A plain and familiar exposition of the thirteenth and fourteenth chapters of the Proverbs…A plaine and familiar exposition of the thirteenth and fourteenth chapters of the Prouerbs…

Instruction to them that sincerely affect understanding, and Use. truly desire to be made wise to salvation, that they do not only read good books, frequent divine service & hear good sermons, but likewise keep good company: for that is also one ordinance of God for the information of men in his ways. He would have Joshua prepared for government by Moses, and Elisha for prophetship by Elijah, and the disciples for Apostleship by Christ. The schools of the prophets were fit seminaries for the ministry that was under the law, and the universities are meet nurseries for the ministry that is under the Gospel, and godly society hath bin a forcible help to Christian conversation at all times. What is desirable that is not therein to be found? They whose minds are ignorant, may there have a daily market to buy knowledge, ⟨p. 61⟩and that good cheap with diligent attention without any money, or charges. They which are distracted with doubts, may there have means for their resolution, to rid them out of their perplexities. They which are dull and lumpish, may there find such quickening, as whereby their spirits shall be made fresh and lively. They which are in fears and anguish, may there recover comfort, and be delivered from their agony and terrors. And as much heedfulness is to be used for the abandoning of bad companions, least they be means to quench good desires in them as fast as the godly kindle them. These which would be saved from damnation S. Peter admonisheth to save themselves from a froward generation. 2. This doth teach men wariness, & great circumspection¹ for their houses, that they give not entertainment to wicked fools that will infect their families with the leprosy of lewdness▪ One sinful servant that dwelleth in their house: or one graceless guest that haunteth their house, may quickly pervert their whole household, as a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. We are so provident for our beasts, that we will not permit such others as have contagious diseases to eat with them, or to stand with them, & shall we be less careful for our, friends, for our servants, for our children, for our yokefellows, for our selves for the state of our souls? Shall plaguy persons have liberty to open their botches, and carbuncles, among our people, and in our presence, and at our very tables?