sottishnes, when God had done so much for them, as to reueale himselfe so farre vnto them. All this danger they are come, to seeing they did not nourish their sparkles of good desires, which gaue good hope, but they quenched them, and suffered them goe out.

Therfore it followes, that the wise Merchant went by and by and solde all that he had, and bought that pretious pearle. And here I will passe to the third point, and shew how the good hearer is herein like to the merchant man, as he hath resembled him in both the former, that is, in seeking good pearles, and finding one of great price.

Now because the excellēcy of this pearle doth yet more ap∣peare heerby that this hearer, doth as the marchant,* 1.40 go and sel al that he hath & buyeth this pearle, I wil first speak of this last action of his, and then make vse of it. It is said, he went his way and sold al that he had, and bought that pearle. This go∣ing away first sheweth, that he did not stand still to muse, doubt, and linger out the time; but as a wise marchant, soe soone as he seeth a penyworth to be bought, which may in∣rich

him; he leaues all other things, and sets himselfe about that busines.

* 1.41And this teacheth vs, that we are not to linger, nor deferre the time, when God reueileth any excellent fruite, or benefit that the Gospell bringeth vnto vs; but presently goe our way, and endeuour to make it our owne. But how rarely shal we finde this to be done, when for the most part euery where men practise the contrary? Many see, and will confesse, that there is in the Gospell most precious treasure and worthy to be imbraced; but they thinke the time too soone as yet to goe about it: when they haue followed their other pleasures and delights, in their youthfull dayes: or when they haue obtained these or those purposes of theirs, then they will en∣tertaine the Gospell, and sell their other delights for it: euen as he who would first goe bury his father (which Christ reproued) and then he would follow him. And thus it comes to passe vsually with these men, as it doeth with care∣les, and vnthrifty marchants, that slacke, defer, and driue off the time of their commodity whiles it is to be had, and re∣pent them after, when it is too late.

So these men, they defer and delay the time, in which God setteth out the pearle of the Gospell, as it were to sale, that they may buy it at a small, and easie reckoning, vntill the market of God be done, and the day of grace be past, that they cannot then haue it, would they neuer soe gladly. For as wisdom calleth and crieth vnto men a long time, and can∣not be entertained of them, for their owne good: Soe wis∣dome threatneth; that she will refuse to heare them in the middest of their trouble,* 1.42 and in the day wherein affliction and anguish, shall, like a whirlewind, come vppon them: Though they cry neuer so loude, and seeke her neuer so ear∣nestly, she will not answer, nor be found of them.

Wherefore it is good for vs to follow the counsell of the holy Ghost,* 1.43 while it is called to day to heare the voice of God, and to hearken to wisdom, whiles she calleth vnto vs; for we know not how long the day of grace will last with vs. It may be not a yeere, or a day, or an houre, and if that be past, then it is too late for vs to seeke after it, we must haue our lamps rea∣dy

burning with the fiue wise virgins, if we wil enter in with the bridegrome,* 1.44 but if we linger and deferre the buying of our oyle till hee come, wee may knocke and call, but shall finde no entrance nor ingresse for vs,* 1.45 as they in the Gos∣pell, that were bidden to the supper, and refused, of all o∣ther they were debarred from it. So wee see then the wise∣dome of this marchant commended vnto vs. Hee doth not foreslacke nor foreslowe any time, but presently goes a∣bout the purchase of this pearle. So that in earthly delights we see we soone resolue; but twenty lets are in the way to hinder vs in heauenly.

Let vs next see what course he takes to get it.* 1.46 He sels all that he had, and buyeth that pearle. By selling and buying here we are to vnderstand not such a marchandise, as Papists make that say, by their goods and substance they thinke to pur∣chase heauen to themselues. For there is no equality be∣tweene all that we haue, or can haue, and betweene the kingdome of heauen; but in things that are bought there is some equality betweene the price, and the thing that is bought. So that if they by their almes, or good works what∣soeuer, be able to purchase heauen at Gods hand, it follow∣eth that they are as profitable to God, and benefit him as much by their almes, and other good workes, as he by hea∣uen, doth benefit them.

But we know the doctrine of our Sauiour, when we haue done all we can do, though we giue al our substance, yea and our owne life for Gods glory, we must say, and acknowledge, as the truth is, we are but vnprofitable seruants vnto him.* 1.47 For we haue done no more then duty required at our hands.* 1.48 And therefore marke how the Apostle Paul calleth death the wa∣ges of sinne, but life eternall, the free gift of God. For the wages, saith he, of sinne is death; but life eternall is the free gift of God, in Christ Iesus our Lord. So that death and condemna∣tion, we may deserue, for it is the wages of sinne: but life e∣ternall, we cannot deserue, because it is the free gift of God.

But to proceede by selling all, he meaneth the same that he doth in other places by forsaking, and leauing all,* 1.49 and by buying the pearle and getting the right possession and assu∣rance

of it to our selues, he meaneth, that we should be sure of it, euen as those things which we haue bought, and paide for, are our owne. As for that which he saith, first he selleth al, this is not ment simplie, as if the possession of our goods and the enioying of the Gospell would not stand together, but he speaketh comparatiuely that rather then we will not get the Gospell, when we may haue it: we will abandon al what∣soeuer beside; and retaine it.

* 1.50The like speech is vsed by our Sauiour. If any man come vn∣to me, and hate not father, and mother, & wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea and his owne life, he cannot be my disci∣ple. The meaning of our Sauiour is not simply, that a man should hate his father, his mother, and so forth, or make a∣way himselfe, which were wickednes, and impiety: But, as the Euangelist Matthew interprets it,* 1.51 he that loueth father, or mother, aboue mee, is not worthy of mee, and he that loueth sonne, or daughter aboue mee, is not worthy of mee.

* 1.52The meaning therefore we see clearely to be this, he that getteth the pearle of the Gospell, he prizeth it farre aboue all the things he hath besides in the world, and will rather for∣go them all, then part with it. Hence we see that the pearle of the Gospell is not so easily come by, as men suppose com∣monly. For it is no easy matter, as experience may teach, when triall is made, for a man, to abandon his pleasures, to leese his goods, to forsake his dearest, and nearest friends, and to lay downe his owne life for the loue of it. But the Gos∣pell it can be bought with no lesse price; if we will haue it as our owne iewel, we must sell goods, sell our name, sel friends, sell liberty and life, and all we haue, and giue them for it: and account that we haue made a very good bargaine of it, as in∣deede we haue.

For what comparison is to be made betweene the earthly riches, that here men enioy, and those vnspeakeable and vn∣estimable treasures that Christ Iesus bringeth vnto vs there∣by? what comparison betweene that name we can leese here for the Gospell, and the eternall weight, and crowne of glo∣ry, that shal be set vpon our heads in heauen? what is the loue and friendship of all men, to the loue and fauour of God;

which we gaine by the Gospell? and what is the life we can leese, to the life which we obtaine in Christ? And yet if we trie and examine our selues, we shall find that we come farre short of forsaking all; when we are priuie in our selues, that a little pleasure doth many times stay vs from the hearing of the Gospell, and how much more then from obeying it? And that a little expence and charge shall hinder vs, or ill compa∣nie shall hold and keepe vs away from the benefit which we might enioy by it.

Nay our hearts can tell vs, that many times when we are present with our bodies, where it is preached, yet we scarce will vouchsafe to lend our eares, to harken to that which is taught vnto vs, but our mind is set vpon other matters, either on profit or pleasure, or else some vaine, idle and wandring conceits, or else we euen shamefully giue our selues to sleepe. So base and vile account and reckoning do we make of the precious and vnualuable pearle of the Gospell.* 1.53 For accor∣dingly as men price it, so vndoubtedly will their zeale be to the hearing and practising of it.

And therefore marke how Dauid bewailes his absence from the house of God: he was banished the court, and coun∣trie, yet that did not so much moue him, as this,* 1.54 that he was barred and banished from the place, where he vsed with ioy to feed vpon the comforts of the word of God, taught and preached in the assemblies of Gods people: and this made him say with griefe, that the sparrowes and the swallow might haue nearer accesse then he, to the place where God was serued, and his word preached. This he did, because he saw Gods word to be of more true value then all his thou∣sands of gold and siluer, of more sound delight to his soule, then all his other delights and pleasures in the world. It was as hony to his taste, and as the streames of a fountaine to the thirstie and drie heart. This should we all do, and this would we do if we were wise, and did rightly price the Gospell.

And although I haue not particularly set downe those things which accompany the buying of this pearle, because the text giueth no necessarie occasion of speaking of them; yet in the way of preoccupation, and answering a doubt,

which the ignoranter sort would put forth, I will say some∣what, though very briefly of it. They aske, if as soone as a mā find the pearle, he by and by that buyeth it, come into the possession of it, and nothing else be required thereto: I an∣swere briefly, when a man hath found it, if God giue him grace, to go further, he doth thus, and goeth to worke after this manner.

* 1.55He earnestly wisheth and desireth that he had a part in it: then he seeth that his sinne is in the way to hinder him, that he falleth to dislike and crying out of it: then it troubleth him to thinke, that he is out of fauour with God, and growes vtterly to dislike himselfe for both: and seeing himselfe no better then a lost man, hee heareth that God will pitie and shew mercie to such, and that hee is then the person whom God seeketh to saue, and will heale him of his sorrow: and will loue him freely for euer. And that it is the Gospel which bringeth tidings of this, and sundrie other good things, which when he apprehendeth, and sees, that he may haue them all for his owne proper good, and that freely, and for nothing; God so worketh in him by all these, that he appli∣eth the promises to himselfe, and seeth that without money or recompence, God is well pleased that he should take them for his owne, and be fully perswaded thereof, so as now he resteth therein, which is the purchasing and buying of it, that is heere spoken of.

And when this is thus brought to passe, let all that know what this meaneth, guesse how he will loue the Lord for this bountie shewed vpon him, and how readie he will be to be guided by him, and also what comfort it is to him. But for conclusion of the whole, now that ye haue heard, that the hearer who shall be able to reioyce in his worke at the end thereof, is fitly resembled to the merchant man, as we haue heard, first in that he seeketh pearles, secondly, in finding one of great price; and thirdly, in selling all that he hath to buy it; that is to make it his owne; that he may be happie there∣by, and all this is done, when he beginneth to beleeue; let him be sure he doth so, and let him get many grounds, and euidences thereof, by the Scripture, and experience. And a∣boue

all other this vnualuable treasure of the forgiuenesse of his sins, and assurance of saluation, he beleeuing the Lord, that he may be bold to lay hold on it, as Gods will is hee should.

And let him well weigh how much he is bound to him for it, and so doing, let him liue on his purchase, and take the be∣nefit thereof, to the comfort of him and his, no otherwise then they do, that haue bought house and land. And euery day weigh the fruit of such a purchase in true and vnfained peace and comfort, and seeing he shall liue vnder so kind and good a Lord, as he that is Lord of all lords,* 1.56 let it moue him to set his heart on him, and delight and endeuour to please and obey him in all things, and let him do it also with ioy.

For why? if we thinke, they that be in a noble mans house, faring well, may be merrie, is there any such merry-making, as in Gods house? so that the man may be merry at his work, and the woman at hers? They that powre water on the hands of a Prince, or a King, are thought happie: but then to haue the honor that is greater then Kings? is somewhat. And by this little that hath been said of, and about the pearle, guesse what the rest is, euen as yee would guesse of the whole proportion of a man by seeing his foot.

Notes

• * 1.1

  What is meant by the kingdome of heauen.
• * 1.2

  Mat. 8.11.
• * 1.3

  Mark. 1.14.
• * 1.4

  Math. 21.
• * 1.5

  Why the Gospell is called the kingdome of heauen.
• * 1.6

  1. Rom. 1.16.
• * 1.7

  What maner of kingdome this is.
• * 1.8

  Matth. 20.21.
• * 1.9

  Luk. 17.20.
• * 1.10

  Reuel. 2.23.
• * 1.11

  Rom. 14.17.
• * 1.12

  Rom. 5.5.
• * 1.13

  The fruitfull hearer of the Gospell is like vnto a mar∣chant man in three respects.
• * 1.14

  All men seeke after pearles; such as in their opinion may make them hap∣pie.
• * 1.15

  But are neuer satisfied.
• * 1.16

  The voluptuous man.
• * 1.17

  The couetous man.
• * 1.18

  The ambitious man.
• * 1.19

  Example of Sa∣lomon.
• * 1.20

  Eccles. 1.14·
• * 1.21

  Vse.
• * 1.22

  The second pro∣pertie wherein the hearer re∣sembleth the merchant man. Two things here to be considered. First, the thing that be is said to find.

  The Gospell in diuers respects compared di∣uersly.
• * 1.23

  In this place it is compared to a pearle.
• * 1.24

  Prou. 3.14.
• * 1.25

  Iob. 28.15.
• * 1.26

  Wherein this ex∣cellencie of it consisteth.
• * 1.27

  Ephes. 2. Philip. 2. Iohn 4.10.
• * 1.28

  The secōd point: what it is to find the pearle.
• * 1.29

  Vse.
• * 1.30

  1. Cor. 2.14. Matth. 11.25.
• * 1.31

  Pray vnto God that we may see the excellency of the pearle.
• * 1.32

  If we see it in part, pray that we may see it yet more clearly.
• * 1.33

  Colos. 3.
• * 1.34

  Tim. 1.16.
• * 1.35

  1. King. 3.7.
• * 1.36

  Act. 26.
• * 1.37

  1. King. 10.7.
• * 1.38

  Mat. 13.19.
• * 1.39

  3. Obseruation.
• * 1.40

  The third thing wherein the hearer is com∣pared to a mer∣chant man.
• * 1.41

  The pearle be∣ing found, must be bought with∣out delay.
• * 1.42

  Prou. 1.20.
• * 1.43

  Heb. 3.15.
• * 1.44

  Matth. 25.34.
• * 1.45

  Luk. 14.15.
• * 1.46

  By selling all and buying he meaneth not as the Papists teach.
• * 1.47

  Luk. 17.10.
• * 1.48

  Rom. 6.23.
• * 1.49

  Who may truly be said to sell al, and buy the pearle.
• * 1.50

  Luk. 14.26.
• * 1.51

  Mat. 20.37.
• * 1.52

  The Gospell is not so easily come by, as men suppose.
• * 1.53

  As men price the Gospell, so will their zeale be to the hearing and practising of it.
• * 1.54

  Psalme 84.1.
• * 1.55

  How a man ma∣keth the pearle his owne.
• * 1.56

  Deut. 28.46.