IN this fyrst Sermon is declared , & taught the godlye election of a Kyng , and a rule of godly lyuynge as touchynge hys owne person . Where he proueth oure moost excellent King Edward , to be our most lawful king both by natiuitie , and contrey , yea , and now appoynted in these our dayes to delyuer vs from the daunger and captiuitie of Egypt and wicked Pharao , that is from , errour & ignorance & the deuelishe antichrist the Pope of Rome . The forme of his godly rule also he deuyded here in this sermon in thre partes . iij. Fyrst that he shuld not truste to muche vnto his owne strength and policy , but only to walke ordinatly with God and to make him his lodes man and chief guyde . Secondarily that he lyue not lassyuyously and wantonly , folowyng venerial affections , but to lyue chastly . And whan time shal require , to leade a pure lyfe , vnder the yoke of matrimonye , admonishing both his grace , and al other Maiestrates to be circumspecte in chosynge a wyfe , eyther for them selues or for theyr children , hauing this alwaies in minde , that she be , of a faythfull house , godlye broght vp , & of a pure life . Thirdly he admonyshed the kynges grace , that he should not desyre gold & syluer to muche , prouyngs by many argumentes that kynd of vice wyth the other forsaid , to be destruction not only vnto the kynges grace : but also vnto the whole realme & people , In these thinges consystith the whole summe of this sermon .

QVecunque scripta sunt : ad nostram doctrinam scripta sunt . Roma . xv . ● What soeuer thynges are written a fore tyme , are wrytten for our learnynge , that we through pacience & comforte of scripturs , might haue hope . In takynge thys parte of scripture ( moste nobill audience ) I playe as atrowāt , which when he is at schole , wyl chose a lesson , wherin he is perfight , because he is loth to take payne in studienge a newe leasson , or elles feareth strypes for his slothfulnes . In lyke maner , I might seme now in my olde age to sum men , to take this parte of scripture , because I woulde wade easilye awaye there wyth , and dryue my matter at my pleasure and not to be bounde vnto a certayne theame . Paul speketh of gods worde only . But ye shall consyder , that the forsayd words of Paul are not to be vnderstande of all scriptures , but only of those , which are of god , written in goddes boke , and all thynges whiche are therein , are wrytten for out learnynge , The exellencye of thys worde is so greate , and of hye dignitie , that there is no earthly thynge to be compared vnto it The authour therof is great that is God him selfe , Gen. i. a. and xvij . a. Deut. iiij . a Esa. xxvi . a. Pron . viij . c Daniel . vij . e. eternal almightie , euerlastynge . The scripture , because of hym , is also greate , eternal , moste mightie , and holy . Almen ought to obay god , to beleue hys word , & to folowe it . Ther is no kyng Emperour , maiestrate , and ruler , of what state so euer they be , but are bounde to obey this God , and to geue credence vnto hys holy worde in directynge theyr steppes ordinarlye accordinge vnto the same worde , yea truly they are not only bound to obey gods boke , but also the minister of the same , for the wordes sake , so fer as he speaketh syttinge in Moses chayre , that is ; God ruleth this world with two swerdes if hys doctrine be taken out of Moyses lawe . For in this world God hath .ii. swerdes the one is a temporall swerde the other a spiritual . The temporal swerd . The temporall swerde resteth in the handes of Kynges , Maiestrates , and rulers vnder hym , whereunto all subiectes , as well the Cleargye as the laytie be subiecte , and punishable , for any offence contrary to the same boke .

The spiritual swerde is in the handes of the ministers & preachers , The spiritual swerde . where vnto all Kynges , Maiestrates & , Rulers ought to be obediente , that is to heare , and folowe , so longe as the ministers sitte in Christes chayre , Mathe. xxiij . that is , speakyng out of Christes boke .

The Kynge correcteth transgressours wyth the temporall swerd , yea , and the preacher also , if he be an offender : But the preacher can not correcte the kynge if he be a transgressor of goddes word , wyth the temporal swearde , But he muste correcte and reproue hym wyth the spyrituall swearde , fearynge no man , settynge God only before hys eyes , vnder whome he is a minister to supplante and roote vppe all vyce and myschiefe by Goddes worde , whereunto all menne oughte to be obedyente , as is mencyoned in manye places of scripture , and amonges manye this is one . Math. xxiij . a

¶ Quecunque iusserint vos seruare , seruate , et facite .

What so euer they byd you obserue , that obserue and doo . Therfore let the preacher teach improue , i. Timo. iij. a. Peter . i. a. amende an instructe in ryghtuousnes , wyth the spyrituall sweard , fearynge no man thoughe death shoulde ensue . Thus Moyses fearyng no man wyth thys swearde , Exod. v. vi . vij . &c. dyd , reproue Kyng Pharao , at Goddes commaundement .

Micheas the prophet also dyd not spare to blame Kyng Achab for hys wyckednes , iij. Regu . xxv accordynge to goddes wyl , & to prophesye of hys destrucion contrarye vnto manye false Prophetes . These forsayde kynges beynge admonyshed by the ministers of gods worde , because they woulde not folow theyr godly doctryne and correcte theyr lyues , King Pharao punished . came vnto vtter destruccion . Pharao geuynge no credite vnto Moyses the prophet of God , but applyant vnto the lustes of hys owne herte , Exod. xiiij what tyme he heard of the passage of Goddes people , hauyng no feare or remembraunce of gods worke , he dyd prosecute after entendyng to destroye them , and was drowned in the red sea . Kynge Acab also because he wold not herken vnto Micheas was kylde with an arrow . Acab . iij. Regu . xxi . Like wyse also the house of Ieroboam wyth other many , iij. Reg. xiiij . came vnto destruccion , because he woulde not heare the ministers of Goddes worde , and correcte hys lyfe accordyng vnto hys wyl , and pleasure . The preacher must haue God before his eies chiefly . Let the preacher therefore neuer feare to declare the message of God vnto all men . And if the kyng wyll not heare theim then the preachers maye admonyshe and charge theym wyth theyr dewties , and so leaue them vnto God and praye for theym . Euel preachers are to be refused , & not to be beleued . But if the preachers digrese out of Christes chaire , & shall speake their owne Phansyes , then instede of . Quecunque iusserint vos , facere , facite , et seruate .

What so euer they bid you obserue , that obserue & do . Chaunge it into these woordes foloweynge : Mathe. vij . g Cauete vero vobis apseudo Prophetis qui veniunt ad vos . &c.

Beware of false Prophetes whych come vnto you in shepes clothyng , but inwardly , they are rauenynge woulffes , ye shall knowe theym by theyr fruites : Yea , change Quecunque iusserint ( yf their doctryne be euyll ) into Cauete a fermento pharise orum , Luke . xij . a &c.

That is Take hede and beware of the leauen of the Pharyseis , & of the Saduces . In teachinge euell doctryne , all preachers are to be eschewed , and in no wyse to be harkened vnto . In speaking trueth , thei are to be heard . All thynges wrytten in goddes boke , In godsboke is matter for all estates . are moost certaine true , and profitable for all men . For in it is contayned mete matter for Kynges , Prynces , Rulares , Byshoppes , and for all estates . Wherfore , it behoueth euerye preacher , sumwhat to appoynte and accomodate him selfe , and hys matter agreable vnto the comforte , and amendemente of the audience , vnto the whiche he declareth the message of God . If he preache before a kyng , let hys matter be concernynge the office of a kinge , if before a byshoppe , then lette him treate of byshoplye dutyes and orders , and so forthe in other matters , as time & audience shal require .

I haue thoughte it good , to intreate vpon these wordes folowynge whyche are wrytten in the .xvii. Chapter of Deuteronomye . Deut. xvij. Cum ueneris in terram quam Dominus Deus dat tibi possederisque eam , et ceter . That is . When thou art come vnto the Lande whyche the Lorde thy God geueth the , and enioyeste it , and dwellest therein : If thou shalt say , I will set a Kyng ouer me , lyke vnto al the nacions that are aboute me : Then thou shalt make him king ouer the , whome the Lorde thy God shall chose .

One of thy brethren must thou make Kynge ouer the , and maiest not set a straunger ouer the , whiche is not of thy brethren . But in anye wyse , lette hym not holde to manye horsses , that he brynge not the people agayne to Egypte , thorowe the multitude of horsses , for as muche as the Lorde hathe sayde vnto you : ye shall hence forthe go no more agayne that waye . Also he shall not haue to manye wyues , leaste hys herte turne awaye , neyther shall he gather hym syluer and goulde to muche . As in diuerse other places of Scriptures , is mete matter for all estates , So in thys forsayde place is dyscribed chiefely the doctryne fyt for a kynge . But who is worthye to vtter thys doctryne before oure most noble kynge ? Not I God knoweth , whyche am throughe age , both weake in body , and obliuious , vnapte I am , not onely because of paynefull studye , but also for the shorte warnynge . Wel vnto God I wyl make my mone , whoe neuer fayled me . Auxiliator in necessitatibus .

GOD is my healper in all my necessities . To hym alone wyll I make my peticion . To praye vnto sayntes departed I am not taughte , to desyre lyke grace of God as they had ( ryghte Godly it is ( ●or to beleue God to be no lesse mercyfull vnto vs beynge faythful ) than he was vnto them , greatly comfortable it is . Therfore only vnto God let vs lyfte vp our hertes and say the lordes prayer .

GVm veneris . &c. Thinges touched most chiefly in the hole sermon . When thou art come vnto the land which the lord . &c. Thou shalt appoynte him king . &c. One of thy brethren must thou make king ouer the , & must not set a straunger , ouer the which is not of thy brethren .

But in anye wyse let not suche one prepare vnto hym selfe many horses , that he bryng not . &c.

Furthermore let hym not prepare vnto hym selfe manye wyues , leaste hys herte recede from God . Nor he shal not multiplye vnto hym selfe , to much goulde , and syluer . As the text doeth rise I wyll tuch and go a lyttle in euerye place , vntyll I come vnto to muche . I wyll touche all the forsayde thynges , but not to muche . The texte is , when thou shalt come into the land . &c.

To haue a kynge the Israelites dyd wyth muche importunitye call vnto God , and God longe before promised theym a kynge , and were fully certified thereof that GOD had promised that thynge . Gen. xvij . a. For vnto Abraham he sayed : Ego crescere te faciam vehementer , ponamque te in gentes , sed et reges ex te prodibunt .

That is , I wyl multiply the excedyngely , & wyl make nacions of the , yea & kinges shal spring out of the. These wordes were spoken longe before the chyldren of Israell had any king . Notwithstandyng , yet God prescribed vnto them an order , how thei shuld chose their kynge , & what maner a man he shoulde be , where he sayeth : whan thou shalt come in to the lande . &c. As who shoulde saye , O ye chyldren of Israell I knowe your nature ryghte well , which is euyl , and inclined vnto al euyls . I know that thou wilt chose a kyng to raygne ouer the , and to apere glorious in the face of the worlde , after the manner of Gentyles . But because thou arte styffe necked , wylde , and art geuen to walke wythoute a brydel , and lyne . Therefore nowe I wyl preuent thy euyl and beastly manners , I wyl hedge strongly thy waye , I wyll make a durable lawe , whyche shal compel the to walke ordinatelye , and in a playne waye , that is thou shalt not chose the a Kynge after thy wyll and fantasye , but after me thy Lorde and God . Thus , God condicioned wyth the Iewes , that their kinge should be suche a one as he hym selfe wold chose theym . Anotable tale . And was not muche vnlyke the bargayne that I hearde of late shoulde be betwixte two frinds for a horse the owner promised the other shoulde haue the horse if he would , the other axed the price , he sayd .xx. nobles . The other woulde gyue hym but .iiii. pound , the owner said he should not haue hym then . The other claymed the horse bycause he sayde , he shoulde haue hym if he would . Thus thys bargayne be came a Westminster matter , the lawyers gote twyse the valure of the horse , and when all came to all , two fooles made an ende of the matter . Howe be it , the Israelites coulde not go to lawe wyth GOD , for chosynge theyr kynge , for woulde they , nyl they theyr kynge shold be of hys chosyng , lest they shoulde walke inordinatly , in a deceyuable waye , vnto theyr vtter losse & destruccion . For as they say communly Qui vadit plaue , vadit saue ▪ that is . He that walketh playnely , A common saing . walketh safelye . As the Iewes were styfnecked , and were euer ready to walke inordinatelye , no lesse are we Englyshe men geuen to vntowardnes , and inordinate walkynge after oure owne fantasyes and braynes . We wyll walke wythoute the Limites of Goddes worde , we wyll chose a kyng at oure owne pleasure . i. Regu . xix . a

But let vs learne to frame oure lyues after the noble kyng Dauyd whyche when he had manye occacions , geuen of kyng Saul to worke euyll , for euyl , yea , and hauynge manye tymes oportunity to perfourme mischiefe and to slay kyng Saule , Neuerthelesse yet fearynge , i. Reg. xxiiij . a Read the stories they be verye pleasaunt & profitable . would , not folowe hys fleshlye affections and walke inordinatelye , wythoute the wyll of Gods worde , whych he confessed alwayes to be hys direccion , Psal. cxviij . ● . sayinge . Lucerna pedibus meis verbum tuum et lumen semitis meis . Gods worde is oure lyght . Thy worde , O Lorde is a Lanterne vnto my feete , and a lyghte vnto my steppes . Thus hauynge in mynde , to walke ordinatly he dyd alwaies auoyde to do euyll . For whan kynge Saul was in a caue with out anye man , Dauyd and hys men syttynge by the sydes of the caue , yea and Dauyds men mouynge hym to kyl Saul , Dauid made answere and said vnto them : Seruetiue dominus , Danyd dyd walke ordynatly . ne remistani . &c. contra dominum meum Messiam . &c. That is The Lorde kepe me from doing this thyng vnto my maister that is the lordes anoynted . At another tyme also , moued by Abisay to kyl Saul sleping , Dauyd sayd : i. Reg. xxvi . b Ne interficias eum , quis enimimpune manum suam inferret vucto domini . &c. That is : Destroye hym not , for who can laye hys handes on the Lordes annoynted and be gylteles &c. I would God we woulde folowe kynge Dauyd , and then we should walke ordinatly , & yet do but that we are bound of dutye to do , for God sayeth : Quodego brecipio , hoc tantum facito .

That thyng which I command that on●●y do . Phantastical brayns are reproued inordinatly . There is a greate errour risen now a daies among many of vs , whyche are vaine & newe fangled men , climbyng beyond the lymites of our capacitye and witte , in wrenching this texte of scripture , hereafter folowing , after their owne phantasie and braine , i. Regn. viij , their errour is vpon this texte : Audi vocem populi in omnibus que dicunt tibi , non enim te reprobant sed me reprobarunt , ne regnem super eos .

That is : Heare the voyce of the people in all that they saye vnto the , for they haue not caste the awaye but me . They wrench these wordes awrye after their owne fantasies , & make muche doubte as touchynge a kynge , and hys Godlye name . They that so do walketh inordinatly , they walke not directly and playnly , but delite in balkes , and stubble waye . God calleth hys ministers by dyuerse names .

It maketh no matter by what name the rulers be named , if so be they shall walke ordinatelye with God , and direct theyr steps wyth God . For both patriarkes Iudges , and kynges , had , and haue their authoritie of god , and therfore Godly . But thys ought to be considered which God sayeth . Non preficere tibi potes hominem alienum . that is . Thou muste not set a straunger ouer the.

It hath pleased God to graunte vs a naturall liege Kynge and Lorde , Kyng Edwa● the .vi . is our natural king , & a most precious treasure . of oure owne nacion , an Englyshe man , one of our owne religion . God hath geuen hym vnto vs , and is a most precious treasure , and yet many of vs do desyre a straunger to be kynge ouer vs . Let vs no more desyre to be bankers , but lette vs endeuoure to walke ordinatelye and plainely , after the word of God . Let vs folow Daniel , let vs not seke the death of our most noble and ryghtfull Kynge , our owne brother , boeth by natiuitye , and Godly religion . Let vs praie for hys good state , that he may lyue long among vs .

Oh what a plage were it , Let vs praye . for hys lyfe . that a straunge kynge of a straunge land , and of a straunge religion shoulde raygne ouer vs . Where nowe we he gouerned in the true religion , A straunger wold rot out all godlynes and plante againe as hipocrisie , he shoulde extirpe and plucke awaye all together , and then plante agayne all abomynacion , and Popery . GOD kepe such a kynge from vs .

Well the Kinges grace hath systers , my Ladye Marye , and my Lady Elizabeth , whyche by succession and course , are enheritours to the Crowne . Who i● they should marye with straungers , what should ensue GOD knoweth . But god graunte they neuer come vnto coursynge , nor succedynge . Therefore to auoyd thys plage , lette vs amende oure lyues and put awaye all pryde whyche dothe drowne menne in thys realme at those dayes , all couetousnes where in the magistrates and ryche men of thys realme are ouer whelmed , all lechery and other excessyue vyces , prouokyng goddes wrath , were he not mercyefull , euen to take from vs oure natural kyng and leyge Lord , yea , and to plage vs wyth a straunge kynge for oure vnrepentaunte herte . Wherefore ( if as ye sai ) ye loue the king amende youre lyues , They that loue God or the kyng wil amend theyr sinful liuing . and then ye shal be a meane that GOD shall lende hym vs longe to raygne ouer vs , for vndowtedlye synnes prouoke muche goddes wrath scripture sayeth .

Dabo tibi regem in furore meo . That is I wyll geue the a Kinge in my wrath . Nowe we haue a lawfull king , a godly king , neuertheles yet many euils do raigne . Long tyme the ministers appoynted , hath studied to amende , and redres al euyles , longe time before thys , greate laboure hathe bene about this matter , greate crakes hath bene made that all shoulde be well . But when all came to all for all theyr bostes , lyttle or nothynge was done , in whome these wordes of Horace may wel be verified , Horacius . sayinge . Parturiunt montes , nas●etur ridiculus mus . The mountaynes swelleth vp , the pore mouse is brought out : longe before thys tyme , manye hath taken in hande to brynge manye thynges vnto passe , but finallye theyr workes came vnto smalle effect and profyt . Nowe I heare say all thynges are ended after a Godlye maner , or els shortelye shal be . Make haste , make haste , and let vs learne to conuerte , to repente , and amende our lyues . If we do not , I feare , I feare , lest for our synnes and vnthankfulnes , an Hipocrit shall raigne ouer vs . Long we haue bene seruantes and in bondage , The pope hath longe raigned . seruing the pope in Egypte . God hath geuen vs a deliuerer , a naturall kyng . God hath sente vs a delyuerer . Let vs seke no straunger of another nacion , no Hypocrite whyche shall brynge in agayne al papistrie , hipocrisie , and Idolatrye . No diabolicall minister whyche shall mayntayne all deuilyshe worckes and euyll exercises . Let vs no more seke to serue a straunger . But let vs praye that god mayntayne and continue oure moost excelente kynge here present , true inheritoure of this our realme , Let vs praye for our king . boeth by natiuytye , and also by the speciall gyfte and ordinaunce of GOD . He doth vs rectify in the libertye of the gospell , in that therfore let vs stand . State ergo in libertate , Gala. v. a. qua Christus nos liberauit . Stande ye in the lybertye , wherewyth Christe hath made vs free . In Christes lybertie we shall stande , If we so lyue that we profyte . If we cast awaye al euyl , fraude , & deceyte wyth such other vices , contrary to gods word . And in so doinge we shall not onely prolong and mayntayne our most noble kinges dayes in prosperitie : but also we shall prosper our owne lyues to lyue not only prosperously , but also godly .

In any wyse , The seconde parte of hys sermou . lette no suche a wone prepare vnto him self manye horses . &c. In speakynge these wordes , ye shal vnderstand , that I do not entende to speake agaynste the strengthe , polycye , and prouysyon of a king , but agaynste excesse , and vaine truste that kynges haue in them selues , more than in the liuinge god the authour of al goodnes , and geuer of al victorye . Many horses are requisite for a kyng , but he maye not excede in them , nor triumphe in them , more then is nedefull for the necessarye affaires and defence of the realme : what meaneth it , that god hath to do wyth the kynges stable ? But only he woulde be mayster of hys horsses : the Scrypture sayeth , Psal. cxii . In altis habitat , He dwelleth on hye , it foloweth . Humilia respicte He loketh on lowe thynges , God is grand mayster in the kinges house yea vpon the Kynges stables , and vpon all the offyces in hys house . God is great grande mayster of the Kynges house , & wyll take accompte of euery one that beareth rule therein , for the executyng of their offices : Whether they haue iustly and truely serued the kyng in theyr offyces or no. Yea God loketh vpon the kynge hym selfe , if he worcketh wel or not . Euery kynge is subiecte vnto God , and all other men are subiectes vnto the king In a king God requireth fayth , not exces of horsses . Horsses for a kyng be good and necessary , if thei be wel vsed . But horsses are not to be preferred aboue poore men . I was ones offended wyth the kynges horses , and therefore toke occasion to speke in the presens of the kynges maiestie that deade is , whan Abbeis stode . Abbeis were ordeyned for the comforte of the poore . Wherefore I sayde it was not decente that the kynges horses shoulde be kepte in theym ( as manye were at that tyme ) the lyuynge of poore men therby minished and taken awai . But afterwarde a certayne noble man sayed to me , what haste thou to do wyth the kinges horses : I answered , & sayd , I speke my conscience as Goddes word directeth me . He saied : horses be the maintenaunces and parte of a kynges honoure , and also of hys realme , wherfore in speking agaynste theym ye are agaynste the kinges honour . An answer declarynge the true honoure of a kynge . I answered : God teacheth what honoure is decente for the kynge and for all other men accordyng vnto their vocacions . God apoynteth euery kyng a sufficiente lyuyng for hys state and degree , boeth by landes and other customes . And it is lawfull for euery kynge to enioye the same goods and possessions . But to extorte & take awaye the ryghte of the poore is agaynste the honoure of the kynge . And you do moue the kynge to do after that manner , then you speake agaynste the honoure of the kynge . For I full certifye you , He describeth the dyshonors of a Kyng playnely and most truelye . extorcioners , violent oppressers , ingrossers of tenementes & landes , throughe whose couetousnes , villages decaye and fall downe , the Kynges leige people for lacke of sustinaunce are famished and decayed . They be those whyche speke agaynst the honour of the Kynge . god requiret that a good herte . God requyreth in the king and al magistrates a good herte , to walke directlye in hys wayes . And in all subiectes , an obedience dewe vnto a kynge . Therefore I pray god both the kyng & also we hys people may endeuer diligentli to walke in his wayes , to hys greate honoure and oure profite . The. iij. part of the sermon . Let hym not prepare vnto hym selfe to many wyues . &c. Althoughe we reade here that the kinges amongest the Iewes , Kinges of the Iewes had a dispensacion to haue mo wyues then one . had libertye to take more wyues then one , we maye not therefore attempte to walke inordinatly and to thynke that we may take also many wyues .

For Christ hath forbydden thys vnto vs Christians . And lette vs not impute synne vnto the Iewes because they hadde many wyues . For they hadde a dispensacyon so to do . Christ limitteth one wyfe vnto vs only And it is a greate thynge for a man to rule one wyfe ryghtely , & ordinatly . For a woman is frayl and procliue vnto all euels , a woman is a very weake vessel , & maye sone deceyue a manne , and brynge hym vnto euel . Manye examples we haue in holy scripture . Adam had but one wyfe called Eue , On wyfe is hard eo be wel ruled . and howe sone had she brought hym to consent vnto euell , and to come to destruccion . Howe dyd wycked Iesabel prouente Kynge Hachabs herte from God and al godlynes , and fynally vnto destruccion . A godly woman is to be chosen . It is a very hard thynge for a man to rule well one woman . Therfore let oure kynge , what tyme hys grace shal be so mynded to take a wyfe , to chose hym one , whych is of God , that is , whyche is of the houshoulde of fayth . Yea let all estates be no les circumspect in chosyng her , taking greate deliberacion , and then shall not nede dyuorsementes , and suche myscheues , to the euyl example and slaunder of our realme , Loue whych is godli is to be preferred aboue al erthly thinges in maryage . and that she be one as the kynge can fynd in hys hert to loue and lede hys lyfe in pure and chaste esposage , and then shall he be the more prone and redy to aduaunce gods glory , punishe and extirpe , the greate lecherye vsed in thys realme . Therefore we oughte to make a continuall prayer vnto God , for to graunte our kynges grace such a mate as maye knyt hys herte and hers , accordynge to Goddes ordinaunce and law , and not consider and cleaue onelye to politycke matter or coniunccion , for the enlargynge of dominions , for suertye and defence of contreys , settyng aparte the institucion and ordinaunce of God . We haue nowe a prety litle shillyng , in dede a very prety one . A notable saiynge . I haue but one I thinke in my purse , and the laste daye I had put it awaye almoste for an olde grote , and so I truste some wyll take them . The fynenes of the Syluer ▪ I can not se. But therein is Printed a fyne sentence : that is . Timor Domini fons vite , vel sapientie . Prouer. xvi . The feare of the Lorde is the fountayne of lyfe or wysedome . I woulde God this sentence were alwaies prynted in the herte of the kyng in chosynge hys wyfe , The well of life or wysdom and in all hys offycers . For lyke as the feare of God is fons sapiencie , or vite , ●o the forgettyng of GOD is fons stulticie the fountaine of folyshnes or of death , Policy if it be not of God , bringeth death . althoughe it be neuer so politike : for vpon such politike matters death doth ensue and folowe . All their deuorcementes and other lyke condiciones to the greate displeasure of almyghtye God , whyche euylles I feare me , is much vsed at these dayes in the mariage of noble mens chyldren , for ioyning landes to landes , possessions to possessions , neither the vertuous educacion , nor liuynge being regarded , but in the infancy suche mariages be made , to the displeasure of god & breach of espousals . Let the king therfore chose vnto hym a godly wife , wherby he shal the better lyue chast , and in so liuyng al godlines shal enencrease , and ryghtuousnes be mayntained . Notwythstandyng I knowe , here after some wyll come and moue youre grace towardes wantonnes and to the inclinacion of the fleshe & vaine affeccions . A notable historye of a french kyng . But I woulde your Grace shoulde beare in memory an hystorye of a good kyng called Lewes , that trauaylled towardes the holye lande ( whyche was a greate matter in those dayes ) and by the waye syckened , beynge longe absente from hys wyfe . And vpon thys matter the Phisicians did agre , that it was for lacke of a woman , The good counsel of Byshops . And dyd consulte with the bishoppes ther in , who dyd conclude that because of the dystaunce of hys wyfe ( beyng in an other contrie ) he shoulde take a wenche . Thys good kinge hering their conclusion would not consent ther vnto , but sayde : he hadde rather be sycke then vnto death , then he wold breake his espousals . Wo worth such counsellers , bishops , naye rather Bussardes . Neuertheles if the kynge shoulde haue consented to their conclusyon , and accomplished the same , if he had not chansed wel , they would haue executed the matter as I haue hearde of two that haue consulted together , and accordynge to the aduyse of his frend the one of them wrought , where the succession was not good .

The other imputed a piese of reproche to hym for hys such counsell geuen . He excused the matter , sayeinge that he gaue hym none other counsell , but if it had bene hys cause he woulde haue done lykewyse . So I thinke the bishops would haue excused the matter , if the king shoulde haue reproued them for their counsel . No●e . I do not rede that the King did rebuke them for their councel , but if he had , I knowe what would haue bene theyr answere . They woulde haue saide , we geue you no worsse councel , then we wold haue folowed oure selues , if we had ben in like case : wel sir this Kynge dyd well , The kinge fearyng god auoyded euil & had the feare of God before his eies . He wold not walke in bywalkes , where are many balkes . Amongest many balkinges , is much stumbling , & by stōling it chaunceth mani times to fal downe to the ground . And therfore , let vs not take any bywalkes , but let gods word . directe vs , let vs not walke after , nor leane to our owne iudgementes & procedynges of oure forfathers , nor seke not what they dyd , but what they should haue done , of which thing scripture admonysheth vs , sayinge :

Ne inclinemus preceptis et traditionibus patrum neque faciamus quod videtur rectum in oculis nostris . De. xii . a.

Let vs not incline our selues vnto the preceptes and tradycyons of oure fathers , nor lette vs do that semeth ryghte in our eyes . But suerlye , we wyll not exchange oure fathers doynges and tradicious , wyth scripture , but chiefely leane vnto them and to theyr prescripcion , and do that semeth good in oure owne eyes . But suerlye that is goynge downe the ladder , Scala Celi as it was made by the Pope , came to be a Masse , but that is a false ladder to brynge men to heauen . The true ladder to brynge a man to heauen is the knowledge and folowynge of scripture . Let the kynge therfore chose a wyfe whiche feareth God , let hym not seke a proude , wanton , The .iij. part of the sermon . and one ful of rich treasures and worldelye pompe . He shal not multiply vnto him selfe to much gold and siluer .

Is there to muche thyncke you for a kynge ? God doeth alowe muche vnto a kynge , and it is expedyente that he shoulde haue muche , A kinge may haue muche , for his expences are great for he hath greate expenses , and many occasions to spend much for the defence and suertie of his realme and subiectes .

And necessary it is that a kynge haue a treasure alwayes in a redines , for that , and suche other affaires , as be dayly in hys handes . The which treasure , if it be not sufficiente , he maye lawfully and wyth a salue conscience , take taxes of hys subiectes . For it were not mete the treasure shoulde be in the subiectes purses , whan the money shoulde be occupied , nor it were not best for them selues : for the lacke thereof , it myghte cause both it , and al the rest that they haue should not long be theirs . Note whan the king hath to much of hys comens . And so for a necessarye and expediente occasion , it is warranted by goddes worde to take of the subiectes . But if there be sufficiente treasures , and the burdennynge of subiectes be for a vayne thyng . so that he wyl require thus much , or so much of his subiects ( whiche perchaunce are in greate necessitye , and penurye ) Then this couetous intent , and the requeste thereof , Who shall se thys to much is to muche , which God forbiddeth the king here in this place of scripture to haue . But who shall se this to much , None that be seruauntes to the Kinge . or tell the king of this to much . Thinke you anye of the Kynges prieuie chamber ? No. For feare of losse of fauer . Shal anye of his sworne Chapelins ? No. Thei be of the clausset and kepe close such matters . But the Kynge hym selfe must se this to much , Corporal eies cannot se to much . and that shal he do by no meanes with the corporall eyes : Spirituall eyes are to be had , faieth charitie , Wherfore , he must haue a payer of spectacles , whiche shall haue to cleare syghtes in them , that is , that one is faith , not a seasonable fayeth , whych shall laste but a whyle , but a fayeth , whyche is continuynge in GOD . The seconde cleare syght is charitye , whyche is feruente towardes hys Chrysten brother . By them two , must the Kynge se euer whan he hath to muche . But fewe there be that vseth these spectacles , the more is theyr damnacion . Not wyth out cause Chrisostome wyth admiracion sayeth .