A sermon preached the thyrd Sondaye in Lente before the kynges Maiestie, and his honorable counsell, by Thomas Leauer

In nomine Iesu Christi .

GOD be mercyfull vnto vs : For the tyme is euen nowe comynge , when as God muste needes eyther of his mercy here in Englande , worcke suche a wonderfull miracle vnto our conforte , as farre passeth mans expectacion : or els of his righteousnes take such vengeaunce of this land to the example of all other landes , as shal be to our vtter distruccion .

Ye know , that immediatly after the preachynge of Noe , came the great floud that drouned the world . After the warnyng of Loth , came fyre , & brimstone vpon the Sodomites and Gomorrians . When Moises had declared Gods thretngynes in Egipt , kynge Pharao and his people were plaged vpon the lande , & drouned in the red sea .

Suche plages came euer wher gods worde truly preached , is not beleued , receaued , and folowed . But it the preachyng of Ionas , the Niniuites repented wonderfully . When the boke of the lawe was reade vnto Iosias the kinge , he , with all his people spedely repentynge , found exceadyng mercy blessynge , and grace : as lykewyse all other shal be sure to find , which heare the worde of god & kepe it .

For when Christ and his Apostles had preached the gospell vnto the Iewes , those that beleued were delyuered frome the curse of the law , vnto the blessing of grace out of worldly miserye , to be inheritours of the heuenly kingdome : and those that did not beleue , were cast from god , oppressed of men , ouercome , spoyled , murthered , and destroyed of their enemies .

Wherefore Englande , whyche at his presente tyme , by reason of the worde of god set fourth , reade , preached , and comuned , dothe in euery place heare the councel of Noe , the warning of Loth , the lawe of Maises , the threatnings of the Prophetes , and the grace of the gospel , as it was declared and taught by Christ and his Apostles : This Englande muste nedes , either by beleuynge of these thyngs , obteine of god wonderful grace of amendmente , or els by neglectinge them , prouoke the vengeance of god , as a dewe plage and punyshment .

Take heede therfore England , for if thou by vnbelefe , let & stop god from workynge of miracles to thy comforte , then surely doest thou prouoke god to powre doun vengeaunce vpon the , to thy vtter distruccyon : But if thou doo regarde , receaue , and beleue goddes worde , he wyll worke wonderfull miracles to thy conforte , wealthe , and prosperitie . Yea , let euerye man , of what estate or degree soeuer he be , grope his owne conscience : for if he dooe not there fele that the worde of God dothe take place to moue him to repentaunce and amendment of lyfe , then shall he be sure sone to haue experience , that the vengeaunce of God , by a shameful shorte ende of his wretched lyfe , wyll bring him vnto an euerlastynge dampnable deathe . For all those that wyll not crepe vnder the merciful wings of god , as the chikinnes of Christ , shal be caught & deuoured of puttockes , haukes , and kytes , as a praye for the deuyll . The wynges of God be stretched abrode here in Englande , by the kinges gracious maiestye and hys honorable counsel , or mighty power , with ready wyll to shadowe , defende , and saue all those that with reuerent loue , come humbly crepinge vnder their ordynaunce , rule , & gouernance , which is the power , the wings & the honor of god .

The filthye gredy puttockes , wylde haukes , and rauenyng kytes , be supersticious papistes , carnall gospellers , and sedicyous rebelles , whych as ye haue seene by late experience , haue most cruelly caught , spoyled , and deuoured the lambes , the chekynnes , the chyldren of God , redemed & boughte with Christes bloude . Wherefore as Christ in his owne person dyd once lamente and bewayle Ierusalem , so doeth he nowe many tymes in the persons of his propheticall Preachers , lament & bewayl Englande , saying : O Englande , howe ofte wold I haue gathered thy chyldren , as a hen gathereth her chikens vnder her wynges , & thou wouldest not ? Euen wyth the same affeccion that the shepeherde cryeth , seeyng the wolfe leryng towardes the shepe , & with the same affeccion that the hen clocketh and calleth , spyeng the kyte houeryng ouer her chekyns : wyth the same affeccion it behoueth the minister and preacher of god , seeynge vntollerable vengeance hangynge ouer Englande , to crye , to cal , and to geue warnyng vnto the people saying as is writen in the first of Esay : If ye willingly wil heare & obey , ye shal eate the good confortable frutes of the earth : but if ye wyl not , & prouoke me vnto anger , the sword shal deuour you : Quia os Domini locutum est . For it is the mouth of the lord that hath spoken .

Now your reuerende maiesty , most gracyous kyng , and you honourable wyse godly counsellers , you are the chiefe shepeherds , you are the most reuerende fathers in Christe , hauynge the wynges of power and authoritye , to shadow , saue , & keepe these lambes of god , these chekens of Christe , and these chyldren of the heauenly father , redemed wyth Christes bloude , and committed vnto your handes , to be saued , kepte , and prouyded for .

God be praysed , with thankful obedience , and louynge reuerence dewe to your gracious maiesty & honorable counsell , whyche haue surely wysely prouyded for , dylygently kept , and charitably saued this realme , by driuing awaye the wylde foxe of papisticall supersticion , and by castynge out the vncleane spirit of ignoraunce , to gods glorye , your honor , & our conforte .

But alas most gracious Kyng and godly gouernors , for the tender mercyes of god , in oure Sauiour Iesu Christ , take good and diligent heed when ye be ▪ chasyng the wylde fox of papisticall supersticion , that the gredye wolfe of couetous ambicion , do not creepe in at your backes : For surely he wyll doo more harme in a weeke , then the foxe did in a yere .

Take hede , that the vncleane spirit of ignorance , returning with vii . other worse then hym selfe , find no place vnwarded , wher he may crepe in againe . For if he returning with his felowes , enter in agayne , then wil he make the ende of this generacion to be worse then the beginnynge . Then shall you leese the rewarde of your former dilygence , and be damned for your later negligence . Then shal the welspring of mercy which of long tyme hath watered this Realm with the grace of god , be closed vp , and the blody flouds of vengeance gushing out from the wrath & indignacion of God , ouer flow al togither . Then wil not god by workinge of miracles declare mercy , but by takynge of vengeaunce execute rightousnes .

But God beyng as mercyfull yet , as euer he was , if you contynewe as faythful , wise , and dylygente as ye haue bene to handle the wolfe , as you haue done the foxe , to keepe out the denyll , as to cast out the deuyll : then shall the people of this lande feede in quyetnes , without feare of euyl : then shall you continuyng to th ende , be sure of an hunderdfold reward in thys lyfe , and afterwardes , euerlasting lyfe , iaye and glorye . Then shall God do wonderfull myracles in Englande , to declare howe mercy shall triumphe ouer rightousnes .

And that wee maye all dyspose our selues the more conuenientlye for god to worke suche a miracle amonge vs , wee haue appoynted for the gospel of this day , wrytten in the .vi. of Iohn , a wonderfull miracle of .v. thousande men , fed and satisfied wyth .v. loaues and ii . fyshes , wheras euery man maye & ought to learne his owne dutye , which shall cleare appeare too a king in Christ , to head gouerners vnder the kynge , in the Apostles beyng most neare about Christ , & to all other men , in that multitude of the people , whyche folowynge Christ , were obedient to syt downe at the commaundement of his Disciples , not knowing , nor enquiring why they were so commaunded .

And as surely as this wonderful miracle was done to the great confort of thēin Christs time , so truly is it left in writyng for to learne vs by pacience & confort of the Scriptures , to haue good hope at thys time .

An as Christ , hauing alwaies special respect vnto his audience , dyd teach the fishers by talking of nettes , preaching vnto the Iewes by diuers parables , & called the Gentiles by the eloquence of Paule : so I , in handlyng of this miracle , hauing respect vnto thys audyence , wyl aply the wonderful great charitable prouision of Christe , vnto the Kynges Maiestye : the fayethful diligence of the Apostles , vnto the nobilitie : and the dewe obedyence and hertye thankfulnes of the multitude , vnto all other of the communaltye . Not doubtyng but that charitable prouision of liberall benefytes , wyll be a thynge most pleasaunt and honorable for the Kynges Gracious Maiestye : & faythfull diligence in disposing great benefits most conuenient , & commendable for al that be in high authority : & finally , humble obedience & vnfained thankfulnes to be most necessary , requisite , & loked for at this tyme , in all inferiours & commune sort of people in Englande .

Marke a litle after the begynning of the sixt Chap. of Iohn , & ye shal heare , when as much people eate , what Iesus did . I wil passe the discripcion of the wildernes with the causes & the maner of the peoples going togither , & begin at the which Christe dyd , when they were cummyng towardes hym .

IEsus lifting vp his eyes , and seeynge muche people come vnto hym , sayde vnto Philyp : From whence shall wee bye bread , that these may eate ? Thys he sayd temptyng him : for he him self knew what he would do . Philippe answered vnto hym : Two hundreth penye worth of breade wyll not be sufficient vnto these so that euerye one myght take a lytell . One of hys discyples Andrew , Simon Peters brother , sayeth vnto hym : There is one boye here , whych hath .v. barely loaues & .ii. fyshes , but what ar those amongest so many ? Iesus sayd Make the men to syt doun . Ther was muche grasse in the place . The men therfore sat doune about the number of .v. thousandes Iesus tooke the breade , & after thankes geuynge , did diuide it vnto hys disciples , and the dyscyples to them that were sette ▪ And lykewyse of the fyshes , so muche as they woulde . And when they were filled , he sayed vnto his disciples : Rather vp the broken meates remaynyng , that nothynge bee lost . They gathered therfore , & fylled .xii. baskettes full of those meats which remayned , after that the hadde eaten . The men therfore seeynge what a signe Iesus hadde done sayde that thys is truly the Prophet whyche cummeth vnto the world .

O Mercyfull Lorde , what a grefe is it to se those which a man loueth hartely , with suche diseases infected , that euerye thinge ministred by the Phisicion to do them good , by theyr own vnquietnes & misusinge of the same doth encrease theyr greuous daungerous sicknes ? For these people , hauing great occasion of comfort , by reason that in this place , throughe the true preaching of gods worde , al sinne is playnly and frely rebuked , and those thinges especiallye whiche dooe appertayne vnto magystrates , wherby anye man of indifferent iudgemente , maye thinke that these magistrates beinge presente , and willingelye hearynge , be purposed to amende : These people I say , that thus haue a greate occasion of comforte offered vnto them , by theyr owne mistakinge of it , dooe tourne all to theyr further gryefe and daunger . For they speake vnreuerently , and vntruly slaunder the magistrates , not only with the faultes that bee here named , but also with rebukynge , imprisoninge , and forbiddinge of the Preachers . And when as by the same mouth of the true preacher , theyr venemous tounges be rebuked , them they spare not to say , that the Preacher hath learned his lesson in Iacke an apes court : doing as much as lyeth in them , to make other men , neither to reuerence the magistrates , nor beleue the Preacher . What they them selfes mean thereby , peraduenture by reason of blyndenesse ; they wot not . But we knowinge the craft of the deuill , as Paul writeth .ii. Cor. ii . perceiue that he would haue nothing in thys place layed to the Rulers charge : Not fearynge howe muche be spoken to those of the people , whiche be past any amendment by words : But al that the deuil feareth , is lest that the rulers be put in remembraunce of the greate daunger that thei be in , for suffring to great enormities vnpunished amongest the people .

I therfore trusting to do most good in that whiche the deuyll laboureth the most to hinder , wyll laye great and many fautes vnto them that haue most power , & authorytye . For sure I am , that rulers ordeyned of God to see the ignoraunte instructed , and the euyll punyshed , be in greate daunger of Gods vengeaunce , for the greate and manifold enormytyes whiche do grow and spryng of ignorance for lacke of knowledge , & of dissolutenes for lacke of due correccion .

And you people be ye sure that the more theyr daunger is , for lack of prouision and punishmente for other mens faultes , the greater is the damnacion of them that commit and do these faultes .

Nowe I trustinge to God , and not fearinge the deuyll , wyll proceade to declare and applye thys parte of scripture vnto thys Audyence , so that for no man I wyll cloke or flatter any vyce .

Iesus lyftnge vp hysepes , and seinge muche people cummynge vnto hym . &c.

Here note two thynges : in the people note comminge vnto Christ , and in Christ , note charitable prouision for the people . For in thys people dothe Christ declare by example , & proue in experyence hys doctryne to be true , whiche he had afore taught , sayinge : Fyrste seeke for the kyngdome of God and the ryghtuousnes thereof , and al these other , meaninge necessaryes , shall be ministred vnto you . For here they folowinge Chryst , to seke the kyngdome of God , had not only this kingdome of God , this bread of lyfe , thys worde of saluacion preached vnto theim , but also all theyr diseases healed , & their hungry bellies with good meates plentifully filled .

Yea the plentye of these people hauinge inoughe euen so muche as they woulde , was farre more then the plentie of crafty Lawers , disceitful Merchauntes , couetous greedyguttes , & ambicious prollers , whiche canne neuer haue inough : but alwayes continewe in vnsaciable hunger , and nede of couetousnes . As the .xiiii. Psal. declareth : Diuites eguerunt : The riche haue felt nede & hunger : but they which seke the lord lacke no goodes .

He that seeketh to be ryche , be he neuer so poore a slaue , or so myghtyea Lorde , he falleth into dyuers temptacions and snares of the deuyll : but they that seeke the Lorde , shall lacke no goodnes .

Seeke for to be rich , & thou shalt fynd sorow , mysery , and mischiefe : Seeke for to be godlye , and thou shalt find coufort , welth , and prosperitie , with al maner of felicity .

If thou wilt be godly , thou must folowe Chryst : thou must not folow the steppes of hys fete , which be taken vp into heauen out of thy syghte , but thou oughtest to folow the doctryne of hys worde , which is here left vpon carthe , to guyde the steppes of thy lyfe , in the way of peace . And whyther wyll goddes word gyde the in the tyme of thy trouble and necessytye ? Surely vnto the Lorde , whych saith : Propter miseriam inopum . &c. For the miseryes sakes of the comfortlesse , and syghynges of the poore , now wyl I ryse , sayeth the Lorde .

O Lorde , seeynge thou haste manye people in Inglande , that as yet be in myseryes without confort , and in pouertye , and lacke helpe , how dooest thou aryse vnto them ? Unto this the Lorde aunswereth , in the .xxxiiii. of Ezechiel : Suscitabo super eos pastorem unum . &c.

I wyll set vp ouer theym one pastor , euen my seruaunte Dauyd , he shall feede theym , and he shall be theyr pastor , and I the Lord wyll be theyr God . Thys prophecye was wrytten longe after Dauids tyme . Wherefore by Dauid here named , is sygnyfyed and meante suche a Kynge as shal be as faythfull and diligent to kepe , feede , and cherysh hys subiectes within hys owne Realme , as was Dauid to his people wythin Israell . Wee hope , truste and beleue , that oure gracions Kyng , indued wyth the faythfull diligence of Dauid , is ordeyned of God , to gouerne , cherish and feede vs the people of thys his realme . Wherefore accordinge to the example of Chryst Iesu , most Christen and Gracious Kynge , for the reuerence of God , which hath set you vpon the hygh hyll of honor and authorytye , lyfte vp your gracious eyes of charytable pitie , and behold muche people througheoute all Englande , comminge to seke reliefe , ease and comforte , sente frome God vnto them , by your excellente Maiestye . For althoughe there hathe bene to much mercy shewed vpon the generacion of vypers , the vngracious rebelles : Yet is there manye poore people , whiche lyke symple sheepe , shorne to the bare skynne , haue as yet lytle prouision & great neede . Euen as .v. thousandes in wildernes folowed Christ and his Apostles , so manye thousandes in Englande , past all other hope and refuge , folowe your gracious maiestye and honourable Counsel .

For theyr parsons , whiche should lyke shepheardes feede them , doo lyke theues , robbe , murther and spoyle them . And theyr landlordes which shuld defend them , be moste heauye maisters vnto them : Yea , all maner of officers doo not theyr duties to kepe the people in good order , but rather take such fees as maketh the people veraye poore . Who so hathe eyes , and wyll see , may easely perceiue that those personages , which be most in number and greateste in value throughout al Englande , be no shepherds houses to laye vp fodder to feede the poore shepe of the parysh , but theeuysh dennes , to conuey awaye great spoyle from all the rych men of the parysh . I say ther is no person there , to releue the poore & nedy with natural sustinaunce in kepynge of house , and to fede all ingenerally with the heauenly foode of goddes worde by preachinge :

But there is a persons deputy or fermer , which hauing neither habilitye , power , nor authorytye to doo the persons dutye in feedyng and teachinge the parish , is able , sufficient , and stout inough to chalenge and take for hys maysters dutye the tenth parte of al the parysh . Likewise other officers take many fees , and do few dutyes : And especiallye landlordes take exceadynge fynes and rentes of theyr tenauntes , and doo no good vnto theyr tenauntes .

Now my Lordes , bothe of the laitie and of the clergy , in the name of god , I aduertyse you to take heede : for when the Lorde of all Lordes shal se his flocke scattred , spylte and loste , if he folowe the trace of the bloude , it wyll leade him euen streyght waye vnto thys court , and vnto your houses , where as these great theues which murther , spoyl , and destroy the flockes of Chryst , be receyued , kept , and mainteined .

For you maintain your chaplens to take Pluralities , & youre other seruaunts mo offices then they can or wyl discharge .

Fye for synne and shame , eyther gyue your seruauntes wages , or els let them go and serue those which do gyue them wages . For now your chaplaynes , your seruaunts , & you your selues haue the persons , the shepherds , & the offycers wages , & nether you nor they , nor other doth that persons , the shepherds or the officers duty , excepte peraduenture ye imagin that ther is a parishe priest , curate , which doth the persons duti . But although ye do so imagin , yet the people do feel and perceiue that he doeth meane no other thing but pay your duty , pay your dutye . Yes forsouth he ministreth Gods sacramentes , he sayeth hys seruice , and he readeth the homilies , as you fyne , flatring , courtiers , which speake by imaginacion , tearme it : But the rude lobbes of the countrye , whiche be to symple to paynte a lye , speake foule and truly as thei finde it , and saye . He minisheth Goddes sacramentes , he slubbers vp his seruice and he can not reade the humbles . Yet is there some that canne reade very well , but how many of those be not either supersticious papystes , or els carnall gospellers , whiche by theyr euyll example of lyuyng , and worse doctrine , do farre more harme then they do good by theyr fayre reading & saying of seruice . But put the case , as it maye be , that there be at a benefyce in some place at somtime , some good curate , all those summes wyll make but a feewe in number , and yet ye see many persons in manye places absente from theyr benifices , whiche if they be seldome absente , may be good , but if they be contynually or for the most part absent , then can they be neither good , honest nor godly . For if theyr dutye be vndone , then can no man excuse them : if it be done , then is it by other and not by them : and then whye dooe they lyue of other mennes laboures ? He that preacheth the gospell , shoulde lyue vpon the Gospell , as God hathe ordeyned : As for those , Qui mollibus uestiuntur , in domibus Regum , whyche goo gaye in Kynges houses , and either mosell the labouringe oxe , or els spoyl the poore parish in the country , be of the deuyls ordynaunce . As there is in all offices some putte in by Chryste , some by the deuyll : so is there in personages , some sente from Chryst as shepherdes to fede , & some from the deuyll , as theues to deuoure . Yea amongest all kyndes of offycers , some be true Prophetes and sheppeheardes in dede , and some haue shepe skynnes , and be raueninge wolues in dede . The one taketh paynes in doyng of hys dutye , and the other seketh gaynes in professyng of hys duty . Take heede of those , for they are erraunt theeues .

Alas , if all those whiche take the names and professyons of offycers , for desyre of luker and honor , and do not execute the dutyes belonginge to theyr offyces wyth painful diligence , be errant theues as they be in deede , then is ther mani a strong erraunt theefe amongst them that be called honest , worshipful , and honorable men .

For they haue the names , the authorytyes & vauntages of those offyces gyuen & payed vnto them , the dutyes of the whyche be verye slenderly or nothyng at al executed amongest the people .

If I were in anye other place in al England , I could and wold vse another trade of preachynge afore another audience : but beinge called of God by your appoyntement , vnto this place at this tyme , my conscience doth compell me to vse this trade and no other , afore this solemne audience . Wherfore with dreede and feare of God , with charitable pyty of the people , with moste reuerend loue and homage vnto your honors , I muste needes cry wyth the Prophete Esaye :

Principes Sodome , populus Gomorre : ❧ Heare the woorde of the Lorde ye Prynces of Sodome , ye people of Gomorra : Quo mihi multitudo uictinarum uestrarum . What care I for the great number of your sacrifyces , Dicit Dominus , sayth the Lord : rebukyng all the sacrifices , Cerimonyes , and feastes of the Iewes which he him self had commaunded to be obserued and kept : by the which thyng left in wrytyng he doth teach and commaund me how to speake of your well doyng here in England . Heare therfore ye Prynces of Sodome , and ye people of Gomor , thus sayth the Lord : What pleasure haue I , yea what care I for all your Englysh Bibles , Homelies , & all your other bookes ? set forth no more godly seruice to honor me wyth : I hate them al wyth my herte , they are greuous vnto me , I am wery of them : Yea , it is a great payne for me to suffer them . Why , O Lord these be good , these be godly , and these be necessarye thynges .

Truthe it is , the faulte is not in the things that be set forth , but in you that haue set them furthe . Manus enim uestre plene sunt sanguine : For your handes are ful of bloud .

Your handes , your seruyce and your houses be full of persons liuynges preachers liuinges , and offycers lyuynges . And by you , the person hath his dyspensacion , the preacher is put to scilence , and the offycer vnpunyshed , for neglectynge of hys dutye . And so through the negligence of the kepers ( good order , which is the pale of the parke of this communewelth dekated ) the dere therof most dearly bought wyth Chrystes bloude , haue strayed oute of theire owne feedynge , to dystroye the corne of all mens liuinges : Where as very necessytye hath compelled you with such force to driue them backe , as must needes distroye manye of those dere . Those people I mean , whych you haue cheryshed & kept & as yet doo loue and pitie aboue al other iewels , commodities and pleasures . Alas , these that take the liuinges , and doo not the dutyes of Persons , Preachers , landlordes , Bailyes , and of other officers : These flaterers , these wolfes in lambes skinnes , these deuils in mens vysers , haue caused you to be thought and taken as cruell oppressers of those people , whose furyous wylde rage ye dyd suppresse and keepe vnder , of veraye charitable pitie towardes them , & all other , whyche wyth that rebellious ragei shoulde haue be al togither distroied , if the help of your power and authoritye hadde bene any longer differted .

Surely , vntyl that these prollets for them selues , these children of the dyuell , these sowers of sedicion be taken out of the way , either by reformacion , or by distruccion , your charitable pity and prouision for the people , and theyr reuerend loue & obedience towardes you , shall neuer be sene , felte , and knowen . Nowe , as Helye was giltye of the whordome , extorcion , and abhominacion of his sonnes , so are youre hertes ful of crueltye , and youre handes full of bloude , not so muche by doyng , as by sufferynge all these euyls . Wherfore Lauamini , mundi estote : Wash , & make your selues cleane , with the teares of repentaunce . Auferte malum cogitacionum uestrarum ab oculis meis : Away with the euyll of your thoughtes from afore myne eyes . Open youre heartes , that the sworde of Gods word maye come to wipe awaye couetousnes , whyche is the roote of all euyll , planted in youre hertes . For yf that roote contyneue ther , than can no good springe from you : but euen the most pure and holesome worde of God sette forth by you continuinge in couitousnes , wyll be abhominable in the syghte of God , offensyue vnto the people , & damnable vnto you your selues . Wherefore , Quiescite agere peruerse : Seasse to perucrte , manye thynges from euyll vnto worse . Discite benefacere : Learne to do wel , in conforminge al thinges that be a misse , vnto a good order . Querite iudicium : Serche for ryghteous iudgement which is almost banyshed out of Englande . Alas what a iudgemente is thys , a supersticious papiste , whyche hath made the faulte shall haue a pension out of a Chauntrye , so longe as he lyueth , and a poore parysh , whych hath greate nede and done no faulte shall lose and forfayte many Chauntries vtterly for euer Subuenite oppresso : Helpe the oppressed people that be loaden with heuye burdeyns of payinge wages to manye offyces , and faynte for lacke of releife , & dewe seruyce of the offycer . Iudicate pupillo : Iudge so to the fatherlesse chyldrens behofe , that wardship mai be a good prouision for fatherles chyldren , and not an vncharitable spoyle of yong mens lands . Defendite uiduam : Shielde the widow from al mens iniuryes , and compell them not to mary your vnthrifty seruauntes .

Thus hath God by Esaye in hys tyme , and by me at thys tyme described Rulers Faultes , wyth a waye how to a mend them . Therfore , Principes Anglie : Ye heade Rulers and gouernors of England , fyrste see , acknowledge , amende your owne faultes : and then , perusynge all vnder offycers , consyder and note how few shepheards and offyces doo feede and kepe ▪ by doynge dutyes , and how many theeues and wolfes do robbe and spoyle the flockes , by takyng sees here in Englande : and then shall ye perceaue that there must nedes be manye sheepe , that wyth theyr hertes , myndes , and expectacion , do folowe the Kynges Maiestye , and you of hys honorable counsel so farre past the houses and cities of their owne prouysion , that if they haue not spedy reliefe at your handes , manye of theim is lyke to fainte and decaye by the way .

Therfore thys considered and knowen , as Christ liftinge vp his eyes dyd teach you to see and consyder the people : so learne by that whiche foloweth in Christes dooynge , what shal be your dutye after that ye se and knowe the multitude , the state and condicion of the people .

And he said vnto Philyp : From whence shall we bye breade , that these maye eate ? But thys he sayde to proue hym : for he hym selfe knewe what he would do .

Christ said to Philip as euerye Christen Kyng ought to say to his Counsell : From whence shall we that be gouernors kepers and feders , bye & prouyde with our own costes , labor , and diligence , bread , foode and necessaryes , that these may eate and be relieued , which be our subiects in obedience , brethren in Christ , and felow heyres of the heauenly kyngdome ?

Pharao wyth Counsell in Egypte , consulted howe to bryng the welthy people vnto misery : so that he is a very Pharonicall tyrant , whych laboureth by oppression to thrust down the welthy people : And he is a faithful christen king that humbleth him self by diligence to releiue , conforte , and set vp the afflycted people . For the one , by worldly policy , would haue much honor , and the other of godly charitie wil do much good . Christ also said this , to proue and trie Philip , knowyng him self what shuld be done . So that here , Kynges and great men may learne to trye , and proue the honestie , wit , and fidelitie of theyr Counsellers , in such matters as they them selues be so perfect that they can diserne wyth what discrecion and mynd the counseller doth answere .

Philip aunswered , that two hundreth peny worth of breade wyll not serue vnto these , so that euerye one myghte take a lyttell

In the which answere , as concernynge his witte , he declareth it to be to slender to prouide for so great a matter in so short tyme .

And hys mynde semed to be suche as would not haue Christ to trouble hym selfe wyth so great cares but rather as the other Euangelistes do declare , to sende the people away , and let them 〈◊〉 for them selfes . The same minde and affeccion was in Peter , after that Christ hadde tolde hys Disciples howe that we must go to Ierusalem to suffer sore paines and miserable death . For then Peter tooke hym a syde and sayde : Mayster fauour your self , doe not enter in to such daunger and sorowes .

And it is not vnlyke , but if youre Magestye , wyth youre Counsell speake vnto youre nobles for prouision now to be made for the people : ye shall fynde some that bee Philippians and Peters , whyche by settynge afore youre eyes the hardnes of the matter , the tendernes of your yeares , and the wonderfull charges that should be requisite , wyl moue and counsel you to quyet youre selfe , to take youre ease , yea to take your pastime , in haukyng , Huntyng or gamnyng . Unto whom your Magestie may aunswer , as Christ dyd vnto Peter : Auoyde fro me Sathan , thou hyndrest me by thy carnall temptacion , to doo that thyng whyche God hath moued me vnto by hys gracious inspiracion . Thou hast no tast nor sauour howe delicious God is vnto a pure conscience , in Godly excercise of good worckes . But al that thou regardest & felest is voluptuous pleasure in worldly vanities . And therefore thou doest not perceiue , how that they which be indued with a special grace of god may fynd more pleasure & pastime in godly gouernaunce , to kepe togither & saue simple men , then in hauking and huntynge , to chase and kyll wylde beastes . Yea , a godly kyng shall finde more pleasure in castinge lots for Ionas , to trye out offenders , whiche trouble the ship of his commune wealth , then in casting dice at hasarde , to alow & maintaine by his example , such thynges as should not be suffered in a commune wealth . Yea surely , a good King shal take farre more delyte in edifiynge wyth conforte and deckynge wyth good order the Congregacion of hys people , the Churche and house of God , the heauenly Citye of Ierusalem , then in buildinge suche houses as seeme gaye and gorgeous , and be in deede but vyle earthe , stones , tymber and claye . Suche lyke aunswer ought your Magestye , & all noble men to make , if ye fynde any of your Counsellers more carnal than spiritual , more worldlye then godly . Or els tourne awaye your eares from such Philipians , & heare other , as Christ did .

Then saide vnto him one of his Disciples , Andrew Simon Peters brother , Ther is a boye here that hath fyue barely loaues and two fyshes , but what auaile those amonge so manye ?

Note here that this boye was the Apostles page , & these loues and fishes were their vittayles . For as appeareth in Marke , when thei had made search howe manye loaues they them selues had , thys answere was made , that they had .v. loues & .ii. fishes : but what be they amongest so many ? As who should say : although these be al that euer we haue & seme more mete to be kept amongest a few , them to be giuen to many , yet for because thei that becum whyche beynge many haue more nede then we : therefore ar we willinge to giue them to be disposed , & wish that they were of more value to do more good amongest the people .

These men cared more for the Commune people , then they dyd for them selues , and therfore were very mete to be Counsellers , and neare about a great Kyng .

Here we perceyue what symple Phylippe , and good Andrewe thinke , but here is nothyng declared of couetous Iudas counsell . No , for Christ beynge fully purposed to doo a good deede doeth neither aske , nor heare anye counsell of couetous Iudas : teachyng all them whych intende any goodnes , neuer to aske nor admit anye counsel of those whom they know to be couetous . For truely the couetous mans councel , although it seme neuer so good and honest , yet is it in dede nought and deuilish . For what could seme better counsel then that a litle ointment , the swete smel of the whyche continued but a while among a few , should haue ben sould for thre hundreth pence , the greate price of the whyche bestowed amongeste manye poore , should haue done them good for a great season ?

The Euangelyst doeth shewe howe that Iudas dyd gyue thys counsell , not for that he had anye care of the poore , but bycause he was a thefe , and bare the bagges .

Iudas pretence was wonders godlye , to sell the oyntmente for a great summe of moneye , to relieue the poore wyth , but hys purpose was deuelyshe , to get the mony in hys bagges , and kepe it to hym selfe . And those in England whyche dyd pretende , that besides the abolishinge of supersticion , wyth the landes of Abbeys , Coliges and Chauntries , the King should be enryched , learnynge mayntayned , pouertye relieued , and the commune wealthe eased , and by thys pretence purposely haue enriched theym selues , settynge a brode incloystered papistes , to get their liuinges by giuing them pencions , yea , and thrustynge them into benefices to poyson the whole commune welth for the risignacion of those pencions : & so craftly conueying much from the King , from lerning from pouertye , & from al the commune wealth , vnto their own priuate vauntage : These mennes counsell semed better then Iudas counsell was : and their couetousnes , by their owne deedes appeareth no lesse then Iudas couetousnesse dyd . Well , beware , for if ye play Iudas part on styll , & make no restitucion , vntil ye go to hangyng , ye are lyke to fynde desperacion at the end of your life , because ye wold not by restitucion amend your life . Ye noble men , & especialli you of the kings counsel , for the reuerence of God , pitie of the commen wealth , and safegarde of your selfes , awaye wyth these Iudasses , let them go hange them selues : excepte perauenture ye thyncke it fytte and necessary , that you fyrst hang them afore thei betray you . For vndoutedly , he that hath the couetousnes of Iudas in his hert he wyll playe all the other partes of Iudas , if he euer haue suche oportunitie as Iudas had .

A way with Iudas , and learne at Andrew , to saye vnto thys kynge and his councel intendynge to releiue the multitude of hys people here in Englande , learne ye noble men to saye : Here is a boye , Here be seruauntes and retayners of oures whyche haue fyue loaues and two fyshes , manye benefices , some prebendes , wyth dyuers offyces : yea , and some of vs our selues haue mo offyces then we can discharge . Pleaseth it your maiestie to take these into your hands , which haue bene kept for vs , that they now in thys great nede , maye be better disposed amongest youre people . Quid hec inter tantos ? These be verye small thynges towardes the amendement of so many lackes in so great a multitude . How be it these wyl serue , so that there maye be mo good Persons , good preachers , and good officers placed a brode in euery countrye , which in doing theyr offices , keping of houses , and preachyng of gods worde may teach the ignoraunte , relieue the poore , punyshe the fautye , and cheryshe the honest , and so repayre the pale of good order about thys comen welth . For the loue of God giue your seruauntes wages , and cause them to restore these liuinges , whych coming of the sweate of the labourer , be in dede the relife of the poore , the mayntenaunce of honestye , and the reward of vertue , yea the verye pale , wall , and bulwarkes of the commen wealth . The Apostles gaue all that they had of theyr owne , freelye vnto other : stycke not you to restore that now whych ye haue of longe tyme vncharitably kept from other .

Heare what foloweth : whan these fishes & loaues were broughte vnto Iesus , make ( sayth he ) the people to sit downe . God alwayes bestoweth his benefites vpon theim that sit doune in quietnes , & powreth furth hys vengaunce vpon those that be vnpacient , vnquiet , & full of businesse . For as appeareth in Genesis , the people gathered together in the playne of Sanner , & made a greate vprore , buildyng a tower lyke rebels agaynst god , to get them a name . Howe be it god destroied their handyworke , confounded theyr langage , & scatered them abrod .

The Scribes & the Phariseys came vnquietly , temptyng Christ , and required a sygne from heauen . Christ rebuked them sharply , and shewed them no sygne , but called them a frowarde and aduoutrous generacion . So the people in England gathered together , they woulde make maisteryes , and bee notable felowes : yea , the towre of theyr presumpcion shuld be built vp vnto heauen , in dyspite of gentyll men and nobilitye : they haue partlye felte , and we haue ryghte pitifully sene howe sore God was therwith offended . Nowe I heare saye there is as yet remaininge in England sum stiffe necked Iewes , which come presumptuously temtyng God , and say : if these our rulers be sent of God , to take better order then other haue done , well then , let theym begynne betime to gyue vs a notable sygne & token , for els we wyll not beleue , truste , nor obey them .

Wel , I wyl tel you that thus whysper : Euen as Christe was Positus in resurreccionem et ruinam multorum in Israell : Set to restore and decaye manye in Israell : So be Christen rulers in euerye comune wealth , set and ordayned of God , to beate doune & kepe vnder these sturdye rebels , whyche be so euyll them selues , that they cannot thinke that any man doeth intende to do them good , & to rayse vp , conforte and cherish the simple pacient people , whyche be of a good truste towardes theyr rulers , knowynge that they theim selues haue deserued no euyll : or els if they haue done euyl , yet by repentaunce and amendemente , do not doute to obteyne mercye at theyr rulers handes . So God hath ordeyned rulers to cheryshe the , if thou be meke quiet and paciente , or els to punyshe the , if thou be vnquyet , busy and stubborne . Learne at Paule . Rom. xiii . If thou do wel , to trust well of thy rulers , and if thou doo euyll , not to be wythoute feare of theyr powers , for he beareth not the swerde wythout a cause . Take hede therefore ye rulers , for gods sake , and pitye of people , seynge that God hath geuen you a swerd to cut of rotten cankred members for the safegarde of the hole body ▪ knowyng no canker to be so daungerous as rebellion in a commen wealth : If ye fynde one person infected wyth that canker , awaye wyth him , for the safegard of the bodye of that house . If one house be infected , away wyth it , for the safegarde of that toune . If the toune be infected , awaye wyth it , for the safegarde of the contrey . Yea , if a shyre or contrye be all poysoned , awaye wyth it , for the pitye , and safegarde of the hole bodye of the commen welth . So ye se , that the sharper that youre sworde is , and the sooner that ye strike rebellion , the more pyty shewe ye in cutting away the lesse , and sauynge the more part and porcion of the people , beynge all of one bodye , of one realme and common welth . Consider that Chryste wente from Ierusalem vnto wildernes , to drawe the Gentle people from amonge the stoborne scribes : and so Chrysten rulers muste nowe nedes defer the tyme to drawe the people that be good and trust well , from amonge this frowarde generacion , whiche of presumption loke to haue order taken as they require , and appoynte the tyme , the place and the thynge . Wherfore , ye that be good quiet people , beware of these busye felowes , and as thys multitude whiche oughte to be youre example , folowed Chryst into the wyldernes , so folowe you Christen rulers , goddes offycers , youre chiefe gouerners in Englande . And as they dyd not murmure , sayinge : why shall we sitte downe here in the wyldernes , beyng an infinite number , where no meate is , seynge that in the cityes where was more meate , and lesse gatherynge of the people , we had neuer feaste gyuen of hym by hys Apostles ?

So I saye , do not you grudge and saye : why shall we quyet oure selues nowe , trustynge to reliefe , where wee see nothynge , and were nothynge at al releued when there was great plentye of landes , and goodes of Abbeys , Colegis , and Chaunteries ? Do not murmour so vngodlye , but see that there be no faulte in you , and ye shal fynd no lacke in GOD . Suerlye , excepte ye do sytte downe quietly , ye shall soner prouoke goddes vengeaunce to your damnacion , then deserue any reliefe of goddes officers , to your comfort . Sit downe and be quyet , for the same rulers & ministers are ordeyned of god to feede you wyth plentye : whych be commaunded of God to make you fyrste to set downe in order & quyetnes . Yea , and herke all ye that be godlye Rulers : there was much grasse in the place , god had prouided muche grasse for theym that loked for no carpets : geuyng all godly gouernours example to prouyde thynges necessarye for those people that at loketh for no superfluities . But alas , here in England , superfluous gorgeous building is so much prouided for ryche mens pleasures , that honest houses do decay , where as labouring men ought to haue necessary lodging . It is a commen custome with couetous landlordes , to lette their housynge so decaye , that the fermer shal be fayne for a smal reward or none at all to gyue vppe hys leasse , that they takynge the groundes into their own handes , may tourne al to pasture : so nowe Old Fathers , poore Wydowes , and yong children , lie begging in the mirie stretes .

O mercifull Lorde , what a number of poore , feable , haulte Blynde , Lame , sycklye , yea , wyth idle vacaboundes , and dissembelinge kaityffes mixt among them , lie and crepe , begging in the myry streates of London and Westminster ?

Nowe speakyng in the behalfe of these vile beggers , for as much as I know that the vilest person vpon earth , is the liuely image of almightye God , I wyll tell the that arte a noble man , worshypfull man , an honest welthye man , especiallye if thou be Maire , Sherif , Alderman baily , constable or any such officer , it is to thy greate shame afore the worlde , & to thy vtter damnacion afore god , to se these begging as thei vse to do in the streates . For there is neuer a one of these , but he lacketh eyther thy charitable almes to relieue his nede , or els thy due correction to punyshe hys faute . A great sin and no les shame is to for him that sayeth he is a Christen man to se Chryst lack things necessary , & to bestowe vpon the deuil superfluousli . It is Christ Iesus him self that in the nedy doth suffer hunger , thrist & cold : It is the deuyll hym selfe , that in the wealthye fareth deintely , goeth gorgeously , & vseth superfluitie . Looke Mathewe the xxv . & there shal ye se playnly that it is Christ which lacketh sufficient in the neady : and therefore the deuyll beyng contrary to Chryst , contrariwyse hathe to much in the wealthye .

You also that do prouyde that your cattel do not longe tary pinned in a folde where there is no grasse , whye do you suffer youre owne brethren in Chryst , wythout prouysyon to lye in the streates , where is muche myer ? These selye soules haue ben neglected thorow oute all Englande , and especiallye in London and Westminster : But nowe I trust that a good ouerseer a godly Byshop I meane , wyll se that they in these two cities , shall haue their nede reliued , and their faultes corrected , to the good ensample of al other tounes & cities .

Take hede that ther be much grasse to sit vpon , there as ye commaund the people to sit downe , that there be sufficiente housynge and other prouision for the people ther as ye commaund theim to be quiet . The men satte downe about fyue thousandes in number . If they had not bene obedient to sitte downe , Christ wold not haue bene liberal to haue gyuen them meate .

Meate was prouided for the Commens of England , and readye to haue bene deliuered . But when they were bydden to sit downe in quietnes , they rose vp by rebellion , and haue lost all the chere of that feast . Yet that notwithstanding , I trust that those which sat quietly in dede , shal sone be fed with plentye , if they sit styll vntyll it maye conueniently be disposed . I praye GOD they maye , I truste they shal . The Euaungelist saith that the men sat , namyng neyther women nor Chyldren , how be it there was both women and Chyldren , as appeareth in the other Euangelistes . And men be here named onely , because al women and children did folow the example , and obey the commaundement of men : children of the fathers , and women of their husbandes .

Let not therefore your wyues and chyldren , when they come abrode , be so bold openly , as to say or do any thinges of them selues , but as they haue example and commaundement of you . Now the multitude placed in quyetnes ,

Iesus toke the loues , and when he hadde giuen thankes , he deuided them vnto his Disciples : and the Disciples vnto them that were set downe : and lykewyse of the fyshes , so much as they would

Here learne fyrste of Chryste , to take nothynge , be it neuer so lytell , but wyth thankes rendered therefore vnto God : For of God surelye thou haste receiued it , by what messenger or meane soeuer thou came vnto it . Then secondarilye , learne at the Apostles to geue vnto other , that which the Lord hath geuen vnto the , that thou mayest truly say wyth the Apostel Paul . Quod accepi a domino , hoc tradidi uobis . That whiche I receyued of the Lorde , haue I geuen vnto you .

Beware that thou playe not the wycked seruaunt , which kept his talent hyd , and not delyuered vnto any vse , for then it shal be taken from the , and thou shalt be cast into vtter darkenes .

Nowe , to applye this miracle vnto this present time , the kynges Magesty may learne at Chryst to take of his seruauntes , Prebendes , Benefices , Improperacions and all maner of Offyces , that be not presently occupyed & executed of a faythful diligent officer , and after thanckes geuen vnto God therfore , to deliuer them vnto his Counsell and Nobilyty to be disposed amongest the people of hys Realme , whych be in such hunger and lacke of faythful officers , and house kepers , and godli preachers that they must nedes faint , excepte they be sone prouided for .

And in thys dystrybucion of offices and benefyces , your Magestye wyth your Counsell had nede to stand and beholde the dealyng of your Nobles , as Christ dyd of his Apostles . For it is not vnlike but as there was amongest Christes Apostles , so wyll there be amongest euery Chrysten Kynges Counsellers and Nobles , some Iudas whych is to be trusted no further then he can be seene . For in syghte Iudas doth as other of hys felowes do : but beyng out of syghte he solde hys Maister . And so the most couetous of them all , wyll be afrayde to do any thynge amysse , yf you loke vpon : but if your backes be turned , then wyll couetous Iudas sell dearly that whych hys liberal maister gyueth frelye . As for example of late dayes , the Kynges Magestye that deade is , dyd gyue a Benefyce to be appropryat vnto the Uniuersitye of Cambrydge . In liberam et puram eliemosinam : As fre and pure almes . Howe be it , hys handes were so vnpure , whiche should haue delyuered it , that he receiued .vi. hundreth poundes of the Unyuersytye for it . Whether that this .vi. C. pounds were conueied to the kings behoofe pryuelye for that almes , whyche by playne wrytynge was geuen frely , or els put into some Iudas pouch , I would it were knowen . For nowe , by suche charitable Almes , the king is slaundered , the parish vndone , and the vniuersyty in worse case then it was afore .

Pleaseth it your Magestye , wyth your honourable Counsell , for the reuerence of God , the pytye of the poore , and the godlye zele that ye haue to good learning , heare what hath bene done in your tyme .

Your Magesty hath had gyuen & receiued by Act of Parliament , Colleges , Chauntries , & guyldes for mani good consideracions , and especially as appeareth in the same Act , for exectinge of grammer scholes , to the educacion of youthe in vertue & godlynes , to the further augmentynge of the vniuersities , and better prouision for the poore and nedy . But now , many Grammer scholes , and muche charytable prouision for the poore , be taken , sold , and made awaye , to the greate flaunder of you and youre lawes , to the vtter discomfort of the pore , to the greuous offence of the people , to the mooste miserable drownynge of youthe in ygnoraunce , and soore decaye of the Uniuersities .

There was in the North countrye , amongest the rude people in knowledge ( whyche be most readye to spend theyr liues and goodes , in seruinge the king at the burnyng of a Beacon ) there was a Grammer schole founded , hauynge in the Uniuersitie of Cambrydge , of the same foundacion .viii. scholerships two felowshippes , euer replenished wyth the scholers of that schole , whych schole is now sold , decayed , and loste . Mo there be of lyke sort handled : But I recyte thys onelye , because I knowe that the sale of it was once stayed of charytye , and yet afterwardes broughte to passe by brybrye , as I hearde saye , and beleue it , because that it is only brybrye that customablye ouer commeth charytye .

For gods sake you that be in authorytye , loke vpon it .

For if ye winke at suche matters , God wyl scouse vpon you . Thinke not that I do burden you with more than that which God by hys ordynaunce , not without your willes & consentes , hath charged you wythal . For by whose faute or negligence so euer it was , that thynges afore tyme haue ben vncharytably abused , suerlye it is your charge , whiche be nowe in authorytye , to se at thys tyme all such thynges as yet remayne out of order , rightuously , spedely , and charitably redressed .

And as I do perceyue , that the abuse of these thynges afore tyme , hath offended God , troubled the common wealth , and brought some men towardes shame & confusion : So do I wyshe , praye , and trust , that nowe the redresse of the same maye be to gods pleasure , the peoples confort , & to the honor & establishment of them that be in most highe authorytye .

Heare therefore , and I wyl tel you more : There were in some townes .vi. some .viii. and some a dosyn kyne , gyuen vnto a stocke for the relyefe of the poore , and vsed in such wyse , that the poore cotingers , which could make any prouision for fodder , had the , milke for a very small hyre , & then the number of the stocke reserued , al manner of vayles besydes , bothe the hyre of the mylke , and the pryces of the yong veales , and olde fatte wares , was disposed to the reliefe of the poore , these be also soulde , taken , and made awaye . The Kynge beareth the slaunder , the poore feleth the lacke , but who hath the profit of suche thynges , I canne not tell : but well I wot , and al the worlde seeth , that the Acte of Parlimente made by the Kynges Magestye , and hys Lordes and Commens of the Parliamente , for the mayntenaunce of learnynge , and reliefe of the poore , hathe serued some , as a most fit instrument to rob learning and to spoyl the pore .

If you that now be in authorytye do not loke vpon such thynges to redresse them , god wyl loke vpon you , to reuenge theym . Here haue I rehersed theim , that the Kynges Magestye , wyth you of hys counsell maye learne not onelye by the doctrine & examples of scripture , but also by experience in hys own land , to se and consider howe hys benefytes , put into the handes of hys nobles and offycers , be disposed and vsed amongest his inferiour people .

For if landed men & offycers by keping of houses , & doing of theyr dutyes in theyr countryes , do bestowe amonge the people , all that they haue receiued of god , by the kynges gyft , theyr fathers inherytance , or other waies : then shal god giue such encrese , that euery man shall haue inough .

As Salomon , the .xi. of the Prouerbes testifieth : Alii diuidunt propria , et ditiores fiunt : alii rapiunt non sua , et semper in egestate sunt : Some dispose and gyue theyr owne , and become rycher and rycher : some doo rauine and spoyle that whiche is not theyr owne , and be euer in lacke and deede . As ye see in daylye experience , those that do theyr owne duties in executinge theyre offyces , and bestowe theyr owne goodes in kepynge good houses , baue euer suche plentye , that all other men maruayle from whence god sendeth it . And those that do no duties , nor kepe no houses , but brybe in theyr offyces , and polle theyr teuaūtes , take so much and haue so litel , that all men wonder how the deuyl they waste it .

Nothynge is more true then the Gospell : Date , et dabitur uobis : Gyue & it shal be gyuen vnto you . Gyue plentifully vnto other , and godwil gyue more plentie vnto you . For God wyll alwayes be afore hand , in giuyng good giftes . For as appeareth in thys gospell , when the Apostles hadde giuen vnto the people so muche good meate as they desyred , then saieth the Euangeliste .

When they wer filled , Iesus sayeth to hys dysciples : Gather vp the broken meates that remaine , so that nothynge be lost . They therefore gathered and fylled .xii. baskets ful wyth the broken meates remaining of that which they had eaten .

Here they gaue but .v. loues & two fishes , & ther was giuen vnto them .xii baskets ful of meates .

The Wyddowe of Sarepthat gaue but one handfull of flowre , and a litle oile vnto Elias , and had gyuen vnto her againe so much as serued her and her sonne , al the time of the great drought .iii. Reg. xvii. Learne therfore that couetous bribry & extorcion hath neuer inough : and charytable lyberalytye euer hath plentye .

Here also maye rych men learne , when and howe to fyll theyr store houses . Surely , euen as the Apostles dyd fyll theyr baskettes , when the people haue inoughe , then by gatherynge vp that whiche elles shoulde be lost . So dyd Iosephe in Egipt , suffer no corne to be lost in the yeares of plentye , but stored it vp in barnes , to reléue the people wyth , in the tyme of darth : Not as couetous Carles do here in England forstall the markets , and by corne at al tymes , to begyn and encrease a dearthe .

Blessed be they that sell , to make good cheape , and cursed be they that bye , to make it deare . For Salomon sayeth . Prouerbes .xi.

Qui abscondit frumenta , maledicetur in populis : benediccio autem super caput uendencium : He that hydeth vp corne , shall be cursed amongest the people : But blessynge be vpon theyr heades , that sell.

Nowe , to teache Chrysten rulers theyr dutyes , in the example of Chrystes Apostles : marke howe the Apostles dyd fyrst minister vnto the people , and than gathered vp for them selues , teaching thereby all Chrysten ministers , landelordes , offycers , and rulers , fyrste to minister vnto the people , euerye one the dutye of hys owne vocacion , afore they gather of the people , rentes , tythes , or fees , by the name and aucthorytye of that vocacion . Qui non labor at , sayeth Paule , non manducet : He that doeth not labour , should not eate . He that doth no worke , shoulde take no wages : he that doeth no dutyes , shoulde take no fees . Alas , thys is goddes woorde , wrytten in hys wyll and Testamente , sealed wyth Chrystes bloude , and yet the customes and lawes of Englande be cleane contrarye . For it hathe bene customeably vsed , yea , and by lawes commaunded , to paye wages , tythes , and fees , althoughe no labour , no offyce , no dutye be done . Yea , although he be not a labourer , a pastor or an offycer in dede , but onlye by a pretenced name , vnto whome these for the most part be paied .

For he that hath the propertyes & useth the trades of a false theife , & cruell murtherer , can neuer be a faythful offycer in dede , althoughe he be so named by hys owne flatery , in the Patrons presentacion , in the Byshoppes induccion , yea and in the Kynges Patent , sealed wyth the brode Seale . I had nede to take hede how that I speake openly agaynst any thynge in any mans Patent , sealed with the kings great seale : Much more nede hadde you to take hede , how that ye do any thing expressedly against goddes wyll and Testamente , sealed wyth Chrystes precious bloude .

It is expressedly agaynste Goddes Testamente , to clothe a Wolfe in a Lambes skynne : to call a thefe , an officer , and a cruell murtherer a charytable pastoure : to call euyll by the name of good : and good by the name of the euyll . Esaye .v.

Ve qui dicitis in alum bonum . Wo be to you that call euyl good . To you I say , which not only by sayinges but also in wrytynges , do name & call theiues , murtherers , & wolfes that be euyll , by the names of officers , pastors , and lambes , whiche be good . I do not onlye meane Persons , Prebendaryes , and other benefised men , but also all manner officers , whiche haue wages , fees , or liuinges , because you geue them such names , and not for that they do such dutyes .

These be al Wolfs , and the names and titles that you gyue them , be nothynge els but shepe skynnes .

Some saye , they wyll take better heede hereafter , but that whiche is nowe past , can not nowe be called backe , and amended . Yea , and it were great pytye , seynge that they haue payed the fyrst fruites vnto the Kinges Magesty , and no smal reward vnto other men , perchaunce bought theyr offyces dearelye , now to put them out of those lyuynges , wyth the losse . of . all those charges whiche they haue bestowed in rewardes , as other wayes , to gette such lyuynges .

Wo , wo wo vnto you hypocrytes that stumble at a strawe , and leape ouer a blocke , that strayne out a gnat , and swalowe vp a camell , that pytye more the losse of mens brybrye , whiche was geuen to corrupt some men , then the treading vnder fote of Christes bloud , whiche was shead , to saue all men , that dooe imagin it pytye to dryue the theues , murtherers and wolfes from amongest the lambs of God , redemed with Christs precious blud , & committed vnto your gouernaunce and kepynge .

As God shal helpe me , I speake wyth feare , pytye , and reuerence : if you do not rather pulle the shepes skinnes ouer the wolfes eares , and hang theyr carcases vpon the pales , then suffer theym to contynewe styll , God wyll plucke you downe wyth some sodein mischiefe , rather then mainteine or suffer you in so hygh authorytye , to vse such vncharitable , vngodly , and cruell pytye . You knowe that some of them haue bought theyr benefyces , haue bought theyr offyces , than must ye nedes know , that eyther Christ is a lyer , or els that they be entered in as theues , to spoyle , murther , and to destroye .

If you suffer theues , murtherers and wolfes to take theyr plesures amongest Goddes lambes , I tell you playne , God wyll not longe suffer you to be the hedshepherds , & gouernours , & feders of hys lambes .

And take hede you people that on the otherside ye runne not into an vntollerable stobernes , deniyng your rentes , your tithes , or other duties : for the scripture forbydoeth you vtterly , to deny or withdrawe any thing from them : thou art commaunded if he contend to take thy cloke to geue hym also thy cote . What soeuer is asked , rather gyue more , than by denyinge of that , not to shewe thy selfe to be an innocent shepe that gyueth hys fleese , but a noysome Goat , that striketh with the horne . You are alwayes bounden to geue the flese . It is the magistrates duties , to consider and note , whether they be theues or shepherds , dogs or woulfes , that taketh the fleese . Medle not wyth other mennes duties , for if ye do , surely ye shal finde no remedye , but prouoke vncolourable vengeaunce .

Nowe to tourne to oure particuler purpose , lette all theym that do receiue offices , landes , power , or authorytye frome God , by the kynges gyfte , or by other meanes , Firste bestowe & dispose the dutyes of those thynges faithfullye amongest the people , afore they gather vp to theim selues the reuenues & commodities of the same from the people . And then when as no man can come to meat , but by doyng of labour , nor none to receyuynge of fees , but by doing of duties , surely euery man shal haue as much as he deserueth , & no man shall lacke that which he needeth .

For he , that by doing of greate duties deserueth the moste , by atteininge the fees and rewardes due for the same dutyes , shall haue the best . And he that is in nede , hauinge no trust to get any thyng by idlenesse , crafte , or flattery , shal be compelled to vse that labour & honest exercise , whyche shall relyeue hys nede sufficiently . Yea , by thys mean no man shall spende hys tyme in idlenesse , nor vse any labour or dyligence , wythout due recompence , For nede shall dryue all men from slouthfull idlenesse , vnto labour & diligence : and where as no laboure nor dylygence lacketh hys iust rewarde , there euery labouring and diligent man , shal haue sufficient plenty : So ye see how thys doeth consequently ensue , that euery manshal haue sufficient inough & plentye , wheras men do first dispose , minister , & giue according to theyr dutyes , & afterwards receiue kepe & saue that which God doth sende as a rewarde , encreased & augmented , for doing of theyr dutyes .

So dyd the Apostles , after the faythful diligent disposyng of the v. loues and .ii. fyshes receiue and keepe theyr rewarde wonderfullye augmented , to replenish and fyl .xii. baskets . So God graunt , that all officers in England may wyth such faithful diligence do theyr duties that it may please God to gyue to all the people sufficient inough , & vnto euery minister , the basket of his honest desire , heaped vp bi the brim

The men therfore seynge what a signe Iesus had done , sayd that this is that Prophet , whiche cometh into the worlde . This is euen he whom Moises , the law , & the prophetes do teache , to be the fully & only sufficient sauiour of the world . Moses saying , in the .xviii. of Deut. A Prophet of thy nacion & of thy brethren , lyke vnto me , shall the Lorde thy God rayse vp vnto the , hym shalt thou heare . The lawe , as a tutour , leadeth & bryngeth al men to thys sauyour , to receyue of hym that perfeccion , which the law it selfe lacketh . The Prophetes dyd tel long afore of this sauiour which is now comen in our tyme , after theyr dayes . Thys was the peoples confession of Chryst , after that they were by so great a miracle , so plentyfullye fed . Christe ofte afore had wrought wonderfull miracles , disputed learnedly , & preached playnely : but by al those meanes did he not so muche perswade the people , and win theyr heartes , as by thys one miracle , in feeding & cheryshinge the people . Yea , and whosoeuer listeth to mark thorowe out all Englande , he shall se that a meane learned person , keping an house in hys paryshe , and beyng of godly conuersacion , shal perswade & teach mo of hys parishners with communicacion at one meale , than the best learned doctor of diuinitie kepynge no house can perswade or teache in hys parish by preachyng a dosen solemne sermons .

Lyke wyse the gentle man that kepeth a good house in his contrey shal be in better credit with the people for hys liberalitye , then the best orator or lawier in England , for all hys eloquence . I do not prayse those men whych brybe and pol al the yeare to kepe riot in theyr houses for a fortnyght , a moneth , or a quarter of a yeare : But those I se beloued , trusted & obeyed , that accordynge to theyr habilitie , keepe good houses continually .

And the chiefe cause why the commens doo not loue , trust , nor obey the gentlemen & officers , is , because the gentlemen and officers buylde many fayre houses , and kepe fewe good houses , haue plentye of eloquence to tell fayre tales , but vse lytell faythfull dylygence in doing of theyr duties . Wherefore , sende forth , and place in euerye countrye godly preachers , wel disposed persons , and faithful diligent officers of all sortes . Yea , but where shuld we now fynd liuyngs for al those ?

Forsoth I do tel you : Outand away with the wily foxes , the false flatteryng theues , & the rauenyng wolfes , and than se how many loues , how many offices , prebendes , and benefices ye finde voyde , howe mani you haue amongest your selues that youre boye caryeth , that your chapleynes , your seruaunts , and your houshold officers haue , & let all these be broughte forth : and althoughe at the fyrste syghte they shal seme to litle , and fewe to serue so greate a Realme with so manye shyres , beyng all runne nowe oute of ciuil order into rude wildernes , Yet , after equal diuidyng & faythful diligent ministring of those loues and fyshes , of these prebends , personages , and all kynd of offices amongest the people , God of hys goodnesse shall geue suche increase vnto the people , hauynge thereby sufficiente plenty of Chrystes holy worde of good ciuil order , & of charitable reliefe , that there shal be remaynyng so much tithes , offrynge , rentes , fees , & rewards , as wyl fyll the .xii. baskets of the Apostles , I meane the barnes , the houses , and purses of all sayethfull diligente ministers and offycers . Then shall thys one acte perswade and allure the hertes of al Englyshmen , more then all that euer was done afore : For when they shall see , that by thys Kyng and thys Counsell , the wilye foxe of supersticion is vtterlye banyshed , the false these of flaterye apprehended and taken , and the cruel wolfe of couetousenesse slain and hanged vp by the heeles , so that the preachers , the persons , the officers , and all manner of pastores restored to theyr places , doo feede , cherysh , and kepe theyr flockes whiche were afore pylled , spoiled and deuoured : then shall they of hertye courage , with one minde , and one voice confesse and acknowledge , that thys is a Kyng sent from God , in dued wyth the wysdome of Salomon , and the faythfull diligent stoutnesse of Dauyd hys father , nowe guyded by godly counsel to bryng out of mysery , and prosper in welth vs the people of thys hys Real pe. Dixit Dominus . The Lorde hathe spoken it .

God graunt you grace to do it , with thanks & prayse to hym for euer .