A potacio[n] or dri[n]kynge for this holi time of le[n]t very co[m]fortable for all penitent synners, newly prepared by Theodore Basille.

¶ The potacion for Lente . ¶ Philemon the maker of the Potacion . Theophyle , Eusebius , & Christopher the gestes . PHILEMON .

IT is not long agon sins I made a certayne of my neygheboures a Christmasse Banckette , which so farre as I can perceyue , they haue ryght well digested , wherof I am not a lytle gladde . For syns that time they haue not on ly garnysshed theyr houses with the moost sacred scryptures after that man ner of this my poore mansion , but they are also become newe menne in theyr conuersacion . They haue vtterly put of olde Adam , & put on the newe man Iesus Christ . They haue cast away Rom. ●…iii . the workes of the flessh , & put on the armours of lyght , yea they haue ioy fully amplexed the fruytes of the impi rite . For they walke now no more in darkenes , but as the chyldren of lyght in all goodnes , iustyce & verite . To Eph●… . 〈◊〉 . the poore people they are become very mercyfull & tender , to theyr neyghbours gentle & louynge , to theyr ene mies pacient & longe sufferynge , not Roma . ●…i . renderynge euell for euell but redye at all tymes not only to forgyue them but also to do them good to the vttermoost of theyr power . Moreouer to oure moost soueraygne Lorde & excellent Kynge they shewe them selues vnfaynedly obedient both in worde and dede with all submission & humi lyte . The other magistrates of the publique weale they also haue in great reuerence . And also for the spiritual ministers of Goddes worde they entierly loue , reuerently feare , & haue them in no lesse honour , than true & faythfull chyldren haue theyr naturall parentes . Yea they esteme them i. Tim. v. as the seruauntes of God , & dispensatours of the diuyne misteries , and therfore do they gyue them double honoure , accordynge to the admonicion of the Apostle . To conclude , they so behaue them selues , that they are it reprehensible & fautles in the syght of all men . They shyne as great lightes Philip. ii . amonge theyr neyghbours . They ●…itum . ii . garnysh the doctryne of our Sauyour Christ wyth all innocency & purite . So that by theyr meanes there are , I thancke my LORDE God , many of oure neighbours whiche nowe begyn to followe that trade and to practyse lyke godlynes . And as they them selues are wholly bente to this true godlynesse , so lykewyse do they trayne & brynge vp theyr familye & housholde after that trade , which is to me a syngulare great pleasure . If they go forth , as they begynne , I do not doubte , but that within few yeres it wyll come to passe , that no Re alme thorowe Christendome shall be able to compare withe Englonde in syncere doctryne & godlye lyuynge . Seyng therfore that they receyued so great profytte of my Christmasse Bancket , I was the gladder to call them nowe agayne vnto a Potacion or drynckynge , trustynge that they shal receyue here of no lesse commodi te than they dyd of the other . They appoynted to come vnto me about two of the clocke this after noone . I meruayle therfore that they are so long absent . For the houre is paste . I wyl go forth oute of my doores & se whyther they come or not . But what nede it ? me thike I heare one knocke at the dore . It are they I am sure . I wyll go and brynge them in . , I haue looked longe for you , but ye are welcome to me at the last .

THEO .

Brother Philemon , we thanke you hertely .

EVSE .

I pray you be not discontented that we haue somewhat taried after our houre . For we were compelled to tary for this our neyghbour Christopher .

CHRI.

A frende of myne olde acquayntaunce came vnto me from my parentes , which dyd somewhat lette vs in dede .

PHIL.

It makethe no matter , ye are welcome nowe all vnto me , wyll it please you to go wythe me into my Parloure ?

THEO .

I hadde rather , yf it shall be your pleasure , tary here a whyle in your haull to behold these moost god ly spectacles , and to se , whyther my house be in all poyntes garnysshed lyke vnto this or not .

PHIL.

To tary here lenger for that purpose , were nothig but a losse of tyme . For oure houses in this behalfe are so lyke one to ano ther , that ye canne lesse discerne an egge from an egge , or a fygge from a fygge , as they saye . They be in all poyntes lyke , concernynge the inwarde garnysshynge of them with the holy scryptures . Therfore I pray you al , come your waye into my parloure .

CHRI.

We followe gladlye .

PHIL.

Brothers & neyghboures welcome once agayne .

EVSE .

We moost intierlye thancke you .

PHIL.

If it shall please you to sytle downe , I wyll be glad to talke with you .

THEO .

I pray you speke what it pleaseth you . We wyll heare you gladly with attente myndes .

EVSE .

Nothynge can brynge to vs more pleasure than to heare you , your communicacion is alwaies so god lye & fruytfull .

CHRI.

We are now al set , & wholly bent to heare you .

PHIL.

The spirite of God be amonge vs , & lead vs into all trueth of Gods moost holy wisdome .

Neighbours it is not vnknowen to you , that this Christmas last past I bad you to a Christmasse Bancket , vnto the whiche you verye gentylly came . At the whiche Bancket , I did not onlye sette before you meate for your bodyes , but also for youre soules . I fedde you with a Christmasse , that is to say , an heauenly Bancket in the whiche I proponed & brought for the vnto you foure dysshes , I am sure , ye remember it right well .

EVSE .

Ye forsoth brother Philemon .

PHIL.

Although I doubte not but that ye retayne them all in youre memorye right wel , yet by your pacience I wyl now reherse them agayne to you in few wordes .

CHRI.

I praye you let it be so .

PHIL.

In the fyrst dysh that was set be The summe of the Bancket . fore you , ye tasted of the fal of our fore father Adam . In that ye learned , how that by the synne of Adam we all were not only depryued of , immortalite & Gen. iii. Ioan. iii ; all goodnes , but also damned , so that we became very fleshe , without the spyryte of God , vtterly estraunged from all feare of God , & borne the sonnes Ephe ii . of wrath , in asmuch that we beyng left to our selues , could neuer haue bene delyuered from that miserable captiuite , into the which Satan had cast vs , thorowe the transgression of goddes commaundement , but dayly more & more we must nedes haue precipytated & cast our selues headlonge in to an hell of euels . Therefore because ye shoulde not dispayre , I broughte forth to you your second dysh , wher in I declared & proued vnto you by the holy scrypture and the auncient Doctors , that wha●… we were in this miserable & piteous case , God of hys great mercies without our merytes or deseruynges had pytie on vs , & promysed Tit. iii ▪ Gen. iii. to saue vs thorowe his intierly beloued Sonne , our LORDE and sauiour

Iesus Christ . Which thyng accordig to his promyse at the tyme predefyned & afore appoynted came vndoub tedly to passe . Than in your thyrde dyshe dyd I expresse to you , by what meanes ye myght come by & obtayn these so large & so bounteous benefytes of God the father thorow Iesus Christ . I sayd vnto you , that the next & the moost redy waye to gette thys kyndenes at the hande of God is to repent & beleue , that is to saye , to be Mar. i. sory for the synnes commytted , and to beleue to haue remission of our sinnes of God the father for Chrystes sake . In your fourth dysh I declared vnto you that after we haue repented vs of our synnes , and beleued to haue forgyuenesse of them thorowe Christe , it remayneth that we than sheweour selues newe men in our conuersacion , & medle no more with the Ephe. v. vnsruytfull workes of darknes , but rather reproue them . For excepte our repentaunce & faythe worke in vs a new lyfe , they profyt nothyng at al. Brynge forth fruyies , saythe ●…aynt Iohn , worthye of repentaunce . For euery tree , that bryngeth not forth M●… . 〈◊〉 good fruyte , shall be cut downe and cast into the fyre . And as concerninge fayth , S. Iames sayth , as the body without the spirite is dead , so is fayth I●…co . 〈◊〉 . without workes dead Therfore I decla red vnto you in that youre fourthe dysh , that as withoute good workes your repentance & fayth auayle nothyng Math ●…ell . ( I speake of them which haue oportunite to worke & yet wyll not ) so lykewyse to them that exercyse no good workes but remayne in theyr olde synfull lyuynge is Christ no sauiour , but remayneth styll vnto them a feacre LORDE , & a cruell Iudge .

For Christ wyll not knowe them at the daye of iudgement to be his people , that are vnfruytfull trees , & in this world bryng forth no good workes , yea he wyll saye vnto them , departe Psal. vi . Math. vii . from me ye workers of iniquite . The virgines that haue not only Mat. xxv . lampes , but also oyle , shall enter in with the Brydegrome vnto the mariages , the other shal be sparred out Not the ydle lubbers but the faythfull Math. xx . workers in the vyneyearde shall haue the peny at night . Not the sonne which sayd to his father , that he would worke in his vyneyearde , & dyd not , Math. xxi shall be his fathers heyre , but the sonne whiche wroughte in it in dede . The fruytefull Olyue tree shall dwell in the house of the LORDE , but the vnfruytfull Math. xxi fygge tree , glystereth it ne uer so pleasantly with grene leaues shall be cursed & commytted vnto hell fyre . In consideracion wherof I exhorted you at that tyme vnto the di ligent operacion of good workes , that ye myght be founde worthy that kynge dome , which youre heauenly father Mat. xxv . hathe prepared for them that fulfyll his wyll from the begynnyng of the worlde .

Theise & such other thynges not vnworthy the hearinge I rehearsed to you at that Christmasse Bancket . Neither haue ye forgotten them , I am sure .

THEO

No verely neighbour Philemon .

EVSE

We haue since that time Mat. vii . ful oft called them to our remembraunce , & communed of them togither .

PHIL.

In so doynge , ye haue done wel . For Rom. ii . not they that heare the law are righteous before God , but they that expresse the lawe in theyr dedes shal be counted righteous . He that loketh on the Iaco. 〈◊〉 . perfecte lawe , which is the lawe of ly berte , so that he is no forgetfull hearer , but a doer of the worke , he shall be blessed in his dede .

CHRI.

GOD giue vs grace to do that alwaye , which he requireth of vs .

PHIL.

Your fruytes syns that tyme haue manifestly declared the nouyte and chaunge of your lyfe , wherof I very muche reioyse & gyue God herty thanckes , desirynge hym to fynysshe that in you prosperously , which he hath begunne godly . And this is the cause neighboures that I haue ben so bold to caul you agayne nowe to a Potacion or dryn kynge , trustynge that if you marke those thinges well , that shall at this tyme be spoken , ye shall feale no lesse What this holy tyme of Lent requireth of Christen men . swetenes in them , than ye dyd in the Bancket . For ye knowe that this is a tyme not for the bodye , but for the soule , not for the belly , but for the spyryte , not for the mouthe , but for the mynde . This tyme requireth a modelt sobriete , & not luxurious royot . This tyme requirethe a penitent & sorowfull herte , & not a mynde set al on pleasure . This tyme requirethe abstinence and not delicate welfare . This tyme requirethe sober prayer , & not vayne iestynges . This tyme requireth lamentacion for our synnes , & not a pleasure to remayne in them . Therfore haue I nowe prepared for you a godlye Potacion , worthy this tyme , that ye may go home agayne from me , not with mouthes but with myndes , not with bellyes , but with soules , 〈◊〉 and e●… farsed with celestiall meace . I wyll nowe declare vnto you , what youre Potacion shall be . I pray you heare me diligently .

EVSE .

Brother Philemon , we thancke you for your godly kyndenes towarde vs What so euer it shall be youre pleasure to saye , we shal not only be diligent to heare it , but also to beare it awaye , & do ther after , so nere as God shall gyue vs grace .

PHIL.

For as much as the moost confortable Sacrament of Penance Of What thynges it shall been treated in thys Potacion . is in this holye tyme of Lente more vsually exercised towarde penitent synners , than at ony other tyme tho rowe oute all the yeare , therfore am I nowe determined to talke somewhat with you in this matter . This thynge once done , I wyll teach you the true & Christen faste , that youre fast maye be pleasaunt to God & profitable to youre soules helthe . After warde I wyll declare vnto you the significacion of certayne ceremonyes , that be vsed in the Chyrche thys tyme of Lent . Last of al I wyl shew you , howe ye shall prepare youre selues to receyue worthely at the tyme of Easter , the moost blessed Sacrament of 〈◊〉 ●…e Christes very body & bloud . For as all these thynges are godly , so are they very necessary to be knowen of all Christen menne . Which thynge moued me to call you hyther at this tyme , that you hauynge knowledge of them , maye the more godly behaue your selues this holye tyme of Lent , both before God & man

CHRI.

This your beneficence towardes vs vndoubtedly procedeth from an harte stuffed with true & Christen charyte , seyng that ye desyre no lesse the saluacion of oure soules , than of your owne .

PHIL.

That affecte and mynde ought to be in euery christen man , that was in Christ Iesus . God Philip. ii . forbydde therfore that I or ony man shoulde hyde vp the talent & ground Math. xxv . whiche God hathe gyuen vs , but rather employe it to the vtilitie & profyt of other . Therfore whyle I lyue shal I be redy at al tymes by the helpe of GOD gladly to impart to other what so euer God hath vouched safe to gyue to me eyther in goodes spirituall or corporall . But I pray you marke dilygentely , for nowe begynneth our Potacion .

CHRI.

Our LORD GOD mought gyue vs vnderstandynge in all thynges , and so at this ii . Tim. ii . tyme watch vpon his worde , that it Iere. i. maye not returne agayne in vayne , Esa. xliii . but prosper & bryng forth fruyte in vs rytchly , to the glory of his name , & the consolacion of all oure soules .

EVSE .

Amen .

THEO .

LORDE let it so come to passe .

¶ Of Penaunce and the partes of it . PHILEMON .

THis Latin worde Peni What Penaunce is . tentia , called in the Greke tonge metanonia , which some turne Repētasice , some Penaunce , is as Hom. l●…x . De penitent . Chrisostome sayth , not only to cease from the olde euelles but also to followe better offices . For it is sayde : Declyne from euell & do good .

Neyther is it ynoughe for vs vnto Psa. xxxiii helth , sayth he , only to haue plucked out the shafte , except we also lay medicines to the wounde .

Of these wordes of the holy Doctor S. Iohn Chrysostome , is it euydente , who trulye repentethe and who not . If not onlye a cessasion from the sinne , but also a diligent exercise Math wel of the vertue followeth the Penance than is it true & vnfayned . But yf there be proued a contynuance 〈◊〉 the syn , and no correccion or amendment of lyfe , than is it manifest that such one had neuer no true repentance in his herte . For S. Austen sayth , what other Contr a 〈◊〉 iii. lib. 〈◊〉 thynge is it to repente or to do Penaunce , than to be sorye for the synnes paste , & from henseforthe to abstayne from those thynges , which he hath commytted . Agayne he sayth , Ser. de 〈◊〉 lxvi . the fruyte worthy of penaunce is to lament the synnes beynge past , and not to do them agayne , as it is written , caste not synne vpon synne . Be ye Ec. xxx●… . wasshed , sayth the LORDE by the Prophet Esaye , & be ye cleane . He therfore Esay . i. is wasshed and is cleane , which both lamenteth the thynges paste , & doth not commyt agayne those thynges , that are worthye to be lamented . Paule descrybeth the true Penaunce in these wordes : Put of saith he , the olde man with his actes , & put ye on the newe man . Here he appoyntethe Colo. iii : vs not onlye to put of the olde man , but also to putte on the newe man . Agayne he sayth , fasshyon not your selues lyke vnto the manner of this worlde , but be ye chaundged by the renuynge of youre mynde , wherby we are made a newe creature , walking in the newnes of life . Doth not our Baptysme also preach vnto vs this thynge ? We are buryed togyther , Rom. vi . saythe Paule , with Christe by Baptisme vnto deth , that as Christ is rysen agayne from the dead , so we lykewyse shoulde walke in the newenes of lyfe .

Thus haue we learned both by the holy scryptures , & the auncient Doctors , what the true penaunce is .

CRHI .

We haue learned of these your wordes that to do trulye penaunce , is not only to abstayne from the synne , but also to amplecte & enhalse the ver tue contrary to the synne .

PHIL.

Ye saye trueth . And this is it that the Prophet sayth , cease to do euell , and Es●… . 〈◊〉 . learne to do well .

EVSE .

So farre as I remember , ye taught vs the very same , or els not much vnlyke , in your Christmasse Banckette .

THEO .

Yea forsothe , in the thyrde dyshe .

PHIL.

It is trueth that ye all saye . Therfore nede I nowe to make the fewer wordes concernynge this matter , if ye retayne those thinges in your me mory , which at that tyme I taught you .

CHRI.

We remember all those thinges wel .

PHIL.

I am very glad . But this must ye note in youre Penaunce , that it oughte rather to be done for the loue of vertue , than for the hate & detestacion of vyce , as the Psalmographe sayth , thou haste loued ryghteousnes , & hated vnryghteousnes . Psal. Here ye se that the loue of ryghteousnes goethe before the hatred of vnrighteousnes . The scripture saith of Mary Magdalene , ma Luk. vii . ny synnes are forgyuen her , bycause she loued muche . The loue that she had to chastitie and purenes of lyfe made her to abhorre & vtterlye despyse all vnclennes , whiche before she had vsed . Therfore was the great multitude of her synnes remytted & forgyuen her . A christen mannes herte ought so to be enflamed with the loue of vertu , that euen for the only loue of that he shoulde vtterlye deteste & abhorre all vyce & noughtynes , as the Poet sayth . 〈◊〉 . Oderunt peccare boni , uirtutis a more Oderunt peccare mali , formidine pen●… .

That is to saye , they that are good , hate syn for the loue that they haue to vertue . But they that are euell , hate synne for feare of payne . And S. Austen sayth : Euery man hateth Ad bonifac lib. i. Ca. ix synne so muche , as he loueth ryghteousnes . Agayne : He is an enemye of ryghteousnes , whiche synne the not for feare of payne . But he shall be a frend , yf he synneth not for the loue of it . Hereto pertayneth the sayenge of S. Ambrose , it is no true Penance In ●…ucam Tract . iiii . saythe he , excepte feare doth succede & come after loue . And not of feare , but of the loue of ryghteousnesse begynneth the Penaunce , & of the intencion & feruentnes of loue , dothe the more feruente hate of synne followe .

EVSE .

Seynge than that it is necessary fyrst intierly to loue vertu before we can vnfaynedlye hate the vyce , I besech the Author of al goodnes to engraffe in vs this loue , that we enhalsynge vertue , maye the more easely eschew vyce .

CHRI.

Me thinke it is an hard thynge for a man to loue vertu so , that for the loue of that on ly , he shoulde abstayne from synne . For there be many , which would neuer cease to do euell , as theyr daylye conuersacion proueth , if they dyd not more fere the punishment of this world & the mooste greuous paynes of hell fyre , than they desyre or couyt the fauour of God & the glorye of heauen .

PHIL.

Trueth it is that ye saye . Such haue not in them the true Penaunce .

THEO .

What is than to be done ? How maye we come by & get such penaunce that maye set such a brennynge loue in our hertes towardes vertu , that for the very loue of it , we maye frely hate vyce , & cease to do euell .

PHIL.

It 〈◊〉 . Cor. ii . is harde for a naturall man whiche vnderstandeth not those thynges the pertayne to the Spiryte of God to do this of his owne strengthe & power . For true Penaunce is the gifte True Penaunce is gyfte of God . Iaco. i. of God . Euery good gifte and euery perfecte gifte commeth from aboue , descendyng from the father of light . S. Ambrose saythe : Those are good In 〈◊〉 lib. r. Ang. lib. i. cont. Pela gi . et Cel. de grat . Christi . teares , which wash away the faute . Moreouer they , whome God beholdeth , lament theyr offence . Peter denied fyrst , and he wepte not . For the the LORDE had not loked vpon hym . He denyed the second tyme , & wepte not . For the LORDE dyd not yet loke vpon him . He denyed the thyrd tyme Iesus looked vpon hym , & he wepte verye bytterlye . Let them reade the Gospell , & se that the LORDE Iesus Mat , xxvi●… was than within when he was heard of the hygh Prestes , and that the Apostle Peter was without & beneth in the haull , sometyme syttynge , sometyme stondynge at the fyre with the seruauntes , as it is declared with a verye true & concordant tellynge of the Euangelistes . In consideracion No●… wherof , it can not be sayde that the LORDE dyd loke on hym with his cor porall eyes by admonysshynge hym visibly . And therfore as concerning that which is written there , the LORD dyd looke vpon hym , it was done inwardly , it was done in the mynde , it was done in the wyll . The LORDE dyd helpe hym with his mercy secret ly . He toweched the herte . He called agayne the memorye . He visited Peter with his inwarde grace . He moued & brought forthe the affecte of the inwarde man euen vnto outewarde teares . Beholde howe God is present Philip. ii . & helpethe oure wylles & dedes . Beholde how he worketh in vs both the wyll and the dede .

That true Penaunce is the gyfte of God , it is also manifeste by theise wordes of the Apostle , it becommeth ii . Tim. ii . the seruaunte of the LORDE not to stryue but to be peasable vnto al men and apte to teache , & one that canne suffer the euell in mekenes , & can informe them that resyst , yf that God at ony tyme wyll gyue them repentance for to knowe the trueth , that they maye come to themselues againe out of the snare of the dyuell , which are taken of him at his owne wyll .

CHRI.

Seynge than that the true & vnfayned Penaunce is the gyfte of God , howe is it possible for vs to obtayne it ?

EVSE .

This is a necessary thynge to be knowen .

PHIL.

Uerely Howe we may come by true penaunce . by feruent & continnall prayer may ye easely obtayne this thyng at the hand of God . Aske & haue , saythe he . Seke & ye shall fynd . Knocke and it Math. vii●… Luke . x. xi . shal be opened vnto you . God vndou tedly wyll not fayle to gyue them a good spirite , that aske it of him , that the y maye vnfaynedly repente , loue righteousnes and hate vnrighteousnes . Praye with the Prophet Ieremye . Iere. iii. Turne me O LORDE , & I shall be turned . For thou arte the LORDE my God , & after thou haste turned me , I repented . Agayne , heale thou Iere. xvii . me , O LORDE , & I shal be healed , saue thou me & I shal be safe , for thou art my prayse . If we wyll praye thus , God vndoubtedly wyll graunte vs our peticions , and gyue vs all good thinges . If we wyll caull , he is redy to come . Yea he stondeth & knocketh Apoca. iii , at the dore , so that yf ony man wyll open the gate , he wyll enter into him , and suppe with him , and he with hym . What woulde we haue more ? If we i. Timo. ii . therfore perysh , the faulte is in oure selues , & not in God , which wylleth all men to be saued & to come to the knowlege of the trueth .

THEO .

God gyue vs all grace to praye aryghte , truly to repent , feruently to loue vertue , that vnfaynedly we maye hate vyce .

EVSE .

So be it .

CHRI.

LORDE let it so come to passe .

PHIL.

I haue What hytherto is taught . nowe taught you , what Penaunce is , how it ought to be done , of whom we should alke grace truly to repent , & howe it maye be obtayned .

EVSE .

We remember all these thynges right well .

PHIL.

what nede I declare vnto Searche 〈◊〉 Bancket . you of what vertue , puissaunce , strength , power & efficacy , this moost holy Sacrament of penaunce is , seinge that I haue alredy spoken of it suffi ciently in the thyrd dysh of my Bancket .

THEO .

I remember well that ye taught vs there , that there is no synne in the worlde that doth not gyue place to the vertue of Penaunce .

PHIL.

Ye saye trueth .

EVSE .

Yet I haue herd , that some men nowe of late haue rysen vp , which denye this thynge , and affyrme playnely , that such as faull into synne agayne after they be baptised & haue put on Christ , can by no meanes be forgyuen neyther dothe this Sacrament of penasice auayle ony thynge to the remission of theyr synnes .

THEO .

O detestable heresye .

PHIL.

Yea O thryse detestable heresy . This is no newe heresy . For it be gan about the yeare of oure LORDE , CC. xlix . & was fyrst broughte vp of two famous Heretykes , called Nouatus & Catharus . For at the tyme dyd the holye martyre S. Cypriane Lib. ep. iii●… ep. ii . wryte agaynste the Nouatians , as we maye se in his workes . Ambrose Lib. ii . de pe n●…ten . ca. ii . also , which lyued in the yeare of our LORD . CCClxxx . dyd wryte agaynst the fauourers of that secte . So lyke wyse dyd Fulgentius , whiche lyued De vera peniten . in the yeare of our LORDE . vC . besydes diuers other Of these two Nouatus & Catarus ensued no smal swarmes of Heretykes , whiche syns that tyme haue mayntayned this abhominable Heresye , and in theise oure dayes , the Catabaptistes renued it The Cata baptistes . agayne to the great perturbacion of the Christen publyque weale , & much hynderaunce of Christes Gospell .

THEO

God forbyd that any man should assent to this theyr wycked opinion seyng it doth not only fyll hell wyth the soules of them that mayntayne this abhominacion , but also manyfestly fight with gods moost holy word

PHIL.

Ye saye truethe . Although yf I had leasure , it were but a tryfle to confute this theyr wycked heresy , with all the other that they mayntayne , yette wyll I for the confyrmacion of youre consciences rehearse certayne Scriptures , which shall vtterly refell theyr wycked opinion of denyeng remission & forayuenes of synnes to synners . God sayth by his Prophet these wordes : If the wycked shall repente Eze. xviii . hym & turne from all his synnes , whiche he hath wrought , & shall kepe all my preceptes , and do iudgement & righteousnesse , he shall lyue and shall not dy . I wyll not remember all his iniquities , which he hath wrought . In his righteousnes whiche he hathe wroughte , shall he lyue . Is it my wyll , sayth y● LORDE God , that the wycked should dye , & not ra ther that he shoulde turne from his wayes & lyue ? Agayne in that same Chapter , turne & repent ye from all your iniquities , & your iniquite shall worke you no displesure . Cast away from you al your wickednesses , wherin ye haue offended , & make you a newe hart & a new spiryte : & wherfore wyl ye dye O ye house of Israell ? For I wyll not that any man shoulde dye sayth the LORDE god . Returne and lyue . Also by another Prophette he sayth , Returne , O thou rebell Israell , Iere. iii. sayth the LORDE , and I wyll not turne awaye my face from you , for I am holy , saythe the LORDE , and I wyll not be angrye for euermore .

Agayne in another place the Prophet 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 . sayth , turne to the LORD your God , for he is gentle & mercyfull , pacient & of much gentlenes , & redy to forgyue his malyce . Do not all these sentences proue manifestli the gods lyeth bent out for all manner of siners at all tymes , yf they repent & turne ?

CHRI.

I meruayle howe they coulde fynde in theyr hertes to establysh such hereticall doctryne , seyng they fyght so euidently wyth the dyuyne scriptures .

EVSE .

They refuse the authorite of the olde Testament , & onlye cleaue to the newe .

PHIL.

I knowe that ryght well , yet is the olde Testament of neuer the lesse authorite therfore .

THEO .

They gather theyr sinistrall opinion , as I heare saye , of S. Paule to the Hebrues , Heb. vi . wher he sayth , it is not possible that they●… , whiche were once lyghtened & haue tasted the heauenly gyfte , and were pertakers of the holye Ghoste , & haue tasted the good word of God , & the vertues of the worlde to come , yf they do faull , could be renued agen by Penaunce . Agayne , yf we synne wyllyngely after we haue receyued the knoweledge of the trueth , there remayneth no more sacrifyce for syn Heb. x. nes , but a fearfull lokyng for iudgement & violent fyre , which shall destroy the aduersaries

PHIL

These textes sta blysshe nothynge theyr opinion , but rather manifestly condemne it . As Math●… well . touchynge the fyrst sentence of Paule S. Ambrose vnderstandeth it not of Penaunce , but of Baptisme . The In Heb. cap. vi . renouacion or renuynge , sayth he , by the fonntayne of holy Baptisme can not be made the second tyme . To be renued , he sayde that is , to be made newe . For it is the offyce of holy baptisme to make a man newe . And a lytle after he saythe , as Christe dyed once on the crosse as concernynge the flesh , so do we dye once in Baptisme , not in flessh but in synne . And as he can not dye agayne , so can not we be baptised agayne , excepte peraduenture with the teares of Penaunce . not wyth the regeneracion of the foun tayne . What than wylte thou saye , is there no Penaunce ? There is Note . Penaunce verely , but not another baptisme . There is vndoutedly Penance & it hath much vertu and strength , yea euen for hym also , that is verye much drowned in synne .

Thus se you that they that sinne after Baptisme , can not be made a newe by Baptisme ( for that is no more reiterated ) yet is not here Penaunce denied vnto them , but synne they neuer so greatly , yet yf they repente & turne to our LORDE God . they shall surely fynde mercy and be saued .

And as concernynge the seconde texte saynt Ambrose vpon the same In Heb: cap : x. place sayth , that Christ dyed once for our synnes , & shall no more for them be offered . For with one oblacion hathe he made them perfecte for euermore , that are sanctifyed . Thou art made cleane , thou arte free from synnes , y● arte made the sonne of God . If thou returnest to thy fyrste vomite , another iudgement taryethe for the , excepte thou be renued by Penaunce . Therfore lette euerye one , whyle he hath tyme , flye vnto the medicine of Penaunce , vnlesse he be commytted vnto euerlastynge fyre . These wordes declare openly , that so ofte as we repent and turne , so ofte shall we be forgyuen . Only we ought not to loke for another Sacrifyce . For Christe alredy hath suffered once for all . Do ye not perceyue nowe , howe greatly both the olde Heretykes , & also these theyr newe Apes , be deceyued ?

EVSE .

Yies verely .

THEO .

It is easy to perceyue for hym that lokethe vpon the textes with a syngle eye , & wyth an vncorrupted herte . But I pray you rehearse some textes of the newe Testament , that maye euidently shewe that they which synne after Baptisme , maye be renued by the holy Sacrament of Penaunce , & that gods mercy is redy for them , whan so euer they repent & turne .

PHIL.

That synners maye receyue remission of theyr synnes though they syn after they haue knowen the trueth , & are baptysed , it is manifeste by diuers places of the newe Testament , who doubteth but that Peter was bothe baptysed and knewe the trueth , when he confessed Christ to be the sonne of the lyuynge God ?

THEO .

No man . For Christ sayde Math. xvi vnto hym , thou arte blessed , Symon . Flessh & bloud haue not shewed this vnto the , but my father whiche is in heauen .

PHIL.

Uery well . Yet dyd he Mat. xxvi●… faull agayne after that , when he denyed Christe .

EVSE .

Ye saye trueth .

PHIL.

Dyd not he afterwarde , when he repented , obtayne mercye at the hande of God ?

CHRI.

No man wyll deny that , I am sure .

PHIL.

Uery well . Hereof doth it followe , that remission of sinnes is not denyed vnto siners , yf they repent & beleue . Agayne , dyd 〈◊〉 . Cor. 〈◊〉 . not one amonge the Corinthians after he was baptised , commytte a greuous and detestable offence , in as muche that he was excommunicate & put oute of the christen congregacion ? and yet when he repented , was ii . Cor. ii . he not receyued agayne among the faythfull ? If his synne hadde bene irremissible & could not haue ben for gyuen by no meanes , would Saynt Paule haue commaunded , that he should haue bene taken agayne into the company of the Christianes ?

EVSE .

It is to be thoughte naye .

PHIL.

Ye maye be sure , he woulde not . S. Iohn also 〈◊〉 . Ioan. ii . sayth , my lytle chyldren , these thinges haue I wrytten to you , that ye shoulde not synne . But yf ony man shall synne , we haue an aduocate with God the father Iesus Christ the one . Is not the loste sonne receyued , whan he repenteth , Luke . xv . knowledgeth his faulte , & commethe home agayne ? Is not the wandrynge shepe fetched home agayne vpon shulders ? Is not the wounded man cured and Luke . x. made whole ? Dothe not Christ day ly crye , come vnto me all ye that labour Math. xi . & are laden , & I shal refresh you Came not Christe to call synners to Math. ix . repentance ? Is not Christ a perpetuall sauiour ?

THEO .

O moost swete & confortable sayenges .

PHIL.

Theyse authorities vtterly n the opinion of the aforesayde Heretykes , & set for the hyghly the blessed Sacrament of Penaunce vnto the great consolacion & conforte of all faythfull & penitent synners . Therfore lette vs runne to this Sacrament as vnto a stronge Bulwarke and sure asyle . Let vs flye vnto it as vnto an holy Anckere . Let vs delyght in it , as in an hauen of helthe . Lette vs not dispayre , but beleue with a sure fayth , that yf we vnfaynedly repente and turne vnto God , desyrynge mercys for Iesus Christes sake , he wyll sure ly remitte our iniquite , and take vs agayne vnto his fauour .

CHRI.

Bles sed be God for it .

PHIL.

I haue spoken sufficiently for this tyme of Penaunce . I wyll nowe declare some what of the partes therof to you . For they are also necessary to be knowen .

EVSE .

I praye you let it be so .

¶ Of Contricion . PHILEMON .

PPenaunce consisteth in The two partes of Contricion . thre partes , Contricion , Confession , & Satisfaccion or amendement of lyfe . Fyrst as concernig Contricion , ye shall vnderstande that it consysteth in two speciall partes , which must alwayes be conioyned togyther , & can not be disseuered .

THEO

I praye you , what are they ?

PHIL.

The fyrst is , a very sorowe or mournynge of the herte for the synnes conmytted agaynst the wyll of GOD . The seconde is a constant faythe , to beleue that be the synnes neuer so great & manifolde , yet yf we repent & aske mercye , God the father wyll , not for the worthynes of ony merite or worke done by vs , but for the onlye merytes of the bloud and passion of our Sauioure Iesus Christ , vndou tedly forgyue vs our synnes , repute vs iustifyed & of the nomber of his electe chyldren . The contricion of suche a penitent synner pleaseth God great ly , yea it is an acceptable Sacrifyce vnto hym , as Dauid sayth , a Psal. l : Sacrifyce to God is a troubled spyryte , a contryte and humble herte God wyll not despyse . God saythe S. Austen , De ciui . de●… lib. x. ca. iii●… wyll not the Sacryfyce of a slayne beast , but of a slayne herte . An herte that is humbled with the knowlege of the filthynesse & abhominacion of her owne synnes , & slayne with the feare of God , and yet trusteth in the moost confortable promyses of God the father , made vnto vs in Christes moost blessed bloude , thyrstynge for strength to do the wyll of God , canne none otherwyse but haue God mercyfull vnto her . God fylleth them that Luke . 〈◊〉 . are hungry with good thynges , sayth the mooste gloryous virgyn , but he letteth go the rytch emptye . God resisteth i. Pet. v. the proud , but to the humble he gyueth grace . Blessed are they that Math. v , hunger & thyrst after ryghteousnes , for they shal be filled . Who euer hath ●…rue Contricion dry ●…ethaway bothe presumpcion & ●…espetaciō this godly contricion in hym , canne neyther presume nor yet despayre . For if he be vnfaynedly contryte and sorowfull for his synnes , he must ne des graunte hym selfe to be synfull , miserable , voyd of all goodnes , bent vnto euell , prone to noughtynesse , whiche thynge vtterly subdueth pre sumpcion & engraffethe in the harte submission , obedyence & humilite of mynde . Agayne , yf he be trulye contryte , be his synnes neuer so great & innumerable , yet casteth he his eyes on Gods mercy , set forth to all penitent synners in Christe Iesus , that wyll laye hand on it with a sure and vndouted sayth , which lykewyse maketh hym , that by no meanes he can dispayre . For though his synnes be great , yet he knoweth that the mercy of God is greater , & therfore can not his synne condemne hym . Why is Christe called a Phisicion , but bycause he is able to heale synners ? If De Peniad venan . our Phisicion be wyse , sayth Flugentius , than can he heale all infyrmities . If our God be mercyful , than can he forgyue all synnes . For ther is no perfecte goodnes , of whom al nough tynes is not ouercome . There is no perfecte medicine , to whome any dis ease is founde incurable . Thus se we , that where perfecte contricion is , there is neyther presumpcion nor desperacion .

EVSE .

I praye you , hawe maye we come by this true & perfecte contricion ? Howe we may come by 〈◊〉 true 〈◊〉 ●…fect contricion . Rom. x. The scripture deuyded into two partes .

PHIL.

Uerelye by the worde of God . For fayth commeth by hearynge , and hearynge by the worde of God . Ye shall note that the holy scripture is deuyded into two partes , that is to saye , the lawe & the promyses , the knowledge wherof is ryght necessary for the obtaynynge of true & perfecte Contricion . Ye knowe that Marke this similitude . a mannes face shal be longe defyled , spotted & deformed before he shal per ceyue it , except it be eyther told him of other , or els that he him selfe seeth it euidently in some myrrour or glasse . Semblably , the soule of a christen man shall be spotted wyth synne a great space , before he perceyueth it , and be truly contryte & sorye for it , excepte it be eyther tolde hym of other by declarynge the lawe of God to hym . or els he hymselfe loketh in the glasse of trueth , whiche is the lawe of God , & by that menes perceyueth his owne deformite , misery and wretchednes . For by the lawe commethe the knoweledge Roma . iii. Prouer. vi of syn . The commaundement is a lanterne , and the lawe is a lyght & waye of the lyfe , sayth Salomon . Da uid also saythe , O LORDE thy worde Psa 〈◊〉 is a lanterne to my feete , & a lyghte to my pathwayes . So that the nexte 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ●…sson . waye to haue the knowledge of oure synnes , whereby we shoulde be moued to be contryte & sorowfull in our hartes for our wickednesses & offences , & to stond in feare of Gods rygh teousnes , is euer to haue the lawe of God before our eyes . I haue hydden Psal. 〈◊〉 thy speches in my herte , saythe Dauid , that I maye not offende the.

CHRI.

Nowe I praye you , how shall we do concernynge the second parte of Contricion .

PHIL.

Whan ye are vnfaynedly stryken wyth this Contricion , so that your hartes do truly feare the iustyce of God , & ye abhorre synne euen to the vttermoost of your power , longynge greatly for strength to do the wyll of God that ye maye walke innocently before the eyes of the diuyne maieste , than for the consolacion of youre consciences , and the reioysynge of your hertes , oughte ye to consyder the moost swete , mooste ioyefull , moost confortable promises of God , made to vs frely in Christes moost precious bloud . Nowe to put Marke 〈◊〉 , awaye desperacion , doth conuenient time require , that ye cleue stedfastly with all mayne to the promyses , which laye forth Gods mercy before your●… eyes . Therfore loke where so euer ye heare or se ony confortable promyse of God in the holy scryptures , that declareth mercy to penitent synners , beleue without doubtyng , that that pertaineth vnfaynedly to you . Whan so euer ye heare or read that Christe is a sauyoure , streyghte wayes laye hande on that , & beleue that he also is your sauyour . Whan the Scrypture i. Tim. i. Ioel. ii . Actum . ii . Roma . x. shall saye to you , Iesus Christe came into the world to saue synners , & euery one that calleth on the name of the LORDE shall be saued , beleue you streyghte wayes , that ye are of that nomber which shal be saued by Christ . Whan the scrypture shall saye , God wyll not the deth of any synner , but rather that he tourne & lyue , beleue Eze. xviii . you streyghtwayes , that Gods plea sure is , ye shoulde be saued , yf ye returne to him with a contryte & fayth full herte , and so lyue wyth hym for euermore in the celestiall glorye , Except Marke 〈◊〉 beare 〈◊〉 wa●…e . ye haue this fayth also annexed with your sorow , verely as your contricion is imperfecte , so is it able to cast you into desperacion . Agayne , to haue a faythe that God wyll forgyue you your synnes , & not to be sory for your offenses , nor to stonde in feare of Gods indignacion for transgressynge his moost holy law , nor to hunger & thyrst after righteousnes , verely as your contricion is imperfecte , so is it the ryghte waye to lede you to presumpcion . Neyther desperacion nor presumpcion ought to be in the herte of ony chrysten man , but a penitent & sorowfull mynde erected & lyfted vp wyth fayth . For S. Austen De vera 〈◊〉 falsa peniten . cap. ii . sayth , yf fayth be the foundacion of penaunce , wythout the whych ther is nothyng that good is , verely that penance ought to be desyred , whych it is euident to be grounded on fayth . For a good tree can not bryng forth euell fruytes . Therfore that penance which procedeth not of fayth , is vnprofytable . For we must beleue that remedy is graunted to penaunce of our sauyour . Fulgentius also sayth , De penit●… . ad venant . Iudas that betrayed Christ , repented hym of his syn , but he lost helth & saluacion , bycause he trusted not to be forgyuen . He repented worthe ly in dede bycause he synned betrayenge the ryghteous bloude , but he therfore loste the fruyte of his repentaunce , bycause that he dyd not trust that the syn of his betraieng should be wasshed awaye wyth his bloude , whome he betrayed . Thus se you how necessary faythe is vnto a contryte herte , & howe that withoute that , it is not possible for any penitent siner to receyue remission of hys synnes , as dyuers manifest textes & Historyes of the holy scrypture do euydentlye proue & shew .

THEO .

You taught vs this thynge abundantly before in the thyrd dysh of your Bancket , neyther haue we forgotten it .

PHIL.

I am glad of it . Therfore wyll I nowe tary no lenger about this matter , but ma●…e hast to the second parte of Penaunce whiche is Confession .

EVSE .

I praye you hertely , let it so be .

¶ Of Confession . PHILEMON .

AFter that ye haue conceiued in your hertes such true & perfecte Contricion , as I haue hytherto paynted , than dothe it follow in ryght & due order , which is Confession . It is requisyte that a chrysten man be not only sory for his offences commytted agaynst God , but also that he knoweledgeth and confessethe hys synne . For the scrypture sayth , Math 〈◊〉 Ma●…e . 〈◊〉 . Luke . 〈◊〉 . that they whyche came to be baptysed of Iohn , confessed theyr synnes . Lykewyse read we in the Actes of the Actum . xix . Apostles . But in asmuch as the scripture teacheth dyners kyndes of confession , therfore wyll I here somwhat towche them all .

Fyrste the chefe & moost pryncypall The confes●… of faith Confession , is the Confession of our fayth , wherin we confesse vnfaynedly , whatsoeuer the holy scriptures teach of God . This confession is so necessary , that wythout it no man can be saued . No manacynge wordes , no imprysonment , no chenes , no fetters , no sweard , no faggot , no fyre ought to plucke vs from this Confession . No tyranny ought so to be feared , the God & hys trueth shoulde not be confessed . For euery one , sayth Chryst , the Math. x. Mat. viii . Luke . xii . shall confesse me before men , I shall also confesse him before my father which is in heauen . But he that shall deny me before men , I shall deny hym also before my father , whyche is in heauen . Of this Confession S. Paule sayth , with the herte it is beleued vnto Roma . 〈◊〉 righteousnes , but with the mouth confession is made to saluacion . Also S. i. Ioan. 〈◊〉 Iohn . Hereby shall ye knowe the spy ryte of God . For euery spyryte that confesseth that Iesus Christ is come in the flesh , is of God . And euery spy ryte which confesseth not that Iesus Christe is come in the flesshe , is not of god . And this is that spirite of An techrist , of whome ye haue herd , how that he should come , & nowe alredy is he in the worlde . But in asmuche as thys confession is not that parte of Penaunce , wherof we do nowe entreate , I wyll omit it at this present .

Another kynde of Confession is , The Confession of synnes vnto God . whiche pertayneth more nearely to our matter , for to confesse our synne vnto God , whome we haue offended . wythout thys Confessyon oure Penance auayleth but lytle , as we maye perceyue by dyuers places of the scripture . For though al thynges are open to the eyes of God , & nothyng can be Heb. iiii . hyd from hym , so that he knoweth al chynges , yet wyll he that we humblye confesse & knowledge our synnes vnto him , that by thys menes we may make hym the more mercyfull vnto vs . We read that a certayne blynde Luke . xviii man cryed vnto Christ , sayenge : Iesu the sonne of Dauid haue mercye vpon me , Christ dyd knowe full well wherfore he called on hym , yet not with standynge he sayde , what wylte thou that I do vnto the ? LORDE sayde he , that I may receyue my sight . Christ demaunded thys thynge of hym , by cause he would haue hym confesse hys infirmite & blyndnes . So is it conuenient for vs , yf we wyl receyue our syght , to confesse our blyndenes .

S. Iohn say the , Yf we confesse oure 〈◊〉 . Ioan. i. synnes , God is faythful & righteous to forgyue vs our synnes , & to make vs cleane from all our vnryghteousnes . If we saye , we haue not synned , we make hym a lyer , & his worde is not in vs . Dauid also saythe , I haue Psal. xxx●… made my trespasse knowen vnto the , & myne vnrighteousnes haue I not hydden . I sayde , I wyll confesse my vnryghteousnes to the LORDE , and thou hast forgyuen the vngodlynes of my synne . This confession followeth a true repentant & contryte herte . The Prophet Daniel confesseth his Daniel . ix , synne on thys manner , we haue synned , we haue done vnryghteousnes , we haue wrought wickedly , we haue gone awaye & declined from thy commaundementes & iudgementes . Also Eldras , I and the house of my father ii . Esd. i. haue synned , we were seduced with vanite , & haue not kepte thy commaundementes . Lykewyse Dauid , ii . Reg. xii . whan the Prophet Nathan at that commanndement of God , rebuked hym for his adultery & manslaughter , confessed his synne , & sayde , I haue synned vnto the LORDE . Agayne , O God . I haue synned to the alone , & euel be fore the haue I done . The Publican Luke . xviii also made his confession on this manner , O God be thou mercyfull to me a synner . This kynde of Confession ought euery christen man dayly and hourly to make vnto God , so ofte as he is broughte vnto the knoweledge of his synne .

Another kynde of Confession is to The confession of synnes to our neyghbour . Iacob . v. knowledge & confesse oure synnes to them , whome we haue offended . Of this speaketh S. Iames , sayeng , your synnes one to another . Al so Christ , yf thou shalt offer thy gyft Math. v. at the Altare , & there doste remember , that thy brother haue any thyng agaynst the , leaue thy gyfte there before the Altare , & go thy waye , and be fyrste reconcyled to thy brother , & than come on thy waye , & offer thy gyfte . This Confession , wherby we are reconcyled one to another , & con ioyned in mutuall amite , is so necessary , that wythout it , the other pro fyt & auayle lytle before God .

There is another confession , which is publique & open , & this is , whan The publ●… que confes sion . we knowledge & confesse our synnes openly before the congregacion , as the manner was in the prymatyue chyrch . Of this confession speaketh Christe : If thy brother trespasse agaynst Mat. xviii , the , go & tell hym his faulte betwene the & hym alone . If he the , thou haste wonne thy brother . But if he heareth the not , than take yet one or two with the , that in the mouth of two or thre wytnesses euery matter maye be establysshed . If he heareth not than , tell it to the congregacion . If he heareth not the congregacion , holde hym as an He then and Publican .

All these kyndes of confession are abundantly fortressed & approued by the holy scriptures .

THEO .

But we heare nothyng all this whyle of auriculare confession , which is chefely vsed amonge vs at this tyme .

EVSE .

Of this we would be glad to heare .

CHRI.

I praye you expresse your mynde concernyng this kynde Of Ariculare confes sion . of Confession also . For some approue it , some agen n it .

PHI.

Why auriculare Confession shuld be condemned & exiled from the boundes of christianite I se no cause , but that it shoulde be approued , retayned , maynteyned & vsed , I fynd causes many , yea and those ryght vrgent and necessary .

CHRI.

Muche absurditie & wickednes hath both bene conspired , learned , practised , & done in this auriculare Confession , as histories make mencion , neyther want we experyence of this thinge .

PHIL.

I can not denye these thynges to be true .

There is no thynge so good and of so great excellencye , but it maye be abused . The abuse therof is to be Note . taken awaye , and not the thyng it selfe . That Confession hath be●… great lye abused , it can not be denyed , as many other thynges in the chyrche haue ben also , yet ought it not ther fore to be reiected & cast awaye , but rather restored to the olde purite & to the vse , for the which it was fyrste instituted . And so shall it not only not hurte , but also profytte verye hyghly , & brynge much vtilite and profyt to the christen congregacion .

THEO .

This thyng shal neuer come to passe , excepte they that sytte on confession be men of grauite , sagaci te , wisdome , discrecion , sobriete , integrite , & able to teach , istruct and informe with all godly doctryne .

EVSE .

Me thyncke it an extreme poynte of madnes for a man , y●… his body be diseased , to hunte , inquire and seake aboute for a sober , wyse , mark this Similitude . prudent & cunnynge Phisicion , that may cure & heale it , & to be so neclygente in those thynges that pertayne to his soule . For many care not to what preste they go vnto , be he or vnlearned , wyse or folish , mo dest or lyght , of good conuersacion or of noughty lyuyng , so that to sa tisfy the custome they come to one , & receyue theyr absolucion , and go awaye neuer the better instructed nor with the more penitent hertes .

CHRI.

This is a great abusion .

PHIL.

Ye say trueth . Therfore were What mā●…er of men they ought to ve , that shulde be Curates . it conuenient , the they , which should be appoynted to be Curates & ouer sears of the Christen people , into whose handes the whose lyfe & care of Christes flocke is committed , shuld be of such sorte , as S. Paule descri 〈◊〉 . Tim. iii. Titus . i. beth in his Epistles to Timothe & Titus , that is to saye , irreprehensible , fautles , sober , discrete , ryghteous , holy , temperate , apte to teach , & suche one as cleueth vnto the true worde of doctryne , that he maye be able to exorte with wholesome learnynge , and to improue them that speake agaynste it . For this cause Leui. xxii dyd God commaunde in the olde Testament that they should not be chosen to be preestes for to minister to him , which had ony blemysh on them whyther they were , blynd , lame , with an euell fauoured nose , with any mis-shapen member , or that haue a broken fote or hande , croke backed , or any blemish in theyr eies . &c. What ment God by this perfeccion of the prestes Note wel , members , but only to shew that he whiche should serue him , & gyue attendance on his flocke , should be whole & sounde in all kynde of vertu & godlynes , not corrupte nor deformed with ony iniquite , & vnclenes A preste ought to haue no blemysh on him , that is to saye , he ought to be pure both in his doctryne & conuersacion .

CHRI.

God graunt vs once such Curates , that maye rule amonge vs with suche integrite of lyfe & synceritie of doctryne , as is required of them in the holy scriptures .

EVSE .

If this might be brought to passe , than should the gospel of Christ florysshe , and the flocke of ●…t . xx . Christe , whome he purchased wyth his moost precious bloud , be better looked vpon & fedde , than they are nowe a dayes .

PHIL.

Trueth it is . But I praye you marke , what I shall nowe saye vnto you , concernyng this Auriculare Confession .

That Auriculare Confession is a thyng of much weight , & graue importaunce it appeareth well , in as much as it bringeth to men diuers ample commodities & large profytes

THEO .

I pray you , what are those .

PHI.

Fyrst igraffeth i vs a certayne The commo dities that ensewe of auriculare Confession hūilite , submission & lowlines of mid & depresseth al arrogancy and pride , whyle we humbly are contented to confesse to our ghostly fathers suche offences , as wherewith we haue offended God , Secondly it incuteth and beteth into our hertes a shame fastnes , wherby we are so ashamed of our fautes heretofore commytted , that we vtterly abhorre them , & are wholly inflamed with the loue of vertue . Thyrdly , it bryngeth vs to the knowledge of our selues , while we heare those thinges of the prest , that are necessary to be knowen of euery christen man . Fourthly in confession we do not only lerne to know howe haynous & detestable a thing synne is before God , but also meanes & wayes to eschewe it . Howe many , thynke you , are ther , which yf this auriculare confession were taken awaye , would not care how they lyued , neyther woulde theyre garde onye parte of Christes doctrine , but liue like bruite beastes with out ony feare of God at all , or study of innocencye , wallowynge and tomblynge them selues dayelye in synne , not once hauynge a respecte vnto the correccion of theyr olde & wicked manners . Fyftely yf we be in doubte of ony thinge , in confessi on we maye learne the assuraunce & certente of it . Syxtely in confession the ignorant is brought vnto knowledge ▪ the blynde vnto syght , the desperate vnto saluacion , the presumptuous vnto humilite , the troubled vnto qu●…ernes , the sorow full vnto ioye , the sicke vnto helth , the dead to life . What nede I make many wordes ? Confession bringethe high trāqui●…tte to the troubled conscience of a christen man , whyle the moost confortable wordes of Absolucion are rehersed vnto him by the prest .

EVSE .

I praye you , what is that ab solucion .

PHIL.

Uerely a free What ab Colucion is . deliuerauuce from all youre synnes thorow Christes bloud . How saye you is here any thynge to be condemned in Auriculare Confession .

CHRI.

No verely , alll thinges that you haue rehearsed , are rather worthy hygh prayse & commendacion .

PHIL.

It is atributed & giuen vs euen of nature to communicate vnto other the secretes of our hertes concerninge mundane & woridly thinges , whither they be of ioye or sadnesse , and tyll we haue so done , we are neuer in rest

EVSE .

You saye trueth .

PHIL.

Whye shoulde we than not be redye to do so likewyse in spirituall affayres , & thinges pertaynynge vnto the saluacion of our soules , excepte per ad uenture we be enemies of our owne helth . What is sweter & more pleasaunt , saythe Cicero , than to haue Libro de 〈◊〉 . such one , with whome thou darest be bold so to speake al thinges , as with thy selfe ? A man hauyng a learned wyse , descrete , silent , close , & faythe full ghostly father , which louethe the penitent , no lesse than a natural fa ther doth his childe , why should he feare to declare vnto him the secretes of hts herte , which is redy to con forte , to instructe , to counsayle , to tech , and to do all thinges that should make vnto his consolacion & helth . The Prophet Malachy sayth , the Mala. ii . lyppes of a preste kepe knoweledge , and men shall seake the lawe at his mouthe . For he is a messanger of the LORDE of hoostes . If this ought to be done at all tymes , whan haue we a more conuenient & fit tyme to do it , than in the tyme of Confession , whan we maye freely talke to our spirituall fathers , what soeuer pleaseth vs ?

EVSE .

It is trueth that ye saye . But what if such a ghostly fa ther doth not chastse , as ye haue dis cribed hertofore .

PHIL.

Uerely ye ought alwaye to resorte to the best learned men , & to seke for suche ghost ly fathers , as both wyll and can in structe and teache you the lawe of God . But let it so be , that your Cu rate be not of the gretest learned men , yet is he to muche simple , yf he can bringe oute of his treasurehouse thinges neyther newe nor olde , seinge that the holy scriptures are so Mat. xiii . plenteously sette forth in oure Englysh tonge , that euen the very ydiot maye nowe become learned in the kyngdom of God . At the leest , this commoditie shall ye enioye at hys hande , euen the benefyte of Absolucion . Therfore to make fewe wordes An exho●…tacion to go to Confession . concernynge this matter , disdayne ye not to go to confession at the tymes appoynted accordynge to the ordinaunce of the holy chyrch , and the Acte of our moost excellent kinge , yea and that with all humble & reuerence . Declare the diseases of your soules vnfaynedly , that ye maye be healed with the moost swete and confortable salue of Absolucion Followe the godly & wholesome ad monicions of youre ghostly father Go vnto him wyth such an hatred & detestacion of synne , that ye may returne from hym wyth hertes all togither enflamed with the perfyt loue of vertu , innocency , & true godlynes , beyng full fixed neuer to returne 〈◊〉 . Pet. ii vnto youre olde vomyte and wallowynge in the myre . And whan he shal rehearse vnto you the moost Earneste faith must be gyuen to y● word●… o●… absolution . swete & confortable wordes of Absolucion , gyue earnest faythe vnto them , beynge vndoutedly perswaded , that your synnes at that tyme be assuredly forgyuen you , as though God him selfe had spoken them , accordynge to this sayenge of Christ : He that heareth you , heareth me . Mat. x. ●…uk x. Ioan. xx Agayne , Whose sinnes ye forgyue , are forgiuen them .

This haue I spoken concerning Auriculare confession .

THEO .

Uery godly forsothe .

EVSE .

What remayneth nowe .

CHRI ,

Ye promised con sequently to entreate of Satisfaccion or amendement of lyfe .

PHIL.

Ye saye trueth . Of that matter therfore wyll I now intreate .

¶ Of Satisfaccion or amend ment of lyfe .

AS towching this word Satisfaccion , whiche hath so longe bene retayned in the Chyrche of Christ , we must & beleue vndoubtedly , that christ alone is the omnisufficient satysfaccion for all oure synnes vnto God the father , by the sprynkelyng and effusion of his moost precious bloud 〈◊〉 . Pet. 〈◊〉 which abydeth & lasteth for euer so perfect , that he is able at all times to saue them , that are sanctified with Heb. 〈◊〉 that one & omnisufficient oblacion & Sacrifice of his moost blessed body on the Altare of the Crosse , and that not onlye from the faute , but also from the payne due and belongynge vnto the faute . Behold that lambe of God , sayth S , Iohn Bap Ioan. i. tist , which taketh awaye the synne of the worlde . S. Iohn the Euangeliographe 〈◊〉 . Ioan. 〈◊〉 . sayth also : The bloud of Iesus Christ Gods owne sonne , makethe vs cleane from all synne . Agayne , yf any man synne , we haue Ioan. 〈◊〉 . an aduocate wyth God the father , Iesus Christ that ryghteous one , And he is the satisfaccion for oure synnes , not for our sinnes only , but also for all the whole worlde . By the Rom. v. death of Christe are we reconcyled to the father . Christ is our wisdom i. Cor. 〈◊〉 . Ephe. 〈◊〉 . sanctificacion , ryghteousnes & redemcion . Christe is oure peace . By the bloud of Christ haue we remission of oure synnes . By Christ are all thynges reconcyled to God , and Colo. 〈◊〉 . Esa. 〈◊〉 . by Christes bloude are all thynges pacifyed & set at a stay both in heauen & in earth . Christe was broken for oure synnes . Christe bare oure synnes on his body vpon the tree , by whose stripes we are made hole . i. Pet. ii . i. Ioan. ii . Oure synnes are forgyuen vs for Christes name . All the Prophetes beare wytnesse , that thorowe the name of Christ , euery one that beleueth on him , shall receyue remission of his sines . Thus se we that there Act. x . is no satisfaccion perfecte & sufficient to God the father for oure synnes , but only the death of Christ so that we maye well say with the Apostle God forbyd , that we should reioyse in ●…ala . vi . Note for whos synnes the death of Christ i●… a satisfaccion . ony thyng , but in the death of our LORDE Iesus Christe . Who so euer repenteth him of his synnes from the very herte , & is sorye for them , lamenteth his miserye , hongreth for strength to do the wyl of God , know ledgeth his offenses , labourethe with all mayne to walke in a newe lyfe , nedeth not to doubte , but that Christ by his death hath abundantly satisfyed to God the father for his synnes .

CHRI.

Is ther no more behind concernynge satisfaccion .

PHIL.

Yies verelye . After ye haue repented you of your wickednes , ye must than amend your lyfe , & bryng forth fruytes worthy of Penaunce , as the Mat. iii. scripture commaundeth . Ye muste practyse in your lyuyng all godlynesse & innocency . Factynge , prayer and almes must dilygently be exercysed of you in your dayly conuersacion . Psa. l●…xxiii Rom. i. Ephe. v. Ye must go from vertue to ver tue , & from faith to faith . As ye haue walked before in darknes , so must ye walke now in light . Your whole lyfe must nowe be nothing els , than a perfecte meditacion of purite and innocencye . Excepte ye laboure to do this , surelye ye haue no parte of Christ , neyther is the death of Christ a satisfaccion for your sinnes , but the Ioan. iii. wrath of God abydethe styll vpon you . God hath blessed you in christ Iesus , that euery one of you shuld turne away from his wickednesses as the scripture sayth . God hathe Act. iii. i. Thes. iiii . not called vs , sayth S. Paule , vnto vncleannes , but vnto sanctificacion and holines .

These thinges once done , than remayneth A satisfaccion to our neyghbour . there a true & pepfecte satisfaccion to our neighbour , whome we haue offended or hurte either in worde or dede . For a satisfaccion or amendes must nedes be made to our neyghbour , or els we walke not after the order of Charite , nor accordynge Mat. vii . Luke . 〈◊〉 . to the lawe of nature , which commaundeth euery man to do to another , as he would other should do to him . Therfore God in the old lawe commaunded that yf any m●… dyd steale from his neyghboure an oxe or a shepe , he should restore and gyue hym agayne fyue oXes for an Exo. x●… oxe , & foure shepe for one shepe . We read also in the Gospell of Luke , that Zacheus sayd vnto Christ : behold Luke . xix●… LORDE I gyue halfe my goodes to the poore people , & yf I haue deceyued any man of any thyng , I gyue him four times asmuch agayne for it . These thynges declare manifest lye , that we are bounde to make satisfaccion to our neyghbour , in what soeuer thynges we haue hurte them .

THEO .

What , if we be not able , shall we then lose the heretage of the king dome of heauen ?

PHIL.

God forbyd Note well For than shoulde all they that dye for thefte , & many other be damned .

But this I say vnto you , yf we be able by ony meanes to make satisfaccion to them , whome we haue offended , hidered or hurte , we ought withoute doubte to do it . But yf it so be , that by no wyse we are able , than ought we to come to them , whome we haue offended , & desyre them for Christes sake to forgyue vs . And they agayne ought , yf they wyll be forgyuen of God , to remitte & for gyue theyr offenders .

CHRI.

This is very godly spoken .

PHIL.

Hyther to haue I talked with you of the holy Sacrament of Penaunce , of Cō tricion , Confession , & Satisfaccion accordynge to the vayne of the holye scriptures & the mynde of the auncient Doctours .

EVSE .

We remember all theyse thynges well , and we thancke you ryght hertely for them .

THEO .

Neyghboure Philemon , ye promised also to speake somewhat of fastynge , which is very necessary for this present tyme .

PHIL.

Ye saye trueth , & accordyng to my promise I wyll nowe entreate of it .

¶ Of Fastynge .

TO tarye longe in the encomy & prayse of fastyng , as it were but a vayne thing so doth not the scarsenesse of tyme suffer it . Howe can it anye otherwyse than be a thinge of hygh excellency & muche vertue , seynge that God hymselfe was the fyrste institutor & Author of it , prescrybynge Gen. ii . it vnto oure prime parente Adam in Paradyse , whiche yf he had obserued , none of vs all had fallen from that ioyfull state into this calamitouse misery●… . Dyd not Moses fast forty dayes , that he myghte be ●…x . xxxiiii Iud. xx . i. 〈◊〉 . vii . xiii . iii. 〈◊〉 . xix . made worthy to receyue the Tables of the lawe ? Dyd not the people of Israell many tymes fast when they had displeased God , to recouer and wynne agayne his fauoure , and at diuers other tymes ? Dyd not Hell as also fast . xl . dayes ? Dyd not Iosaphat ii . Pa●… . xx commaund a solon fast to his people , Did not quene Hester with certen Hester . i●…i other Iewes fast thre dayes & thre nightes , whenthere was a commaunde ment gyuen to destroye all the Iewes ? Dyd not the kynge of the Niniuites , whan Ionas threatened Io. ii . iii : them subuersion , commaunde bothe man & beast , & all that euer dwelte in the Cytie to fast ? Did not Dani D●…n . ix●… ell many tymes faste , and neyther i. Esd. 〈◊〉 . Mat. ●…iii . Mat. iii. xi ▪ Ac. i. xiiii . xxvii . eate nor dryncke ? Dyd not Esdras so lykewyse ? As I maye passe ouer many of the old Testament , dydde not Christ the sonne of God in the newe lawe fast forty dayes & forty nyghts ? Dyd not Iohn Baptiste gyue himselfe to much & continual fastynge ? Dyd not the Apostles after Christes Affensiō fast ? Is there not a certayne kynde of dyueltes , which is not cast oute but by prayer Mat. ix ▪ ii . Cor. vi . xi . & fastynge ? Dyd not Paule fast oftentymes ? Do not al these Histories declare that fastynge is an excellent & very precious thynge ? Is not fastynge one of the cheife and pryncypal workes , which are requi red of a christen man in the holy scripture ? Fasting , sayth Basilius magnus Maketh lawers wyttye . It is the Mat. vi . Ser. i. D●… Ieiunio . best custody & kepynge of the soule . It is the sure habitacion and dwellynge of the body . It is a defence & armour to valeaunt men . It is an Beholde what a precious thynge fastynge is . exercyse to lusty Champions , & prouers of maystries . It expelleth tentacion . It is the vnction of godlynesse . It is the familiarite of the fountayne , the gouernour of pure lyuig . Fastyng is the ornamente of a Citie , the establyshment of the iudgynge place , the peace of houses , the helth & preseruacion of houshold . As I may make shorte tale , thou shalte fynde that fastyng hath made al the saintes frendes and neyghbours vnto God . Hytherto haue I rehearsed the wordes of the famous Doctor Ba silius . The blessed martyre S. Cypriane Set. De Ieiunio . ●…t tent . Christi . also sayth , wyth fasting the stynckynge poole of vyces is dryed vp , wantonnes wythereth awaye , concupiscences and lustes decaye , vayne pleasures go awaye . Wyth fastyng the flame of the burnynge Ethna is quenched , & the fornace of the flammiuomus vulcane quenched wythin , dothe not burne the hylles nere vnto it . Fastynge , yf it be gouerned with discresion , tame the all the rebellion & fearcenes of the flesshe , & spoyleth & maketh weake the tyranny of glotonye . Fastynge speareth vp & encloseth as though it were in a narrowe prison the extraordinary & vnlawfull mocions , yea it holdeth streight and bindeth the wanderynge appetites . Fastig if it be garnysshed with humilite maketh the seruauntes of God despisers of the worlde . Fastynge is fed with the deyntyes of the Scriptures , it is refresshed with contemplacion , it is establysshed with grace , it is norysshed with celestiall & heauenly bread . Th●…s se you also by the auncient Doctours , how precious a thynge fastynge is . Agayne ye se of howe great vertue & strength it is , & howe many commodities it bringethe to them that vse & exercyse it aright . Let these few thinges ther fore suffice for thys present , for the commendacion & prayse of fasting .

CHRI.

We perceyue nowe right wel that fastinge is a thynge of weygh ty importaunce .

EVSE .

Uerelye me thynke that I can not approue nor allowe the manners of those Gospellers , as they caull them selues , which contēnynge all kynde of god ly fastynge , gyue themselues to glot tony & dronckennesse , perswadyng them selues to be than best christen men , whan they ar furdest from chrestianite .

THEO .

Such grosse gospellers haue much hyndered the prosperous progresse of Goddes worde .

PHIL.

True the it is that ye saye . But I praye you be dili●…ent a lytle while to heare me , and I wyll teach you both what the true & christen faste is , and also howe ye ought to faste .

THEO .

I pray you let it be so .

EVSE .

Speake on brother Phelemon , we heare you gladlye .

PHIL.

The true Ser. 〈◊〉 . De Ieiunio . & christen faythe , as Basilius magnus doth defyne , is not only to abstayne from meates , but also to eschewe euell thinges . Of this diffinicion What Fastyng i●… . do ye learne two thynges , that is to saye , that the true & christen fast consisteth not only in the abstinence of meates , but also in the eschewynge of euell . Therfore sayth Hom. xv . i●… cap. vi . our golden mouthed Doctor , ther is a spirituall and a corporall fast . The corporall faste is to abstayne from meates . The spirituall fast is to abstayne from synnes . For as the fleshe hath a pleasure in eatynge , so 〈◊〉 : hath the spiryte of the flesh a pleasure in synnyng . In consideracion wherof the wise men call euery sin pleasure or lust , bycause we commyt euery synne with delectacion & plea sure . Agayne he sayth : He that abstayneth from meat , & not from euell workes , he appearethe to faste , but yet he fasteth not in dede . For loke Note . howe much he fasteth vnto men , so muche dothe he eate before God , seing he goeth forth styll to synne . In another place also he saythe , I In Gen. i. Hom. ix . call fastyng abstinence from vices . For the abstinence from meates is receiued for this purpose , that it should refrayne the rigoure & fearse Marke wherfore we abstaine from meates . nes of the flesh , to make it obedient euen as an horse is to his keper .

He that fasteth , must aboue al thinges refrayne anger , learne mekenez & lenite , haue a contryte herte , & that may repell & put abacke vncleane concupiscences & lustes , set before his eyes alwaye the eye of the euerlastynge iudge , & the inprauable iudgynge place , by his mony to be made better & to haue rule ouer it , to be liberall in gyuynge almes , to admyt & receyue into his herte no euell agaynst his neighbour , as Esay speakyng in the person of God Esa. 〈◊〉 . sayth , haue I chosen this fast , sayth the LORDE ? Though thou wriest about thy necke lyke a circle , & strowest vnder the sackeclothe & ashes , neyther shall thy fast be so called acceptable , saythe the LORDE . What fast than , tell me ? Loosen , sayth he , the bondes of the wicked bargaynes breake thy breade to the hungrye , brynge the poore man that hath no house into thy house . If thou doste these thynges , saythe he , than shall thy lyght breake forth as the mornyng , and thy health shall sprynge right shortely . Hast thou now sene ( my welbeloued ) what the true fast is ? Let vs loke vpon this fast , and lette vs not thynke , as many do , the fastynge stondethe in thys poynte , yf we continue without ony diner vntyll it be nyght . Hytherto haue I rehersed the wordes of S. Iohn Chrisostome , of whome we maye easly learne , that the true & christen faste is not onlye to abstayne from meat , but also from synne . But let In Leuit. Homel . x. cap. vi . vs heare the myndes of some other doctors , Origene sayth wylt thou that I shewe vnto the , what fast thou oughtest to fast ? Fast from euell dedes , abstayne from euel wordes , refrayne from euell thoughte●… , touche not the theuish breades of peruerse doctryne . Couyt not , nor luste not after the deceyuable meates of philosophye , that maye seduce & turne the from the trueth . Suche a faste pleaseth God . S. Austen sayth , the Ex ser●…●…e . c●…xxii . fastes of christen men are rather to be obserued spirituallye than carnally . In consideracion wherof , let vs fast principally sron our synnes , vnlesse oure faste be refused of the LORDE , as the fastes of the Iewes were . What a fast is this , that an Esa. lviii . impostore or deceyuable person , I can not tel who , should abstayne from meates , whiche the LORDE hathe created , & yet ware fatte with the fatnes of synnes ? Haue I chosen such a fast , sayth the LORDE ? Rede the eyght and fifty Chapter of the Prophet Esaye . And a lytle after Math wi●… : he sayth , the faste which the moost hyghest dothe approue & allowe , is not only to leaue of to refresshe the body , but also to departe from euell actes or dedes . Also i another place Extra●… . xv●… 〈◊〉 Ioan. he fayth , the great & generall faste is to abstaine frō●…iquites & vnlaw ful pleasures of the worlde , which is a perfecte fast , that we sorsakige Titus . ii . vngodlines & the lustes of the world , should lyue in this worlde soberly , righteously & godly . To this faste what reward doth the Apostle giue It followeth & he saythe , Lokynge for that blessed hope and the apperaunce of the glory of the great god , & of our Sauiour Iesu Christ . In this worlde as a Lent of abstinence Note . do we celebrate , whan we lyue wel , whan we abstayne from wickednes , and vnlawfull pleasures . But bycause this abstinence shal not be with out rewarde , we loke for that blessed hope of the reuelacion of the glory of the great God , & of oure sauiour Iesus Christ . I coulde reherse vnto you innumerable places bothe of these Doctors & of many other , yf I had leasure , which declare euidently , that the true & christen faste doth not only consiste in the abstinence of meates , but also in the for sakyng of synne . But these at this tyme maye seme abundantly to satisfye .

THEOPHILE .

O good LORD , ●…genst the wycked 〈◊〉 vngodly Fasters . howe greatelye are manye deceyued , whiche thyncke that they fasts wel , yf they do onelye but abstayne from a smokye pece of Baconne , or harde salted and powdered befe , though they eate the mooste delicious fyshes that can be gotten , and infarse theyr bodies like belyed Hypocrites with all the swete meates 〈◊〉 eyther Potecaries or ony other can inuent or imagyne , yea & that so vnmeasurablye , that after they haue once dyned , they are prouoked eyther to the pleasure of the body , or elles lyke beastes of the bellye faull streyghtwayes vnto sleape , so that they are not able to serue God , nor themselues , nor yet onye other , O detestable abhominacion .

EVSE .

Howe much also are they deceiued of the true manner of fasting , which do not only fast after such sorte , as ye haue nowe spoken , but also do norysh in theyr hertes all kynd of malyce agaynst theyr christen brothers sekyng howe they may destroy them & shed theyr bloude , yea neyther do they cease to pollute and defyle the moost blessed name of God , so much as lyeth in them , wyth moost oothes , and are also in all theyr conuersacion wicked lyuers , as I maye adde nothynge therto .

PHIL.

Undoutedly these men are farre from the true & christen man ner of fastynge , whiche is , not only Ser. i. De Ieiunio . to abstayne from meates , but also from synnes . Agaynst those thondereth the holy Doctor Basilius magnus on this manner : Wo be vnto you ye dronckardes , not with wyne only . For wrathe & indignacion is al so a certayne dronckennesse of the soule making it euen as wyne doth hertles & folysh . For although thou eateste no Note . flesh , sayth he yet neuertheles dost thou eate thy brother . Thou tariest from thy meate tyll it be night , yet all the whole daye doste thou con sume in sute & goynge to the lawe . But thynke not that the goodnes of fastynge is only in the abstinence of meates . For the true faste is the eschewynge of euelles . Whan thou fasteste , loosen all wycked bondes , disquiet not thy neighboure , paye thy mony that thou owest , exercise not lawyng & suing by the fast . &c.

Thus haue I declared vnto you after the myndes of the holy & auncient Doctors , what the true and christen fast is , wherby ye may also easely learne to knowe the popysh & false fast . And bycause ye shal not doubte of this doctryne concerning fastynge , know you , that the kynges moost royall maiesty also in his Proclamacion concernynge eatynge of whyte meates this tyme of Lent , hath there no lesse prudently than godly , set forth the very same thing , that hytherto I haue taught you . The wordes of the Proclamacion are these : Lette all men endeuoure them selues to theyr possible powers The kynges Proclamaci on concerninge whyte meates . with thys liberte of eating of white meates to obserue also that faste , whiche God moost specially requirethe of them , that is to saye , that they renounce the worlde , & the diuell , with all theyr pompes & workes , & also to subdu & represse their carnall affeccions , & theyr corrupt workes of the flesshe , accordynge to the vowe & profession , made at the fonte stone . Howe saye ye to theyse wordes .

CHRI

Uerely they are wordes of suche a Prince , as is worthy of immortalite and eternall glory .

EVSE .

I besech almyghty God long to preserue in prosperous helth his moost excellente maiestye .

THEO .

Amen , good LORDE I beseche the ,

PHIL.

Seynge that I haue taught you , what the true & christen fast is , I wyll nowe accordynge to my promyse teach you also howe ye ought to faste

E●…SE .

I praye you let it so be .

PHIL.

In declaryng to you this thynge , whome should I rather fol lowe than oure Sauioure Iesus Christe , the teachet of all truethe ? Howe we ought to fast he teacheth vs in the Gospell of Math. on this manner , sayenge , whan ye faste , be Math. vi . not sad as the Hypocrites are . For they disfigure theyr faces , that they myght be sene of men to fast . Uerely I say vnto you , they haue theyr rewarde . But thou , whan thou tastest , annoynt thy head , & wash thy face , that it appeare not vnto men , that thou fastest , but to thy father whych is in secrete , and thy father which seeth in secret , shall rewarde the openly . Christ in this place , doth not only rebuke the hipocritical and supersticious manner of the vngodly fasters , but he also teachethe vs the true & germayne manner of fastyng .

THEO .

What is that I praye Thre thynges are to be 〈◊〉 in fa●…ting you ?

PHIL.

Uerely , who so euer entendeth tofast arighte , he must obserue thre thynges . The fyrste is , that he annoynte his head . The second , that he washe his face . The thyrd , that he faste in secrete .

EVSE .

This is so straunge a manner of fastyng , as euer I heard .

PHIL.

It is peraduenture straunge vnto you , bycause ye are not yet perfectely exercysed in the Phrases of the holy scriptures , but if ye be once taught , what is signifyed by this manner of speakyng , it shall not only not seme vnto you straung , but also very pleasaunt & praty .

CHRI.

I pray you declare The Author tea●…heth no thyng of hys owne brayne . it to vs , that we maye learne to fast aryght & accordynge to the wyll of Christe .

PHIL.

Bycause I wyll not teache you ony thynge of myn own braine , but that only , which I haue read in the holy scriptures or els in the aunciente Doctors , I wyll rehearse vnto you the wordes of s. Iohn Chrisostome , which shall Hom. xlv . Ex cap. vi Math Fe ●…ia . i●…ii . 〈◊〉 . abundantly satisfy youre desyre in this behalfe . In the annoyntynge of the head , sayth he , we know that mercy is signifyed . Therfore to annoynt the head , is to shewe mercye to our neighbour . For that mercy that is done vnto a poore man , is referred

vnto God , which is the head of What it is to annoynte the heade . the man , as the Apostle sayth . And the LORDE hym selfe sayth , what so euer ye haue done to one of my lessest brothers , ye haue done it vnto me . In the stede of the which mercye , with the diuine retribucion , as with i. Cor. xi . Math. xxv : Math. v. Psal. cxxxii a certaine heauenvly oyle , we are pou red and shedde ouer by hym , which sayth : Blessed are the mercyful , for God shall haue mercy on them . Ho ly Dauid also dyd knowe the vnccion & annoyntynge of the celestial oyle in the head , when he sayd , as the annoyntment , which came downe into the beard . But in wasshyng the face , the purite of a clene bodye & of What it is to wasshe the face . a syncer conscience is knowen to be signifyed . So that to wash the face , is to make clene the face of our hart , from all fylthinesse of synnes & from the vncomelynes of trespasse , & to haue a verye pure conscience , that we may truly haue in vs , the gladnes of celestiall ioye , & the familiari te & cherefulnes of the holy Ghost . Hytherto haue I rehearsed the wordes of Chrisostom , wherby ye may learne , that to annoynt our head , mark wel . is none other thynge than to shew oure selues beneficiall to the poore members of Christ . Agayne , to wash our face , is to make cleane both body & soule from sinne & wickednes .

THEO .

If this be to fast , I feare me that so many faste not before God , as pretende outwardly to faste before men .

PHIL.

This manner of fastynge teacheth the holy scripture , howe so euer men vse it . Therfore yf ye wyll faste aryghte after the mynde of S. Iohn Chrisostome , ye must fyrste annoynte youre heade , that is to saye , conforte the poore people with suche goodes as God , hath commytted to you . For the rytches Marke here o ye rytch me●… . the ye haue , be not youres only but they be Gods also , as he sayth by

the Prophet , gold is myne , siluer is Agge . ●…i . myne . God hath put them in your hāndes , the ye should distribute parte of them to the poore people . Ye are the Ste The author entendeth not here c●… munion of thynges , which god forbyd that ony man shuld gather her of but only m●… nysweth the rytch men of there dutye . Math. xxv . wardes of God , & the dispensators of his treasures that you lyuynge of them , shuld also conforte the poore members of Christe . If ye spend them otherwyse than God hath appoynted you in his worde , ye shall render an accountes for it . Ye haue nothig at all , but that ye shall be called to an accountes for it euen to the vttermoost farthig . If ye be not fos●…d to haue vsed your talent well , & vnto the profyt of other , ye shall with that vnprofitable seruaunt of the Gospel be cast into outward darkenes , where wepynge & gnasshynge of teth shall be . If ye be proued vnmercyfull & negligent in the distribucion of the worldly goodes , sure ly , surely ye shall be caryed awaye with the rytch man , of whome S. Luke speaketh in the Gospell , vnto Luke . xvi . hell ; & there burne in such cruell & bytter flames , as the fyre wherof shall neuer be quenched , neyther shall the worme of them , that shall be there , dye at ony tyme , as the Prophette sayth . Thus se you that ye Esa. lxvi . haue no great cause to boste & glory of worldly goodes , nor yet to auaunce your selues aboue other men for youre possessions sake , no more than a greate mans seruaunt hath to whome his LORDE and mayster hath commytted his goodes for a certayne space to kepe , the seruaunte lookynge at euery houre whan his mayster wyl require them agayne . He is a very thefe & robber , say the Basilius Magnus , which maketh Ser. i. In diuites Auatos . that thyng his owne , that he hath receyued to distribute and gyue abrode . For the bread , sayth he , that thou retaynest & kepeste , is the bread of the hungry , the garment , which thou kepest in thy chest , is the garment of the naked , the shoo , that is moulde with the , is the shoo of him that is vnwod , & the mony , whiche thou hydest in the grounde , is the mony of the nedy . Moreouer thou doste iniury & playne wronge to so many as thou forsakeste , when thou arte able to helpe them . Hytherto Eccl. xxxiiii . pertayneth the sayenge of the wyse man , the bread of the nedy is the lyfe of the poore , he that d●…fraudeth hym of it , is a manstear . Thus se you in howe great iopardy , the ritch men are , that be vnmercyefull vnto the poore people , & how lytle theyr fast pleaseth God in theyr vnmercifulnes , seynge they do not annoynte theyr head , that is , showe no mercy to the poore members of Christ , God teachynge the true manner of fastynge Esa. lviii . by his Prophet amonge all other thiges sayth , breke thy bread to the hungry . Marke the he say the , breke thy bread to the hungry . Cer Mathe thys expo sicion . tayne Doctors wryte on this tert & says , that thou breakeste thy breade than to the hungrye , whan that so fastest that thou sparest from thyne owne bellye to gyue it to the poore hungrye man . For a Christen manne ought to be no lesse carefull for the poore than for hymselfe , so that prouision once made for his familye , he muste also shewe mercye to the nedye .

Thou therfore doste breake thy bread vnto the hungrye , whan thou gyueste hym that , whiche thou thy selfe necessarelye shouldest haue eaten . And this is to annoynte thy head aryght , verely euen to breake thy bread to the hungry .

THEO .

Would God that all rytche men dyd O preposteroas al mes gyuers . knowe this much & would followe it . For many thyncke that they do God an hyghe Sacrifyce , yea & the they be good almes men , yf whan they haue once pampred theyr owne bellyes with all kynde of deynties , they than at the laste gyue or sende to the hungry a few scrappes , which they wyl scasely vouchsafe to giue to theyr dogges .

PHIL.

I pray God giue vs all grace to do oure dutye . Nowe haue ye herde , what it is to annoynte youre heade . I wyll also speake somwhat of wasshyng your face , although I maye seme abundantly to haue spoken of the very effect of it in the diffinicion of fasting .

If we wyll fast aryghte , we are not only commaunded to annoynte oure head , that is to saye , to shewe mexcy to the poore people , but also to wasshe our face , that is , to make our hertes cleane from all synne , that we maye haue a pure conscience . For it is not ynough to be benefici al to other , except we also be beneficial to our selues . This shall come to passe , yf we labour with all mayne to haue a mynde pure & cleane from all carnall affectes , & a body voyde of wicked dedes . What was the cause that God dyd cast away the fastes & solemne feastes which the Iewes celebrated & kepte holy in his name , but onlye that they wasshed not theyr face , that is , they went not aboute to put of theyr olde conuersacion , & to become newe men ? I hate & abhorre , Esa. i. sayth God , your sacrifiices , youre solemne feastes , your fastes , why so ? For your handes , sayth he are full of bloud . Youre hertes are full of vengeaunce , your consciences are spotted and defyled withal kynde of sinnes , ye haue no feare of God before your eies . What is than to be done ? Be ye wasshed , sayth he be ye cleane , take awaye the euell of your thoughtes from myne eies Cease to do euell , learne to do well , seke iudgement , helpe the poore oppressed , be fauourable to the confortles , defende the widowe . &c. GOD hateth those prayers , those fastes , those good dedes , as they cal them , which come from a defyled body , a corrupt hert , a fylthy mynd , a bloudy conscience , a spotted and pocky soule , as a certayne man sayth . It ●…ius , ●…ont . Rom. profyt a man nothynge at all to fast & pray & to do other good thinges of deuocion , excepte the mynde be refrayned from vngodlynes , and the tonge from backebytinges . For God hath euer a principall respect to the herte of the doer of the worke . If the herte be pure , cleane & fayth full , than dothe God approne that worke . But if it be spotted with syn , God casteth it away , appeare it ne uer so glisteryng & excellent in the sight of the worlde . Offer not , sayth Ec●…l . xxxv : the wyse manne , wycked giftes , for God wyll not receyue them .

CHRI.

It is euident than , that so many as chaung not theyr wicked lyfe , cast away theyr Hypocrisy , make clene theyr hartes , put out of theyr myn des al rancoure , malyce , enuy , grudge . &c. and to study aboue all thynges to lead a pure & innocent lyfe , can by no menes please God Godly ad moniciō●… concernig the true man ner of fastyng .

PHIL.

No forsoth . Therfore yf ye entende to fast aryght , & to make your faste acceptable to God , prouide earnest ly that youre faste procede from a pure & cleane herte , voyde of al carnall affectes , stuffed full of fayth & charite , and altogither studious of true innocency & vnfayned godlynes . So shall it come to passe , that not only your fast , but al that euer ye do besydes accordynge to Gods word , shall very greatly please god .

THEO .

I besech God gyue vs grace to do all thynges accordyng to his moost godly wyll & pleasure .

PHIL.

Labour & God wyll helpe . I haue declared two thynges that are necessary to the true vse of fastynge . There remayneth nowe the thyrde to be brought forth , which is so expedient and necessary for that purpose also , the that other two without this profiteth nothynge .

EVSE

I praye you let vs heare it .

PHIL.

We are not only cōma●…ded in oure fastyng to annoynt our head & to wash our face , but also to fast , in secret .

THEO

What is it I praye you to faste in secret .

PHIL.

Uerely to fast in secret What 〈◊〉 is to fast in secret . is not to kepe you close from the sight of men , & so to abstayne from your meates in preuye corners , but not to hunt & hawke after vayneglory nor prayse of men for your fasting , nor to seke to be sene of men whyle ye fast , that they maye commend & prayse you . We are counted before God than to faste in secrete , whan Note . we fast with such a mynd , that we woulde fast in dede , though no man lyuynge dyd se vs , and whan we regarde more the accomplishment of Goddes wyll , & the subieccion & ta mynge of our body , than all the hu mayne glorye that can be attributed vnto vs .

EVSE .

It is lawefull than to fast euen before men .

PHIL.

Yea verely or to do any other good worke , so that the desyre of worlde ly prayse he not in youre myndes . For Christ saythe , let your lyght so shyne before men , that they maye Math. v. se your good workes & glorify your father which is in heauen . But yf 〈◊〉 we seke ony prayse of men & desyre to be magnifyed for oure good dedes , verelye than haue we oure rewarde , not of God , but of the world . For ther is no more pestiferous in feccion to poyson any good worke , the it should lose the reward before God , than the desyre of vayne glory , and worldly prayse . What dyd deiecte & Esay . xiiii 〈◊〉 . Pet. it . caste downe Lucifer from heauen into hell pytte , but vayneglorye ? Agayne what dyd exalte & lyfte vp from the earth vnto heauen the moost blyssed and glorious virgin Mary the mother of our Sauiour Iesus Christ but humilite , as she her selfe testifieth . My soule , sayth she , magnifyeth the LORDE . And my spirite Luke . i. reioyseth in God my sauyour . For he hath loked vpon the humilite of his handmayd , beholde , bycause of this , shal all kyndredes call me bles sed . God resystethe the proude , but 〈◊〉 . Pet. v. to the humble he gyueth grace and sheweth fauour . Unto whome shal I loke , sayth God by his Prophet , Esa. lxvi . but vnto hym that is poore & contryte in spiryte & feareth my wordes ? Blyssed are the poore in spiryte , forto them belongeth the kyngdome of heauen . Therfore all youre Math. v. workes that ye do , do them with a simple mynde , & with such an harte as beyng nothyng desyrous of vayne glory , seaketh only the honoure of God , & the accomplyshment of his moost deuyne wyll . Thus haue I taught

you neyghbours both what the true and Christen fast is , & also howe ye ought to fast .

CHRI.

Brother Philemon we confesse before you , that we haue lerned here this day more of you concernyng certayne thynges than euer we knew before . God gyue vs all grace to followe youre moost godly instruccions .

EVSE .

Amen , I beseche God .

PHIL.

Well , nowe is the greatest parte of oure Potacion past . What is more to be done ?

THEO .

Ye promised that ye woulde declare vnto vs the significacions of certayne Ceremonies , the be vsed in the chyrche this tyme of Lent .

CHRI.

Ye sayde also that ye woulde teach us , howe we shoulde prepare our selues worthely to receyue the moost blyssed Sacrament of the Altare at the tyme of Easter .

PHIL.

I remember my promyse well , accordyng ther vnto , therfore wyll I do .

¶ Of the Ceremonies vsed in the Chyrche this tyme of Lent , and what they signifye . Of the Asshes .

THe fyrste Ceremonye that is vsed in the Chyrche this tyme of Lent , is the imposicion & layenge on of Asshes vpon the heades of Christen men .

THEO .

I praye you vnto what purpose is that ceremony vsed ? What What the ashes sig●…nyfye . is the significacion of it ?

PHIL.

This is done , to put vs in remembraunce what we are . For whan the preste layethe asshes on youre heades , he sayth these wordes . Remember man that thou arte asshes & vnto asshes thou shalte returne . This Ceremony pr●…cheth vnto vs , that we are nothynge but asshes , dust & earthe , & to that we shall returne agayne . If we marke this Ceremony well , we shall

haue but litle occasion to be proud Note . or to magnify ourselues , as the Eccl. x. scripture sayth , wherfore arte thou proude O thou asshes & earth ? All fleshe is grasse , sayth the Prophet , & all his Esa xxviii glory is as a floure of the feld . If we consider this thynge well , it shall also prouoke vs vnto the contempte & vtter despisynge of the worlde , ye a it shall plucke vs from sinne , & moue vs to do good workes , as the wise man sayth , remember thy last Ecc. vii . ende , and thou shalte neuer synne . And for asmuch as in the olde lawe they that would humble them selues be fore God by Penaunce , dyd vse to sytte downe in the asshes & to throw asshes vpon theyr heades , as the scriptures shewe of Achab , of the Niniuites , ●…is . Re. xxi . Ionas . iii. Iudit . iiii . of the Iewes , whan they were oppressed of holofernes , & of diuers other , therfore the holye fathers of Christes chyrch in tymes past in stituted also this ceremony to put vs in remembraunce of the Penance which this holy tyme of Lent ought to be done of all christen menne for theyr wycked dedes , whyche they haue wrought all the whole yeare paste . Do ye perceyue nowe , what the layeng of asshes vpon your heades do signify .

CHRI.

Yea very wel .

PHIL.

Forsoth who soeuer reposeth the significacion of this Ceremony in his herte , canne none otherwise but alwaye be humble , gentle , low ly , meke , full of humilite , estraunged from all arrogancy , despisyng terrestiall thynges , & desyrynge thynges celestiall .

EVSE .

Ye saye trueth . But what meneth I praye you , the couerynge of the Images in the temples this tyme of Lent .

¶ Of the couerynge of Images , & what it signifyeth . PHILEMON .

THe ecclesiasticall wryters assigne dyuers causes , one this , another that . But in this dissension & variete of opinions , I wyll al leage one or two reasons , & byd the other fare well as thinges not great ly makyng vnto the edificacion of The fyrst cause why Images are couered . true godlynes .

THEO .

I praye you let vs heare .

PHIL.

One cause is to signify vnto vs , that they that are synners & haue a pleasure styl ther in to remayne , are not worthye to behold the sayntes in heauen , which are represented by those Images , nether shall they at ony tyme come vnto that glory , wherof the Sayn tes alredy haue the fruicion , excepte they repent them of theyr wicked lyuynge , Mat. iii. ryse oute of synne , brynge forth fruytes worthy of Penaunce , & become newe men in theyr conuer sacion . Therfore whan we enter in to the chyrche and se all those Images couered , we oughte to mourne & lament our synfull lyuyng , to recognyse oure selues synners , to excyte & store vp our selues to bryng forth fruytes worthy of Penaunce , & to cut away by true & vnfayned Contricion our synnes , that we maye be founde worthy agaynst Easter , that is , agaynste the tyme of oure passyng & goyng out of this world clerely to beholde & openlye to se in the kyngedome of heauen the shynynge The second cause . face of God & his Sayntes .

Another cause is to declare the mournynge & lamentacion of synners for theyr vngodly manners . Ye knowe that the custome is amonge vs euen at this daye , that so longe as we mourne for ony of oure frendes departed , we vse to go with close Note : faces , to weare simple apparell , layenge asyde all gorgious & sumptuous garmentes . So lykewyse this tyme of Lent , whiche is a tyme of mournyng , all thynges that make to the adournement of the chyrche wherof the Images are parte , are either layd asyde or els couered , to put vs in remembraunce that we ought nowe to lament & mourne for our soules dead in sinne , & continually to watche , praye , fast , gyue almes , & do such other workes of Penasice as wherwith God beyng excited & stored vnto his antique & olde mercies , may call vs agayne from death to lyfe , from synne to godlynes , from wickednes to innocencye .

CHRI.

I haue hearde also that Images in the The third cause . Temple are couered for this purpose in the time of Lent , to put vs in remem braunce that although we haue in ony parte of the yeare paste commytted Idolatry with them , yet at this tyme we shoulde vtterly gyue ouer this abhominacion , & only cleue to God , & to his exceding great mercy lokyng for remission of our synnes & al other good thinges at his hand alone thorowe Iesus Christe oure LORDE . In consideracion wherof the clothes that are hanged vp thys tyme of Lente in the Chyrche haue paynted in them nothynge els but the paynes , tormentes , passion , bloud sheddynge & death of Christ , that now we shoulde only haue oure myndes fyred on the passion of Christe , by whome only we were redemed , and althoughe we haue erred & runne astray lyke shepe destitute of a shepparde Math. 〈◊〉 all the longe yeare paste , yet that now this holy tyme we should returne withe humble & contryte myndes vnto Christe the bysshop & 〈◊〉 . Pet. i●… curate of our soules .

PHIL.

It may be so ryght well . The significacion vndoubtedly that ye haue now rehearsed is very godly . Well thus haue I declared vnto you that I haue red concernyng the couering of Images in Lente .

THEO .

We thancke you for it . Let me se , what other Ceremonies are vsed in the Chyrche this tyme of Lent ?

EVSE .

Ther are diuers other , but I pray you neyghbour Philemon , declare vnto vs , what the Ceremonies sig nify , which are vsed in the Procession of Palme sondaye . For surely I thyncke , not one amonge a thousand knowe what the Procession preache the vnto vs .

PHIL.

I thyncke ye saye trueth in dede , & therfore is it so lytle regarded nowe a dayes amonge many , whan notwithstandynge it preachethe vnto vs many godly & goodly lessons , yf they were knowen . Therfore yf ye wyl marke diligently , I wyll to the vttermost of my power declare to you partly myne owne coniecture , & partelye what I haue read & lerned of the auncient wryters in tymes past concerning this matter .

CHRI.

I praye you let it so be . We wyll heare you gladly .

¶ Of the Ceremonies the are vsed in the Procession of Palme sondaye , & what they signifye . PHILEMON .

IN the begynnynge of the Procession the people goethe oute hauynge euery one a Palme in theyr hand followynge the Crosse which is couered with a clothe .

EVSE .

Ve say trueth , but what doth it mene . That the Crosse is caried forth beynge couered with a clothe , rather then with an open face ?

PHIL.

The What y● 〈◊〉 bted crosse signifyeth Crosse so velated & couered signifieth Christ the sonne of God , which beynge promised of the Fathher to the Iewes in the olde lawe , was not than come , but only adumbrated , shadowed & prefigured by certayne types , figures , Ceremonies , cloudes & shadowes , as by Manna E●… . ●…vi . xvii . xii . the Rocke , the Paschall Lambe , the brasen serpent . &c. All these prefigu Num. xxi : red Christ to come . In consideraci on wherof that Crosse is borne enclosed .

THEO .

We perceyue nowe the What the people syg nifye . right well . But what do those people signify , which go with the crosse .

PHIL.

Uerely the fathers of the olde Testament , which lyued longe before the commynge of Christ being vnder the cloudes & shadowes of the olde lawe .

EVSE .

For what intente what the Palme signifyeth do they beare Palmes in theyr handes ?

PHIL.

Forsothe to signifye the victorye that they haue gotten by Christ .

CHRI.

why I pray you , how could they get any victory by christ whan he was not yet borne ? Marke this well .

PHIL.

Yies forsoth brother Christopher . For although Christ at that tyme was not come in the fleshe & borne of the moost glorious virgyn Mary , yet dyd they beleue vndoubtedly , & were perfectly persuaded that he should come , & that they shoulde be redemed by his passion , & that he shoulde paye theyr dettes to God the father , euen with his moost precyous bloud , delyuer them out of captiuite , & make them pertakers of the glory of heauen . And although they dyd not se Christ with theyr corporall eies , yet dyd they se hym withe theyr spirituall eyes , that is to say with the eyes of theyr faith , yea & beleue wythouteony hesitacion or doubtynge , as Christ sayde of Abraham to the Iewes , Abraham youre father I●…n . viii : dyd reioyse that he myghte se my daye , and he sawe it and was gladde . This is to be vnderstonde that Abraham dyd se Christ with the eyes of hys faythe , which is the very true & perfecte sight .

EVSE .

So farre as Note . I remember I haue red this texte in the Scripture , blessed are the eyes Luke . 〈◊〉 that se those thinges , which you se. For I saye vnto you , that many Prophetes & kynges woulde haue sene those thynges that ye se , & yet haue they not sene them , and heare those thynges , which ye heare , and yet haue they not hearde them .

PHIL.

Ye saye trueth . This is vnderstonded of the corporallsyght of Mathe well . Christ . They desyred so greatly the redempcion of Israell , that they euermore wyshed the commyng of Christ in the flesshe , as we maye perceyue in the Prophette Esaye , where we Esa. xvi . read these wordes : Sende forth O LORDE , that lambe the ruler of the earth oute of the rocke of the deserte vnto the mount of the doughter of Syon . Agayne , woulde God thou wouldest clyue asunder the heuens and come downe . They desyred in Esa. lxiiii . dede very greatly to se Christ with theyr corporall eyes , but yet dydde they se him none otherwyse than with the eyes of theyr fayth , in asmuche as he was not t●…an borne , but only Gen. iii. Eco . xvi . xvi . ●…ii . Num. xxi . promised of God the father , and shadowed by diuers ceremonies of the olde lawe . For as saynte Paule 〈◊〉 . Cor. x. sayth , all oure fathers were vnder a clowde . Therfore in asmuche as they dyd faythfully beleue in Christ and hope to be saued by his mooste blessed passion , althoughe they dyd not se hym with theyr corporal eyes , yet was he vnto them a Sauyour , a redemer , a perfecte satisfaccion , so that by hym they euen at the tyme had gotten the victorye ouer Note here of the Palme synne , death and hell .

THEO .

But I pray you why do they rather beare a Palme in theyr handes than any other thynge ?

PHIL.

I wyll tel you neighbours , that which they beare in dede in theyr handes , is not pro perly called a Palme , for they are the bowes of a Salow tree , but by cause we haue no Palmes growing in this londe , therfore do we beare them in stede of Palmes . By bearynge of those Palmes the victory that we haue gotten ouer Satan thorowe Christ is signifyed .

CHRI.

Why rather by the Palme than by ony other tree ?

PHIL.

For Aristotle why victory is sygnyfyed by a Palme tre . & Plutarche do wryte , as Aulus Gellius testifiethe , that the nature of a Palme tree is this , the although there be neuer so great weyghtes & burdens layd vpon it , so that a man would not thyncke it possible to be borne , yet doth not the Palme tree once bowe , nor gyue place to the bur den , but valeauntly aryseth & preuayleth agaynst the weyght layde vpon it . Therfore by this Palme tree rather than by any other is Prob. viii . Spm. viii . Lib iii. Cap. vi . victorye alwaye signifyed , yea & that not only in diuyne but also in humayne literature .

CHRI.

We perperceyue it nowe ryght well .

EVSE .

Surely it is a thing much worthy to be noted .

PHIL.

Ye saye trueth . If men dyd knowe the significacion of those bowes , which they beare in theyr handes at that tyme , they would not so supersticiously abuse them , as they do

THEO .

Ye say truth , but let those thynges passe , & let vs go forwarde with oure Procession .

PHIL.

Than go they forthe with the Crosse vntyll they come vnto a certayne stedde in the chyrche yearde , where they stonde styll , & in the meane season , the prest rede , the gospel

EVSE .

It What the redyng of the Gospel in the Chyrchyard singnifyeth , is trueth , what meneth that ?

PHIL.

It signifiethe the Prophetes , whiche prophesied of Christes commynge , & declared that whan he once came captiuite shoulde be exiled , & liberty reduced , all sorow & care should be dryuen awaye , & all ioyfull & merry thinges succede & come in place . They prophesied that at hys commynge the eyes of the blynde shall Esa. xxxv be opened , the eares of the deafe shall heare , the halte shall skyppe as the harte , & the tonge of the dumme shall speake . Agayne the preached , that , whan the annoynted sauioure come , he shall preach mery tidynges to the poore , heale the contryte in herte , Esa. lxf : Luke , iii●… , preach delyueraunce to the preson ners , and syght to the blynde . &c. Are not all these ioyfull & pleasa●… newes ? This doth the Gospell signify , which the prest readeth ther. For this Greke worde Euangelion , What Euāgelion 〈◊〉 which we cal Gospel in Englysh , so●… deth in our common tonge , a good , ioyefull and mery message . Thus ye perceyue , what the readinge of that Gospel signifyeth .

THEO .

Yea forsothe very well . I praye you go forthe .

PHIL.

The Gospell beynge once done , than goeth the people forth with the Crosse that is couered , & euen streyght wayes not farre from them come other people & the prest with the Sacrament , which haue with them a Crosse bare & vncouered , prycked full of grene Oliues & Palmes .

CHRI.

What do all those thynges I praye you , preach vnto vs .

PHIL.

Tary a whyle , & I shall declare to you altogyther . But fyrste ye shall note , that there come forth certayne chyldren before the naked Crosse , ●…ngynge a certayne songe , whiche begynneth , En rex venit . Beholde the kynge commeth .

EVSE

What meanethe that .

PHIL ?

This What the chyldren sig nify , that come syngyng be fore the Crosse . may be vnderstonded by those Pro phetes , whiche prophecied of Christes commynge a lytle before he was borne , shewynge that he was nere at hande , or it maye ryght well sig nify S. Iohn Baptist , whiche dyd not only shewe before that Christe was at hand , but also poynted him euen with his fynger , sayenge : Beholde Ioan. 〈◊〉 . the lambe of God , whiche taketh awaye the sinne of the world . Now as towchynge the naked crosse , What the nak●…d crosse signifyeth . it signifyeth Christ alredy come , & borne into this worlde . And they that go with the crosse , betoken the people of the newe Testament , whiche beleue in Christ , & receyue hym with What those people signi fye , whych go wyth th●… Crosse . enbrasynge armes .

EVSE .

But I praye you for what cause , is that Crosse adourned wythe grene Oliues & Palmes ?

PHIL.

The grene What the ●…rene Olyues singnyfye on the Crosse Olyue leaues declare vnto vs the vnmesurable aboundans of vertues , whiche are in Christe , of whome alone we haue al that euer good is , And what so euer vertue is in vs or what so euer good dede comme from vs , all that we do receyue of Christ , the sole Author & fountayne of all goodnes . I am the vyne , sayth Christe , & ye are the braunches . He Ioan. xv . What the Palmes signify on the Crosse . that abydeth in me , & I in him , bringeth forth much fruyte . For without me ye can do nothyng . And as concernynge the Palmes , they signify the victory , which Christ hath gotten ouer Satan , synne , death , hell , desperacion . &c. by his mooste blessed passion , & the shedyng of his moost precious bloude , as he sayth by the Prophet Oze , from the power Oze. xiii : of death , sayth he , wyll I delyuer them , yea from death it selfe wyl I redeme them . O death , I wyl be thy death . O hell , I wyll be thy destruccion . Thus ye se , what is ment by the grene Olyues and Palmes , wher which the naked Crosse is adourned .

CHRI.

Yea verely .

PHIL.

Nowe marke what followethe . After the songe of the chyldren , the preste goeth forthe wyth the Sacrament & certayne people also withe the naked Crosse , vntyll they mete wyth that Crosse , that is obnelated and couered . They are not so sone met , but the bumbled Crosse vanyshe away , & is conueyed from the companye streyghte wayes . Than all the whole people enclose togyther with great ioye , singyng & makyng melody tryumphantly followyng the naked crosse , bearyng in theyr handes euery one a Palme , in some places also they beare some grene herbes in the stede of Oliues .

EVSE .

What is signifyed , I praye you , by all those thynges .

PHIL.

Where as the couered Crosse vanyssheth away What the goynge awaye of the couered crosse signifyeth & goeth out of place at the ingresse & commynge in of the naked & open Crosse , it preachethe to vs , that whan Christe was once come , & appeared in the flesh & had suffered and dyed for vs , that than all the Ceremonies , types , figures , clowdes & shadowes of the olde lawe vanysshed away and were no l●…nger of ony effecte . Whan the lyghte once shyneth , the darkenes bearethe rule no lenger . Christ the true lyght of the worlde is come , therfore those ceremonies Ioan. vii . of the olde law are now no more necessary . The trueth of Goddes promyse is pformed . Therfore al shadowes , which were as pledges ought of necessite to vanysh awaye . They that are truly conuerted vnto the Note . LORDE , haue no more the vayle of ceremonies before theyr faces , but are free , & with open eyes of theyr 〈◊〉 . Cor. iii. sayth they se y● LORD Christ . More ouer the people , that accompany bothe crosses mete togyther & enclose as one , followyng the open and naked crosse .

THEO

What signifieth that ?

PHIL.

This sheweth that they , whiche What the enclosyng of both the people togyther signifyeth . were before the commynge of Christ , & they that haue bene syns that tyme , are all one , of one chyrche , of one congregacion , of one shepefold , professe one God , beleue in one Sauioure , haue one heauenvly father , & loke for one rewarde , which is the glory of heauen thorowe Iesus Christe , as S. Paule sayth , all dyd eate of one spirituall meate , & all dyd dryncke 1. Cor. x. of one spirituall dryncke , for they What the syngyng of the people togyther signyfyeth . droncke of the spirituall rocke , which accompanyd them . And this rocke tru ly was Christ . They syngynge and makynge melody togyther , signifieth theyr inward & vnsayned ioye , which they haue conceyued in theyr hertes for the redempcion that they haue in Christe Iesus .

CHRI.

But what meanethe theyr Palmes and Oliues or other greene herbes in theyr handes ?

PHIL.

I haue declared vnto you before , that the Palmes Palmes . signify the victory , that we haue gotten ouer Satan thorowe oure LORDE & captayne Iesus Christe , as S. Paule sayth , death is swalo 〈◊〉 . Cor. xv . wed vp into victorye . O deathe where is thy stynge . O hell , where is thy victory ? The stynge of deth is syn The strength of syn is the law But thanckes be vnto God , which hath gyuen vs the vyctory thorow our LORD Iesus Christ . Christ him selfe also sayth , in the world ye shall haue trouble , but be on a good con Ioan. xvi . fort , for I haue ouercome the world . All that is borne of God , ouercommeth the world , saythe S. Iohn , & 〈◊〉 . Ioan. v. this is the victory , which hath ouercome the worlde , euen our faythe .

EVSE .

What is signified by the grene Oliues or other herbes ?

PHIL.

The The Olyues that they signyfye . aboundance of vertues . The bearynge of Olyues shewethe that we are not only delyuered oute of seruile captiuite , & that we haue gotten the victory thorowe Iesus Christ , & are set at liberty , that we beyng without feare & delyuered from the poore Luke . 〈◊〉 of oure enemies , shoulde serue God all the dayes of our lyfe in holines & righteousnes , but that we are also Note here of the Olyue tre . thorow hi , plenteously garnysshed & enuyroned with al kīdesof vertues do now no lesse florysh with vertues , than the Olyue tree dothe with fruyte , which as Plini writethis neuer with out grene leues & fruyte . Therfore Lib. xv : Psal. 〈◊〉 . saith Dauid , I being as a fruytful Olyue tree in the house of God , haue trusted in the mercy of God for euer : more .

CHRI.

we perceyue now these thynges ryghte well . What followeth I praye you ?

PHIL.

These thinges once done , than the people gothe somewhat further vnto the chyrch doreward , and there stondeth styll .

EVSE .

I remember it well .

PHIL.

Immediately after certayne chyldren stondynge vpon an high place right agaynst the people , syngynge with a lowde voyce a certayne Hymne , in the prayse of our Sauioure Iesus Christ , which begynneth , Glorialaus .

THEO .

It is trueth .

PHIL

At the ende of euery verse the chyldren caste downe certayne cakes or What the chyldren signify , the synge gloria laus . breades with ●…loures .

EVSE .

What do they meane by this ?

PHIL.

The chyldren which sig , betoken the faithful christen men in this worlde , whiche ought to be simple & humble in hert , as a chylde is , as Christ sayth , vere ●…at xviii ly I saye vnto you , excepte ye be conuerted & become as a chylde , ye shal not enter into the kingdome of heuen . Who so euer therfore humblethe himselfe as this chylde , he it is that is greatest in the kyngdome of heauen . Also S. Paule , Brothers , be 〈◊〉 . Cor: 〈◊〉 not chyldren , in vnderstandynge howe be it , as concernynge maliciousnes , be chyldren , but in vnderstandynge be perfecte . Nowe as con cernynge the syngynge & castynge downe of cakes & floures , ye shall heare now thre thiges . The fyrst is What the syngyng of 〈◊〉 chyldren sig nyfy●… , geuyng of glorye & prayse to Christ for his innumerable benefites shewed vnto vs , which is signifyed by the syngyng of the chyldren . For it is conueniente that we be not forgetfull of Goddes goodnes toward vs , but that we be thanckefull agayne for it , and synge perpetuall prayses to his moost blyssed name . For this is the rewarde and amendes that he desireth , as he himselfe sayth , the Sacrifice of prayse shall Psa. 〈◊〉 honouor me . Also the Psalmograph sayth : O●…ier to God the Sacrifice of prayse . The seconde is an honest conuersacion , & the continuall What 〈◊〉 floure●… signify●… . exercyse of godly vertues , which is signified by the floures , that the chyldren east do●…ne . For seing that we are restored vnto oure olde liberte Note thorowe Christe , whiche we lost in Adam , & are nowe become christen men , we ought not only to be thankeful to God for his benefites , but al so leade an honest & pure lyfe , that by this meanes also Goddes glory maye be set forth by vs , as Christe sayth , Let youre lyght so shyne before math. v. men , that they maye se youre good workes , & glorify your father which is in heauen . We are set withoute feare , & delyuered from the power of our enemies , sayth Zacharye the preste father of S. Iohn Baptiste , that we should serue God all the day Luke . i. es of our lyfe , in holynes & ryghteousnes . We are the workemanshyp of god , sayth S. Paule , created in Ephe. ii . Iesus Christe vnto good workes , which God hath prepared that we shoulde walke in them . Agayne , ye i. Cor. v●… are derely bought . Glorify GOD now therfore in your body & in your spiryte , which are Goddes . Also in another place , If any manne be in Christe , he is a newe creature . The thyrde is mercy towarde the poore ii . Cor. v. people , which is signifyed by the castynge downe of the cakes . Thys What the castyng dow●… of the Casignifye . mercy towarde the nedy members of Christ , ought diligently to be exer cised of all christen men , which haue the goodes of the world in theyr possession , or els they shewe them selues vnworthy the benefites of GOD . For by mercye & faythe are synnes pourged , saythe the wyse man . To Prouer. x●… Pro , xxi . do mercy & iudgement pleaseth the LORDE more then Sacrifice . Giue Luke . xi , almes , sayth christ , & behold all thiges are cleane vnto you . Thus se you , what is signifyed by the syngynge of the chyldren , & by the castynge downe of the floures and of the cakes . Wherof ye learne , what is youre dutye to do agayne vnto Beholde what our duty is to ward god God for his excedynge & incomparable benefytes towarde you , verely to be thanckefull , to lede a godly lyfe , & to be mercyfull to the poore members of Christ .

THEO .

Undoubtedly the significacions of these ceremonies are godlye . I woulde all men knewe them , & woulde do ther after .

PHIL.

The very same wysh I also .

CHRI.

But what doth it mene What the stonding of the chyldren in so ●…yghe a place signifyeth . I praye you , that the chyldren , which singe , & cast downe the floures and cakes , stonde in so hygh a place from the ground ?

PHIL.

This preacheth vnto vs , the they , which gyue prayse vnto God & practyse an honest conuersacion , and shewe mercye to the poore poople , shoulde not do it for Mathe this well . vayne glorye nor for the prayse of men , but only for the glory of God , settynge theyr myndes , seyng they are come to Christe , no more vpon earthlye thynges , but vpon thynges celestiall & heauenly . In token wherof they ascend and go vp into such an hygh place from the earth . And this is it , that S. Paule 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 wryteth , yf ye be rysen agayne with christ seake for those thynges that are aboue , where christ is syttynge on the ryght hande of God . Seke for those thynges that are aboue , & not that are vpon the earth . For you are dead , & your lyfe is hydde with Christ in God .

EVSE .

This is a good lesson , we thancke you for it .

PHIL.

Well , nowe marke the ende of your Procession , for it is almoost done .

THE.

I pray you declare what soeuer remayneth

PHI.

Theyse thinges once done than goeth the Procession forth , vntyll they come to the chyrche dore , whiche , whan they come vnto it , is sparred , & certayne chyldren in the chyrch syngynge . The songe beyng once done , the preste taketh the crosse in his hande , & putteth the dore from him with it , & so openeth it , and entreth What the sperynge of the Chyrche dore signifyeth . in with al the other people after hym .

CHRI.

What do all those thinges preach vnto vs ?

PHIL.

The spearynge of the chyrch dore signifyeth , that heauen gates were speared Gen. iii. Rom. v. agaynst vs for the synne of our fyrst father Adam , in whom all we haue offended , so that no man could once enter by his owne vertue , power , merites & good dedes into heuen , Ioan. iii. as Christ witnesseth , no man goeth vp into heauen , but he that came downe from heauen . That is to say , no man by his owne strength & vertue ascendeth into heauen , but Christ , whiche descended from heauen , & toke flesh of the moost glorious Note & pure virgyn Marye . Therfore euery one that goethe vp into heauen , goeth vp by Christe , as he hymselfe witnesseth , I am the waye , Ioan. xiiii the trueth & the lyfe , no man commethe vnto the father , but by me . Therfore to declare that oure ingresse & entrynge into heauen , commeth only by Christe & by Christes death , therfore the preste openethe the dore with the crosse . For ye knowe right well , that none of all the holy Patriarches , Prophetes , Kynges , and other godly fathers of the olde Testament dyd enter into the glory of heauen , vntyll Christ had suffered & payed oure raunsome by hys moost precious bloud

EVSE .

Ye say trueth .

PHIL.

This declareth therfore manifestely , the by Christe alone we haue free passage into eternall glorye , as S. Paule sayth , euerlastynge Rom. v●… , What the chyldren sig nifye , which synge with in the chyrch lyfe is the gyfte of God , tho row Christ Iesus our LORD .

THEO

But what is sygnifyed by the chyldren which are within the chyrche at the dore syngyng ?

PHIL.

Uerely the myrth , ioye & melodye , whiche the Aungelles make in heauen , for mans redempcion by christ . It sheweth how glad & mery they are , that man is become pertaker of the glory , wher of they haue the fruicion . And this theyr ioy maketh them to come for to mete the soules of the faythfull , & to present them to the diuine maieste .

CHRI.

This is a very godly ex posicion .

PHIL.

Whan they are once What the chyrch signifyethe . entred into the chyrche , wherby heuen is signifyed , than do the all the people knele downe , & the prest pluc kyng vp the cloth , wherwith the cru cifixe was couered , and makyng it open to all that are there presente , syngethe a certayne songe , the people in the meane season prayenge & gyuynge thanckes vnto God . And so endethe the Procession .

EVSE .

I pray you declare this also vnto vs What the Crucifixe & the people signifi

PHIL.

This signifyethe that whan we be once departed oute of thys world , & are brought of the Aungels into heauen , that than we shall for euer & euer worldes without ende enioye the moost glorious syght of the diuine maieste , syngynge vnto him prayses incessantly on this manner : Thou arte worthy , O LORDE , Apo iiii . to receyue glory , honour & vertue . For thou hast made al thinges , and for thy wyll they are and were made . Thou arte worthye to take the boke , & to open the seales of it . For thou Apo. v. waste slayne & haste redemed vs by thy bloude . To hym that syttethe on the Throne , & to the lambe be bles syng , honour , glory , & power , worldes without ende . Amen .

Now haue I declared vnto you neighbours , what euery ceremony the is vsed in the procession of Palme sondaye signifyeth .

THEO .

Ye haue done so in dede brother Philemon . We do not only thanke you for this youre great payne , but also desyre almyghty God with moost humble hertes to rewarde you for it in his glory .

PHIL.

In thus doing I haue Ioan. ●…vii ; done but my duty , & I confesse my selfe to be an vnprofitable seruaunt Notwithstandynge yf this my simple declaracion hathe profyted you ony thynge at all , or set forwarde your knowledge in christ , verely I am not a lytle glad . And yf I shall perceiue hereafter , that ye practise those thynges in your dayly manners , that I haue taught you in wordes , surely neyghbours I shall vnfaynedly reioyse & gyue God herty thanckes , that you are so serious & earnest labourers i the LORDES vine yearde .

CHRI.

Neyghbour Phi lemon , doubte ye not , but that with Goddes grace we wyll labour diligently to follow your moost godly & wholesome admonicions . Therefore yf there be ony mo ceremonies to be declared . I pray you expresse them to vs

EVSE

I pray you what meaneth the wasshyng of the Altares on Maundy Thursday at after noone .

¶ Of wasshynge of the Altares , & what it signifyeth . PHILEMON .

THer are diuers aunswers made vnto it , as we we reade , but I thyncke it is done to put vs in remembraunce , howe Christ wasshed his disciples fete at his maundy , that we in lyke manner shoulde be redye at all tymes to do good vnto oure christen brothers , yea euen to wash theyr fete , whiche semeth to be the moost humble & lowely acte , that we can do vnto them . If I , sayth Christ Ioan. xii●… . being your LORDE & mayster haue wasshed your fete , verely you also ought to washe one anothers fete . For I haue gyuen you an example , the as I haue done to you , so lykewyse ye should do . Let that mynde be in 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 . you , sayth S. Paule , that was in Christ Iesus .

¶ Of garnishyng the chyrch on Easter daye , & what it signifyeth . THEOPHILE .

VUhat meaneth it that on Easter What the garnysshyng of the chyrch on Easter daye signifyeth . daye the Images & all other thynges , that were before hyd , are made open , & the Temple restored to her pr●…tine & olde beautye ?

PHIL.

Nothynge els but that after christ had once suffred his passion for our synnes , & was rysen agayne from Rom , iiii : death to lyfe for our iustificacion , all cloudes & shadowes were taken awaye , all ceremonies & sacrifices of the olde lawe ceased , all ioye , all myrthe , all felicite , all pleasure , all liberte , & all that euer we lost before in Adam , is nowe recouered agayne Note by Christe . In token of this oure welth & ioye is the Temple on Easter day moost preciously adourned

CHRI.

We are nowe aboundantlye satisfyed concernyng the ceremoni es that are vsed in the Lente . I praye you therfore declare vnto vs the last parte of our Potacion accordynge to your promise which is this , how we ought to prepare our selues for to receyue worthely at the tyme of Easter that moost blessed Sacrament of the A●…re .

PHIL.

Neyghbours I wyll do it with all my herte . I pray you therfore , marke wel , what shal be sayde .

EVSE .

Speake on brother Philemon , we wyll heare you withe diligent eares and attent myndes .

Howe we ought to prepare oure selues to receyue worthely at the tyme Easter , the moost blessed Sacrament of the 〈◊〉 PHILEMON .

THat you maye pre pare youre selues condignely & worthely to receyue the moost blessed Sacrament of the Altare , it shal be necessarey that ye obserue certayne thynges . Fyrst that ye labour with all mayne to erecte & lyft vp your selues from your old synfull lyuynge , where with in tymes past , ye haue bene miserably detayned , before ye approch vnto this celestial table . For yf it were not law ful for the vncircumcysed in the fleshe to eate of the figuratiue Paschal Lambe how much more than is it vnlawful for the vncircumcysed in the hart , that is , for the synfull & vnclene person to taste of the true Paschall Lambe , which was offered & slayne for our sake ? Pourge out the olde leuen , 〈◊〉 . Cor. v. sayth S. Paule , the ye may be newe dowe , lyke as ye are swete bread .

For christ is offered a Paschal lambe for vs . Here he sheweth , the yf we wyl worthely celebrate our Easter , we must put awaye our olde & synfull lyuynge . But before all thynges in this expurgacion of vice , ye muste earnestly labour , that ye come not to receyue the body of oure LORDE with a malicious , hatefull & vncharitable harte . For this is a Sacrament of peace , of vnite , of concord , & of vnfayned loue . Therfore ther ought to be mutuall reconciliacion on al partes , before ony come vnto this celestiall feast , as saynt Iohn Chrisostom sayth , let no Hypocrite Hom. 〈◊〉 De 〈◊〉 Iud●…e . approche , let no man with a cloked mynde once be so bolde , as for to drawe nygh vnto so great mysteries , vnlesse he be condemned & deserue the sentence , & suffer y● , whiche Iudas suffered . For after the communion Mai. xxvi . of the table the dyuell entred into hym . Let no Iudas therfore be at the table . This Sacrifice is a spirituall meate . For as corporal meate whan it fyndeth a bellye occupyed with aduerse & corrupt humors , doth both hurte the more , noye the more , & helpeth nothynge at all , so this spiritual meate lykewyse , yf it findeth ony manne polluted with malignite & euel , shal destroy him the more , not of the owne nature of it , but thorowe the faute of hym that receyueth it . Let the mynd therfore & the thought be pure in al thynges , for the Sacrifice is pure Let vs prepare an holy foole . Let vs hold fast the holye kisse , which associateth the soules , reconcyleth the myndes , & maketh one body . For we all seme to take vpon vs one bodye . Therfore let vs myxte oure selues in one body , not with the commixtion of bodies , but beynge bounde with the charite of soules that by this meanes we maye be associated to the fruytes of the diuine table . For amonge al vices , this table of the LORD detesteth none so muche as the synne of malyce , seynge that it mooste of all alienateth mennes myndes from the worthy receyuyng of this holy rōmuniō . Therfore prouyde aboue all thynges , that no kynd of disple sure be in youre myndes , but that ye be of that affeccion towarde all men , that Christ Iesus was toward you , which disdayned not for your saluacion , to suffer his moost blyssed body to be broken , & his moost precious bloude to be shed vpon the Altare of the crosse .

EVSE .

We wyll employe all our endeuour to come vnto this moost holy Bancket wythe pure myndes & charitable hartes .

PHIL.

God graunt it .

Secondely knowe that it is not ynoughe vnto the condigne & worthy preparacion of your selues vnto this mooste heauenlye table to expourge & put synne oute of you , except ye also garnysh your myndes with godly vertues . Is it ynough for a man agaynste the commynge of his frend only to make clene his house ? Is it not also conuenient , that he adourne & garnysh it so pleasaunt ly as he can deuyse ?

THEO .

Reason requireth so .

PHIL.

It is a thousand tymes more conuenient , that whan we shal receyue the LORD of al LORDES & Kyng of all Kynges into our hertes , we than do not onlye make cleane the house of our soules , but also garnysh it with the moost odoriferous & redolent floures of diuine vertues .

CHRI.

verely ye say truth .

PHIL.

Remember howe greuously , Mat. xxii . that manne was punysshed , which presumed to come vnto the mariages not hauynge the nuptiall garment .

EVSE .

We remember it well .

PHIL.

Take hede than , that ye do not onlye prouyde for the expurgacion of vice , but also for the adourment of vertues , vnlesse a lyke thynge chaunse vnto you . Blessed is he that ●…po . xvi . watcheth , sayth God , & kepeth his clothes , that he walke not naked , & men se his fylthines .

Thyrdely it is requisite , that whan ye haue thus garnysshed youre selues , ye trust not in your owne good workes , or in your owne preparacion , as though ye had made youre selues worthy ynough to come vnto the eatynge of thys inestimable treasure , but let youre whole affiaunce be in the mercye of God , and whan ye haue done all that ye are able to do , graunt youre selues vnprofitable seruantes , & desyre more & more continually valeaunce and strength to do the wyll of God , besechynge hym of hys infinite goodnes to supplye that , which lacketh in you , & bycause that ye may receyue the more grace & strengthe to walke in the pathwaies of the LORD , ye now come with all reuerence vnto the moost heauenly meate , wherwyth you beynge saciated , maye valeauntly en arme your selues & maynely fyght agaynst Satan , & his wicked army .

Fourthly , ye must gyue serious diligence , that ye come vnto this table of y● LORD with a feruent desyre , with an hongry stomake , with a gredye mynd , & with a famelyke soule . For this Sacrament hateth a stomacke that is alredy saturated & fylled . It proponeth and setteth forth all kynde of celestiall deynties to the hungrye soule , as the moost blessed virgyne saythe , he hathe fylled the Luke . 〈◊〉 hungry with good thynges , but the rytch hath he let go empty . Blessed Mat. v. are they , that hunger & thyrst righ teousnes , for they shall be fylled . Al Esa. iv . ye that are a thyrste , saythe Christ , come vnto the waters , & ye that haue no mony , make haste , bye and eate . Come bye without mony , & wythout ony marchaundyse wyne & mylke . Agayne , I wyll gyue to hym that thyrstethe of the well of the water Apoc. xxi . of lyfe frely . And he that is a thyrst let him come , & he that wyl , let him take the water of lyfe freelye . The fat Pharise , the belyed Hypocrite , A●…o . 〈◊〉 . the porkelynge Iusticiarie , whiche trust in theyr owne righteousnes , are no fytte G●…stes for this mooste delicious table , but the humble synner , which knoweth his infirmite , confesseth his imbecillite , desyreth valeaunce , h●…ngreth & thyrsteth for strength to do the wyll of GOD .

THEO .

God sende vs this hunger & thyrst euermore .

PHIL.

Fyftely ye maye not onlye come vnto this celestial table with hongry stomackes to obtayne these inestimable treasures , but also beleue vnfaynedly that ye shall haue all good thynges , that ye wysshe or longe for , accordyng to your desyre & fayth For he that commeth vnto God , sayth S. Paule , must beleue 〈◊〉 . that god is , & that he is a rewarder to them that seke hym .

Withoute thys faythe , no manne commeth worthelye to recepue the body of our LORDE , as Chrisostom saythe : Let vs all that are sycke go Hom. in Mat. ●…v . Cap. xiiii . vnto Christ with great fayth . For yf all they which dyd but towch the hemme of his garment , receyued theyr perfecte healthe , howe muche more shall we be corroborated and made strong , yf we haue hym whole within vs ? Therfore when ye syt downe to receyue the blessed body of Christe , call streyght wayes to your remembraunce the death of Christ . Remember that his bodye was brokon for you vpon the Altare of the Crosse . Rem●…mber that he offred hymselfe Ephe. v. a swete smelling Sacrifice to God the father for the abolysshement of all your synnes . Remember that his Mat. ●…vi Luk. xxii . bloud was shed for the remission of your synnes . Remember that by the effusion & sheddynge of hys mooste precious bloud , all your offenses are 〈◊〉 Ioan. i. cleane wasshed awaye , & you pourged from all iniquite . In consideracion wherof , ye nowe receyue the very body of christ , bycause ye shoulde nothynge doubte of the remission of your synnes , & of the fauoure of GOD toward you , as Christ hym selfe witnesseth . He that eateth my flesh & dryncketh my bloude , hathe eternal lyfe , & I shall rayse hym vp in the last day . For my flesh is very meate , & my bloud is very dryncke . He that eteth my flesh & dryncketh my bloud , dwelleth in me , & I in him But do not only call to remembrance these aforsayd thynges , but beleue faythfully also , & be perswaded vndoubtedly , that they be true , & shall chaunse to you according vnto your fayth . So shal it come to passe , that with the receyuing of Christes body , ye shall also receyue all the benefytes , gyftes , and graces of Christe , yf ye beleue , so that not only Christ is be come altogyther yours , but also al that euer he hath besydes is yours , as S. Paule say the , he that hath not Roma . viii spared his owne sonne , but gaue him for vs all , how is it possible , that he also should not gyue vs all thinges with him ? O the inestimable treasures , that lye bent out in this moost holy Sacrament of the Altare for the faythefull . Blyssed is he that is a faythfull geste of this celestial table . Blessed is he that with a pure fayth & syncere charite eateth the body of his LORDE . Blessed is that man which receiueth this moost honorable Sacrament , Christes very body & bloude with an vndefyled conscience . For Satan , synne , death , hel , desperacion . &c. shall not preuayle agenst hym . Such one may be sure to dwell in Christ , & Christ in him . Such one may be sure to haue his herte abundantly enfarsed with celesti all graces & heauenvly gyftes . Such one maye be sure to haue God the father , God the son , & God the holy Ghost dwellynge perpetually in his brest . whan ye haue done these thinges a for sayd , than drawe nygh , whan tyme requirethe , with all humble & reuerent feare vnto the feaste of the LORDES bodye , & before that ye receyue it into your mouth , praye on this manner .

¶ A prayer to be sayde before the receyuynge of the Sacrament .

O LORD I am not worthy , that thou shouldest enter into me , but saye the word only & my soule shall be made whole . Heale thou me O God , and I shall be healed , saue thou me , Psal. 〈◊〉 & I shall be saued . Create in me , O LORDE , a cleane herte , that with true fayth , & perfecte charite I maye receyue thy moost holy body with suche dignitie & worthynes thorowe thy grace into my breste , that thou mayste dwel in me & I in the for euermore AMEN .

Thus haue I neighbours declared vnto you compendiously , how ye shal prepare your selues worthely to receyue at the time of Easter the moste blyssed Sacrament of the A●…re . Yf ye receyue it on such manner , as I haue taughte you here tofore , ye may be sure to receyue it worthely & accordynge to Christes institucion vnto the helth of your soules .

EV●…E .

I praye God gyue vs grace to receyue it accordynge to youre moost godly instruccions , that our soules maye be truly fed with the true body of our Sauiour Iesus Christ .

PHIL.

But for as much as we se many departe vnreuerently from the LORDES table , therfore wyll I in fewe wordes by your pacience declare to you , after what manner ye shall go from it , & howe ye shall behaue your selues euer Ephe. v. after , that ye maye walke as it becommeth the chyldren of lyghte ,

CHRI.

I pray you hertely let it so be

¶ Howe we ought to behaue oure selues , after that we haue receyued the moost blessed Sacrament of the Altare . PHILEMON .

NOwe moost dere brothers after that ye haue receyued the body of our LORDE Iesus Christ , and with that same moost glorious bodye tasted also his most precious bloud H●…m . 〈◊〉 . De sac . par●… Myst. which , as Chrisostome sayth , is the helth of our soules , wassheth , garni sheth , enflameth our soules maketh our mynde more shynynge than the fyre , more clere than the gould , & is the sufficient price of the hole world , it is conuenient that ye shewe your selues thanckefull agayne to God for these his iestimable benefites , whiche he at that tyme hath frely gyuen vnto you , euen the very body & bloud of his welbeloued sonne & our LORD Iesus Christ , with all the other incom parable treasures which pertayne vnto hym . For all theyse thynges hath he moost bounteously gyuen you in this moost holy Sacrament . It is therfore , I say , conuenient , that ye shewe your selues agayne thanckefull to hym , by renderynge harty & immortall thanckes . For this moost holy mysterye is called , Sacramentum Eucharistiae , that is , the Sacrament of thanckes gyuynge , bycause that whan eyther we our selues receyue it , or els be present , whan other do receyue it , we should gyue God precordiall thanckes for his bounty & kyndnes , shewed to vs thorow Iesus Christ . Who commeth to the table of onye man , & departeth without thanckes gyuynge ? To approche therfore to sytte downe at the table of the moost hygh & redoubted kynge , where no terrestriall & corruptible meate is eaten , but euen the very bodye of the pure & immaculate Lambe Iesus Christ , & to departe from so heauenvly a table with vnthanckefull hertes , certes it were a thyng to much for to be detested . It shal therfore be very conuenient after ye haue receyued that moost blyssed Sacrament , not to depart out of the chirch before ye haue gyuen God harty thanckes for his manifold benignite toward you , ye maye do it on this manner .

¶ Thanckes gyuynge after the receyuynge of the Sacrament .

VUe thancke the moost gentle & mercyfull father that thou hast vouchedsafe this day of thyne own goodnes to fede vs with an heuen ly meate , euen the very body & bloud of thy moost intierly beloued sonne our LORDE & sauiour Iesus Christ Graunt we besech the that we by this celestiall feaste engraffed , yea incor porated i his moost holy body , may so infixe in oure brestes hys moost bytter death , the we by remembryng the same , maye dayly dye vnto syn , and so encrease thorow thy diuine grace in al vertues , that thy name maye be perpetually sanctifyed in vs , thy wyll accomplysshed among vs here in earth , as it is in heauen , & our christen brothers loued vnfaynedly & socoured mercifully , vnto the immortall prayse of thy moost holy & blyssed name , to whome be all honour & glory for euer & euer .

EVSE .

Amen .

THEO .

So he it .

CHRI.

LORD let it so come to passe .

PHIL.

After that ye departe from the table of our Lorde Learne he ●…e what we 〈◊〉 fesse to do whan we receaue the Sacrament God , caull vnto youre remembraunce what ye haue done , & what ye haue professed . Fyrste remember that ye haue receyued the very body of our lord Iesus Christ , of al treasures moost precious . Secondely remember that by the receyuynge of that , ye haue professed youre selues to be the sonnes of God , the members of Christ , the mayntayners of true godlines the studious followers of Goddes wyll , the feruent louers of our christen brothers , & the extreme enemies of Satan & his army , so long as euer ye lyue . All theyse thynges do ye professe , whan ye syt at the moost heauenly table . Loke therfore that ye do not dallye , nor mocke with God , vnlesse worser thynges chaunse vnto you . Let vs departe from that table , sayth Chrisostome , as Lyons Hom. lxi . De sac . par●… Myst. that breath fyre , that we maye be terrible to the diuel . Therfore that this thynge may come to passe , remember that ye are now engraffed in christ , & become members of Christes body . Howe vnsyttynge than were it , to faull agayne from Christe , & to adioyne your selues vnto vnclennes ? Remember that ye are wasshed from 〈◊〉 . Cor. vi . youre synnes & sanctifyed by Christes bloude , & iustifyed by the name of the LORDE Iesus . Were it not than very vnsemely to pollute and defyle your selues agayne with youre olde fylthynes ? Remember that god hath now delyuered you out of the londe of Egipte from your moost cru ell enemy Pharao the diuel , & hath broughte you into the londe of promyss . Haue not than a pleasure to returne into that lond of captiuite Remember that God hath deliuered yon from the fylthy & abhominable Sodomites . Prouyde therfore that ye loke not backe agen vnto theyr pernicious manners . Remember that God hath delyuered you from the babylonicall captiuite , & hath brought you vnto the newe & celestial Ierusalem , so that now ye are Ephe. ii . no more Gestes & straungers , but Cytysenses wyth the Sayntes and of the houshold of God . Were it not than a thynge of much ignominye for you to fall from so great an honour ? what shal I make many wordes with you ? Ye pertayne now al to gyther vnto God . Loke therfore that ye lose not the fauour & gentlenes of so bounteous a LORDE .

Moreouer ye haue professed day ly to dye vnto synne , & to walke in a new lyfe . Loke that ye aunswere faythfully to this your promyse . Agayne , ye haue professed , that ye wyll loue your christen brothers , & do for them to the vttermooste what so euer lyeth in your power . Al these thynges haue ye promised to do , by the receyuynge of this moost blyssed Sacrament . Loke therfore that ye be not necligent in the accomplish mente of the premisses , vnlesse the wrath of God falleth vpon you . For it is not ynough to begyn well excepte ye go forth in your enterprises . He that continueth vnto the ende , No●… . shall be safe , saythe Christ . Agayne , be thou faythful vnto death , and I Math. x. shall gyue the the crowne of lyfe . No 〈◊〉 . ii . Luke . man that putteth hys hand to the plowgh , and loketh backewarde , is mete vnto the kyngdome of heauen . Therfore neghbours do as ve haue professed . Cast away your olde wicked lyuynge . Continue in the body of Christe thorowe a newe lyfe . Remayne for euermore in the seruyse of God . Seke the kingdome of god Math. vi . & the righteousnes therof aboue al thynges . Procure the furtheraunce Loue and lyue the Go spel . of his moost holy worde , & so not on ly loue but also lyue the Gospel , that ye maye be counted both before God & man true & earneste followers of Goddes worde . Furthermore loue your christen brothers with a true , per fecte & vnfayned loue , & lette youre loue brynge forth good workes that it may appeare to be without dissimulacion , or faynynge . Aboue all thinges as I haue euer exorted you , be obedient mark wel f●…r true o bedience toward 〈◊〉 kynges graces maiestye Rom. xiii . to the Kynges graces maieste , yea and that not only for feare but muche more for conscience sake , in all thynges , as it becommeth fayth full subiectes . The other publique magistrates also spirituall or temporall haue in perpetuall reuerence & honour . To be shorte , be so affected Phi●… . 〈◊〉 towarde all menne , euen as Iesus christ was toward you , & in al your wordes & dedes , lette your lyght so shyne before men , that they may se your good workes , & glorifye youre math. v. father , which is in heauen , to whom be all honour & glory for euermore . Amen . Thus endeth your Potacion .

THEO .

Praysed by God for it .

EVSE

Bothe nowe & euer .

CHRI.

For he alone is worthy all honour & glorye .

PHIL.

Thus haue I neighbours A brefe rehersal of al thynges i●… this Prot●…cion accordynge to my promyse in the begynnynge of our Potacion , performed all thynges , concernynge the holy Sacrament of Penaunce , with the partes therof . Of fastyng , of ceremonies & of the moost honorable Sacramente of the 〈◊〉 I haue also taughte you many godlye and goodly thynges , worthye to be imprynted in the hartes of all christ●… men . Now brothers I moost instant ly desyre you by the great mercyes of God & the precious bloud of our sauiour Christ , to repose these thinges in your memory , and not to for get them , but with al diligence maynly to prosecute & followe them , yea & to expresse them natiuely in youre quotidiane & dayly conuersacion . For the seruaunt' , which knowethe his Luke . maysters wyll , & doth it not , shal be beaten wyth many strypes . If ye do theyse thynges , knowe that in thys world ye shal haue God the father , a mercifull father vnto you , God the sonne a swete Sauiour vnto you , & God the holy Ghoste a ioyfull confortour vnto you , & after this lyfe , ye maye be sure to enioye the moost blyssed & glorious syght of the holy Trinite . Amen .

THEO .

Neyghbour Philemon for this your Potacion we thancke you , & we trust that y●… shall se suche fruytes procede from vs , that ye shall reioyse to haue cal led vs vnto this your moost godly Potacion .

PHIL.

So doynge neyghboures , knowe me to be altogither youres . Well seynge this spirituall Potacion is so fortunately ended , I praye you followe me , that we maye also refresshe oure bodies with corporall norysshement , & so wyth one mynd prayse GOD for all thynges ,

EVSE .

We follow . Blessed be God for this heauenly Potacion .

THEOPHILE .

AMEN .

¶ Gyue the glory to God alone .