A very comfortable and necessary sermon in these our dayes made by the right reuerend father and faithfull seruaunt of Iesus Christ Martin Luther ; concerning the comming of our Sauior Christ to Iudgement and the signes that go before the Last Day, which sermon is an exposition of the Gospell appointed to be red in the church on the second Sonday in Aduent ; and is now newly translated out of Latin into English and something augmented and enlarged by the translator with certaine notes in the margent.

The Sermon , or exposition of the Gospell .

IN this dayes Gospel , The effect of the Gospel ▪ and the cause why it was written . Christ our Lord sheweth vs what shal be the estate , and condition of the world , when all things draw to an end : Wherby we may know when the great and horrible day shall appeare ( in the which Christ our Lord hym selfe shall come openly to Iudgement ) that no man nede to wauer , or doubt of the matter . For he sheweth playnly the signes that shal be sene in the last age , and shal go before the last day , as tokens therof : because it cannot be chosen , but that so Signes be fore the last day proued by humane reason , grounded vpon a certayne truth . straunge , yea & that the last chaunge of the whole world should be declared by many and great tokens , seyng that much lesse alterations of countreys and nations haue ben signified by signes and wonders goyng before . Bycause this prefent Gospell hath ben before tyme sufficiently declared , so that now it is well knowen vnto all men : I mynde not to shew the doctrine that therof may be gathered , but after an other maner and fashion to handle it , to the glory of God & our consolation . For therfore is it put in writtyng , and made manifest by preachyng , that it may serue to our confort , and to the encrease of fayth and hope in vs , Rom. 15. 4 which professe Christ , and beleue in hym : notwithstandyng there is good cause why it may be a terror vnto the other sort of men , I meane the wicked vnbeleuers , whose destruction these signes do portend : Who in dede are nothyng moued with them at all , but with security of mynde do contemne them .

Therfore ( commendyng them to our God , & theyr Iudge which shall come and reward them , accordyng to theyr desertes , that by experience they may alwayes feele that , which now they neither beleue nor regard ) in handlyng the Gosspell , we wil haue litle consideration of them , but wil make it frutfull vnto our selues , lest we should suffer it in vayne to be put in writyng , and should leese the frute & commodity thereof . Which if we consider well , we shall perceiue that it contayneth matter very comfortable and ioyfull , seruyng much for our commodity . Which consolation and comfort is very nedeful for vs , seyng the signes of them selues are very terrible and ( as I may say ) horrible to behold .

Moreouer , Christians as they are at other tymes fearefull enough , & of base courage , so when they see the indignation and wrath of God towardes mankind , the waggyng of a leafe is able to make them amased , Example hereof are the inhabitantes of Hierus●… ▪ before whose destruction God sent most horrible tokens thereof . Whereof som they regarded not ▪ some they enterpreted to signifie victory ouer theyr enemies contrary to the true meanyng of them , and of God which sent them ▪ and contrary to the expresse wordes of our Sauiour which before had foretold them . and almost dead for feare : contrarywise the wicked are more secure and hard harted , and are moued with no signes , be they neuer so great and horrible . Therfore this thyng seemeth not to fall out indifferently , and as reason would : for they which chiefly should be afrayd , whom God by his signes doth terrible threaten , they ( I say ) haue hartes of horne , stone , and yron , so that they regarde them as thoughe they dyd nothyng appertayne vnto them , what soeuer wrath of God was to come , & beyng euen now at hand , Luke . 14. 43 they do forewarne & shewe . Contrarywise The faithful haue no more cause to feare the signes of the last day , the Noe had , when the flud came ▪ or Lot at the destruction of ●…odome & Go●…orra which s●… company of them that then were preserued , is a signe of the little flock which goeth by the narrow gate . they which ought not to bee moued , but rather reioyce when they see these signes and tokens , as vnto them they do not portend any wrath or displeasure of God , but fauour & consolation , they ( I say ) feare more than nedeth , and can scarsely lift vp theyr harts to conceaue such swete and comfortable cogitations as thereby occasion is offered .

Now to come to my matter , there are two thyngs chiefly to be noted in this Gospell : The one is , that our Sauiour reckoneth the signes in order which go before the last day , which being fulfilled , Math. 14. we may know for a certainty that the day is euen hard at hand . The other note is , that he sayth those signes shal be a consolation and a comfort to hys Christian children , so that therby they may be moued to looke for hys commyng with a mery and cherefull countenance . The first signe ( sayth he ) shall appeare from heauen in the sunne , the moone , and the starres : that is to say ( as Mathew doth expound it : ) The sunne shal be darkened , and the Math. 24. 29. moone shall not geue her light , and the starres shall fall from heauen . &c. Moreouer vpon the earth the people shal be at theyr wittes end thorow dispayre , & shal be in such perplexitye , that they shall not know whether to go , or where to abyde , their hartes shall fayle them for feare of those thynges , which are like to come vpon them .

Agayne , signes shal be seene in the Sea , & in the Waters , so that all creatures , and the powers of heauen shall moue : there shal be such an alteration , that the world shall seeme by and by to haue an end , and the last day shall seeme hard at hand . Here I will not greatly contend with any man , but will leaue it to the consideration of my Christian brethren , whether the signes in the sunne , the moone , and the starres be already fulfilled , or not . But this is my belefe & most certaine hope , that the greater part of them haue bene already sene , and that many other are not here after to bee looked for . For if we will beleue , there hath bene sene euen in our time aboundantly both many and great Eclipses or darkenyngs of the sunne and mone within few yeares together , one after an other , besides diuers in one yeare : the lyke we haue not read to haue appeared at any time before since the begynnyng of the world . But he that will not beleue the word of God , will not beleue the signes , nor take them for signes , but will contemne them , and tread them vnder hys foote , yea although the sunne should be dayly darkned before his eyes , & the starres should fall by heapes from heauen . Although Astronomers say that such darkenynges of the sunne and moone happen by the course of nature ( which some of them can tel of before hand ) yet they deny not , but they signifie some terrible thyng to happen on the earth , especially seyng there be so many , & all most euery yeare .

Besides this , contrary to the course of nature , many signes haue bene sene in the Heauens , many Sunnes at one time , many Raynebowes , many terrible blasyng Starres , fyres in the ayre like dartes and swordes , and diuers other prodigious sygnes , which if they should be written , would fill a whole volume : but all are forgotten , if they be not dayly before our eyes , and assone as they are past , we liue securely as though no such thyng had euer happened at any tyme : yea rather the oftener they happen , so much the lesse we regard them . For we take them for customable thynges , thinkyng with our selues that of necessitye they must so come to passe , makyng no more accountes of them afterwardes . And true it is , that of necessity they must so come to passe , otherwise they should be tokens in vayne , and the world should not bee so soone destroyed , if it beyng moued therby , should beleue the Gospell . For it might ( turnyng to God by repentaunce ) auoyde , or turne away his wrath ▪ or at the least prolong it for a tyme . But alas , this is rather the chief care of the world , by continuyng in wickednes , & most obstinatly heapyng sinne , to hasten Gods wrath , and spedely to procure●…hys owne destruction . Thus much as concernyng the signes in the Sunne , the Moone , and the Starres .

Now as touchyng the signes in the Sea , and the Waters , I commit them in like maner to the Iudgement of my Christian brethren : Whether they be fulfilled al ready or no. Old men testify , that no man aliue is able to remember so great tempestes , windes , and floudes as haue happened within these few yeares . Some floudes haue drowned whole countreys , such haue happened of late about Rome , and in the lower Germany : besides the earth quakes which we haue heard of , but I let them passe . By these thynges it semeth that such is now the condition of the world , that nothing shall continue any longer in hys old estate , but all things shall quickly be turned vpsidedowne , and fall to decay . And also this we see come to passe by many examples , that many are so troubled and vexed , that for very anguishe of mynde they dispayre . Which thyng may be vnderstanded both bodely and spiritually , but especially spiritually . For we haue heard of many before tyme , and yet dayly heare of mo , whom the deuill so troubleth and vexeth by temptations and desperation , that for the greatnes of the grief and anguish , they lay hand vpon them selues , & procure their owne death : so that we see all the signes forespoken by our Sauiour Christ , haue happened in all the world . And although all thynges be not fully complished and ended , yet we can not deny , but that the greater part of them is already fulfilled , especially so many happenyng together one after an other . Therfore litle or nothyng hereafter is to be looked for besides the end of all thyngs , which signes are therfore forespoken , to put vs out of doubt , and that we should not thinke they happen without a cause by chaunce or fortune , rather than to signifie some notable thyng to come . But they are in dede all of them terrible signes , threatening vnto the world cruell euents , although it do not feele them , nor care for them . But true Christians do both see them , and marke them well , & are therby terrified much more then nedes , seyng they are not sent to their destruction , but rather to their consolation : & therfore they ought with ioy & gladnes to behold & consider them , and not be discouraged , although the firmament appeare lamentable vnto the beholders , the Sunne , the Moone , the Starres and all the heauen beyng darkened .

The Sunne , although he be couered with a thicke and blacke cloude , although he leese his light , neuerthelesse he goeth forwardes in hys course , he is no worse then he was before , he remaineth the same Sunne still , and shineth as he dyd before , sauyng that he lowreth for a time in token of destruction to wicked men : in lyke mader the residue , as the Moone and the Starres , in that they seeme terrible to behold , it is no harme vnto them selues : For they are no tokens vnto them selues , but vnto the wicked world , of whom they are contenned . After the same sort , whereas men are troubled and vexed , hauyng a timerous & fearefull conscience , it is in dede a terrible signe , but not vnto thee or them which suffer this , if they be Christians : onely it signifieth destruction to the wicked , and despisers therof , which do not suffer it , but neglect it : For the sufferers are preserued neuerthelesse , and take no harme therby , although they go vp and downe with a pensiue mynde ; in token of destruction to the wicked , and vngodly persons . Euen as Esay went naked , and without shooes , and Ieremy caryed a chayne about hys necke for a signe of misery and calamity to the Egyptians , and Philistines , and yet no harme happened vnto either of them . For Ieremy remayned out of bondage ▪ & thraldome , and in as much liberty , as he was before , and Esay notwithstandyng hys ▪ nakednes , kept still hys garmentes : So they which kepyng vnto them a good conscience , do cary about them these tokens , shal be without harme , and voyde of of all daunger , onely they declare vnto other , what shortly after shal be their estate and condicion .

For although they bee euill signes , yet they bryng no euill to them that cary them . Otherwise , he that hath the execution of condemned persons , would not cary the sword , or the axe , neither durst any man cary a weapon : But thou which art a mansleaer and murderer take thou hede to thy selfe , for thou art lyke to go to the pot when the officer draweth foorth his sword . In lyke maner the fire , the gibbet , the halter , the gallowes hurte not them selues , but bryng destruction to theeues and robbers which haue committed haynous offences : So before the last day there must be many men , whom the deuill troubleth and vexeth with greuous temptations , and so oppresseth them with anguish , that they can not tel which way to turne them , or where to abide . Of which sort of men Gerson of Paris , and certain confessors haue written many thynges , especially in Monasteries . We haue had experience of them in whom hath ben tender and fearefull consciences . But let hym so vexe and terrify men , he shal not hurt them , if they be not such as God hath determined to terrify and condemne , as the wicked and the vngodly : but rather such as are fearefull , & tender of mynde , and would gladly receiue comfort , and turne vnto God , and can finde no comfort or relief , vntil God himselfe haue deliuered them out of the misery of their afflicted conscience , and haue conforted them by hys word . Onely feare thou , & take hede , which beyng secure and mery , contemnest all thinges , wherby God threateneth thy destruction . Unto these signes , that appertayneth where hee sayth : Mens hartes shall fayle them for feare , and for lookyng for those thynges which shall happen vnto the whole world : that is to say , many shal be troubled in their myndes , that they shall go like men amased , and as though they dyd presently feele the daunger that they see hangeth ouer their heades , for feare : Wherof they are so vexed , that the greatnes of the grief , and anguish of mynde causeth them to consume and pine away : Euen as sorow vseth to wast mans life , euen as a priuye consumption doth eate , or sucke the marow out of the bones ( as the wise man wytnesseth Prou. 17. 22. in his Prouerbes . ) These men must feele these signes , not as tokens vnto them selues , but vnto them which are more worthy to feele them . But bicause thou doest contemne them , at length thou shalt feele more greuously , not signes , but those thynges which therby are signified , that is to say , euerlastyng terrour , feare , sorow , and hell fire . For if iust men suffer and feele these things in the earth for a tyme : What shall we say will become of them for whose sakes they are sent , and whose destruction God thereby doth threaten ? Notwithstandyng they esteme them no more then the paryng of theyr nayles : But are dayly worse and worse , vntill experience ( alas to late ) doth teach them . What folye and madnes was in their brayne , when they gaue them selues to all pleasure and voluptuousnes , to all kynd of worldly ioy and pastyme ? Whiles iust men were vexed with great sorow & anguish of mynde , consideryng the great & horrible plagues which God hath prepared for all disobedient , stubburne and stifnecked infidels and Antichristes . It is a very hard thyng to behold many so terrible and so horrible signes , which with no small feare shal amase the mindes of many ( as Christ here sayth ) and fil them with such sorow , and heauynes , that they shall seeme to be voyde of all consolation and comfort to those that see them . But if thou be a Christian , do thou not looke either vppon the externall signes of heauen , or the earth , neither vpon that which thou feelest thy selfe : but looke thou vpon the necessity , both of thy selfe & of the whole world , vnto whom God ( as his vnfallible word doth testify ) hath ap pointed such thinges . Except that day shuld come at the length , I had rather I had neuer bene borne .

For let vs consider what is now the estate and condition of the world , & how it dealeth with vs , and with the Gospell of our Sauiour Christ , most cruelly persecutyng the Preachers therof , by men that are driuen headlong through Reade that discouery of the Spa nish Inqui sition for the further declaration of these wordes . the deuill , to deuise dayly mischieuous and vntollerable tormentes for the same purpose . They most wickedly contemne and despise the Gospell , they scoffe at it , they speake spitefull and blasphemous wordes against it , most sclaunderously , endeueryng therby all that they may , to deface the faythfull seruauntes of Iesus our Sauiour .

So vnthankefull is the world for the Gospell , such deadly & poysoned hate doth it beare towards Gods ministers , beyng more mad Gene. 4. 8. ●…e . ●…7 . 41. Exod. 1. 15 1. Sam. 19 11. and. 1. Reg. 18. 13. and. 19. 2. & wood against than , than euer was Cain agaynst Abell : then Esa●… against Iacob : then Pharao against the Israelites : then Saul agaynst Dauid , then Iesabell against the true Prophetes , then Herode agaynst the Math. 2. 16 Innocentes : finally then the deuilish Scribes and Phariseys agaynst Christ our Sauiour . Agayne on the other side , there is an infinite number of wicked men , as Idolaters , prophaners of the Sabboth by seruyng theyr owne couetous & censual lustes , in stede of God , vayne swearers , drunkardes , rebels , robbers , & spoylers one of an other , adulterers , deceyuers , lyers , false witnes bearers , cursed speakèrs , voluptuous men and wemen , slaunderers , malicious , enuious , couetous , ambitious , and periured persons : so that there can scarce be sene in all the world one token of discipline , reuerence , feare , good maners , or punishment of malefactours .

Princes seeke theyr owne honour , more then the honour of God , and theyr own profite , more then the profite of the common weale . They make bloudy battailes for small trespasses agaynst them selues , not passing for many haynous offences committed against God. Through ambition they picke quarels and wage war to enlarge theyr owne God●… king ●…oure as it ●… taken for the whole world , can ●…t be enlarged , but ●…s it is taken for the congregation of the Christians when hys worde is truly preached , so it may and is dayly enlarged . kyngdomes , hauyng no regarde to enlarge the kyngdome of God.

Subiectes ( beyng destitute of good officers , and Preachers of Gods word ) lyke mad men bere●…t of theyr wyttes , rebell agaynst their Prince : They regarde not their lawes , but either wilfully and openly breake them , or elles seeke meanes to delude them , to the satisfiyng of their owne wicked lustes . Priuate men kepe no good lawes , but by compultion : Officers see no lawes kept , but in respect of their owne commoditie , & to that end many tymes they purposely breake good lawes : for bribes or for frendship , oppresse the poore , and defeate them of theyr right , either by false Iudgement , or by delayes , & such other crafty conueances . Lawyers encorrage their clientes ( aswell him that hath the false , as hym that hath the good cause ) to go forwardes with the law , vntill theyr money be spente , and then they send them home to agree amongest theyr neighbours . Clientes ( such are their couetous and malicious myndes ) some to enrich them selues , wil wrongfully by processe of law chalenge other mens goods : some to vexe & trouble other men , will by sutes in the law vndoe both them selues , and their neighbours . Rich men neglect the poore , and suffer them to perish for hunger . Poore men ( a great number of them ) are idle loyterers , & will rather by pryggyng and such like meanes shift for them selues , then by honest labour get their liuing . Old men in all kind of lewdnes , are an example to the youth . Young men and maydes take an example of the most part which is wicked , rather then of the lesser part which is godly . Parents and masters do not instruct their children and seruauntes in the true fayth , feare , and woorshyp of God. They seeke the bodely health , and worldly profite of their Children , but theyr soule health and heauenly profite they regard not at all . Children and seruauntes that are godly instructed , despise theyr teachers , and folow the deuilish entisementes of theyr lewd companions .

Ecclesiastical persons that are in authoritie , seke more the maintenaunce of their owne honour and estimation , then the furtherance of the Gospel . They seke not the encrease of godly preachers in their Diocesses , nor the reformation of such as are idle , and vngodly : yea they suffer theyr owne families at home to be full of dissolutnes , much more their Dioces abroad . They admit into the ministery all maner lewd & vnlearned persons : They able not vnto one onely , but vnto many benefices , those that are both vnable , & vnwillyng to discharge one , or to take any paynes at all in the vineyard of God : yea many boyes that are neither Ministers , nor fit to enter into the Ministery . Priuate Ministers are some of them , idle loyterers , domme dogges , hyrelynges which suffer the wolfe to deuoure their flocke , feeders of them selues , and not of Christes sheepe committed to their charge . Other some ( takyng vppon them to be Preachers , not so much inwardly as outwardly called therunto ) in preachyng the Gospell , preach them selues , and not Christ , as men not endued with the spirit of God ( which without parciality reproueth all the world of sinne , rightuousnes and Iudgement ) they rebuke some of lower sorte , and flatter such as are able to do them a pleasure . They preache many times sound doctrine , but by their wicked lyuyng they bryng it in contempt , and are therby cause of more offences , than if they had spoken nothyng at all . They speake many tymes of them selues , and not that which they haue heard in the Prophetes and Euangelistes , and writtynges of the Apostles , but their owne fantasies . They do not glorifie Christ , but them selues : For they take not that which is Christes , but that which is their own , & declare that vnto the people . The most part of the people heare not the word of God at all , but either absent them selues from the Church , or els sodenly departe , before they haue heard the Scriptures read , or any part therof expounded . Generally all sortes of men , the more they are instructed by the word of God , the worse they are , & can not abide in any case to be reprehended and rebuked for their wickednes .

So is the word of God , & hys law troade vnderfoote of all degrees , and the true preachers therof receaue no other reward of men , but scoffes , and mockes , and deuilish hatred , which is very greuous to good Christians , and pearceth the hart lyke a sword . Ought we not therfore to pray day & night , & cry vnto Christ our Lord , that now at the length he will vse hys seueritie , and suffer all thynges to come to ruine , that such detestable wickednes may haue an end , and that all occasion of offence , all snares and stoomblyng blockes , 1. Cor. 15. 19. may be quite taken away ? For except at length we should be preserued from these thynges , we were of all men that euer were borne most miserable . For we must not so much consider the harme & destruction of the world , nor the misery of the wicked worldlynges , but how great a grief it is to vs , & to all Christians to seé God hym selfe & hys word contemned , reproued , & blasphemed , and hys preachers most spitefully hadeled , iniuriously trode vnder foote , and most cruelly tormented in the world : all preaching , crying out agaynst wickednes , rebukes , admonitions , and threatnynges are allmost vnprofitable , & in vayne .

Therfore the beholdyng of these signes aforesayd , ought much to reioyce vs , as by the which almighty GOD declareth , to our great comfort , that he will fight shortly with the world , and will deliuer vs out of all our miseries and calamityes . Therefore it is our part , not onely with ioye t●… looke for this day of saluation , but also with feruent desire , and earnest request to desire it of Christ our Lord , saying after this sorte : Thou Lord hast promised to vs this day of redemption , therfore if Apoc. 22 ▪ 20. it be thy pleasure let it come quickly , and make an end of our miseries in this life , and for euer world without end . As touching our miseries in this life , we may take an example of the most deuilish Pa●…istes , the deadly enemyes of God and vs : how couragious they are , how they triumphe and leape for ioy , as often as there appeareth vn to them neuer so litle hope to oppresse the Gospell and vs with it .

With what exclamations and earnest requestes , dyd they desyre the commyng of Caesar the Emperour into Germany , to destroy the Lutherianes ( as they terme vs ) & to establish agayne their tyran●…icall power ? What daunsyng , leapyng and triumphes dyd they prepare agaynst hys commyng ? Bragges aboue measure , reioysing , singyng , laughyng , leapyng , & clappyng of handes was heard amongest them , which hoped to bathe themselues in our bloud , Their reioysynges were Unto this place appertayneth the hystory of of the Emperour Char les the v. of that name who , the yeare of our Lord. 1521. sent for Luther vnto Wormes a Citie in Germany by an Herauld of armes with letters of safe conduct , to whom hee came boldly , although some persuaded hym that hee should neuer haue come from thence alyue . There he was examined before the Emperours Ma●…esty of the bokes that he had wri●…ten , and whether he would recant them , or any thyng in them contained . Who aunswered that he would ●…cant so much as any man was able to proue false by the worde of GOD , otherwise he would deny nothyng that hee had written . After a while when no other aunswere could be gotten of him ▪ the Emperour gaue hym leaue to departs without daunger , bycause of his safe conduct . a●… though many laboured to the contrary . especially the Popes Embassadour : as in the booke of the Actes and Monuments more playnly is declared . so great , that they could not tell how , nor by what meanes to expresse the gladnes of their myndes . Some went vp & downe laughyng in theyr sleues , & did not communicate to any man the secret ioye of their hart : sauing onely vnto their frendes , whom they made partakers ther of by sendyng letters to & fro . Other some with open mouth did cry out , and made manifest theyr ioye to al men that did see them , saying : our Sauiour commeth , our Sauiour commeth ( meanyng the Emperour ) so that theyr ioye was passing measure .

See these desperate theeues , and murderers , how they reioyced in a false sauiour , which was not able to helpe them any thyng at all , no although he had ioyned all his power with them , & had gathered together an infinite number of armed men to take their part : yet so they dyd hope that they should be exalted againe , yea a great deale more honorably , & set in higher authoritie , them at any tyme before when they lyued in abominable wickednes , in all dissolute behauiour , hauing their hartes hardned , so that they could not repent . They were so past al feare , & so iocunde , that almost with great grief of mind , I doubted God would not performe hys promise , but should be found a lyer , where he sayth , that he onely will be our Sauiour , and that we should not put any confidence in Esay . 4. 11 Psal. 146. 3. Princes , as in whom there is no hope of saluation .

This I somethyng doubted , when they laying their heades together , whispered one with an other , tooke counsaile , and concluded with them selues , with what army , with what furniture , and with what weapons they would set vppon vs , as though they had had vs presently in hold . They did so thunder agaynst vs with most cruell threatenynges , as though they would haue depriued God of hys tittle vz. that is , hee which scattereth the counsayles of Princes , and bryngeth to naught theyr Psal. 33. 10 Prou. 21. 1●… vayne imaginations . But God almighty , in whose handes are the hartes of all Princes , suffered not his honor to be taken away from him , but as one which is all truth , stode to his promise , and compelled them to leaue vnto hym hys glorious title , and we remaine by the great goodnes of God alyue at this day , and they are defeated of their false sauiour . They were wonderfully deceaued of their expectation , For they did not finde the godly Emperour such a man as they would , nor as they thought they should . Therfore in despite of all their cruell bragges ( thankes be to God ) we are yet safe enough , and doubt not , but ma●…ger their heades we shall so continue for a time , vntill it please the true Sauiour , which saueth all the world , to receaue our soules into his handes .

Hetherto I haue recited these thyngs for an example , seyng they put so much trust and confidence in one man , of whom they haue no The ●…romise of God is the ground of true fayth , which promise was thoro●…ly ●…oted in Luthers hart , as appeareth eu●…dently by his words . promise , neither if he had promised them , it had not bene in hys power to haue performed it . And why shuld not we put much more trust in our true Sauiour , which hath not onely most certainly promised to come shortly , and deliuer vs , but also can and will performe hys promise ? He will not deceaue vs ( for he is no lyer at any tyme ) especially when we looke for hym with a good confidence , sufferyng all thynges for his sake , in a iust quarell , which is not ours , but his owne , and not triumphyng lyke them : Which puttyng theyr trust in Caesar , hope for the confirmation of their haynous and mischieuous actes .

Yet it is more conuenient for vs to reioyce and say : O what an excellent golden world shall that be , when our true Sauiour shall come , and shall quite abolish at once all wickednes & all iniuries which we must suffer for a tyme , and shall make an ende of all miseries and calamities ? Neither shall the Gospell nor hys holy name be neglected , or blasphemed any more . The preachers therof , which now are poore and nedy , shal be no longer trod vnder foote , neither shall they suffer any more persecution : neither shall there bee afterwardes any more theft , robbery , spoylyng , iniury , false accusations , fornication , lying , crafty conueyance , flattery , periury , adultery , murder , treason , all these thinges ( which now almost euery man doth commit without punishment , or rebuke ) shall cease . And we finally shall be deliuered from all euill , so that we nede not to feare the world , sinne , death , hell , nor the deuil : For euerlastyng saluation , peace , tranquilitie , and ioy , shall reigne ouer vs . And ought not we with most feruent prayer to desire these thinges ? If we could see perfectly how we are compassed euery where with an infinite number of deuils : Which euery moment of an houre ayme , and shoote at vs with their venemous darts , and all entisements , and prouocations to sinne : then we would pray dayly , kneelyng vpon our knees , yea and would weepe bloud , desiryng God to make an ende of this miserable lyfe .

Therfore now Christ our Sauiour putteth vs in mynde in this Gospel to behold these signes ther in mentioned with ioye , saying : When these thinges begyn to come The secon●… part of the Sermon . to passe , looke vp , and lyft vp your heades , for your redemption draweth nygh . Heauinesse for the most parte naturally causeth a man to looke downewards , and they that are troubled in their myndes goe heauily , knitting their browes together . Contrary wise a mery and ioyfull hart maketh a man to hold vp hys head , to streatch out hys browes , and to looke merily and pleasantly about him . Therefore he Christes 〈◊〉 ●…araphastically expounded . sayth : When you see these signes come to passe , when all thynges in heauen and earth , with lowryng ●…here do terrify your myndes , so that you cast downe your heades for sorow and grief , be you not there withall troubled : For they are not tokens of destruction vnto you , but vnto them which molest , vexe & persecute you . Therefore be of good ●…here , and looke vp lustely : For they bryng not tydings of destruction , but of deliueraunce vnto you , of vnspeakeable treasure & abundaunce of all good thynges , such as no harte can desire or thinke . And geue no place to the deuill , which beateth these signes into your heades , to terrifie you , & to bryng you into dispayre , so that you cannot lift vp your heades , & ●… Cor. ●… . 9. desire that ioyfull day . Accustome your selues rather to behold them a right , liftyng vp your heades with ioy , as I haue sayd , seyng there is no cause why you should trouble and vexe your selues , but rather reioyce . For they declare no other thyng vnto you , but that your redemption is now at hand , and that I will come shortly , and deliuer you out of your troubles .

Behold this notable instructour , which knoweth better how to expound signes and tokens of thyngs to come , then any Sothsayer , or Astronomer . They onely The difference betwene the prognos●…ication of Christ , and Astrono●… . prognosticate terrible and horrible euentes therof , but our Sauiour Christ sayth , they be tokens of great ioy and gladnes shortly after to ensue . These thinges which mans reason & all the world doth take for signes of destruction , and teach vs to pray that they come not to effect : the same thynges he ( vnto whom nothyng is vnknowen ) prognosticateth to be tokens of all goodnes .

Amongest all other he vseth this most comfortable word : your redemption , which euery faythfull man , with all his hart doth desire most earnestly . For what els meaneth this word : your redemption , but that thou , which now art in bondage , vnder the dominion of the deuill , who setteth vpon thee with all kynd of wicked dartes , & bendeth all his force agaynst thee , that thou , I say ( which art oppressed and ouerwhelmed of the world with many miseries , in daunger of all misfortune , out of the which no earthly creature is able to deliuer thee ) shalt now be deliuered and saued by Christ thy Lord , and placed there , where thou shalt raigne as Lord ouer the world , death & the deuill ? Why shouldest thou feare , or be amased with such signes and tokens ? Why shouldest thou not rather with cherefull countenaunce receaue and embrace them ?

What wouldest thou do , if thou Certain similitudes whereby it is declared with what ioy wee ought to looke for the commyng of ou●… Sauiour to Iudgement . shouldest stand in a circle , beset with all kynd of weapons , or rather with gunnes , beyng charged and bent agaynst thee , as the onely marke at the which they should be shot of : Where present death should be continually before thy eyes ? If God by his diuine power , should take thee beyng in this case away sodenly , and deliuer thee from them : or if thunder and lightenyng from heauen should at once ouerthrow and strike downe to the ground , all thy enemyes with their daggers , swordes , speares and gunnes : Wouldest thou not reioyce with all thy hart ? If a poore prisoner , which vnder a rigorous & cruell tyraunt hath lyued a long tyme , in a filthy and stincking prison , besides the sufferyng of many other cruell tormentes : if such a man ( I say ) should heare , that hys owne Prince would come to deliuer hym , & by force of armes take hym out of so great miseries and calamities : How would he be affectioned in his mynde trow you , if hee should see hym commyng with a mighty armye of men , and with gunnes , strikyng downe the walles of the Castle where he lyeth ? No doubt it would be a terrible sight to all the residue therin abydyng : But vnto this prisoner it would be very comfortable & ioyfull . The noyse and roryng of the gunnes would much more delight hys eares , then any musicall harmony of swete songes , or pleasant instrumentes . That day ( no doubt ) he would celebrate with much solennitie , geuyng God thankes that he had lyued to see that ioyfull houre .

Euen so ought we to do when we see these signes mentioned by our Sauiour Christ in this Gospell . If fire , water , thunder , and lightenyng fall from heauen so thicke , and with such abundaunce as though all thinges in a moment should vtterly be destroyed : We must thus thinke with our selues , that it is the prouision and ordinaunce of God our Kyng & Captaine . Wherby he destroyng and ouerthrowyng the prison house , will deliuer vs , which are kept bound in the kyngdome of the deuill , vnder sinne , afflicted of the world with manifold miseries & calamities . Wherfore then should we be afrayde , when we see these thynges ? Why should we not rather ioyfully suffer al maner of tormentes , wherwith the world , and the deuill molesteth vs , that our redemer may come the sooner , & deliuer vs ? For without his comfort and consolation , we were of al men ( as I said ) most miserable , and might well wish that we had neuer ben borne , and that we had no God at all . Therfore let vs confort our selues with these ioyfull cogitations , knowyng for a certaintye that our deliuerer will come , and that these signes are ( as I may terme them ) his Haroulds of armes , wherby he giueth to vs to vnderstand , that he him selfe is not farre behynd .

In the meane season , although in the world we be tossed , vexed , and afflicted with many stormes , thorow the intollerable wickednes Math. 27. 34. of vngodly men : although they geue vs vineger mixed with gall to drinke , bysides other dayly misfortunes , as sickenes , pestilence , dearth , & warre , which are greuous to the body , or to the outward man : yet we must suffer and abyde all these thynges with patience : We must be content to drinke this bitter drinke for a time , that the The commoditie of affliction in this world . swete drinke which hereafter shal be geuen vs , may be the more pleasant to our tast , and that we may therby be moued the more earnestly to pray for the commyng of our true sauiour : otherwise we should behaue our selues like sauage & wild men , which bereaued of their wyt , haue no perseuerance of the daunger that hangeth ouer their heades : euen like the secure and carelesse world which knoweth not how to repent , yea we should be drowned in the desire and loue of worldly honor , wealth and pleasure , & at the length cast of all care of Gods word , and vtterly perish with the wicked world .

Therfore this bitter drinke is commodious vnto vs : For it breedeth in vs a saciety and lothsomnes of this life , and comfortably causeth vs to hope for a life , much more excellent now , when our true Sauiour shall come in the cloudes , Mat. 24. 30. with power & great glory : Who shall deliuer vs from all daunger , receiue vs to him selfe into the life euerlastyng , then the which nothyng can be more ioyfull . But vnto the wicked worldlyngs which set their whole delight vpon this lyfe , caryng nothyng for God , hys commyng shall not be very acceptable : 1. Thes. ●… . 3 Math. 24. 27. 1. Cor. 15. 52. For in a moment he shall bring them to nought , so that they shall be constrained to lye in euerlastyng paynes and tormentes , which arrogantly contemne and despise both hys signes and hys word .

And whereas this is no small grief to good Christians , to consider in their myndes such a great destruction of the world , whereby they trouble them selues for their sakes , which shall perish : our Sauiour by the wordes contained in the latter part of this Gospell , withdraweth their myndes from such cogitations , mouing them to consider rather how necessary their owne ▪ redemption is , then the great destruction of the wicked : which for their desertes , God of his iustice hath prouided for them . For they can neuer make an ende of persecutyng the Gospell , which most contumeliously and blasphemously they spit at , contemne and scoffe , and rashly , iniuriously , and by force greue & oppresse the preachers therof : from which wicked purpose they can not bee withdrawne by any admonitions , intreatynges , rebukes or threatenynges . A man were as good speake vnto a stocke or a stone , as vnto them , for they will not beleue , before they try by experience how wonderfully they were deceaued , and what punishment God hath prouided for such yron harted infidels . They are so secure and careles , that what so euer happeneth , This saying of the wicked is after a sorte true : For the good preacher may bee a cause of trouble , first bycause where the word of GOD is sincerelye preached , the deuill moueth and rayseth tumultes to suppresse it : secondly , where it is preached and not obeyed , the greater shall bee the plagues of the stubburne and stiffenecked people . terrible to the eyes , or horrible to the eares , that they turne from them selues vpon vs , saying , that we are the cause of all miserie and calamitie , of all daunger , of all mischief . Finally when we haue done all that we can do , by preachyng , praying , counsaylyng , yea and aduenturyng our owne liues to profite the world , we are rewarded with vtter contempt , hatred , enuy , and most crafty dealyng , which are able to make a mans hart to cleaue a sunder for sorow , and grief of minde .

Therfore God cannot chuse ( if he will beare any sway in earth ) but once at the length let them see by experience , that his word and threatninges are true , which they scorne and iest at , and that he is able to deliuer out of trouble hys Christian children most miserably afflicted . And bycause the children of the world do despise his Passion , death , and resurrection , and all thinges that he did or speake , with a secure and carelesse mynd : therfore once at the length they shall be terrified and feared , when we shall lyue pleasantly and ioyfully in euerlastyng lyfe .

Therefore if thou haue any sparke of pitie in thy brest , take pitie rather of the afflicted Christians , which must suffer so many miseries and calamities in the world : yea rather lament the state of the Gospell , and the most holy name of Christ our God , ( in the which thou wast baptized , and called to be partaker of lyfe euerlastyng , ) which the wicked worldlyngs do so vyly and blasphemously spit at , despise , treade vnder their feete , & reuile with most spiteful words . What kynd of pitie call you this , to take pitie of these cruell murderers , hauyng an hart so stony that it cannot repent , which will not amend their life and make an end of their mischieuous actes , before they bee vtterly destroyed with their forefather Pharao , and such other as haue bene rebellious against the maiesty of almighty god ?

I had rather tenne worldes should perish ten tymes , then one true Christian should continue in sorow and grief of minde for their sakes , which so outrageously contemne and despise Christ our Sauiour , and all Christian Religion . Therefore it is our parte to pray vnto God with a faithfull hart & feruent desire that his kyngdome Mat. 6. 10 may come . In like maner we had nede to wishe and pray that the world may be ouerthrowen and vtterly destroyed , which most arrogantly and blasphemously doth set it selfe agaynst Christ and hys bloud , and can neuer make an end of his raging fearcenes , and cruel persecutyng of poore Christians . For so that forme of prayer which Christ our Sauiour hath prescribed vnto vs , teacheth vs courageously , and with confidence to pray , that this day may come , and that we cry without ceasing vnto god , that once at the length he will be reuenged on those wicked and desperate verlettes , for the spitefull handlyng of hys holy and precious bloud .

No Christian man ought or can pray otherwise then thus , especially such as are molested and afflicted for the confession of Christ , and preachyng of the Gospell and kyngdome of God : who haue no other refuge on earth , but feruent & faythfull prayer . He that is not thus affectioned in his mind , that he doth not desire the last day with all his hart : doth not yet vnderstand the Lordes prayer , much lesse can he say it with his hart . As I by experience did once plainly perceaue in my selfe , at what tyme I was more delighted with other formes of prayer deuised by mans braine , then with that which our Sauiour himself hath taught vs . But to him that is oppressed with the miserie and calamitie of this world , it will seme a swete prayer , such a man will say it with all his hart . For who in such a case will not desire , and pray most feruently , Mat. 6. 13. that we be deliuered from euill , to the end all plagues , vexations and troubles of the world may haue an end , seyng we see the world will remaine as it is ? It will not ( folowyng the example of the Adder ) suffer his old skyn The Adder ( as they say ) euery spryng , of purpose ▪ wresting him selfe thorow a narrow place , lea●…eth hys olde skynne behynd him as it were leauyng of his old coate ▪ and putting on a new one . to be taken of , that is , it will not repent & amend , but will continue as before , or rather dayly encrease more and more in wickednes .

Therfore of all thinges this is the best , withal spede possible to departe out of it . For here we liue euen as it were in a den of theues , and manquellers , and can hardly , no not at all , sometymes defend our selues from violent iniury , and losse of life . Therfore for myne owne part I care not what shift I made honest and lawfull to ryd my selfe out of the world . For ( as S. Cyprian sayth ) who can haue any delight to liue in so filthy and troublesome estate , and condition , beyng as it were beset about with swords and daggers , ready drawen agaynst vs , so that it seemeth vnpossible to escape , if we had a thousand liues ? Who in this case can be mery , before he see some man come to deliuer hym ? But we are they which are in this case , as we may easily vnderstand , if we consider well our estate , and condition , our misery & calamity , the daunger that hangeth ouer our heades , how busyly the deuill goeth about to entrap vs , how fiercely he setteth vpon vs , and how we are constrayned with great payne and trouble to award his most bitter , and venemous dartes , so that we can neuer haue rest .

What els therfore should we desire , but that withall spede we may be deliuered out of these vntollerable greuaunces and daungers , which is , by the comming of our true Sauiour to iudgement at the last day ? which who so euer This is a a true saying , that we can not pray faythfully , nor beleue in god a right excepte we ioyfully , ●…ooke for commyng of our Sauiour to iudgement . doth not desire , he can not say the Lordes prayer , nor the Articles of our fayth with his hart , as he ought . For with what fayth can a man say : I beleue the resurrection of the flesh , and life euerlastyng : and doth not desire it ? For if a man beleue it , he must nedes desire it with hys hart , and be glad of it when soeuer it shall come , otherwise he is no Christian in dede , neither can he iustly brag of his faith .

For faith is a certaine knowledge of Gods bountiful goodnes towardes vs , which we tast dayly , but shall chiefly and perfectly enioy it at the last day : whereof we are put in mynde by three Articles of our faith , by the which we are taught to say : 1. We beleue that our Sauiour Mat. 24. 30. and. 25. ●…1 . Act. 1 ▪ 11. 10. 42. & . 17. 30. 2. ●…im . 4. 1. Pet. 4. 5. shal come from heauen , to iudge the quicke and the dead : 2. Who Esay . ●…6 . 19. Ezec. 37. 5. Iob. 19. 26. Mat ▪ 12. 42. Ma●… . 12. 25. Luc. 14. 14. Ioan. 11. 24. Luc. . 321. 1. Cor. 15. 12. Colos 3. 4. 1. Thes. ●… . 14. Ioan. 3. 36 & 5. 2. ▪ Rom 6. 33. Dan. 12. 2. Mat. 19. ●…9 . and 25. 45. Ioan. 3 15. and 4. 1●… . 36. Ioan. 6. 27. and 40. and 47. and 54. Ioan. ●…0 . 28. and 12. 15. and 50. and 17. 2. Act. 1●… 46 & 48. Rom. 2. 7 ▪ and 5. ●…1 . and 6. 22 Gal. 6. 8. Tit. ●… . 2. and 3. 4. 1. Cim . 1. 16. and 6. 12. 1. Ioan. 1. 2. and 2. 25. and 5. 11 ▪ and 13. and ●…0 . Iude Epist. ●…1 . at hys commyng shall rayse vp oure bodyes : 3. And receaue both body and soule together vnto the euerlastyng life .

This is part of our faith wher by we are iustified : apprehendyng therby the mercy of God almightye towardes vs miserable synners . Without the which we can not be saued . For it is written : He M●… . ●… ▪ 16. that beleueth , shall be saued : and he that beleueth not , shall be damned . Faith therfore is ( as I may terme it ) the onely staffe wherupon we must rest in this our pilgrimage , beyng ouer laden with vntollerable burdens of sinne and daungers that ensue thereof . Which staffe will do vs no seruice , except we take it in our handes , and vse it at all tymes conuenient . But we can not , nor will not streatch forth our handes to receaue it , except we be desirous therof . Again , except we desire those things which we are taught to beleue , it is a manifest argument , that we do not take them to be Gods benefites , and to procede of his bountifull goodnes towards vs , which is the propertie of the true iustifiyng faith .

Therfore I conclude , that we cannot well say the Articles of our faith , that is , we can not beleue a right in Christs comming to iudgement , the resurrection of our flesh , and life euerlasting , except we desire that the last day may come , at what time our true Sauiour will put vs in full possession of these excedyng great benefites of his . Agayne , a man that hath no desire of the last day , doth not well vnderstand the ten commaundementes : For what meaneth it when he saith , I am the Lord thy God , thou shalt not take my name Exod. 20. 2 in vayne : thou shalt not steale , thou shalt not kill ▪ thou shalt not commit Gal. 3. 24. adultery ▪ &c. but that we are in daunger of al these vices and wickednesses , and that such is our state and condition , that without sinne and great daunger we can not liue : the deuill endeuoryng by all meanes to persuade vs , that we do not take God onely for our God , & by crafty meanes to withdraw vs from a quiet , ioyfull , and godly life . He setteth vp idolatry , raiseth vp blasphemy , and vnhalowyng of Gods name , he stirreth vp men to disobedience , sedition , wrath , filthy lust , robbery , theft , murder , and all kinde of wickednes . These incommodities who so euer seeth in deede , & would fayne be ryd of them , must nedes desire the last day , which is the tyme when all these , and such other miseries , and calamities , shall haue an end .

Agaynst which the Lordes prayer was appointed and deuised by our Sauiour Christ as a remedy , especially where he hath taught vs to say : Halowed be thy Mat. 6. 9. name , thy kyngdome come , Thy will be done , and deliuer vs from all euill . It remaineth therfore that we vse this remedy , hartely praying to God our heauenly father for these thinges , which we cannot throughly and perfectly receaue before the end of the world . For ( as I said before ) there is no hope of any better , then this miserable estate present , as long as the world endureth : especially in this our latter tymes towardes the end therof , it beyng now euen at the point to be consumed & vtterly destroyed for euer . For it is euen the deuils derling , past all hope of amendement , so that all labour that is bestowed vpon it , to any such end , is in vaine : Which we may euidently perceaue , considering how the word of God is dayly more & more contemned . Many kind of errours , pestiferous sectes , horrible wickednesses increase dayly , whereby the world is worse and worse whiles we hope ( but in vayne ) for amendement .

Wherfore then , in such miseries and calamities should we be greatly desirous of our lyfe ? And if I for myne owne part had no great cause to desire the end of all things , yet the perill and daunger of my brethren , scattered here and there in the world , ought to moue me : for whose sake we haue good cause hartly to pray for it , whose state is such ( as we both heare & see ) that they are constrained to suffer all maner of ignominy , reproch , slaunderous wordes , both priuely and openly , violent iniury , and finally most greuous persecution what soeuer , with diuers kinds of tormentes , cruelly handled , and put to death .

For how many euen in our dayes haue we sene , partly burnt openly , or by some such meanes made away , partly put to death , priuely and by traiterous meanes dispatched ? There are many , besides the infinite number of holy men , which haue bene slayne before our tyme , since the Ascention of our Sauiour Christ , or rather since the beginnyng of the world . Whose bloud beyng yet vnreuenged , cryeth for the commyng of our Sauiour to iudgement : to the end they beyng restored to their bodyes agayne , may haue full fruition of the ioyes long looked for , and may be reuenged of the world , as the reuelation of Iohn declareth : Where God comforteth them after this sort , saying : that they must rest for Apoc. 6. 10. a litle season , vntil the number The Saintes of God do not require vengeance of theyr enemyes , bycause of priuate hatred , but bycause they know them to be Gods enemyes , and do rage with deuelishe fury agaynst his holy Church , and agaynst hys euerlastyng truth . And in this case the loue of our neighbour hath no place , where it is repugnant to the loue of God. whose glory we ought to perferre before the commodities of all the world . Therfore when man is such an enemye vnto GOD , that we must needes hate the one , and loue that other , we must loue God , & hate man . Psal. 139. 21. and in Gods cause pray for the destruction of man . Ier. 18. 11 ver. 21. as agaynst the enemy of GOD , vppon a zeale and feruent loue of Gods glory , especially if they be such as we perceaue offende not of ignoraunce , but of malicious stubburnes and that agaynst theyr conscience . But in our own cause , as they are iniurious vnto our own person , we must rather pray for man , then agaynst man , as we are taught by the example of our Sauiour and Steuen . Act. 7. 60. of their fel●…w seruauntes and brethren , which should be killed in like maner , were fulfilled , which I hope is now come to passe .

Therfore both the Christians that are lyuyng , and those that are departed , after a sorte do desire vs to helpe them with our prayers , desiring God to hasten their redemption . For what thing can be more miserable vnto Christians , then that they should be constrained alwayes to hold their tounges , the world and the deuill continually bragging and raging ouer them , dayly putting to death and cruelly murderyng more & more of the faithfull professours of Iesus Christ & his vnfaillible word , and seducyng men , more and more encreasing these haynous offences which before were vntollerable ?

We heare & see at this present , the Turke and the Pope , which is Antichrist , rage with most cruell tyranny agaynst the name of Christ , dayly sheddyng the bloud of his Saintes , with many sectes bysides , contrary to his Gospell : And should we , holdyng our handes in our bosome , looke vpon the deuill , practisyng without measure his crafty deuises agaynst the Christians , and not make our earnest prayer vnto God for them without ceasyng ? There is no sparke of Christianity in a mans body remainyng , that would not pray vnto God withall his harte to be deliuered out of these so great miseries and calamities .

Therfore if we haue a mynde to be Christians , we must endeuer our selues to pray diligently and earnestly , as our Sauiour hath taught vs , and as our necessity requireth , if it be any necessity : when we see good Christians with great persecution slayne , true doctrine oppressed , the kingdome of the deuill , withall maner of vice & wickednes , aduaunced : Saintes , by the meanes of wicked men , not onely despised and troade vnder foote , but consumed to dust and ashes : finally the Gospell of Christ our Lord , and his name spitefully blasphemed .

Therfore let vs call vpon God all that we may , desiryng him for the glory of his name , to take vppon him the defence of hys Christian children , and of his owne doctrine , and bryng them , by hys commyng at the last day to iudge He●… . 4. 3. Gen. 3. 15. Reuel. 13. 8 Ioan 1. 2●… 1. Pet. 1 ▪ 19 Ro. 16. 25. Ephes ▪ 3. 9. Colos. 1 26 2. Timo. 1. 10. Tit. 1. 2. the quicke and the dead , to that glorious rest which he hath promised and prepared for them , from the beginning of the world , through the death and Passion of the immaculate lambe our Sauiour Christ. But if any man through the infirmitie of hys fleshe be afrayde of that day : let hym print deepely in his mind the wordes of Christ our Sauiour , and comfort him selfe with this , that hee byddeth vs lift vp our heades and be of good cheare , callyng that tyme our redemption , that is : not death , but euerlastyng life : not wrath , but mercy and grace : not hell , but the kingdome of God : not terror , or daunger , but comfort and ioye . And therfore Paule , not without ●…it . 2. 13. a cause , calleth it the blessed hope and appearyng of the glory of the great God , and our Sauiour Iesus Christ .

Therfore we may be of good cheare , & nede not feare the losse of our lyfe , nor his commyng to Math. 10. 32. Mat. 10. 38 Rom. 8. 17 2. Tim. 3. 12. Math. 10. 25. Ioan. 16. 2 and. 33. Iudgement , which hath geuen vs his Gospell , and his grace therewith , not to deny him , but to loue him and confesse him , & to shunne no daunger in his cause , which are and will be layd before vs of the world , and of the deuill , vntill the comming of our Sauiour : whose comming shall not be terrible , but ioyfull , yet not to the world , but to vs miserable sinners : which for a tyme must continue here , as it were in a den of theues , where the deuill , day and night seeketh to draw vs : takyng away from vs , not onely our life and our goods , but vexyng our hartes , and our consciences with diuers stormes of temptations , to the ende we should feare the day of our redemption , and beyng destitute of all confort , should fal into vtter desperation . Unto vs thus troubled , the commyng of our Sauiour shal be ioyfull : but vnto the world which will not beleue , what daunger hangeth ouer his head , before he haue experience thereof : it shall Math. 24. 48. bryng terrour , feare , plagues , death , destruction , hell fire .

Therfore when that day shall come vpon the sodaine , and vtterly destroy all thinges , there is no cause why thou , that art a faithfull Christian , shouldest be afrayd therof , least it destroy thee in lyke sorte . For either beyng receiued , thou shalt bee taken out of the graue , and out of dust into heauen : 1. Thes. 4. 17. 1. Cor. 15. 32. or els in a moment thou shalt be chaunged into a glorious estate for euer , & placed where no sinne , no feare , no sorrow , no daunger , but true rightuousnes , ioy , peace , lyfe , tranquilitie and euerlastyng blessednes shall reigne . These thynges we looke for , and preach , for the little flockes sake , which shall receaue them at that day , which we desire withall our hartes , and hope it to be now hard at hand , bycause so many signes and tokens thereof are already past , forespoken by Christ , our true Sauiour . And this is that consolation & comfort , which no man can geue , but onely the holy Ioan . 14. 27 Iob. 1. 17. Rom. 8. 11. & Ioan . 7. 38 Act. 9. 31. Rom. 5. 3. and. 10. 17. & 1●… . 14. 5. 1. Lor. 2. 10 ghost , by the word of Christ our Lord.

Let vs suffer therefore the Sunne , the Moone and all creatures to lowre , and to threaten terrible thinges to come : For although they bee terrible vnto the world , they are ioyfull vnto vs , which in them see that confortable deliueraunce , which our Sauiour by the wordes of this Gospell hath declared vnto vs , and which he expoundeth vnto vs by this godly parable , or similitude folowyng : See ( sayth he ) the figge trees , and all other trees , when they shoot out their buds , you see and know of your selues , how that Sommer is then nigh at hand : so likewise ye also when see these thinges come to passe , be sure that the kyngdome of GOD is nigh . Doubtelesse this is a notable exposition , which I my selfe could neuer inuent , or apply vnto this purpose . For who euer herd , that the darkenyng of the Sunne , and the Moone , the destruction of the heauen and earth , the feare and tremblyng of men , the ruine of the ayre , water & all creatures , should be likened to the shootyng out of buds , and the blossomyng of trees ? I would thinke rather that these thynges should bee lykened to a rough , sharpe , and very hard winter , which with vntollerable cold destroyeth and kylleth all frutes , and what soeuer groweth vpon the earth .

But our Sauiour Christ of all other the best interpreter and expounder of his word , expoundeth these signes after an other sorte , better to our comfort and consolation : shewyng that those thynges which seeme terrible vnto vs , are pleasaunt and beautifull to behold : as if we see the Sunne and the Moone darkened , the water and the wyndes stormy and tempestuous , the mountaines ouerthrowen & made equall with the valleyes , he teacheth vs to say : thankes be to God , for now the pleasaunt som●…●…s at hand , now we see the spryng of the leafe in some trees , and other some to shoot out theyr buddes .

No man , no reason , no humane wisedome , could thus interprete these signes , terrible to behold , that redemption and euerlastyng ioye should be signified thereby , which vnto reason , & mans wisedome seeme rather to prognosticate death and all kind of destruction . But seyug we haue learned this interpretation of such a notable scholemaster , euen of him which sendeth them , and therfore knoweth best how to expound them : therfore ( I say ) let vs learne it well , & accustome our selues vnto it , that we may print it in our mindes the better to our comfort , and that we may behold these signes , and geue our indgement of them accordyng to the word of God : and not according to reason and mans wisedome , which is foolish , and ●…ull of corruption , which teacheth vs to shunne and bee afrayed of those things , that in dede are pleasaunt & ioyfull . It will not gladly suffer vs to be hold all thinges darkened and to looke lowringly : thunder & lightenyng , great stormes & tempestes , are vnacceptable vnto it .

Notwithstanding a Christian man ought not to be troubled therwith , but take hold vpon Gods word , whereby he openeth our myndes , that as he interpreteth these thinges , we may interprete them also : knowyng therby the pleasantnes of sommer is now at hand , and the earth will very shortly bryng forth an abundance of goodly lilies and swete roses , most pleasant to behold , that is to lay : that now after this filthy and wicked lyfe , in the which we are tumbled and tossed with many miseries , and 1. Lor. 5. 7 2. Cor. 5. ●… . 〈◊〉 . 6. 15 Eph. 4. 24 calamities we shal be brought into the hauen of tranquillitie , blessednes , and all pleasure , which neuer shall haue end .

For this is his will , that as we That is best , which is new vnto the world , but old vnto God. must be new men , so we must haue new sences , new cogitations , new vnderstandyng of thynges , & not behold any thyng with the eyes of our own reason , as they seme vnto Colos. 3. 9 Collos. 2. 8 the world , but with the eyes of faith , and as they seme vnto God : that we may the better fashion our Heb. 11. 1 selues vnto that new lyfe to come which is inuisible , which we hope for , after the tribulation of this world . And that we be not delighted with this temporall lyfe , nor greued to depart out of it , or to see the destruction of the world and all creatures therin , of whom it is no time now to take pitie , we ought rather to take pitie of the miserable Christians , both of them which presently are afflicted in the world , and also of them which beyng departed , sleepe in the graue , and desire to see the glorious day of their resurrection . Euen as the yerbes which in the wynter tyme lye hid in the earth , and the trees , the iuyce therof beyng kept in with cold , can not spryng and bryng forth buds , blossomes , and leaues , but looke for the spryng , at which tyme shootyng out their buds , they florish , and are liuely to behold : so we in lyke maner ought with ioy to looke for the iast day , saying : Now the sharpenes of wynter is ended , the pleasaunt sommer is come , yea such a sommer which neuer shall haue end . At the commyng wherof not onely the Saintes , but also the Angels reioyce , and are glad . Pea all creatures after a sort looke for 1. Pet. 1. 12 Rom. 8. 22 it , and desire it earnestly .

For heauen , earth , A mynde & speach attributed to creatures without lyse . Esa. ●…4 23. and not properly but figuratiuely ▪ as when we say the earth doth prayse the Lord , that is to say , it doth declare hys wonderous workes , and the workemanshyp therof ministreth a man matter to prayse the Lord : so it desireth the last day , that is to say , it being accursed dayly more and more for our synne , sheweth our miserable estate , and what cause we haue to ●…ament and to desire our deliueraunce by the commyng of our sauiour to iudgement . Sunne , Starres , ayre and all creatures can no lenger beare the wickednes of the world , which they are constrayned to behold , vnto whom it is greuous to serue to the vse , or rather to the abuse of sinners , & are an ayde to the wickednes of the deuil . And therefore they would gladly bee deliuered of thys fylthy bondage , and be made a new heauen , and a new earth : as Peter , and the Prophet Esay 2. Pet. 3. 13 Apoc. 2●… . 1. Esa. 65. 17. and. 66. 22. sayth , in the which onely rightuousnes shall dwell . For iniquitie and the wi●…kednes of man passeth all measure : so that it can not be suffred any longer . And therfore all thynges are moued ( as now we see ) crying ( as it were ) vnto God for their deliueraunce .

For this cause our Sauiour Christ concludeth after this sort : So you , when you see these thynges come to passe , know that the kyngdome of God is at hand . Verely I say vnto you : this age shall Here an age may be taken for the space of two thousand yeares , whereof there are but thre in all the world , one from the beginning of the world vnto the law , the second from the law vnto the commyng of our Sauiour , and the last from the commyng of our Sauiour vnto the ende of the world , which shal be shortened . But how much it is vncertain . not passe , vntill all thynges be fulfilled : heauen and earth shall passe , but my word shall not passe . As though he should say , you haue prayed after this sorte : Let thy kyngdome come , deliuer vs from euill : Therfore now know you for a certainty , euen as certainely as my worde is true and euerlastyng , that when you see these sygnes , your prayer is heard , that the kyngdome of God shall come euen as you haue desired : and all sinne shall haue an end , and be consumed . &c.

Therfore when I come in the cloudes withall my aungels , with great glory in flaming fyre , wherwith all creatures shall melt and be consumed , and all thinges shall geue alyght , and shyne after a straunger and wonderfull sorte : your bodyes shal be glorified , so that they shall passe the purenes of the ayre , and all the army of heauen , shyne they neuer so bright , and shall raigne with me for euer in vnspeakable glory . Finally , you shall see the wicked vnder your feete naked in the earth , in perpetuall shame , tremblyng and shakyng , beyng accursed and cast downe headlong into hell .

Now to make an end , after this sort , as I haue declared vnto you , the signes of the last day must be expounded vnto the Christian people , that it may appeare they signifie no harme , but marueilous ioy , great profite , and commodity . As for the Astronomers let them interprete them to signifie nothyng els but warre , murder , and vtter destruction : let them feare and tremble , which haue , and desire nothyng but a temporall lyfe , and pleasaunt dayes in this world : But let vs be of good cheare , as men that are renued and regenerate in Christ thorow the holy Ghost . And euen as he is the Lord of heauen and earth and all creatures therein : so we by hym are the Lordes of all signes , what soeuer semeth terrible to the eyes of man : neither can any thing hurt vs , n●… , although it take away ou●… life . For our lyfe and conuersation Phil. 3. 20 is not here , but we looke for an other lyfe when our body shal be deliuered , which lyfe is now hid with Christ in heauen , through fayth ( as S. Paul sayth ) Collos. 3. 3 but shortly shal be reuiued before all the world in immortall and euerlastyng bryghtnes : When both in body and soule , we shall raigne with God the Father , the Sonne , and the holy Ghost , to whom be all prayse , honour , and glory , world without ende .

Amen .