An amulet or preservative against sicknes and death in two parts : the first containing spirituall direction for the sicke at all times needfull, but especially in the conflict of sicknes and agonie of death : the second, a method or order of comforting the sicke ... / collected and set forth ... by A.M. minister of the Word of God in Henley vpon Thames ; whereunto is annexed a most pithie and comfortable sermon of mortalitie, written by the blessed martyr S. Cyprian Bishop of Carthage, translated into English by A.M. ; together with sundry prayers needfull in time of sicknesse.

The first part .

Spirituall Direction for the Sicke , very needful at all times : but especially in the conflict of sicknesse , and agonie of death .

CHAP. I.

Why Sicknesses are sent of God ?

AS death is the wages and punishment of sin , 1 For sinne . so are sicknesses also sent oftentimes vnto vs of God for our sinnes ( as it is cleare and manifest in holy Scripture . Ioh. 5. Christ saith vnto the man that had bene sicke eight & thirty yeares : Behold thou art made whole , Ioh. 5.14 . sinne no more , lest a worse thing come vnto thee : Implying plainly , that sinne was the cause of his sicknesse . Likewise Psalme 38. Dauid professeth of himselfe , Psal. 38. There is nothing sound in my flesh , because of thine anger , neither is there any rest in my bones , by reason of my sin : for mine iniquities are gone ouer my head , and are like a sore burthen , too heauie for me to beare . The same he confesseth and acknowledgeth , 2 Sam. 24.17 . 2. Sam. 24. when he saw the Angel , that smote the people with the pestilence ; Behold I haue sinned and done wickedly , let thy hand be against me , &c. And Deuteronomie , 28. God threatneth by Moses , that if his people will not obey his voice , ( among other plagues ) he will consume them , & destroy them by strange sicknesse and diseases ; Deut. 28.21.22.27 . he will make the pestilence cleaue vnto them ; he will smite them with a consumption , verse 22 and with the feauer , and with a burning ague , and with a feruent heate : and at the 27 verse , verse 27 he will smite them with the botch of Egypt , and with the emeroids , and with the scabs , and with such an itch as cannot bee healed . And as sicknesses and other crosses and afflictions are sent vnto vs of God ( for the most part ) for our sinnes : So many times the same are sent vnto vs for the proofe and triall of our faith , 2 For triall of our faith . ( as we behold in Iob : ) for then it is seene how much we loue God ; & how much wee trust him and put confidence in him when we are oppressed , and vexed with some greeuou● crosse and affliction . Her● then before all things se● that thou turne vnto Go● with all thy whole heart , & mind , and vnderstanding and with all the powers o● thy soule , vnfainedly repenting of thy euill waies and bewailing & confessin● before God thy manifol● sins and offences , for whic● thou hast iustly deserue the wrath of God , together with all his plagues , and punishments to bee powred out , and to be inflicted vppon thee . Then shalt thou reape and receiue plentifull comfort and consolation , euen a perfect discharge , absolution , and remission of thy sinnes , from the promises of the Gospell ; which as an infinite treasurie , euery day standeth open , and is offered vnto thee , and that by Christ his own appointment , and ordinance giuen vnto his Church , Ioh. 20.22 . Receiue ye the holy Ghost : Ioh. 20.22 . whosoeuers sins ye remit , they are remitted vnto them ; and whose sinnes soeuer ye retaine , they are retained Now when thou hast thus prayed for , & obtained pardon for thy sinnes , doubtles the punishment ( whether it be of sicknesse , or any other affliction , that lyeth heauie vpon thee ) shall either ceasse , and leaue thee altogether : or else shall ( by Gods good will and pleasure ) turne to thy euerlasting welfare and saluation . For this assuredly perswade thy selfe , and nothing doubt of it , that the punishment which thou sufferest ( how heauie a yoke and burden soeuer it seemeth to the flesh ) is in deed a fatherly rod , wherby God recalleth thee home vnto himselfe , ( being his child ) and withdraweth thee from sinning securely . God with a tender affection loueth vs , he willeth and wisheth well vnto vs : & he doth all that be doth to this end , that he might reforme vs , & make vs better ; Hebr. 12.6 for whom he loueth , him he correcteth and chasteneth : and he punisheth him here , that after this life he may not be condemned with the world , 1 Cor. 11.32 . nor tormented and punished euerlastingly in hell . And do not thou feare , nor doubt , but assuredly perswade thy selfe , that God thy heauenly father entirely loueth thee , and ten le●●th thee , howsoeuer he rec●●ueth for the time to bee displeased with thee This his w●●●● and displeasure is not the wrath and rage of a tyrant or tormenter , but of a father that dearely loueth vs who would not that we perish ; but that wee should repent and amend , & so be saued . This is so sure , that there is nothing more certaine , if so be that we ( who are of so little faith ) could beleeue it . First of all therefore desire , & aske pardon , and forgiuenesse of all thy sinnes ; but see it be done through Christ , and that it be done with a true repentant heart , that so thou mayest bee at agreement with God ; and being reconciled vnto him , thou mayest haue him friendly and fauourable vnto thee . Then afterwards thou mayest also desire , and pray to be deliuered from the present affliction that molesteth & greeueth thee . This aduice the sonne of Sirach giueth , Chap. 38. My sonne , Eccl. 38.9 . faile not in thy sicknesse : but pray vnto the Lord , and hee will make thee whole . Esay 38.25 and 2. Kin. 20. Thus Ezekiah turned his face vnto the wall , and prayed in his sicknesse : and his prayer was heard , and he recouered . Esa. 38.25 . and 2. Reg. 20. And thus Dauid prayeth in his great affliction , Psal. 39.8 . &c. Psal. 39.8 . &c. Deliuer me from all my transgressions , and make me not a rebuke vnto the foolish : and verse 10 , and 13. Take thy plague away from me ; and againe , Stay thine anger from me , that I may recouer my strength before I go hence , and be no more seene . Likewise , Psal. 79. Psal. 79.8 . Remember not again● vs our former iniquities , b● make haste , let thy tender mercies preuent vs : helpe vs ( 〈◊〉 God of our saluation ) and f●● the glorie of thy name deliu●● vs , &c. In the which place● and the like , Dauid fir●● prayeth for remission of h● sinnes , that by Gods fr●● grace he may bee iustified and then he intreateth Go● to stay his anger , to turn away his plagues , and punishments from him , an● to deliuer him . And 〈◊〉 mayest thou pray for eas●ment and deliuerance fro● thy sicknesse , or trouble but thou must alwaies add this condition ; If it be t● will of God , & seeme go● vnto him : following here the footsteps of Christ himselfe , and saying : Father ( if it be possible ) let this cup passe from me : notwithstanding , not my will , but thy most holy and blessed will be done . For indeed wee cannot better prouide for our selues , then our most faithfull and louing Father doth prouide ; who is of infinite power , wisedome and goodnesse ; who neuer turneth away his eyes from vs , but still hath a diligent care of vs ; 1 Pet. 5. Mat. 10.30 who hath numbred the very haires of our head , that they perish not ; who giueth life vnto all things , and who nourisheth and preserueth , prouideth and careth for all things , much better then the creatures themselues can wish or desire .

CHAP. II.

The necessitie of Faith in tim● of Sicknesse , and the meane● whereby to strengthen the same .

WHile a man lyeth vppon his bed o● sicknesse ( being in dange● of death ) he is commonly assaulted and set vpon with many sore and greeuous temptations : as first of all , i● is a very sharpe and sore temptation and triall , when as ( hauing the horrible image of death before ou● eyes ) wee thinke with our selues , how that very shortly we must needs relinquish and leaue the most delightfull and comfortable light of this world , together with all our friends , our kinsfolk , and acquaintance , and all other things , which here are most deligntsome and pleasant , and most deare vnto vs . By & by after , our deadly and manifold sins committed against the diuine will and commandements of God , these will be readie to present themselues vnto vs ; and rushing in vpon vs with great violence , will become new and fresh againe vnto vs : wonderfully disquieting and troubling the conscience , and appearing farre more in number , and more hainous & greeuous , then euer they did before . Then behold , the horror and feare of death , and the terrour of Gods iudgements , of hell and damnation , will ( as it were all at once ) be readie to vexe & torment vs , and to set vppon vs with most sharpe & bitter assaults of griefe and sorrow , causing our very hearts within vs to quake and tremble . Now ( amidst these agonies and conflicts ) vnlesse our hearts be fortified , and established with a constant and stedfast faith , we shall be in great danger of falling into despaire , being wearied with the multitude , and greatnesse of the temptations . For those things which offer and present themselues vnto vs in time of sicknesse , appeare much more terrible , and more heynous , and grieuous , then euer before , and that for no other cause then this , for that our faith is small , and very weake and wauering , not able to rest and relie vpon the word of God ; and therein to apprehend and lay hold vpon that infinite & inestimable treasure and riches belonging to Gods deare children , ( to wit , the forgiuenesse of all their sinnes through Christ , the resurrection of their bodies at the last day , that most wished for , and most sweet and ioyfull communion with the Saints in glorie , & comfortable societie and fellowship of the elect of God , Meanes of strengthning our faith . and life euerlasting ) and all these freely giuen , and bestowed vpon them in Christ , and through Christ .

Wherefore in these and other articles of our Christian faith , Continuall meditation on the articles of our faith , in time of sicknesse very needfull . it behooueth vs daily and continually to exercise our selues ; and diligently to meditate thereupon . But especially in time of sicknesse , and agonie of death , we are seriously and earnestly to meditate in our minds , and to inculcate , & repeate often those foure last articles of our Creed : Namely , concerning the communion of Saints , in which number we beleeue , and trust stedfastly that we our selues are , and shall be reckoned : concerning the Remission of all our sinnes through the bloud of Christ Iesus : concerning the resurrection of our bodies at the last day , and life euerlasting .

Now vnto the serious meditation of these articles of our faith , there must be adioyned 3 other things : First of all , feruent and continuall prayer for the increase , Prayer . and strengthning of our faith : praying with the Apostles of our Sauiour . Luk. 17.5 . Luk. 17.5 . O Lord increase our faith : and with the father of the child , that had the dumbe spirit , Mar. 9.24 . Marke 9.24 . Lord I beleeue , helpe my vnbeleefe .

Vnto prayer ioyne carefull studie , and diligence in reading , and hearing of the word of God . Reading & hearing the word of God . Rom 10.17 . Esa. 57.19 For faith is both wrought and also increased by hearing of the word , Rom. 10. whereupon it is called the fruite of the lips , that is , of the words of God , Esa. 57.19 . And Acts the 10.44 , it is said , that while Peter spake those words , Act. 10.44 . the holy Ghost fell vpon all them that heard the word . Yea hereupon it is called the arme of the Lord , Esa. 53.1 . Esa. 53.1 , and the power of God vnto saluation . Rom. 1.16 . Rom. 1.16 . See therfore that the word of God dwell plenteously in thee ; Col. 3.16 . which alone is able to make thee wise vnto saluation through faith in Christ Iesus . 2 Tim. 3.15 . 2. Tim. 3.15 . And let thy heart and mind be euermore possessed with the meditation and consideration of those three maine pillars and grounds of thy faith whereof thou hast assurance in the same word ; namely :

First , the infinitenesse of Christ his merites , which thou shalt oppose vnto the infinitenesse and greatnesse of thy sinnes .

Next , the omnipotencie of Gods power , and his natural inclination vnto mercy , and to pardon and forgiue sins and sinners . Eze. 18.32 .

And lastly , the vniuersalitie , and generality of his gracious promises made vnto all : in which number thou art to reckon thy selfe .

Vnto the carefull and diligent studie and meditation in the word of God and prayer , Oft receiuing the Sacrament . adde this also , to frequent and to haue often accesse vnto the holy Sacramen● of the bodie and bloud o● Christ ; ( while yet thou ar● in sound & perfect health : ) But beware , that thou come vnto it rightly instructed & prepared ; and that thou presume not to handle the same with defiled hands , nor to receiue it with an vnpure and vnsanctified heart . And indeed it is an horrible and feareful thing , and much to be lamented , that for so many yeares this holy Sacrament of the body and blood of Christ hath bene so vnworthily receiued , The vnreuerent handling of the Sacrament dangerous . and so vnreuerently handled ; and of many contemned , and lightly regarded . Wherein how greeuously & dangerously men offend , euen the iudgements and punishments which the Lord sendeth euery day among vs , do more then sufficiently witnesse & testifie , ( as S. Paul hath foretold should come to passe , 1 Cor. 11.30 . 1 Cor. 11.30 . ) For euen for this cause many are weake and sicke , and many sleepe , and are dead . It is verily an exceeding great and a sure signe , and token of singular and incomprehensible loue toward vs , The benefit offered in the Sacrament . that in this Sacrament of his Supper , Christ will haue it plainly confirmed vnto vs , that he hath giuen and bestowed himselfe wholly vpon vs ; knitting and ioyning vs vnto himselfe , as members to the head ; to the end we may know and bee assured that we are regarded and loued , defended and saued by him . Thus ought all godly minds to esteeme and make account , that Christ is effectuall , and powerfull in them . And it were to bee wished , that we would at length consider deepely of the greatnesse and worthinesse of so excellent a gift , that so we might be thankfull , and might stirre vp our wauering and languishing faith ; remembring how heynous and horrible a sin vnthankfulnesse is in this kinde ; and how fearefull punishments must needs follow the prophanation of so holy a mystery . Neither indeed are we to imagine , that the grieuous threatnings vsed by S. Paul are in vaine ; for God is true , yea truth it selfe ; and certainly , we are to thinke that the greatest part of those plagues & iudgments , ( both publike , and priuate ) which befall in these last times , is to be imputed vnto the prophanation of this most holy mysterie . It behooueth vs then with godly care and zeale , to haue often accesse vnto that holy Sacrament ; wherin our soules being refreshed , and comforted with that heauenly food , our faith and our repentance , our hope and our confidence may be more & more strengthned and increased

CHAP. III.

Of three things which in the agonie of death do most greeuously torment , terrifie , and trouble our minds : The remembrance of our sinnes , the feare of death , and the horror of hell , ( together with the seuerall remedies thereof . )

FIrst , the sinnes which in our whole life time we haue wickedly and wretchedly committed , Sinne. . and wherby we haue most greeuously offended , both against God , and against our neighbours , these when on the bed of sicknesse they come vnto our remembrance , must needs greatly terrifie vs , and much vexe & torment vs , remembring that saying of S. Paul Rom. 2.9 . Rom. 2.9 . That indignation and wrath , tribulation and anguish shall be vpon the soule of euery man that doth euill .

Againe , inasmuch as this old Adam and flesh of ours is most vnwiliing to die , Death . therof it is , that when death approcheth , mens hearts begin to quake and tremble , and are readie to faile them , through exceeding great sorrow and griefe . For this our fearefull nature ( or naturall man ) is miserably afraid , lest being once dead & buried in the earth it shall neuer returne , no● come againe to the forme state : but thinketh now tha● it is past all helpe , and hop● of recouerie .

Hell and damnation . These things being thu● offered vnto our sight , the at length a man begins t● feare , lest haply he be qui● cast out from the face & fauor of God , beholding nothing else but eternal dead and condemnation . He● therefore men haue need 〈◊〉 be couragious , & of a co●stant heart and mind ; th●● they faint not , nor giue a● place vnto despaire . Pra● we therfore in this manne●

A prayer . O most gracious God , ● most mercifull Father , gra●● ( we beseech thee ) that by thy grace , and helpe , while we are yet in health and prosperitie , we may learne to feare thee , to loue thy holy word , to beleeue and embrace thy sweete and confortable promises ; to set thee before vs , as the scope & end of all our actions : and that remembring alwaies this sharpe conflict and encounter , which we are to vndergoe ; we may fortifie and arme our selues against this day of triall ; and so be saued , preserued , and defended : that seruing and fearing thee , we may direct all our doings to thy glorie ; and at the length obtaine and enioy eternall life , which thine owne Sonne hath purchased for vs , Amen .

CHAP. IIII.

A Remedie against the feare and remembrance of our sinnes .

WHensoeuer thy sins shall torment and trouble thee , or terrifie thy conscience ; consider how that the Son of God himselfe for thy sake , and for the purging and taking away of thy sinnes , came downe from heauen , and humbled himselfe to the lowest estate that may be ; & that he being made man , took vpon him thy sins , and the sinnes of the whole world ; and of his owne voluntarie● will dyed for them vpon the crosse , and made full satisfaction for them all , by suffering most grieuous punishments in thy name , and for thy sake . This most precious bloud of Christ was shed , euen for thee and for thy saluation . Of this his death art thou also made partaker , if onely thou shalt beleeue , that he dyed as wel for thee , as for Peter and Paul , and others . Neither oughtest thou any whit to doubt , but that he died as well for thee , as for Paule : for in that thou art a sinner , euen in this respect thou mayest and oughtest to bee comforted . Math. 9.13 . For Christ came not to call the righteous , but to call sinners to repentance . Mat. 9.13 . and 1 of Tim. 1.15 . 1 Tim. 1.15 . It is a true saying ( saith Saint Paul ) and by all meanes worthie to be receiued , That Iesus Christ came into the world to saue sinners . Yea admit thou were one of the greatest sinners in the world , yet doubt nothing ; for such a one was Paule ( as he witnesseth of himselfe in the same place ) euen the greatest , and chiefest among sinners , an oppressor , a persecutor , and blasphemer .

Moreouer , this may and ought to comfort thee , and to confirme and settle thy mind , Rom. 6.3 . that thou art baptized into the death of Christ . For seeing thou art baptized into the death of Christ ▪ Christ his death shall saue and helpe thee ; by Christ his death , thou shalt die vnto thy sinnes ; by Christ hi● death thou shalt receiue vndoubted remission and forgiuenesse of all thy sins : finally , by Christ his death thou shalt rise againe vn●o a new life here , and to a life eternall , and euerlasting in the world to come . Th● remission of our sins confirmed in Baptisme and in the Lords Supper . For Baptisme is a sure token and pledge , and a certaine couenant ( as it were ) of Gods mercie and fauour , in which thou art reconciled vnto God : So that by meanes of it , thou mayest euermore haue a quiet and chearefull conscience , by reason of the forgiuenesse and pardoning of all thy sins through the death and resurrection of Iesus Christ . Verily it is vnto thee also , that Christ speaketh in the institution of his holy Supper ; wherein he professeth and witnesseth , that his bloud was shed for the remission of sinnes . Now therefore , howsoeuer the life which thou hast led , hath not bene altogethe● faultlesse & blamelesse , no● in all respects pure and free from sinne , yet despaire not but without delay , flie for refuge & succour vnto that bloud of his , which was thus shed for thy sinnes : and without ceassing call vpon his Name , and thou shalt be saued , ( according to his promise , Rom. 10.13 . Rom. 10.13 . ) Cri●● out vnto him therefore and call vpon him in these o● the like words : A Prayer . O most mercifull God and father of al● mercies , father of our Lord Iesus Christ ) be fauourable and mercifull vnto me a sinner . Take pittie and compassion vpon me miserable wretch ; and speedily helpe me , euen for that most bitter , but yet most precious death and passion of Iesus Christ thy only Son our redeemer , and onely Sauiour , Amen : Amen . Enter not into iudgement ( O Lord ) with thy seruant . Deale not with me after my deserts , neither do vnto mee according to my sinnes and iniquities ; but for thy infinite and endlesse goodnesse and mercie receiue me vnto thy grace . I miserable , wretched , weake and feeble creature am in thy hands , in thy power , and at thy disposing , to do with me , what it pleaseth thee . ( ● most mightie , and yet mos● meeke , most gentle , & most gracious God , and mercifull father ) leaue me not , neither reiect and cast mee off , as a wretch that is quite forlorne and forsaken . I am thine , whatsoeuer I am , and there is none can comfort me , none can helpe me , none can deliuer me ; but thou onely . Thou art the true preseruatiue and remedie against all euils and mischiefes , and against all infirmities and sicknesses both of bodie and soule . Thou art the surest , and most present helpe , refuge and succour , a strong hold , and a fortresse and castle in all necessities . Psal. 46. Thou ( ô Lord ) art our hope and strength in troubles , Psalme , 46. In thee ( O my God ) I put my trust , Psal. 71. & 31. let me not be confounded , nor ashamed , as being frustrate and disappointed of my hope ; but deliuer me in thy righteousnesse : Incline thine care vnto me , and saue me and make haste to deliuer me ; be thou vnto me a strong rocke , and house of defence , that thou mayest saue me : For thou art my rocke & my fortresse , thou art my Lord and my God ; Into thy hands I commend my spirit : for thou hast redeemed me ( ô Lord God of truth . ) Let the light of thy countenance shine vpon thy seruant , & saue me for thy mercie ( O Lord my God . )

Moreouer , here thou must especially be admonished , to take heed , that the suffer not thy selfe , to much to be possessed wi●● the cogitation and remembrance of thy sinnes in pa●ticular . But rather if th● same shall at any time stan● vp against thee , set befor● thine eye● the remembranc● of that most inestimab● price of Christ his death & suffering ; and fasten th● same into thy minde diligently ( according to the aduice and counsell of Sain● Augustine : ) Inspice vulner● pendentis , sanguinem morie●tis , precium redimentis . Capa● habet inclinatum in cruce a● osculandum , brachia extens● ad amplexandum totum denque corpus expositum ad redimendum . Haec , quanta sint , cogitato : haec in statêra cordis appendito ; vt totus tibi figatur in corde , qui totus pro te fixus est in cruce : ( Behold and looke stedfastly vpon the wounds of him , that hanged on the crosse for thee , vpon the bloud of him , that dyed for thee , vpon the price of him that redeemed thee . He hath his head bowed downe on the crosse to kisse thee ; his armes stretched out wide to embrace thee ; and finally , his whole bodie exposed , and offered to redeeme thee : Consider of how great price , and of how great weight and moment these things are ; and weigh well , and ponder the same in the ballance of thine owne heart , that the same Christ may be wholy fixed and fastened in thy heart , who was wholy fixed and fastened vpon the crosse for thee . And assuredly perswade thy selfe , that not thou , but Christ is charged with the sinnes which haue bene committed by thee , and that they are all laid vpon his shoulders : who hauing taken them vpon himselfe , hath discharged vs , and made ful satisfaction and payment for vs ; so as he will neuer impute them vnto vs , not lay them to our charge : but will freely forgiue them all , ( as in our Creed we professe , and say , I beleeue the forgiuenesse of sinnes .

CHAP. V.

Here it will be very necessarie and profitable for the comfort of the patient , or sicke partie , to vrge and repeate often some testimonies of the word of God ; concerning the forgiuenesse of sinnes by , and through Christ ( as these , and the like . )

IOhn the 1.29 . Ioh. 1.29 . Iohn the Baptist crieth out & maketh this proclamation , Ecce Agnus Dei , Behold the Lambe of God , that taketh away the sinnes of the world . Saint Peter likewise 1 Epist. Chap. 1.18 Know this , 1 Pet. 1.18 . that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things ( as siluer and gold ) from your vaine conuersation : but with the precious bloud of Christ ( as of a Lambe vndefiled , and withou● spot . )

Let these things ( deare brother ) sinke deepe into thy minde , to confirme and comfort thee . Thou hast no cause to doubt of the remission and forgiuenesse of thy sinnes , for in as much as thou hast professed the Name of Christ , and puttest confidence in his mercie , he will also take away thy sinnes . And if thou nothing doubt , but stedfastly beleeue this thou art alreadie freed and discharged from all thy sins ; and art alreadie become the child of God , there is no cause for thee to wauer or to feare . But yet heare and hearken vnto further testimonies ; and so heare them , that thou imprint them throughly in thy mind .

Iohn 3.16 . Ioh. 3.16.18 God so loued the world ( saith our Sauiour ) that he gaue his onely begotten Sonne , that whosoeuer beleeueth in him , should not perish but haue euerlasting life . And againe : Whosoeuer beleeueth in him , shall not be condemned , &c. And againe , Mat. 9.13 . I am not come ( saith he ) to call the righteous , Mat. 9.13 . but sinners to repentance , and Math. 11.28 . and 11.28 Come vnto me all ye that are weary , and laden , and I will ease you .

Marke , how that he calleth al vnto him ; he refuseth none , he reiecteth and casteth off none . In this word ( All ) he concludeth thee . And therefore call thou , and crie vnto him for mercie , and he will assuredly accept thee , and will refresh thee .

Rom. 5.8 . Rom. 5.8 . God setteth on● herein his loue toward vs , t● that ( while we were yet sinners ) Christ died for vs : much more then , being now iustified by his bloud , we shall be saued from wrath through him .

This ioyfull tydings full of singular comfort ( deare brother ) almightie God , thy most tender and louing father , will haue to be preached and proclaimed vnto thee , for thy comfort . For , euen for thee it is , that Christ was sent , & for thee it was , that he died . Only beleeue , and commit thy selfe vnto Christ thy redeemer and sauiour . Likewise in the same Chap. to the Romans , verse 10. If when we were enemies , Rom. 5.10 . we were reconciled vnto God by the death of his Son , much more being reconciled , we shall be saued by his life : And 1. Cor. 1.30 , Christ Iesus is made vnto vs of God , 1 Cor. 1.30 . wisedome , and righteousnesse , and sanctification and redemption . Now then ( deare brother ) lift vp thine heart and comfort thy selfe . Albeit , thou art neuer so great and grieuous a sinner , no cause there is wherefore thou shouldst therefore be discouraged : but acknowledge and confesse thy selfe before God , to be such a one ; beg and craue for mercie in and through Christ ; aske pa●don and forgiuenesse , an● beleeue Christ to bee th● onely Sauiour , & thy righteousnesse and saluation And he will euermore 〈◊〉 thine ; and will hide and couer all thy sinnes ; and vtte●ly abolish them , so as tha● shalt not need to feare the● by any hurt or danger . Againe , 2 Cor. 5.21 . 2 Cor. 5.21 . God hat● made him , who knew no sinn● to be sinne for vs ; that 〈◊〉 might be made the righteousnesse of God in him . Like wise , Gal. 1.4 . Galat. 1.4 . Christ hat● giuen himselfe for our sinnes that he might deliuer vs from this present euill world , ( according to the will of God , euen our father . ) And Ephes. 1.7 . Ephe. 1.7 . By Christ we haue redemption through his bloud , euen the forgiuenesse of our sinnes , according to his rich grace . And 1 Tim. 1.15 . Christ Iesus came into the world to saue sinners , ( saith Saint Paule ) of whom I am chiefe . Now then ( brother ) haue thou also good hope , and beleeue these words , as Saint Paule did ; and then shalt thou assuredly be in the number of them that are iustified and saued .

1 Tim. 2.6 . S. Paul saith , That Christ Iesus gaue himselfe a ransome for all . 1 Tim. 2.6 .

Beleeue this then stedfastly , and without controuersie thou art now one of them alreadie that are ransomed and redeemed . Furthermore , Math. 26.26 . Thou hearest Christ in 〈◊〉 last Supper , talking w● thee : and thou seest h●● nourishing & feeding th● with his body , and also o●fering and giuing vnto th● his bloud to drinke vnto ●uerlasting life ; Math. 26.26 . when he sait● Take eate , this is my bod● which is giuen for you : do t● in remembrance of me . Lik● wise also after he had suppe● he tooke the cup and said : 1 Cor. 11.25 Th● cup is the bloud of the 〈◊〉 Testament , which is shed ● you , and for many , for the r●mission of sinnes . Do this , often as ye shall drinke it , remembrance of me .

These words ( deare br●ther ) it behooueth thee 〈◊〉 fixe fast in thy memorie ; 〈◊〉 to thinke them spoken to th● selfe . For when as he speaketh vnto all , he speaketh vnto thee also . And all the things which Christ did or suffered , shall be auaileable vnto thee , and shall turne to thy saluation , and to thy benefit , no lesse then they did to Peter , or Paul . 1 Pet. 2.24 . it is said , That Christ his owne selfe bare our sinnes in his bodie on the tree . 1 Pet. 2.24 . and 3.18 . And Chap. 3.18 . Christ hath once suffered for sinnes , the iust for the vniust , that he might bring vs vnto God .

And Saint Iohn 1 Epistle 1.7 saith , 1 Ioh. 1.7 . That the bloud of Iesus Christ the Sonne of God clenseth vs from all sinne : and Chap , 2.1 , If any man sinne , and 2.1 . we haue an aduocate with the Father , Iesus Christ the iust ; and he is the reconciliation f●● our sinnes ; and not for ou● onely , but also for the sinnes 〈◊〉 the whole world .

Thou hast heard he● ( deare brother ) the word not of man , but of the holy Ghost , which witness● onely , that God the fathe● ( who willeth not the death of a sinner , EZech. 18. but that he● should conuert and liue ) euen he , of his infinite lou● toward thee , hath ease● thee of the heauie burthe● of thy sinnes , and hath lai● them on the shoulders o● his best and onely beloued Sonne . He hath borne them and suffered for them in hi● body , that they cannot a● any time condemne thee ▪ For as much as God accepteth and reputeth the death of his Sonne in stead of plenarie and perfect repentance , and of full payment and satisfaction for all thy sinnes : so that thou beleeue in his Sonne Christ Iesus . Forasmuch then , as thy sins being laid vpon Christ , could not hold him in death neither condemne him , verily , satisfaction is now already made for them ; and to thee they are all now remitted , & pardoned . Beleeue these things , and thou shalt liue eternally & for euer . Christ himself hath borne thy sins , and also died for them : But he is risen againe , and the sinnes of all true beleeuers , are by the death of Christ more then sufficiently purged and discharged ; and the strict and seuere iustice and iudgement of God , abundantly satisfied for thy sins by Christ Iesus . Christ now then is thine , togethe● with all his benefits , with his death , Rom. 8.32 . resurrection , and ascension into heauen , with his merits , righteousnesse , & obedience , and finally wit● his life , and endlesse glorie Satan therefore hath no right nor interest in thee nor power ouer thee , neither can he do vnto thee any hurt or iniurie , sith thou art iustified by Christ , seeing thou art freed and deliuered from all thy sinnes , and seeing thou art the child o● God . For , behold God is thy father , and such a father , a● entirely loueth thee , for Christ his sake , who hath reconciled thee vnto himselfe . Be of good comfort then , Phil. 4.4 . and reioyce againe & againe in the Lord . For as much as thou art in the hands of almighty God thy most tender and louing father , who is also most true and faithfull in his word & promises , thou art safe and out of all danger , so as no euill can befall thee , being vnder his custodie , and enuironed about , and garded with a troope of Angels , as he hath promised , Psal. 91.11 . That he will giue his angels charge ouer thee , Psal. 91.11 to keepe thee in all thy waies . Christ also is thine , how mightie soeuer he be in power , how rich soeuer in goodnesse , and how great and high soeuer in maiestie and glorie . He it is that hath couered all thy sinnes with the cloke of his innocencie and obedience , and taken them all quite away , Rom. 8.32 . so that none shall be able to wrest or plucke thee out of the hands of thy heauenly Father . As soone as thou shalt haue suffered and passed ouer this bodily affliction , and temporall crosse , ( which being compared vnto euerlasting life , is light and momentany , ) thou hast then got the victorie . Christ Iesus hath gone before thee in suffering the like , yea and a farre more sharpe and bitter , Luke 22.44 and a farre more terrible conflict . Now he is thy head , vnto whom thou must of necessitie be conformed & made like vnto him , by dying vnto thy sinnes , and by leauing and laying downe this life so embrued and defiled with sinne : that so with thy Lord Christ , thou maist liue the blessed life , and that for euer . Let not thy sinnes then vexe and trouble thee ; there is no cause , why for them thy conscience should be disquieted ; seeing that they are alreadie taken away and abolished : the euil spirit ( that seeketh the destruction of our soules ) is for thee vanquished and ouercome , cast downe , and trodden vnder foote . God now in fauor looketh vpon thee , he taketh care of thee , to defend and keepe thee : yea the societie and fellowship of all the blessed Angels attend vpon thee , they watch ouer thee , and pitch their tents about thee ; readie to minister vnto thee , & to carrie thy soule into the bosome of Abraham : so that thou canst in no wise be condemned , no more then could thy head Christ Iesus : so that with thy whole heart thou fixe and repose thy confidence in him .

If sinne death and hell be not able to do any harme or displeasure vnto thy Lord Christ , no more the● can they do vnto thee ; for as much as thou art i● Christ , and Christ in thee thou canst neuer be condemned : whereas indeed , if thou were to sustaine and beare thine owne sins , and to make satisfaction for them , thou shouldest neuer be able to sustaine and vndergoe so great a burthen ; but thy sinnes would weigh and presse thee downe into hell , & vtterly ouerwhelme and swallow thee vp .

But now Christ ( being the selfe same true God and true man ) he hath willingly offered himselfe for thee ; and hath substituted himselfe in thy stead , making full payment of all for thee , ( as he saith , Psal. 69.4 . Psal. 69.4 . That he made payment of the things which he neuer tooke . Thou hast indeed in thy selfe committed many sinnes : but Christ hath ( in thy stead ) discharged and made satisfaction for them all . He it is that hath set thee at liberty , & that hath made thee partaker with himselfe of eternall life ; if onely thou shal● beleeue , and giue credenc● vnto this word and Gospel . Yea assuredly ( deare brother ) though the sinnes of the whole world , did li● vpon thy necke alone , ye● notwithstanding ( behold there is infinite mercy with God , abundantly sufficient or rather more then sufficient for them all . Now God hath promised in Christ , his blessing of grace and mercie vnto thee . And the same his promise is in thy Lord Christ ratified and assured , and fully accomplished and performed vnto thee : so as thou canst not , but be saued , if onely thou do but cast thine eyes vpon Christ . There is then nothing more sure and certaine , then thy saluation . For Christ being the naturall Sonne of God , and in his diuine essence truth it selfe , he is , in respect of humane nature , our flesh and bloud . Who then shall be , or can be more trustie , and more faithfull to giue and performe this promise of grace and mercie , then this Christ ? who is himselfe the truth of the promise , & who loueth vs so feruently , and earnestly , that he chose rather to suffer death voluntarily and willingly , the● that we shold be frustrated of any promise . Wherefore if thou shalt beleeue in Christ , thou art now alreadie made partaker of God mercie ; thou art now alreadie eased of the burthen of thy sinnes ; thou art now already the heire of God , and coheire with Christ for euer and euer . Mat. 24 35 For heauen and earth shall passe away ; but the word of the Lord abideth for euer . Beleeue then ( deare brother ) and be of good hope , and of good comfort neither doubt , but that that great God , most gracious and most mercifull , euen the sonne of God Christ Iesus , for thy sake , and for thy saluation , was made man : yea that for thee and for thy sake he was borne into this world : for thy sake dyed vpon the crosse ; for thy sake rose againe from death , and ascended into heauen , and performed all those things that are promised vnto vs . So that all the promises of God in and through Christ , are yea , 2 Cor. 1.20 . and Amen , 2. Corinth. 1.20 . Pray therefore vnto God , and expect , and looke for nothing else from God , but meere grace and mercie , & that through Christ , and for his sake : for as much as without Christ , there is no consolation , no saluation , no hope , no helpe . In Christ onely and alone is all comfort , all manner of refreshing , all refuge and succour , and in a word , all the whol● meanes of our saluation In him is all grace , goodnesse , and mercie , infinitely greater , and far more abundant , then any man can wish or desire , or yet comprehend . The Lord vouchsafe to giue vnto vs a constant and stedfast faith , to beleeue the same .

Furthermore ( deare brother ) I warne and admonish thee , to be carefull , that ( with as much diligence , as thou canst ) thou withdraw thy mind from the horrible & dreadfull contemplation and view of thy sinnes , and of the feare of death : and bend all thy cogitation vppon Christ alone . Fixe the eyes of thy minde wholly vpon him , cleaue and sticke fast vnto him with thy whole heart : call vpon him with full confidence and assurance , and commit thy selfe wholly vnto him ; for as much as in him thou shalt find nothing else , but absolute and perfect innocency and righteousnesse , life and saluation . All which being deriued from Christ vnto thee , are now become thine ; if onely thou wilt acknowledge Christ , and beleeue him to be thy Redeemer & Sauiour , and the author and worker of thy saluation . I admonish thee therefore againe and againe , and I vrge and repeate the same often ( not without cause ) that thou renew not in thy mind afresh the remembrance o● thy sinnes : neither vexe and torment thy selfe by weighing and pondering too exactly the multitude and greatnesse of them : But rather ( hauing thy sinnes remoued farre away ) set before thine eyes only Christ crucified ; let him be fixed fast in thy hart , let thy mind and cogitation be wholly vpon him ; flee vnto him with full assurance and confidence ; and with thy whole heart , sticke fast vnto him , without being separated from him at any time . By this meanes thou shalt preuaile , and stand fast against the gates of hell , ( though neuer so cruell and terrible . ) Call vnto thy minde , with how great humanitie and kindnesse , with how great clemencie and gentlenesse , & with how great meekenesse and mildnesse . Christ in the Gospell intreated and also receiued , and entertained all sinners that repented them of their sinnes , & that desired helpe , and craued pardon and forgiuenesse . There shalt thou find Mary Magdalen , out of whom went seuen diuels . Thou shall see there one of the theeues that were crucified with him . Thou shalt see the Publican , thou shalt see Zacheus and diuers others ; whom our Sauiour Christ entertained with wonderfull meekenesse and kindnesse ; and afterward pronounced them to be freed and set at liberty fro● all their sinnes , ( though neuer so haynous and grieuous : ) for Christ is grace ● mercie , consolation and comfort , ioy and gladnes● it selfe , and a present refug● and succour , yea life and saluation it selfe , vnto a●● that expect and hope fo● the same from him , and tha● set their affiance in him . Al● these things God hath promised for Christ his sake , who is truth it selfe , & cannot lie : and therefore will neuer deceiue vs , neuer disappoint vs , neuer forsake vs .

CHAP. VI.

Reconciliation and restitution required in time of sicknesse : ( if not performed before . )

NOW further , Reconciliation in time of sicknesse required . while thou liest vpon thy bed of sicknesse , it will perhaps come into thy mind , how thou hast wronged and iniured thy neighbour , in his body or goods , or estimation and credit ; or contrariwise , how he hath iniured and wronged thee in all or some of these things . Here thou must do as Christ did vpon the crosse : thou must pray euen for all thine enemies , and must from the bottome of thy heart pardon and forgiue all wrongs and iniuries . If thou by d●●traction and slander ha●● bene wronged in thy goo● name and reputation , tho●● must euen from thy ver● heart forgiue the autho● thereof ; and pray for the●● with S. Steuen , Act. 7.60 Lord lay not this sinne to the● charge ; Act. 7.60 . and with our Sauiour Christ himselfe vpon the crosse , Luke 23.24 Father forgiu● them , they know not what they do . If on the contrary , thou hast slandered others , and wronged them in their good name and credit , it behooueth thee with all conuenient speede , to seeke reconciliation ( if it be possible ) at the hands of the parties so offended . If any thing of thine haue bene taken away by them , thou shalt not with ●olence , fiercenesse or cru●●tie , exact and require the ●●me againe . Restitution , in time of sicknesse required . And if thou ●aue either by fraude or vi●lence taken away from o●hers , ( if thou canst ) make ●estitution , or cause restitu●ion to be made : and do not ●n any wise hide or conceale any thing , but confesse the same , and be sorrie for the wrong committed , and desire pardon , first at the hands of God , & then of the party or parties wronged and offended . If the parties whom thou hast wronged be dead , make restitution vnto their children , or others their heires , executors , or administrators . If thou hast done wrong or oppression , and thou knowest not to wh● thou hast done it , in stea● the parties themselues th● hast the poore and need vnto whom thou may giue cheerefully , and make restitution . So 〈◊〉 Zacheus , Luke 19.8 . Luke 19.8 . A●● the same is the counsell th● Daniel gaue vnto Neb●chadnezar , Dan. 4.24 . Dan. 4.24 . ● breake off his sins by righteou●nesse , and his iniquities by me●cie toward the poore . If it b● so , that through pouerti● and want thou canst no● make restitution , it shall b● sufficient if thou do it in desire and affect , when tho● canst not do it in deed and effect . 2 Cor. 8.12 . If onely there be a willing mind , it is accepted before God , according to that a ma● ●ath , not according to that he ●ath not . 2. Cor. 8.12 . In case ●f want and pouertie then ● shall be enough for thee , 〈◊〉 first thou haue a will and ●esire to make restitution ●or the wrong done . Se●ondly , if freely thou con●esse and acknowledge the same ; and be heartily sor●ie and grieued at the remembrance of it . And thirdly , if thou shalt freely , and from thy very heart forgiue others , that haue any way ( either in thy body or goods , or thy good name and estimation ) offered , or done wrong and iniurie vn-thee . If thus thou shalt from the bottome of thy heart vnfainedly pardon and forgiue others , be of good comfort ; doubt not , b● that God will also pard● and forgiue thee , whatso●uer wrongs & iniuries do● either to himselfe or to others . For God cannot b● remit and forgiue that m●● his offences , who readi● and freely forgiueth h● neighbour . For as much a● he himselfe hath taught 〈◊〉 this way of requitall , Mat● 6.14 . If ye do forgiue m● their trespasses , Mat. 6.14 . your heauenly Father will also forgiue you .

CHAP. VII .

Of the lawfull vse of Physick in time of sicknesse .

A Question NOW here a question may be made , whethe● the sicke man may with a good conscience craue the helpe of the Physition , and also vse physick● ? o● ought onely to depend vpon God for the recouerie of his health ?

Answer . Hereunto I answer , that the sicke man , as he must not despise the counsaile and helpe of Physitions , and of physicke : so in any wise he must take heed , that he do not adore and relie vpon the same too much . His chiefe hope and confidence must be fixed and set vpon God : who as he inspireth and giueth life and breath vnto these our bodies , so he alone taketh the same away againe when it pleaseth him . Howbeit notwithstanding sometimes it is not amis● to vse the helpe and cou●sell of the Physition , le● herein we should seeme 〈◊〉 tempt God in neglecting o● despising his ordinance an● meanes appointed for restoring of nature , and recouery of health . For howsoeuer medicines of themselues can do nothing , neither haue any power and vertue to g●ue health without the blessing of God , and his secret worke and operation ▪ yet notwithstanding , whe● the same are ministred and applied by the learned and wel experienced Physition , they are to be held & esteemed not onely healthfull & profitable , but also needfull and necessarie ; and may also rightly be called Manus Dei , the very hand of God himselfe . Hereupon it is that Sirach , Chap. 38. counselleth to honour the Physition with the honour that is due vnto him , Eccles. 38.1.4 . & that because of necessitie : For the Lord ( saith he ) hath created , ordained , and appointed him . For of the most High cometh healing . And againe , the Lord from out of the earth hath created medicines ; and the man that is wise , will not abhorre them . As for witches and wisards , inchanters and sorcerers , and the like , who will take vpon them to heale and cure the sicke , by certaine fained and deuised ceremonies , or by a certaine number of words , or prayers , whereunto they ascribe the vertue and power of healing diseases : these are by all meanes to be auoided , and to be put away farre from vs . For they are the very hand and instruments of the diuels and euil spirits , and not the hand of almightie God ; by whose word and power all things are , and ought to be ruled and gouerned .

CHAP. VIII .

A Remedie against the feare and terrour of Death .

IF at any time thou be terrified with the feare of death : bethinke with thy selfe and consider , that by Christ , death is vtterly vanquished and put to death , ( as it were . ) Indeed if that Christ ( in compassion toward vs ) had not died for vs , the feare of death must needs haue vexed and troubled vs . But now ( death being vanquished , cast downe and troden vnder foote by the death of Christ ) the soules of them that beleeue in Christ cannot die , nor perish : but after their departure out of these bodies , they go straight vnto him : Phil. 1.23 . as it was said vnto the thiefe on the crosse , being readie to giue vp the ghost ; This day shalt thou be with me in Paradise . Luke 23.43 And in the meane time , the bodie resteth in assured hope , that it shall at the last day rise againe vnto a most blessed and happie life , which is immortall , and neuer fadeth : and that the same bodie shall rise with exceeding great glorie and maiestie , and with such beauty and comlinesse as cannot be expressed : that so being renewed againe , and glorified together with the soule , it may liue for euer with Christ , and with all the elect . Among whom many shall be found , which here on earth were knit and ioyned vnto vs in the bond of amitie and friendship . And therefore the sacred Scripture vsually calleth the death of the godly by the name of sleepe . Death a sleepe . For this same weake , fraile , mortall , and transitorie body , which now rotteth in the graue , shall at the last day be raised vp : euen as a man that is fast asleepe , is rouzed and raised vp out of his sleepe . And then forthwith ( death being quite extinguished and abolished ) it shall appeare glorious and beautifull , strong , & in perfect health , sound and entire , pure and spirituall , immortall and incorruptible ; 1 Cor. 15.53 When this corruptible shall put on incorruption , and this mortall shall put on immortalitie . Whereupon it is that the Prophet Dauid pronounceth the death of the Saints to be precious , Psal. 116.15 . & of excellent account . Psal. 116.15 . and 16.9 . and in another Psalme , His heart within him leapeth for ioy , and his tongue reioyceth , his flesh also resteth in hope . Why ? Because God will not leaue his soule in graue , neither will suffer his holy one to see corruption .

These things ( deare brother ) ponder and consider well in thy mind , that thou be not deceiued with the world ; which imagineth , that when we die , we die for altogether ; that our bodies perish together with our life , and that nothing remaineth of vs after our departure hence . But the world is herein altogether deceiued . For our bodie is not so little set by , nor so despised in the sight of God : it hath his peculiar honour , and welfare prepared , and ordained of God . For this same bodie , which now we carry about vs , & which is now vexed and tormented with so many griefes & paines ; this same body ( I say ) being changed & glorified , shall together with our soule liue for euermore . Whereas indeed , if wee should for altogether lose and forgo this bodie , and neuer recouer the same againe at any time , the death of the Saints and children of God should not be precious and honorable , but rather vile , and of no worth , yea horrible and dreadfull . Considering therfore these things diligently , raise vp , and comfort thy wauering mind , and strengthen the same with sentences of holy Scripture . Beleeue them faithfully , & doubt nothing . For the same are most certaine , vndoubted , and true . As Christ his body being buried , and lying in the graue , rose againe on the third day vnto a new life , & the same eternall and euerlasting , neuer to die againe : so the bodies of all such , as are asleepe in Christ , ( that is , who haue beleeued in Christ , ) being now dead , they rest in their graues , onely for a time , in a most assured hope of a ioyfull and glorious resurrection ; whereby they shall rise againe in the last day vnto a new life , and that eternall and euerlasting : wherein shall be nether sinne nor death , nor any miserie ; and wherein shall bee nothing else but righteousnesse and perfect holinesse , life and saluation , ioy and happines for euer and euer . These things God himselfe hath promised , who is of infinite power , able to performe whatsoeuer he hath promised ; and who is also truth it selfe , and therefore neither will nor can faile in performance thereof . Trust stedfastly then in his promises , and wauer not .

CHAP. IX .

Testimonies of Scripture concerning the Resurrection of the dead .

MOreouer , it is good for thee to repeate often , and in thy mind to ponder and diligently to meditate vpon those testimonies of holy Scripture , which concerne the resurrection of the flesh . Hereof it is , that Saint Paul admonisheth vs in his first Epistle to the Thessalonians : That we raise vp , confirme & comfort both our selues , 1 Thes. 4.18 and comfort one another with these and such like words concerning the resurrection . Neither indeed can there be any consolations more fruitful and plentifull , or more sure and certaine , then those which we fetch from those testimonies of Scripture , which concerne the resurrection of our bodies ; they being the words , not of man , but of God ; who both can , and will assuredly performe whatsoeuer he hath spoken ( as hath bene said . ) There is none that can alter or change his will and determination , none that can let or hinder his purpose and counsell . He is of power infinite , in his word and promises most faithfull and true , yea truth it selfe ; his goodnesse and his mercie vnspeakeable , & as a fountaine that neuer can be drawne drie . And therefore let no man doubt thereof . Math 13.43 . Christ saith : Mat. 13.43 The iust men shall shine as the Sunne in the kingdome of their Father .

Iohn 5.24 . Likewise Iohn 5.24 . Verily , verily , I say vnto you , he that heareth my word , and beleeueth in him that sent me hath euerlasting life ; and shal not come into condemnation , but hath passed from death vnto life .

Chap. 6.40 . And Chapter 6.40 . This is the will of my Father , that hath sent me , that euery one that seeth the Sonne , and beleeueth in him , should haue euerlasting life , and I will raise him vp at the last day .

Againe , Chapter 8.51 . Verily , Chap. 8.51 . verily , I say vnto you , if any man keepe my word , he shall neuer see death .

And Chap. 11.11 . Christ saith , that Lazarus slept , and 11.11 . who notwithstanding was dead , and his dead corps did then lie in the graue . But Christ raiseth the dead to life againe ; and calleth those things which are not , Rom. 4.17 . as if they were ( as Saint Paule saith . ) And therefore our Sauiour Christ addeth in the 25 verse , Ioh. 11.25 . I am the resurrection and the life , he that beleeueth in me , though he were dead , yet shall he liue . And by and by after the vttering of these words , he raised vp Lazarus from death , hauing lien rotting and stinking in the graue foure daies .

And because in these conflicts of sicknesse and death , we are naturally very fearefull , and faint hearted ; to the end that we might be furthered and helped on forward the more to beleeue , that there shall be a resurrection , many haue bene raised vp from death vnto life in the times of the Prophets and Apostles . In the new Testament , Christ raised from the dead the widowes sonne at Naim , Luke 7. Luke 8. Luke 7. He raised vp Iairus his daughter , Luke 8. He raised vp Lazarus , Iohn 11 Act. 9. and 20. Iohn 11. Saint Peter raised Tabitha , Act. 9. and Saint Paul Eutychus , Act. 20. In the old Testament , the Prophet Elias raised vp the widowes son at Sarephtha , 1 Kings 17. 1. Kings 17. and the Prophet Elisha his hostesse sonne the Shunamite , 2 Kings 4. Gen. 5. ● Kings 2. 2. Kings 4. And God also himselfe rapt vp Henoch and Elias aliue , both bodie and soule , out of this miserable and transitorie life , and conueighed and tooke them vp vnto himselfe , Gen. 5. and 2. Kings 2. That by them he might leaue vnto vs some resemblance of the true life that is to come ; lest ( according to the conceit and opinion of the Epicures and heathens ) we should imagine , that after this life nothing else remained vnto vs .

Furthermore , consider & thinke with thy selfe , what that great and mighty Lord of life & death Iesus Christ saith , Luke 8.52 . Weepe not , Luke 8.52 . the Damsell is not dead , but sleepeth . Reason , not beleeuing this , notvnderstanding the mysteries of God , maketh a mock of these things . Wherupon it is added , that All laughed him to scorne when they heard it . But Christ making good his owne words ; as soone as he had said it , he raised vp the maid that was dead , and restored her to life . And so in like maner will the same Lord Iesus Christ , not onely receiue thy soule and preserue the same in sure custodie : but will also at the last day render and deliuer againe this body vnto thy soule , and will couple and knit them together againe vnto life eternall .

Iohn 5.28 . Our Sauiour Christ pronounceth plainly , Ioh. 5.28 . That the day and houre shall come , in the which all that are in the graues shall heare his voice , and shal come forth ; they that haue done good vnto the resurrection of life . And Daniel prophecieth & foretelleth also , Dan. 12.2 . That many of them which sleepe in the dust of the earth , shall awake vnto euerlasting life : and that they that be wise , shall shine , euen as the brightnesse of the firmament : and they which turne many vnto righteousnesse , shall shine as the starres , for euer & euer .

Saint Paule in like manner prooueth and confirmeth the certainty of the resurrection of our bodies , by many strong and infallible reasons & arguments , Rom. 8.11 . Rom. 8.11 . If ( saith he ) the Spirit of him that raised vp Iesus from the dead , dwell 〈◊〉 you , he that raised vp Christ from the dead shall also quicke● your mortall bodies , because that his Spirit dwelleth in you . And 1. Cor. 6.14 . 1 Cor. 6.14 . The same God that raised vp the Lord Iesus Christ , he shall also raise vs vp by his power . And as for the fifteenth Chapter of his first Epistle to the Corinthians , 1 Cor. 15.12 . &c. it is full of nothing else but sweete consolations and comforts , of wonderfull force and efficacie . In that Chapter Saint Paule linketh and ioyneth our resurrection so fast and close vnto the resurrection of our Sauiour Christ , that they cannot be separated nor plucked asunder the one from the other . Christ ( saith he ) is risen from the dead ( which is a thing most certaine and sure : ) therefore out of all doubt we shall also rise againe . For Christ is our head and we his members . This head neither is , nor can be without the members ; neither doth he leaue or forsake his members . Where Christ therefore is , there also must we needs be . Ephe. 5.30 . For we are members of his bodie , of his flesh , and of his bones . Eph. 5.30 . Now , who can sufficiently praise and magnifie ( according to the worthinesse thereof ) the infinitenesse of that inestimable & vnspeakeable grace & me●cie of God , who vouchsafed so to debase himselfe , a● to come downe from he●uen , and to be made a mortall man , in all things lik● vnto vs ( sinne onely excepted ) that this corruptible 〈◊〉 fraile nature of man , being vnited and ioyned vnto h● diuine nature , might by the infinite and incomprehensible vertue and power o● his diuinitie bee aduanced vnto immortall life , and made partaker with it of the heauenly kingdome ? 〈◊〉 we did beleeue , so great riches to be giuen vnto vs , & to be laid vp in store for vs , and that so blessed and happie a kind of life shall hereafter befall vs ; how I pray you , could we be daunted or troubled ? The humane nature of all the faithfull , which haue bene before & since Christ , and which shall be hereafter , in Christ ( who is both true man , and also true God ) hath and doth put on immortalitie & glorie . Abundant then , and of great force and effect is that comfort concerning the resurrection of Christ , wherewith Saint Paule doth fortifie and establish the minds of the Corinthians ; when he saith : 1 Cor. 15.20 . &c. That Christ is risen from the dead , being the first fruites of them that are fallen asleepe ; for since by man came death , by man also cometh the resurrection of the dead . For as by Adam all die : euen so also by Christ shall all be ma● aliue . But euery man in 〈◊〉 owne order : the first fruites 〈◊〉 Christ , afterward they tha● are of Christ at his coming &c. And after all this , Sain● Paule addeth a similitude concerning naturall things wherby the resurrection of our bodies is most clearely perceiued , verse 36. and plainely demonstrated . The similitude or comparison is taken from seede , which being drie when it is cast into the ground by the seedsman or husbandman , it dieth as it were , and rotteth in the ground . But yet doth it not perish altogether : but it sprouteth and cometh forth out of the earth , fresh and new , in an elegant and a delightfull shape and forme . Euen so also shall our bodies arise , not corruptible , or subiect to corruption , not fraile and transitorie , not weake and feeble , not withered and decayed , and readie to die ( as now it is : ) but comely and beautifull , strong and lustie , immortall and incorruptible , and full of brightnesse and glorie . This is the way by which we are to passe into our true countrie which is aboue , euen by death vnto euerlasting life . Flesh and bloud cannot inherite the kingdome of God ; wherein is nothing else , but life and immortalitie . For which cause , 1 Cor. 15.33 This corruptible bodie must put on incorruption , and this mortall bodie must put on immortalitie : th●● shall come to passe the saying that is written , Death is swalowed vp into victorie . They that beleeue in Christ haue now vanquished sin , death and hell . And therefore contemning & despising death and through Christ being now become bold and couragious , they shall triumph and say : Hos 13.14 . 1 Cor. 15.55 ● death , where is thy sting ? O hell , where is thy victorie ? The sting of death i● sinne ; and the strength of sinne is the law : But thankes be vnto God , who hath giuen vs victorie through our Lord Iesus Christ .

Hereunto also may be added other sentences of holy Scripture , full of comfort ; as that 2. Cor. 4.14 . He that hath raised vp the Lord Iesus from the dead , shall also raise vs vp by the same Iesus . And that to the Philippians Chap. 3.20 . Phil 3.20 . Our conuersation is in heauen ; from whence we looke for the Sauiour , euen the Lord Iesus Christ : who shall change our vile bodie , that it may be fashioned like vnto his glorious bodie ; according to the mightie working , whereby he is able to subdue all things vnto himselfe . Againe , Colos. 3.3 . Ye are dead , Colos. 3.3 . and your life is hid with Christ in God : but when Christ which is your life , shall appeare , then shall ye also appeare with him in glorie . And 1. Thes. 4.13 . 1. Thes. 4.14 I would not ( saith Saint Paul ) haue you ignorant concerning them , which are a sleepe : that ye sorrow not , as others , which haue no hope . For if we beleeue , tha● Iesus is dead , and is risen againe ; Euen so them , tha● sleepe in Iesus , will God bring with him .

In like manner doth S. Paul comfort his disciple Timothie , 2. Tim. 2.8 . Remember , 2 Tim. 2.8 . that Iesus Christ made of the seed of Dauid , w● raised againe from the dea● according to my Gospell . And verse 11. verse 11 If we be dead w● Christ , we shall also liue wi● him : If we suffer with him , 〈◊〉 shall also reigne with him An● againe , 2 Tim. 1.9 . 2. Tim. 1.9 . God ha● saued vs ( saith he ) and calle● vs with an holy calling , not according to our workes , but according to his owne purpos● and grace , which was giuen : through Christ Iesus before the world was ; but is now made manifest by the appearing of our Sauiour Iesus Christ , who hath abolished death , and hath brought life and immortalitie . And in his Epi. to the Heb. Chap. 2.14 . he saith : That Christ was made partaker of flesh and bloud , ( that is , Hebr. 2.14 . was made true man ) that throgh death he might destroy him , that had power of death ( that is , the diuel ) and that he might deliuer all them , which for feare of death , were all their life time subiect to bondage . S. Iohn likewise in his 1. Epistle , Chap. 4.9 . telleth vs , that , 1 Ioh. 4.9 . In this appeared the loue of God toward vs , that God sent his onely begotten Sonne into the world , that we might liue through him ( to wit , eternally , and for euer : ) and Chap. 3.14 . and 3.14 . We know that we are translated from death vnto life , because we loue the brethren . And ( to conclude ) in the same manner Iob comforteth himselfe in the middest of all his afflictions , Chap. 19.25 . Iob. 19.25 . I am sure ( saith he ) that my Redeemer liueth ; and that he shall stand the last on the earth . And though after my skinne wormes destroy this bodie , yet shall I see God in my flesh : whom I my selfe shall see , and mine eyes shall behold , and none other for me , though my reines be consumed within me .

These testimonies of holy Scripture whosoeuer he be that pondereth well , and meditateth on the same diligently , he cannot but be filled with exceeding great ioy and comfort . A most euident example whereof we haue in Saint Paul . Phil. 3.10 . Phil. 3.10 . Where he professeth himselfe to reioyce , & glorie in nothing more , then this , that he knoweth Christ , and the power of his Resurrection ; whereby our death was slaine ( as it were ) and put to death . Now then , vnto as many , as beleeue in Christ , death is vtterly vanquished , and is dead ( as it were : ) there is nothing now in death , that is dreadfull , or to be feared , besides onely a certaine image and appearance . As a serpent that is dead , retaineth his wonted forme , which is dreadfull and terrible , but yet hath no strength or power in himselfe to hurt . And euen as by that brasen Serpent which Moses set vp in the wildernesse , so oft as it was beheld and looked on , the fierie Serpents , wherewith the Iewes were bitten and stung , were by the mighty power of the Lord smitten that they died ; so as the people could not be infected with their poyson : euen so our death dieth ( as it were ) and is made harmelesse , and in no wise to be feared , if onely with the eies of faith we shall behold and looke vp vnto Christ hanging on the crosse , and dying for vs . Whereof the said brasen serpent was a liuely image and representation , as our Sauiour Christ himselfe witnesseth , Ioh. 3.14 . Ioh. 3.14 . As Moses lift vp the Serpent in the wildernesse , so also must the Sonne of man be lift vp , that whosoeuer beleeueth in him , should not perish , but haue eternall life . In a word , death is but a certaine resemblance or image of death ; or rather , it is the beginning and entrance into the true and endlesse life . Christ who is truth it selfe , telleth vs : Ioh. 8.51 . If any man keepe my word , he shall neuer see death . How I pray you commeth this to passe ? The case standeth thus : Man trusting stedfastly in the mercie of God , and merits of Christ Iesus , by meanes of his faith is so incorporated ( as I may say ) and so knit and vnited vnto his head Christ Iesus his Lord & Sauiour , who is the true life , that he cannot be separated nor plucked away from him . This bodie therefore by death is parted and seuered from the soule , in an assured and vndoubted hope of a glorious resurrection vnto eternall life . For as much as within a short compasse of time , the bodie shall be restored againe vnto the soule to enioy eternall blisse and happinesse . And so beleeuing in Christ , he shal neuer see noe taste of eternall death of bodie and soule , ( that is , of eternall damnation , which is the onely death indeed : ) forasmuch as the death of the godly is nothing else but a passage or a departure out of this mortall life into life immortall , and vnto the societie and companie of Christ himselfe , and of all his holy Saints and Angels .

CHAP. X.

A Remedie against the feare and horror of Hell , and eternal Damnation .

THat malicious & wicked spirit the diuel and Satan , here doubtlesse will also cast into the mindes of men a care and feare also concerning their Predestination , by suggesting vnto them , these or the like horrible and dreadfull cogitatations : What if for all this thou do not please God ? what if God haue reiected thee , and cast thee out of his fauour ? or how knowest thou thy selfe to be of the number of those , whom God hath elected and chosen vnto eternall life ? These and the like dangerous tentations will be readie to offer themselues , which indeed are very hard and sharpe , and will very grieuously torment and disquiet the minds of men ( especially in sicknesse . ) And therefore a man hath need in this case to stand fast , and manfully to defend himselfe . Now , if in this combat and conflict thou wilt obtaine the victorie , it behooueth thee to withstand him by this policie : Straightway , as soone as these tentations are sent vnto thee of Satan , take heed thou do not enter into the lists with him , or condescend to make him answer , or to dispute and reason the matter with him : but repell him rather , and driue him from thee with these or the like cogitations : Auoid Satan , depart & get thee hence ; it is written : Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God . Neither shalt thou therefore tempt any of his children , that are neare and deare vnto him . When as God ( of his fatherly loue and kindnesse toward me alwaies ) hath bestowed so exceeding great & infinite blessings and benefits vpon me ; hauing endued me with life , and so plentifully fed and nourished preserued & maintained the same hitherto , hauing filled me with all good things needfull and necessarie for this life , yea & ministred vnto me abundantly all things behoouefull and profitable both for my soule and bodie ( & that so farre aboue my desert , & beyond my desire and expectation : ) ô what madnesse were it once to doubt of his mercie ? When as by Baptisme he hath accepted me to be of his flocke , and hath registred and enrolled me in the Catalogue and number of Christian beleeuers ; when as he hath called me to the knowledge of his grace by the Gospell of his Sonne , wherein he hath promised that he will be a father vnto me : how should I not expect and looke for all good from him ? how should I not promise vnto my selfe all the fauour that he can shew me , and all the good that possibly he can doe vnto me ? how should not his good will and affection be most readily inclined toward me ? What needeth to say much in this case ? It is a thing both foolish and also dangerous , to giue way vnto such thoghts concerning Predestination . It behoueth thee rather to preuent , to auert , & turne away , and so to ouercome these cogitations with other considerations , wherewith God will haue thy mind occupied ; as namely those that Christ himselfe hath prescribed in the Gospell : where he saith , That whosoeuer beleeueth in him shall in no wise perish , Ioh. 3.15.16.36 . but hath euerlasting life . Hearest thou not , that whosoeuer beleeueth in Christ , and that acknowledgeth Christ to be his righteousnesse , sanctification , and redemption , can in no wise be damned , but that he shall be made partaker of euerlasting life & saluation ? As many then as trust stedfastly and vnfeinedly in the mercy of God , and merits of Christ Iesus , are of the number of them who are elect , and chosen vnto eternall life , being foreknowne and predestinate in Christ , and registred and written long ago in the book of life . But they who are predestinate vnto eternall life , Rom. 8.29 . are made like vnto the Image of Christ , being iustified and made righteous before God by faith in his Sonne . Therefore by this their faith , they are vndoubtedlie saued . These things are most certaine and true , God neither can be deceiued , neither can he deceiue any man . Now this is the will and counsell of God , our most louing Father , who is truly and indeed Philanthrop●s , a louer of mankind . These things he hath thus fore-purposed and decreed from euerlasting : and therefore there is no cause of feare , no cause why those thing● should hinder thee , or make thee afraid , which the enemie of thine the diuell ( enuying thy welfare and saluation , & seeking the destruction of thy soule ) shal seeme to suggest and to oppose against these things . Onely see that thou p●● thy trust and confidence i● Christ , & comfort thy selfe in an assurance of his mercy , and behold , there neither is nor can be any danger . For if thou fixe thy hope and confidence in Christ , Christ now is thine , and thou art his . He hauing redeemed thee , thou canst in no wise perish , nor be damned . For as much as they that beleeue in Christ , are by the Father drawne vnto Christ , Ioh. 6.44 . and by him the Fathers will is , that they shold be saued ; neither will he haue any of them to perish . Iohn 10.28 . Ioh. 10.28 . Be of good comfort then , beleeue faithfullie , and haue stedfast hope in Christ . For whosoeuer beleeue in Christ , the same are predestinated vnto eternall life . Vpon Christ then it behoueth thee wholie to fixe the eyes of thy mind , to fly vnto him , and to lay fast hold vpon him by faith , if thou wilt be saued . Remembring that earnest exhortation of the Apostle , Heb. 12. Heb. 12.2 . That with patience we run the race that is set before vs , looking vnto Iesus the author and finisher of our faith ; who for the ioy that was set before him , endured the Crosse , and despised the shame , and is set at the right hand of the Throne of God .

CHAP. XI .

How Christ his temptations and sufferings were all for our sakes .

FVrthermore , all the sufferings and temptations wherwith Christ was assailed and tempted , ( being exceeding many and grieuous ) he suffered them all for vs , and for our sake , ( as the same Apostle witnesseth in the same Epistle , saying ; ) Heb. 4.15.16 . We haue not an High-Priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities : but which was in all things tempted in like sort ( yet without sinne . ) Therefore let vs go boldly vnto the Throne of grace , that we may receiue grace , and find mercie to help in time of need . Imprint these things ( deare brother ) stedfastly in thy mind . Christ giuen vnto vs for two ends . Christ was giuen vnto vs for a two-fold end : First , that he might redeeme vs , and reconcile vs vnto God his heauenly Father , and so make vs partakers of eternall saluation . And secondly , that he might be an example vnto vs both of liuing godly , and dying happily . See then that thou set Christ his death before thine eyes , and that thou end thy life after his example : for as much as Christ is set downe vnto vs for as example , to be followe● both in his life , and in his sufferings and death . For there is no man that shal be able to liue godly , no ma● able to suffer afflictions , o● to vndergo death happily , vnlesse he shall propose vnto himselfe both the life and death of Christ for his imitation . By Christ his death it is , that the death of all the godly is swallowed vp , and quite abolished . I● wil be good for thee therefore diligently to meditate and consider in thy mind , what manner of death hee died , and how he behaued himselfe in that most sharpe and bitter conflict of all others ; when as hanging vpon the crosse , he was ouerwhelmed ( as it were ) with most grieuous and horrible temptations . Imitate and follow him , and call vnto God for helpe , that thou maist be enabled thereunto .

CHAP. XII .

Of Christ his threefold Temptations .

FIrst , the Iewes sought to tempt Christ with the feare of death , 1 Temptation of Christ . as one ( in their opinion ) vtterly vnable to deliuer himselfe from the same , when as it was obiected vnto him on the Crosse , saying ; He saued others , himselfe he cannot sa●e ▪ as if they shold say ; Now his case is altogether desperate for he must die , and so vtterly perish . None shall by force or otherwise , take him away , nor deliuer him out of our hands . After the like manner will that vnreconciled enemy of man the diuel , be ready also to strike into thee a scare & terror of death . But proceed and go on forward boldly , bee strong , and of good courage & comfort . Christ hath vanquished this enemy , and vtterly cast him down . And thou also through the same Christ , shalt likewise cast him downe , and ouercome him . Stretch out thy shield of faith in Christ Iesus . Thy Lord and Sauiour Christ , being Lord of life , & King of eternall glory , was not so made subiect vnto death , as to be ouercome , or to bee holden still of death : but he liueth and reigneth for euer . In this case then thy Lord and Sauiour liuing , and reigning for euer , doubtlesse he wil not leaue thee nor forsake thee ; neither will he suffer death to exercise tyrannie and dominion ouer thee . He cannot deceiue thee , nor falsifie his word and promise made vnto thee , sith he is truth it selfe . Haue this confidence in him , and assure thy selfe of his goodnesse , and of his loue and care , & tender affection toward thee : and behold , thou shalt most assuredly liue with him for euer .

A twofold benefit we receiue by death . And whereas he will haue thee through many afflictions and trials to vndergoe this bodily death , it is for thine owne sake , and for thy good . For first , there is no other way whereby to passe into the true and euerlasting life , then by this bodily death . We must then leaue and lay downe this life , if we will enioy eternall life , and so after this life begin to liue truly and indeed . Besides , this bodily death is good and profitable in this respect , that hauing tasted the sharpnesse and bitternesse therof , thou mightest by experience know and perceiue , how feruent the loue of Christ was toward thee , and how inestimable a benefit he bestowed vpon thee , when as dying for thee , in his owne bodie he discharged and made satisfaction for all thy sinnes : ( death being altogether extinguished and abolished , and the very gates of hell shaken in peeces , cast downe and ouerthrowne . ) For otherwise thou couldest not perceiue , nor vnderstand the operation and power of life in Christ , how great it is which hath swallowed vp our death : neither shouldest thou acknowledge the greatnesse of the benefit , nor giue due thankes ( as thou oughtest ) vnto Christ thy Lord and thy redeemer . Wherefore in that Christ liueth , thou also shalt liue ; & this death shall be vnto thee a happie and pleasant sleepe , and ● dore or entrance into that true and most blessed life .

2 Temptation of Christ . Againe secondly , the Iewes sought to tempt Christ with the guilt of sin , as being a wicked man , and a man guilty of horrible sin when it was cast in his teeth ▪ If thou be the Sonne of God come downe from the crosse . Thou sauedst others , why the● doest thou not saue thy s●lfe ▪ These reprochfull wordes , what else did they meane and intend , but that by imposture , guile and cosenage he deceiued and deluded men ; and that he was nothing lesse then the Sonne of God ; nay rather that he was a most vngracious and wicked man ? In like manner Satan tempting a man that is in extremitie of sicknesse and readie to die , he layeth before him whatsoeuer at any time he hath committed against God or his neighbour ; and he suggesteth vnto his mind , whole cartlodes of his sinnes ; and he doth aggrauate the same as much as possible may be ; that so by the hainousnesse and greatnesse of his sinnes , he may cause him to stand in doubt of Gods mercie and pardon , & so driue him to despaire . Here also be sure to stand fast , and to resist manfully . And when the enemy in this maner setteth vpon thee , entertaine him , and repell him with these or the like words : True it is , I confesse my selfe to be as exceeding great and grieuous sinner : but Christ , who is not guiltie of any sinne , who is also that vnspotted Lambe in whose mouth was found no guile , he hath suffered most bitter & cruel death for all my sinnes , how manifold & how great soeuer they be , they are all discharged by him ; he hath made full and perfect satisfaction for them all . Christ his death is a sufficient attonement and propitiation for all my sinnes : Esay 53.4 . Christ truly and indeed hath borne mine infirmities ; Christ truly and indeed hath carried my sorrowes ; hee was wounded for my transgressions , he was broken for mine iniquities , and by his stripes I am healed : he hath taken vpon him all my sins . So that now , though they haue bene neuer so many , yet now I acknowledge not any : I thanke my God through Iesus Christ , who in his owne bodie , and in his owne person hath discharged , and made payment and satisfaction for them all .

3 Temptation of Christ . Thirdly , the Iewes sought to tempt Christ with the horror of hell , and eternall damnation , when they obiected vnto him , and said : He trusted in God , that he would deliuer him . Let him deliuer him , if he will haue him , ( as if they should say : ) All his hope and trust in God shall be vaine and frustrate , God hath forsaken him , and reiected him ; he hateth and abhorreth him , and he will cast him downe headlong into hell , & condemne him euerlastingly . Whensoeuer then that Tempter doth vrge , and trouble thee with such like temptations , take heed thou moue not one foote for all that . Feare not nor be afraid , let not these temptations trouble thee , which he presenteth vnto thee ( though the same bee neuer so sore & grieuous : ) but shake them off , and banish out of thy minde both the feare of sinne , of death , and of hell . For they haue no right nor power ouer thee , if so be onely thou cast thine eies vpon Christ ; lay hold vpon him , and commit thy selfe wholly to him , Christ is thine , he hath giuen and bestowed himselfe wholly vpon thee , and for thee . He hath by an inestimable price redeemed thee , and deliuered thee from the tyrannie of the diuell , & from eternall damnation . Christ here is become thy life , thy righteousnesse and innocencie . Onely see , that thy heart & mind be not by any tentation withdrawne nor remoued from Christ crucified . If thou cleaue & sticke fast vnto Christ , thou art safe against all the gates of hell , as being placed and set vpon a most high tower , and vpon a most strong and inuincible rocke . So as thou mayest boldly crie out with Dauid a true type of our Sauiour Christ : Psal. 16.8 . I haue see the Lord alwaies before me : for he is on my right hand , the I should not be moued . Therefore is my heart glad , and my tongue also reioyceth , & moreouer my flesh also shall rest in hope : for thou wilt not le●● my soule in graue , neither 〈◊〉 thou suffer thine holy one to see corruption . Thou hast shewed me the path of life , and thou shalt fill me with the ioy of thy countenance . For in thy presence is the fulnesse of ioy , and at thy right hand there is pleasure for euermore . By such a faith in Christ thou art made the child of God , Gal. 3.26 . brother and fellow heire with Christ , and partaker with him of eternall life . Ioh. 1.12 . This faith iustifieth the righteous ( that is , all euen as many as beleeue in Christ . ) By this faith , thou art made the blessed sonne of thy heauenly Father ; and as soone as thou departest hence , thou shalt enter assuredly into the celestiall kingdome , Mat. 25.34 which God hath prepared for all his elect children from before the beginning of the world .

Now , if in the midst of thy temptations , thy faith begin for all this to wauer and stagger : If thou perceiue that thou doest not beare so meekely and patiently as thou shouldest , the will and pleasure of God thy heauenly Father , and his hand which is heauie vpon thee ▪ And if thou feelest and findest thy loue to war● somewhat cold , & thy hope weake and slender ; & thereupon fearest , that as ye● thou art not at agreement with God , but that he is still displeased with thee This temptation indeed is very sore and grieuous , and full of difficultie . But y●● ( deare brother ) thinke thou with thy selfe and consider , how that Christ hath sustained for thee a farre more inuincible & intollerable tentation , ( wherein appeared no helpe nor comfort , no defence nor succour ) when he cried out : My God , Mat. 27.46 my God , why hast thou forsaken me ? O horrible and cruell temptation , O how sharpe and bitter , and how cruell & rigorous was that death , which he did vndergo for vs , to the end that he might make the way of affliction easie vnto vs ? Seeing then Christ willingly submitted himselfe vnto these , and plunged himselfe in these so horrible and intollerable miseries and distresses , ( and that by the will & appointment of our most louing & heauenly Father ) he knoweth doubtlesse , & accepteth also our infirmitie & weaknesse , he verily is full of compassion ; and he will in no wise deale strictly with vs , but will pardon and forgiue many things vnto our weakenes . Psal. 103.14 . For he knoweth whereof we be made ; he remembreth that we are but dust , &c. Psal. 103.14 . Is it not he also who calleth all men vnto him , saying , Come vnto me all that labour and are heauie laden , Mat. 11.28 and I will ease you ? I pray you what greater , or more large and ample , or more comfortable a promise could there be then this ? Many things there be indeed , which molest and trouble a man ( especially in time of sicknes ) among which what can more grieuously terrifie , or more cruelly torment and perplexe the conscience of a man ouerwhelmed with his sinnes , then when he doubteth of Gods mercie , and feareth lest God turne away his face from him , and hath reiected and cast him off ? when he cannot conceiue a stedfast and assured confidence in Gods mercy and loue toward him ; but he imagineth himselfe to be cut off and cast away , as a member that is dry and withered ? Here ( sweete Sauiour Iesus Christ ) be thou present at hand with thy aide and succour . For here indeed is need of comforting and refreshing ; lest such violent and horrible waues and stormes as these , ouerwhelme wretched man , and vtterly drowne him & swallow him vp . But for all this , behold we haue no cause either of doubt or feare . Christ is not vaine , nor vntrue in his word ; he will assuredly in due time make his promises to appeare ; he will helpe , refresh , and comfort vs . Whensoeuer then , thy faith & thy hope is not firme & stedfast as it should be ; when thou seest and perceiuest thine heart smitten with feares and terrors ; & when thou findest in thy selfe , that thou beginnest to doubt of Gods mercie , and that thou hast little or no faith at all : forthwith call vpon God for helpe , as Peter did when he was readie to sinke and to be drowned , Math. 14.30 . Implore and craue for mercie from him ; Mat. 14.30 and deplore and lament thine vnbeleefe and incredulitie before him . Request & desire his helpe with earnest prayer and intreatie ; and he will ease thee , refresh and comfort thee : and thereupon thou shalt glorifie & praise him : Psal. 50.15 . God hath vndertaken to do it , and he will do it . Onely see that thou ceasse not to call vpon him . Beg & craue incessantly with sighes and grones proceeding from the very bottome of thy heart ; at the hands of alm●ghtie God the father of all mercies , & the God of all comfort , that he will not turne his face from thee . Crie out with the Disciples , Luke 17.5 . Lord increase my faith , and with the father of the lunatick child , Lord I beleeue , helpe my vnbeleefe . Mar. 9.24 .

A Prayer . O Lord make haste to helpe me before I be pressed downe with this heauie burden , and ouerwhelmed with the same . Thy mercie is aboue all thy workes , ( O most meeke , most mercifull , and most gracious Father , O Lord God of my saluation , my refuge and deliuerer : ) enter not into iudgement with thy seruant . Christ is my righteousnesse , 1 Cor. 1.30 . sanctification , and redemption . He it is that for me , and for my sake , hath endured , yea and most willingly hath offered himselfe to die a most sharpe and cruell death . Let these things moue thee , and preuaile with thee ( O Father of all mercies : ) For this Christ thy Sonne his sake haue mercie on me ; confirme and strengthen my heart with true and stedfast faith in thy Sonne Christ Iesus ; and comfort me with the consolations of thy holy Spirit ; that so I may haue the fruition of true and perfect ioyes in Christ Iesus for euer and euer : Amen .

In this maner labouring and wrastling , and fighting & striuing with thine owne weaknesse , yea and accusing and bewailing vnto God thine vnbeleefe and faint-heartednesse ; if thou shalt withall lay hold on Christ , and shalt cleaue and sticke fast vnto him , with feruent and incessant prayer , crauing and desiring his helpe ; that he substituting himselfe ( as it were ) in thy stead , would supply whatsoeuer is wanting vnto thee : if thou shalt do this , then behold all is well with thee , then there is no danger , thou art safe enough : for as much as there is little difference betweene these two , betweene beleefe in Christ , & a feruent or earnest desire to beleeue . How weake therefore and faint-hearted soeuer thou art , let this comfort and releeue thee , that God willeth and commandeth thee in thy greatest trouble and distresse to call vpon him ; Psal. 50.15 and that he hath promised , if thou do call vpon him , he will heare thee and helpe thee . Moreouer , as nothing is or can be more iustly and rightfully desired of God , then true faith : so he heareth no prayer sooner , nor more willingly then that which a man powreth forth , finding no goodnesse in himselfe , acknowledging his owne weakenesse and wretchednesse , deploring and lamenting his owne incredulitie and vnbeleefe , & with feruent and earnest prayers , and often sighes and grones desiring and begging for faith to be giuen him . These desires and requests , these sighs & grones , these prayers , this little faith ( though it be neuer so little or so slender ) it is verily a cleare sparke of that holy fire , it is the good seed of God , which can in no wise spring vp in vs , but by the effectual working of God : who by his Prophet Esay thus speaketh concerning Christ , That he will not quench the smoking flaxe , Esay 42.3 . nor bruise the broken reede . Wherefore , see thou beleeue stedfastly in Christ thy Sauiour ; or else pray heartily and feruently , that thou mayest beleeue : lamenting in the meane time , and complaining vnto God of thine vnbeleefe . If thou do this , thou needest not doubt , but that thou art accepted and reputed righteous before God , and art the child of God : who not in vaine laid vpon Christ his onely Sonne , our weaknes and our sinnes . In the fift Chapter of S. Mathew his Gospell , Christ himselfe saith , Math. 5. That blessed are the poore in spirit ; blessed are they that mourne , and blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousnesse . These things ( Christian brother ) are spoken vnto thee , & do properly belong to thee . Thou art humbled and cast downe ; thou art poore in thine own eyes , and in thine owne conceit ; euen poore in the graces of Gods spirit ; thou mournest and art grieued , and vexed from thy verie heart , for thy leude and wicked life formerly spent ; thou doest hunger & thirst for righteousnesse , desiring to haue faith , wherby thou mayest be iustified and saued . Be of good cheare , and comfort thy selfe ; thou shalt haue that thou desirest , thou art euen now alreadie become righteous before God . And hereupon thou mayest boldly ( by the example of Saint Steuen , Act. 7.59 . Act. 7. and of Christ himselfe also , Luke 23.46 Luk. 23. ) commend thy spirit into the hands of God thy heauenly Father , saying :

A Prayer . O most mercifull and louing Father , into thy hands I commend my spirit , or rather thy spirit : for as much as thou hast made it , and inspired it , and placed it in this earthly tabernacle of my bodie ; committing the same onely vnto my charge and custodie for a short time ; for as much as it is thine owne proper image , made after thine owne similitude and likenesse ; and for as much also as for its sake , and to redeeme it , thine onely begotten Sonne hath vouchsafed to shed his most precious bloud . This Spirit of thine ( I say ) I commend againe and againe into thy hands ( O most gracious Father , thou God of all mercies : ) thine I am , whatsoeuer I am . Receiue thine owne I beseech thee . Saue , preserue , defend and keepe it ; and finally of thy free mercie , giue vnto it euerlasting life , through Iesus Christ thy true Sonne and our onely Lord and Sauiour : Amen .

CHAP. XIII .

A short Admonition touching the making and ordaining of last Wils and Testaments .

IT were to be wished , that while men are in sound and perfect health , they would be carefull to set in order all their worldly affaires ; and by their wils and bequests , or otherwise , to dispose of their temporall estate , and of such earthly blessings as God hath lent them ( weighing and remembring the frailty and vncertaintie of this present life : ) lest , if perhaps they deferre this businesse vnto the last moment and period of their life , they be preuented by death , or at the least wise hindered by extremitie of sicknesse from performance of the same . Howbeit , if either through negligence , or vpon some vrgent and necessary causes , thou hast put off and deferred this businesse , vntill sicknesse suddenly and vnawares seize vpon thee : be carefull then , without further delay or protracting of time , to salue thy former error and negligence by speedie diligence , and readinesse in disposing of thy worldly estate , ( be it more or lesse : ) first , vnto them who are ( according to the flesh ) nearest and dearest vnto thee , ( as wife , children , and parents , whom God and nature hath commended to thy care and prouidence ; ) next , vnto thy poore kinsfolks , being in want and necessitie ; and after them ( according to thy substance and abilitie ) vnto the poore in generall , ( as for the releefe of poore widowes , and fatherlesse children ; of the aged and impotent , the lame and the blinde ) and vnto other holy and charitable vses . And if the sicke partie haue got into his hands any monie or goods of another mans , or is indebted vnto any man , let him in any case make it knowne , and prouide carefully for the payment and discharge thereof . Which being done , let him repell and put away from him all such as shall goe about to interrupt and trouble him with worldly matters . Wherein a great many ( both men and women ) do aboue all measure offend : who seeing and beholding their friend or neighbour now readie to giue vp the ghost , and to breath out his soule into the hands of his Creator , are readie to cast into his mind diuers and sundry scruples and doubts concerning his will , and other externall and worldly matters . Yea , and sometimes they enforce him to subscribe , and set his hand vnto Deeds and other writings against his will , when as indeed his mind is not to doe any such thing ; yea , rather in his heart he abhorreth and detesteth the importunity of such friends as enforce him thereunto : by whose meanes it commeth to passe , that he cannot die quietly , nor depart in peace . These men , howsoeuer they pretend loue & friendship vnto the partie dying , and to his issue and posteritie : yet indeed can there be nothing more vnfriendly , or more hurtfull vnto their friend in such a case . And therefore ought the same by all meanes to be auoyded .

CHAP. XIII .

How to mitigate and asswage the greefe which we conceiue ( many times more than is meet ) for the death of friends .

FOr men to cast off all measure and moderation in sorrowing for the death and departure of friends , ( though neuer so neare or deare vnto them ) as it is affirmed by S. Paul , to be the part , not of Christians , but of Ethnicks and Heathen men , that haue no hope . 1. Thes. 4.13 1. Thess. 4.13 : so is it conuicted by this only reason , to be a thing bootlesse and vaine : In that no weeping nor wailing , nor shedding of teares , ( though shed in neuer so plentifull measure , or continued for neuer so many yeares together ) can yet call againe from death vnto life one man greater or lesse . And therefore are all such teares fruitlesse and vnprofitable , vaine , and of no effect . Whereof we haue a memorable example in King Dauid ; 2. Sam. 12.16 . who so long as the child was sicke that was borne of Bathseba , he fasted and shed plentie of teares , he went into his priuy chamber and lay all night on the earth , intreating the Lord for the life and recouery of the child . But as soone as he perceiued and vnderstood ( by the whispering of his seruants ) that the child was dead , then he cast away his mourning attire , and changed his raiment , and washed his face , and annointed himselfe , & did eate his meat chearefully . Which when his Servants admired , supposing that he would haue sorrowed more , as soone as he should vnderstand of the death of the childe ( seeing hee had so punished himselfe with fasting and weeping , while the child was aliue : ) and thereupon asked him the cause and reason why he did so ? he made them this answer : While the childe was yet aliue , I fasted and wept : Verse 22. for I said , who can tell whether God will haue mercie on me that the child may liue ? But now he being dead , why should I now fast ? can I bring him againe any more ? I shall goe to him , but he shall not returne vnto me . In which words Dauid wisely declareth and sheweth , that we ought not to greeue and lament for that which cannot be recouered nor called againe . And this is that which the holy Father Saint Cyprian protesteth in his Sermon of Mortalitie , that he had bene of ten admonished by diuine reuelation , yea , and charged also , and commanded of God that he should publikely aduertise all men , & in his preaching teach and instruct them , not to sorow or lament ouermuch for the brethren which depart out of this world when God calleth them ; for that such sorrowing is hatefull and displeasing vnto God .

Notwithstanding , that we may not seem hard harted , or that we loued our friend that is dead very slenderly , or no better then other common men : it is meete and requisite , that we bestow vpon him some teares , and those proceeding from the sincere affection of commiseration , and of hartie and vnfained loue toward him ; but yet alwaies measured and guided by the right rule of reason , and of true pietie and godlinesse . For Christ our Lord & Sauiour himselfe , being the most perfect & absolute patterne of all vertues , did of a louing and tender affection , weepe for Lazarus being dead . Ioh. 11.35 . And his holy and godly sisters , Marie and Martha , are greatly commended for lamenting the death of their brother . Likewise of those seruiceable women which stood by the Crosse , Luke 23.27 and beheld while our blessed Sauiour suffered such extreme torments , it is not with out Iohn . 20.11 . cause registred in the Gospell to their especiall praise and commendation , that they shed teares ouer him at his death and buriall . And concerning the first Martyr S. Stephen , we reade in the Acts of the Apostles , Act. 8.2 . that certaine men fearing God , carried him to be buried , & made great lamentation for him . Whereupon it is , that the Sonne of Sirach giueth aduice and counsel , to bestow some teares vpon the dead : but yet in any wise he willeth that the same be immoderate , nor continued ouer long ; Eccl. 22.11 Weep ( saith he ) for the dead , because he hath lost the light ; but make small lamentation for him , because he is at rest . And hereunto doe tend all those consolatorie Epistles of that holy Father Saint Ierome ; wherein he comforteth the liuing for the death of their friends hence departed ; auouching and prouing , both by authority of holy Scripture , and by strong reasons and arguments , that they ought not to sorrow or weepe immoderately , for them that are departed hence , and haue changed this life , ( as that Epistle written to Heliodor ) concerning the death of Nepotian ; the Epistle written to Paula , concerning the death or sleepe of her daughter Blesilla ; the Epistle to Tyrasius , concerning the death of his daughter ; and the rest of the Epistles of that holy Father which intreate of the like matter .

CHAP. XV.

An Exhortation to all professors of the name of Christ .

NOw I beseech and intreate all , euen as many as are stiled and called by the name of Christians , and I charge and require you , euen by the mercies of God , that once at the length forsaking your former sins and errors , and the horrible darknesse and blindnesse in which ye haue liued , ye will returne vnto a better course of life ; with all care and diligence , and with sincere & heartie deuotion , hearing and receiuing the word of God , which is able to saue your soules ; and continually without intermission knocking at the gates of heauen , and intreating the heauenly Father through his Sonne Christ Iesus , that he will inwardly teach and instruct you , and enlighten your hearts and minds with the true knowledge of Christ , and of his heauenly will . That denying and renouncing all vngodly lusts , Tit. 2.12 . ye may liue soberly , and righteously , and godly in this present world : looking for the blessed hope and appearing of the glorie of the mighty God , & of our Sauiour Iesus Christ ; who gaue himselfe for vs , that he might redeeme vs from all iniquitie , and purge vs to be a peculiar people vnto himselfe , zealous of good works .

That same light of grace , and of all comfort and consolation , ( as the day starre from on high ) hath visited vs , and by the infinite goodnes of God , hath in these last times in exceeding great brightnesse shined forth vnto vs . We haue manifold examples both in the holy Scriptures , and euery day among our selues ; which testifie the infinite bountie and mercie , long suffering , patience and gentlenesse of our God toward vs : whereby we may see , how God would not that we should be lost , but that we should conuert & liue ; how soone his iust wrath waxeth hote against vs , and how easily againe he is mooued to succeasse from punishing vs as we deserued , so soone as we vnfainedly repent of our sinnes , and stedfastly intend & purpose an amendment of our liues . Let these things moue you ( deare brethren ) and stirre you vp to seeke the Lord , Esay 55.6 . while yet he may be found ; to call vpon him while he is yet neare vnto you ; that the wicked forsake his owne waies , and the vnrighteous his own imaginations , and returne vnto the Lord ; and he will haue mercie on him ; and vnto our God , for he is very readie to forgiue . Yea let the consideration hereof encourage you in all your troubles and distresses to flie vnto God , and vncessantly to pray vnto him , that he will mercifully pardon and forgiue you all your sinnes , for his deare Sonnes sake Iesus Christ : and that he will vouchsafe to preserue and keepe you , to sustaine and vphold you , to cherish and comfort you , and finally to hide and couer you vnder the shadow of his wings , and to be present and readie to helpe and succour you in all your need and necessitie . Thus did Dauid when he saw himselfe in great distresse and danger ; 2 Sam. 24.17 . and that for his sin there had fallen by a sore plague in three daies space , seauentie thousand men ; straightway he flieth vnto God , confessing his sinne , and lamentablie crauing & begging for mercy and forgiuenesse , crying out : Ecce , Behold , I haue sinned , yea I haue done wickedly . And when he had built an altar in the threshing floore of Aranna the Iebusite , where the Angel had appeared vnto him , he offered burnt offerings and peace offerings thereupon . And then the Scripture saith , verse 25. That the Lord was appeased toward the land , and the plague ceassed from Israel . By which example of Dauid ( deare brethren ) confesse your sinnes , pray vnto God for grace , and intreate for mercie and pardon : offering vp vnto God that acceptable sacrifice of a penitent & contrite heart , which aboue all things is well pleasing vnto him : and behold , God will be present and ready to helpe you , neither will he at any time faile you , or forsake you .

In like manner , Iona 1.3 . when God sent Ionas vnto Nineue , he threatned to destroy that populous and famous citie . But straightway , as soone as at the preaching of Ionah , the Nineuites had repented , God had compassion on them , he pardoned their sinnes and remitted their punishment . Set before you ( my brethren ) these examples to be imitated & followed . Distrust not the mercie and goodnesse of God . Esay 59.1 . Behold , the Lords hand is not shortned , that it cannot saue : he both will , and can saue and helpe , yea releeue and comfort you : so as ye refuse not , neither despise his grace and goodnesse so mercifully and abundantly offered : but call vpon him for helpe and assistance of his grace , Eph. 2.4 . who is rich in mercie , Ephesians 2.4 euen rich vnto all that call vpon him , Rom. 10.12 . Romanes 10.12 .

Now I pray and beseech the Lord Iesus Christ that onely true and approued Physition both of body and soule , that these diuine medicines , and spirituall directions collected ▪ and digested out of the rich store-house of the holy and sacred Scriptures , may haue a powerfull and effectuall working in your hearts : whereby faith may more & more abound and increase , and the loue of God , and of your brethren more and more feruently bee inflamed in you . And that abiding constant and patient in all temptations and tribulations whatsoeuer ( after the example of the same Christ Iesus , ) ye may euen vnto the last gaspe , cleaue and sticke fast vnto him , in assured hope of eternall life and saluation , through the same Christ Iesus our alone Sauiour : To whom with the Father and the holy Ghost , be all glorie and praise for euermore , Amen .

The second part .

A Method or order of comforting the Sicke .

CHAP. I.

How to comfort all such , as lie vpon the bed of Sicknesse .

WHereas ( deare brother ) thou art so sore vexed & grieued with sicknesse , know for suretie and make certaine account , that thou art thus afflicted and punished , not by chance or fortune , but by the determinate will , purpose , and permission of almightie God . For whatsoeuer affliction or calamitie befalleth vnto the children of God , it is doubtlesse sent of God , and it cometh vnto them whollie and altogether at his appointment , and by his guidance and direction . For as much as in him wee liue , Act. 17. and moue , and haue our being . Psal. 100. It is he that hath made vs , and not we our selues . And doubt not thou , but that it is indeed of his good will , and of his loue and fatherly affection toward thee , that he now sendeth this sicknes ( whatsoeuer it be ) not to destroy thee , but to call thee to repentance , and to exercise and stirre vp thy faith and confidence in him . For afflictions are vndoubted signes of Gods vndoubted loue and fauour toward vs . Whom God loueth , him ( saith Salomon ) he correcteth and chastiseth , Prou. 3.12 . Heb. 12.6 . yea he scourgeth euery one , whom he receiueth . Heb , 12.6 . Thy mercifull and heauenly Father most dearely and entirely louing thee , in his wise counsell & tender affection which he beareth vnto thee , doth by this sicknesse mortifie and bridle , represse and keepe vnder thy old man , fast bound ( as it were ) in ferters and chaines , that so thou maist more willingly and chearfully offer vp thy body as a sacrifice to God , and fasten it with Christ vpon his Crosse . This sicknes of thine is therefore a fatherly chastisement , not sent for thy hurt , or for thy destruction , but for thy great good , to the end that thereby thou mayst be reformed , yea quickned and restored ( as it were ) to life againe . God thy heauenly Father seeth perhaps , thy old Adam ( that is , thy corrupt nature ) too lustie and vnruly , and too froward and stubborne , to wax wanton and proud , and vnable to bridle and ouersway his lusts ; and that while he satisfieth too too much his own desires and affections , he cannot restraine himself , nor moderate and keepe himselfe in any good measure : and therefore he doth shut him vp ( as it were ) in this prison , and he bindeth him ( as it were ) with these fetters and chaines of weaknesse and sicknesse , thereby to bridle , represse , and restraine him , lest he should bring the most noble and precious soule in danger to be seduced . Flesh & blood doth reigne still , and beare the sway in thee more then the Spirit . Here therefore , behold , God is present with thy Spirit , ayding and strengthening the same , while it wrastleth against the rebellious and vnruly flesh ; that hauing vanquished the same , it may subdue it and keepe it vnder . It may be , that if now at this time thou were in health and prosperitie , perhaps thy flesh ( as it is alwaies inclined to nothing , but euill ) hauing deceiued thee , it would driue thee and cast thee headlong into many dangerous sinnes against thy God , whereby the wrath of God shold be prouoked , and a way prepared for thy soule vnto hell fire and damnation . Now behold thy heauenly Father , preuenting this losse and danger , and prouiding better for thee , and for thy welfare and safetie ; he restraineth and holdeth backe ( as it were with a bridle ) this flesh of thine , which with tooth & naile , and with al her strength rebelleth against the Spirit , and hauing taken it captiue ( as it were ) he restraineth the same , that it tumble not into a sinke of sins ; but rather may be subdued , and brought in obedience vnto the Spirit . Now , sith this is the good will and pleasure of thy heauenly father , who doth all this in tender loue vnto thee , and sith that all this tendeth to thy profite and welfare : take heed in any wise that thou striue not , nor oppose thy selfe against the same . But rather suffer patiently , and pray that thy heauenly Fathers wil may be accomplished and fulfilled ; that he will intreate thee , and deale with thee according to his good pleasure ; that thou will and desire nothing , but that which shall seeme good vnto him ; that all things may tend to the glorie and praise of God ; and that his grace may still be present with thee , to enable thee to beare meekely and patiently the Crosse & affliction that lyeth vpon thee . For patience bringeth forth experience , and experience hope , and hope maketh not ashamed . Rom. 5.4 . Rom. 5.4 .

Here hast thou matter and occasion of learning , and of exercising patience in all afflictions . First , thou learnest , that God afflicteth and punisheth thee with a fatherly affection . And this thou learnest by experience . For vnlesse thou haue experience hereof indeed , how behooueful & profitable it is for a man wholy to yeeld & giue himselfe vnto God to obey his will ( according to that saying of Dauid : Psal. 119. It is good for me that thou hast humbled me ) thou canst not conceiue sure and stedfast hope and confidence in him ; hauing not had proofe and experience before of so fatherly and louing affection of Almightie God towards thee , to lie hid vnder his rod and chastisement . But when thou hast learned the same before by experience , and hast now already some taste therof , thy mind is not daunted , nor ouercome with any crosses or afflictions : but thy hope & confidence is still more and more increased , when as once and againe thou hast had experience of the helpe of God still present with thee . And if God ( through a certaine conniuency ) suffer thee sometimes to bee plunged , and to sticke fast in the mire ( as it were ) for a time : yet notwithstanding at the length he will reach out his helping hand , to saue and deliuer thee . Hee suffereth thee peraduenture to swim a while , yea to be plunged in the water , or in the mire : but he will not suffer thee in any wise to be drowned . Hereby them thou mayest make sure account , that he will neuer forsake thee nor cast thee off , when as being in danger he hath so often preserued thee . In afflictions therefore thou learnest to conceiue , and cherish within thy selfe a certaine and vndoubted hope & confidence in God . So as in farre greater troubles and distresses ( when as no help appeareth from elswhere ) thou mayst boldlie put trust and confidence in him : ( being already taught and assured of his vsual and ordinarie manner , in sauing & deliuering his children . ) Thou hast learned , that sicknesses , and other crosses and afflictions , are sent not in anger , but in fatherly loue and kindnesse : which when thou art perswaded of , ( being taught it by experience ) thou dost patiently wait for help . Neither art thou discouraged , but stedfastly hopest , that at the length hee will send thee help and deliuerance , howsoeuer he deferreth long , & hideth his face , making as if hee heard not . And so at length thou vnderstandest well , and acknowledgest , that thy greefe and sicknes is not sent vnto thee for thy hurt or perdition , but for the glorie of God , and for thine own eternall welfare and saluation . He that can thus commit and yeeld vp himselfe vnto God , resting and relying vpon his promises , he shall no wise dye for euer . Which thing Christ himselfe affirmeth with an oath , that we might not doubt of it , saying ; Verily , verily , I say vnto you : Ioh. 8.51 . If any man shall keepe my word , he shall neuer see death . And in another place hee saith ; I am the resurrection and the life . Ioh. 11.25 He that beleeueth in me shall liue , though he be dead : and he that liueth and beleeueth in me , shall not dye for euer . These words of thy sweet Sauiour Christ ( deare brother ) be carefull to keep diligently , and to haue deeply rooted in thy mind ; and therewithall raise vp and comfort this wauering mind of thine . He that beleeueth in me ( saith Christ ) shall not taste of death . Ioh. 5.24 . He that beleeueth in me , hath euerlasting life . Ioh. 17.3 . And This is euerlasting life , that they know thee to be the onely true God , and whom thou hast sent Iesus Christ . This life euerlasting is begun in this world For whosoeuer hath Christ , he hath the true life : for Christ is the true life . Ioh. 14.6 . Ioh. 14.6 . and he is also the truth ( as hee witnesseth in the same place . ) And therefore neither will nor can deceiue vs : but the promises of God in him , and through him are 〈◊〉 and Amen . 2. Cor. 1.20 . 2. Corinth. 1.20 .

And to the end that thou maiest nothing doubt , but that God will abide by his words & promises , he hath by an especiall and peculiar couenant and signe added vnto thy body , bound and tyed himselfe ( as it were ) vnto thee . For of an earnest loue and desire of thy saluation ( hauing sent his owne Sonne into the world , to giue vp himselfe vnto death for thee ) he hath made a couenant of grace with thee through Christ ; in whom he hath promised , that if thou beleeue and be baptized , he wil freely giue vnto thee eternall life ; he will neuer leaue thee nor forsake thee , but will be a Father vnto thee , and will crowne thee with his goodnesse & mercie . Now the signe and seale of his couenant is thy Bap●isme . Wherefore vnto the promises annexed vnto this signe it behoueth thee to cleaue fast , & to lay sure hold vpon the same . For God hath giuen thee this signe in thy flesh , that thou mightest nothing doubt of his fauour and mercie promised , and of his faithfulnesse & goodnesse towards thee . Rom. 6.3 . Thou art baptized ( as S. Paul saith ) into the death of Christ , that his death may become thy death ; and that he might make a full and perfect satisfaction vnto God for thee . Gal. 3.26 . Yea thou hast put him on , ( as it were ) in Baptisme ( for so saith the Apostle vnto the Galathians ) that so thou mightest be wholly in him , and he in thee . Baptisme therefore is such a couenant , and such a figure and signe as comforteth , reioyceth , & quieteth thy conscience before God ( as Saint Peter witnesseth ) assuring thee , 1 Pet. 3.21 . that God will neuer condemne thee for thy sinnes , being throughly purged and washed away in the bloud of his Sonne For being iustified by faith , Rom. 5.1 . thou hast peace with God , Ro. 5.1 . A quiet , peaceable , & chearefull conscience is this true peace . Now thou hast receiued Baptisme , as a most certaine signe and seale of this thy iustification , and of the remission of all thy sins : that thou mightest assuredly beleeue , that God hauing mercie and compassion vpon thee for Christ his sake , will saue and deliuer thee .

Now then , forasmuch as God hath a fauor vnto thee , and will be a Father vnto thee , and consequently will neuer forsake thee : and forasmuch as thou hast so infallible a signe and testimonie thereof , thou oughtest to commit and giue ouer , both all thy affaires and thy selfe also wholly vnto him , to obey his will , and to suffer patiently his hand vpon thee ( whether it be his will that thou liue or die ) praying and desiring that his good will may be done vnto his praise and glory . And it is vnpossible if thou trust stedfastly in Gods mercie promised through Christ , and thus dedicate thy selfe wholly vnto him : it is vnpossible ( I say ) that thou shouldest perish or be condemned . Forasmuch as God hath promised , that he will be thy Father , euen the same God , who is most true of his word , yea truth it selfe ; while thou doest beleeue & acknowledge him so to be , and thereupon hopest and lookest for all good things from him ; he cannot , but ( as a tender Father ) take care of thee , and so consequently in good time saue and deliuer thee ( how hardly soeuer for the present he may seeme to intreate thee ) yea forasmuch as he hath promised to be a Father not onely vnto thee , but also vnto thy seede after thee , & thou stedfastly beleeuest these his promises : he will without all doubt haue a diligent and prouident care both of thee and thine . And therefore mayest thou well recommend vnto him , not onely thy bodie and soule , but also thy wife and thy children , thy kinsfolke and thy friends , and briefly all that thou hast belonging vnto thee . Nothing doubting but that he will be a true Father vnto thy children , a true husband vnto thy wife , and a true friend vnto thy kinsfolke and friends . For God hath hitherto vsed thee in these , & toward these , onely as a Steward . And now when he will haue thee to leaue the execution of this office and charge , he will doubtlesse substitute in thy stead another Steward ouer them , who shall faithfully and diligently take care of them . If with full confidence of heart , thou shalt hope and looke for this from him , there is no doubt but that he will do it ( as I haue said . ) Wherefore shake off from thee , and cast out of thy mind al care for thy friends , and for all thy worldly affaires ; and commit the same ouer vnto God . Be rather careful for thy selfe , and bethinke how to prouide for thy soule , and to resigne the same ouer into the hands of thy Creator and Redeemer .

And now , whereas God hath freely for Christ his sake pardoned and forgiuen thee all thy sinnes : he requireth nothing else of thee for this infinite and inestimable benefite ; but that thou in like manner from thy very heart forgiue all those that haue done wrong and iniury vnto thee . And he promiseth that he will forgiue vnto vs our trespasses , so as we shall forgiue vnto men their trespasses . Wherfore hauing from the bottome of thy heart pardoned all wrongs and offences ( so as thou intendest not euer after to renew , nor call to minde againe the remembrance thereof ) pray earnestly and heartily for them that haue any way ●●iured or hurt thee , according to the doctrine and example of Christ himselfe . And if thou shalt recouer of this thy sicknesse , helpe them to the vttermost of thy power ( if they shall stand ●n need of thy helpe . ) Now if thou hast thy mind thus voide and free from inward grudge , malice and displeasure , thou hast also an vndoubted signe , that God hath pardoned thee all thy sinnes , & vtterly rased them out of his sight . For faith , whereby thy heart is purged , shewing it self , & bringing forth her fruits in thee for the blessings and benefits of God towards thee , ( being infinite in pardoning all thy sinnes , which are in number infinite ) it cannot but stirre thee vp in like maner to forgiue thy neighbour , and to do good vnto him . Here the fruite of thy loue and charitie witnesseth vnto thee , and putteth thee in assurance , that thy faith is a true and liuely faith ; when it bringeth forth good fruite and such as is vnfained . This is that which S. Peter meaneth , when he willeth vs to giue all diligence to make our calling and election sure by our good workes ; 2 Pet. 1.10 giuing vs to vnderstand , that those good works are witnesses and tokens that we are elect & chosen of God , and adopted to be his sons , and consequently to be heires of eternall life and saluation .

Howbeit notwithstanding al this , know , that thou canst not , neither must thou in any wise hope or looke that God will for the painfulnesse or grieuousnesse of thy sicknesse and torment , pardon and forgiue thee thy sinnes . For there is no other satisfaction , nor other recompence for thy sinnes , but onely the death of Christ . In this case God regardeth nothing else , neither doth he accept of any thing else , but of his beloued Sonne . He is that Lambe of God which onely taketh away the sinnes of the word . Ioh. 1.29 . 1 Ioh. 2.2 . He is a sufficient , perfect , and absolute sacrifice , and oblation for the sinnes of the whole world . As for thy paines or sicknesse , or whatsoeuer torments , or afflictions , ( be the same neuer so great or intollerable ) they are not able to make satisfaction & recompence vnto God for the least of thy sinnes ; much lesse then can the same deserue saluation : ( as Saint Paul witnesseth ) I account ( saith he ) that the afflictions of this present time are not worthy of the glory that shall be shewed vnto vs . Rom. 8.18 . No creature either in heauen or in earth ; no man nor Angell was able to papacifie or to mitigate and asswage the wrath and indignation of God the Father : much lesse then is this sicknesse of thine , and this momentanie affliction able to do it . Yea ( that more is ) hee that must pacifie the wrath and indignation of almightie God , and so reconcile God vnto man , it was necessarie that hee should be both God and man , being to vndertake and deale , yea , and to make intercession and attonement betweene God offended and displeased , and man standing guiltie and condemned . Therefore it was necessarie , that the Sonne of God should be made man , that in his body and in his flesh hee might satisfie the wrath of God his Father by his sufferings for vs , and so saue and deliuer vs from the same : as the Prophet witnesseth , saying ; Esa. 53.4.6.8 . Hee hath borne our iniquities , and carried our sorrowes . And againe , The Lord hath laid vpon him the iniquities of vs all . And againe , For the transgressions of my people was he plagued . And Saint Peter telleth vs , 1. Pet. 2.24 . that his own selfe bare our sinnes in his body on the Crosse , and that by his stripes we are healed . For thy Lord Christ his sake it is then that thy sinnes are forgiuen thee , and for no other thing in the whole world for no affliction nor suffering , though neuer so hard and sharpe . Christ only and alone is our righteousnesse , our satisfaction & redemption , out health and saluation . 2. Cor. 5.21 . Him God made sinne for vs , who knew no sinne , that we might be made righteous , yea the righteousnesse of God in him . Wherefore if thou beleeue stedfastly , Iohn 1.12 . thou art now alreadie the childe of God : and if thou be the child of God , then art thou also the heire of God , and coheire together with Christ , Rom. 8.17 . ( as Saint Paul witnesseth , Rom. 8. ) Now if eternall life be the inheritance of Gods children , & the gift of God , Rom. 6.23 . ( as S. Paul calleth it ) surely thou canst not deserue it by any suffering of paine or sicknesse . But God will therfore haue thee tormented and vexed with this sicknesse , that so thy old man might be subdued and ouercome , repressed and kept vnder , yea mortified and put to death ( as it were ) that so at length it may ceasse to offend . And that will be finally at the last by the death of the body . And for this cause are we to vndergoe this death , that our soule may depart out and enter into eternall blisse . For this death of ours is the gate vnto eternal life . Then and thereby at the length , we are and shall be deliuered from all calamities , miseries , and troubles , and from all errors , deceits , and suggestions of the Diuell . Neither shall we any more be defiled with the most lothsome filthinesse of our sinnes ; neither shall we be seduced any more , or misled into heresies and errors , nor cast headlong into any despaire or doubting . Then shall be an end of all miseries and aduersities , and of all troubles and dangers . Then resting in the Lord , we shall enioy euerlasting life , and ioyes without end . And therefore death is in no wise to be abhorred nor feared . Nay rather , the same is earnestly to be wished for and desired ; forasmuch as thereby wee passe vnto euerlasting ioyes . And it is most true which Saint Paul saith : Rom. 8.28 . That vnto the godly all things worke together for good . Sith that death it selfe ( a thing in the sight of the world , of all other most hatefull , and most hideous and horrible ) is become vnto the faithfull most sweete and pleasant , and most ioyfull and acceptable . Although our old Adam ( that is , this flesh of ours ) doth abhorre it , and by all meanes flye from it , yea , and trembleth for feare of it : yet notwithstanding the inward man is ready & chearefull , yea , glad and willing to vndergo it : forasmuch as thereby he seeth & knoweth , that he is freed and deliuered from the mire and filthinesse of al his sins and corruptions , from all paines and griefes , and all cares and troubles ; and also obtaineth a passage & entrance into euerlasting blisse and glorie , before the throne of God , and of the Lamb Christ Iesus : In whose presence is the fulnesse of ioy , Psal. 16.11 and at whose right hand are pleasures for euermore , Psal. 16.11 .

CHAP. II.

How to comfort such as are in apparent danger of Death .

GOod brother , be of good comfort , lift vp thy heart , and raise vp thy spirit ; for behold , the day of thy redemption and dissolution draweth nigh . Thy most gracious and louing Father ( in great mercy toward thee ) doth now call for thee out of this wretched and miserable life , to translate and conuey thee vnto himselfe , vnto the endlesse ioyes of the heauenly life . And therefore now giue ouer , and wholy commend vnto him both thy selfe and all thine . And let thy will and his will be all one . Say within thy heart , Thy will be done ( ô God , my heauenly Father ) and not mine . Cry out vnto Christ thy Sauiour , with the good theefe vpon the Crosse : Remember me ( ô Lord ) when thou commest into thy kingdom ; Luk. 23.42 . or rather , now that thou sittest and reignest in thy glorious kingdome . Cry with the Publican , Lord be mercifull vnto me , Luk. 18.13 . a most miserable and wretched sinner . Cry instantly and earnestly with the woman of Canaan , Mat. 15.22 . O Sonne of Dauid haue mercy on me . And when thou thus criest , doubt not but Christ will heare thee , and will haue mercy vpon thee , in pardoning and forgiuing thee all thy sinnes : And whensoeuer thou shalt depart hence , thou shalt assuredly be with him in his kingdome , euen in Paradise . Lay hold therfore vpon this thy Christ ; sticke fast vnto him , and commit thy soule vnto him as vnto a faithfull Creator . 1. Pet. 4.19 With this thy Christ crucified vpon the Crosse , cry vnto God the common Father of you both , in the words of the Prophet Dauid , Psal. 31.1 . Psal. 31. In thee ( ô Lord ) I put my trust ; let me neuer be confounded . Deliuer me in thy righteousnesse . Bow downe thine eare vnto me , make haste to deliuer me . Be thou my strong rocke and house of defence , that thou maist saue me . For thou art my rocke , and m● fortresse and strength . Into thy hand I commend my spirit : for thou hast redeemed me , ô Lord God of truth . Cry also with Dauid , Psal. 18.1 . Psal. 18. Thou , euen thou ( ô Lord ) art my strength and my fortresse , my refuge , and my deliuerer , my God and my helper . In thee will I trust , for thou art my shield , the ●orn also of my saluation and my refuge : vnto thee ( ô Lord ) lift I vp my soule ; ( ô God ) in thee doe I trust ; Psal. 25.1 . Let me not be ashamed nor confounded Leade me and direct me in thy truth : for thou art the God of my saluation . Remember ( ô Lord ) thy tender mercies , and thy louing kindnesse , for they haue beene for euer . Remember not the sinnes of my youth , nor my manifold rebellions ( ô Lord : ) But according to the multitude of thy mercies , Look vpon me for thy goodnesse ( ô Lord. ) For thy name sake bee mercifull vnto mine iniquitie , ( ô Lord ) for it is great . Turne thy face vnto me , and haue mercy vpon me . Deliuer me , and draw me out of my troubles . Pardon and forgiue mee all mine offences . Keepe my soule and deliuer me . Let me not be confounded : for I put my trust in thee . If in this maner thou shalt with thy whole heart call vpon God for help , God will assuredly relieue thee in due time , and will say vnto thee , as he did concerning Dauid his seruant : Psal. 91.14 . Because he hath trusted in mee , therefore will I deliuer him : I will therfore saue and defend him , because he hath knowne my name . He hath called vpon me , and I will heare him ; I will be with him in trouble : I will deliuer him , and after glorifie him . Wherefore ( deare brother ) fight now a good fight , fight valiantly and couragiously , and also constantly and stedfastly , as becometh a true Christian , and a valiant souldier of Iesus Christ . Take heede in any wise that thou lose not , nor giue ouer thy standing . Turne not backe , for behold , here is no danger at all . Thou dost not fight here alone : but Iesus Christ thy Lord and King , he is thy guide and Captaine in this fight . Him follow , who in this sharpe combate hath gone before thee . He as he is thy guide and captaine : so he will be thy defender and deliuerer , to defend and deliuer thee in this fight and conflict , from all the enemies of thy soule , and from all troubles and dangers whatsoeuer . For he is not as a mortall & earthly king , who sometimes for want of power , is frustrate of his wil and purpose . But he is of endlesse and infinite power , able to performe whatsoeuer he hath purposed or promised . Yea and he it is , that hath alreadie for thy sake vanquished and foiled Satan , death , 1 Cor. 15. and hell . Death is swallowed vp into victory through Christ , who hath died for thee . And therefore euerlasting death hath no interest nor power ouer thee . Christ for thy sake hath descended into hell ; that he might free and deliuer thee from that horrible and endlesse darknesse . Be strong therefore and of good courage , and with an vndaunted heart & mind now fight that good fight of faith , 1 Tim. 6.12 laying hold of eternall life , whereunto thou art called , and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses : shake off all feare , for here is no danger . There is no cause for thee to feare the strictnesse and seueritie of Gods iudgement . For behold , Christ Iesus is thy mediator in the sight and presence of God ; he also is thy aduocate & intercessor to pleade thy cause , and thine high priest to make attonement vnto God for thee . He it is that hath reconciled thee vnto God , and that hath recouered vnto thee and for thee the loue and the good will and fauour of his heauenly Father , which by meanes of thy sins was vtterly lost & alienated from thee . God almightie ( in and through Christ , and for his sake ) is now become thy Father , and he entirely loueth thee , and hath care of thee as of his child that is most tender and deare vnto him . Now then , forasmuch as he who is so great and mightie a king is with thee ; who can go about to do thee hurt ? who shall impugne or oppose and set himselfe against thee ? Heare what S. Paul saith : Rom. 8.31 . If God be with vs , who can be against vs ? who spared not his owne Sonne : but gaue him vnto death for vs all , how shall he not with him giue vs all things also ? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of Gods chosen ? It is God that iustifieth , who shall condemne ? It is Christ who ●ath died ; yea rather , who is risen againe ; who is also at the right hand of God , and maketh request also for vs . Who shall separate vs from the loue of God ? I am perswaded that neither death nor life , nor Angels , nor Principalities nor Powers , nor height nor depth , nor any other creature , shall be able to separate vs from the loue of God , which is in Christ Iesus our Lord . Seeing then that Christ with all his goodnes and benefits is giuen vnto thee ; righteousnesse also & holinesse , iustification and redemption , yea euerlasting life and saluation , these are all freely giuen and bestowed vpon thee ( as S. Paul witnesseth , 1. Cor. 1. That Christ is made vnto vs of God his Father , 1 Cor. 1.30 . both wisedome and righteousnesse , sanctification and redemption .

See then that thou haue thy hope and confidence wholly setled , and firmely and stedfastly fixed vpon this corner stone Christ Iesus . He is a most sound and a most strong and sure foundation , whereunto thou mayest safely commit thy selfe , and whereupon thou mayest boldly relie . No tempest ( though neuer so blacke and cloudy , or neuer so hideous and terrible : ) no showers or stormes whatsoeuer , are or shall be able to cast cast downe or ouerthrow this foundation : vppon this thy sweete Sauiour Christ ( I say ) let all thy hope and happinesse be founded and built . Cast thy selfe vppon him , and giue thy selfe ouer wholly vnto him ; put thy confidence in him , and cleaue fast vnto him . And let no affliction nor temptation plucke thee away from him : ( howsoeuer things seeme to come to passe neuer so aukwardly or contrary to reason and sence ; howsoeuer thine owne reason shall deeme and iudge otherwise , or flesh and bloud shall neuer so much perswade and counsell otherwise ; yea howsoeuer the diuel now and then may suggest vnto thee , & whisper into thine eares , or put into thy mind , that thou art quite vndone , and art past all hope ; that God cannot but still be highly displeased with thee , and that thou shalt be condemned to be punished in hell fire ( as thou hast deserued . ) Yet notwithstanding , all these and the like suggestions , do thou by a stedfast and true faith relie vpon thy sweete Sauiour Christ Iesus , and sticke fast vnto him . Heb. 11.1 . For faith is the ground ( or expectation ) of things , that are hoped for ( to wit , being promised ) not of things that are sensible , or conceiued by sense : and it is the euidence of things not seene , ( that is a sure and certaine knowledge and proofe of the things that appeare not . Hebrews 11.1 . It standeth thee vpon therefore with the holy and faithfull Patriarch Abraham , euen beside hope , and aboue hope , 〈◊〉 beleeue vnder hope . Rom. 4.18 . Thy faith & thy hope must set it self to resist all those things , which either blinde rea●on shall suggest vnto thee , 〈◊〉 that cunning and craftie ●nemie the diuel ( who lieth ●n waite to destroy ) shall seeke to infuse and put into thee . Here therefore thou ●●t to learne and obserue , 1 Pet. 5.8 . for thy confort , Gods manner and custome in sauing those that are his : whom he will lift vp into heauen , him ●e doth commonly first of all bring downe to hell . Whom he will quicken and make aliue , him he doth first bring downe to the gates of death . Vpon whom he will shew his greatest mercie & kindnesse , in sauing and deliuering him , him he suffereth before to be tempted , and maketh as if he would condemne him . Wherefore euen then , when thou feelest nothing else , but present death ; when God seemeth most of all to be angry with thee ; when he seemeth to be furthest from thee , yea and to haue wholly and altogether forsaken thee , & cast thee off ( as one reproued and condemned ) euen then is he nearest vnto thee , to protect , defend , and deliuer thee ; then he most of all loueth thee , and then he ●ath greatest care ouer thee . For in the middest of trouble and affliction God remembreth mercie ( as the Prophet in many places beareth witnesse . Psal. 30.5 . ) His wrath endureth but the twinckling of ●n eye : but in his fauour is life . Weeping may abide at night , but ioy cometh in the morning . Lam. 3.31 . And againe , He will not forsake ( or be angry ) for euer : yea rather , As a father pi●ieth his owne children : so is the Lord mercifull to them that feare him : For he knoweth whereof we be made ; he remembreth that we are but dust . Now , Psal. 103.13 . the mercie of the Lord is for euer and euer vpon them that feare him . The Lord is gracious and full of compassion , Psal. 145.8 slow to anger , and of great mercy : yea our God is good vnto all , ( how much more to his children ? to them that loue and feare him ? ) and his mercy is ouer all his workes , ( as the same Prophet witnesseth , Psalme 145.8 . ) And therefore closing vp the eies both of thy mind , and also of thy senses , and vtterly casting off the iudgment of reason , submit and giue ouer thy selfe wholy vnto Christ , and take it in good part howsoeuer he shall deale with thee . Thou must not esteem and iudge of death , or of the horror and paines of death , according to the iudgement of outward sight , or of sense and reason ; but according to the word of God , and the censure and iudgement thereof . Dauid saith , That Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his Saints . Psal. 116.15 . And the voyce of God himselfe from heauen cryeth in the Reuelation of S. Iohn . Blessed are the dead which dye in the Lord . Apoc. 14.13 And Christ himselfe saith : Iohn 8.51 . He that beleeueth in me shall not taste of death . Wherefore , if any thing be presented vnto thee , which may seeme to turne thee away from Christ : cast the same wholly out of thy mind . Sticke fast vnto the word of God , which abideth for euer . Meditate still vpon it , and by often repeating the same , imprint it stedfastly in thy mind . For thou canst not indeed euer conceiue by the quicknesse & sharpnesse of thine own reason , how al this may be ; that thou shouldest passe thorough death vnto the true life ; how thou shouldst die and depart this world by breathing out thy soule ; how thy soule should bee kept safe in the Lord , and should abide and rest with him vnto the last day ; and how also thy body being putrified and eaten vp of wormes , and consumed to dust and ashes , could rise again in the last day of iudgment , and come forth in so fresh and glorious a forme & maner . This reason in no wise is able to conceiue : onely faith can comprehend it . And therefore still meditate vpon the Articles of thy faith , and diligently weigh and consider in thy mind all the seuerall parts of the same , with a particular application thereof vnto thy selfe .

CHAP. III.

How the sicke partie is to be called on and comforted , being ready to giue vp the Ghost .

NOw ( deare brother ) is the time , that thou must fight that good fight , and lay hold on eternal life . Now therefore fight manfully and couragiously , keep thy standing diligently , & lay hold fast on Christ Iesus , that none take away thy Crowne . Fixe stedfastly in thy mind the promises of Christ thy Redeemer . I am ( saith he ) the resurrection and the life . Ioh. 11.25 He that beleeueth in me shall liue , and shall not dye for euer . Christ hauing taken our nature vpon him ( with all those defects and infirmities whereto we are subiect ) and dying vpon the altar of his Crosse , hath offered vp himselfe a full and perfect sacrifice , oblation , and satisfaction for all our sinnes . He it is , that by his most precious blood , hath purged away the sinnes of all that truly and vnfainedly beleeue in him . And this thy Sauiour Iesus Christ wil in no wise forsake thee . He it is that vndoubtedly careth for thee , to saue , protect , and deliuer thee . Nothing therefore shall touch thee , nor preuaile against thee to hurt thee . The foundation of God remaineth sure , hauing this seale : 2. Tim. 2.19 The Lord knoweth who are his . Christ saith : My sheepe , Iohn 10.27 . heare my voyce ; and I know them , and they follow me ; and I giue vnto them eternall life , and they shall neuer perish : neither shall any be able to take them out of my hand . My Father that gaue them vnto me , a greater then all : and none is able to take them out of my Fathers hand . I and my father are one . Wherefore ( deare brother , beloued in Christ ) commend thy soule into the hands of God thy heauenly Father ; who for his Son his sake , doubtles doth entirely loue thee , hauing ransomed and redeemed thee with so great a price , as the death and bloodshedding of his only sonne . Cry out therefore confidently with thy elder brother Christ : O heauenly Father , into thy hands I commend my spirit , which thou hast redeemed with so great a price . Lord Iesus receiue my soule .

Now the Father of all mercies , and the God of all comfort and consolation , confirme and strengthen thee , conduct and leade thee , and by the ministery of his holy Angels , transport and carrie thee ( as they did Lazarus ) into the bosome of Abraham , euen into euerlasting life ; and finally , preserue and keepe thee vnto that most ioyfull resurrection at the last day . Amen .

A SERMON OF MORTALITIE , Written by that famous and blessed Martyr Saint CYPRIAN , Bishop of Carthage .

Wherein he exhorteth to a vehement desire of leauing this miserable life . Declaring withall , and shewing , that ( whereas the iust and vniust dye alike ) we must not thinke their end to be all one : forasmuch as the righteous are called away vnto endlesse rest and happinesse , and the wicked are violently haled and caried away to be punished .

HOwsoeuer it be true ( dearely beloued brethren ) that there appeares to be in many of you a sound mind and a stedfast faith , & an holy & deuout will and desire , which is nothing moued nor daunted at the greatnesse of this mortalitie ; but rather ( as a firme & ●trong rocke ) beateth back and ouercometh all the violent and tempestuous assaults of the world : ( It selfe being assailed and tried , but not vanquished nor ouercome with any temptations : ) yet notwithstanding , for as much as I perceiue some of the common sort of people , either through weakenesse of mind & slendernes of faith , or through the sweetnes of this worldly and temporall life , or through the tendernesse of their sexe , or ( that which is more ) through error and ignorance of the truth , not to stand so strongly & manfully as they should , nor to shew forth the diuine and inuincible courage of their hearts and minds : It was a matter not to be concealed , nor passed ouer in silence ; but that ( according to the measure of our abilitie ) the cowardlinesse and lazinesse of such nice and daintie minds ought , by strong force , and by some discourse conceiued and gathered out of the word of our Lord Iesus Christ , to be repressed and subdued ; and that whosoeuer hath already begun to be a man of God , and of Christ , might be esteemed worthy of God , and of Christ . For whosoeuer he be ( beloued brethren ) that warreth vnder the ensigne of God and of Christ , and being placed in the heauenly boast and army , is alreadie in hope and expectation of heauenly things , that man ought to acknowledge and to auow and professe himselfe to be such a one , that amidst the stormy tempests and troubles of the world , there be in vs no feare nor doubting . Especially , seeing that the Lord hath foretold that these things shold so come to passe ; prouidently encouraging , instructing , and teaching , yea arming , and preparing , confirming , and strengthening his people , and true members of his Church , vnto all patience , and abiding of things to come : Foretelling and admonishing , that there shold be warres and dearths , and earthquakes , and pestilences in all places . And , lest that the vnlooked for and sudden feare of new and fresh troubles , might haply dismay vs ; he hath warned vs before hand , that in the last times worldly crosses and afflictions should be more and more increased . Behold the things which were foretold , are now com to passe . And when the said things which were foretold doe come to passe , then shal follow also whatsoeuer hath bene promised ( the Lord himselfe making vnto vs this warrantise and assurance , saying : Luke 21. When ye shall see all these things come to ●asse , know ye , that the kingdome of God is neare . ) The kingdome of God ( beloued brethren ) is now neare at hand ; the gladsome tidings and ioyfull reward of eternall life and saluation , and the ioyfull possession of Paradise , which before was lost , is now come in this last passage & end of the world . Heauenly things do now succeed , and come in place of earthly things ; things of great weight and account in place of things of no price and value ; and things eternall and euerlasting , in place of things fraile and transitory . What place then is there here for care and vexation and anguish of mind ? What man amidst these things will or can be fearefull and pensiue , but he that is vtterly voide of faith and hope ? It is indeed for him to feare death , that is vnwilling to go vnto Christ ; and it is for him to be vnwilling to go vnto Christ that beleeueth not , how that now alreadie he hath begunne to reigne with Christ . For it is written , that the iust man liueth by his faith . Rom. 1. If thou be made iust and righteous , then thou liuest by faith . If then thou hast faith , and by the same faith doest truly and stedfastly trust in God , why doest thou not shew thy selfe as one that shall assuredly be with Christ ? and as one that is secure and assured of the Lords promise ? Why doest thou not ( I say ) with gladnesse of heart receiue and embrace this thy calling vnto Christ , and reioyce that thou hast not any more to do with this earth and grauell ? Furthermore , that iust man Simeon , Simeon . Luke 2.25 . who was truly iust and righteous , and with stedfast faith kept the commandements of God , when as a reuelation was giuen vnto him from God , that he should not see death before he had seene the Lord Christ , and that Christ being a little child , was now come with his mother into the Temple ; he knew in the spirit that now Christ was borne ( of whom it was foretold him : ) whom as soone as he saw , he knew he should die quickly . And therfore being glad , because of his death which was now at hand , & being secure & voide of care for his calling hence , ( which was not far off ) he took the child in his hands , or in his armes , and praising God , he cried out and said : Lord now lettest thou thy seruant depart in peace , according to thy word : for mine eyes haue seene thy saluation . Prouing vndoubtedly , & testifying , that then the seruants of God haue peace , & haue free and quiet rest , when as being drawne and taken away from the stormes and tempests of this troublesome world , they ariue at the hauen of euerlasting rest and safetie ; when as this death being quite abolished and put away , they enter into the state of immortalitie . For that is our peace ; that is our sure rest & tranquility ; that is our constant and stedfast , yea endlesse & euerlasting safetie and securitie . Moreouer , what other thing else do we in this world , but euery day wage battell against the diuell ? what else but with continuall conflicts fight against him , and withstand and resist his darts and arrowes ? We are to encounter with couetousnesse and worldlinesse , Enemies , with whom we are to encounter in this world . with vncleannesse and wantonnesse , with anger and furiousnesse , with ambition , and with pride and haughtinesse . We are to wrastle and struggle dayly and continually ( yea & that with no small difficulty and danger ) against the sensualitie and corruptions of our flesh , and against the allurements and enticements of the world . The minde of man being compassed about and inclosed on euery side with the trouble and molestation of this base earth and grauell , is hardly able to resist and withstand euery one of these . If couetousnesse be put to flight & ouerthrowne , behold , lust and sensualitie riseth vp in place . If lust and sensualitie be repressed , ambition succedeth in their stead . If ambition be despised and vnregarded , then anger & rage whetteth a man & exasperateth him ; pride and vaine glorie make him to swell , drunkennesse prouoketh and allureth ; enuie breaketh concord and vnitie , zeale and emulation cut off friendship and amitie . Thou art moued and enforced to speake euill , or to backbite & slander , ( which God in his law forbiddeth ) or thou art constrained to sweare , sometimes falsly , & sometimes vainly ( which is a thing not lawful . ) A mans mind suffereth euery day so many pursuits , and his heart is vexed and molested with so many dangers . And can it take pleasure to stay any long time here amidst so many swords ? When as rather we should wish & desire ( by the helpe of death ) to hasten more speedily vnto Christ ; especially when he hath beforehand so instructed and forewarned vs , saying : Ioh. 16.20 . Verily , verily , I say vnto you : ye shall weepe and lament , and the world shall reioyce : ye shall sorrow , but your sorrow shall be turned into ioy . Now , what man will not make haste to come vnto ioy ? What man would not wish to be free from sorrow ? And when is the time that our sorrow shal be turned into ioy ? This the Lord himselfe declareth afterwards , saying : verse 22. I will see you againe , and your heart shall reioyce and your ioy shall no man take from you . For as much then , as in beholding of Christ there is true and perfect ioy , and that we can haue no true & perfect ioy , but in beholding him ; what blindnesse and sottishnes of mind , or rather what madnesse is it , to loue the teares , and paines and sorrowes of this world , that are readie to torment and oppresse vs , and not rather to make haste vnto the ioy that can neuer be taken away ? Now surely this cometh to passe ( well beloued brethren ) for want of faith , because there are so few or none that beleeue , how that those things shal assuredly come to passe which God promiseth , who is faithfull and true , and whose word vnto the true beleeuers is constant and firme , eternall and euerlasting . If some graue discreet man , and one that all men did commend for his honesty and fidelitie , should promise thee any thing , thou wouldest surely giue him credit , and wouldest perswade thy selfe of him , that he will in no wise beguile thee , nor deceiue thee , knowing him to be a man constant and steadfast , both in his words & deeds . Now behold , God it is , that reasoneth the case with thee , and that maketh such gracious promises vnto thee : and doest thou with an vnbeleeuing heart , like a faithlesse wretch still wauer and stand in doubt ? God promiseth vnto thee , as soone as thou departest out of this world , immortalitie and eternall life : and doest thou doubt of it ? Surely this is as much , as not to know God at all ; this is as much as to displease and offend the master of al them that beleeue , Christ Iesus , by the sinne of vnbeleefe ; this is as much as for one that is placed in the Church of God , in the house of faith , to haue no faith at all . How greatly behoouefull and profitable also is it for vs , to depart out of this world , Christ himselfe the master and teacher of our saluation , and the author of our welfare , sheweth plainly ; who when his disciples were sorrowfull and grieued , because he said that he must ere long depart and go away from them , he spake vnto them in this wise : If ye had loued me , Ioh. 14.28 . ye would verily reioyce , because I go vnto the Father . Hereby declaring & teaching , that whensoeuer our deare friends whom we loue , depart hence out of the world , we should rather reioyce then be grieued . Of which thing the blessed Apostle Saint Paule being mindfull . Philip. 1. he layeth this downe for a ground , and saith : Phil 1.21 . Christ is vnto me life , and Death is vnto me aduantage : accounting it the greatest gain and aduantage vnto himselfe that might be , to be now no longer bound and held in the snares of the world , to be subiect now no longer vnto any sinne , or corruption of the flesh : But being now exempted & freed from all troubles and vexations , and set at libertie out of the venemous lawes of the Diuell , ( at the call and summons of his Lord and Maister Christ ) to passe vnto the ioyes of eternall saluation . But yet for al this , An obiection . it is a matter that still troubleth some men ; That such weaknesses and sicknesses doe seize vpon vs Christians , euen alike as they doe vpon other Heathens . Answer . As if for this end a Christian did beleeue in Christ , that hee might be free from the touch and feeling of miseries & troubles ; and might enioy this world , and the time that he hath to abide therein at his own pleasure , & not rather that he might be reserued for the ioy to come , after that he hath suffered heere all manner of crosses and afflictions patiently . It greatly mooueth and troubleth some , that this death and mortalitie is common vnto vs with other men . And what is there indeed in this world , that is not common vnto vs with others , as long as ( according to the law and condition of our first birth , ) this flesh still remaineth common ? In flesh we are all one like another , but are seuered in spirit . So long as we are heere in this world , we are knit and ioyned together with all other men alike , and are all one in flesh , but are seuered in spirit . And therefore , vntill this corruptible doe put on incorruption , and this mortall body doe put on immortalitie , and that the Spirit bring vs vnto God our heauenly Father ; whatsoeuer inconueniences and discommodities there be of the flesh , the same are common vnto vs with all mankind . So that , when as ( through some vnkind blasts and vnseasonable weather ) the ground becommeth barren and vnfruitfull , the famine and dearth ensuing thereupon , maketh no difference nor distinction of any . And when by inuasion of enemies any Citie is taken , all are spoiled alike , and caried away into captiuitie . Also when faire bright clouds put off and driue away the raine some long time , the drought is alike vnto all . And when the hard rockes breake in sunder the ship , the shipwracke is without exception , common alike vnto all that saile therein . And so in like maner , the paines & sorenesse of the eyes , the vehement heate of Feuers , and the crazinesse and feeblenesse that is in all the members of our bodies , the same are common vnto vs as well as others , so long as in this world we carry this common flesh about vs . Nay rather , in asmuch as vpon couenant and condition a Christian doth beleeue in Christ , he must know and vnderstand , yea , and hold for suretie , that he is to suffer more , and to take more paines in this world , then others : hauing to wrastle and to encounter with the assaults of the Diuell more then others are . Of this the Scripture doth forewarne and teach vs . My Sonne , Eccle. 21.2 if thou wilt come into the seruice of God , stand fast in righteousnesse , and feare , and prepare thy soule vnto temptation . Settle thy heart and be patient , and shrinke not away when thou art assailed . And againe , Verse 4.5 . Whatsoeuer commeth vnto thee , receiue it patiently ; and be patient in the change of thine affliction . For as Gold and Siluer are tryed in the fire : Euen so are men acceptable in the furnace of aduersity . Thus it fared with Iob , when as ( after the losse of all his goods , and the death of his children ) being grieuously afflicted and tormented with botches and sores , and filthy vermine ; notwithstanding he was not ouercome , but rather tried and purified in the furnace of affliction : In so much that in the midst of all his conflicts , and of all his paines and greefes , shewing the patience of his deuout and godly mind , he brake out into these words , and said : Naked came I out of my mothers wombe , Iob 1.21 . and naked shall I returne to the earth againe . The Lord hath giuen , and the Lord hath taken away . As it hath pleased the Lord , so it is come to passe . Blessed be the name of the Lord . And when as his wife called vpon him , and vrged him through impatiency and griefe , to murmure and complaine , and to vtter spitefull words against God , he answered her , saying ; Iob 2.10 . Thou speakest like a foolish woman . For if we receiue good things at the hand of God why should we not tollerate and receiue euill ? In all these things which happened vnto Iob , he offended not with his lippes in the sight of the Lord his God . And therefore doth the Lord giue this testimonie of him , Iob 1.8 . & 2.3 . saying : Hast thou not considered my Seruant Iob , how there is none like him in the earth ? an vpright and a iust man , one that truly feareth and serueth God , and that receiueth all things patiently , without complaining or murmuring ? This patience the iust and righteous haue alwaies had ; and this order & course the Apostles hold , and kept ( according to the ordinance of God ) in their aduersitie ; not to murmure nor complaine , but whatsoeuer happened in this world , patiently and manfully to receiue and entertaine the same . Wheras the people of the Iewes herein alwaies offended , that they were stil murmuring against God ( as the Lord complaineth , and beareth witnesse of them , saying : Let their murmurings ceasse from before me , and they shall not dye . But as for vs , we must not murmure ( beloued brethren ) in any wise ; but we must patiently and manfully endure whatsoeuer happeneth : In as much as it is written , Psal. 51. A sacrifice vnto God is a troubled spirit , a broken and an humbled hart God will not despise . In Deuteronomie also , the holy Ghost by Moses giueth vs warning , Deut. 8. saying : The Lord thy God will humble thee , and lay hunger vpon thee , to proue & know what is in thy hart , whether thou wilt keepe my commandements or not . And againe , The Lord your God doth try you , to know if you loue the Lord your God with all your heart , and with al your soule . Gen. 22. Thus did Abraham please God ; who ( to obey Gods commaundement , & to satisfie his will and pleasure ) was neither afraid to lose his Sonne , not refused to execute murther vpon his son . Thou that canst not be content to lose thy son by the ordinary course of death , what wouldst thou do if thou shouldst be charged of God to slay thy Son ( as was Abraham ? ) True faith & feare of God should make thee readie and prepared for all assaies ( be it losse of goods , or be it daily and cruell torment of all parts of the body , by dangerous and deadly sicknesses ; or be it the mournefull and sorrowfull departure and taking away of wife , children , or any other of our deare friends . ) Let not these things offend thee , nor be any lets or impediments vnto thee , but let them rather be motiues vnto thee , to fight and encounter so much the more manfully . Neither let christians hereupon be faint hearted and discouraged , or any thing weakened in faith : but rather in this their encounter , let them shew forth their puissance and courage ; sith that all the iniury and despite of present miseries ought to be contemned and despised of vs , in confidence and assurance of the good things that are to come . For vnlesse there be a conflict and fight going before , there can no victory follow after . When as in ioyning of battell , the victorie is atchieued , then is the crowne or garland giuen to the Conquerors . For it is not but in some great and dangerous tempest , that the Pilot is knowne and discerned what he is . And so is a souldier not tried , but in a sharpe and dangerous warre . It is but a nice and vaine brag of men , to vant themselues of what they haue done , when there hath bene no danger at all . But for a man to encounter manfully in time of trouble and aduersitie , is the right triall of the truth . The tree that is deepely rooted ( though the winds blow vpon it with neuer so great force & violence ) yet it is not mooued at all : and the shippe which is strongly ioynted ( though the waues beate vpon it neuer so fast ) yet is it not pierced through . Also when as the corne is threshed on the floore and winnoed , the strong & full cornes contemne the winds ; when as the light and emptie chaffe is violently caried away with euery blast . Thus the Apostle Saint Paule after all his shipwracks and scourgings , and many other grieuous torments of his flesh and of his body , affirmeth that he was nothing troubled , but rather that he was made better , in and by his sufferings : so that the more grieuous his afflictions were , the more true and certaine were his trials . There was giuen vnto me ( saith he ) a pricke in the flesh , 2 Cor. 12.7 . the messenger of Satan to buffet me , that I should not be exalted aboue measure . For which thing I besought the Lord thrice , that it might depart from me . And he said vnto me ; my grace is sufficient for thee : for my power is made perfect in weaknesse . Whensoeuer therefore any weakenesse and infirmitie , or any raging sicknesse wasteth and destroyeth on euery side , then is our strenght made perfect ; then ( if our faith being tried , it doth abide & stand firme and stedfast ) it is surely crowned , according as it is written : Eccl. 27.5 . The fornace proueth the potters vessell : so doth temptation trie mens thoughts . Furthermore , this difference there is between vs & others that know not God ; that whereas they in their afflictions and troubles do murmure and complaine : no afflictions nor troubles whatsoeuer , do turne vs away from the truth of our faith , & courage ; but they do rather confirme and strengthen vs in the midst of griefe & sorrow . Whereas we see now in some the strength of their bodie drawne away throgh fluxes and loosenesse of the bellie ; in others a certaine fire engendred in the sorenesse of the iawes , which inwardly boileth ; the bowels and entrals , in others quaking & trembling through continuall vomiting ; or their eies through abundance of blood to be inflamed ; some to haue their feete and other parts and members of the bodie that are corrupt ( for feare of infecting the rest of the body ) to be cut off ; and that by reason of feeblenes , proceeding of some hurt of the bodie , the going is weakned , or the hearing is stopped , or the sight is darkned : all this is good for vs , and profitable for the triall of our faith . For to encounter by the puissance of a constant and stedfast minde against so manifold assaults of destruction and of death , what great valour and magnanimitie is it ? and what an height of glorie amidst the ruines of mankind , to stand vpright , and not to lie prostrate & ouerthrowne with them , who haue no hope nor confidence in the Lord ? How ought we not rather to reioyce , and gladly to receiue and embrace the benefite of the time : in that we ( while we stedfastly shew forth our faith , & by suffering griefe and trouble patiently , go on forward vnto Christ by that streight way which he hath set downe vnto vs ) we receiue ( euen by his owne sentence and iudgement ) the end of our faith & confidence , euen the reward of eternall life ? To whom death is terrible . Let him indeed then feare to die , who being not borne againe of water and of the Spirit , is deliuered vp to the bondage and thraldome of hell fire . Let him feare to die , that is not reckoned with those , who shall be partakers of the crosse and passion of Christ . Let him feare to die who shall passe from this death vnto the second death . Let him feare to die , who as soone as he departeth out of this world , shall be tormented in flames euerlasting , with paines which neuer shall haue end . Let him feare to die , who hath this onely benefit by longer tarrying here , that in the meane time his torment and sorrow is a little differred . Many of our friends in this time of mortalitie do deceasse and depart hence , that is , many of our friends are released and deliuered out of this wicked world . This death and mortalitie , as it is a plague and punishment vnto Iewes and Pagans , and other enemies of Christ ; so to the seruants of God it is a comfortable departure , and behouefull for their welfare and saluation . Whereas then ( without any difference of mankind ) the righteous and the wicked both die alike : wee must not thinke that good men and bad men haue all one end . For behold , the righteous are called hence vnto ease and rest ; and the wicked are haled and carried away vnto endlesse punishment and torment . The faithfull are the more speedily receiued and taken into sure and safe keeping ; and the faithlesse and vnbeleeuers the sooner deliuered ouer to be punished . How improuident and vnaduised then are we ? ( beloued brethren , ) and how vnthankfull for Gods benefits , in not acknowledging nor considering what a good turne here is done vnto vs ? Behold how virgins depart in peace , and out of danger , together with all their glorie , not fearing the threats of Antichrist when he commeth , nor yet to be corrupted by the stewes and brothelhouses . Little children escape the danger of that slipperie age of theirs , and do happily attaine vnto the reward of their integritie and innocency . The delicate and daintie dame doth not now feare nor feele any torments ; hauing gained her freedome from feare and hazard of persecution , and of the stroke and torment of the hangman and executioner , by the speedinesse of her death . Further also , by the feare of their mortality and of their short abiding here , cold and lukewarme Christians are more inflamed , and are made more feruent and zealous ; dissolute persons are restrained , the sluggish and slothfull are awakened and pricked forward , straglers and such as haue gone astray , are compelled to returne backe againe ; heathens and Pagans are made to beleeue : the people of God , which hath bene faithfull of old , are called vnto rest ; and a fresh and more plentifull band and troope with greater strength and courage is gathered together , being readie to fight without feare of death , whensoeuer the battell should be ; seeing they come so readily and chearefully to fight and encounter at the time of their death . Againe moreouer , what say you vnto this ? ( beloued brethren ) what a thing is it ? how pertinent & ●ow needful and necessary ? That this death and pestilence , which seemeth to be so mortall and deadly , trieth the righteousnesse of euery man what it is , & searcheth out & examineth the minds and dispositions of men , whether the whole and sound will be readie to prouide and care for them that are sicke and weake ? whether kinsfolkes and neare friends haue any good loue and sincere affection one to the other ? Whether masters haue any pitie or compassion on their sicke seruants ? Whether Physitions will forsake and giue ouer their Patients or no , being sicke and earnestly crauing their helpe ? Whether insolent and outragigious persons will represse and lay aside their rage and violence ? Whether greedy couetous men will ( at the least through feare of death ) be drawne and mooued to quench and abate the heate of their outragious auarice , which otherwise is neuer sati●fied ? whether the proud and haughtie will bow and ●end ? whether wicked and obstinate persons will modera e and asswage their rashnesse and presumption ? & whether rich men when they see their deare friends eye ( as their w●●es or children , or neare kinsfolk ) and being themselues like to dye without heires , will be mo●ed thereby to distribute & giue more liberally to the re●eefe of the poore ? Yea , admit that this death & mortality shall bring no further benefite ; yet hath it done this great good turne vnto vs Christians , vnto vs that are the true seruants of God : that we haue now begun willingly to desire martyrdom , whilest we learne not to feare death . These things then are but exercises vnto vs , not dolours and mournful funerals ; they bring vnto the mind the glorie and renowne of fortitude and courage , and by the contempt of death , they prepare vs , and make vs fit and ready for a crowne . But perhaps some man will here obiect and say : Obiection . yea but this is a thing that grieueth and troubleth me much in this present mortalitie ; that whereas I was prouided and prepared to confesse Christ , euen to the shedding of my best blood , yea and had solemnly vowed with all my heart , and with ful courage to endure & suffer whatsoeuer ; I am now depriued of my martirdom , while I am preuented by death . Answer . Yea , but first it behoueth thee to know , that to be a Martyr , & to suffer martyrdome is not in thine owne power , but in Gods acceptation ; if he shall or will vouchsafe to accept thee , & to call thee to such honour . And thou canst not say that thou hast lost that , which thou knowst not whether thou art held worthy to receiue . Then againe , God ( who is a searcher of the reines , and of the heart , and an examiner and beholder of all secrets ) he seeth thee , and he doth commend & approue of thee ; yea , and he vnderstanding and perceiuing thee to haue such strength and courage in readinesse to suffer , will assuredly recompence and reward thee for it . Had Cain when he offered vp his gift and oblation vnto God , at that time killed his brother ? No● yet notwithstanding , the murther that he had conceiued in his mind God saw beforehand , and thereupon reproued and condemned the same . So as his wicked and mischieuous conceit and imagination , was in Gods prouidence foreseene and knowne . Euen so also is it in the true seruants of God , which haue a purpose and will to confesse Christ , and which conceiue martyrdome in their hearts and minds : the very will and affection being giuen and inclined to goodnes , is crowned of God in his iudgement . It is one thing for the mind and will to want or to be withou● martyrdom ; and another thing for martyrdome to want or to bee without the mind and will . Looke after what manner God doth finde thee when he calleth for thee , As a man i● found , so shall ●e be iudged . after such manner likewise wil he iudge thee : for as much as he himselfe witnesseth , saying : Apoc. 2.23 . All Churches shall know that I am he who searcheth the reines and the heart . Neither indeed doth God require or take pleasure in your blood , but in your faith . For neither Abraham nor Isaac , nor Iacob , were slaine and put to death ; and yet notwithstanding they being honored with the reward and benefit of faith and righteousnesse , deserued to be reckoned the chiefe and principal among the Patriarchs : vnto whose fellowship & societie , whosoeuer is found faithful and righteous , laudable and praise worthy , shall assuredly be gathered . We must remember that wee are to do not our owne will , but Gods wil , according to that which God hath willed vs daily to pray . Now , how preposterous , and how peruerse a thing is it , and contrary to reason , that ( wheras we desire and pray that God his will may be done ) we should not straightway when God calleth , and sendeth for vs out of this world , readily submit our selues vnto the power and gouernment of his will ? In words we rest & relie hereupon , but yet indeed doe struggle and striue against it : and like stubborne seruants are vnwillingly , and with griefe drawne into the presence of our Lord and Maister , departing hence , as being thereunto bound by necessity , not through any readinesse of will : and wee desire to be honored of him with rewards in heauen , vnto whom we come by constraint , and against our will . To what purpose them do we pray and desire that Gods heauenly kingdome may come if this earthly bondage doe so much please and delight vs ? Why do we with often redoubled prayers beg and craue , that God will hasten his kingdome , & make speed to admit vs thereinto , if our wishes and desires be greater and more earnest to serue the Diuell heere , then to reigne with Christ there ? * * A vision is heere reported by the Author which I thought good to omit . How often also hath it beene reuealed vnto vs ( the least and meanest of others ) & how many times hath God vouchsafed to giue open and manifest charge , that I should make daily protestation , and publikely declare , that our brethren are in no wise to be lamented , being ( at Gods call and appointment ) freed and set at liberty out of this world ? knowing that they are not lost and forgone , but are sent before ; that departing hence they doe but tread the way before vs , and that ( as trauellers and passengers ) they should be wished for and desired of vs , but not lamented . Neither should wee take vnto vs blacke mourning weeds here , when as they haue already receiued white robes and garments there . And withall , that we should not giue occasion vnto the heathens and Pagans , iustly to reproue , and worthily to reprehend vs , for that wee sorrow and mourne for those , as vtterly lost and perished , whom we affirme notwithstanding to liue with God : and that by the testimony of our owne hart and conscience we reiect & disalow the faith , which in word and voyce we declare and professe . We are betrayers of our hope , confidence , and of our faith & holy profession . All that we say , seemeth to be but in dissimulation , and to be but feined and counterfeit . It auaileth nothing at all to talke of grace and vertue , and in our deeds to destroy the truth and verity . Lastly , the Apostle Saint Paul misliketh those , yea , and he rebuketh and blameth them that are too much greeued for the death and departure of their friends , 1. Thess. 4. 1. Thess 4. I would not ( brethren ) haue you ignorant ( saith he ) concerning them that sleepe : that ye sorrow not as others doe which haue no hope . For if we beleeue that Iesus died and rose againe , euen so also them that sleepe in Christ shall God bring with him . Where mark how he saith , that it is for such to be sorry for the death and departure of their friends , who are voide of hope . But as for vs , which liue in hope and by hope , we who haue hope in God , and confidently beleeue that Christ hath suffered for vs , and is risen againe , so long as we abide and continue in Christ , and rise in him and through him , why either are we our selue , so vnwilling to depart hence out of this present world ? or why doe we grieue and lament for our friends when they depart , as if they were lost and perished ? especially when as Christ himselfe our Lord and God admonisheth vs , Ioh. 11. saying : I am the resurrection and the life : Hee that beleeueth in me , though he were dead , yet shall he liue ; and whosoeuer liueth and beleeueth in me , shall not dye for euer ? If we belieue in Christ , let vs haue trust and confidence in his words and promises , and we shall not dye for euer ; and let vs with ioyfull securitie goe vnto Christ , with whom we shal liue and reigne for euermore . And whereas in the meane while we die ( as concerning our bodies , ) we do but passe by death vnto immortality . Neither indeed can euerlasting life succeed and come in place , vnlesse it fall out vnto vs to depart hence . It is then not a doath , but a passage , and after this temporal race and voyage ended , a passing vnto things eternall . Now , what man would not make haste to haue & enioy better things ? who would not wish to be changed and renewed , and fashioned after the image and likenesse of Christ ? and to come ( as soone as he can ) to enioy the honour and dignitie of that heauenly reward and benefit ? Sith that the Apostle Saint Paul plainly pronounceth , Phil. 3.20 . saying : Our conuersation is in heauen ; from whence also we looke for the Lord Iesus Christ , who shall transform and change our vile bodie , that it may be fashioned like vnto his glorious bodie . And that we shall be such , our Sauiour Christ also promiseth , when as he prayeth vnto the Father for vs , that we may be with him , and may liue together with him in the eternall mansions , & reioyce together in his heauenly kingdome . Ioh. 17.24 . Father ( saith he ) I will , that they whom thou haste giuen me , be with me , euen where I am ; that they may behold my glorie , which thou hast giuen me from before the foundations of the world . He that is going to Christ his mansion , and to the brightnesse and glorie of his heauenly kingdome , ought not to waile and mourne , but rather ( according to the promise of our Lord , and according to the stablenesse and stedfastnesse of his truth ) to reioyce for his departure , and for his translating & remouing hence . Thus we find that Enoch was translated , in as much as he pleased God . For so the holy Scripture of God witnesseth of him in the booke of Genesis , saying : And Enoch pleased God , Gen. 5.24 . ( or walked with God ) and he was no more found ; for God translated him , or tooke him away . This it was for him to please God , and to walke before him , euen to haue this honour , to be translated & taken away from the danger & infection of this present world ; And this is that which the wise man teacheth vs , that they who please God are more speedily taken away hence , and sooner released ; lest while they abide and continue ouerlong in this world , they should be corrupted and defiled with worldly affaires . Wisd. 4.11.14 . He was taken away ( saith he ) lest wickednesse should alter his vnderstanding : for his soule was pleasing vnto God : therefore he hastened to take him away from the midst of iniquitie . So likewise in the Psalmes , Dauid hauing his soule deuoted & dedicated vnto God , with spirituall confidence and boldnesse he maketh haste to go vnto the Lord , as it is written of him , Psal. 84.1 . Psal. 84.1 . O how amiable are thy dwellings ( thou Lord of hoasts ) my soule longeth and maketh haste vnto the courts of the Lord ! So then , it is for him alone to be desirous to abide long in this world , that placeth his delight and happinesse in the world , & for him whom this flattering and deceitfull world tickleth , and prouoketh with the allurements and enticements of carnal and worldly pleasures . Moreouer , whereas the world hateth euery one that is truly a Christian ; what meanest thou to loue him , that thus hateth thee ? Why rather doest thou not follow after Christ , who hath redeemed thee , and who still continually loueth thee ? Hereupon it is , that S. Iohn in his first Epistle proclaimeth , & crieth out earnestly , exhorting that we should not loue the world , in following after fleshly lusts and desires . Loue not the world ( saith he ) neither the things that are in the world If any man loue the world , 1 Ioh. 2.15 . the loue of the Father is not in him . For all that is in the world ( as the lusts of the flesh , the lusts of the eyes , and the pride of life ) is not of the Father , but is of the world . And the world passeth away , and the lusts thereof : but he that shall do the will of God , abideth for euer , as God abideth for euer . Now therefore ( deare brethren ) let vs with vpright hearts and minds , with stedfast faith and valiant courage be euermore in readinesse to submit our selues wholly to the will of God : and ( casting off all feare of death ) let vs meditate and thinke vpon immortalitie , which is to follow after . Let vs declare & shew , that this is the thing which we belieue and look for , in that we neither lament the death of our friends ( be they neuer so deare vnto vs , ) and also whensoeuer the day and houre cometh of our dissolution , & of our calling hence away , we are readie to come willingly & without delay when God calleth for vs . Which thing as the seruants of God are to do at all times : so the same ought much rather to be done now , that the world seemeth to be almost wasted and spent , and also enuironed and beset with tempests of mischiefes and troubles : that we ( seeing and beholding so great and grieuous miseries and calamities already begun ; and knowing that farre greater are at hand , and like to come ere it be long ) should account it the greatest aduantage that may be , with speed to depart hence . 2 Pithie similitudes . If the wals of the house where thou dwellest should bend & leane aside through age and long continuance , and the roofe of the house shake ouer thy head , & the whole frame of the building ( being tired and worne out , & readie to drop drowne ) should threaten a sudden & speedie fall : wouldst thou not with all speed get thee out thence ? If while thou ●art sailing on the Seas , some fierce and tempestuous ●orme , causing the waues therof to arise , should therby foreshew that thou we●t certainly like to suffer shipwracke ; wouldest thou not with all speed approch and draw neare vnto the hauen ? Behold , The world now bending and readie to fall . the world is now bending and declining , and euen readie to fall ; yea it doth openly proclaime and beare witnesse of his vtter ruine and destruction , not so much by the antiquitie or oldnesse , as by the conclusion and by the accomplishment and end of all things , which is now neare at hand . And doest thou not thanke God and reioyce in thine owne behalfe , that being taken away by a more speedie death , thou art freeed from the ruines & shipwracks and plagues that are now at hand ? We must consider ( beloued brethren ) & euer now and then remember and haue in mind , that we haue renounced and forsaken the world ; and that now in the meane time we liue here as strangers & forreiners . O let vs then embrace & receiue gladly the day that assigneth and appointeth euery one to their habitation and mansion place , where they may still abide and dwell : which also ( after we are taken hence away , and set free from the snares and setters of this world ) doth restore vs and bring vs againe into Paradise , and into the kingdome of heauen . What man being in a strange countrie & farre from home , would not hasten to returne into his owne countrey againe ? What man making haste to faile vnto his friends ( as his parents , or his wife & children ) would not wish with great desire to haue a prosperous wind to carrie him , that so he might with as much speed as may be , behold & embrace them , who are so neare and deare vnto him ? Our countrey we recken and make certaine account to be Paradise , ( that is , the kingdome of heauen ) & for our parents , we haue the holy and blessed Patriarchs . Why then do we not runne and make haste , that we may behold and see our countrey , and may salute our parents ? A great number of our louing and deare friends expect and looke for vs there ( as our parents , our brethren , and our children . ) A populous and a large multitude there is that long for vs , and desire our company ; being already secure , and f●llie assured of their owne immortality , and further desirous earnestly of our welfare and safetie . To come to the beholding and embracing of these , what great ioy and reioycing must it needs be in generall , both vnto them and to vs ? What maner of pleasure and comfort is there in the kingdome of heauen , without feare of dying any more , & with eternitie of liuing euerlastingly , time without end ? How endlesse and exceeding great shall be the felicitie and happinesse ? There is the glorious company of the Apostles . There is all the whole assembly of the Prophets , triumphing and reioycing together . There is an innumerable multitude of Martyrs crowned for the conquest of their conflicts & sufferings . There are the virgines triumphing , who by the force and strength of continency subdued the lust and concupiscence of the flesh , and of the body . There are mercifull men recompensed & rewarded , such as haue wrought the workes of righteousnesse , by feeding and sustaining the needie , and by giuing liberally vnto the poore ; and finally , all they who keeping the Lords Commaundements , haue translated and changed their earthly riches and patrimonies into heauenly treasures . Vnto these ( beloued brethren ) let vs hasten to go with greedie and earnest desire , that we may be with them as soone as possible . And let vs wish and desire speedily to come vnto Christ . Now I pray and beseech God that he will behold and consider this our meditation ; and the Lord Iesus Christ look vpon this purpose of our hart , and of our faith & beleefe : to giue vnto them greater reward of his glory , whose affection and loue hath bin greater , and more aboundant toward him , Amen .