A notable and marueilous epistle of the famous doctour, Matthewe Gribalde, Professor of the lawe, in the Vniuersitie of Padua: co[n]cernyng the terrible iudgemente of God, vpon hym that for feare of men, denieth Christ and the knowne veritie: with a preface of Doctor Caluine

A notable and marueilous Epistle of the famous Doctour , Matthewe Gribalde , Professor of the Lawe , in the Vniuersitie of Padua : concernyng the terrible iudgemente of GOD , vpon hym that for feare of men ▪ denieth Christ and the knowne veritie : with a Preface of Doctor Caluine . Now newely imprinted , with a godly and wholesome preseruatiue against desperation , at all tymes necessarie for the soule : chiefly to be vsed when the deuill dooeth assaulte vs moste fiercely , and death approcheth nighest ▪

LVKE . 12. But I saie vnto you my friendes , bee not afraied of theim that kill the bodie , and after warde haue no power to doe any thyng els .

¶ Imprinted at London , by Henry Denham , for William Norton .

❧ Ihon Caluin to the christian Reader .

HOW frowarde our minde is in iudgyng the workes of God , and how crooked a iudgemente wee haue , it doeth right well appere by this ▪ that wher as he sheweth so many examples one after an other , in punishing the wickednesse of man , yet many dooe sleightly passe ouer , or regarde thesame , yea , some plainly scorne theim , other suppose theim to come by chaunce : and finally , all men sodainly forget them . This vnthankfulnesse , as it is not of it self to be borne , so bryngeth it also this mischief with it ▪ that we receiue not the fruite of the iudgementes of God ▪ that we should doe , whiche is briefly noted of the Prophet Esai , that is to saie , that all Esay . 26. the inhabiters of the yearth , maie learne righteousnesse thereby . By the whiche saiyng , he doeth shewe vs that being striken with feare , we ought to learne to dreade GOD , and liue an holy life . And bicause the Prophetes would remedy this all , there is no poinct of doctrine , that thei haue more to doe-withall , then to fasten in our remembraunce , suche plagues as God sendeth vpon the wicked , and vngodly persones . And yet is there ●… other other mischiefe worse then this . And that is stubburnesse , that we bee not wise , hauyng go● monition and warning : and therfore of so many aduertisementes , as the Prophets in euery pla● beate into our heads : yea , threate and thunder ● pon vs , there commeth but small profite , & fe● there been that are moued thereby . Bicause God would shake from vs this beastly sluggishnes , ● sheweth oftentymes , suche monstrous examples ● may constrain vs to fele , yea , though we be a sl●

Suche like example not long ago , hath he ●clared in Frances Spera : first in Italie , that to say , in the highest & most notable Theatre all Europe , and Christendome : secondly , in th● nation , whiche as it dooeth otherwise excell● finesse of witte , so is it in this pointe without ● sense and felyng . For there in euery place do● all wickednesse so licenciously reigne , that ● moste parte either thinketh not , that God is ● maker of the worlde , or els knoweth not , that shall come to bee our iudge . And what maru● i● it if Antichrist , with his blast infecte the ● lians so nigh vnto hym , whiche hath poured ● his dedly poison , euen vpon the vttermost c● of the yearth . And therefore we se other nat● bewitched with wicked superstitions , but ● moste furiously and outragiously , contemp● God hymself . In deede there be in the cou● some excellent & wise seruantes of Christ . ●● doubt not but god hath many shepe there ( w●●ing now scattered abrode , at length shal be ga●ered together ) , But yet in the common life of ●en ( if a man would viewe euery estate & de●ee ) there appereth nothyng but horrible blind ●sse . Then for as muche as thei despise God so ●chelously , and with suche arrogancie , let them ●ue suche scholemasters as thei deserue . Surely ●rances Spera is worthy to be one of the chief . ●or whereas the vaine fellowe puffed vp with ●bicious bragging , would prophanely dispute ●d teache in the schole of Christ : at length com●yng abrode , could but a while enioye the place ● them , of whose sort he was not . Hereby the ●alians maie learne , that vse accustomably to ●lly with God , how earnest vengeaunce he wil ●ke vpon those that scorne his maiestie . Now , ●hereas the Romishe Antichrist would by his ●gate so notably triumph vpon Christ and his ●ospell , in the persone of this wretched man , he ●th enioyed suche successe , as is meete for suche ●ollicie & subtile enterprise . As long as Spe● drewe his breath in this worlde , in the middes ●his moste horrible pain and tormentes , he ne● ceased to crie that he was euerlastyngly cō●pned , bicause he was brought wickedly to ● sweare the sonne of God , his onely health and ●uation : partly through the whorishe intise●nte , and partly through the tyrannicall threa●ges of the Legate of Rome . The voices of the Martires , whiche thei moste cruelly murder , do sounde emongst them : yea , and are heard euen in heauen : but the Pope and his garde , thinke them not worthy their hearyng . Let them delight themselues therefore with the song of this martire of theirs so long , till thei bee brought into the same pageaunt of desperation themself . I speake to the Romishe Pope , with his bande of theeues , and to the Italians by name , not bicause this example pertaineth to theim onely : but bicause this fighte was set so nigh before their eyen , by the marueilous prouidence of God : forasmuche as thei can not be wakened , but by suche tragicall motion .

In the meane season , all other nations maye know that thei are warned of the lorde . Let the Frenchemen bende and set their mynde on this , that are , through their folie & lightnesse auaunced aboue the cloudes , and are to muche accustomed vnreuerently to scorne religion . Lette the Germanes harken to this , that haue been heretofore to slacke , and dulle in perceiuyng the iudgemen●es of god , and now in their last euilles , s●me vtterly to be voide of al reason . Let the English men also , and other learne , with what re●erence and carefulnesse thei ought to recei●e Christe , now shinyng vpon them . This wretched Spera ( whether he was entised by ●tattrie , or constrained by feare , to forsweare Gods veritie ▪ whiche he had confessed ) as a notable example , that the confession of godly & wholesome doctrine ( which we so stenderly regard ) is not a little estemed before the iudgement seate of god . For assone as he suffered hymself to bee led awaie to this false simulation and saiyng ( as the reprobate cease not to commit one mischief vpon an other ) he fell into many trappes , and entangled hymself in many snares of desperation , till at length through his dotyng phantasies , striuyng in vaine ( as beastes that ar caught in snares ) he strangled himself . for asmuche then as this example of Gods iudgement , ●s bothe worthie to bee knowen of this our age , ●nd to be remembred of our posteritie , I thought good to set abrode ( as faithfully as became me ) ●his historie of hym , compiled by a learned man ●nd an eloquent : lest partly through negligence , ●artly through sluggishnesse , & partly through ●he wickednes of men , it should be vtterly loste .

For seing that euery man perceiueth how vn●iscretely suche treatises wer compiled , as haue ●een heretofore set forthe , I can not se what thei ●an profite the reader . The lorde Iesus establishe ●ur hartes in the right and pure faithe of his go●pell , and kepe our tonges in the stedfast confes●on of hym : that now singing with his Aungels , ●e maie at length with them enioye that ioye of ●he heauenly kyngdome .

From Geneua , the fifte of December .

An Epigram of the terrible example of one Francis Spera an Italian , of whom this booke is compiled . E xcesse of riches , promotion worldlie D ignities , honour , and yearthly pleasure , W ife , children , kinred , name , affinitie : A ccompt not these thyngs as perfite treasure R iches that faile not , but euer endure . D escende from heauen , and neuer turne to 〈…〉 A s these whiche oft bothe soule and bodie 〈…〉 G race , truthe , clere conscience , what treas 〈…〉 thei been . L et Spera be example to vs all I n these our daies the like hath not been s 〈…〉 O f one that had from God , so greate a fall , N ot able once hymself for grace to call . B icause the wretch did set this worldly dros 〈…〉 I n place about Christs gospel , truth , & cros 〈…〉 Sub his acrosticis latens , authoris nomen .

A greate and marueilous example of the diuine iudgement , hath appeared in these our latter daies . Wee dooe witnesse that , ● . Ihon. 2. whiche wee haue heard with our eares , and seen with our Eyes .

FRAVNCIS SPERA ▪ a Lawier and famous aduocate , borne in the Castell of Citadell : a man aboute fiftie yeres He had a tedie mynde to vnderstande the scriptures . of age , hauyng a wife and .xi. children , worldly goodes , offices , and promotions aboundauntly : After he had receiued the giftes of the holie ghoste , through the vnspeakeable grace of GOD , and had fully knowne the Lorde Iesu Christ our ●a●iour , by the reuealyng of the whole scripture , and being illuminate with the light of the holy ghost , did confesse Christ onely , and preached that wee had saluation ▪ giuen vs onely through Christ the sonne of God , and that by Christ onely we wer iustified , and ought not to putte affiaunce in any workes or merites of men●● and yet not withstandyng , ought to doe good workes , to the ende we might obey God , and liue iustly and godlie . And finally , after hée had attayned aboundaunt knowledge of the trueth , through faith , by the manifest testimonies of the holy Scripture , tastyng in the meane season in his har● , with much quietnesse , pleasure , and comfort , the giftes of the holy Ghoste , a● faith ▪ hope , charitie , méekenesse , gentlenesse , and all maner of quietnesse and tranquillitie of the minde , as he that d 〈…〉 possesse ▪ Christe , and had the fruition and pleasure of Christe : this wretched m●n ( alas too too wretched ) beyng , through the pricking for ward of his enimies , sommo●ned to appéere at ●eny● before the Legate of the chiefe Bishop , and there being accused of her●●●e , grieuously ●aunted and threatned : & 〈◊〉 constrained through f●●re , either of corporal death , or con●is 〈…〉 ti●● of his goodes ▪ vtterly abiured and denied the doctrine whiche hée tofore ha● preached , hauing commaundement to returne into his countrie , and ●●●●exan● hi● professed doctrine , in the place of Cita 〈…〉 wher he before had manifestly to 〈◊〉 ●ort , declared and taught the same , and there to contente the people and Mini●●ers of the Church , with a minifest and ●●lempne recantation ▪

This wretched man béeyng dismissed from the Legate , and prepared to his ●●urney to execute the commaundement of late giuen hym , concernyng his abiuyng , began diuersly to reason with hym●elfe , whether he should returne to Ci●adell , to confirme his recantation : either ●houlde forsake all his goodes , and goe to The holie ghost inspiryng . ●●me other place to repent . As he went in his iourney , the spirite of God continually ●ame into his mynde , and the pricke of Conscience is a thousande witnesses . ●onscience prouoking him to repentance , and councellyng hym alwaies not to goe ●o abiure : but rather to forsake Wife Children , and the whole world : yea , and ●o suffer present death ▪ rather than to ab 〈…〉re and recante the truthe whiche he ●newe .

The spirit said , Frauncis , ●e ware least The ●utter in remembraunce of our inwarde thoughtes . 〈…〉 thou confirme the Recantation whiche 〈…〉 o● heretofore haste made , take h●ede 〈…〉 a st thou confirme and ●eale with the s● 〈…〉 et of thy hart , that Epistle which thou 〈…〉 st signed with thy simple hande : thou ▪ Christian libertie . ●●t frée yet Frauncis , and haste escaped ▪ out of the handes of men , forsake not the Doe not become the seruauntes of menne . truth ▪ stand and fall no more , repent , and God wil haue mercy vpon thée : the frailenesse of the flesh hath moued thée to this , beware least the wickednesse of the spirite come after . All these thinges and manie The warnyng of the spirite . other ( as Frauncis tolde vs ) did the Spirite , and his conscience continually bea●e in his heade , the whiche spirite beyng at lengthe reiected , and his hearte beyng hardened , he decréed with himself , to preferre his wife , children , offices , promotions and temporall goodes , before the truth which he knewe , and to confirme his abiuration which he before had made , that he might inioy his temporal goodes , in worldly quietnes . And vpon this purpose , entring into the towne of Citadell , offered hymselfe to the Maior ( who was aduertised of the same , before by letters ) to be ready to satisfie the people and congregation , and to abiure the doctrine whiche he had preached before : and thi● d●●n , he departed home , the same night came to hym a Priest bringyng hym a certaine Copie of the recantation whiche be should make the next daie before al the people , and the same night , the wretch●● man tooke no sléepe : the next mornyng followyng beyng Sunday when Masse was done : this Frauncis rising vp did ab●ure the doctrine whiche hee before had mainteined , before the whole multitude of the people ▪ whiche he reported to be about the number of two thousand persons , in the presence of the Maior , officers , and other his friendes , and there did recant al whiche he before had taught , confirmyng Merites , affianceof workes , freewill Purgatorie , intercessions of Sainctes Pardons of Bishops , satisfactions . &c . the merites of men , affiaunce of workes , free will , place of purgatorie , intercession of sainctes , pardons , satisfactions : and finally , all things which he before had confuted by the testimonies of scripture , affirmyng with open protestation , that he did erre and was deceiued , but now was returned to the waie of light and truthe , and into the bosome of the holy Churche of Rome .

This done , he was appointed to paie a 〈…〉 ne of thirtie Crownes , of the whiche he paide fiue to the Priest , that brought him the Copie of his recantation , the other xxv . he gaue out of hande for a receptacle or Tabernacle of the Sacrament of the Auter . And so was dismissed of the magistrate , and was restored to his wife , children , goodes , and promotions . Ano● Whosoeuer denieth me be fore men , I will also bee ashamed of hym . this most wretched man and most vnluckie of al other , perceiued the terrible sentence of the righteous GOD , to lighte● and glister against him : and did most euidentlie knowe that the wrath of the Almightie God was fallen vppon his head ▪ By and by he lost all the giftes of the holy Dooe not make the holie ghost sorrowfull . Ghost , and Christ was separated from hym : All the benefites of Christ , all comfort vanished awaie ▪ his heart was filled with hatred , confusion , cursing , and blasphemie . And immediatly came in his mind a heape and remembraunce of all the iniquities and faultes , from the dai● of his natiuity What should I say mor● ▪ By and by christ departed from him , and the most swéete peace of Christe . And i● their place came death , Sathan , horro●● feare , confusion and dispaire .

And thus this wretched person continuyng in this most miserable estate , by ● He recanted them in Maie . space of sixe Monethes , came at the length ( in these latter daies ) with his wife children and houshold vnto Padua , when daily falling into worse estate and wors● and striken continually with greater 〈◊〉 fusion , feelyng also the terrible indig 〈…〉〈…〉 n of God against him , fell at the length to vtter desperation . And so laye doune his bed , without any feuer , léesing all 〈…〉 e vse of his body , except his spéeche : nei●er desiryng , nor eatyng any thyng , nei●er digestyng that whiche was put into ●●m by force , nor voidyng any thyng , but 〈…〉 ely drinking , and troubled with an vn 〈…〉 iable thirst , as though he would haue ●onke vp Hister and Nilus But in coun 〈…〉aunce Hister & Nilus be greate riuers . and visage , well liking , in mind 〈…〉 d vnderstandyng , most constant , moste 〈…〉 ong of remembraunce , neuer repea 〈…〉ng one worde twise , receiuyng all that ●ne vnto hym , and vtteryng learned , ●aue , and sober communication , that he ●as condempned by the rightous iudge●ent of God , that he was already in hel , continuall torment , that he was voide 〈…〉 d destitute of all hope and fauour of GOD , that he ought not ▪ to looke for the 〈…〉 ercie of God , for that hee had sinned a 〈…〉 inst the holy ghost , and that his fault 〈…〉 s vnpardonable , that the merites of He ●●●led th● knowen truth for the peace of menne . 〈…〉 riste did auaile hym nothyng , that he 〈…〉 no maner faith or hope left , wishyng 〈…〉 e in the place of Iudas or Caine , that looked for nothyng els daiely , but the horrible sentence of the iust God , and t 〈…〉 the mercie of God , did farre surmount 〈…〉 the sinnes of the world : but yet could 〈…〉 auaile him any thing , for that he was 〈…〉 probate from the beginnyng : neyt 〈…〉 He knewe hymself to be foreknowne . written at any tyme , in the booke of ly●● that Christe neither suffered nor pra 〈…〉 for hym : but for the elect onely , that t 〈…〉 iudgement of God was declared , and 〈…〉 iustice fulfilled in him onely .

Finally , that within shorte space , 〈…〉 horrible ende should come : that he mi 〈…〉 The principall ende of this matter . giue an example to all the elect , of his 〈…〉 iuration . When hee had vttered all the thinges , and many mo , moste euiden 〈…〉 and in perfite mind , in the presence of that were assembled , about thirtie p 〈…〉 sons in number , with the reuerend L 〈…〉 Bishop Vergerius : the same Verge 〈…〉 began to comfort hym by all meanes .

And when I amongst other , was a 〈…〉 to speake : the reuerend Vergerius s 〈…〉 vnto hym ▪ Deare Maister Frauncis , 〈…〉 ●s that Doctor Gribald that in this 〈…〉 uersitie of Padua ▪ professeth the la 〈…〉 godly man and faithfull , who co 〈…〉 You bee welcome : and I ill founde . to see you . Then he in his mother t 〈…〉 said . Sia lui●l ben venuto , et io il mal●

●ato . Then did I directe my communication towardes hym , and saide . Maister Frauncis , this is the illusion and mockyng of the Deuill , that euidently doth trouble your minde . Wherefore with all your hart turne vnto the blessed GOD , who is readie to haue mercie vppon you . Doe you not knowe that the earth is full of the mercy of God ? and that , if all the 〈…〉 nnes of the world were in one man , yet 〈…〉 ould thei not bee compared to the smallest sparke of the mercy of God , who said . As oft as the sinner shall mourne , I will remember his iniquities no more . Consi 〈…〉 er Peter that denied Christ thrise , and 〈…〉 hat with an othe , with whom he had li 〈…〉ed so long familiarlie , of whome he had 〈…〉 eceiued so many benefites , so many to 〈…〉 ens of loue : and yet notwithstandyng , 〈…〉 e moste mercifull God pardoned hym . Consider the theefe that neuer had done 〈…〉 y good dede , but had bestowed his whole 〈…〉 e in mischiefe , how he , through one m● 〈…〉 n of his harte , and power of faithe , 〈…〉 as receiued into fauour . Knowe ye not 〈…〉 at the hande of the Lorde is not yet 〈◊〉〈◊〉 whose propertie is to pardon and haue mercie ▪ Call vpon hym a little with your hart , and aske for his mercie ▪ And I promise you assuredly , that he is most readie to haue mercie vpon you , and to receiue you into fauour , through Iesus Christ his blessed Sonne ▪ Haue a su 〈…〉 confidence Maister Frauncis , and rise● and doubt ye not at all , God hath already mercie vpon you , and hath pardoned yo● through Christe , all your offence . They saied he , I doe not beleue . And I answered againe . Maister Frauncis , I haue knowne many by face and acquaintance that haue bene both moste grieuous sinners , and possessed of the Deuill , and in farre worse estate than you are , brougt into extreame desperation , and yet the rowe the grace of God , by the exhortati●● of their faithfull frendes , haue turned in to hope and fauour , and died in peace a 〈…〉 quietnesse , what should let you then , b 〈…〉 that ye may direct the smallest sparke 〈…〉 your hart to so oboundant mercie of God with an affection of your heart to call vppon hym in hope and faith . When I h 〈…〉 saide these , and many other thinges : t 〈…〉 reuerend Lord Vergerius tooke my 〈…〉 by the ende , and saide . Ah swéete Mai 〈…〉 Frauncis , and my moste dere Ma 〈…〉 Frauncis , vnderstand the wordes of this ●octor , who is both faithful and the Mes 〈…〉 nger of God , whom God hath sent vnto 〈…〉 u , to ascertaine you of his mercy . Why 〈…〉 e ye not beleue this ? Will ye not that 〈…〉 od should haue mercie vppon you ? He 〈…〉 ill out of doubt haue mercie vpon you , 〈…〉 d pardon all your offence , howe can he 〈…〉 nie you any thing , that hath graunted 〈…〉 u Christ his blessed sonne ? Be of good 〈…〉 éere , and lifte vp your hearte a little in 〈…〉 pe and trust . Will ye that wee saie the 〈…〉 rdes praier togither from the hearte ? 〈…〉 ee aunswered to this : I beleue all that 〈…〉 saie : yea , the Deuils beleue and are a 〈…〉 yde , but all this auaileth me nothyng . 〈…〉 y sinne is to death . Certes I woulde 〈…〉 ndly attaine the mercie and fauour of 〈…〉 d : but hee will not . All the power of 〈…〉 th is taken from me . For the Lord had 〈…〉 spect vnto Peter : but he hath no respect 〈…〉 to mée . He was elect , and I am repro 〈…〉 te , He doeth alledge his reprobation or refusyng . I will praie vnto GOD with my 〈…〉 gue , and will quickely say whatsoeuer 〈…〉 will haue me to saie . But my heart is 〈…〉 of hatred , cursing and blasphemie . I 〈…〉 eue and feele that God is against mee . 〈…〉 d as he spake thus , a flie came fliyng before his face : Lo ( said he ) nowe Belzabub calleth mée to a feaste , ye shall perceiue mine ende to approache , to the example of many , that the iudgement and iustice of GOD , maie openly be declared vpon me . And when he had thus saide , he turned his face awaie from vs , turnyng himselfe on the other side , then saide the reuerende father Vergerius . Ah deare master Francis , turne your face vnto vs . I would wee praied to God togither , and saie . Our father . &c.

Then he turnyng him , began to say the lordes praier in his mother tongue , with suche grauitie and deuotion , that all wee did wonder : and this vttered , hee added these woordes . I haue saide it with my mouth , but my hearte is cleane from it . God hath taken all his grace from mee . My heart is vtterly hardened : Ye labour in vaine . And when we had spo●ken with hym all these wordes , and many other , we had hym farewell . And so departed all thence with the Lord Vergerius , to pray vnto God for hym , entendyng to returne on the morow , if the blessed God woulde vouchesafe to shew hym his mercie .

The next daye we came to the wretched The seconde daies worke . man , saluting him as the maner is , to whom the reuerende lorde Vergerius sayde . Right welbeloued Maister Francis , is it any better with you , by the grace of GOD ? haue ye receiued no comforte in your hart ? haue you conceyued any good hope ? to whome he aunswered nothing at all : but rather continually worse , and worse . Then began we to demaunde of him many questions , and especiallye what time he fell first into that confusion and desperation , and when that vnquencheable worme did firste begin to burne his conscience , then recited he vnto vs the whole order and processe of his first and seconde abiuration : as we haue declared in the beginning . Which abiurations made , by and by he perceiued himselfe to be smitten wyth the mightie hand of God , not with any affliction or infirmitie of the body ( which he right gladly would haue acknowledged for the chasticement and correction of sinne , and would not vtterlye haue cast away hope and trust : ) But the most wretched felow from that houre , and that sodainly , parceyued himself to be stricken in heart , spirite and conscience , for God from that houre , sente into his harte a gnawyng worme , an vnquencheable fire , that sodainely he might be filled with errour , confusion and desperation , which worme and fire , neuer since forsooke hym : in so much that hée confessed himselfe to be in farre worse estate , than if his soule were deuided from his body , and he with Caine and other dampned persons , desiring rather to be in the place of any deade and damned soule , than so to lyue in his body , and that death shoulde be much more welcome to him .

Then wéeping he began to declare vnto vs horrible visions , how that he perceyued since that time continually Deuils to come to his chamber , yea , to his bed , making a noyse and businesse , putting him in feare and sheauering , sticking pinnes in the pillow vnder his heade , and sayde , that he conceyued not these thinges by a false or corrupt imagination , but euen as truely as he sawe vs all aliue , and speaking with him .

Then sayde the reuerend Lorde Vergerius . Ah deare Maister Frauncis , yo 〈…〉 spirite vtterly corrupt , representeth 〈…〉 to you these erronious illusions and f 〈…〉 imaginations . But returne a while vnto the spirite of truth , and direct your hart with hope and affiaunce vnto the blessed God , mercifull , and full of goodnesse , and without doubt he will be good and mercifull vnto you , he wyll cast from you all horror and confusion , haue sure confidence swéete M. Francis : we all haue good hope of you , through the infinite mercye of God : and ( if it please you ) let vs saye togither from the heart the Lords prayer .

Then sayde he in Latine the whole prayer , with plentifull teares , so deuoutly and grauely , and wyth such inwarde affection , as we thought , that all we that stoode by , did wéepe wyth hym , And when I behelde both the teares , the repentance and contrition of the man : I sayde Maister Frauncis , the blessed God be praysed . Now are not these the tokens of vtter refusyng or castyng awaye . You ●ourne , ye cal for the fauor of God with ●ar●est desire . Doe not vtterly dispaire of his pardon , and say not with a desperate minde , that God is against you , and that ye beleue that yée were reprobate and refused from the beginning . For no 〈…〉 a● can know , as long as he is in this mortall lyfe , whether he bée worthie the hatred or loue of God , through the righteousnesse of workes . And when we earnestly exhorted him , that in no case he shoulde fall from all hope and trust , and that euerie man that is borne ( although Eccle. ix . he had committed all the sinnes of the whole worlde ) ought yet to haue some hope of the fauour and mercy of God , whose goodnesse & mercie is muche more plenteous , than mannes vnderstandyng can perceyue : and that if any of vs were fallen into suche miserie , yet shoulde he not dispaire of the mercie of the high and good God . To the which hée aunswered : I knowe all this , and I beleue that the infinite mercy of God , doth farre surmount all the sinnes of the worlde , and that euerye man that beléeueth and hath fayth , eastlye obtayneth pardon of all the sinnes of the worlde . But this hope , thys faith , is the gifte of God . And this one Faithe is the gift of God . thing wante I , that I can neyther hope nor beleue of the fauour and mercie of God towardes mée .

And I would God that he would graunt me this one thing , that I coulde conceyue neuer so little hope and beliefe of forgiuenesse and pardon .

But this is euen as possible as to take the whole water of the sea , in one spoone , and to drinke it vppe at a draughte . If Salomon had bene in suche case as I am , and had some what knowne those thinges , which I prooue nowe by manifest experience , hee woulde neuer haue vttered that Sentence . But I doe beléeue ( and this I knowe most assuredly ) that there was neuer any man that had more manifest experience in his lyfe , of the hatred , wrath and indignation of the righteous god against hym , then I haue .

I would I were in the place of any damned person . You that are in blessed estate suppose thys an easie thing to be done , that a sinner reknowledging his fault , may lift vp himselfe to hope and faith towards God ▪ and therefore ye exhort me , for as much as ye sée me repentaunt and sorowfull , that I would conceiue some hope and trust to rise againe ▪ The helthfull hath no néede of a Phis●tion : and he that is whole , can soone giue councell to the sicke . But herein am I tormented : this is my hel , this is my confusion and desperation , that I knowe all grace to be taken from me , that I féele my heart hardened , that I can not beleue nor hope any thing at all of the attonement and mercie of God . Fewe Fewe chosen there be whome iust Iupiter hath loued . We comforted the miserable estate of this desperate man , by such meanes as we coulde : & promising that wée woulde praye to God for him , bad him farewell , and departed thence with the reuerend Lorde Vergerius .

And thus doth the wretched man liue The state of the desperate manne . in his body . A certaine strong man there is , that when he intended to giue him meate , doth binde his armes and shoulders with handes , bicause he shoulde not resist wyth his handes . And so opening his mouth by force , putteth thinne broth into his mouth with a spoone or other instrument . And yet doth he let it as much as he can , stopping it with his tongue . But it can not choose , but that some of the broth must néedes fall downe by his gaping into the iawes and palace of his mouth , and so thence into his stomake . And thus with much a doe , he is 〈…〉 shed twise a daie , but auoyding nothyng . But euer he desireth to die , and to go to hell with all spéede : lookyng euerie houre for the terrible sentence of God : as he most euidentlye and openly doth declare by his communication .

The thirde daie came wee vnto hym , The iij. dayes woorke . with the reuerend Father Vergerius , and did salute hym as the maner is : and began againe to comfort him : Notwithstandyng , he saide nothyng , but shuttyng his eyen like one a sléepe , with pain gaue aunswere . Then came there a certaine aged man , from the place of Citadell , askyng hym whether hee knewe hym his friend : whom the wretched man beholdyng with his eyen , did scarce acknowledge .

Then saide he : Maister Frauncis , I am Anthony Fontanina Priest , who was with you , the same day that ye came to Venis : about seuen or eight monethes past . Then saide Frauncis with pittifull grone , and sighings . Alas that cursed daie . Alas that cursed daie . I would I had neuer gone thyther , or else had dyed at that present .

Then began we to demaunde him many questions , specially of his olde fayth , and whether hee had at any tyme , any stedfast or perfite beliefe : and how he fell so miserably from that faith ▪ for as muche as it was vnpossible that he that had once perfitely and firmely beleued should fall from the whole . For it is written : that Roma . xj . the giftes of the holy ghoste , are without repentaunce . Then aunswered hee . Certes , I did beléeue that Christ was the sacrifice that appeased Gods wrath toward Christ onely iustifieth . vs , and that it was he only , by whom we did attaine saluation and righteousnesse , neither doubted I at any tyme in this . But I did not reknowledge the benifites He had not true charitie . of Christe , and ( to saye the truth ) I neuer loued hym againe with perfite hart . But rather tooke the fayth of the Gospell , to the liberty of the fleshe , and so did abuse that faithe , to vnlawfull licence to sinne : Often error . and did neglecte the whole studie , desire , and meane of Godlinesse and religion .

By and by , turning him vnto certaine yong men that stode by , he said . My Sonnes hearken to my words . I say not this for that I woulde plucke any thing from the holy Gospell ( whiche I knowe to bee moste true : ( but that ye should not set is muche by youre faithe : but that also ●● should doe good workes , beléeue me , that haue proued it . And then oftentimes with teares and sighynges , he did commende aboue all the scripture , the worthie Epistle of Peter , chiefe in deede of all the Apostles : ij . Peter . which exhorteth all faithfull christians to Godlinesse , chastitie , holinesse , and cleane life : and to prepare an vnspotted Temple to God .

But I ( saied he ) where as I bothe did presume that I had attained perfite faith and also boldely preached to other : and had in a readinesse all the places of Scripture , yet liued wickedly and vngodly .

And behold the manifest iudgement of God , who hath sodainely taken me in his anger and furie , not for any amendment , but to perfite damnation ,

Then rose there vp one that was there present , a man excellently learned , and long exercised in holy Scripture , and said Maister Frauncis , we doe not altogether allowe this your exhortation , wheras ye councell vs not so muche to yelde to the faith of the Gospell : but that we should also embrace and commende the affiaunce of works . For we know that there are two kindes of righteousnesse , outward and inwarde . Outwarde righteousnesse , whiche is of workes , and which the worlde doth commend , the same iustifieth not before God , neither auaileth to saluation . For Socrates , Cato , and Arestides , right well perfourmed that righteousnesse : wherby they gate muche prayse and glorie in this worlde . But the inwarde righteousnesse The rightuousnes which is in Christ , iustifieth . is of God , whiche doth regenerate vs by grace into hope , faith and charitie : and by this faith fréely graunted vnto vs , doe we liue and are iustified , and God imputeth not oure sinnes vnto vs , without the whiche , neuerthelesse , we can not be , as the scripture saith : if we saie we haue no sinne , we beguile our selues . But blessed is hee to whom the Lorde imputeth not sinne , and whose sinnes are couered .

Wherefore , there is no cause that ye should sende vs to outwarde workes , as to the Anker and refuge of saluation and righteousnesse . Than saide I : Sir , Mayster Francis words are not to be taken so precisely or exactly , as though he would compare the outwarde righteousnesse of workes , to the faithe of the Gospell , and inward righteousnesse : But he exhorted the yong men after this sort : bicause the most parte doe wickedly turne the libertie of the Gospel into the vnlawful libertie of the fleshe , and without aduisement ●buse the gift of faith , and whereas they ●●all themselues faithfull , yet denie faithe 〈…〉 their déedes . Therefore Peter in his Epistle ( whiche this man so muche com 〈…〉 ended , as ye haue hearde ) and Iames also teache almost nothing else , than that we shoulde declare our faithe in our outwarde woorkes , as Sainct Peter saieth . Wherefore brethren , doe as much as ye 〈…〉 n to make your election certain by your ●ood works . And Iames also saith . Shew 〈…〉 e thy faith , and I will shewe thée mine ●y my workes . Therefore this man bla 〈…〉eth himselfe greatly for this cause , that 〈…〉 hereas he professed that hee had the in●ard righteousnesse , alwaies neglected ●●e outward .

Then began wee earnestly to dispute The beginnyng of a disputation . of the matter , and of the estate of this ●retched man , and diligently to searche , ●heter his trespasse were mortall , or no. for the whiche , accordyng to the saiyng 〈◊〉 Sainct Ihon , wee ought not to praie . ●nd that well learned man beganne to 〈…〉 spute learnedly and excellently of the 〈…〉 nue against the holy Ghost , and of resistyng after the truthe ▪ is knowne , and made a plaine distinction ( as we thought ) of all the kindes of sinne , againste the holy ghost . And the wretched man harkened to all these thinges with attentiue eare : to whom the Lord Vergerius said . Wel ▪ beloued Maister Francis , when ye heare these thynges disputed so godlye and deuoutly , and the places of Scripture , in whiche ye haue excelled ) to bee brought forth , take you in the meane season n● comfort and recreation with vs ? And specially , seyng that you for your capacitie ▪ declare the Scriptures so eloquently , w 〈…〉 are not without all hope of your saluation and suppose that the spirite of God is no 〈…〉 cleane taken from you , to whom he aunswered . What comfort can happen to cursed and damned man ? yea , whatsoeuer I speake , heare , see , tast , or féele : all 〈…〉 turned vnto my confusion and cursse , to whom the Lord Vergerius said . Ah dea● Maister Francis , why should ye not hop● of the goodnesse and mercie of God ? Do 〈…〉 not the Lorde leade doune into Hell , and bring backe againe ? Consider Dauid the Prophet , who beyng brought downe 〈…〉 Hell , and to death : yet praied vnto G 〈…〉 with gronyng and teares , to graunt hym the renuyng of harte and spirite . And hee made aunswere : Dauid was alwaies elect and in Gods fauour , and although he fell grieuously , yet the spirite of God neuer departed from hym : Yea , hee praied vnto God , that he woulde not caste hym from his face : and that he would not take the holy ghoste from hym . But I am in farre vnlike estate , neither elected , nor in Gods fauour , but haue béene alwaies reprobate and cursed : neither can I pray ●nto hym , not to take awaie the holy Spirite from mee , for hee is quite taken awaie alreadie , and neuer shall be resto●ed . I know that god doth raise vp again , ●hose that are bodily dead , and restoreth to 〈…〉 fe , those that are brought vnto hell : that 〈…〉 , to their Sepulture : as Christ raised vp ●azarus , and brought hym againe from 〈…〉 ll. But I that am condemned to eter 〈…〉 ll death , haue no hope left of bringyng 〈…〉 gaine : but so that I could conceiue neuer 〈…〉 little hope or trust of the mercy of god : would moste gladly those to liue ten 〈…〉〈…〉 ousand yeres and more , in all the pai 〈…〉 s and torments of hel , so that at length might hope for some ende . But I dooe ▪ moste firmely beleue , that I shall thus long remaine in life , and in al cursing and desperation : that the iudgement of God may be fulfilled in mee : that I maie be an example to all the worlde , of Gods vengeaunce and iuste indignation againste a reprobate man : would God I were dead ▪ and in the place of any dampned person . Then said I , Maister Frauncis , here me a little , I cannot vtterly dispaire of your saluation . For I dare take it in good part ▪ that the blessed GOD hath so grieuously tormented you in this present life , and hath not reserued your punishment to another worlde : so that I haue some hope ▪ that God will haue mercie vpon you . And he made aunswere : Nay , I knowe moste assuredly my refusing and reprobation ▪ and that he hath not corrected my synne with corporoll punishment : but rebuking mée in his anger and furie , hath condemned my soule , harte and spirite , with perpetuall hardnesse and confusion . Wou 〈…〉 God he had sodainly vexed my body , and had left my spirite frée .

What shall I say more ? We talk 〈…〉 with him , till it was night of manye 〈…〉 ces of Scripture , and of the marueyl 〈…〉 iudgements of God . Amongst other things , I demaunded of him what he thought of The place of soules . the sleeping of soules . And he aunswered . Although a certaine Doctour of Germany supposeth that this is not manifestly ynough declared by the scriptures : yet I beleue that the soule of the elect doth 〈…〉 raight way ascend into the place of e●erlasting blisse , and doth not sleepe with the buried body . Then the reuerend Lorde ●ergerius , taking his tale by the ende , ●f this ( sayde he ) ought we in no wise to ●oubt . There be for this many places of 〈…〉 ripture : as , this day thou shalt be with 〈…〉 e in Paradice : and it is also manifestly prooued by the story of Lazarus , and the 〈…〉 h man , and Paule desired to bee dead , 〈…〉 at he might be in heauen with Christ . 〈…〉 t the length , beholdyng the vncurable 〈…〉 ague ( as me thought ) of this desperate 〈…〉 lowe , I was so bolde to aske him thys 〈…〉 estion . Maister Frauncis , I praye you answere me : for as much as through 〈…〉 er desperation , ye saye , that in this 〈…〉 e ye are worse , than if ye were with 〈…〉 dampned folke in hell : and for as much I sée you continually to wish for death , 〈…〉 t ye might go to hell , as though now ▪ bothe your body and soule were in more painefull torment , as yée doe openly wytnesse . I demaund of you , if ye had a sworde in your hande : would ye kyll your selfe ( as all desperate persones for the moste part doe ) that haue sticked themselues with weapon , or strangeled themselues by hanging . Then saide he , giue me a sworde , and ye shalt see what I will doe . Nay ( sayde I ) I doe but desire you to shewe vs your will : I can not tell ( saide he ) neyther can I saye what my will t 〈…〉 should be . And when he had thus saide ▪ the reuerende Lorde Vergerius obtayned of him againe with much a doe ; 〈…〉 saye the Lordes prayer . But he sayde 〈…〉 no more with such affection of hart , as he was woont to doe . Moreouer ▪ he did protest that his heart was quite from God and that he called hym not father with his heart , but rather curssed and blasphemed him : and therfore he sayde ▪ there was no cause why wee should labour any more in vaine , to comfort and bring him home againe . For it was euen as possible to bring him to any hope or trust 〈…〉 the mercie of God , towardes him , as 〈…〉 was possible to fill the whole worlde with one grain of Mill. Then all we honoring Mille , is a small seede . the wonderfull iudgement of God , hade him farewell and departed . And for as much as his kinsfolke had prouided a Chariot , & were purposed the next daye to conuey him from Padua , to the place of Citadell : we gaue them warning in no wise to forsake him , but continuallye shoulde get him the companye of godlye men : that the blessed God ( if it were possible ) by the continuall prayer and comfortyng of good men , might vouchsafe to graunt him his mercie .

The next day after , when the wretched The .iiij. dayes woorke . man was readie to take his iorney , and hauyng his apparell on , was brought from his bed , he behelde all the chamber with a fierce and cruell countenaunce , & horrible eyen , and by chaunce espied a Woodknife liyng vppon the table , which by and by , he snatched to sticke hymselfe . But his two sonnes that were alwaies by him , tooke him sodainely by the hand , and plucked the knife from him : wherby we maye plainly knowe what we maye vndoubtedly thinke of that demaunde whiche we asked him the day before , of kylling him : to the which he would make none aunswere , ●yding his intent . And this did the reuerend Lorde Vergerius signifie vnto mée , as an enterprise worthy to be noted , being aduertised of the same by his forenamed kinsfolkes .

Thus was this miserable man conueyed to his house at Citadell . But howe he doth , and what ende hee hath , I shall by all meanes go about to vnderstande : That maye ye see in the Preface . and being aduertised of the truth , I shall by Gods fauour , declare you the whole ▪

Fare yee well . From Padua , the xxvij . of Nouember . 1548.

These things haue we séene , and sensibly knowne , and haue thought good to write them vnto you , to the praise and glorie of the high God , whose kingdome we earnestly desire to be openly knowne to the whole worlde .

¶ Here followeth a godly Prayer against desperation .

A godly prayer against desperation .

OLyuing God , and most mercifull father , which alone of thy almighty power prouidence and wisedome diddest create heauen & earth with all things therein , in most comely forme ▪ and de●●●● order , and that of verye loue that thou dearest , chiefly towardes mankinde ▪ whome thou diddest not onely much safe to make after thine ●wne similitude and likenesse : but also diddest ●●ke m●● Lorde and gouernour ouer 〈◊〉 thy other good creatures : placing him in the Paradice of all felicitie ▪ forbidding him nothing ▪ but onely the eating of one ●●uite among many , that this one commaundement shoulde be a meane for him ▪ to knowe his superiour : and to practise his obedience towardes his Creator . But our father Adam , nothing regarding thy fatherly loue , nor inestimable benefites ▪ not waiyng the Royall state and felicitie that he was in , did most vnthankfully nothing staiyng hymselfe by thy fore admonition ) transgresse and wilfully break 〈…〉 thy commaundement , thereby deiectin● himselfe cleane out of thy godly fauou 〈…〉 vtterly losing all his former beatitude 〈…〉 felicitie , making himself of the frée son 〈…〉 of God , bondslaue to the deuill : of immo●tall , & euer to haue lyued in all feliciti 〈…〉 mortall and subiect to death and all 〈…〉 serie . And alas , not onely casting away● hymselfe by his vnfaithfull disobedienc● but ( for that he hauing the sentence 〈…〉 death and dampnation layde vpon hy● begatte vs , as the whole parent of ma● kinde ) he , in his offense , most iustly c 〈…〉 demned me , & all his posteritie : Here 〈…〉 so haynously displeased thy Maiestie , 〈…〉 so iustly procured thy wrath and i 〈…〉 gnation : that all our deedes all our me 〈…〉 tes , no not all the intercessions and 〈…〉 rites of all the creatures that euer liu 〈…〉 in this worlde , coulde not once moue t 〈…〉 righteous iustice , to pardon him , nor 〈…〉 offence committed in him : But as t 〈…〉 godly prouidence did from euermore for 〈…〉 sée that miserable fal of manne , so did t 〈…〉 mercy from euerlasting , determine 〈…〉 redéeme man againe : for thou so loue 〈…〉 the worlde , that ( at the time appointe● thou didst sende downe thy onely begot●en sonne incarnate , to suffer death for mankinde , and by his death once for euer , ●o make the frée sacrifice and omnisuffi●ient satisfaction to thy iustice , for the 〈…〉 nnes of the whole world fréely to make ●ust in thy sight , all that vnfainedly be●éeue therein . Therefore , for as much as 〈…〉 t hath pleased thee , oh father , so to open 〈…〉 y minde , and darke senses , that I doe ●ertainely knowe , and vndoubtedly be●éeue , all these things , by that infallible ●estimonie of thy sacred and holy Scri●ture , not onely that thou of thy mercie 〈…〉 oost fréelye forgiue me the offence of mine originall sinne , for Christes sake : ●ut also my manifolde and dayly sinnes , committed actually ▪ against thy maiestie : 〈…〉 most humblye beséech thée here , being 〈…〉 rostrate , and lowlye submitting me be●ore the throne of thy mercie , alwayes to graunt me thy peace ( whiche passeth al ●nderstanding that when , or how soeuer ●he worlde doe rage against me . The so●icitie or care of lyuing , losse of goodes , or ●riendes , or any thing visible , or inuist 〈…〉 le , doe molest & trouble me , that I may 〈…〉 uer haue thy peace , rest and quietnesse , in my conscience , and to put my wh 〈…〉 trust and affiaunce in thée : and so to pr●serue mee from the subtill perswasio 〈…〉 and cruell assaults of Sathan that whatsoeuer my calamities , my losses , or min● aduersities bee , or how great , hainous 〈…〉 manifolde soeuer my sinnes be : that 〈…〉 neuer fall into any kinde of desperation , other of body or soule : But that I maye alwayes remember and knowe thy bottomlesse mercie to surmount and passe the number and grauitie of all mine offences . That I maye alwayes trust in thy mercie , that thou wilte other preserue me from sinne , or of thy mere mercy fréely forgiue mee all my sinnes for thy sonne Iesu Christes sake . And that tho● wilt neuer take from me thy spirite , but euer graunt me grace , that in all my necessities and troubles , other of bodye or soule , I maye truely repent my sinnes , call vpon thée for helpe and aide , and that I maye stedfastly beleue , that thou ( lyke a mercifull father , for thy sonnes sake ) wilt fauourably heare me , mercifully forgiue me , and mightily defend me against all my enimies , and in all my troubles , that I neuer commit nor consent to the destruction of my bodye or ●oule : but euer to lyue here in thy feare and dreade , vntill it shall please thée ( of thy mercie ) to call me to raigne with thée in glorie euerlasting .

Amen . Here followeth the Godlye and wholsome preseruatiue against desperation , &c.

I. PETER V. Be sober and watch , for your aduersarie the Deuill as a roaring Lion : walketh about , seeking whom he may deuoure , whom resist stedfast in the faith .

The Preface .

THis preseruatiue ( g 〈…〉 tle reader ) is prepar 〈…〉 for thy profite : Th 〈…〉 thou readyng it at l 〈…〉 sure , maiest chose o● suche confortable se●tences , as maie bot● staie thyne owne conscience in the ty 〈…〉 of temptation : and also quiet others , w 〈…〉 the Deuill shall bee busie with them : 〈…〉 ij . Cor. ij . we bee not ignoraunt of the thoughtes Sathan , how he continually furnisheth hy● self , to bende his ordinaunce against m 〈…〉 And nowe with the consideration of t●● greatnesse , and multitude of synne . No● Ephe. vj. with the terrour of death and dampna 〈…〉 on , d●oe labour to beate the buckler 〈…〉 j. Thess. v. Faithe out of our handes , to strike the he met of hope from our heade , and to wr 〈…〉 from vs the swearde of the spirite , whi●● Ephe. vj. is Gods worde .

But here , christian reader , is thy swo 〈…〉 and buckler deliuered vnto thee , her● thy helmet put vpon thy heade , here th 〈…〉 shalte finde suche armoure and weap●● whereby thou shalt be able to withsta●● the force of our common enemie the D 〈…〉〈…〉 : and also ( by the counsaill ) to rescue 〈…〉 ers that thei perish not . Yea , here thou 〈…〉 lte finde choise of moste comfortable ●●ntences , whereby mannes conscience 〈…〉 e bee staied from dampnable despe●ion ▪

Watche therefore , stande stedfaste in j. Cor. xvj . the , plaie the manne , and bee of good 〈…〉 mforte . Resiste the Deuill , and he will Iacob . iiij . 〈…〉 from thee . Not for feare of thine owne 〈…〉 wer , strength , or holinesse : but for feare Christe : in whom by faithe thou art in●ffed . For it is Christe , through whom j. Cor. xv . ●od hath giuen vs victorie against synne , ●ath , hell , and the deuill . Neither is there Actes . iiij . any other name vnder heauen giuen vnto manne , wherein we maie be saued , but the name of Iesus Christe our Lorde . To whom with the Father , and the holie Ghost , be all honor and glorie .

Amen ▪

A preseruatiue against desperation .

FOr as muche as the diseas● of the bodye and corpor 〈…〉 death , doth so trouble ma● minde , that we commo 〈…〉 tremble & quake at the o 〈…〉 mention of them : Howe much ought 〈…〉 to feare the sicknes of the soule and dea● of the same , then which ther can no gr●ter nor more fearefull calamitie chau 〈…〉 vnto man .

And seyng that euerie man doth a 〈…〉 ( so much as in hym lieth ) the paine , 〈…〉 ries , diseases , and death of the bodie : h 〈…〉 muche more ought wee to decline and 〈…〉 chewe the causes of these euils , which 〈…〉 sinnes and offences , and feare the yre 〈…〉 God , which we so ( by our enormities ) 〈…〉 prouoke . If wee be neuer so little sicke● our body , by and by we send for the P 〈…〉 sition , we spare no cost , we seeke for me●cines and remedie , though they be ne 〈…〉 so chargeable , and all to patche and cl 〈…〉 vp this earthen vessel of our body , whi 〈…〉 doe we neuer so muche , can not last l 〈…〉 And why vse we not like diligence in 〈…〉 siryng and seekyng remedies agains● diseases of the soule , which like as they be 〈…〉re grieuous , euen so they bryng with 〈…〉 m ( without comparison ) infinitely 〈…〉re daunger . For what can it profite a 〈…〉 nne though hee haue all the riches in 〈…〉 world , though he liue a thousand yere 〈…〉 that in such health and pleasure , that ●s not once touched with sicknesse or 〈…〉 e : his soule in the meane time being 〈…〉 oued with synne , beyng captine to than , hauing god displeased with him , 〈…〉 damnation readie for hym after this 〈…〉 For truely this life must once haue 〈…〉 nde , neither know we whan , where , 〈…〉 what maner or how soone .

Therefore saithe Christ watch , for ye Matth. 25 . 〈…〉 er knowe the daie nor houre when ●onne of man will come . And least we ●short tyme of our abode ( omittynge 〈…〉 ges moste waightie and profitable ) 〈…〉 d followe trifles and things of small 〈…〉 : hee hath vouchsafe to prescribe vs 〈…〉 der , and as it were a briefe , certaine 〈…〉re wa●e : to come vnto true felicity , 〈…〉 g.

〈…〉 eke first for the kindome of God and Matth. 6. ●●ghteousnesse therof : and all thinges 〈…〉 e added vnto you ▪ Care for liuyng , care for riches , care for worldly dignitie , worldly fauour , worldly estimation , and such like transitorie things , which in déed● doeth little profite , but many times bycause both of filthie vices and also of grieuous calamities ( doth busie , doth vexe , doth trouble , doth euen defatigat vs both day and night ) but in séeking for and procuring of Godly and heauenly thinges ▪ we be most negligent , most slacke , moste dull , most forgetfull . And I praye yo● what can be a greater blindenesse , or ● more daungerous madnesse ? whilest w● be lustie , whilest we be in helth , while● we be in prosperitie , we scarcelye think● vpon anye life to come , we remember not once that we shall die . But when we be in perill and daunger by sickenesse , ● death beginneth to knock at our dore , Euen at that same houre when we should play the men and fight against our enimy , beyng sufficiently armed and weaponed afore , then begin we first to thinke vpon our armor , to thinke vpon our weapon , to thinke vpon mending of our lyfe . These thinges declare vs to be smally exercised Souldiours , to bée men of preposterous iudgement , and verie weakelings in faith . God be mercifull vnto vs . Amen .

But yet though a man be neuer so olde , though the daye be neuer so farre past , so he amende whiles he is here , ere it be night , his repentance commeth not out of ceason . Neuerthelesse it wer to be wished , that no man should defer his repentaunce to his last and most daungerous conflicte . For euen thei shall haue muche a dooe to stand and to defend them selues from the assaultes , the guiles , and inuasions of the enemie , which in the time of their health prepared & armed them selues , what than shal come of them whiche not fearyng God , neither mindyng once repentaunce , had ledde a dissolute , filthie and naughtie life , howe shall thei fight ? how shall thei be able to withstande the force of Sathan ?

Seing therefore the multitude of people is great , and the ministers of the Gospell verie fewe , neyther able to be euerie where to doe their office to euery man : I hauing a will to helpe all men : haue gathered togither and written out of Scripture , a certaine briefe forme , howe to admonishe , instruct , and comfort such a●●e sicke , that they either reading these thinges , or hearyng them red by others : may conceiue certain hope and perfite consolation , least in this most daungerous conflict they faint , giue ouer like towards , and so be ouercomed & perishe : For this is certaine , whensoeuer a man is taken with extreme sickenesse and is in daunger of death , he is assaulted wyth dyuers many , and grieuous temptations ▪ First , it is a grieuous and behement tētaption , when he séeth the moste terrible Image of death afore his eies , when he séeth he must leaue this lighte , leaue this lyfe , leaue friendes , leaue landes , goodes ▪ kinsfolkes , father , mother , wyfe , children , all thinges wherin he had here eyther pleasure or comfort . Then suche sinnes as he against the wyll and pleasure of God hath committed shall shewe and present themselues , and shall appeare more in number , and more grieuous than euer they séemed afore , and so shall wonderously vexe and tormente the conscience . Then death , iudgement , ●ell , dampnation as it were in a plumpe , shall assault and layd siege with diuers daungerous ingines against the old man of ours ▪

In these Agonies , except a man be armed with a sure and constaunt faith : it is to be feared , least he be wearied , tired , & at last ouercommed . For these temptations which chaunce vnto men liyng in extremes : appéere most huge , fearefull , and daungerous , and that for bycause out faith is verie slender , and wauering , neyther yet able to see , perceiue , or apprehende , the incomprehensible and inestimable riches of the children of God , which be remission of sinnes , through Christ ; resurrection of the fleshe , communion of sainctes , euerlasting life , and all these giuen vnto vs in Christ , and for Christ .

In these articles of our fayth we must daily exercise our selues . These we must diligently reuolue , and earnestly expende in our mindes . For though all the articles of oure fayth are diligently to be remembred , and without all wauering beleeued : yet in the Agonie and poynt of death , these foure ( that is ) the communion of sainctes , remission of synne , by the bloud of Christ , the resurrection of the fleshe , and euerlasting life : are chiefly to be minded , expended , and inculcated .

For lyke as death is the paine and ●●pende Rom. 6. of synne : euen so for synne God doth commonly punishe vs with diuer● diseases and plagues , as it is to be seene in diuers places of Scripture . Iohn . 5 ▪ Psal. 88. Deut. 28. 2. Reg. 24.

Neuerthelesse afflictions be many tymes laide vpon vs , that our faith may be tryed : For than is it easie to be perceiued howe much we loue God , what faith w● haue in him , how we trust him , whe● we be pressed and grieued with aduersitie . In thys case therefore we must ●● wayle and acknowledge our synnes , fo● the whiche , wée haue iustly incurred Gods displeasure , & deserued most grieuous paine , we must turne to God wit● true repentaunce in all oure hearte a● mynde , without all fayning and counterfeyting , we must haue recourse 〈…〉 the Gospell , where we shall finde 〈…〉 bountifull consolation . First , absolutio● or remission of our synnes , which Chris● hath instituted in the Church . Iohn . ● Receyue ( sayth Christe ) the holy Gho● whose synnes ye forgiue , they are for●●uen . This inestimable treasure is day● opened and offered vnto vs . When ●●mission of synnes is thus desired and ●●tayned : vndoubtedly then the paine ● ●ynne whiche is the disease or affliction ●hall soone ceasse and leaue vs , or else ac●ording to the most beneficiall will of our ●eauenly father : shall turne to the pro●te and soule helth of him that is disea●ed or afflicted . For this may we be sure ●f , that the paine & affliction in the body ● this worlde ( séeme it neuer so grie●ous a burthen or heauie yoke to the ●eshe ) as commonly nothing else but a ●therly rodde , wherewyth God doeth ●aw vs his children from synne , and call Psal. 88. ●s home to him . Truely our heauenly ●ther doth loue vs most feruently , he ●eareth vs good minde , & doth all thinges Heb. 12. ●r our amendemente and profite , for ●home God loueth , him he chastiseth , & ●rrecteth vs temporally here : that wee 1. Cor. 11. ●oulde not be punished in hell euerla●ngly . Though he séemeth angrye : hée ●eth singulerly . Neyther is his yre the ●e of a Tyraunt or tormentor desiring ●r perdition , but of a father seeking our ●endemente and safetie . First there●e we must crie God mercie , desire par●n and forgiuenesse of our synnes ( but ● Christ , but with a hart truely peni●t ) that we may be at one with God , and haue him mercifull vnto vs . This done we may then desire God to deliuer vs from the imminent and present affliction and disease . For so teacheth Ecclesiast. Sonne in thy infirmitie neglect not Eccle. 3. thy selfe , but praye to the Lorde : and he shall deliuer thee . Also in the Psalme , remember not O Lorde God our olde Psal. 70. iniquities , but let thy mercie speedily preuent vs : for we be verie miserable , helpe vs God our Sauiour . Lorde God of power turne vs ? shewe thy face and we shall be saued . Here we be taught first to desire remission of synne , that we may be at one with God : and after that to haue hys wrath , and the tokens of the same taken away . But whensoeuer we desire to be deliuered or to be eased of the crosse that presseth vs , we must alwaye annexe this addition . Thy wyll ( O heauenly Matth. 5. Father ) bee fulfilled .

Neyther knowe wee so well what is profitable vnto vs . Neither can we so well prouide for our selues as our most louing heauenly father . Whiche is both of infinite power , and also of incomprehensible wisedome , whiche neuer turneth his eyes from vs , whiche careth continually for vs , whiche knowethe the number of our yeres , whiche doeth quicken , nourishe , feede , keepe , defende , prouide for all his creatures muche better than they can wishe or desire . But to drawe to the more perticuler temptations , and to shewe what thinges doe mooste fiercely and daungerously at the tyme of death assaulte vs . And how wee shall withstande them .

¶ There be three thynges ▪ whiche at the houre of death , doeth wonderously vere , trouble , and feare our myndes ( that is to saie , synne , death , hell , or damnation .

Synne .

WHerein wee haue vngodlie mispente our life , whereby we haue greeuously offended GOD , and our neighbour : this commyng to our remembraunce , when wee lye vpon our death bed , doeth driue vs to a wonderous feare , pensiuenesse , and anxietie , As S. Rom. 2. Paule saieth : Wrathe , indignation too trouble , and anguishe against euery soule of man that doeth euill .

¶ A medicine against synne , vexyng and troublyng our conscience

LET vs call earnestly to remembraunce , that the sonne of GOD came donne from heauen , became man , tooke vpon his backe the synnes of the worlde , died for theim vppon the Crosse , there makyng satisfaction for vs , and paiyng our debtes . This moste precious bloud of Christe was shed also for vs , and of his death we be also partakers , so we rightly beleue in Christe . Neither neede wee to doubte , but Christe died as Rom. 6. well for vs , as for Peter and Paule : For wee bee baptised also ( as Saincte Paule saieth ) in the death of Christ . This ought to comforte vs : This ought to erecte , and ●●a●e our myndes . For seyng we bee baptized in the death of Christe , Christes death bryngeth also vnto vs healthe and saluation . By Christes death we bee also dead to sinne , by Christes death we haue also certain and sure remission of our sinnes , by Christes death we bee raised also to a newe and euerlastyng life . For baptisme is a couenaunte betwixte God and vs . And a signe of his grace and 〈◊〉 toward vs , wherein wee bee reconciled , and made at one with God again , so that wee maie now haue a ioyfull , and quiete conscience , for so muche as our synnes bée forgiuen vs , through the resurrection of Iesus Christ , yea Christ also in the institution of the moste blessed Sacrament of his last supper , speaking also to vs saiyng that his bloud is shed for the remission of synne . Now although we haue not liued alwaie innocently , neither leade suche a life as wee ought to haue dooen : yet wee maie not dispaire , but without delaie resort vnto God , by true repentaunce , call Beleuyng the Gospell . Rom. 10. faithfully vpon his name , and we shall be ●aued . Yea , lette euery one of vs with a meeke harte burst out into these , or like wordes and saie : O moste mercifull God Father of all mercie , father of our Lorde Iesu Christe , bee mercifull vnto mee a wretched synner , make speede to deliuer me , for the moste bitter ( but moste precious ) death , and passion of Iesu Christ , thy onely begotten soonne , our redemer , and onely Sauioure : Amen . Enter not ( O lorde ) into iudgement with thy seruaunt , handle me not , accordyng to my deser●yng , neither doe vnto me after my iniquities : but accordyng to thy infinite 〈◊〉 botomelesse goodnesse and mercie , t● mee vnto thee . I a miserable and wre●ched creature , am in thy hande , I am thy debte and daunger , thou maiest d 〈…〉 with me what it please thee . O m 〈…〉 mercifull father forsake me not , nor 〈…〉 me of . I am thine all that I am , there 〈…〉 no man comforte , no man helpe , no 〈…〉 deliuer me , but thou alone . Thou art 〈…〉 true comfort , the moste present help , t 〈…〉 surest Bulwarke in all necessitie . The God art my refuge , my strength , my 〈…〉 in all trouble . Thou art my Lorde , in t 〈…〉 handes resteth all my chaunce and aff 〈…〉 res . Shewe thy louyng , and merci 〈…〉 face vpon thy seruaunte , saue me in t 〈…〉 mercie , O Lorde : but in any waies in 〈…〉 extreme sickenesse and affliction , let 〈…〉 beware wee looke not to earnestly , 〈…〉 ther too longe vpon our synnes . But 〈…〉 ther lette vs haue the Image of Chri 〈…〉 moste healthfull , and precious death 〈…〉 fore our eyes . Let vs fixe in our mynd and bee full perswaded , that Christe now burdened with our synnes , that 〈…〉 hath nowe taken theim vppon his o 〈…〉 shoulders , and so hath satisfied for t 〈…〉〈…〉 d washed them awaie , that he will ne 〈…〉 r charge vs with theim , but freely for 〈…〉 e vs them , as we professe in our Crede , 〈…〉 est we saie , Credimus remissionem pec 〈…〉 orum , wee beleeue the remission of 〈…〉nes .

And that thou maiest be assured thereof g 〈…〉 ‑ 〈…〉 ell reader , with a full perswasion of faithe , I haue noted out of Gods holie woorde , some places , shewyng .i. Howe Christe our true Messias was promised from the beginnyng of the worlde , and so from tyme too tyme .ij. The assuraunce that he is come . 〈…〉 j. To what ende Christes commyng is .

GOD saied vnto Abam , the Gen. 2. Christ our Messias promised . Gen. 12. Seede of the woman shall treade doune the Serpentes heade .

God saied vnto Abraham thy seede all the nations of the yearth all Bee blessed , bicause thou hast heard ●y voice .

Moises saied vnto the children of Is 〈…〉 ell , Deuter. 18. Actes 3. a Prophet shall the lorde your God 〈…〉 I se vp vnto you , euen of your own bre 〈…〉 en , like vnto me , hym shall you heare 〈…〉 all thynges , whatsoeuer he shall sa●● 〈…〉 t● you .

God saied vnto Dauid , I will sette vp ● . Kings . ● . ●y ●e●de after thee , whiche shall procede out quities : but accordyng to thy infinite ● botomelesse goodnesse and mercie , ta● mee vnto thee . I a miserable and wreched creature , am in thy hande , I am thy debte and daunger , thou maiest do● with me what it please thee . O mos● mercifull father forsake me not , nor ● me of . I am thine all that I am , there t● no man comforte , no man helpe , no ma● deliuer me , but thou alone . Thou art th● true comfort , the moste present help , th● surest Bulwarke in all necessitie . Th● God art my refuge , my strength , my hel● in all trouble . Thou art my Lorde , in th● handes resteth all my chaunce and aff●res . Shewe thy louyng , and mercif●● face vpon thy seruaunte , saue me in th● mercie , O Lorde : but in any waies in o● extreme sickenesse and affliction , let ● beware wee looke not to earnestly , n●●ther too longe vpon our synnes . But rather lette vs haue the Image of Christ● moste healthfull , and precious death b●fore our eyes . Let vs fixe in our mynd● and bee full perswaded , that Christe now burdened with our synnes , that ●●ath nowe taken theim vppon his ow● shoulders , and so hath satisfied for the●● 〈…〉 d washed them awaie , that he will ne●r charge vs with theim , but freely for●e vs them , as we professe in our Crede , when we saie , Credimus remissionem pec●torum , wee beleeue the remission of ●nes .

And that thou maiest be assured thereof gē●ell reader , with a full perswasion of faithe , I haue noted out of Gods holie woorde , some places , shewyng .i. Howe Christe our true Messias was promised from the beginnyng of the worlde , and so from tyme too tyme .ij. The assuraunce that he is come . iij. To what ende Christes commyng is .

GOD saied vnto Abam , the Gen. 2. Christ our Messias promised . Gen. 12. Seede of the woman shall treade doune the Serpentes heade .

God saied vnto Abraham thy seede all the nations of the yearth all Bee blessed , bicause thou hast heard ●y voice .

Moises saied vnto the children of Is●●ell , D●uter . 18. Actes 3. a Prophet shall the lorde your God ●ise vp vnto you , euen of your own bre●ren , like vnto me , hym shall you heare ● all thynges , whatsoeuer he shall sat●●nto you .

God saied vnto Dauid , I will sette vp ● Kings ▪ ● . ●y seede after thee , whiche shall procede out of thy bodie , and I will stablishe th● seate of his kyngdome for euer , and ● will bee his father , and he shall bee m● sonne , and my mercie will I neuer tak● from hym .

Dauid saieth in the spirit of God , th● Psal. 2. art my soonne this daie begat I thee .

Againe thy seate O God , indureth fo●euer . Psal. 2.

Beholde , a virgine shall conceiue an● Esay . 7. beare a soonne , and thou his mother , sh● call his name Emanuell , that is to sa● God with vs .

Vnto vs a childe is borne , vnto vs Esay . 9. soonne is giuen , vpon his shoulder sh● the kyngdome lye , he shall be called ● his owne name , wonderfull , the giuer ● counsaile , the mightie GOD , the euerlastyng father , the prince of peace .

There shall a Rodde spryng out of th● Esay . 11. kinred of Iesse , & a blossome shall spryn● out of his Roote , and the Spirite of th● Lorde shall rest vpon hym .

Beholde my seruaunte vpon whom● Esay . 42. leane , my electe , in whom my soule ● pacified .

Beholde saieth the Lorde , the sy● Ieremy . 23. shall come , that I will raise vp a righ● ●s braunche vnto the house of thy ser●unte Dauid , whiche kyng shall beare ●le , and he shall prospere in wisedome .

The Aungell of the Lorde saied vnto Matth. 1. Fyue wytnesses among many that the true Messias is come . Luke . 1. ●●seph , feare not to take vnto thee Ma● thy wife , for that whiche is conceiued her , commeth of the holie Ghoste , she ●ll bryng forthe a sonne , and thou shall ●l his name Iesus , for he shall saue his ●●ople from their synnes .

The Prophete Zacharie saieth , bles● bee the Lorde God of Israell ▪ for he ●th visited and redemed his people , and ●th raised a mightie saluation for vs ▪ in ●e house of his seruaunte Dauid , as he ●●ke by the mouthe of his holie Pr●●etes , whiche hath been since the world ●●●ne , that wée should bee saued from 〈…〉 enemies , and from the handes of all ●t ●ate vs .

Lorde , now lettest thou thy seruaunt ●art in peace , accordyng to thy worde , ● myne eyes haue seen thy Saluation , ●iche thou hast prepared before the face ●ll thy people , to bee a light to lighten 〈…〉 Gentiles , and to bee the glorie of thy ●ple Israell .

Sain● Ihon Baptist saieth . Beholde Ihon. 1 . the Lambe of God , whiche taketh awaie the synnes of the worlde .

5 Our heauenly father saieth , This is Matth. 9. 17. my deare soonne in whom I doe delight , heare hym .

Who saieth , the whole neede not the To what end Christes comyng is . Phisition but thei that are sicke , for I come not to call the righteous , but the synners to repentaunce .

The sonne of manne came not to bee Matth. 20. ministered vnto , but to minister , and to giue his li●e for many .

He that beleueth and is baptized shall Mark. 16. bee saued , but he that beleueth not , shall bee da 〈…〉 ed.

God so loued the worlde , that he gaue his onely begotten soonne , that whosoeuer beleueth in hym should not perishe , but haue euerlastyng life .

He that beleueth on hym shall not bee Marke . 3. condemned , but he that beleeueth not , i● condemned alreadie , because he beleued not in th● name of the onely begotte● soonne of God .

He that heareth my woordes , and b●leueth Ihon. 5. on hym that sente me , hath euerlastyng life , and shall not come into 〈…〉 nation , but is escaped from death to life .

Christe saieth , this is the woorke of Ihon. 6. GOD , that he beleue on hym whom he hath sent .

Verily , verily , I saie vnto you , he that Ihon. 6. ●eleueth in me hath euerlastyng life .

I am the resurrection and life , he that Ihon. 11. ●eleueth on me , ye though he were dead , ●et shall he liue , and whosoeuer liueth ●nd beleueth in me shall neuer die .

I am come a light into the world , who●oeuer Ihon. 12. beleeueth in me , shall not bide in ●arkenesse ▪

I am the wai● , the truthe , and the life , Ihon. 14. 〈…〉 man commeth to the father , but by me .

This is the life eternall , that thei Ihon. 17. ●ight knowe thee the onely verie God ▪ ●nd whom thou hast sent Iesus Christ .

Sainct Peter saith , Christ is the stone Actes . 4 . ●hiche was caste awaie of you builders , ●hiche is become chief of the corner , nei●her is there Saluation in any other , for ●mong men vnder heauen , there is giuen one other name , wherein we muste bée 〈…〉 ued .

To Christ bare all the Prophetes wit●esse , Actes 1● . that through his name , whosoeuer ●●leeueth in hym , shall receiue remission ●f synnes ▪

Sainct Paule saieth , through Christ 〈…〉 Actes . xiij . preached vnto vs the forgiuenesse of sy●nes , and that by hym all that beleeue , a 〈…〉 iustified from all thynges , from which● wee could not bee iustified by the Law● of Moises .

Sainct Paule to the Romanes saieth Rom. 1. the iuste shall liue by faithe .

The righteousnesse of God , comm 〈…〉 by the faithe of Iesus Christ , vnto al 〈…〉 vpon all that beleue .

There is no difference , for all haue 〈…〉ned , Rom. 3. and are destitute of the glorie of g 〈…〉 but are iustified freely by his grace , th●rowe the redemption that is in Chris● Iesus , whom God hath sette for the as seate of mercie , through faith in his bl 〈…〉 that he might be coumpted iuste , and th● iustifier of hym which beleueth in Iesu●

To hym that woorketh not , but bel●ueth on hym that iustifieth the vngodl 〈…〉 his faithe is coumpted for righteousnes●●

By faithe is the inheritaunce giu●● that it might come of fauour , and the pr●mise might be sure to all the seede .

Christe was deliuered to death for 〈…〉 Rom 4. synnes , and rose againe for our iustif 〈…〉tion .

Because we are iustified by faithe , we Roma . v. are at peace with god the father , through our lorde Iesus Christ , by whom we haue awaie in through Faithe , to that grace wherein wee stande , and reioyce in hope of the glorie of God .

God setteth out his loue that he hath to vs , seyng that while we were yet synners , Christe died for vs , muche more now , seyng we are iustified in his bloud , shall wée bee saued from wrathe through hym : for if when wée were enemies , wee were reconciled to GOD by the death of his soonne , muche more seeyng wee are reconciled , wée shall bee preserued by his life .

Not onely so , but we also ioye in God Roma . v. by the meanes of our lorde Iesus Christ , by whom wée haue now receiued the attonement .

Eternal life is the gift of God , through Roma . vj. Iesus Christ our Lorde .

There is no damnation to them whiche Roma . viij . are in Christe Iesu , whiche walke not after the fleshe , but after the spirite .

We knowe that all thynges woorke for the best , vnto them that loue God , and them whiche be appointed before them , he also calleth , and whiche he calleth them he iustifieth , and whiche he iustifieth , them also he glorifieth .

What shall we say them to these things , if God be on our side , who can be against vs , whiche spared not his owne sonne , but gaue him for vs all , how shall he not with him giue vs all thinges also .

Who shall lay any thing to the charge of Gods chosen , it is God that iustifieth , who then shall condemne , it is Christe whiche is dead , ye rather whiche is risen againe , whiche is also on the right hande of God , and maketh intercession for vs .

If thou shalt knowledge with thy mouth that Iesus is the Lorde , and shalt beléeue in thy harte , that God raysed him vp from death , thou shalt be safe , for the beliefe of the harte iustifieth , & to knowledge with thy mouth maketh a man safe .

Christ is the ende of the lawe , to iustifie Roma . x. all that beleue .

None of vs liue vnto himselfe , if we liue we liue vnto the Lorde : and if we die , we dye vnto the Lorde , whether we lyue therfore or die , we are the Lordes , for Christ therfore died and rose againe , and reuiued , that he might be Lorde both of quicke , and dead .

Sainct Paule sayth : Christe Iesu of Corrin . i. God is made vnto vs wisedome , righteousnesse , sanctification and redemption .

We are washed , we are sanctified , we Corin. vj. are iustified , by the name of our Lorde Iesus Christ , & by the spirite of our God .

Christ died for our sinnes , agréeing to Corin. xv . the Scriptures , he was buried and rose againe the thirde daye , according to the scriptures .

As by Adam al die , euen so by Christ Corin. xv . shal all be made aliue .

Death is swallowed vp in victorie , death where is thy sting , hell where is thy victorie , the sting of death is synne , and the strength of synne is the lawe : hut thankes be vnto God , whiche hath giuen vs victorie through oure Lorde Iesus Christe .

Therefore my deare brethren be stedfast Corin. xv . and vnmoueable , alwayes riche in the workes of the Lorde , for as muche as ye knowe , as your labor is not in vaine in the Lorde .

By faith ye stande . Corin. j. Corin. iiij .

According as it is written in the 116. Psalme . I beleue & therefore haue I spoken : we also beleue , and therefore speake , for wee knowe that he whiche raysed vp the Lorde Iesus , shall raise vs vp also by the meanes of Iesus , and shall sette vs with you .

God hath made Christ to be synne for Corin. v. vs , whiche knewe no synne , that we by his meanes shoulde be that righteousnesse , whiche before God is allowed .

A man is not iustified by the déedes of Gala. j. the lawe , but by the faithe of Iesus Christe , and therfore haue we beleued on Iesus Christ , that we might be iustified by the faythe of Christe , and not by the déedes of the lawe , because that by the déedes of the lawe , no fleshe shall be iustified .

For the lyfe whiche I nowe lyue in Gala. ij . the fleshe ▪ I liue by the faith of the sonne of God , whiche loued me , and gaue himselfe for me , I dispise not the grace of GOD , for if righteousnesse come by the law , then dyed Christ in vaine .

Abraham beleued to God , and it was Gala. iij. counted to him for righteousnes .

The scripture sawe before hande , that Gala. iij. God would iustifie the Heathen through faith , and therefore shewed before hand● glad tidings vnto Abraham , in thée shall all nations be blessed , so then they which be of faith are blessed with faithfull Abraham . Vnderstand therefore that the● whiche are of faith , the same are the children of Abraham .

Christ hath delyuered vs from the curse af the law , and was made accurssed for vs .

That we might receyue the promise of the spirite by fayth .

The scripture concludeth all thinges vnder synne , that the promise by the faith of Iesus Christe , shoulde be giuen to them that beléeue .

We are all the sonnes of God by the faith whiche is in Christe Iesus .

We be all one in Christe , Iewe , Gentle , bonde , and frée man and woman .

If ye be Christes , than are ye Abrahams Gala. v. séede , and heires by promise .

Ye are gone quite from Christ , as many Gala. v. as are iustified by the Lawe , and are fallen from grace , we looke for and hope in the spirite , to be iustified through faithe .

God forbidde that I shoulde reioyce in Gala. vj. anything , but in the crosse , death and passion of our Lorde Iesus Christ● .

For in Christe Iesu neither Circumcision Cala. vi . auaileth any thyng at all , nor vncircumcision , but a new creature in Christ , and of the houshold of God .

By Christ we haue redemption thorow Ephesi . j. his bloude , euen the forgiuenesse of oure synnes , according to the riches of his grace .

By grace are ye made safe thorowe Ephe. ij . faith , and that not of your selues , for it is the gifte of God , and commeth not of workes , least any man shoulde boaste himselfe .

We are made nie vnto God by the Ephesi . ij . bloud of Christe , for he is our peace , and hath broken downe the wall that was a stop betwene vs , and by hym we haue an open waye in one spirite vnto the father : nowe therefore we are no more strangers , but citezens with the saintes .

By Christe we haue boldenesse and entrance , with the confidence whiche we haue by faith in him .

Christe is gone vp on high ▪ and hath Ephesi . iiij . ledde captiuitie captiue , and ●ath giuen giftes vnto men .

Christe is to me lyfe , and death is to Philip. j. mée aduantage .

In Christe we haue redemption thorowe Colos. j. his bloude , that is to saye , the forgiuenesse of synnes .

In Christe dwelleth all fulnesse , and Colos. j. thorowe the bloude of his Crosse , are all thinges reconciled to God the father , & set at peace both in heauen and earth .

We whiche were deade in synne , hath Colos , ij . Christ forgiuen vs all our trespasses : and hath put out the hande writing that was against vs , contained in the lawe written : and that hath he taken out of the waye , and hath fastned it to his crosse , and hath spoiled rule and power , and hath made a shewe of them openly , and hath triumphed ouer them openly in his owne persone . Timo. j.

This is a true saying , by all meanes worthye to be receyued , that Christe Iesus came into the worlde to saue synners .

There is one God , and one Mediator Timo. ij . betwéene God and man , whiche is , the man Iesus Christ , whiche gaue himselfe a raunsome for all men .

The power of God hath saued vs , and Timo. ij . calleth vs with and holy calling , not according to our deedes , but according to hys owne purpose & grace , whiche grace was giuen thorowe Christe Iesus before the worlde was , whiche hath put away death , and hath brought lyfe and immortalitie vnto lyght , thorowe the Gospell .

God hath not saued vs for the deedes Titus . iij. of righteousnesse , whiche we wrought , but of his mercie hath he saued vs .

Christe in his owne person hath purged Hebre. j. our synnes .

Christ hath put downe thorow death , Hebre. ij . him that had Lordiship ouer death , that is to say , the Deuill , and that he might delyuer them , whiche for feare of death were all their life tyme in daunger and boundage .

Christe is an euerlastyng Priesthoode : Hebre. vij . wherefore he is able also euer to saue them that come vnto God by him , for as muche as he euer lyueth to make intercession for vs .

We are sanctified by the offering of Hebre. x. the body of Christ once for all .

With one offering hath God made Hebre. x. perfite for euer them that shall be sanctified .

We are not redemed with corruptible i. Peter . j. syluer and gould , but with the precious bloud of Christe as of a Lambe vn●efiled and without spote .

Christe his owne selfe bare oure synnes Peter . j. in his bodye on the Tree , by whose stripes ye were healed .

Christe hath once suffered for synnes , Peter . iij. ●he iust for the vniust to bring vs vnto God .

If we say we haue no synne , we de●eyue Ihon. j. our selues , and the truth is not in ●s , if we acknowledge our synnes , he is ●aithfull and iust , to forgiue vs our syn●es , and to clense vs from all vnrigh●eousnesse .

If any man synne we haue an aduo●ate Ihon. ij . with the ▪ Father Iesus Christe the ●ighteous , and he it is that obtayneth ●race for oure synnes .

Christe appeared to take away oure Ihon. iij. ●●nnes .

For this purpose appeared the sonne Ihon. iij. ● God , to lose the workes of the Deuill . Ihon. iij.

This is Gods commaundement that ●e beleeue in the name of his sonne Ie●● Christ , and loue one another .

In this appeareth the loue of God to Ihon. iij. ● warde , because that God sent his one ▪ begotten soonne into this worlde ▪ that we might liue thorow him .

God hath loued vs , and sent his sonn● Ihon. iiij . to make agreement for vs .

Hereby perceyue we his loue that 〈◊〉 Ihon. iiij . gaue his life for vs .

Here is the loue perfite in vs , that w● Ihon. iiij . should haue trust in the daie of iudgeme●● there is no feare in loue , but perfect lo●… casteth out feare .

He that beleueth not God , hath ma●… hym a lyer , because he beleeueth not 〈◊〉 recorde that God gaue of his soonne , a●● this is the recorde , how that GOD h●●… giuen vs eternall life , and this life is his soonne , he that hath the soonne ha●… life , and he that hath not the soonn●… God , hath not life ,

These thynges doe I write vnto y●●… Ihon. v . that beleue on the name of the soonne 〈◊〉 GOD , that ye maie knowe , how that haue eternall life , and that ye maie b●…leue in the name of the soonne of God .

Iesus Christ is verie GOD , and et●●nall ●hon . v. life .

Christe hath loued vs , and washed Apoca. j. from our synnes in his owne bloud , 〈◊〉 made vs Kynges and Priestes vnto 〈◊〉 his father .

Christe is Lorde of Lordes , and kyng Apoca : xvi● . ● Kynges , and thei that are on his side , ●e called , and faithfull chosen .

He that ouercommeth , shal in all thin●s , Apoca. xxj . and I will bee his God , and he shall ●e my soonne .

He that testifieth these thinges , saieth ▪ Apoca. xxij The ende . it , I come quickly , euen so come lorde ●esu .

1 The Paschall Lambe of the Iewes , Exod. xij . Ihon. j. Ephe. v. Peter . ij . the figure of the true Paschall Lambe ●●sus Christ , whiche is the pure and vn●filed Lambe of GOD , whiche offered ●●mself a sweete smellyng Sacrifice to ●OD for vs , whiche neuer committed 〈…〉 ne , and in his mouthe no guile was 〈…〉 unde .

2 Christ was figured by Manna , which Exod. xvj . ●od gaue from heauen vnto the Israeli 〈…〉 , to eate in the deserte .

3 The rocke gushyng out , the comfor●●ble Exod. xvij . waters signifieth Christ .

The brasen Serpent in the old lawe , Deut. xxj . ●as a figure also of Christ .

4 Whosoeuer shall drinke of the wa 〈…〉 Ihon. ii●● . that I shall giue hym , shall neuer ●irste ▪

1 Christe is that welbeloued soonne of Math. iij. x●●● . God , for whose sake the heauenly father was well pleased .

2 Christe is that kyng , whiche forga 〈…〉 Math. xviii . the seruaunte the tenne thousande T●lentes , whiche he ought .

3 Christe is that moste louyng Sam●ritane , Luke . ● . whiche healed the wounded m 〈…〉 that was halfe dead .

4 Christe is that tender Shephe 〈…〉 Luke xv . whiche fetched home vnto the shee● folde , euen vpon his shoulders the l 〈…〉 sheepe .

5 Christe is that most gentle fath●● whiche with so great ioye , and with 〈…〉 bracing armes receiued home againe 〈…〉 lost sonne .

Come vnto me all ye that labour 〈…〉 Math. xi . An exhortation . are laden , and I shall refresh you . Lo , 〈…〉 calleth al , he refuseth , he excludeth n 〈…〉 we must include also our selues with his wordes .

All we must resort to him , and he 〈…〉 receiue and refresh vs .

God setteth forthe his loue towa 〈…〉 Roma . v. For Christ died for vs , when we 〈…〉 yet synners : muche more now the 〈…〉 we being iustified by his bloude , sh 〈…〉 safe from wrath by hym .

Christe Iesus is become vnto vs wi●dome , i. Cor. j. righteousnesse , holinesse , and re●●mption . Here let vs confort our selues , 〈…〉 at though we haue beene neuer so ●eat synners , yet let vs confesse and ●●owledge our synne , let vs call for mer 〈…〉 and pardon , let vs vnfainedly beleeue ●●riste to be oure onelye health , iustice , 〈…〉 redemption , and straight way he is 〈…〉 he will by and by ●●uer and put away 〈…〉 ●ynnes , in s●●he sorte that we shall ●●e feare no peril nor daunger .

Him that knew no fynne , hath God ij . Cor. ● . 〈…〉 de synne . j. a payement of synne for 〈…〉 that we shoulde become the righ 〈…〉 snesse of God by hym .

Christe gaue himselfe for our synnes , Gala. j . 〈…〉 he might deliuer vs from this pre 〈…〉 wicked worlde , according to the 〈…〉 of God our father .

●hriste Iesus is come into this worlde j. Titus . j . 〈…〉 e synners .

●hriste Iesus hath giuen himselfe a j. Titus . ij . 〈…〉 ption for all men . This let vs con〈…〉 ly beleeue , vndoubted we be of the 〈…〉 er of those that shall be saued . For 〈…〉 he is come a redemption for all 〈…〉 thinges that he hath suffered , pertaineth no lesse to thee and mee , and euerie one of vs ( so we beleeue ) than to P●ter or Paule , Christ hath borne our synnes in his body vpon the Crosse .

By these places and suche lyke , we i. Peter . ij . maye see how God the father ( which● will not the death of a synner , but th 〈…〉 we shoulde tourne and liue ) for that m 〈…〉 seruent burning loue that he bear 〈…〉 towarde vs , hath eased vs of the burth 〈…〉 of our synne , and hath laide it vpon 〈…〉 Esay . liij . backe of his moste deere beloued soon 〈…〉 whiche his sonne hath so taken , bor 〈…〉 and suffered for them , that they can ●uer condemne vs . For God taketh 〈…〉 reputeth the death of his sonne for a 〈…〉 satisfaction and payement for all our 〈…〉nes ▪ so that we truely beleeue in h 〈…〉 For seyng that our synnes thus laied 〈…〉 Christe , coulde not ouercome him , 〈…〉 taine him in death , nor damne him ( 〈…〉 why he rose againe ) vndoubtedly a 〈…〉 satisfaction is alreadie made for them ▪ 〈…〉 iustice of God is fully aunswered , 〈…〉 they be vtterly hid and forgiuen . 〈…〉 beleeue this and we shall not peri 〈…〉 uerlastingly . For Christe is now 〈…〉 ours , with all that he hath wit 〈…〉〈…〉 at h , with his resurrection , with his as 〈…〉tion into heauen , with his lyfe , his 〈…〉 rites , his glorie . As sainct Paule wit 〈…〉 sseth Qui proprio filio suo non sepercit . Rom. 8. Wherefore Sathan , hath 〈…〉 w no title to vs , he can not meddle with 〈…〉 , he hath no power to hurt vs ▪ Forso 〈…〉 e as we be iustified by Christ , pur 〈…〉 from our synnes , and made the chil 〈…〉 n of God by Christ , who hath recon 〈…〉 d vs and wrought our peace , we must 〈…〉 refore be of good comfort . For seeing 〈…〉 be in the handes of God , that is om 〈…〉 otent , who is now oure best , moste 〈…〉ng , and trustie Father , we be in a 〈…〉 porte , we be without daunger , there 〈…〉 o incommoditie , nor aduersitie hurte 〈…〉 or we be inuironed with the custodie 〈…〉 od , and the garde of Aungels , out of 〈…〉 handes of this heauenlye father , can 〈…〉 reature by force pluck vs . When we Ihon. viij . 〈…〉 t an ende by death of this crosse and 〈…〉 orall affliction , then haue we ended 〈…〉 ourney , then haue wee finished oure 〈…〉re . Christe hath borne the same 〈…〉 e ▪ Christe hath passed the same 〈…〉 e , he hath suffered lyke death , he is heade , we must be lyke to him , we suffer with him , if we intende to raigne with him , we must leaue this ●●●porall life , ere that we can enioye 〈◊〉 euerlasting . Let not oure synnes tro●●… vs : let them not torment oure cons●●●…ces , as thought they coulde not befor●…●…uen . They are alreadie forgiuen , if 〈◊〉 repent and beleeue : Christe is all 〈◊〉〈◊〉 as muche as he is . He by his innoce●●… hath couered and taken awaye oure ●●…nes . As Christe can not bee dampne●…●…uen so we can not be dampned , if w●●… right faith , we cleaue vnto him . As si●●… death , and helle , had no power agai●… Christe , so haue they no power ag●… vs , so we be in Christe , and Christe i●●… Yf the matter had bene lefte and ●…mitted to vs , to haue borne oure o●●… synnes , and to haue satisfied for th●… they woulde haue beene to heauy 〈◊〉〈◊〉 wee had not beene able to stande t●… them , they woulde haue pressed 〈◊〉〈◊〉 sunke vs downe to Hell. But Ch●●●●… both God and man , hath ( of his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 free will ) offered himselfe for vs , he 〈◊〉〈◊〉 taken oure tourne , he hath playde 〈◊〉 parte , and paide for vs all that we o●●… As it is in the Psalme spoken in th●…●●…sone of Christe , I paide that I ough●… 〈…〉 e had trespassed we wer the detters , so farre behinde hande , that all that was in 〈…〉 s , was not able to paye the least somme 〈…〉 hat we ought . Christe became our suer 〈…〉 y , paied for vs , acquited vs , and set vs at ●ibertie , yea , made vs coheires with hym ●f euerlastyng glorie .

If it wer possible for one man to com●it the synnes of the whole worlde , so he ●ruely repent , and cleaue by true faith to Christ , he cannot be dapmned , his sinnes 〈…〉 e sufficiently , and aboundantly by Christ 〈…〉 iffied for . For Christ ( as touchyng his 〈…〉 dhed , one in substance with the heauen 〈…〉 father . As touchyng his manhoode , our 〈…〉 rie flesh and bloud ) hath purchased and 〈…〉 uely bought grace & pardon for vs . For ●hrist became man for vs , was borne for 〈…〉 , died vpon the Crosse for vs , rose from 〈…〉 at h for vs , ascended into heauen for vs , 〈…〉 hath accomplished , and performed al 〈…〉 ynges mete for our saluation for vs . If 〈…〉 refore we beleue in Christ , we are be 〈…〉 e partakers of Gods fauour , we are 〈…〉ed of the packe and burthen of synne , 〈…〉 e are made the heires of God , and co 〈…〉 es with Christe for euer , and that by 〈…〉 iste , and for Christe . For without Christ there is no consolation , no health no hope , no helpe . In Christe alone is 〈…〉 comfort , all health , all hope , all succou 〈…〉 all refuge , all grace , and mercy , more ●boundant , more plentious , more exc 〈…〉 lent , then any man is able eyther ▪ 〈…〉 comprehende or to wish . God graunt 〈…〉 therefore a true , and a constaunte faith In this forme , or in like sorte , we mu 〈…〉 comfort oure selues in oure sickenesse , calamitie , and our brother being visit But in any wise , and with all diligenc 〈…〉 is to be foreséene , that we withdraw 〈…〉 mynne from the fearefull and terri 〈…〉 contemplation of synne , death , and da 〈…〉 nation . And that wee fixe these of 〈…〉 minde , and whole thought vpon Chr 〈…〉 onely , that we cleane vnto him , that call vpon him , that we commit our sel 〈…〉 wholy to hym . For in Christe wee s 〈…〉 espie nothing but innocencie , iustice , 〈…〉 saluation , whiche all be deriued fr 〈…〉 Christe into vs , so that we will ackn●●ledge him , and receiue him , for the 〈…〉 thor of our saluation , and onely redée 〈…〉 if we haue Christe crucified afore 〈…〉 eyes : if we imprint him in oure hart 〈…〉 wee flye to him with oure faithe , if ●holye cleane to him . Then shall hell 〈…〉 tes nothyng preuaile against vs , then 〈…〉 all we be able to withstande all the 〈…〉 rcible assaultes of Sathan , though they 〈…〉 neuer so sore , neuer so fierce , neuer so 〈…〉 rrible ▪

Let vs call to remembraunce with 〈…〉 hat lenitie , what gentlenesse , what hu●anitie , what clemencie Christe ( as it is the euangelicall hystorie ) hath called to him and receiued all suche synners hath repented them , and desired his 〈…〉 pe. We shall finde Marie Magdalen , 〈…〉 sinner that hong vpon the right hand Christ crucified , the publicane , Zache , 〈…〉 h other mo , whome Christe m●oste 〈…〉 yngly receiuyng , pronounced cleare 〈…〉 synne ( though thei had synned grea 〈…〉 ) and the children of saluation : Christe 〈…〉 erie grace , mercie , helpe comfort , life , 〈…〉 e , and saluatio to al those whiche loke these thynges at his handes , and put 〈…〉 r trust in hym . And all these thynges 〈…〉 God ( who is truthe it self , and can 〈…〉 lye , nor wil not deceiue ( promised vn 〈…〉 for Christes sake .

●inally , when Death approcheth , wée must do as Christ did vpon the crosse , w● Math. vj. muste praie for our enemies , and forgi 〈…〉 them with our hart . If we haue offend 〈…〉 any man , we must be hartely sorie for 〈…〉 we muste desire forgiuenesse , if we ha 〈…〉 iniured any man , we must make hym mendes , or take suche order that amend 〈…〉 maie be made vnto hym , if it passeth o 〈…〉 power to make restitution , & amende 〈…〉 shal be inough that we desire forgiuene 〈…〉 And with our harts forgiue others wh〈…〉 hath hurte vs , either in name , bodie , s 〈…〉 staunce , or estimation . For if we truly 〈…〉 giue , God hath promised we shal be fo 〈…〉 uen , as it is in the 6. of Mat. but aboue haue an vnmouable faithe in the for 〈…〉 promises of God made in Christe Ie 〈…〉 our lorde . It is verie necessary also & 〈…〉 ●●ble , for the confirmation and stren 〈…〉ning of our faithe , to receiue the i 〈…〉 blessed sacrament , of the body and 〈…〉 of our sauiour Christ , which we are 〈…〉 maunded to receyue in remembra 〈…〉 of his benefites , that hereby , wee 〈…〉 be truely certified in our conscienc● his body to be giuen for vs , and his bloud to be shed for remission of our synnes .

Death .

OF our fleashe and fraile nature , is so feared and abhorred , that when he approcheth , mannes hart ●e filled and laden with suche sorrowes , panges , 〈…〉 d anxieties , as tongue is not able too 〈…〉 presse .

¶ A medicine against the feare of Death .

WE muste call to our remembraunce , Death to bee ouercommed and abholished by Christe . So that nowe the soules of so many as truste Christ , can not dye nor perishe : but de 〈…〉tyng from the bodie , goeth straight to 〈…〉 rist . For thus was it saied to the these 〈…〉 is houre of death . This daie shalt thou with me in paradise . The body though 〈…〉 est and pause for a while , yet wee bee certaine hope , that at the laste daie , it 〈…〉 bee raised againe to immortall and 〈…〉 rlastyng life . And therefore scripture 〈…〉eth the death of the bodie but a slepe , that this same fraile , weake , vile , mortall , and corruptible bodie , whiche wee cary aboute , whiche lieth sicke and sore diseased , whiche shortly shall bee put into the yearth , burne to ashes , deuour 〈…〉 with beastes or foules , drowned in water , that self same bodie ( I saie ) shall be raised againe incorruptible , glorious beautifull , stronge , pure , immortall , 〈…〉 possesse a newe and euerlastynge life where there shall neither bee hunger ● . Cor. xv . thirste ▪ heate , colde , synne , death , nor a 〈…〉 kinde of calamitie : but iustice , innocent life , ioye , blesse , world without ende ▪ F 〈…〉 as the bodie of Christ laied in the gra〈…〉 rose againe the third daie , neuer more 〈…〉 die , euen so shall the bodies of all that beleue in Christe , at the latter daie bee 〈…〉 suscitate to a life , after whiche shall folowe no death . God who is of infinite 〈…〉 wer , and infallible truthe , hath promise these thynges , thei muste therefore 〈…〉 des bee so . And here it shall bee 〈…〉ble , to ●all to remembraunce suche pla● of scripture , as treateth of the resurr 〈…〉 on of the fleshe , whiche bee the woor 〈…〉 not of manne , but of GOD , who is 〈…〉 and will certainely fulfill whatsoeuer 〈…〉 hath spoken . No manne can chaunge 〈…〉〈…〉 ill , no manne can alter his purpose . No 〈…〉 eature can frustrate , lette or tarie his 〈…〉 tence . He is omnipotent , he is true , he 〈…〉 faithfull , his goodnesse and mercie is 〈…〉 explicable . Lette no manne therefore 〈…〉 ubte of the truthe of his woordes , lette 〈…〉 manne doubte of the performaunce of 〈…〉 s promise .

〈…〉 Here after followeth certaine places of scripture , witnessing the resurrection of the ded , 〈…〉 accordyng to the articles of our faith , wherein we saie , we beleue that this fleshe shall rise againe .

THis is the will of my father Ihon. vj. whiche sent me , that whosoeuer seeth the soonne , and beleueth in hym , shall haue life euerlastyng , and I will 〈…〉 se hym vp at the last daie .

The houre commeth wherein all thei Ihon. v. 〈…〉 t bee in the graues , shall heare the 〈…〉 e of the soonne of God , and shall goe 〈…〉 the , thei that haue doe● good , vnto the 〈…〉 rrection of life . For if so ▪ bee that the 〈…〉 ite of him , whiche raised vp Iesus from Roma ▪ viij . 〈…〉 dedde , dwelleth in you : euen he that 〈…〉ed vp Iesus Christe from the dedde , 〈…〉 ll also quicken your mortall bodies , because of his Spirite that dwelleth 〈…〉 you .

GOD hath bothe raised vp our Lo 〈…〉 j. Cor. vj. Iesus Christe , and shall also raise vs 〈…〉 by his power .

Christ saith , Lazarus was but a s●e 〈…〉 Ihon. xj . where in verie deede , he was dedde 〈…〉 buried . But Christe is the resurrection and life ▪ ( as it is in the same place ) so th 〈…〉 he that beleueth on him , though he w 〈…〉 dedde , he shall liue . In verefiyng whe 〈…〉 of , he raised straight waie Lazarus 〈…〉 yng fower daies dedde and stinkyng . A 〈…〉 because wee bee naturally in the ago 〈…〉 of death verie fearfull , weake and fai 〈…〉 harted to the ende that we might bee 〈…〉 easelier perswaded in the Article of 〈…〉 surrection : Scripture maketh menti 〈…〉 of many , whiche in the tyme of the P 〈…〉 phetes , Christe and the Apostles , we called from death to life .

Christe raised the widowes soonne . Luke . vij .

He raised the ruler of the Sinag 〈…〉 Luke . j. his d●ughter .

He raised Lazarus . Ihon. xj .

Peter restored to life Tabitha . Actes . ix .

Paule raised againe Eu●i●hus . Actes . xx .

Eliz●us the Prophet , called againe 〈…〉 iiij . Reg. iiij . 〈…〉 e his hostes soonne .

Helias raised the Babe of the woman iiij . Reg. xvij . 〈…〉 f Sareptanie .

GOD tooke also vnto hym out of this G●●e v. 〈…〉 aile and transitorie life , these twoo er 〈…〉 llent iiij . Reg. ii . and holie menne , Enoch and He 〈…〉 as , quicke bothe bodie and soule , to giue 〈…〉 ( as it were ) a taste and representation of the true life to come , leaste after the o 〈…〉 i●ion of the Ethnicks and Epicures , we should thinke there were no worlde , nor 〈…〉 eeyng after this wretched and miserable life . Let vs not forget what Christe ●esus , Lorde of life and death , saieth , in the eight of Luke : Wepe not , the maide 〈…〉 not dedde , but a slepe . Reason not comprehendyng the misteries of GOD , neither perceiuyng his power , dooeth laugh his saiyng to scorne , but Christ proueth his saiyng true , he raised by and by the 〈…〉 edde maide to life . The fiftene Chapiter of the first Epistle to the Corinthians , is 〈…〉 eplenished with moste godlie , pleasaunt 〈…〉 d pithie consolations . Truly it is more precious then any gold . For in that Cha●ter Saincte Paule doeth so annexe and 〈…〉 uple our resurrection ▪ to the resurrection of Christe , as though thei could in no wise bee separate , or deuided after th 〈…〉 forme . Christ is risen from death which thyng is certaine ) ergo , wée also shall v 〈…〉 doubtedly rise . For Christe is our hedd 〈…〉 and we his members : this hed is neith 〈…〉 without , neither will forsake his me●bers .

Then it followeth that where ▪ Chr 〈…〉 is , there shall we bee . For why , wee 〈…〉 the members of his bodie , and euen of 〈…〉 fleshe and bone : what tongue , what p 〈…〉 what witte , is able to set foorthe ( as i 〈…〉 Ephe. v. worthie ) this ineffable , and inestima 〈…〉 glorie of the mercie and grace of GO 〈…〉 that God hath vouchsafe so lowe to h 〈…〉 ble hymself , as to become mortall m 〈…〉 that this ●eble and fraile nature of m 〈…〉 vnited and knitte to the diuine nat 〈…〉 by the power and efficacie of the god 〈…〉 might be inhaunced and promoted to 〈…〉 mortalitie . For truely the nature o● faithfull menne , whiche either were fore Christe , hath been since , or now 〈…〉 shall be to the worldes ende : vndoubtly , in Christe verie GOD and ma 〈…〉 hath obtained immortalitie . The 〈…〉 lation therefore that riseth of Chr 〈…〉 resurrection is of great efficacie . A 〈…〉〈…〉 ncte Paule saieth to the Corinthians : ●●riste is risen againe from dedde , and is j. Corin. xv . 〈…〉 e first fruictes of them that slepe , for by 〈…〉 e manne truely came death , and by one 〈…〉 nne commeth the resurrection of the 〈…〉 de . And as al die in Adam , euen so shal 〈…〉 bee made aliue in Christe , but euery 〈…〉 e in his order . The firste is Christe ▪ ●hen thei whiche are Christes , whiche 〈…〉 h beleued in his commyng . And sainct 〈…〉 ule dooeth adde a similitude taken of 〈…〉 urall thynges , whereby he dooeth set 〈…〉 the , and declare the resurrection of bo 〈…〉 s. The similitude is taken of seede , 〈…〉 iche is cast into the yearth by the hus 〈…〉 dman , dieth as it were and rotteth ▪ ●uerthelesse , it is not vtterly loste , but 〈…〉 ength springeth , and commeth foorthe 〈…〉 he yearth , goodlie , beautifull , and 〈…〉 saunt . So our bodies shall rise again ; 〈…〉 feeble , vile , corruptible , and mortall : 〈…〉 strong , glorious , incorruptible , immor 〈…〉 , neuer to dye againe , but euer to liue . ● The waie into true and euerlastyng 〈…〉 to our longe home , as thei call it , and 〈…〉 ntrie , is by corporall death . Fleashe 〈…〉 bloud beyng corruptible and mortal , 〈…〉 not inherite the kingdome of GOD , where nothyng is but life . Therefor● this corruptible bodie must put on in t 〈…〉 ruption , and this mortall muste putte● immortalitie . Then shall the saiyng t 〈…〉 is written bee fulfilled : Death is swa 〈…〉 wed vp in victorie . Thei that beleeue Christe , hath nowe ouercommed sy 〈…〉 death , and helle . Therefore not fear 〈…〉 Oze. xiiii . death , but strong , bolde , and well ha 〈…〉 Esay . xxv . in Christe : Thei maie saie , Death wh 〈…〉 is thy sting : Death where is thy victory The stynge of Death is synne : and 〈…〉 power of synne is the Lawe . But t 〈…〉kes hee vnto GOD , whiche hath g 〈…〉 vs the victorie , through our Lorde I 〈…〉 Christe .

Let vs heare also more sentences , 〈…〉 of godlie and mightie consolation . ii . Cor. iiii .

He that hath raised vp Iesus , 〈…〉 raise vs vp also with Iesus .

Our conuersation is in heauen , 〈…〉 Philip. iiii . whence we doe looke for the sauiour , 〈…〉 lorde Iesus Christ , whiche shall cha〈…〉 our 〈…〉 I le bodie , that it maie be like 〈…〉ned vnto his glorious bodie , a 〈…〉 to the woorkyng of his power , by 〈…〉 whiche also he is able to subdue all 〈…〉 ges vnto hymself .

Ye are dedde , and your life is hid with Colos. iii. ●●riste in God , but when Christe your 〈…〉 shall appeare , then shall ye also ap 〈…〉 rs in glorie with hym .

Wee woulde not brethren , that ye i. Thess. iiii . 〈…〉 uld bee ignoraunte concernyng theim 〈…〉 t sleape , that ye sorrowe not also as o 〈…〉 r doe , whiche haue no hope . For if we 〈…〉 eue that Iesus Christe died , and rose againe : Euen theim also whiche are a 〈…〉 pe through Iesus , shall GOD bryng 〈…〉 h hym .

●aicte Paule also doeth comforte Tithe ii . Tymot . ii . with the article of resurrection ▪ 〈…〉ng : Remember the Lorde Iesus Christ 〈…〉 yng the seede of Dauid , rose againe 〈…〉 the dedde , accordyng to my Gospell . 〈…〉 if we bee dedde with hym , wee shall 〈…〉 liue with hym . If we suffer pacient 〈…〉 e shall also reigne with hym .

It was written also to the Hebrues , Hebr. ii . 〈…〉 Christe tasted death for all menne , 〈…〉 that he was partaker of fleashe and 〈…〉 d : firste became verie manne , that he 〈…〉 ht destroye hym , whiche had the rule 〈…〉 at h ( that is ) the Deuill , and that he 〈…〉 ht deliuer them , whiche were in bon 〈…〉 all their life tyme , by the reason of the hearing of Christes Gospell : is so v 〈…〉 the feare of death .

God hath deliuered vs , and called 〈…〉 ij . Tim. iiij . with an holy calling , not according to 〈…〉 workes , but according to his purpose 〈…〉 grace , whiche is giuen vs in Christe 〈…〉 before the time of the world , but is n 〈…〉 made manifeste by the appearyng of 〈…〉 sauiour Iesus Christ , whiche truely 〈…〉 dest●●ied death , and hath brought life● immortalitie to light , by the Gospell .

Wee knowe that wee are trans 〈…〉 j. Ihon. iij. from life to death , bicause wee loue 〈…〉 brethren .

In this hath the loue of God appe 〈…〉 Ihon. iiij in vs , bycause God sent his onely be 〈…〉 ten sonne into the worlde , that we 〈…〉 lyue thorowe him .

I knowe that my redeemer doth 〈…〉 Ihon. xix . and in the laste daye I shall ryse ag 〈…〉 & againe be wrapped in my owne s 〈…〉 And in my owne fleshe shall see 〈…〉 whome I my selfe shall sée , and these eyes shall beholde and none other .

These places of holy Scripture , 〈…〉 suche lyke , if we diligently reme 〈…〉 and faythfully imbrace : we shall pe 〈…〉 great consolation and comfort . And 〈…〉〈…〉 saint Paule reioyce , that we knowe Philip. iij. 〈…〉 ste , and the power of his resurre 〈…〉 , whereby death is ouercommed . 〈…〉 ther is there now ( to these that be 〈…〉 in Christe ) anye thing in death ter 〈…〉 , or to be feared , sauing onely the 〈…〉ge and outwarde forme , hurte it can 〈…〉 Lyke as a deade serpent , keepeth 〈…〉 is olde fearefull shape , and forme , 〈…〉 sting , or to doe harme , it hath no 〈…〉 r at all . And lyke as by the brazen 〈…〉ent whiche Moyses by Gods com 〈…〉 dement set vp in the desert , when 〈…〉 s looked vpon , through the power of 〈…〉 worde , men were deliuered from 〈…〉 er of the liuely and venymous Ser 〈…〉 s : so our death is made harmelesse , wee deliuered from the feare and 〈…〉 er of it , so oft as wyth the eyes of 〈…〉 i the , wee dooe beholde the health 〈…〉 and medicinable death of Christ . In 〈…〉 ion , death is nowe become an I 〈…〉 ▪ and shadowe of death , yea ▪ the en 〈…〉 ce and gate of lyfe . For Christe Ihon. viij . 〈…〉 s truth it selfe , saith . If any man my worde , he shall neuer see death : 〈…〉 trusting to the mercy of God , 〈…〉 h faith whiche he conceiueth by hearyng and knit to Christe hys Lorde and 〈…〉 ster , that he cannot be plucked , nor s 〈…〉 rate from him .

The bodye in déede for a time is 〈…〉 rate from the soule , but in certaine 〈…〉 of rysing againe to euerlasting lyfe . 〈…〉 so he that beléeueth in Christe doth 〈…〉 see nor feele the euerlastinge death 〈…〉 bodye and soule , whiche is euerla 〈…〉 damnation . For the death of good m 〈…〉 nothyng els , but a departure from 〈…〉 transitorie and mortall life : to im 〈…〉 talitie to Christe , to his Aungelles 〈…〉 Sainctes .

Hell and damnation .

DOeth offer it self at the wer of death , so that 〈…〉 tymes manne doeth g 〈…〉 ly feare , least he bee ab 〈…〉 from the fauour of 〈…〉 and appoincted to euerlastyng pain . 〈…〉 Deuill ( whiche seeketh by all m 〈…〉 howe to deuoure vs ) stirryng vp i 〈…〉 myndes many dangerous and troub 〈…〉 thoughtes , concernyng our election ▪ predestination .

¶ A medicine against the feare of Helle and damnation .

WHen the deuill goeth about , to cause vs to dispaire , or to doubt of our election : whether wee bee of the nomber of them that are appoincted 〈…〉 euerlastyng life or no. In any wise let 〈…〉 not bee to bolde in copyng with hym , 〈…〉 t vs not enter disputation against hym 〈…〉 or he is to subtile and expert for vs ) but 〈…〉 ie shortly vnto hym . A waie Sathan 〈…〉 i th sorrowe , it is written , thou shalte 〈…〉 t tempt the Lorde thy God . For seyng 〈…〉 t God as a moste louyng father , hath 〈…〉 t onely giuen vs life , fedde , and preser 〈…〉 vs , to this hower : but also hath en 〈…〉ed , and euen loden vs from tyme to 〈…〉 e with his singuler benefites , what 〈…〉 dnesse were it contrary to our former 〈…〉 erience , now to doubte of his mercie ? 〈…〉 hath receiued vs into his flocke by 〈…〉 ptisme . He hath sente vs the Gospell 〈…〉 is grace , wherein he hath promised 〈…〉 ecome our father . We haue been sed 〈…〉 h the fleshe and bloud of his Soonne 〈…〉 Sauiour Christe , in remembraunce 〈…〉 our debtes bee paied , and we acquired , why should wee now then doubt the good will of God towarde vs ? Le● not therefore admitte the doubtfull , daungerous imaginations of our pr●stination , whiche the Deuill like a 〈…〉tie , and malicious marchaunte dooe 〈…〉bour to iustle . But lette vs thinke 〈…〉 suche sentences , as God would haue myndes occupied withall , whiche C 〈…〉 hymselfe hath prescribed , as Ihon where he saieth . GOD hath so loue 〈…〉 worlde , that he hath giuen his onel● gotten soonne , that whosoeuer bele 〈…〉 in hym shall not perishe , but haue l 〈…〉 uerlastyng . Loe , here wee see th 〈…〉 whiche beleueth in Christ , whiche 〈…〉 fully acknowledgeth Christe to b 〈…〉 sanctification , iustice , redemption , a 〈…〉 tisfaction , can not bee dampned , but 〈…〉 sured of euerlastyng life . So many 〈…〉 ceiue faithe by hearyng of Gods w 〈…〉 and so trust stedfastly vpon the me 〈…〉 Christ . Vndoubtedly thei be of the number of those , whiche bee chosen to e 〈…〉 styng blisse , knowen before in C 〈…〉 predestinate , and written longe s 〈…〉 the booke of life . These thinges be 〈…〉 certaine , and moste true , God can n 〈…〉〈…〉 ceyue , nor be deceyued : Suche is his 〈…〉 od will , so hath he purposed and de 〈…〉ed afore the worlde beganne , what 〈…〉 nges so euer therefore oure enimie 〈…〉 Deuill ( spyting oure saluation , and 〈…〉 king oure destruction ) shall put in 〈…〉 e minde contrarie to this doctrine ▪ 〈…〉 t them not moue vs , let them not 〈…〉ke vs afrayde , but let vs trust truely Christe : and so shall he become ours , 〈…〉 wee become his , who being our good 〈…〉 de , we can not perishe , nor bee dam 〈…〉 . For he wyll lose none of those that Ihon. x. 〈…〉 father hath giuen him , wee muste 〈…〉 oure eyes vpon Christe , we muste 〈…〉 to hym , we muste cleaue to hym . He 〈…〉 ure onely and true Sauiour , who 〈…〉 te be apprehended , and imbraced by 〈…〉 h , if we looke to be saued . For they 〈…〉 beleeue rightly in Christe , they are 〈…〉 estinate to euerlastyng life .

●ere we wuste diligently remember 〈…〉 earnestly expende the godly exhor 〈…〉 n of Saincte Paule , whiche he wri 〈…〉 in the xij . to the Hebrues , whose Hebr. xij . 〈…〉 es be these . Let vs runne by sh〈…〉 e vnto the battaile that is set afore 〈…〉 ooking vnto Iesus the aucthor and finisher of faithe , whiche when the io●… was set afore him , suffered the Crosse and dispised the shame , and fitteth at 〈◊〉 right hande of the seate of God .

Furthermore , all the grieuous temptations , and afflictions that Christe s●…fered , he suffred them for oure sakes . 〈◊〉 saincte Paule saieth , also in the fourth 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Hebre. iiij . the Hebrues , we haue not a highe Prie●… that is not able to haue compassion 〈◊〉 our weakenesse : but suche one was pr●…ued in all pointes without synne : let 〈◊〉 therefore with boldenesse go vnto t●… seate of his grace , that we may obtay●… mercie , and finde grace to helpe in ti●●… of neede .

Let vs in any wyse consider and deepely imprint in our hartes , Christe to 〈◊〉 giuen vnto vs , not onely to the ende th●… we might be redeemed , reconcyled , a●… made partakers of euerlasting salu●tion : but also that in him we might ha●… an example , bothe how to liue , and al●… howe to ende our life . Neyther can a●… man liue , suffer , or die well : vnlesse 〈◊〉 looke vpon and followe the lyfe , suff●…ring , and death of Christe : if therefo●● wée desire to ende this life well & go●●… 〈…〉 t vs consider and remember , how Christ 〈…〉 haued himself in the bitter and smarte 〈…〉 onie , when hanging vpon the Crosse , 〈…〉 was assaulted with diuers , fierce , and 〈…〉 ost grieuous temptations , and praye 〈…〉 at wee maye haue grace to folowe his 〈…〉 ample .

FIrst he was tempted with synne , when being hanged betwixt twoo theeues as a notable and hainous synner : it was said vnto him , Math. xxvij . thou be the sonne of God , come downe 〈…〉 m the crosse . By this contumelious 〈…〉 yce , what doe they signifie else , but 〈…〉 at they iudged him a naughty and vn 〈…〉 dlye person , suche one as by craft , sub 〈…〉 tie , falsehood , socerie , and other vn●●wfull meanes had deceyued the peo●●e , had blynded the worlde , and to be 〈…〉 thing lesse than the sonne of God .

Euen in lyke maner at the houre of 〈…〉 at h , doth the Deuill tempt man , what 〈…〉 euer man hath committed against God , 〈…〉 l the synnes that euer he did , he she 〈…〉 th vnto him , he doth exaggerate them 〈…〉 the vttermost : to the ende , that the multitude , and hainousnesse of them 〈…〉 sidered , and perceyued , man shoud do 〈…〉 of the mercy and fauour of God , and , 〈…〉 fall into desperation . Here we had ne 〈…〉 to stande sure , and euery one of vs h〈…〉 neede to aunswere our enimie , thus te●pting vs after this maner : I knowled 〈…〉 my selfe to haue synnes aboue all number , and measure but Christe : who ne 〈…〉 synned , in whose mouth was founde 〈…〉 guile , who is that verie innocent lam 〈…〉 hath suffred death for my synnes , he ha 〈…〉 washed them away , he hath satisfied 〈…〉 Esay . liij . boundantly for them , how many , a 〈…〉 how great so euer they were , Christe death pertayneth also to me , he w 〈…〉 wounded also for my iniquities , he w 〈…〉 brused for my vngraciousnesse , by 〈…〉 stripes I am also healed . All my synne hath Christe taken to himselfe , so th 〈…〉 now , I haue none ( thankes be to Christ● who hath satisfied for them in his own body .

CHrist was tempted also with dea 〈…〉 Math. ij . when it was sayde vnto him , 〈…〉 hath saued other , but he can 〈…〉 saue hymselfe . ( As though if shoulde 〈…〉 sayde ) he is now at a poynt , he must dye , 〈…〉 ere is no reamedie , he can not escape . 〈…〉 hus doeth our olde and erreconcible 〈…〉 imie , labor to feare vs with death , but 〈…〉 vs holde out the buckeler of fayth in ●hrist against him , let vs remember 〈…〉 t Christe our Lorde , King of glorie , 〈…〉 Prince of life , coulde not be ouer 〈…〉 nmed , nor holden of death , but though 〈…〉 once tasted of death : he nowe liueth 〈…〉 reigneth for euer . This Lord of ours 〈…〉 ll not leaue vs , nor suffer death to ere 〈…〉 e any tyranie againste vs , that after 〈…〉 hath suffered vs to be tempted a while , 〈…〉 will also that we dye corporally : all 〈…〉 t is wholy for our welth .

Neyther could we eotherwyse come euerlastyng life , but by temporall death ▪ 〈…〉 e must therefore leaue this present 〈…〉 e , ere we can inherite the eternall 〈…〉 e. Also this corporall death , bringeth 〈…〉 s commoditie , that by tasting the bit 〈…〉nesse and sowernesse of it , we haue 〈…〉 erience and knowe the exceding loue 〈…〉 t Christe bare towarde vs , and the 〈…〉 stimable benefite , that he did for vs 〈…〉 ensing our synnes , in abolishing of 〈…〉 th , in breaking vp of Hell gates , and all by his death .

Otherwyse , wee coulde neuer h 〈…〉 knowne the power of Christ , in abo 〈…〉 yng of death , wée could neuer haue i 〈…〉 esteemed the excellency of this bene 〈…〉 wee coulde neuer haue seene how i 〈…〉 cause we haue to giue thankes to C 〈…〉 our Lorde and redeemer . Christe ly 〈…〉 truely , we shall also liue . And this co 〈…〉 rall death to vs shall be nothyng els 〈…〉 a sweete and holsome slepe , an entr 〈…〉 and gate into the true and blessed 〈…〉 For after this transitorie life , the● ginne we first truely to liue .

THirdlie , Christe was te 〈…〉 with helle , or euerlastyng 〈…〉 nation , when it was saied 〈…〉 hym , he hath trusted in G 〈…〉 let hym nowe deliuer hym , if he will 〈…〉 though thei should saie . Now it app〈…〉 that he hath hoped in God in vaine . 〈…〉 God will none of hym , he hath for 〈…〉 hym , he liketh hym not , he doeth 〈…〉 hym , he will easte hym doune to h 〈…〉 perpetually condemned him . W 〈…〉 fore the temptour shall lashe at 〈…〉 like temptations , wee maie not 〈…〉 maie not be afraied , we maie not bee 〈…〉 ouraged , but commende our self who 〈…〉 o Christ , hang vpon hym who is who 〈…〉 urs , who hath giuen hymself wholie ●s , so that synne , death , nor helle , hath thyng to doe with vs . Christe with an 〈…〉 stimable price , his own bloud hath de 〈…〉 ered vs from the tyrannie of the De 〈…〉 , and euerlastyng damnation , he is bene our innocencie , our life , and our iu 〈…〉 e. Let vs take héede in any wise , that 〈…〉 tourne not our hartes from Christe , 〈…〉 cified . If we cleane to hym , we are set 〈…〉 on a sure , and inexpugnable rocke , a 〈…〉 nst the whiche , all the power of hell is 〈…〉 e to dooe nothyng . So that wee maie 〈…〉 ly exclaime , and euery one saie with 〈…〉 riste : I prouided the Lorde afore my Psal. xvj . 〈…〉 s alwaie , for he is at my right elbowe 〈…〉 t I should not be moued , therefore my 〈…〉 te hath been glad , and my tonge hath 〈…〉 yced : more●uer , my fleshe shall reste 〈…〉 ope . By faithe in Christe we become ●so●nnes of God , the brethren and co 〈…〉 es of Christ , and partakers of euerla 〈…〉 life , by this faithe departyng hence , 〈…〉 shall goe to the kyngdome prepared the electe , afore the beginnyng of the world . And if in the feruentnesse of th● temptations , our faith begin to waue● we do not beare paciently the will of ● heauenly father , if our loue toward ●● ware faint , & cold , if our hope begin to● feble and weake : and therefore we be● to feare , least God and wée be not all ●● full pointe , but that he is yet displeased w● vs , whiche remptation surely is very gr●●uous , painfull , dangerous & harde to ou● come : we must call to remembraunce Chr● to haue suffered for vs so intollerable , a● inuincible temptations , that there ap●red no help , no comfort , no refuge , wh● in God and the whole worlde , seemed ● haue forsaken him , and to be against hy● in so muche that he exclaimed , O my g● O my God , why haste thou forsaken ●● Oh here was a greeuous temptation . ● sharpe and bitter death that Christe su●fered for vs , and all to make the waie● the crosse and death easie vnto vs . The●●fore , seyng that Christe of his owne fr●● will , caste hymself into the féelyng of● tollerable paine , calamitie , and anxiet● ( GOD our moste louyng father , bee●● therewith content ) vndoubtedly he kn●weth , and considereth our infirmities ▪ ●● ●btedly he will not deale with vs , ac●yng to the rigour of the Lawe , but ●l beare muche with vs , and pardon ●ny thynges to our infirmitie . Dooeth ● Christ speake to all men ? Dooeth he ● cal men , when he saieth : Come vnto ● all you that doe labour , and are laden , ● I shall refreshe yōu ? How can there ● any greater consolation ? Howe could ●riste speake more mercifull too vs ? here be many things that pinche , vexe , ● trouble manne gréeuously , but what 〈…〉ng is it , that can trouble the conscience ● synner more , then when he doubteth ●he mercie of God , then when he fea●h least God will cast hym of , then when can not perswade hymself , to conceiue ● truste of Gods mercie , but imagine ●t as a withered member he shal cutte and cast awaie .

Here we had neede of Christes present ● , here we had nede of spedie comfort , ●st this violent tempest ouerwhelme , & ●une vs . But let vs not fear , Christ is ●issembler , he will stand by his worde wil performe his promise , he wil help , ●refreshe . Therefore when we begin ●remble , and feare in our consciente , when we begin to doubt of Gods mer● when we perceiue our faithe to be f●●● Let vs forthwith call vpon God , and t● feruently , and that instantly , euen fr●● the bottome of our harte , that he tou● not his face from vs .

Let vs poure before hym al that do● trouble vs . Let vs disclose to hym all ● miserie , our imbecilitie , our increduli● Let vs crie with the Disciples : Lorde ● crease our faiche . And with the Father the lunaticke , Lorde we beleue , help● Luke . xvij . incredulitie . And with the Prophet , lo● Marke . ix . make haste to helpe vs . For thy merci● aboue all thy woorkes . O moste louy● O moste mercifull father , Lorde God our healthe , our onely helpe and refu● Enter not into iudgement with thy ●nauntes . Plal. lxix . Christ is our iustice , our rede●ption , and innocencie , he for vs hath s●fered moste better and cruell death .

Let these thinges moue thée , O fat● of mercie : for this thy soonne our saui● Christes sake , haue mercie vpon vs : ●firme and strength our harte in faith● fort vs with the consolations of thy ●● spirite , that we maie finally obtaine ●● euerlasting , through Christ our lord .

AFter this sort , if we ( labouring wrestyng , and striuyng with our imhecilitie , accusing before God , and lamentyng our puci●itie ▪ and Incredulitie ) doe catche holde Christ , and cleaue fast to hym , earnest ▪ ●nd feruently destryng his helpe , that wil vouchsafe to take our place , and to ●lie that is lackyng in vs . These thin● if we doe surely , all thynges shall bee ●ll , wee shall auoide and escape easely , ●aunger and perill , wée shall bee saufe ●ugh . For these twoo , to beleeue in ●ifte , and with harte to desire faithe , ●th not muche differ the one from th●●r . For though wee féele yet greate ●kenesse , and imperfection in our self , ● this ought to comforte vs , that God ●eth , and commaundeth that he should ●alled vpon , that he hath promised to ●e , and help these , that call rightly v● hym . Now , as nothyng is more iust● necessarily desired then true faithe , ●so God heareth no praier soner , nor ●● gladly , then when man findyng no ●lesse in hym●elf , doeth acknowledge owne infirmitie , his owne miserie , ●wne beggerlinesse , doeth accuse , and lamente his owne incredulitie , and ●● deepe ●ighes , and hartie desires calle● faithe . These sighes , these desires , t● praiers , this little sparke of faithe , is ● very séede of God , wrought in vs by ● whiche saieth of Christe by the Pro● Esaye , that he shall not quenche the ●● kyng flaxe , nor breake the brused Re● Therefore let vs stedfastly beleeue , ● the least earnestly and hartely praie , ● wee maie beleeue , bewailyng afore ● our lacke of faithe , whiche thynges i● doe , we neede not doubte , but we be●●ep●ed of God , we bee taken for his ●dren . For it is not for nought , nor in ● that he hath laied our imbecillitie ● synnes , vpon his onely begotten soo● backe ▪ In Matthewe it is saied : bless● Matth. v. those that mourne , for thei shall bee ●forted : blessed bee those that hunger● righteousnesse ▪ for thei shall bee sati● These wordes are spoken also to vs● maie iustly be applied to vs , we mo●● and are sorie in our hartes , that we ● mispended our life paste . Wée wish● desire , yea , we euen hunger and thi●●ter righteousnesse . Lette vs bee o● cheare , wee shall obtaine our desire ▪ ●ll bee comforted , we shall bee compted ●e afore God , for Christe our Sauiour ● sake . Finally , let vs after this exam● of Christe , and saincte Steuen , com●de our soules into the handes of God ● heauenly father , saiyng euery one af● this maner .

O Moste mercifull Father , I commende into thy holie handes my spirite , yea , thy spirite , for thou hast created it , thou hast committed it for a ●e , to the bodie , thou hast giuen it thy ●e Image and similitude . Thou haste ●e for the redemption of it , thy owne ●e dearely beloued soonne to shed his ●d . This the spirite . I resigne into thy ●es , O God of all mercie , I am thyne ●at I am , I beseche thee refuse not ●y owne , but receiue , keepe , and place me in euerlastyng glorie , for the sake of Iesus Christ , thy onelie begotten sonne .

Amen .

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