Saint Peters chaine consisting of eight golden linckes, most fit to adorne the neckes of the greatest states, nobles, and ladies in this land, as the chiefest iewell of true nobilitie: and not vnfit for the meaner sort. Digested into eight chapters, and published by R.M. minister. With a praier annexed to the end of euerie chapter.

SAINT PETERS CHAINE :

Of Faith . Chap. 1.

FOr as much as there is ingrafted in the minds of al men , a natural disposition and inelimation , greedily to desire such things as seeme either most faire and beautifull , or else most sweete and acceptable vnto our outward sences , as Eua desired the forbidden fruite , because it was faire to the Gen. 3.6 . & 3.6 eye , and Adam affected the saine , by too much harkening vnto the perswasions of his wife : And the carnall Israelites preferred their grosse feeding in Egypt before Numb . 11.4.5 heauenly Manna , for that it did better relish their fleshly tast : and the wicked Sodomites would grope with their hands ( after they were striken with blindnesse ) to find out Lots doore : and Rahel would forgo Gen. 19.11 . for a time the company of her husband , for the great desire shee had vnto Leahs Mandraks , which as wee may gather out of the Canticles , haue a verie fragrant and & 30.15 . Canti. 7.13 . and odoriferous sauour . For as much therfore ( I say ) as it is our wanton eyes , our itching eares , our daintie tast , our fine smeling , or our grosse handling , that must aduise vs with their deceitfull counsell , to make choyse of things that seeme most pleasant to the contentation of our seuerall senses , and disordered desires ; what maruaill is it Mans senses deceiueable . that this rich Gem , and precious Iewel of faith lyeth hidden among vs , regarded of so few , yea despised & troden vnder feete of many ? Is it because there is no excellent or vertuous operation in it ? Not so , but because the vertue thereof is so diuine and precious , that it cannot be comprehended by our earthly senses : Our eyes are dimme they cannot see it : our eares are dull , they cannot heare it : our tast is glutted , and cannot relish it , our fingers are benummed they cannot feele it : our noses are stopped , they can not smell it .

Obiection . But some happily will say , that faith is a spirituall thing that cannot be seene , therefore the senses of our earthly bodies cannot perceiue it , but the soule which is the chiefest parte of man being also spirituall , hath not she power to looke into such secresies ? I graunt that faith is a spirituall thing , which cannot be seene with our bodily eyes , for it is the ground of things hoped for , and the euidence of things which are not seene . I graunt also , that the soule of man is a spirituall Heb. 11.1 and inuisible substaunce , but yet it doth not follow that she is able of her selfe to vnderstand the secresies of faith , for one inuisible thing doth not alwaies know the secresies of another : as for example , the deuill The deuil knows not our thoghts Heb. 4.12.13 . who is inuisible , doth not know the secrete thoughts of man which are also inuisible , but only God knowes them : nothing more doth the soule vnderstand the vertue and secrete operation of faith , except it bee first reuealed by the spirite of God .

This is proued most plainely by that saying of Saint Paul , The naturall man cannot 1. Cor. 2.14 . perceiue the things that are of God . Nowe when the Apostle speaketh of the naturall man , we must needs confesse , that vnder the word man , he comprehendeth both partes of man , soule , and body , for the body without soule is not a man , but a lumpe of flesh , or a carkesse : so then it is plaine by the words of Saint Paul that the soule of a man vnregenerate No man vnregenerate doth know the secresies of faith . doeth no more know the secresies of faith , and the things that are of God , then the body doth .

Moreouer , if wee consider the principall parts and powers of the soule , ( since the fall of Adam ) shall we perceiue any thing therin but meere darknes and ignorance ? What is our reason & vnderstanding , euen of them that haue the finest wits , is it not meere foolishnes ? Is not our knowledge blinded ? Is not our freewil vtterly lost & decayed ? Can we make choyce of any thing that is good ? Surely no : for if the verie regenerate do but knowe in part , ( as the Apostle saith ) then doubtlesse the naturall man knoweth nothing 1. Cor. 13.12 . in respect of true knowledge : for which cause the same Apostle speaking vnto such natural men ( how wittie soeuer they be in their owne conceite ) sayth plainely , if they thinke they know any thing , ( meaning 1. Cor. 8.2 . in the misteries of God , they know nothing ( sayth he ) as they ought to know .

Wherefore we may affirme for certaintie , without any further proofe , that no man by his owne naturall reach of wit and vnderstanding , can iudge of the vertues and qualities of faith , but onely such as are renewed and borne againe by the spirite of God .

Now then ( as I said ) is it any marueil that this precious Iewel of faith , is so smally estimated & slenderly accompted of in the world , of meere worldly & carnal men ? Seing they haue no skil at al to iudge of the rare vertues and operation therof , neither by meanes of the outward senses of their bodies , nor yet by the force & powers of their souls , but are altogether like vnto the Cocke , wherof the fable speaketh , that seeing a precious Gem or Iewell lying on the donghill , wished hee had had one graine of Barley for that precious Iewell , because hee knewe not the price and vertue of the same , and therefore did wish for that , which serued best , to the satisfying of his owne appetite and desire .

Seeing then the case thus standeth , that most people are so miserably deceiued , chusing with greedie earnestnes and desire , and as it were with both hands apprehending the vaine & transitory things of this life , & make small or none accompt , but euen like filthie swine trample vnder their feete , Gods Treasures contemned of worldly men . those precious pearles of the worde of God , of faith and free saluation purchased by the bloud of Christ , to the high dishonouring of Almightie God , to the endaungering of their owne soules , to the great scandale or offence of other , & to the extreme griefe of hearte of each true faithfull and godlye Christian ; seeing the case thus standeth ( I say ) and these premises duely considered , I haue thought it meete , and verily agreeing with my calling , to spend a litle time in contriuing these plaine and simple treatises of faith , and the fruites thereof hereafter following , to this end that partly by the helpe hereof , if God giue a blessing thereunto , but chiefely by prayer , reading , and hearing of Gods word preached , the ignorant sort may attaine vnto the knowledge of faith and other misteries of God by grace , which wee by our owne natural knowledge and vnderstanding , are not able to attaine vnto : and that also these rich gifts of God , as faith , & the rest , may be the better accompted of , to Gods glorie , and our eternall comfort and saluation ..

And because it is the minde of the holy 2. Pet. 1 , 5. Ghost , ( as Saint Peter noteth ) that all vertues whatsoeuer shold be linked vnto faith , as the verye fountaine from whence they must spring , therefore I haue made this my first Chapter , wherein I will ( God assisting me ) in as briefe manner as I can , declare and make plaine to those , whose eyes it shall please the Lord to open , what an excellent and precious Iewell fayth is , as also what great profit & commodity we receiue by it .

But here first of all , intreating of fayth in generall , it shall not bee amisse to make knowne what faith it is whereof I will intreate ; for there is a certaine Morall fayth or trust , which we call fidelitie , that ought to be betweene man and man , and euen this is a vertue worthy of commendation : ther is also an Historicall faith , when we onely beleeue the bare Historie , whether it bee humane , or diuine , without any further application of it vnto our selues , and this faith is also in some sort worthy of due praise : and there is a Temporary faith , when some doe beleeue for a time ( as our Sauiour saith ) nothing Mat. 13.21 . worthie to be commended , but is like vnto that faith whereof Saint Iames speaketh , that is dead in it selfe ( to speake nothing Iam. 2.17 . of that fayth which is called miraculous , because it hath ceased for the most part , since the time of the Apostles ) .

Now it is not my purpose to entreate of any of these , seeing they are gifts common What faith it is whereunto Saint Peter wold haue vertue ioyned . to the good and to the bad : neither doeth Sainte Peter meane to linke his Golden Chaine with any one of them , for that wold disgrace his whole worke : but that fayth which I mind to speake of , is supernaturall , diuine and heauenly , far more glorious and excellent , then can be comprehended ( as I haue already saide ) by the wit and naturall vnderstanding of man .

But what is it ( wil some say ) that you doe so commend ? Wilt thou know ? Surely it is that , which thy tongue hath vttered a thousand times , when thou hast said I beleeue in God . And is this such a great matter ( will worldlings saye ) to beleeue in God ? Doth this onely thing deserue so great praise and commendation ? Yea verily . But here beware , A Caueat . least thou deceiue thy selfe in the vnderstanding of the words ; for there be three things almost like in words , but farre differing in true sence & meaning : namely to beleeue God , to beleeue there is a God , and to beleeue in God . The deuils beleeue the first and the second , that God is true of his promise , which is to beleeue God , and they also beleeue there is one God , and no more , and tremble ( as Saint Iames saith ) but they Iam. 2.19 . beleue not the third , that is in God , which is as much as to embrace him for our good God , and to rest & repose our selues on him and his worde onely , which is that true iustifying faith , wherof I speake . So then we must take heed ( as I said ) that we do not deceiue True faith beleeueth in God . our selues , thinking we beleeue verie well , if we beleeue God , and beleeue there is a God , which thing indeede we ought also to do , but we must goe further , to beleeue in God , that is to acknowledge him for our good God & Sauior , & this is ment by saying , I beleeue in God , I beleeue ( I say ) & not another for me , for euery one shall be saued by his owne faith , and not by anothers , as the Prophet Habacuk saith : The iust shall Haba. 2.4 . liue , by his owne faith .

Furthermore to beleeue in 〈…〉 to beleeue in God the Father , in Go●●he son , & in God the holy Ghost , three persons in trinity ? & one God in vnity of essence : And is it then so easie a matter to beleeue the trinity in vnity , & the vnity in trinity ? No verily ; flesh & bloud doth not reueal these things vnto vs ( as Christ said vnto S. Peter ) Mat. 16.17 but onely God himselfe , both by the outward preaching of his worde , & by the inward working of his holy spirit . Wherfore Galat. 5.6 a true liuely and iustifying faith ( which euermore worketh by loue ) may bee thus A definition of a true liuely faith . defined , namely that it is a most certain & sound perswasion of Gods great good will & fauour towardes vs , grounded vpon the truth of his free promises , made vnto mankinde in his sonne Christ Iesus , reuealed vnto vs by the preaching of his word , and sealed in our harts by his holy spirite .

Thus then hauing briefly and plainely shewed , what faith it is wherof I minde to entreat , as also how it is defined & knowen : I will now ( God willing ) proceede in my purpose , to shew ( as much as in me lyeth ) out of the treasury of Gods word , the excellency & goodnes of this faith , what rare vertues are to be found in it , and the The preaching of Gods word the meanes to bring vs vnto faith . mightie working and operation thereof , to this end , that neither so precious a iewell as faith is , nor the meanes whereby we may attaine it , I meane the preaching of Gods word , may be so much despised and What titles are giuen vnto faith : Mat , 7 , 6 conte●●●d of wicked worldlings as it is .

First it maketh not a little to the commendation of this faith , that the holy ghost by the mouth of Sainte Peter doth call it precious : for writing to the dispersed Iewes , which were conuerted to the faith , 2. Pet. 1.1 . he beginneth his second epistle thus : Simon Peter a seruant and an Apostle of Iesus Christ , to you , ( saith he ) that haue obtayned like precious faith with vs , by the righ teousnesse of our God and Sauiour Iesus Iude 20 Christ . And Saint I●de in his epistle doth call it most holy , saying : And ye brethren edifie your selues in your most holy faith . Now wee know the holy Ghost doth not delude or deceaue vs , as men vse to do many times , in giuing glorious names and titles to thinges that are of no great value , but calling faith precious , and most holy , it is to signifie vnto vs , that it is a most rare and singular iewel , of great price & estimation , Faith a iewel of great price . & that so we shold esteem & account of it : for no sooner can we heare of Gems , pearles and precious stones , but presently wee are rauished with the desire of them .

Therefore the Scripture oftentimes vnder the names and titles of precious things , that we most account of in this life , doth comprehend heauenly & euerlasting treasures , as in the 7. of Mathew our Sauiour Christ saith : Giue not that which is holy vnto dogs , meaning his holy & blessed worde : neither , saith he , cast ye your pearles before Mat , 6 , 20 swine .

And a little before in the sixt Chapt. seeing howe greedily wee desire worldly treasure , & 13.14 biddeth vs to lay vp treasure in heauen . And in the thirteenth of Mathew , hee first compareth the kingdom of heauen to a treasure hid in the fielde , which being found we should sel all that we haue , to buy that field : & 45 and againe in the same place , considering how marchants do venture their goods and We ventur much for worldly , but very little for heauenly treasure , liues , and vndertake all dangers by sea and by land , to seek for gold , pearls , & the like ; hee draweth this seconde similitude , saying : The kingdom of heauen is like vnto a marchant man , that seeketh good pearles , who hauing found a pearle of great price , went and sold all that he had and bought it . And not onely is the word of God , and faith , and other such meanes to bring vs vnto heauen , comprehended vnder these terrene and earthly similitudes : but euen heauen it self , with all the beauty & glory thereof , as in the 21. of Reuelat: 2● the reuelation , doth plainely appeare . 9 , 10

Come saith the Angel vnto S. Iohn , I wil shew thee the bride the Lambes wife : then the Angell shewed vnto him in the spirite from an high mountaine , the great cittie 11 holy Ierusalem , descending out of heauen from God , hauing the glory of God : and her 11. shining was like vnto a stone most precious , and so forth . Then he speaketh of the wals , 12. & of the twelue gates : them of the situation & proportion of the cittie , howe it was foure square , that the length and the bredth , and the height of it were equall : then hee commeth 16 to the building , saying that the wall 18 , was of Iasper , and the cittie of pure gold , that the foundations of the walles of the citie were garnished with all maner of precious stones , and nameth twelue of them , the first 19 , was of Iasper the second of Saphir : the third of a Chalcedony : the fourth an Emeraude : and so forth . After hee saith , that the twelue gates were of twelue pearles , and euery 21. gate of one pearle , that the street of the cittie was of pure gold , as shining glasse . The scripture comprehendeth heauenly things vnder earthly similitudes .

Now who seeth not , how that the holy Ghost vnder the semblances and similitudes of gold , precious stones and pearles , which wee account our cheefest treasure here on earth , doth signifie thereby farre more glorious & excellent thinges , such as saint Paule 1 Cor. 2.9 saith , no eye hath seene , no eare hath heard , nor can be conceiued by the hart of man , the ioyes , which God hath prepared for vs in heauen . Well then , to returne to our purpose , hath God himself fattributed such worthy titles to our faith , as holy , & most precious ? surely then it is so , let vs not doubt of it : the vse that we shoulde make thereof is this , that hauing it in some great measure , we must account of it as a most precious iewell , and not forgo it for any golde : if wee haue but a little , let vs pray the Lord to increase it : if wee haue none at all , let vs earnestly seeke it : and to that end let vs make more account of Gods word , and the preaching thereof , then heretofore wee haue done : for that with praier vnto God , is the Without Faith we are most miserable . onely meane to come by it ; otherwise if wee euer want it , let vs assuredly knowe , our state to be most miserable & accursed , notwithstanding wee haue all other riches and treasure in the worlde . This doctrine wee learne in that our faith is called most holy , & precious .

Now let vs see , how the thing it selfe , that is faith , doth agree with those excellent tytles which are giuen thereunto , for it is not without great cause , doubtlesse , that S. Peter doth cal the faith of Gods elect precious , and S. Iude most holy , seeing they together with the rest of the Apostles , had not onely heard the same so much praysed and commended by our sauiour Christ , but also had seene by experience the rare vertues & operation thereof .

And if euery herbe that groweth in the whole garden of this world , & euery gem & precious stone that lieth hidden in the bowels of the earth , be worthy of praise & commendations , for the seueral & particular operations & vertues in euery of them : how much more praise & commendation is there to bee giuen vnto this rich Gem & precious Faith hath all vertues in itselfe . iewell of faith ? seeing a thousand folde more excellent vertues then are to be found in all kinde of hearbes and precious stones , though they be innumerable , are aboundantly to be found in this one and onely iewell of faith .

But here I must needes confesse mine owne great insufficiency , and want of skill ; first , that I cannot looke into the secrecie of so deep a mistery as faith is : next , that I cannot think sufficiently of the vertues thereof , much lesse can I with pen or toung , disclose & make knowen the same , for the benefite of others . To the end therfore , that I may promise no more then ( by Gods grace ) I may be able to perform , of this matter I wil speak very little of my selfe , seeing I know little , or nothing : onely I will collect into a short summe , the substance of that which the holy Ghost himself hath vouchsafed to set down , in the praise and commendation of faith , & of those that haue beene endowed with so rich a Iewel .

Plinie , Galen , Hypocrates & others , that write of the nature , vertue , & operation of trees , plantes , & hearbes : & of the nature of beasts , birdes , fishes , mettals , and precious stones , do labour by all meanes possible , to make knowen to the worlde , the secrecy of natural thinges , for the preseruation of the health of mans body , being otherwise vnknowen to the most part of people : & their labours are worthy of great praise , yea surely it serueth greatly to the setting forth of Gods glory , who hath made nothing in vaine : for All thinges serue to set forth Gods glory , who hath made nothing in vaine . what tree is there , whose roote , barke , leaues or fruit , either some or all of them are not medicinable ? what hearbe , or weede is there , which hath not his proper vertue & operation ? howe many medicines are there taken from birds , beasts , & fishes : and from euery part of them within and without ? all kinds of mettals may be vsed in drinks and potions ; as gold , siluer , tinne , lead , steel & iron : What shoulde I speake of the shelles of fishes , of pearles , corrales and precious stones ? are not some of them cordiall for the heart , others most soueraigne for the eyes , for the heade and stomacke , and for euery parte of mans body ? All these thinges are knowen & All earthly medicines serue onely for our mortal bodies in this life , but faith is a medicine for soule & body , here & for euer . I neede not stande vpon them , sauing that it maketh thus much for my purpose , that all these forenamed things , and whatsoeuer els that may be named in the world , do all serue but for the preseruation of mans mortall body , and that in this life : But this precious iewel of faith , whereof we speake , serueth , both for the preseruation of mans soule , & body , in this life , and for their eternal saluation , in the life to come . Who then hearing of such a precious iewel , woulde not sell all that euer he hath to buy it ?

Nowe the rare vertues and operation of Faith , were not so commonly knowen , before our sauiour Christ came in the flesh , only a few did account of it , as Abraham and others , both before and in the time of the Faith more plainely reuealed since the Gospell then before . Lawe : but now since the Gospel hath been preached , faith hath been openly reuealed , now it hath beene highly commended , and extolled . What meant our Sauiour Christ , when he would shew the vertue and power of his Godhead , in working of his cheefest miracles and healing all kind of diseases , euermore to say , thy faith hath made thee whole , thy faith hath saued thee ? surely it was Christ himselfe that healed them , yet Mat. 9. 22. Marke 10. 52. he attributeth the same to the faith of them that were healed , therby to shew the excellency of Faith , and that except they did beleeue & had faith , they could not be healed .

There be three thinges to be considered Three things especially in the Gospel , serue to the extolling of Faith . in the Gospell , which make very much to the extolling of Faith . The one is , that Christ did helpe a great many for their own faith . Another that he healed some of their bodily diseases , for the faithes sake of others . The third is , that want of Faith in some , was a great hinderance vnto Christ , that oftentimes he could not doe that good which otherwise hee woulde . These three points may be shewed briefely by examples . for the first sorte wee haue these examples : The foule leaper that came vnto Christ , in Mat. 8.2 . the eight of Mathew , shewed his faith plainly in this , saying vnto him , if thou wilt thou canst make me cleane : to whome Iesus answered , I will , be thou cleane : and immediately his leprosie was cleansed .

Another example we haue in the ninth of Mathew , of that woman which had been diseased with an issue of bloud twelue years , & 9. 22. who thrusting in among the presse of people to touch but the hem of Christ his garment , was presently healed , to whome Christ said , thy faith hath made thee whole . And in the fourteenth of Mathewe , it is said , that & 14.36 . many were healed by touching of Christs garments , because they beleeued that he was able to heale them . Another example wee haue of two blind men , in the ninth of Mathew , which cried after Iesus to be healed , & 9.22 . but hee first asked them , whether they did beleeue , that hee was able to heale them , ( not that Christ was ignorant whether they did beleeue or not , but to shewe vnto them , and others , that he woulde not helpe them , except they did beleeue ) : and they saide , yea Lord : then saide Iesus , according to your faith be it vnto you : and presently their eyes were opened . The like example wee haue of blinde Bartimeus in the tenth of Marke , which cried after Iesus , Mark . 10 , 52 ( whome hee called the sonne of Dauid ) to haue mercy on him , & neuer ceased crying , till Iesus called him , and opened his eyes , saying vnto him , thy faith hath made thee whole : Many such examples there are in the Gospell , but for breuities sake I passe them ouer .

Likewise there want no examples of them that our sauiour hath healed for the faithes sake of others : I will also produce a fewe of them . The Centurions seruant , in the eight of Mathew , that lay sicke at home of a palsie , Mat , 8 , 5 , and was greeuously payned , because his mayster beleeued that Christ was well able to heale him , if he did but speake the worde onely : was cured of his disease the selfe same houre , & the faith of his maister greatly commended .

Another example we haue in the ninth of Mathew , of a man that was sicke of the palsie also , and being not able to goe , was borne of foure men , and let downe in his & 9.2 bed by coardes , through the roofe of the house wherein Iesus was , and Iesus seeing their faith , sayde to the sicke of the palsie , take vp thy bed , & goe home to thine owne house .

Another example wee haue of Iairus a ruler of the sinagogue , which came vnto Mark . 5.22 , Christ ( as Marke saith ) for his daughter , when she was at poynt of death : and as Mathew Mat , 9 , 18 saith , she was deade before hee spake with Iesus , who saide vnto Christ , come & lay thy hand on her , and she shall liue : and according to his faith , shee was raysed vnto life againe .

Another worthy example wee haue of the woman of Canaan , in the fifteenth of & 15 , 21 , Mathew , whose daughter was piteously vexed of a Deuill , howe she came vnto Christ for helpe , and woulde not bee aunswered , till she had her petition graunted , and her daughter healed . Thus we haue seene examples , of such as haue beene healed for their owne faith , as also for the faithes sake of others .

Now let vs note the thirde thing , namely that for want of faith , our sauiour was greatly hindered , from doing that good which hee woulde : as it is plainely to bee seene Mark , 6 , 1 , 2 in the sixth of Marke : when comming into his owne country , among his owne kinsemen and acquaintaunce , and preaching vnto them on the Saboath , as his manner was , many that hearde him were astonyed , Christ lea●… accounted of in his owne cuntry . and saide , from whence hath he these things ? Is not this the carpenter , Maries son , and brother of Iames and Ioses , and are not his sisters ( meaning by brothers and sisters , his nere kinsefolke ) here with vs ? and they were offended in him . Then said Iesus vnto them , a prophet is not without honour , but in his owne country , among his owne kindred , and in his owne house . And he could doe no great workes there ( saith the texte ) saue that he laid his hand vpon a fewe sicke Vnbeleese hindereth vs of many good things folkes , and healed them : but he marueiled at their vnbeliefe : so that we see vnbeleefe was the onely cause , which hindered Christ from doing them that good which otherwise he would .

The like or worse thing we read of the hoggish Gergesites , which by reason of their Mat. 8.34 . want of faith , esteemed more of their swine then of Christ : & therefore prayed him that he wold depart from them . But what should I heape vp examples of such as were neuer effectually called ? seeing it is certaine , that many of Gods children , by reason of the littlenes of their faith , or for want of faith in some particular things , haue almost hindered themselues of many good things , yea & brought themselues into great danger . The weakenes of Marthaes faith , had almost letted Ioh. 11.39 40. that her brother Lazarus shoulde haue beene raised againe , when hee had layne in in the graue foure daies , for she saide vnto Christ he stinketh : to whome Christ answered , Said I not vnto thee , that if thou didst beleeue thou shouldst see the glory of God ? as if hee shoulde say , thy weakenes of faith doth hinder this miracle .

For want & weakenesse of faith , the disciples of Christ were almost drowned , while Mat. 8.25 . Christ slept in the ship , for when they had awoke him saying , wee perish , hee rebuking them said , why do ye feare , O ye of little faith . And Saint Peter himselfe when hee woulde come alone vnto Christ vpon the & 14.31 sea , was not farre from drowning , and all for want of faith . For want of faith , godly Zacharias , the father of Iohn Baptist , was Luk. 1.2 . dumbe for a time , because hee did not beleeue the tidinges which the Angel brought him of the birth of his sonne . Thus haue we briefly noted these three things : First how many haue beene healed by their own faith : next , that not a few haue beene healed by the faith of others : lastly , that weakenes & want of faith , hath hindered Christ from doing good , & brought euen the deare children of God in daunger . Whereupon wee may conclude , that faith is a most rare and singular vertue , worthy of all praise & commendation .

Nowe if faith were alwaies required for the health of their bodies , how much more Faith good for the health of soule and body . for the health of their soules ? And was not this the cheefest purpose of Christ ( thinke wee ) to lead them by these outward meanes to consider of the weakenes and sicknesses of their soules ? yes surely : and the doctrine thereof is most necessary for vs to consider of : For wee are all full of the foule leprosie of sinne , from top to toe , but faith in Christ doth make vs cleane : for it is written , the blood of Iesus Christ clenseth vs from all 1. Ioh. 1.7 . sinne . We are all benummed with the dead palsie of sinne : But faith in Christ doth quicken vs againe : as Christ saith , He that beleeueth in me , though hee were dead , yet shall he liue . We are all blinde , and cannot Ioh. 11. 25 see the way that leadeth vnto life , but faith in Christ must be our guide : We are all deaf and cannot heare as we should , the word of God : till faith haue opened our inwarde sences . In one worde , there is no disease of the soule or body , which is not eyther holpen , or eased by the benefite of faith .

Is thy heart and soule wounded within thee , by reason of thy sinne ? Faith is a soueraigne and cordiall medicine : it will surely heale thee . Hast thou had a longe time scales vpon thine eyes , that thou canst not see the brightnesse of Gods worde shine vpon thee ? Oh , apply the salue of faith mixt with the powder of true repentance , and thou shalt see howe soone they will fall from thee , as they did from the eyes Act , 9 , 18 of Saule . Art thou oppressed with heauie sadnes ? why , faith in Christ will bring thee ioy . If thou bee sicke , it will restore thee to health . Art thou poore ? it will make thee riche , Art thou deade ? it will rayse By faith all things are possible . Mark . 9.23 . thee to life againe : all thinges are possible , vnto him that beleeueth .

Wilt thou yet heare more what benefite thou receauest by faith : hearken then : By faith wee are made the sonnes of God : By faith wee shall obtayne euerlasting life : Ioh. 1 , 22 & 3 : 6 & 11.25 & 3.36 & 6 , 47 By faith hee that is deade may liue : Hee that beleeueth , shall neuer die . Hee that beleeueth hath euerlasting life .

Contrariwise , whatsoeuer is not of faith , Rom. 14 , 23 Heb , 11 , 6 : Ioh. 3 , 36 Mark : 16 , 16 is sinne . Without faith , it is impossible to to please God : Without faith , wee shall bee condemned . Hee that beleeueth not , the wrath of God abideth on him : He that beleeueth and is baptised , shall bee saued : but hee that beleeueth not , shal be damned .

This true , liuely and iustifying Faith , Mat , 22 , 12 : whereof wee speake , is that riche wedding garment , which euery christian ought to weare : and whosoeuer is founde without it shall bee bounde hande and foote , and cast into vtter darkenesse , there shall bee weepinge and gnashing of teeth . This faith is that strong shielde of defence , Ephes. 6.16 . wherwith we must quench all the fiery darts of the Deuill : if we want this armour , wee shal surely be slaine of Sathan . This faith is the light of the body , which who so hath Mat : 6.22 . not , walketh still in darkenes not knowing whither he goeth . This faith is vsually compared vnto a hand , wherwith we receiue ( as one saith ) the rich almes of God : if we lack this hand , wee shal die for want . This holy Faith the mother of repentance . faith is called the mother of true repentance , and repentance the daughter of faith , for assoone as wee haue a true iustifying Faith , presently repentaunce followeth with the fruites thereof , as Saint Iohn Baptist saith , Bring fourth fruit worthy of repentance .

This liuely iustifying faith is neuer idle , Mat. 3.8 . A true iustiying faith neuer idle , but stil wor●…eth by ●oue . but still worketh by loue , and is the roote from whence all good works do spring . As the sunne cannot be without light , nor the fire without heat , nor water without moystnes : No more can any one which hath this true iustifying faith , be without good works , which are the fruites thereof . Therefore it is very true which Saint Iames saith , that as the body without the soule is deade , so faith without workes is deade in it ●am. 2.17 . selfe : Neyther is there any disagreement betweene the doctrine of Saint Paul , and Saint Iames , though the one saye wee are Rom. 3.28 . iustified by faith , and the other by workes : for Saint Paul speaketh of our iustifying before Iam. 2.24 . God by faith only thorough the bloud of Christ , and Saint Iames of our iustifying S. Paul and S. Iames reconciled concerning iustification . before men , when wee make knowen to the worlde , by our good workes , which are the fruites of faith , that wee are iustified .

Therefore let vs beleeue the Scripture which saith , that Abraham beleeued God , Rom. 4.36 . and it was imputed vnto him for righteousnesse , That wee are not iustified by the workes of the law , but by the faith of Iesus Christ . For by grace wee are saued , saith Gala. 2.16 . Saint Paul , through faith , not of our selues : it is the gift of God , not of workes , least any Eph. 2.8.9 . shuld boast : which place doth cut the throte of that grosse opinion of those proud Pharisayicall Papists , that ignorantly bragge Popish supererogation , superabundant arrogancie . and boast of their workes and merites , as though they coulde merite heauen with them ; both for them selues and others , forsooth , by their works of supererogation , but more rightly called superabundant-arrogancie . Let vs beleeue the Apostle saying , if righteousnesse came by the law , then Christ Gala , 2.21 . dyed in vaine . Let vs beleeue the truth it selfe saying , when ye haue done all that yee can , yet say ye are but vnprofitable seruants , ye haue done but what was your duty to do . Luk. 17.10

It is our dutie and required of vs vppon Mat. 25.41 paine of damnation , to doe good workes , which ( as Saint Paul saith ) God hath ordained Ephe. 2.10 . that we should walke in them : but not that we should trust in them to be saued , for faith herein must haue the preheminence . Therefore Saint Paul counteth all thinges Phil , 3 , 8.9 . losse and doung , that he might win Christ , and might bee found in him not hauing his owne righteousnes , but the righteousnesse which is through the faith of Christ . Obiection . But heere some may say , why doe ye alleadge so many testimonies of Saint Paul , to this purpose , for heseemeth to be contrarie to himselfe , and though in many places hee extolleth faith , yet in one place hee preferreth 1. Cor. 13. loue & charitie before it , for he saith ; now abideth these three , faith , hope and loue , but the chiefest of these is loue ?

True , it is chiefe , in respect that it doth What S. Paul meaneth by saying , that faith is chiefer then loue , extend it selfe farre and neare to the benefit and profit of our neighbours , ( for faith profiteth our selues , & loue our neighbours ) and , because it doth continue longer then faith and hope doth , for the vse of them both doth cease , when wee haue the fruition and possession of that which wee hoped for , and when we haue the end of our faith , which is the saluation of our soules : but loue is onely begun in this life , & perfected in the life to come : in these respects Saint Paul saith , it 1. Pet. 1 , 9. is cheefe . Notwithstanding , though wee graunt this , and say further with the same Apostle , that as there is no true loue , without faith , so there is no true faith , without loue , because faith worketh by loue : yet it Gala. 5.6 . is certaine , that faith in respect of our saluation , and in this matter of iustification , is more excellent then loue : yea , loue must come after faith , as an obedient daughter Loue the daughter of faith . after her mother ; which faith doeth bring forth both hope and loue . Faith then is the ground of things hoped for . Hope is an vndoubted expectation of those things , which are promised vnto vs of God by the meanes of Christ . Loue is linked vnto them both , & may not be seperated from them .

By faith , saith the Author to the Hebrus , our forefathers obtained a good report : Heb. 11.1.2 therefore I conclude , that faith ought still to haue the preheminence in iustification : for thereby are we receiued & made the sonnes Faith must haue the preheminence in iustification . of God , euen by our faith in Christ , by whome wee obtaine euerlasting life . This doctrine , as it doth stirre vs vp to beleeue , so should it stir vs vnto loue & charitie , which are the liuely fruites of faith , and without it faith is dead in it selfe .

But here wee must also take heede , that we doe not imagine , that faith ( though it be a rare and singular vertue ) doth thereby of it selfe deserue euerlasting life , for so wee should fal into error , but faith is called most Christ only hath purchased heauen for vs . faith the instrument to apprehend it . holy , excellent or precious , in this respect , that it is the meane appointed by God himselfe , wherby we should apprehend and receiue most holy , excellent & precious gifts , whereof the chiefest is eternall and euerlasting life , purchased vnto vs , by the death , passion , and resurrection of Christ , euen by his righteousnes , and obedience . Of this eternal and euerlasting life , our faith grounded vppon the promises of God doth most certenly assure vs ; and then by hope ( which is also the childe of faith ) we doe with patience waite for the accomplishment , and performance thereof . For those ioyes , which one day we shall haue in perfect possession , How faith and hope are distinguished . wee doe now enioye by faith , and hope : the which may thus bee distinguished , the one from the other : Faith doth apprehend things present ; and hope things to come : by things present , I meane also eternall life ; which may be said to be present , in respect that we haue some feeling and tast of it in this life , & in respect of the certainty of Gods counsell and will , touching the saluation of his elect , that cannot be altered . Therefore the Scripture vseth often times the present tense , for the future , the time present , for the time to come , as Christ saith , Hee that beleeueth , hath euerlasting life . And Saint Paul saith , by grace ye are saued . Ioh. ● . 36 . Ephe. 2.8 .

By things to come , I meane the accomplishment and performance of our saluation , which in this life we doe patiently waite for , and expect by hope ; therefore hope is sometimes vsed in the same sence that faith is , as in the eight to the Romaines , Saint Paul saith we are saued by hope , that is by Rom. 8.24 hope , our faith is supported , and wee are comforted , til we haue the end of our faith , euen the saluation of our soules .

Againe , this difference is betweene faith , and hope , that faith doth imbrace and apprehend Wherein faith and hope agree . the promises of things , and hope the things whereof the promises are made , onely in this , faith and hope agree , that they haue alwaies respect vnto one and the selfe same benefits . As for example , when Abraham Gen. 17.19 . was promised to haue a sonne in his olde age , he did verily beleeue it , but with hope did expect the performance thereof many yeares . He was promised also the land of Canaan , to him and his seede : he did verily Gen. 17.8 . beleeue it should be accomplished , but yet hee did onely enioy the same by hope . Thus we haue seene briefely the difference betweene faith , hope , and loue , as also how they agree in one : but of loue we shalspeake more ( God willing ) in the last Chapter .

Now let vs proceede a little further in our purpose , to shew the excellencie and worthines of faith , whereby we are assured of things inuisible , as though wee saw them Things inuisible are plainely seene , with the eyes of faith-Heb . 11.3 . with our bodily eyes ; if not more assured . Through faith , wee vnderstand the world was made by the word of God ; so that the things which we see , are not made of things which did appeare .

Through faith we are assured of our election , before the foundations of the world were laide : God hath chosen vs ( saith Saint Paul ) in Christ before the foundation of the Ephes. 1.4 . world , that we should be holy , and without blame before him in loue .

Through faith wee are assured of our reconciliation with God : for God was in Christ , ( saith the Apostle ) and reconciled 2. Cor. 5.19 the world vnto himselfe , not imputing their sinnes vnto them .

Through faith wee are assured of our redemption , iustification and sanctification : Ye are of him ( saith Saint Paul ) in Christ Iesus , 1 , Cor. 1.30 who is made vnto vs wisedome , righteousnesse , sanctification and redemption . Through faith we are assured of our adoption , that wee are the sonnes of God : The spirite Rom. 8 , 16 beareth witnesse vnto our spirites ( saith the Apostle ) that wee are the children of God .

Through faith wee are assured that wee haue the spirit of God : Know ye not that the 2. Cor. 13.5 spirite of Christ dwelleth in you , except ye be reprobates ?

Through faith wee haue the true knowledge of God and of Christ , and in the ende euerlasting life . This is life eternall , to know God the father , and whome hee hath Ioh. 17.3 . sent Iesus Christ .

Lastly , through faith we are assured , that nothing shall separate vs from the loue of God : for those whome God once loueth , to Ioh. 13.1 . the ende he loueth them . I am perswaded , ( saith Saint Paule , ) that neither death , nor Rom. 8.38 . life , nor Angels , nor principalities , nor powers , nor things present , nor thinges to come , nor height , nor depth , nor any other creature , shall bee able to seperate vs from the loue of God , which is in Christ Iesus our If we haue faith , nothing can separate vs from God . Lord . See then , the excellency of faith , which may yet againe be considered , fower maner of waies : In respect of God , in respect of our neighbours , in respect of our selues , in respect of the deuill and of the world .

In respect of God , we feele peace of conscience : Being iustified by faith wee Rom. 5.1 . haue peace towardes God , through Iesus Christ our Lorde . Wee haue hope of the glorie to come . Wee haue accesse vnto the & 8.21 . Heb. 4.16 . throne of grace . In respecte of our neighbours , we haue mutuall concord , godly loue and charitie . In respect of our selues wee haue patience in afflictions , reioycing in Rom. 5.3 . tribulations , ioye in the holye Ghost , dying vnto sinne , liuing vnto righteousnesse . In respect of Sathan , our faith fighteth for Ephe. 6.16 . vs against his temptations , and in respect of the world , wee doe by little and little ouercome it . This is the victorie which ouercommeth the world , euen your faith . 1. Ioh. 5.9 .

What should we say more ? If thou haue faith , all things in heauen and earth make for thee : if thou want faith , al things in heauen earth & hel make against thee : if thou haue All thinges make for the faithful as al things make against the infidels . faith , thou art rich without any other thing : if thou want faith , thou art poore possessing al other things : if thou haue faith , thou maiest bee bolde as a Lyon : if thou want faith , thou wilt tremble at the shaking of a leafe : if thou haue faith , thou needes not feare the Faith a strong fort , against our enemies . force of thine enemies : but for want of faith the heartes of people faint within them .

The wicked flie saith Salomon , and no man pursueth them : contrariwise , the faithfull will say with Dauid , God is our hope , Pro. 28.1 . and strength , a helpe in troubles ready to bee founde . Therefore will wee not feare , Psal. 46 , 1.2 3. though the earth remoue , and though the mountaines fall into the depth of the Sea , & the hils shake at the surges of the same . Againe Dauid saith , though thousands had Psal. 3.6 hemd me in on euery side , yet would I not feare . And againe , I will say vnto the Lord , O my hope and my fortresse ; he is my God Psal. 92.1.2 in him will I trust : surely hee will deliuer thee from the snare of the hunter , and from 3. the noysome pestilence : he will couer thee vnder his wings , and thou shalt bee safe vnder 4. his feathers : his truth shall be thy shield and buckler : thou needst not bee affraid of the terror of the night , nor of the arrowe that flyeth by day , nor of the pestilence that 5. walketh in the darkenesse , nor of the plague One faithfull man better in fight , then a thousand infidels . that destroyeth at the noone day , a thousand shall fall at thy side , and ten thousand at thy right hande ; but it shall not come neere thee . Behold then ( I beseech you ) the 6. force of faith , blessed is the man that hath 7. the Lord for his God . Psa. 144.15

Now hauing hitherto heard the excellencie of faith , and what profit we receiue therby , it shall not be amisse to note for our further comfort and consolation , what worthy praise & commendation , the Scripture hath alwaies giuen vnto faithfull men and women , & what great actes and wonders haue beene wrought by them , through the force of faith . First , concerning these faithful ones which liued before the comming of Christ , it hath pleased the holye Ghost to make a long Catalogue of the chiefest of them , in the eleauenth Chapter of the Epistle to the The faith of our auncestors commended . Hebrues , to this end , that we shuld haue their examples euer before our eyes : nay to teach vs , that if they were so faithful in the time of the law , much more should we be in the time of the Gospel . I wil only note the examples . By faith , Abel his offering was accepted Heb. 11.4 . before God . By faith , Enoch was translated from earth into heauen . By faith , Noe & his 5. family were saued in the Arke . By faith , Abraham 7. came out of his own countrie , & being 8. tried , offered vp his only begotten sonne . By faith , Sara conceiued , when she was fowerscore 11. & ten yeeres old . By faith , Isaack blessed 20. Iacob and Esau , concerning things to come . By faith , Iacob when he was a dying , 21. blessed both the sonnes of Ioseph . By faith , Ioseph when hee dyed , gaue commaundement 22. of his bones .

By faith , the parentes of Moyses , hid 23. him three months , because they saw he was a proper childe , not fearing the Kings commandement . By faith , Moyses himselfe , when he came to age , refused to be called the son 5. of Pharaos daughter , chusing rather to suffer aduersitie with the children of God , then to enioye the pleasures of sin for a season . By faith , he forsooke Egypt , and feared not the 27. fiercenes of the King , for he endured as hee which saw him that is inuisible . By faith , he ordained the Passeouer , and the effusion of 28. bloud , least he that destroyed the first borne should touch them . By faith , Moyses and the children of Israel passed through the 29. red sea , as by the dry land , which the Egyptians assaying to doe , were drowned . By faith , the walles of Iericho fell downe , after 30. the Israelites had compassed them about seuen daies . By faith the harlot Rahab , was 31. not destroyed with the rest in Iericho , because she receiued the spies peaceably . To 32. be short , by faith Gedeon , Barack , Samson , By faith our forefathers in bat tell haue had the victorie . Iephte and Dauid , fought valiantly the Lords battels , and had the victorie .

By faith , Samuel , Elyas , Elisha and other of the Prophets , together with them before named , haue subdued kingdomes , wrought 33. righteousnesse , obtained the promises , stopped the mouthes of Lyons , quenched the violence of fire , escaped the edge of the sword , of weake were made strong , waxed 34. valiant in battell , turned to flight the armies of the strangers .

By faith , women ( as the woman of Sareptha 1. Kin. 17.22 . & the Shunammite ) receiued their dead children , restored vnto life by Elias , and Elisha . 2. Kin. 4.32 Through faith other also were racked 35. and would not be deliuered , that they might receiue a better resurrection .

Some other were stoned , hewen a sunder 36. ( O the crueltie of tyrants ) were tempted , were slaine with the sword : others wandered vp and downe in sheepes skins , and in Goates skins , being destitute , afflicted and tormented , whom the world was not worthy of , they wandered in wildernesses , & mountaines , 37. and Dens , and Caues of the earth , and these all through faith obtained good 38. report . Thus the holy Ghost doth beginne , and thus hee doth conclude this his Catalogue , in commending the fayth of our auncestors , 39. that liued before the comming of Christ .

Now then let vs note also a fewe examples out of the new Testament , and so draw to an ende ( for I must needes confesse , that the aboundant Doctrine which the Scripture affordeth concerning faith , hath caried me much further , then I purposed at the beginning : ) Notwithstanding , seeing fayth is Faith the principall Iewel of S. Peters Chaine . the principall Iewell of our whole worke , pardon me if I bee somewhat long in this Chapter , I will endeuour to bee the briefer in all the rest . By faith in the olde Testament , wee heare how Sara conceaued and brought foorth Isaack , according to the naturall generation of mankinde : but by faith in the new Testament the Virgine Marie conceaued the Sonne of GOD , by the ouershadowing of the holy Ghost , without the naturall helpe of man . Mat. 1.18

By faith her cousen Elizabeth , acknowledged the Virgine Mary , to be the mother of our Lord , when also the babe Iohn Baptist sprang in her wombe . By faith Ioseph Luke . 1.45 the supposed father of Christ , did take Marie vnto his wife , when before hee had thought to put her awaye priuily . By faith he and his wife fled into Egypt , to preserue Mat. 1.19 . the babe Iesus , from the tyrannie of Herod . By faith the Shepheards leaue their flockes & 2. 21. in the fielde , to see poore Iesus lying in a Luke . 2.16 . Manger , who returning backe againe , glorifie GOD for that they had sene and heard , and publish the same to others . By faith the wise men came from the East Countries to Ierusalem , and from thence to Bethlem , where they worshipped the childe Iesus , notwithstanding his pouertie , and Mat. 2.1 . offer vnto him , gifts , golde , frankencense and Myrrhe .

By faith holy Simeon tooke Iesus in his armes , when Marie came vnto Ierusalem to be purified according to the lawe : and hee Luk. 2.27 . said : Lorde , now lettest thou thy seruant to 28.29 . depart in peace : and so foorth . Then Simeon Verse . 34. also blessed them and saide vnto Mary , This childe is appointed for the fall and rysing againe of manye in Israell , and for a signe which shall bee spoken against , yea and a 35. sworde shall pearce thy soule , that the the thoughtes of many hearts may bee opened . By faith likewise at the same instant , Anna the daughter of Phanuel , of the tribe & 2.36.37.38 . of Aser , which was of a great age , and had liued seuen yeeres with a husband from her virginitie , but was a widdow fower-score and fower yeeres , seruing God in the temple , with fasting and prayer , night and day : she ( I say ) comming vp then at the same time , confessed likewise the Lorde , and spake of him to all that looked for redemption in Ierusalem .

By faith , Iohn Baptist , when hee came to age , went out into the wildernesse to prepare Mat , 3.1 . the way of the Lord before him . By faith , he Baptiseth the people in the floude Mat. 3.5 . Iordan , as many as did repent and beleeue in Christ , who was then at hand . By faith , Ioh. 1.29 . hee pointed out with his finger the Sonne of God , saying , Beholde the Lambe of God which taketh awaie the sinnes of the world . & 41. By faith , Andrew the Disciple of Iohn Baptist , brought his brother Simon Peter vnto Christ , saying , We haue found the Messias , which by interpretation is Christ . By faith , Philip perswadeth Nathanael to come vnto Christ , saying vnto him , Beholde wee haue & 45. found him of whome Moyses did write in the lawe and in the Prophetes . By faith , Nathanael sayth vnto Iesus , thou art the Sonne of God , thou art the Kinge of Israell , & 49. because Christ said , hee saw him vnder a fig-tree . By faith , Simon Peter , and the Sonnes of Zebedee leaue their fishing and Mat. 4.18 . 21. nettes , to follow Iesus , after that hee had tolde them , that he would make them fishers of men .

By faith , Mathew the customer left all his Mat. 9.9 gaine to follow Iesus . By faith , Sainte Paul , Saint Steuen and all the Apostles of Christ , 2. Cor. 11. endured all labours and daungers , imprisonment , 23 mockings , scourgings , & death it selfe Acts. 7.59 . for the name of Christ , and for the worke of the ministerie . By faith , infinite Martyrs , and the Saints of God since the time of the Apostles , haue done likewise . By faith , Zacheus made this protestation from his heart , Luk. 19.8 . saying , Behold Lord , the halfe of my goods I giue to the poore , and if I haue done anye man wrong , I restore him fowerfolde ; to whom Christ answered . This day saluation is come into thine house . By faith , the good Mat. 8.10 Centurion said , that Christ was able to heale his seruant with his onely worde , of whose faith Christ himselfe gaue this commendation , that he had not found so great a faith no not in Israel .

By faith , the poore woman of Canaan , saide vnto Christ , that it was lawfull for Mat. 15.28 . dogges to eate vp the crummes which fall from their Masters table : whose fayth also Christ highly commended , saying vnto her , Woman , great is thy faith , bee it vnto thee euen as thou wilt .

But what stand I to reckon vp more examples to this purpose , let vs looke vp into the starres of heauen , and if we be able to number them , then may wee also bring into a The starres of heauen , and the faithfull children of Abraham innumerable . reckoning all the true sonnes of Abraham , registred in the booke of Gods remembrance , for their strong and stedfast faith in the promises of God , made vnto Adam , Abraham , and the rest of Gods elect , since the beginning of the worlde . These examples which I haue noted , and manye other which of purpose I omit , are surelye written for our learning , that wee through patience Rom. 15.4 . and comforte of the Scripture might haue hope .

Last of all , the great and glorious titles wherby the faithfull are called in the Scripture , How the faithful are named in the Scripture . make not a little to the commendation of this faith , whereof wee speake . The faithfull are called the sonnes of God , the sonnes of light , liuing stones , the temple of the holye Ghost , the bodye of Christ , the housholde of God ; the fellow Cittizens of 2. Cor. 6. 18 Luk. 16.8.1 . Pet. 2.5.1 . Cor. 6.19 Eph. 1.23 . & 2.6 . 1. Pet. 2.9 . the Saints , a royall Priesthoode , a holy nation , a peculiar people . Wherfore , seeing we haue heard so great commendation of faith and faithfull people , what maruaile is it , that the Scripture euerye where doeth exhorte vs vnto faith , and that Christ himselfe , and all his Apostles did take so great paines , to bring the world vnto the obedience of faith , by the preaching of the Gospell , and reioce in nothing more , then to heare & see how that the Churches of God , where the Gospell hath beene preached , did continue in their faith ?

Therefore Saint Paule in the first to the Romanes did thanke God , that their faith Rom. 18. was published throughout the world . And Coloss. 1.2 in the first to the Collossians hee beginneth thus : To the saintes and faithfull brethren in Christ : and by and by he saith : We giue thankes to God , since we heard of your faith 3. in Christ Iesus : And againe in the seconde Chapter hee saith : I reioyce to behold your Chap. 2. 5. order , and stedfast faith in Christ : And in the first to the Thessalonians and first he saith , 1 Thess: 1.2 We giue God thankes for you , without ceasing , remembring your effectuall faith . And in the second to Timothie & first , he calleth 3 to remembrance the vnfayned faith , which 2 Tim: 1.5 . dwelt first in his grandmother Lois , and in his mother Eunice . And to Philemon hee writeth thus : I giue thanks when I heare of Phile. 1.4 5. thy loue , and faith . What doth all this signifie vnto vs , but that this saith whereof wee speake , is most excellent in the sight of God and man ?

Hence commeth it to passe , that the same Apostle doth so earnestly exhort vs vnto this 1 Cor , 16 13. faith , & to abide in it . Stand fast in the faith , ( saith he ) quite you like men , and be strong . Againe , hee saith , Proue your selues whether 2.13.5 ye are in the faith . Againe , We walk by faith , and not by sight . Againe , Aboue all , Ephes , 6 , 16 1 Tim. 1 , 5 & 6.11 , 12 take the shielde of faith , wherewith ye may quench all the fiery darts of the wicked . Againe , The ende of the commandement , is loue , out of a pure harte , and of a good conscience , & of faith vnfained . And vnto Timothy he saith , But thou O man of God , follow after righteousnes , godlinesse , faith , loue , patience , meekenes , and so forth : Faith must fight for vs . 2. Tim. 1.13 By and by hee saith , Fight the good fight of faith .

Againe , keepe the true patterne of the wholesome wordes which thou hast hearde of mee , in faith and loue in Christ Iesus . Againe , hee bids vs to doe good vnto all , but especially to them that are of the housholde Tit. 2 , 2 of faith . And to Titus he saith , let the elder men be sound in the faith . And in the Epistle Heb , 4 , 2. Gods word profiteth not without faith . & 11.6 . to the Hebrewes , it is saide , that Gods worde profiteth vs not , except it bee mixt with faith . And without faith it it is impossible to please God . For a conclusion therefore , Christ himselfe saith , Bee faithfull vnto the death , & I wil giue thee the crown of life . What tounge then can expresse the Reuel . 2.10 excellencie of faith , and the profite wee receiue by it ! Contrariwise , all woe and miserie is theirs that haue not this faith : for All woe is theirs that haue not faith . Rom. 14.23 without faith , whatsoeuer wee doe is sinne : whether we pray , reade , sing , eate , drinke , labour : or whatsoeuer wee doe without this faith , I say it is sinne . Iannes & Iambres are compared with the reprobates that want 1 Tim. 3.8 , 2 Tim. 1.20 faith . Hymeneus and Alexander are noted with eternall infamie , because they made shipwracke of their faith .

For want of faith , the man in the Gospel that presumed to come to the wedding , was bounde hande and foote and cast into vtter Mat. 22.12 13. darkenes , there shall be weeping & gnashing of teeth . Finally , as vnbeleefe was the cause that so many thousands died in the wildernesse , and so fewe entred into the lande of Canaan : so vnbeleefe , and want of Vnbeleefe the cause that so fewe entred into the promised land . Heb. 3.19 faith , is the cause that so many shal die eternally in the worlde to come , and bee condemned vnto the bottomles pit of hell . For this is the last conclusion ( almost ) of the whole Bible , spoken by him that shal iudge both quick and dead . The feareful & vnbeleeuing , ( saith he ) that is , all such as haue not this true iustifying faith , whereof we haue all this while intreated , shall bee cast into Reuelat. 21.8 . the lake , which burneth with fire and brimstone .

For the auoyding of which endlesse torments , let vs betime bewaile our own blockishnes , that hitherto haue so little esteemed of this so precious a Iewell of Faith : let vs learne to make more account of Gods word , then heretofore wee haue done : let vs pray the Lorde to forgiue vs that is past , and to increase this holy faith in vs , for time to come : so shall wee bee blessed here & for euer . And so much concerning the excellencie of faith , and the vtility or profit we receiue by it .

Nowe it shal be necessary for vs , to consider , before we conclude this Chapter , from whome this faith commeth , that is , whose gift it is , and to whom it is giuen : to this end , that none may imagine faith to be a naturall gifte , common to all : seeing it is giuen onely to them , whose names are written in the booke of life .

First that faith is the gifte of God , I think Faith the gift of God . none will denie , and therefore I shall not neede to stande long about the proofe thereof . When Saint Paul saith , we are saued by grace , through faith : presently he saith Not of our selues , it is the gift of God . Ephes. 2.8 Sainte Iames saith , euery good giuing , & Iam. 1 , 17 euerie perfect gifte , is from aboue , and commeth downe from the father of light : that is , from God , which is called the light that none can attaine vnto : but faith is a good and perfecte gifte : therefore surely it commeth from God .

Againe , Saint Paule writing vnto the Philippians , saith : Vnto you it is giuen Phillip . 1.29 through Christ to beleeue : therefore to beleeue is the gift of God . Againe in the twelft to the Hebrewes , the holy Ghost exhorteth vs to runne with patience , the race that is set Heb. 12.1.2 before vs , looking vnto Iesus the authour & finisher of our faith : Therefore faith must needes bee the gift of God .

Moreouer when the Apostles of Christ doe pray the Lorde to increase their fayth , Luk. 17. 5 they doe thereby plainly shew , that faith is the gifte of God . Againe , Paule planteth , Apollos watereth , by preaching of Gods 1 Cor. 3.6 worde ; but God giueth the increase , that is , faith to beleeue . Many such places there are , but these may suffice .

Nexte nowe , that this excellent gifte of faith is not common to all , appeareth by this one saying of Saint Paule vnto the Thessalonians : 2 Thess. 3 , 2 All men haue not faith . Therefore , To whom faith is giuen , & in what measure . it is a thing most necessarie to be considered , to whom this faith is giuen , and whether it bee giuen to all in a like measure or not .

Here , first of all wee are to consider of the giftes of God , howe some are temporall , some eternall , some common with the good and bad , some giuen onely to Gods electe . The giftes that are temporall , are all things that pertaine to the vse of this present life : yea and life it selfe is a temporall gifte , because it is decreed that wee must all die . The benefite of the aire , the benefite of the earth , the benefite of the water , the benefite of the Sunne and firmament , and all the creatures in eyther of them , are temporall giftes , seruing onely for the vse of man in this life , and common to the good , and to the bad : as Christ saith , that God our Father causeth the Sunne to shine vpon the euill and the good , and the raine to fall vpon Mat. 5 , 45 the iust and vniust .

Againe , the giftes of the minde , as wisedome , reason , knowledge , memory , learning , and the like , are all temporal giftes , togither with the giftes of healing , of prophesying , Temporall gifts and working of miracles , as Christ saith in the seuenth of Mathewe : Many will say vnto mee at the day of iudgement , Lorde , Lorde , haue wee not by thy name prophesyed , and by thy name cast out Deuils , Mat , 7 , 22 & by thy name wrought many great miracles ? and then I will professe to them , saith Christ , I neuer knew you , depart from mee all ye that worke iniquitie . 23.

Againe , other accidentall giftes ( as we say ) of the body , as health , strength , beautie , riches , honors , and the like , are all terrene and temporall giftes : and no man can certenly iudge thereby , whether the possessors Eccles. 9. 1. No man can certenly iudge by the hauing , or not hauing of temporal blessings whether he be beloued or hated of God , Spirituall gifts . thereof bee eyther beloued or hated of God . And that is the meaning of Salomon when hee saith : No man can know whether hee bee in the loue , or hatred of God : meaning , by the hauing , or not hauing of these earthly and temporall giftes .

Nowe , on the other side , the giftes that are heauenly , are faith , loue , ioy , peace , meekenes , temperance , patience , godlines , Iustification , sanctification , adoption , glorification , and finally , eternal and euerlasting saluation : all these giftes are giuen onely to such as God hath elected to bee heyres of saluation , according as Sainte Paule saith : Rom. 8 , 29 Those which God knewe before , hee also predestinated , to be made like to the image of his Sonne : those whome hee predestinated , them also hee called . Whome he called , them also he iustified : and whome 30 hee iustified , them also hee gloryfied .

So then it is certayne , that Faith and all these other heauenly giftes , are gyuen onely to the chosen and elect people Tit. 1 , 1 : of God : for which cause , faith is called by Saint Paule , the faith of Gods electe . Againe it is said in the Actes of the Apostles , that so many as were ordained to eternall life , beleeued and so were saued . Againe , all Act. 13. 48. Eph. 2.8 . that are saued , are saued by grace , through faith : therefore so many as are saued , haue faith , and none other . No man commeth vnto me ( saith Christ ) but those the father Iohn 6 , 44. Mat , 13. 11. Faith is a mistery . draweth . And to his disciples hee saith , To you it is giuen to knowe the misteries of the kingdome of heauen , but to others it is not : Againe , faith is a chiefe part of the misterie whereof Saint Paul speaketh : Therefore to some it is giuen to haue faith , & to some it 1 , Tim. 3.16 is not : Againe , Christ saith in the tenth of Iohn : Ye beleeue not , why ? because ye are Iohn 10 , 26 not of my sheepe : that is , none of those who are elected vnto saluation : therefore none but Gods elect do beleeue .

Here further we learne , that faith is not giuen vs in respect of any righteousnes , merite Faith is not giuen for our owne worthines : or desert , that is in vs : but of God his free mercy , as well to the Iewes , as to the gentils : to the Grecian , and to the Barbarian : to the bond , and to the free : to male , and female , wheresouer throughout the whole world , dispersed , as many as be elected vnto saluation .

Now , although man knoweth not the time No time set when wee shal be called when , yet certaine it is that euery one of the elect shal be called , one time or other , according as God in his diuine prouidence hath appointed . For as he chooseth whom he wil , so those whome hee hath chosen hee calleth vnto faith by the ministerie of his word , and effectual working of his holy spirit , when it pleaseth him : vnlesse by his secret worke , according to his euerlasting counsel and election , hee call them in their infancie to himselfe out of this world , before they come to yeeres of discretion . Heereuppon it is that he calleth some in their youth , some in their middle age , and some not before olde age : some at the dauning of the daie , some at the Math. 20. 3 4 , 5 , 6 third houre , some at the sixt houre , & some at the eleuenth houre : so long as the time of this present life indureth , and this light of grace continueth , so long the time lasteth of the heauenly calling .

Let no man or woman therfore despaire , Let none despaire of their calling , for he that is not called to day may be to morow . or doubt of their saluation , that are not yet effectually called , for they knowe not howe soone they may be , only let euerie one praie that when God doth call , we may bee ready to yeelde our obedience : especially let not the preachers and ministers of Gods word be discouraged , though in a long time they see little fruit or their labors : for faith many times which is planted by their preaching , Faith many times couered as fire in the ashes , doeth lie close hidde and couered , as the fire in the ashes : one daie , when God will , it shall breake out into flames of charitye and godlynes : at least wise , if the Gospell which we preach bee hidde , it is hid to 2. Cor. 4. 3 them that perish : as many as are ordained vnto saluation , shall at one time or other yeeld their obedience , and so eternally bee saued .

But because it falleth out often A comfort for weaklings times , that manye of the deare children of GOD , are verye much grieued , yea , almost plunged in the pitte of desperation , when they heare that none but such as haue faith shall bee saued , because they themselues doo not feele the heate of faith , so effectuallie as they desire : Therefore I haue thought it verye necessarye , before I conclude , brieflie to shewe , that there are diuerse measures of faith , some He that hath the least measure of true faith shal be saued . greater , and some lesser , and that the least measure of faith , if it bee true fayth , sufficeth vnto saluation : so shall none of Gods children ( I hope ) bee discouraged , when sathan shall cast into their mindes , the littlenes of their faith .

First , euerie christian must holde for certaine that which Saint Paul teacheth in the fourth to the Ephesians , namely , that there is one Lord , and one fayth : next , Ephe. 4. 6 it is behoofefull for vs to knowe , that this one faith is giuen to the faithful in diuers & sundrye measures , according as Saint Paule saith in the twelfth to the Romanes , That Rom. 12.3 euerie one must vnderstande according to sobrietie , according as God hath dealt to euerie man , the measure of faith , to some a greater measure is giuen , to some a lesser .

Also the fruites of faith are not in all The fruites of faith are not alike in all the faithfull . the faithfull a like : as namely , one fayth , full man and woman hath and may haue more knowledge , more loue , more feare of God , more hope , more patience , more brotherlie kindenes , and so foorth , then another hath , according as hee hath receiued a greater measure of faith : but yet the measure of faith , by the good prouidence of God , is so distributed and deuided , that there are none of Gods elect , to whome is giuen lesse then may suffice vnto saluation , for the measure of faith doth contayne this in it selfe , that there is a sufficient portion to euerie one : hee that hath the lesser measure , shall haue saluation , with him that hath the greater .

And doubtlesse it is done by the speciall counsell and prouidence of God , that one hath a greater measure of fayth then another ; for God hath so moderated all those thinges , by his wisedome , that to those whom hee hath appointed to endure many great battels , hee hath giuen a larger portion of faith . As to Ahraham , Isaack , To those whom God wil try most hee giueth most faith . Iacob , Moses , Dauid , and the like , whom when hee would try by many trybulations and temptations , he vouchsafed to bestow vppon them a greater measure of faith , not that therby they should attaine vnto saluation , rather then other that haue lesser gifts of faith , but that they should serue to the furthering of Gods glory , and that they might bee examples to those , that are more infirme and weaker .

Now , if any would knowe what the least measure of faith is that any man or woman can haue : surely it is this , when a man of an What the least measure of faith is . humble spirit , by reason of the litlenes of his faith , doth not yet feele the assurance of the forgiuenes of his sinnes , and yet is perswaded that they are pardonable , and with his heart prayeth God that hee would pardon and forgiue them . Now that such a one hath faith , it is perceiued by the good desires Esa. 57.17 and prayers which he maketh , because such prayers and desires , are testimonies of the spirit of God , whose property is , to stirre vp a longing and a lusting after heauenly Good praiers a token of true faith . Rom. 8.26 thinges , with sighes and groanes for Gods fauour and mercy in Iesus Christ : and where the spirite of Christe is , there is Christ dwelling , and where Christ dwelleth 2. Cor 13.5 there is true faith , howe weake so euer it be .

Moreouer , faith though it bee but lyttle , is the gifte and working of God , proued by this saying of the Apostle Saint Paule , that it is God that worketh both Phil. 2.13 the will and the deede : therefore , whosoeuer hath this good will and desire in him , it is certaine that there is the presence and working of Gods holie spirite . Nowe wee must not iudge of the grace of God by the absolute perfection or quantitie of faith , but onely by the foundation whereuppon it resteth , which foundation is the merites , the obedience , satisfaction , and righteousnesse of the sonne of God imputed vnto vs , for faith is , ( as before is noted ) the A Similitude . hande wherewith wee apprehende and laie sure holde vppon the righteousnesse of Christ Iesus . And euen as a lyttle childe maye as truelye holde a golde ring or precious iewell wyth his litle and weake hand , as a giant with all the force of his hande and fist , beeing one and the selfe same ring , so the merits of the sonne of God , bee one and the same , whether our faith bee weake , or strong to apprehend them .

This then beeing ( as wee haue sayde ) the least measure of faith , when wee haue an earnest desire to bee saued , and yet haue not the full assurance of our saluation : it is then our dutie daily to praie the Lord to increase our faith , till we come by little and little vnto the greatest measure , which wee shall not haue at the first , but in some continuance of time , when wee haue bene well practised in repentance ( for as soone as wee haue the least measure of faith , repentance will also appeare in some measure . ) When therfore ( I saie ) we haue some time bin well practised in repentance , and haue had diuerse experiences of Gods loue towards vs in Christ , then afterwardes will appeare in our hearts the fulnesse of perswasion , which is the ripenesse and strength of faith . For this is the greatest measure of faith , when anie one daylye increasing in faith , comes to be fully perswaded of Gods loue in Christ , The greatest measure of faith . towards himselfe particularly , & of the forgiuenes of his owne sins .

This I suppose is the greatest measure of faith , how be it , I am still perswaded , that there is no mans faith so strong ; but it is No mans faith so strong , but it is sometimes shaken sometimes shaken with the winde of doubfulnes . Thus are wee come now at length thorough Gods assistance , to the concluding & shutting vp of this discourse of faith being the foundation of our whole worke , wherein wee haue seene , what true faith is , what excellent vertues and operation it hath , what great profit and commoditie we The summ of the first chapter . receiue by it , that many of our forefathers haue bene renowned for their faith : lastlie , whose gift it is : to whom it is giuen , and in what measure . Now to him that is of power to establishe vs according to the gospell of Rom. 16 Iesus Christ , by the reuelation of the mistery 25. which was kept secrete since the world began , 26. ( but nowe is opened and published among all nations , by the scripture of the 27. prophets at the commaundement of theeuerlasting God , for the obedience of faith . ) To God , I say , onely wise , be all praise , and honour , and glorie , thorough Iesus Christ our Lord , Amen .

A Praier for faith , and the increase thereof .

O Almightie God and omnipotent creator , Lord of heauen and earth , the giuer of all good things , from whence euerie good & perfect gift doth proceed , and by whose mercifull goodnes it is augmented and increased within vs , I beseech thee of thine infinite clemencie , to plant deeply in my soule that most sweet root of faith , and to water it continually with the dew of thy heauenly grace , that it may spring and bud forth into the greene and liuelie branches of a godly life , with peace of conscience , and ioye in the holie Ghost : and that the seed thereof so soone as it is ripe , may fall downe againe into the garden of my heart , to the further increase of the same , til it growe vp into that great tree of euerlasting life , through Iesus Christ our Lord and Sauiour . To whome with thee O father and the holy Ghost , be all honor and glorie for euer , Amen .

OF VERTVE IN GENERALL . CHAP. 2.

THE order and course of nature ( being duly obserued ) doth make this plaine vnto vs , that though there bee manye and innumerable thinges in this worlde , yet that euery thing hath a certaine head , root , fountaine , & beginning , from whence each particular is deriued . For when God , which is the cause of nature , woulde shew forth in the theatre of this world , the surpassing excellencie of his wisedome , not onely in creating all things of nothing , but also in gouerning and preseruing all things that were created , that they might continue and indure out the time which he had appointed : The Scripture saieth , that God did make euerie thing according to his kinde , & withall did put certaine seedes of thinges in the Gen. 1 , 12 The course of natural things continued by Gods prouidence ti● the ende o● the world things themselues , wherby there might be a propagation or continued course of things from generation to generation , so long as the world should indure .

Right so , Gods mightie power and infinite wisedome doth no lesse plainelie appeare in things supernatural , I meane in the gifts of the mind , wherwith he doth beutify & adorne the soule of man : for it is God that giueth both the beginning , & increase of al Faith the roote of vertue . vertue and goodnes . Now the beginning of vertue in vs is faith , which God doth first plant in the hart of man , faith then may be compared vnto the roote , from whence doth arise the stemme of vertue . Vertue in generall breaketh out into particular branches , as knowledge , temperance , patience , and the rest : and euery branch bringeth foorth fruit according to his kind . Therfore Saint Peter writing vnto such as were conuerted vnto 2. Pet. 1. 5 the faith , willeth them to ioyne therevnto vertue , saying , Ioine vertue with your faith : whereby doubtlesse he meaneth , that they should endeauour to lead a ciuill & honest life , as euery one had receiued the measure of faith : and to the end they shoulde not thinke it a matter indifferent , he biddeth them to giue al diligence therunto , euen to ioyne vertue with their faith , because by & throgh their faith in Christ , God had giuen them all things that pertaine vnto life and godlines , through the knowledge of him By flying ●he corrup●…ōs of this ●orld , wee ●aw neervnto God that had called them vnto glory & vertue : wherby most precious promises were giuen vnto them , that by them , they should bee partakers of the godly nature , in flying the corruption , which is in the world , through lust . So that now wee see , what must bee the chiefe and principall care of all those , that haue receiued this excellent gift of faith , wherof we haue spoken in the former chapter , Namely , to giue all diligence to ioyne vnto our faith vertue , that so our faith may appeare by our honest liuing , & godly conuersation . Wherefore in this chapter wee must speake of vertue in generall , being the second lincke in Saint Peters Chaine , & afterward come to her particular branches .

Vertue in generall is obedience to Gods commaundements , wrought in Gods children what vertue is , & from whome we haue it . by the spirit of sanctification , directed or referred to the glorie of God , and accepted of him in Christ Iesus . And to speake plainly , whatsoeuer thing is good & honest , that is vertue . Vertue ( saith one ) is a strong castle , that can neuer be wonne , a riuer that ne edeth no rowing , a sea , that moueth not : a fire that quencheth not : a tresure , that neuer hath an end : an army , neuer ouercome : a signe that neuer deceiueth : a plaine waie that neuer faileth : a sirupe that forthwith healeth , & a renowme that neuer perisheth . Againe , vertue in all workes is chiefly to be praised , as the head fountain & chief iewel of all maner of riches . Vertue aboue all things Vertue offereth her self to all that will receiue her . doth ( or shuld ) purchase to men good wil , friendship , & loue . Vertue , saith another , is shut vp from no man , that is willing to entertaine her : shee receiueth all men gladly , she calleth all sorts ( and sexes ) of men & women , kings , Queenes , seruants and bannished men , she requireth neither house nor substance , but is onely contented with the naked man .

Againe , vertue exceedeth all earthly things , for , if liberty , friends , health , wealth , & prosperitie fall from thee , yet vertue will keepe thee company : therfore vertue in aduesity is best tried . Trauell therefore , sayth one , and take paines to spend thy life in the trade of vertue : the pain is but short , but thy vertue shall euer indure . The waie of vertue is hard at the beginning , but the path being once troden , it shall seeme verie pleasant . The lesse time that a man hath to liue , the more earnestlie is the studie of vertue to be imbraced . That person is not worthie to liue , that will not studie to liue vertuouslie . Vertue is praised of many but there are few that effectuallie follow it . Men will put themselues to pains for the attaining of anie thing saue vertue and honestie . It is a great vertue to flie those things our selues , which we reproue in others : he that liueth vertuously in this life , his soule shall haue rest with God . These are the sayinges indeede of heathen men , which onely had the light of nature to guide them , whervnto now if we adde but this , that this vertue whereof they speake must bee ioyned vnto faith , then doubtlesse Vertue must be ioyned vnto faith . their sayings are godly and sound , and most worthy to bee imbraced of vs christians . Otherwise without faith vertue will vanishe A similitude . away as a smoake . And as it is not possible , to fill that vessell with wine , that is already full with puddle water , except wee first emtye the vessell , no more is it possible , that any one can haue true vertue abounding in him , that hath not his hart first purged from vice and sinne by faith .

This was the cause that heathen men which wanted faith in Christ , were not able to attaine vnto true vertue ; onely they sawe the shadow thereof in the glimmering light of nature , the substance wherof was farre aboue them . They were like vnto children , which seeing the moon shining in a pool of Another similitude . water , seem to snatch after it to take her in their hands , but assone as they trouble the water , their endeuours are frustrated : euen so those heathen men seemed stil to see vertue shining from heauen , but assone as they troubled the waters of their vnderstanding , to reach after it , presently they were deceiued of their purposes . Whosoeuer therefore will attaine vnto the schoole of vertue , must haue faith , & the knowledge of Gods word to lead him thervnto .

Furthermore , we must takeheed that we Gods word ioined with faith , wyll bring vs to the schoole of vertue . mixe not vice and vertue together ( for they can indeed no more agree then fire and water ) but my meaning is , that we do not hide and couer ouer our vices , with the cloake of vertue , or rather hipocrisie ; for like as the eie cannot looke vpward and downeward Similitudes both at one time , no more can the mind of man , applie vice and vertue together . And as in a paire of tables , nothing may be well written , before the blots and blurs be wiped out , so Vertue cannot abide with anie , except he first put away his vices ; according to the saying of a godlie father , We cannot attaine vnto the kingdome of Vertue except we first shake of the yoke of vices . This is the onely cause therfore , why so many desire vertue , & so few attaine vnto it , because few men will forgo for vertue sake , that vice and sin which he best loueth .

Many perhaps , will leaue for a time some The reason why we do desire vertue , but yet not attaine vnto it . certein vices ; because they would seeme to bee vertuous , but when vertue commeth to be their guest , one foule sin or other beats her backe againe . One will leaue swearing , drunkennes , and such like : another will forsake theft or stealing with the hande : an other lying and falswitnes bearing ; but yet euery one of these will be either an idolater , adulterer , or vsurer ; and so still retaine one sin or other to chase vertue from them . Thus leauing of some sinnes , shall be a cloak vnto them , to couer other more fouler vices , to the end they maye seeme vnto the world vertuous and religīous . But euen as iron & A similitude . clay cannot be tempered together , no more can vice & vertue agree together in any one man : therfore it is wel said of one , Either be as thou shewest , or els shew thy selfe as thou art . What a goodly shewe of vertue did that Mat. 19 . 2● young man in the gospell make , when hee told Christ that he had kept the law of God from his youth : yet hee was not free from that foul vice of couetousnes . But , it is to be feared that there be many such , nay ten times worse in our daies , that wil couer couetousnes , murther , adultery , extortion , bribery , & the like , vnder the pretensed vayle & vizard Papistes vse religion as a vail to couer all impietie . Exod. 3. 5. of vertue and religion . Wherfore it is most necessary for al christians to know , that true vertue which proceedeth from faith , is a most holy thing : & therefore as Moses must put of his shoos before he might talke with God ; so must we cast from vs vice and sinne ( I meane the delight and continuance in any grosse sin , be it neuer so pleasant or profitable vnto our fleshly nature ) before this heauenly gift of vertue , wil harbour and remaine within vs . When Elias should ascend 2. King . 2 13.14 vp into heauen , he must first cast downe his mantle : so doubtles no man can be partaker of this true vertue , before hee cast the garment of vice & sin away from him , specially the cloak of hipocrisie , which is most worne of any garment in this land . How often haue Many changes of apparell , onelye hypocrisye neuer changed . we seene new fashions , and changes of apparell in this Countrie ? yet this garment doth remaine still vnaltered . They that are ashamed to weare one sute of apparell two daies together , are not ashamed to weare this old cloake of hipocrisie many yeeres .

Surely among all other sinnes hypocrisie Hypocrisye the chiefest enemie to vertue . is the most deadlyest enemy vnto vertue . In vertue there may bee nothing counterfait , for therein is the onely image of verity . Therfore it is well sayde of S. Cyprian , that it profiteth not to shew vertue in wordes & to destroy it in deedes . Vertue then doubtlest is a iewell of great worth , for euen the wicked doo desire to haue it : at leastwise couet to make shew to the world that they haue it ; because they would bee the better accounted of . For like as a precious stone in a gold ring , so shineth an heart that is setled Vertue best tried in aduersytie . in vertue . They therfore that will make shewe to the world , that they haue vertue , when it is not so , are like vnto them that gilde gold vppon copper rings , that their brauery may appeere for a little while , but in a shorte time it weareth away . Golde is tried by the touch , and vertue by the continuance of it : if it be counterfait , in time of aduersity it will appeare . That is true vertue in deede , which hath bin tryed in the fire of tribulation , as the gold in the furnace .

Nothing can easily corrupt a mind wholy dedicated to vertue . As wormes will not eate the wood of cedar ; so nothing can hurt the soule possessed with vertue : true vertue ioyned with faith , doeth adorne the soule of man , and causeth it to aspire vnto heauenly thinges . Therefore doth Saint Peter say , Ioyne vertue with your faith . And Saint Paule saith , Whatsoeuer thinges are true , Phil. 4. 8. whatsoeuer thinges are honest , what soeuer things are iust , whatsoeuer thinges are pure , whatsoeuer thinges appertayne vnto loue , whatsoeuer things appertaine vnto good report : if there be any vertue , if there bee any prayse , thinke on these thinges , and then the God of peace shall bee with you .

But here wee may note by the way , that this vertue in generall hath included in it , many more particular branches , then the Apostle Saint Peter hath linked together in his chaine ; which to intreat of at large , would be very tedious : therefore let this one word of S. Paule suffice for all , whatsoeuer thing is of good report , let that bee imbraced for a vertue : onely I think it meet , to speak something here of humilitie , because ( as S. Gregory humility the keeper of vertue . saith ) she is the keeper of vertue .

And God himself , the giuer of faith , & al other vertues , hath most respect vnto them that in humblenes of minde , cast themselues downe before the presence of his maiestie . For thus saith he that is high and excellent , he that inhabiteth the eternity , whose name Esay 57. 15. is the holy one : I dwell in the high and holy places : with him also , that is of a humble and contrite spirite , to reuiue the spirite of the humble , and to giue life to them that are of a contrite hart .

But what is humilitie ? surely by the learned it is thus defined , To be a vertue , wherby wee doe acknowledge our owne weakenes , A definition of humilitie . & vncleanes , ioyned with the true feare of God , whereby also we do keep our selues within the bounds and limits of our calling , trusting in the diuine helpe , not despising other instruments , and meanes appointed of God : but acknowledge the giftes of God in others , as well as in our selues , knowing that our indeuours cannot prosper , without the blessing and helpe of God . Moreouer , Humilitie , is to yeeld obedience vnto God , correcting vs for our faultes , and not to fret and fume against his maiesty . Which thing , S. Peter meaneth when he saith , Humble your selues vnder the mightie hand of God : and 1 Pet. 5 : 6 , he shal exalt you in due time . Humilitie , among many other vertues , is highly commended in the scripture , euen as the vice contrarie thereunto ( which is pride ) is vtterly condemned . God resisteth the proude ( saith S. Iames ) & giueth grace to the humble . And Iam. 4 , 6 Prou. 29 , 23 Salomon saith , The pride of a man shal bring him low , but the humble in spirite shal inherite glorie . Againe , he saith , Pride goeth before destruction , & an high mind before the Prou. 16.18 fall . Hereof we haue many examples , of such as haue beene brought vnto confusion by their pride : and of many other that haue beene exalted by humilitie , acording to this saying of Christ , He that exalteth himselfe , Luk. 14.11 shal be brought lowe : but he that humbleth himselfe , shal be exalted .

What got Lucifer and the other Angels by pride ? when they were not content with their first estate in heauen ? were they not 2 Pet. 2. 4. Iud , 6 cast downe into the bottomlesse pit of hell , where they are reserued in euerlasting chains , vnto the iudgemente of the greate day ? Examples how God hath punished pride .

Now , shal wee thinke , that God woulde so seuerely punish pride in heauen , and yet suffer proud men vnpunished here on earth . Surely no , they shall not goe altogether vnpunished in this world , though their eternal punishmente bee also reserued till the Ester 7.10 . iudgement of that great day . Proude Haman , when his pride was at the highest , was hanged vpon a hie paire of gallowes , of fiftie cubites hie . Dan , 4.30

Nabuchadnezar for his exceeding pride of hearte , was fayne to eate grasse with beastes , till his hayres were growen as Eagles feathers , and his nailes like vnto birdes clawes . Herode in all his pompe and pride , Act. 12 , 23 when hee thought to bee honoured of the people as a God , was immediately stroken of an Angell , and eaten vp of crawling lice .

The like , or farre greater punishment one day , shall befall that proude beaste of Rome , with seuen heades , and ten hornes : euen that Antychrist and child of perdition , Reuel . 17.7 whom the Lord shall consume with the spirite of his mouth , and shall abolish with the brightnesse of his comming : because in the great pride of his heart , he exalteth himself 2 Thess. 2 , 3 4. Antychrist the very picture of pride against all that is called God , or that is worshipped : so that he doth sit as God , in the Temple of God , shewing himselfe that hee is God . Thus shall God cut of all the proud ones of the earth , and their end shal be eternall confusion .

Salomon considering of the punnishment which the proude shal feele in hell , seemeth Wised. 5. 8. to note the talke that should passe between them there : for then ( saith he ) they shall say one to another , what hath pride profited vs ? or what profite hath the pompe of riches brought vs ? Wherefore , seeing pride and arrogancy of hearte , is so odious before God , let vs the rather imbrace true humiliti , so shall wee be beloued of God and men : as one saith , Humblenesse and lowlinesse of mind , maketh a man highly in fauour with God : & meekenes of wordes maketh him to sinke into the harts of men . Humility therefore , for her excellency , shoulde be the sister Humility the sister of true nobilitie . of true nobilitie : Nature giueth vnto age estimation and authoritie : but meekenesse of heart is the glorie of youth and age , and giueth vnto them both dignitie and honour . That may rightly be called genterie , that is begun , continued , and ended in true humilitie . according to our english prouerbe , A gentleman , hath gentle conditions . It is the saying of a sage man , that the higher any one is in authority , so much the more gentle and lowly should he behaue himselfe : and that nothing is more seemly , or commendable for a prince or noble man , then the vertue of gentlenesse , meekenes , and humilitie . For the gentle and lowly minded man cannot lightly be hated : Vertue , specially learning Humility maketh a man beloued . with humility hath aduanced many men vnto great honor & dignitie : agreeable to that saying of Salomon , Before honour goeth humilitie : and againe , The reward of humility , is life , riches and glory . Man is in nothing Prou. 15.33 & 22 , 4. more like vnto God , then in gentlenesse & humilitie . The vertue of humilitie saith one , encourageth to attayne truely the Law of God , and maketh apte vessels to receiue the spirit of God : according to this saying of Dauid , Them that be meek wil God guide Psal. 25.9 . in iudgemente , and teach the humble his way .

Therefore the prophet Dauid , knowing the great vertue of humilitie , maketh this protestation of himself in one of his Psalms : Psal. 131. Lorde saith hee : I am not highe minded , I haue no proude lookes : but on the contrary , my soule ( saith hee ) is euen as a wayned childe , meaning that hee was humble in heart as a child .

And surely , the example of a childe is We must learne humilitie of children : very forcible to teach vs humilitie : therefore Christ himselfe vsed the same example vnto his Apostles , when in pride of hart they demanded who shoulde bee greatest in the kindome of heauen . Then Iesus called a little childe , and set him in the middest of his disciples , and saide vnto them : Verely I Mat. 18.1.2 say vnto you , except ye bee conuerted and become as little children , ye shall not enter into the kingdome of heauen : but contrariwise , Whosoeuer shall humble himselfe as this little childe , the same is the greatest in the kingdome of heauen . See then what a precious vertue humilitie is , and to what great honour it preferreth vs , euen to be the greatest in the kingdome of heauen . Humility preferreth vs to the greatest honour . Galat. 5.22 .

True humilitie and gentlenesse of minde , is a cheefe fruit of the spirite of God . The fruite of the spirte ( saith Saint Paul , is loue , ioy , peace , long suffering , gentlenes , meeknesse , and so forth : Therefore is it that the same Apostle doth so earnestly exhort vs Collos , . 3 12 13. vnto humilitie , As the elect of God ( sayth hee ) holy and beloued , put on tender mercy , kindnesse , humblenesse of mind , meekenes , long suffering . Thus wee see , how humilitie is both commanded & commended vnto vs . Now let vs a little consider , howe that as God in his iustice , hath euermore throwne downe the proude , so in his mercy hee hath exalted the humble and Examples how God hath exalted the humble Numb . 12.3 meeke .

Moyses that man of God , among all his vertues , is commended for nothing more , then for his humilitie and meekenes : for he is saide to bee the meekest man vpon earth : and see how hee was exalted of God , When his father and mother had left him , by the Exod. 2.3.4 5. riuers brinke among the bulrushes , God caused him to bee taken vp , aduanced him to the court of Pharao , and after made him a prince and a gouernour ouer his owne people . Little Dauid the sonne of Ishai , because hee was little in his owne eyes , and as wee haue heard before , humble in heart as a wained Psal. 78 , 70 , 71 childe , therefore God did exalte him & tooke him from following the Ewes great with yong , and aduanced him to the kingly throne . Neyther haue we onely examples of men , but also of women , as of Esther , that of a poore captiue , hauing nor father , nor Ester 2 , 17. mother aliue ( onely a good kinseman Mordecay ) was by God aduanced to be the wife of a King .

What inould we speak of the humilitie & low estate of the virgine Mary , who notwithstanding was chosen by God himselfe to bee the mother of Christ . This great working of God in throwing downe the proude , and exalting the lowly , doth that holy Virgine well note in her song of reioycing , when she saith , My soule doth magnifie the Lord , and my spirite reioyceth in God my sauiour : by Luk. 1.46 . and by she sheweth the reason , For he hath looked on the poore degree of his seruant , & scattered the imaginations of the proude : He hath put downe the mightie from their seates , and exalted them of lowe degree . The verie same thing doth Hanna the mother of Samuel , note in her prayer , saying , 1 Sam. 2.7 8. The Lord maketh poore , and maketh riche , bringeth lowe , and exalteth : hee rayseth the poore out of the dust , & lifteth vp the begger from the dunghill , to set them among Princes , and to make them inherite the seat of glorie .

Hence is it that Saint Paule faith ( though 1 Cor. 1 , 27 28. to another purpose ) that God hath chosen the foolish things of this world , to confound the wise : and God hath chosen the weake things of this world , to confound the mightie things : & vile things , & things which are despised , hath God chosen : & things that are not , to bring to nought things that are : that no flesh should glory in his presence , but according as it is written , hee that glorieth , let him glory in the Lord . Ierem , 9.24

Thus we haue seene how God doth euermore exalt them that are humble and lowly in their owne eyes . Let vs therefore make much of humilitie . But yet , to proceede a little further , if we wil haue examples of humilitie , then let vs come to the example of The chiefest example of humilitie . all examples , euen to the example of Christ Iesus the Sonne of God . Which example Saint Paule doth propose vnto vs in the second to the Philippians , saying . Let the same Philip. 2.5 . mind bee in you which was in Christ Iesus , who being in the forme of God , thought it no robberie to be equall with God , but hee made himselfe of no reputation , and tooke on him the forme of a seruant , & was made like vnto men , and was found in his shape as a man , he humbled himselfe , and became obedient vnto the death , euen the death of the Crosse , wherefore God hath highly exalted him : and so forth .

Now we must not only learne , by the example of Christ to be humble and lowly in We must learne by the example of Christ to be humble both in prosperitie , and aduersitie . 1. Pet. 2.21 22.23 . prosperitie , but also in aduersitie , when we shall suffer any thing for his sake : for here in saith Saint Peter , hath Christ left vs an example , that we should follow his steps , who when hee was reuiled , reuiled not againe , when hee suffered hee threatned not , but in great humility , committed his cause to God that iudgeth righteously . Therefore Christ for his great meekenesse and humilitie , is compared in the Scripture vnto a Lambe , Christ for his humility compared to a sheepe and to a lambe . Ioh. 1.36 . Esay . 53.7 . Christians called the sheepe of Christ . Ioh. 21.16 . and a sheepe . Iohn saith , Behold the Lambe of God . And Esay by the spirite of prophesie saide , that Christ was oppressed and afflicted : that hee was brought as a sheepe to the slaughter , yet opened he not his mouth . This great humilitie of Christ ought to bee followed of all Christians , who are therfore called the sheepe of Christ .

Vnto this humilitie Christ himselfe doth exhorte vs saying , Learne of me , that am meeke and lowly of heart , and ye shall finde rest vnto your soules , Learne of Christ : what Mat. 11.29 shall we learne ? Learne humilitie , learne patience , if thou bee rich and an heire borne vnto great lands and possessions , yet learne humilitie of Christ , for hee was Lorde and heire of heauen & earth , when he so humbled himselfe for thy sake . Art thou poore hauing nor house nor liuing ? Learne of Christ to be contented , for he had them not . The All vertues are to be learned of Christ . Mat. 8.20 . Foxes haue holes , and the birds of the ayre haue nestes , but the sonne of man hath not wheron to rest his head . Art thou afflicted , grieued and tormented in this life ? O learne of Christ to bee patient , for hee suffered a great deale more for thee . Blessed are they that mourne , for they shall bee comforted . Mat. 5.4.5 . Blessed are the meeke , for they shall inherite the earth . In one word : learne humility , patience , and all other vertues , of Christ , God , sayth Saint Austen , was made humble : let man blush to be proud .

And to say the truth , what cause hath man to bee proud , that is nought else but Nothing in man wherof he shuld be proude , before he was man he was dust before dust was made hee was nothing . dust and ashes ? Dust thou art , and to dust thou shalt returne , saith the Scripture , Puluises , ( saith Isydore ) & in puluere sede Cinis es , & in Cincre viue . Dust thou art , in dust therefore sit and abide , Ashes thou art , and therein spend thy life . These things indeede are proper vnto vs , our bodies are earthy , weake , fraile , subiect to hunger , to thirst , to colde , to heate , to wearinesse , to all kind of defect and sicknesses : and last of all , to death and corruption . Our soules , which are the chiefest parts of man , are defiled and polluted with sinne , and filthines ; whereof then should man be proud ? O esca vermium ( saith that sweete father ) O massa pulueris , &c. O Wormes meate , O froath , O vanitie , why art thou so proud and insolent ? Learne therfore betimes of Christ , to bee humble , least Pride will haue a fall . that pride haue a fall . Knowe , that without humilitie , thou shalt neuer bee praised for any vertue . Similitudes

Isydore saith , he that will heape vertues together without humilitie , doth nothing else but carrie dust in the ayre . As a little Colloquintida doth marre a whole pot of pottage , so pride doth make all other vertues abhominable . Pride and vaine-glorie hath brought many men , ( otherwise indued with very rare gifts ) to shame and ignominie . * Quanto doctior es , tante te geras submissius , is a good lesson for all that are or haue The better learned , the more humble wee should be . beene Schollers to remember . Saint Gregorie saith , al our gifts whatsoeuer are nothing worth , except they bee seasoned with the salt of humilitie . For this cause is it , that I haue made mention thereof , in this Chapter Humilitie is as salt , to season al other vertues . of vertue . If any take profite thereby , it is that I haue wished : If any other by meanes of their pride scorne at it , their case is to be lamented . Now we will follow the other vertues in order , euen as they are linked together by S. Peter , when he saith , Ioyne vertue with your faith , with vertue , knowledge : and so forth .

A Praier for the vertue of humilitie .

O Most glorious God & mercifull Father , whose dwelling is in eternitie , & whose Maiestie filleth both heauen and earth ; I thy vile and wretched seruant , nought else but dust and ashes , doe prostrate my selfe here before thy throne of mercy , beseeching thee euermore to giue me true knowledge and feeling of mine owne defects and miserie , of the corruption of my body , and deformitie of my soule polluted with sinne and iniquitie : to this end , that I may be truely humbled , when I shall see all the partes of my soule and body , and whatsoeuer proceedeth from them both , euen my best deedes , to bee stayned as a menstruous and defiled cloth . O Lord , let neuer the foot of pride get the vpper hand of me ; nor the winde of of vaine glorie ouerthrow me : let faith bring me to the tower of vertue , but let humilitie keepe me from falling . Let me not glory in any thing that I doe , or in any vertue that I haue , seeing I haue nothing which I haue not receiued from thee . Let not learning , strength , honour , riches or beautie make me proude and hautie , for they are but the fading flowers of this life . Let me euer haue this poesie written in my heart , Hee that exalteth himselfe shall be brought low , but he that humbleth himselfe ( without hypocrisie ) shall be exalted : because it is thou ( O Lord ) that resistest the proude , and giuest grace to the lowly : This grace good Lord I bescech thee , graunt vnto mee , for his sake that through humilitie , hath purchased vnto vs eternall glorie , euen Christ Iesus thy Sonne and Prince of our saluation , to whom with thee ( O deare Father ) and the holy Ghost , be all praise and glorie for euer , Amen .

Of Knowledge . CHAP. 3.

ASsone as Almightie GOD , by his infinite wisedome had created heauen & earth of nothing presently he saith , let there be light , shewing thereby ( as also Gen. 1.3 . we finde by experience ) that nothing in the world would either haue beene pleasant or comfortable , if therunto had not beene added the benefit of light .

And is not the same thing to be noted in the creation of man , who is called by Phylosophers , a little world ? Yes truely , for the life of man without light is most tedious and vncomfortable . Now looke what the Knowledge vnto the soule , is as light vnto the eyes of the body . light of the eyes is vnto the body , the same is knowledge vnto the soule ; for a man that hath neuer an eye to see with all , if he haue knowledge in his minde , is much more happie , then hee that hath two eyes without knowledge . They that want the benefite of their eyes and sight , are called blinde , and they that want the benefit of knowledge , are called ignorant : the one is blindnesse of the body , the other of the soule . As therefore it is impossible for a blind man of himselfe to goe into a farre Countrie or Cittie , where We cannot attaine vnto vertue , without knowledge he was neuer before : so it is impossible for him that hath no knowledge , euer to attaine vnto the kingdome of vertue .

For this cause is it , that Saint Peter exhorting vs vnto vertue , doth bid vs to take 2. Pet. 1.5 . knowledge for our guide , saying , Ioyne with your vertue knowledge : as if he should say , It is in vaine for you to labour for the attaining of vertue , except you bee first indued with the light of knowledge . Knowledge then is the keye which openeth the gate , vnto the schole of vertue . Knowledge in generall , is a vertue or power of the soule , which What knowledge is . is occupied in the finding out of things , and the causes of things , whether they bee good or euill . Of knowledge , some is naturall , some artificiall , and some supernaturall , but each of them the gift of God . Natural knowledge Knowledg some naturall , some artificiall , some supernatural . Rom. 1.20 . albeit it be verie much darkened since the fall of Adam , yet it is not altogether extinguished , for euen by that knowledge which is naturall , we know so much of God , as maketh vs inexcusable : howbeit , sith in those things which we know naturally , wee Iude. 10. Naturall knowledge cannot bring vs vnto vertue corrupt our selues ( as Saint Iude saith ) therfore this knowledge can not bring vs vnto vertue .

Now this knowledge which wee haue by nature , is very much holpen by Art & learning : & this I call artificiall knowledge , Nature very much holpen by arte . when by the benefit of learning wee attaine vnto an higher degree of knowledge then the vnlearned doe . This kind of knowledge and learning , whosoeuer doth not account of , is not worthie to be reckoned among the number of men . Notwithstanding , this is not simply that knowledge which Sainte Peter meaneth , when hee saith , ioyne with your vertue knowledge , But that which I said is supernaturall , euen in one worde , the knowledge of God in his Sonne Christ : which knowledge Saint Peter wisheth vnto vs , when he saith , Grace and peace be multiplied by the knowledge of God , and of Iesus 2. Pet. 1.2 . our Lord .

But yet before I entreate at large of this knowledge , I thinke it meete to speake somwhat Learning a good meanes to bring vs to the knowledge of God . more of that knowledge : which wee haue by the benefit of learning , because it is a notable meanes to bring vs vnto the true knowledge of God . Learning in al ages hath beene verie generally accounted of , and the profit which we receiue by it , is , that thereby we seeme to differ from vnreasonable creatures , for as one saith , a person voide both of learning and vtterance , differeth little from a stone . Learning and knowledge saith another , is the onely good thing and ignorance the onely euill thing . Learning is the gathering together of many mens sentences and actes , to the augmentation of knowledge . By learning , Countries and common-weales flourish . Learning is a better patrimonie , then goods or liuings ; the one maye learning better then riches . be taken from vs , the other cannot . Therefore this was a fine saying of Bias the Phylosopher , ( when hee saw some in daunger of loosing their goods ) Omnia mea mecum porto . I carrie ( saith hee ) all my goods with mee , meaning , his learning which is indeede the safest riches . Therefore one saith , it is better to be a begger , then vnlearned .

And indeede , how many haue wee seene and reade of , that of poore mens children haue beene by learning & knowledge highly aduanced ? As on the contrarie , many for want of learning that haue had greate store of wealth and substance left them , by their friends , yet haue come to great pouertie in the end . Learning therefore must needes be an excellent thing : it maketh the poore men to become rich , and it teacheth rich men wel to dispose their goods , least they fall into pouertie . The more high and honourable The greater calling , the more neede of learning . any one is in calling , the more neede a great deale hath hee of knowledge and learning . They are in a wrong opinion , saith one , that suppose learning to be nothing auailable to the gouerment of a common wealth . No small vertue , saith Aristotle , groweth to a common-wealth , by the wisedome of a learned prince ruler or gouernour : agreeable to that saying of wise King Salomon , that by a Prince of vnderstanding & knowledge , a Realme indureth long . Prou. 28. ● .

If we haue had and now haue , the experience hereof in this land , let vs giue God Neuer any nation felt a sweeter commoditie of a learned prince , then England . the praise , and pray for the continuance of it : let Scholes & schollers , be accompted of , for they are the ornament of Church and common-weale . Let Schollers apply their minds to all good learning , and knowledge in their youth , for they knowe not to what preferment it may bring them before they be old : Learne such things , saith Plato , when thou art a childe , as may profit thee , when It is better to take paines in youth then to be vnlerned in olde age . thou art a man ; endeuour thy selfe to learne in thy youth , though it be painefull , for it is lesse paine for one to learne in his youth , then in age to be vnlearned .

There be two things much to bee lamented in our time , the one , that a great deale of time is mispent before wee attaine vnto learning , the other , because when wee haue attained thereunto , we make little vse therof , Three things to be lamented in our age . to profite Church or common-weale ; as though wee must bee learned onely for our selues . An other euil there is as bad or worse then the former , if any by their industrious labour , seeke to doe good to manye , they that neuer meane to doe good to any , will be the first that shall speake euill of their endeuours . Therefore one saith well , to lacke knowledge , is an euill thing : to disdaine learning is worse , but to speake euill of them that seeke to profit other , is worst of all , and farthest from all grace . If any haue mispent time as too many doe , when they be young , let them bee the more studious in their age , remembring that saying of Socrates , It is no shame for a man to learne that he knoweth not , of what age soeuer he be .

Now as learning and knowledge is highly commended , so on the contrarie , ignorance No shame to learne goodnes be we neuer so olde . is much to be dispraised . They which be ignorant ( saith Plato ) and of euill disposition , bee verie vnhappie , for where ignorance and sinne is , there infidelitie and miserie most plainely appeareth . Againe , as the light of true knowledge , encreaseth vertue and worketh a godly life , so the darknesse of ignoraunce , hindereth vertue and increaseth Ignoraunce a deadly enemie vnto vertue . a wicked life . The ignoraunce and want of knowledge , that is in brute beastes , maketh plainly the difference that is betweene man and them , for so much differeth man from the dull and brutish beast , as he sheweth himselfe by knowledge , to bee clearely vnspotted of ignoraunce : Ignoraunce is the Ignoraunce can neuer speake well of learning . defamer of learning and knowledge . Therfore Saint Iude saith , The wicked speake euill of the things they know not . Idlenesse ingendereth ignoraunce , and ignoraunce increaseth error ; if therefore wee will auoide the errors of this life , let vs applie our selues vnto learning and knowledge .

Thus much I haue thought good to speake of learning and knowledge in generall ( which I call artificiall knowledge ) because ( as it is before said ) it is a good meanes ( being not abused ) to come vnto the true knowledge of God , whereof now wee must intreate , Howbeit , because GOD sometimes ( in this pointe ) worketh by meanes , and sometimes without meanes , let vs take Two extreemes to auoided . heede of these two extremities , that we doe neuer despise these externall helpes of learning , because some haue had the true knowledge of GOD without them , neither despaire of obtaining the true knowledge of God , because wee are not learned in other artes and sciences . For true it is , that Moyses was learned in all the wisedome of the Egyptians , and they were no hinderances , but rather furtherances vnto him , to serue Acts. 7.22 . Humane sciences a helpe to Moyses in his calling So likewise to Paule & Apollos . GOD in his calling , after he had reuealed his word and knowledge vnto him . Learning , the knowledge of tongues , and other liberall sciences were great helpes vnto Paule and Apollos in the worke of their ministerie , therefore where God giueth these gifts , let them be accounted of , and vsed to his glorie .

But yet let none thinke , the true knowledge of God to bee tyed to these outward Gods grace , not tied to outward meanes . meanes , for Christ doth giue thanks to God his father , because he reuealed the secresies of his Gospel to babes and sucklings ; that is , to such as had no more knowledge in liberall Mat. 11.25 sciences , then babes and sucklings haue . And S. Paul saith , where is the wise ? Where is the Scribe ? Where is the disputer of this world ? Hath not God made the wisedome 1. Cor. 1.20 of this world , foolishnes ? Meaning , that no man be he neuer so learned and wise , could by his owne natural reach of wit and vnderstanding , attaine vnto the true knowledge of God and of Christ : againe , this saying of the Apostle must stand , The naturall man cannot perceiue the things that are of God . Wherefore when Saint Peter biddeth vs to 1. Cor. 2.14 ioyne knowledge vnto vertue , hee meaneth neither that knowledge which wee haue by nature ; neither that which is holpen and amended by art and learning , but this other Both naturall and artificiall knowledge must attend as handmaidens vpon supernaturall knowledge . kind of knowledge , which is supernaturall , vpon whom both nature & art shuld attend as hand maides , namely the true knowledge of God in his sonne Christ , whereunto wee can neuer atteine of our selues except we be illuminated & inlightned by the holy spirit of God .

This is life eternal , to know God the father , Ioh. 17.3 . and Iesus Christ whom he hath sent to be the Sauior of the world . Vnto this knowledge doth S. Peter exhort vs when he saith , Ioyne with your vertue knowledge , meaning that we can by no meanes , begin to leade a godly and vertuous life , before we be taught True know ledge onely learned out of Gods word . and instructed in this knowledge , the which is no where to be learned , but in the Schole of Christ , out of the booke of God , which onely teacheth perfect wisedome , and perfect knowledge .

But some will say , did not the sage & wise Phylosophers , which were onely learned in humane knowledge and sciences , excell in The Phylosophers that liued before Christ , knewe more then manye Christians doe now . sundrye vertues , many of vs which liue in this plentiful time of knowledge ? True it is , and the greater condemnation hangeth ouer our heads , that cannot see to walke at noone day , as wel as they which walked only by the twylight , or rather at midnight ; for they only being lead by the light of nature , came surely very neare vnto vertue , their steps did trace oftentimes the shadow of vertue , & they thoght the same to be true vertu , for why ? They had not the light of Gods word wherby they might know the shadow from the substance . Euen as the blind man in the Luk. 8.24.25 . Gospell as soone as Christ beganne to open his eyes , saide , hee sawe men walking as if they were trees : but when our Sauiour Christ gaue him perfect sight , then hee confessed that they were men indeede and no trees , so if it had pleased God , to giue these Phylosophers the knowledge of his worde , then doubtlesse they would haue left the shaddow of vertue , and haue runne vnto the substance , then they woulde haue ioyned vnto their knowledge true vertue indeede .

But out alas vpon the dulnesse , & darknesse , the ignoraunce and blindnesse of the people of this age : O the dimnes of our sight , which haue not onely the same light of nature which they had , and withall the whole law & the Prophets ( vnto the which if wee would giue heede as Saint Peter exhorteth 2. Pet. 1 , 19. vs , it would shine vnto vs as a light out of a darke place ) but also wee haue had ( and blessed Bee God , yet haue ) the bright morning starre , and the sunne of righteousnes it selfe shining vnto vs in the Gospel , ten thousand times more clearer and brighter , Christians cannot see to walke in the path of vertue . then the sunne in all his strength ; and yet we can not see to walke in the path of vertue , nay we cannot so much as treade vppon the shadow of vertue , but walke on still in darknesse and the shawdow of death , as though we did dwel yet in the darknes of Egypt . Ignorance or want of knowledge surely in many , Want of knowledge the cause of sinne . is the cause that they cannot see to walk in the steps of vertue .

But yet I doe not so much lament to see the ignorance of some ( though it be lamentable to see so many continue stil in ignorance & the word of God so plentifully preached The ignorant that liue in some ciuility a great deal better then they that boast of knowledge , but are voyd of common honesty . as it is , ) as I do bewaile the state and condition of other , that make shew to the world of great knowledge and vnderstanding of the Scriptures , yea , and will seeme to talke reason & dispute of it oftentimes , as though there were nothing in them but religion , & holinesse , but when their wordes are past , & their talke ended : if for their great words we looke for some deedes , and for long talking expect honest walking , then we shal see the case very much altered : they which seemed to bee very godly and zealous , will aboue many other , appeare in their liues and conuersation , to be most dissolute , wicked and vngodly . Some of them will bee beastly adulterers , some cruell extortioners , some byting vsurers , some false periurers , some deceitfull coseners , some mercilesse , and without all compassion to the poore and needy : and yet I say , their talke shall bee sometimes , and in some companie , of Gods worde and religion . It is therefore very wel It is better seeme ignorant , then to boast of knowledge without practise . Psal. 50.16 noted of one , who saith , that it is better to seeme ignorant , then to boast of knowledge without practise .

But what saith the eternal God vnto those talkers ? why takest thou my worde in thy mouth , and hatest to be reformed ? The kingdome of God saith S. Paule is not in worde , 1 Cor. 4.20 but in vertue and power : they regarde not ● . Pet. 1 , 5. this exhortation of Sainte Peter , who bids them to ioine vnto their knowledge , vertue , temperaunce , godlines , and so forth : they thinke not that the grace of God hath appeared to teach them to deny all vngodlines Tit. 2.11 . and worldly lusts , and to liue soberly , righteously and godly in this present worlde : they beleeue not that this is the will of God , euen our sanctification , that we should abstayne from fornication , That euery 1 Thess. 4.3 one shoulde possesse his vessell in honour and holinesse , and not in the lustes of concupiscence , as do the Gentiles which know not God , that no man oppresse or defraude his brother in bargaining because the Lord is an auenger of all these thinges . They feare not that saying of Saint Iames , There shall bee iudgment mercilesse , to him that sheweth no mercie , and that mercy reioyceth Iam. 2.13 . against iudgement .

In one worde , they wilfully deceaue themselues , and knowing , they will not Ephes. 5.5 knowe , That no whoremonger , nor vncleane person , nor couetouse person , which is an idolater , hath any inheritance in the kingdome of Christ and of God . And is not then the state of those to bee lamented aboue them that are ignorant ? for they shall bee beaten with many stripes , because they Ignorance ioyned with obstinacy . knowe their maisters will , and doe it not : whereas they that are ignorant , ( if there bee not ioyned with it wilful obstinacie & resistance Ignorance shall excuse none , therefore not the mother of deuotion but of confusion . of the truth ) shal be beate with fewer stripes : but beaten they shall bee , and not excused : therefore let none pleade ignorance , for ignorance is now knowen not to be the mother of deuotion , but of errour and confusion .

Let vs aboue all thinges learne to Speculatiue knowledge naught worth with out practatiue . knowe , and that wee knowe , let vs indeuour to put in practise : Let vs no longer content our selues with speculatiue knowledge , for it is practatiue knowledge that Saint Peter exhorteth vs vnto , when hee saith , Ioyne with your vertue , knowledge , euen the true knowledge of God in his Son Christ .

This is that knowledge which S. Paule Ephes. 1.16.17.18.19 . prayeth God to giue vnto the Ephesians , when hee sayth , I make mention of you in in my prayers , that the God of our Lord Iesus Christ , the father of glorie , might giue vnto you the spirit of wisedome & reuelation ; through the knowledge of him , that the eyes of your vnderstanding may bee lightned , that ye may knowe what the hope is of his calling , and what the riches of his glorious inheritance is with the Saintes , and what is the exceeding greatnes of his power towardes vs which beleeue according to the working of his mighty power . And a little after he saith , That ye may be able to comprehend & 12.18 , 19 with all saints , what is the bredth , and length , and depth , and height : and to know the loue of God , which passeth knowledge , that ye may be filled with all fulnesse of God . This is that true knowledge whereunto S. Peter exborteth vs . The same thing againe meaneth S. Paule , when he saith , Brethren , be not children in vnderstanding , but as concerning malitiousnes , be children : but in vnderstanding & knowledge bee of a ripe 1 Cor. 14 , 20. age .

We must therefore vse all meanes possible to increase our knowledge , as reading and hearing of Gods worde , read and preached vnto vs , prayer vnto God for the Reading , preaching , meditating , & conferrence with the learned , be speciall meanes to increase knowledge . Prouer. 2 , 12. increase therof , with often meditation theron , conference with them that haue knoweledge and so forth : yea we must know , that this holy knowledge of Gods word , and the misteries thereof , is that treasure which wee must day lie seeke : euen as Salomon exhorteth vs saying : My son , if thou wilt receiue my wordes , and hide my commandementes within thee , and cause thine eare to hearken vnto wisedome , and incline thine heart vnto vnderstanding : for if thou callest after 3. knowledge , and criest for vnderstanding : 4. if thou seekest her as siluer , & searchest for her as for treasures , then thou shalt vnderstande the feare of the Lorde , and find the knowledge of God . For the Lorde giueth wisdome , out of his mouth commeth knowledge and vnderstanding .

Whereby also wee may note , that this knowledge commeth not naturally , but it is the Lorde that giueth this wisedome and knowledge .

Therefore Salomon bids vs to aske and seeke it at Gods hande : and after he saith , It is God that giueth wisedome and knowledge . Knowledge must be craued of God by prayer . Mat. 7.7 . Trust in the Lord , and leane not vnto thine owne wisedome : as if he should say , thinke not to vnderstand this knowledge by thine owne wisedome , but by prayer from God , and by vsing such meanes as hee hath appointed for the obtayning of the same . Aske and ye shall haue ( saith Christ ) seeke and ye shall find , knocke , and it shall bee opened vnto you . Againe , Christ saith , Search the Ioh. 5.39 . scriptures , for in them ye thinke to haue eternall life : and they are they that testifie of mee . The feare of the Lorde saith Salomon , is the beginning of this knowledge , The feare of the Lord the beginning of knowledge Prov. 1.7 who so findeth it , doubtlesse findeth great treasure .

Therefore hee faith in his thirde chapter Blessed is the man that findeth wisedome , and the man that getteth vnderstanding , for & 3.13 . the marchandice thereof is better then the marchandise of Siluer , and the gaine 14. thereof , is better then Golde : It is more precious then pearles , and all thinges that 15 thou canst desire , are not to bee compared vnto her : length of daies is in her right hand , 16. and in her left hande riches and glorie : Her waies are waies of pleasure , and al her pathes 17 prosperitie , she is a tree of life , to them that lay hold on her , and blessed is hee that 18. receiueth her .

See see howe the holy Ghost doth compare vnderstanding , wisedome , and knowledge , to a tree of life , to golde , siluer , pearles or precious stones : Here then are most rare iewels for kinges , Queenes , and Rich Iewels for gentilitie , to adorne themselues withall . Princes , for Lords , Ladies and gentlemen , to adorne and decke themselues withall , yea and also for the poore and meaner sort to inrich themselues withal . Why take we so much paynes , to trauell by sea and by land , from one ende of the worlde to the other , for Gemmes and Iewelles ? and let lie the Iewell of all Iewelles , the true vnderstanding We trauaile more for gold , then for Gods word . and knowledge of Gods word , which Salomon saith is more precious then pearles : and all Iewels that thou canst desire , are not to bee compared to it . No not the Iasper , the Topace , or the Chrisolite , nor any precious stone whatsoeuer .

Beleeue mee , Sainte Peter was a cunning workeman , and a perfecte Ieweller , S. Peter a cunning Ieweller . that coulde chuse such a precious stone , or rich pearle , to beautifie , and adorne , his Chayne withall . Surely that must needes The true knowledge of God more worth then a kings ransome . The true practise of Gods word in the court doth giue light to all the cuntry . People liue more by examples , then by lawes . bee a riche Chayne , where one lincke of it is more worth , then a Kinges raunsome .

O howe this rich Iewell , the knowledge of Gods worde , and the true practise thereof , woulde make noble men and gentlemen Ladies and gentlewomen to shine in the court .

Surely , the brightnesse of their vertue woulde giue a great light throughout this whole lande , to others that haue a great desire to followe the fashions of the Courte : for the worlde is come to this passe nowe a daies , that wee liue more by examples , then by good Lawes and preceptes : this saying was neuer more verified then in our time , Regis ad exemplum , totus componitur Inferiours will followe their superiors . orbis . The whole world is giuen to followe the example of those that are aboue them in authoritie .

Let euery one therefore consider of his owne calling , and studie to profite others by his example that depend vpon him : let our lighte shine before men , that others Mat. 5.16 seeing our good workes , may glorifie God our heauenly father : Especially , let them that are called lightes , leade other after them by their light of doctrine , They that are called lightes , ought to giue light vnto others Psal. 1 32 9 , and holy conuersation , let the ministers of the Lord , be clothed with righteousnes , that the Saintes may sing with ioyfulnes . Let vs labour by all meanes possible to encrease our knowledge by reading and meditating on the word of God , which as Dauid saith , must be a lanterne to our feet , & a Psal 116. 150. Coloss. 3.16 light vnto our pathes . Let the word of Christ dwel in vs plenteously in all wisedome , teaching and admonishing one another , as euery one hath obtayned more knowledge one then another , that yee may bee blamelesse ( saith the Apostle ) and pure , and the sonnes of God without rebuke , in the mids of a naughtie and croked nation , Phil. 2.15 . among whome see that ye shine as lightes in the world .

Thus let euery one endeauour to make vse of that which hee knoweth , for that No vertue to know much and do nothing . is no vertue to knowe much , and to do nothing , but to practise that good which we haue learned , is a vertue worthy of much prayse .

In vaine ( saith one ) is that long trauell in studie and learning where actuall experience doth not shew forth her fruites , for learning & knowledge is of good men sought for , and lodged euen in their breastes to this only end , that they may therby know sinne , and eschewe the same , knowe vertue , and attaine vnto it : for if learning and knowledge be not applied heerevnto of them that haue it , shee leaueth in them her whole dutie vndone .

Therefore Saint Peter saith . Ioyne with 2. Pet 1. 5. Knowledge teacheth the way to vertue . your vertue knowledge , that is , let knowledge teach you the way to vertue , and by vertue and godlynes of life , let it appeare that you haue knowledge . Let knowledge & vertue bee ioined together , for they may not be separated : as a generall or captaine , is the directour of an whole host , so reason lightened with true knowledge is the A similitude . guide of mans life . But here we are to note , that euen in this knowledge whereof wee speake , there is a meane to be kept , for the prouerbe is , Omne nimium vertitur in vitium , euery too much is an euil , and S. Paul saith , Scientia inflat . Knowledge puffeth men vp 1. Cor. 8. 1. Knowledge without humilitie puffeth men vp with pride . 1. Cor. 2.2 . with pride . We must therefore keepe our knowledge within compasse , and neuer desire more then is meete for vs to knowe . Saint Paule , though hee were excellent in knowledge , yet he esteemed not to know anye thing saue Iesus Christ , and him crucified . Heereof might arise this saying , Si Christum discis , satis est , si caetera nescis , Si Christum nescis , nihil est si caetera discis . If To knowe Christ is the chiefest knowledge . thou knowe Christ , it skilleth not though thou bee ignoraunt in manye other thinges : contrarywise , if thou knowe not Christ , all other knowledge in the world is to no purpose . This caueat and admonition , I thinke not to be vnnecessarie in these dayes of ours , when as manie wanton wittes haue wandered abroad in the fields of their owne inuentions , to seeke and search out for hidden and secrete thinges , such as God hath not reuealed vnto vs in his worde : yea , they will not sticke to enquire what God did before the world was created , forgetting in the meane while , what their duties do require of themselues heere on earth , nothing fearing that saying of Salomon , Hee that searcheth out the secretes of Gods maiestye , shall bee ouerwhelmed Wee must not enquire out of Gods secrecies more then is reuealed in his word with his glorye . They remember not that Adam in seeking ( by tasting the forbiden fruite , to knowe more then God would haue him to knowe , was depriued of that excellent knowledge hee had before . The same thing doubtlesse doth befall still vnto his posteritie , that will not bee content with the knowledge of those deepe and heauenly misteryes of mans saluation , reuealed vnto vs in the word of God , but in seeking to know other thinges that pertaine Adam by seeking to know more then was meete , was depriued of that knowledge he had before . not vnto them , they become verie fooles in those things which they ought to know . Thus haue wee seene what an excellent thing learning and the true knowledge of God is , and how we ought to applie the studie thereof , to this end , that wee might liue honestly , godly , and vertuously in this life , where as wee doe knowe but in parte , that so at length ( thorough the merits of Christ Iesus ) wee maye come to that life 1. Cor: 13 : 12 : where our knowledge shall bee perfited , and our happines & felicitie for euermore continued .

A Praier for the true knowledge of Gods worde .

O Most wise God , and louing father , which dwellest in the light that none without thy grace & mercy in thy son Christ can attain vnto ; I heartely beseech thy diuine maiesty for Christ his sake to enlighten my mind & vnderstanding with the bright beames of thy heauenlie light , I meane with the trne and certein knowledge of thy most holy and blessed word , that mine owne naturall blindnes and ignorance of my soule being driuen away , I may the better see to walke without stumbling , in the right path that leadeth vnto vertue . O Lord aboue al things I beseech thee to grant me this grace , that I may knowe thee to bee the true God , and Iesus Chist whom thou hast sent to be the Sauiour of the world so shall I not onelie thereby auoide the errors of this life , but also attaine vnto thy heauenlie kingdome , to see thy light in the land of the liuing , where there is no neede of the sun or of the moone , for thy glory & the brightnes of the lambe , thy sonne Christ Iesus is the light thereof : to whom with thee & the holy Ghost bee all prayse and glory for euer , Amen .

OF TEMPERANCE . CHAP. 4.

IT is not a thing obserued to no purpose , that phisitions doo feele the pulses of their sicke patients , whether they bee moderate or out of temper , for thereby they giue a great iudgement of the state of them that are diseased .

Now looke howe mans body is distempered with sicknes , euen so is the soule of man with sinne ▪ there are infinite diseases to disquiet the body , and there are innumerable sinnes , to grieue and torment the soule : there is Phisicke appointed for the body , and there is also Phisicke ordained for the soule : the body many times for want of timely Phisicke , is in great danger of death by sicknes , & so is the soule of man by sinne : Much money giuen for helth of bodye , but phisicke for the soule is little regarded the body oftentimes is recouered when Phisicke is applied , and so is the soule of man if shee receiue that Phisicke which is appointed for her : onelie heerein is a difference , when wee are sicke in our bodies by diseases , wee will giue any money to haue health , but will suffer our soules to bee verie extreamlie sicke , and almost at point of death with sinne , and neuer care to seeke for health , nay , wee will scarce receiue Phisicke for our soules , though it bee brought home vnto vs freely without money , without penny or penny worth . Euen as the prophet Esaie complaineth of the Iewes that refused to receiue the grace of God , which Esay . 55.1.2 . was offered vnto them freely without monie , but were willing to laie out their siluer for that which was nought worth , & wherewith they could not be satisfied . What maruell then is it , that the sinfull soule of man is so distempered and out of order , insomuch that the beating of her pulses , may bee perceiued with out feeling ? Now of all sicknesses , the sicknes of intemperancy is the worst , for it greatlie anoyeth , & in time destroyeth Intemperancy a dangerous disease of the soule . both the health of soule and bodie : it also maketh the bodie vnapt for any labor , and it hindereth the soule from all vertue , wherof we haue but too many examples . S. Peter therefore knowing the great hurte which commeth vnto man by intemperancie , exhorteth vs to make much of the vertue contrary thervnto , called temperance or sobriety : and to the end wee should regard it the better , he linkes the same to his chaine , saying : Ioyne with your faith vertue , with vertue knowledge , with knowledge temperance Temperance therefore without al question , 2. Pet. 1.5 . is a worthy vertue , otherwise it shoulde not haue bin ioyned with these other Iewels , of faith , knowledge , and the rest .

But what is temperance ? Temperance or sobrietie ( sayeth one ) is a vertue which doth moderate the appetites and desires of meate , drinke , and other thinges , which What temperance is . man maye lawefullie vse : so that neither prayer , meditation , studying , or labouring in our vocation , bee hindered with the excesse thereof , neyther our naturall sleepe nor health of our bodyes hurted for want of that which is sufficient : so it seemeth that temperance is a keeper of a meane in euerie thing . And euen as in tunes or A similitude . singing , without the meane there can bee no good melodye , so in the gouernment of our life , without sobrietie or temperance , euerie thing will bee disordered . Where Temperance ruleth not , there is gluttonie , surfetting , drunkennes , luxuriousnes , and all kind of wickednes . Where Temperance beareth swaye , there the health of the bodie is preserued , there also the soule of man is at libertie , to reade , to praye , to studie , to meditate , to take counsell , Temperance a worthy vertue . to giue counsell , to gouerne all the affayers of this life . Where temperance is , there is shamefastnes , there is honesty , there is chastitie , there is modestie , there is humilitie , there is moderation and good order kept , in discerning what ought to bee done , howe it ought to bee done , and what ought to be left vndone .

By temperance wee auoyde many sicknesses of the body , and many diseases of the soule . Who then would not bee in loue with temperance ? Temperance , saith one , is a noble Vertue , and chiefely appertaineth to the honorable state of mankind : whereby the princely gouernour reason ( which raigneth as king in man , is known to beare sway in man , wherby all his things are tempered and ordered , and thereby differeth from brute beastes .

Temperance is an enimy to luste , and lust is a wayting seruant vnto bodily pleasure . Temperance calleth a man backe from all wicked lustes , and carnall appetites , and suffereth him not to exceede in foolishe reioycing , nor in vngodlie sorrowing .

He is to be called a temperate and moderate person ( saith one ) which not onelie Who is a temperate man . doth keepe vnder his wanton and corrupt affects , but so endeuoreth also himfelfe , that in his country he is chargeable to no man , to no man cruell or grieuous , neither to anie man dangerous . Temperance therefore is a moderatrixe which causeth vs to keepe 2 decorum in euerie thing . Vntemperate youth , full of carnall affections , quickelie turneth the bodye into age , to bee full of infirmityes , foule and feeble . When the vnbridled carcasse or foule fleshe of man , is not well tempred , or discreetly ruled , but ouermuch cherished , set at liberty , and pampered , then is the soule the lesse regarded or looked vpon , but abideth in most deformed Where the body is too much pampered , there the soule is the lesse regarded . A similie . state and miserable : and the more delicatly the body is handled , the more stubbornely it wrestleth against the minde , and doth cast it of , euen as a horse too well cherished , vseth to cast off his rider . If we could therefore consider the excellency of mans nature , and the dignity thereof , wee should wel perceiue how foule & dishonest a thing it is , to be resolued into letcherie , immoderate eating and drinking , and to liue loosly and wantonly : and on the contrary , howe honest , fayre , and commendable a thing it is , to liue continently , temperatly , sadly and soberly .

But if we could step a degree farther , and consider now , not what excellency man is of by nature , but whereunto wee are called by grace , then doubtlesse wee should be ashamed of those foule vices which wee daylie commit , and giue our selues more to temperance , sobrietie , chastity , & the like , which are the true ornaments of christianitie . Vnto this temperance and sobrietie , the scripture doth verie earnestly exhort vs , and diswade vs from the vices contrary thereunto . The grace of God ( saith Saint Paule ) Tit. 2. 11 Sobrietie a chiefe ornament of christianity . Rom. 13.11 hath appeared to this end , to teach vs to denie all vngodlines and worldly lustes , and to liue soberly , righteously , and godly in this present world . Therefore he saith in another place : The night is past , the day is at hand , let vs therfore cast away the works of darknes , and let vs put on the armour of light , so that wee walke honestly as in the day , not in gluttony and drunkennes , neyther in chambering & wantonnes , neither in strife & enuying , but put yee on the Lord Iesus Christ , and make no prouision to fulfill the lusts of the flesh .

Againe , among the manyfold fruits of the spirite , which the Apostle Saint Paule Gal: 5 : 23 : reckoneth vp , hee nameth temperance for one . The fruites of the spirit are , ioy , peace , meeknes , temperance , against such there is no lawe . And when Saint Peter would exhorte vs vnto holynes , hee first of all exhorteth vs vnto temperance , and sobernes , saying , Bee sober and trust perfectly in 1. Pet. 1.13 . the grace of God , and so foorth . And then presentlie addeth , Bee yee holy , as God is holy .

Againe , putting vs in minde of the day of iudgment , and that we should take heed of Sathan , hee saith , Be ye sober and watch , and , Bee ye sober and watchfull vnto prayer . & 4.7 . & 5.8 . Meaning , that there can bee neither prayer nor watchfulnes , without sobriety and temperance . And indeede who findeth not by experience , that when the fleshe is pampered vp , then drowsie sleepines and Intemperancy an enimy to study & all good exercyses . sluggishnes commeth vppon vs , and makeeth vs vnapt to studie , prayer , or anie good exercise .

For this cause hath it beene the manner of the church of God in all ages , whensoeuer they woulde giue themselues to holy exercyses , presently to commaund a godly and religious fast , not from flesh onely ( as the papists do ) but from all kinde Godly fasting a good helpe vnto praier . of meates ; to the end they maye the more deuoutly serue God . So likewise doth our Sauiour Christe commend vnto vs abstience , sobrietie , and temperance , when hee Mat. 26.41 . commaundeth vs to watch and praye , least wee fall into temptation : And aboue all thinges to take heed , that our heartes bee not ouercome with surfetting , and drunkennesse , Luk. 21 , 34. and cares of this life , and so suffer the day of iudgement to come vppon vs vnawares .

Oh that the beastly belly Gods , and drowsie drunckardes of our dayes , which Esay . 28.1 . sitte quaffing from morning till night , woulde sometimes call to theyr remembrance this admonition and forewarning of our Sauiour ! who telleth them plainely that the daye of iudgement shall come vppon them as a snare , if they continue Luk: 21.35 in their beastlines . But what reckoning make they of the daye of iudgement ? Are not they the very mockers and scoffers Belly Gods and drunkerds make a mocke of the day of iudgment . 2. Pet. 3.3 which Saint Peter fore-prophesied should come in this last age of the world ? that in derision of God and al godlines say , where is the promise of Christes comming vnto iudgement ? because they see the continuance of the world as yet , therefore they imagine , that it shall neuer haue an end , not considering , that one daie is with the Lord as a thousand yeeres , and a thousand yeares as one daye : that it is as easie for the Lord to destroy the world with fire , as it was to make the same of nothing , and to destroy it again with water : that the Lord is not slacke concerning his promise ( as some men count slacknes ) but is patient toward vs , and would haue no man to perishe , but wold all men come to the knowledge of his truth . Howsoeuer these wicked mockers , according to the hardnes of their heartes , Rom. 2. 5. which cannot repente , heape vnto themselues wrath against the daye of wrath , and declaration of the iust iudgement of God . O consider this all yee that forget God , least hee teare you in peeces , and there be Psal: 50.22 . none to helpe : for surelye ( as Saint Peter saith ) the daye of the Lord will come ( how sone the Lord knoweth , and farre of it cannot 2. Pet. 3.10.11.12 . be ) as a theefe in the night , in the which the heauens shal passe away in noise , and the elements shall melt with heat , and the earth with the workes that are therein shall bee burnt vp . Seeing therefore that all these thinges must bee dissolued , what manner persons ought we to be in holy conuersation and godlynes ? Wherefore let vs take heed of surfeting , drunkennes , & the cares of this life ( al which now a daies are scarcely Surfetting and drunkennes scarce counted for sins . counted for sinnes ) least the day of iudgement come vpon vs , to our euerlasting destruction . Aboue al , let vs make much of sobriety & temperance , for if we would keepe our selues , our soules and bodyes in temperance , chastitie , and sobrietie , surely neither the daye of iudgment , nor the daye of our own death should euer ouertake vs sodainlie . Let vs remember that Saint Peter biddeth vs to ioyne with our knowledge temperance . Temperance doubtlesse is a vertue much to be sought for , & without it we are more like beasts then men .

Shee is both a necessarie and profitable seruant . What saye I , a seruant ? nay , shee should bee our mistres , yet truely such is the intemperancy of our time , that shee would Temperance both a necessarie and profitable seruant . thinke her selfe happie if shee might haue any office in our houses : she would serue for little or no wages , yet would shee saue yerelie in some houses , inough to paye the wages of all the rest of the seruants . Shee cares not what office she had so she might be curteouslie entertained : shee would be cooke , but gluttonie will not suffer her to come into kitchin : she would be panterer , but shee cannot haue the chippinges for her labour : so little is she accounted of : she would be in the Seller to drawe beere & wine , but drunkennes will not suffer her to be quiet : shee woulde come to bee her misters chamber-maide , to put on her apparrell seemely about Temperance fit for euerie office . her , but pride thrusteth her downe ouer the staires or greeces : shee can haue almost no place to rest in , but either in the streets , or in some poore labouring mens houses , yea the verie beggers do scorne her companie : shee runs from the countrie to Shee is suffered to run the country for want of entertaynement . the court from the court to the country , & can hardly get any seruice : if she be intertained for a while , she is put away againe without a quarters warning , nay , sometimes on a suddaine without an houres warning : so rigoriouslie is she dealt withall in many places , surelie it is maruell that shee tarrieth one yeere in this countrie , sauing that I suppose Temperance well vsed in no country . other countries giue her so ill or worse intertainment then we .

Wel , Saint Peter yet counselleth vs to entertaine her , and to keep her , when he saith , ioine with your knowledge temperance . Vse temperancy in your diet , temperancy in eating , temperancy in your drinking , temperancie in your sleeping , temperancy in your Wee must vse temperance in all things . gesture & walking , temperancy in your apparell , temperancie in your delights and recreation ; temperancie in your wordes , temperancie in your deeds , temperancy in all your appetites and desires . In one worde , without this vertue of temperance al things wil be out of order and good temper , if this Without temperance euery thing will bee out of temper & good order : lincke of temperance be broken . Saint Peters Chaine will neuer holde . Much more might bee saide , but I study breuitie . God grant this litle which hath bin spoken , maye be aduisedly read , well ruminated , and better digested , so shall all other vertues bee the rather accounted of , to Gods glory and our saluation .

A praier for Temperance .

O Most holy and eternal God , which art all holines and paritie it selfe , and hatest all iniquitie & vncleannes ; vouchsafe vnto me I earnestlie beseech thee this grace , that as thou hast made mee a reasonable creature , and indued me with wit and vnderstanding , so I may haue a speciall regard to keepe a godlie moderation in all the actions of this life : that I may neuer breake the bonds of temperance , by ouermuch eating , drinking , sleeping , playing , or by any filthie and vngodlie liuing , whereby I shoulde shewe my selfe in life and conuersation worse then brute beasts that haue no vnderstanding , but that I may rather denie all vngodlines and worldly lusts , and study to liue soberly , righteously , and godly in this present world , looking for the blessed appearing of our Sauiour Iesus Christ , who hath commaunded vs in his holy word to take heed least when he come vnto iudgement , our hearts be not ouercome with surfetting , and drunkennes , & cares of this life , & so to suffer this day to come vpon vs vnawares . For which cause good Lord I beseech thee , grant vnto me that vertue of sobriety and temperancy , that I may both spend and end my dayes in such necessary dutyes as thou hast commaunded mee : to the glory of thy name & comfort of my conscience , thorough Iesus Christ our Lord and onely Sauiour , Amen .

Of Patience , The fift Chapter .

IT seemeth to some desiring to see farre countries , a matter of no lesse ease then pleasure , to saile ouer the seas from one land to another , so long as the ship is caried with a good wind , and in fayre weather : for then the mariners sing , Sayle wee merie mariners : then the marchantes play and sporte , then the souldiers & passengers be sleeping and snorting vnder the hatches : but when the wind begins to turne ; when the weather begins to be foule , when blustering blastes arise , when the surges and waues of the sea tumble ouer the shippe , when wee are wet head and eares , then our hartes beginne to saile vs , then our courage asswageth , then What wee purpose in prosperit● aduersity we forget . 〈…〉 vs , then 〈◊〉 itselfe threatneth vs , then euerie man 〈◊〉 himselfe backe againe , in the place from whence he came , and the desire which before we had to see strange countries is nowe cooled , asswaged and abated .

Right so it ●alleth out in the desire which we haue to see the new Ierusalem , that heauenly cuntry ; we begin to back our selues in Reue , 21.10 the ship of vertue , wee hope to saile thither vpon the seas of pleasure , wee haue happily at the beginning a good gale of wind , & fair weather , but before wee are come three leagues at sea , before wee haue forgotten our frends and fellowes that we left behind vs , there ariseth a mighty wind , & cruel tempest , the wind of aduersity begin to blow , the waues and surges of trials and temptations come vpon vs , yea death and persecution assaileth vs : then wee wish our selues at home in our owne countrie againe , then our desires to that heauenly cuntry begins to wax cold , & few there be that keep on a straight course till they come to the hauen of rest .

How excellent therefore is that saying of the spirit of God , in the tenth to the Hebr. Heb. 10.36 Ye haue neede of patience , that after yee haue done the will of God , ye might receiue the promises . So we that are sayling ouer the Without patience , we can neuer come to the hauen of rest . seas of this world haue need of patience , to endure the surging waues of trial , & temptations , lest with the children of Israel wee desire to returne backe againe , when we are in the middest of our iourney . Wherefore S. Pet. hauing tried by experience these things , 1. Pet. 16. assone as he hath exhorted vs vnto Temperance , presently biddeth vs to ioyne thereunto patience , knowing very well , that no sooner can we begin to treade the path vnto a godly , vertuous , and temperate life , but presently we shal be subiect to infinite trials and tribulations , according to this scripture that saith , As many as will liue godly in ● Tim. 1. 12 Christ Iesus shal suffer persecution and affliction : therefore in good time addeth exhortation vnto patience , saying , Ioyne with your temperance , patience , vse that as a remedy , what troubles soeuer come vpon you for liuing godly and vertuously .

Patience then is a vertue whereby wee What true patience is & the vse thēreof . obey God in suffering aduersitie , so that we do nothing contrary to the commandement of God , but by faith acknowledge him to be neere vnto vs with his helpe , eyther to mitigate or els to deliuer vs from that present aduersitie wee are in : yea patience and good beleefe in God maketh man victorious . The meanes to retayne patience is to haue a cleare conscience , and a good cause for the which wee suffer , for true patience ( as one saith ) is when the cause is iust , and the end profitable and necessary . How be it , wee must also suffer with patience , aswell the corrections for our faultes , as also troubles wrongfully inflicted vppon vs of men .

This patience surely is a notable vertue , Patience is best tried when we are wrongfully afflicted by men . pertayning as well to the inwarde , as outwarde gouernance ▪ and is the vanquisher of iniuries , the sure defence against the affectes & passions of the soule , retaining alwaies ioy & gladnes in aduersitie and griefe : for patience is best tryed in aduersitie . Be constant and patient in aduersitie , and in prosperitie humble & lowly . Be patient in tribulation , & giue no man cause to speake euill of thee . Receiue patiently the wordes of correction , though they seeme greeuous for a little season . In suffering afflictions , Patience is made strong .

Patience and perseuerance are two proper notes whereby Gods children are truely Patience , & perseuerance in goodnes , true marks of Gods children , knowen from hipocrites , counterfeits , & dissemblers . By patience & sobrietie , we passe ouer the troubles of this world more ioyfully . Therefore S. Peter ioyneth them both together , saying , Ioyne with sobrietie or temperance , Patience : the one will teach thee to doe well in prosperitie : the other to suffer well in aduersitie . The feare of God , Patience the nurse of all vertues . faith , prayer , humilitie and other vertues , do growe , & increase in vs through patience , Euen as iron , except it bee often scoured , will soone corrupt and waxe rustie : so except A similitude . the sinfull hart of man , and his flesh , be often scoured with aduersitie , they will soone be corrupted with the rust of filthines , and sinne , which aduersitie , by patience is eyther ouercome or mitigated . This gift of patience , if God had not alwaies graunted vnto the faithfull in their aduersities , they must needes haue fainted , yea & fallen to Patie●ce as a pillar doth support Gods children in a●uersity . the ground , vnder the burthen of their manifold troubles and calamities .

When our Sauiour Christ had told his disciples and Apostles , what great troubles and afflictions they shoulde suffer in this life : Luk. 21. 19. he addeth this presently for their comfort , that they should possesse their soules in patience . And S. Iames willeth vs to let patience to haue her perfect working in vs , so shal we Iam. 1.4 . be perfect , lacking nothing . Againe he saith , Blessed is that man which patiently suffereth temptations , for when he is tryed , hee shall receiue the crowne of life , which God hath promised to them that loue him . S. Paul saith Rom. 5.3 . Tribulation bringeth forth patience , patience experience , experience hope , & hope maketh not ashamed , because the loue of God is shed abroad in our harts , by his holy spirit which is giuen vnto vs . These exhortations vnto patience are very necessary , because all troubles & aduersities are very hard for our flesh & blud to bear , & except we be vsed to passe vnder the rod of correction , we will be All afflictions are greeuous to our fleshly nature . like to vntamed heiffers , or wild steeres , that cannot abide their yokes before they haue a while submitted their neckes vnto them .

Therefore the holy Ghost saith , no chastisement seemeth pleasante , but is greeuous Heb. 12 , 11 for the present season , though afterwarde it bringeth forth the quiet fruite of righteousnes to them that are exercised therin . And our sauiour Chirst saith , Take my yoke vpon you , Mat. 11 , 29 , vse your selue : vnto it , & you shall finde rest vnto your soules : for which cause Salomon saith , My son despise not the chastning of the Lord , neither saint when thou art rebuked of him , for whom the Lord loueth , he chastiseth , & scourgeth euery sonne that he receaueth : So that we see afflictions are not hurtful , but good for vs , and therefore ought to be borne Afflictions necessary for the children of God Afflictions sure tokens of Gods fauour , towards his children . patiently . Again , we may note here that when wee are chastened and corrected of God by sicknesses , by pouertie , by losse of goods , by losse of friendes , or so forth , if we take the same patiently , they are sure testimonies that we are the sons and children of God , because those whom hee loueth he chasteneth oftentimes for their amendment , but the wicked he suffereth to waxe proude in their sinnes , and so fatteth them against the day of slaughter .

Therfore let not this thing greeue vs as it The wicked fatted against the day of slaughter . Psal. 37.35 Psal. 73.3 18. did Dauid & Ieremy , to see the wicked florish , for a time in this world . I saw the wicked florish , saith Dauid , like a green Bay tree , but I pasied bye , & lo , they were gone at length ( saith he ) I vnderstood the end of these men how God doth set them in slippery places , suddenly Ierem. 12.1 . they are destroyed , cast downe , and come to a fearful end : This shal be the end of the vngodly that florish for a time . But the children of God , which are day lie tried here The children of God tried by tribulation , as gold in the furnace . with the fire of tribulation , as the gold in the fornace , are therby purified & cleansed from many sins , & are made meet temples for the holy Ghost to dwel in . Let vs not therefore murmure at this working of God , but with patience commit our selues vnto him , as vnto a faithful creator . Let vs know that health , wealth , children , friends , prosperitie and the When God giueth wee must be thankeful , when he taketh , let vs be patient . like , are but temporall blessings : If God giue them vnto vs , let vs be thankeful : if he take them from vs againe , let vs be patient : knowing that he hath reserued greater thinges for vs in heauen . If we should alwaies haue rest , ease , and tranquillitie of body , and minde in this life , then would we neuer care to aspire vnto that heauenly life , where there is nothing els but ioy & felicitie , vnto which ioy we shal neuer attaine , except we suffer patiently in this life afflictions , & miseries : for Christ himself went not vp into ioy , before Christ suffered paines , before he entred into ioy . he suffered paine , nay he suffered more pains for vs ten thousande times , then all the children of God can or haue suffred since the beginning of the world . Therefore the scripture saith , that the Prince of our saluation ( which is Christ ) was consecrate through afflictions because he should bring many children Heb. 2.10 . vnto glory . If therefore we wil be partakers with Christ in glorie , we must also suffer patiently here with him in misery . The disciple is not aboue his maister , if Christ our Mat. 10.24 . mayster haue drunken deepely of this bitter cup of afflictions , let vs not refuse to pledge him , in that measure which God hath appointed for vs , for by afflictions we are made conformable vnto the Son of God . It : 2. Cor. 4.11 . 2. Tim. 2. 11.12 Rom. 8. 17. If we suffer with Christ we shal raigne with him . is a true saying , saith S. Paule , If we die with Christ , we shal liue with Christ : if we suffer with him , wee shal raigne with him . And againe , the same Apostle saith . That wee are heyres of God , & ioynt heyres with Christ , if so be we suffer with him , that we may also bee glorified with him . Let vs therefore suffer aduersitie patiently , and with thankefulnes . Remembring euermore these holy sayinges of patient Iob : Shall wee receiue Iob 1.21 . & 2. 10. good thinges , at the handes of God , and not euil ? meaning by good thinges prosperitie , and by euil thinges aduersitie : Not that aduersitie is euill of it selfe to Gods children , but because Iobs wife to whom he spake , Aduersity no euil thing to Gods children . happely did account it so . Againe , when the Lorde had taken away all Iobs riches , goods and children in one day , hee endured the same most patiently , and praysing God for it saide , The Lord giueth , the Lorde taketh away , blessed be the name of the Lord . O example of patience neuer to bee forgotten : In Iob wee may see a perfect patterne of true patience . Therefore is it that S. Iames saith , Yee haue hearde of the patience of Iob , & what end the Lord made .

True it is , we haue heard , and wee haue read of the patience of Iob , but wee soone Iam. 5.11 . forget it , and make little vse there of to our selues , for then we would not be so impatient in euery aduersitie as we are .

Iob was patient in most great extreamities , We heare and reade but do not imitate Iobs patience . and euery light affliction , doth make vs to breake out into impatiencie . A little sicknesse , a little sorrow , a small losse of goods , or wife , or husband , or childe , or friend , or such like ! O these are crosses that no man can beare ? Nay if wee bee but crossed or ouerthwarted Small crosses make vs breake out , into impatiencie . in our ordinarie suites and dealings . if they that be aboue vs in authoritie , doe but frowne vpon vs : if we heare that our good name bee called in question , ( though percase we haue well deserued it ) euen these and a thousand such like matters or of lesse importance , doe easily cause vs to breake the bonds of patience , and we cannot be pacified in a small time . See therefore whether it were not necessarie for Saint Peter to exhort vs to ioyne with our temperaunce patience .

Moreouer wee must know that it is not inough for vs , to suffer patiently these crosses and aduersities which we haue worthily deserued , but if we be Christians we must goe Whatsoeuer is laide vpon vs for Christs sake we must patiently beare it . Reue. 14.12 a degree further , to suffer patiently , whatsoeuer is laide vpon vs wrongfully for Christs sake . And this patience is called in the scripture the patience of Saintes , because it is proper only to the children & Saints of God , to be persecuted , afflicted and tormented in this life for the testimonie of Iesus . I Iohn , ( saith Saint Iohn in the Reuelation ) euen Reuel. 1.9 . your brother and compagnion in tribulation , and in the kingdome and patience of Iesus Christ , was in the Ile called Patmos , for the word of God , and the testimonie of Iesus . This Iohn was hee whome Iesus loued , Ioh. 21.7 . and yet behold hee must suffer banishment , persecution , and tribulation , for the testimonie of Iesus , though not vnto the death . For it is recorded that he onely of al the Apostles dyed in his bed , the rest were Martyred and put to death , for the testimonie of Iesus Christ . Euen as most part of the Prophets were , that went before them .

Therfore Saint Iames saith , take , my brethren , the Prophets for an example of suffering Iam. 5.10 . aduersitie , and of long patience which haue spoken in the name of the Lord . But they were all persecuted and most of them put vnto death for their labour , as Christ himselfe witnesseth when hee saith vnto the Iewes , Yee are witnesses vnto your selues , Mat. 23.31.32.33.34 . that ye are the children of them which murthered the Prophets , fulfill ye also the measure of your fathers , O ye Serpents , the generation of Vypers ! How should ye escape the damnation of hell ? A most fearefull denunciation The ministers of Christ must looke for persecutions in this life . Act. 20.23 . to bloudy persecutors . This then is the portion which the Saints , and especially the Ministers of Gods worde , are to looke for in this life . This is that the holy Ghost did certifie Paule in euerye place where hee came , that bonds and imprisonments should abide for him . Whereof he & the rest of Christs Apostles , and Disciples did often times reioyce , that they were counted worthy to suffer for his sake .

Heere againe is that saying of the holy Acts. 5.41 . Ghost to bee remembred , yee haue neede of patience : if wee cannot bee patient in small matters , when these great tryals and temptations Heb. 10.36 . come vpon vs , how then shall we be patient ? True it is , that the Church & children of God in this land , haue had a good Gods children haue had a good breathing time in this land . breathing time , ( blessed be God for it , and God in his great mercye continue it ) these many yeares : but must we therefore thinke , that we shall neuer bee called to the battell , because we haue beene spared a few yeares ? Others in other Countries of Gods deare Saints and children , haue beene afflicted & persecuted : when their course is ended , we also may bee brought foorth , for there shall neuer be an ende of persecution in this life , til the day of iudgement , when the bloud of all the Saints which haue beene slaine since the beginning of the world shal be auenged : as it is plainly to be seene in the sixth of the Reuelation , for there Iohn sayth : when the Reue. 6.9.10.11 . Angell had opened the fith seale , hee sawe vnder the altar the soules of them that were slaine , for the word of God , & for the testimonie that they maintained . And they cryed with a loud voice saying , How long Lord , holy , and true , doest thou not iudge and auenge our bloud on them that dwell on the earth ? And it was said vnto them , that they shoulde rest for a little season , vntill their fellow seruantes , and their brethren that should be killed euen as they , were fulfilled .

Nowe it is certein , that these soules shall Gods children euermore persecuted one where or other till the day of iudgement . rest and remaine in their place till the day of iudgement , therefore vntill that day there shall be some or other that shal suffer for the word of God , and for the testimonie of Iesus Christ . Let none of God his children therfore in what Countrie or nation so euer No true Christian priuileged from persecution . 1. Cor. 10. 13. they be , thinke themselues priuileged from the heate of persecution . Rather let euerie one praie dayly and howerly , when it shall please the Lord to lay his trials vpon vs , that he wil giue vs patience to beare them : which thing doubtlesse he will doe , for he is faithfull , A singular comfort that God will lay no more vpon his children then they shal be able to beare . God alwaies true of his promise . and his promise is past , that he will lay no more vpon his children then they shall be able to beare , but will giue the issue with the temptation . And this promise hath the Lord alwaies fulfilled to his Saints & faithfull children , in all ages . Whereof wee haue innumerable examples in the Scripture , and the Acts and Monumentes of the Church , howsome were stoned , hewen a sunder , slaine with the sword , drawen in peeces of wilde Looke for examples in the scriptures , and Acts and Monuments how God hath strenghned his children in most gneuous torments . horses , rosted vpon gredirons , some cast vnto wilde beastes to be deuoured , some their skins fleyed off their shoulders , innumerable burned vnto Ashes in flaming fire , or consumed by some other torment deuised by cruel and bloudy tyrants . In this lost age of the worlde , that bloudy beast of Rome hath endeuored to be like other tyrants that were before him in crueltie But in all these torments , the Lord sustained his Saints and children , and gaue them great patience to endure what paines or punishments soeuer that could be inflicted vpon them , so true is that saying of the spirite of God The Lord The beast of Rome , hath endeauoured to exccede all tyrants before him in crueltie . 2. Pet. 2.9 . knoweth how to deliuer them that are his , out of temptation . Wherfore euery Christian ought to take boldnesse in all afflictions : euen as Saint Paule did when he was deliuered ( for a time ) out of the mouth of that Lyon at Rome : The Lord assisted me ( saith he ) and strengthned me , and I was deliuered from the mouth of the Lyon , meaning from cruell Nero , Emperour of Rome , that bloudy tyrane . Whereof also he taketh further 2 Tim. 4.16 17.18 . assuraunce for time to come , saying in the same place , and the Lord wil deliuer me ; The faithfull are assured that God will either deliuer them , orgiue them strength & patience to endure . Acts. 20.25 . How Gods children are marty red , and deliuered , out of the hand of their enemies . Mat. 10.28 . Rom , 15.4 . & will preserue me vnto his heauenly kingdome : here then is that assuraunce which euerie one ought to haue in God , Paule was sure he should be deliuered , he was sure hee should be preserued ; yet no doubt hee did know that he must bee martyred one time or other , ( as not long after he was ) how was he then deliuered ? His body and soule were preserued vnto Gods euerlasting kingdome . Therefore our Sauiour Christ biddeth vs not to feare death nor tyrants , for they can kill but the body , but rather to feare God , that can cast both body and soule into hell fire . Al these things are written for our learning , that we through patience and comfort of the Scripture might haue hope .

Let these examples euer bee before our eyes , let vs serue God truely in our callings , let our trust be wholly in him , then shall we neuer want patience in afflictions , but rather reioyce in tribulations , which shall Rom. 5.3 . bring forth patience . Let vs still remember this saying of Saint Peter , it is better , if the will of God be so , that we suffer for well doing 1. Pet. 2.20 . then for euill , for hereunto are wee called , as Christ suffered for vs , leauing vs an example that wee should follow his steps : Let vs oftentimes call to remembraunce , that sweete saying of our Sauiour , Blessed are they which suffer persecution for righteousnesse Mat. 5.10.11 . sake , for theirs is the kingdome of heauen : Blessed are ye when men reuile you , and say all manner of euill sayings against you falsely for my sake , reioyce and be glad for great is your reward in heauen . Let vs neuer forget these most comfortable sayings of Saint Paule . That all the afflictions of this life are not worthie of the glorie that wee shall haue in the life to come . That we need Rom , 8.18 31. not feare the force of anye tyrants , for if GOD bee with vs who can be against vse who spared not his owne Son , but gaue him for vs all to death , how shall hee not withhim giue vs al things also ? Who shal lay No tribulation , nor persecution canseparate the faithfull from God . anything to the charge of Gods chosen ? It is GOD that iustifieth , who shall condemne ? It is Christ which is dead , yea rather which is rysen againe , who is also at the right hand of GOD , and maketh intercession for vs . Who shall separate vs therefore from the loue of God ? Shall tribulation , or anguish , or persecution , or famine , or nakednesse , or sworde ? At it is written , for thy sake are we killed all the day long , wee are counted as sheepe for the slaughter , neuerthelesse in all these thinges , wee are more then conquerours , through him that loued vs .

Last of all , let vs bee assuredly perswaded , as Sainte Paule was , that neyther Vers. 38. death , nor lyfe , nor Angels , nor principalities , nor powers , nor things present , nor 39. things to come , nor height nor depth , nor any other creature , shall bee able to separate vs from the loue of God , which is in Christ Iesus our Lord . This assurance of faith wee ought to haue in our God , in all our tryals , temptations , and afflictions whatsoeuer . Let vs therefore bee faithfull and patient vnto the death , then Christ will giue vs a crowne of life , which he hath purchased for vs by his death and passion .

A Praier for Patience .

O Righteous God and mercifull father , how wonderful art thou in al thy works , and who is able to comprehend the secrets of thy iudgements ? Thou bringest man vnto destruction , by and by thou sayest , come againe O yee children of men ; thy wrath lasteth but the twinckling of an eye , but in thy presence there is life for euermore , heauinesse may endure for a night , but ioye commeth in the morning . I acknowledge ( O Lord ) that all my corrections are ten thousand times lesse then my deseruings : therefore I pray thee good Lord stil correct me to amendment , but plague mee not to my destruction . And because ther is no chastisement but is grieuous for the present season , ( though after it bringeth forth the quiet fruit of righteousnes to them that are exercised therin ) therefore I most humbly beseech thee , O my good God and father , to giue vnto me in al my tryals and temptations that most excellent gift of patience , quietly to beare and suffer , whatsoeuer thy gracious goodnesse hath appointed to lay vpon me , for the tryall of my faith , for the glorie of thy name , and for the good example of others . Yea O Lord I most instantly intreate thee , to let patience haue her perfect working in me , so shall I be perfect lacking nothing , and howsoeuer it shal please thee to dispose of my body and goods , yet graunt me good Lord this benefit , that I may possesse my soule in patience , so whether there come sickenesse , come health , come life , come death , or come what wil come , I may say with patient Iob , the Lord giueth , and the Lord taketh , blessed be the name of the Lord . This mercy O my good God , vouchsafe to graunt vnto me , and to all the afflicted members of thy Church for thy deare Sonne Iesus Christs sake , our onely Sauiour and aduocate . So be it .

OF GODLINES . CHAP. 6.

WHen it pleased the holy Ghost to indite and set foorth in a booke the patience of Iob , for an example vnto all posteritie , hee putteth this in the front and beginning thereof , that Iob was a iust and vpright man , one that Iob. 1.1 . feared God and eschewed euill . Now wherto serueth this great commendation of Iobs godlinesse ? But to this end that wee shoulde know , that this holy man Iob , did not of himselfe , by any vertue or power of his owne nature , beare with so great patience these great calamities and afflictions ; but because he was an vpright man in all his dealings towards the world , and full of Religion and pietie towardes God : For this cause , as it seemeth was hee the patientest man in the Godlinesse the cause of patience . world , because hee was the holiest and godliest man that then liued in all the world : euen God himselfe , who seeth the hearts of all men bearing witnesse , for so God sayth vnto Sathan , hast thou not considered my Vers , 8. seruant Iob , how none is like him in all the earth , an vpright and iust man , one that feareth God and escheweth euil ? So that we see by how much more God would try his patience , by so much the more he commendeth his godlinesse . Iob therefore was patient , Without godlinesse there can be no perfect patience . because he was godly . Here vppon the contrarie may be concluded , that without pietie or godlinesse , there can bee no good and perfect patience .

This doctrine was well knowne vnto Saint Peter : therefore as soone as hee hath exhorted vs vnto patience , presently hee saith , ioyne vnto your patience godlynesse : as if hee should say : vnlesse ye bee religious 2. Pet. 1 , 6. and godly , ye cannot be patient . Godlinesse therfore is the biginner , maintainer and supporter of patience .

Now what it is to liue godly , and how a godly man is to be knowne , wee may aboue Who is a godly man . learne from the mouth of God . For if Iob were a godly man , as doubtlesse he was , then to liue godly is to liue vprightly and iustly , to feare GOD , and eschew euill . All this did Iob. This description of a godly man , is the same in effect that Saint Paule sayth , Tit. 2.11 . The grace of GOD ( which bringeth saluation ) teacheth , namely to denie all vngodlinesse , and worldly lusts , and to liue soberlie , righteouslye , and godly in this present world .

To denie all vngodlinesse and worldly lusts , is with Iob , to eschew euill : to liue soberly , is with Iob , to liue vprightly in respect of our selues : to liue righteously , is with Iob , to liue iustly in respect of our dealings with others : to liue godly , is with Iob , to feare GOD , that is to liue religiously in his feare , honouring and worshiping his name , according to his will . So then wee plainely see what it is to liue godly , namely True religion must be without superstition . to be religious without superstition , to bee sober in our liues and conuersation without hypocrisie , and to deale truely and plainely with all men , in simplicitie : who so doeth this , is surely a godly man .

The which thing that we should with all care endeauour to performe , is the meaning of Saint Peter , when hee sayth , Ioyne vnto your patience godlinesse . Pietie or godlines vpholdeth patience , for the patience which The wicked haue patience perforced . the wicked seeme to haue , is patience perforced as we saye , and is not true patience , but rather impatiencie . Therefore Sainte Peter sayth , We must ioyne pietie or godlinesse to our patience , as if hee should saye : there cannot bee a patient man exceept the seede of true Religion and godlinesse bee first planted in his heart : for what is the cause that wicked worldly men and women , doe so fret and fume , and chafe at euerye storme of aduersitie , but because they are Want of Religion & godlines the cause of all impatiencie . not religious and godly ? On the other side , we see that the faithfull and godly haue and doe suffer all troubles and aduersities patiently , and with contented mindes .

What made Abraham , Isaack , Iacob , and the Patryarkes , Moyses and the rest of the Prophets , Saint Steuen , Saint Iames and all the rest of the Apostles , together with all the rest of the Martyrs , in the ten first persecutions and since , to bee so patient in all their tryals and afflictions , and specially at the time of their death , but because they had true Religion , pietie , and godlynesse ? Godlinesse therefore surely supporteth and holdeth vs within the bonds of patience , that we breake not out with the wicked into all impatiencie . Therefore is it that Sainte Peter exhorteth vs , to ioyne with patience godlinesse .

Godlinesse then aboue all things , ought to bee desired , for it is a surpassing treasure Godlinesse aboue all things ought to be desired . 1. Tim. 6.9 that neuer perisheth . Godlinesse saith Saint Paule is great gaine , if a man bee content with that he hath , for we brught nothing into this world , and it is certein , wee shall carrye nothing with vs . Againe he saith , godlinesse is profitable to all things : it hath the promise of this life present , and of that that is to come . If therefore wee will lacke nothing in this life , nor in the life to come , let vs learne Godlinesse hath promise of this life present , and the life to come . Psal , 34.10 . & 128.1.2 , to liue godly .

The Lyons , saith Dauid ( though they bee feared of al beasts ) doe lacke and suffer hunger , but they that feare the Lord shall want no manner of thing that is good . Blessed is that man that feareth the Lord , and walketh in his waies . When thou eatest the labours 3. of thy hands thou shalt bee blessed , and it shall goe well with thee . Thy wife shall bee 4. as the fruitefull vine on the sides of thine & 119.1 2. house , & thy children like the Oliue plants round about thy table . Loe surely thus shall the man bee blessed , that feareth the Lord. & 112. Againe , Blessed are those that are vpright in their waye , and walke in the way of the Lord , Blessed are they that keepe his testimonies , Vers. 1. and seeke him with theyr whole hearte .

Againe , blessed is that man that feareth the Lord and delighteth in his commaundements , his seede shall be blessed vpon earth , 2. the generation of the righteous shall bee blessed . Riches and treasures shall be in his 3. house , and his righteousnesse endureth for euer . Vnto the righteous ariseth light in 4. darknesse , he is mercifull and lendeth , and wil measure his affaires by iudgement : surely 5. he shall neuer be moued , he shall be had in 6. an euerlasting remembrance .

Therefore Salomon sayth , hee that followeth Prou. 21 , 21 after righteousnesse , and mercy , shall finde lyfe , righteousnesse and glorie , Infinite such places there are , which shew the blessednesse of the righteous and godly , 1. Tim. 4 8. that they haue , as Saint Paule sayth , the promise of this life , and that that is to come .

The eight and twentie Chapter of Deuteronomic is ful of those blessings , which the godly shall haue , and of the curses that shall Deu. 28.2 . fall vppon the wicked . All these blessinges shall fall vppon thee and ouertake thee ( if 3. thou be godly , ) Blessed shalt thou be in the 4. Cittie , and in the field , Blessed shall bee the 5. fruite of thy bodye , and the fruite of thy ground , the fruite of thy Cattell , the increase 6. of thy Kine , and the flockes of thy sheepe . Blessed shall be thy basket and thy dough , Blessed shalt thou bee when thou commest in , and blessed shalt thou be when thou goest out , &c.

Then turning to the wicked and vngodly hee sayth , Cursed shalt thou bee in the Vers. 16. Cittie and in the fielde , Cursed shall be thy basket and thy dough , Cursed shall bee the 17. fruite of the bodye , and of thy land : the increase 18. of thy Kine , and the flockes of thy sheepe , Cursed also when thou commest in , and cursed also when thou goest out , and 19. so forth .

The same thing doth Dauid shewe in the first Psalme , when hee saith , that the Psal. 1. 3. Godly shall bee like a tree planted by the riuers side , that will bring forth her fruite in due season , his leafe shall neuer fade , & looke whatsoeuer he doth it shall prosper : but contrariwise he saith , The wicked shall verse 4. bee nothing so , but they are like the chaffe which the winde scattereth away from the face of the earth , therefore the wicked shall not stand in iudgement , nor the vngodly 5. in the assemblye of the righteous , for the Lorde knoweth the way of the righteous , and the way of the wicked shall perish . So likewise Salomon saith , Blessings 6. are vpon the head of the righteous , but iniquitie Prou. 10.6 . shal couer the heade of the wicked . The memoriall of the righteous shall bee blessed , but the name of the wicked shall 7 rotte . Therefore Dauid saith againe , the Psal. 11. 5 Lord will trie the righteous , but the wicked , and him that loueth iniquitie doth his soule abhorre .

Againe , hee saith , vpon the wicked God shall raine snares , fire and brimstone , 6. storme and tempest , this shall bee their Gene. 19.24 portion to drinke : Which thing wee know hee did vppon the beastly and wicked Sodomites , and the Cittyes there about . Neyther shall the punishmente of the wicked , and saith Dauid in this life , but the Psal. 9. 17. No end of punishment to the wicked , neither in this life , nor in the life to come wicked after this life shall bee turned into hell , and all the people that forget God .

O then beloued , sith the case is so , that the godly are so exceedingly blessed , both here and for euer : and the wicked so miserably accursed , in this life , and in the life to come , let vs speedily forsake our sins & wickednes , lest Gods curses come speedily vpon vs : and let vs assuredly knowe , that if we feare God , and loue godlinesse , wee shall bee blessed a thousand fold , whereof wee haue many examples in the scriptures , of such as for their faith and godlinesse haue beene blessed before vs .

Abell for his faith and godlinesse , his Examples of such as God hath blessed for their faith and godlines . Gene , 4.4 . & 5.24 . & 7.1 offering was accepted of God , when cursed Caynes was reiected , God himselfe giuing testimony with Abell , that hee was righteous .

Enoch for his faith and holinesse , was taken vp into heauen , for he was reported of , that he had pleased God .

Noah for his faith and godlinesse , was saued in the Arke , when all the world besides , except his familie , perished in the water .

Lot seruing God among wicked and vngodly & 19.16 . people , was saued aliue when Sodom and Gomorra were burned with fire and brimestone .

Abraham for his faith and godlinesse , & 12 , 2.3 . was blessed of God aboue all them that liued before him .

So Isaak , Iacob and the Patriarkes Heb. 11.9 heyres with him of the same blessing .

What should we speake of Elias , Elisha , Samuel , and all the rest of the prophets , which for their faith and godlines are so renowned in the scripture ? What shoulde I Luk , 1.6 . make mention of Zacharias the father , and Iohn Baptist the sonne , the one is saide to Mat. 11.11 , Luk 2.25 . Act. 10.2 . & 6.5 2 Cer. 1 , 12. & 4.2 . 1 Thess. 2.10 . Women also commended for their faith & godlines . 2. Pet. 3.5 . Gen. 27.46 . Exod. 15.20 Iud , 5 , 1 Ester 4 , 16 Luk. 1 , 6 & 1 , 30. be iust before God , walking in all the commandementes of God without reproofe : the other that hee was the chiefest among womens children .

Adde hereunto , holy Simeon , good Cornelius , Saint Stephen , Saint Paule , and all the rest of the Apostles , of whom as Saint Paule saith , The worlde was witnesse and God also , howe holily , howe iustly , and vnblameably they walked before God .

And not onely doth the scripture commend men , but women also for their faith , & godlines , as Saraa , Rebecca , Myriam , Debora , Ester , Elizabeth , the virgin Mary , Martha and Mary the sisters of Lazarus , Marye Ioh. 11.5 Luk. 8.3 . Mark . 16.1 Act. 9. ●9 & 14. 14.15 . 2 Tim. 2.1.5 . Act. 18.2 . Rom. 1 6. . Magdalene , and Ioanna the wife Chusa , Herodes stewarde , Susanna and many others which ministred vnto Christ of their substaunce : Mary the mother of Iames , and Salome , and others that bestowed cost on Iesus being deade , of Dorcas , Lydia , Lois and Eunice the grandmother & mother of Tymothie : of Priscilla , Phebe , and the elect Lady to whom 2 Ioh. 1. Iohn writeth , with infinite other , which to repeate at large , woulde be more tedious then profitable .

All these both men & women , haue beene wonderfully blessed of God for their faith , for their holines , for their religion , for their zeale and godlinesse , and are most worthy examples for vs to followe , of what calling , sexe or degree soeuer wee God wil blesse them that be godly . bee : If wee be faithfull , holy , zealous , religious and godly , as they were , then surely God will blesse vs as hee did them . For God is one and the same stil . I am God ( saith hee ) I chaunge not : in euerie nation , Mala. 3.6 . Act. 10.35 . hee that feareth God , and worketh righteousnes , is accepted with him . who will rewarde euery one according , as hee sheweth forth his faith by his good workes . That is , as saith Sainte Paule , to them Rom. 2. 7 which by continuance in well doing , seeke glorie , and honour , and immortalitie , eternall life : but vnto them that are contentious , 8 and disobey the truth , and obey vnrighteousnesse , shall bee indignation , and wrath . Tribulation and anguish shall be vpon euery foule that doth euil , 9. vpon the Iew first , and also the Gentile : but to euery man that doth good , shall bee 10 glorie , and honour , and peace , to the Iewe first , and also to the Gentile : for 11 there is no respecte of persons with God .

Wherefore , let vs hearken vnto Saynt Peter , who biddeth vs to ioyne godlines with patience , and the other vertues : yea God no accepter of persons . Leuit. 11. 1 Pet. 2. 11 let vs hearken vnto God himselfe , who biddeth vs bee holy as hee is holie : let vs eschewe euill , and doe good , let vs seeke peace and follow after it .

Let vs not bee dismaied with the multitudes of the vngodly , for there are some Reuelat. 22 11. which are vniust , and wil bee vniust still , some filthy , and will be filthy stil : but let him that is righteous , bee righteous still : and let him that is holye bee holy still : for beholde I come shortly ( saith Christ ) and my rewarde is with mee , to giue to euerye 12 man as his worke shall be .

Blessed are they that doe his commaundements 14. mentes , that their right may bee in the tree of life , and that they may enter in through 15. the gates into the Cittie : for without shall bee dogges , and inchaunters , and whoremongers and murtherers , and Idolaters , and whosoeuer loueth or maketh lyes .

A Prayer for godlines .

O Good and gracious God , most louing & merciful Father , seeing thou hast not onely created mee after thine owne image , but also redeemed mee being lost , that I might bee thy child by adoption & grace : I most humbly beseech thee so to assist me with thy holy & sanctifying spirite , that I may lead my life in a holy christian & godly conuersation , as behoueth me professing thy name : that I may be holy , as thou O Father art holy ; that I may bee partaker of thy Godly nature in fleeing the corruption which is in the worlde through lust , that I may dayly offer vp vnto thee , my soule & body , as a holy and acceptable seruice , that I may cast of the old man , the whole body of sinne , & bee renewed in the spirit of my mind , & put on the new man , which after thy likenes is created in righteousnes and true holmes : that seeing Christ Iesus is made vnto me wisedome , righteousnes , sanctification , and redemption : I may by vertue of his resurrection , die dayly vnto sinne , and liue vnto thee in godlines & newnes of life during mine abode here in this world , that in the world to come I may haue life euerlasting , through the same Christ Iesus our Lord and Sauiour , Amen .

Of Brotherly kindnesse . Chap. 7.

THe Apostle Saint Peter , hauing furnished sixe linkes of his Chaine , the vertue & vse whereof , doe especially profite , and appertaine to ech particular person , that is indued with them : as euery particular man and woman must be saued by his owne faith , euery one must haue vertue , to addorne and beautifie his faith : euery one must haue true knowledge to leade him the way vnto vertue : euery one must labour , by temperaunce and sobrietie , to keepe his owne bodie in subiection to his spirite , according as his knowledge out of Gods worde doth teach him , euery one hath need of patience , to endure the sundry trials and temptations , of this life , and of godlinesse which is the maintayner and supporter of christian patience . Thus I say , euery one of these vertues do in a special & peculiar mānerprofite themselues that are endued with them .

But because man is not borne alone for himselfe , ( as heathen men also haue taught ) and therefore must not onely haue vertues to benefite himselfe , but also such as wherewith hee may doo good to others . Therefore Saint Peter biddeth vs to ioyne with the other forenamed vertues , first brotherly kindnes , which is a most feruent 2. Pet: 1. 7. What brotherly kindnes is . loue and kinde affection that all the children of God do beare one vnto the other , and therefore rightlye called of the Apostle brotherly kindnes , as wee are brethren in Christe by grace of redemption : & then bids vs last of al to ioyne with our brotherly kindnes loue or charity , which extendeth it selfe farther then brotherly kindnes doth , not onely to the saints and children of God , but vnto all men in generall , euen vnto our verie mortall and deadly enemies . For this cause then is it , that Saint Peter doth not bring loue and brotherly kindnes together within the compasse of one linke , but speaketh of them seuerally & distinctly , yet lincketh them one in the other , because there can bee no brotherlie kindnes where there is no loue , nor any true loue where there is not brotherlie kindnesse . Whereupon it must needs follow , that none but the children of God , can haue either loue or brotherly kindnes .

Obiection . First then , to intreat of brotherly kindnes ( which is not so generall as loue is ) seeing that none but the faithfull are endued with it : a question maye heere bee mooued , what kind of loue & affection that is which is shewed by one man to another , euen of them that are not christians , but heathen people and infidels , yea , and also many of them which beare the names of christians shewe great kindnes one to the other , not because they are christians , & of the household of faith ( for that is the least thing they account of ) but for some other cause , and in some other respecte . Answere I answere , that this kind of loue and affection may also in a sort bee called brotherly kindnes , to wit , as we are brothers by creation . But to make a distinction between the one & the other , seeing the holy ghost doth call that kindnes of affection which christians beare one to the other , brotherly kindnes , let vs call this other kindnesse and affection naturall kindnesse , for so indeede it is a naturall vertue giuen vnto mankinde in his first creation , but sithens greatlye corrupted and defaced by sinne , as all other giftes of nature are .

Now for as much as naturall kindenes was before brotherly kindnes , and because brotherly kindnes wherevnto Saint Peter exhorteth vs , doth not take a way naturall kindnes , but rather seeketh to repaire nature thorough grace : therefore I thinke it not amisse , in this chapter to speake first of naturall kindnes , and how wee do degenerate heerein contrary to our kinde and nature , and then to come to this christian brotherlie kindnes that Saint Peter speaketh of , which doth excell and exceede the other by many degrees : shewing withall the want of this brotherlie kindnes , which doth too much bewray it selfe euen among those countryes and nations which are professed christians .

First then concerning naturall kindenes , wee maye consider the greate and wonderful wisedome of almightie GOD , as in all thinges , so especiallye in this one thing , forming in numerable sortes of creatures wherwith the whole world is replenished , Gen: 1 , 24 Nature hath taught all beasts to loue theyr kind . infused into eache creature this secrete force of nature , that euerie one shoulde loue and liue together with such as were best like the one vnto the other . The birdes of the aire by themselues , the beastes of the fielde by themselues , the fishes of the sea by themselues , and the creeping wormes vnder the earth by themselues . Yea moreouer , of all these generall kindes , he made diuers and sundry particulars , that should sorte themselues one with another . Of birdes , some are Eagles , some are Doues , and so foorth . Of beasts , some are Lyons , some are Leopardes . Of fishes some are Whales , some are Dolphines . Of creeping thinges , some are Adders , some are Snakes , and so foorth . And of all these seuerall sortes of birdes , beastes , fishes and creeping things , we see euerie one flie , go , swimme , and creepe with his make and like , obseruing yet vnto this daye that wonderfull force of nature which was first giuen vnto them .

Now what doth all this teach and preach vnto vs , but that man which was made Lord Man taught his duty by vnreasonable creatures . & gouernour ouer all these other creatures , should keepe still that same force of nature which was also giuen him in his kind , to liue mutually together one with the other ? for when Adam was formed of the dust of the earth , euen nature no doubt taught him this , that of all the creatures in the world , there were none made like vnto man , I meane in shape and fairenes of bodye ( to speake nothing of Gen: 2. 20. the soule which is the chefest parte of man ) which Adam could find in his hart to chuse for an equall make and companion with him . Birdes they were feathered , & too swift of flying , Beasts they were hairie & too swift No vnreasonable creature fit to beare Adam companye . of running , Fishes they were shellye and to swift of swimming : creeping and crawling wromes , which could scarce moue one foot from the ground , were the vnequallest of all to be matched with man , who was made to stand vpright vpon his feete , to behold the glorye of God in the firmament and heauens . Thus when nothing coulde bee found Gen: 2 : 18. fit to keepe Adam companye , God of his great mercy made one of Adams owne flesh and bone like vnto him . onely differing in sex , whereby mankind might bee also increased , and the world thereby replenished .

Of these twaine so liking & louing together , because they were like of body , like of Adam and Eue fit companyons . speech , and like of mind , hath sprung all the increase of mankind in whatsoeuer country or nation now they are remayning . And euerie one hath a secrete force of nature in himselfe , to loue & like one another : which kinde of affection , is called naturall kindnes , or if you will , brotherly naturall kindnes , Naturall brotherlie kindnes . as we are brothers by creation , how soeuer man in this pointe , hath degenerated out of kinde , more then all other creatures in the world .

Nature hath taught all beastes to loue their like , & nature hath taught men to loue Many men more vnnaturall than brute beasts one another : Wheresoeuer thou seest man , which is thy fleshe , thou oughtest for that cause to loue him , and to shewe brotherlie kindnes vnto him , Bee hee Turke , Iewe , Barbarian , Scythyan , Grecian , or of any other nation or country vnder heauen , nature ( if thou bee not more vnnaturall then a beast ) hath taught thee to shew the kindnes of a man vnto him : and to do him any good thou canst . If thou see him in pouerty , thou oughtest to bestowe thy liberallity vppon Man by nature ought to loue one another . him : if he be sicke , thou oughtest to succour him : if hee bee in sorrowe , thou oughtest to comfort him , if hee be out of the waie , thou oughtest to guide him ; if hee bee dead thou Esay . 58.7 . No man hateth his own flesh , therefore euerie one should shew kindnes to another . oughtest to burie him . These lessons , I saye , nature doth teach thee ; and the scripture when it perswades vs to helpe the needie in their distresse , vseth this argument of perswasion , not to turne awaye thy face from thine owne flesh : it is thine own flesh , and of thine owne kinde , therefore shewe kindnes vnto all men . O would to God this force of nature were not quenched in vs , then should not so many pitifull and distressed creatures lie vnholpen & vnreleeued of such as are well able to releeue them . This onely thing doth plainely declare , that man doth more degenerate and growe out of kinde in this point , then either the beastes of the field , or birds of the aire , which will louingly helpe one another , and shew kindnes one to another : the same I saye should one man do for another , of what nation or countrye soeuer hee bee : for nature it selfe doth perswade vs therevnto , to shewe the kindnes of a man one to the other .

Ob If any man will obiecte , if this rule of nature shoulde bee alwaies obserued , that then one man should not bee killed or put to death by an other , ( so all magistracie and authority should bee taken away ) Ans I answere , true it is , it is vnnaturall for one man to kill another , so it is vnnaturall for any man to cut , or suffer any of his owne members to be cut off : but yet , if one member bee readie to corrupt the whole bodye ; it were better to cut off that member , though it be against Rotten members must be cut off . nature , then the whole bodye shoulde perishe : for of two mischiefes , the lesser is to be chosen , and nature must yeelde vnto necessitie . Euen so it fareth in the body politique of euerie comonweale ; for that rotten members , & malefactors are cut off by the sword of the magistrate , it is for the preseruation of the whole body of that countrye or weale publique . Neither can it bee said , that the magistrate doth any thing against nature , which doubtlesse is greeued in respect Magistracie maintained of nature , that any member is cut off , how be it for the health of the whole bodie it must bee done . Euen as a chyrurgion A similitude . ( though hee shew his boldnes of courage outwardly ) is touched by nature in compassion , when he cutteth off an arme or leg from any body : but it is the office of the chirurgion to do the one , and it is the duty of the magistrate to do the other : & neither of them offend against nature .

This I speake generally of all countries & nations where any gouernment is obserued : if wee shoulde speake particularlye of Christian common weales , and of Christian magistrates , that haue the woorde of God , why then wee maye aunswere further , that they haue Gods warrant , who is aboue nature , to take awaie rotten members , by the swoorde at home , As Saint Paule sayth , Gods word is euery christian magistrates warrant . R● . 13.4 , Deutro. 20. 1.2 . 3.4 . Warrs lawfull where the cause i● good . if thou doo euill , feare ; for hee beareth not the swoorde for nought : for hee is the minister of GOD to take vengeance on him that doeth euill . As also to defende theyr Countrie and people by feates of armes both at home and abroade .

None of these thinges , I saie , is against the lawe of nature , which teacheth euerie man to shewe brotherlye kindnesse , yea the magistrate as well as any other : notwithstanding to speak all in a word , it is not Not the magistrate but the law that putteth malefactors to death . the magistrate but the law that putteth malefactors to death . Wherefore , this force of nature doeth still remaine vntaken awaye , that brotherly kindnes must be shewed one to another , as wee are all men made by one workmaster , of one mettall though cast in diuers moldes .

Now that one man doth loue his owne degrees of brotherly kindnes . country men better then another , and in that country his kindred before other , and in that kindred his owne familie before an other , and in that family , his wife and children before other , it commeth also to passe by the secrete force of nature . For as in birds , beastes , and fishes , though birds will company with birds , & beasts with beasts , and so forth , yet euerie of them haue their seuerall fellowships , as before wee haue noted . So likewise though in generallitie , man will company with man , and in a sorte shewe kindnes one to another , yet nature hath her working in vs also , euen in this , that by how much more we are lincked together by any bonde of familiaritie and friendship , of countrie , or kindred , by so much more wee will shewe kindnes one to the other , for that in deed is right brotherlie True brotherly kindnes . kindnes , and most agreeable vnto nature . For as we cannot shewe kindnes to all men at one time , so it were vnnaturall ( and such vnnaturall wretches there are many in this land ) to be vnkind vnto our owne country Vnkind countriemen that will helpe other countries rather then their owne . men , kindred , neighbours and friends , and to seeke opportunity to shew kindnes vnto other countries , or to them wee neuer sawe before . This you will saye is kindnes , but it is vnnaturall kindnesse , such as is odious before God and man .

Now , as there are some which turne naturall into vnnaturall kindnesse , so the most part of people that are irreligious and liuing in this declining age of the world , are growen so barbarous , hard harted , inhumane and brutish , insomuch that it seemeth this naturall kindnesse is almost extinguished in them . And if I may speake by waye of comparison , we shall finde that not onely bruite beastes do excell many men in this natural kindnes one toward the other , but also in declaring their naturall affection vnto man , more then one man sometimes doth vnto another . Fewe natural men without religion and godlines doe loue theyr wiues as the turtle doth his make : no woman can shewe more kindnes vnto her children , then the Pellicane doth to her young ; If vnreasonable creatures can match , nay ouermatch many of vs in these two pointes of natural kindnes , then what shal we thinke of the rest ?

Againe , histories do record what great affection brutishe beastes haue shewed vnto mankinde . Pliny reporteth that in the cittie of Ceston an Eagle being brought vp by a young maide , loued the maide so well , that it woulde flye abroad and kill foules and bring them home to the damsell , and when she died the Eagle died with her . As strange a thing as this wee reade of an Elephant which was in the warres at what time Pirrhus subdued the citie of Argos , which elephant after hee perceiued that his maister was slaine , went vp and downe among the dead soldiers , to seeke his maister , which being founde , the Elephant brought his bodye being dead to a safe place , where the Elephant after much mourning , dyed for sorow . What should I speak of the affection and naturall kindenesse that horses and dogges do shewe vnto their maisters ? wee do daylie see something before our eyes , but histories do reporte much more .

Of Horses , that Alexander king of Macedon , that Iulius Caesar Emperour of Rome , that Antiochus king of Siria , had each of them a horse , who bearing vnto their maisters such affection , would suffer no other to ride vppon them but onelye their maisters , vnto whome they would crouch and kneele downe to the ground to receiue them vppon their backes . It would bee too long to rehearse the tenth historie that doth recorde the kindenes which dogges haue shewen vnto their maisters ; Lisimachus that noble Grecian , had a dog named Durides , that loued him so well , that euen at Lisimachus death , the dog died also . Hiero had another dogge , that ran willinglie into that flame of fire where his maister did burne , and so dyed with him . Titus Sabinus dogge , as Fulgotius saith , neuer forsooke his maister in prison : when any one gaue the dogge bread or meat , hee brought it vnto his maister in prison , and when his maister was thrown into the riuer Tyber , the dogge was seene to doe what hee coulde to lifte vp his maisters heade out of the water , thinking his maister had bene aliue .

These and many other such do writers reporte of the kind affection that bruite beasts do beare vnto mankinde , which I haue noted onely to this ende , that these monsters in nature , and not men , may bee ashamed to see howe farre they degenerate from that naturall kindnes which was once giuen vnto them ; when they shall see euen bruite beastes to excell them therein .

The want of this naturall kindnesse is is not the least cause of so many vnnaturall murthers , villanyes , and conspiracies in the world . And if this naturall kindnes were of force among vs , though some care neither for God nor religion ( as a great many doo not ) yet they woulde not bee so vnkinde , as in the hardenes of theyr heartes to tourne awaye theyr faces from theyr owne fleshe , which many times they see readie to perish for want of thinges necessarie , whome they might well releeue wyth their superfluitie . Insomuch , that though it was once sayde , Homo homini Deus , that man shoulde bee louing as God vnto man . Yet now it is proued contrarie in a great many , that Homo homini , non lupus ( as the Prouerbe is ) sed daemon , Men rage not like wolues , but more like deuils one against another . And the longer wee liue , the worse : one age is more hatefull than another , and this age seemeth to shew lesse naturall kindnes than former ages .

For who seeth not , or rather what hart lamenteth not , to see how this natural kindnes which should be between man & man , doth cool & decay daily ? Is it not now come to this passe among a great many , that one man is not regarded of another , that countrie men disdaine one the other , that kinsmen reproch the one the other , that neighbours deceiue one the other , that no man will trust one another , no , not his brother ? Subiects are disloyall towards their prince , children are vnnaturall towardes theyr parents , people haue no heartie loue towards theyr pastours , many pastours loue more the fleeces than their sheepe , euerie man loues himselfe , fewe of the common sorte care as they shoulde for the common profite of theyr Countrie . Thus hath selfe loue euen bannished naturall loue and kindnes out of our coastes . I speake yet still of naturall kindnes , as wee are brothers by nature and creation .

Insomuch , that most certainly we now liue in those last dayes and perillous times which the Apostle S. Paule foreprophesied 2. Tim. 3.1 shoulde come before the end of the world , when men shoulde bee louers of their owne selues , couetous , boasters , proude , cursed speakers , disobedient to parents , vnthankfull , vnholye , without naturall affection , truce breakers , false accusers , intemperate , fierce , despisers of them which are good , traitours , headye , high minded , louers of pleasures more than louers of God , hauing a shew of holynesse , but hauing denyed the power thereof , all which thinges are most certainly fulfilled in our time .

But leauing to discourse farther of naturall kindnesse , and of such vnkinde naturall men as this age yeeldeth , I must come to the chiefest thing that ought to bee spoken of in this Chapter , euen vnto christian brotherly kindnes , which the Apostle Saint Peter in anie case woulde haue vs to linke vnto the sixe former vertues , for Christians must not onelye shewe brotherly kindnesse one to another , because wee are brothers by nature and creation , but chiefelye and principally , because wee are also brothers by grace of redemption , by profession and religion , because wee haue one God , one faith , one baptisme , one sauiour and redeemer . And is this brotherhoode neerer and dearer than the other ? O farre dearer : by nature and creation we are brothers according to the flesh , but by grace wee are knit Brothers by redemption nearer and dearer then by creation . together in vnitie of spirite : by nature wee inioye heere in a fraternitie , the temporall thinges of this worlde , ( and that neyther but by vsurpation or tolleration ) but by grace wee inioy through hope , those durable riches which shall neuer fade . By nature we are the sonnes of men , but by grace wee are made the sonnes of God , The same spirite bearing witnesse with our spirit , that we are the children of God . If wee bee children , Rom: 8.16.17 . wee are also heires , euen the heires of God , and heirs annexed with Christ , if so be that wee suffer with him , that wee maye also bee gloryfied wyth him . By nature wee are heires heere of temporall inheritances , but by grace wee are heires and coheires wyth Christ Iesus of eternall glorie : in a worde , by nature , or rather by corruption of nature , we are the children of wrath and damnation , but by grace wee are restored vnto life and saluation .

If by nature therefore wee ought to shewe kindnesse to our brothers , according vnto the flesh , howe much more vnto them that are brothers both by nature & profession ?

This Argument , from the lesser to the greater , doeth the Apostle Saint Paule vse , when hee would perswade his beloued Philemon , Brothers both by nature & profession . Phile : 16. to shewe kindnesse vnto Onesimus , an old seruant of Philemons : I beseech thee ( sayth the holy Apostle Saint Paule ) for my sonne Onesimus , whome I haue begotten in my bondes , that thou wouldest receiue him for euer : not nowe as a seruant , but aboue a seruant , euen a brother beloued , speciallie to mee , howe much more to thee , both in the flesh , and in the Lorde .

Heere then was brotherly kindnesse to bee shewed , both because Onesimus was once Philemons seruant , and of his familye ; in which respect , Saint Paule ( as the learned doo note ) doeth call Onesimus Philemons brother , according to the fleshe , as also because hee was now a brother , according vnto grace .

Furthermore , as there are degrees of brotherly kindnesse , according to nature , so also according to grace : for though loue , ( whereof wee must speake in the next chapter ) Degrees of brotherlie kindnes according to grace . doeth extende it selfe farre and neere to all the children of God alike , that are dispearsed thoroughout the whole worlde , yet christian brotherly kindnes , doth shewe it selfe by degrees ( which sheweth a differrence betweene loue and brotherly kindenes ) according to country , kindered , affinitie , fellowship , and so foorth . It was godly brotherly kindnes in Moises , so earnestly to pray the Lord to pardon his country people , Exod. 32.31 the children of Israel , ( though therein he had chiefely respect vnto Gods glory ) or els to rase his name out of the booke of life . In like maner it was christian brotherly kindnes in Saint Paule , to wishe himselfe Rom. 9. 3. separated from Christ for his brethren that were his kinsemen according to the flesh : And the same brotherly kindnes haue all the faithfull ( though not in so great a measure ) euen vnto this daye . The faithfull husband doth chiefelie desire the saluation The fruites of brotherly kindnes . of his wife , the wife lykewise of her husbande : faithfull parents , the saluation of their children , children ought to beare the same affection vnto their parents ; so brothers and sisters , so neighbours and friends , so kinstolke & countrey folke , should beare this Christian brotherly kindnes one to the other . For these vertues which wee had first giuen vnto vs by creation , are not taken away by grace of redemption , but rather restored . Therefore Saint Paule saith , Be ye affectioned , Giftes of nature restored by grace of redemption . to loue one the other with brotherly kindnes . And the author to the Hebrues faith , Let brotherly loue continue . And againe , forsake not the fellowship that ye haue among your selues , as the manner Heb: 12. 1. of some is . And Saint Peter in the second Chapter of his first Epistle saith , Honour 1. Pet. 2.17 . all men , loue brotherlie fellowship . Therefore the saintes of God in the primitiue Church , are commended in the third of Act. 3.42 . the Actes , because they did continue not onely in the Apostles doctrine , but also in Christians should liue together in godly fellowship . fellowship . If these Christians were commended , for that they continued in the Apostles doctrine and fellowship : howe are many that beare the names of Christians in this age to be condemned , for that they agree neyther in the Apostles doctrine , neyther in brotherly kindnes , and Christian felowship : but deuide & separate themselues one from the other ?

How are all the nations in Christendome deuided and rent asunder the one from the other ? ( a token that the latter day draweth The bonds of Christian fellowship broken . neer ) Are not almost al the bonds of christian fellowship , & brotherly kindnesse broken ? Doth not one christian nation thirst for the bloude of an other ? Nay will all the bloude of all the true Christians in Europe , quench the thirst of that blouddy beast of Rome , that doth nothing els but seeke to make hauocke of the church of God , and that vnder the pretence of holines and religion ? Surely it is most certaine , that Antechrist that spirituall whore of Babilon , hath not onely made drunken the most part of the Kinges and Princes of the earth , with the cup of her fornication , but also hath beene the very The pope the bellows of discention . bellowes , which out of hell mouth , hath kindled the coals these many yeares of most parte of the warres in christendome . France Germany and many other countries , may be produced for witnesses : yea I am perswaded that the King of Spaine himselfe ( which at this day is content to be in this respect at the Popes command , to runne , to go , to fight when he bids him ) woulde also confesse this The Spanish cleargy the drudges of popery . truth , if he were not affraide of his cleargy , the very drudges of Popery .

The Turkes and Sarasens , neede not trouble themselues to make warre against Christendome , for wee haue them that by name and profession are Christians , which doe trauel in paine , ( as a woman ready to be deliuered , till they heare or see all christendome together by the eares . But let Spaine aboue all take heede , lest while they prepare A good caueat for Spaine . their forces to fight against christians , their countrie be ouerthrowen , by Turkes and Barbarians .

And as for that beaste of Rome and the Cittie and country thereof , which a long The iudgement of the whore . time haue fed and pampered such a blouddy beast and beastly whore . Let her ( I say ) assuredly knowe , that her sinnes are come Reuel. 18.5 . vp into heauen , and God hath remembred her iniquities : and will rewarde her as shee hath rewarded other , and giue her double according to her workes , and in the cuppe which she hath filled to other , shall bee filled to her the double .

In as much as she hath glorified her self , & liued in pleasure : so much shal she haue torment and sorrowe : for she saith in her harte I sit as a Queene , and am no widdow , and shall see no mourning . Therefore shall her plagues come at one day , death , and sorrow Ver. 8. When God iudgeth there is no end of torment . and famine , and she shal be burnt with fire , for strong is the Lorde God that will condemne her .

Yea God doth dayly destroy her with the breath of his mouth , but shal vtterly abolish her , at the brightnes of his comming , which 2. Thess. 2 ▪ 8 shal be at the day of iudgement .

And that this day is at hande , this is not one of the least signes , that nation shal rise against nation , & kingdome against kingdom , as now is to be seene in christendome , that Tokens that the day of iudgement is at hand . brotherly loue , & kindnes , among christian nations is waxen colde , & iniquitie abounding , euen as our sauiour foretolde shoulde come to passe before the end of the world . Therefore let all the wicked ones of the Mat. 24.7.12 . world , specially they that haue receiued the marke of the beaste in their right Reue. 13.16 hand , or in their foreheade , howle , crie and weepe , for the iudgement of the great day is comming . But O heauen reioyce of this , & 18.20 . and ye holy Apostles , and prophets , & martirs , for God hath giuen you iudgement vpon The godly reioyce for the iudgement of the whore . Luk. 21.28 . the beast : and let all the godly and faithfull people in the worlde , bee glad , and lift vp their heades with ioy , because their redemption draweth neare .

Thus haue wee seene , howe the bondes of brotherly loue and kindnes , are broken and rent asunder , throughout all the landes of christendom . And I would to God ther were no breach of this brotherly loue and kindenes , among those christians , which liue together in one land , vnder one christian Prince , hauing all one God , one faith , one baptisme , one true religion : that we would walke worthy Contentions among Christians lamentable . Ephes. 4. 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5.6 of the vocation , whereunto wee are called , in all humblenes of mind , and meeknes with long suffering , supporting one the other through loue , endeuouring to keep the vnity of the spirite in the bonde of peace , euen as we are called in one hope of our calling , and that wee woulde all speake one thing , that there were no dissentions among vs , but 1 Cor. 1.10 . that wee woulde bee knit together in one mind and in one iudgement .

So should God be glorified , so should all our Princes good and godly lawes be obeyed , The fruit of Christian concord . so should the mouthes of our aduersaries bee stopped , so shoulde vertue florish , and righteousnes should looke downe from heauen vpon vs , so should Sion reioyce , and Israel would be glad , to see brotherly kindnes maintayned among vs . God is not the authour Galat. 6 , 16 , of confusion , but of peace , and as many as follow this rule , the God of loue and peace , bee with them : Amen .

A Prayer for brotherly kindnes .

O Most wise and mightie creator , Lord of heauen and earth , who by thine infinite wisedome , hast knit mankind together in a most wonderfull order , to this end that wee shoulde shew all frendlines , and brotherly kindnes one to the other : and as in all other liuing creatures of this worlde , so specially in man thou didst at the beginning infuse into his breaste , this secreat force of nature , that we should like and liue together in godly fellowship & societie among our selues ▪ but so it hath fallen out , by reason of sinne , & the malice of Sathan ; that as in all other good things , so especially in this , we do degenerate and grow out of kind , & one man careth not for another : but eueryman for himselfe , selfeloue is strong and headdy , but brotherly kindnesse weake & decayed . Therefore good Lord I beseech thee , renew agayne in me and in all people , by the benefite of grace , that which we haue lost by sinne and corruption : that as we are all brothers by creation , so all nations ( if it be thy will ) may shew natural kindnes one to the other : but specially graunt grace O Lord to me & al Christians , that as we are nowe knit together againe by a more neerer bond of religion & christianitie , so we may shew our selues in all dutifull kindnes , to be the children of one God , members of one bodie , heyres and coheyres with Christ Iesus of eternall saluation , purchased vnto vs by his death and passion , to whom with God the Father , & God the holy Ghost , bee all praise and glory for euer : Amen .

Of Loue , or Cheritie . Chap. 8.

IT is the manner of cunning and curious golde-sinithes , that worke onely vpon fine and pure gold , euermore to put vnto their worke , some priuie signe or marke , whereby they will know their owne doinges from others , that vse not so fine gold as they doe . The very same thing ( in a sorte ) our skilfull and perfect workeman Sainte Peter seemeth to doe , in this excellent peece of worke now in hand , he hath beaten out all his linckes of the purest and finest golde , hee hath so curiously lincked one lincke in the other , & riuited the same fast with the hammer of Gods worde , that it cannot bee perceiued where the soldering is . Now being about Saint Peters chaine , made all of pure gold . to finish his chaine , he addeth this last linck of loue vnto it , which serueth him as a priuie signe or marke to know this chaine made all of purified gold , from all other mens worke , that shall goe about to counterfaite the same with any base golde , or copper that hath not beene tried by the perfecte touchstone of the word of God , nor weighedin the ballance of the sanctuary .

And this is done surely to great purpose , for as no golde-smith be he neuer so skilful , can make any worke of his finest golde , but some shifting mates or other , will counterfaite the same in Copper , and double-gilde it ouer with golde , in such sort that ( except it betryed two or three times by the touch ) it shall not appeare that it is counterfaite . Euen so Sainte Peter , knowing that there Many counterfaiters of vertue in the world . would arise many such deceauers in the last age of the world , that would counterfait his Chaine , making shew to the world , that they haue faith , vertue , knowledge , temperance , patience , godlines , and brotherly kindnes , when in truth ( being tryed by the touch it is nothing so ) hee therefore ( me thinketh ) addeth of set purpose , vnto his Chaine this golden True loue can hardly be counterfaited . A similitud linke of loue , which cannot well bee coloured or counterfaited . For as the Camelion , can chaunge himselfe into any colour , except it be white , so the wicked impes of Sathan , can counterfaite euery vertue , except it be loue and charitie : the which thing when they would also goe about to doe , the heate of their malicious stomaks euer more bewraie them , by this lincke then of loue & charitie , it shall appeare , who are truely vertuous , and who are counterfaite hypocrites , and dissemblers .

Furthermore , this loue whereunto Saint Peter here exhorteth vs , is a true note wherby the children of God are knowne , and a badge which euerye Christian ought to Loue the badge of Christians weare . Therefore loue may bee called the badge of Christians . Noble and gentlemen wee see , ( that their retinue , and attendants may be knowne ) when they receiue any man into their seruice , giue them a badge or recognisance . Euerie souldier in the fielde , Similies . knoweth of what band he is , by the ensigne that is borne before him . Christ Iesus therefore that most noble and victorious Captaine , that hath vanquished sinne death and hell , to the end hee might haue his souldiers and Christ will haue his souldiers knowne from Sathans . seruants knowne from all other , hath assigned vnto them a peculiar badge or recognisance , such as cannot bee countersaited , and it is indeede this loue which S. Peter speaketh of . By this ( saith Christ ) shall all men Ioh. 13.35 know that yee are my Disciples , if yee loue one an other . This badge of loue must bee plated fast , not in the sleeue , but in the harts of Christians : the Mettal whereof this badge Loue must be in the hearte . of loue is made , doth farre exceede al golde or siluer , for golde will not appeare if it bee couered with any other thing , but loue the closer it is hid in the heart , the brighter wil it shine throughout all the parts of the body . Like vnto a precious stone called the Topaze , that glittereth or shineth best in the Loue like vnto a precious stone that shineth best in the darke . darke . And indeed how can it be otherwise ? Can it bee darke in that house where the Sunne shineth in through the Glasse windowes ? Nay , can that place of the firmament bee darke where the Sunne abideth ? No verily : much lesse can that soule and body of man be dark , where God himselfe which is all light remaineth .

Now God is loue , as saith Saint Iohn , Beloued 1. Ioh. 4.7 . let vs loue one an other , for loue commeth of God , euery one that loueth is borne of God , and knoweth God : contrariwise , he that loueth not , knoweth not God , for God is loue . Againe , he saith , No man hath seene 8. GOD at any time ; if wee loue one another God dwelleth in vs , and his loue is perfect Vers. 12. in vs . Againe , he saith , God is loue , and hee that dwelleth in loue dwelleth in God , and 16. and God in him . What diuine and heauenly thing then is Christian loue and charitie ? How doth this one lincke beautifie this golden Chaine ? Who would not bee in loue with such a Iewell , where God himselfe is engrauen in the middest ? Many thinke they Loue a principall Iewell . are safe , when they haue a Crucifixe of gold , siluer or copper hanging about their neckes , though their harts be ful of hatred , sinne and mallice . But O beloued , here is a rich and precious Iewell worthie the wearing : the Crucifixe , is but a fayned and false picture of the body of Christ , whereby if thou take Crucifixe dangerous . not heede , thou mayest soone commit Idolatrie : ●…fat least the very wearing of it be not Idolatrie : but if thou haue this Iewel of loue in thine hart , then thou needest not feare the force of thine enemies , for thou hast God abiding with thee , and if God be with thee , who can preuaile against thee ? There bee Rom. 2 31. indeede poore Politicians nowe a daies , which think it good policie ( but it is against Diuinitie ) though thou bee no Papist , ( but percase a Newter , or an Atheist ) to haue a Poysonfull pollititians . Crucifixe alwaies hanging about thy neckes for , say they , if the Spaniards , who are poysoned Papists , should inuade this land , they will vse thee well , for thy Crucifixe sake . But it is sounder Diuinitie , & better agreeing with Christianity in thy confidence that Hee that hath confidence in God wil defie Gods enemies . thou hast in God , to defie both Pope and popish Spaniards , the open and professed enemies of God and of Christ his annointed : and to harbour loue in thine heart , whereby thou mayst assure thy selfe , to be the souldiour of Christ , who is able to defend thee , & will defend thee , trusting in GOD , ( if it be for his glorie and thy saluation ) from the force of all enemies whatsoeuer .

Surely this fearefulnes that is in the harts of people , as it doth argue great wickednes , and guiltinesse of their consciences , so it is a A guiltie conscience cannot be bold . Iohn . 4. 17. manifest signe , that the loue of God is not in them . For as S. Iohn saith , herein is loue perfect in vs , that we should haue boldnes , ( not onely in this life against our enemies but also ) in the day of iudgement . Againe he saith , There is no feare in loue , but perfecte 18. loue casteth out feare , and hee that feareth is not perfect in loue : if therefore thou wilt not be afraide of thine enemies in this life , nor of damnation in the life to come , entertaine Loue casteth out fere . true loue and Charitie in thine hearte and mind , Loue God aboue al , & thy neighbour as thy selfe : for therein consisteth the Mat. 22.37 . whole law and the Prophets , as our Sauiour Christ doth witnesse . And Saint Paul saith , Rom. 13.9 . the Law is fulfilled in one word , Thou shalt loue thy neighbour as thy selfe . Againe , loue hurteth not his neighbour , therefore is loue the fulfilling of the law . We must therefore Gala. 5.14 . loue God aboue all , and our neighbours as our selues .

There be some indeede that wil say , they We cannot loue God if we hate our brethren . loue God , and yet will hate their brethren , but that cannot be : if we loue God , we will surely loue our neighbour : if wee hate our neighbour , we hate God also . This is cleare by the words of Saint Iohn ; whose Sermons sauour al of loue : if any man say I loue God , 1. Ioh. 4.20 and yet hate his brother , he is a lyer , for how can he that loueth not his brother whom he hath seene , Loue God whome hee hath not seene . And this commaundement haue wee of Christ , that hee that loueth God , should 21. loue his brother also . Againe hee saith , In this are the children of God knowne , and the children of the Deuil : Whosoeuer doth 1. Ioh. 3.10 not righteousnesse is not of God , neither he that loueth not his brother . O then beloued I am afraide that the deuill hath a greate many more children heere among vs then Christians by name but not indeede . God hath : for though we be all called Christians , yet there is litle Christian loue among vs , but olde mallice , deadly hatred , bitter enuying , contention , striuing , lawing , quarrelling , fighting , murdering , both with hand heart and tongue . O these are not the fruits of the spirit ! But loue , and peace , and meeknesse and gentlenesse , they are the fruites of Gala. 5. the spirite , the other are the markes of the children of Sathan , who hath euermore borne deadly hatred to Gods children , and and hath beenea lyer and a murderer , from the beginning .

Therefore Saint Iohn saith , Hee that hateth his brother is a murderer . And our Sauiour Christ saith , whosoeuer is angrie with 1. Ioh. 3.15 his brother vnaduisedlye is culpable of iudgement . As loue therefore is the badge Mat. 5.22 . of Christians , so hatred and mallice are the proper notes of Sathans broode , the children Hatred and mallice Sathans recogniscences . of darkenesse . As fire and water cannot agree togeather , no more can loue and hatred remaine in one man : one fountaine cannot bring foorth salt water and sweete : a good tree cannot bring foorth bad fruite : therefore Saint Iames saith , Who so is a wise Iam. 3.11 12. man , and indued with knowledge : Let him shew by good conuersation his workes in 13. meekenes of wisedome : but if yee haue bitter enuying , & strife in your harts , this wisedome descendeth not from aboue , but is earthly , sensual and deuilish , for wher enuying 14. and strife is , there is sedition and al maner of euil workes : but the wisedome that is 15. from aboue , is first pure , then peaceable , gentle , easie to be intreated , full of mercie and 16. good fruites ; without iudging and without hypocrisie : and the fruite of righteousnesse 17. is sowne in peace , of them that make peace . 18.

Wherefore , as I haue said , these inwarde grudgings and bitter contentions betweene professed Christians , are euident tokens , that there is great want of this loue and charitie among vs . Loue , sayth Salomon , ( and it is Prou. 10.12 repeated againe by Sainte Peter ) doeth couer a multitude of sinnes , if any therfore reioyce 1. Pet. 4.8 . in blazing abroade the faults of their brethren , howe haue they this loue within Loue couereth many faults . Gala. 6.1.2 , them ? We ought rather to follow the counsell of Saint Paul , to support one the other with the spirit of meekenesse , considering that no man is free from temptations . The The nature and office of true loue 1. Cor. 13.1 nature and office of this true loue and charitie , is excellently set forth by Saint Paule in the thirteenth Chapter of the first Epistle to the Corinths : for there the Apostle sheweth , that al other gifts , as the gift of tongues , 2. prophesie , knowledge , and the rest , without loue are nothing worth . Againe , If any would giue his body to bee burned , and all his goods to the poore , without loue it profiteth nothing . If any say , to giue our goods to the poore , is a fruite of loue and charitie , I confesse it , and it is a doctrine needfull to bee vrged in these daies of dearth and pennurie ( when Lazarus craueth , and Diues hoardeth ) to teach and exhorte all Christians 3. vnto liberalitie , to charge them that are rich in this world ( vppon paine of damnation ) that they trust not in vncertaine riches , but in the liuing God , which giueth vs aboundantly Exhortations vnto charitie most necessarie . all things to enioye . That they be good and be rich in good woorkes , ready to giue and to distribute to them that haue neede , Laying vp in store for themselues a 1 Tim. 6.17 good foundation , against the time to come , that they may obtaine eternall life . For hee that giueth to the poore lendeth vnto the Lord , and looke what he layeth out , it shall 18. be paide him againe with aduantage : this is godly Vsurie , this is to hoard vp riches in heauen : Blessed is the man that prouideth for the poore and needie . It is a blessedder 19. thing to giue then to receiue . On the contrarie , Godlyinterest . Psal. 41.1 . Act. 20.35 . 1. Ioh. 3.17 . he that hath this worlds goods , and seeeth his brother hath neede , and shutteth vp his compassion from him , surely there is no loue of God in him .

Notwithstanding , though this doctrine , I say , be true and needfull to be vrged continually , yet it is true also , that wee may giue al our goods to the poore , and yet want loue and charitie . For , to giue our goods to some We must giue our Almeswith out partialitie . poore which wee loue and like , and in our hartes to hate ( with a deadly hatred ) others , which are also our owne flesh , proceedeth not of loue , but of natural kindnesse ; wherewith infidels and heathen people are indued . Againe , we may giue our goods vaine gloriously , or in hope of meriting . Therefore is it that Saint Paul saith , Though thou giue 1. Cor. 13.3 al thy goods to the poore , and haue no loue , it profiteth thee nothing . And our Sauiour Christ saith , that we must not only loue and Mat. 5.44 . doe good to them that loue vs ( for so the wickedst men in the world do , ) but we must To loue our enemies commeth not of nature but of grace Rom. 12 loue and doe good to our enemies , which thing commeth not of nature , but of grace . If thine enemie hunger , feede him : if he thirst , giue him drinke . O , this is hard , to hard harted people , but God will haue thee to doe this : if thou be his child , loue will bring this to passe , & till thou canst doe this in some measure ; thou mayest feare to call God Father . Therefore Christ sayth , I say vnto you , Loue your enemies , blesse them that curse Mat. 5.44 . you , pray for them which hate and persecute you . Why shall we doe all this ? Christ aunswereth , that ye may be the children of your heauenly Father , for hee maketh the Sunne 45. to rise vpon the euill and the good , and his raine to fall vppon the iust and vniust . On the contrarie , saith Christ , if yee loue them that loue you , what reward shall yee haue , doe not the Publicans euen the same ? Be ye 46. perfect therefore ( in loue ) euen as your heauenly Father is perfect . To giue our goods 47. only to such poore as we loue and like , such as we know wil blaze the same abroade , and to hate other whome we should loue , is not to be perfect , but partiall in loue , and so for such loue we shal haue no thanke of GOD . We haue spoken before of brotherly-kindnesse , that doeth keepe it selfe within some limites , but this Loue wherof now we speake hath no bounds but extendeth it selfe ouer Loue hath no bounds . all the world , euen to our verie enemies . He that cannot loue his enemies for Christs sake is not perfect in loue . God loued vs when we were his enemies , wee must follow God in this respect . Be followers of God , saith Rom. 5.6 . Saint Paul , and walke in loue , euen as Christ hath loued vs , and so forth . Beloued saith Eph. 5.1 . Saint Iohn , If God so loued vs , we ought also to loue one another . The loue that God hath 1. Ioh. 4.11 shewed vnto vs is infinite , and vnmeasurable , wee must therefore endeauour to loue God , and our enemies for his sake in some We must loue our enemies because God loued vs being his enemies . measure . Or else , Woe , Woe be vnto vs . We must loue God , because hee loued vs first , and wee must loue our enemies for Gods sake , because he loued vs when we were his enemies .

This doctrine by how much more it is hard for flesh and bloud to performe , because it is against our fleshly nature , which is euermore desirous of reuenge , by so much If we cannot forgiue we must pray God to change our hearts . Mat. 18. 24. more ought wee to desire God to change or mollifie our hard harts , that we may be readie to forgiue others one hundred pence , seeing God is so kind to forgiue vs ten thousand talents , alwaies remembring this definitiue sentence of Christ . If yee forgiue not other their trespasses , no more wil your heauenly Father forgiue you your trespasses . Mat. 6.15 . Therefore Christians are taught daylye to pray the Lord to forgiue them , as they doe Mat. 6.12 . forgiue others , that is , if wee doe not forgiue others , then wee desire the Lord not to forgiue vs , which is most fearefull , if wee haue any grace to consider ofit . This then is to be When wee pray & doe not forgiue we sinne grieuously . perfect in loue ( as farre as we can attaine to perfection in this life ) to loue God with all our harts , with all our soules and with al our strength , & our neighbour , though our enemy , as our selus . The which thing , because no man can do in such absolute sort as he ought , therefore we cannot bee perfect in loue , til Wē cannot be perfect in loue in this life . we haue laide down our fleshly nature , & be clothed with immortalitie : but we must doe the best we can : and though we cannot loue God and our neighbors , as we should , yet we must forgiue our enemies freely as wee are commanded : yea , & loue them , euen as our dearest frendes : though they bee our mortal enemies , and haue sworne our death , yet wee must loue them , ( not with a fayned We must pray for our enemies . Luk. 23.24 . Act. 7.60 . but true Christian loue ) and praye for them , that God woulde change their harts , and forgiue them , euen as Christ , and Saint Stephen prayed for their persecutors , saying , To forgiue iniuries , is giuen vnto vs of God . Lorde lay not this sinne to their charge . This loue which causeth vs to suffer iniuries patiently , and to forgiue them freely , is the speciall gift of God , and giuen onely to his 1 Cor. 13.4 . elect . Therefore Saint Paule saith , Loue suffereth long , and is curteous : Loue enuieth 5. not , loue doth not boast it selfe , it swelleth not , it disdayneth not , it seeketh not her 6. owne things , it is not prouoked to anger , it 7. thinketh no euill , it reioyceth not in iniquitie , but reioyceth in the truth , it suffereth all thinges , it beleeueth all things , it hopeth all thinges , and indureth all thinges : Why then , he that hath this lincke of loue , hath Loue hath all vertues included in it . all these vertues included in it : O rich chain , where one lincke is bedecked with so many precious pearles : contrariwise then it must needes follow , that they which can suffer no iniuries , they that are of a currish nature , and not curteous , they that enuy at other mens good successe , & prosperitie , they that are puffed vp with pride and vaine glorie , Vices contrary vnto the fruits of loue . as a bladder with winde , they that will commende none , but disdaine all , they that are not contented with their owne , but seek other mens , by deceite or oppression , they that not onely thinke euill , but study to deuise mischiefe : they that are sory to haue truth knowen , & reioyce in iniquitie . These and such like whosoeuer they are , & of what calling or degree soeuer they be of , haue not receiued this badge of loue , whereby they should be knowen to be true christians .

Last of all , S. Paul saith , that loue neuer Verse 8. falleth away , but abideth with vs in this life , & shall continue with vs for euermore in the life to come . O then let vs make much of Loue and charitie , for it is a surpassing Loue a surpassing treasure . treasure . It is no maruell that Sainte Peter would not finishe his Chayne before this lincke of loue were aded vnto it . That must A glorious Chaine that beginneth with faith and endeth in loue . Happy are they that weare this chaine . 2. Pet. 1.8 . needes be a golden and glorious chaine , that beginneth with faith , and endeth in loue : hauing lincked vnto them both , all graces and vertues whatsoeuer : happy , yea thrise happy are they that weare this Chaine : surely , they shall neuer be bound in euerlasting chaines . If these things ( saith S. Peter ) be among you , and abounde , they will make you , that ye shall neuer be idle , nor vnfruitfull in the knowledge of our Lorde Iesus 9. Christ . But he that hath not these thinges ( as faith , loue , & the rest ) is blind & cannot see farre of , and hath forgotten that hee was 10 purged from his old sinnes , wherefore breethren giue all diligence , to make your calling & election sure : for if ye do these things ye shal neuer fall , but by these meanes an 11 entring shal bee ministred vnto you aboundantly , into the euerlasting kingdome of our Lorde and Sauiour Iesus Christ : to whome with the Father , and the holy Ghost bee all prayse , glory , power and maiestie , from age to age world without end .

A Praier for Loue , or Charitie .

O Blessed Lord God , most louing & mercifull Father , for as much as thou hast shewed vnto mankind thine infinite & vnmeasurable loue , not onely in creating vs of the dust of the earth , & then preferring vs to be lords ouer all the works of thy hands , but also and especially hast manifested this thine vnexpressable kindnes towardes vs in giuing thine onely beloued sonne to death for vs , that hee might bring vs vnto life : to this end that in a thankeful remembrance of this thy so great loue & kindnes , we should shew our loue to thee againe , & to our neighbours and brethren for thy sake , Grant therefore vnto me good Lord , that I may loue thee aboue all thinges , and my neighbour as myselfe , not onely my frends and those that do me good , but also mine enemies , because thou louedst mee when I was thine enemie : that I may neuer suffer the sunne to go down vpon my wrath , but with all gentlenes and from my hart , I may suffer iniuries and forgiue myne enemies . O Lord if thou wilt vouchsafe to receaue me into thy seruice , giue vnto me thy badge of christian loue or charitie , whereby I may be assured that I am thy seruant : let the fire of this loue breake out from me into flames of good works , that I may be ready to do good vnto all , but specially vnto them that are of the houshold of faith . This grace vouchsafe vnto me , and to all christians , for his sake in whom thou art wel pleased . So shalt thou O God dwel here in earth with me , and I shal euermore dwelhere , and in heauen with thee : to whom with thy blessed sonne our Sauiour , and the holy Ghost , our euerlasting comforter , be all lande , and honour for euer and euer . Amen .