The seconde parte of the Domesticall or housholde sermons for a godly housholder, to his childre[n] and familie: compyled by the godly learned man Christopher Hegendorffine, doctor most necessarye for all faythefull housholders: now first translated out of laten in to English by Henry Reginalde.

✚ The third Sermon domesticall vnto their children , of the conception of Christe .

TO the first sentence of our belief , well beloued childr●… this clause is wont to bean nexed ( I beleue in Iesus Christ our lord ) Anbic can not be declared , what strength is in this worde , our lorde , for heere we witnes that we doo beleue that Iesus Christe , hathe brought and delyuered vs from the captiuitie of synne , death , hell , and the deuil vndernethe his domynion . And nowe doth rule all these enemyes , and that we through Christ , be higher then these enemyes : for Christ hath gotten vnto vs . and not vnto him selfe , a tryumphaunte victorie , of suche tyranycall enemyes . By what meanes Christe hath brought vs vnderneth his power : the sequell & folowynge sentences of our belief , doo more playnely testifye . And fyrste , it foloweth , which was conceyued by the holy ghost , that is , I beleue Iesus Christe our lorde to be conceyued in the womb of the holye Virgyn Mary , but not conceiued by the meane of the seede of man , but of the holy ghost , which in the womb of the Vyrgyn Mary dyd make the very body of Chryste . And that is it , that Damel saith , the seconde Chapter , that Chryste is the stone cut oute with oute handes , that is ( as some men thynke ) withoute the seede of man to be conceyued in the wombe of the Vyrgin Marye .

And the Aungell Gabriel , luke the fyrst chapter , the Vyrgyn demaundyng how she should conceyue a sonne , seyng that she neuer knewe man , he answered The holy ghoste shall come vpon the , & the power of the highest shall ouer shadowe the. For this cause , Christ wold be conceiued by the holy ghost , that our vnpure conception gylty of dampnation ( for in synne we are conceyued the . I. psalme ) should be purged by hym , lest for the syn of our conception , we shulde be caste into eternall death : he therefore whiche doth beleue that Christe was conceyued by the holy ghoste , in the womb of the virgyn his mother for hys cause , may trewly get and vendicate vnto him selfe purely , the conception of Christe : euen in lyke case as al other thyngs whiche Christe didde : for Christe is all ours : and all thynges which Christ dyd , they be to be accompted in the self same place as if we had done them our selues , the which thynges when we haue certifyed oure selues in , wee can neuer be trowbeled in anye other thynge anye more . Christe Iesus whiche is oure lord , hath alwaye rule in vs , and euen the same which was conceyued by the holy ghoste , clense throughly our vnpure conceptyon , and gyue vs his grace to beleue , that vndoubtedly it is all made cleane bye him . So be it .

The fourth sermon domesticall to their chyldren , of Christes byrthe .

A Few dayes a go , welbeloued children , ye haue hearde that the churche of Christe doth beleue that he is the son of god , that euerlastyng god , with the eternall god the father in lyke power as the father . Row , when Christe the sonne of god also is very man , it foloweth in the belief ( I beleue in Iesus Christe , which was borne of Mary the Virgyn ) And here is great occasion gyuen vnto me , to speake largely of the byrthe of Chryste . But when that he is dyligentely written of by one of the Euangelystes and fyrst of Sainct luke .ij. Chapter : Thyther will I sende you . And at this tyme we will fyrste intreate , what it is to beleue . Christ to be borne of Mary the Virgin . It is to declare brieflye , nothynge else then to beleue that Christe is the sonne of God , takyng very humaine flesh , of the Virgin , he was borne trew man and that euen of the holy Virgin , whose flower of chastitie was not taken awaye , no : chaunged , neither before the byrthe , neither in the byrthe , neyther after the byrth . And for this cause , I do beleue that this thynge was done , that he should cleane pourge as well my vnpure natiuitie , as al other mens , and that he should be that promised seede vnto Abraham our father in the which as well I , as all other men be blessed , that is , that we should folow the remyssion of oure synnes , and an eternall lyfe , and that we shoulde be deliuered from the power of the denyll .

And fyrste we muste heere marke , that euery man must ve●dycate and chalenge vnto hym , the natiuitie of Chryst , and that Chryste was borne of the Virgyn Mary for his cause , and he muste make hys soule to beleue that his natiuytie is truely pourged and made clene by Christes natyuitte , and for to folowe the eternall saluation .

And that this was no hyndrance vnto him , for this syngeth dayly the church , onles our lyttell sonne Christ had byne born vnto vs , we should haue perysued for euermore , for this cause , for that we were conceyued in synne , and bor●● i● synne . And as Paul to the Ephesians the ij . chap. saith . We are borne the children of wrathe , that is , wee of oure owne strength do performe this one thyng for the which thinge , god is angry with vs and doth condempne vs . Christ therfore is borne , that we beyng the chyldren of wrathe , shoulde be made well beloued chyldren of god , by hys holy natyuytie and that he shoulde wasshe awaye the fylthynes of oure synnes , of our vnpure natiuytie , throughe hys holy natiuytie . Paul to the Galathyaus the iiij . Cha. declareth briefly wherfor crist was borne , when he sayethe , But when the fulnes of tyme was come , God sent his sonne made of a woman that those which were gyltie vnder the law , he shoulde redeme that we should be taken for hys sonnes by adoption : Saynt Paul meaneth here in hys saying , when the tyme was fulfil led , that Christe shoulde be sente here in to this worlde , god the father not being requested , nor prouoked through our deseruynges , but through his vnspeakeable mercy , towardes man kynde , sente not aunge● nor Prophete , but his son , not that the sonne shoulde here loke after his own commodities & profites , but that he shoulde vendycate and chalenge vs from condemnation of the lawe , which could not make amendes for our owne selues by our owne deseruynges , for the which he dyd abundantly make am●nds for vs , and he beyng the trew lambe of God , should take awaye oure synnes Ihon the fyrste Chapter : that so by Christ the onely naturall sonne of god , we the whiche shoulde beleue in hym , shoulde be made the sonnes of adoption of the heuenly father , and the heyres of god & the coinherytours of Iesus Christe , too the Romayns the .viij. Chapter , which is soo greate a well sprynge of eloquence that as it is euermore worthe & worthy , it can not be expownded : god the father shewynge to vs and towardes vs hys mercy in Christ Iesu , what tong is able to declare or expres the commodites whiche Christ Iesu the sonne of god and of Mary the vyrgyn , hath brought vnto vs by his holynatiuite ? But what shuld we do ? When god for that his vnspeakeable goodnes doth desyre nothingels but that we should be thankefull vnto him , and gyue dayly thankes , both vnto god the father , and vnto our Christ , euen vnto hym , for that , that for oure saakes , he dydde vouchesafe hys onely Sonne , the cause of our helth , to be borne of the virgin Mary , to this end , that he obeying the will of his father , did not refuse to take our fleshe on him , and to make vs free from the curse of the lawe , from synne , from the tyrany of the deuyl . Let vs therfore gyue thankes vnto god the holy ghoste , for that he did make by his holy power , both the body and soule of Christe , in the wombe of the holy Vyrgyn , that CHRIST beynge verye man , should get vs our saluation , & shulde bryng vs to euerlastinge lyfe , prayse be vnto god the father and his sonne Iesus Christe , and to the holye gost , now & euermore so be it .

The fyfte Sermon domestical vnto their Children , of the passyon of Christ .

IT foloweth as ve knowe , welbeloued chyldren , in our belief which suffered vnder pontius Pylate , that is , I beleue in Iesus Christe , bothe the sonne of god & of the Virgin , which suffered vnder Pontius Pylat , for as there may be no doubt of the natiuitie of christ therfore is it added into the belief , borne of mary the Vyrgyn , where the name of the Virgyn is plainelye expressed , euen also ( as I myght vse the wordes of saincte Cypriane ) least the passione of Christ shoulde wauer as a vaine and phantasticall thinge , the tyme where in christ did suffer , verely when Poncius Pylate was lieutenante of the Romain Impire , it is expressed very wel . What is it to beleue , that christ suffered vnder pontius pilate , this thinge is meante in it , that he shoulde make a mendes for my synnes , and therfore , to go vnto so vyle a death , for Peter in his first Epistle the second chapiter , saith , Christ did beare in his body our synnes , vpon the crosse , where by we beinge dead to sinne , should lyue vnto iustice , with whose strypes wee are made hole , & addeth vnto this thynge the saying of Esaye . In the .liij. Chapter . Truelye he did beare our infirmities , and he did suffer our paines . It is trulye by cause I wold expound the thyng more at large . The passion of Christ after the mind of sainct Augustine , is two waies to be taken , first , as an holy sacrament , & then as an example , as a sacrament trewly , for that it signifieth & kylleth synne in vs . As an example that we should frely and ●…lilyngely heare all maner of euyls with a good herte , whiche be sente to vs by Christ , perswadynge with our selues , that all thoose afflyctions in the passyon of Christ , are made acceptable in the syght of god , & that also , if nede shall require , we offer our selues to Christ , euen as a sacrifice willyngly for oure neyghboures euen as Christe did offer him selfe a sacrifyce for vs to god the father , as a smelle of a good and swete sauer . Ephesyans the v. chapter . For whi Christ dyd suffer for vs , leauynge to vs an example , that we shoulde folow his foote steppes , and here Christ sayth , Mathew the .x , Chapter . Who so euer doch not take his cros and folowe me , is not worthy of me . Iesus Christe graunte that we maye take his passion with a trewe faythe , and we being once entred into his fote stepes , may come thyther where he is come , syttynge on the ryghte hande of god almighty . To whom be prayse & glory , worlde with oute ende . Soo be it .

The sixte domestycall Sermon to their children of the crosse of Christ ▪

WE haue not as yet expounded , well beloued Chyldren , all those thynges by the which Christ was made our lorde , for now we must intreate of this thinge which we do professe in our belief . I beleue in Iesus Christe whiche was crucified , which without doubt I do professe that I do beleue , that Christ the sonne both of god , and the Virgyn was my priest in the very crosse , and that he hath offered a liuely sacrifice to god , ●uen hym self for my sinnes . And that there is none other satisfaction for my sinnes , which god the father doth receyue , but onely this one oblation of Christ vpon the crosse , which offeryng was once of fered in the crosse . But euen so that all which beleue truely in Christ , he dooeth helpe them alway , & make them clene from al their sins , the remembraunce of which oblation & Christ hath left in hys supper vnto vs for Cristes words be these . ●u .xxij. This is my body whiche shall be betrayed for you , do this in my remembraunce . And Paul y ● ●ieste Epistle to the Corinthians the xi . Chap. setteth fourth , that Christe after the same maner dyd take the eup , and sayde , this eup is the newe testamet in my bloude , do ye thys so often as ye shall drynke of it in the remembraunce of me . Sainct Chrisostome in his commentaries vpon the Epistles of Saynte Paul to the Hebrews , sayth . That thyng that we do , it is done in his remembrance , the which is done &c.

Furthermore , for the oblation made & done , vpon the crosse for our syns , Paul dothe testifye in many places , for to the Ephesy ans the .v. Chapiter he sayeth . Christ deliuered hym selfe for vs an offeryng & sacrifice to god , in a swete sauour of a swete smell . Where Paul ( welbe loued children ) withe fewe wordes , doth declare that the sacrifices of the old testament were figurs of the sacrifice of Christ made on the crosse , to the Hebrues the .ix. Chapter . Christ was once offered for vs for to take awaie the synnes of manye men . And vnto the Hebrues the .x. Chapter . Here truely Christe once beyng offered a sacrifice for our synnes , doth sy● at the ryght hande of god , for with one oblation / he made perfecte for euer all those whiche be sainctified . To the Collossians the ij . Chapter . He forgyuyng vs al our synnes , hath put out the hand writinge that was against vs , conteined in the law writen , and that hath he taken oute of the waye . and hath fastined it to hys crosse , and hathe spoyled rule and power , and hath made a shewe of them openly , & hath tryumphed ouer them in his own person , with which words Paul writeth that christ did triumph on the crosse . For euen in lyke case , as those whiche make a triumph , beare about with them , the thynge which betokeneth the victorye & do shew vnto the people , the rememberaunce of their victory : so Paul sayth that Christe , as a triumphe on the crosse , dyd shewe vnto his cruell enemyes that weare ouercome , that is to say , he hath driuen awaye the deuyl , death , & sinne , and hath set fourth openly a token of his victorye where by it may be open to all natyons by the onlye victorye , gotten by Christe in the Crosse , of synne , deth , & the deuil : not onlye vnto hym selfe , but vnto al vs whiche shall put our hole confidence to be saued , ye do vnderstand , I trust , now welbeloued children , what it is to beleue that Christ was crucyfyed , synce then that Christ hath declared vnto vs by his cros suche greate benefites , and that only of his free goodnes and mercy , let vs therfore be thankefull vnto hym , and let vs crucyfie our flesshe , that we may say ●● Paul , with our affectes and our concupiscences , that is let vs bridle the wantonnes of our flesh , and our euill affections wich the spirite of god . And let vs not do rudely those thinges which the flesh procureth vs to do , the which al myghtye Christ graunte vs , to whome with god the father and the holy goste be prayse honour & glory world with out end so be it .

The seuenth Sermon Domesticall to their children , of the death and the buriyng of Christe .

IT is not vnknowen vnto you ( as I thinke . ) welbeloued children , that we shal dye al once . Hebrues 9. chapter . For when euen vnto one , all we were giltie with sinne , death began to rule all men , after these saiynges . 1. Corint . 13. Chap. The pricke of death is sinne : and lest death myght swalow you vp . Christ maketh for your purpose : for why , he dyed for this cause , that he mighte satisfie for oure s●nnes , and breake the strength of death , for the which we should dye , and death woulde swalowe vs vp . Seeyng that therefore there is made satisfaccion for our sinnes by Christ , death can no more deuour men : for why , the death of Christ is our death , the satisfaccion of Christ for our sinnes , is our satisfaccion . Therefore we say in our belefe . I beleue in Iesus Christe , sonne bothe of god and of the virgin , dead and buryed . 〈◊〉〈◊〉 I confesse , that I beleue christ 〈◊〉〈◊〉 died for me , and I also with him and

The tenth sermon domestical , vnto their chyldren , of the Ascention of Christ .

THis day , as ye know , well beloued chyldren , we shall intreate of th ascention of Iesu Christ , vnto the heauens , in the which there remayne goodlye testimonies , ●oth oute of the Prophetes , the Euaungelistes & the wrytyngs of the Apostles . For Daiud saith , Psalm xv . He doth ascend on hygh , he hath led captiuitie captiue , he hath giuen giftes to men , whiche place of the Psalme , Paul dothe open . Ephesians the .iiij. Chapter . and in the fortye and syxte Psalme . Dauid sayth . Godde hath ascended in gladnesse and the Lorde in the voyce of the trompet . The fourtenth Psalme , whyche hathe ascended vpon Cherubyn , and hath taken hys flyght vpon the feathers of the wynd . The hundreth & nynth Psalme . The lorde saide to my Lorde , syt on my ryght hand . Furthermore , Mark , xvi . and Luk .i. Chap. in th actes doth make mention playnely in euery place of the story of the ascention of Christ . and Peter in his first Epistle the .iij. Chap. Saith of Christe , which is on the ryght hande of god , syttynge in heauen . And Paul to the Ephe. v. Chap. After the efficacye and strength of his power , whiche hee did exercyse in Christ , when he shoulde be raysed up from the dead , and to cause hym to syt on his right hand in heauen , ye do here how goodly the testimonies of holy scripture be brought in of the ascencion of Christ . But euery man maye easily say . I beleue in Iesus Christe the sonne both of God , and of the Virgyn , whiche hath ascended vp to the heauens , and sitteth on the right hand of god the father almightie . So doth not euery man knowe the meaning of these wordes , or vnderstande them , or beleue them . It is nothyng els to beleue that christe hathe ascended vp to the heauens , and to sytte on the right hand of God the father almightie , then that therefore Christe dyd lyft vp hymself from our syghte , that he myght haue to doe with all men , to rule in all men , to be preached of al men , and that he might be in all men , and that he myght heare the prayers of all men , and helpe our cause , and defend vs against al euils , and to pray for vs , and to take the office of an intercessour for vs , and an aduocate . Romains the eyght chapter , and the first epistle of S. Iohn the .ij. Chap. Furthermore , we muste not thinke that Christ is farre from vs , but we must thinke clene otherwise . When that he did walke here in earth , he was farre from vs : now truely after that he hath ascended vp into the heauens , and there shall sit on the ryght hand of god the father almightie , that is to saye , that he shoulde haue lyke power , glory , and honour , like kingdom with god the father , he is nere vs , although our reason cannot compasse it , it maketh no matter , for it is an article of our faith we must haue a faythe of those thynges which our reason can haue no vnderstandyng of , wherfore we must make our reson captine in the obedience of our faith . Who wyl not now , welbeloued children , reioyce and be gladde ? when he heareth that Christe for our sakes hath ascended vp into the heauens , that it shoulde prospere vs in all our thyuges both bodye & soule ? Who wyll feare now any of hys enemies : when he doth heare that christ sitteth i● heauen at the right hand of god the father , and gouerneth euery mans hert , that men cannot do any thynge , but as he wyll , and shal permyt . Furthermore if at any tyme , we are sodenly taken wyth any of our enemies , or when we do come in peryls , we ought constantly to beleue that is done by the wyl of oure sauiour Christ : Iesus Christ rule vs alway , and giue vs that grace that we may suffer our selues to be ruled of hym . So be yt . ❧

The eleuenth domesticall sermon to their Chyldren of the latter iudgemente .

HEtherto , welbeloued Chyldren ye haue heard how Christe was made our lord and sauyour , that is to saye , made satis●action for our synnes , hath vendicated and worme vs freely from death , the deuyll / and hell : and hathe deserued for vs , remyssion of oure synnes , and lyfe euerlastyng . Now the● doth remayne ( as ye maye heare ) howe christ now at the last , shal shew him selfe openly in his latter iudgement vnto al the world , & veryly to be a mercyfull lord of the godly , that is , a delyuerer of them & lord of al thyng , & to the wicked , a sharp iudge . Therfor , it folow●th in the belief , I beleue in Iesu christ the son both of god , & of that vyrgin , which from thence that is to say , from the right hand of god the father , shall come to iudge both the quicke & the dead : With the which words I p●ofesse this thing , that I beleue that Christ at length when he shal see his time , wyl come in his glory , & all his holy Anngels with him , & shall litte on the seate of his glory ▪ Matthew xxij . Chapter . And he shall come also , not as in his firste commyng , for to preache vnto men the gospell of grace , or to saue the worlde , but to iudge both the quicke and the dead . And how that shal be , both Christ and his apostles declare . Matth. xxvi. chapter . Christ saith , when the sonne of man shall come ( where now he speaketh of his second commyng ) in his glory , and al his aungels with hym , them shal he sitte vpon the seate of his glorye , and there shal be gathered together beefore him al nasions , & he shal separate them . &c. Ye knowe this place . Marke .xiij. chap. Christ saith , then they shall see the sonne of man come in the cloudes with greate power and glory . Luke .xxi. cha. Thess. iiij. chapter . We that shal be leafte in the commyng of the lord , shall not preuente those whiche haue slept , for the same lord with that exhortacion , and in the voice of the Arch aungell / and the trump of God shall descend from heauen , & fyrste those that be dead in Christ shall ryse , then we whiche shall liue , whiche shal be left , shal be taken with them in the cloudes in the metyng of the lord in the ayer , & so shall we be with the Lord alway .ij. epystle of Peter .iij. chapter . The dayes of the Lorde shall come as a thefe in the nighte , with the whiche the heauens shall vanishe away as a storme , the elementes beeynge hotte shal be dissolued , and the earth also and al those thinges that are therin shal be burnt vp . &c.

Behold , ye here ( welbeloued children ) how Christ shall vse his last iudgement . Furthermore , of signes , which shal be as tokens of the commyng of Christ , reade vnto your self the Euangelistes , and the second epistle to the Thessalonyans , the second chapter , the seuenth boke of Lactantius of the institution of holy thynges . For it is to long to rehearse here all , nor there is no small numbre of testimonies whiche do appere in euery place in the prophetes , of this second comyng of Christ . Dauid sayth .xcvi. psalme . Th● shal the tongue of woodes reioyce from the face of the Lord , for because he shall come to iudge the earth . Esay the second chapter , And he shall iudge the nations , and he shall reproue many people .

Esai .lxvi. Psalm Behold the lord shall come in fier , and his chariot shal be as a boysterouse wind These few testimonies of the Prophetes , welbeloued chyldren , I haue recited here , that ye myght know the s●cond commyng of christ , euen before : or as wel as the first comming of Christ , by the holy ghost : which was spoken by the Prophetes , and also pre●aticy●ated or prophecied . Now , seyng that it is most trew welbeloued children , that christ shal come at length to iudgement , it doth belong vnto vs , first both with our life & behaueour to haue in remembrance christ which shal come to iudge : for thys is a goodly saying of S. Augst. the xlix . Psalm. which saith . When euer● man doth waie in his hert & seeth what place fayth taketh here , if we do beleue the iudgement for to come , brethren we shall l●ue wel , now is the time of mercie , the time of iudgement shal be . And Paul .ij. Cor .v. Chap. saith . Wherfore let vs stryne with oure selues , if we be present at home , or with out makyng our iourney , that we maye please hym , for al we must shew our self before the iudgement seat of god & christ , that euery man may beare those things which haue ben done by his body . Furthermore , if we truely beleue the last iudgment of Christ , we shal make our hertes glad , that in that tyme , all we the which haue cast our confidence surelye in hym both shall receiue the crowne of our iustice .ij. Tim .iiij. Chap. And we shal liue also with our head Christ for euermore .i. Tessa .iiij. Chap. What oughte to bee more desyred of vs , then wherebye wee may loke vpon the face of Christ , which is the immaculate Image of God , the first begotten of all creatures , by whom all thinge was made , which is in heauen , and which is in yearth ? Colloss. i. Chap. Our lord Iesus Christe graunte , that in lyke case as here in earth we be one , so that we may so leade our lyfe with hym , euen togyther for euermore . Let euer this latter iudgemente , welbeloued Children be alway before your eies , ¶ I shall maruell if ye shal not haue a great accompt or good eye to youre lyuynge . So be it

The twelfth Domesticall sermon to their chyldren , of God the holy ghost .

SEeyng that I haue taken vpon me ( welbeloued children ) to expound the belief , I haue told to you christians , without any controuersy or doubt , that we shoulde beleue with a ●yngle eye , that there is but one god , and yet three persons , whiche haue the selfe same diuine substaunce : and as I shall vse the wordes of the olde auncyente d●uynes , or consubstanciall , whiche is god the father , god the sonne , and god the holy ghost . We haue spoken hytherto very muche of god the father , & god the sonne . And now the course of our talke dooeth requyre , that we should intreate now of god the holy gost . The holy gost also to be god , the holy scripture doeth playnly proue . But lest I should be tedious vnto you with the multytude of Scryptures I wyll bryng forth onely some places of scrypture , by the whiche ye shall knowe the deitie of the holy ghoste , and that ye may both defend your conscience from the assaultes of the deuill . Mathew the laste chap. Christe sayeth vnto his discyples , whom he wylled to god through all the world : Go , and teache all nations , and baptise them in the name of the father , the sonne , and the holy ghost . ●o● , here Christ doth attribute the godhead vnto the holy ghost : for when I must beleue in the holye ghoste , then I make hym a god , for I must beleue and put my trust in no man , but in God . This argumente dooeth Razianzene the fifth ●oke of his holy writing vse , whose words be these . But yf the holy gost be a creature , how do we beleue in hym , or be confirmed in him ? and it is not al one thyng , to beleue in any thyng , and to beleue of any thing for that thyng is attributed to the godhead , the other thyng to euery creature . And this argument S. Cyprian dooeth touche in his exposition of the belefe . Dauid .xxxij. psalme , saieth . The heauens wer made with the word of god , and with the spiryt of his mouth all their powers , and here is also opened a testimony , that the holy ghost is god , as heauen , & all thyng whiche is in heauen was made by hym . Psalme . Cxxxviii . Whyther shall I god from the spirite . And whyther shal I flie from thy face ? It is in no creatures power for to be in all places , or to fulfyll all the world : but that pertayneth only to God the creator . Furthermore , that the holie ghost is very god , these places may satisfy you for this tyme , of the Godhed of the holy gost . Now I come to the belief , in the whiche we say . I beleue in the holy gost with the whiche woordes I saye , that I professe to beleue not onely , that the holy ghoste is god , with true god the father , and very god the sonne , and for to come forth of them bothe : but also , maketh in me that thyng , that his name doth sygnifye , truely that he doth sanctifye me : with what meanes that is done , the nexte sentences of the belefe do declare . But truely , to beleue in the holy ghoste , is to beleue , that our hartes are led by hym , are styrred by him , are moued to beleue the ghospell of Iesu Christ , and that by hym we are broughte to the knowledge of the father and Christ : and by hym , ●e folow Christ our lord / and our defender from all kynde of bondage . For no man ●●● beleue at any time eyther the gospel or can by any meanes beleue christ to be his lord , onles it be geuen him by the holye gost . Therfore , the congregation s●●geth in a song . Now we beseche the holy ghost , the first he wil geue vs a true faithe , & that he wil kepe vs before we come to an end & when we cōehome out of this life full of misery , Lordhaue mercy on vs , where y● here deere children , the right faith both in the gospel to be asked of the holy ghost and Christ . Corint .xij. No man can say Lord Iesus , but by the holy gost . To be short the holy ghost is the same spirite , by whom our heauenly father bothe woorketh all thyng in vs , and doth quicken them in vs . And here the congregation doth syngagayne of the holy ghost Withoute the holy ghoste , there is nothyng in manne , and nothyng is without synne . Wherefore ( welbeloued chyldren ) when eyther ye wil heare the word of god , or doo any thing , pray ye to Christ , that he would send vnto you the holy ghost , that whatsoeuer ye shal here or do , that ye may both heare it ● do it luckely and happily . And first , we must desire christ that the holy gost may not leaue vs so long as ●e be in this worlde ▪ but at all tymes he maye be chiefly present with vs , that he may defend us from the manyfold snares of the deuell / & preserue our hertes , that they beyng alway intente and beeholdyng onely Iesus Christ our sauiour , may not bee troubled with any thing contrarye to his commaundement . So be it .

The thirtenth domesticall sermon to their chyldren , of Christes Churche .

IN the last sermon ( welbeloued children ) ye haue herd that to beleue in the holye ghost , is nothyng els then to beleue that the holy gost is very god with verye God the father , and very god the sonne , and that he doth make us verily holye , euen as his holye name doeth signifie : and nowe ye shall heare , how by the holy gost we ar made holy , and what thynges appertayn vnto him from the first beginning of the world , and what appertaineth to hym euen to the end of the world . This foloweth in the belefe . I beleue the holy churche , the communion of samtes . Here ye oughte to bee admonyshed ( wherefore we saye here . ) I beleue the holy church , and not in the holy churche . Saint Cyprian doth make aunswere here , for this cause it is done , that the creator ought to be separated from the creatures , and holy thinges may be separated from humayne thynges . Furthermore , when we professe that we do beleue holy churche , we shew and set forth the holynes of the church , whiche can not be set forth before our corporall eyes , for those thynges which we beleue , are not seene with our eyes , and so is the holynesse of the churche hydden , for god hath wrapped his churche with many kyndes of infirmities , with sinne , with errours , and with a thousande maner of crosses he doeth oppresse it , that it seemeth to be nothyng lesse then holye . Therfore whosoeuer doeth not obserue and marke the maner of god bilig●tly , & seeth or beholdeth the errours , sinnes , and daily falles in those men , which be born again with the water of regeneration , & haue both the word of god , & do kepe it in faith , cannot but greatly be offended , & thinke , that those are not to be taken of the holy churche . But here perchaunce thou wilt saye . But what is the Churche ? Heare welbeloued children , this word , Ecelesia , is Greke word , and in ●aten , it signifieth , Societatem , or , Concionem , or , Coetuns populi , in Englishe , it signifieth a felowshyp , an asse●●ble , or a congregatyon of people . And this is this holy churche , called a certayne feloweshyppe of holye ●●enne uppon yearthe , warrynge vnder Chryste by the holy ghost . ( ●o , beholde the offyce of the holy ghoste ) congregat●d in one fayth , mynde , and vnderstandyng , and mdewed with manye gyftes . Briefly , the holy church is al those whiche beleue in Christ : & this thing signifieth these wordes . I beleue the communion of samtes . Whiche wordes ( as the holy fathers testifie with one voyce ) the holy churche is expounded to be a communion . or a felowship or congregation of saintes . And this is the th●g y ● ● . August . writeth , in a sermon of al saintes . Our holy mother the faithful churche being sured in all the world , taught chafflictions of Christ in the hed Iesu Christ . &c. But here perchaunce also , you thinke with your selues Behold how is it , the holy church of christ which ( as I haue said a little before ) sontime falleth hedlong into sinne ? I make answere . The holy church is by faith ●● Iesu Christ , whilest truly it doth beleue , that by Christes bloud it is washed clene from all sinne .i. Iohn n. chap. And the holy church of Christ is , those that do abstain from the sinnes of the flesh , and do exercise themselfs with spiritual exercises . Furthermore , it is not so holy , that vtterly it lacketh al euill desires , may be oppressed with no wicked opinions . For the church of god must confesse her sinne : therfore , she praieth , that her sinnes may be forgeuen . Wherfore she beeleueth to haue remission of her synnes . So that now we perceiue , that saintes do sinne , do ●alle , and are disceiued , but unawares , for they wil not willyngely forsweare Iesu Christ ▪ and renounce his gospell , wherfore they do optayne the remission of their sinnes : and if they do at any tyme erre from the doctrine of Christ , so that neglygentely they be oute of the waye , there is made ready for them forgeuenesse : for why , sometyme , and specially about the end of theyr lyfe , they be brought somwhat to remembraunce of their synnes , and repente of their synnes , and geue the victory onely to the trueth , and vnto the mercy of Iesu Christe But peraduenture here , welbeloued children , again you would know of me , whether the holynes of the church , may by any meanes be hid from Christ : Or whether the church of Christ may bee knowen by any exteriour sygnes , as I haue said a litle before : wherin I wylsygnify vnto you , the churche of Christ to be ▪ wheresoeuer the pure worde of God is taught , and the sacramentes administred , as Christ hath instituted them , the people be styrred to liue godlye , & where they do pray vnto god for kynges , princes , and al ordinary gouernours and rulers . Behold , these be the signes of christes church , when therfore I do professe and saie . I beleue the holy churche . I confesse this chyng : I beleue that there is vpon the earthe a companye of holye saintes , whiche do beleue in Iesus christ of the whiche company I am one : yea and a membre of the same , and professe that I am a partener of all good thynges whiche they do : In the which company I am associate vnto them by the holy Ghoste , for that that I haue hard the word of God : and now heare it . Iesu Christ graunt that we may be in his holy Churche , and that we maye continuallye there remayne . So be it . ☜ ☞ ❧

The .xiiii. domesticall or how●holde sermon to their chyldren , of the remission of synnes .

Last of al ye haue heard , wel beloued chyldren , that we by the holy ghost , and by the word of god , are associat to the holy church . And heare now what thyng is doen in the church , the holy ghost beyng our guyde . There foloweth in our belief : I beleue the remission of sinnes . Here I do confesse that I doo beleue the holy churche to haue the remission of synnes : The remission of synnes is , when our sinnes are forgeuen vs freely by Christ . Whiche forgeuenes is made by the preachyng of the woord of god , and the administration of the sacramentes among the church of Christ , and geuen to vs by onely Iesus Christ , both through his merites and promise . For thus saith S. Paul . Rom. iii. cha. Verely ●e are iustified frely by his grace , that is the grace of god by the redemption , which is in christ Iesu . Ephe. i. chap. By whom , that is to say , by christ we haue forgeuenes , & remission of our sinnes by his blud . The same words Paul writeth , Colloss. i. chap. And Christ hym self sayeth in the last chapter of Luke . This ought Christ to suffer , and ryse the third day from death and vnderneath his name , repentance & remission of sinnes to be preached among all nations . And Paul saieth , Actes .xiij. chap. Be it knowen to you ( O ye men ) that by thys , that is Christ , remissyon of synnes is declared vnto vs . But wherefore do I tarry , in bringing forth so manye testimonyes of Scripture ? as who should say , that all holye scripture were not full of testimonies , that by only Iesu Christ , the remission of our synnes is graunted and promysed to vs ▪ : and it is not only fortified by the open places of scripture , but also confirmed by the sentences of many holy men . For what other thyng doth baptisme represent ( and what doth the supper of the lorde also ? then that by onely Iesu christ the forgeuenes of our sinnes is both gotten & promised . For the which thyng ( I trust ) we shall haue leysure at an other tyme to speake more of . Furthermore , for that , that we are made partakers of the remission of sines by crist both gotten and promised vnto vs , only oure faith in Iesu Christe causeth it , for who that dooeth beleue and that with all hys hert , that Christ came into this world for this cause , was borne , suffred death , was crucified , and rose from death , that he myghte attain the forgeuenes of synnes , he truly hath optayned the forgeuenes of hys sinnes , for the whiche thing , welbeloued chyldren / let not your conscience doubt , and beholde . I wyll set forth here before you , a fewe places of scripture , which ye shal haue alway in remembraunce . Christ saith , Iohn . in . chap. As Moses hath exalted the serpent in desert , so must the sonne of man be exalted , that all whiche beleue in hym shall not perishe . Balat .ij. chap. We do beleue in Iesu crist , that we shal be iustified by faith , and not by the workes of the law . Furthermore , to be iustified , as ye haue heard ofte , is to obtayne the forgeuenes of sinnes , or els of an vniust man to be made iust . Ephe. ij. chap. With grace are ye made safe by faith . Act .xiii. chap. By him ( that is by christ ) remission of sinnes is declared vnto vs , in that thyng that he whiche beleueth is iustified : And this S. Ambro ●…n his commentaries upon the . iii● . chap. to the ●o ▪ whiche place I wyll declare by the way Thei be manifestly blessed , whose 〈◊〉 be forgeuen them without any labour or anye worke , and that offences be couered , so that ( to their iustifica●ion ) 〈◊〉〈◊〉 required no workes of them , but only that they should beleue . As I 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of these places , welbeloued 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 easily vnderstand , that only 〈◊〉 in christ doth remitte vs of our sinnes . But here perchaunce you would say . And how is this faith gotten in Christ ? Heare with a fewe wordes , faith is gotten in Chryste ▪ partly of heryng the word of god , or the ghospell , partly of the holy gost , whiche maketh vs beleue the promises of christ . Paul Ro .x. chap. saith . Faith commeth by hearyng , and hearyng by the woord of god Peter saith , Actes .xi. chap. That when he did preache vnto the Gentiles , the holy ghost did fall among them . Whiche place , as many other mo , doth proue plainly in the actes of the Apostles , that the holy ghost did stirre vp the hertes of men by the word , that thei might beleue 〈…〉 that now 〈…〉 belief ▪ 〈…〉nnes is ▪ 〈…〉yng 〈…〉 g as 〈…〉 church● , ●● w●●ch 〈…〉 ly ●h●●org●●●enes o● 〈…〉 e is , both for ●hat that god y● fa●●●● for Iesu Christes sake hath forgeuen vs our synnes 〈…〉 , ● also for that that we offending ou● an o●her , do forgeue one an other . Wherfore welbeloued children , pray vnto Christ that he would vouchsafe to admit vs alwaies as of his churche , for those that be not of his churthe , they neuer obtayne the forgeuenes of their sinnes , & those be not of his church , which wil deserue the forgeuenes of their sinnes by their own merites and not by the gospel , & faith in Iesu christ 〈…〉 we haue declared & said of this 〈…〉 ēt●y for this tyme .

The fiftenth domestical or houshold sermon to their chyldren , of the resurrection of the dead .

Fewe men , welbeloued children , do willingly dye : and the cause is ( as I thinke ) partli for that we ar more desirous by our nature of life than death , partly for that in fewe of vs there is true faith , that there shal be a resurrection of the dead : for if this faithe were strong in vs , truly it could not be , but that we shuld willingly dye : but that this sentence of the resurrection which shal be of the dead , may bee made to you more familyer , and that it once well vnderstand , myght make you the willynglyer to departe this presente lyfe : we shall speake a fewe wordes at this present time of it . We saye therfore in our belief , I beleue the resurrection o● the flesh : where , by this flesh vnderstand you this our body , as you myghte saye , I beleue that this my very body shall at lengthe ryse agayne , or I beeleue the resurrection of this bodye . Wherefore exercise your mynde to beleue this , that our body , which now here we see , shal be raised again , but the condition & qualitie ●hanged ( as I may vse the wordes of S. Cyprian ) For why , this our bydy that shal rise , shal be incorruptible and immortall , not only the iuste ( as S. Cyprian saieth ) but the sinners also . The iuste truely , for because they shal euer tarry with christ , and the sinners without any remedy , shal euer tarry in euerlasting payn .i. Corint .xv. chap. For this corruptible body must put on incorruption , and this mortall bodye , must put on immortalitie . Iob xix . chapter . I know that my redemer liueth , and in the latter daye , I shall ryse from the earth : and againe I shal be couered with my skynne , and in my fleshe I shall see God , whom euen I my selfe shall see , and myne eyes shall loke vpon . Furthermore , of the resurrection that shall be of the dead , there be many goodly testimonies in holy scripture . Ezech. xxxv. chap. saith . Behold , I shal open your sepulchres , and shal bring you out of your sepulchres . Daniel .xii. cha. And many of those whiche slepe , shall come out of the dust of the earth , some to euerlasting life some to their rebuke : that they maye alway see , Christ saith . Iohn .i. The houre shall come , in the whiche all that be in the graues shall heare his voyce , and those which haue done good , shal go to the resurrection of life , and those that haue done euyll , to the resurrection of condemnation . Matt .xxii. Christ saith also , of the resurrection of the dead , haue ye not red , that it hath bene said vnto you of god , which saith ? I am the god of Abraham , the god of Isaac , and the god of Iacob . God is not the god of the dead , but of the liuyng , And vnto those apply the saiyng of Paul .i. Corint .xv .i. Thessa .iiii. and Philip .iij. Chapter . In the whiche places there be goodlye testimonyes of the resurrection that shal be of the dead . But here perchaunce ye would saye : and how , and after what sort , shall the resurrection of the dead be . To these words doth Paul make vs answere and say .i. Corint .xv. chap .i. Thess. iiii. chap. We tell you verily this thyng , as the word of the Lorde , that we which liue , and shal be least to the commyng of the lord , shall not preuente and come before those whiche doo slepe : For the same lord with a commaundement & the voyce of the Archaungell , and the trumpette of god should descend from heauen , & those that be dead in Christ shal rise first , then we which do liue , which shal be left , shal be taken together with them in the cloudes in the ayre to the meatyng of the lord , and so shal we be alway with the Lorde , these be the wordes of S. Paul , & when he addeth at the latter ende , & so shall we be alwai with the lord ▪ he declareth how much ioye remaineth to those which die in Christ , that at length thei shall ryse to euerlastyng life . Furthermore , he declareth what we shall doo , after that we are relieued , we shall come out of the earth to immortalitie & euerlasting life : or we being yet aliue shal be changed to immortalitie : with the which thoughtes if our hert shal sontimes be occupied , we shal easily etolerate & beare this death , whiche maie be a meane vnto vs to an immortalitie & euerlastyng lyfe . The cause that we do ryse christ through his holy resurrection hath beserued for us , that no man should think that it commeth of his own workes . Of the whiche Paul doth speake .i. Cor .xv. Chap. & in other places of his epistles , of the which I haue made mention a litle before : & now 〈…〉 shall 〈…〉 in a 〈…〉 y●e . ●or 〈…〉 gloriouse 〈…〉 chap. Whi●● 〈…〉 scarce half holy and 〈…〉 y ●●●y ●ost do●h daily 〈…〉 his protection , & doth 〈…〉 stes churche , the ●org 〈…〉 s , vntyll suche tyme as we 〈…〉 o an o●her lyfe , in the whiche 〈…〉 made 〈…〉 an● and holye / and ●h●● we shal●● deliuered from sinne , deat● , and from a● euils in our body , whiche shal be immortall and incorrupryble . God that is our mercifull father , gra●●●e that we may see one another ●oyfully and gladly in that day , and that w● may perpetually remayn with our head Christ , to whom be prayse 〈…〉 the holy 〈…〉

The sixtenth Sermon Domesticall to their children , of the life euerlastyng .

THere both remayn nowe the last article of our belief , as ye knowe wel beloued chyldren , of the which although we did sum what sprake in the last sermon , yet for all that , we will common wich a few wordes of it at this present tyme . I therfore in the belief saye , I befour the life euerlastyng , with the which wordes . I confesse that I beleue , that after that I shall ryse from deathe to lyfe , that I shall neuer dye : but that I shall haue euerlastyng lyfe with Christe our head , whiche is declared openlye in the holy scriptures . Daniel .xii. chap. sayeth , And many of those whiche slepe , shall amake from out of the doust of the earth , some to life euerlastynge , some to theyr rebuke or punishment , that they myght alway see . Oseas .xiii. chap. I shall delyuer them out of the handes of death , and shall redeme them from death . Ezechiel xxxiii . Chapter , I liue ( saith the Lorde ) I wyll not the death of a synner , but that he should be conuerted and line .i. Thess , iiii . chap , sayeth , that we shall be alwaye with the lord , from the resurrection and death : therfore we shall liue perpetually with hym . But here some men woulde say . But what shall this eternall life be ? Esai .lxvi. chapter , sayeth . In this place where he maketh mention of the last resurrection of the dead , then shal be a Saboth day , of a saboth day : and a moneth of a moneth &c : That is to say / then shal it perpetually be holy day , and saynctes shal perpetually worship the lord , that is they shall knowe the Lord , and shal lyue without any spot of synne , and shall dye no more . And the same thyng doth Iob be are witnesse of , & sayeth in the sixte●ch cha. I know that my redemer liueth . &c Whiche place I brought out in the laste chap , and here referre Christes saiynges Iohn .xvii. chap. This is the lyfe euerlastyng , that they may know the to be the only very god , and him which thou hast sent Iesu Christ . Beholde , he saieth , that the lyfe euerlasting , is the knowledge of the father and Christs . And this eternall lyfe shall apperrayne to sa 〈…〉 & tho●● that be godly the wicked synners truely shall liue alway , but to this purpose that they shal alway continue and remain in euerlastyng paynes . Wherefore Dauid saith . Psal. xxxi. The death of synners is cursed , as he might say , although in this lyfe god doth not punish alway sinners yet for all that , aster this lyfe they shall be punished of god greuously . And therfore loke here vpon the saiyng of Christ . Matt .xxv. chap. And these shall go , that ●o to say , the vngodly / into euerlastynge punishment , but those that be godly , to euerlastyng lyfe : for this euerlastyng life and eternall ioye , as Esai saith in the .xxxv. chap. is deuided and geuen to vs of god for Iesu Christes sake . Roma . 5. So that grace shold reigne by righteousnes to euerlasting life by Iesu Christ . Ro .vi. ch. The life euerlastyng is the gyfte of god by Christ Iesu our lord . And truely this lyfe euerlastyng is not deuided to all men by Christ , but only to those which beleue in Christe , that is , whiche do beleue that Christ by his deathe , his resurrection , by his as 〈…〉 to the h 〈…〉 , hath deserued for 〈…〉 ●ife euerlastyng . Iohn iii , 〈…〉 beleueth 〈…〉 sonne , 〈…〉 lyfe euerlastyng , and he that beleueth not in the sonne , shal not see life , but the wrath of god doth remain vpon him . Iohn .vi. ch. This is his wyll whiche sent me , that euery one whiche seeth the sonne , and beleueth in hym , hath euerlastyng life , and I shall rayse hym in the latter daye : and in the same chap. Verily verily I say vnto you : he that beleueth in me , hath euerlastyng life : marke this word , hath . This euerlastyng life gotten for vs by Chryst , shall cause , that as I truste , weibeloued children , when Christe shall call vs from hence , we shall willyngly departe , seeing that ye perfitely know , Iames .iiii. chap That ye shall vanishe awaye out of this transitory world , not muche vnlike vnto a smoke , whiche doth appere for a lyttle time , & so both vanish awai , & so for to go to euerlasting life . In the which we shal see Christ face to face , whom here we do perceiue as a figure in a glas : as I might vse the wordes of S. Paul , that is to say only euen with faith & in wordes .i. Cor .xiii. chapter . The grace of our lord Iesu Christ , & the loue of god , & the partaking of the holy gost be with al you . So be it .

The seuententh domesticall or houshold sermon vnto their chyldren of Baptisme .

OF late in a certayn sermon welbeloued children , I haue said that in the Churche of Christe , there is remission of sinnes , whiche is communicated to you by the sacramentes : and that ye may the more liuelye vnderstand it , I will speake a fewe wordes of the sacramentes , and chiefly of those whyche Christe hath instituted , that is to saye , of Baptisme , and the supper of the Lorde , and in this present sermon we will begin to speake of baptisme , and an other time ( yf god wyll send vnto me his grace ) I shall speake of the supper of the lord : and least this word , sacrament , should troble you , marke that this word sacrament , is for the most part diffined of diuines , that it is a vysible fourme , of the inuysyble grace of Christ , as for an exaumple , Baptisme , of the whiche we speake , is a Sacramente , for in that is a visible fourme , for as I shall vse the woordes of S. Augustine , whiche he writeth to Marcellin●● ▪ in his fyrst epistle . In baptisme the eyes ●● see the puttynges into the wa●●r , or the touchynges of the water : but the ea●es heare the promyse of grace . Whosoeuer shal beleue , and shal be baptysed , shal be saued . With these sensyble thynges / God geueth vs his inuisyble grace and redemption , which is in christ Iesu . And these fewe wordes be spoken of the definition of a sacrament : and now I come to baptisme , of the whiche euery christen man ought to knowe thre thynges . First , what is baptisme ? afterward wherfore babtism is instituted ? then who be made partakers of baptisme . That I may god vnto the fyrste , baptisme is nothyng els , but water put vnto the word and commaundemente of God , and by that word sanctified , or that I wil brieflyer define it . Baptisme is the water of god , not that this water of the owne nature is better then other water , but that vnto this water , both the word of God , and the commaundement also is put vnto it . But here some man might say , what maner of woord is that ? And what maner of commaundemente of god is that , where with baptisme is made . Hea●●●● the word of god is that , that Christ saith Marke the last chap. Whosoe●er shal be leue , and shal be baptised , he shal be saued whosoeuer shal not beleue , shal be dā●ed This is the commaundement of god , that Christ saith , Matt .xxviii. chapter . Go ye therfore , baptisyng them in the name of the father , and of the sonne , and of the holy gost . Wherfore be these Anabaptistes men of our tyme so fra●●●e , whiche ●ehemently ●●ye ▪ how can the water helpe our soules ? Here ▪ welbeloued chyldren , baptisme is not only the water , whyche we washe our handes with : but it is the water mixe with the word , the commaundement ▪ and the institution of Christ : whiche yf thou dost take away from baptisme tho●●ast left it naked without any god●● apparell . But at this present , I purpose not with my self to concend with the Anabaptist , ye know , what baptisme is : therfore heare now , wherfore it was instituted of Christ , that is , how that it doth profit vs : wherfore it was ordeyned , the wordes of Christe teache playnelye . Who●oeuer shall beleue , and shall bee baptysed ▪ shall be saued . Of the whiche woorde you may ●●iden●●●e percey●e the m●●nyng . And the fr 〈…〉 and ende of baptisme is , that we should bee saued . To be sa●ed , is to be take● awaye from synne , the deuyll , and 〈…〉 h , and ●o be brought into the kyngdome of Christe , and to haue euerlastyng lyfe with Christe . And here ye heare agayne , welbeloued chyldren , howe muche we oughte to sette by baptisme , as a thyng that bryngeth vnto vs an ●nspekeable treasure . Of the whiche chyng i● maye be playnlye perceyued of vs , that baptisme is not cleane water , as the babling Anabaptistes ●la●ber ▪ for by pure water ( as I th●●●● ) we can not bryng the deuyll or ●de●h ●nd●e the yoke , nor obtayne remission of synnes , nor get the grace of God , and wh●● Christe , and the holy ghoste ▪ with all his gyftes ▪

Furthermore , who bee those that ●●● made partakers of this so g 〈…〉 a treasure ? Heare nowe ▪ Christe sheweth this thyng with fe●e woordes , in the 〈…〉 Chapter of S. 〈…〉 the ●●ange 〈…〉 when he sayeth , who so euer shall beele●● and shall be baptised , shall be saued , where ye heare that we are made apt by faith , that we should vse that diuine water for our own necessitie , that is , that we may folowe a● length that thyng , which is by that ●olso●e water , whiche is mixed with the word and commaundement of God , promised to vs : and let not this be scrupulous with your conscience , that the priest , or mynister of the congregation doth geue into vs baptisme , by the which we get suche vnspekeable gyftes : for the pastour is the mynister of God , and it is so with the when thou art baptysed of a minister , as if thou shouldest be baptised of god hymself . And this is the thyng that Christ speaketh of ▪ Matt. the last Chap ▪ Baptisyng them in the name of the father the sonne , & the holy ghost , as he mighte say , ●hose that are baptysed , be not baptysed in the name of the minyster of the churche , whiche doth minyster the baptisme , but in the name of go● the father , ●he sonne ▪ and the holy ghoste , that is to 〈…〉 ●hen men be baptysed of you , they ●● perswaded in th●●● myndes to beleue ●●●●●e so , as though god shuld baptyse them , and say with his own mouth . Behold , I baptise thee in my name , and I forgeue the all thy sinnes , and I receiue the into my fauour : and I wil be thy defender alwayes , but in the steade of an a●gmenter , I wil adde alway this thing Baptisme in his owne signification and figure is taken for repentaunce , which is the third sacrament as some men affirme , for repentance , is to mortifie the old man and to leade a newe lyfe . Wherfore who soeuer is penitent and sory for those euyl actes that he doth in his lyfe tyme , is alway occupyed in baptysme , which doth not onely set foorth a newe lyfe , but also doth worke , & beginneth alway to work yea , and also is alway styrred to worke . Therfore baptisme doeth indure euen so long as we haue any breath in our body For why , although any man doth styde from it by synne : yet for all that , we may come to it agayn , and mortifye the old● man : that is to say , wrath , lecherie , co●e●ousnes , pryde , vngodlynesse , and other vices , whiche we haue taken of the nati●itie of Adam . Christ Iesu the author of baptysme , geue vnto vs all , that we may ●e made partakers of the fruites of baptisme , and that we may continue in hym so long as we here liue . So be it .

❧ The .xviii. Domesticall or ho●sholde sermon to their chyldren , of the supper of the Lorde .

GOd accustometh for the most part , welbe loued chyldren , to adde vnto his holy promises certain signes , y● the● should alway be the more redie in our remembrance , & shoulde admonish vs of his holy promise , for in like case , whan god had promised Noe. Gene. ix. ch. That he would no more after this subuert and drowne the vniuersal world with water . He addeth vnto his promes an heauenly signe , namely , a raine bow . In like case . Gene. xvi. When God had promised Abraham his blessyng , whiche should remain to al nations by his sede : he did adde vnto it the signe of circumcision the signe of the righteousnes of faith , as Paul saith . Rom. iiii. chap. In the new● testament , Christ the sonne of God dy● adde vnto his promise of remission of synnes / and life euerlastyng , signes , baptism and the supper of the lord . Of the which supper , we purpose at this time by gods grace to speake a fewe words . And fyrst marke the sacrament of the bodye & the bloud of our Lord , is called by many names . For Paul .i. Corint .xi. chap. calleth it the supper of the Lorde , whiche supper we do represent , when we haue taken that sacrament whiche Christe euen at the present tyme , goyng to his death for vs , did begyn with his disciples in the euening . It is called the sacrament of thankes geuyng , because it is instituted by this name , to be a sacrament , as Chriso ▪ saith . Let vs geue thankes vnto Christe , for his ineffable benefites whiche he hath bestowed vpon vs , by his moost bitter passyon : It is called a communion , for that the supper of the Lorde , was woonte ●o bee solemnysed , in and amonge the congregation of Chrysten people , they beeyng once gathered together .

Therefore , learne what is the supper of the lord , and then wherfore it was instituted of Christ , and what profites we do receiue by it : and last , who oughte to bee admitted vnto this supper . The supper of the lord is , when Christ said vnto his disciples , take and eate , this is my bodie , whiche is geuen for you , this is my blud whiche is shed for you in the remyssion of sinnes . To the whiche wordes Christ addeth breade and wine , with the which the faithful receyue his very bodye , and his very bloud spiritually : which .ii. sygnes , be as seales , that the words of christ be agreable vnto the trewth . Wherfore was this sacramente instituted ? for two causes ( welbeloued chyldren ) firste that we should not doubte that there is geuen to vs truely , whiche the gospel doth promise vs , that is the remission of synnes , and lyfe enerlastynge , for Iesu Chrystes sake , then , that we shoulde declare our fayth before the world , for before god it is sufficient for vs to beleue the ghospel ▪ but for because God suffereth vs here to lyue for this cause , that we should be profitable to all men , and the faythe that is hydden in our hartes , we shoulde shewe outwardly before men : He hath instituted to vs baptisine , and the supper of the lord , by the whiche figurs ▪ the world doth know that we are Christians . But here ye myght say perchaunce . Is not Baptisme sufficient for vs ? Wherfore should we receyue the supper of the lord ▪ seyng that we myght by baptisme be admonished of the remission of our sinnes , and the lyfe euerlastyng by Christ , and thus declare our profession . But here ye , welbeloued chyldren , by baptisme truely we are reuiued , and regenerated firste , as ye haue heard in the sermon before . Sence we can not here put of the olde skynne , and for the moast part are throwen into dyuerse stormes of temptations , Christe hath left here vnto vs in spirite and faith to receiue his body and his bloud , with the whiche we maye make strong oure faith against so many assaultes of temptations , and so by them to be strengthened more and more . I thinke ye loke for now that I should shewe to you , what commodities or frutes we do receiue by the sacrament of the body and blude of Christ , and for because I will be shorte , this sacrament ledeth vs to two commodities , one is , for that it maketh vs brethren , ●●●●oheyrs of Iesu Christ , so that of hym ● vs together , there is one house : an other commoditie is , that we are roupled among our sehies with mutual loue and charytie , by this sacrament , and we are compelled one to loue an other : whiche .ii. fruites of this sacrament , Paul with one band ( as they saye ) doth knit together .i. Cor .xv. chap. saiyng . The ●uppe of blessinge whom we do blesse , is it not the communion of the bloud of Christe ? The breats whiche we breake : is it not the communion of the body of Christ ? Behold , here Paul hath placed it underneth one fruit and commoditie , because we should bee one breade and one bodye , for all wee be partakers of the same bread : and lo , here is an other commoditie : And these be the wordes of S. Paul . Ciprian in his .vi. epistle the .i. boke , doth interprete these wordes this : saiyng . Furthermore , the lords sacrifice doth declare the christian vnitie to be annexed vnto him , with a strong & inseparable loue : for when the lord calleth ( as it were ) his body / bread , made of the puttyng together of manye cornels , he doth declare our people ( whome he dyd bear ) to be vniced and knit together : and when he calleth his bloud wine / pressed out of many chisters & beries , & brought into one forme : he signifieth also unto vs that we are coupled together with the commi●tion of the multitude vniced , & these be the woordes of S. Ciprian . There remayneth that I should ●eache you , welbeloued chyldren , who be those that shuld ●● admitted to receiue the sacramente of the body and bloud of Christ . I woulde that ye should not be ignoraunt in thys thyng : thei ought to be admitted to this sacrament , whiche know perfitely what this Sacramente is , and whiche can tell wherefore they wyll receyue it , ye haue heard a litle before the wordes of Christ● the sacrament to be the signes of the body & the bloud of Christ . The cause truely , wherfore any may wil receiue this sacrament , should be this , that they wylreceiue this sacrament , for that they would confirm their fayth , to the comforte of theyr ●onscyence . And this wayes we shall vse this sacrament rightly , orels if this cause which I haue spoken of , do not compel vs it is not so good that we shuld come to the receiuyng of this sacrament . Other thynges , whiche might be spoken of the sacrament of the body and bloude of Christ , I wyll speake of an other ●y●● . And these thynges whiche I haue spoken of , rep●●e them diligently with your selfes , that ye may rightly ●se the supper of the Lorde . ❧

Praise be vnto Christ , our god and Sauiour .