A
RELATION
OF
the
fearefull
estate
of
FRANCIS
SPIRA
.
IN
the
yeare
1548.
when
the
glorious
Sunne
of
the
Gospel
was
but
newly
risen
in
Europe
;
in
the
daies
of
the
raigne
of
Edward
the
Sixth
of
that
name
King
of
England
:
In
the
Territory
,
and
under
the
Iurisdiction
of
the
Citie
of
Venice
,
being
the
very
border
of
Italy
,
in
the
towne
of
Cittadella
,
lived
one
Francis
Spira
,
a
Civill
Lawyer
,
an
Advocate
of
great
rank
and
esteeme
,
being
of
knowne
learning
,
&
eloquence
?
of
great
experience
;
of
carriage
circumspect
and
severe
;
his
speech
grave
&
composed
,
his
countenance
sharpe
and
austere
;
every
way
befitting
that
authoritie
whereunto
hee
was
advanced
;
endowed
with
outward
blessings
,
of
wife
,
&
eleven
children
,
&
wealth
in
abundance
:
what
his
worst
parts
were
,
I
have
no
other
warrant
,
then
his
owne
words
,
which
(
if
not
tainted
overmuch
,
with
the
bitternesse
of
a
desperate
mind
,
and
bearing
the
countenance
rather
of
passion
,
then
of
sober
confession
)
may
seeme
to
adde
a
period
to
all
further
commendations
.
I
was
(
said
hee
)
excessively
covetous
of
money
,
and
accordingly
I
applyed
my selfe
to
get
by
injustice
,
corrupting
justice
by
deceit
,
inventing
tricks
to
delude
justice
:
good
causes
I
either
defended
deceitfully
,
or
sold
them
to
the
adversary
perfidiously
;
ill
causes
I
maintained
with
all
my
might
;
I
wittingly
opposed
the
known
truth
,
and
the
trust
committed
unto
me
,
I
either
betrayed
or
perverted
.
Thus
having
worn
out
forty
foure
yeares
,
or
there
abouts
,
and
the
news
of
the
new
,
or
rather
newly
revived
opinions
of
Luther
comming
into
those
parts
,
represented
an
object
of
noveltie
unto
him
;
who
being
as
desirous
to
know
as
hee
was
famous
for
knowledge
;
suffered
not
these
wandring
opinions
to
passe
unexamined
,
but
searching
into
the
Scriptures
,
and
into
all
bookes
of
Controversie
that
hee
could
get
,
both
old
and
new
;
and
finding
more
then
fame
or
opinion
,
he
began
to
taste
their
nature
so
well
,
as
he
entertaines
,
loves
,
and
ownes
them
at
length
;
and
with
such
zeale
,
as
he
became
a
professor
;
yea
a
teacher
of
them
,
first
to
his
wife
,
children
,
and
family
,
and
after
to
his
friends
,
and
familiar
acquaintance
;
&
in
comparison
,
seemed
to
neglect
all
other
affaires
;
intending
ever
to
presse
this
maine
point
,
that
We
must
wholly
,
and
only
to
depend
on
the
free
,
and
unchangeable
love
of
God
in
the
death
of
Christ
,
as
the
only
sure
way
to
salvation
:
and
this
was
the
summe
of
all
his
discourse
,
and
this
continued
for
the
space
of
sixe
yeares
,
or
there
abouts
;
even
so
long
as
this
fire
could
keepe
it selfe
within
private
wals
;
but
at
length
it
brake
forth
into
publique
meetings
;
so
as
the
whole
Province
of
Padua
dawned
by
the
lustre
thereof
.
The
Clergie
finding
the
trade
of
their
pardons
to
decay
;
and
their
Purgatory
to
waxe
cold
,
began
to
bestirre
themselves
;
glosing
their
actions
first
with
calumnious
aspersions
upon
the
whole
profession
,
then
more
plainly
striking
at
Spira
with
grievous
accusations
:
And
to
effect
their
purpose
,
some
promise
labour
,
others
favour
,
some
advice
,
others
maintenance
;
all
joyne
to
divide
,
either
his
soule
from
his
body
,
or
both
from
God
.
Now
was
Iohn
Casa
the
Popes
Legate
resident
at
Venice
,
being
by
birth
a
Florentine
;
and
one
that
wanted
neither
malice
against
those
of
this
way
,
nor
craftines
to
effect
his
malicious
purposes
:
To
him
these
men
repaire
with
outcries
against
Spira
;
that
hee
was
the
man
that
condemned
the
received
rites
of
the
Church
;
deluded
the
Ecclesiasticall
power
,
and
scandalized
the
policie
thereof
;
one
of
no
meane
ranke
;
being
a
man
of
Account
and
authoritie
,
and
thereunto
,
learned
in
the
Scriptures
,
elegant
in
speech
;
and
in
one
word
,
a
dangerous
Lutheran
;
having
also
many
disciples
,
and
therefore
not
to
be
despised
.
At
this
began
the
Legate
to
cast
his
eye
on
the
terrible
alteration
that
lately
had
hapned
in
Germanie
;
where
,
by
the
means
of
one
onely
Luther
,
the
Romish
Religion
had
suffered
such
a
blow
,
as
that
it
could
neither
bee
cured
by
dissimulation
,
nor
defended
by
power
;
but
the
Clergie
must
either
mend
their
manners
,
or
lose
their
dignities
:
on
the
other
side
,
when
hee
saw
how
propense
the
common
people
inhabiting
in
the
bordering
countries
of
Italy
were
to
entertaine
those
new
opinions
,
hee
now
thought
it
no
time
to
dispute
,
or
perswade
,
but
with
speed
repaires
to
the
Senate
,
and
procures
authoritie
from
them
to
send
for
Spira
.
Spira
by
this
time
had
considered
with
himselfe
of
the
nature
of
his
carriage
,
how
evident
and
notorious
it
was
,
and
therefore
subject
to
bee
envied
by
such
,
as
neither
liked
his
person
nor
Religion
,
hee
perceived
that
his
opinions
were
neither
retyred
nor
speculative
,
but
such
as
aymed
at
the
overthrow
of
the
Romish
Faction
,
and
at
change
of
Policie
,
wherein
at
the
best
,
he
could
expect
but
a
bloudy
victory
,
and
that
his
enemies
wanted
neither
power
nor
occasion
to
call
him
to
account
in
publique
,
when
he
must
either
Apostatize
,
and
shamefully
give
his
former
life
,
yea
his
own
conscience
the
lye
,
or
endure
the
utmost
malice
of
his
deadly
enemies
,
or
forsake
his
wife
,
children
,
friends
,
goods
,
authoritie
;
yea
,
his
deare
Countrey
;
and
betake
himselfe
to
a
forraigne
people
,
there
to
endure
a
thousand
miseries
,
that
do
continually
waite
upon
a
voluntary
exile
.
Being
thus
distracted
,
and
tossed
in
the
restlesse
waves
of
doubt
,
without
guid
to
trust
to
,
or
haven
to
flye
to
for
succour
;
on
the
sudden
Gods
Spirit
assisting
,
hee
felt
a
calme
,
and
began
to
discourse
with
himselfe
in
this
manner
:
Why
wandrest
thou
thus
in
uncertainties
,
unhappy
man
;
cast
away
feare
,
put
on
thy
shield
,
the
shield
of
faith
;
Where
is
thy
wonted
courage
,
thy
goodnesse
,
thy
constancie
?
remember
that
Christs
glorie
lies
at
the
stake
,
suffer
thou
without
feare
,
and
hee
will
defend
thee
,
hee
will
tell
thee
what
thou
shalt
answer
;
hee
can
beat
downe
all
danger
,
bring
thee
out
of
prison
,
raise
thee
from
the
dead
;
consider
Peter
in
the
dungeon
,
the
Martyrs
in
the
fire
,
if
thou
makest
a
good
confession
,
thou
mayest
indeed
goe
to
prison
,
or
death
,
but
an
eternall
reward
in
heaven
remaines
for
thee
;
What
hast
thou
in
this
world
comparable
to
eternall
life
,
to
everlasting
happinesse
?
if
thou
dost
otherwise
,
thinke
of
the
scandall
;
(
common
people
live
by
example
,
thinking
what
ever
is
done
,
is
well
done
)
feare
the
losse
of
peace
and
joy
,
feare
hell
,
death
,
and
eternall
wrath
;
or
if
thy
flesh
be
so
strong
,
as
to
cause
thee
to
doubt
of
the
issue
,
flie
thy
Countrie
;
get
thee
away
,
though
never
so
far
,
rather
then
denie
the
Lord
of
Life
.
Now
was
Spira
in
reasonable
quiet
,
being
resolved
to
yeeld
to
these
weightie
reasons
;
yet
holding
it
wisedome
to
examine
all
things
,
hee
consults
also
with
flesh
and
bloud
;
thus
the
battaile
doth
renew
,
and
the
flesh
beginnes
in
this
manner
:
Bee
well
advised
,
fond
man
,
consider
reasons
on
both
sides
,
and
then
judge
:
how
canst
thou
thus
overweene
thine
owne
sufficiencie
,
as
thou
neither
regardest
the
examples
of
thy
Progenitors
;
nor
the
judgment
of
the
whole
Church
;
dost
thou
not
consider
what
miserie
this
thy
rashnesse
will
bring
thee
unto
?
thou
shalt
lose
thy
substance
,
gotten
with
so
much
care
and
travell
,
thou
shalt
undergoe
the
most
exquisite
torments
that
malice
it selfe
can
devise
,
thou
shalt
bee
counted
an
heretique
of
all
:
and
to
close
up
all
,
thou
shalt
die
shamefully
.
What
thinkest
thou
of
the
loathsome
stinking
dungeon
,
the
bloudie
axe
,
the
burning
fagot
,
are
they
delightfull
?
Bee
wise
at
length
,
and
keepe
thy
life
and
honour
,
thou
maist
live
to
do
much
good
to
good
men
,
as
God
commands
thee
,
thou
maist
be
an
ornament
to
thy
Countrie
;
and
put
case
thy
Countries
losse
would
bee
of
small
esteeme
with
thee
;
Wilt
thou
bring
thy
friends
also
into
danger
?
thou
hast
begotten
children
,
wilt
thou
now
cut
their
throats
,
&
inhumanely
butcher
them
,
which
may
in
time
bring
honor
to
their
Countrie
,
glorie
to
God
,
helpe
and
furtherance
to
his
Church
:
goe
to
the
Legate
weake
man
,
freely
confesse
thy
fault
,
and
helpe
all
these
miseries
.
Thus
did
the
cares
of
this
world
,
and
the
deceitfullnesse
of
riches
,
choke
the
good
Seed
that
was
formerly
sowne
;
so
as
fearing
,
hee
faints
,
and
yeelds
unto
the
allurements
of
this
present
world
,
&
being
thus
blinded
,
he
goes
to
the
Legate
at
Venice
,
and
salutes
him
with
this
news
.
Having
for
these
divers
yeares
entertained
an
opinion
concerning
some
Articles
of
faith
,
contrary
to
the
Orthodox
and
received
judgement
of
the
Church
;
and
uttered
many
things
against
the
authoritie
of
the
Church
of
Rome
,
and
the
universall
Bishop
:
I
humblie
acknowledge
my
fault
and
errour
,
and
my
folly
in
misleading
others
:
I
therefore
yeeld
my selfe
in
all
obedience
to
the
Supreme
Bishop
,
into
the
bosome
of
the
Church
of
Rome
;
never
to
depart
again
from
the
Traditions
and
Decrees
of
the
holy
See
:
I
am
heartily
sorry
for
what
is
past
;
and
I
humbly
begge
pardon
forso
great
an
offence
.
The
Legate
perceiving
Spira
to
faint
,
he
pursues
him
to
the
utmost
;
hee
causeth
a
recitation
of
all
his
Errours
to
be
drawne
in
writing
,
together
with
the
Confession
annexed
to
it
,
and
commands
Spira
to
subscribe
his
name
there
,
which
accordingly
he
did
;
then
the
Legate
commands
him
to
return
to
his
owne
Towne
;
and
there
to
declare
this
Confession
of
his
,
and
to
acknowledg
the
whole
Doctrine
of
the
Church
of
Rome
to
be
holy
,
and
true
;
and
to
abjure
the
Opinions
of
Luther
,
and
other
such
Teachers
,
as
false
,
&
hereticall
:
Man
knowes
the
beginnings
of
sinne
,
but
who
bounds
the
issues
thereof
?
Spira
having
once
lost
footing
,
goes
downe
amaine
,
he
cannot
stay
,
nor
gaine-say
the
Legate
;
but
promiseth
to
accomplish
his
whole
will
and
pleasure
;
he
soone
addresseth
himselfe
for
his
Iourney
,
and
being
onward
in
the
way
,
bethinks
himselfe
of
large
spoyles
hee
had
brought
away
from
the
Conflict
with
the
Legate
:
what
glorious
testimony
hee
had
given
of
his
great
faith
,
and
constancie
in
Christs
cause
:
and
to
be
plaine
,
how
impiously
hee
had
denyed
Christ
,
and
his
Gospell
at
Venice
;
and
what
he
promised
to
do
further
in
his
owne
Country
;
and
thus
partly
with
feare
,
and
partly
with
shame
being
confounded
;
he
thought
he
heard
a
voyce
speaking
unto
him
in
this
manner
.
Spira
,
What
dost
thou
heere
?
whither
goest
thou
?
hast
thou
unhappy
man
,
given
thy
hand-writing
to
the
Legate
at
Venice
;
yet
see
thou
dost
not
seale
it
in
thine
owne
Countrey
:
dost
thou
indeed
thinke
eternall
life
so
meane
,
as
that
thou
preferrest
this
present
life
before
it
?
dost
thou
well
in
preferring
wife
and
children
before
Christ
?
is
the
windie
applause
of
the
people
,
better
indeed
then
the
glorie
of
God
;
and
the
possession
of
this
worlds
good
more
deare
to
thee
,
then
the
salvation
of
thine
owne
Soule
?
is
the
small
use
of
a
moment
of
time
more
desireable
,
then
eternall
wrath
is
dreadfull
?
Thinke
with
thy selfe
what
Christ
endured
for
thy
sake
;
is
it
not
equall
thou
shouldest
suffer
somewhat
for
him
?
Remember
,
man
,
that
the
sufferings
of
this
present
life
,
are
not
comparable
to
the
glorie
that
shall
bee
revealed
:
if
thou
sufferest
with
him
,
thou
shalt
also
raigne
with
him
:
thou
canst
not
answer
for
what
thou
hast
alreadie
done
;
neverthelesse
,
the
gate
of
mercie
is
not
quite
shut
,
take
heed
that
thou
heapest
not
sinne
upon
sinne
,
lest
thou
repent
when
it
will
be
too
late
.
Now
was
Spira
in
a
wildernesse
of
doubts
,
not
knowing
which
way
to
turne
him
,
nor
what
to
doe
,
yet
being
arrived
in
his
owne
Countrey
,
and
amongst
his
friends
,
with
shame
enough
hee
relates
what
he
had
done
,
and
what
he
had
further
promised
to
doe
;
and
how
the
terrors
of
God
on
the
one
side
,
and
the
terrour
of
this
world
on
the
other
side
,
did
continually
racke
him
;
and
therefore
hee
desired
of
them
advise
in
this
so
doubtfull
a
case
:
his
friends
upon
small
deliberation
answered
;
that
it
was
requisite
hee
should
take
heed
that
hee
did
not
in
any
wise
betray
his
wife
and
children
,
and
all
his
friends
into
danger
,
seeing
that
by
so
smal
a
matter
as
the
reciting
of
a
little
Schedule
,
which
might
bee
done
in
lesse
space
then
half
an
houre
,
he
might
both
free
himselfe
from
present
danger
,
and
preserve
many
that
depended
upon
him
;
adding
moreover
,
that
hee
could
get
no
Credit
in
relenting
from
that
which
he
had
already
in
greatest
part
performed
before
the
Legate
at
Venice
,
and
that
in
the
perfect
accomplishing
thereof
,
little
or
no
discredit
could
arise
,
more
then
what
by
the
former
action
already
he
had
sustained
:
on
the
other
side
,
if
hee
did
not
performe
his
promise
made
to
the
Legate
,
hee
could
neither
discharge
himselfe
of
the
shame
which
he
had
already
incurred
;
nor
avoyd
farre
more
heavy
and
insupportable
injuries
,
then
probably
he
should
have
endured
,
if
hee
had
persisted
obstinately
in
his
former
Opinions
.
This
was
the
last
blow
of
the
battaile
,
and
Spira
utterly
overcome
,
goes
to
the
Praetor
,
and
proffers
to
performe
his
foresaid
promise
made
to
the
Legate
,
who
in
the
meane
time
had
taken
order
to
have
all
things
ready
,
and
had
sent
the
instrument
of
abjuration
signed
by
Spira
,
to
the
Praetor
,
by
the
hands
of
a
certaine
Priest
.
All
that
night
the
miserable
man
ware
out
with
restlesse
cares
,
without
any
minute
of
rest
;
the
next
morning
being
come
,
he
gets
up
,
and
being
ready
,
he
desperately
enters
into
the
publique
Congregation
,
where
Masse
being
finished
,
in
the
presence
of
friends
and
enemies
,
and
of
the
whole
Assembly
;
being
by
estimation
neere
two
thousand
people
;
yea
,
and
of
Heaven
it selfe
,
he
recites
that
infamous
abjuration
,
word
for
word
,
as
it
was
written
:
it
being
done
,
he
was
fined
at
thirtie
pieces
of
gold
,
which
he
presently
paid
:
five
whereof
were
given
to
the
Priest
that
brought
the
abjuration
,
the
other
twentie
five
were
imployed
towards
the
making
of
a
Shryne
to
put
the
Eucharist
in
;
then
was
he
sent
home
restored
to
his
Dignities
;
goods
,
wife
,
and
children
:
No
sooner
was
hee
departed
,
but
he
thought
hee
heard
a
direfull
voyce
,
saying
to
him
;
thou
wicked
wretch
,
thou
haste
denyed
mee
,
thou
hast
renounced
the
covenant
of
thy
obedience
,
thou
hast
broken
thy
vow
,
hence
Apostate
,
beare
with
thee
the
sentence
of
thy
eternall
damnation
:
hee
trembling
and
quaking
in
body
and
mind
,
fell
down
in
a
swoune
;
reliefe
was
at
hand
for
the
body
,
but
from
that
time
forwards
,
he
never
found
any
〈◊〉
〈◊〉
〈◊〉
〈◊〉
minde
▪
but
〈◊〉
〈◊〉
〈◊〉
in
uncessant
torment
〈◊〉
〈◊〉
professed
that
he
was
captived
under
the
revenging
hand
of
the
great
God
:
that
hee
heard
continually
that
fearefull
sentence
of
Christ
that
just
Iudge
▪
that
hee
knew
he
was
utterly
undone
:
that
he
could
neither
hope
for
grace
,
nor
Christs
intercession
wth
God
the
Father
in
his
behalfe
:
thus
was
his
fault
ever
heavy
on
his
heart
,
and
ever
his
Iudgement
before
his
eyes
.
Now
began
his
friends
some
of
them
to
repent
too
late
of
their
rash
counsell
;
others
not
looking
so
high
as
the
Iudgement
of
God
,
laid
all
the
blame
upon
his
Melancholicke
constitution
;
that
overshadowing
his
judgment
,
wrought
in
him
a
kinde
of
madnesse
:
every
on
censured
as
his
fancy
led
him
,
yet
for
remedy
all
agreed
in
this
,
to
use
both
the
wholesome
helpe
of
Physicians
,
and
the
pious
advise
of
Divines
,
and
therefore
thought
it
meet
to
convey
him
to
Padua
,
an
Vniversitie
of
note
,
where
plenty
of
all
manner
of
meanes
was
to
be
had
:
this
they
accordingly
did
,
both
with
his
wife
,
children
,
and
whole
family
;
others
also
of
his
friends
accompanying
him
:
and
being
arrived
at
the
house
of
one
Iames
Ardin
,
in
Saint
Leonards
,
Parish
,
they
sent
for
three
Physicians
of
most
note
,
who
upon
due
observation
of
the
effects
,
&
of
other
Symptomes
of
his
disease
,
and
some
private
conference
one
with
another
,
among
themselves
,
returned
their
verdict
in
this
manner
,
viz.
That
they
could
not
discerne
that
his
body
was
afflicted
with
any
danger
or
distemper
originally
from
it selfe
,
by
reason
of
the
over-ruling
of
any
humour
;
but
that
this
Maladie
of
his
did
arise
from
some
griefe
,
or
passion
of
his
minde
,
which
being
overburthened
,
did
so
oppresse
the
spirits
,
as
they
wanting
free
passage
,
stirred
up
many
ill
humours
,
whereof
the
body
of
man
is
full
;
&
these
ascending
up
into
the
braine
,
troubled
the
fancie
;
shadowed
the
seat
of
the
judgment
,
and
so
corrupted
it
:
this
was
the
state
of
his
disease
,
and
that
outward
part
that
was
visible
to
the
eye
of
nature
,
this
they
endeavoured
to
reforme
by
purgation
,
either
to
consume
,
or
at
least
to
divert
the
course
of
those
humors
from
the
braine
;
but
all
their
skil
effected
nothing
,
which
Spira
noting
,
said
:
Alas
poore
men
,
how
farre
wide
are
you
;
doe
you
thinke
that
this
disease
is
to
be
cured
by
potions
;
beleeve
mee
there
must
bee
another
manner
of
medicine
,
it
is
neither
potions
,
plaisters
,
nor
drugs
,
that
can
helpe
a
fainting
soule
cast
downe
with
sense
of
sinne
,
and
the
wrath
of
God
;
it
is
onely
Christ
that
must
bee
the
Physician
,
and
the
Gospel
the
sole
Antidote
.
The
Physicians
easily
beleeved
him
,
after
they
had
understood
the
whol
truth
of
the
matter
,
and
therfore
they
wished
him
to
seeke
some
spirituall
comfort
.
By
this
time
the
fame
of
this
man
was
spred
over
all
Padua
,
and
the
neighbour
Countrey
,
partly
for
that
he
was
a
man
of
Esteeme
,
partly
because
as
the
disease
,
so
the
occasion
was
especially
remarkeable
;
for
this
was
not
done
in
a
corner
:
so
as
daily
there
came
multitudes
of
all
sorts
to
see
him
:
some
out
of
curiositie
onely
to
see
and
discourse
:
some
out
of
a
pious
desire
to
try
all
meanes
that
might
reduce
him
to
comfort
againe
,
or
at
least
to
benefit
themselves
,
by
such
a
spectacle
of
misery
,
and
of
the
justice
of
God
.
Amongst
these
,
Paulus
Vergerius
Bishop
of
Iustinopolis
,
and
Mattheus
Gribauldus
,
deserve
especially
to
bee
named
,
as
the
most
principall
labourers
for
this
mans
comfort
.
They
finde
him
now
about
fiftie
years
of
age
,
neither
affected
with
the
dotage
of
old
age
,
nor
with
the
unconstant
headstrong
passion
of
youth
,
but
in
the
strength
of
his
experience
and
judgment
;
in
a
burning
heat
calling
excessively
for
drinke
;
yet
his
understanding
active
,
quicke
of
apprehension
,
wittie
in
discourse
above
his
ordinary
manner
,
and
judiciously
opposite
:
his
friends
laboured
him
by
all
faire
meanes
to
receive
some
nourishment
,
which
he
obstinately
gaine-saying
,
they
forcibly
infused
some
liquid
sustenance
into
his
mouth
,
most
of
which
he
spit
out
againe
;
exceedingly
chafing
,
and
in
this
fretting
mood
of
his
,
said
:
As
it
is
true
that
all
things
worke
for
the
best
to
those
that
love
God
;
for
whereas
a
plentifull
off-spring
is
the
blessing
of
God
,
and
his
reward
,
being
a
stay
to
the
weak
estate
of
their
aged
parents
;
to
me
they
are
a
cause
of
bitternesse
and
vexation
;
they
doe
strive
to
make
mee
tire
out
this
misery
;
I
would
faine
be
at
an
end
;
I
deserve
not
this
dealing
at
their
hands
;
O
that
I
were
gone
from
hence
,
that
some
body
would
let
out
this
weary
Soule
.
His
friends
saluted
him
,
and
asked
him
,
what
hee
conceived
to
be
the
cause
of
his
disease
;
forthwith
he
brake
out
into
a
lamentable
discourse
of
the
passages
formerly
related
,
&
that
with
such
passionate
Elocution
,
that
hee
caused
many
to
weep
&
most
to
tremble
.
They
contrarily
to
comfort
him
,
propounded
many
of
Gods
promises
recorded
in
the
Scripture
;
and
many
examples
of
Gods
mercy
:
My
sinne
(
said
he
)
is
greater
then
the
mercy
of
God
.
Nay
,
answered
they
,
the
mercy
of
God
is
above
all
sin
;
God
would
have
all
men
to
be
saved
:
It
is
true
(
quoth
he
)
hee
would
have
all
that
he
hath
elected
,
●bee
s●aved
;
he
would
not
have
damned
reprobates
to
be
saved
;
I
am
one
of
that
number
;
I
know
it
,
for
I
willingly
,
and
against
my
knowledge
denied
Christ
;
and
I
feele
that
hee
hardens
,
and
will
not
suffer
me
to
hope
.
After
some
silence
,
one
asked
him
whether
hee
did
not
beleeve
that
Doctrine
(
to
bee
true
)
for
which
hee
was
accused
before
the
Legate
;
hee
answered
;
I
did
beleeve
it
when
I
denied
it
,
but
now
I
neither
beleeve
that
,
nor
the
Doctrine
of
the
Romane
Church
;
I
beleeve
nothing
,
I
have
no
faith
,
no
trust
,
no
hope
;
I
am
a
Reprobate
like
Cain
,
or
Iudas
,
who
casting
away
all
hope
of
mercy
,
fell
into
despaire
;
and
my
friends
doe
mee
great
wrong
,
that
they
suffer
me
not
to
goe
to
the
place
of
unbeleevers
as
I
justly
deserve
.
Heere
they
beganne
sharpely
to
rebuke
him
;
requiring
,
and
charging
him
that
in
any
wise
hee
did
not
violate
the
mercy
of
God
;
to
which
he
answered
:
The
mercy
of
God
is
exceeding
large
and
extends
to
all
the
elect
;
but
not
to
mee
,
or
any
like
to
mee
,
who
are
sealed
up
to
wrath
:
I
tell
you
I
deserve
it
,
my
owne
conscience
condemnes
me
;
what
needeth
any
other
Iudge
.
Christ
came
(
said
they
)
to
take
away
sinne
,
and
calling
for
a
book
,
they
read
unto
him
the
passion
of
Christ
,
and
comming
to
his
nayling
to
the
Crosse
,
Spira
said
:
This
indeed
is
comfortable
to
such
as
are
elected
,
but
as
for
me
wretch
,
they
are
nothing
but
griefe
and
torment
,
because
I
contemned
them
.
Thus
roaring
for
griefe
,
&
tossing
himself
up
&
downe
upon
the
bed
as
he
lay
,
he
intreated
them
to
read
no
more
:
As
Gribauldus
was
comming
to
see
him
,
Vergerius
said
to
Spira
,
deare
Sir
heere
is
Doctor
Gribauldus
,
a
godly
and
faithfull
friend
of
yours
,
come
to
see
you
:
He
is
welcome
(
said
he
)
but
hee
shall
find
mee
ill
:
Gribauldus
replyed
,
Sir
,
this
is
but
an
illusion
of
the
divell
,
who
doth
what
he
can
to
vexe
you
;
but
turne
you
to
God
with
your
whole
heart
,
and
he
is
ready
to
shew
you
mercy
;
the
earth
you
know
is
full
of
his
mercy
;
it
is
He
that
hath
said
,
often
as
a
sinner
repents
of
his
sinne
,
hee
will
remember
his
sinnes
no
more
.
Consider
this
in
the
example
of
Peter
that
was
Christs
familiar
,
and
an
Apostle
;
and
yet
denied
him
thrice
with
an
oath
,
and
yet
God
was
mercifull
unto
him
:
consider
the
theefe
that
spent
his
whole
life
in
wickednesse
,
and
for
all
that
,
did
not
God
graciously
respect
him
in
the
last
minute
of
his
life
?
Is
the
Lords
hand
now
shortned
that
it
cannot
save
?
to
this
Spira
answered
;
If
Peter
grieved
and
repented
,
it
was
because
Christ
beheld
him
with
a
mercifull
eye
;
and
in
that
he
was
pardoned
,
it
was
not
because
hee
wept
,
but
because
God
was
gracious
to
him
:
but
God
respects
not
me
,
and
therefore
I
am
a
reprobate
:
I
feel
no
comfort
can
enter
into
my
heart
,
there
is
no
place
there
but
onely
for
torments
and
vexings
of
spirit
:
I
tell
you
my
case
is
properly
mine
own
;
no
man
ever
was
in
the
like
plight
,
and
therefore
my
estate
is
fearefull
.
Then
roaring
out
in
the
bitternesse
of
his
spirit
,
said
:
It
is
a
fearefull
thing
to
fall
into
the
hands
of
the
living
God
:
the
violence
of
his
passion
and
action
sutable
,
did
amaze
many
of
the
beholders
;
insomuch
as
some
of
them
said
with
a
whispering
voyce
,
that
he
was
possessed
;
hee
over-hearing
it
,
said
:
Doe
you
doubt
it
?
I
have
a
whole
Legion
of
divels
that
take
up
their
dwellings
within
mee
,
and
possesse
me
as
their
owne
;
and
justly
too
,
for
I
have
denyed
Christ
.
Whether
did
you
that
willingly
or
not
(
said
they
)
That
is
nothing
to
the
purpose
(
said
Spira
)
Christ
saith
,
whosoever
denies
mee
before
men
,
him
will
I
deny
before
my
Father
which
is
in
Heaven
:
Christ
will
not
bee
denied
,
no
not
in
word
;
and
therefore
it
is
enough
,
though
in
heart
I
never
denied
him
.
They
observing
his
distemper
to
arise
from
the
sense
and
horror
of
the
paines
of
hell
,
asked
him
whether
he
thought
there
were
worse
paines
then
what
he
endured
for
the
present
;
he
said
,
that
he
knew
there
were
far
worse
paines
then
those
that
hee
then
suffered
:
I
but
you
are
to
consider
(
said
one
)
that
those
opinions
for
which
you
were
accused
before
the
Legate
were
impious
;
and
therefore
you
are
not
to
thinke
you
denied
Christ
,
but
rather
that
you
confessed
him
,
acknowledging
the
infallible
truth
of
the
Catholike
Church
.
Truly
(
said
he
)
when
I
did
denie
those
opinions
,
I
did
think
them
to
be
true
,
&
yet
I
did
deny
them
.
Goe
to
(
said
others
)
now
then
beleeve
that
they
are
not
.
Now
I
cannot
(
said
hee
)
God
will
not
suffer
mee
to
beleeve
them
,
nor
trust
in
his
mercy
:
What
would
you
have
mee
doe
?
I
would
faine
attaine
to
this
power
,
but
cannot
,
though
I
should
presently
be
burnt
for
it
.
But
why
doe
you
(
said
the
other
)
esteeme
this
so
grievous
a
sinne
,
when
as
the
learned
Legate
constrained
you
to
it
,
which
hee
surely
would
not
have
done
,
if
your
former
opinions
had
not
beene
Erroneous
:
no
,
good
Francis
,
the
divell
besets
thee
,
let
not
therefore
the
grievousnesse
of
thy
sin
,
(
if
anie
such
be
)
amaze
thee
.
You
say
right
(
replyed
he
)
the
divell
hath
possest
mee
,
and
God
hath
left
me
to
his
power
;
for
I
finde
I
can
neither
beleeve
the
Gospel
,
nor
trust
in
Gods
mercie
;
I
have
sinned
against
the
holy
Ghost
;
and
God
by
his
immutable
Decree
,
hath
bound
mee
over
to
perpetuall
punishment
,
without
anie
hope
of
pardon
;
nor
Gods
mercie
belongs
to
mee
:
But
why
should
you
(
said
Gribauldus
)
conceit
so
deepely
of
your
sinne
,
seeing
you
cannot
but
know
that
manie
have
denied
Christ
,
yet
never
fell
into
despaire
?
Well
(
said
hee
)
I
can
see
no
ground
of
comfort
for
such
,
neither
can
I
warrant
them
from
Gods
revenging
hand
in
wrath
;
though
it
pleaseth
God
yet
to
suffer
such
to
bee
in
peace
:
and
besides
,
there
will
a
time
of
change
come
,
and
then
they
shall
be
throughly
tryed
:
and
if
it
were
not
so
,
yet
God
is
just
in
making
mee
an
Example
to
others
;
and
I
cannot
justly
complain
:
there
is
no
punishment
so
great
but
I
have
deserved
it
,
for
this
so
heinous
offence
:
I
assure
you
it
is
no
small
matter
to
denie
Christ
;
and
yet
it
is
more
ordinary
then
commonly
men
doe
conceive
of
:
it
is
not
a
deniall
made
before
a
Magistrate
as
it
is
with
mee
;
for
as
often
as
a
Christian
doth
dissemble
the
knowne
truth
,
as
often
as
hee
approves
of
false
worship
,
by
presenting
himselfe
at
it
,
so
often
as
hee
doth
not
things
worthy
of
his
calling
,
or
such
things
as
are
unworthy
of
his
calling
:
so
often
hee
denies
Christ
:
thus
did
I
,
and
therefore
am
justly
punished
for
it
.
Your
estate
(
quoth
Gribauldus
)
is
not
so
strange
as
you
make
it
;
Iob
was
so
farre
gone
,
that
hee
complained
God
had
set
him
as
a
marke
against
him
:
and
David
that
was
a
man
after
Gods
owne
heart
,
complained
often
that
God
had
forsaken
him
,
and
was
become
his
enemy
;
yet
both
received
comfort
againe
comfort
your selfe
therefore
,
God
will
come
at
length
,
though
hee
now
seeme
farre
off
.
O
Brother
(
answered
Spira
)
I
beleeve
all
this
;
the
divels
beleeve
and
tremble
;
but
David
was
ever
elected
and
dearely
beloved
of
God
;
and
though
he
fell
,
yet
God
tooke
not
utterly
away
his
holy
Spirit
;
and
therefore
was
heard
when
he
prayed
,
Lord
take
not
thy
holy
Spirit
from
mee
:
but
I
am
in
another
case
,
being
ever
accursed
from
the
presence
of
God
:
neither
can
I
pray
as
he
did
,
because
his
holy
Spirit
is
quite
gone
,
and
cannot
be
recalled
;
&
therefore
I
know
I
shall
live
in
continuall
hardnesse
so
long
as
I
live
:
O
that
I
might
feele
but
the
least
sense
of
the
love
of
God
to
mee
,
though
but
for
one
small
moment
,
as
I
now
feele
his
heavie
wrath
that
burnes
like
the
torments
of
hell
within
mee
,
and
afflicts
my
Conscience
with
pangs
unutterable
;
verily
desperation
is
hell
it selfe
.
Heere
Gribauldus
said
,
I
doe
verily
beleeve
,
Spira
,
that
God
having
so
severely
chastised
you
in
this
life
,
correcteth
you
in
mercie
heere
,
that
he
may
spare
you
hereafter
,
and
that
he
hath
mercies
sealed
up
for
you
in
time
to
to
come
.
Nay
(
said
Spira
)
hence
doe
I
know
that
I
am
a
reprobate
,
because
he
afflicteth
mee
with
hardnesse
of
heart
:
Oh
that
my
body
had
suffered
all
my
life
long
,
so
that
hee
would
bee
pleased
to
release
my
soule
,
and
ease
my
Conscience
,
this
burthened
Conscience
.
Gribauldus
being
desirous
to
ease
his
minde
from
the
continuall
meditation
of
his
sinne
;
as
also
to
sound
how
for
the
present
he
stood
affected
to
the
Romish
Church
;
asked
him
what
hee
thought
became
of
the
soules
of
men
so
soone
as
they
departed
out
of
the
bodie
,
to
which
hee
answered
.
Although
this
bee
not
so
fully
revealed
in
Scripture
;
yet
I
verily
beleeve
that
the
soules
of
the
Elect
goe
presently
to
the
Kingdome
of
glory
;
and
not
that
sleep
with
the
bodie
as
some
doe
imagine
.
Verie
well
;
said
one
of
the
spectators
,
why
doe
the
Scriptures
then
say
,
that
God
brings
downe
to
hell
,
This
is
the
worke
,
(
quoth
Spira
)
this
the
labour
;
for
I
tell
you
,
when
I
at
Venice
did
first
abjure
my
profession
,
and
so
,
as
it
were
,
drew
an
Indenture
,
the
Spirit
of
God
often
admonisht
mee
;
and
when
at
Cittadella
,
I
did
,
as
it
were
,
set
to
my
seale
;
the
Spirit
of
God
often
suggested
to
mee
,
Doe
not
write
Spira
,
do
not
seale
;
yet
I
resisted
the
Holy
Ghost
,
and
did
both
;
and
at
that
very
present
I
did
evidently
feele
a
wound
inflicted
in
my
very
will
,
so
although
I
can
say
,
I
would
beleeve
;
yet
can
I
not
say
I
will
beleeve
;
God
hath
denied
mee
the
power
of
will
;
and
it
befalls
mee
in
this
my
miserable
estate
,
as
with
one
that
is
fast
in
irons
,
and
his
friends
comming
to
see
him
,
doe
pitie
his
estate
,
and
doe
perswade
him
to
shake
off
his
setters
,
and
to
come
out
of
his
bonds
;
which
God
knows
hee
would
faine
doe
,
but
cannot
,
this
is
my
very
case
;
you
perswade
me
to
beleeve
:
how
faine
would
I
doe
it
,
but
cannot
?
O
now
I
cannot
.
Then
violently
grasping
his
hands
together
,
and
raising
himselfe
up
:
Behold
(
said
he
)
I
am
strong
,
yet
by
little
and
little
I
decay
and
consume
,
and
my
servants
would
faine
preserve
this
weary
life
;
but
at
length
the
will
of
God
must
be
done
,
and
I
shall
perish
miserably
as
I
deserve
:
rejoyce
yee
righteous
in
the
Lord
;
Then
after
some
pause
;
It
is
wonderfull
,
I
earnestly
desire
to
pray
to
God
with
my
heart
,
yet
I
cannot
;
I
see
my
damnation
,
and
I
know
my
remedy
is
onlie
in
Christ
,
yet
I
cannot
set
my selfe
to
laie
hold
on
it
;
such
are
the
punishments
of
the
damned
;
they
confesse
what
I
confesse
,
they
repent
of
their
losse
of
heaven
,
they
envie
the
Elect
,
yet
their
repentance
doth
them
no
good
,
for
they
cannot
mend
their
waies
.
As
he
was
thus
speaking
,
hee
observed
divers
flies
that
came
about
him
,
and
some
lighted
on
him
:
Behold
(
said
hee
)
now
also
[
*
](A01647-e2210-b)
*
Signifies
the
god
of
flies
.
Belzebub
comes
to
his
banquet
,
you
shall
shortly
see
my
end
,
and
in
mee
an
example
to
manie
of
the
justice
&
judgement
of
God
.
About
this
time
came
in
two
Bishops
with
divers
Schollers
of
the
Vniversity
,
one
of
them
being
Paulus
Vergerius
,
having
observed
Spira
more
then
any
other
,
beeing
continually
conversant
with
him
,
told
him
his
estate
was
such
,
as
rather
stood
in
need
of
Prayer
then
advice
;
and
therefore
desired
him
to
pray
with
him
in
the
Lords
Prayer
;
Spira
consented
,
and
he
began
.
Our
Father
which
art
in
heaven
,
)
then
breaking
forth
into
teares
,
he
stopped
;
but
they
said
,
it
is
well
,
your
griefe
is
a
good
signe
:
I
bewaile
(
said
he
)
my
miserie
,
for
I
perceive
I
am
forsaken
of
God
,
and
cannot
call
to
him
from
my
heart
,
as
I
was
wont
to
doe
;
yet
let
us
goe
on
,
said
Vergerius
.
Thy
Kingdome
come
;
)
O
Lord
(
said
Spira
)
bring
mee
also
into
this
Kingdome
;
I
beseech
thee
shut
mee
not
out
.
Then
comming
to
those
words
;
Give
us
this
day
our
daily
bread
;
he
added
;
O
Lord
,
I
have
enough
and
abundance
to
feed
this
carkeise
of
mine
;
but
there
is
another
bread
,
I
humbly
begge
the
bread
of
thy
grace
;
without
which
,
I
know
I
am
but
a
dead
man
.
Leade
us
not
into
temptation
;
)
seeing
Lord
that
I
am
brought
into
temptation
,
helpe
mee
Lord
that
I
may
escape
;
the
enemie
hath
overcome
;
helpe
mee
,
I
beseech
thee
,
to
overcome
this
cruell
Tyrant
.
These
things
hee
spake
with
a
mournfull
voyce
,
the
teares
trickling
down
abundantly
;
and
expressing
such
affection
and
passion
,
as
turned
the
bowels
of
those
there
present
,
with
griefe
and
compunction
;
they
then
turning
to
Spira
,
said
:
You
know
that
none
can
call
Christ
Iesus
the
Lord
,
but
by
the
Holie
Ghost
:
you
must
therefore
think
of
your selfe
according
to
that
soft
affection
,
which
you
expresse
in
your
prayers
,
inferring
thereby
that
God
hath
not
wholly
cast
you
off
;
or
bereaved
you
of
his
Spirit
utterly
.
I
perceive
(
said
Spira
)
that
I
call
on
him
to
my
eternall
damnation
;
for
I
tell
you
againe
,
it
is
a
new
and
unheard
of
example
that
you
finde
in
me
:
If
Iu
,
das
(
said
they
)
had
but
outlived
his
dayes
,
which
by
nature
hee
might
have
done
;
hee
might
have
repented
,
and
Christ
would
have
received
him
to
mercie
;
and
yet
hee
sinned
most
grievously
against
his
Master
,
which
did
so
esteeme
of
him
,
as
to
honour
him
with
the
dignitie
of
an
Apostle
,
and
did
maintaine
and
feed
him
:
Hee
answered
,
Christ
did
also
feed
and
honour
mee
,
neither
yet
is
my
fault
one
jot
lesse
then
that
of
his
;
because
it
is
not
more
honour
to
bee
personally
present
with
Christ
in
the
flesh
,
then
to
bee
in
his
presence
now
by
illumination
of
his
holy
Spirit
:
and
besides
,
I
denie
that
ever
Iudas
could
have
repented
,
how
long
soever
he
had
lived
;
for
grace
was
quite
taken
from
him
,
as
it
is
now
from
mee
.
O
Spira
(
said
they
)
you
know
you
are
in
a
spirituall
desertion
;
you
must
therefore
not
beleeve
what
Satan
suggests
;
hee
was
ever
a
lyar
from
the
beginning
,
and
a
meere
Impostour
,
and
will
cast
a
thousand
lying
fancies
into
your
minde
,
to
beguile
you
withall
;
you
must
rather
beleeve
those
whom
you
judge
to
be
in
a
good
estate
,
and
more
able
to
discerne
of
you
then
your
selfe
;
beleeve
us
,
and
wee
tell
you
,
that
God
will
be
mercifull
unto
you
.
O
here
is
the
knot
(
said
Spira
)
I
would
I
could
beleeve
;
But
I
cannot
.
Then
he
began
to
reckon
up
what
fearefull
dreames
and
visions
,
hee
was
continually
troubled
withall
;
that
hee
saw
the
divels
come
flocking
into
his
Chamber
,
and
about
his
bed
,
terrifying
him
with
strange
noises
;
that
these
were
not
fancies
,
but
that
hee
saw
them
as
really
as
the
standers
by
;
and
that
besides
these
outward
terrours
,
hee
felt
continually
,
a
racking
torture
of
his
minde
,
and
a
continuall
butchery
of
his
conscience
,
being
the
very
proper
pangs
of
the
damned
wights
in
hell
.
Cast
these
fancies
(
said
Gribauldus
)
these
are
but
illusions
,
humble
your selfe
in
the
presence
of
God
,
and
praise
him
.
The
dead
praise
not
the
Lord
(
answered
he
)
nor
they
that
goe
down
into
the
pit
:
worme
,
unquenchable
fire
,
horrour
;
confusion
,
and
(
which
is
worse
then
all
)
desperation
it selfe
continually
tortures
me
;
and
now
I
count
my
present
estate
worse
then
if
my
soule
(
separated
from
my
body
)
were
with
Iudas
and
the
rest
of
the
damned
;
and
therefore
,
I
now
desire
rather
to
be
there
,
then
thus
to
live
in
the
body
.
One
being
present
,
repeated
certaine
words
out
of
the
Psalmes
:
Spira
,
my
Covenant
I
will
not
breake
.
These
promises
(
said
Spira
)
belong
onely
to
the
elect
,
which
if
tempted
,
may
fall
into
sin
,
but
are
againe
lifted
up
and
recovered
out
:
as
the
Prophet
saith
,
though
he
fall
,
he
shall
not
be
utterly
cast
downe
,
for
the
Lord
uphouldeth
him
:
Therefore
Peter
could
rise
,
for
he
was
Elected
,
but
the
reprobate
when
they
fall
cannot
rise
againe
,
as
appeares
in
Cain
,
Saule
,
and
Iudas
:
God
deales
one
way
with
the
Elect
,
and
another
way
with
Reprobates
.
The
next
day
hee
prayed
with
them
in
the
Latine
tongue
,
and
that
with
excellent
affection
,
as
outwardly
appeared
,
blessed
bee
God
(
said
Vergerius
)
these
are
no
signes
of
eternall
reprobation
:
you
must
not
O
Spira
,
seeke
out
the
secret
counsels
of
Gods
election
and
reprobation
,
for
no
man
can
know
so
long
as
hee
lives
,
whether
by
his
good
or
bad
deeds
,
hee
bee
worthy
of
Gods
love
or
anger
:
I
know
all
this
(
quoth
Spira
)
I
know
the
mercies
of
God
are
infinite
,
and
doe
surpasse
the
sinnes
of
the
whole
world
,
and
that
they
are
effectuall
to
all
that
beleeve
,
but
this
faith
,
and
this
hope
,
is
the
gift
of
God
;
O
that
hee
would
give
it
mee
;
but
it
is
as
impossible
as
to
drinke
up
the
Sea
at
a
draught
:
as
for
that
of
Solomon
,
if
hee
had
ever
tried
that
which
I
feele
by
woefull
experience
;
hee
would
never
have
spoken
as
he
did
;
but
the
truth
is
,
never
had
mortall
man
,
such
an
evident
experience
of
Gods
anger
and
hatred
against
him
,
as
I
have
;
you
that
are
in
a
good
estate
,
thinke
repentance
and
faith
to
be
workes
of
great
facilitie
,
and
therefore
you
thinke
it
an
easie
matter
to
perswade
a
man
to
beleeve
;
the
whole
need
not
the
Physician
;
and
hee
that
is
well
,
can
soone
give
counsell
to
such
as
are
ill
;
but
this
is
the
hell
to
mee
,
my
heart
is
hardned
,
I
cannot
beleeve
;
many
are
called
,
but
few
are
chosen
.
Vpon
what
grounds
(
said
they
)
doe
you
conceive
so
ill
an
opinion
of
your selfe
?
I
once
did
know
God
to
bee
my
Father
,
not
onely
by
creation
;
but
by
regeneration
,
I
knew
him
by
his
beloved
Sonne
,
the
authour
and
finisher
of
our
Salvation
;
I
could
pray
to
him
,
and
hope
for
pardon
of
sinnes
from
him
;
I
had
a
taste
of
his
sweetnesse
,
peace
,
and
comfort
:
now
contrarily
,
I
know
God
not
as
a
Father
but
as
an
enemy
;
what
more
?
my
heart
hates
God
,
and
seekes
to
get
above
him
:
I
have
nothing
else
to
flie
to
but
terrour
&
despaire
.
Belike
you
thinke
then
(
said
they
)
that
those
who
have
the
earnest
and
first
fruits
of
Gods
Spirit
,
may
notwithstanding
fall
away
?
The
judgements
of
God
are
a
deepe
abisse
,
(
said
he
)
wee
are
soone
drowned
if
we
enter
into
them
;
he
that
thinks
he
standeth
,
let
him
take
heed
lest
hee
fall
:
as
for
my selfe
,
I
know
I
am
falne
backe
;
and
that
I
once
did
know
the
truth
;
though
it
may
be
not
so
throughly
:
I
know
not
what
else
to
say
,
but
that
I
am
one
of
that
number
,
which
God
hath
threatned
to
teare
in
pieces
.
Say
not
so
(
answered
they
)
for
God
may
come
,
though
at
the
last
houre
;
keepe
hold
therefore
,
at
the
least
by
hope
.
This
(
quoth
he
)
is
my
case
I
tell
you
I
cannot
,
God
hath
deprived
mee
of
hope
;
this
brings
terror
to
my
minde
,
and
pines
this
hodie
which
now
is
so
weake
,
as
it
cannot
performe
the
severall
offices
thereof
:
Here
one
rebuked
him
,
and
told
him
,
he
gave
too
much
credit
to
sence
,
that
hee
was
not
to
beleeve
himselfe
,
but
rather
him
that
was
in
a
good
estate
,
and
I
testifie
to
you
(
said
he
)
that
God
will
be
mercifull
to
you
.
Nay
(
answered
he
)
for
because
I
am
in
this
ill
estate
;
therfore
can
I
beleeve
nothing
but
what
is
contrarie
to
my
salvation
and
comfort
;
but
you
that
are
so
confident
of
your
good
state
,
looke
that
it
bee
true
,
for
it
is
no
such
small
matter
to
be
assured
of
sinceritie
:
a
man
had
need
bee
exceeding
stronglie
grounded
in
the
Truth
,
before
hee
can
bee
able
to
affirme
such
a
matter
as
you
now
doe
;
it
is
not
the
performance
of
a
few
outward
duties
,
but
a
mightie
constant
labour
,
with
all
intention
of
heart
and
affection
;
with
full
desire
and
endeavour
,
continually
to
set
forth
Gods
glorie
;
there
must
bee
neither
feare
of
Legates
,
Inquisitors
,
Prisons
,
nor
anie
death
whatsoever
;
manie
thinke
themselves
happie
that
are
not
;
it
is
not
every
one
that
saith
,
Lord
,
Lord
;
that
shall
goe
to
heaven
.
They
came
another
day
and
found
him
with
his
eyes
shut
,
as
if
hee
had
beene
drowzie
,
and
verie
loath
to
discourse
;
at
which
time
there
came
in
also
a
grave
man
from
Cittadella
;
who
demanded
of
Spira
,
if
hee
knew
him
,
Antonie
Fontanina
;
I
was
with
you
at
Venice
,
some
8.
weeks
since
:
O
cursed
day
(
sayd
Spira
)
O
cursed
day
:
O
that
I
had
never
gone
thither
,
would
God
I
had
then
died
.
Afterwards
came
in
a
Priest
called
Bernardinus
Sardoneus
:
bringing
with
him
a
booke
of
Exorcismes
,
to
conjure
this
divell
:
whom
when
Spira
saw
,
shaking
his
head
he
said
:
I
am
verily
perswaded
indeed
,
that
God
hath
left
mee
to
the
power
of
the
divells
:
but
such
they
are
,
as
are
not
to
be
found
in
your
Letanie
:
neither
will
they
be
cast
out
by
spels
:
The
Priest
proceeding
in
his
intended
purpose
;
with
a
strange
uncouth
gesture
,
and
a
loud
voice
,
adjured
the
Spirit
to
come
into
Spira's
tongue
,
and
to
answer
:
Spira
deriding
his
fruitlesse
labour
,
with
a
sigh
turned
from
him
.
A
Bishop
being
there
present
,
said
to
Spira
,
brother
God
hath
put
vertue
into
the
Word
and
Sacraments
:
and
wee
have
used
the
one
means
,
and
find
not
that
effect
which
we
desire
:
shall
we
trie
the
efficacie
of
the
Sacraments
,
surely
if
you
take
it
as
a
true
Christian
ought
to
receive
,
the
body
and
bloud
of
Christ
,
it
will
proove
a
soveraigne
medicine
for
your
sicke
soule
.
This
I
cannot
do
(
answered
hee
)
for
they
that
have
no
right
to
the
promises
,
have
no
right
to
the
seales
:
the
Eucharist
was
appointed
onely
for
beleevers
:
if
wee
have
not
faith
,
we
eate
and
drinke
judgement
to
our selves
:
Here
Vergerius
began
to
importune
him
earnestly
to
beware
,
that
he
did
not
wilfully
resist
grace
,
&
put
himself
out
of
haven
:
charging
him
vehemently
,
by
all
the
love
that
was
betweene
them
:
by
the
love
which
hee
bare
to
his
children
,
yea
to
his
owne
soule
:
that
he
would
set
himselfe
seriously
,
to
returne
to
that
faith
and
hope
,
which
once
hee
had
in
the
death
of
Christ
,
with
many
such
like
words
:
Spira
having
heard
much
of
the
like
matter
formerlie
:
&
being
somewhat
moved
,
said
,
You
do
but
repeat
Vergerius
,
what
should
I
hope
?
why
should
I
beleeve
?
God
hath
taken
faith
from
mee
:
shew
mee
then
whither
I
shall
goe
:
shew
mee
a
haven
whereto
I
shall
retire
:
you
tell
mee
of
Gods
mercy
,
when
as
God
hath
cast
mee
off
:
you
tell
mee
of
Christs
intercession
,
I
have
denied
him
:
you
command
mee
to
beleeve
,
I
say
I
cannot
:
you
bring
mee
no
comfort
:
your
command
is
as
impossible
for
me
to
obey
,
as
to
keep
the
Morall
Law
:
if
you
should
perswade
one
to
love
God
,
with
all
his
heart
,
soule
and
strength
;
and
God
gives
him
not
the
power
,
can
he
performe
your
desire
?
doth
not
the
church
teach
us
to
sing
;
direct
us
,
O
Lord
,
to
love
thy
commandements
:
hypocrites
say
that
they
love
God
with
all
their
heart
,
but
they
lye
:
for
my
part
,
I
will
not
lye
,
but
tell
you
plainely
;
such
is
my
case
,
that
though
you
should
never
so
much
much
importune
mee
to
hope
or
beleeve
,
though
I
desire
it
,
yet
I
cannot
:
for
God
(
as
a
punishment
of
my
wickednesse
)
hath
taken
away
from
me
all
his
saving
graces
;
faith
,
hope
,
and
all
:
I
am
not
the
man
therefore
that
you
take
mee
for
:
belike
you
thinke
I
delight
in
this
estate
;
if
I
could
conceive
but
the
least
sparke
of
hope
of
a
better
estate
hereafter
,
I
would
not
refuse
to
endure
the
most
heavie
weight
of
the
wrath
of
that
great
God
;
yea
,
for
twenty
thousand
years
,
so
that
I
might
at
length
attaine
to
the
end
of
that
misery
,
which
I
now
know
will
bee
eternall
;
but
I
tell
you
,
my
will
is
wounded
:
who
longs
more
to
beleeve
then
I
doe
?
but
all
the
ground-worke
of
my
hope
is
quite
gone
;
for
if
the
testimonies
of
holy
Scripture
bee
true
(
as
they
are
most
certainly
true
)
is
not
this
as
true
:
whosoever
denies
mee
before
men
,
him
(
saith
Christ
)
will
I
denie
before
my
Father
which
is
in
heaven
?
is
not
this
properly
my
case
,
as
if
it
had
purposely
beene
intended
against
this
very
person
of
mine
?
&
I
pray
you
,
what
shall
become
of
such
as
Christ
denieth
;
seeing
there
is
no
other
Name
under
heaven
,
whereby
you
looke
to
bee
saved
?
what
saith
Saint
Paul
to
the
Hebrewes
?
The
company
present
,
admired
his
discourse
,
so
grievously
accusing
himselfe
of
his
fore-past
life
;
so
gravely
and
wisely
dilating
,
concerning
the
judgements
of
God
,
that
they
then
were
convinced
,
that
it
was
not
frenzie
or
madnesse
,
that
had
possessed
him
:
and
being
as
it
were
,
in
admiration
of
his
estate
,
Spira
proceeded
againe
in
this
manner
,
Take
heed
to
your selves
,
it
is
no
light
or
easie
matter
to
bee
a
Christian
;
it
is
not
baptisme
,
or
reading
of
the
Scriptures
,
or
boasting
of
faith
in
Christ
(
though
even
these
are
good
)
that
can
proove
one
to
be
an
absolute
Christian
:
you
know
what
I
said
before
,
there
must
be
a
conformity
in
life
;
a
Christian
must
bee
strong
,
unconquerable
,
not
carrying
an
obscure
profession
,
but
resolute
;
expressing
the
image
of
Christ
,
and
holding
out
against
all
opposition
to
the
last
breath
:
hee
must
give
all
diligence
by
righteousnesse
,
and
holinesse
,
to
make
his
calling
and
election
sure
;
many
there
are
that
snatch
at
the
promises
in
the
Gospel
,
as
if
they
undoubtedly
did
belong
to
them
,
and
yet
they
remaine
sluggish
,
and
carelesse
,
and
beeing
flattered
by
the
things
of
this
present
world
,
they
passe
in
their
course
in
quietnesse
and
securitie
,
as
if
they
were
the
onely
happie
men
;
whom
neverthelesse
the
Lord
in
his
providence
hath
ordained
to
eternall
wrath
;
as
you
may
see
in
S.
Lukes
rich
man
,
Then
came
one
of
his
Nephews
and
offered
him
some
sustenance
,
which
he
disdainfully
refusing
,
so
moved
the
youngmans
choler
,
that
hee
charged
him
with
hypocrisie
and
dissimulation
,
or
frenzie
;
to
whom
Spira
gravely
answering
,
said
:
You
may
interpret
the
matter
as
you
will
;
but
I
am
sure
,
I
am
not
only
the
Actor
,
but
the
argument
,
and
matter
of
the
Tragedy
;
I
would
it
were
frenzie
,
either
fained
or
true
;
for
if
it
were
fained
,
I
could
put
it
off
at
pleasure
;
if
it
were
a
reall
frenzy
,
yet
there
were
some
hope
left
of
Gods
mercie
,
whereas
now
there
is
none
;
for
I
know
that
God
hath
pronounced
mee
an
enemie
,
and
guiltie
of
high
Treason
against
his
Majestie
;
I
am
a
cast-away
,
a
vassaile
of
wrath
:
yet
dare
you
call
it
dissembling
and
frenzie
;
and
can
mocke
at
the
formidable
example
of
the
heavie
wrath
of
God
,
that
should
teach
you
feare
and
terrour
;
but
it
is
naturall
to
the
flesh
,
either
out
of
malice
or
ignorance
,
to
speake
perversly
of
the
workes
of
God
,
the
naturall
man
discerneth
not
of
the
things
that
are
of
God
,
because
they
are
spiritually
discerned
.
How
can
this
be
(
said
Gribauldus
)
that
you
can
thus
excellently
discourse
of
the
judgements
of
God
,
and
of
the
graces
of
his
holie
Spirit
,
that
you
finde
the
want
of
them
,
and
earnestly
desire
them
;
and
yet
you
thinke
you
are
utterly
deprived
of
them
.
Take
this
for
certaine
(
said
hee
)
I
want
the
maine
grace
of
all
,
and
that
which
is
absolutely
necessarie
;
and
God
doth
many
times
extort
most
true
and
strange
testimonies
of
his
Majesties
justice
and
mercie
;
yea
out
of
the
mouthes
of
verie
reprobates
,
for
even
Iudas
,
after
hee
had
betrayed
his
Master
,
Thus
spake
hee
,
the
teares
all
the
while
trickling
downe
;
professing
that
his
pangs
were
such
,
as
that
the
damned
wights
in
hell
endure
not
the
like
miserie
;
that
his
estate
was
worse
,
then
that
of
Cain
or
Iudas
;
and
therefore
hee
desired
to
die
:
yet
behold
(
saith
hee
)
the
Scriptures
are
accomplished
in
mee
;
they
shall
desire
to
die
,
and
death
shall
flie
from
them
;
and
verily
,
hee
seemed
exceedingly
to
feare
,
lest
his
life
should
bee
drawne
out
to
a
longer
thread
:
and
finding
no
ease
,
or
rest
,
ever
and
anone
cried
out
:
O
miserable
wretch
;
O
miserable
wretch
;
then
turning
to
the
Company
;
hee
besought
them
in
this
manner
.
O
Brethren
,
take
a
diligent
heed
to
your
life
;
make
more
account
of
the
gifts
of
Gods
spirit
then
I
have
done
,
learne
to
beware
my
misery
,
thinke
not
you
are
assured
Christians
,
because
you
understand
something
of
the
Gospel
;
take
heed
you
grow
not
secure
on
that
ground
;
be
constant
and
immoveable
in
the
maintaining
of
your
profession
,
confesse
even
untill
death
if
you
be
called
thereto
:
he
that
loveth
father
,
These
words
(
said
they
)
doe
not
sound
like
the
words
of
a
wicked
Reprobate
.
I
doe
but
herein
imitate
(
said
Spira
)
the
rich
Glutton
in
the
Gospel
,
who
though
in
hell
;
yet
was
carefull
that
his
brethren
should
not
come
to
that
place
of
torment
:
and
I
say
to
you
Brethren
,
take
heed
of
this
miserable
estate
wherein
I
am
.
Then
turning
himselfe
to
certaine
young
men
that
were
present
,
hee
desired
them
to
conceive
him
aright
:
I
doe
not
speak
this
,
to
derogate
from
the
certaintie
of
saving
faith
,
and
the
promises
of
the
Gospel
,
for
they
are
most
sure
;
but
take
heed
of
relying
on
that
Faith
that
works
not
a
holy
and
unblameable
life
,
worthy
of
a
beleever
;
credit
mee
,
it
will
faile
,
I
have
tried
it
:
I
presumed
I
had
gotten
the
right
faith
,
I
preached
it
to
others
,
I
had
all
places
of
Scripture
in
memorie
,
that
might
support
it
:
I
thought
my selfe
sure
,
and
in
the
meane
time
,
living
impiously
and
carelesly
,
behold
,
now
the
judgements
of
God
have
overtaken
mee
,
not
to
correction
,
but
to
condemnation
;
and
now
you
would
have
mee
to
beleeve
,
but
it
will
not
bee
;
for
I
feele
too
late
;
that
good
things
belong
onely
to
such
as
are
good
;
whose
sinnes
are
covered
with
Christs
death
and
bloud
,
as
with
a
vaile
,
and
guarded
with
his
righteous
merits
from
the
floud
of
Gods
warth
,
even
as
with
a
mightie
wall
;
left
miserable
mortals
should
bee
swallowed
up
with
the
greatnesse
of
their
sinnes
:
But
as
for
mee
,
I
have
as
it
were
wilfully
with
mine
hands
pulled
downe
this
rampire
;
behind
which
I
might
have
rested
in
safetie
;
and
now
are
the
swelling
waters
come
even
to
my
soule
:
and
I
am
cast
away
.
One
of
his
familiar
friends
chanced
to
say
,
that
certainly
he
was
overcome
with
melancholy
;
which
being
overheard
,
Spira
answered
:
Well
,
bee
it
so
,
seeing
you
will
needs
have
it
so
;
for
thus
also
is
Gods
wrath
manifested
against
me
in
that
hee
hath
taken
from
mee
the
use
of
mine
understanding
and
reason
,
so
as
I
can
neither
rightly
esteeme
and
judge
of
my
distemper
,
nor
hope
of
remedie
:
you
see
Brethren
,
what
a
dangerous
thing
it
is
,
to
stoppe
or
stay
in
things
that
concerne
Gods
glorie
:
especially
to
dissemble
upon
anie
termes
:
what
a
fearefull
thing
is
it
to
be
neare
,
and
almost
a
Christian
;
never
was
the
like
example
to
this
of
mine
:
and
therefore
if
you
bee
wise
,
you
will
seriously
consider
therof
;
Oh
that
God
would
let
loose
his
hand
from
me
;
that
it
were
with
me
now
,
as
in
times
past
;
I
would
scorn
the
threats
of
the
most
cruell
Tyrants
,
beare
torments
with
invincible
resolution
,
and
glorie
in
the
outward
profession
of
Christ
,
till
I
were
choked
in
the
flame
,
and
my
body
consumed
to
ashes
.
You
say
you
are
desperate
,
O
Spira
(
said
they
)
why
then
doe
you
not
strive
with
some
weapon
or
other
,
violently
to
make
an
end
of
your
life
,
as
desperate
men
use
to
doe
?
Let
mee
have
a
sword
(
sayd
Spira
)
why
what
would
you
doe
with
it
(
quoth
they
)
I
cannot
tell
you
(
said
hee
)
what
this
minde
would
move
me
to
upon
occasion
;
nor
what
I
would
doe
.
They
perceiving
smal
effect
of
all
this
their
labour
;
but
rather
that
he
grew
worse
:
for
the
avoiding
of
concourse
of
people
;
for
everie
day
seldome
fewer
then
20
▪
continued
with
him
,
&
to
stop
the
course
of
fame
,
which
was
continually
blowne
abroad
of
him
;
they
consult
to
carry
him
backe
againe
into
his
owne
countrey
:
and
those
his
friends
that
came
to
comfort
him
,
began
to
take
their
leaves
of
him
:
Vergerius
among
the
rest
,
required
that
at
their
parting
they
might
pray
together
with
him
:
Spira
hardly
consented
,
and
as
unwillingly
performed
:
for
hee
said
,
My
heart
is
estranged
from
God
,
I
cannot
call
him
Father
from
my
heart
;
all
good
motions
are
now
quite
gone
,
my
heart
is
full
of
malediction
,
hatred
,
and
blasphemy
against
God
;
I
finde
I
grow
more
and
more
hardned
in
heart
,
and
cannot
stoope
nor
helpe
my selfe
;
your
prayers
for
mee
shall
turne
to
your
owne
benefit
,
they
can
doe
mee
no
good
.
Vergerius
came
to
take
his
leave
of
him
,
whom
Spira
embracing
,
said
,
Although
I
know
that
nothing
can
bring
any
benefit
to
mee
a
Reprobate
;
but
that
every
thing
shall
tend
to
my
deeper
condemnation
;
yet
I
give
you
most
hearty
thankes
,
for
your
kinde
office
of
love
and
good
will
;
and
the
Lord
returne
it
unto
you
with
a
plentifull
increase
of
all
good
.
The
next
day
being
brought
downe
to
his
intended
Iourney
,
by
the
way
looking
round
about
him
with
a
ghastly
looke
,
he
saw
a
knife
lying
on
a
Table
,
to
which
he
running
hastily
snatched
hold
of
;
as
intending
to
mischiefe
himselfe
;
but
his
friends
laying
hold
of
him
,
stopped
him
in
his
purpose
:
whereupon
with
indignation
,
hee
said
,
I
would
I
were
,
above
God
,
for
I
know
hee
will
have
no
mercy
on
me
.
Thus
went
he
homewards
,
often
saying
,
that
the
envied
the
condition
of
Cain
and
Iudas
:
hee
lay
about
8.
weekes
in
this
case
,
in
a
continuall
burning
,
neither
desiring
,
nor
receiving
any
thing
but
by
force
,
and
that
without
disgestion
:
so
spent
,
that
hee
appeared
a
perfect
Anatomie
;
expressing
to
the
view
,
nothing
but
sinewes
and
bones
;
vehemently
raging
for
drinke
;
ever
pining
,
yet
fearefull
to
live
long
;
dreadfull
of
hell
,
yet
coveting
death
;
in
a
continuall
torment
,
yet
his
own
tormentour
:
and
thus
consuming
himselfe
with
griefe
and
horrour
,
impatience
,
&
despaire
;
like
a
living
man
in
Hell
;
hee
represented
an
extraordinary
example
of
the
justice
and
power
of
God
:
and
thus
(
as
farre
as
appeareth
)
within
a
few
dayes
after
his
arrivall
at
his
owne
home
,
he
departed
this
present
life
.
Yet
an
occasion
to
make
us
remember
,
that
secret
things
belong
unto
the
Lord
our
God
;
but
charitie
to
man
,
to
teach
him
to
hope
all
things
.
EXtraordinary
examples
of
Divine
Iustice
,
God
never
intended
for
a
nine
dayes
wonder
:
else
would
hee
when
hee
exemplifi'd
Lots
wife
have
turned
her
into
a
statue
of
melting
snow
,
not
of
lasting
salt
;
which
stood
as
Iosephus
tells
us
,
till
his
age
,
after
the
destruction
of
Ierusalem
:
and
as
some
Travellers
report
,
till
at
this
day
:
ut
quoddam
hominibus
praestaret
condimentum
quo
sapiant
unde
illud
caveatur
exemplum
;
Aug.
de
.
civit
.
Dei
.
lib.
16.
c.
30.
for
a
season
against
corruption
,
a
preservative
against
Apostacie
.
This
Tragedy
,
when
fresh
and
new
,
was
the
conversion
and
confirmation
of
sundry
Worthies
:
Vergerius
a
daily
spectator
thereof
,
forsaking
a
rich
Bishopricke
of
Iustinopolis
,
and
tents
of
Antichrist
;
went
to
Basil
,
and
dyed
a
worthy
Protestant
:
many
Nations
had
Eye-witnesses
of
their
owne
Students
,
then
in
the
Vniversitie
of
Padua
who
penned
the
Story
,
the
Copies
wherof
are
frequently
revived
:
our
English
ones
were
very
defective
,
and
now
worne
out
of
shoppes
and
hands
,
sundry
manuscripts
of
this
abroad
imperfect
;
which
moved
mee
to
compare
this
labour
of
a
worthy
Gentleman
(
who
faithfully
translated
it
out
of
Italian
,
French
,
and
Dutch
Letters
)
with
the
Latine
of
Caelius
Secundus
,
Curio
,
Mattheus
Gribauldus
,
professors
of
the
Civill
Law
in
Padua
:
Sigismund
Gelous
a
Transilvanian
,
Henricus
Scotus
,
all
daily
visitors
of
Spira
,
and
finde
it
accord
with
them
.
Touching
Spiraes
person
,
I
finde
(
most
learned
writers
)
to
incline
to
the
right
,
and
hopefull
hand
:
moved
by
his
sweet
,
humble
,
and
charitable
speeches
:
some
few
desperate
ones
excepted
,
that
fell
from
him
in
some
little
agonies
,
which
kept
him
fasting
and
watching
about
six
moneths
space
,
eating
nothing
but
what
was
forced
downe
his
throat
.
The
sum
of
Calvins
and
Borrhaus
their
their
counsels
(
who
writ
largely
of
the
use
of
this
pattern
)
is
that
all
learne
to
take
heed
of
backe-sliding
,
which
Gods
soule
abhorres
;
and
not
to
dally
with
Conscience
,
and
hell
on
earth
,
if
justly
incensed
;
more
to
be
feared
then
the
Spanish
Inquisition
,
or
all
the
Strappadoes
and
torments
in
the
world
;
and
to
take
heed
of
Spira's
principall
Errors
;
which
were
to
dispute
with
Satan
over
busily
in
time
of
weakenesse
:
especially
to
reason
,
and
conclude
from
present
sense
:
to
Gods
past
Reprobation
,
and
future
Damnation
:
both
which
is
hard
,
if
possible
for
any
man
to
determine
in
his
owne
,
much
more
in
others
cases
:
so
commending
thee
to
his
grace
who
is
able
to
establish
thee
to
the
end
:
I
bid
thee
farewell
,
and
hope
well
,
while
the
space
of
Grace
lasteth
,
Dum
spiras
spera
:
so
mayest
thou
take
good
and
no
hurt
,
by
the
reading
of
this
terrible
example
.
FINIS
.