A sermo[n] made by Iohn Chrisostome patriarche of Constantinople, of pacience, of ye end of ye world, and of ye last iudgeme[n]t. Whereunto is added an other homelie made by John Brentius of the vertue of Christes resurrectio[n] tra[n]slated into Englishe by Thomas Sa[m]pson

A sermon made by Iohn Chrisostome patriarche of Constantinople , of pacience , of the end of the world , and of the last iudgement . Wherunto is added an other Homelie made by Iohn Brentius of the vertue of Christes resurrection translated into Englishe by Thomas Sampson ⸪ Anno. do. 1550.

¶ Grace peace and mercy from God our father , and the Lorde Iesus our Sauiour , be with the beloued Reader in the Lorde .

THree thynges there are , whiche Christ our sauyoure taught concernyng the daye of iudgemente : Fyrste to what ioyes the faythfull shal be receyued : Secondly what horryble paynes the vnfaythfull and wycked shal abid : Thyrdely howe sodayne the commyng of that daye shall be . And of this sodayne commyng he maketh in the gospelles muche and large mencion , and compareth it to the comming of the floude , to the burnyng of Sodom , to a lightenyng whiche ( as it were in the twinckling of an eie ) goeth from the east vnto the west , to a thefe that commeth on a mannes house in the nyght tyme , and sayth he , In such an houre as ye thynke not , Mat. ●4 . Will the sonne of manne come , thus not shewyng when the day shall be , he dothe teache no more but that sodaynely it wyll come . Thys thyng he dyd so diligently teach , forseing that men wolde be sluggardes & idle , neither watching for the daye , nor yet preparinge them selues to the iudgemente , therfore he stil cried Watche Watche , both signifing that he wold not haue vs taken vnwares , and also teachyng vs that we should be faythful seruauntes in our vocacyon , ministring righteousnes towardes our brethren , and not become tirauntes and bellyegods , as they do whiche thynke not at al of his commyng : that we myght also haue oyle in our lampes and oure lampes burnynge , suche fruites of faithe that men may se our good workes & gloryfie the father whiche is in heauen , and so meete the Lorde our bridegrome in the ayre , to enter with him into the kyngdome of heauen . This was one of the endes of Christes teaching concernyng this matier . Nowe a man wolde thinke , that if there hadde neuer bene any more spoken of this thynge , this warning & teachynge of Christ had been sufficient to haue made all men before vs , & to make vs also moste chiefely whiche are in the latter endes of the world , circumspect , watchinge and prepared accordyngly to receyue the Lorde .

But neyther his teachynge , neyther the same doctrine taught by his Apostles , whiche we reade and heare euery daye , neyther the wryting of the olde fathers from age to age of this mater , neither the preching and writing in this our tyme , & that more is though that all the sygnes and tokens whiche shoulde go before that daye are al ready come and passed , yet can none of all these thinges make vs to watche , and prepare our selues for that daye , so greate is our synnefull securitie . What I praye you wyll be the ende of this our secure and careles lyfe and synnynge ? Forsothe this , that it shal be rewarded with the payne due for the contempte of God , that our partes must be with the tirannous and flesshlye seruaunt , and with the sloggishe careles & folyshe virgins , which is in that vtter darkenes where we shall haue no other chere but wepyng and gnashyng of teeth . This is an vndoubted truth .

The mouthe of the Lorde hath spoken it . Let all them therfore that do desyre to be partakers of the kyngdome of God , prepare them selues , forsake synne , labour for fayth , and set on fyre their lampes gyuyng forthe the frutes of faith , and consyder the day of the Lord to be nowe nearer at hande then euer it was , when we shal al arise , both good , and bad . Watche therfore . The which that thou maiest be occasioned the better to do , I gyue vnto the ( good Reader ) translated into Englishe these two litle sermons , one of Chrisostome , whiche doth emongest manye other notable lessons full ernestly admonyshe thee of that daye : The other of Iohn Brentius , whych teacheth the vertue and effect of Christes resurrection . Be thou therfore ( good Reader ) by the reading of these once again warned to prepare thy self vnto that day , & so from henceforth now behaue thy self , that when the Lorde shal come thou maist be founde vnblameable , & so able to stadde in his sight , that thou maiest enter with him into glory : Which graunt vnto vs all , that Lorde , that shal iudge vs al , to whom be glory for euer .

¶ A sermon of Iohn Chrisostome , patriarche of Constantynople , of pacience , and the ende of this world : of the seconde commynge of the Lord : & of the euerlasting ioyes of the iuste , and paines of the euill . Translated oute of greke into latin by Iohn Theophilus , and oute of Latin into Englyshe by T.S.

THe life of the iust , trulye , is excellent . But howe doeth it florishe , but by pacience ? Loue it , my brother , as the mother of strength . For the Psalme-writer doth admonyshe the saying . Psal. 37. Hope thou in the Lorde and kepe his Waye . And Paul to the ende that thou mightest kepe this vertue sayth : Rom. v. Tribulacion bringeth pacience . The whiche if thou exercyse , thou shalt fynd the spryng of all goodnesse , whyche is hope , and hope maketh not ashamed . Psal. 37. Holde the styll in the Lorde , and abyde pacyently upon him . For euen therby shalt thou verely fynde a thynge that is not to be highly estemed . And he shal geue the thy hertes desire . What is more blessed then this man , which , as his owne , hathe the welwyllynge eares , of so greate a kynge ? Who desyreth not to haue the Iudge to gyue eare , and to shewe him fauoure ? My brother , thou arte the work man of vertue . Christ hath hyred the into his vyneyard . Whyles thou hast tyme worke goodnes . Giue care to Paule whyche sayeth .

Watsoeuer a man soweth , that shall he reape Sowe in the spirite , Galat. vi . that thou mayest reape euerlastynge lyfe . For he that soweth in the flesshe shall of the fleshe reape corrupcion . And herken vnto an other admonisher which saith . Ose x. Sowe unto the righteousnesse , and reape the fruites of Weldoyng . Be not wery of thy labour : for there is hope of haruest , and time of gathering . For wher as appoynted games are , there are rewardes : where battailes , there are honours gotten : where fight , there is the crown of vyctorie . Haue an eye vnto these thynges , and harnesse thy selfe vnto pacyence . Let hym alwayes sownde in thyne eares , whiche crieth with the saintes . Be strong , Psal. xxvi . let thine hert be of good comfort , and Wayte thou styll for the Lorde . Prepare thy workes : husbonde thy feelde . Thy lyfe is the feelde . Take a good matthooke , I meane the olde and newe testament : make an hedge aboute thy grounde with thornes , that is , with doctryne , prayer , and fastynge . If thou haue thys hedge , the beaste that is the Deuyl shal not breake into thee . Till thy soule as a good vineyarde . And as the keapers of vyneyardes do clap their handes , and crye out wyth their voyce , and with suche noyses they dryue away such as do pryuily lurcke to spoyle them , euen so do thou crye in prayer , make noyse with singyng of psalmes , and thou shalt dryue awaye the euyll best , the foxe , that is to say the deuyll . Of the whiche beste the scripture speaketh . Get you the foxes . &c. Cantic. 2. Take good heede alwayes of the enemye . If he doth shote at thy herte with vnlaweful lust , if he with his darte doth cast his fylthye thoughtes in to thy mynde , caste forthe agaynste him the shelde of fayth , Ephes. vi . turne agaynst hym the helmet of hope , take to thee the sword of the spirite , whiche is the word of God . And when thou art so harnessed abid thine enemye . Be not faynte herted in the batell . But in all pointes be sober , and say , ii . Cor. ii . His thoughtes are not Vnknowen to us . Be ioyfull alwayes : as it is wrytten . Let your softnes be knowen unto all men . Philip. 4. Let the feare of God lyghten in thy hert . Be not a cowardlye souldiour , be not fearfull , & a slowe workman , fle not from the crown of victorie . Life is short , but the iudgement is longe . Lokyng vnto this , speake vnto thin owne herte and say with the blessed prophet . Psal. xxvi . Be stronge , and let thy hert be of good confort , & Waite thou styll for the Lorde . i. Reg. xvii . Folowe Dauid and with one cast of a stone ouerthrow thyne enemye . The Aungelles are aboute the , as the beholders of thy lyfe : i. Cor. iiii . Vue are made ( sayeth he ) a gasynge stocke , to the World , and to the Aungelles , and to men . If they shall se that thou ouercommest , they shall reioyce in thy good worke , but if they shal se the to be ouercome , they shall departfull sad , nether shall they be able to loke vpon the , but the deuils shal mocke the. Therfore take for thy sworde the feare of of God . For the feare of God is a two edged sworde , cuttyng awaye all euyll lustes . Take vnto the therefore alwayes the feare of God . Of the last daye And remembre continually that same last daye , when the heauens shal be destroyed wyth fire , and the elementes shall melte away with heate , ii . Pete. iii. but the earthe and the workes that are in it shall be burnt vp . When the sterres shall fall downe as leaues . The Sunne & Moone shall be made darke , Luke . xxi . Mat. 24. and shall not gyue their lyght . When the Sonne of God shal be openly shewed , and shall come down from the heauen vp on the earth , & the powers of the heauens shall be moued . When Aungelles shall passe hyther and thyther , the sowndes of the trompettes shall come , fire shal burne before him , and runnyng vp and downe shall burne vp the whole worlde . In the compasse aboute hym shall be a myghtye tempest . There shal be earthquakes , and lyghtninges , such as neuer were before , nether yet are vnto thys daye . In so muche that the verye powers of heauen shall be smytten wyth great feare . Therfore , my brother , what manner parsones oughte we to be then ? What feare , Exod. xix . what deadly dread shall come vpon vs ? Remembre howe that the Israelites coulde not in the wyldernesse abyde the clowde and darcknesse , and the voyce of GOD speakynge out of the myddest of the fire , but caused that he shulde not speake vnto theym , neyther were they able to abyde hym , when he yet hydde moche of his maiesty , yea though that he neither came down to them in anger , nor yet spake angrily vnto them . Gyue eare therfore my brother , yf they wer not able to abyde his commyng whiche comforted theym , when as neyther the heauens burning were destroyed , neither the erth nor the thynges that are in it were burned vp , when there was none that blewe anye suche trompet , as that trompet shal sounde , when it shal raise vp al them that haue sleapte sithens the begynnynge of the world , neither did the fire burne the world , neither yet happened there than any of those fear full thinges whiche shall come .

What shall we do , when he shal come downe with suche anger & wrath as is intollerable , & shall syt vpon the seate of his glorye , and shal call before him the whole earth from the risyng of the sunne to the goyng downe therof : and from all the endes of the earth , that he may iudge his people , & gyue vnto euery one of them accordynge to his workes . Alas what maner parsons ought we to be , when we shal stand vpnaked , & vnclothed , to be broughte before his iudgement seate . Ah , wo is me . Where is then our coloured hipocrisie , & where is then that might of the fleshe ? where is the beawtye which is bothe disceitfull and vnprofitable ? where is then the swetnes of mans voice ? where becommeth then shameles and vnshamefased pratyng ? where is the araye of garmentes ? where is then the pleasure of synne , which is in dede vncleane and filthie ? where are they then whiche drynke theyr wyne with theyr tabours and instrumentes of musyke and do not loke vpon the workes of GOD ? where is then the contempt of those men , whiche do nowe lyue wythoute feare ? where are then the fine pleasures and nyce tendernesse ? 〈◊〉 al thinges are passed away , and are dissolued euen as the enfected aire . Where is then the gredy desyre of monye and ryches , and the vnmercyfulnesse whiche alwayes folowethe it ? where is then that cruel pride which doth horribly hate all men , and semeth vnto it selfe to be somewhat ?

Where is then the vnprofytable and vayne glorye of men ? where is then myghte , and tyrannye ? where then is Kynge ? where is Prynce ? where is Duke ? where then are these proude Rulers , whiche by reason of theyr riches do contempne God ? Then when they shal perceiue that this was spoken of them . They meruayled , they were astonyed , Psal. xlvii . and .xlviii. and sodenlye caste downe , feare came vpon them , they are troubled , feare toke them . There shal be sorowes as are the sorowes of a woman that trauaileth , they shal be torne in peeces with a mightie spirite . But where is the wisdome of the wise ? where be their new inuencions ? Wo , wo to them ? They are moued oute of their place , they are caste downe euen as a droncken man , and all their wisedome is swalowed vp .

i. Cor. i. Where is the wise ? Where is the scrybe ? where is the raker of treasure together of thys vayne worlde ? My brother , wey with thy selfe what maner of parsons we shal be when we must giue an accompt of those thinges whych we haue done , aswell greate thynges as small . For vntyll suche tyme as we haue iustly satisfyced that iuste iudgemente , in what condicion shall we be ? And howe carefull shall we be , The euer lastyng ioyes of the righteous . that we maye fynde fauour before him ? But what maner of ioye shal come vpon vs , whiche are set a parte vpon the righthand of God ? In what case shall we be then , when all the saintes of God shall salute vs ? Abraham shall salute the , Isaac , and Iacob , Moses , Noe , Iob , Dauid , and all the holy Prophetes , Apostles , and Martirs : and all those righteous men which pleased God in the life of their fleshe : and how many shalt thou heare there , & shalte maruayle at their lyfe , whom a litle before thou desirest but to see ? They shal there come vnto the , beyng very glad for thy saluacion . Howe shal we then be inwardly moued ? What vnspekable ioye shall that be , when the kinge in his gracyous good moode shall saye vnto them that be on his ryght hande . Mat. ●● Come ye children of my father , & possesse the kingdome , whiche is prepared for you frome the begynnyng of the worlde . Then shalte thou my brother receyue that most gloryous kyngdome , and the princely crowne of glorye of the hande of the Lorde , & from thence forthe shalte thou raigne with Christ . Then shalte thou receiue for thine enherytaunce those euerlastyng goodes which God hath prepared for them that loue him . Then euer afterward shalte thou be without carefulnes , & without al feare . Consider , my brother , what it is to raigne in heuen , for as we said before , thou shalt receyue the crowne of glorye at the hand of the Lord , and shalt from thenceforth raigne with Christ . ●●y with thy selfe my brother , what a thynge it is alwayes to beholde the face of God ? What a lyght is in it : 〈…〉 The Sunne shall neuer be thy day lyght , ( as Esai said ) & the lyght of the Moone shall neuer shine vnto the : but the Lord God shal be thine euerlastyng lyght , and thy God shall be thy glorye . Beholde my brother , what maner of ioyes are layed vp for them which feare the Lord , and whiche do kepe hys commaundementes .

Furthermore cast in thy mind my brother also the destruction of synners . The destructyon and the payne of the euyll men . When they shall be brought before the dredful iudgement seate , with howe great bashfulnesse shal they be amased before the iust iudge , when they shall not haue one worde to answere . Howe shall they be ashamed , when the Lord shall speake vnto them in his wrathe , and in his anger shal trouble them , saying ,

Departe from me ye cursed into euerlastynge fire , Mat. xxv . whiche is prepared for the Deuil and his aungels . Alas , alas , in what affliction , and perplexitye shall their spirites be , when all shall maynely crye out ? sayinge . Let the synners be turned into hell , Psal. ix . and all nacyons whiche do forget GOD .

Alas , alas , what a sorowful song shall they synge wryngyng their handes and sorowyng , when they shal be at the poynte to be ledde awaye , that they maye be cruelly punisshed for euer and euer ? Alas , alas , what a place is that , where there is wepyng & gnasshynge of teeth , whiche is called Hell , the whiche place the Deuil him selfe doeth horriblye feare ? Alas what a fyre is that fire of Hell whiche shal be neuer quenched oute ? Alas , what a poyson worme is that that neuer ceasseth gnawynge ? Esay . 66. Ezech. xx . Mark . ix , Alas how greuous are those vtter darknesses whiche contynue for euer ? Alas what manner of mynysters are they whiche are appoynted to haue the ordrynge of the tormentes , whiche lackynge bothe mercye , and tender hert , do styl spitfully vpbrayde and beete ? Then they whiche are punysshed shall crye strongly vnto the Lord , and he shal not heare them . Then shal they knowe that al thynges that were in this lyfe were but vaine thinges , and transitorie , and the thynges whiche they thoughte here to be swete , they fynde that they are more bitter than any gal or poyson . Where is then the plesure of the fleshe , which is falsly so called ? For there is no other pleasure , but to feare the Lord. To feare the lorde is true pleasure . For it is the true pleasure , for this doth in dede fyll the soule as with luste and fatnes . Then shal they despaire of them selues , and of the workes which they haue wrought . Then shal they confesse sayinge . Iust is the iudgement of God .

Haue we herde these thynges , & wolde we not turne from our euill workes ? And then it shal no thynge auayle them . Alas wo is me , whiche beyng taken with such synnes , as no man hath done the lyke , haue synned aboue the number of the sande , and am holden backe of them as if it were with many yron cheynes . I haue no hope that I shal loke vp into heuen . To whom then shall I flee , but vnto the thou mercifull ? but vnto the whiche doest not remember wronges ?

A prayer . HAue mercy vpon me o God after thy great mercye , and accordynge to the multitude of thy mercyes do away my iniquitie . Wasshe me more from my synnes , Psal. 51. and purge me from my wyckednes : for I knowe myne iniquitie , and my synne is euer agaynste me . Agaynste the onely haue I synned , and I haue done euill in thy syght . Vnto the do I flee , for thy great mercy and thy goodnes . I haue prouoked thee , and I do flee vnto thee , euen for thy very gentlenes to be entreated . I haue call the awaye , and I flee vnto thee , for thy greate goodnesse and thy gentlenesse .

And I pray vnto thee , beseching thee , that thou wylte turne thy face from my synnes , and put awaye all my mysededes . Make in me a cleane herte O God , and renue a ryght spirite within me , for thy only names sake . For I haue nothynge that I shulde offer vnto the , not one good work , no cleane herte , but trustynge in thy mercies I caste my selfe vppon them : Chrisostom had no good workes to be saued by . That thou wylt worke , in me repentaunce , so that I fal not easyly agayne into sinne , but from this tyme forth I may serue the in holines and ryghteousnes all the dayes of my lyfe , forthine is the Kyngdome and Empire for euer and euer . So be it .

I Beseche thee my brother which lokest for these thinges , that thou studye to be found cleane , and without spot , in peace . Yf anye euyll thoughte come vnto the , laye hold on this sworde : that is to say , thinke vp on the feare of GOD , and thou shalte cut downe all the power of the enemye . Take vnto the also in steade of a trompet the holye scriptures : for as the trompette gathereth together the souldyours euen so the holy scriptures when they crye vnto vs , they gather together our thoughtes in the feare of the Lorde . For oure thoughtes are as souldyours which do fyght the fielde against the enemyes of the kynge . And agayne . As the trompet that soundeth in the tyme of battayle stirreth vp the corrage of the yonge men and them that fyght against the enemyes , euen so the holye scriptures do styrre vp thy redynes , vnto that whiche is good , & make the manly agaynst euil affections . Therfore my brother , asmuche as thou canste , compell thy selfe to be often occupied in them , that they maye gather together thy thoughtes , which the enemye doeth scater abrode by his wycked inuencions , suggestinge vnto the euyll lustes : eyther els some tymes sendyng vpon thee some troubles : either els nowe and then ministryng vnto thee wealth and securitie . These thynges he worketh by his malyce and guyle , to th ende that he myght turne man from God . For often tymes it chaunceth that when he can not wynne & ouercome a man through lustes , then afterwarde he wyll brynge vnto him temptacions , to darcken the mynd , that he may afterward fynde the same more apte for his purpose , to the ende that he may then sowe in to it suche thinges as he listeth : and he beginneth somtimes to moue man to thynke on this wise , and , as it were , to sweare . That sythens the tyme that I begon to do good , I haue had verye euyll lucke . Let vs therfore do euyll that good may come theron . Then yf a man be not found sober , Roma . iii. he swaloweth him vp , euen as hel doth a lyuyng man . But if he can not so ouercome him , then bryngeth he vnto him welthe and prosperytie , & promoteth him , dryuing him therby into a deceite that is more greuous and haynouse than any other affection is . That is , that he maketh a man proude , & without feare . This draweth the mynde into the deepe of fleshlye pleasures . This maketh the mouth to blaspheme heuen . For it is written . They stretche forthe their mouthe agaynst heauen . Psal. 73. Thys causeth that a man knoweth not God , that he knoweth not hys own infirmitie , that he thinketh not of death and the daie of iudgement . This is the waye of all euils . He the delighteth to walke this waye , that is in the way of wealth and ease he shall come at length into the gates of deathe . This is the waye which the lorde speaketh of . Mat. 7. Brode and wide is the way that leadeth to destruction . Lo , my brother , nowe hast thou herd for what cause the enemye doth studye to brynge vnto vs somtyme prosperitie , somtymes aduersitye . For as he fyndeth the mans mynde affected whiche stryueth agaynst him , euen so doeth he with his euils appoynte his armye agaynste him . Therfore my brother be sober and take hede and gyue thy selfe alwayes to readyng , that it may teach the , how thou oughtest to auoide the snares of the enemie , and to obtaine euerlastynge lyfe . For the Readynge of holy Scriptures doth make the wandrynge wytte to stande stedfaste , and doeth gyue vnto it the knowledge of God .

Hearest thou nowe ( my brother ) that he getteth the knowledge of God , whiche with an earnest mynde gyueth diligence to the holye Scriptures ? Therefore , my brother , do not lyghtlye esteme thy soule , but be diligent in readynge , and in prayers : that light may be gyuen vnto thy mynde , & thou maiest be made a perfecte and whole man , wantynge nothyng in any poynte . Let other men glory in kepyng the companye of great men , of Prynces & Kynges . But do thou glorye before the Aungels of God , speakyng vnto God , and vnto the holye Goste , by the holy Scriptures . For he that speaketh vnto the by them , is the holy Goste .

Gyue dylygence therfore that thou contynually watche to the readyng of the holy scriptures , and to prayer . For as often as thou there through kepest companye with God , so often are thy soule , body and sprite sanctified & halowed . Be sure therfore of thys , brother , that when thou happenest vpon them thou art halowed . Gyue diligence therfore that thou often gyue heede vnto them . And though thy handes haue no leysure , yet praye in thy mynde . For blessed Anne the mother of the prophete Samuel , i. Meg i. dyd praye & her lyppes onely dyd moue : and her prayer entered into the eares of the Lorde of Sobaoth , and the thynge that she asked was graunted vnto her . Therfore my brother , although thy handes be not at leisure , yet praye with thy mind , for God heareth also , euen them that holde theyr peace . And yf thou canst not reade , be then often in the place where thou maiest heare , and take profite . Ecclesi . vi . For it is wryten . And if thou seest a man of vnderstandyng , get thee soone vnto hym , and let thy foote tread vpon the steppes of his dores . But this is meete not onely for them that can not reade , but that can also . For there are many whiche do reade , and they knowe not what they reade .

Wherfore my brother take heed that thou dyspise not the grace that is in the , which is gyuen vnto the by the gyfte of Christ , but take heede , and seke howe thou maiest please the Lorde , that thou maiest get vnto thy self the blessednes of his saintes : as it is writen . Blessed are they whiche searche for hys testimonies , Psal. 119. & do seke him with their whole herte . Take heede that the enemy hyndre the not , that when thou shuldest read he make the slouthfull , and cast the into suche businesses as shall withdrawe the , sayinge : Dyspatche thys thynge fyrst , it is but a lytle thynge , and then shalte thou reade withoute anye care . For howe often putteth he these thinges into thy mynde , that he maye make thee chereful vnto the workes of thy handes ? But he doth cast al such thynges into thy mind to the ende that he may withdrawe the from readynge , and from thy greater profyte . For the Deuyll when he seeth a man dysposed vnto reading , he setteth him selfe against him with these or other such like occasions , seakyng if he by anye meanes may let him . But do not thou obey vnto him , but be as the herte whiche thristeth & desireth Psal. xli . to come to the springes of waters , that is to saye , to the holye scriptures , that thou mayest drinke of them , and that they maye refreshe thy thirst , which art burnt with so many affeccyons . But drinke of them which are meete , and are profytable for thee . As for example , when God gyueth the this gyfte that thou vnderstandest some sayinge , let it not slyppe : but thynke vpon it in thy mynde , and write it in thy herte , and so shalt thou alwayes remember the same . For it is written .

I shall meditate in thy iustyfiynges . Psal. 119 And agayne . I haue hydden vp thy wordes in my herte , that I should not synne agaynst thee .

And agayne . Wherewithall shall a yong man cleuse his waye ? euen in keapynge thy word . Wel beloued thou seest that by the remembrynge the worde of God , a man doth amende his lyfe . For who is it whiche is myndefull of the sayinges of God , and doeth not amende hys waye ? Is he not altogither a castaway & a wretch , whiche remembreth nothyng at all , but forgetteth euen those thinges also which he knoweth ? To him that is such a one God speketh . Wherfore doest thou preache my lawes , Psal. 50. & takest my couenaunt in thy mouthe .

Wherefore he commaundeth that that shal be taken from him which he semeth to haue . Mat. xiii . Mark . iiii . Luke . viii But what is that thynge whyche is commaunded to be taken from hym whiche he semeth to haue ? euen faythe : for he calleth him selfe a Christiane , Titus i. but he denyeth it in deedes , and is worse then an infydell . Therfore he commaundeth the holy gooste to be taken from him whiche he receyued in the day of his redempcyon , whiche he semeth to haue : so that suche a man is lyke a wyne vessell , which runneth oute by reason of a leake , wherthrough the wyne is loste : whiche thynge they that knowe not , where they see the vessell , thyncke that it is full : but when any wyne shoulde be drawen out of it , then appeareth it vnto all men that it is emptie . In lyke maner also such a man when an accompte shal be asked of him at the daye of iudgement , he shal be found emptie , and then his workes shal be open vnto all men . Of this sort are they also which shal saye vnto the kynge at that day . Lord haue we not prophecied , Mat. vii . & in thi name haue we not done many good dedes ? And when the kynge answereth he shall saye vnto theym .

Verely I say vnto you , I know you not Thou seest brother that suche a one hath nothyng at al. Be thou therfore myndfull of the worde , and directe thy way . Take hede that thou doest not suffer the birdes to lyght downe & to eate vp the seede of the sonne of God . Luke . viii .

For he sayd , that the seede is the word whiche ye do heare . Hyde therefore the seede in the furrowes of thy hert , that is to say , hyde the word in the myddest of thy herte , that thou mayest brynge forthe vnto God some frute in feare . But when thou readest , reade diligently and earnestly , and handle the sentence weying it aduisedly : labour not to reade ouer many leaues : but if thou chaunce vpon any harde thynge , let it not greue the to read ouer that verse twis or thrise , tyll thou vnderstande the meanynge and pyth of it .

But when thou preparest thy selfe to sytte downe to reade , or elles to heare an other , pray vnto God fyrst , saying :

Lord Iesu Christ open mine eyes and the eares of my hearte that they may heare thy wordes and vnderstande them : A prayer and that they maye do thy wyll O Lord. Psal. 119. For I am a straunger in the earth , hyde not thy commaundementes from me . But open myne eyes , & I shall beholde the maruayles of thy law . For in thee o my God haue I trusted , that thou maiest gyue lyght vnto my herte .

Yea my brother I besech the praye so alwayes vnto god that he wyl gyue lyght vnto thy mind , and that he wyl make open vnto the the strength of his wordes : For manye haue erred trustynge to their owne wytte , and sayinge that they were wyse , Roma . i. they became fooles , and dyd not vnderstande the thynges that were written , and so fallyng into blasphemies did perishe . If thou therfore in thy readyng , fynde anye thynge that is hard to be vnderstanded , take heed that the wicked enemie do not teache the to saye within thyne owne selfe : it is not so as that worde speaketh . For howe shoulde it be so ? and on such like sorte . But if thou beleue god , beleue his wordes also : & say vnto the Deuyll . Go behynde me aduersarie : Mat. xvi . for I knowe thee not . The wordes of the Lorde are pure wordes : Psal. xii . as the siluer whiche from the erthe is tried , & purified seuen times in the fire . There is no euel thynge in them nor doubtful , but all thynges in them contayned are good in their sight that are wyse , and al thinges in them are perfecte to them that find knowledge . But I am a fole , & am ignorant , yet I know that they are written spiritually . For the Apostle sayeth that the lawe is spirituall . And so loke thou vp in to Heauen and saye . Lorde I haue beleued thy wordes , and saye not agaynst them , A prayer but I trust vnto the wordes of thy holy ghost . Therfore saue me thou O Lorde , that I may fynd fauour before thee . For I seake no other thynge but onelye that I maye be saued O mercyfull : that I maye obtayne thy grace , for thyne is the kyngdome & mercye for euer So be it .

¶ An Homelye of the Resurrection of Christe , and of the power and frute therof , written in Latyn by Iohn Brentius , and translated into Englyshe by T.S.

NOwe that I shal speake of the Resurrection of our Lord Iesu Christ , I desyre you that you all wyl herken with suche eares and myndes , not as vayne men are wont to gyue to ydle , & now and then also to hurtefull , tales , whiche do onely seake this , that they maye be delyghted & waste the tyme , but with suche eares and myndes as very godly men do gyue to hym that entreateth of the most highe and chiefe matier of holy relygion , and of oure perpetual saluacion . For if Christ had not rysen agayne , our preachynge hadde been in vayne , as Paule sayeth , oure faythe were in vayne , the testimonye of the Apostles of the resurrection of Christe were in vayne , the dead shulde not ryse agayne , we shuld yet remayne in our synnes : all they which are fallen a sleape in Christ were loste : finally yf that in this lyfe only we had faith in Christ we were then the most miserable of all men . Wherfore , most dere frendes , if euer we dyd care ( as there ought to be none other so greate a care ) to knowe the thynges that Christ dyd , the cause of our saluacion dost most aboue all thynges enforce vs , that we well do vnderstande the rysyng agayne of Christ from the dead . We shall first therfore shew that Christe verely is risen from the dead , then what profyte , what glorye , what maiestye , the resurrection did bringe to Christ him selfe . Lastly what profyte , what health , yea and what happines hath happened vs , euen vnto vs I saye , by the resurrection of Christe . i. Tim. ii . Remember ( Paule writeth to Timothe ) that Iesus Christ rose agayne from deathe . By which admonicion he doth meane , that there oughte nothynge amonges godly men to be more esteamed then the resurrection of Christe . And that I may here take my begynnynge , not only those argumentes by which Christ shewed him self alyue vnto his disciples after his resurrection , do wytnesse the rysynge agayne of Christe from the deade , but also the prophecies of the prophetes which were before the resurrection of Christ . In the .xv. psalme he saith . Therfore dyd my herte reioyce , and my tong was glad , moreouer my fleshe also shal rest in hope : Because thou wylte not leaue my soule in hell , neyther wylte suffre thyne holye one , to se corrupcion . And in an other Psalme . The Lorde sayd to my lorde , syt on my ryght hande , vntyll I make thyn enemyes a fotestole vnder thy feete . And that these be prophecies of the resurrection of Christe , Peter wytnesseth in his first sermon which he made vpon witsondaye , as it is written in the second chapter of the Actes of the Apostles . To this agreeth Esaie . Hys sepulchre ( sayth he ) shall be glorious : For it appeareth by the begynnynge of that chapter ( which is the .xi. ) that Esaye in that place doeth preache of Christ , and Paule approueth the same in the .xv. chapter to the Romayns . And againe Esay sayeth in the .liii. chapter .

After that he hathe offered hys lyfe for synne he shall se long lastynge seede , and the wyll of the Lorde shal be ruled in his hande . For because that his soule hath labored , he shall see , and be satisficed . And that the Prophete in thys place doeth preache of Christe thou shalte playnely perceyue , by the .viii. chapter of the Actes of the Apostles . But what neade any more ? Whersoeuer the prophetes do preach of the euer lastynge kyngdome of Christe , there also do they preache of the resurrectio of Christ . For Christ coulde not haue obtayned an euerlastyng kyngdom , excepte he had rysen from death into the glo glory of his father . Now , Christ also himselfe did often , and much before his deathe , prophecye of his resurrection from death .

Destroye ( sayth he ) this temple , and in three dayes wyll I rayse it vp agayne . And againe : as Ionas was in the belly of the Whale three dayes , and thre nightes , so shal the sonne of manne be in the herte of the earth , three dayes , & three nightes . And agayne . The Sonne of man must suffre many thinges , & be reproued of the elders , & chiefe priestes , & scribes , and be slayne , and the thyrde day ryse agayne . Agayne : It is written , I shall smyte the shepeherd , and the shepe of the Rocke shal be that I am rysen , I wyll go into Galile before you . But what do I ? The thinges whiche Christe before his death preached of his resurrection , be muche more knowen by the histories of the gospels then that the same nede in this place with many wordes to be repeted . But these are prophecyes of the resurrection , before that it was done . But after that it was done , there was no matter or occasion let passe , in which Christ did not playnly witnesse , that he was in deede rysen from the deade . These we shall nowe passe ouer , for bicause that in our entreating of the Historie of the gospell , they are handeled at large , sauing that we wyll adde thys herunto , that the Apostles were chiefelye ordeyned for this purpose , that they shoulde wytnesse the resurrection of Christ . Wherfore ( saieth Peter ) of these men whiche haue companyed wyth vs all the tyme that the Lorde Iesu hadde his conuersation amonge vs , Actes . ● . begynning at the baptisme of Iohn , vnto that same daye that he was taken vp from vs , must one be ordeyned to bee a wytnes wyth vs of hys resurrection . And agayne . Actum . x. Hym God raysed vp the thirde day and shewed him openly , not vnto all the people , but vnto vs wytnesses , chosen before of God for the same entent , whiche dyd eate & drinke with hym , after that he rose from death . Briefly as the prophecies of the prophetes concernyng the resurrection of Christe , are the moste true sothe sayinges of the holy ghoste , so is there nothynge more certayne , then that Christe veryly is risen from the dead , euen in dede . Wherof we shall speake more herafter . Nowe let vs see what he hathe gotten by his Resurrection . Christ truly is not risen from death in such sort as that dead man whiche by the touchynge of the carkais of the prophet Eliseus reuyued , 4. Reg xiii to dye agayn , Luke . vii Iohn . xi . nether yet as the son of the wydowe , neither as Lazarus the had lien .iiii. Actes . ix . dayes in his graue , neither as Dorcas in Ioppa , were called agayne to lyfe . For these verelye were raysed from deth , but into this corporal life to die agayne . But Christ rysen from death ( as Paule sayeth ) dieth no more , Actes . xiii death hath no more power ouer him . And agayne : He raised hym vp from deth now no more to returne to corruption . And that I maye comprehende all in one worde , Christe by his resurrection entered into his glorye .

For he sayth in Luke . Luk. xxiiii . Oughte not Christ to haue suffered these thinges and to enter into his glorye . Here therfore we must trye out what the glory of Christ is . The glorie of Christe . First truely the glory of Christe is , that he is the Sonne of God . In to this glory therfore he entered by his resurrection , that is , he proued by his resurrection that he was in deede the Sonne of god . Roma . i. He is declared ( saith Paul ) to be the sonne of god with power , after the spirit , that sanctifieth , sence the time that Iesus Christ our Lorde rose agayne frome death . And this glory is greater then that it can worthyly be expressed with wordes . Wherfore we shall touche the other partes of his glory , and maiestye . Secondlye the glorye of Christe is that he is , of the same blessednes , maiesty , and almightie power with God his father . Wherfore into this glorye also he entred in by his resurrection . Sit ( saieth the father ) on my right hande , vntill I make thyne enemyes thy forestole . Furthermore , the glorye of Christe is that all thynges are subiecte vnto him , that he is Lorde of heauen and earth , and Iudge of the lyuynge and of the deade . This maiestye Christe receyued by his resurrection . Philip , ii , God hath exalted him ( sayth Paule ) on hye , and gyuen him a name which is aboue all names , that in the name of Iesus euery one shuld bowe , bothe of thinges in heauen , and thynges in earthe , and thynges vnder the earthe . And agayne .

Christ therfore dyed and rose agayne , & reuiued , Rom xiiii , that he myght be Lorde ouer dead and quicke . Actes . xvii . And agayne . He hath appoynted a daye in the which he wil iudge the worlde by that man by whom he hath appoynted , and hath offered faith vnto all men , after that he had raysed hym from death . But who canne eyther by thynkyng conceiue , ether els by wordes , I saye not expresse , but no more but somwhat touche al the partes of that glorye & maiestie , whiche Christ by his resurrection did receyue ? Wherfore lettynge passe this parte of the sermon , & commendyng it rather vnto faith , then shewyng it vnto mans reason , we shall come to thys that we put forthe in the thred place , and whiche is most of all to be considered of vs and with greate studye to be searched for , that is to saye , what profyte , what healthe or happynes the resurrection of Christ hath brought vnto vs men . Our pro●ite by Christes ●eath . And for bycause that nowe we are come to speake of the chiefe poynte of relygion , yea and of the matier of our whole saluacyon , we wyll not brynge forth mans dreames , but wyl gather places of the holy scripture , by whyche we shal shewe that the resurrection of Christ is our very and euerlastyng saluacyon . And fyrste of the profyt of the resurrection of Christ there is nothyng in the scriptures more shorte , & cleare , then that Paule writethe to the Romaynes , Rom iiii , saying : He was delyuered for our sinnes , and was raysed agayne for oure iustificacion . For as the death of Christe hathe pourged oure synnes , and hath brought to passe , that oure synnes are forgyuen vs of God for Christes sake , so the Resurrection of Christe , hath brought vnto vs ryghteousnes , and hath brought to passe that as manye as beleue in Christ , may be estemed before God euen righteous for Christes sake . They truly are called blessed , whose iniquitie is forgyuen , and whose synnes are couered , but oure synnes are not couered but with true and perfecte righteousnes . And we forasmuche as partaineth vnto our nature , are so far from perfecte rightwisnes , as the heuen is from the earth . For albeit that manye haue a cyuile honesty and righteousnes , yet do they want in themselues the true & perfect righteousnes . Therfore Christe rose agayne from death to this ende , that as by his death he hath obtayned , that God the father forgyueth vs our synnes , and is become fauourable vnto vs , so by his resurrection he shuld obtaine , that God shuld impute vnto vs all the righteousnes of Christ , & that he shoulde not otherwyse iudge of vs , then as if we by our workes had perfectly fulfylled all righteousnesse . Whiche spared not ( sayth he ) his own sonne , Rom. viii . but gaue him for vs all , howe can it be , that with him he shuld not giue vs al thinges also ? For vnto Christe belongeth true and perfecte ryghtwisnes . Seynge therfore that Christ is gyuen vnto death for vs , and is gyuen vnto vs by hys Resurrection , it is playne also that by his resurrection his rightwisnes is so gyuen vnto vs that we may glory of it as of our owne , and we may set it not so muche against the accusynges of our synnes , as against the gates of hell . Peter sayeth , that baptisme saueth vs , i. Peter . iii not the puttynge away of the fylthe of the fleshe , but the promyse or couenaunte of a good conscyence towardes God , by the resurrection of Iesus Christ . For as for vs , whether we consider our synnes or the ryghtwysnes of oure fleshe , we haue an euil conscyence , and we do knowe that we are gyltye of euerlastyng damnacyon : For oure synnes verelye , because they do dyrectlye fyghte agaynst the wyl and law of God : For our ryghtwysnesse also , bycause our rightwisnes is bothe imperfect & vnpure . But a good conscyence ( sayethe Peter ) is wroughte in vs , by the resurrection of Christe . Howe ? bycause God knytteth himselfe vnto vs by a couenaunt , and stricketh vp a bargayne in maner wyth hys hand with vs , by the resurrection of hys Sonne , that he wyll for Christe his sonnes sake , knowe and iudge vs perfectlye righteous , and make vs saued . If the conscyence do know these thynges by faith , what can be better then it ? what more quiet , & euen in the myddes of death , yea in the horryble iudgment of God , what more secure ? Herto belongeth it that Peter also in an other place sayth . ● . Peter . i Blessed be God , which accordyng to his abundant mercy , begat vs agayne vnto a lyuelye hope . By what ? it foloweth : by that , that Iesus Christe rose agayne from deathe . But what is that lyuely hope , into the whiche the resurrection of Christ hath begotten vs agayne ? Forsothe this it is : that God hath giuen vnto vs by the resurrection of Christe , the true , whole , and perfecte ryghtwisnes , whiche Christ the sonne of God , hath , that by it we shuld obtayne an immortall , vndefyled , and an enheritaunce that perisheth not , euen in heuen . What could therfore happen vnto vs more profitable , yea or els more necessarye then the resurrection of Christ ? i. Cor. xv . And true it is that Paul saith . If Christ be not rysen , you are yet in your sinnes . But now he is rysen agayne : We are not onely therfore delyuered from our synnes as many of vs as byleue in him , but also the same ryghtwysnes whiche he hathe is imputed also vnto vs , perfecte and on euery side sufficiently performed . Furthermore the resurrection of Christe hath brought vnto vs not only oure victory ouer afflyctions , and death , but also oure owne resurrection from deth into lyfe , and euerlastynge blessednesse . Christ ( sayth Paule ) is risen from the dead and become the fyrst fruites of theim that slepe . For by a man came death , and by a man came the resurrection of the deade . For as by Adam al do die , euen so by Christe shall all be made alyue . For , to the ende that we maye rightly vnderstand the benefite of Christe , we must not consyder and beholde Christ by his outwarde body only , that is to say , by one parte of hys or one member only , but by his whole and perfecte spiritual body . For so doth Paule teache the Christe is to be considered of vs , when he 〈◊〉 to the Ephesias , sayinge : He hath made him aboue all thinges the heade of the congregacyon , whiche is his body . Ephes. ● . Therfore as the whole bodye of man is made of the heade and manye members , so whole Christe is made ( forasmuche as nowe serueth for our purpose ) of his own person as the heade , and of all them that beleue in him as of diuerse membres . But nowe , when as it is playne , that Christe the heade is risen from the dead , how coulde it be , that he shoulde not drawe also with him selfe al his membres from death , vnto lyfe , and resurrection ? Shuld the head ryse , and leaue behynde hym , the hande or the fote , yea or so much as the lytle fynger ? Christ ( thou wylt say ) dyd ryse alone , bicause no man ascended into heauen , but he whiche descended . Verye wel , he rose alone : but this must be added , that he also dyd ryse whole . Whole Christ is , the head , with his members . Whither so euer therfore the heade is come , euen thither also are the membres comen . And who are the true members of Christe , but they that beleue in him ? Do you not know , sayth Paule , that youre bodyes are the membres of Christ ? And agayne : We are members of the same body , of hys flesshe , and of his bones . It is therfore manyfest , that as manye as beleue in Christe , are risen togither wyth Christe . Ephes. li. Whereof Paule saieth : When we were dead by synnes , he quickned vs togyther wyth Christe ( by grace are ye saued ) & raised vs vp together with him , and made vs to syt together with him amonge them of heauen , in Christe Iesu . And agayn : Colos. ii . Ye are buried with him throughe baptisme , in whome ye are rysen agayne throughe faythe , that is wroughte by the operacyon of God , whiche raysed hym frome deathe . And ye when ye were dead through sinne , and through the vncircumcision of your flesh , hath he quickened with him , and hath forgiuen vs all our trespaces . For as Christe hath drawne al them that beleue in him togither with him selfe into his deth and burial : We are buried ( saith Paule ) together wyth hym by baptisme for to dye : Rom. v● euen so verely hath he drawen with himselfe them into his resurrection , so that as many as are deade & buryed together with Christ , they haue also rysen agayne with Christe : Whether we lyue ( sayeth he ) or Rom. xiiij we dye , we are the Lordes . For Christe therfore died and rose agayne , that he myght be Lorde ouer the deade and quicke . But thou wylte saye howe haue we rysen againe with Christ , which do yet notwithstandynge lyue in this mortal body , and nedes we must dye ? We sayde afore , that nowe we are occupied in the most highe matier of our saluacion .

Wherfore we muste bring forth not mans dreames , but the wytnessynges of God . Let vs heare therfore Christes owne sermon of this matter . Iohn . iii. As Moses ( saith he ) lyfted vp the serpente in the wyldernes , euen so must the sonne of man be lyfte vp , that who soeuer beleueth in him , perishe not , but haue euerlastynge lyfe . And Paul : Roma. x , Yf thou knowledge with thy mouth that Iesus is the lord , and dost beleue in thy herte , that God raysed hym vp from death , ● shalte be saued . For notwithstandinge that after the resurrection of Christ , we are yet mortall men in earthe , and subiecte to all aduersyties , yet by faythe , I saye , by faith in Christ we ar so made partakers of his resurrection , We shall rise again that first vnto vs truely doth belong the ryght of rysynge from death vnto euerlastyng blessednes in the last daye . For fayth doeth fasten vs , and as I myght so saye doth incorporate vs to Christe . Sens therfore that Christe in whom we are incorporate is risen , it can not be , that we shoulde not ryse with him . For as touchynge it that as yet we do die , and our bodies do rotte in the earthe , yea or be brent with fire , shoulde thys be any let to our resurrection ? Forsothe , God , whiche when as yet there was nothyng , could make thys so greate a woorke of thys worlde , coulde he not also fynde againe the body which was made before , yea though it wer turned into dust , in the earth , or the sea , & cal it agayne vnto life ? God doth cal those thynges which are not , that they maye bee , Iohn . xii . & can he not then call againe those thynges which seme to haue perysshed ? Hathe he not set furth vnto vs in euery lytle grayne the ymage of our resurrection . Except the wheat corne ( saieth Christ ) fal into the ground and dye , it bringeth forthe no fruit . And Paule sayeth . Thou foole , ● . Cor. xv . the whiche thou sowest , is not quickened , excepte it dye . And what sowest thou ? Thou sowest not the body that shal be , but bare corne , as of wheate , or some other : but god gyueth it a body at his pleasure , to euery seade his own body . Which of vs can see in a cornell of a Peare so greate a boughe of a tre , as groweth out of it , beyng layed in the ground ? Who can see in a grain of corne so great a stalke & an eare as the reapers do reape ? Man doth not se , but God seith , which also worketh these . And shuld he rayse vp a dead grayne or seade , & not a man ? For not onlye that he can , but that he wil also raise vs from the deade , he hath not only testified by the resurrection of Christe his Sonne , but also by manye other argumentes , promyses , & miracles , which wer long now to repete . The resurrection of the dead truly is by scriptures so certaine & sure , that is also commenly rehersed in the common confession of our fayth . Wherfore there is nothing more surely to be holden , then that throughe Christe the righte and glorye of the Resurrection from the deade vnto euerlastynge blessednesse belongeth euen vnto vs . Furthermore when we beleue that we through Christe shall ryse agayne , this faith canne not be ydle in vs , but euen nowe , whiles yet we are in this mortal body it doth thinke vpon the resurrection . For as in the yong plantes it doeth furthwith appere what the fruites wyl be , and in the wittes of chyldren it is anone shewed furth what thinge is to be loked for of them , euen so in the godly the resurrection that is to comme doeth begynne to bringe forthe his frute whiles that we do yet lyue in the earth . Moses was appoynted of god to be the deliuerer and law gyuer to Israel . But he dyd not onelye then execute this offyce , when he brought the people oute of Egypte , but the appoyntment of this office that he shulde take in hande beganne euen then also to worke in Moses , when as yet he being a child ( if we wyl beleue Iosephus ) he threwe downe the crowne roiall of the kyng of Egipt , trode it vnder his feete : When as he slewe the Egipcian that dyd wrong to the Israelite , when he laboured to agree the Israelites whiche stroue together , and when he did deliuer the daughters of the priest of Madian from the wrong of the shepeherdes . These trulye were the beginninges of his office that he shoulde haue . Dauid was chosen kinge of Israell . But this election was not idle in Dauid vntill that time that after the death of Saule he was openly called to be kinge of the people . But Dauid euen then began to take vpon him lyke a kynge , when as in the kepynge of his shepe he slewe a Beare and a Lyon , and when with a bolde stomacke he set vpon Goliathe and slewe him . So the faith of the resurrection shal not onely practise his power in raysynge oure bodyes vnto euerlastynge lyfe in the last day : but yf the true fayth be in vs , euen in this lyfe also doth it shew forth the strength that it hath : And first it holdeth vs vp in al the aduersities of this lyfe , yea euen in the myddes of death . For if we shal ryse agayn into euerlastynge lyfe , the which thing we know by faith that we shall do , what disaduauntage ( I praye you ) what euill happe can aduersities yea or deathe it self , bringe vnto vs ? I praye the , if a man shoulde put of frome the a fylthy garmente , to put on vpon the and clothe the with a Kingly aparel , woldest thou cal the takinge of the fylthy apparel from the disaduantage , or euel lucke , or rather shouldest not thou call it great profit . To suffer aduersity in this world & at length to dye , surlye they be nothing els , then a putting away of anold & filthy garment , that thou maiest take vnto the a most gorgius garment . We do know ( saith Paul ) that if our earthly mancion of thys dwelling wer destroyed , ii . Cor. v. we haue a building of god , an habitacion not made with handes , but eternall in heauen . For therfore sigh we , desiringe to be clothed with our mansyon which is from heauen . Wherefore , when by fayth we do thinke vpon our resurrection from deth thorow Christ , it can not be but that we shal get the vyctory , not only ouer al the afflictions of this world , but also of death & hel . Moreouer the same faith of the resurrection doth begin or exercise in vs the newe lyfe , A newe lyfe . worthye the Resurrection , that forsakinge all vngodlynes and vnrightuousnes we may folowe all kyndes of heauenlye vertues . For verylye excepte the newnes of lyfe dothe folow the faythe of the resurreccion , it is a playne argument that the fayth is deade . And what is there that should be a lyue in a manne when as hys faythe lyueth not , whiche is the lyfe of the Iuste manne . For the Iuste ( saieth he ) lyueth by faythe . Wherefore in this aboue all thinges muste we most chiefly labour , that we do shew forth our true faith of the resurrection by good woorkes , and beinge yet in the earthe we maye lyue an heuenly lyfe . For true rightuousnes is broughte and gyuen vnto vs by the resurrection of Christ in such sort , that god doth iudge vs for Christes sake Iust and holy in dede . Howe then could this stand together , that we despysinge and defilynge that rightuousnes of Christe , shoulde lyue in vnrightuousnes ? The resurrection of Christe hathe called vs backe from deathe , to lyfe , and euerlastynge blessednes . What nowe is more vile , yea what is more pernicious , then forsaking life , to make himselfe bonde againe to deathe , and euerlastyng mischyefe . He whosoeuer it bee that foloweth synne dothe gyue himselfe to deathe , and euerlastinge destruction . For the rewarde ( saythe he ) of synne is deathe . Rom. vi . In the policy of Moses it was moste straitly commaunded that no manne contynuinge the daies of the feast of the passe ouer should eat leauened bread . He that eateth ( saythe he ) leauened Exod x. ii . breade , his lyfe shall peryshe out of the congregacion of Israell , aswell of straungers as of dwellers in the lande . This law precheth vnto vs , that after that Christ who is oure passe ouer is risen from deathe , it is lawfull for no man to haue felowshippe either with vncleane and vngodly menne , eyther elles to leade an vncleane lyfe , or a lyfe leauened with sinnes . i. Cor. v. Purge ye saith Paule the olde leauen , that ye maye be new doughe , as ye are vnleauened for Christe our pascale lambe is offered vp for vs . Therfore let vs kepe holye daye not with old leauen , neither with the leuen of maliousnes & wickednes , but with the swete breade of purenes and trueth . For they that do stil go forwarde in their wickednes and Iniquitie those men ( horrible it is to say ) do for asmuch as in them lyeth , crucify Christ againe , and do deny that he is rysen from deathe . For the resurreccion of Christe is denied not only with mouthe of the aduersaries of oure relygion , but also of the vngodlye by their dedes and workes whiche do lyue amongest vs are called christians . For wher as Christ by his deathe toke awaye synne and by his resurrection brought againe rightuousnes , nowe from hence forthe to synne and to despyse ryghteousnes what els is it , them to cal Christ againe vnto death , and euen to fyght againste hys resurrection ? And beholde here the cursed wickednes of those menne whyche do yet folow the lustes of synne . Christe truely by his resurrection brought to passe that we shoulde be chosen to be the children of God , & the enheritours of all the heauenly goods . But oure synnes do cause that we become the chyldren of the deuell and the enherytours of euerlasting fyre . What is therfore more horrible , what more cursed , then to rage in such a lybertie of synne , that thou doest not only vtterlye cast awaye the chosing wherwith God choseth the , but also thou gyuest ouer thy selfe into the houshold of the deuill , that thou mayst with hys Angels peryshe euerlastinglye ? For after that Christe is risen from deathe and we be engrafted into his death , we are no longer oure owne men , but his , whiche by hys deathe and resurrection hath delyuered vs from deathe into lyfe . Therfore we muste obey Christe , and not synne . We are buryed ( saythe paule ) with him by baptysme for to die , Roma . vi . that lykewyse as Chryst was raised from deathe by the glory of the father , euen so we also shoulde walke in a new lyf : And againe .

For as towchinge that he died , he died concernynge sinne on s , and as touching that he lyueth , he lyueth vnto God .

Lykewyse Imagin ye also , that ye are deade concernynge synne : but are alyue vnto god thorow Christ Iesu our Lord . ii . Cor. v. And againe . If one be deade for al , then all were deade , and he died for vs all , that they whiche lyue , should not henseforthe lyue vnto them selues , but vnto hym whiche died for them , and rose agayne . And in an other place . Colos. iii. Yf ye be then risen agayne with Christe , seke those thynges whiche are aboue where Christ sitteth on the right hand of god . Set youre affection on thynges that are aboue , and not on thinges whiche are on the earthe . And what are those thinges on earthe whiche are to be auoyded , and thynges that are aboue to be sought for . Mortify ( saith he ) your earthly membres , fornication , vncleanes , vnnatural lust , euel concupiscence , & couetousnes , wrath , fersenes , 〈◊〉 , cursed speaking 〈◊〉 thy speaking , & put on tender mercy , kindnes , humblenes of minde , meknes , softnes , & what so euer other godlye vertue ther is . For if we do these thinges we shal not only confesse in wordes & comon sayinges that Christ in his owne parson is risen againe , but also we shal testify that he also is risen againe in vs , & the he liueth in vs , yea & that al the righte of Christes resurrection doth belong vnto vs , so that we may not onli ouer cum afflictions & death in this worlde , but that we may also get euerlasting blessednes in the worlde to comme , by the resurrection of Iesu Christ oure Lord , which is together with the father & the holy gost god to be praised for euer & euer So be it .

¶ Imprinted at London , in S. Iohns strete by Nicolas Hyll , for Iohn Shefelde , dwelling in Pauls church yarde .