GOD in tymes paste , Heb. i. a diuerslye & many waies spake to the fathers by prophetes , but in these last daies hath he spoken vnto vs , as S. Paule sayeth , by his sonne , whom he hath made heyre of al thinges , and by him hath he now declared his most godlye will vnto vs , that we might obtain life in him : whose most excellent cleare brightnes hath long time been darkened , Apoc. 6. and as S. Iohn saieth , hid as with a sackeclothe made with heare , that is to say with a fayned ryghtuousenes grounded vpon naturall wysdome and carnall reason , inuented and set fourth by man : So that the bright shynyng beames of goddes truth conteyned in the holy scriptures might in no wise appere ( by reason of that dark vaile or cloud ) to the eyes or mynde of men , whiche is not yet wyth all men taken awaye . 1. Cor. 3. c Neuerthelesse , when they tourne to the lorde ( saith Paul ) the vayle shal be taken awaye , for no doute , saithe he , the lord is a spirit , and where the spirite of the lorde is , there is lybertie . And seyng that god which is ryche in mercy , hathe once againe put downe the great power of the enenemy , broken down his brasen gates , and by vyolence taken the praye ( as a spoyle ) from out of the mouth of the Lyon , yea victoryously hath he delyuered his truth the longe time hath of his enemies be holden in bondage & captiuitie , & we haue herd and sene these thinges , obeyed & do beleue . Therefore am I not ashamed to testyfye the truthe vnto the worlde because it is the poure of God vnto saluation , Roma . i. to all them that do deleue . And as Sainct Ihon saythe , Ihon. i. i. Ihon. i. the onely trewe lyghte whiche lyghteneth all menne that come into the worlde , our handes haue handeled of the worde of lyfe , for lyfe hath apered , saith he , and we haue sene and beare witnes , & shew vnto you lyfe , that is euerlastynge whiche was withe the father , & hath now apered also vnto vs . And the tidyngs which we haue heard of him ( as Ihon saith ) declare we vnto you , that ye may haue felowship with vs , & oure felowshyp may be with the father and with his sonne Iesus Christe &c.

¶ For as moche as , it hathe pleased the eternall god , which seperated me from my mothers wombe , to lighten the inward eyes of my mynde withe hys grace , and thorowe the knoweledge of his word and working of his holy spirite , to worke a perfect repentaunce in me , and amendmente of my formoure lyfe , loue constraynethe me too wyl you ( good bretheren ) to be partakers of this greate benefyte . And for this cause , I haue thought it necessary , as well to declare vnto you the daungerouse harmes that synne bryngeth to suche as delyte and continew therein , as also the vnspeakeable reward of the righteouse whiche god hath prepared for those that withe their h●le hartes tourne from theyr synnes and walke wyth theyr god in the way of rightuousenesse . I wyll not withhold from you , good brethren , that which god hath wrought in me , to incourage the weake stomakes , of them that now waxe faynte herted and shrynke backe , that I may say wyth the Prophete Dauid . Psal. 39. Lord I do not hide thy righteousenes in my herte , but my talkynge is of thy truthe & sauynge health , all the day long . Therefore tourn not thou thy mercy from me ( o lorde ) but let thy louyng kyndnes and truth alwayes preserue me . &c.

Ezec. 3. ¶ For it is writen , when I speke vnto the , then open thou thy mouthe , saith the lord , and say who hereth , let hym here , who so wyll not , let hym leaue , for it is a frowarde housholde . &c

¶ For as moche as I perceyue that the earth maketh haste to bringe fourth her children , and the tyme draweth fast toward the end , and all flesh semeth very desirouse and as it were gredy , to accomplyshe the thynge with moche haste , whiche it taketh in hande , be it good or euyll , my desyre is also to occupie my talente accordynge to the wyll of the geuer , wherebye I may please my lorde , which is my desire aboue all thynges , & not onely therby to gather tresure for my selfe , but also to prouoke as wel my bretheren and naturall contrymenne of thys realme of England / as al other nations and named Christians to bryng fourth their frutes redyly accordyng to their nature that they may be rype against the day of haruest , Named cristians . when the lord shall rewarde euery man accordyng to his deades . Therfore beloued fathers and brethren , seyng ye haue taken the name of holynes vpon you , beyng called Christians of Christ , and do in word professe the same , estemynge your selues the trewe churche and espouse of God vpon earth , as al that lyue godlye doubtles be , See that ye be dilygente to obey to the word of truth which our heauenly father hath now sente and set abroade by his beloued messengers , as wel within this reame of England , as in all other regions on the earth , as it is wryten in the eyghtenth Psalme . Psal. 18 Rom. 16 Theyr sownde is gone owte into all landes : And their wordes into the endes of the world . If ye accepte the voyce of the shepeherde , then wyll he know you for his owne , and lead you in and oute , where ye shall all wayes fynde riche pasture . Godde hathe made daye and nyghte , Ihon. 10 lyghte and darkenesse , sommer and wynter , to the intente that all thynges myght-haue as well place and time as sufficient occasion to shew forth & declare theim selues , eyther good or euill . Repent & turne from your euill waies with your whole hertes , that ye maie beleue , & set your faithe on a sure ground , Psal. 65 Gala. 6. build it on the sure foundacion of gods holy worde and promises , and then will it alwaies abide the violence of the stormes , but yf ye go by groopyng and woorke at auenture , be ye sure , ye shal not go right , for true fayth is liuely , & no vncertayne thynge , it is surelye grounded and stablished vpon the sure rocke of Gods woorde and promise , as it is written . Abraham beleued God in hys promise , Gene. 13. and none opinion of his own imaginacion , & it was counted to hym for righteousnes , but yf your faith bee without the word , then is it carnall and fleshely , beyng builte vpon naturall reason , and therefore it is vayne and of no valure , Eccle. i. for trewe faithe is accoumpanyed with godly loue , who hath the wiisdome of god for her gouernour , she teacheth her chyldren ( as a right good nourice ) knowledge and nurture , and leadeth them safely in the waye of lyfe , i. Ihon. and with doctrine she purgeth their hertes from all filthe and corruption , euen as god himselfe is pure . She shyneth from and out of the bosome of the highest , for her clearenes doth farre excede the brightnes of the sonne , whiche lighteth the whole erth with her shine . Therfore O ye ignoraunte , geue a diligent eare to the voice of wisedom , which daily cryeth vnto you in the high places stretes , and wayes , and before the holy citie , and in the gates where men go out and in . It is you , O ye men , saieth she , whom I call , vnto you , ( O ye children of men , lyfte I vp my voyce : Take hede vnto knowledge , saieth she , O ye ignoraunt , be wyse in harte . O ye fooles , geue eare , sayeth she , for I will speake of great matters , and open my lyppes , to tell thynges that be right , for my throte shal be talkyng of the truth , my lippes abhorre vngodlines , al the wordes of my mouth are righteousnes , there is no frowardnes nor falshode therein . They are all plain , sayeth she , to suche as wyl vnderstande , and right to them that fynde knowledge receiue my doctrine , saith shee , and not syluer , and knowledge , more then fyne golde , Prou. 3. c for wysedome is more worth then preciouse stones , yea all the thynges that thou canst desyre , are not to be compared vnto it &c.

¶ Wherefore if ye wyll seeke wisdome and dwell with her , shee will make you the verye frendes of god , for the highest hath geuen her a commaundemente , and he that made herre hath apointed her a tabernacle saying . Let thy dwellynge be in Iacob , & thyne inheritaunce in Israel , rote thy selfe among my chosen , for the congregation of the rightuouse , are the Children of wisedome , and the lorde dwelleth amonge them in hys holye Sinay . An vtter enemye to wisdome is the frowarde synner , for he hateth to be refourmed , and because he will not refuse thynges which he knoweth to be euyll ; he can come in no good way , brethern consider this most excellent benefite of god , dayly offered vnto you . Refuse not his worde which teacheth you al wisdom Come to her brokes , & drinke of her cunduite , for wisdom hath cast out floudes , I am , Eccle. 24. saith she as a great water broke oute of the ryuer &c.

And as a water cunduite am I come oute of the gardeine of pleasure , I saide , I wyll water the gardeine of my yonge plantes , and fill the frute of my birth , so my water brooke , became exceadinge greate saith shee , and my Ryuer aprocheth vnto the See , for I make doctrine to be to all men as light as the faire morning and I shal make it , saith she , euer the clearer , I will perse thorow all the lower partes of the earth , I will loke vpon such as be a slepe , & lighten all theym that putte their trust in the Lorde , I shall yet poure oute doctrine lyke a prophecie , and leane vnto suche as seke after wisdome , and their generations shall I neuer faile vnto the holy euerlasting world .

¶ Obey vnto the louing voice of God , and accepte this gentle doctrine of wisedome , slumber not to long in thyne owne way ( O thou named Christian ) least the lorde be angry , leaste thou fall a slepe againe in synne , and so perishe vtterly by thine own folly . How can theye be made hole that wyll not knowe they be sicke , or howe can suche obtaine that refuse the right way ? Thou thinkest thy selfe well al redy , because thou hast a name that thou liuest . O thou named Christian , therfore thou saiste in thy selfe . Apoca. ● Tushe I am riche and incresed with goodes , and haue nede of nothynge , & knowest not how thou art wretched and myserable , poore , blynde , & naked : thou haste a name that thou liuest , but thou art deade , for by synne art thou subdued , and thrust downe by thyne enemies euen to the brinke of hell . O named Christianytie , thou waft rolde vp in extreme darknes and mysery , yea solde and solde again wast thou for thine offences , to be a bonde seruant whereof thou art not yet delyuered , for ignoraunce holdeth the in captiuitie , and bringeth the a slepe , that thou neyther seest nor felest thye harme , Esaye 29. but lyke an hongry man dremyng that he is eatyng , & wakynge hath nothinge , or lyke a thyrsty man that dreameth that he is drinkyng , but when he waketh he fyndeth nothynge to refresh hym self , so doth synne deceiue the , and thou not ware . Awake awake oute of thy heauy slepe thou Christianitie , harken to the loud voice and trompe of god which in these last daies is now blowen amongest you . I mean the preachyng of the gloryouse gospell of Christ , which is dayly preached vnto you , and yet soundeth in youre eares . O folysh people , why stop you youre eares so longe from the truth : and as it were , styll geue youre selues to vanitie ? Why seke ye suche frendshyp of the worlde , whiche hath nothyng to recompence , but extreame myserye ? Why sekeste thou reste , where none is ? Treasure vp such thinges as are godly , then shalte thou be recompensed .vij. folde : but who so seeketh rest in worldly thynges , his labour is in vain . Consider O man , thy lyfe in this worlde , how short , how vncerteine , and daungerouse it is it is lyke a vapour or breathe , saith the Apostle S. Iames , Iames. 4 that appereth for a lytle season , and then vanissheth away , therfore truste not to the worlde , for he is disceitfull , he promyseth rest , but payeth trouble , he promyseth ioye and paieth sorowe he promyseth longe lyfe , and payeth short , totally , he promyseth good and payeth euyll , for nature and fortune be muche variable , & chaunge as the winde and therfore do they suffer no thynge here certeine . O folysh man woldest thou then be thought wise , and yet delytest and settest thy hole hert and pleasure in this vaine transitory world . what frendshippe woldest thou haue of hym that can do you no good , neither careth he lenger for the then thou maist do hym pleasure , for in sorow pouertie or payne , will he vtterly dispise the , and laugh the to scorne in the anguysh of thy soule . Soo vngodly doth this myserable worlde recompence his louers that the nighe frende , O bestes vngodly & very vnnaturall . so called of nature , the wife that lyeth in the bosome , or the Chyldren whom with busy paine and study some bringe vp , intendynge by them to haue their kindnes after recompenced , do nothing at all regarde them , but flateryngly from the teth outward thinkyng euery day three , tyll they be gone , that they myght receiue the worldely goodes which their frendes do posses . O mysery of all myseries , thus the worlde which many so inordinately loue , and set such store by , for all his greate bragges , and flateryng face of frendship ( if nature withdraw her selfe ) wyl not onely think hym moch burdened by them , but also disdainfully abhor & deteste their presence . Therefore as Christe saith , Mat. 6. d seke ye first the kingdome of god , & the righteousenes there of , and all these thynges shal be mynistred vnto you . And also Crist saith , geue not ouer your membres to serue the flesh , seing the beutie thereof fadethe away , for he that soweth in the fleshe , Gal. 6. shall of the flesh repe corruption , saith Sainct Paul , but he that soweth in the spirite , shall of the spirite reape lyfe euerlastinge . Againe the apostle Iude saith . Hate the filthy vesture of the flesshe , for doubtles it is subiect to corruption , it is also , the very gate and meane whereby Sathan oure greate aduersary , and mortall enemy corrupteth both bodie & soule , and draweth man to vtter distruction . Wherfore see that ye furnish the house in tyme with an honest exercise of vertu , that perfecte repentaunce make a ready way , for faith and godly loue with all her noble companions , to dwell with you : for if the enemy finde you vnprepared , he will busily seke to enter with his soudears , for as moch as , man is by the transgression of Adam , set at lybertie in the knowledge of good and euyll , the enemy first moueth man by consente , to chose the euill and refuse the good , which consent beyng coupled to the thought of mans knowledge , By the fall of Adam , the inward eye of man was opened in the knouledge of good and euyll , Iam. 1 c. Mat. 5. c Christe saith , who so loketh on a wyfe lustynge , hath commytted adultry with her . Exody . 20 Deutro. 5 is synne . As witnesseth S. Iames saying . When lust hath conceyued , shee bringeth fourth synne , by this meanes winneth the enemy that gate or fyrst ward , then procedinge forth in his wicked purpose , he tempteth man duryng his life in the tyme of youth , by wantonnes delectation , pleasure & redynes of mynd , to spend the tyme of this lyfe , either idely or vainly , that he should laboure in nothing that is good , and when nature hathe some what done with these , he bringeth in place euery carnal concupiscence , riot , naturall wisdome , and worldly honoure and riches : and in age he bringeth coueteousenes , vnpacient pouertie , childyshe dotage , and suche lyke . For sone after xxx . yeares are spent , , as age increaseth , the thinges of nature dimynishe , and begin to fade as a flower , but the enemy alway duryng the tyme of this lyfe , ceaseth not to assaulte man by synne , which is most agreeing to the nature and age of the person so tempted . And by suche vngodly meanes he seketh to fyll and kepe the mynd of man so busied , that it can haue no respecte to the word & wyll of god , nor seke after thinges that please hym . But seinge the rewarde of these is naught els but playne mysery and distruction bothe of bodye and soule , what folysh blyndnes is it , for men to set their loue so inordinatelye vpon suche thynges wherein is neuer rest nor peace ? and to seke the seruice of suche maisters as be very Aucthors of all trouble and mysery , and the bond seruantes of synne , and corruption , that serue them . Wherfore , stryue daily against your lustes , and mortyfie your affections , compell youre fleshe to be ruled and ordered , by the rules of Christe , prescrybed in the sacred worde of god , vnto you . Then doubtles our heauenlye father wyll not onelye loue vs , & take vs for hys dear children , but also for Christes sake ( so that we yet , continew in faith ) beare our imperfection durynge the tyme of this lyfe , clearelye forgeue and forget our synnes . And make vs partakers with oure sauioure Christe , of hys eternall kyngedome and glorie . Therfore O ye Christined nations call to remembraunce the longe time of your captiuitie & blyndnes of mynde , which hath very far exceded the tyme of the captyuitie of the Hebrues , the chyldren of Israel , or of any other congregations , professyng the truth before you : neuertheles , the mightie lorde of powers , the onely God of Israel , hath now remembred his promyses , and accordyng to hys oulde wonte hath he loked mercyfully vpon vs , for his names sake , yea , he hath now herd thy mornyngs O Israel , & he is come downe to delyuer Iacob his chosen with a myghtie hand , & a stretched out arme . Rom. ● . But as S. Paul saith . I speake not these thynges ceyued not the loue of the truth , saith he , God shall sende them strong delusion , that they shuld beleue lyes , that all they might be dampned ( saith he ) which beleue not the truth but had pleasure in vnrighteousenes . &c.

Neuertheles , god hath now remembred Israel his electe , for he wyll alway haue compassion vpon Iacob his chosen : therefore , is he now mynded to shew mercy , and to delyuer his people , for our Lordes Ieloussy is waxen greate , to see hys truth dayely thus traiterousely troden vnder foote of hys enemyes , and cleane defaced vnder a coloure of truthe , and wyth a counterfaicte dysguised holynes and outwarde pretence of vertue , whereby the symple ignoraunte synners be disceiued , for bycause the pathes of christ be so troden out , many can find nothyng of the way . Thus the mysterie of iniquitie , as Paul saith , workth in his place , wherby the synfull man is opened , and the sonne of perdition , whiche is an aduersarie , is exalted aboue all that is called God , or of God , for the vaine glorie of man apereth on earth to haue the vpper hande . In earthe worldly wisedome hath gotten the chayre , or vpper seat Is not natural , or carnal reason and worldly wysedome , most hyghliest esteemed ? Who amongeste men knoweth anye thynge lyke , or that may be compared vnto it ? Where is the wisdome of God become ? Is it not vtterly dispised of the blynde worlde , and set at naughte , and not regarded . When ye se the abhomynation , Apoca. 12. Esay . 14. Daniel . 9 Mat. 24 , Mat. 13. The man of sinne is exalted , he sitteth in the estimation of men . wheare god ought to syt for chief . 2. Thess. 2 Esay . 11. Daniel . 8. God fighteth alwai against the man of synne to ouercome and to subdue hym . 1. Corr. 1 , Esa. 18.37 4. Reg. 5. that betokeneth desolation , spoken of , by Danyel the Prophete ( saith Christ ) stande in the holy place , or ( as S. Mark saith ) where it ought not : Let hym that readethe it , vnderstande it . Thus is flesshe and bloude , that is to saye , the man of synne , exalted , extolled , and praysed , whiche sheweth hym selfe as god , and as thoughe ther were no power aboue him And sytteth in the holy temple whom the lorde neuetthelesse shall consume with the spiryte and breath of hys mouth . And wythe the apparaunce of hys comynge , euen hym saith Paul whose comynge that is exaltynge , or settynge vp , is saithe he , by the workyng of Sathan withe all lyinge power , signes , and wonders , & in all deceiueablenes of vnrighteousenes &c.

¶ Neuertheles , our god hath taken part againste flesshe and bloud , because it is become his verie enemy , and he hath said . I wyl destroy the wisedome of the wyse , and caste awaye the vnderstandyng of the prudent that no flesshe should reioice in hys presence , for the lorde shall step fourth , as he dyd vpon the mounte Pirazim , saith Esaye , and shall take on , as he dyd in the dale of Gibion , that he may brynge fourth his deuice , yea , hys stronge deuyce , and fulfyll hys worke / therfore make no mockes at it , saithe the Prophete , that your captiuytie or blyndenes increase not , for I haue hearde the lord of hostes say , that there shall fall a soden distruction , and plage , vpon the hole earth ( saith Esay ) therefore , take heade , and heare my voice , ponder and marke mye wordes well , Iere. 13. c for the lorde shall fight against all them that muster them selues agaynste the hyll of Sion , The heathen are suche as do not beleue . saith the prophet . And with his myghtie two edged sworde , shall he smyte the Heathen , they shall be at theyr wittes ende , they shall be abasshed , stacker and reele to and froo &c.

¶ Therefore , thus saithe the lorde , against all them that call them selues of the congregation of god , and yet are not ( because they lyue vngodly , Esai . 29. and are the bond seruauntes of syn ye shal be dronken , but not with wine , ye shal fal , but not thorow dronkennes , for the Lorde shal geue you an harde slepyng spirite / and hold doune your eyes namely of your prophetes and heades which shoulde see , them shall he couer , so that al visions shal be vnto you , as the wordes that stand in a sealed lettre &c.

For , thus saith the lorde , for so muche as , these people drawnie me wyth their mouthes , & praise me holly with their lyppes ( where as their hartes neuertheles be far from me ) and the feare that they owe vnto me , Abdi . 1. that turne they vnto mens lawes and doctrines : therfore , wyll I shew vnto this people , a maruelouse terryble , & great thing ( saith the lorde ) namelye this , I wyll destroy : the wisedome of the wise , and the vnder standynge of the learned men shal perysh . Therfore wo be to them that seke so depe to hyde their ymaginations before the lorde , which reherse their counsels in the darknes , & say , tush , who seeth vs , The churche of god in name , but not in deade , must perysshe , or who knoweth vs . Therfore , must Ierusalem & Iuda decay saith the lorde , because their words & counsels are against the lorde , they prouoke the presence of his maiestye vnto anger the changyng of their countenaunce ( saith the prophete ) bewrateth them , Esay . 3. yea they declare their owne synnes theym selues as the Sodomites , and hide them not . Woo be to their soules , for they shal be heauely rewarded , saieth the lord , then shall they say , O happie are the godly , for they may enioye the frutes of their studies , but wo be vnto the vngodlye and vnrighteouse , for they shall be rewarded after their workes . O my people , rybauldes oppresse thee , and women haue rule ouer thee : O my people thy leaders deceiue thee ( saith the lord ) and treade out the way of thy fote steppes . The lorde is here to common of the matter , saith Esai , and standeth to giue iudgement with the people , for the lord shall come forth to reason with the princes & Senatours , and shall say thus vnto them , saieth Esay . It is ye that haue burned vp my vyneyarde , and the robberye of the poore in youre house , wherfore do ye oppresse my people , and marre the faces of the innocentes ? And thus sayeth the prophete , shal the lord of hostes reuile them therefore .

Wo be to those proude boastyng spirites , which liuing wickedlye , teache their flockes by poure and penaltie , and not rather by ensamples of vertue & godly lyuyng .

Wo be to those , whose hertes are double , whiche with theyr mouthes boast proude thinges and flatteryng vertue , theyr wrathe is as the angry Lyon , or as the shee beare robbed of her whelpes , whiche euery occasion kendleth , as fire the drie flaxe .

Wo be to those false prophetes whiche vnder the name of gouernours and teachers , doo the deades of false deceyuers , seruyng their owne lustes , and yet saye , do as we byd you , and all is forgeuen .

Wo be to those Ipocrites , & wanderyng starres , to whome the myste of darkenes is reserued for euer , whiche coulourably for the bealy , and for lucres sake , pray for other , and yet neither forsake sinne , nor amende their owne lyues .

Woo be to those deceytefull messengers of Sathan , whose hertes are exercysed with couetousnes , hauyng eyes full of adultrye that can not cease to synne . And although they goe wrong them selfes , yet they say , thei be sent of god , to teach and leade other the right way .

Wo be to those paynted tombes and stinking sepulchres ful of all filth and corrupcion , which oftentimes spake of faythe , penance and loue , and yet consume the tyme of their lyues in vanitie and idlenes , keepyng theyr belyes from hungre , and theyr throtes from thryst .

Wo be to those murtherers of the soules of men , which thorough flatterye sowe pelows , Ezeche . 13 Esay . 5. Miche . 3. as the prophete sayeth , vnder the armeholes of the people , to to the entent they may bryng theim a slepe in blindnesse and sinne , that they myght suspecte none of their doynges .

Wo be to those blynde guydes , and most wicked generacion , by whose carelesse lyuynge , true repentaunce is almost banyshed and thrust out of place , and amendment of lyfe is laughed to skorne and not regarded .

Wo be to those filthye spottes / which haue thus forsaken the right way / & count it pleasure to liue deliciously for a season , whiche as ragyng waues of the Sea / foome oute theyr filthynes and shame .

Woo be to those serpentes & adders broodes , Venē and poyson is false doctrine , and ensamples of naughtie liuyng . whiche moste greuously corrupt the inhabyters of the earth with their venem and deadly poyson , and to mainteyn ambition / pryde / couetousenes , voluptuous and beastly liuyng / peruert al thynges , and preposterously tourne it out of frame .

Wo be to the vngodlye / the beast & all his warriers , which maliciously do euyll , and fighte continually against the lord of powers and all his true souldiers .

Woo be to those bishops , pastours / and lawiers / of what name and place so euer they bewhiche boast of power and auctoritie to rule and gouerne other / and yet haue no respecte to their owne soules : For heuily and miserably shal thei be rewarded that beare the name of christen people , whiche seke holynes onely by outward sacramentes and signes , not regardyng what the hert & inwarde conscience bee / and also saye in your selfes , tushe we be well inough for the holy lawes , ceremonies / and Sacramentes of god , are remaining among vs , and thereby we are knowen to be his people . Neuertheles be thou of good cumfort , Esai . 1. O thou litle worm Iacob , and thou despysed Israell , for thy redemer liueth : feare neyther the proude boastyng nor threatenynge of thyne ennemies , for the Lorde standeth by thee to defend and deliuer thee , Esai . 11. for the mightye god of hostes wyll now take in hand to conquere the remnaunt of his people , whiche are left aliue , from the Assirians , Egipcians , Arabians , Morians , Elamites , Caldees , Antiochians , and Ilandes of the sea : for the the earth shal be full of the knowledge of the Lord ( sayth Esay ) Euen as though the water of the sea flowed ouer the earth : Esai . 11. Abac. 2.6 . And then shall the Gentyles whiche are vnbeleuers , knowe that our God hath mercifully heard the lamentable complaint of the poore oppressed , and remembred his couenaunt made with Abraham , Exody . 2. Isaac , and Iacob his choosen . Therefore the Lord commaundeth you to let his people go , ye Heathen nacions and ennemies of righteousnes , that we may sacrifice vnto the Lord our god , for the lorde hath now seene the heauy burdens , wherewith ye dailye oppresse his people , and therefore is he come to deliuer them with a mightie hand , and a stretched out arme , Esai , 11. Nylus , signifieth the See of trobles & aduersitie ye the Lord shal cleaue the tong of the Egipcians . Se saith Esay , and with a mightie wynde shall he lyft vp his hand ouer Nylus , and he shall smyte his seuen streames , & make men go ouer dry shod , and thus shal he make a way for his people the remaineth from the Assirians lyke as it happened to the Israelites , what tyme they departed oute of Egipte &c.

But if you wyll not let hys people goo ( O yee enemyes of righteousenes ) that they maye serue hym , after his wyll , then wyll he poure hys plages vpon you , as he did vpon Egipte , and vpon other nations , among whom he scatered hys people for their offences : to the intent they myght teache you righteousenes , that ye myght repent and turne from your euyll waies , and lerne to know the name of the lorde , which is greate in Israel , and myghtie in Sion : for as touchyng Israel and Iuda ( thus saith the Lorde ) they shall not be forsaken of their God , Ier. 51.50 of the Lorde of hoostes , of the holy one of Israel , noo thoughe theye haue fylled all their lande full of synne &c. For I wyl not consume the , but chasteine the , and correcte the , and that with descretion , saith the lord neither wyl I spare the as one that were faultlesse , for thus saith the lorde : O Iacob and Israel , Iere. 46. and 30. Esai . 44. & 43. d thou art my seruaunte , I haue made the , that thou mightest serue me . O Israel forgete me not ( saith the Lorde ) as for thyne offences , I driue them a waye lyke the cloudes , and thy synnes as the myste : tourne that againe vnto me , and I wyl delyuer the , saith the lorde . Therfore , tourne againe O thou dispysed people vnto the lorde , forsake thy syns , leaue thyne own wylful waies , them shalte thou be deliuered in the landes of thy captyuitie , and be taken as a spoile from , and oute of the mouthe of the deuourer , whiche seketh to fyll hym alwaye of the. Cry to god from the very herte , to delyuer the from the violente hande of thyne oppresser , pour downe thy teares daily before hym , and say , A prayer O euerlastynge god and my father , I beseche the remembre the poore oppressed , deale fauourablye with vs , for thyne owne sake , for thou arte our onely surgion . Shew mercy vpon vs O father , for Chrystes sake , shew mercy vpon vs , the worke of thyne owne handes . Haue compassion vpon thy people , O lorde , that greuousely haue synned against the , for by reason of our synnes , haue we longe tyme bene thus exyled and kepte from the : and the enemye hath sore preuayled against vs . O be thou mercyfull and take awaye our synnes , & let our iniquities no more displease the. O Lorde forget not thyne owne accustomed mercyes . Is our hurt so great that it may no more be heled ? Turn our hertes vnto the , that wee maye seke thy wyll , praise thy name , and walke in thy waies . O lorde , wee knowe that thou only art our god , whose nature and propertie is , to shewe mercy , yea , and that thou art alwai readye ( O lorde ) but oure syn lyeth heauye vpon vs , & presseth vs sore down , quicken vs with thy holy spirite ( O lorde ) and lyft vs vp , we beseche the with thy holy hande , and strengthen vs dayly with thine arme , that we may praise the with ioyfull lyppes , and magnifie the , O eternall God , oure onely sauyour , father , Sonne and holye ghoste . &c.

Refuse not thou thy helth , O thou Englysshe nation , seeyng god hath loued the aboue many other , and hath sent hys worde , the sonne of god , the very true patrone and ymage of hys moste godly substaunce , vnto the too call the frome thyne own waies that thou mightest be made his owne people , too serue hym accordynge to his wyll , with reuerence and godly feare . Apoca. 3. Say not in thyne hert I am ryche and encreased with goodes , and haue neade of nothinge , least thou be reproued : but anointe thyne eyes with eye salue ( saithe the veritie of God ) that thou maiste see , and know how thou art wretched , poore , blynd , and naked . I counsell the , saith Christe , bie of me golde tryed in the fyre , that thou maist be ryche , and white raymente , that thou maist be cloothed , that thy filthy nakednes do not apeare &c.