Troposchēmalogia: Tropes and figures; or, A treatise of the metaphors, allegories, and express similitudes, &c. contained in the Bible of the Old and New Testament To which is prefixed, divers arguments to prove the divine authority of the Holy Scriptures wherein also 'tis largely evinced, that by the great whore, mystery Babylon is meant the Papal hierarchy, or present state and church of Rome. Philologia sacra, the second part. Wherein the schemes, or figures in Scripture, are reduced under their proper heads, with a brief explication of each. Together with a treatise of types, parables, &c. with an improvement of them parallel-wise. By B. K

Inferences.

BY this we may see what a poor thing Man is: The mighty Ones of the Earth, who boast of great Matters, are but Worms. And if Man be but a Worm, why doth he swell above the Clouds, as if he would make his Nest among the Stars, when as he must shortly fall among the Clods, and be eaten of Worms?

2. Take heed of having Mens Persons in Admiration; it is a vain thing to give flattering Titles to others. As it becomes us not to reproach or vilify any Man, tho all Men are but as Worms; so it is a God provoking Evil, to flatter Men thereby, creating high thoughts in them of themselves; as some once served Herod, crying out, It is the Voice of a God, and not of a Man: But the Almighty,* 1.1 to shew how much he abhorred such as gave not him the Glory, made them know he was but a Worm; and therefore the Angel of the Lord smote him, and he was eaten up of Worms.

3. Be not envious at others, tho more rich and honourable than thee. The greatest of Men are but Worms: and tho some sparkle and shine in outward Glory and Splen∣dor, and seem to excell every way, yet they may be but like Glow-worms; 'tis but for a Night they seem like Stars, in the Morning they will appear like others.

4. Let us learn from hence not to overvalue our selves, nor our Lives: What is the Life of a Worm!

5. What Fools are the Wicked of the Earth, to muster up their Force against God's People! Whom do they come out against? It is but against a Worm. Could they prevail, what Honour would they gain by it? Is it so great a matter to destroy a Worm? for so Jacob in his low Estate is called: Fear not, thou Worm Jacob. But let them know, this Worm hath a mighty God to take its part: I will help thee,* 1.2 &c. Why should Worms seek to destroy one another?

6. Lastly; What cause is there (these things considered) to admire, that the glorious God of Heaven and Earth should be mindful of a Worm,* 1.3 nay, to set his Heart upon him, and give his Son to die for him; and to take such a poor and con∣temptible thing as Man into Union and Communion with himself!

Notes

• * 1.1

  Acts 12.22.
• * 1.2

  Isa. 41.14.
• * 1.3

  Job 7.17.