The plain mans path-way to heaven

and the Ark, which was a figure of the Church, were, by the express commandment of GOD, fitted each to other,¹ both in length and breadth. For as the Ark was two cubits and a half long, and a cubit and a half broad; just so was the Mercy-seat. Noting thereby, that the mercy of God in Christ should only be fitted to his Church, and belong only to the Church; so as not one without the Church should be saved. For he that hath not the Church for his Mother, cannot have God for his ⟨p. 416⟩Father. Lastly, we are to observe, that as God is infinite in mercy, and of great compassion toward penitent sinners: so also is he most constant in the course of his mercies towards his children. And therefore one of the Psalms carries this foot,² His mercy endureth for ever, his mercy endureth for ever, his mercy endureth for ever. Noting thereby both the constancy and eternity of Gods mercy. To the same purpose it is thus written,³ It is the Lords mercy that we are not consumed, it is because his compassions fail not. Let us know therefore that God, as touching his mercy to his children, is of a most constant and unchangeable nature. As he saith, I am the Lord, I change not. For if GOD were of a changeable nature, as we are, and subject to passions, then were we in a most miserable case, then must he needs smite us down, and take vengeance of us every day, and every hour in the day, because we provoke him every day, and every hour in the day. But the God of Heaven is not as a man, that he should be subject to passions and affections: he is of a most constant and immutable nature. For though we provoke him every day with new sins, yet is he so far off from taking ⟨p. 417⟩revenge, that the next day he rewardeth us with new mercies, and breaketh through all our unkindness to show kindness unto us; and through all our naughtiness to do us good. All our infirmities cannot make him breaks off with us, or cease to love us. He is content to take us with all faults, and to love us dearly, though we have great faults. He regardeth not our infirmities: though we be oftentimes wayward and elvish, yet for all that he loveth us nevertheless. Even as a loving Mother, though her young suckling cry all the night, and be exceeding trease and wayward, so as she cannot rest on hour in the night;