Miscellanea philo-theologica, or, God, & man A treatise compendiously describing the nature of God in his attributes, with a lively pourtraiture of his wisedome in ordering, and disposing of the celestiall, and terrestriall bodies. Containing much variety of matter ... and apt applications singular for brevity, and perspicuity. By Henry Church.

[Quest. 9] In what place of the earth was Paradise?

[Answ.] The place is ghessed at, by the names of the Rivers which are mentioned to runne through it; but the deluge of waters in the dayes of Noah, deprived the men on earth of the beauty of it, and when the place is disputed, yet little is concluded.

[Quest. 10] What lessons doth the Earth teach us?

• [Answ.] 1. To be patient: the Earth beares all.
• 2. To be fruitfull: the earth abounds with fruites.
• 3. To be bountifull: the Earth receives all.
• 4. To be constant, the earth is immoueable.

Our patience brings us much inward peace.

Our fruitfulnesse, evidences we have life in us.

Our bounty and doing good, wins others.

Our constancy brings us from duty, to reward.

[Quest. 11] Why have the godly for the most part so small a por∣tion of earthly things.

[Answ.] 1. They enjoy God, which is the best satisfaction.

2. God keepes them short, as Birds wings are clipped that they may not flye from him.

3. They bend their chiefe studdies and endeavours for saving grace, and spirituall riches.

4. God gives portions heere to wicked men, Psal. 17. but he reserves for them an heavenly inheritance.

[Quest. 12] What are the markes of an earthly man?

[Answ.] 1. When he awakes, hee mindes earth.

2. He is over-joyed if he winnes earth.

3. He is over-grieved if he looses earth.

4. He esteemes them the onely wise men that be wise for the earth, to get great estates.

5. Hee opposes the powerfull preaching of the word, and the heavenly minded Christian.

6. He is loath to heare of going from the earth.

7. His delightfull discourse is most forthe earth.

8. He is never wearied in studdying and in labouring for earthly things.

9. Hee is never satisfied, but still desires more.

10. He is unwilling to part with earth, though God and his Conscience, and the poore call for it.

[Quest. 13] How should wee carry ourselves being inhabitants on the earth?

• [Answ.] 1. Labour to be Saints on earth. Psalme 16.3.
• 2. To consider we are strangers on earth. Psa. 119.19

First we should labour to be Saints on earth.

1. By yeelding to the Ministery of the word; which although others are not wrought on, yet the Saints are gathered glued together, and grow up into one body, by the Ministery of the word. Ephe. 4 11.

2. By separating from all grosse sinnes in the act, and from all smaller sinnes in the allowance.

3. By dedicating our selves, and giving our selues to God. 1. Speedily, without delay. 2. Totally, without reservation. 3. Resolutely, agaynst opposition. 4. Con∣stancy, not revolting.

Secondly, as strangers on the earth.

• 1. We should freely acknowledge we be strangers.
• 2. Use this world moderately. 1. Cor. 7. chap. 31.
• 3. Expect some wrongs, no preferments.
• 4. Wee should much praise God, for our comforts here.
• 5. Forget that behind, and endeavour towards that be∣for••. Phil. 3.
• 6. To do good now, Gall. 6.9. be ready to depart. 2. Peter 1.10.11.

For our encouragement in the way.

1. Our Pilgrimage is not long. 2. We have compa∣ny. 3. We shalbe provided for. 4. We have a guide. Psal. 119.105. 5. VVe have attendants. Psalme 91.6. A Heaven to receive us.