The true tryall and examination of a mans owne selfe wherein euery faithfull Christian, by looking into his conscience, may most plainely behold his spirituall deformity by nature, described, his actuall rebellion by disobedience detected, his promise breach at baptisme, by ordinary transgression apparantly proued, his lamentable estate through sinne discouered, his wilfull obstinacie by dayly disorder displayed, and lastly howe by earnest repentaunce, and faith in Christ Iesu, he is from all the same clearely pardoned, forgiuen, released and reconciled / done in Englishe by Tho. Newton.

THE TRYALL AND examination of a mans owne selfe .

CHAP. 1. What the true tryall and examination of a Mans owne selfe is : and how generallie necessarie to all manner of persons , hauing care and desire of their saluation .

BRieflie ( in deed ) and in very fewe wordes is it said by the Apostle , Let a man examine himselfe : 1. Cor. 11. 28. but in that breuitie , and in those fewe wordes , hee effectuailie comprehendeth the whole office and duetie of euerie such an one , as doth earnestly desire to be reconciled , and to be at one with God ; yea , therein hee summarilie setteth downe , and compendiouslie prescribeth all and whatsoeuer is needefull or expedient , for ech true Christian to doe & performe . For , to examine a mans owne selfe , is nothing else , than for him throughly to trie , narrowly to searche , and diligently to proue , who and what maner of person he is ; & in what case he inwardly feeleth his owne conscience . To the same effect , purpose and meaning doth the Apostle in an other place say , Gal. 6. 4. Let euerie man prooue his owne works : 2. Cor. 13. 5. And again , Proue your selues whether ye be in the faith : examine your selues .

He therefore is to bee vnderstoode , rightly , duely , and truely to examine himselfe , which diligently and carefully searcheth out , tryeth , groapeth , & inwardly rippeth vp euery corner of his conscience , and so narrowly fifteth both his workes , actions and faith , that he leaueth nothing in his whole man , either outwardly or inwardly , whereof he maketh not a true and perfect presentment vnto his Conscience , and ( as it were ) strictly enditeth and iudicially arraigneth at the Barre , as before a most seuere Iudge . And looke how necessary it is for euery one that hath sinned , ( and by sinning disfranchised and banished himselfe from the kingdome of heauen ) to bende his whole care and studie , howe to come into fauour againe with God , king of the same heauenly kingdome : so necessary is it , that before hee goe about the same , he diligently trie and examine himselfe .

For , no man can rightly acknowledge his sins , no man can truely confesse his faith , no man can duely vse the Sacramentes , that doth not first carefully trie and examine his owne Conscience . Furthermore , in vaine doth a man either heare , reade , or learne any good lessons touching sounde doctrine and pure religion ; in vaine doth hee labour by studie to attaine the knowledge of matters diuine and heauenly , vnlesse he haue withall , a full and resolute purpose , to applie the same vnto the tryall & examination of himselfe . So greatly doth it stand vs vpon , to make this tryall of our selues , and so greatly materiall is it for vs , diligently to exercise our selues therein , as in the which the whole summe and effect of our saluation consisteth ,

And doubtles , vnlesse we speedily , & while we haue time , trie and examine our selues , and by earnest & hearty repentance turne vnto the Lord , it is to be feared , least God being angrie with vs , doe for our hardnesse of heart harden vs more and more , as hee hardened Pharao ; least for our wilfull blindnes , he blindfolde vs altogether ; least for our wicked , filthie , licentious and reprobatelike life , Rom. 1. 28 & 11. hee turne vs vp , and giue vs ouer vnto a reprobate minde ; and least in his heauie displeasure he deliuer vs vp vnto our owne vile affections & lawlesse lustes , to wallow still in the filthie mier of our abhominations & filthie deuises , neuer to bee able so much as once to thinke of our saluation , or once to raise vp our cogitations toward heauenly things . Than which euil and mischiefe , what can be more grieuous , more hainous or lamentable in this miserable and wretched life of ours ?

Let therefore euerie one speedily , & while he hath time , frame himselfe to make this triall , that he may be receiued of God into fauour againe . Let vs now at length awake out of this our deepe letharge and sleepe of sinne ; let vs once renounce , defie , and cast away the works of darkenesse , Rom. 3. 12. that we may walke comely and honestlie as in the day , garnished and apparailed with the workes of light , as liuely members of Christs Church in the holie fellowshippe of faithfull beleeuers .

Nowe , in what sort and manner this Tryall and examination of our selues is to be made and performed ; how and which way we may come into fauour again with God ; how also after our reconciliation we must demeane , and bel●aue our selues , and how we ought to frame our liues and conuersation , that we may alwaies haue a clear conscience toward God , Act. 24. 16 and toward men , we will endeuour the best we can ( according to that proportion and measure of skill wherewith the Lord hath endued vs ) plainely and familiarly to declare : beseeching the eternall and blessed Spirite of God , who was sent downe from heauen , from the Father and the Sonne , to teach vs all trueth , so to direct our vnderstandinges , and to further our endeuours , that we may set downe nothing , but that which shall be meete , wholsome , and profitable to instruct Christian consciences withall : and moreouer so to moue and enflame the heartes and mindes of all such as shall reade these our dooings ; that as we simplie and with a desire to profite them , haue taken this trauaile in hand ; so they with the like singlenes and meaning may reade the same , and apply all thinges herein comprised to their godly furtheraunce and edification .

CHAP. 2 . The examination and tryall of our owne selues must first beginne at the consideration of our owne corrupt nature ,

WHosoeuer thou be , that art inwardly touched with any care of thine owne saluation , and doest inwardly groane with earnest desire to stande in the fauour of God , and to bee at one with him ; first of all and before all other thinges , ( I pray thee ) enter into thy selfe , descende into thine owne conscience , and make a true surueye of thine inwarde man ; and thou shalt quickly finde ( I warrant thee ) what a suttle craftie Foxe , ( euer hauing recourse to his peeuish nature ) thou fosterest and keepest within that same fulsome stinking breast of thine . The first step to get helpe , and the chiefest way to recouer health , is , for a man to know himselfe . In vaine is the medicin ministred , where the disease is dissemblingly couered and kept vnknowen .

Wilt thou therfore that I shall plainly tell thee what maner of person thou art , and what disease thou hast ? I saye , thou art nothing else but sinne ; thou art ( euery whitte of thee ) a wretched sinner , and guiltie of euerlasting damnation . Neuer goe about to denie it , seeke no shifts or euasions to gainesay it , neither take any exception against it . The very woorde of God himselfe doth conuince thee , the prickes of thine owne conscience doe ouerthrow thee , and daily experience doth detect thee .

For , first , the worde of God sayeth thus of thy nature , being altogether corrupted and stained , thorough the fall and transgression of our first Parentes , and of thy sinne which by propagation thou hast from them . Rom. 5. 12. By one man sinne entered into the world : Ibid. By the offence of one the fault came on all men to condemnation . Againe , Psal. 51. 5. Beholde in iniquitie was I borne , and in sin hath my mother conceiued me . Againe , Gen. 8. 21. The imagination of mans heart is euill , euen from his youth . Isai. 9. 17. Againe , Euerie man is a lyer . Againe , Rom. 7. 18. I knowe that in me , that is , in my flesh , dwelleth no good thing . Ephes. 2. 3. And , By nature we are the children of wrath .

And feelest thou not within thee manifest effectes of sinne , to wit , the lustes and affections of the flesh , leading thee away from God , and making thee both vnwilling and vnable to liue vnder his lawe ? Rom. 7. ●3 . Feelest thou not another lawe in thy members still rebelling against the lawe of thy minde ? Thou feelest , thou feelest ( no doubt ) the cumbersome suggestions of sin dwelling in thee , continually drawing thee away from doing good , and still egging thee forwarde to commit euill . Thou feelest ( I say ) the wofull effectes of originall sinne , euen a minde voide of the feare of God . Thou feelest thy selfe not to loue God with all thy hart , with all thy soule , & with all thy strength as thou oughtest to doe , and as thou art bound to doe . Thou findest in thy selfe and proouest by experience , that thou art besieged and besette with sorrowe , griefe , heauinesse and infinite other like vexations of thy soule .

Moreouer , thou canst not but see these our bodies are subiect to innumerable miseries : thou seest the number of diseases assaulting vs : the extremitie of famine pinching vs , the ramping rage of hunger afflicting vs : the miserable plague of thirst distressing vs : thou seest death with his gryping pawe , daylie catching , haling and making hauocke of vs . And all these are punishmentes appointed of God for sinne originall , Through sinne death entred into the world . Rom. 5. 12.

To be short , thou feelest and findest a iust punishment & deserued plague , euen in these outwarde thinges . The earth bringeth forth thornes , brambles , thystles , noisome weeds , & many hurtfull thinges besides . It bringeth forth no good thing , vnlesse it bee tilled & manured with great labour . Finallie , what thinges soeuer for the maintenance and sustentation of this our fraile & transitorie life are requisite and needefull , the same are we ( of necessitie ) driuen to seeke , & procure with continual cares and troublesome toile . All these discommodities and all other miseries whatsoeuer , wee must knowe , and wee ought to knowe , to be sent vnto vs and inflicted vpon vs as a penaltie or amercement for originall sinne . Gen. 3. 17. Cursed ( saith God to the first transgressour Adam ) he the earth for thy sake : in sorrowe shalt thou eat of it all the daies of thy life : thornes and thistles shall is bring forth to thee , and thou shalt eate the herbe of the fielde : in the sweate of thy face shalt thou eate thy bread .

Now therefore , aswell by the authority of the word of God , as by the sense and feeling of such calamities and miseries as euery man euidently seeth & findeth in his mind , in his body , and in the outwarde thinges of the worlde , I thinke thou art sufficiently perswaded ; yea too too plainely conuicted , that thou canst not but ( wil thou , nil thou ) thou must needes confesse thy selfe to be a sinner born , & that thou art guilty of euerlasting damnation , euen in this respect , for that thou art a man , issued & descended from that first man Adam : yea although thou thy self in al thy life haddest actually committed none euill .

When all these thinges are well imprinted in thy mind , and that thou art throughly resolued , and perswaded that all this afore spoken is true , the best and next way for thee to take , that desirest and meanest to examine thy selfe , is , diligently to consider these pointes following .

First , to bow the knees of thine hart before the tribunal seat of God , to confesse thy faultes & sins , to submit & commit thy selfe wholly vnder the mighty hand of God , ready to abide his diuine pleasure , if in the seuerity of his iustice rather than in his mercy , he will deale with thee according to the tenour of that sentence of incurring eternall death , which hee pronounced vnto man before his fall . Whensoeuer ( sayth he ) you shall eate thereof , ye shall die . Gen. 2. 2.

Then , as often as thou feelest the effects of sinne , and the punishments thereof , such as wee haue alreadie saide , continually to bee perceiued , seene , and felt in our mindes , in our bodies , and in all our thinges subiect to our outwarde senses : so often call to remembrance , that the same ought to serue thee as tokens , and to put thee in memory of thy guilt and transgression : and that therefore it necessarilie standeth thee vppon , to fall to most earnest repentance , to consider and thinke with thy selfe , that this whole life which we here liue , ought to bee a continuall meditation of repentance : and that in the meane while , we ought patiently to suffer all miseries and calamities , sith we our selues were the cause thereof , and by our owne fault haue deserued the same .

Last of all , ( seeing we cannot by any meanes shewe forth worthy repentance , and pacifie God his anger iustly conceiued againg vs ( yea with the sway of sin preuailing in vs , wee rather exasperate his furder wrath ) it remaineth for vs therefore , to take this sure course , euen to lift vp the eies of our mind vnto our Mediator lesus Christ , and to beseech the Father to respect the righteousnesse and obedience of him alone ; & not to call into accompt the vnrighteousnes and disobedience either of our first parent , or of vs our selues , but to impute the righteousnes of Christ vnto vs , as though it were our owne . And hereunto let the words of the Apostle by al meanes moue and stirre thee : As by the offence of one , the fault came on all men to condemnation , Rom. 5. 18. so by the iustifieng of one , the benefite abounded towarde all men to the iustification of life , &c. These and the like reasons , drawing thee to the acknowledgement of thy sinne , to repentaunce , to true inuocation of the name of God , and humble imploring of his fatherly mercie , thou maiest well thinke , thou hast laide a good foundation , and made a good entraunce into the tryal and examination of thy selfe .

CHAP. 3. He that wil profitablie and rightlie trie and examine himselfe , must diligently consider his promise made at Baptisme , and how well m euery point he answereth the same .

BVT it may bee , thou comfortest thy selfe and waxest bolde , for that long ago thou wast baptized : and thereupon makest thy reckoning that all thy sins , aswell originall as actuall before committed , were then remitted and forgiuen thee : and that therefore there is no cause to charge thee , or laie before thee any thing touching originall sin ; and that thou canst not for that sinne be any more called into question , and drawen into iudgement .

Heere ( loe ) is there offered vnto thee an occasion of a newe , and altogether a more seuere and precise examination . For certainely , if thou purpose earnestly & effectually to try thy selfe , it is thy part and dutie , exactly & diligently to searche ( as hath beene sayde afore ) euery corner of thy Conscience , whether in euery degree and respect thou haue vsed thy selfe and dealt according to that solemne vowe and profession which thou madest and vnder-tookest at thy Baptisme . Whereby it shall most plainely appeare , whether there be any of those remnaunts of originall sinne and olde Adam yet remaining within thee , or no.

That thou maiest the sooner , the readier and the reuerentlyer bringe this to passe , it shall bee good for thee first diligently to weigh and consider such speciall things & materiall points as are commonly vsed and solemnized at the very time that Baptisme is ministred : namely what each seuerall action meaneth , togeather with each circumstance and necessarie braunch thereunto belonging . And this being done , orderlie to proceede to the thorough search of each corner of thy inward conscience .

Marke well therefore what was done , at the time that thou wast Baptized and solemnely receiued into the Church , in the sight of God and his Angels , and of godlie beleeuing brethren .

FIrst there acknowledging thy selfe by nature to be the child of wrath , ouerwhelmed & drowned in sins ; and so long as thou so liuedst , to be vnder the power of the Prince of darkenes : thou camest penitently to the Church ; deepely and solemnely there protesting that thou wouldest forsake the Diuel and all his workes , and that thou wouldest liue a newe and better life from thenceforth : that thou wouldest become a new man , cleane contrary to that thou wast afore : Eph. 2. 19. and that thou wouldest serue God alone in all synceritie and godlinesse of life . Act. 2. 38.

Thou diddest them also presently make profession of thy faith & beliefe in God the father , in Iesus Christ his sonne , & in the holy Ghost ; making there thy humble praier , & beleeuing that thou shouldest be receiued into fauour and grace , not for any works of righteousnesse in the selfe ( which were none at all ) but thorough the meere mercie of God , Tit. 3. 5. by the bloude of Christ , and by the lauer of regeneration .

After thou haddest thus bewailed the wofull state of thy miserable vnworthines , and publiquely protested thine earnest repentance , and withall thereunto added a sounde confession of thy faith : then was there likewise set foorth vnto thee , the promise of God , made vnto all that truely repent and turne vnto him by a liuely faith , Mar. 16. 16 and are baptized : Hee that shall beleeue and bee baptized , Joel . 2. 13. shall bee saued . Amend your liues , Act. 23. 8. and be baptized euerie one of you , in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sinnes .

These contestations and promises beeing thus solemnely made on both parts , thou wast bapt.sed , that is to say , thou wast dipped or sprinckled with water , & therewithall the Word of God was pronounced forth , hauing vertue after a maruelous sort to wash & take away thy sinnes by the bloudsheads of Christ . The Word was added to the Element , & so was it made in thee a Sacrament : eue● a Sacrament and Seale of the righteousnes of faith . Rom. 4. 11. Of that faith ( I saye ) which thou euen a little while afore diddest professe ; and of that righteousnesse , which God promised vnto thee . And it is ( as it were ) an Indenture of Couenants , or mutuall hand-writing obligatory between God and thee . For in this action of thy baptisme there passeth a certaine mutuall bond or obligaton between you ; euen much like as betweene Barterers & Bargainers : but most aptly , properly , Ephes. 5. and specially betweene the husband and the wife . For , the couenaunt , promise and bonde here made , is not for any short while , but euen for the whole space of thy life : and so long as thou continuest in this world , the memorie of this promise & couenant by thee made , ought surely to bee imprinted in thy minde : yea still , euen so long as thy life lasteth , it behooueth thee ( all that euer thou canst ) to endeuor thy selfe to accomplishe and performe thy promised couenants . Thou art now in this sort engraffed into Christ , and incorporated into his holy congregation , Rom. 6. 4. being the Church , Eph. 2. 13. & thou art receiued into the number & fellowship of the faithfull .

Moreouer the very fourme , manner & customable rite of Baptisme it selfe is a perpetuall witnesse of thy vowed promise , and admonisheth thee of thy duetie all the daies of thy life . Namely first , when thou wast put down into the Font , dipped into the water , or sprinckled therewith , there was signified vnto thee , the mortification of thy selfe and all thy members , in that thou diddest there openly and solemnely professe , that thou wouldest die vnto sinne . Againe , thy raising and lifting vp againe out of the water , betokened thy resurrection and rysing againe to newnes and amendment of life . And it did represent vnto thee , that like as Christ died , was buried and raised vp from the dead for thee , Rom. 6. 4. so shouldest thou continually walke in righteousnes and true holinesse .

Call further to remembrance what great benefites thou hast receiued in Baptisme , asivel in being thereby assured of the good promises of God there and then made vnto thee , as also in being therby the more encouraged & stirred vp to performe such thinges as thou for thy part there diddest promise and vndertake . First , thy sinnes all & some , both originall , actuall and accessarie , were there freely remitted and forgiuen thee . Sinne ceased there to be imputed vnto thee , and a newe righteousnes euen the righteousnes of Iesus Christ ) was bestowed vpon thee . 1. Cor. 6. 11. The force and strength of that sinne which naturally dwelt in thee , Tit. 3. 5. is broken & vanquished that nowe it should not be able ( as afore ) to raigne any more in thy mortal bodie , Rom. 6. 12. neither that thou shouldest obey the lusts thereof . Our old man is crucified with him , that the body of sin might bee destroyed , that henceforth we should not serue sinne . For indeed , sinne is in Baptisme remitted & done away , but not so , as that we should for euer after be cleare and voide of it , but that it should not be any more laide to our charge , or imputed vnto vs , and that it shoulde not raigne in vs , or beare soueraigne rule and domination ouer vs . As Augustine doth very well note in his Epistle to Julian , and in his exposition of the 102. Psalme : but most excellently and plainely is it sette out and explaned by the blessed Apostle Paule in his Epistle to the Romaines : Rom. 5. & 7. 22. I delight in the lawe of God , concerning the inner man : but I see an other Law in my members rebelling against the Law of my mind , & leading me captiue vnto the Lawe of sinne , which is in my members , &c.

There is also the holy Ghost giuen vnto thee in Baptisme , and that partly , to bee ( as it were ) an earnest-peny of vndoubted assuraunce to thy conscience , Rom. 8. 16. for all those good and speciall benefites which thou art to receiue , Eph. 1. 14. & 5. 26. specially after this life : and partly to bee ( as it were ) a cooperator in their sanctification , & to assist vs in resisting all the euill suggestions of the wicked spirite , & of sin naturally bredde in vs . The spirite ( faith Paule ) helpeth our infirmities . Rom. 8. 16. 27. For it cannot otherwise be , but that whosoeuer receiueth the Holy Ghost , receiueth also many other most singular gifts and excellent blessings . For as he is a gift himself , so is he likewise a bountifull bestower , & a liberall disposer of gifts heauenly & spirituall . He strengthneth our faith , he enkindleth in vs loue , hee fostereth hope , hee stirreth vs vp to shew forth the fruites of good works , Rom. 12. and ( to be short ) he sanctifieth and directeth the whole man . 1. Cor. 12.

These sixe most notable and excellent thinges , Gal. 5. were at the time when thou diddest receiue Baptisme , fully concluded , effectually professed , and autentically sealed , partly in thee , and partly through and by thee : and ought therefore of thee to bee borne in memory , & neuer to slide out of thy daily and hourely remembrance .

Now doth it stand thee vpon , yea it is thy bounden duty , and an especiall part of thy chiefest care , diligently to consider in what case thou standest : thou must ( I say ) now enter into thine owne Conscience , and there make a true suruey of all thy dealinges , howe thou art , howe thou hast beene in life and actions answerable vnto the same , and after what sort thou hast perfourmed thy promise , and obserued these thy sealed couenants . God for his part doth ( doubtlesse ) stand to his promise : for hee is true and faithfull , and neuer starteth from his worde , nor changeth his purpose . And therefore gaue he to thee then , and from that time foorth , his holy spirit , as a pledge of his faithfull promise and assured good will towardes thee .

Now , if thou on the other side , wilt for thy part exactly sift out , and search thy self , how thou hast discharged thy vowed couenants , & performed these thy faithfull and solemne promises , thou shalt without all doubt finde thy selfe many and sundrie waies guiltie . Confesse the truth ( I pray thee ) and speake vnfainedly , whether thou hast not since that time fallen into thine olde byas , and turned backe to thine old crooked nature and corrupt manners ? Whether the lawe of thy members , and the reliques of sinne , naturally still cleauing vnto thee , haue not manie times prouoked , allured , mooued , yea enforced thee to attempt & practise some thing against the lawe of God ? Whether thou haue not sometimes listened , giuen eare and place vnto Sathan ( who alwaies lieth in waite to catch theee ) and hearkened to his wicked temptations , allurementes , counsells , and suggestions ? Whether thou haue so intirely continued dead vnto sinne , that thou hast hitherto liued onely vnto righteousnesse ? Alas , it is too plaine and true , that thine owne Conscience heerein accuseth thee , and within thee with open crie testifieth against thee , that thou hast most hainouslie manie times reuolted from thy bargaine , falsified thy promise , and careleslie run headlong into manifest iniquitie .

If this then bee true , ( as ( alas ) it is most true ) there is no shift but thou needs must acknowledge & confesse thy selfe to be a creature most vile , wicked & miserable . For first , thou must needs yeeld , that thou art a leaguebreaker , a falsifier of promise , a despiser & open violatour of thy couenant made vnto God the father : then which , what can bee more horrible ? Thou hast frustrated the wholsome effects of the death & resurrection of Iesus Christ , wherein thou hast with no lesse contumelie reproched Christ , then they which nailed him on the Crosse . Thou hast greeued the holy Ghost , Heb. 12. & displaced him , who had made a choise of thee , Ephes. 4. as of an house to dwell in . 1. Cor. 6. The Angells of God , whom afore by thy repentance & mortification thou causedst to reioyce ouer t●ee , now by thy new fall & lewdnesse thou hast brought to sorrowe for thee . The whole Church , which reioiced , and was glad when shee receiued thee for one of her dear new Citizens , & conceiued good hope of thy Christian towardnes , thou hast now shamefully deceiued , & drawen into sorowful lamentation . To be short , thou hast despoiled and bereft thy selfe of those giftes , which with the holy Ghost , and by the holy Ghost , were bountifully & liberally bestowed vpon thee .

What shift or meane therefore remaineth , if the Lorde being a iust and righteous iudge shoulde strictly deale with thee for thy misdeedes , and narrowly looke into thy transgressions , but that before his Tribunall seate in the heauenly consistorye , God the father , God the sonne , and God the holy Ghost ( accompanied with infinite legions of blessed Angels , & in the sight of the whole Church beho●ding & approuing it ) should pronounce thee for one , that hast worthely deserued eternall death , & euerlasting punishment , as a periured caytife , as a treacherous recreant , as a faithles promisebreaker as a false hearted wretch vnto God the father , as a bloudy cutthrote , haling & drawing Christ vnto the Crosse anew , as an enimy to the Holy Ghost , as a mocker of the blessed Aungels , as a Traytor to the whole Church , as a shamefull runne-away from the holy congregation , and finally as a cruell manqueller of thine owne selfe ?

What canst thou now do ? What way wilt thou take ? What hope or trust canst thou haue ? What land , what ground can patiently beare the burthen and weight of thy wretched Carcasse ? What heauen , what sunne , what planets , what starres can quietly looke on thee , or willingly giue shine vnto thee ? Or what eies rather canst thou , or darest thou lift vp vnto heauen ?

The time was , when thou wast in excellent good state , and wast adorned and endued with right excellent giftes : but now through thine owne fault and wilfulnesse , thou hast altered thy case , and caused those thinges which of themselues were good , holsome , and to thee most profitable , to turne all to thy harme and confusion .

Truely it had beene better for thee neuer to haue heard of the will and promise of God : neuer to haue beene washed and cleansed by the bloude of Christ , then after all these , 2. Pet. 2. 21. to forsake the holy commandements , and like a filthy swine to returne to thy wallowing in the mier , and as a dogge to lap vp his old vomit .

Beholde nowe ( wretched creature that thou art ) vnto what a dangerous staie thou hast brought thy selfe ● , and with what maner of gaping gulf thou art euen ready to be swallowed . If the Lord God vouchsafe not in time with mercy to releeue and succour thee , it will come to passe , that thee by wicked & vncleane spirit , which was once banished and cast out of the washing of thy newe birth and by the holy ghost , will come and take vp his lodging againe in thee ; and not hee alone , but hauing with him seuen other spirites worse then himselfe , 〈◊〉 11. 26 Lu whereby thy case will be farre worse in the ende , then it was in the beginning . O wofull case , O wretched plight , O moste miserable estate .

Looke well to thy selfe therefore I beseech thee , & consider what thou art , acknowledge thy grieuous sinnes and manifolde offences ; remember the lamentable ende whereunto they will bring thee , and therefore bethinke thy selfe night and day , and in time seeke for remedy .

CAAP. 4. Th● 〈◊〉 not be any better way for the true triall and examining of our selues , then the diligent and exact consideration of our dealings by the 2. tables of the laws of God , commonly called the tenne Com●eundements .

IT is not ynough for thee , to confesse thy self in a generality , to haue grieuously offended , to haue lewdly violated and broken the couenaunt and promise made with God , to haue consented to the suggestions of the Deuill and thine own flesh : but it is most expedient for thee ( if thy minde and purpose bee thoroughly and fully to trie and examine thy selfe ) to rip vp all thy actions and dealinges to the very quicke , and precisely to examine and discusse all those sundry wayes and meanes , whereby thou haste any way offended either God or thy neybour .

Heere ( be thou sure ) there will bee layd open before thee a large volume , & a big booke , in the which thou shalt prefectly see all thy detestnble sinnes , ( which bee infinite ) plainly set down , clearely written , and apparantly discoucred . Heerein shalt thou see store of witnesses against thee : and heereby beeing brought to thine aunswere , and drawne to the barre of Triall , thou shalt bee enforced and ( will thou , nill thou ) driuen , to yeelde accompts for euery seuerall fact in particularty . And therefore , so much as hytherto hitherto hath beene yet spoken , may wel seeme small and of little account ▪ if wee well weigh , and diligently compare the same to that , which yet remaineth vntold , and which now shal● be ( by Gods good grace ) particularly handled .

This tryall or examination cannot any way be so commodiouslie and orderly made , as by exactly calling vnto our consideration the written lawe o● God , with all and singular the members , braunches and circumstaunce● thereof . For the lawe of God ( otherwise called the Decalogue or tenne Commaundementes ) is as it were ● cleare and bright Glasse , wherein we may by and by , and at a blush perfectly beholde our spirituall deformitie . And of this lawe , the Scripture setteth downe vnto vs three speciall vses .

First , as a most wise Guide of our life , it teacheth vs what we are to do , and what wee are to leaue vndone what wee are to desire and seeke , and what we are to loath and forsake . 1. Tim. 1. 9. The lawe is giuen to the disobedient , to the vngodly and sinners , &c. Psal. 119. 33. Teach mee O Lords the way of thy commaundements .

Secondly , the lawe plainely setteth downe before our eies , our manifolde sinnes and transgressions , and worketh in vs a sorrowfull griefe , and earnest repentaunce for the same . Rom. 3. 20. By the lawe commeth the knowledge of sinne . Rom. 7. 7. And againe , I knewe not sinne but by the lawe . For I had not knowen lust , except the lawe had saide , Thou shalt not lust . And a little after : O wretched man that I am , who shall deliuer me from the body of this sinne ? And in the same Chapter : Vers. 9. When the commaundement came , sinne reuiued , but I dyed .

Thirdly , the lawe ( conuincing vs of most manifest guiltinesse and malediction , and no way able to satisfie and pacify the wrath of god for the breach of the same ) biddeth vs for succour to flee vnto our Mediatour Christ , who onely and alone deliuereth vs from malediction and damnation , and taketh the curse due vnto vs vpon himselfe . Gal. 3. 13. And againe , Vers. 24. The lawe is our schoolemaister to bring vs to Christ .

LET vs nowe therefore in order run ouer the whole preceptes and commaundements of the lawe of God , and let vs pause a while at each , falling thee to thine answere for euerie particular Commandement ; 1. Commandements . how carefull thou haste beene to keepe them , and howe truely thou hast discharged thy bounden duety in obseruing and performing them : that when thou haste thus sundry wayes founde thine infirmities , and throughly considered thy manifolde transgressions , thou mayest certainly knowe , that vnlesse , the Mediator Iesus Christ vouchsafe to cloth thee with his righteousnesse , and to impute vnto thee his obedience and performaunce of the Lawe , there is no remedy but that thou must needes bee eternallie damned .

The first Commaundement therefore is this : I am the Lorde thy God which brought thee out of the Land of Aegypt , Deut. 5. 6. out of the house of bondage : Thou shalt haue none other Gods before my face .

HEre first , I wish thee well and throughly to consider , what inward sinnes of minde and conscience , lodging only within the secrete corners of thy heart , be directly committed against this commaundement . Then , the outwarde sinnes , such ( I mean ) as openly break out into action , and engender many times great disorders and offences . And last of al , enter into diligent consideration of all such sinnes , as seeme to proceede out of that trade of life , wherein thou liuest .

Sinnes Inwarde .

COnsider well with thy selfe , whether thou haue not nowe and than conceiued some erroneous opinions in thy minde of the onelye true and eternall God , whereby thou haste beene drawen and moued , either to some godlesse doubting , or to some curious questioning .

Whether thou be ignoraunt , or vnready in any of those cheefe points of doctrine , Faith and Religion , which al Christians are bounde to knowe and vnderstand .

Whether thou haue secreatly in heart , or otherwise priuily assented to any manner of iustly condemned heresie .

Whether , when thou hast seene the wicked to floorish in their ruffling deuises , and to haue the worlde at will , whereas ( on the contrary side ) the godly haue beene and are commonly afflicted with aduersitie , & when thou hast seene manie thinges to come to passe in the worlde disorderly , thou haue thereupon doubted of the prouidence or wisedome of God .

Whether thou hast beene alwaies certainely perswaded in thy conscience , that aswell aduersitie as prosperitie ; and trouble aswell as quietnes is sent by the good wil of almighty God ; and whether in all seasons thou hast thou hast put thy whole trust and confidence in him onely .

Whether thou haue patiently suffered all daungers that haue come vnto thee , without any murmuring against God , or kicking against his fatherly chastisement : & whether thou haue entirely therein resigned thy will to his diuine pleasure , accounting and confessing thy selfe worthy of those & greater scourges ,

Whether when thou hast beene in great daungers and perills , thou haue had any distrust , that god either would not , or could not deliuer thee . By the ●ne , thou hast derogated from the goodnesse of God ; by the other from his power . But both the one and the other be directly against his promises .

Whether thou haue beene puffed vp with pride and arrogancie , for the gifts that God hath bestowed on thee , glorying therefore in thy selfe rather than in God , and for the same hast disdained thy brethren . For , all pride tendeth to the hinderance of the glorie of God .

Whether for the obtaining of saluation , thou haue ascribed any part therof either to thine owne or to any other mans merites , and haue not depended wholly and onely vpon the merites of Christ and his diuine mercie .

Whether thou haue addicted thy minde to any manner of thing then to God . For that thing is to euerie man his God , which he chiefly loueth , and specially delighteth in , whether the same be Angell , or man , or what creature else soeuer .

Whether thou haue doone suche things as serue for the honour of god , syncerely and simply for the l●ue thou bearest vnto God himselfe , and not for any other ends : & whether thou haue done such thinges vnfeinedly , with all thy heart , with all thy minde , with all thy strength . For without a sincere meaning , thy seruice and obedience is hypocriticall , and being vnperfect , it maketh thee guilty .

Sinnes externall and outward .

THese sinnes doe proceede also , all of them from the heart . For they are first inward and internall : but when they burst out into act , then are they also outwarde and externall : and the more hainous and greeuous are these in this respect , for that thereby our neighbour is hurt aswell as our selues , and by our euil example is moued and brought to sinne .

Call to remembraunce therefore and consider , whether thou haue euer shewed thy selfe by any sign or token , to haue fauoured and allowed any vnsound opinions concerning God , or matters of Fayth ; and whether thou haue euer gone about by perswasion to drawe others to the same , thy erronious conceites and wilfull assertions .

Whether in the causes and pointes of Christian religion , thou haue at any time spoken otherwise with thy tong , then thou hast inwardly thought and beleeued in thy heart : as though thou thoughtest it ynough ( so that thou keepe thy conscience a right to God ) that otherwise it mattereth not at all , what thou saydest or vnsaydest , confessedst or deniedst before men , as time and place occasioned thee . This is an horrible offence , and a plain preferring of men before God , and this is a sinne against the holy Ghoste .

Whether thou haue euer and in euery place so framed thy life , and directed thy actions , that all men might perceiue and knowe that thine earneste purpose and intent was to sanctifie the name of the LORDE GOD .

Whether for the auoiding of any euill , or obteyning of any good , thou haue trusted to the helpe , protection and furtherance of Aungelles , eyther good or badde , or of menne , or of anye other creature what-soeur ; as though they were able to haue holpen thee aswell as God . For there is none to bee inuocated & sought vnto for helpe , but God onely .

Whether for the procuring of any thing either good or badde , thou haue vsed any vnlawfull meanes , or superstitious & damnable helpes . Of which sort bee the obseruation and choise of daies , of Planetarie houres , of motions and courses of starres , mumbling of prophane praiers , consisting of wordes both straunge and senselesse ; adiurations , sacrifices , consecrations and hallowinges of diuerse thinges , rytes and ceremonies vnknowen to the Church of God , toyish characters and figures , demaunding of questions and answers of the dead , dealing with damned Spirites , or with any instrumentes of phanaticall diuination as basons , ringes cristals , glasses , roddes , prickes , numbers , dreames , lots , fortunetellinges , oracles , soothsayings , horoscoping or marking the houres of natiuities , witchcraftes , enchauntments , & all such superstitious trumpe●● . Hereunto is to bee referred the paustring mawmetrie and heathenish worshipping of that domesticall God or familiar Angell which was thought to be appropried to euerie particular person : the enclosing or binding of Spirites to certaine instruments , and such like deuises of Sathan the Deuill .

Whether thou haue wilfully & willingly throwen thy selfe into any dangers , when as no necessitie draue thee thereunto : whereunto : wherein thou diddest directly tempt God .

For thy trade of life .

IN euerie mans peculiar trade of life , hee doth many and sundrie kindes of waies transgresse this first commandement ; as namely :

¶ He that hath taken vpon him the charge and ouersight of the Church of God , let him well weigh and consider , whether hee haue carefully discharged his duetie , both in doctrine & life , so that the glorie of God by him thereby hath beene the rather fauoured and propagated , and the consciences of many effectually stayed & comforted .

Whether in matters touching God and Christian religion , hee hath set foorth and vttered in the Church , any thing doubtful and vncertain , in steed of certaine trueth , and vndoubted veritie .

Whether hee bee spotted and infected with any heresy , or vnsound opinion .

Whether he haue at al times to the vttermoste of his ability and skill , endeuoured to beat downe and confute all corrupt doctrines .

Whether he haue patiently winked at , & quietly suffered any rytes wherein hath bene eyther apparant superstition , or otherwise any notable offence and inconuenience : As gadding and raunging about with procession , conuenticling in corners , superstitious vsage of holy water , pilgrimages , and vowes to be perfourmed in some certaine places , and with certaine appointed solemnities and ceremonies , whereby there are commonly committed sundrie lewde attemptes and many lamentable enormities .

Whether he haue admitted any to bee teachers in the Church , which were eyther vnmeete or vnable syncerely and discreetely to deliuer the worde of God : or any corrupt and vnsounde preachers , that willingly depraue the texts of the scriptures , and purposely misconstrue the wordes of trueth , to confirme and establish their owne phantasticall , or rather phanaticall , opinions .

¶ He that is called to gouernment in the common wealth , Magistrate . be he Prince or Peere , Iudge or Lawyer of high calling ; let him looke well about him , whether he haue with all his endeuor and care , laboured to promote true religion , and to maintaine & defende the sincere worship of God .

Whether he haue countenaunced , abetted or mainteined any heretikes , Schismatiks , Iewes , or any false & wicked teachers in any thing against the sanctifying of the blessed name of god .

Whether in giuing sentence & iudgement vpon any matter , & in all other graue consultations about the affaires of the common wealth , he haue nuer remembred that God is the high Lord and Iudge , and him selfe to be but his Minister .

¶ They that bestowe their time in Schooles of learning , which bee the seede plots and Seminaries both of the Church and common-wealth ,

Doctors , Teachers , and Maisters : Whether they haue carefully trained in the feare of God , ●tudents 〈◊〉 teachers the youth committed to their charge , and syncerely deliuered vnto them the principles and chiefe grounds of fayth and Christian religion .

Scholers : ●●holers . Whether by reading of the bookes of Philosophers and heathen Poets , they haue learned to holde any wicked opinions of God .

Whether they haue in their custody any wicked Pamphlets , or bestowe any study in bookes of curious arts and superstitious skill , as magicke , diuination , and such like .

Whether they reade any bookes of Heretiques , iustly condemned by the Catholike and vniuersall Church .

¶ Physition : ●hisition . Whether beeing with the sicke , he haue especially & before all thinges exhorted them to haue a firme , and vndoubting faith in God , without whom no medicine is auaileable and holesome .

Whether for recouerie of his bodily health he haue aduised and prescribed to his patient any things that be hurtfull and dangerous to the health of his soule , as all those thinges are , that be not warranted by the worde of God , but directly against the remedies which the Lorde hath ordained . As when they prescribe vnto them superstitious obseruaunces , peeuish calculations and childish mawmetries , &c. Also when they beare their patient in hand or make him to thinke that some certaine Saints haue power to send & also to take away this or that disease : as though God were not the onely gouernour of all thinges did not depend on him ▪

¶ Apothecarie , Apothecarie . Whether he haue superstitiouslie obserued or fondly stayed for choise daies or houres , or any other ceremonious rytes in gathering his herbs or other simples for the making of his drouges and receiptes .

¶ Merchants , poore people , Merchant . Chapman . Artificer . and handicraftesmen . Whether they haue procured , gotten and made any thing , or otherwise furnished others with any thing , thereby to make them the better able to oppresse or hinder Christian religion , and the true worshippe of God . As they doe which either aide the Turkes , or craue aide of them against their christian brethren . And as they doe , which sell to the Iewes or to treacherous and hollowe harted Christians any maner of stuffe or instrument , 2. Commandement . whereby to prophane and dishonour the name of God : or which do any maner of way minister occasion by their deuise and sleight , to compasse and bring to passe any thing to dimme and empeache the glory of God on earth .

The second Commandement . Thou shalt make thee no grauen Image , neither any similitude of things that are in heauen aboue , neither that are in the earth beneath , nor that are in the water vnder the earth . Thou shalt not bowe downe to them , nor worship them . &c.

Sinnes inwarde .

COnsider well , whether thou haue not sometime thought , that God either would or might be worshipped , otherwise then in spirit & trueth .

Whether thou haste not beene perswaded that the inuisible power of God , might by some visible Image be the better knowne , and so the sooner honoured .

Whether thou haste any time beleeued or thought , that the honour due vnto God , was any way bestowable vp on any creature ; & whether thou hast thought any creature able of his own proper power and ability to bring this or that to passe .

Whether thou haste euer thought that myracles haue bene wrought by Images , or that any vertue and power hath beene in them .

Sinnes outward .

WHether hauing euer secretely conceiued in thy mind , any wicked opinions about the seruice and worship of God , thou haue apparantly and openly by any token or signification made publike the same : that is , whether thou haue built , founded or dedicated any Chappel , closet , oratory or groue to any creature , eyther deade or a-liue , for worship .

Whether thou haue assisted any that haue so done .

Whether thou haue erected , and set vp any Images , altars , representations , or purtraitures : whether thou haue secretely worshipped or giuen diuine honour to the image of any Saint , whom thou hast made speciall choise of to bee thy patron and aduocate , or set vp the same eyther in thy Howse , in thy Garden , or any other place : vsing therto either bowing , crowching , kneeling , censing , lighting of tapers , offering of gifts , or adorning it with garlands , and presenting vnto it the firstlings of thy encrease , as corne and graine , and other oblations : with solemne woords and reuerent rites saluting it , adressing therunto vsual praiers , hoping therby to receiue some benifite , or to see some miracle : and to be short , whether thou hast egged & procured any other to doo the like .

For thy trade of life .

CAruers , Grauers , Painters and Image-makers . Caruers , Grauers , Painters , Image-makers . Whether in the making , grauing or painting of any Image or picture eyther of man or any other creature , they haue shewed all the skill and cunning that possibly they coulde , in hope thereby to bring men in loue with their workepeece , Handi-●●aftesmen , ●●rtificers . and so to worship it .

Handy-craftsmen . Whether they haue made or or solde any such thinges as they well knewe their buiers woulde conuert to superstitious vses and Idolatrous worshippings . 3. Commandements .

The third Commaundement . Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vaine , for the Lorde will not holde him guiltlesse that taketh his name in vaine .

Sinnes inwarde .

WHether so often as thou heardest the name of God vsed in earnest and serious matters , thou diddest with a religious and reuerend minde thinke on the ineffable maiesty of God , and with thy whole minde deuoutly honor the same .

Whether when thou haste beene commanded or requested in a necessary and lawfull cause , to sweare and take an oth , thou haue framed thy self therevnto with such Godly zeale and reuerence , as became thee .

Whether , in the time of prayers , giuing of thankes , lauding and praysing the name of God , and hearing the sasacred scriptures recited and alleaged , thou haue reuerently and godly bent thy selfe to that holy exercise , attentiuely and religiously listening to that which was sayde .

Sinnes outward .

WHether in taking a solemn oth for any matter , thou haue done it in any other sort , then by reuerently calling on the name of God , and citing him to witnesse and recorde of thy speech and dealing . For by him only and by none other ought we too sweare . And therefore great is their fault and greeuously doe they sinne , that swear by heauen , by earth , by the members of God , by Saintes , by the crosse and such like .

Whether thou haue constantly affirmed any thing to be true , whereof thou diddest not then knowe the certainty , or at least , wherof thou stoodest in doubt .

Whether thou haue sworne to doe any thing , which thou diddest neuer meane to doe .

Whether thou euer procuredst any man to sweare , knowing that he shold thereby take a false oath , and sweare vntruely .

Whether thou haue euer in vaine vsed the naming of the woundes and death of Christe , or other like thinges or actions of Christ to euil and lewde purposes , or to wicked cursing and banning .

Whether otherwise at any other time thou haue rashly , that is to say without iust and vrgent cause , abused & taken in vain the name of God .

Whether thou haue vsed thus to do of a certain peeuish & wilful custome : which ( certainly ) is a very wicked and horrible thing .

Whether thou haue not performed and done that , which by solemne vow & oth thou promisedst to do .

Whether thou haue bound thy selfe by vowe or oth , to doe any thing that hath beene vnlawfull and wicked .

Whether thou haue mis-spent and abused those giftes , wherewith God hath endued thee , to any other purposes then to the aduauncement and setting foroth of Gods glory . Whether ( I say ) thou haue abused those giftes , eyther to the contumelye and dishonour priuilye or apertly of God , or to any hurt and hinderance of thy neighbor : For in the gifts that God bestoweth vpon vs , there shineth out the great dignity and Maiesty of God his blessed name .

Whether thou haue applied to vanitie such things as properly & rightly are appertinent to God , and of him onely are truely said and spoken . And whether in thy familiar talke with others , thou haue spoken of God and heauenly matters , vainly , scoffingly , lightly , ridiculously or vnreuerentlye .

Whether thou haue misused the holy Word of God , conteined in the sacred Scriptures , eyther by wresting it violently to other sense than it was meant , spoken and vttered , or in applying it to such matters and purposes as it ought not to bee applied vnto , as namely to guming , iesting , balletting , singing , slanderous libelling , pasquilling , &c.

Whether thou haste adiured or enforced any man to sweare , to doe or confesse any thing , hauing no authority so to do , or for no necessary matter , or cause of importaunce , but rather about some trifling toy and friuolous conceit , or some such drift as tended to the daunger of such as bee good , honest , and godly .

Whether thou haste coniured Deuils , or vsed the damnable art of Negromancy , seeking help of wicked spirites , or desiring to haue some thing by them brought to passe , as though they had beene fit Ministers for such offices and purposes .

Whether thou haue adiured or enchanted any creatures vnreasonable , euen such as be brute and dumbe , or any hearbes and plantes or such like things , hoping and meaning thereby to worke some straunge feat and wonderfull practise .

For the kinde of life .

WHether , entring into any function or Colledge , or into any other kind of life : Magistrate Officer . and solemnly promising by oth to obserue , maintaine , and keepe the lawes and orders therof , thou haue accordingly so done and discharged thine oth . As namely , when a Iudge , an Aduocate , an Atturney or such like , is first nominated and admitted to his place , let him consider howe he dischargeth his oth , 4. Commandement . whereby he then solemnely promiseth , iustly & truely to exercise his office . So likewise a Graduate when he taketh his degree in Shooles . A Scholler , when he is admitted in a College , a Citizen , when he is enfranchized or elected into any office : A Souldier , when he is sworn to his Captaine : a Craftes-man , when he is made free , and receiued into the society and fellowship of those of the same trade , mystery , or occupation . &c.

Buyers and Sellers . Whether the sooner to vttet their wares , Buyers and sellers . they haue vsed othes to their chap-men in bargaining and dealing with them , affirming and protesting the same wares to bee good and faultlesse , which ( notwithstanding ) they knewe well ynough to be defectiue , naught , deceitfull , and faulty .

Whether they haue sworn that they payed more for their wares , then in truth they did : or that they would not sell the same any better cheape then the price they pitched , and yet afterwarde haue done otherwise .

¶ Suters for mariage . Suters for mariage . Whether the sooner and easier to win the good will and consent , the one of the other , they haue vsed othes and asseuerations faithfully to doe this or that , and to bee those persons which they pretended to be , and yet in trueth haue bin found and prooued otherwise .

¶ Souldiers . Souldiers . These of all other sorts of people are found the readiest commonly to abuse vnreuerently the name of God , and wilfully to make custome of periurie .

Finally , whether in committing any of these afore-named , thou haue been therby the cause of offence to others , and ministred vnto them occasion to commit the like . For being the cause of offence , eyther in worde or deede , to others , thou makest thy selfe guilty of their sinne , ouer and beside thine owne .

And whether when thou hast seene others disorderly to commit any of these outrages before expressed , thou haue plainly shewed thy selfe to bee ●n vtter misliker thereof , reproouing and reprehending them also for the same , when time and place serued . For in not dooing this , thou consen●est vnto them in their folly , and so ●y consenting , entanglest and wrappedst thy self in other mens sinnes , & broughtest their euils vpon thine own head .

The fourth Commaundement . Remember the Sabboth day , that thou keepe it holy . Sixe dayes shalt thou labour , and doe all thy worke : but the seuenth day is the Sabboth of the Lord thy God : In it thou shalt not do any worke ; thou , nor thy sonne , nor thy daughter , thy man seruaunt nor thy maide , nor thy beast , nor thy straunger that is within thy gates . For in six daies the Lorde made heauen and the earth , the Sea , and all that in them is , and rested the seuenth day : therefore the Lorde blessed the sabboth day and hallowed it .

Sinnes inward .

COnsider here , whether thou hast at all times reuerently and honorably thought of the ministery of the worde , of the administration of Sacraments , of the ceremonies and al exercises necessary , expedient , and profitable to the Church of God , both for the encrease of Godlinesse , and also of Discipline , order and decency : & whether thou haste at all times willingly and dutifully framed and submitted thy selfe thereunto .

Whether thou haste beene carefull and diligent , earnest and painefull to search out and knowe the true vse of all such things as are taught and practised in the holy assemblies and congregations : and whether thou hast for the attaining to the knowledge thereof , vsed that industry and diligence which God requireth at thine hands .

Whether thou hast secretely allowed and approoued any wicked rites or ceremonies : and whether thou haste thought them in thine heart by any means worthy to be retayned .

Sinnes outward .

WHether thou haue Christianly exercised thy selfe at times conuenient in meditating on Heauenly thinges , to thy souls health : thereby testifying thy desire and willingnesse to inuocate and call vpon God by fayth , and to the vttermost of thy power , to frame thy life after that knowledge , wherwithal the Lord hath endued thee .

Whether euery day , morning and euening , after dinner & after supper , thou haue humbly and dutifully commended thine estate and welfare to God , somwhile crauing at his merciful hands all things necessary for thy life , both corporally and spiritually , and somewhile yeelding thanks vnto him for the benefites which thou haste already receiued .

Whether vpon contempt or negligence thou haue foreslowed to goe to diuine seruice , & place of holy assembly , on days appointed by the church , for such purposes .

Whether in those holy assemblies thou haue openly shewed thy selfe from thy very heart attentiuely bent vnto those thinges which were there sayd and done : so that it might be well vnderstoode and perceiued , that thou camest & resortedst thither for none other purpose , then only to serue God & religiously to learn thy christian duty

Whether , when thou didst receiue the holy Communion , thou vsedst thy selfe so as became thee , in diligent noting and considering the true vse and right effectes of the same .

Whether thou bestowedst those days wholly in Godly & vertuous exercises aswell at home as abroade , namely in reading the scriptures , in distributing almes , in visiting and comforting the sicke , in trayning and instructing with Godly doctrine , thy family and folks : and in such the like commendable dueties : Or whether rather thou hast abused , mis-spent and prophaned the same , in banquetting , tippling , gaming , filthy talking , dissolute dealing , &c.

For the trade of life .

MInister of the Church . Minister . Whether in doctrine , in administration of the Sacraments & other holy rytes and vsages , thou haste added , taken away or altered any thing , contrary to that which the holy Catholique . Church by authority , and warrant of the sacred Scriptures doth witnesse to be alowable , & pleasing vnto almighty God , and consonant vnto his diuine worde .

Whether in the deliuery and administration of those thinges which are certainlye knowne to bee instituted and propunded according to the will of God , thou haue executed and celebrated the same with a deuour , religious , willing and vndaunted mind , and also with a seemely grace & comlinesse . And whether thou haue beene very circumspect and heedefull , least thy negligent & remisse dealing therin , shoulde bring the same into contempt among the people , and not to be regarded and esteemed according to their worthinesse .

Whether thou haue approoued , and obserued anie ceremonies or traditions against thy conscience . Whatsoeuer is not of fayth , is sinne .

Whether thou haue bidden any superstitious holy daies , or appointed any other obseruations , whereby might growe any danger , eyther for corruption of manners , or finally of offence to others .

Whether thou haue permitted and suffered , Games , Playes , Enterludes , Pageants , or Sights to be shewed , frequented and kept in the Churche , Church-yard , or other place appointed for holy exercise . And whether thou haue suffered the vessels , instruments , furniture and goodes of the Church , seruing for ecclesiastical purposes to be loosely conuerted and put to any prophane vses .

Whether thou haue admitted any notorious wicked liuers , to the blessed Communion : and whether thou haue debarred and put back from the same , any whose sinnes are hidden and not manifestly knowne .

Whether thou haue at any time abused the seueritie of Ecclesiasticall Discipline , specially and namely Excommunication , or the power of binding and loosing , onely to serue thy corrupt affection , vsing the same ( in dandlyng wise ) with too much lenitie : or whether when thou oughtest at any hande seuerely to vse it , thou haue altogether neglected and omitted it .

Whether thou haue eyther preferred , wincked at , or suffered any such within thy charge , as negligently deal in matters of religion , or bee remisse and secure in their offices , & by whom the quiet state and good order of the Church is disturbed .

Whether thou haue sought all possible meanes , and euery way diligentlye endeuoured thy selfe to plant in the heartes and mindes of all persons vnder thy charge and cure , the cheef pointes and principall grounds of religion , namely the Catechisme , which euery Christian is bounde to learne and know perfectly .

Whether thou haue laboured and done thine endeuour to redresse such disorders and faults as are crept into rytes and ceremonies , whereby the good ordinaunces and constitutions of the Church , do generally grow into contempt , or be quite abolished .

¶ Gouernours of the common-wealth , Prince , Peere , Judge . Magistrate . Whether thou haue assisted the Ministers of the Church , desiring to remoue & banish errors and superstition , and bene willing also and ready to aduaunce and establish godly orders , for the good & quiet gouernment of the same .

Whether thou haue any wayes infringed the right of the Churches , or violated and taken away their priuiledges and immunities ,

¶ Teachers , and schoole-masters . Schoole-master . Whether , thou haue suffered the younger sort to be absent from the Church , or haue discouraged , disswaded or called them away from reading the Scriptures and bookes of Godlinesse , specially on the Sabboth dayes .

Whether on the same dayes thou haue giuen them leaue to vse games , playes , and exercises , for the time and quality , eyther vnmeete or vndecent .

Whether thou haue disswaded any from the studie of diuinity , and from the Ecclesiasticall ministerie , which were meete and fitte thereunto , and woulde haue profitablye proceeded therein , haddest not thou by counsell drawn them from their good purpose .

¶ Schollers . Whether on the holy days and other set dayes and houres , they reuerently giue themselues to the reading of Godly and holy books , and to other vertuous meditations and exercises .

¶ Scriuener or Notary . Whether hee haue endited , drawen , or written , or caused to be endited , drawen , or written any billes , bonds , or other writings whatsoeuer , on the Sabboth dayes .

Whether hee haue made any such , whereby Religion or the dignity of the Church , might any way be empaired and diminished .

¶ Tauerner . Whether on the Sabboth days , and especially in the time of diuine seruice , he haue suffered any disorder in drinking and tipling within his house : and whether he hath made a common practise or custome at such times and on such dayes , to sell his wines , &c.

¶ Merchant . Merchant . Whether on the Sabboth day he hath bartered & bargayned , cast vp his reckonings , and written his accounts .

Chapman . Chapman . Whether on such dayes & times , he hath set open his shoppe , or set his wares to sale .

Stage-player . Stage-plaiers . Whether by his Enterludes & Stage-playes , he haue drawn the people away from spirituall exerercises , and godly meditations .

¶ Musicion & Mynstrel . Musicion . Minstrell . Whether hee haue bene the author and occasioner , of wanton dancing , or other vnseemly pastimes .

¶ Craftes-men of any trade whatsoeuer . Artificers . Whether they haue wrought on the Sabboth and holy dayes , when no necessitie enforced them , but onely for lucre sake : or whether they haue caused their apprentises and seruants the same dayes to worke , without eyther going to church or giuing themselues to godly meditations : as the Taylor or Botcher to sow a garment : the husbandman to hedge , ditch , plowe , garden , cleanse his Stable , &c. whereas at these times these thinges , and so of others might & ought to be forborne .

Whether any person whosoeuer hee be , haue enticed and procured others to any vaine games , vnlawfull sports , or other light and lewde exercises , as dice-playing and such like .

House-holder . House-holder . Whether as specially on the Sabboths and festiuall dayes , so also sometimes on the worke dayes he haue propounded or caused to be propounded and taught to his children and family , the cheefe heads of Christian religion , namely such as be taught and contayned in the Catechisme .

Finally , whether any person by committing any of these aforesayd faults , haue therby giuen occasion to others to commit the like : and whether hee haue beene a stumbling blocke and cause of fall vnto others , eyther in worde or deede .

And again : whether in seeing others to do ill , thou haue not let them vnderstande thy great mislike thereof . For , thine assenting to others sinnes , loadeth thee a newe with mo sinnes , and maketh thee a partaker thereof . 5. Commandement .

The fift Commandement . Honour thy Father & thy Mother , that thy dayes may be prolonged vpon the Land , which the Lorde thy God giueth thee .

Sinnes inward . For the trade of life .

SOnne , Daughter , Orphan , Orphans . and Warde . Wardes . Whether thou hast at all times reuerently thought , and had a good opinion of thy parents & gouernors , wishing well vnto them and praying for them , and in all thinges to their good liking , shewing thy dutifull obedience .

Whether by reason of their base degree and condition , pouerty , affliction , misery or any such like respect , thou haue had them in contempt , or made the lesse account of them .

Whether because they haue at somtime somewhat sharply chastised thee ; or because of some wrong which they haue done vnto thee , or because thou thinkest they haue not had that care of thee which they ought , thou haste therfore withdrawne thy duty , & alienated thy mind any waies from them .

¶ Parents & Gardians . Whether they haue borne a right fatherly mind and affection toward their children : wishing their welfare and wel-doing , & prouiding the best for them that they possibly could in all things .

¶ Lay people . Whether of the spirituall fathers & Parentes that feede thy soule , that is to say , the Ministers of Gods holy word and sacraments , and of their office , function and calling , thou haste reuerently and religiously thought .

Whether thou hast willingly receiued and heard their doctrine , exhortations , reprehensions and ecclesiasticall discipline by them deseruedly inflicted vpon thee , either publikely or priuatelie , and that without murmuring , resistance or gainsaying .

¶ Minister of the Church . Whether as much as in thee lay , thou hast earnestly & heartilie laboured to bring vnto God , & to the knowlege of their saluation in Christ , those that were committed to thy charge & ouersight : euer remembring that God would one day require an account of them at thy hand .

¶ Scholler . Scholler . Whether thou haste caried the same good mind and affection , towards thy Masters which tooke paines to trayne thee vp in vertue & learning , as thou oughtest to bear toward thy parents .

¶ Schoole-master , Schoolemasters . Whether thou haue caried a Fatherly minde & affection towardes thy Schollers , carefully deuising and seeking all wayes & means to profit them .

¶ Subiectes Subiects . and Inferiors . Whether thou haste esteemed the Magistrates , which be the common parents of the country , defending vs , our wiues , children and goodes from iniurie and oppression , and procuring vnto vs peace quietnes , and tranquility , as the lawfull Ministers of God ; vnto whome thou owest honour , feare , tribute , custome , and all thinges else , Rom. 13. 1. euen for conscience sake : 1. Pet. 2. 13 knowing that thou art bounde to obey them , yea , though they were wicked .

¶ Magistrates . Magistrats Whether they considering & remembring that they must make an account , and giue a reckoning of their gouernment , and that they beeing Deputies heere on earth vnder God , ought to minister Iustice , and to iudge in all thinges according to right , haue accordingly endeuored them-selues at all times to seeke the quietnesse & tranquility of their subiectes , and carefully in singlenesse of heart to prouide for their commodity and welfare .

¶ Seruauntes and Hand-maydes . Seruaunts . Handmaids . Whether they haue beene obedient , and submitted them-selues to their Maisters and Mistresses , with feare and trembling , seruing them heartily in singlenesse and simplicity of minde , euery where and at all times , rather wishing their furtherance and profit , then their losse and hindraunce .

¶ Masters Masters . and Mistresses . Mistresses . Whether they knowing them-selues to haue a Master in Heauen , with whome there is no respect of persons , haue dealt iustly and equally with their seruants , Ephe. 6. 9. shewing mildnesse vnto them , Collo. 4. 1. and curtesy , not rigor and threatning .

Sinnes externall and outward .

SOnnes , Daughters , Orphans , & Wards . Children . Wardes . Orphans . Whether they haue shewed toward their Parents in euery place , all tokens of honour , reuerence and good-will .

Whether they haue willingly obeied their commaundementes , and euerie way taken heed , least they should prouoke them to anger .

Whether they haue spoken or done any thing , wherby to bring them into heauinesse and griefe , as either by wishing euil vnto them , by threatning them , by complaining on them to others ; neglecting the studies and businesse whereunto by them they haue beene enioyned , vnthriftily spending their time , shamefully and wastfully consuming their money , excessiuelie royoting away the wealth & charges , which their carefull Parents , ( to help them withall ) were willing to bestowe on them : or else by anie other way or meane whatsoeuer .

Whether they haue dutifully holpen , succoured , and relieued them , when they haue beene sicke , driuen into pouertie , or throwen into daunger .

¶ Parent & Guardian . Parent . Guardian . Whether thou thy selfe with al diligence hast trained vp and instructed thy children in godlines , in the feare of the Lorde , and in holines of life , & also caused them by others to be instructed and trained .

Whether thou haue beene an example of vertue and godlinesse vnto thy children , committing nothing before them , vnseemely , filthy or vnciuile , either in word or deede .

Whether thou haue fondly & dandlingly cockered them , not chastising & correcting them , but letting them haue their owne wanton willes , winking at their faultes , and so with too smooth countenance and familiar gesture , vtterlie marring them .

Whether thou hast from time to time fedde thy children with money and other things , or suffred than to haue the same to abuse , mispende and commit wastfull follie withall .

Whether thou haue laughed , alowed , & reioyced in thy young litle ones , when thou hast seene them vse pretie sleights , craftie deuises , slie shifts , vain songs , wanton daunces , and vnseemly gestures , yea to vtter filthy tearmes beastly words , and odious deedes : and hast not for the same corrected them , not giuen out any signe or token of thy mislike thereof .

Whether thou haue discouraged and prouoked thy children , eyther by words or deedes , to be of a desperate minde : & casting away all hope to run headlong daily from worse to worse .

Whether thou haue gone about to perswade , or else haue compelled thy children to take that trade of life , whereunto they felt and confessed them-selues vnmeete and vnapt : or which otherwise without great daunger of sinning , they could not followe and betake themselues vnto .

Whether thou haue beene carefull to prouide for thy children according to thine ability , some reasonable portions of wealth , or haue let them forth to learne some honest trade or occupation , whereby another day to be able to liue in some certain stay of life , and honestly without blame or shame to earne their liuinges .

¶ Layty . Layman , or parishioner . Whether thou haue yeelded honour and reuerence vnto the Ministers of Gods word , together with alcurtesies , duties , tythes , and other thinges whatsoeuer , in right due vnto them or by lawe appointed and allotted vnto them , in such sort as Iustice and equity requireth , & as it is meete to do .

Whether , either in malepartly reuiling them , in spightfully snarring and barking against them , or in wranlingly cauilling and quarrelling eyther at their doctrin , or actions , words or deedes , thou hast purposely intended & gone about to deface , discountenance discredit , displace , or disease them .

Whether thou haste beene the author to procure others , either to think speake , doe , or deale hardly and vnfriendly against the ministers , or the ministrie it selfe .

¶ Minister of the Worde . Whether thou haste imployed thine whole endeuour to winne the soules of those that haue beene committed vnto thy charge , aswel by deliuering vnto them wholesome and sounde doctrine , as in shewing good example of honest life , & blamelesse conuersation in thy self .

Whether thy care hath beene ouer euery particular person vnder thy cure and charge , in diligent teaching of him , and mildely requiring of him a confession of his Faith , and of the principall points of Christian doctrin : sithens it is the office & duty of euerie faithful shepherd perfectly & readily , to knowe euerie sheepe in his flocke .

¶ Scholler . Scholler . Whether thou haue obeyed thy Masters rules , directions , and commaundements .

Whether thou hast despised & contenned him , or made a iest at his wholsome & godly admonitions , & eyther in reproching him , speaking against him , backbiting or hindring him , haste procured his hurt and detriment .

¶ Schoolemaster . Whether thou haste godly instructed & vertuously trained vp , those Schollers that haue bene committed vnto thee , in sound religion & good learning : And beside , in integrity of manners and honest example of life , haste gone before them , and been a patterne vnto them .

Whether thou haste rebuked them when they haue done amisse , and corrected them after the qualitie of their fault , and by gentle treating stirred vp and encouraged those that go forward in doing wel , to continue and proceed therein .

¶ Subiect . Whether thou haste disobeyed the laws , statutes and commandements , enacted and set forth by the Magistrate .

Whether thou hast contemned the lawfull Ministers & vnder-officers of of the high magistrate , & whether thou hast euil entreated them , or shewed to them any wrongful dealing .

Whether thou hast deuised any wrangling shifts , or sinisterly of purpose misconstrued the laws , statutes , acts , ordinances , proclamations , iniunctions or other decrees whatsoeuer , published , en acted & authorized by the Magistrate .

Whether thou haue refused to doe such things as thou haste by the Magistrates authority beene commanded , as for example , to pay tributes , assessementes and subsidies , and to beare other common charges with others of thy neighbours .

Whether by vttering lewd speeches , practising treason , stirring vp rebellion , mouing sedition , exciting malicious enimies , or by a●y like meanes thou hast at any time , gone about to annoy and put in daunger the Magistrate .

Whether thou haue patiently borne the lewde and corrupt manners of the euill disposed magistrate : and the hard commaundements comming from him : thinking thus with thy selfe , that it is oftentimes through the fault of the Subiects , that God setteth ouer them , rigorous , cruell , and wicked rulers .

¶ Magistrate and gouernor .. Whether thou haste made any lawes , enacted any degrees , giuen out any commaundements , practised any subtil deuises or pronounced any sentences to the ouerthrow and decay of religion , to the emblemishing of the honour , maiestie and authority of Kinges & Princes , or to the disgracing of the dignity and state of any ciuill societie .

Whether thou haste contemned the censures of the Church , the rescripts or decrees of thy superiors : and whether thou haste wrongly interpreted them , craftily by delusion defeated them , or by any other way whatsoeuer gone about to empeach , reiect , or adnihilate them .

Whether thou haste by any meanes derogated the right or iurisdiction of any other , either by pulling vnto thee matters which thou hadst not to deale withall , or by procuring meanes and stoppes , that they , to whose deciding and iudgement in right they belonged , shold not haue the trials brought before them .

Whether thou haste deuised or commaunded any newe impositions , and vnaccustomed payments , thereby to gratifie and in rich the Prince , or to fill thine owne coffers , to serue thine owne priuate gaine , or moued therevnto by anie other corrupt affection whatsoeuer .

Whether for Counsailors to direct and aduise thee , thou hast made speciall choise of such as bee craftie and cruell persons , whose minds thou well knewest so spightfull and enuious , that they cared for nothing lesse , than either the aduancement of the publike state of the Countrie , or the welfare & quiet of the subiects : onely vsing their craftie deuises to the oppression of them that were honest .

Whether thou hast laboured to the vttermost of thy power , to redresse wicked persons , and to banish such vices as thou perceiuedst were crept into the common wealth , or otherwise committed by priuate persons .

Whether thou hast winked at , and loked through thy singers at anie publike and notorious crimes , as in suffering vsurie , brothell houses , vnlawfull games , & such like enormities : whereby both the people be infected in maners , and their wealth also miserablie d●uoured .

Whether thou hast taken paines to protect and defende the causes of the good & innocent , namely the fatherlesse , the widow , & other persons , called miserable and comfortlesse : especially sith as of all in generall , so of these in speciall , thou didst solemnly vndertake the guard and protection .

¶ Seruant Seruant . and Handmaide . Whether they haue honestly , faithfully , and to their maisters profit , done their worke and businesse .

Whether to their maisters children , kinsfolke and friends , they haue bene dutifull and seruiceable , in such sort as became them , and as they haue beene commanded .

Whether with mumbling , murmuring , mocking , mowing , replying , and saucie aunswering , they haue gone about to prouoke their maisters & mistresses to anger , or any other waie offended and hurt them .

¶ Maister & Mistresse . Maister & Mistres . Whether they haue commanded and enioyned their seruauntes , to doe more worke than they were able , or in reason ought to haue done .

Whether they haue beene towarde their seruants ouer bitter , churlish , & hastie , either in wordes , as in cursing and banning them , furiously raging at them , and contumeliously misnaming them ; or else in deeds , by allowing the too small pittance in meate & drinke , by keping from them conuenient clothes , and reasonable lodging ; by cruelly bounsing and beating them ; or in denying and nipping their wages and hire , &c.

Finally , whosoeuer thou art ; call to remembrance whether , either by word or deede , thou hast anie way giuen occasion of offence to anie other by thy example , to contemne thy superiours , or to damnifie thy inferiours . For the sinne of him that thus through thee is brought to offend , wil be imputed and laide to thy charge . Euery man or woman in generall .

Whether , seeing others committing anie of the forenamed offences , thou hast either secretlie or openlie liked thereof : For thus also , thou chargest thy selfe with the guilte of another mans sinne .

The sixth Commandement . 6. Commandement . Thou shalt not kill .

Sinnes inward .

WHether thou haue bor● an● enuious minde an spightfull stomacke towards anie man , an● through thy churlish way wardnesse giuen men occasion to deeme thee worthie the odious nam● of a deadly hater of all men ,

Whether to anie man in the world ▪ either friend or foe , thou hast wished harme and hinderaunce , either in bodie or goods , in kinsfolke or friendes , or in anie other thing belonging vnto him : and againe , whether thou hast bene at anie time sorie for the good speed , and prosperous successe of another .

Whether thou hast borne hatred & malice to anie man . 1 Iob. 3. 15 He that hateth his brother is a manslaier .

Whether thou hast borne long malice to anie man , with a stiffe , wilfull , implacable and obstinate desire of reuenge , and so still continuest .

Whether thou hast refused to bee at one with any that hath offended thee , being sorie for his fault , and crauing pardon of thee for the same : shewing thy selfe vtterlie vnwilling of reconciliation , for that peraduenture thou watchest thy turne to crie quittaunce with him , and to worke him ( when thou canst espie opportunitie ) the like shrewd turne and displeasure .

Whether , when thou hast outwardlie pretended thy selfe , cleerely to pardon and forgiue anie that hath offended thee , and that thou wouldest not seeke anie reuenge for things passed , hast yet ( notwithstanding ) secretlie nourished malice , and kept hatred in thy heart against him .

Whether thou hast purposed and meant not to pardon at all , him that hath not come to thee , to aske pardon for his fault .

Sinnes outward .

WHether either by word , iesture , countenaunce , or anie other manner of waie whatsoeuer , thou hast shewed forth anie churlishe behauiour , or blockish discurtesie , whereby it might bee thought thou meantest anie harme to anie man .

Whether thou euer soughtest matter of quarrell , or occasion of hatred and disagreement against thy neighbour .

Whether thou hast yeelded thy self ouer to thine owne wilfull affections , inwardly mouing thee to wrath and rancour .

Whether thou hast conceiued anger against anie man for anie cause , yea , though the same in shewe seemed on thy side to bee right and iust .

Whether in rage & anger thou hast said to thy brother , Racha ; or ( which is worse ) Foole : that is to saie , whether thou hast shewed foorth anie signes of hatred and wrath ; as cursing and wishing ill to another , contemptuouslie threatning , railing , misnaming , chiding , scolding , iudging amisse , taking mens deedes & words otherwise than they either meant or speake , wresting al things to the worst , deriding , flearing , mocking , taunting , frumping , crosse-cutting , checking , ouerthwarting , skoffing , backbiting , gibing , vndermining , and such like .

Whether thou hast in spight bewraied , discouered , and published , the faultes and infirmities of thy neighbour : wherein and whereby a man is wounded , worse than either with sword or knife .

Whether by thus doing thou hast giuen cause of new brawling , discorde , hatred , and falling out among thy neighbours , which afore loued and agreed well together .

Whether , as much as in thee laie , thou hast cutte off the causes of all wrangling , debate , discorde , and quarrell .

Whether thou hast bene diligent to the vttermost of thy power , to reconcile and set peace and quietnesse betweene them that haue bene at variance .

Whether thou hast in all places shewed thy selfe to beare an enuious , enemilike and implacable minde toward him that hath done thee displesure , without anie token either of forgiuenesse or reconciliation .

Whether thou hast denied to pardon him that hath craued it at thy handes , and confessed his fault : shewing thy selfe inexorable , and desirous rather of reuenge , than to haue former friendshippe renued and continued .

Whether thou hast praied to God for the repentance , amendement , welfare , and saluation of thine enemie , & bene readie also anie waie thou couldest , to doe him pleasure .

Whether either secretlie or openlie thou euer soughtest meanes , or imagined to hurt and damnifie anie man in bodie .

Whether euer in act thou wentest about in any respect to hurt him , wherby anie harme in his bodie hath insued ; as either by ouerlabouring him , or by surcharging him with too heauie burthens , or by nipping him of his victuals , and with-holding from him requisite foode , or by giuing vnto him vnholesome meate and drinke , or by driuing him into sicknesse , or by sending him into anie contagious and infected place , or by anie weapon , instrument , toole , or meane whatsoeuer , either by thy selfe , or by anie other through thy consent , will , & procurement .

Whether either priuilie or openlie thou hast any manner of waie done anie thing , whereby another is brought to his death , either speedily and hastilie , or lingeringly and piningly .

For the kinde and trade of life .

ECclesiasticall Minister . Minister . Whether hee haue deliuered in his Sermons & readings , anie daungerous doctrine , wherby dissensions , braules , contentions , sects , or ( which worse is ) seditions haue bene stirred vp , and moued among the hearers .

Whether he haue bene the authour and ringleader of anie faction , or mutinie either against the gouernours of the Church , or the ciuill Magistrates , or against his owne brethren and fellowlabourers .

Whether for anie desire of reuenge , or anie other corrupt affection whatsoeuer , he haue put anie backe from hearing the word of God preached , & receiuing the Sacraments ; or haue pronounced any excommunicated , or caused anie so to bee , to the greate harme , discontentment , and discomfort of the partie .

Whether vnder pretence and coulour of requiring an account of they , faith , he haue accused any godly christian of heresie , or anie such crime , whereby the partie accused is either imprisoned , or otherwise grieuouslie punished , and perhaps also ( as in some places it is seene ) put to death .

Whether he haue admitted anie to the Supper of the Lord , that was out of charitie with his neighbor , and not willing to bee agreed and reconciled with his enemies , or whome he knewe had shed the bloud of his brethren , ere he would leaue his malice and hatred .

Whether he haue allowed and approued wrongfull warres , or vniust and corrupt iudgements , giuen ▪ and pronounced , either by the Prince or by anie others , which some euen in open pulpits haue not bene ashamed to doe .

Gouernour of the common wealth . Ciuill Magistrate . Whether he haue commanded or committed anie to prison without iust cause , where either for hunger and famine , or with stench and fulsome smellys , or some such like meanes they haue ben lamentably dealt withall , and miserably handled .

Whether hee haue denied to anie , their lawfull right , to pleade and aunswere for themselues , and defend their cause .

Whether he haue vpon corrupt affection , either secretlie in prison , or openly abroade , commaunded anie to bee cruellie handled , racked , tortured , bound , beaten , or anie other waie hurt , and punished in bodie , or depriued of life .

Whether such as he could not rightlie and lawefullie oppresse and make dispatch of , hee haue caused and procured by others to bee trecherouslie accused , apprehended , wronged , hurt , or by anie manner of meane , brought within the compasse of danger .

Whether he haue euer seemed to fauour , countenaunce , or protect anie murtherous , cruell , and bloudie persons , or haue at anie time willinglie ioyned in counsell with them .

Whether in punishing those that haue hurt , wounded , or slaine others , as theeues , ruffians , cut-throates , and such like , he haue bene remisse , negligent , and carelesse , either in not willingly finding out the offenders , or in refusing to bestowe the charges , for their due punishment and repression , or by anie other waie whatsoeuer .

Whether in punishing offences hee haue at anie time exceeded measure , and either deuised new kindes of tortures , or taken delight in such as haue ben too too terrible , painful , and rigorous ; or haue inflicted more grieuous & sorer punishment , than the nature and quality of the offence deserued , or required .

Whether sitting in iudgement and hearing the case effectuallie and substantially , with all proofes debated , he haue condemned & giuen iudgement against him , whom hee found and we●● knew to be innocent .

Whether he haue beene carefull to defend from wrongful oppression poore widows , fatherlesse , & other distressed & comfortlesse persons , & them when they haue bene in danger , relieued & assisted .

Whether he haue set foorth or caused by others to be set forth , any games or disportes , in the which sometime men haue beene wounded , maimed , yea , many times slaine and killed outright .

Whether he haue made warre without iust cause , or giuen either counsell or aide to others that haue so done .

Whether he haue inhibited and forbidden anie from helping & relieuing the afflicted , from defending the cause of the innocent & accused ; from selling such things as bee necessarie for the mainrenance and sustentation of this life , and from helping to rescue those that were oppressed , or violently assaulted .

Whether he haue rightlie and duly kept the times of truce agreed vppon .

Whether he haue procured & caused anie that haue bene deliuered vnto him as Pledges and Hostages , or anie that haue beene sent vnto hint as Ambassadours and Agentes , to bee ill intreated or brought into any danger .

¶ Generall of warres , Captaine and Souldiour . Generall , Captaine , Souldiour . Whether beeing Generall and Chieftaine , hee haue commaunded anie thing to bee done with more crueltie and rigor , than the lawe of armes required ▪ thereby contemning and ouerthrowing all militarie discipline .

Whether for his priuate affection he haue conducted and lead his Souldiours ours to other places than were conuenient and requisite , or whether hee hath endamaged and hurt anie , whom his commission and duty required not to deale withall .

Whether knowing the warre to bee taken in hand vpon vniust cause and wrongfull quarrell , he haue ( notwithstanding ) serued in the same .

Whether he haue suffered his Souldiours disorderli● to vse outrage and crueltie , otherwise than either was giuen them in commaundement , or the custome of warre required and allowed .

Whether he haue vsed anie crueltie either in bodie or goods , towards such persons as were innocent , as namelie , olde men , young children , ministers of the Church , poore widowes , women , ( speciallie being great with child , ) or lying in child-bedde , virgins , and such like .

Whether the same were done with swoorde , with glaiue , with fire , with spoile , or anie other waie . Infinite bee the waies and manners of crueltie , in souldiours many times vsuall .

Whether they haue sought by anie strange , vncouth and vnusuall waie to annoy , supplant and damnifie their enemie , as in deuising new Engines & sleightful inuentions , new and strange kinds of munition & weapons , & poisoning the same , whereby the wounds therewith made , become vncurable , & such like .

Whether they haue caused any treason to be wrought , or anie politik stratageme to be practised , whereby greater slaughter was made , and more bloudshed , than otherwise would haue bene .

¶ Lawier , Atturney , Proctor , Scribe . Lawier , Atturney , Aduocate , Scribe . Whether being retained on the behalf of the one partie , accusing , he haue for ill will or affection , so aggreuated the case of the other side beeing accused , that thereby he hath either beene the sooner ouerthrowen , grieuouslyer punished , or otherwise woorse handled & dealt withall , either in body or goods , than otherwise hee woulde haue bene .

Whether he haue kept back his aid , or denied his helpe to the poore , or anie other distressed weaklinges standing in neede of his aduise , and crauing his fauoutable furtheraunce , eyther for defence of their cause , or for the drawing of their pleas & bookes : and whether he haue done the same in such good forme as hee ought , and as he could haue done if he had beene disposed .

¶ Phisition , Apothecarie . Phisition . Apothecary Whether he haue intermedled , or presumed to deale in the arte of Phisicke , and preparing of medicines , beeing not furnished with sufficient skill thereunto .

Whether he haue prescribed , directed , appointed , made or giuen to his patient , any receit or medicine , wherby the disease hath rather increased than decreased , or death perhaps ther vpon insued .

Whether he haue ben negligent in helping the sicke , when hee hath bene requested , and whom hee coulde haue cured and holpen .

Whether he haue proued anie thing at randon , as doubtfull , and not knowing whether it were good or no.

Whether hee haue giuen anie instruction , or anie kinde of helpe or counsell to women to make them barren , to procure abortion or vntimelie birth , to destroie the childe conceiued in their wombe , to bring vppon them vnnaturall coldnesse , or to compasse and bring to passe lewde and vnhonest loues , &c.

¶ Rich man . Rich man . Whether he haue denied to the poore and needie , that hath asked him such conuenient reliefe , as was necessarie to him for the sustentation of his life , as meate , drinke , &c. Knowing that the poore partie wanted the same . In that thou hast not fedde thy hungrie brother ( saith one ) thou hast murthered him .

¶ Merchant , Workeman , Artificer . Marchant , Artificer . Whether he haue made or solde anie strange & new inuented instruments , to spoile and hurt the bodie of man withall .

Whether , to furnish any that make vniust warres , without good cause and reason , he haue sold to them armour , weapons , or other things .

¶ Butcher , Fishmonger , Baker , Brewer , Cater , Vitaler , Cooke , Vintner , Tauerner , Butcher , Baker , Brewer , Fishmonger , Vitailer , Cooke , Tauerner , &c , Whether they haue sold , vttered , retailed or d●essed corrupt flesh , fish , or any other meat or drinke , wherby the eaters therof , haue caught sicknesse , infection , or any other harme in their bodies .

¶ Husband . Hu●band . Whether he haue stroken and beaten his wife , either else put & inforced her to such labours & works , whereby she hath ben brought a bed afore her time , or hurt the child in her wombe .

¶ Wife . Wife . Whether by medicines , or labour , or dancing , or any other means , she haue ben the occasion of vntimely birth , or otherwise of hurting the child within her .

Whether she haue carefully tendred and cherished her babe being new borne , looking so diligently and so tenderly vnto it as her duty required . There be many women that may iustly be charged with great negligence in this behalfe , and that many waies .

Whether laying the babe in the same bed with her in the night , she haue crushed and brused it , or by ouer-lying , smoothered and killed it .

Whether by her adulterous life , or by her scolding and brawling with any other , or by making complaint to her husband of others , shee haue bene the cause to set her husband and the other party together by the eares . wherby the one hath violently assailed , wounded , or killed the other .

Nurses are liable to the same faultes that matrones and wiues . Harlots and strumpets , Nurses , Harlots , Strumpets . drabs , curtizans , queanes , and such as haue nothing of virgins but the name onely , are likewise infamous for procuring their barrennesse , vntimely births , and killing their children . They therefore in this behalfe haue great cause diligently to examine their consciences .

To be short : it is euery particular man and womans dutie to looke about , Euery man particular . & it standeth each man in hand to consider with himselfe , according to that trade , function , or kinde of life wherein he liueth , whether he haue any manner of waie ben the cause either of the hurt , or of the death of an other . As for example : The Maister , when he commandeth his seruant to lift or carrie such great burthens , whereby he is hurt in his bodie , or peraduenture catcheth that harme , whereof he can neuer be cured . Likewise , he that willeth another to goe afore through a deepe foord or water , ouer some bridge , rotten planke , timber , or ladder , where there is great apparance of present danger . Hee also that hurleth a stone , or shooteth an arrow into such place , where others do vsually haunt and assemble . Also hee that lendeth or letteth to hire to an other a horse , which hee knoweth to haue naughtie trickes , as oftentimes to haue ouerthrowen and cast his rider , to floūdre in the mire , to lie down in the water , &c.

Infinite be the waies , whereby the bodie of our neighbour may be put in daunger , and wronged . Let euery one therefore enter into deepe consideration with himselfe , & remember how and which waie he hath offended , and broght his neighbor into any hazard ▪ perill , or danger .

Finally , whether in committing any of these aforesayd , thou hast giuen thereby occasion to others to doe the like : that is to saie , whether either by word or deede against this commandement thou hast beene a stumbling-blocke , or the cause of fall to another . And also , whether seeing others committing any of the same , thou haue secretly assented vnto them , neither staying them , nor reprouing them , neither yet shewing any token of thy mislike thereof , when time and place serued thee well , so to haue done . The accessarie and consentour is as well culpable , as the partie that dooth the deede . 7. Commandement .

The 7. Commandement . Thou shalt not commit adulterie .

Sinnes inward .

WHether , in anie place or time when thou haste bene idle , and vnoccupied , thou hast had anie thinking of filthie and vnchast matters , and whether in the same thou hast fixed anie delight , or dwelt in any pleasure : so that thereby thou feltest thy minde and flesh stirred , prouoked , and occasioned to sinne .

Whether , seeing any woman or maid , thou hast burnt inwardly in lust toward her . Whether thou hast euer deuised any practises , or laied any plots , wherby to compasse thy desire in such filthie purposes .

Whether thou hast taken anie delight in reporting , & remembring thy former lewde life or filthy actes this waie committed : & whether thou hast had any desire to returne to the same sinne againe .

Whether , thou hast immoderatlie bene in loue with thy selfe , eyther for thy beautie , or for any other giftes whatsoeuer , as though for the same thou deemedst thy self a Paragon , able to allure and drawe others to commit filthie follie with thee .

Sinnes outward .

WHether , through brauerie in apparell , simpering lookes , smooth countenance , gallant decking , curious trimming , wanton glances , nice behauiour , and other like vanities , thou haue giuen occasion of semblable loosenesse , and opened a wide gap for others by imitation of thy follies , the sooner to commit filthines and dishonestie .

Whether thou hast bene addicted to idlenesse , banquetting , tippeling , and drinking , whereby thy libidinous lust hath ben 〈◊〉 & thy desire of lecherie 〈◊〉 .

Wheth●● 〈…〉 wanton eies & learing countenances , beckes , signes , greetings , seruiceable salutations , gifts and rewards , amorous songs and Sonets , delicate instruments of Musicke , nightly walkinges vp and downe the streets , purposely appointed daunces , set banquets , messengers , or by anie wicked practises , thou hast gone about to bring thy dishonest desire , & lecherous loue to passe .

Whether thou hast willingly kept companie , or bene familiar with such persons , by whom thou mightest be egged and entised , holpen , or furthered , o● any way drawen & moued to commit this filthinesse .

Whether , to compasse thy dishonest desire ▪ thou hast at any time resorted vnto , and frequented secrete corners , gardens , or any other such places as might well be suspected . It standeth thee vpon ; and thou oughtest with all diligence and circumspection to auoide and eschue all such persons , all such places , all such times , and al such other circumstances as may draw thy minde to infection , thy bodie to villanie , or thy name and credite into question .

Whether by any secret sleight or ●unning , as drinkes , drugs , medicines , charmed potions , amatorious Philters , figures , characters , or anie such●like paltering instrumentes , deuises , or practises , thou hast gone about to procure others to doate for loue of thee .

Whether by kissing , groping , touching , or handling any partes of the bodie , thou hast gone about to stirre vp● lust and lecherie either in thy selfe , or in any other .

Whether thou hast vsed anie ribal● talke , or raskallie words of scurrilitie , tending to the praise of lust , and prouocation of lecherie ; or whether thou hast willingly heard and giuen eare to others that haue so done , or prouoked others to any such talke .

Whether thou hast vnlawfully had carnall copulation with anie , and with what maner of person . Whether with a single woman , thy selfe also beeing single and vnmarried : or whether with a married person , which is adulterie . Or whether 〈◊〉 that is 〈◊〉 of kinne or assi●●tie to thee , which is called Incest : or 〈◊〉 with any , 〈◊〉 and against their will , which is called Rape or rauishment .

Whether thou hast abused thy 〈◊〉 by carnall dealing in anie other sorte , or with anie other persons or creatures , than by the lawe of nature is ordained . As by Sodomitrie , or by Buggarie , tearmed by some , the dombe sinne ; and as I thinke , for this cause so tearmed , for that it is of such horror , that it is not once to be named or spoken of among men .

Whether thou hast long time continued in that kinde of sinne , whereof thou knowest thy selfe guilty .

Whether thou hast giuen any aide to others ●n their filthie dealings , or whether thou hast bestowed any time , labour , or diligence in procuring and bringing about any dishonest , lustfull , and lecherous loues .

For the kind or trade of life .

Gouernour , or Minister of the Church . Whether hee haue admitted and winked at , Bishop , Pastor , Minister . or tollerated anie , beeing by others admitted to the ministerie of the Church , whom either he himselfe , or anie others did knowe to bee whooremongers , or to keepe Concubines , and harlots .

Whether hee haue suffered anie to bee partakers of the holie Supper of the Lorde , notoriouslie knowen to bee Adulterers and Whooremongers .

Whether , ( when he hath seene sins manifestly raigning , and grieuouslie preuailing , against this seuenth commandement , or stewes and brothel-houses to be suffered and to goe vnpunished ) he haue beene negligent and remisse , ( as occasion and opportunitie hath serued ) to reproue and inueigh against it : and whether hee haue zealouslie aduised , and earnestlie admonished the Magistrate to looke to his dutie in this behalfe , in repressing and redressing these enormities .

Whether in ioyning anie persons together in Matrimonie , specially them of the lighter sorte , hee haue bene too readie , rash , & inconsiderate , as namely , in not propounding vnto them the ends of Matrimonie , for which it was by God ordained , & instituted , in not declaring vnto them such pointes as appertaine to the dignitie of Mariage , in not earnestly examining them , what reasons moued them to enter into this holy estate . The negligent looking vnto these and such like pointes . is one speciall cause of so many ill agreeing matches , so many lamentable diuorses , &c.

Whether he haue suffered the patrimonie , treasure , substance , & goods of the Church to bee bestowed in almes vpon anie such persons , as for their lewde life and filthie liuing were infamous .

Whether , when women haue resorted vnto him for his aduise , & spiritual counsell , hee haue felte himselfe anie waie moued to vnchastitie , or otherwise inkindled and assailed , with anie lecherous cogitations .

Finally , whether in the Church or else where , or by domesticall vsage , familiar custome ▪ or anie other meanes whatsoeuer , either by immodest countenance , or vndiscreet iesture , he haue giuen others occasion to conceiue of him ill opinion , and sinister suspition .

¶ Magistrate and publike Officer in the common wealth . Prince . Magistrate Officer . Whether in his Realm , Countrie , Dominion , Precinct , & iurisdiction , he haue suffered anie dens of baudrie , open brothel-houses , or Stewes , from the which there mu●● needs grow and flowe ful seas of much mischiefe .

Whether he haue bene remisse and negligent to reforme and bring to amendement of life , or else to punish & banish out of the common wealth , all such as for lewdnes and impuritie , are generally infamous , as baudes , pandars , filthie loue-makers , adulterers , whooremongers , strumpets , and all others whomsoeuer , giuing offence in this behalfe .

Whether he haue at anie time , or by any meanes so vsed & demeaned himselfe , that he hath bene thought to fauour , support , and beare with this kind of filthie life ; which suspition commonly ariseth , when men in authoritie doe familiarly admit to their acquaintance & companie , those that be lechers . and whooremaisters , and such as bee foule mouthed , and baudilie languashed . O● when they make much of such persons , and delight in their fellowship : or aduance and preferre them to dignities and honours : or suffer them to inioy publike offices in the common wealth , whereas other good , honest , & vertuous persons , are vnregarded , and not accounted of .

Whether they haue suffered any Enterludes , Stageplaies , or games , wherin haue bene shewed , vttered , or done , anie filthie feates , vnchast wordes , or lewde actions . Which kinde of shewes and playes are in many places seene , not onely at times of prophane iollyties , but now and then also euen at the solemne assemblies , of some such as by profession shoulde bee deadly haters , and vehement disswaders thereof .

Souldiour . Whether in the time of warre , hee haue constuprated and defloured anie virgins or matrones ; thinking himselfe ( as it were ) to haue lawfull interest ouer the bodie of those seely creatures . being by force of arms of him conquered , taken , and subdued .

Phisicion and Apothecarie . Physition . Apothecary Whether he haue giuen counsell to any person , for the preseruation and recouerie of his health , to commit whooredome , or some other vile act , to become dronken , &c.

Whether he haue ministred & made anie medicines or drugges , to inflame lust , prouoke lecherie , or procure dishonest loue .

Whether in deliuering medicines to anie woman or maiden , he haue wantonly and vnchastly either handled or beheld her .

¶ Schoolemaister . Schoolemaister . Whether hee haue read to the youth in the schoole , anie wanton writers , or vnchast Authours , whereby their mindes might catch infection . And of such sort are there certaine Poets Comicall , Elegiake , & Epigrammatarie .

¶ Scholler . Scholler . Whether he haue priuatly taken delight in reading such Authors , and whether he haue ben therby induced to sinne .

Whether , not onely by familiaritie with women , and damsels of ill report and fame , but also with ietting the streets by night with instrumentes of Musicke , he haue procured dauncing , and occasioned misrule , whereby hee might seeme ( as it were ) to seeke opportunitie , & to finde fit time to compasse his vncleane conceits , and fleshly imaginations . And if ouer and besides this , he haue at any time carryed weapons , causing therewith braulings & fraies , to the hurting or wounding of any , or which is worse , of the murther and death of anie . In this dooing . he hath sinned also by manifest brech against the sixt commandement , whereof we lately treated .

¶ Husband and Wife . Husband , Wife . Whether they haue faithfully kept the one to the other , their bed vndefiled , & their faith vnspotted .

Whether to the actuall knowledge , allowed betwene them , they haue shewed thymselues the one to the other , ( without lawfull and necessarie cause ) waiward , churlish , & vnwilling , whereby might haue growen danger of scortation , vncleannesse , and filthie offence .

Whether there hath ben betweene them anie bitter wordes , or brawling iarres , breeding an hatred the one to the other , and peraduenture occasioning them , or the one of them to commit sinne with some other partie .

Whether the loue betweene them haue beene hemmed in within the bounds of such christian sobrietie and decency , that they haue not ( as it were in a beastly sort , & ouermuch dotage ) loued the one the other , yeelding themselues to immoderate , yea , vnchast , and ( as I may saie ) whoorish lust and loue . He committeth adulterie with his owne wife , that in this filthie sort loueth her , & doteth ouer her vnmeasurably .

Whether they entered into the estate of wedlocke , for any other ends . than those for which God ordained , & instituted Matrimonie .

Whether they haue exceeded the lawfull bounds and measures ( in anie respect or circumstance ) of matrimoniall loue .

Whether they haue vsed or shewed anie signes of wanton and lasciuious behauiour , in the sight and hearing of others , namely of young children and maidens .

Whether they haue in their house any vtensiles , furniture , instrumentes , or stuffe , that may allure either them or others to anie vanitie , wantonnesse , or dishonestie , as Pictures , Tables , &c.

Whether they haue beene carefull and circumspect to see their whole household , that is to say , their children and seruants , chastly and shamefastly brought vp in all good nurture & honestie .

¶ Artificers , Painters , Tailers , Painters , Caruers , Grauers , Hucstars , Retailours , &c. Whether they ●ue made or solde anie wares , garments , or instruments which the buyers doe abuse , Scmsters , & other Artificers . conuert , and occupie , for filthie purposes , and paltering deuises . Some make and sell painting for faces , some cerusse and pomadoes : some staring ruffes , garishe Cawles , &c. all which are toyes arguing the vanite , follie , vncleanenesse , and nicitie of meicockes and wantons .

Whether they haue painted anie counterfaites , engrauen any images , or made any picture in tables , in hafts of kniues , in pots , in Arra● , in Tapestrie , hangings , or anie such like , representing filthinesse , baudrie , vnchastity , or anie waie inducing and drawing the beholder too vile & vnchast cogitations .

¶ Inholders , Vintners , Tauerners , Vitailers . Inholder , Tauerner , Vitailer , Whether they receiue or keepe anie harlots , and misliuing women in their houses , or anie other infamous persons whatsoeuer , liuing by the ▪ shamefull practise of baudrie .

¶ Musitians , Stageplaiers . Musitians , Mintirels , Stageplaiers . Whether by singing or playing on instrumentes of Musicke , or in shewing anie actions or iestures of scurrility , they haue moued the beholders and hearers , to lasciuious dancing , wanton thoughts , or vnchast actions .

Finallie , whether in committing anie afore named offences , thou hast giuen anie occasion vnto others to doe the like : that is to saie , whether either by thy filthie wordes , or dissolute deedes , thou hast ministred offence and cause of stumbling to other weake ones .

Againe , whether when thou haste seene others committing any of these faultes aforesayd , thou haue secretlie consented vnto them , neither stayinge and hindering their euill , neither reprouing it , neither yet giuing anie token or signification of their mislike thereof , whereas vppon occasion and opportunitie , thou both mightest and oughtest so to haue done . Consent , as well secret as open , maketh thee guiltie of trespasse .

The eight Commandement . 8 Commandement . Thou shalt not steale .

Sinnes inward .

WHether thou haue carried a minde desirous euerie kind of waie , or anie kind of waie , either by hook or crooke , to increase thy wealth , and inrich thy selfe .

Whether , thou take such inward ioy and pleasure in thy goods , that thou canst not find in thy heart willingly to depart with anie of them .

Whether , when thou hast suffered any losse , or receiued any hinderaunce in thy goods , thou haue taken ouermuch sorrow and griefe for the same . For this to doe , is an euident token of notable auarice .

Whether thou hast deuised in thy mind , how and which way thou mightest catch into thy clouches and possession , any other mans liuing , landes , inheritance , goods , wares , furniture , vtensiles , or stuffe .

Whether thou hast euer layde any plottes , or deuised anie shiftes , to intrappe anie man in his dealings , or to preuent and hinder him of his commoditie .

Whether thou hast bene agrieued , and sorrowfull at another mans prosperous successe and welfare : as though another mans commoditie had beene thy hinderaunce and discommoditie And heereunto are to bee referred al the trickes and points of secret spigh and hollow enuie .

Whether thou hast imagined wit ! thy self ▪ how thou mightest hinder an other man , either in fame , credite , honour , or estimation .

Whether thou hast euen vnwillingly & as it were , with griefe of mind , yelded that to another , which in right was his owne : and whether thou has not ben willing to departe , euen wit● somewhat of thine own . These & many such like , beeing but thought and conceiued , euen in the mind , do make vs guiltie before God , yea , although actually they be not done .

Sinnes externall and outwarde .

WHether either priuily or apertly , with the owners knowledge , or without it , and whether against the good will of the proprietarie , whosoeuer he be , whether hee bee kins-man or friend-man , neighbour or forrainer , friende or foe , thou haste raked and hailed his goods vnto thee .

Whether when thou hast found any thing by chaunce lost by another , thou haue kept it still to thy selfe , and hast not sought meanes and occasion to restore it to the right owner .

Whether when thou hast borrowed anie instrument , toole , or other thing , thou haue vsed it to other vses , than it was purposely agreed vppon , and lent thee , & that without either the thinking , opinion , consent , or will of the owner .

Whether thou hast omitted to restore backe any thing that hath beene lent thee .

Whether , as it were in the waie of iest , thou hast gotten and receiued any thing from another , not minding to restore it , and doest stil detaine and keepe it to thine owne vse .

Whether thou hast euer practised thefte , or committed any robberie by the high waie .

Whether thou hast practised pyracie on the sea , or associated thy selfe with pyrates and rouers .

Whether thou haue fired , or anie other like waie spoyled thy neighbours house , substance , or goods whatsoeuer .

Whether thou hast wrought anie hinderance , and procured anie losse to others , either by hurting their Cattel , Fishes , Foules , Trees , Corne , Gardens , Orchardes , Children , Seruants , &c.

Whether thou hast purloined and taken away any Church furniture , seruing for the Ecclesiasticall ministerie , which kind of sinne is commonly called Sacrilege , & is deemed worse than theft .

Whether thou hast giuen or lent to anie person that which was none of thine owne , and wherewith thou haddest nothing to doe .

Whether thou hast not faithfullie kept such things as haue beene vppon trust committed vnto thee , in such sorte as honestie and conscience required .

Whether thou hast refused iustly to pay the hirelings , and them that haue labored with thee and to thy vse , their wages and hire ; & whether thou haue defaulked , nipped or abated any part or parcell thereof .

Whether thou hast refused and denied to bestowe thine almes vpon the poore , asking the same of thee , or desiring to borrowe some thing of thee : or whether thou haue more than halfe vnwillingly bestowed & lent the same .

Whether in making diuision of things to be shared betwene thee and others , thou haue fraudulently , and either secretly or openly catched more for thy portion & share , than thy part amounted vnto .

Whether thou hast giuen ill words , or beene any waye offended with him that hath required and demanded his right , and that which was his owne , at thy hands .

Whether , when thou hast seene an other like to fal into any danger , trouble , trouble or hinderaunce , thou haue giuen him warning afore hande to take heed .

Whether thou hast subtilly practised with others to crosse-cut thy brother in any bargain , or to preuent him of his commoditie , or whether thou hast attempted or done any thing to that end .

Whether thou hast bereft , or by any means empaired any mans good name and fame , which all honest men doo more esteeme ( & that worthily ) than either money or any other worldlie treasure : and whether thou hast done it secretly and closely , by vndermining his credit with lewde speeches ; or by affixing and setting vp infamous and slanderous libels or pictures , or by openly charging him with some crime not committed ; or if it were committed , yet secret and not knowen : or by exaggerating another mans fault ; or through thy silence and dissimulation soothing a matter as though that were committed , which in very deede was not committed : Or by accusing of him before a Iudge , and that not so much for anie loue thou bearest to iustice , as for malice and spight to the partie , & for desire to do him a shrewd turne .

Whether thou haue lent out thy monie , corne , wine , or any other thy goods , with condition to receiue again more than thou lentest and gaue out , whether the same bee in monie , or in ware , or in anie other thing whatsoeuer .

Whether for lending any thing , thou hast taken to pawne , apparell , horse , house , grounde , &c. Which pawne thou hast in the meane while vsed and worne , without allowance or abatement of anie parte of the principall summe .

Whether , when thou hast lent vnto Merchants , Occupiers , and Artificers , any money , thou hast done it in hope to partake with them , in the gaine which they make with the monie borrowed of thee .

Whether thou hast bought land or any other thing , at a higher price than it is wel worth ; but yet with this clause and condition , that the partie which felleth it , shall bee bounde to buy the same of thee againe , and thou in the meane space till he redeeme it , take & inioy all the profit and commoditie arising and growing thereof to thine owne vse : This cunning shifte is tearmed Cloaked vsurie . For they cleanlie couer it with the honest names of buieng and selling , whereas beeing well considered , it is nothing els but plaine mutuation .

Whether thou hast borrowed vppon vsurie , when thou haddest no neede , but onely to lend out the same monie againe to others , for greater gaine , and bigger vsurie : or whether thou borrowedst it to spend and consume vnthriftily .

Whether any person haue wastfully spent his wealth , or lewdly & in dissolute companie made hauocke of his thrift , whereby hee hath afterwardes bin driuen to be burdenous & chargeable vnto others .

For the trade of life .

MInister of the Church . Clergiman , or Minister of the Church . Whether he were preferred to anie spirituall function , or whether he himselfe haue preferred anie others for reward & gaine , or vpon any other such considerations , to and fro had and concluded , as might well bee reckoned in lieu of reward or monie . This foule crime , ( because of Symon Magus , who desired with monie to buy the gift and power by laying on of handes , Act. 8. 19 to giue the holy Ghost , is nowe called Snnonie .

Whether for doing his dutie in celebration of the Sacraments , & other offices appertinent therunto , he haue purposelie respected gaine and reward .

Whether he entered into the office of the ministerie for gaine , ease , and commoditie , rather than for any other cause .

Whether he haue left one Church , and gone to another , in hope of bigger commoditie and greater gaine , or any way therby , seeking with more wealth to inrich himselfe .

Whether he haue suffred the goods of the Church so to be imbezilled and wasted , that thereby the Ministers and poore people hauing their maintenaunce and liuing by that Church , are nipt and skanted , and cut short of necessaries for their sustentation .

Whether hee receiue and take the profites of sundrie Churches without a iust and necessarie cause . I meane that to be a iust and necessarie cause , when of the prosites of that other Church , a Minister cannot maintaine himselfe ; or when as at that time there cannot another fitte bee found , able to take the charge of the same .

Whether he haue caused the goods and reuenues of the Church , whereof he hath charge and gouerement to be bestowed and imployed to those vses , which in right they ought to bee : namely , to the maintenaunce of the Ministers , exhibition to poore scholers , releefe of aged persons , widowes , Orphanes , fatherlesse children , &c.

Whether in disposing and bestowing of the goods of the Church , hee haue giuen more than meete was , to those that had lesse neede , neglecting those , whose necessitie and want in all equitie and conscience , ought to haue ben specially releiued .

Whether he hath conuerted the stipend and maintenance which he hath receiued of the Church , vpon necessarie and honest vses , namely in keeping and nourishing an honest and well gouerned familie , and in reliefe of the poore , not consuming the same in riot , in banqnetting , in brauerie , or among harlots , &c.

Whether he haue pulled or taken to himselfe , anie thing as annexed to his Church , which in truth is not annexed vnto it .

Whether he haue receiued the prosite and stipend of anie Church , wheron he hath no care to bestow any trauell or diligence in teaching .

Whether of those thinges that belong to the Church , he haue translated anie thing to other vses , than hee ought to doo , and haue committed and referred the vse thereof , to anie such as doo no manner of good to the Church .

Whether he haue admitted or alowed any phantastical opinions , or pickpurse rites , whereby the Minister and such as serue in the Church , doe make priuate gaine : of which sortes be , the dreaming opinions , and superstitious rites , of deliuering soules for monye out of Purgatorie , of merits and satisfaction for sins , of pilgrimages , of kissing and offering to carued Images , & reliques of the dead , &c.

¶ Gouernour of the Common wealth . Whether he attained the dignitie , Ciuill Magistrate . preheminence and power , whereunto he is aduanced truly and iustly , that is to saie , without fraud or deceit , without force or violence , & without wrong to any manner of person .

Whether he haue so behaued himselfe toward his superior Magistrate , as he ought to haue done , yeelding vnto him all due honour .

Whether hee haue offered or done wrong to anie other , beeing placed in dignitie and office , although somwhat his inferiour , denying vnto him his lawfull right , authoritie , fees , relieues , seruices , and appertenaunces to his place and calling appendant , and also so haue affoorded vnto him assistaunce , ayde , defence , and suche like .

Whether he haue incroched vppon anie other mans right , or chalenged to himselfe that which belonged to others : forciblie wresting and drawing that within the compasse of authority , wherein he had no interest , prescribing lawes and orders to them , ouer whome his authoritie stretched not .

Whether he haue omitted & foreslowed , to helpe and defend suche as were committed ( in trust ) vnto him : insomuch that through his carelesse and wilful negligence or malice , they haue suffered harme , & incurred inconuenience .

Whether he haue inioyned & assessed those to paiments of monie , taxes , tribute , custome , and impost , ouer whom he had no authoritie , and then also when as no neede was , or otherwise than was euer afore time , either vsed or heard of ,

Whether he haue giuen commandement for any manner of things , as hauing authoritie so to doe , when as in deede he had none at all .

Whether he haue empaired , diminished , or taken away the liberties or immunities & priuileges of the Church , or common wealth .

Whether he haue promoted or suffered any being promoted to execute any publike offices , being men ambitious and couctous , pitifully polling the poore people with their craftie & colourable deuises .

Whether he haue bene remisse and negligent to represse and punish Robbers , Theeues , and Rouers , and such as anie waie wer giuen to pillage , rauine , and pilferie .

Whether he haue seemed in any sor● to fauour , defend , and beare with vsurers .

Whether hee haue suffered Palmesters , Fortune tellers , Stageplaiers , Sawceboxes , Enterluders , Puppitplayers , loiterers , vagabonds , landleapers , and such like , cozening make-shiftes , to practise their cogging trickes , and rogish trades , within the circuite of his authoritie , and to deceiue the simple people with their vile forgery and palteric .

Whether he haue suffered false measures , false waights , and excessiue prices of things by litle and litle to grow vp and be vsed .

Whether he haue deuised and made any new lawes , as traps and snares to catch the seely people vnawares withal , seruing for none other purpose , than for his owne priuate gaine & commoditie .

Whether when hee ought to haue punished according to the seueritie of the lawe , he hath rather respected monie , and receiued large bribes , thereby defeating the meaning of the lawe , & making open sale of iustice .

Whether hee haue aduaunced any to publike offices for money , and whether hee haue giuen false and wrongfull iudgement , sitting vpon the bench of Iustice .

Whether he haue ignorantly , and vnwittingly giuen wrong iudgement , for that he had not sufficient skill in the lawes , or because he tooke not the aduise of some skilfuller , and more learned than himselfe .

Whether he haue refused to giue sentence vpon any matter fully trauersed & effectually pleaded ; or whether he haue for the nonce , and of some set purpose delayed , and deferred iudgement , whereby euen in that respect , any person hath sustayned losse and hinderaunce .

Whether he haue drawen into question and controuersie , any matters impertinent to the cause , or to the which the party accused is not bound to answere , and whereby any person is preiudiced or damnisied .

Whether hee haue had speciall regard and care of the cases of poore widowes , fatherlesse children , and such like persons , ( which for the sundrye distresses whereunto they bee liable , are by the lawes ●earmed miserable and whether he haue beene very circumspect that they shold not any way be iniuried .

Whether he haue prohibited or any way stayed such as haue felt themselues wronged and oppressed , from appealing to some higher Magistrate , or to implore helpe , and seeke for aide at some other .

Captaine in warres , Warri●ur . & Souldiour . Whether being a Generall or Captaine in the wars , he receiue pay of his Prince , for mo souldiers than he hath indeed vnder him ; and whether in his Check-roll , or Muster booke hee set downe a greater number then is true .

Whether he haue by vniust warres spoyled and ransacked any .

Whether for any priuate hatred , or other euill affection whatsoeuer , in those warres that haue beene iust , he haue commaunded , or procured anie to be despoiled , whom he ought not to haue inuaded .

Whether hee haue conducted and ledde his Souldiers by such wayes and to such places , as hee specially ought , and as were most behoouefull and expedient ; and hath not rather for money ledde , or caused them to be conueighed and led to other places , than he ought to haue done .

Whether he betooke himselfe to the warres , in hope rather of spoyle and pray , than for loue to his Country , & care of the publike peace and tranquilitic . There be almost infinite wayes , whereby these kind of people do pitifully transgresse and breake this present eighth Commaundement .

¶ Doctor , Teacher , or Schoolemaster , Doctor . Graduate . Scholemaster . Reader . Teacher . Whether he haue taught his Scholers more negligently , more seeldome , or not so faithfully as he ought in conscience to haue done ; as one that onely respected his stipend , hier , wages , preferment and commoditie .

Whether hauing a publike stipend , or fee appointed vnto him , & the same reasonable and sufficient ynough , he haue exacted or receiued for the same his reading , anye thing more of his scholers and Auditors .

Whether he haue receiued & gotten the degree of Doctor , or Master , the rather thereby to procure vnto himselfe the greater gaine , and the easier to deceiue , than for any honest and godly respectes .

Whether in fauour of any , ( and especially for money ) he haue defined and set downe that for right and true , which was otherwise .

Whether being greased in the hand with giftes and rewardes , he hath ouermuch cockered , dandeled & wincked at some of his scholers , not enioyning them to their ordinarie exercises , or not setting them to their wonted scholasticall taskes , as other of their fellowes be , or in not checking and correcting them when they haue beene disobedient and doone amisse , but suffered them to haue their owne will , and to runne riote at their owne pleasure .

¶ Scholer . Scholer . Student . Whether he haue wastfully and vnthriftily spent the money which his parentes disbursed and defraied for his charges and necessaries .

Whether he haue mispent his time , which he ought to haue bestowed at his booke and studie .

Whether he haue giuen his minde to his booke , or to any certaine trade of life , chiefely and principally respecting gaine and lucre thereby .

¶ Aduocate , Atturney , Proctor , Scribe , Lawyer . Lawyer . Atturney . Aduocate . Scriuener . Notarie . Whether he haue taken vpon him to defende any cause , as iust and right , ( which he knewe to be vniust ) and againe haue impugned any cause which he knew to be iust .

Whether for his owne gaine & commoditie , he hath caused men to go to lawe together , & to be at charges for matters that otherwise might quietly haue beene ended , without any great troubles and expences in lawe .

Whether he haue vsed any dilatory pleas , or any other course then hee ought to haue done , to the hinderance and detriment of eyther partie .

Whether through negligence , vnskilfulnesse , or any other defect and fault in him , hee haue lost and ouerthrowen a good and rightfull cause .

Whether hee haue bewrayed any thing to the aduersarie parti● , whereby his owne Client hath beene ouerthrowen , and the other partie gotten the vpperhande .

Whether he haue refused to deale in the causes of the poore , needie and moneylesse , and only framed himselfe to the rich and wealthie .

Whether he haue taken too large fees of his Clientes .

Whether being a Notarie , hee haue falsified , forged , depraued or defaced any instrument or writing , eyther by rasing , adding , enterlyning , altering , or by what other way so euer .

Whether he haue omitted and left out any thing , concerning eyther substance or fourme , in the penning , enditing , and setting downe of solemne deedes , autenticall instrumentes and writinges of recorde .

Whether in any instrument he haue dissen●bled , omitted , transposed , or forged any thing contrarye to lawe , or done any other act , whereby another is afterward damnified .

Whether he haue framed or procured any instrument to embolden , harden , and fortifie wicked and wilfull persons in their rashnesse , auarice , and headie wilfulnesse .

Whether for making any instrument he haue taken money of them , of whom he ought not to haue had any or whether more than was due to him for the same .

¶ Phisition , Apotheca●ie . Phisition . Apotheca●ie . Whether being a Phisition ; he haue extorted , and exacted , at the hands of the rich , more than the money agreed vpon between them , and more than any reason afforded , for his paynes and counsell : and as for the poore ( whom hee deemed vnable to pay ) whether he haue vtterly refused , or beene vnwilling to visite or goe vnto them .

Whether being an Apothecarie , or Oyntment maker , he haue confected and made baggage , corrupt , or counterfeite Medicines , eyther simple or compounde , and the same solde at so deare a pryce , as those that were good , soueraigue , cordiall and sound . For heerein is a double fault committed , the one in respecte of the wares themselues , the other in respect of the price .

¶ Merchant , Chapman . Merchant . Chapman . Seli●● of ware . Whether he exercise the trade of Merchandise rather vpon a couetous desire , immoderately to enrich himselfe , and to s●rape together great wealth , than thereby to gaine measurable substaunce for the necessarie sustentation , and vse of his life , or therwith to benefite and helpe with his trauaile , the publike societie of his Countrey .

Whether hee haue conspired and confederated with others of his owne trade , selling the like wares that hee doth , vpon some certain high & great price , whereby there cannot but ensue of necessitie , a great dearth in the Common-wealth .

Whether entring into copartenership with others , he keepe backe , & retaine to his owne vse , some part of the gaine , defrauding by concealement , his Coparcener , of his moytie and portion .

Whether in selling his wares to one that is not able in hande to pay downe readie monie or wares , but craueth some respit of time for the payment therof , he haue rated the same wares , in respect of the forbearance , at deerer and higher Prices , than they were worth .

Whether he haue bought aforehand for readie money , wheate , wine , or such like commoditie , to be deliuered vnto him at a time agreed vpon after : but yet better cheape than the same were esteemed at , euen then when the bargaine was made ; or like ynough to be afterward : as if , for ten crownes , hee bought that , which a little while after hee was sure to sell againe for twelue crownes , &c.

Whether in barter and exchaung of wares for wares , hee haue strictly exacted & hucked wares from the other parti● , which he was well assured were more worth , and cost dearer , than the wares that hee in lieu thereof deliuered .

Whether he haue bought naughtie , corrupt & mustie wares at some small price , in hope to retayle and sell them againe , for good & perfect , and at such price , as good , sound & perfect wares are sold for : Or whether , knowing the● to be faultie and naught , he haue purposely and wittingly mingled them with others that were good , perfect● and faultlesse wares .

Whether hee haue bought stollen goods , knowing or suspecting them so to be .

Whether he haue vsed any sleight , collusion , or deceipt , eyther in worde or deede , thereby the easier , and the dearer to sell his wares ,

Whether he haue duely payed the impostes , custome and such like charges , where and when he ought so to haue done .

Whether in the exchaunging of forreigne and vnknowen Coine , he haue wittingly committed any fraude .

Whether , for the onely and meere exchaunge he haue indented , co●enanted , bartered and bargained , concerning the price in sorer sort , then hath lightly beene aforetime vsed .

Whether he haue practised any other maner of commutation or exchange , then that which was publikely , and commonly vsed , and among exchaungers , for the most part ordinarily frequented .

¶ Broker . Broker . Whether he haue beene a mediator or a driuer of bargaines , and contracts , which he knew to be vncōscienable and vnlawefull , as namely , grounded vpon vsurie , or otherwise any maner of way , for the hidden crafunesse secretly lurking therein , hurtfull and damageable .

Whether he haue subtilly & craftily procured & egged the one of the parties to consent , and do that which afterward ( when he feeleth himselfe bitten and hindered ) he hath had good cause to repent . For doubtlesse , the common vse & fashion of Brokers is , to respect , and specially to fauour the one of the parties contracting , aboue the other : and also to gape after his owne priuate gaine .

¶ Treasurer , Receiuer , Guardian . Treasurer . Receiuer . Guardian . Whether he haue at anytime disbursed & layde out the publique monie , or the Princes treasure committed to his custodie , for his owne priuate gaine , as namely in traffique of merchandize , buying and selling , purchasing , lending out . &c.

¶ Wife . Wife Whether she haue stollen away , or priuily suborned one childe in steede of an other , or layde an other womans childe in the place and steede of her owne : Or whether shee haue named and affirmed the childe whom she hath borne in adulterie , to be the lawefull childe of her husband . These kinde of Children doe sundrie times carrie away from many rightfull heires , rounde portions of their inheritance , yea , and sometimes goe away with the whole . And therefore is this a most greeuous and haynous sinne .

Whether without her husbandes knowledge and consent , shee liaue giuen awaye , conueighed , a●ened , or with dainty fare wasted his goods and substance .

¶ Artificers , Labourers . Artificers . Labourers . Whether they exercise any trickes or feates to adulterato , corrupt , forge , iumule , marre , mingle , foist , or depraue anie thing that they doe : or whether they keepe backe , or purloigne anie thing of that which is committed to them in trust to doe ; which the partie ( bespeaking it to be done ) can not easily finde out and espie . Of which crewe are Taylers , Millers , &c.

Whether when they haue beene hyred to doe any worke , they haue laboured faithfully and as their ductic required .

¶ Husbandman , farmer . Husbandman . Farmer . Whether he haue iustly , truly , and faithfully paied his tythes , and other duties .

Whether he haue hindered and iniuried his neighbours in their grounds , fieldes , and medowes , by putting in his cattel , or by driuing them through that way , or by making courses , and chanels to conueye and get the waters from th● , or any other way whatsoeuer .

Whether through his negligence or spight he haue suffered their ground to be in any part spoiled , or their Ox● , Kine , Horses , Sheepe , or other their goods and Cattels to be hurt , whereby the owner is apparantly damnified .

¶ Monier , Min●er . Monyer . Min●er . Whether by the art of Alchymie , or any other deuise , he haue mixed mettalles together , vttering base coine for perfect and good sterling .

¶ Clothier . Clothie● . Whether hee haue solde Clothes made of course wool , in steed of fine and good wollen clothes .

Whether , knowing some fault in the Dying of his clothes , he haue wittingly concealed , and purposely dissimuled it .

Whether he haue solde his clothes for fully wrought , and throughly readie , when they haue not been fully , throughly , & workemanlike finished .

Whether he haue according to bargaine and promise , faithfully paied his worke-folkes , as Carders , Spinners , weauers , Fullers , and others , of whom he can not but haue alwayes a great manie .

¶ Vintener , Tauerner . Vintener . Tauerner . Whether he haue solde and retayled his wine , or other his drinke whatsoeuer , in such plight & sort , and none other , than he receiued the same : that is to say , without anye mixture of water , or other stuffe ; and againe , whether in iust and true measure , &c.

¶ Butcher . Butcher . Whether he haue sold the flesh of a rotten and infected Beast , in stead of sound and wholsome . Againe , whether by iust and true waight . And againe : whether he haue vttered and chopped away one kinde of fleshe insteede of an other , as Goates flesh for Rammes Mutton , &c.

¶ Baker . Baker . Whether he haue vsed any sleight or deuise , to make his breade waigh heauie .

Whether he haue changed the good Meale & fine flower , that others haue brought vnto him , putting worse in the place thereof .

Whether he haue put more stoare of branne into his meale , than hee ought to doe .

¶ Gamester . Gamester . Whether he haue accustomed to play for money , at any vnlawefull and forbidden game , as dycing , &c.

Whether hee haue beene importunate to entice others to gaming .

Whether hee haue wonne other folkes money by cogging , & false play .

Whether he haue played & wonne money of those that haue not anye thing of their owne , or in their owne power to loose : as Children , seruants , prentises , &c.

Whether he haue retayned , & kept to his owne vse , the money and other thinges , that he hath gained & wonne at vnlawfull games : and haue not restored the same according to the very meaning of the lawe .

Whether any person , whosoeuer he be , hath wasted his goods , and money at playing and gaming .

¶ Stage-player , Bawde . Stageplaier Pandar . Bawde . &c. Whatsoeuer is gotten by these naughtie practises , and filthy trades , are to be vnderstood and deemed as lewdly & fraudulently gotten . And therefore all such are chargeable and liable to this crime of thest , and are bound in conscience to restitution .

¶ Begger . Begger . Whether being lustie and sounde of lymmes , able to labour and get his owne lyuing , he begge , & seeke almes abroad . In which doing , he doth robbe & spoyle those which are poore indeede , and feedeth himselfe with other mens labours .

¶ Children , Boyes , and Gyrles . Children . Boyes . Gyrles . Whether they haue giuen or accustomed themselues to ●ilch fruite , meate or anie other thinges , and if they haue chaunced to finde any thing , whether they haue beene diligent & willing to restore it to the owner . For , from small pickinges and filcheries , by litle and little they will growe to greater .

To conclude . Whether in committing any of the aboue remembred sins thou hast giuen occasion to others to commit the like : that is to say , whether by word or deed , contrarie to the renor and effect of this commaundement , thou hast beene an offence and stumblingblocke to others .

And againe , whether , seeing others to committe any of these aforesaide faultes , thou haue secretly thereto assented , not shewing any signe or token of thy great mislike thereof , when as good time and opportunitie thereunto serued thee . For , not the actuall doers onely , but the consenters , eyther directly or vndirectly accessaries thereunto , be also faultie and guiltie .

The 9. Commandement . Thou shalt not beare false witnesse against thy neighbour .

Sinnes inward .

WHether thou haue at any time dissembled the truth , 9. Commandement . or not vttered & maintayned it , when & as often as conueniently thou mightest and shouldest : and whether slylie and secretly , marking other folkes wordes and deedes , thou haue wrested and construed them to the worst part .

Whether thou hast attributed and ascribed to thy selfe more dignity , credite , reputation and desert , then there was any cause why : and whether thou hast wished an other mans estimation and countenance to be empaired or disgraced .

Whether thou hast enuied , maligned or spighted at any others good giftes , whether they be of the minde , of the body , or ( or as wee commonly tearme it ) of fortune . For hereunto belongeth all malicious swelling , and enuious conceiptes of the minde , for the welfare of others .

Whether thou hast sought anye meanes or wayes to discredite , annoy , or disparage the fame of any other : and by thy sinister reporting of them , hast gone about to bring their credite question , and themselues into danger among persons of authoritie and high calling , or any other whomsoeuer .

Sinnes outward .

WHether thou hast told any vntruth or lie , wherby any matter hath gone awrie , or some losse hath ensued , or might haue ensued to any , whether the same hath bin done in place of iudgement , or else in the hearing , and assembly of fewe , or in any other place .

Whether by any craftie deuise , or peeuish exposition , thou hast in the hearing of others wranglingly wrested any mans wordes or deedes whatsoeuer to other sense and meaning , then they were simplie spoken and intended . Thinges amisse ought rather with lenitie to bee mitigated , than with extremitie to be aggrauated and exasperated .

Whether thou haue of set purpose , depraued the good speeches , and orderly doings of others .

Whether thou hast prouoked any others to do the like , or hast seemed to allow , like wel , and approue them that willingly and wittingly haue so done : & neither defended , excused , nor extenuated the matter , when as ( notwithstanding ) thou well knewest that it was falsely , maliciously , and vndeseruedly practised .

Whether thou hast contumeliously and reprochfully taunted , mocked , or abused any person ; or as it were skoffingly , gybingly and iestingly so flowted him , that in the meane while thou both diddest and purposedst in thy minde , couertly and poynantly to harme him .

Whether thou hast laide any fault to any mans charge , or made report to others , that hee hath committed some crime wherof he is cleere , guiltlesse and ignorant .

Whether in reporting some offence or crime which another hath in deed committed , thou haue odiously amplified and by thy wordes made the fame worse and greeuouser than it was : either by adding , diminishing or altering , intending thereby to perswade the hearers to iudge & deeme the worse of the partie .

Whether thou hast maliciously published , discouered and made openly knowen , any crime that was secret & hidden .

Whether thou hast brought complaint of any crime , being open and knowen to the higher power : bu● yet with a meaning and desire rather to hurt and vndo , then to recure and amend the partie .

Whether , being requested , enioyned or commaunded , thou hast at any time apeached or accused any , whom there was no neede to be accused , and specially least of all by thee . Vnderstand this chiefely , when as Tirants & persecutours make inquirie & search for good and godly men , or at least , for such as be no wayes harmefull to the Common wealth , &c.

Whether for flatterie thou hast extenuated any mans faultes , or extolled and highly amplified his actes and dealings being but meane , and indifferently so so .

Whether by appeaching , defaming , slandering , and raising odious reports of any others , thy drift were onely to picke a thanke at the hande of some great man , & thereby to insinuate thy selfe into his good wil & fauour , with the ouerthrowe , miserie , trouble and calamitie of the other , so by thee betrayed .

Whether thou hast beene carelesse and retchlesse to defend thine owne fame , credit , and estimation .

Whether thou haue any where gloried in thy self , or immoderately boasted and bragged of thine estate .

Whether , with a kind of glauering dissimulation , and painted hipocrisie , thou hast sought and desired to be accompted an other man , then in truth thou was , and art .

Whether thou haue published , set vp , or scattered abroad , or caused to be published , set vp , and scattered , any slaunderous and infamous Libel , writing or picture .

Whether by any mans or womans written letters , or by their housholde folkes and familiars thou haue euer attempted and gone about to learne their secretes , to the intent to put him or her to shame & reproch , or to hinderance and losse .

Whether thou hast at length vttered , bewrayed , and discouered the secrete which thy neighbour , or brother would haue had concealed , and which meete was to be concealed .

For the kind and trade of life .

Gouernour of the Church . Clergie man , or church . Whether in his sermons and exhortations he haue rashly deliuered out things vncertaine , for certaine : things of small moment , Minister . for matters of weight & great importance : & perhaps haue aduouched that , not to be sinne , or not to be so verie great a sinne , which ( in deed ) hath been great & hainous . And againe : whether he haue approued , ratified and affirmed , that to be right godly , & true , which hath not in deede beene godly and true .

Whether either present by word of mouth , or absent by letters , he haue commended , or suffered any to be commended , whom he wel knew not worthy . And contrary wise . Whether he haue pretermitted or contemned any whom he knewe worthie of commendations .

Whether he haue promoted or suffered any to be promoted , being not afore examined according to the rule of order and decencie : and that , least it should be perceiued , howe vnmeete and vnfit they were .

Whether he haue giuen care to any pickthanks , & whispering talebearers , by whose information & counsell , he hath attempted to do any thing , before he had throughly & effectually searched out the verie truth of al things .

¶ Gouernour of the Common wealth . Magistrat . Judge . Whether , when he hath had power and authoritie to aduaunce and put in office godly and worthie persons , hee hath vpon corrupt affection , rather preferred the vnworthie and vnfit , than the fitte & worthie : the cruell and bloudy minded , rather than the mercifull & gentle , &c.

Whether he hath acquited & pardoned any felonious & guiltie persons , which by right ought not to haue bin acquited & pardoned : and contrariewise whether he hath condemned any which deserued not to be condemned .

Whether he haue expounded the law in any point , contrarie to the minde & meaning of the lawmakers . All captious sophistrie , & craftie wrangling , is directly against this commaundement .

Whether he haue so dealt with the rest of the iudges & counsellors , that he hath either subtelly & deceitfully , caused them to alter their opinions , being agreeable to truth : or else hath so wrought with them , that they dur● ▪ not speake the truth : or whether h● hath admitted and allowed none , but such as he knewe would yeeld & consent to his opinion .

Whether he haue forciblie extorted any confession from prisoners , & such as haue beene brought into question for some offence , or misprision of offence : vsing vnto them either threatning words , or els flattering & glosing tearmes , the rather thereby to bring the partie to answere to such pointes , as he needed not to answere vnto .

Whether in iudgements he haue any way swerued from the right forme of hearing and examining witnesses , as in calling persons to giue euidence which were vnfit , challengeable , or suspected to beare il wil and hatred to the partie .

Whether he haue been an accepter of persons in iudgement .

Whether in these his hard & iniurious dealings , he haue pretended or alleadged impertinent matter or yll applyed and sinisterly wrested for his purpose ,

Whether he haue admitted in iudgement , any proofes , eyther artificiall , or vnartificiall , wherein ill dealing , faultie proceeding , and erronious practises might easily be found .

¶ Aduocate , Atturney , Proctor , Scribe , Atturney . Aduocate . Proctor . Notarie . Whether being an Aduocate , he haue craftily and vndirectly vsed any other kinde of pleading , than such as by the lawes is appointed and allowed .

Whether he haue suborned and brought in , or caused to be brought any false witnesses .

Whether to the Bill put in , he haue cunningly and subtelly added or detracted any thing , to the blindfolding of the truth , or to deceaue and bleare the eyes of the iudges .

Whether he haue wittingly , & purposely , alleaged for proofe of his matter , any motheaten , counterfeite , or vnperfect lawes .

Whether the forer to hinder his aduersaries cause , he hath assumed and applyed thinges to his purpose , which nothing appertained to the cause in hande .

Whether he haue giuen aduise and counsell in an ill case , and such as he knewe to be vniust and wrongfull , to ouerthrow a iust , true , and a rightfull matter .

Whether being a Notarie or Scribe , he haue done any thing amisse in framing and making of instruments and writinges , to the breeding of errour , quarrell , hinderance , and discommoditie to the parties . As when they omit or leaue out , adde or put to , dissemble or conceale , doubtfully , intricately , and darkely set downe , or declare any thinges , and neglect or mistake vsuall course and ordinarie fourme , &c.

¶ Doctor , Teacher , Scholemaster . Maister of Colledge . Doctor . Teacher . Scholemaste● . Reader . Whether he haue preferred and promoted , or otherwise by letters commended to some publique degree of honour , as sufficient , learned & vertuous , such as were not ( in deede ) accordingly qualified .

Whether to the roome of a teacher or Reader , in a Colledge of learned professours , hee haue choosen anie such as he knewe vnable and vnsufficient .

Whether he haue perswaded any parents or kinsemen , that their sonne or cosen did profite and goe forwarde in his studie : was thriftie , toward , and of good hope , when as he hath vnthriftily wasted both his time and substance , and peraduenture also with lewde life hath runne ryote into all villanie and mischiefe .

Whether in his lectures hee hath taught any such thinges , whereby his hearers might learne & acquaint themselues howe to denie and eclipse the truth , how with cunning shiftes , and deceiueable colours to iustifie a falsehood , and how otherwise to bleare & deceiue men , &c. As among some professors of Logique and Rhethoricke we see it much practised .

Whether in disputing , wittingly and willingly , hee haue s●ffely impugned truth , and defended fal●ehood , & that because hee would not be thought to be vanquished and ouercome , or in some sorte to loose part of his credite and estimation .

Whether vpon any corrupt affection , hee haue leaned to any false dogmatists , and maintainers of erroneous opinions ; or haue seuered and sequestred himselfe from them that haue defended the truth .

Whether he haue vsed Sophistrie or anie fraudulent arte , to winne credite , fame and authoritie to himselfe in the schooles , or to drawe vnto him many scholers , or thereby to chalenge power ouer others . &c.

¶ Sch●ler . Student . Sch●ler . Whether he haue procured and gotten , or for money bought the title of Maister , or obteined Letters commendatorie , thereby purposing the sooner to deceiue and blinde the eyes of his Parentes or others , to whom he meant to goe .

There be yet some other driftes , policies , and shiftes packed betweene the scholer and the Master , which by these afore declared , may quickely be knowen and found out .

¶ Merchaunts , Artificers , Occupiers , and Workemen . Marchant , Seller of wares . Artificers . Workemen Occupiers . Whether they haue corrupted any wares , and offered them in sale for perfect and good .

Whether in their barter and bargayning , they haue affirmed falsehoode , and dissimuled the truth : as when with an oth they doe not sticke to aduouch that their wares cost them dearer than in truth they did : that they brought them to their great costs and charges from places & countries farre dista●● off : that an other would haue giuen a great deale more : that they loose by their selling them at so low price : and wish many black curses to themselues , swearing and staring , if all bee not as they say , &c. O Lorde who is able to recken vp all the lyes and vntruthes ( euen vntruely to their owne knowledge and consciences ) which these sellers doe vainelie lashe and babble out , to those that come to buye of them .

Whether in bargayning or any other action and dealing , thou haue promised to perform that , which thou hadst no purpose or meaning to accomplish .

Finally , whether in committing any of these aboue rehearsed , thou haue giuen occasion to others to commit the like : that is to wit : whether either by words or deedes against this commaundement , thou haue beene the cause of offence and stumbling to others .

Againe , whether when thou hast perceiued and seene others committing the same , thou haue secretly in mind assented vnto them neyther reprouing nor staying and letting them , when ( notwithstanding ) time & place hath well serued thee so to haue done .

The 10. Commaundement . 10. Comandement . ¶ Thou shalt not couet thy neighbors hous● neither shalt thou couer thy neighbours wife , nor his man seruant , nor his ma●de , nor his Oxe , nor his Asse , neither an● thing that is thy neighbours ,

Sinnes inwarde .

THis commaundement teacheth vs , that God forbiddeth & condemneth in vs , euen all corrupt affections & cogitations . And therefore condemneth those sins which in our very thoughts may be committed against the afore ▪ going commaundements , namely those that be of the seconde Table . Thus we see , that not our actions onely , but our very frowarde will and corrupt thought , is sufficient to make vs guiltie before God . And therefore there be many pointes which thou art here● in diligently and warily to call to thy consideration .

Namely , whether thou haue desired the dignitie , place , office , authoritie , power , glory , countenance , and calling of any other , specially of thy superiour or equal ; & whether thou hast practised any wayes howe to displace him , and settle thy selfe in his roome .

Whether thou hast gone about to hinder from preferment , thine inferiour and vnderling .

Whether thou hast entred into anie deuise with thy selfe , how thou mightest bring to passe this peruerse desire of thine in this behalfe . These are directly against the fifth commaundement .

Whether thou hast felt within thee such wicked motions arising , that thou hast borne hatred to any , or wished any harme to his bodie .

Whether thou hast long dwelt in anger and malice towardes any man , euen vnto an earnest and heartie desire of reuenge .

Whether thou hast had any determination to pursue with effect , these thy cruell desires . And this is against the sixt Commaundement .

Whether thou haue felt thy flesh & thy wicked affections inwardly enflamed to desire vnlawful copulation with any person , either present or absent .

Whether thou hast entered into deuise how to bring to passe these thy filthie desires . This is against the seuenth commaundement .

Whether thou haue swelled with rancour and enuie , at the prosperitie and wealthie state of another , wishing the same to be thine .

Whether thou hast entred into any deuise , how to obtaine thy purpose , & haue thy desire , These are against the 8. commaundement .

Whether vpon an enuions and malitious stomack , thou haue bethought thee , how to disable , empaire , and diminish any other mans fame , credite , dignitie , or estimation . This is against the ix . commaundement .

Sinnes externall and outward .

WHether by any signes , tokens or argumentes , as with thine eyes , beckes , &c. thou haue shewed thy selfe to desire and couet any other mans goodes , or to seeke meanes to vndermine and deceaue him .

Whether thou haue any way so to behaue thy selfe , as either by painting , pranking or garnishing thy body , in bragging , boasting , or making glorious shew & report of thy welth , house , apparel , furniture , money or such like thinges , that thou hast thereby occasioned and prouoked an other to couet and desire thy body or thy goods . In this sorte and by this meanes thou art the cause , of vnlawfull and forbidden concupiscences in an other .

For the trade of life .

WHether in that trade of life wherein thou liuest , thou hast euer haded anie vnlawefull thought , will , or desire , to haue any of thinges in the former commaundementes expressely prohibited , to bee brought to effect , and actually accomplished . And whereas we do not lightly put any of our actions in practise , but we first conceiue them in our mind , here doest thou plainly perceiue , that in this Tenth Commaundement all those hidden , secret , and lurking cogitations , desires , willes and affections ( for these euer goe before the act or deede ) are flatly forbidden , prohibited and condemned .

Finally , whether by any signes of concupiscence , shewed by thee , thou haue giuen offence ( that is to wit ) occasion of concupiscence to others .

Againe , whether hauing perceiued and noted any signes of concupiscence in an other , thou haue in thy secrete conceipt , allowed and well liked the same .

¶ And thus much generally & plainly spoken of the sinnes committed , against the Decalogue may suffice . Now let vs see how thou oughtest hereby to make profitable try all of thy selfe , and so to finde out what manner of man thou art .

1 First it behoueth thee with al attention of mind to looke into these commaundementes and tables , and therin diligently to consider , whether thou finde any thing that neerely toucheth thy conscience and person ; that thou mayest perfectly see what speciall crimes and offences , thou art manifestly guiltie of , before the tribunall seate of God . For to this end properly was the law by God giuen , and to this ende , haue we collected and framed this treati●e , in such sort and manner as thou seest .

2 Secondly , thou shalt so throughly examine thine actions , that thou must looke well about thee , and consider againe and againe , whether in one and the selfe same action thou haue in many sortes highly offended God : that is , whether thou haue by the breach of one commaundement , transgressed 〈◊〉 . For this commeth often so to passe , as by example we will shewe .

¶ If thou haue corrupted anye wares , or any other thing , which thy neighbour is to buy , and then sell them vnto him for good ; first of all thou knowest that thou herein hast sinned against the ix . Commandement , which forbiddeth thee to giue false witnesse . But if thou diddest it , with an intent and meaning to rake and scrape a priuate gaine vniustly to thy selfe , with the losse and hinderance of an other , thou art therein guiltie of the breach of the viii . Commandement , whereby is forbidden all theft .

If furthermore in this behalfe , thou haue deceiued anie that is thy superiour , or that is linked to thee in bloud , as thy Father or thy Mother : the Magistrate , the Minister of the Church , thy kinseman , &c. therein hast thou transgressed the fifth Commaundement . of honouring Father and Mother .

To be short , if this circumstance do also concurre , that this cra●tie practise were by thee doone on the Sabbaoth day , then hast thou heerein incurred the displeasure of Almightie God for prophaning and not sanctifying the Sabbath day . Last of all , it may bee , that in this bargayning and selling , some such woordes might passe from thee , as might make thee further guiltie . For if thou swearest vainely , and without cause , with an intent & meaning to auouch any thing that thou wouldest haue to be beleeued , then art thou therein guiltie of the thirde commaundement . Thou shalt not take the name of the Lorde thy God in vaine .

¶ Thirdly , we shall doe well , in the examining and dicussing of thy actions , to giue thee charge , circumspectly to consider euerie particular circumstance , to wit , the time , the place , the person , the cause , the end , the maner , the instrument , &c. No man wil denie , but that the offence is farre greater & hainouser , which is committed on the Sabbath daye , or at such time as all men for some publike calamitie , are in a generall heauines : againe , when it is committed in the sight and face of many honest and graue persons : furthermore , when it is doone by , or against any man in high authoritie ; moreouer , when no manner of alluring occasion went afore , to drawe or mooue thee to that euill . Therefore we may not slightly passe ouer , howe much , and how greatly these circumstances doe aggrauate and augment thy fault .

4 Fourthly , it standeth thee vpon , moreouer , often and many times to consider with thy selfe , and plainely to confesse , that thou canst neuer call to memorie all thy sinnes committed : and againe , that thou canst neuer exactly ynough iudge , ●ow greeuous & detestable those be , which doe alreadie come to thy remembraunce . For truely and diuinely hath the Prophet set downe , who can vnderstand his faults ? O clense me from my secret faultes . Psal. 19. 12. For so standeth thy case , that euen where thou least thinkest , thou there sinnest most greeuously . And the thinges which thou thinkest well and iustlie done , are in the sight of God , and before the tribunall seate of the highe iudge , vncleane , vnrighteous , and de●ectrue . And therefore the Prophet Isaiah cryeth out thus : We haue been all as an vncleane thing , and al our righteousnesse is as a filthy clout . Jsa. 64. 6.

Seeing therefore the case thus standeth , it is thy part and dutie , plainely to confesse , that much ignoraunce remayneth in thee , and that the same is in thee a great sinne : for the which , vnlesse God in mercy do pardon thee , hee may hurle thee headlong into eternall damnation .

5 Fiftly , thou must consider that there is cause ynough to condemne and pronounce thee guiltie , for that thou hast not done those good workes which in the lawe are commaunded . For looke how many sinnes in euerie particular commaundement are forbidden , so many good workes in euery commaundement are commaunded . To euery sinne there ought to answere his contrarie , and that is , some good worke .

¶ Now if thou throughly examine thy conscience , thou shalt soone espy , that thou hast not perfourmed , no not the least part and portion of those thinges which the lawe of God requireth at thy handes : yea , if thou narrowly search euery corner of thy selfe , thou shalt finde that either thou hast fulfilled and perfourmed nothing at all , or if thou hast perfourmed anye thing , yet shalt thou finde it to be vnperfect , corrupt , and with some manner of contagion infected . For all our obedience is maymed , lame , and vnperfect . Wherefore thou must say as Christ hath taught vs all : Luc. 17. 10. Although we had done all those things that are commanded vs . yet we are vnprofitable seruauntes . Againe , Rom. 8. 7. The wisedome of the flesh is enimitie against God , for it is not subiect to the lawe of God , neyther in deede can bee . Againe in the 7. Chapter . I knowe that in mee , Rom. 7. 18 that is in my flesh dwelleth no good thing : for to will is present with me , but I finde no meanes to perfourme that which is good . And , I delight in the lawe of God concerning this inner man : but I see an other lawe in my members , rebelling against the lawe of my minde , and leading me cap●i●e vnto the lawe of sinne , which is in my members .

6 Sixtly , thou must cast in thy mind to consider and record the paines and punishmentes , which God threatneth and inflicteth vpon those that disobey and transgresse his commandements . Of these paines , punishmentes , and plagues , some be corporall and externall , some spirituall and internall . Of the first sort are , barrainesse and steriliti● of the earth , hunger and dearth , dissentions and warres , diseases , pestilence , banishmentes , shipwrackes , inundations and ouerflowings , stormes , calamities burninges , &c. Of the latter sort are , ignoraunce of the scriptures , famine of the woorde of God , blindnesse of the minde , incredulitie and vnbeliefe , induration , or hardening of the heart , deliuerie and giuing vp into a reprobate sense , &c. A great beadroll of plagues are reckoned vp in the 28. Deut. 28. of Deuteronomie . But when it pleaseth him , the Lorde can and will send many mo than are there expressed . For hee daily prepareth and maketh readie newe scourges & whips for disobedient men , eue● as they dayly commit newe sinnes and offences . For , alas , what miserie doe wee nowe day by day tast and proue ? what daungers ? What diseases ? What other incommodities , which as it is to bee thought , were not so much as once knowen , by the very bare names , vnto men in the olde men : nor so much as once by any meanes spoken of ? And withall , thou shalt remember and call to minde , the examples of such as by the iust iudgement of God , are read & reported of , in the bookes of the sacred scriptures , & others also , to haue been plagued with these punishments , either bodily or spiritually : and it shall also much further thee , to adde hereunto such as thou of thine own knowledge within thy time and memorie , hast knowen to haue felt the heauie hande of God .

7 Seuenthly , it shal be very behouefull for thee to consider , that for thy sinnes and offences , others linked vnto thee in consanguinitie and kinred are punished , namely thy Parentes , thy children , thy brethren , thy sisters , & c. euen as thou also somewhile must smart for others sinnes . For thus doe we miserable and wretched men draw one an other into daunger , and one of vs is guide and companion vnto another , in running headlong to the place of torment & damnation . This doeth God himselfe affirme , when as in the beginning of his decalogue he sayth : I am the Lorde thy God , a ielous God , visiting the iniquitie of the fathers , vpon the children ; vpon the third and vpon the fourth generation of them that hau● me . 1. Chro. 21. 14. So for one sinne of king Dauid , there were slaine many thousandes of his people : and for his adulterie committed with Vrias wife , the child which she bore him , dyed . 2. Sam. 12. 18. And againe ; For the sinnes of the people , Job . 34. 30 the Lord setteth ouer them cruell tyrauntes , and rauening hypocrites . 1. Sam. 2. 31. Hely the Priest , and all his posteritie , was punished for the sinnes of his children . Ah , what a sea of mischiefes doth euen one sinne bring with it ?

8 Eightly , there is yet one thing behinde , to be considered , which is most dreadfull and formidable . By reason of thy sinnes , thou art made guiltie of eternall damnation : and after greeuous punishmentes sustayned here in this worlde , there remayne yet behinde other tormentes to be suffered in an other , and the same much more terrible , bitter , and lasting . For there , both bodie and soule together are subiected and adiudged to eternall tormentes , and fire that neuer shall bee quenched , which God from afore the beginning of the world hath prepared for the Diuell and all the contemners of his precepts and commaundements . Now , how horrible a thing it is , and what an vnspeakable punishment it is , euerlastingly to be depriued of the presence & face of Almightie God , and to burne in hell with vnquenchable fire , that shal neuer be consumed , there is no man that can so much as conceiue in mind or cogitation .

Goe to nowe therefore , whosoeuer thou art , and by this that we haue alreadie spoken of the law of the Lord , learne to examine thy conscience , and to make perfect tryall and suruey of thy selfe . Doubtlesse , when thou hast a little while continued and gone forward in this way and course which wee haue heere shewed , and attentiuely considered , such things as haue beene declared , I doubt not , but that thou wilt by and by , and without delay , euen wi●● sighes and teares , burst out into this confession , O heauenly father , J haue sinned against heauen , and against thee : I am not worthie to bee called thy Sonne , I am not worthie to lifte vp mine eves towardes heauen . Looke howe much I being once in Baptisme purged from my sinnes in the bloud of thy sonne , and sanctified by receiuing the holy Ghost , did in the same please thee : somuch , againe , must I needes by reason of my manifolde sinnes , since committed , displease thee . Nowe , the sinnes which I haue committed , if I should go about to number them , they are infinite . For there is not one of thy holy precepts & commaundements , against which I haue not committed many offences , & sundry transgressions . Many be they , which I haue committed in acte and deede : and such as I haue not actually brought to passe and done , yet through my corrupt cogitations , and vncleane will , I am as deepely guiltie of , as if I in act had committed them . To be briefe , my sinnes surmount the sands of the Sea , & if I make diligent search and inquirie of the greuousnesse of my sinnes , I truely find them haynouser & greater , than I am able to vtter . What say I , vtter ? Nay , than I can in mind conceiue , or in inwarde cogitation comprehende . Certes , so often as I looke into , and behold with the eyes of my minde , my frowarde heart , cankered stomack , peruerse disposition , euer enclined to euil , which thou Lord most cleerely & throughly seest , togither with my desire and delight to performe the same , the verie remembrance of my great and greeuous maliciousnesse driueth mee into such perplexitie , that I no wayes know whither to turne me . Whither Lorde shall I go from thy spirit , and whither shal J flee from thy presence ? Yea this further doth merueilously disquiet , torment & greeue mee , for by my sinnes I haue giuen offence , that is , occasion of fall , and ruine to a great sort of others , being harmlesse & honest persons . Wilt thou Lord as a iust and vpright iudge , require the bloud of them also at my hands ? What shal I further do ? seeing I haue burdened and spotted my conscience , by assenting also to other mens sinnes ? in not disswading & reclaiming them , before they did euil , & in not reprouing and rebuking them after they had done euil ? Ah how much better had it beene , that being a man I had neuer beene so familiar among men ? What miserie is this ? I am the cause of an other mans offending , & an other man likewise to me : and thus doe wee all , encumber and loade one another with sinnes , and dragg , pull , hale & drawe one another into the break-necke fall and lamentable gulfe of eternall damnation . If thou Lorde wilt strictly looke what is amisse . & narrowly enquire of our iniquities . O Lorde who shal be able to abide it ? Psa. 130. 3 Moreouer , when I do somewhat further consider my sinnes , I see a great heape yet behind , & many mo than now come to memorie ; manye lewde prankes heretofore by me most wickedly haue been don , which I then thought had not been wicked , neither can I at this present houre sufficiently so iudge & deeme of them : which ignorance , blindnesse and infirmitie of mine in this behalf , I must needs confesse ( wil I , nill ) to be imputable vnto me , for a most greeuous and haynous sinne . And herein I perceiue , that although I had committed none euil at all afore , yet to haue herein again deserued euerlasting tormentes . I had almost sayed , why Lord wouldst thou that this naughtie and corrupt ignorance should thus originally be bred in vs , and thus still to cleaue vnto vs ? Alas , I haue no sacrifice to offer vnto thee , to satisfie for mine ignorance .

Nowe what shall I say of my negligence in not doing those good works , which thou in thy law hast commanded and appointed ? Or if I haue done any at all , yet was it not sincerely done , but many wayes infected with hipocrisie , and other vices ? For to omitte a good worke , and to doc an ill worke , are with thee accompted alike . All these things therefore ( I confesse ) do most vehemently , ( & good cause why ) disquiet and greeue mee . For my sinnes are they , for which , O God , thou iustly inflictest greeuous punishments and plagues , aswell spirituall and internall , as corporall and externall . And whereas I dayly finde the same by experience , true , partly in my selfe , partly in others , yet such is my blindnesse & hardnesse of heart that I am nothing at all as yet mooued thereby vnto any repentance or amendment .

To al these aforesaid euils , there is to be added yet another heap of mischiefs , vz , that for these sinnes of mine a great many other innocents & gyltles persons be ioyntly with me , & for me wrapped in woes , and subiected to miserie , danger and inconuenience . O Lord , wilt thou thus in thy iustice destroy and make hauoke of thy iust , for vs being wretched , vniust , and miserable caitises ? Last of all , for these my great , hainous and manifolde offences , knowen and hidden , priuie , & apert , there is due yet vnto me after this life , & after this temporall death , another death eternall , continuing euerlastingly in neuer dying torments . Is thy lawe ( O Lord ) being good , righteous & holy , thus become to be vnto me death ? But I may not , nor I ought not , ( O God ) to ascribe and impute these most wretched miseries , and extreeme Calamities vnto thy law , but to mine owne peruerse , froward , and crooked affections , and to my generally and entierly corrupted will .

To my selfe , to my selfe I saye , must all this miserie be ascribed , & my selfe only may I thanke for all this heauie plight and wretchednesse . O wretch that I am , who shall deliuer me from the body of this death . Rom. 7. 2.

Here nowe hast thou as it were a certaine Mirrour or glasse , wherein thou maist behold thy self , what a one thou art in the sight of God , and in Iawe of God , accusing thee before the tribunall seate of iudgement . In this glasse of the lawe , thou maiest behold thy spirituall deformitie and ouglinesse , which thou must vnderstande so long to dwell , remayne , ●oiourne , and cleaue vnto thee , as thou continuest transgressing the lawe of God , through thy greeuous and dayly offences .

Of Repentance , and also of Contrition , or Mortification . CHAP. V.

WHen thou hast nowe thus farre profited and reaped this benefit by the lawe , that thou are therby brought to the acknowledgement of thy sinnes : the next is , with all thy minde , and vttermost endeuour to betake thy selfe vnto an earnest and heartie repentance , and to flee vnto Christe , for succour , pardon , and forgiuenesse of all thy sinnes and offences . Vnlesse wee acknowledge our sinnes , & earnestly repent vs for the same , wee shall ( as Christ sayth ) perish . And the Apostle Peter setting before the eyes of the lewes , Luc. 13. 3. their cruell , obstinate , and wilfull sinnes , when as he spake vnto them , saying : This Jesus whom God hath made both Lorde and Christe , Act. 2. 36. haue ye crucified , brought them vnto an acknowledgment of their sins . And therfore anon after , in the same place , when as they by acknowledging their sinnes , were marueilously troubled in minde , and pricked in heart , he replyed vnto them and sayd , Repent ye and amend your liues , Therefore it is not sufficient to acknowledge our sinnes , but there must followe also an earnest and effectuall Repentaunce , with all his circumstances and partes .

Nowe , Repentance is nothing else , but an earnest conuersion , & turning to God , of a sinner , meekely and humbly acknowledging his sinnes and iniquities .

And it consisteth summarily in these two points , Contrition , and fayth : as many places of the Scriptures doo plainely and euidently declare . Repent ( sayth Christ ) and beleeue the Gospell . Mar. 1. 15. Where the first member signifieth Contrition , the second Faith . Mat. 3. 2. Againe , Rep●ntye of your former life , for the kingdom of heauen is at hande . In which sentence there is likewise both Contrition and also Fayth included . Hereunto also is to be referred that , which is cyted and alleaged by the Apostle both in his Epistle to the Romanes , Rom. 9. 11. and also to the Collossians , Col. 2. 12. touching mortification and also viuification .

Contrition therefore setteth before our eies the heauie wrath of God , and the punishmentes due for sinne : On the other side , Faith setteth before vs , the mercies of God , free pardon & forgiuenesse , and viuification or quickening againe . The one laieth open and discouereth vnto God , our wound and disease : the other sheweth forth & receiueth from God a suppling salue , a mollifying plaster , & a soueraigne recuratiue medicine . The one groaneth vnder the burden of sinne , & sorrowfully bewaileth his heauy plight : the other bringeth easement , & affordeth refection . Mat. 11. 28. Come vnto me ( sayth our Sauiour Christ ) all ye that labour and he heauie laden , and I will refresh you . To bee short , the one throweth down to hell ; the other fetcheth from thence , and lifteth vp to heauen .

To drawe therefore the effect of all the chiefest and especialest pointes to be considered of in this matter , into small roume and briefe wordes : Contrition is a most vehement affliction , troublesome vexation , and perplexed consternation of the mind , yea of the whole man , caused through remembraunce and acknowledgement of his sinnes : & also of a feare of Gods heauie iudgements and deserued punishmentes . So that all this abashment , vexation , affliction , perplexitie , and consternation hath his residence and dwelling in the minde : insomuch that although there appeare withall sometimes vpon the sodaine , certaine outward tokens & externall signes thereof , as confession of the mouth , teares , sighing , groaning , abstinence from meate and drinke , loathing , renouncing or contempt of all worldly matters and externall dealings , with such like : yet because our question in this place is not of counterfeite , cloaked , dissembled , and vnperfect , but of true , syncere , perfect , and effectual Contrition , we must needes sounde the very depth of the heart , and the very innermost and secretest corners of the Conscience .

And to this end are the wordes of the Prophet Dauid , where hee sayth : Thou desirest no sacrifice , Psal. 51. 16. O God , though I woulde giue it , neyther delightest thou in burnt offering . The sacrifices of God , are a contrite spirite : a contrite and broken hart , O God , thou wilt not despise . And againe : Heale mee O Lorde , Psal. 6. 2. for my bones are sore vexed , and my soule is sore troubled . And a litle after in the same Psalme : Ver. 6. I sainted in my mourning . I cause my bed euery night to swimme , and water my couch with my teares . So also Peter remembring and acknowledging howe greeuously he had sinned in denying Christ , Mat. 26. 7● . went out and wept bitterly .

Seeing therefore that true , syncere , and not hypocriticall Contrition , is a thing meerely internall , and spiritual , there is no man but well vnderstandeth , that it is a spirituall gifte , and a singular benefite of almightie God , who onely openeth the eyes of our mindes , to see and confesse our sinnes and offences . If then it bee the good gift of God , it standeth euery one of vs vpon , incessauntly to craue at the handes of our heauenly father , to endue vs seely creatures , and miserable forlorne wretches with his grace , to vnderstand and bewaile our greeuous sinnes , & wickednes , manifoldly committed . For whosoeuer after his transgression & fall , hath not this contrite spirite , this brused and broken heart , ( as the Prophet tearmeth it ) and this spirituall mortification for his sinnes , to such an one it may seeme , that the way to all recouerie and amendment is shut vp and stopped .

For Contrition , is as it were a keye , that openeth and driueth backe the hidden bolt , and openeth the doore , which kept vs backe from comming againe to God . Neither canst thou alleage for thine excuse , that thou lackest time , or that thou art not able to perfourine , and fulfill so manie harde pointes and difficult workes , whereby to testifie and declare thy contrition . For seeing that it is wholly resident in the heart , and there onely consisteth , it is brought to passe , and perfourmed in verie short space of time , yea in a verie moment : and further , euen with the onely affections of the minde .

Moreouer , which will make thee more to marueile : that which thou once in this sort faithfully & humbly atchiuest , remaineth firme , acceptable and ratified of God for euer after ; so that thou haue a stedfast & an hartie purpose neuer againe to returne to thy former wickednesse . For in contrition , thou must wholly and altogether die vnto thy sinnes : that is , thou must so renounce them , as though thou neuer intedest any more to haue any dealing therwith . And such ( doutlesse ) was the Contrition of the Publicane , whose wordes were verie briefe and fewe . Luc. 18. 13. God bee mercifull vnto me a sinner . Such Contrition was also in the Theefe , which was crucified with Christe , saying : Luc. 23. 42. Lorde remember mee when thou commest into thy kingdome . He therefore that will earnestly repent , and come into the fauour of God againe , must bee touched with such an incomparable grief for his sinnes committed , that he must resolutely , and directly confesse himselfe to haue thereby iustly deserued al those plagues , which God by Moses and the Prophetes hath threatned , and thundered out vpon all the despisers of his worde , and contemners of his Maiestie : and that if God being by nature most mercifull , should not vouchsafe to haue mercie and compassion on him , he must needes ( and that presently ) incurre the greeuous daunger , and feele intollerable smart thereof .

Wee were purposed hereunto , to haue annexed some briefe and compendious fourme of confession , and therein to haue made a plaine discouerie and and anatomie of all the affections of a corrupt heart , and also to haue brought in , the sorrowfull sinner , confessing himselfe to haue iustly deserued all plagues and punishmentes , aswell of this life present , as of the life to come , and aswell corporall as spirituall : and further also to haue described him , vtterly denying and renouncing himselfe , and so humbly standing before the tribunall of the Lorde , his God and iudge , submitting himselfe wholly vnto his diuine pleasure and blessed will , wayting for that sentence and doome , which shall best please him . But because partly in the Chapter last afore , we haue alreadie in some sort deliuered such a confession : and partly for that in the sacred scriptures , many good & godly praiers are to be found , set forth by the auncient fathers , and holy men of God ; euery godly , zealous , and well disposed man may therin vertuously exercise himselfe , and thence take out for his godly comfort , plentifull examples of Christian meditation .

Of this sort , there bee prayers for sinnes in Exodus , Exod. 32. in the booke of Numbers , Num. 6. 14. & ●6 . in Deuteronomie . Deut. 2. Bookes of Salomon , Pro. 3. 13. Daniel , Dan. 9. Ezra , Ezra . 6. Ieremie , &c. In the Psalmes also , there are many fitly agreeing to this present purpose , namely , these : the 32. 36. 30. 50. 51. 56. 58. 62. 71. 73. 88. 92. 102.

Of Faith : and how sinners are againe iustified through faith in Iesus Christ . CHAP. VI.

AFter thou hast thus , some space , like a giltie & suppliant suter , prostrated thy selfe at the feet of thy iust and righteous iudge , and art driuen vnto such a straite and narrowe issue , that thou canst not any manner of wayes denie , but that thou hast deserued , and art most woorthie of all terrible and eternall punishmentes , and with the feare of this iudgement , art verie sore a mazed , terrified , and perplexed , yea altogether mortified , & brought to deathes brinke : the next waye and remedie for thee nowe is , by fayth in the mercies of God , to rayse vppe thy selfe againe , meekely and humbly crauing pardon of thy sinnes and misdeedes . Vnto this humble prostrating of thy selfe , thou wast both profitably and necessarily driuen through humble confession of thy sinnes , and meeke contrition of thy heart . But nowe thou must take heede and beware , that by consideration of the seueritie of Gods iudgements , thou bee not vtterly discouraged , & dashed out of countenance , and thereby enter into any dispaire , diffidence or distrust of the goodnesse of God . It shall be very requisite therefore for thy comfor , and as a soueraigne salue and cordiall medicine against this inconuenience , to lay downe before thee , some holesome and health some doctrine , howe thou shalt haue ful remission and foregiuenesse of al thy sins through faith in Iesus Christ . Gen. 4. 13. Cain acknowledged & confessed his sinne , and being therefore in minde marueilously troubled , graunted it to be most greeuous and haynous . Mat. 27. 3. Iudas likewise openly condemneth himselfe for his great guilt and treacherous crime in betraying his maister , publiquely testifying and pronouncing Christ to bee iust and innocent ; and further restoreth backe the money which hee had receiued . What will ye saye , lacked in him here to be done more ? And yet neyther of them both obtayned pardon of their sinnes : & why ? forsooth because this free & franke confession of their sinnes was not accompanied with a liuely fayth and vndoubted trust in the mercies of God , for pardon and forgiuenes thereof . Mat. 26. 75 . Contrariwise Peter bewayled , and wept bitterly for his sinne , Mar. 14. 72. but yet so , that in the meane while he shrunke not from his firme faith , Luc. 22. 92. And therefore within a while after , Joh. 18. 25 . he receiued a singular comfort and speciall consolation from the mouth of Christe himselfe ; Joh. 20. 15. after his resurrection . Therefore it is out of all doubt , that faith is altogether and necessarily behoouefull to all true & penitent sinners , wherewith they may raise vp them selues againe , being throwen downe with the burden of their offences . And nowe , howe truely sorrowfull and repentant sinners may by fayth , againe be raysed vp , we will plainely and euidently declare .

Faith is a sure and stedfast trust , whereby we assure our selues that god will performe vnto vs all those things that he hath promised , chiefely and specially , spirituall benefites , and in them , remission of our sinnes ; and righteousnesse in Christ & for Christ . Which is confirmed by the authour of the Epist , to the Heb , Heb. 11. 17 in these wordes . Faith is the grounde of thinges which are hoped for , and the euidence of thinges which are not scene . The interpretation and exposition of which description ( so farre as concerneth the vse and practise thereof ) who so is desirous to know , may see set down in the 4. chap. of the Epist. to the Rom. Wherein after the Apostle had sayde that Abraham was iustified by faith , and that the inheritaunce of the worlde was giuen to him through fayth ; he afterwarde addeth , that this reuerend and blessed Patriarch had respect vnto the goodnesse and power of God , Rom. 4. 17. whereby hee quickeneth the dead , & calleth those things which bee not , as though they were : And therefore that aboue hope , that he should be the father of many Nations , according to that which was spoken to him . So shall thy seede be . Gen. 15. 5. And be not weake in this fayth , considered not his owne bodie , which was now dead , being almost an hundreth yeares old , neither the deadnesse of Saraes wombe : Neyther did he doubt of the promise of God through vnbeliefe , but was strengthened in the fayth , and gaue glorie to GOD , being fully assured , that hee which had promised , was also able to doe it , and therefore it was imputed to him for righteousnesse . &c. Hereby may euery one easily perceiue that faith vndoubtedly beleeueth that those thinges shall be perfourmed , and through the goodnesse and power of God be brought to passe , which otherwise seeme neuer possible to bee performed ; that faith doth alwayes looke into the promises and power of God : and finally , that faith is an assured , certaine , vndoubted , and inuincible perswasion , conceiued of the goodnesse and power of God , whereby this glorie is ascribed , attributed , and entitled to God , that hee both will and also can saue vs . All which are signified in that vsuall and accustomed fourme of confession , which euerye one priuately vndertaketh and pronounceth for himselfe , saying : I beleeue in God . For in these fewe wordes is set foorth and contayned the whole summe and signification of fayth .

Nowe heare and marke in fewe wordes , howe thou art iustified by fayth . Euen as the Apostle teacheth vs , Rom. 4. 5. that Abraham was iustified by fayth , without workes , and that his fayth and sure perswasion of Gods goodnesse and power was imputed to him for righteousnesse : so must thou make thy reckoning ( whosoeuer thou bee that acknowledgest thy selfe a greeuous sinner , and that thou art guiltie of the manifolde breache of Gods law , and that thou hast no good workes of thine owne to oppose and set against the seueritie of Gods iudgment ) that thou likewise and in the same sorte , shalt bee iustified by faith without workes , as the Apostle in that Chapter euidently and plainely testifieth . He sayth there also further , that it is not written for him onely , that it was imputed to him for righteousnesse , but also for vs , to whom it shal be imputed for righteousnesse , which beleeue in him that raysed vp Jesus our Lorde from the dead : who was deliuered to death for our sinnes , and is risen againe for our iustification . This therefore is required at thy hand ( see in thou hast no manner of helpe in thy selfe , whereby to obtayne thy saluation , eyther by thine owne workes or any others ) that thou conceaue a sure and vndoubted fayth , and a stedfast and firme perswasion of the goodnesse and power of God : and that thou be fully perswaded , and throughly assured in thy conscience : that God the father , will receiue thee againe into fauour , that he will pardon & forgiue thee thy sinnes , and that he will iustifie and make thee righteous for his sonne Iesus Christ , as he by his owne expresse words , by his holy Prophets , and last of all , by the same his beloued sonne , hath graciously promised . For if from the bottome of thy heart , thou vnfaynedly beleeue the promises of God touching this matter made vnto the holy fathers of olde , be thou assured that thou art in the kings high way to iustification and saluation .

These promises haue euer from the beginning of the worlde hitherto beene euidently continued , and shall to the worldes end be most faithfully and truely perfourmed . Immediately after the transgression and fall of our first parentes Adam and Eue , this promise of Christ was made vnto them , when as the Lorde spake vnto the serpent . Gen. 3. 58. I will put ●nmitie betweene thee and the woman , and betweene thy seede and her seede : he shall breake thine head . Afterwarde he spake vnto Abraham , saying : Gen. 22. 1. In thy seede shall all Nations of the earth be blessed . Gal. 3. 19. Which promise is excellently expounded by the Apostle , to signifie and to be meant of Christ . This promise was likewise made vnto Dauid , that of his seede and posteritie , Christ the Sauiour of the worlde should be borne . ● . Sam. 7. ●2 . Many others of the Prophetes besides did most clearely and manifestly prophesie and foretell of Christes comming , Psal. 132. ●1. and of righteousnesse by him onely to bee obtayned . ●say . 9.7 . Isaiah in his 53. Chapter , ●ere . 23. 5. after manie notable speeches of Christs humiliation & death , Mat. 17. 5. hath lastly these wordes : Act. 13. 23. Hee shall see fruite of the trauayle of his soule , ●sa. 53. 11. and shall bee satisfied : by his knowledge shall he iustifie manie : for hee shall beare their iniquities . To be shorte , manie figures , signes and types , acertayned , insinuated and represented vnto mens mindes , those thinges which were to be done & finished by Christe for our iustification : Num. 21. 9. the brasen serpent was set vpon a poale in the wildernesse , Joh. 3. 14. and sundrie sacrifices by the Israelites vsed , Exod. 2. 48. were figures of Christ , Heb. 9. 9. and foreshewed both his comming in the fleshe , & his death which hee shoulde suffer for our instification .

Now that thou maiest knowe , how for Christ , and in Christ our sinnes are pardoned and forgiuen vs , and righteousnes imputed vnto vs , thou must looke into his death , which hee suffered to pacifie and satisfie the wrath of God the father for our sinnes . This singular benefite , and vnspeakable act of Christe , together with the most soueraigne vertue and efficacie of the same , is in many places both of the olde Testament and of the new , notably described . For this his death and passion was figured and foreshewed by the types and sacrifices before expressed . This death and passion of our Sauiour and redeemer Christe , was most excellently , pithily , and cleerely set out and foretolde by the Prophet Isaiah in the Chapter afore recited . Isa. 53. And Christ sayth himselfe : This is the bloud of the new Testament which is shed for you and for manie , Mat. 26. 28 for the remission of sinnes . Mar. 14. 24 By the death and bloudshed of Iesus Christ , Rom. 4. 25. we are sayed , Eph. 1. 7. in many places of scripture to be sanctified and clensed from our sinnes . Collos. 1. 14 In an other place also the Apostle speaking Heb. 13. 12 of Christ , 1. Iohn . 1. 7. sayth : a a Eph. 5. 20. He gaue himselfe for vs , to be an offering and a sacrifice &c. In this sort therefore , and after this manner , doth our heauenly father ( being pacified and pleased with vs through the death of Christ ) forgiue and pardon our sinnes , and imputeth vnto vs his righteousnesse .

But thou wilt saye ; howe knowe I , whether this merite of Christe , this remission of sinnes , and this gift and imputation of righteousnesse for Christ , be beneficiall , profitable , and applyable to mee or no ? For we must euer stande in feare and doubt , least wee be excluded from the participation of those so vnestimable benefites , as Christ brought and wrought . But to answere thee in this case , and because thou shalt not be vnfurnished of a stayed perswasion herein , be thou thus assured , that the worde of God doeth most plainly direct and point thee to sundry places , and alledgeth vnto thee manifolde textes and reasons , whereby thou mayst vndoubtedly knowe that thy sinnes are forgiuen thee for Christs sake , if thou doest earnestly repent thee of thy wickednesse , and withall beleeue that God the father for Christ his sonne , will receiue thee into fauour , and forgiue thee thy sinnes , in this thy beleeuing , be thou sure thou shalt obtaine pardon and remission of all thy sinnes and offences , which the scripture doeth in many places testifie and declare . Gen. 15. 6. Abraham beleeued God , & it was imputed to him for righteousnesse . Which sentence , the Apostle in his Epistle to the Romans , namely in his fourth Chapter , vseth for his theme , or principall ground-worke to his whole discourse of this matter there by him handeled . Heb. 11. The author of the Epistle to the Hebrewes affirmeth , that all the holy fathers , and Patriarches in the olde time , were in this sort iustified by faith . In the Gospel after Iohn ; Ioh. 1. 12. & 3. 15. & 36. & 47. it is in sundry places by expresse words saide , that so many as beleeue on the name of Christ , shal be saued , shall haue life euerlasting , and shall neuer come into condemnation . The Apostle Peter also witnesseth the same , saying : To him ( euen Iesus Christ ) geue the Prophets witnesse , that through his name all that beleeue in him , shall receiue remission of sinnes . In another place also Paul & Silas , Act. 10 43 to the same effect , said to the Iailers whom they conuerted . Act. 13. 31 Beleeue in the Lord Iesus Christ , and thou shalt be saued . Also to the Romans out of the prophet Abacuc . Rom. 1. 17 The iust shall liue by his faith . H●bak . 2. 4 Againe , The righteousnes of God by the faith of Jesus Christ , Rom. 3. 22 is vnto al , and Vpon all that beleeue . Ver. 24. Againe , all are iustified freely , Ver. 28. by his grace , through the redemption that is in Christ Iesus , whome God hath set foorth to be a reconciliation through faith in his bloud . And againe , Therefore we conclude that a man is iustified freely without the workes of the lawe , Yea , Gal. 3. 7. in the thirde to the Galatians , in the second to the Ephesians , Ephes. 2. 8. the third to the Philippians , Phil. 3. 6. and the thirde to Titus , Tit. 3. 5. it moste manifestly appeareth , and is moste plainly shewed , that by faith onely in Christ , without any wo●kes of our owne , eyther coucurring , or furthering , we are freely iustified . ⸪

Thomas Newtonus , Cestreshyrius . FINIS .