A christall glasse of christian reformation wherein the godly maye beholde the coloured abuses vsed in this our present tyme. Collected by Stephen Bateman Minister.

¶ A christall glasse of christian reformation , wherein the godly maye beholde the coloured abuses vsed in this our present tyme .

¶ Collected by Stephen Bateman Minister .

¶ IMPRINTED at London by Iohn Day dwelling ouer Aldersgate .

¶ CVM GRATIA ET PRIuilegio Regia Maiestatis per decennium . 1569.

❧ The Epistle to the Reader .

GEuing thee to vnderstand ( Christian Reader ) the manifest power of God in considering the inestimable mercy and long sufferance of vs most miserable creatures , who from tyme to tyme proueth whether we will flye from our wickednes and frowarde vsage of lyfe or no , and seyng no amendment ceaseth not , but forthwith plageth vs : yea , and at the length geueth vs ouer vnto our owne wretched will , and beyng so deuoyd and frustrate from all hope ioy and triumphant glory , we are assured as then of nothing but euerlasting death and endelesse sorrow . Therefore I wishe all faithfull christians to foresée and so to prouide in tyme , that neither popishe Antichrist , nor any rable of false vsurped powers shall once be able to spurne or kicke against the veritie and true professours of the same . The holy apostle S. Iames speaketh very louingly vnto all suche as geueth their mindes to godly exercise and study , saying these wordes . My brethren counte it exceeding ioy when ye fall into diuers temptations , forasmuch as you know how that the trying of your faith bringeth pacience , and let patience haue her perfect worke , that ye may be perfect and sounde lacking nothing . Herein the apostle sheweth vnto all men , that by patience we must moderate our selues , as if the enemy shew rigorousnes ortiranny , winne him by patience , but vse no superbitie or reuengement , but yeld the cause vnto god , that which iudgeth rightly , and he will in tyme be a defence vnto all such oppressed . Vir duplex animo inconstans est in omnibus vijs suis , a waueryng mynded man is vnstable in all his wayes . But most happy is that man that endureth in temptation , for when he is tried , he shall receiue the crowne of life which the lord hath promised to those which loue him , and erre not my dere brethren . Euery good gift and euery perfect gift is from aboue , and commeth downe from the father of light , with whome is no variablenes , neither is he chaunged into darkenes . Of his owne will begate he vs wyth the worde of lyfe , that we should be the first fruites of his creatures , so that as long as we obey his preceptes and be zealous furtherers of his gospell , and alwayes continuing , then shall all such doers be assured of most happy saluation . Herein is plainly shewed vnto all , the estate of euery degrée by order of picture and signification , to the intent , that therby euery christian Reader may the better sée the disordred abuses which daily raueth amongest vs , and also the state of obedience by euery picture in like sorte signified , that thereby euery Christian may the better beware the deceiuable suggestions of Sathan , that neither pardon nor mumming , massinges or any other popish ceremonies , can any thing auayle as touchyng saluation : for if it were so , then Christes death was in vayne , and of none effect . Take hede therfore & cleaue betyme to Christ & his doctrine , & leaue of from such superstition & faynings of men , & vse the counsail of the holy apostle S. Iude , which sayth : Similiter & hi carnem quidem maculant dominatorem aut spernunt maiestates aut blasphemant . Likewise these dreamers defile the flesh , despise rulers , & speake euill of them that are in autoritie . But these speake euill of those they know not , & what thynges they know naturally , as beasts which are without reason , in those thinges they corrupt themselues . Woe be vnto them , for they haue followed the way of Balaam for lukers sake , and perishe in the treason of Chore. These are murmurers , complainers , walking after their owne lustes , whose mouthes speake proude thinges . They haue men in great reuerence because of aduauntage . But ye beloued , remember the wordes which were spoken before , of the apostles of our Lorde Iesus Christ , how that they tolde you that there should be beguilers in the last tyme , which should walke in their vngodly lustes , these are makers of sectes fleshly , hauing no spirite , pray therfore dearely beloued , that God so roote out al such enemies which kicke against the truth of his gospell , & so arme your selues with the armour of God , considering that Sathan is moste busiest and full of rage in this oure tyme , as Saincte Iohn in hys reuelation dothe manifestly expresse : That we all being armed with godlines may bee able to resist in the day of our triall , and to be found vigilant watchemen aspectyng the great and second commyng of our Lorde Iesus Christ . In the meane season applying our mindes to the study of vertue , may be rich and plentifull in righteousnes and hope of saluation . And for that your myndes among many and earnest pensiue and sorowful studies might be reuiued also in vertue . I haue put forth vnto your gentle considerations this my simple trauayls , which in perusing you shal well espy to be in effect as I haue named it .

This christall glasse wherein we may learne godly reformation , whose brightnes shineth not to the beholders therof in this world , a light to euery christian man , but in the world to come a most precious and euerlasting brightnes in endles felicitie .

As I sayd , a manifest shew of all couloured abuses that raigne in euery state , and set in the frame of most plentiful & Christian examples . The substaunce wherof is the perfect glasse of godly reformation , beautified with the christall sight of all celestiall vertues , right fruitfull for euery man to cary , and most nedefull for this our present tyme . Thus gentle reader I bid thée most hartely farewell in him that liueth for euer .

By me Stephen Bateman Minister .

Faultes escaped .

In the description of Pride , the second page , the 16. lyne , read for Dedalus Icarus , and for Icarus Dedalus .

In the epistle of the 2. part of this boke , & xx . line , for so , read for

In the 30. line of the description of fayth , and is God , read and maker is God .

In the description of Ueritie , is left out the sword that is signified in the figure .

¶ The description of Couetousnes . Aristotle . Seneca . To delight in treasure , is a daungerous pleasure , In a lyer doubtles , there neuer was goodnes .

¶ The signification of the picture .

THe deuil is Enuy , the swords in his hand betokeneth mischief , the purse couetousnes , the globe the world , the man in fooles weede signifieth carelesse couetousnes , a man being ouercome with Enuy and couetousnes , may be likened to a foole that is not able to rule himselfe , and so the ende is death .

WHo so is enuious may be likened vnto Sathan : who are more foolisher than those persons the whiche are neuer satisfied wyth money . Money causeth mischiefe , mischief destroyeth the soule . For as it is good to the godly by vsing it by measure : so is it euel to the wicked , and bringeth displeasure . Money in the hands of the enuious doth cause much bloudshed . Couetous enuy is to no man commodious , and without returne by spedy repentaunce bringeth to hel most odious . The enuious man that coueteth doth euer grudge at his neighbors prosperitie or welfare : he is frend to no m● , he loueth no man , neyther is hys miserable appetite at any time satisfied .

Eccl. 14 He that is wicked vnto himselfe , how should he be good vnto other men ? How can such a one haue any pleasure of his goodes . Say not thou I will hide my selfe from God , Eccl. 16 for who will thinke vpon me from aboue , I shall not be known in so great an heape of people , for what is my soule among so many creatures . Behold , the heauen , yea , the heauen of heauens , the deepe , the earth , and all that therin is , shall be moued at his presence : The mountaynes , the hilles , and the foundations of the earth shall shake for feare , when God visiteth them , &c. Take this for ensample beware in tyme , from Sathans driftes do thou declyne .

Antisthenes . It is far better to chaunce among crowes then flatterers : For crowes eat the dead , the flatterers consume them which are aliue .

¶ The signification of the picture .

HE which sitteth with iiij . armes , two to deliuer & two to receaue : The iiij . hands signifieth , without reward there is little gotten , that is to say , those ij . handes that doth deliuer the writings , doth declare preferment for smal gaine , the other as deceit , and they receiue priuily .

THere can be no greater mischief in a common wealth then vnsatiable or dissembling iustice . For where coueteousnes is in the harte once planted : there true lawes are eftsoones euel-fauouredlye racked . The couetous dissembler , will not be openly seene to receaue anye rewarde : but with ypocriticall gloses , he will be sure , eyther by countenaunce , or by some fayned frendship to bring his deceauable purpose to passe , vnto such and of such there is no trauaile for him which meaneth truth , or for the poore , No peny , no Pater noster . The poore for lacke of substaunce oft loseth that , the which might do him good , the rich speedeth , or him that hath ought yea and sometime the flatterer , also vnder coulour of such like frendship as may pleasure the like : and in the end their owne deceiuable couetousnes deceiueth them . In th end there followeth ruine of their riches for open oppression , and without amendment in time , hell is their portion .

Eccle. 10. Despise not thou the iust poore man , and magnifie not the rich and vngodly , great is the iudge and mighty in honour , yet is there none greater then he that feareth God . Oseas , 5. O ye priestes , heare this , take hede O thou house of Israell . &c.

In time to beware I thinke it best , For that shall bring thy soule to rest .

Diogenes . The seruaunt serueth his master . The wicked serue couetousnes .

The signification .

THe two on horsback signifieth both estates striuing for spirituall promotions , with sufficiency not contented , the bag in their handes is vnsatiable desire , the deuill flying out is temptacion , and the ground opening vnder them is destruction . For when couetousnes is most desired , then is death soonest stirred .

THere is nothing more pestiferous then pride . For by pride , manne is brought to most miserable state . To bee both proude and couetous , is two mischiefes vncurable , in what estate soeuer they be , and th end therof is , without spedy returne , hell , death , and vtter dedestruction . And thus the auaricious man is moste miserable .

Iohn . 18. By auarice Iudas betraryed our Lord and Sauiour Iesu Christ : and finally , dispayred and so hanged hym self . Luke . 23. By auarice Dalila betrayed Sampson , as it appeareth in the. 16. of the Iudges . By the which historyes , it also appeareth , that auarice bringeth men oft to perdition . The like auarice betwixt the popish spiritualty and temporaltye , yea and in some professours of the verity , which hath brought the common wealth into great miserye . God graunt the like be not also found among the greater parte of such as professe , or at the lest taketh on them the names of Christians . Wherfore was Semei condemned to death , but for his couetousnes . Because he departed from Ierusalem , against the commaundement of his Lord . Looke more of this in the. 3. boke of kinges the 2. chapter .

Themistocles . It is better to haue men , hauing lacke of money , Then money hauing lacke of men .

The signification .

THe Eliphant signifieth , force or strength : the man on hys backe vsury : the Flag or banner in hys hand , signifieth illusion , or vaine hoped time : the Wolfe deuouring the lambe , signifieth all such gredy oppressours as do oppresse the poore and indigent : the cofer vnder hys arme Mammon : the purse destruction : and he which leadeth the Eliphant , is Nigardship : and the rope the which he is drawen withall , is deceate . When gredy death doth force assaile , and Nigardship begin to flie : them pitie shall hys place possesse , & laud the name of God most hie .

A Nigarde , is among the couetous , and is most to be abhorred . For neither enuy deceit nor pride in coueting is or may be compared vnto the churle . The Usurer with the churle may well be compared . The vsurer with out interest will lend to no man . The churle or nigard , is no longer quiet , then he may be loking or telling his money , yea he wil starue himselfe rather than once diminish any part or portion therof , euer coueting and neuer satisfied : vsury wyth nigardship are alwayes together , and the one is neuer without the other . For they are both of one propertye . Firste , it is breeder of mischiefe , nurse to all errours , and stepdame to wicked enuy , and alwayes bondslaue to mamon , when he seeth it , he thinketh neuer to haue inough of the sight thereof , and when he doth lende it , he is then neuer quiet till he seeth it agayne , it is too innumerable to heare , the wickednes which followeth the vnsatiable desire of money .

He that hath not geuen his money vpon vsury , nor taken reward against the innocentes . Psal. 15. The fathers haue eaten sower grapes , and their childrens teeth are set on edge .

Ezech. 12. Let these few ensamples conuert the gréedy appetite of vnsatiable desire to haue mony , for goods and mony were ordayned to serue man , and not to rule man ,

Aristippus . Get such riches that when the net is broken . They may escape with thee .

The signification .

THese three on horsebacke signifieth the states of men worldly minded : as Makeshift , Flattery , and Desire to haue . The foremost sheweth those persons of gentilitie that are not contented with sufficiencie , and those are Makeshiftes : the second sheweth the Popish spiritualtie , those are Flattery : the third the yeomandry or francklin , who seeketh by the recouery of spirituall promotion from the dunghill to a gentleman , those are Desire to haue : the deuill is destruction : the net vnsatiable desire : and all these ride to the deuil their soueraigne for spirituall promotion .

LIke as coueteousnes is enemy to the body , by meanes of cares , in desiring stil aboundaunce , and thereby neuer satisfied : So is it most deadly to the soule & hatefull before God . For in what nation or countrey so euer it be eyther suffered or maintayned , nedes must grow out of the same such encombrances amongs the common wealth , that without foresight in time it cannot otherwise chuse but grow not only to the bodies of those instruments vexation of mind : but also to the soul endles destruction . Flattery , Makeshifte , & Desire to haue , these as seruants , first , to parciality , and then by obtaining that which by such is required , vnsatiable desire so much inflameth their harts , that no respect of person is fauoured , but those whose pursse bottomes are neuer vncouered . God graunt to those whiche in these dayes remayne , that they maye see the state of ech degree so amended , that vnto whome preferment appertaineth , to prefer , without the voluptuous desire of vile auarice . And that those pastors which are dayly labourers in Gods vineyarde may be so prouided for and loked vnto , that no greedy viper by money or Fee , may be suffered to displace the true shephearde of his righte . The common practise ( among many ) is , no soner any spiritual liuing to fal , ( so diligently they watche ) that eyther by hooke or crooke , by giftes and large proffers , they neuer cease sute or suing for , till it be by such obtayned , and that being obtained : they are not ashamed to say without spirituall prefermente it were not possible for them to keepe house . Saynte Paule in the fifth of the Thessalonians sayth . 1. Thess. 5 I beseech ye brethren know them which labour among you & haue the ouersight of you , that ye haue them in reuerence for their worke sake and be at peace with them . Surely those which for lukers sake wil rather prefer the temporall man before the spirituall , hath no small accompt to render when he shal come before the iudge of quicke and dead , The property of the viper is , the femall biteth of the males head and the yong gnaweth themselues out of their dammes belly . when for his wicked doyng he shall reape not onely death of body , but in body and soul ( without speedy repentaunce ) endles destruction . God for his mercies sake so open the harts of all magistrates that such greedy vipers may be subuerted . Deride not that which is for thy health , least haply in th end thou decrease thy welth . Where welth doth decrease there sorrowes doth grow , therefore do in time the truth learne to know .

Salomon . A wrathfull person prouoketh contention : But he that is patient appeaseth debate .

¶ The signification .

THe Bore signifieth Wrath , and the man on his backe mischiefe : the Pope in the Flag destruction , & the Flag vncertaine religion , turning and chaunging with euery blast of winde : the man killing him selfe desperation : the woman madnes .

AS Seneca sayth : Ire troubleth the vnderstanding of the creatures , and therfore it is needefull to bee taken heede of . Ire accustomed maketh a man to come out of his witte . Also ire doth most hurt vnto himself , Chitofell . and gendreth discord & all enuie , Aiax . & causeth reason to perishe . Ire hath so much done , that it hath brought men to desperation , and in the end haue hanged themselues . Also among the godly there hath bene anger or irefulnes found , as when occasion hath bene geuen . As for example : Moyses was angry agaynst the children of Israell because they kept Manna against the commaundement of God , as it appeareth in the .xvj. of Exodus : and also for that they did worship the calfe : in somuch that he brake the tables of the commaundements , as it is written in the .xxij. of Exodus . Also Neemias was wroth againste them that committed vsury . Looke in the .xiij. of Neemie . 2. Esd. 13.

This kind of anger or irefulnes , farre differeth from wrathfull ire , because that the one may rule him self , and the other not . In wise men the countenance irefull maketh the offenders afrayd : but willfull wrath cannot once rule himself . A wyse man in his anger remembreth counsell : but the wrathfull person telleth out all , and eftsones to his owne destruction .

Antisthenes . Enuy eateth a man , As rust consumeth yron .

The signification .

THe Asse signifieth wrathfull iustice . The man that is drawen away Truth-Those that draweth Truth by the armes Flatterers . The Frier , lies , & the associate with the Frier , Periury .

BEtter is the poore that liueth godly then the blasphemer that is but a Foole . A foole hath no delight in vnderstandinge , but onelye in those thinges , wherein hys hart reioyseth . Riches maketh many frendes , but the pore is forsaken of his neighbour . A false witnesse shall not escape . One witnesse shall not rise againste a man for any manner sinne or for any manner faulte that he offendeth in . Prou. 19 Deut. 19. Prou. 17. A wicked iudge geueth audience to false lippes , and a frowarde person geueth eare to a disceitfull tounge . There can be no greater plague then to haue an Asse to beare autority . By the Asse is ment the cruell Antechristians . For by such commeth much dissention . Among all Asses , the religious Asse of late being in autority hath done moste harme .

While ye haue light , beleue in the light , that ye may be the children of light . Whosoeuer shall endure to the end shal be safe . Iohn . 12 Mark . 13 Luk. 12 Rom. 8 Be ye ready , for the sonne of man will come at an houre , when ye thinke not . Who shall lay any thing to the charge of gods chosen , it is God that iustifieth , who is he that can condemne .

Pythagoras . They which to slaunder or to kill , The dead haue their delight :

¶ The signification .

THe man which standeth lyke a Prophet signifieth godlines : the Fryer treason : the cup with the Serpent poyson : the other which striketh with the sworde murder : and he which is wounded is peace .

NOthyng may be more greuous then wrathfull treason : because the imaginations therof be endlesse , it may therefore bee likened vnto the venim of the Serpent Aspis whose poyson is vncureable . Yet notwithstanding as wrath is deadly , so is it trayterous : and vnto hym that vseth it double death , not onely to the body but also to the soule . Example of Ioab , who trayterously slue Amason , as it appeareth in the xx . chapt . of the second booke of the Kinges , who shewing a countenance of frendlines , sodainly strake him into the body that he died . Faythfull are the woundes of a louer : Prou. 27. but the kisses of an enemie are cruell . He that prouideth for an others destruction , let hym bee sure that a lyke pestilence is prouided for him . Tullius . Therefore in time beware and consider , and remember ech estate , that Sathan the author of all euill do not entise thee : but in all temptations call to God and he will helpe thee .

Are lyke such dogges in fury , That at stones doe barke and bite .

¶ The signification .

THe Pope is oppression : the man which killeth is crueltie : those which are a killing constant religion : the three kneeling loue furtherance and truth to the Gospell . &c.

AMongest men of authoritie there can bee no greater terrour , then to the subiecte to shewe crueltie . The vaine glory of thys worlde is a deceatfull sweetenes , and may bee likened to the Popes suberbius crueltie , an vnfruitfull labour , a continuall feare , Augustinus . a daungerous aduancement , a beginning without prouidence , an end without repentance . Ambrosius . Therfore there is not so much ioye in climing vpward , as there is sorrow in falling hard downward : nor so much roume after victory , as after ruine reproch of follie . Therefore bee sure with what measure is mette to others , the same to be measured againe . If these sentences had bene , and were , of the enemies of Gods Gospell well considered , truly they would not haue shewed so much crueltie in shedding so much innocent bloud as they haue done , and continually seeke to do . What should hee that is strong auaunt of his strength , whom bodily sicknes bringeth to feblenes . Ambrosius . Therefore in tyme foresee and amend : if not , the fall will bee the greater . Concerning a further setting forth of the Romish Church and crueltie , I referre it to other authors which speake therof sufficiently .

Great griefe assailes the Lecherous minde : of such as doth the youth alure : More worse then beastes I do than finde : such youth to lechery to procure .

¶ The signification .

THe Goate signifieth Lechery : the woman Whoredome● she which leadeth the Goate by the beard is meretrix , the baude : and the deuill Nicticorax , a blinde guide or deceauer .

LEchery in all estates is vtter enemie to vertue , and an offence to the body . It causeth all mischiefe & discorde , not only betwixt man and wife , but also it engendreth dreadfull hate & endlesse destruction , both to the body liuing , and also to the soule euerlasting .

Ualerius in his 4. boke , declareth of one Sophonides , who in hys old age , sayd to one which demaunded of hym , if he were any thyng lecherous : His answere was , willing hym to haue other matters to speake or talke of : for ( sayth he ) I haue had great victory , for that from my tyme to thys present , I haue vanquished that , which otherwyse would haue vanquished me . Looke in the 34. chapter of Genesis , Gen. 34. and there is manifestly shewed the punishment for adulterers . When Dina the daughter of Lea , which she bare vnto Iacob , went out to see the daughters of the land : whom when Sichem the sonne of Hemor the Heuite Lord of that countrey sawe , he toke her , and lay with her , and forced her . And when Iacob heard that hys daughter Dina was defiled , hee with his sonnes ceased not to auenge the crime committed : so that Simeon & Leui her brethren toke either of them hys sworde , and went into the citie , and slue all that was male , and also Hemor , and Sichem hys sonne . &c.

Looke also in the second booke of the Kinges the 13. chapter : of Ammon , who for defiling of hys sister Thamar , was destroyed by hys brother Absolon . Consider also the horrible plage that fell vnto those which had committed horrible adultery with the Leuites wife : looke in the 20. chapter of the Iudges . Moreouer , what was the cause of the Lordes threatning agaynst the Niniuites ? It was for the wicked sinne of whoredome . Who caused Ioseph to be imprisoned ? Euen the lecherous desire of his mistresse : as it appeareth in the 39. chapter of Genesis . Therefore lechery doth not onely cause offence by actuall deede , but also in inward thought to such as doe desire the same . Looke in Math. 5 : Who so looketh on a woman and lusteth after her , hath committed adultery already in his hart . Flie from sinne as thou wouldest flie from a Serpent : if not , bee thou sure , what soeuer thou bee , not to haue fellowship with the faythfull .

Worse then a Pharesite I may them call : which lawfull mariage doth disdaine : And seekes the truth to bring in thrall : all such doth Sathan quit their paine .

¶ The signification .

THe Fryer is Fallax : the Nunne Dedecus : the deuill in the tree superstition : and the other deuill Dicax , a reprocher of wickednes , and a rayler agaynst the veritie .

FOrnication ought to bee eschewed . Looke in the 1. Corinth . 10. chapter . The people satte downe to eate & drinke , 1. Cor. 10. and rose vp to play . Neither let vs be defiled with fornication , as some of them were defiled with fornication , and fell in one day xxiij . thousand . Therefore to auoyde whoredome , 1. Cor. 7. let euery man haue his owne wife : and let euery woman haue her husband . Euery sinne that a man doth , 1. Cor. 6. is without the body : But he that is a fornicator , sinneth agaynst hys own body . Heb. 13. Wedlocke is to be had in honour among all men , & the bed vndefiled . As for whorekepers & adulterers God will iudge . There goeth a common saying , that there is fornication among you , and such fornication , 1. Cor. 5. as is not named among the Gentiles : that one should haue hys fathers wife . And ye swell , and haue not rather sorrowed , that hee which had done thys deede , might bee put from among you . Therefore flie thys horrible sinne : and as for such as will condemne the lawfull estate of Matrimonie , and honest mariage of godly Ministers : such chaste and maidenly prelates of their doinges , shall bee shewed as followeth in the fourth part of this treatise of Lecherie . Fornication is enemie to God , and enuieth vertues . It consumeth all substance , and deliteth in the appetite present : Augusti●us . it letteth that a man can not thinke on pouertie , which is not long absent .

If we will consider the excellencie of mans nature , and the dignitie therof , Tullius . we shall well perceaue how foule and dishonest a thyng it is to bee resolued in fornication , and to liue wantonly . Contrarywyse , how honest and fayre a thyng it is to liue temperately , continently , sadly , and soberly .

When Dauid the King , by sight had desired : the wife of Vrias to fulfill hys lust : He was by the Prophet therfore reproued : Vrias in the forward being slaine first .

¶ The signification .

THese two armyes signifieth the striuing of the fleshe agaynst the spirite : all worldlynes is confounded : and happy is he that fighteth by fayth diuine vnto the end .

AS in the two chapters of Lechery and fornication , is described the wretchednes of the horrible sinne : so in adultery and rape , shall be rehearsed the wonderfull calamities and losse of countreyes , with the ouerthrowing of kingdomes , to the cleane secludyng or cutting of , of all such as haue bene maintainers of the same . Adulterie is the violation of the fayth promised in mariage , the which thing is forbidden vs : Exod. 20. Deut. 5. Luk. 18. Dan. 13. Thou shalt not breake wedlocke . Adulterers are stoned to death . Susanna had leauer die then to committe adultery with the two false Iudges . Adultery is cause of procuring of other mens death , as it appeareth in the xj . chapt . of the second boke of Kinges . Dauid the King committed adultery with Bethsabe the wife of Urias the Hethite , and also caused Urias to be put to death , being slaine in the forefrunt of Ioabs hoste . The Prophet Nathan being sent of the Lord , reproued the king because of his wickednes . Also S. Iohn the Baptist reproued Herode for lying with his brother Phillips wife , saying : It is not lawfull for thee to haue her . Math. 14 Prouer. 6. Eccle. 23. An harlot will make a man to begge his bread , and a woman will hunt for the precious life . All bread is sweete to a whoremonger : hee will not leaue of till hee haue his purpose . So lykewyse the wylie craftes of Sathan doth so stirre the mindes of the disobedient sort , that they are careles , minding neither to amend their folly , nor suffer others to auoyde the same , but headlong goeth forth in the demonaicall lawes as brute beastes , and at no tyme satisfied .

Prouerbes . 23. A whore is a deepe graue : and an harlot is a narrow pi● . She lurketh like a theefe : and bringeth vnto her such men as be full of vice .

¶ The signification .

THese foure sitting banqueting , signifieth fleshly delight : and the fift which is apparelled lyke a woman with a cup in her hand , and whose legges are like vnto a Serpent , is called Philogines , a louer of Lechery : the cup horrour : the legs destruction : the men fighting murder : and hell the place for such offendors , whose continuannce is endles .

WHen man is geuen to the Sodomicall lust , then commeth misery to the body , sorrowe to the life , & death to the soule . S. Paule in his Epistle to the Romaines sayth : Rom. 1. that to delight in other mens sinnes , is greater offence then to sinne thy selfe . Therfore as the sinne is horrible to hym that offendeth : so is it more greuous to those that are maintainers of the same . That which thou art ashamed to speake , Hieronimus . bee also ashamed to thinke . Euill thoughtes bringeth euill factes , whereof ensueth greuous offence . What was the cause that the Prodigall sonne came to such misery ? Luke . 15. Because he delighted to company with harlottes and inordinate liuers . Sodome and Gomorra were destroyed because of adultery , lechery , fornication , rape , and inuiolate rauishing , which is most horrible . What mischiefe fell among the Romaines after that Tarquinus Sextus had violated Lucrecia by hys Sodomicall will ? Hee was vtterly exiled , and neuer after was there any kyng : and she after for sorrowe slewe her selfe . What monstrous slaughter fell among the Troyans & Grecians ? Fyrst the Grecians rauished Hesiona , the daughter of Laomedon king of Ilion . And Priamus stale away Helane the wife of Menelaus king of Lacedemonia , Abessa of Bethelem was iudge in Israell about thys tyme . whereof came the vtter ruine and destruction of Troy . Let these few examples guide thee from all such mischiefes .

Where murther is suffered not seene to in time , There mischiefe encreaseth and bringeth to woe : All such as to Backus doth honour diuine , Shall soone bee bereft their goods to forgoe .

¶ The signification .

THese which are fightyng , signifieth incontinence : he which is slaine hazarde : and death : and the one which goeth out with hys sword in hys hand audax , one past grace , or a murtherer .

IN the xxvj . yeare of Asa King of Iuda , Regum . 16. beganne Ela the sonne of Baasa to raigne ouer Israell in Thirza ij . yere . And hys seruant Zimri ( which was captaine of halfe his Chariots ) conspired agaynst him , as hee was in Thirza drinking : and was dronken in the house of Arza steward of his house in Thirza . And Zimri came and smote hym , and killed hym in the xxvij . yeare of Asa King of Iuda , and raigned in hys stead .

● . Reg. 13. Amon being dronken was slaine of his brother Absalon . Also Holofernes was slaine by Iudith in hys dronkennes , Iudit . 13. as it appeareth in the xiij . of Iudith . Noe being dronken was mocked of hys sonne Cham. Gen. 9. Also Polyphemus a monstrous Gyant , Ouid. lib. 14. was in hys dronkennes destroyed by Ulissis . Therfore dronkennes doth not only surfet the body for a time , but also breedeth extreme malady , & maketh a man to forget reason , and causeth bloudshed & wilfull murder : so that it is not onely a griefe to the body in thys world , but also an endles sorrow in the world to come . When the Philistines had gotten Sampson , Iudges . 17 & also had determined to haue bene mery , & to see Sampson to play before them he being blind : they reioyced in their God Dagon , beleuing that he had deliuered Sampson into their handes : they being in their iollitie , were by Sampson sodainly destroyed , in shaking their house all to peces vpon them . Cor. 6. Drunkardes shall not possesse the kingdome of heauen . &c

When gredy glotony seketh his ease , forsaking true labour which is most fitte : Then followeth Podagra with her disease , to vtter ruine she doth them knitte .

¶ The signification .

THe woman is Podagra : the naked man with the barrell on his legge is Prodigus : the other with the grapes in his hand is rauin : the cordes are force to destruction : and are led by Podagra , the gowte .

WHat thing in a man is best ? Reason : For by that he goeth before beastes , and followeth the Gods : wherefore a perfecte reason is that good which properly belongeth to man , all other thinges is to hym common with beastes : if he bee strong , so is the Lyon : if he be fayre , so is the Pecocke : if he be swift , so is the horse . I do not say that in euery of these things the other surmounteth hym , Tullius . for I seke not that thing which is most excellent in hym , but that which is his owne , and belongeth properly to hym : for as he hath substance , so hath the trees : and as he hath voluntary mouing , in lyke wyse hath not onely the beastes , but also the wormes : if he haue a voice , so hath dogs and much louder : the Egles more sharpe and perching : the Bull much greater : the Nightingale sweter . Then what thing properly is a mans owne ? surely reason : for that being in the right course & perfect , maketh a man full of felicitie . A drunken workeman shall neuer bee rich : Ecclesia . and he that setteth nought by a little , shall by a little and a little come vnto nothyng . Wine inordinately taken , troubleth mans reason , maketh dull vnderstanding , and corrupteth the body , and engendreth noysome diseases , as the goute , empostum , plurisies , caterns , palsies , & dropsies , with such lyke : Boctius . and also infebleth remembraunce , sendeth in forgetfulnes , poureth in errours , & bryngeth forth sluggishnes .

When prelates to wyne doth geue their delight , To vanquishe truth which shines so cleare : Then followeth death with all thys might , Them to prouent , and payes their hyre .

¶ The signification .

THe Priest signifieth Newter , neyther hoate nor colde : the man in the barrell vnsatiable desire : the bookes torne vnwritten verities : the Nunne light credence in beleuing the same .

Eccle. 31. HOw sufficient vnto a learned man is a small quantitie of wine ? so that in sleepe he shall not bee sicke therof , nor feele any paine , Lecherie , wine , Osea . and sacietie , consumeth all wysedome . Take heede to your selues , Luk. 21. least your hartes bee ouercome with surfetting and drunckennes , and cares of this life , and so the day come vpon you vnwares . Be not greedie in euery eating , and bee not to hastie vppon all meates . Eccle. 37. For excesse of meates bryngeth sicknes , and gluttonie commeth at the last to an vnmeasurable heate . Take heede therefore that ye walke circumspectly : Ephe. 5. not as vnwise , but as wise men , redeeming the tyme , because the dayes are euill . Wherfore , bee ye not vnwise , but vnderstand what the will of the Lorde is , and bee not drunken with wine , wherein is excesse . It is not ( I say ) for kinges to drinke wine excessiuely , Prou. 31. nor princes stronge drinke ( for there is no secrete where drunkennes raigneth ) least they being drunken , forget the lawe , and peruerte the iudgement of all poore mens children . Who hath woe ? Prou. 23. who hath sorrowe ? who hath strife ? who hath brawling ? and who hath woundes without cause ? or who hath red eyes ? euen they that bee euer at the wine and seeke excesse . Bee not thou a wine bibber , Eccle. 31. for that hath destroyed many a man . The fire proueth the hard yron : euen so doth wine proue the hartes of the proude .

All such therefore as peruert bee : and seekes to maintaine their estate : Without repentance straight shall see : the endles woe and dreadfull gate .

¶ The signification .

THe two foremost excesse , the king mainteinaunce , the Frier sufferance : and Backus the god of wyne : the Beare force : the seruing man riot : and the Popishe priest careles dyet .

Rom. 12. GLuttonie is the worke of darknes : let vs not therfore be geuen vnto it , but let vs set against it the prayer that is written in the 23. chapter of Ecclesiasticus . Eccle. 23. As Esau , Esau. , * * Heb. 12 Gen. 25. which for one messe of meate solde hys byrthright . For ye know how that afterward , when he would by enheritance haue receaued blessing , hee was put by , for hee found no place of repentaunce , though hee sought for it with teares . Thus by example it is manifest , that gluttony looseth the memory , and causeth many a man to promise that which after he repenteth . Gluttony is neuer satisfied : and when the belly is full , then doth the body craue rest . Gluttony loseth fyrst memory : secondly consumeth substaunce : and thirdly , Gods vengeance and wrath falleth vpon such disobedient liuers . Example of the children of Israell , who being not satisfied with the Lordes prouision , Exod. 16. grudged , and shortly after so much prouoked the wrath of God , that they were destroyed , the meate being in their mouthes . Thus therfore as the Lord is a reuenger of the gluttonous : euen so is he also of the superbious , and all other offendors : Luk. 16. as Diues was punished & had his reward , so also shall be all those that in time haue no regard .

As sluggishe sleepe the tyme doth spend : and loytering luskes no paine will take : So fire consumes them in the end : as filthy varmin the idle forsake .

¶ The signification .

HE which lyeth a sleepe in hys bed , signifieth sloth in hearing of the worde : the fire burning about him , signifieth Gods wrath , which consumeth hym through hys slothfull negligence : and he which lyeth dead , with the varmin creeping from hym , is filthy behauiour and idle life , whose end is also miserable .

THe omnipotent God , & plasmator of all creatures , neuer ceaseth , but still laboureth by hys holy spirite , in the hartes of the faythful , to draw & procure them to al vertuous studies & exercises , as most best seemeth hym , among all estates , as well the temporal as spiritual : not that he hath any neede of man , but that he seing man so subiect to all deformed vices and vanities , oft stirreth hym by hys holy spirite to repentaunce : For as hys Godhead is incomprehensible , so hys mercies are also innumerable . Therfore flie sinne , and geue not thy selfe to sloth and idlenes , least thou by long sleeping ouerpasse the houre , Percius in hys Satires . and so be shutte out . A man negligent , is as a land that is barren . Also Cato reproueth sluggishnes as a vice most deadly : Cato . Plus vigila semper nec somno deditus esto : Nam diuturna quies vicijs alimenta ministrat . Delight not in sloth , but from sleepe sone arise : for rest & idlenes is mother of all vice . Also , a man negligent and slothfull , is as a dead man , & alwayes apt to great mischiefes . There is also an inward sloth or sluggishnes , and that is when a man by desire of worldly goods & promotions , cleane forgetteth his creator , and remembreth more the goods of this world , then the life to come . S. Paul to Timothe sayth : ● . Tim. 4. Take hede vnto thy self , & vnto learning , & continue therin : For if thou shalt so do , thou shalt saue thy selfe , & them that heare thee . Miserable are the daies of the sluggishe and sleepie vagabondes as will not worke , nor once geue them selues to labour , whose dayes are dolefull , and endes most odious and hatefull .

The sleepie minde doth tyme forget : and youth to toyes do most desire : So tyme once paste is hard to fet : to late in age learning to require :

The signification .

HE which sitteth sleeping signifieth slothfulnes amongest teachers , whose desire being satisfied , careth not for the charge : the children idlenes , whose mindes without a carefull tutor , are bent to nothyng but ease and vanities .

OUr Sauiour Christ rebuked his Disciples , when he came and founde them a sleepe , & sayd vnto Peter : What ? Math. 26 coulde ye not watch with me one houre ? watch and pray , that ye fall not into temptation : the spirite is ready , but the flesh is weake . Also , the kingdome of heauen is lyke vnto a man which sowed good seede in his field . Math. 13 But while men slept , there came hys enemye , and sowed tares among the wheate , & went his way . Which signifieth the negligence that men haue in the thinges belonging to God , which is by the carefulnes of riches & pleasures of thys world . Quintilian sayth , Quintilian . that naturall sinne foreseeth sloth & idlenes . Ishbosheth was slaine by Rechab & Baanah in his sleepe . 2. King . 4. Sampson by sleeping lost the lockes of hys head , Iudg. 16. whereby his great strength was diminished , & so taken of the Philistians . Ouid declareth in his first boke , Ouidius Metham . of one Argus , who had an hundreth eyes , & alwaies when he slept , certain of his eyes were open & saw , so that at no time he might be found with all on slepe : But Mercury by his subtil musicke , brought Argus in so sound a sleepe , that he strake of hys head , & so deliuered Io , that before was transformed into a Cow . There be many that haue an hundred eies , for they see very cleere , & haue also quicke wittes , and perfect vnderstandinges : but neuertheles Mercury , that is to say , the world , oft bringeth them a sleepe : and then the Cow , that is to say , the flesh , is lost and perisheth . An idle hand maketh poore , Prou. 10. but a quicke labouring hand maketh rich . Time is the most precious thing that is . Theophrastes .

All such as will not labour in time : but spend their dayes in idlenes : Full soone are caught vp with the line : of sorrowe , paine , and wretchednes .

¶ The signification .

HE which standeth by hys tooles , signifieth the dissembling labourer , who mindeth to worke no longer then his commaunder standeth by , and when there is none to controle hym , then hee loytereth as before . Of such idle labourers there are to many .

AS smoke is vnto the eyes : euen so is a sluggishe person to them that send hym forth . A slothfull person shutteth hys handes into hys bosome as into a pot : Prou. 19. and will not take paine to put it to his mouth . A slothfull body will not go to plough for colde in the winter : Prou. 20. therfore shall he go a begging in the Sommer , and haue nothing . Delight not thou in sleepe , least thou come vnto pouertie : but open thine eyes that thou mayest haue bread . Thus gentle reader , mayest thou see the mischiefe and vnhappines that ensueth sloth . When Eneas came from the siege of Troy , hee ariued in Carthage , there for a tyme to solace hym selfe : and as he walked , the Quene of Carthage , whose name was Dido , espying the comely personage of Eneas , was therwith inflamed . And when they had talked togethers , and sociated them a certaine space , the sayd Eneas departed into Italy , and there was long tyme absent from the presence of Dido , who waxed displeasant at his sloth and forgetfulnes , saying , that the cause of hys absence without spedie returne , would be cause of her death . Eneas not regarding the letter that Dido sent , but being loth to iourney , remayned still in Italy . In the meane tyme , Dido slue her self : and when Eneas knew of her death , then he lamented that he had not come before her death . Some writers say that Dido builded Carthage , and Eneas was dead iij. C. yeares before the buildyng of Carthage : therfore it was not that Eneas , but some other . S. Augustine writeth of the same , Confessionum in fine .

Great griefe it is the learned to see : in slothfull rest to spend their dayes : Such may be likened to dronebees : that sucke the sweete and go their wayes .

¶ The signification .

HE which rydeth on the Asse signifieth sloth , as well among the chiefest as among the lowest : the Fryers weede and Beades signifieth hypocrisie and lothsomnes of the truth .

SLoth among the spiritual , is much to be reproued , & spoken of in all such as do not thankfully apply the giftes that God geueth them , to their brothers profite . From such God wil take hys giftes , & will make them voyde of al ghostly understanding . The kingdome of heauen is lyke vnto x. virgins , Math. 25 which tooke their lampes , and went to meete the bridegrome . Fiue of them were folishe , and v. were wise . The folishe tooke their lampes , but tooke no oyle with them . But the wyse tooke oyle with them in their vessells , with their lampes also . While the bridegrome taried , they all slumbred and slept . And euen at midnight , there was a cry made : beholde the bridegrome commeth , goe out to meete hym . Then all those virgins arose , and prepared their lampes . And the folish sayd vnto the wise : geue vs of your oyle , for our lampes goe out . But the wise aunswered , saying , not so , least there bee not inough for vs and you : but goe ye rather to them that sell , and bye for your selues . And while they went to bye , the bridegrome came : and they that were readye , went in with hym to the wedding , and the gate was shut vp . Afterwardes came also the other virgins , saying : Lord , Lord , open to vs . But he answered & sayd : verely I say vnto you , I know you not . Watch therefore : for ye know neither the day , nor the houre , when the sonne of man shall come . The lampes signifie such dead fayth as S. Iames declareth to bee in deuills and rotten trees which bring forth no fruite . Watch. We ought alwayes so to liue , euen as though we should depart presently .

Enuie seeketh where to finde : to hurt hys neighbour if he can : And neuer ceaseth but to purloyne : which hath bene the vndoing of many man .

¶ The signification .

THese two men signifieth , the one a true labourer , the other an enuious deceauer : he which soweth the ground is diligence of mind in sowing the seedes of veritie : but he which standes pouring the corne into the water , signifieth a deceatfull person , seeking by all meanes to waste and spoyle the seedes of veritie : the byrdes signifie the faythfull followers of the veritie .

ENuie ought to be put out from all men : for by enuie many men conspire their owne death , and come to vtter destruction . Example of Caine that slue hys brother Abell , Gen. 4. and therefore the Lorde sayd to Caine : Now art thou cursed from the earth . &c. By enuie Ioseph was solde of hys brethren into Egypt . Gen. 38. Thorowe enuie Saule would haue slaine Dauid with a Iauelinne , 1. Reg. 18 but Dauid escaped and fled from hym . Who made Daniell to bee cruelly entreated , Dan. 6. but onely enuie ? For when Darius had ordayned a C. & xx . Lordes which should be in all his kingdome , amongest whom was Daniell , which exceeded all the reast of the Lordes , for the spirite of God was with hym : so that the kyng was minded to set hym ouer the whole realme . Wherfore the princes & Lordes sought to picke out in Daniell some quarrell , yet could they finde none occasion nor fault vpon hym . Then they seing that they could not preuaile , they imagined a sure statute , namely : that who soeuer desired any petition , either of any God or man within xxx . daies , except it were to the king , the same person to be cast in the Lions denne . So Darius made the writing , and confyrmed it : whereby ensued , that those which sought the death of Daniell , whom God had deliuered from the denne of the Lions , the same were of the Lions destroyed .

Where Gods word preached is in place : vnto the people willingly : Woe be to them that would deface : for if such cease , the stones will crie .

¶ The signification .

HE which preacheth in the pulpit , signifieth godly zeale , & a furtherer of the gospel : and the two which are plucking him out of his place , are the enemies of Gods word , threatning by fire to consume the professors of the same : and that company which sitteth still , are Nullifidians , such as are of no religion , not regarding any doctrine , so they may bee quiet to liue after their owne willes and mindes .

WHo caused our Sauiour Christ to be condemned to death , Luke . 22. but enuie of the Iewes ? Also , because the counsell of Ahitofell was refused , 2. Reg. 17. hee presently sadled hys Asse and rode home , and so hanged himselfe . Act. 7. The Iewes also thorow enuie stoned to death the Martyr S. Steuen . So likewise Senacherib , 2. Esd. 4. or Sanabalat , when he heard say that the walles of Ierusalem were redified , he was wroth and tooke great indignation , and mocked the Iewes . Wherby it appeareth that enuie is a right greuous malady , and contrary to nature : for nature desireth good , and euery creature naturally taketh pleasure in good thinges : But enuie tormenteth him selfe when he seeth any good thyng happen vnto an other , and the most harme falleth vpon hym selfe . It holdeth the hart and the minde in great melancholy , and maketh the cullour to waxe pale : It drieth the body , and maketh all such as vse it , oft to sigh , and to speake alwayes euill of other , and can not say well . Enuie seeketh alway to destroy the wealth and welfare of hys neighbour . Enuie maketh a man to be like a feend of hell , which may not suffer the creature in no wyse to do well . God graunt for hys mercy , to shorten the dayes of such enuious mindes as seeketh to displace the veritie . Amor.

While enuie seeketh to destroy : and will not cease to leaue hys will : Then mischiefe most doth him annoy : and so of death he hath his fill .

¶ The signification .

HE which striketh , with death behind him , signifieth enuiousnes against the quiet state of the faithfull , and in hoping by enuie to destroy , death is hys reward : the other by constant faith in Christ is preserued , by the sword which is the word of God , and so ouercommeth enuie : the Angell behind hym , is Gods prouident loue , which neuer faileth all those that trust in hym .

THe vngodly is caste downe for his iniquitie : Prou. 14. but the righteous hath a good hope , euen in death . A pacient man is better then one strong : Prou. 16. & he that can rule him selfe , is more worth then he that winneth a citie . Thorow enuie Acis was slaine by the monster Poliphemus , Ouid. lib. 13. because he would haue rauished Galathe the wife of Acis . Also , the two sonnes of king Phillip of Macedon , Percius & Demetrius , thorow enuie sought eche others death , and were both slaine . Also , Nessus deceaued Hercules of Dianira , at a riuer , and being on the other side , Ouid. would haue violated her , wherby Hercules shotte an arrowe through his body . Nessus perceauing him selfe to haue his deathes wound , gaue a venomed shirte to Dianira , saying : that to whom soeuer she gaue that shirte , his loue should neuer depart from her : so that by the sayd shirte , Hercules was destroyed . Thus enuie hath vndone many a man and woman , & brought them to vtter destruction . O wretched enuie , and daughter to pride , which neuer seeth the end of thy miseries : thou desirest to see the people in misery , and then thou reioycest , and art glad when that thy neighbour decayeth : by thee , neither from thee , may come any profite , neither in this world nor in the world to come .

To Serpent like I may compare : those greedie wolues that lambes deuoure : Awayting still to catch in snare : all such as gette they may by power .

¶ The signification .

THe Dragon signifieth the enemie to all that professe the worde of God : the Cardinall persecution , or a persecutor of the same : the Fryer murther : the sheepe which are a killing , signifieth the professours of Christ , from the beginning of the worlde to these present dayes .

ENuie is blinde , & can doe nothing but dispraise vertue : Liuius . it is a scabbe of thys world , to haue enuy at vertue . O the miserable conditions of people that are to bee gouerned , Tullius . among whom , diligence is hated , negligence is reproued , where sharpnes is perillous , liberalitie thankeles , communication deceatfull , pernitious flattery , euery mans countenan e familiar , many mens mindes offended , waite to hurt priuily , faire wordes openly , when officers be comming , they tary for them , while they be present , they do await on them , being out of authoritie , al do forsake them . All other sinnes are not so pestiferous as enuy : for the lecherous by his sinne getteth somtime a frend or louer : but it may be accompted a miserable & deadly kind of frendship . Tullius . The couetous by his vsury getteth goods & possessions . The negligent by his sloth , oftentimes hath peace , because he medleth with nothing . The proud of such as he is him self , is often praysed . If he be rich , of the poore for feare : or if he hath ought , for that which he hath . The irious or wrathfull man is often feared . The glutton by filling hys panch , of sweete and delicate meates . Thus among all sinnes , enuie is most pernitious , and to be accompted most miserable .

When daintie dames hath whole delight : with proude attyre them selues to ray : Pirasmos shineth in the sight : of glittering glasse such fooles to fray .

¶ The signification .

THe woman signifieth pride : the glasse in her hand flattery or deceate : the deuill behinde her temptation : the death head which she setteth her foote on , signifieth forgetfulnes of the life to come , wherby commeth destruction .

TAke heede that thou fall not into pride , least thou perishe with such as before haue offended . Cleobolius . Lindius . Example of Lucifer , which for his pride was cast down into the infernal hell . Also , Adam by transgression fell thorow the subtill intisinges of the Serpent . Gene. 3. Gene. 16. Agar the seruant of Sara , thorow pride disdained her mistres , because of a childe that she had by Abraham , therefore she was driuen to flie into the wildernes , by the way that lyeth to Sur. Also , Membroth or Nimrod , thorow pride caused the Tower of Babell to bee builded . Gen. 10.11 . And the Lorde sayd : Beholde the people is one , and they haue all one language : Come , let vs goe downe , and confound their language , that euery one vnderstand not hys neighbours speach . And so the Lorde scattered them from that place , into the vpper face of all the earth . It is therfore to be vnderstanded , the pride surmounting folly & all sinne , is shame & seruitud● . Pharao king of Egypt , Exod. 14. Psal. 106 through hys obstinate pride , was drowned in the red sea , & all his hoste , so that there remained not one of them . Haman for his pride , was hanged on the gallowes that he had ordayned for Mardocheus . Hestor . 7. Abimilech , because a woman smote him on the head with a peece of a milstone , Iudg. 9. & therwith brake his braine panne , as he approched the Tower of Thebez , he therefore caused his harnesse bearer , to runne him through the body , for that it should not be sayd , that a woman had slaine him . Also , Nabuchadonozor was transformed into a dumbe beast , Dan. 4. for the space of vij . yeares , because he so proudly exalted him selfe , saying : Thys is the great Citie of Babylon , which J my selfe , with my power and strength , haue made .

The rich to prayse in some respecte : as from all vice will soone refraine : But such as Pauper doe detecte : those gestes with Diues must take paine .

¶ The signification .

THe rich man signifieth a proude man couetous , such a one as careth for no poore man , but for such as hym lyketh ( to many such are not good in a common wealth ) : the poore man signifieth the pouertie generall , whose petitions of such are not heard , nor once relieued .

ANtiochus also for hys pride , 2. Mac. 9 was greatly punished of God , & smitten with such a disease , of that which he might not be healed . ● . Mac. 8 Nicanor thorowe pride , was discomfited & ouercome of the Iewes . Phaeton because he toke vpon him to gouerne the chariot of his father Ph●bus , he therfore had a great fall . Dedalus was also drowned , Ouidius Metham . because he tooke vppon him to flie so hie in the ayre , that the force of the sunne beames melted hys magicall winges , in refusing his father Icarus counsell . Dauid the kyng after that hee had numbred the people , his hart smote hym , saying : I haue sinned exceedingly in that which I haue done . ● . Reg. 24 Iezabell proudly sought the death of the Prophets : and therfore the Lorde sent Iehu to Iezraell . And when Iehu was come to Iezraell , ● . Reg. 9. Iezabell heard of it , and starched her face , and tyred her head , and looked out at a window . And as Iehu entred at the gate , she sayd : had Zimri peace which slue hys maister ? And he lift vp his eyes to the window , and sayd : Who is of my side , who ? And there looked out to him two or three chamberlaines . And he sayd , throwe her downe : so they threw her downe , and her bloud dashed toward the wall , and toward the horses , and he troade her vnder foote . And so she was deuoured of dogges . Why boastest thou thy selfe , thou tyraunt , Psal. 52. that thou canst do mischiefe ? where as the goodnes of God endureth yet dayly .

put me now in remembraunce , for we wil reason together , & shewe what thou hast for thee , to make thee

¶ The signification .

THe woman signifieth Gods loue : The hart continuance of the same : Hell vnder her signifieth death and destruction : vnto the careles liuers of this world : the lambe signifieth the quiet conscience of the faithfull : And death vnder him signieth the chaunge of life , vnto all the good to immortalitie , the bad to destruction .

righteous , thy first father offended sore , and thy rulers haue sinned against me . Genneces . Psal. 24. The earth is the Lords , and all that therein is : the compasse of the worlde , and they that dwell therein , who shall assend into the hill of the Lord , or who shall rise vp in his holy place . Euen he that hath cleane hands and a pure hart , and that hath not lifte vppe his minde vnto vanitie , nor sworne to deceiue his neighbour . What man liuing can say that he is cleane and hath not offended , now therefore consider what wonderfull loue our creator hath to man , Ierem. 33. when he by his holy spirite calleth vs to repentaunce , to the ende that all shoulde come to hys eternall and heauenly kingdome . From all misdedes wherin they haue offended against me , I saith the lord , wil clense them , and all their blaspeemies which they haue done against me , when they regarded me not , I will forgeue them , and this shall gette me a name , and prayse , and honour , among all the people of the earth , which shall here of the good that I will shewe vnto them , yea they shal be afrayed and astonned at all the good deedes , and benefites that I will do for them . God so loued the world , that he gaue hys only begotten sonne , Iohn . 3. that whosoeuer beleueth in him shoulde not perishe , but haue euerlasting life , for God sent not his sonne into the worlde , to condemne the worlde , but that the worlde through him myghte be saued , he that beleueth on him is not condemned , but he that beleueth not , is condemned already , because he hath not beleued on the name of the onely begotten sonne of God , and this is the condemnation , that light is come into the word , and men loue darckenes more then light , because thei● deedes were euil , fo● euery one that doth euill , hateth the light , neither commeth to the light , least his deedes shoulde be reproued , but he that doth truth , commeth to the light , that his deedes may be knowne , how ● they are wrought in God . Ephe. 5. Be ye therefore followers of God as deare children , and walke ye in loue , euen as Christ loued vs , and gaue himselfe for vs an offringe and a sacrifice of a sweete sauour to God as for fornication , and all vncleanes let it not be once named amonge you , nor coueteousnes , as it becommeth saintes , or filthines or foolishe talking , or iesting , which are not comely : but rather geuing of thanks , for this ye know that no whoremonger , either vncleane person , or couetous person , which is a worshipper of Images , hath any inheritaunce in the kingdome of Christ , and of God , let no man therefore deceiue you with vayne wordes , for because of such thinges commeth the wrath of God , vpon the children of disobedience , be not ye therefore companions of them , ye were sometyme in darcknes , but now are ye light in the Lorde , for vngodly communication strengthneth the body against the spirit , and withdraweth the minde from al good exercise and labour , and thereby deserueth the iust wrath of God , and such as are worshippers of Images & fornicatours , such like hath no part wyth Christ in his kingdome , to whome be all glory for euer . Be not wise in thine owne consent : but feare the Lord , and depart from euill , Prou. 3. so shall thine nauell be hole , and thy bones strong , honour the lord with thy substaunce , & with the firstlings of al thine increase , geue vnto the poore , so shal thy ●arnes be filled with plenteousnes , Tobia● . and thy presse shall flowe ouer with sweete wine . My sonne depise not the chastening of the lord , neither faint when thou art rebuked of him , for whom the Lord loueth , him he chasteneth , and yet delighteth in him , Heb. 12. euer as the father in his owne sonne , if ye endure chasteninge , God offereth himselfe vnto you as vnto sonnes , what sonne is he whome the father chasteneth not . Reioyce ye heauens , and singe prayses thou earth , talke of ioy ye hilles , for God hath comforted his people , and will haue mercy vpon his that be in trouble , but Sion saide : God hath forsaken me , Esay . 49. and my Lord hath forgotten me . Will a mother forgette the childe of her wombe , and not pitie the sonne whome she hath borne ? And though she do forgett , yet will I not forgette thee : sayth the Lor●e . These are the wordes that the Lorde sheweth vnto Ieremy saying : Ierem. 30. Thus saith the Lord God of Israel , write vp diligently all the wordes that I haue spoken vnto thee in a booke , for loe the time commeth sayth the Lord , that I will bringe agayne the prisoners of my people Israell and Iuda ( sayth the Lord ( for I will restore them vnto the lande , that I gaue to their fathers , and they shal haue it in possession . By this may it euidently appeare , that God is alwayes myndefull of hys people , Christ in Math. 22. and will not forget them , although for a time he suffer them , yet at the length he will visite and helpe them . For when the Phariseyes had heard that he had put the Saduces to silence , they came together , and one of them which was a Doctour of the law , asked him a question , and tempting him & saying : Maister which is greatest commaundement in the law : Iesus saide vnto him . Thou shalt loue thy Lorde thy God , with all harte , and with all thy soule , and wyth all thy minde , Exod. ●0 . this is the firste and greatest commaundement : And the second is like to it . Thou shalt loue thy neighbour as thy selfe , in these two commaundementes hange al the law and Prophetes . In this commaundement the which our Sauiour Christ spake to a Doctour of the se●t of the Phariseyes and Saduces , in willinge them firste to loue God , and next his neighbour or neighboures , is plainely to be vnderstanded , the loue of our Sauiour Christ towards man , in declaring that he which loued God faithfully , and also his neighbour , should receiue for his reward the euerlasting ioyes and felici●ie , th●t soro● is ●endent & plaine , that for the great lou● our ●auiour Christ hath towar●●s man , dyd not onely teach all those the which were mindefull of his euangelicall doctrine , but also shedde his most precious bloud to 〈◊〉 come man from the bondage of sinne vnto the life of righteousnes , and so 〈◊〉 commite with God the father , to whome be all h●ue i● and glory worlde without ende .

¶ Our loue toward God .

LEt vs loue God , for he hath loued vs first , and redemed vs from all euill , if we diligently follow his preceptes and commaundementes , Iohn . ● . he was before all things he created all thinges , by his only power and might , and none but he , without him was made nothing that was made . In him is life light and verity : a God without beginning and without ending , he came among his owne , and his owne receiued hym not , but as many as receyued hym , to them gaue he power to be the sonnes of God . Prou. 8. Therefore harken vnto me , O ye children , blessed are they that keepe my wayes , O geue eare vnto nurture , be wyse and refuse it not , blessed is the man that heareth me , waiting dayly at my gate , and geuing attendaunce at at the postes of my doores , for who so findeth me , findeth life , and shall obtaine fauour of the Lorde , but who so offendeth against me saith God , hurteth his owne soule , all they that hate me , is the workers of death , and deadly louers . Harken also & be stedfast in beliefe , and seeke for none other helper and mediato●r , but onely Iesus Christs , which is the mediatour for all mankinde , to God his father , and he it is the which is the preseruer & none but he . In the fourth of Saint Iohn , Iohn . 4. it is euidently shewed , in the ●●uing communication , the which our Sauiour Christ had with the woman of Samari● , by the well side , declaring plainly that he himelfe was the sonne of God , and sauiour of the worlde , who so therefore thatseeketh to any other mediatour , redemer , or preseruer then the onely god and Christ , is vtterly deceiued , and except speedy returne , voyde from all ioye & felicitie , I am the Lord God , which brought thee out of the land of Egipt , Exod. 20. Os● . 13. that thou shouldest not knowe no God but me onely , and that thou shouldest haue no sauiour but only me . I haue loued you sayth the lord , and yet ye say , where in hast thou loued vs : was not Esau Iacobs brother saith the lorde , yet haue I loued Iacob , and hated Esau. Malach. 1. Rom. 9. Thou wilt saye vnto me , why then blameth he vs yet , for who hath benne able to resiste his will . But O ●an , what art thou , which disputeth with God , shall the worke say to the workeman why hast thou made me on this fashion : hath not the potter power ouer the claye , euen of the same lumpe to make one vessel vnto honour , and an other to dishonour . Euen so God wil●inge to shewe his wrath , and to make his power knowne , suffreth with long patience , the vessels of wrath , ordayned to damnation , and to declare the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy , which he hath prepared vnto glorye . They that feare the Lord wil not mistrust his word , Eccl. 2. and they that loue him , will ●eepe his commaundementes : they that feare the Lord , will seeke out the thinges that are pleasaunt vnto him , and they that loue him , shall fulfill his lawe . They that feare the Lord will prepare their hartes , & humble their soules in his sight , they that feare the Lord , keepe his commaundements , and wil be pacient til they se himselfe , saying , better it is for vs , to falle into the hands of the Lorde , then into the handes of men , for his mercy is as great as himselfe . Malach. 1. Shoulde not a sonne honour his father , & a seruitant his maister , if I be now a father , wher is now mine honor , if I be the Lord where then am I feared , saith the Lord of hostes . Now to you priestes that depise my name , and if ye say , where in haue we despised thy name . In thys , that ye offer vncleane bread , vppon mine alter And when thy son asketh thee intime to come , saying : what meaneth these witnesses , ordinaunces , and lawes , which the Lord our God hath commaunded you : them thou shalt saye vnto thy sonne ▪ we were Pharaos bondmen in Egipt ; Deut. 6. and the Lord brought vs out of Egipt , wyth a mighty hand , and the Lord shewed signes & wonners , great and euill vppon Egipt , vnto Pharao and all his housholde , before our eyes , and brought vs out from thence , to bring vs in , and to geue vs the land , which he sware vnto our forefathers . Psal. 98. Maruailous thinges did he in the sight of our forefathers in the land of Egipt , euen in the fielde of Zoan , he deuided the sea and let them goe through , he made the waters to stand on an heape , he rayned downe Manna also vppon them for to eate , and gaue them foode from heauen . But for all this they sinned more and more , and beleued not his wondrous workes , therefore did he consume their dayes in vanity : & their yeares in trouble , but he remembred his mercy towardes vs , that he forgaue their misdeedes , and destroyed not them vtterlly . Yet for all that they greeued him with their hil alters , and prouoked him to displeasure with their Images . When God heard this , he was wrouth , and tooke sore displeasure at Israel . While the phariseyes were gathered together , Iesus asked them saying : What thinke ye of Christ ? Math. 22. whose son is he ? They said vnto him , the son of Dauid : He saide vnto them : How then doth Dauid in spirite , call him Lord , saying , the Lord sayde to my Lord , sitte on my right hand , till I make thyne ennemies thy foote stoole . If Dauid call him Lord , how is he then his sonne , and none coulde aunswere him agayne one worde , neither durste any from that day forth aske him any moe questions , notwythstanding , that Christ , in that he was man , was the sonne of Dauid , Note . that is desended of the stocke of Dauid , yet Dauid seing in spirit that he was God , called him Lord , but the Phariseyes who were all flesly , coulde not perseiue so much of the spirit . Luke . 1● . Beholde a certaine lawyer stoode vp & tempted him saying , maister what shal I do to enherit eternall life : He sayde vnto him , what is written in the law , how readest thou . And he answered & said : loue thy lord thy God with al thy hart , and with all thy soule , and with all thy strength , and with all thy mynde , & thy neighbour as thy selfe : And he sayde vnto him , thou hast aunswered right , this do and thou shalt liue , he willing to iustifie himselfe , saide vnto Iesus . Who is then my neighbour : Iesus answered and sayde . A certayne man desended from Ierusalem to Ierico , and fell into the hands of theues , which robbed him by the way , and wounded him , and left him halfe deade , and by chaunce there came a certaine priest that same way , which saw him and passed by , and likewise a Leuit , which also loked vppon him , and passed by . Then a certayne Samaritan , as he iornied by , came nigh vnto him , & when he saw him he had compassion on him , and went to and bound vp his wounds , and set him on his own beast and brought him to a common Inne , and made prouision for him , and on the morrow when he departed , he tooke out two pence , and gaue to the host , and said vnto him , take cure of him , and whatsoeuer thou spendest more , when I come agayne I will recompence thee . Which now of these three thinkest thou , was neighbour vnto him that was wounded , and he said he that shewed mercy on him . The Lawyer perceiued not that it was himselfe the which was wounded with extreame woundes of fained hope , Note . ignoraunce , and sinne , and the same whiche profered to heale those woundes , was the Samaritan Christ , which profered not health vnto him onely , but also vnto all such as had confidence and trust in him . But he iustifiyng himselfe , therein condemned himselfe , because there is none righteous but Christ alone . Deut. 10. And now Israell what doth thy Lord thy God require of thee , but to feare the Lord thy God , and to walke in all his wayes , to loue him , and to serue thy Lord thy God , with all thy hart and with all thy soule . Namely that thou keepe the commaundementes of the Lord and his ordinaunces which I commaunde thee this day , for thy wealth . God geueth to man that which is good before him , Eccl. 2. wisdome , vnderstanding , and gladnes , but vnto the sinner werines , Deut. 6. Math. 22. Iosu. 22. and superfluous care , that he may gather and heape together , the thing that afterward shal be geuen vnto him , whome it pleaseth God , thys is now a vaine thing : yea a very disquietnes and vexation of minde . Marke also the wordes of our Sauiour Christ to Philip. Philip saith vnto him , shew vs the father and it suffiseth vs : Iohn . 14. Iesus sayde vnto hym , haue I bene so long time with you , & yet hast thou not knowen me , Philip. He that hath seene me hath ●eene the father , and how sayest thou then shewe vs the father , beleuest thou not that I am in the father , and the father in me . At the least beleue me , for the very workes sake . If ye loue me , keepe my commaundementes , and I will praye the father , and he shall geue you another comforter , that he may abide wyth you euer , which is the spirit of truth , whom the worlde cannot receiue , because the world seeth him not , neyther knoweth him , but ye know him , but he dwelleth with you and shal be in you . I will not leaue you confortles , but will come vnto you . Eccle. 14. All transitory things shall faile at the last , and the workers thereof shal go withall . Euery chosen worke shal be iustified , and he that medleth withall , shall haue honour therein : blessed is the man that keepeth himselfe in wisdome , and exerciseth himself in vnderstanding , and with discretion , shall he thinke vpon the foreknowledge of God , which considereth the wayes of wisdome in his hart , hath vnderstanding in his secretes , goeth after her , as one that seeketh her out & continueth in her wayes , he looketh in at her windowes , and harkeneth at her doores , he taketh his rest besides her house , and fasteneth her stake into her walles , he shall pitch his tente nigh vnto her hand , and in his tent shall good things rest for euermore , he shall set his children vnder her couering , and shal dwell vnder her braunches , vnder her couering shall he be defended from the heat , and in her glory shall he rest . For I suppose that the afflictions of this life , are not worthy of the glory which shal be shewed vpon vs . Rom. 8. Also the feruent desire of the creatures abideth looking when the sonnes of God shall appeare , because the creatures are subdued to vanitie against their will : but for his will which subdued them in hope , for the very creatures shal be deliuered from the bondage of corruption , into the glorious liberty of the sonnes of God .

¶ How we ought to loue our neighboures .

EUery beast loueth his like , euen so let euery man loue his neighbour , all fleshe will resort to their like . And euery man wyll keepe company with such as he is himsele . But as the Wolfe agreeth with the lambe , Eccl. 3. so doth the vngodly with the righteous . What fellowship should an holy man haue with a dogge , how can the rich and the poore agree together . The wild asse , is the Lions pray in the wildernes , euen so are poore men the meate of the rich . Like as the proud may not away with lowlines , euen so doth the rich abhorre the poore . If a rich man fall , his frendes set him vp agayne : But when the poore falleth , his aquaintance forsake him . If a rich man fall into error he hath many helpers , he speaketh proude wordes , and yet men iustifie him : But if a poore man goe wronge , he is punished , yea though he speake wisely , yet can it haue no place . When the rich man speaketh , euery man holdeth his tonge , and loke what he saith , they prayse it , vnto the clouds . But if the poore man speake , they say what fellow is this , and he do amisse , they shal destroy him for what felowship hath righteousnes with vnrighteousnes , what company hath light with darckenes , what concorde hath Christ with beliall , eyther what part hath he that beleueth with an infidell , and how agreeth the temple of God with Images . Beware of vnrighteous thinges , 2. Cor. 6. Eccle. 17. he gaue euery man also a commaundement concerning his neighbour , their wayes are euer before him , & are not hid from his eyes . The mercy that a man sheweth , is as it wer a purse wyth him , and the grace that is geuen to a man , preserueth him as the aple of an eye . Thess. 1.4 . But as touching brotherly loue , ye neede not that I write vnto you , for ye are taught of god to loue one an other , who so discouereth secretes leseth his credence , Eccle. 27. and findeth no frende after his mynde , loue thy frende , and bynde thy selfe in faithfulnes with him , but if thou bewraiest his secretes thou shalt not get him againe , for like as the man is that destroyeth his enemy , so is he also that dealeth foolishly in the frendshippe of his neighbour . Like as one that letteth a birde goe out of his hands , cannot take her againe : Rom. 13. also he that loueth his neighbour hath fulfilled the law . I say walke in the spirit , Gala. ● . and fulfil not the lustes of the flesh , for the flesh lusteth contrary to the spirit , and the spirit contrary to the flesh these are contrary one to the other , so that ye cannot do that which you would , but and if ye be ledde of the spirit , then are ye not vnder the lawe . The deedes of the flesh are manifest , which are these , fornication , vncleannes , wantonnes , idolatry , witchcraft , hatred , varience , zeale , wrath , strife , sedition , sectes , enuiyng , murther , dronkennes , glotony , & such like , of the which , I tell you before as I haue tolde you in time past , that they which such things commite shal not inherit the kingdome of God . But the fruit of the spirit is loue , ioy , peace , long suffring , gentlenes , goodnes , faithfulnes , mekenes , temperance , against such there is no law , they that are Christes haue crucified the flesh with the appetites and lustes . He that loueth his father and mother , Math. 10. sonne or daughter more then Christ , is not worthy of him . He that findeth his life shall lose it , and he that loseth his life for my sake , Seneca . Tullius . shall finde it . Men can better suffer to be denied , then to be deceiued : Where wrong is committed by two manner of wayes , either by force , or by fraud , fraud belongeth to a foxe , force to a Lion , both the one and the other is to the nature of man , wonderfull contrary , for that I thinke very necessary some history to be spoken of concerning brotherly loue , the which ought to be , and also the misery the which eftsons happeneth to malicious myndes , and seekers of others harmes . Horasius . libr● . primo . I finde that in the dayes of Darius the sonne of Ahasuerues king of Caldey , there rayned also one Phalaris a tyraunt ouer Scicilia , Sicilia is a prouince of Spaine and now vnder the gouernment of the Emperour . the which vsed to punish euill offenders very cruelly , and it fortuned that on a tyme there came vnto him one Palarius , a craftes man of brasse , or as it may be more plainlier spoken a brasier , such a workman as was very politike in his occupacion . The sayde Palarius desiring to please Phalaris not onely to get vnto himselfe some great praise , but also hoping to haue had some large reward , made a Bull of brasse , Policro●ison . being hollow wyth a doore to open in the one side , whereas all those men that were condempned shoulde go in to be tormented , and when they were within , the doore to be closed , & fier to be made vnder the Bull , so that the crye , the which the offenders made , sounded through the sayde Bull in such hidious sort , as if there had bene a great number of Bulles , because of certaine ingens that were within

enclosed . When Phalaris saw the crueltie of the crafts man against those men condemned , among the which there were some of his natiue countrey , as also strangers , forthwith he caused Palarius to be tormented in that sort the which he had ordayned for others , it is therfore necessary that among Christians there should be christian gouernment , the one to loue the other , & not the one to hate the other . For by such meanes , the worst end of the staffe happeneth to the beginner . Yf thy neighbour be an offender , and such a one as will not be reformed , then let the lawes prouided serue for his punishment , but be thou no imaginer of euill , also let not there be too whot loue the one with the other , least there happen as sodaine a colde , but liue and loue by measure . Trogus . li. pri. I reade of one Candalus king of Lidus , the which loued his wife so much because of her beutie and fayrenes , that on a time he shewed her vnto one Gigy the which to fore had bene his companion and fellow all naked , to the end that he should thereby praise her beutie and fairenes , reporting her to be one of the personablest women that then were liuing in so much that shortly after his fellow Gigy committed adultery with the wife of Candalus , and so the sayde Candalus thereby lost both his wife and kingdome . In this Candalus time , was liuing the prophet Daniell . Tobi. 4. Let vs loue therefore effecteously supporting one an other , and looke that thou neuer do vnto an other man , the thing that thou wouldest not an other man should do vnto thee , eate thy bread with the hungry and poore , and couer the naked with thy clothes , set thy bread and wine vpon the buriall of the righteous , and do not thou eate and drinke thereof wyth the sinners , aske euer counsayle of the wise , be alwayes thankfull vnto God , and beseech him that he will order thy wayes , and that whatsoeuer thou deuisest or tahest in hand , it may remayne in him . Haue we not all one father , Malach. 2. Rom. 13. hath not one God made vs : why doth euery one of vs then despise his owne brother , and so breake the couenaunt of our fathers . Thou shalte not beare false witnes against thy neighbour . Exod. 20. We which are strong , ought to beare the frailenes of them which are weake , and not to stand in our owne conceite , Rom. 1● . but euery man please his neighbour vnto his wealth , and edifiyng , for Christ pleased not himselfe , but as it is written , the rebukes of them which rebuke thee , fell on me . Brethren if any man be fallen by chaunce into any fault , ye which are spiritual helpe to amend him , in the spirit of meekenes , considering thy selfe , leaste , thou also be tempted . Beare ye one an others burthen and so fulfill the law of Christ . Eple . ● . I therefore which am in bandes for the Lordes sake , exhorte you , that ye walke worthy of the vocacion wherewith ye are called , in all humblenes of mynde , and meekenes , and long suffring , forbearing one an other through loue , and that ye be diligent to keepe the vnitie of the spirit in the bonds of peace , being one body and one spirit , euen as ye are called , in one hope of your calling , let there be but one Lord , one Faith , one Baptisme , one God and father of all , which is aboue all , through al , and in you all . Phil. ● . If there be among you any consolation in Christ , if there be any comfortable loue , if there be any felowship in spirit , if there be any compassion or mercy , fulfil my ioy that ye draw one way , hauing one loue , being of one accord , and of one mynde , that nothing be done through strife or vayne glory , but that in meekenes of mynde , euery man esteme other , better then himselfe , and that no man consider hys owne , but what is meete for others . Math. 7. Aske and it shal be geuen you , seeke & you shall finde , knocke & it shal be opened vnto you , for whosoeuer axeth receiueth , and he that seketh findeth , and to him that knocketh , it shal be opened . Be ye therefore discrete and sober , that ye may be apte to prayers , Peter 4. but aboue all thinges haue feruent loue amonge you , for loue couereth the multitude of sinnes , be ye harborus one towardes an other , and that without grudging , as euery man hath receiued the gift , minister the same one towardes an other , as good ministers of the manifolde grace of God , whosoeuer doth not righteousnes , is not of God neither he that loueth not his brother . Iohn . 13. A newe commaundement geue I vnto you , that ye loue together as I haue loued you , that euen so ye loue one an other , by this shall all men know , that ye are my desciples . This is my commaundement , that ye loue together , as I haue loued you , Iohn . 15. greater loue then this hath no man , then that a man bestow his life for his frendes . Thou shalt not fauour the pore nor honour the mighty , Leuit. 19. but in righteousnes shalt thou iudge thy neighbour . Thou shalt not go vp and downe as a priuy accuser among the people , neither shalt thou stand against the bloude of thy neighbour . I am the Lorde , thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine hart , but shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour , that thou beare not sinne for his sake , thou shalt not auenge thy selfe , nor be mindefull of wrong , against the children of my people , but shalt loue thy neighbour as thy selfe . I am the Lord , Rom. 13. Amos. 5. ye shall keepe my commaundementes . Let loue be without dissimulation , hate that which is euill , and cleaue vnto that which is good . Be kinde one to an other wyth brotherly loue . We shoulde not loue one an other , 1. Peter . 4. as Cayne , which was of the wicked and slew his brother , and wherefore slew he him , because his owne workes were euil , and his brothers good . He that loueth not his brother abideth in death , Iohn . 3. who so euer hateth his brother is a man slayer , and ye know that no man slayer , hath eternal life abiding in him .

¶ Our loue towardes our enemies .

WE ought to loue our enemies , ye haue heard how it is sayd , thou shalt loue thine neighbour and hate thine enemy . Math. 5. But I saye vnto you loue your enemies , blesse them which curse you , do good to them that hate you , pray for them which do you wrong and persecute you , that ye may be the children of your father that is in heauen , for he maketh his sunne to arise on the euill , and on the good , sendeth his raine on the iust and vniust , for if ye loue them which loue you , what reward shal ye haue , do not the publicans likewise , and if ye be frendly to your brethren only what singular thinges do ye , do not the Publicans also , ye shal be therefore perfect , euen as your father which is in heauen is perfect . Prou. 2● . Let not the wrath and gelosye moue thee to follow the wicked and vngodly , why ? the wicked shall haue no posteritie , and the candle of the vngodly shal be put out . My sonne feare the Lord and the kyng , and keepe no company with them that slide backe from his feare , for their destruction shall come sodainly , and who knoweth the aduersity that may come of them both . Eccle. ● . Goe not from the doctrine of the elders , for they haue learned it of their fathers , for of them thou shalt learne vnderstanding , so that thou mayst make answere in the time of neede , kindle not the coles of sinners , when thou rebukest them , least thou be burnt in the fiery flames of their sinnes , resist not the face of the blasphemer , that he laye not wayte for thy mouth . Esay . 54 Thy children shal be taught of God , and I will geue them plenteousnes of peace , in righteousnes shalt thou be grounded , and be farre from oppression , for the which thou needest not to be afrayed , neither for hinderaunce , for it shall not come nigh thee , beholde the aliant that was farre from me shall dwell with me , and he that ioyneth battayle against thee shall pearish , and as for all tongues that shall resist thee in iudgement , thou shalte ouercome them , and condemne them , this is the heritage of the Lordes seruauntes , and their righteousnes commeth of me saith the Lord . A wise iudge will order his people with discretion : Eccle. 10. and where a man of vnderstanding beareth rule , there goeth it well , as the iudge of the people is himselfe , euen so are his officers , and loke what manner of man the ruler of the Citie is , such are they that dwel therein also . An vnwise king destroyeth his people , but where they that be in authority be men of vnderstanding , there the citie prospereth . I say vnto you whosoeuer confesseth me before men , euen him shall the sonne of man confesse also before the Angels of God , Luke . 12. & he that denieth me before men shal be denied before the Angels of God , & whosoeuer speaketh a word against the sonne of man , it shal be forgeuen him , but vnto him that blasphemeth the holy ghost , it shal not be forgeuen . Actes . 4. Also when the Apostles of Christ were forbidden to preach , they would not , but shewed themselues more obedient vnto God , then men , such was the enuy of the Iewes to the professours of God & his worde . And it came to passe as he sate at meat with them , he tooke bread blessed it , brake and gaue to them , and their eyes were opened , and they knew him , and he vanished out of their sight . Luke . 24. Our Sauiour Christe shewed himselfe after his passion , vnto two disciples as they went toward Emas , and after that standing in the middest of the eleuenth , as they were together , saying that he was the light of the world , and the sauiour of all those which beleued in him , such loue had our Sauiour towardes the enuious Iewes , and yet they woulde not beleue . Also when the martyr S. Steuen rebuked the stifnecked Iewes , Actes . 7. for their cruell oppression and putting to death of al the prophets , before the comming of that iust , whome ye haue now betrayed and murthered , and ye also haue receaued a law , by the ordinaunce of Angels , and haue not kept it , and when they heard his wordes they gnashed their teeth vppon him , and ranne all at once and stoned him . In like sorte hath the enemies of Gods Gospell , sought to kill & to destroy the professours of hys truth , God graunt for his mercy , if it be his will , to open their eyes , that they may perceiue the truth , and sory their for offences . Math. 10. Who so euer shall not receiue you , nor will heare your preaching , when ye depart be out of that house , or that citie , shake of the dust of your feete . Truely I say vnto you , it shal be easier for the lande of Zodom and Gomorra in the day of iudgement then for that Citie . Prou. 25. There is nothing so close that shal not be opened , and nothing so hide that shall not be knowen , a worde spoken in due season is like apples of golde , in a grauen worke of siluer . Be not wise in your own opinions , recompence to no man euil for euill , Rom. 12. prouide afore hand thynges honest in the sight of all men , if it be possible , howbeit of your part , haue peace with all men , dearely beloued auenge not your selues , but geue roome to the wrath of God , for it is written vengeaunce is myne , I wil reward sayth the Lord . Therfore if thyne enemy hunger feede him , if he thirst geue hym drinke , for in so doing , thou shalt heape cooles of fier vppon his head , be not ouercome of euill , but ouercome euill with goodnes .

2. Kings 1. When the profit Dauid heard that an Amelikite had slayne his enemy King Saule , he was very sory , and mourned for him , and caused the Amelikite for his rewarde also to be slayne , because he had killed the Lordes annoynted . ●e●e . 18. When the Lord purposed to destroy Zodom and Gomorra . Abraham sayde vnto hym , Lorde what if there be 50. righteous , wilte thou spare the rest for their sakes , so that it came to the number of tenne , and there coulde none be founde , but onely Lotte and his householde the which were preserued , thus oughte euery man to forgeue and to pray for his ennemy , and so shall we bee the seruauntes of God .

¶ Of fayth and the wonderfull working of the same : and stedfast beliefe of the fathers in olde tyme .

The signification .

THe man in armour signifieth all stedfast beleuers of the veritie , being armed with constant zeale of Christianitie , and weaponed with the shielde of liuely faith , the spere of continuaunce , and the sworde of the word of God : The Diuil vnder him is temptation , being ouercome by faith in Christ Iesus .

FAith is a sure confidence of things which are hoped for , Hebr. 11. and a certainty of things which are not seene . By it the Elders were well reported of . Gene. ● . Through fayth we vnderstand that the world was ordayned by the word of God : Actes . 13. And things which are seene , were made of thinges which are not seene . Rom. 1. By faith Abell offred vnto God a more plenteous sacrifice then Cayne , Gen. 4. by which he obtayned witnes that he was righteous , God testifiyng of hys giftes : by which also he being dead yet speaketh . By faith was Enoch translated that he shoulde not see death , Gen. 5. Sapi. 4. Eccle. 44. and. 49. neither was he found , for God had taken him away . Before he was taken away , he was reported of that he had pleased God : but without faith it is impossible to please him , for he that commeth to God , must beleue that God is , and that he is a rewarder of them that seeke him .

Gen. 5. Eccle. 44. By faith Noe being warned of God , eschued the thinges which were as yet not seene , and prepared the Arke to the sauing of his houshold , through the which Arke , he condempned the worlde , and became heyre of the righteousnes which is according to faith . Math. 12. Gen. 11. Actes . 7. By faith Abraham when he was called , obeyed to goe out into a place , which he shoulde afterward receiue to inheritaunce : and he went out , not knowing whether he should goe . By faith he remoued into the land of promise , as into a straunge countrey , when he had dwelt in tabernacles , and so did Isaack and Iacob heires with him of the same promise , for he looked for a Citie , hauing a foundation whose builder and is God . Through faith Sara also receaued strength to conceaue and be with childe , Gen. 21. and was deliuered of a childe , when she was past age , because she iudged him faithfull which had promised : & therefore sprang there of one , euen of one , which was as good as dead so many in multitude as are the starres of the skye , and as the sand the which is by the sea shore , innumerable . These all dyed according to faith , Gen. 15 when they had not receiued the promises , but sawe them afarre of , and beleued them , and saluted them , Iob. 8. Gen. 47. 1. par. 29. psal. 39. and confessed that they were straungers & pilgrimes on the earth , for they that sawe such thinges , declare that they seke a Countrey , and if they had bene mindefull of the countrey , from whence they came out , they had leasure to haue retourned agayne : but now they desier a better , that is to say an heauenly , wherefore God hymselfe is not ashamed , to be called their God , for he hath prepared for them a Citie . Exod. 13. By fayth Abraham offered vp Isaac , when he was proued , and he offred him being his onely sonne , in whome he had receiued the promises , and to him it was sayde , in Isaac shall thy seede be called , for he considered that God was able to rayse vp agayne from death , therefore receiued he him also for an example of the resurrection . By faith did Isaac blesse Iacob and Esau , Gen. 27. Gene. 49. concerning thinges to come . By fayth Iacobe when he was a dying , blessed both the sonnes of Ioseph , and bowed hymselfe towarde the toppe of his scepter . Gen. 50. By fayth Ioseph when he dyed , remembred the departyng of the children of Israell , and gaue commaundement of his bones

Exo. 2. Act. 7. Exo. 2. By faith Moyses when he was borne , was hidde three monthes of his father and mother , because they saw he was a proper childe , neither feared they the kinges commaundemente . By fayth Moyses when he was great , refused to be called the sonne of Pharaoes daughter , and chose rather to suffer aduersitie with the people of God , then to enioy the pleasures of sinne for a season , and estemed the rebuke of Christ , greater riches then the treasures of Egipt , for he had respect vnto the reward . By fayth he forsoke Egipt , and feared not the fiercenes of the king , for he endured , euen as though he had sene him which is inuisible . Exo. 12. Exo. 14. Iosua . 6. Through fayth he ordayned the passouer , and the effusion of bloud , least he that destroyeth the first borne , should touch them . By faith they passed through the red sea as by dry land : which when the Egiptians had assayed to do , Iosua . 2. they were drowned . By faith the walles of Iericho fell downe , after they were compassed about seuen dayes . Iudi. 7. Iudi. 4. Iudi. 14. Iudi. 11. 1. Reg. 17. 1. Reg. 12. 1. Reg , 17. Dan. 6. Dan. 3. Dan. 2. 3. Reg. 19. By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that were disobedient , when she had receiued the spies to lodging peaceably , and what shall I more saye , for the time wil be to short for me to tell of Gedeon , of Barach , and of Sampson , and of Iephtaph of Dauid also , and Samuell and of the Prophets , which through faith subdued kingdomes , wrought righteousnes , obtayned the promises , and stopped the mouthes of Lions , quenched the violence of fier , escaped the edge of the sword , out of weaknes were made strong , waxed valiant in fight , turned to flight the armes of the aliantes , the women receiued their dead raysed to life agayne . Other were racked would not be deliuered , that they myght inherit a better resurrection . 3. Reg. 21. Esa. 38. 3. Reg. 17. 3. Reg. 14. Againe other were tried with mockkinges and scorninges , moreouer with bondes and prisonment , and were stoned , were hewen a sunder , were tempted , were slaine with the sworde , walked vp and downe in sheepes skinnes and goates skinnes being destitute , troubled , and vexed , which men the worlde was not worthy of . They wandered in wildernes and in mountaynes , and in dennes and caues of the earth , and these all through fayth obtayned good report , and receiued not the promise because God had promysed a better thynge for vs , that they without vs should not be made perfect .

By faith we resist the Deuill , 1. Iohn . 2. and ouercome him in the worlde . Finally my brethren , be stronge in the Lord , and in the power of his might , put on the armour of God , Ephe. 6. that ye may stand stedfast against the crafty assaultes of the Deuill , for we wrestle not against flesh and bloude , but against rule , against power , and against worldely rulers of the darckenes of thys worlde , against spirituall wickednes , for heauenvly thinges , for this cause take vnto you the armoure of God , that ye may be able to resiste in the euill day , and stand perfect in all thinges . They that haue receiued the faith and the holy Ghost , and also tasted the gospel of God , if they do forsake it , Hebr. 6. and blaspheme it , willing to be saued by other sacrifice then that by Christ , do abide the iudgement of God wythout mercy , we that beleue Christ let vs follow Christes liuing . Hieroni. August . The faith of a Christian is ioyned with charitie , and without charitie is the faith of the Deuill . Like as the bodye is deade wherein is no spirite , Iacobus August . so faith is dead where there lacketh workes . Fayth not exercised , soone waxeth sicke , and being vnoccupied is assaulted with sundry displeasures . Well may he be counted right valiaunt in dede , which in ioy nor in sorow doth not exceede , the faithfull man possesseth his treasure , Seneca . whose modestie moueth still to minde measure . He that teacheth the liuely faith in Christ , buildeth the building and doctrine of God . 1. Tim. 1. Iames. 1. 2. Cor. 13. For faith in tribulation causeth patience . Let euery man see therfore whether he continue in the same . Faith also maketh vs to obtayne that whiche we desire in prayer , and by the which we are by the number of saintes , Math. 21. Actes . 26. 1. Iohn . 5. in receauing remission of our sinnes . Thus faith is our v●●tory , for all that is borne of God , ouercommeth the world , and this is the victory that ouercommeth the worlde , euen our faith . Who is it that ouercommeth the worlde ? euen he which beleueth that Iesus is the sonne of God . Christ is risen from the dead , and is become the first frutes of them that slepe : for as by man came death , 1. Cor. 15. euen so by man also came life euerlasting , to all that faythfully beleue .

¶ Of Hope .

The signification .

THe troubled seas signifie the temptations of mankinde , the shippe beyng rent , signifieth the dispersed churche of God , who beyng tossed to and fro by the force of temptations , and throwne out , yet they not fearyng the boysterous windes of aduersitie , but thorough assured hope in Christ they flie to the rocke of endles felicitie , which is Christ .

BEcause therefore that we are iustified by fayth , we are at peace with God , thorough our Lorde Iesus Christ , by whom we haue a way in through faith vnto his grace , where in we stand and reioyce in hope of the praise that shal be geuen of God , neither do we see onely , but also reioice in tribulation : for we know that tribulation bringeth pacience , Rom. 5. pacience bringeth experience , experience bringeth hope , and hope maketh not ashamed , for the loue of God is shed abrode in our hartes by the holy ghost which is geuen vnto vs . All suche as be right Christians , are not ashamed of this hope , for they are well assured that by the death of Christ , God loueth vs , and will bring the hope of all Christians to passe . Hope here is not alone , but is ioyned with fayth and charitie , so that the one cannot be without the other , neither the one to haue the lacke of the other : For as Faith cannot be iustified without workes , no more can hope without charitie : for as faith without workes is deade , so is hope without charitie deade also . Therfore it is necessary for all christians to ioyne themselues to these foure , and although they be named in foure seuerall names , yet but two in effect , as may be very plainly vnderstanded , Faith , workes , hope and charitie , workes in the name of a plurall number , signifieth all , as well the euill , as good . But I meane those workes in the which all faithfull Christians ought to arme themselues withall , and all those that with willing mindes doo further any of these , vnto such the rewarde is most happy and fortunate , with faithfull hope there is alwayes constant charitie , the which worketh so diligently that she neuer seaseth , but is still labouring by all meanes to helpe and relieue all such as of her hath neede . Example herein , may be compared vnto all diligent preachers & furtherers of Gods worde , the which neither for persecution nor preferment of liuing , will once leaue of from teaching the poore of whom they haue cure & charge , ( of such there is very fewe ) which signifieth most euident and playne , that charitie is nere blynde and can not very well see . Therefore I wishe or desire all estates so to bridle their affections , that with sufficiencie eche man may so liue in this world , that in the world to come he may haue euerlasting felicitie . Hope thou in the Lorde and kepe his way , psal. 37. and he shall promote thee , that thou shalt possesse the land . When the vngodly perishe thou shalt see it . psal. 17. But my hope hath bene in thee O Lord . I haue sayd thou art my God . psal. 46. God is our hope and strength , a very present helpe in tyme of trouble . For thou lord art my hope , psal. 91. thou hast set thine house of defence very hye . My soule hath longed for thy saluation , psal. 119. and I haue a good hope because of thy worde . Thou O God art the thyng that I long for , psal. 71. psal. 141. thou art my hope euen from my youth . I also cried vnto the Lord , and sayd , thou art my hope and my portion in the land of the liuing . Blessed be the Lorde my strength , which teacheth my handes to warre , & my fingers to fight , my hope , and my fortresse , my castle and deliuerer , my defender in whome I trust , which subdueth my people that is vnder me : for I suppose that the afflictions of this lyfe , Rom. 8. are not worthy of the glory , which shall be shewed vpon vs , also the feruent desire of the creatures abideth , loking when the sonnes of God shall appeare , because the creatures are subdued to vanitie against their wyll , but for hys will which subdued them in hope , for the very creatures shall be deliuered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious libertie of the sonnes of God : for we know that euery creature groneth with vs also , and trauaileth in payne , euen vnto this time not they only , but euen we also which haue the first fruites of the spiritie , mourne in our selues , and waite for the adoption , and loke for the deliueraunce of our bodies , for wee are saued by hope : but hope that is seene , is no hope , for howe can a man hope for that which he seeth , but and if we hope for that which we see not , then doo we with patience abyde for it : for where fayth is , there is hope , and where as there is no sure hope , there is no christian fayth , wherefore it may be right well sayd , we are saued by hope . That is by the most certayne and sure faith in Christes promise , Rom. 12. whiche causeth vs to hope certainly that at the tyme appointed , we shall be deliuered from this great burden of the flesh . Prou. 11. Pro. 14. The desire of the righteous is acceptable , but the hope of the vngodly is iudgement . The vngodly is cast a way for his iniquitie , but the righteous hath a good hope euen in death . Pro. 25. The hope that is put in a false man in tyme of neede , is like a rotten tooth , but let not thy soule be moued to slay him . Also as there is a good hope , vnto the godly which before is expressed so is there a fayned hope among the wicked and very seldome can be redressed , whiche is when a man in worldly causes hopeth to bring to passe that thyng which by no meanes may be entertayned or gotten . Example of one Iphis the sonne of Theucer , kyng of Mesia , a countrey ioyning to Hungary , the which for the loue of a damosell called Anaxareten , hanged him selfe . Wherefore the Poetes haue fayned the saide Anaxareten to be turned into a stone because that she loued not him the which for her loue had hanged him selfe . Ouidius lib. 4. Moreouer what ensued of the Princes whiche sought the death of the Prophet Daniell , their folishe & vayne hope was vtterly frustrated , for they thought that Daniell being once among the lyons , could neuer haue escaped vndestroyed , but God so preserued him that he escaped that death , and those princes which hoped that after his death to haue ruled & borne their owne sway , were of the lions vtterly destroyed , this is the ende of all vayne hope . Therfore as there is an infallible and true god , so is there also but one firme and true faith , and in like , one hope , and one charitie . Let all christians therfore pray vnto God to send his holy spirite amonge●t vs , and that we may be thankful for his inestimable benefites daily bestowed vpon vs , lest the like mischiefe happen vnto vs now present , as by example hathe happened vnto those the which ●aue bene refusers of the same .

❧ The description of Charitie .

1. Iohn . 4. GOd is charitie , & he that dwelleth in charitie dwelleth in God , and God in hym . Here in is also loue perfect in vs that we should haue trust in the day of iudgement . The charitie of God is declared vnto vs , Iohn . 3. for he hath sent his sonne alredy into the world to redeme the world , from sinne , death , and hell , and hath payde for our raunsome , euen his most precious bloud vpon the crosse for vs miserable creatures , els had we bene vtterly destroyed for euer . No man ascended vp into heauen , but he that came downe from heauen . And as Moyses lifted vp the Serpent in the wildernes , euen so must the sonne of man be lifted vp , that none that beleue in him perish , but haue eternall life . Little children ye are of God , and haue ouercome the world , for greater is he that is in you , then he that is in the worlde , he the which is prince of the worlde is the diuell . But the charitable louing and merciful sauiour , he is the king of heauen , and of all charitable people , but suche as say that workes onely iustifieth from sinne , do not onely and vtterly deny Christ to be come in the flesh , but also they deny and depriue them selues from the euerlasting ioy and heauenly felicitie , and although workes are nedefull and necessary , yet beyng without faith , hope , & charitie , nothing at all auayleth . In beleuyng that all such workes as are done truely , and not fainedly , with faith ioyned , are most wholesome and profitable . Hope , in tarying the good will and pleasure of God , neuer thinkyng the

Of Charitie . ¶ The signification .

AS many as intend to be pertakers with Christ & his Apostels must vse this worke of charitie , which is to fede the hungry , to clothe the naked , to harbor the harbourles , & lodge the stranger , to visite the sicke , and to relieue the prisoners and poore afflicted members of Christ , this is the dueties of all faithfull people .

tyme long of this our abode and pilgrimage . Charitie in all thinges nourishing , Rom. 5. and ready to cherish all such as lacke and are in necessitie , and so continuyng till it shall please the Lord , to chaunge vs into a better life , which is most glorious : for if when we were enemies , we were reconciled to God by the death of his sonne , much more , seyng we are reconciled , we shal be preserued by his life , not onely so , but we also ioy in God by the meanes of our Lord Iesus Christ , by whome we haue receyued the attonement . Nothing ought to seperate vs from the charitie of God : Rom. 8. for whatsoeuer he be that seeth what Christ hath done for him , cannot but beleue that God loueth hym , and with all his soule , mynde , and will , ought to loue god agayne : for thorough his loue that loueth vs , we ouercome strongly the infirmity of our corrupt and filthy flesh , yea I am sure that neither death , neither life neither aungels , neither rule , neither power , neither thinges present , neither thinges to come , neither hie , neither low , neither any other creature , shall be able to depart any faithfull beleuer from the loue of God shewed in Christ Iesu our Lord . For the eternal wisdome of God was , and is such , that before the world began , appointed certayne that should professe & set forth the gospel of his sonne , euen to the worlds ende , that is , they are not onely called , but also elected and chosen . All the commaundementes do lead vs to charitie , for the ende of the commaundementes is loue , the which commeth of a pure hart , and of a good conscience , and of fayth vnfayned , for the which thynges some haue erred , and haue turned vnto vayne iangelyng , because they would be doctours in the Scriptures , and yet vnderstand not what they speake , neither wherof they affirme . If this part of Scripture were well considered of all such frantike heades , the which taketh vpon them to interprete the scriptures according to their owne wilfull myndes , I doo not doubt , but suche would be better aduised , in considering their dueties , not onely to their princes and gouernours , but also to the omnipotent God who is able in a moment clearely to seclude , and cutte of such vnprofitable impes . For as Corach , Dathan , and Abiram , were destroyed for their rebellion against Moses Gods seruaunt , in resisting the ordinaunces and lawes before commaunded , they as men the whiche would seme wiser in their doyng then Moses , which had the firme and true law in dede , were by the Lord so greuously plaged , that the earth opened , and they all went downe into hell , 1. Cor. 16. suche is the rewarde of all disobedient children . Watche ye , stande fast in fayth , quit you like men and be strong , and let your busines be done in loue . 1. Iohn . 2. My little children these things write I vnto you , that ye sinne not , if any man sinne , yet we haue an aduocate with the father Iesus Christ which is righteous , and he it is that obtayneth grace for our synnes , not for our sinnes onely , but for the synnes of the whole worlde . And hereby we are sure that we knowe him , if we keepe his commaundementes . Rom. 1.3 He that saith I know him and keepe his commaundements , is a lyer , and the veritie is not in him . Ephe. 4. Owe nothing to any man , but to loue one an other , with charitable loue . I therefore which am in bondes for the lordes sake , exhort you , that we walke worthy of the vocation wherwith you are called , in all humblenes of minde , and meekenes , and long suffering , forbearing one an other , and forgeuyng one an other through loue , and that you be diligent to kepe the vnitie of the spirit , in the bonde of peace , beyng one body and one spirite , euen as you are called in one hope of your callyng . Let there be one Lord , one fayth , one baptisme , one God and father of all , which is aboue all , and in you all . Let vs be rooted in charitie , that is let vs consider one an other , to prouoke vnto loue , & to do good workes : and let vs forsake the fellowship that we haue among our selues , as the maner of some is : but let vs exhorte one another , and that so much the more , because ye see that the day draweth nye , in this part is shewed our duetie , if we wil be pertakers of the mercy before rehersed . Hebr. 10. Heb. 6. Math. 12. But if we sinne willinglingly after that we haue receiued the knowledge of the truth , there remayneth no more sacrifice for sins , but a feareful loking for iudgement and violent fire , which shall deuoure the aduersaries . This place is also spoken of in the 6. of thys epistle , and also in the 12. of the Euangelist S. Mathew , that in sinnyng willingly , is blasphemy against the holy ghost , which S. Iohn calleth the sinne vnto death , let all such therfore , as spare not to blaspheme the spirit of God in resisting and rayling vpon hys worde know that their masse is no sacrifice for sinne , but that the terrible iudgement of God remaineth for them and their wicked idolatry . Charitie ouercommeth all sinne . If I had the spirite of prophecy and knew all misteries , & all maner of cunning . Also if I had all fayth , in so much as I could translate and cary away mountaynes out of their places , yet were I nothyng if I lacked charity . Moreouer , if I did distribute all my goods in feding the poore , and although I gaue my body that I burned , hauing no charitie , it nothyng auaileth me . Charitie is pacient and gentle . Charitie hath enuy at no man , it doth nothyng amisse , it is not puft out wyth pryde , it is not ambicious , she seeketh not her profite , she is not moued , she thinketh no euil , she reioyceth in no mischiefe , she goeth with truth , all thinges she suffereth , all thinges she beleueth , according to godly charitie , all thinges she hopeth which is to saluation , all thinges she beareth , charitie neuer fayleth . Thus sayth the Lord : the people of Israel , Iere. 13. which escaped in the wildernes , from the sworde , found grace to come into their rest . Euen so shall the Lorde now also appeare vnto me from farre , & say , I loue thee with an euerlasting loue , therfore by my charitable mercy , I haue drawen thee to me . I will repaire thee agayne , O thou daughter of Israell , that thou mayest be fast and sure . Therfore whatsoeuer thou be that this shal read , iudge not rashly , but vse the Scriptures to the furtheraunce of thy health and solace , and although in many points they may dislike thee , yet know thou that it is the truth and thou the lyer : therefore I say agayne , whatsoeuer pointe or title thou happen to read , and do not wel vnderstand it , as if thy capacity be not able to comprehend the meaning therof , omit it to the diuine wisdom of god , & pray that it may be opened & reueled vnto thee , & thus with charitie vse thy selfe , that therby it be not only a profit to thee whilest thou art liuing , but also an euerlasting ioy in the world to come . The hipocrites for to follow their inuencions , do leaue iudgement , and charitie vndone , as appeareth more euident in the xi . chapter of the Euangelist S. Luke . Luke . 11. God graunt for his mercy , such charitie to raigne amongst vs , that there may not onely be an outward shew therof , but also in dede , wherby we may be found at the generall day such seruaunts , as were occupied and not stepyng , when we shall be called .

Of humayne iustice and iudgement .

❧ Of Iustice . The signification .

SHe which sitteth hauing in one hande a sworde , and in the other a paire of balance , is iustice , also hauyng but one eye in the midst of her forehed , signifieth vpright iudgement , not exteming the person , the balance equitie , to vse no parcialitie , nether for loue nor fauour , the sword to cut of all rebellious persons and offenders , the other are signified in the chapter .

Cambices beyng kyng ouer the Persians and Medes aboute the yeare of the worlde foure thousande and seuentie , elected and chose one named Sisamnes to be iudge ouer his people , the which for his parcialitie was complained vpon vnto the king , that he had against law & right condemned a man to death , the matter being examined and founde true , forthwith the kyng caused the sayde Iudge to be put to death , and his skinne to be striped of , and layd before the iudgement seat , where tofore he had done the offence , and also caused Ottanus , Sisames sonne to succede in iudgement , admonishing hym to beware of peruerse iustice by example of his fathers skinne , lest beyng founde with the like fact , to haue the lyke rewarde , and also caused these verses to be written of him as followeth .

Policro . 1. Sede sedens ista , iudex inflexibilis sta 2. A manibus reuoces munus , ab aure preces 3. Sit tibi lucerna , lex lux , pellisque paterna , 4. Qua recedes natus , pro patre sponte datus . Thou that sittest in this iudicall place , Set vp right , and holde thy handes from meede , Thine eares from prayer , and fauour from thee chace , Let loue be thy guide , keepe iustice I thee read , Thy fathers skinne , which doth thy chayre spred , Haue in thy mynde , fall not to like offence , Lest for thy fault , thou make like recompence .

The iudges ought to do righteous iudgement accordyng to the commaundement of God geuen by Moses vnto the children of Israell , saying : I charged your iudges at the same tyme , saying , heare the cause of your brethren , & iudge righteously betwene euery man and his brother , Deu. 1.16 . and the straunger that is with him . See that you know no faces in iudgement but heare the small as wel as the great , and be afraid of no man , for the iudgement is Gods , and the cause that is to harde for you bring vnto me , and I wyll heare it . Iudges and officers shalt thou make thee in all thy cities , which the Lorde thy God geueth thee thorough out thy tribes , and they shall iudge the people righteously . Wrest not thou the law , nor know any person , neither take any reward , for giftes blynde the wise , and peruerte the wordes of the righteous . That which is iust and right shalt thou follow , that thou mayst liue , and enioy the land which the Lorde thy God geueth thee . Sirach . 20 Pro. ●4 . Rewardes and giftes blyndeth the eyes of the wise , and maketh him domme , that he cannot tell men their faultes . It is not good to haue respect of any person in iudgement , neither to regard the outward appearaunce of men . He that saith to the vngodly , thou art righteous , him shall the people curse , yea , the comminaltie shall abhorre him , but they that rebuke the vngodly , in them doth God delight , and a riche blessing shall come vpon them . Sirach . 11. Condemne no man before you haue tried out the matter , and when thou hast made inquisition , then reforme righteously , geue not sentence before thou hast heard the cause , but first let men tell out their tales . Striue not for a matter , that toucheth not thy selfe , and stand not in the iudgement of sinners .

If there be strife betwene men , Deu. 29. Deu. 27. they shall come vnto the law , and let the iudges geue sentence betwene them , and iustify the righteous , and condemne the vngodly . Cursed be he that taketh rewarde to slay the soule of innocent bloud , for in iudgement a man should not agree to the voyce of many , for to come by the truth . Thou shalt not accept a vaine tale , nether shalt put thine hand with the wicked , Exo. 23. to be an vnrighteous witnes . Iohn . 7. The law doth forbid to iudge of a man , except he be knowne to be such a one , as hath bene before either an extorcioner , or a periured person , or such a one as hath bene before an vtter enemy to all good lawes and orders , he that iudgeth his brother , iudgeth the law . Iames. 4 What art thou that iudgest an other : Go to now , ye that say , to day and to morrow let vs go into such a citie and continue there a yere , and buy and sell , and winne , and yet cannot ye tell , what shall happen on the morrow , for what thing is your lyfe , it is euen a vapour that appeareth for a little tyme , and then vanisheth away : for that ye ought to say , if the Lord will , and if we lyue , let vs do this or that , but now ye reioyce in your bostinges , all such reioysings is euill : therefore to hym that knoweth how to do good , and doth it not , to hym it is sinne , he that backbiteth or iudgeth his brother , doth iudge the lawe to be euil , for the law forbiddeth so to do . He that knoweth and yet doth not , is without excuse , for God hath promised no mercy , but to them that wil do their good will . Herein is not onely an excellent admonition vnto worldly iudges , but also among all estates , so that whatsoeuer he be , that by any meanes goeth about to dislike or misuse , vnto that person is promised the iust iudgement of God , the which hath power to destroy both body & soule . Thou shalt not fauour the poore , nor honour the mighty , but in righteousnes thou shalte iudge thy neighbour , thou shalt not go vp and doune , as a priuy accuser among the people , Leui. 19. neither shalt thou stand against the bloud of thy neyghbour that thou beare no sinne for his sake . Pro. 3.

My sonne forget not thou my law , but see that thine hart kepe my commaundements , let mercy and faithfulnes neuer go from thee , bynd them about thy necke , and write them in the tables of thine harte , so shalt thou fynde fauour and good vnderstandyng in the sight of God and man . Eccle. 4. Deliuer him that suffreth wrong from the hand of the oppressor , and be not faint harted when thou sittest in iudgement . Be mercifull vnto the fatherles as a father , & be in stede of an husband vnto their mother , so shalt thou be an obedient sonne of the highest , and he shall loue thee more then thy mother doth . At the mouth of two or thre witnesses , shall he that is worthy of death dye , Deu , 17. and at the mouth of one witnes let no man die . Eccle. 20. Beware of bribery and giftes , for rewardes and giftes blynde the eyes of the wise and make him domme , that he cannot tell men their faultes . The Kite in the ayre knoweth her tyme , the turtle , the Storke , and the swalow do come at their seasons , my people knowe not theyr lordes iudgement . Tulli. A good man will not in his frendes cause do against a weale publike , against hys othe , nor agaynst the trust which is put in hym , for he layeth aside the personage of a frend , when he taketh on hym a iudges office . Alexander Augustus . The emperor Alexander would neuer suffer to be solde the office of a iudge , or great authoritie in the execution of lawes saying , nedes must he sel that doth buy . And I wil not let that there shal be merchants of gouernance , which if I do suffer , I may not condemne , for I am ashamed to punish a man that buyeth and selleth . Themistocles being the chief iudge in Athence , when there came to hym a great musitian which desired of hym a thyng somewhat against iustice . Themistocles aunswered , if in singing thou doost not regarde number and tyme , thou art not worthy to be called a good musitian , nor I a good Iudge if I would preferre before the lawes , the priuate fauour of any one person . 1. Reg. 8. The children of Israell cried out vnto Samuell against his two sonnes , the whiche he had made to be rulers of his people , because they did peruert the law and were corrupt with rewardes , whose names were Ioell and Abia , and required a kyng ( consider the misery the which hath alwayes happened among cruel and tyrannous iudges , and also the happy successe of good & godly maiestrates , Iudges and other officers , and then may it plainely be perceiued to whome Gods mercy is shewed , for as he is a god of truth , so is he also in vsing hys iustice to the wicked damnation , and to the other most happy saluation .

❧ The description of Veritie .

CHrist is the truth , and he is also called the spirite of truth , Iohn . 14. not onely because he is true , but bicause he maketh the name into whome he entreth true , where as all they do , without the spirite is none other thing but lies . 2. Peter . 1. Also S. Peter saith , that all diligence ought to be shewed among christians . And hereunto geue all diligence in your fayth , ministryng vertue in vertue , knowledge in knowledge , temperaunce in temperance , pacience in pacience , godlines in godlines , brotherly kindnes in brotherly kindnes , loue , for if these thinges be among you & are plenteous , they will make you that ye neyther shall be idle nor vnfruitfull in the knowledge of our Lord Iesus Christ . But he that lacketh these things is blinde and gropeth for the way with his hand , and hath forgotten that he was purged from hys olde sinne , as many as lacketh these and such like workes are blynde and vnderstandeth not , what the faith of Christ meaneth , and also without the mercy of Iesus Christ , are vtterly secluded from all heauenly felicity , which felicitie cannot be gotten ( of suche ) with out harty prayers , in the tyme of this transitory abode vpon earth , and as many as haue in them the motions of these godly and fruitfull vertues , may be most assured , to be the very elect , and that they haue the true faith , so long as they continue therin , no state , no time , no florishing power , no monarchie , nothyng within the circuite of the whole earth , may once be compared to the prosperous estate and endeles felicitie of those and such as haue and do obey the liuing God .

Of Veritie . The signification .

HE which sitteth on the raynebowe signifieth Christ , and the sworde in his hande signifieth his wrath against the wycked , the round compasse , the worlde , and those two climing , the one a Pope , and the other a Cardinall , striuyng who shall be higheir , and the Diuell which falleth headlong downe is Lucifer , whiche through pride fel , he which holdeth the world , is death , standing in the entrance of hell to receyue all such superbious liuers .

Hezekiah the sonne of Ahaz kyng of Iuda did raigne , 4. Reg. 18 fiue and twenty yeares olde was he when he beganne to raigne and raigned nine & twenty yeares in Ierusalem , and he dyd that whiche was right in the syghte of the Lorde , and therefore the Lorde prospered hym . Teache me , and I will holde my tounge , Iob. 6. and when I doo erre , shewe me where in . Howe stedfast are thy woordes of truthe , and whiche of you can rebuke or reproue them . Be thou my Iudge O Lorde &c. Psal. 26. For thy louyng kindnes is euer before mine eyes , and I will walke in thy truth . & c ? O shut not vp my soule , with the sinners , nor my life with the bloud thirsty , in whose handes is wickednes : and theyr right hands are full of gifts . Good lucke haue thou with thine honoure , ride on , ●sal. 45. because of the worde of truth , of mekenes , and righteousnes , and thy righte hand shall teache the terrible thinges . But loe thou requiredst truth , in the inwarde parts , Psal. 5● . and shalt make me to vnderstand wisdome secretly . Mercy and truth are met together , Psal. 85. righteousnes and peace haue kissed ech other , truth shall florish out of the earth , and righteousnes hath looked downe from heauen . But thou o lord art full of compassion and mercy , long suffering plenteous in goodnes & truth . Psal. 86. psal. 89. My song shall be alwayes of the louing kindnes of the lord , with my mouth will I euer be showing thy truth from generation to generation , thy truth shalt thou stablish in the heauens , O Lord the very heauens , shall prayse thy wonderous workes , and thy truth in the congregation of saintes , O Lord who is like vnto thee , thy truth most mighty lord is on euery side , righteousnes and equitie is the habitation of thy seat , mercy and truth shal go before thy face , my truth and my mercy also shal be with him , and in my name shal his horne be exalted , neuerthelesse my louing kindnes will not I vtterly take from him nor suffer my truth to fayle . Lord where are thine olde louing kindnes which thou swarest vnto Dauid in thy truth , psal. 91. hys faythfullnes and truth , shall be thy shilde and buckler . It is a good thinge to geue thankes vnto the Lord , psal 111 and to sing prayses vnto thy name O moste hiest , to tell of thy louing kindnes early in the morning , and of thy truth in the night season , the workes of his handes are veritie and iudgement , all his commaundementes are true , they stand fast for euer and euer , and are done in truth and equitie . O prayse the Lord all ye heathen , Psal. 1.17 . praise him all ye nations , for his mercifull kindnes is euer more and more toward vs , and the truth of the Lord endureth for euer . Psal. 1.19 . O take not the worde of truth vtterly out of my mouth , for my hope is in thy iudgementes all thy commaundementes are true . Thy truth also remayneth from one generation to an other , thy righteousnes is an euerlasting righteousnes , and thy lawe is the truth . Be thou nigh at hand O Lorde , for all thy commaundementes are true . Thy word is true , and is from euerlasting , all thy iudgementes of thy righteousnes endureth for euer . Pro. 8. Doth not wisdome cry , doth not vnderstanding put forth her voyce and say , my throate shall be talking of thy truth , and my lippes abhorre vngodlines . A Iust man will tell the truth , and show the thing that is right , but a false witnesse deseueth . A true mouth is euer constant , but a dissembling tong is euer chaungeable , Pro. 6. the lord abhorreth lying lippes , but they that labour for truth please him . A false witnesse shall perish , Pro. 21. but he that is a true man , boldely speaketh that he hath hard . Haue I not warned thee very oft , Pro. 22. with counsaile and learnyng , that I myght shew thee the truth , and that thou with the veritie mightest aunswer them that send vnto thee . Wo be vnto them that make vnrighteous lawes , Esay . ● . and deuise thinges which be to hard for to keepe , where through my people are oppressed , and the Innocentes of my people robbed of iudgement , that wisdome may be theyr pray , & that they may rob the fatherlesse . What will you do in time of visitation , and when destruction shall come from farre ? To whom will ye runne for helpe , and to whom will you geue your honoure , that he may kepe it , that when I with drawe my hande , ye come not among the prisoners , or lye among the dead . & c ? But faythfulnesse and truth shall they trust vnto , yea vnto the lord the holy one of Israel . Esay . 16 And in mercy shall thy seate be prepared , and he shal sit vpon it in the truth in the tabernacle of Dauid , iudging and seking iudgement , and making hast vnto righteousnes . In that day shall this song be soung , Esay . 16. In the land of Iuda , we haue a strong citie , saluation shall God appoynt in steade of walles , and bulwarkes , open ye the gates that the righteous people which kepeth the truth may enter in , there minde is set vppon thee , because thou preseruest them in peace , yea in peace , because they put theyr trust in thee , put ye your trust alwayes in the Lord , for in the Lord God there is strength for euermore , let all christians ioye in this heauenly comfort , the which the holy prophet of God speaketh , for although it be long agone since he spake it , yet is it as fruitfull to al faythful christians now in these our dayes as euer it was before . God graunt that the harts of al faythful christians may be thankfull , for these his inestimable benefites and mercyes shewed vnto vs in these our dayes , and therefore let vs reioyce with the Israelites , and say God is oure righteousnes and truth , and God hath deliuered vs from the fiery , and cruell malice of sathan , and al papistical doctrine , wherby now hauing no let , nor foes to disturbe vs , may so diligently shew ourselues , in ech vocation , that thereby Gods name may be glorified , and our soules refreshed , with the heauenly foode of immortall ioyes , to the which eternall and liuing God be all honour and glory for euer and euer .

He that feareth God will do good , and who so keepeth the law , Sirach . 15. shall obtayne wisdome , men that go about with lies , will not remember her , but men of truth shal be found in her , and shall prosper euen vnto the beholding of God . And aboue all things pray the hyest that he wil lead thy way in faithfulnes & truth . The arrogant and stifnecked Phariseyes , although they beleued not the preaching of our Sauiour Christ , yet they confessed him , to be the truth , saying : maister we know that thou art true and teachest the way of God truely neither carest thou for any man , Math. 22. Marke . 12. for thou regardest not the outward appearaunce of men , tell vs therefore how thinkest thou , is it lawfull that tribute be geuen vnto Cesar or not : But Iesus perceaued theyr wickednes , sayde , why tempte ye me ye hipocrites , shewe me the tribute money , and they tooke him a penny , and he sayde vnto them , whose is thys Image and superscription , they sayde vnto hym , Cesars . Then sayde he vnto them , geue therefore vnto Cesar , the thinges which are Cesars , and vnto God those thynges that are Gods . By thys Cesar , is ment all temporall rulers , to whome we ought to geue all thinges that the lawe of the countrey we be in , bindeth vs to geue , whether it be our goodes , our life , our children , or seruants , to do them seruice , as in resisting the forrayne enemy , & shewing our selues obedient subiects vnto our prince & gouerners , not after a sodomicall order , but after those orders that are as wel to be alowed of God , as of the Prince or magistrats . Euery one that euill doth , hateth the light , Iohn . 3. neither commeth to the light , least his dedes should be reproued , but he that doth truth , commeth to the light , that his deedes may be knowne , how that they are wrought in God . He that commeth from heauen is aboue all , and what he hath seene and heard , that he testifieth , and no man receaueth his testimony , he that hath receaued his testimony , hath set to his seale that God is true . Which seale signifieth our Christian beliefe , the which when we haue heard , do forth wyth followe , to the vttermost on our parts , and do stedfastly stande to the same , refusing no plagues that may be layde on the body , for that sweete fruite of happy ioye , but euen to the ende , therein so to continue , and then haue we beleued , and also sealed . Iohn . 7. Iohn . 8. Rom. 3. 2. Cor. 6. But he that seeketh hys prayse that sent hym , the same is true , and no vnrighteousnes is in him , yea , and he that sent me is true . Let God be true , and euery man a lyer , as it is written , that thou mightest be iustified in thy sayinges , and ouercome when thou art iudged . Let vs geue none occasion of euill , that in oure office , be founde no fault , but in all thinges let vs behaue our selues as the ministers of God , in much pacience , in afflictions , in necessityes , in anguishes , in stripes , in imprisonmentes , in striues , in laboures , in watchynges , in fastynges , in puernes , in knowledge , in long sufferyng , in kindenes , in the holye ghost , in loue vnfayned , in the worde of truthe , in the power of God , by the armour of righteousnes , of the right hande and on the lefte , by honour and dishonoure , by euill reporte and good reporte , as deceyuers and yet true . And I saw heauen open , and behold a white horse , and he that sate vpon him , was called faithfull and true , and in righteousnes , he doth iudge and make battaile . Reuel. 19. And I sawe an angell stande in the sunne , and he cried with a loude voyce , saying , to all the foules that flye by the midst of heauen , come and gather your selues to the supper of the great God , that all flesh may be deuoured . The multitude that cried , are the vniuersall church or congregation of the faithfull , which is also to be vnderstanded the wyfe of the lambe . The lambes supper , is the lyfe euerlasting for all true beleuers to rest in perpetual ioy , and endeles felicitie . The foules that are called to the slaughter , are the true preachers of christes doctrine , who are commaunded to kill and deuoure all flesh with the sharpenes of their preaching , in rebuking the fleshly , Iere. 4. liuing in all degrees . O Israell if thou wilt turne thee , ( O England if thou wilt turne thee ) and leaue thine abhominations , then turne vnto me sayth the Lord : for euen as the Prophet spake vnto Israell , euen the very same speaketh he vnto thee O England . And if thou wilt put away thyne offences out of my sight , thou shalt not be moued , and shalt sweare , the Lord liueth in truth , in equitie and righteousnes , and all people shall be fortunate & ioyfull in hym . Oseas . 4. Heare the wordes of the Lord , O ye children of Israell , for the Lord must punishe them that dwell in the lande . And why , there is no truth , there is no mercye , there is no knowledge of God in the lande , but swearing , lying , manslaughter , thefte , and adultry haue gotten the vpper hande , therefore shall the lande be in a miserable case , and all those wycked offendours that are therin , shall be rooted out . The Lord kepeth not his wrath for euer , and why , his delight is to haue compassion , Mich. 7. thou shalt kepe thy truth with Iacob , & thy mercy for Abraham , like as thou hast sworne vnto our fathers long ago . And it shall come to passe , that like as ye were a curse among the heathen , O ye house of Iuda , and ye house of Israel , euen so wil I deliuer you that you shal be a blessyng . Feare not but let your hands be strong , for thus saith the Lorde of hostes . Like as I deuised to punish you , what time as your fathers prouoked me vnto wrath saith the Lord of hostes , and spared not , euen so am I determined now in these dayes for to do well vnto the house of Iuda and Ierusalem . Therfore feare ye not . Nowe the thinges that you shall doo are these , speake euery man the truth vnto his neighbour , execute iudgement truely , and patiently within your portes . None of you imagine euill in his harte agaynste hys neyghbour , and loue no false othes , for all these are the thynges that I hate sayth the Lorde . The law of truth was in his mouthe , Mal. 2 and there was no wickednes found in his lyps , he walked with me in peace and equitie , and did turne many one away from their sinnes .

Kyng Darius made a great feaste vnto hys seruauntes 3. Esd. 3 vnto all hys Courte , and to all the officers of Media , and Percia , yea to all the Deputies , and rulers that were vnder hym , from Iudea , vnto Ethiopia a 127. countries , so when they had eaten and dronken , beyng satisfied , and were gone home agayne , Darius the king went into his Chaumber , and there layde him downe to sleepe , and after a while a waked .

In the meane season the three young men that kepte the kinges person , and watched hys bodye , communed among themselues , and spake one to an other , let euery one of vs say something , and looke whose sentence is wisest and moste excellent aboue the other , vnto him shall Kyng Darius geue greate gyftes , and clothe him with Purple , and set hym nere the Kinges presence , and so euerye one wrote hys meaning , sealed it , and layde it vnder the kinges Pillowe and sayde , when the kyng ariseth we will geue him our writinges , and looke whose worde the king and his chiefe Lordes iudge to be most wisely spoken , the same shall haue the victory , one wrote , Wine is a strong thing : the second wrote , the King is stronger : the third wrote , Woemen haue yet more strength , but aboue all thinges the truth heareth away the victory , and this last probleme was written by Zorababel , and was by the king and his counsaile estemed most best in that he preferred truth aboue al thinges . True frendship , and frindes , ye surely shall finde , where many pure hartes , are made in one minde .

Pitagoras . Tobi. 1. Tobias , of the tribe and Citie of Nepthalem whiche lyeth in the hye countreyes of Galile aboute Naason the way towarde the West , hauyng the Citie Sephet vppon the lefte syde , thoughe he was taken prisoner in the dayes of Salmanazer kyng of the Assirians , neuerthelesse being in captiuitie , Tobi. 12. he forsooke not the way of truthe . They that doo sinne in vnrighteousnes , Tobi. 14. are the ennemies of theyr owne soules , wherefore I tell you the truthe , and wyll hyde nothyng from you , serue the Lorde in the truth , seeke after hys wyll , and doo the thyng that pleaseth him . For God is gracious and mercifull , Eccle. 2. he forgeueth sinnes in the tyme of trouble , and is a defendour for all them that seeke hym in the truthe . And we sawe the glorye of it , Iohn 1 as the glorye of the onelye begotten sonne , full of grace and truthe . If ye beleue not that I am he , Iohn 8 ye shall dye in your sinnes . Then sayde they vnto him , what art thou , and Iesus sayth vnto them , euen the very same thing that I spake vnto you , I haue many thinges to saye and to iudge of you , yea , and he that sent me is true , then sayde hee to those Iewes whiche beleued on hym , if ye continue in my worde , then are ye my verye disciples , and ye shall knowe the truth , and the truth shall make you free , but now ye goe about to kill me , a man that hath tolde you the truth , which I haue hearde of God , why doo ye not knowe my speache , euen because ye can not abyde the hearyng of my woorde , ye are of your Father the Diuell , and the lustes of your father will ye serue , he was a murtherer from the beginnyng , and abode not in the truth , therefore ye beleue me not , whiche of you rebuketh me of sinne , if I say the truth why do ye not beleue me . Iohn . 18. For this cause was I borne , and for thys cause came I into the world , that I should beare witnes of the truth , and al that are of the truth heare my voyce . I say the truth in Christ , and I lye not , if the truth of Christ be in me , Rom. 9. this reioysing shall not be taken away from me , 2. Cor. 11. in the region of Achaia . Wherfore because I loue you not God knoweth , neuerthelesse what I do , that will I do , to cut away occasion that they might be found like vnto vs , in that wherin they reioyce , we can do nothing agaynst the truth , but for the truth . But let vs follow the truth , in loue , and in all thinges growe in him whiche is the head , Ephe. 4. euen Christ . Let no man deceiue you with vain words , for because of such things commeth the wrath of God , vpon the children of disobedience , be not ye therefore companions of them . Ye were sometime darkenes , but now are ye light in the lord , walke as children of light , for the fruite of the spirite consisteth in all goodnes , righteousnes , and truth . Study to shew thy selfe laudable vnto God , Ephe. 5. a workeman that neadeth not to be ashamed distributing the word of God , truely and iustly , as for vngodly vanities of vices , passe thou ouer them , for they will encrease vnto greater vngodlinesse , and theyr wordes shall freate euen as doth the disease of a canker , of whose number is Himeneus , and Pliletus , which as concerning the truth haue erred , saying that the resurrection is passed al ready , and do destroy the fayth of some , but the sure ground of God standeth still & hath this seale , the lord knoweth them that are his , and let euery man that calleth on Christ depart from his iniquitie . Titus . 1. This witnes is true , wherefore rebuke thou them sharpely , that they may be sounde in the fayth , not taking heede to Iewishe fables , and commaundements of men , that turne away the truth . 1. Iohn 1. If we say that we haue felowship with him , and walke in darkenes , we lye and do not the truth . I haue not written vnto you , 1. Iohn . 2. as though ye knew not the truth , but as though ye knewe it , and knowe also that no lye commeth of truth , God graunt al christian hearers and readers of his worde , to be as well followers , as hearers , that after this life , we may all raygne in the eternall and euerlasting kingdome , with God the father , and his sonne Iesus Christ , to whome be all glory and dominion both now and euer .

The description of wisdome .

ANd the Lord spake vnto Moyses saying , beholde I haue called by name , Besalael , the sone of Ury , the sonne of Ha●●e , of the tribe of Iuda , Exo. 31. and I haue filled him with the spirit of God , in wisdome and vnderstanding , in knowledge , and in all maner of worke , to finde out subtill feates , and to worke in golde , siluer , and brasse . And now harken O Israell vnto the ordinaunces and lawes , Deu. 4. which I teach you &c. Kepe it therefore and do them , for that is your wisdome . The valiant and kingly Prophet Dauid , in that he feared the Lord , 1. King . 18 the Lord prospered hym , and he behaued him selfe wisely in all his wayes , and the Lord was with hym , wherefore , when Same sawe that he was so exceding wife , he was afrayde of Dauid . The dayes of Dauid drewe nye that he shoulde dye , and he charged Salomon his sonne saying : 3. King . 2. I go the way of all the world , be thou strong therefore , and shew thy selfe a man . Kepe thou the watch of the Lord thy God , that thou walke in his wayes , and keepe his statutes , and his precepts , his iudgementes , and his testimonies , euen as it is written in the lawe of Moyses , that thou mayst prosper in all that thou dooste , and in euery thing that thou medlest wi●h all , ( concerning Ioab ) the sonne of Zarine in that he slewe the two capitaines , Abner , and Amasa . Deale with hym , therefore according vnto wisdome , and bring not his hore heade down to the graue in peace . Tulli. Prudence consisteth in knowledge of things good & euill .

❧ Of wisdome . The signification .

THe house which standeth on the rocke , signifieth the stedfast beliefe of the faythfull : The other which standeth in the valy and on sandy ground , is the church of Antichrist and all popishe preaching , whiche house by violence of the water which falleth from the heigth , ouer turneth it , and so lieth voyde and empty .

Seperate them that do craftely flatter thee , from those that do faithfully loue thee , Socrates . least the ill men haue most profite by thee . By these examples , it is manifest that God hath ●lwayes , and at all tymes preserued , not onely those rulers and maiestrates , Ex misericordia . the which haue vsed and kept hys preceptes , wyth prudent wisdome and iust dealing , but also as well the poore and simple , & hath not onely bene vnto those realmes a most prosperous sauiour in sending aboundaunce of all fertility , but in the ende an euerlasting redemer vnto enlesse ioyes , and most happy felicity . Consider the excellent wisdome of Salomon , 3. King . 3. in doyng iustice betwene the two women that stroue for the quicke childe , when as the one of them through her necligence smothered her childe , and by craft ment to lay her fact on the other , to auoyde the blame was reproued , and the true mother of the liuing childe was knowen . Also God gaue Salomon wisdome and vnderstanding exceding much , 3. King . 4 and a large hart , euen as the sand that is on the sea shore , and Salomons wisdome exceded the wisedome of all the children of the East countrey , and all the wisedome of Egipt , for he was wiser then all men , yea then Ethan the Ezrahite , and Hemam , Chalcol , and Darda , the sonnes of Mahole , and hys name was spoken of throughout all nations on euery side , and Salomon spake 3000. problemes , 3. King . 10 and his songes were a thousand and fiue . And the Queene of Saba , hearing the fame of Salomon , concerning the name of the Lord , came to proue him wyth harde questions , and she came to Ierusalem , with a very great trayne , but when she sawe the goodly building , and costly apparell , of the ministers , and hys drinke , & burnt sacrifices , she sayd vnto the king , it was a true word that I heard in mine owne land of thy sayings , & of thy wisdome , howbeit I beleued it not till I came and saw it wyth mine eyes : And beholde the one halfe was not tolde me , for thy wisdome and prosperitie exceedeth the fame which I heard of thee , happy are thy men , and happy are these thy seruants which stande euer before thee , and heare thy wysedome . And thou Esdras , after thy wisedome of thy God , that is in thyne hand , 1. Esd. 9. set Iudges and arbitrers , by my authoritie , to iudge all the people that is beyond the water , euen all such as know the lawe of thy God , and them that knowe it not , those see that ye teach . And whosoeuer will not fulfill the lawe of thy God , and the kinges lawe , let hym haue hys iudgement wythout delaye , whether it be vnto death , or to be rooted out , or to be condemned in goodes , or to be put in prison . Thys notable example seemeth good , yea , and to be well considered of , amonge the true professours of Christian religion , firste to c●nsider what a horrible thing it is , to goe about to peruert the scriptures , and sacred worde of God , with manes lawes and inuentions . Secondarily , what a haynous offence it is before God , in that the subiect shall eyther wilfully , or contemptuously go about to make ordinaunces & lawes contrary to the precept and commaundement of that the which the Prince hath determined by generall counsaile , and consent of the whole realme , so long as it is to the aduauncement of Gods glory , & true religion . Now when I asked my counselers how these things might be brought to a good ende , Hesther 13 there was one by vs excelent in wisedome , whose good will , truth , and faithfulnes , hath oft bene shewed and proued , which was also the principall , and next vnto the king : Aman by name , which certified vs , howe that in all hands there was scatered abroade a rebellious folke , that made statutes and lawes agaynst all other people , and haue alwayes dispised the proclaymed commaundementes of kinges , & how that for this cause , it were not to be suffred that such rulers should continue by you & not to be pin down , seing now we perceaue the same , that this people alone are contrary to euery man , vsing strange and other maner of lawes and withstand our statutes and doinges , and go about to to stablish shrewd matters , that our kingdome should neuer come to good estate , and stedfastnes . Therfore haue we commaunded by such as is next vnder vs , appoynting Aman , which is ordayned to roote out with the sworde , all such aduersaries , and that there shall be no mercy shewed , and none suche spared . By these meanes kinges raigned in honour , and God to blessed them , that all that euer they went about prospered so long as they rebelled not agaynste his testimonies and lawes th● which he commaunded them to kepe . And also the su●●dcees for that they obeyed there prince with godly 〈◊〉 and 〈…〉 , so long God did also as well defende them from oppression , as he did the prince or Kin● from 〈◊〉 heuennes and sub●●●sion . Iob. 4. Shall a man be more iust then God , or shall a man be 〈◊〉 then his maker ? Beholde he founde no truth in his seruauntes , and in his angells there was folly , how much more in them that dwell in houses of clay , and whose fundation is but dust , whiche shall be consumed as it were with a mothe , They shall be smitten from the Morning to the Euening , yea , they shall perish for euer , when no man thinketh thereon . Is not theyr royaltie gone awaye with them ? they shall dye truely and not in wisdome . Sould he that bableth much be commended therin ? Iob. 11 Should men geue eare vnto thee onely ? Thou wilt laugh other men to scorne , and shall nobody mocke thee agayne ? Wilt thou say vnto God , the thing that thou takest in hand is perfect , and that thou art cleane in his sight ? Oh that God would speake and open his lippes agaynst thee , that he might show thee out of his secret wisedome , why he rew●rdeth thee double as he appoynted to do , then shouldest thou know that God had forgotten thee because of thy sinne . Would God ye kept your toung , Iob 13 for then might ye be taken for wise men . And be no leaders of the simple into strange errours & folish imaginations of men , ( what plague can be greater vnto that realme where so many sectes of religion is vsed , then the sufferance of such to continue , truely no plague more greater , and no offence more haynouse● , Iob 15 not onely agaynste the prince , but most chiefest against the almighty . Wast thou made before the hilles ? Iob 39 o● Hast thou hearde the secrete counsail of God , that all wisedom is to litle for thee ? Pro. 1 Who geueth sure wisedome , or stedfast vnderstanding ? Commeth it through thy wisedome ? Obey thou the Lord , for the feare of the Lord is the begining of wisedome : Pro. 2. ●f good vnderstanding haue all these that do thereafter . My sonne , if thou wilt receaue my wordes , and kepe my commaundementes b● thee , tha● thou wilt encline thine hart vnto wisdome , apply thine harte so vnderstanding . For if thou criest after wisdome , and calle● for knowledge : if thou sekest after her , as after money , and diggest for her as for creature , then shalt thou vnderstande the feare of the lord , & finde the knowledge of God . For it is the Lord that geueth wisdome , out of his mouth commeth knowledge and vnderstanding , and he hideth vp health for the righteous . Pro. 3. Well is him that findeth wisedome , and obtayneth vnderstanding . Wisdome is more worth then precious stones , Pro. 4. and all thinges that thou canst desire are not to be compared vnto her , heare O ye children the fatherly exhortation and take good heede that ye may learne wisedome , for I haue geuen you a good doctrine : forsake not my law . Wisedome resteth in the hart of him that hath vnderstanding , Pro. 14. and it shall be knowne among them that are vnlearned . pro. 29 Whoso loueth wisedome m●keth hys father a glad man . Moreouer thus sayth the Lord of hostes , Ieremy 9 beware of the vengeance that hangeth ouer you , and call for mourning wines and send for wise women , that they come shortely and singe a mourning song of you , that the teares may fall out of your eyes . Thus sayth the Lord also , let not the wise man reioyce in his wisdome , nor the strong man in hys strength , neither the rich man in his riches , but who 〈◊〉 will reioyce , let him reioyce in this , that he vnderstandeth and knoweth me , for I am the Lord which doth mercy righteousnesse and equitie on the earth . Also thus sayth the Lord God , Ezechi . 28 beholde I will bring enemies vpon thee , euen the tyrantes of the heathen , these shall drawe out thy swordes vppon thy bewty and wisedome and shall defoyle thy glory . Wisedome shall not enter into a froward soule , Sapi. 1. nor dwell in thy body that is subdued vnto sinne . Sapi. 2. Who so despiseth wisedome and nourture is vnhappy , and as for the hope of such , it is but vayne , theyr laboures vnfrutefull , and theyr workes vnprofitable . For as much as all men be conceaued and borne in sin , and that with out the free mercy of God , there were no hope of saluation , let vs therfore arme our selues with constant prayers vnto almighty God , to strengthen vs with the wisedome of his holy spirite , that in all our affayres ; we may therby be able to withstand our aduersary the Diuell . 1. Pet. 5. Who like a roaring Lion seaseth not , but goeth continually about , seking whome he may deuoure , yet forasmuch as our sauiour Christ hath prom●sed , that to al that with harty repentance and true fayth turne vnto him , that on those he will haue mercy , let vs therefore yelde vnto God all honour , and count our selues moste ignoraunt , and pray the Lorde so to enflame our hartes with spirituall wisedome , that we may thereby come to the knowledge of hys grace , and heauenly benediction . Steuen full of faythe and power , Act. 6. did great wonders and miracles , amonge the people , then there arose certayne of the sinagoge , which is called the sinagog of the Libertines and Sirenites , and of Alexandria and of Cilicia , and of Asia , disputing with Steuen , and they could not resist the wisdome , and the spirite which spake . Where constant fayth is , there is alwayes the spirite of Godes wisdome , and to those that do continue therein , is euerlasting life . 1. Cor. 1. Hath not God made the wisdome of the worlde foolishnes , for after that the world through wisdome , knew not God , in the wisdome of God , it pleased God through foolishnes of preaching , to saue them that beleue . For the Iewes require a signe , and the Greekes seeke after wisdome , but we preach Christ crucified , vnto the Iewes an occasion of falling , and vnto the Greekes foolishnes , but vnto them which are called , both of the Iewes and Greekes , we preach Christ , the power of God , and the wisdome of God . If any of you lacke wisdome , Iames. 1 let him aske of hym that geueth it , euen God whiche geueth to all men indifferently , and casteth no man in the teeth , and it shall be geuen hym : But let hym aske in faith , and wauer not .

The description of Peace .

PEace being vsed , according to the commaundementes of our sauiour Christ , among all faythfull christians , is not onely profitable to the body , but also to the soule , for peace signifieth the ioy of conscience , and surenes against the deuill our aduersarye . And generally the aboundaunce of all spirituall goodnes , because our sinnes are forgeuen vs by Christ . Gen. 5. Abraham for that he so peaceably and quietly obayed the commaundementes of the eternall and most mighty God , receaued the reward of euerlasting ioyes , and also in that he beleued the promises of God , without any maner doubt or feare , offering vp his onely sonne Isaak , and beleuing stedfastly that the God which had created hym of earth and dust , was able to restore hym hys sonne agayne , peaceably went to fulfill the Lordes commaundement . Therfore the lord blessed his whole posteritie saying : thou shalt goe with thy fathers in peace , and shalt be buried in a good age . Gene. 42. Gene. 43. Also when the great dearth and lacke of corne fell in the land of Canaan , Iacob sent his sonnes into Egipt to buye corne , and there they were knowen , of their brother Ioseph , and as they returned homeward , they found their money in the sackes mouthes , at their returne backe agayne into Egipt , they came vnto the man that was the ruler ouer Iosephes housholdes , and sayde vnto hym : Oh sir , we came downe hether at the first tyme to buye foode , and as we came to an Inne it happened that we opened our sacke , and beholde euery mans money was in his sacke , with full waight , and we haue brought it againe in our handes , and other money haue we brought also in our handes to buy foode , but we cannot tel who put our money in our sackes . And he sa●d peace be vnto you and feare not , your God and th● God of our fathers hath geuen you that treasure in your sackes , I had your money . Herein is shewed that there was in them a quiet and peaceable conscience , not desiring more then that which was dew ●ate them , and fearing also that the money being found in their sackes might be an occasion vnto them of a continuall seruitude and bondage , with sorowfull myndes brought it agayne vnto the man , the which they had thought had formally receaued it . Herein they also shewed themselues not onely peaceable and quiet men , but also constant , and true dealers , desiring no more , then that which of right appertayned vnto them , this example may seeme very necessary and profitable among all the professours of Christianitie , whereby they may the better know how to vse their crafte and occupiyng wyth truth and equitie . Which beyng kept , bringeth all such to the peaceable hauen of quiet immortalitie .

And if thou thus abide in my lawes and obserue my commaundementes , Leui. 26. I wyll sende peace in the lande , and ye shall fleene wythout any man to make you afrayde , and I wyll rydde euyll beastes out of your lande , and there shall no sworde goe through out your lande , and ye shall chace your enemyes and they shall fall before you vppon the sworde , and fiue of you shall chace a hundred , and a hundred of you shall put a thousande to flight , and your enemyes shall fall before you vppon the sworde , for I will haue respect vnto you and make encrease and multiply you , and set vp my couenaunt with you , and ye shal eate olde store , and carry out olde for the new . And the Lord spake vnto Moyses , saying : Numb . 25 Phinehes the sonne of Eleazer , the sonne of Aaron the priest turned myne anger away from the children of Israell , in my gelosie , wherefore say , beholde I geue vnto hym my couenaunt of peace , and he shall haue it , and hys seede after hym , euen the couenaunt of the Priestes office for euer , because he was gelious for hys Gods sake , and made atonement for the children of Israell . When thou commest nygh vnto a Citie to fight agaynste it , offer them peace , and if they aunswere thee agayne peaceably and open vnto thee , then let all the people that is found therein , be tributaryes vnto thee , and serue thee . By these pleasaunt examples is manifestly shewed the mighty power of God to al those that put theyr trust in hym , as for example , Phinies then which shewed hym selfe a true follower of the commaundementes of God , and woulde in no wyse , suffer any thing to be done contrary to Gods precept , and therefore God made a couenaunt with him , and with his posteritie for euer . So likewise thys sayde example , moueth all true Christians to be stedfast in the promyses of God , and not for vayne and transitory preferment , to colour or vse them , but wyth singlenes of harte do them , not regarding the person , but the cause , and in so doynge the rewarde

Of Peace . The Signification .

HE which standeth with a booke in his hand , signifieth quietnes and peace to the church of God : And the Woman signifieth the spouse and congregation of Christ , being maried to the Lambe ( Christ Iesus ) .

rewarde is as much in effect vnto all such , as euer it was vnto Phinies , or at any other that at any time haue geuen theyr mindes vnto the obedience of gods lawes . God graunt to all , such zeale vnto his word , that thereby we may haue the like rewarde that are now liuing in these present dayes . Moreouer , Iudges . 6. when the children of Israell , had committed wickednesse in the sight of the Lord , and they being deliuered into the hand of Madian , yet the Lords compassion was such , that he chose Gedeon , and made him captayne ouer the children of Israel , and by his mighty power deliuered them , and the Lord sayde vnto Gedeon , peace be vnto thee , feare not , thou shalt not dye , for Gedeon after that he had sene the angell of the Lord , was in a great feare , and thought that he should haue dyed , saying , haue I therefore sene the angell of the Lord face , to face , that I should dye , then Gedeon made an alter vnto the Lord , and called it : The Lord of peace . Iudges . 11. Also the spirite of the Lord came vpon Iepthath , and he passed ouer to Gilead , and from thence vnto the children of Ammon , and Iepthath vowed a vow vnto the Lord , and sayde , if thou shalt deliuer the children of Ammon into my handes , then that thing that commeth out of my dores of my house agaynst me when I come home in peace from the children of Ammon shall be the Lordes , and I will offer it for a burnt offering , and the first that met him at his returne home , was his owne daughter . 1. Reg. 7. All the cities the which the Philistines had gotten from the Israelites , the Lord restored them agayne , euen from Acarom , to Gathe , with the costes of the same , and Israell plucked them out of the handes of the Philistines and there was peace betwene Israell and the Amorites . 2. Reg. 25. Also consider the great kindnesse of Abigaell , the wife of Naball that churle , when Dauid sent x. of his young men vnto him , for that he had preserued his shepehardes and shepe in the wildernes , saying , greete him in my name , and thus shall ye say : peace be to thee , and peace be to thine house , & peace be vnto all that thou hast : Beholde , I haue heard say thou hast shearers , now thy sheepe were with vs in the wildernesse and we did them no spite , neither was there ought of thy flocke minished , vnto them , all the while they were in Carmell , aske thy laddes , and they will shew thee : wherefore let these young men finde fauour in thine eyes ( for we come in a good season ) and geue I pray thee whatsoeuer commeth to thine hand vnto vs , and vnto thy sonne Dauid , Naball hearing these wordes , sayde , what is Dauid , and what is the sonne of Isay , there is plenty of seruantes now adayes , that breake away euery man from hys master , shall I then take my bread , my water and my flesh that I haue killed for my shearers and geue it vnto men , whom I wot not whence they be , when the younge men perceaued the churlishnes of Naball , and that for the good done vnto him , to haue no recompence , returned and tolde Dauid , then Dauid commaunded euery man to girde his sworde to hys side , and prepare themselues to destroy Naball , but Abigaell , Nabals wife seing the misery that was like to ensue on her husbande , for his churlishnes , pro●●ded certayne loaues , and partched corne , and wine and a 100. frayles of reasons , and 200. topnets of figges to pacifie the wrath of Dauid and rode to mete him in the way , vnknowing vnto her husband , and as she came in the way , Dauid met her , ( and sayd vnto her ) in vaine haue I kept al that this fellowe hath in the wildernesse , and he hath quit me euill for good . So and so do God to the enemies of Dauid , if I leaue any thing , that partaineth vnto him , Abigael seing the fearcenesse of Dauid agaynst her husband , fel down at his feete , & desired him to leaue of his enterprise and not to shed bloud , and so Dauid withdrew his hand , and receaued of Abigaell , that which she brought vnto him , & sayd vnto her , go vp in peace to thyne house , beholde I haue heard thy voyce , and haue accepted thy parson . Augusti . He that hath not peace of the hart , the mouth , and the acte , ought not to be called a christian man , wo be vnto them that had rather haue the sig●●e of abundaunce , then to haue peaceable quietnesse , for where the hart is fixed with the inordinate desire of the world , there can neuer grow any prosperitie in the common wealth , for if the subiect be in penury , and haue the lacke of suffisance , then is it not onely a misery to the commons , but most of all to the prince or magistrates , the kinges power ought alwayes to rest in his subiectes . For if they he weake and feable then cannot that prince or gouernour be strong , although he had neuer so much aboundance of golde or treasure , for such treasure being hid and vnoccupied , bredeth most miserable reproch , and endlesse tormentes . These thinges haue I spoken vnto you , being yet present with you , Iohn . 14. but the comforter which is the holy ghost , whome my father will sende in my name , he shall teach you all thinges , and bring all thinges to your remembraunce , what so euer I haue sayde vnto you , peace I leaue with you , my peace I geue vnto you , let not your hartes be greued , neither feare , ye haue heard how I sayd vnto you , I goe and come agayne vnto you . Phil. 4. The Lord is euen at hand , be not carefull , but in all thinges shew your peticion vnto God in prayer and supplication , with geuing of thankes . And the peace of God which passeth all vnderstanding , kepe your hartes and mindes in Christ Iesu. Apoc. 1. Grace be with you and peace from him which is , and which was , and is to come , and from the 7. spirites which are presente before hys throne , & from Iesus Christ which is a faithfull witnesse , and first begotten of the dead , and washed vs from sinne , in his owne bloud , and made vs kinges and princes vnto God his father be glory , and dominion for euer more , Amen .

❧ The fetching of soules out of purgatory .

FOrasmuch as the Antichristians haue a place among themselues imagined , a place the which the call purgatory , and so affirming it , and that through their power they are able to bringe soules departed out of hell into theyr purgatory , and also to sende soules thether at theyr pleasure and will , I haue thought good to search the scriptures , to the intent to see if there had bene any such word or place , as by their writings is alleaged , & there is neither word nor place in such sort to be found . But sith they affirme such a place to be , I thinke in dede , as many as goe thether , when they are deade , do leaue their winding shetes behinde , for at oken , which semeth that such Prelates may put that more cloth in their Ephod & Tunicle , and Rochet , els it is to be thought tohse relickes should not be made so holy . And for the auoyding of such superstitious imaginations , I haue thought good to nominate so many places of the scriptures as do alow this third place , which they cal purgatory , but nought there is to be founde as hereafter folowing in thys sayde chapiter more at large shal be shewed . In the first of the holy Euangelist S. Mathew is written these wordes , she shall bring forth a sonne , and thou shalt call his name Iesus : for he shall saue his people from their sinnes , all this was done to fulfill that which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet Esay in his viij . chapiter , saying : Beholde a mayde shal be with childe and shall bringforth a sonne , and they shall call his name Emanuell , which is by interpretation God with vs , which name was geuen vnto Christ , because he being God was as Paul witnesseth found like vnto vs in all thinges , sinne onely excepted . Also in the 2. chapiter of S. Marke the Euangelist is written these wordes , when Iesus saw their faith , he sayde to the sicke of the paulsey , sonne thy sinnes are forgeuen thee , and there were certayne of the Scribes sitting there & reasoned in their hartes saying , how doth this felow blaspheme , who can forgeue sinnes , but God onely . Herein they shewed themselues altogether ignoraunt , not crediting him , for all the miracles that he had done and shewed among them , in like doth the Pope and his fraternity , beholde the scriptures but nothing at all vse them as they ought to do , but altogether to their owne imaginations , in as much as they haue done and do mayntayne a purgatory , a place to punishe soules in , after they be departed this life at their pleasures , which is nothing but mere falshod and deceit , ye and also are not ashamed to say that by vertue of trentall Masses , pardons , and dirgies , they are able to redeme those that are passed this life from all paynes and tormentes . O wretched congregation , o generation of vipers , that are not ashamed so superbiously to brage and so arrogantly seeke to deface the truth of the liuing God , for as there is but one true and liuing God , no more is there any other sauiour and redemer then God in Christ Iesus , which suffred for all men vniuersally , and he it is that worketh our saluation , and none but he . Si quis peccauerit aduocatum habemus

Non habemus hic manētem ciuitatem sed futuram inquirimus .

Heb. 13.

Beatiqui ad coenam nuptiarum Angni vocati sunt .

Apoc. 19. Verbum Dei comburens gladius . Omnia parata venite ad nuptias . Math. 22. apud deum Iesum Christum iustum , ipse est propitiatio pro peccatis nostris . If any man sinne , yet haue we an aduocate with the father Iesus Christ , the righteous , and he it is that obtaineth grace for our sinnes , for he was wounded for our offences , & smitten for our wickednes . Math. 11. Venite ad 〈◊〉 omnes , qui laboratis , & onerati estis , & ego reficiam vos . Come vnto me all ye that lavour and are laden , and I will refresh you . He saith not go to Iohn , Peter , or Paule , much les to eyther Pope or Cardinal , that any man should pray vnto , but only and soly vnto him which died on the Crosse for our sinnes , and rose agayne for our iustification , now must it plainly appeare ( as it is most euident ) that the Pope is an hipocrite , a lyer , & deceauer , going about to robbe God of his honour , in that he taketh vpon hym to forgeue sinnes , being a miserable & wretched offender himselfe , wich none can do but God only . Christus semel pro peccatis passus fuit , iustus pro iniustis , vt nos adduceret deo . 1. Pet. 3. Christ hath suffred for sinnes , the iust for the vniust , for to bring vs to God , and was killed as pertaining to the flesh , but was quickned in the spirit . Sanguis Iesu Christi emundat nos ab omni iniquitate . The bloud of our Lord Iesus Christ hath purged vs from vs from all our sinnes . Psal. 115. Non mortui laudabunt te domine , neque omnes qui discendunt in infernum . The deade prayse not thee O Lord neither all they that go downe into silence . How then can Pope or Prelate rayse them vp , & forgeue sinnes , when the Lord hath sayd , that none prayse him that are gone downe into the silence . O blinde guides , here the blinde leade the blind , and so both falleth into the dich . Quomodo facti sunt indesolationem subito defecerunt , Psal. 72. perierunt propter iniquitatem fuam . O how sodenly do they consume , perishe and come to a fearefull ende , that seeke to maintaine their hipocriticall deuises , before the true words & documents of our sauiour Christ Iesus , as shall be shewed by the life of holy S. Dunston , a saint of the Popes owne making . Anno. 958. Iohn the xij . helde the Papacie at Rome the space of 4. yeares 10. monethes , some authors write that he raigned 9. yeares 3. monethes , Polichronicon . & 5. dayes , and was striken of a deuill , as he was liyng on bed with a mans wife , and so dyed within 8. dayes folowing . This is he of whom the bie word rise . Bale . Be as mery as Pope Iohn : Unto this holy vicar of Sathan & successour of Simon magus went Dunstone out of England to be confirmed Archbishop of Canterbury : As soone as he was returned againe to England , by authority of this most execrable monster and wicked Antichrist , he gaue a strait commaundement , that Priests out of hand should put away their lawfull wiues , whome that brute con●inced hipocrite called the vessayles of fornication , as more playnely appeareth in the actes of the English votaries . Now to returne to the former place of purgatory . M. Bale . King Edwine , vppon the day of his Coronation , lay with Alfiga or Alfgina hys Concubyne , hauing then no wife . Dunstone being at that tyme but a munke and Abot at Glassenbury , and beyng very nere the place , come and plucked them both violently from the bedde , and brought them before the Archbishop Odo , threatning the woman suspencion , for the which the king after that exiled the sayde Dunstone into Flaunders , and wrought the munkes many other displeasures . When King Edwine was dead the Archbishoppe of Florance , for the good wyll that he bare vnto Dunstone , wrote this lie of him as followeth . When king Edwine was departed this life , the deuils came & caried his soule to hel , Dunstone knowing therof caused his soule to be taken from the deuils & to be put into their fained purgatory , with lie & al. Polichronicon saith that when Dunston commaunded the deuils to leaue the soule of Edwine , that one deuil spake and said , had not Dunston ben , they stil mought haue tormented him . But the strength of their requiem Masses were of such abhominable operation that they could kepe him no longer . Thus these shameles rebels , the ofspringes of Sathan , are not ashamed to confirme & say this to be true , which is most pernisious & filthy , God for his mercies sake open the eyes of all obstinate papistes & hinderers of his word that while the light of his glorious gospell shineth among vs both they and we all may imbrace the light , and not to runne hedlong into the vale of darkenes where is weping wayling and gnashing of teath and endles woes for euer continuing , remember the wordes of our sauiour Christe which he spake ouer Ierusalem saying , I●rusalem Ierusalem , qua occidis prophetas & lapidas eos qui mittuntur ad te , Luke . 13. quoties volui congregare filios tuos , quemadmodum auis nidum suum sub pennas et noluisti . O Ierusalem Ierusalem , which killest the prophets and stonest them that are sent vnto thee , how oft would I haue gathered thy children together , as the Hen gathereth her nest vnder her winges , but ye would not let these few ensamples be sufficient . Consider wel of them and prayse them as they are worthy , flye fables and cleaue to the veritie and then no doubt God will extend to vs his mercy Amen .

Problemes . SAthan flourishing , Uertue decreseth , Uertue flourishing , Sathan consumeth : If will haue desire to froward intent , Both froward and will in the end will be shent . As Fides , and Fallax , be not of one minde , Light and darkenes . So vice with vertue can neuer agrée : Uice will to vice , as euill by kinde , When vertue shines bright , strange sightes you shall sée . A seruaunt I had , both trusty and true , Sathan , the wor●● . Ful of obedience , and very diligent : Yet euill in maners ▪ full well did ensue , In darkenes condemned no time to repent . When earth by his vapour shall fume so the head , Worldly cares . That nothing may cause such apacient to sée : Beware in the end it turne not to Lead , And so of thy head neuer cured to be . When Phaeton whipped , his horsses gan runne , The ouerthrow of the enemy . The worlde to compasse , as he then thought : But Soll , sone displased so wilfull a sonne , And all his intent consumed to nought . Where mault long lieth not looked vnto , Some call Popes we wels . The Popes they deuoure , and wast sone the corne : Yet all not consumed for all they can doo , When fier aproch , ther better vnborne . When Crocadill wéepeth , and lieth full lowe , Beware of flatt●● . Then danger nere crepeth , of haue none take : And the asse for pastour doth neigh with show , Then Fallax from falshoode sée thou forsake . The Uiper his kinde , doth vse and kepe , Trust not 〈…〉 By resemblance of loue , with an outwarde show : So ire once kindled , causeth some so wepe , And like will to like as all 〈◊〉 well knew . The Oke that is grene , and fresh in his kinde , While he is vntwined so kepe him . The Iuy once spred , and on the tope take holde : By little and little , his force is vntwinde , And the Oke once fallen , then nedes must vnfolde . Such as can or may see see , lest when ye would ye shall not . As spring of sommer , the gates doo delight , And Aquaries would be in Leos place : The force of Philomisos may sone lose his fight , And causelesse to forget , eche knowen face . The Snayle once voyde , his house cannot gett , Do not wilfully lose thy time . Where substance of body is vtterly spent : Nor life to sée light that once might haue set , And house in the ende by tempest is rent . When Leo by force his pray doth seke , Feare not of persecu●ion . By Uenus assent and thinkest not to misse : Philogines with heate may cause him to gréete , So greate is his power , deuoyde of all blisse . The greater mischief allageth the lesser . When Vulcan with force hath done what he can , With hammers and sledges to hollow the ground : Yet Philamertia the enmye of man . Surpasseth his force , and geueth the wound . Kepe light while ye haue it , the night is at hand . Where the hogge is filled with vnwonted swill , And the Ape is vsed to thinges not meete : There deadly drincke full soone doth kill , To late to morne , lesse cause to weepe . This may come to passe . When golde into copper are changed in one , And Acteons dogges are suffised with pray : Then euery poore pastor shall dwell alone , And of theyr whole liuing shall haue no nay . When. Bon. in . to . ner . yae . be . to . some , God graunt vs his mercy . His banner displaied in place where he would : Then L , as Ioylese , may say vndone , Sith Pietas delaieth once that he could . While Soll with his beames , so fresh geueth light , Pray to God hardely . And Ely wisheth Zabeth long to raigne : Then pray to Iehouah we lose not that sight , In whome consisteth our profite and gayne . All such as are wise vse iudgement by measure , Be not to rash , a solusion to geue : And so it may chaunce sone to perseuer , Much better to vnderstand , the matter to atchiue . FINIS .

❧ Of the day of doome , And comming of the Lord , wherein is contayned the rewarde of the faithful , the reprobate go into euerlasting fier .

BEholde , heau●n and the heauen of heauens is the Lords , and the earth with all that is therein , notwithstanding , Deut. 10. the Lord had a lust vnto thy fathers to loue them , and chose theyr seede after them , euen you , aboue all nations , as thou seest this day . Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your hart , and be no more stifnecked : for the Lord your God , is God of Gods , and Lord of Lordes , a great God , a mightie , and a terrible God , which regardeth no mans person , nor taketh giftes : he doth right vnto the fatherlesse and widdow , and loueth the stranger , to geue him foode and rayment , loue ye therfore the stranger also , for ye were strangers your selues in the land of Egipt . Thou shalt feare the lord thy god , & him onely shalt thou serue , to him shalt thou cleaue and sweare by his name , he is thy praise & thy God , that hath done for thee these great & terrible things , which thine eyes haue sene . Thy fathers went down into Egipt , with 70. soules , and now the Lord thy God hath made thee & multiplied thee as the starres of heauen , consider most gentle reader , the mercifullnes of so puissant a creatour , that would not the death of a sinner , but that he should be conuerted and turne from his wicked wayes , if not , that then where he promised life , he will rewarde with horrible death , takeheede therefore , and be constant in all truth vnto the ende , and God will preserue thee , and on all those that haue no loue vnto his word , among suche doth God let slip false prophets to deceaue them . And therefore God shall sende them strong delusion , 2. Tessa. 2. that they should beleue lyes , that al they might be damned which beleue not the truth , but haue pleasure in vnrighteousnes , and those which withdraw the faithful from the truth of the gospell . Whoso dwelleth vnder the defence of the most highest , Psal. 1● . shall abide vnder the shadow of the almightie , a thousande shall fall beside thee , and ten thousande at thy right hand , but it shall not come nigh thee , yea with thine eyes shalte thou beholde , and see the rewarde of the vngodly . God beginneth iudgement at his owne house : for he sendeth tribulations , and afflictions vnto his church . If ye be rayled vppon for the name of Christ , 1 Pet. 4. happy are ye , for the spirite of glory , and the spirite of God resteth vpon you , one theyr part he is euill spoken of : but one your partes he is glorified , see that none of you suffer as a murtherer , or as a theife , or an euil doer , or as a busie bodie in other mens matters , if any suffer as a christian man , let him not be ashamed , but let him glorify God on his behalfe , for the time is come the iudgement must begin at the house of God , if it first begin at vs , what shal the end be of them which beleue not the gospell of God , and if the righteous scasely be saued : where shal the vngodly & sinner appeare , wherfore let them that suffer according to the will of God , commit their soules to him with well doing , as vnto a faithful creator . Riches helpeth not in the day of vengeaunce , but righteousnes deliuereth from death , Prou. 11. the righteousnes of the iust shall deliuer them , but the wicked shal be taken in their owne vngodlines . If we had truely iudged our selues , we shoulde not haue bene iudged , but when we are iudged of the Lord , we are chastened , because we should not be damned with the world Uerely , verely , I say vnto you , Iohn . 5. the tyme shall come , and now is , when the dead shall heare the voyce of the sonne of God , and they that heare shall liue , for as the father hath life himselfe , so likewise hath he geuen to the sonne to haue life in hymselfe , and hath geuen hym power also to iudge , in that he is the sonne of man . Maruaile not at this , the houre shall come , in the which , all that are in the graues , shall heare his voyce , and shall come forth , they that haue done good into the resurrection of life , and they that haue done euill , vnto the resurrection of damnation . Iohn . 3. For God so loued the world that he hath geuen his only son , the none that beleue in him should perish but should haue euerlasting life , for God sent not his son into the world to condemne the world , but that the world through hym myght be saued , he that beleueth on hym shall not be condemned , but he that beleueth not is condemned already , because he beleueth not in the name of the only sonne of God . Iohn . 12. He that refuseth me and receaueth not my wordes , hath one that iudgeth hym , the wordes that I haue spoken , they shall iudge hym in the last day . There shall goe a fire before hym and burne hys enemies on euery side , Psal. 87. hys lightnes gaue shine vnto the worlde , the earth saw it and was afrayd . The Lords comming shal be heard like a great noyse from the Citie , and shall reward hys enemyes on a sodayne , euen as the trauayling of a wife when she bringeth forth a man childe , Esay . 66. Rom. 13. or euer she suffer the paine of the birth , and anguish of the trauayle . The night is passed , and the day is come nye , let vs therefore cast away the dedes of darkenes and let vs put on the armour of light . Let vs walke honestly , as it were in the day light , not in eating and drinking , neither in foolishnes , as strife and enuiyng , but put ye on the Lord Iesus Christ , 1. Thess. 5. and make no prouision for the flesh , to fulfill the lustes of it . Of the times and seasons brethren ye haue no neede , that I write vnto you , for ye your selues know perfectly that the day of the Lord shal come euen as a theife in the night , when they shall say peace and no daunger , then commeth on them sodayne destruction , as the trauayling of a woman with childe , and they shall not escape , therfore let vs not sleepe , but watch diligently for the comming of the Lord , that at our calling we may be found occupied in all God exercises , least being found idell , we perish in our owne iniquitie , and so come to destruction both of body & soule . Examine therefore euery man among your selues , and so spende the dayes of thys troublesome pilgrimage , that in the ende we may come and appeare at the generall day before the eternall iudge , who shall iudge all flesh according to theyr desartes , and let vs most chiefely pray vnto God , so to ayde vs wyth hys holy spirit against the temptacions of Sathan , Math. 25. Ex misericordia . that at our appearance we may be found lawdable and glorious in the sight of that most pure and imaculate lambe Iesus Christ , and to receaue the blessed benediction , when he shal say , come ye blessed children into my euerlasting kingdome prepared for you from the beginning of the world . Ex merito . ( And to the reprobate & wicked ones , goe ye wicked into the infernall hell prepared for you , the deuill and his aungels . ) Let all faithfull hartes pray vnto God and alwayes glorify his most blessed name , vnto the which God be all glory , power , and dominion , for euer , and euer . Amen .

A Smalle reward , I looke to haue , Of such as do the truth despise : No whit at all , I mynde to craue , But further truth in any wise , All flesh is frayle and soone doth rotte , As doth the flower in the fielde : When man is gonne , full soone forgot , Therefore in tyme to truth do yelde . Lament all flesh that liuing be , With brinish teares and blubbrid eyen : Then after death you soone shall see , The christall glasse of light to shine . Which glasse is Christ our Sauiour , That for vs all his bloud hath shed : Yelde vnto him all might and power , Our only ioy and supreme head . Let fickle fancie not you moue , From him which can both kill and saue : For like as gold , so will he proue . If light you way to late to craue .

FINIS .

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