WHen the time of his death was now come , through a hot burning-Feuer , he willed his sonnes to come together about him , whom like young-plants hee had established from their youth vp-ward . Whose mourning , when his graue countenance beheld , through piety , and mercy being moued a little while hereat , hee sighed in his Spirit , and weeping , lifting vp his eies , he spake thus : O my sonne Euse bius , why dost thou shed those vnprofitable teares , is it not a vaine thing to shed teares ouer the dead ? What man liuing is there that shall not see the dissolution of this mortall body ? Darest thou speake against that , which the Lord hath once spoken , and thou hast heard , seeing thou knowest , that no man can resist his will ? Now I beseech thee ( O sonne ) walke not according to the flesh , cease to weepe , surely the weapons of our warfare are not carnall . Then with a merry countenance , and chearefull voice hee said vnto the rest : Let sadnes cease , let mourning bee put away , let there be one voice of ioy amongst you all : for behold the acceptable time , behold the day of iubilation , and of gladnesse aboue all the daies of my life , in which the faithfull Lord according to his word , doth open his hand , that he may call backe ( to the supernall Countrey recouered by the pretious death of his owne sonne ) my soule hitherto in banishment in the prison of this deth , for the guilt of my forefather Alam . O most dearely beloued sonnes , doe not hinder my ioy , doe not seeke to keepe from the earth that which helongeth vnto it . For ye ought , as the Ministers , and houshold Seruants , and friends of God to aspire after spirituall things , that yee may be an example vnto others . Why doe yee , that are spirituall poure out those so many vnfruitrull teares ? Let the remembrance of sinne make you alwaies to weepe , bee as ready to weepe , as you haue beene to offend . Weepe if any man dieth in sinne ; for , if when a wicked man ariseth from death by repentance , the Angels reioyc . in heauen ; surely if any man , that hath bin good , dyeth in sin , the Angels sorrow . But bewaise not me , as one dying , but reioyce with mee , as one touching the hauen of saluation . What is weaker than the miseries of this life , which is compassed bout with so many troupes of sorrowes and passions , as that there is almost no houre , wherein any liuing man whatsoeuer may passe free from sorrow ? If the rich man bee pressed on euery side with feare , lest hee should loose , that which he doth possess ; if the poore man be neuer it rest , that hee may get ●iches ; if a good man doth on this side feare the daager of the Deaill ; and on that side , lest the ship of this mortall body should suffer shipwracke in the sea of this world ; and no age , or sex , or condition doth passe free from sorrow , as long as it remaineth in the misery of this life . If ye know any thing in mee an hinderance to my iourney , sorrow . Alas how many of those , that saile through this great , & spacious sea , ( in which are so many diuers kindes of enemies wrestling togither , according to the quantitie of ech ones strength ) after much happinesse in sayling , after many victories , thinking euen now to obtaine their wished for end , haue come in this very houre into the snare of perditict by some diabelicall suggestion ? Alas , how many doth both life and same here recommend , ouer whom , by the onely consenting vnto sinne , cruell death , and ruine hangeth ? Therefore , whilst yee liue , feare ( ô brethren ) ; the feare of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom ; our life is a warfare vpon earth , he that ouercommeth here , shall be crowned else-where . Whilst wee are coucred with this skin , v. e haue no complete victorie . If our forefather had feared , he had neuer fallen . Presumption of a mans selfe is the beginning of all euils , and he that feareth not , doth presume vpon himselfe . How can any man laden with gold goe securely amongst theeues ? What other thing doth our Sautour teach vs , but to feare , when he saith Watch for yee know not at what houre the theefe will come . S. Peter saith , 1 Pet. 5. Be yee sober , brethren , and watch , bicause your aduersarie the deuill goeth about like a roaring lion , seeking whom hee may deuoure . No man dwelleth securely amongst serpents . He which is more holy , and more wise , let him alwaies feare more , for he which is higher , if he falleth , receiueth the greater fall . A choice one is the Deuils prey , he careth not for taking the wicked , because they are his owne already . That wise man Salomon fell , and his Father Dauid , a man after Gods owne heart . Feare ( O brethren ) againe I pray you feare on euery side , for blessed is the man that feareth the Lord : if tents bee pitched against him , his heart shall not be afraid , if warre riseth vp against him , herein he shall haue hope . The perfect feare of the Lord casteth vaine feare out of doores . Loue hath no vaine feare , loue and the feare of God are one , which the Prophet considering crieth out and saith : Psal. 26. Settle thy feare within mee . Who is there amongst you , Psal. 98. that desireth to see good daies , let him come hither , and be inlightned , and his face shall not be confounded . He that feareth the Lord shall doe good things , and his soule shall dwell in good , and his seed shall inherit the Land . For the Lord is a sure stay to those that feare him ; and he will declare his will vnto them : If ye doe any good , take heed , that ye feare . Many do good things , whose fruite the desire of the praise of men doth steale away . There were tenne Virgins , and yet halfe of them were shut out of heauens doore . Alasse how many are at this day regenerate by holy baptisme , and haue the name of Christians , for whom it had beene better , that they had neuer beene ? For the paines of hell , which the Pagans shall suffer , are farre lesser , then the paines of wicked Christians . I would to God , that the greater part were not such . The ship that is euery where sound is drowned by one little hole . Men haue gone out of the way in this large wildernesse , some submitting their neckes to the yoake of couetousnesse ; others , like most filthy swine , being held in the filth of luxury , others occupied about the wresting away of things vnprofitable : whence it commeth to passe , that the vse of reason being cast away , they doing like brute beasts are made like vnto them , and haue not found the way to the new Citie Ierusalem . Such a mans way is an hundreth fould streighter , then it is thought to be , and yet it is large to all such as truly feare . Christ promiseth to come to the Ceuturion fearing , but denieth to come to the pettie-King presuming . All doe not truely obey the Gospell . The time shall come , saith the Apostle , wherein men will not suffer wholesome doctrin . Many preach , but all doe not preach the truth . They binde the hearts of simple men in sinnes . They binde heauy burthens in the least sinnes , and passe ouer greatest sinnes winking with the eie . There is a false Doctour , a doubtfull sword : on the one side he cutteth with his example , and worke ; on the other side he smiteth and killeth with deceitfull , and wicked words . How should the fire gine cold , and the water heate , how should the stone go vpward , and how should the filthy man preach chastly ? And if he doth preach , what profit commeth hereby to the Hearers ? What can hee that heareth say , but why dost thou preach with thy voice that which thou deniest with thy worke ? He that speaketh well with his tongue , and liueth ill , damneth himselfe . Behold the Psalmist sheweth , how acceptable such preaching is vnto the Lord . To the Sinner , saith God , Psal. 50. Why dost thou declare my righteousnesse , and takest my word into thy mouth , seeing thou hatest to be reformed ? Many read great things , and learne hard things , dispute subtilly , and speake finely , that they may be honoured of the people , that they may be counted masters of the common sort , and yet doe nothing . If ye beleeue experience , beleeue me , the holinesse of life doth more moue the hearts of men , then fine speaches . Be Doers , and so preach : doing without preaching preuaileth , Math. 7. but not preaching without doing . God hath not said , hee that preacheth the will of my Father , but he that doth it . I dispraise not preaching , but onely in those , that doe not the things , which they preach . A Teacher of subtile wordes onely , and not of workes is a certaine light breathing into the eares , and a smoake soone passing away without fruite . Vnderstand ( ô brethren ) vnderstand what I say : he doth much better , that preacheth and doeth , then hee , that doeth , and preacheth not . If I onely doe good , I profit my selfe alone : but if I both preach and doe , I profit my selfe , and others also : According to which it is said ; They which instruct others in righteousnesse shall shine as the stars for euer , and euer . For Preachers are a light to inlighten with their doctrine hearts dimme , and blinde by reason of the cloud of sinne , and that with the light of Christ , that shineth in darkenes . They are also for the seasoning of the word , which is the food of the soule , when it is ioyned with good workes . The dutie of preaching is inioyned euery one that knoweth ; if he be a Doer . Yea that I may say more , hee that knoweth , and doeth onely , and teacheth not others shall giue accompt to the Lord therefore . For seeing , according to the Apostle Iohn , He that hateth his brother is a murtherer , and he that hath this worlds goods , and seeth his brother in neede , and yet shutteth vp his bowels against him , hath not the loue of God in him : How much more is he a Murtherer and without the loue of God , who seeing his brother out of the way , and oppressed with deadly sinnes , and yet knowing , how to doe it , doth not Minister vnto him the word of doctrine ? Feare O ye Rectours and Teachers , to whom the Lord inioyneth the duty of preaching , that we should minister vnto his people the word of the Lord . For looke , how many die in their sinnes , through your example , or negligence , so many will the Lord require at your hand . For by how much the higher yee be in degree , by so much yee shall be tortured with the greater torments . Ye are not Lords , but shepheards . There is one Lord , and one cheife Shepheard , which knoweth his sheep , and will require them at your hands . Alas how many are this day in the Church , not Shepheards , but Hirelings , to whom the sheepe of Christ doe nothing pertaine ? Moreouer , that I may speake truelie , and as themselues know , they are rauening Wolues , which teare and disperse the sheepe . Certainely nothing is worse , nothing more abominable , then when they scatter the sheepe , which ought to keepe them . Alas what is done at this day by some , not shepheards of the Church , but Destroiers , which are not the lesser part ? They doe vnsatiablie deuour , euen like hell , the goods , and labours of men , and doe not onely not reforme them , from their sinnes , but euen they themselues doe draw them to things vnlawfull , either by their owne negligence , or by their most wicked instruments , or by their vngodlie workes in such sort , as that I must needes say , if God should leaue them being such vnpunished , hee should be no longer God . And therefore as I haue often said ( my most deare sonnes ) serue the Lord with feare , and reioyce before him with trembling , lay hold vpon his righteousnes , least yee perish from the right way . Taste , and see , how sweet the Lord is . The rich haue wanted , and beene hungry , and such as haue slept here in their riches , and pleasures haue found nothing ; but such as seek after the Lord , doe want no good thing . I haue bin yong , and now am old , yet neuer did I see the righteous forsaken to the end , nor his seed wanting bread . Be yee followers of pouerty , that ye may be his followers , who when he was in the likenes of God vpholding all things by the word of his power , in whose house are riches , and glory , yet he abased himself , taking vpon him the forme of a seruant and was borne poore , and penurious , and was more than poore , and penurious , all the time that hee liued here , and died most poore , and was buried : whereupon , The foxes , saith he , Luc. 10. haue holes , and the birds of the ayre nests , but the Sonne of man hath not whereupon to lay his head . He also biddeth the Apostles not to carry scrip or satchell ; and he aduised the yong man to sell such things as he bad , and to giue to the 〈◊〉 it is impossible 〈…〉 and in riches , and to 〈◊〉 Christ . Is there 〈◊〉 , There riches be 〈…〉 is more 〈◊〉 ? Doe not all euils a●●e out of pride as out of one roote ? For when a man is made rich , and the glory of his house is increased , doth he not wax proud ? and if he be proud , are not his wayes euer polluted ? and then the rich man sitting in secret with his riches , doth deuise how he may slay the innocent . His eies look vpon the poore , and he layeth wait in secret , that he may catch him , as a Lion in his den , saying in his heart , God hath forgotten , he hath turned away his face , and will neuer see . But when the Lord through patience doth vse more delay in executing iudegment , he is more full of anger , and therefore hee is an hundreth times more to be feared , when he doth patiently tolerate euils , than when he doth hastily punish . For God doth sometime suffer the good to be vexed of the euill , and of the proud , so that they make long furrowes vpon their backs , & continue in their wickednes . But though the Lord seemeth a litle to forget the poore , yet he will not euer forget to be mercifull : for he is the helper of the fatherlesse , and the protector of the poore ; he resisteth the proud , and giueth grace to the humble . He breaketh the arme of the sinner , and wicked one , and heareth the desire of the poore , and iudgeth the cause of the fatherlesse , and of the humble , that the proud man vpon earth may not exalt himself any more . Wherfore ( my most dearely beloued sonnes ) if ye will be poore , be humbled vnder the mighty hand of God , that yee may not loose those things , which yee doe . Pouerty is no whit acceptable vnto God without humilitie . Hee chose rather to take flesh of blessed Mary for hir humilitie , than for any other vertue . For as out of the onely root of pride all euils do arise , so out of the onely roote of humilitie , all good things are bred . Learne of our Sauiour , who being gentle , and humble in heart , abased himselfe for vs , becomming obedient euen to the death of the Crosse . For which cause I say vnto you , if ye will be humble , be obedient to euery humane power for Gods cause . He is not obedient , but negligent , who expecteth to be bidden the secoud time it is said , that Peter , and Andrew at the voice of one bidding left their nets , and all that they had , and followed the steps of the Lord . True obedience alwaies wisheth in nothing to follow a mans owne will , but the will of another . For Christ left this for an example vnto vs in his last supper , when hauing washed the feete of his disciples , he said vnto Peter , that vnlesse he would yeild vnto him , he should haue no part with him . Wherefore ( my most beloued sonnes ) as yee haue one name , so haue one wil , and one will , for it is a good and pleasant thing for brethren to dwell together in vnitie . Let no man be greater , or lesse amongst you , but after the example of Christ , let euery man be greatest in humility . Let the greatest amongst you in humility become a fellow to the least , when he doth well , but when he sinneth , let him lift vp himself against vice through the zeale of righteousnes . Neuer make any couenant with sinne , let a man be loued so , as that his vice may be hated . It is a great signe of loue to reproue a man in all the least offences . Vaine humilitie doth oftentimes much hurt . It is no true humilitie to suffer vices by holding a mans peace . Cry out , cease not , lift vp thy voice as a trumpet , saith he to Esay , tell my people of their sins : and I would to God , that euery creature could cry out against sinne , because that , although the sinner doth not feare God , he would yet be afraid of men . The negligence , and vaine humilitie of the shepheard makes , that the Wolues can bee bold against the Lambes . Looke not vpon the countenance of the mighty , for there is no acceptance of persons before God . Do in all things that which is iust , ye must rather obey God than men . If yee conceale the truth for feare of the mighty , do yee not consider in your selues , that your righteousnesse doth not exceede the righteousnes of the Scribes and Pharisees ? Do not honor a rich man more than a poore man , vnlesse he be better : Yea , that I may speake truly , honor rather a poore man ; for in a poore man doth shine the image of Christ , in a rich man the image of the world . We all come from one roote of flesh , we are all bred members of one another in the same body , whereof the head is Iesus Christ . What honor then hath the rich and mighty man merited more than the poore man ? Peraduenture , because he is rich and mighty ; but if it be thus , why do wee preach , that the glory of the world is to be despised ? Surely I thinke , that no man is to be honoured for the vse of euill things . If thou honourest the rich more than the poore , thou preferrest the world before God , and if thou louest any thing in the world more than God , thou art not worthy of God . Giue , I pray you , the things of God , vnto God , and the things of the world vnto the world . Let goodnes euery where be honoured , let wickednes be euery where disgraced . But because I am speaking of those that do glory in their fading riches , and of those , that are proud of a certaine nobilitie of the filthy flesh , which is soone to returne to ashes , and of vaine , and light power and dignitie ( for they are lifted vp by the blast of some foolish titles , and doe tread others vnder feete through contempt , and by this they thinke , that they obtaine that glory , which the Lord hath prepared onely for the humble , and for the contemners of this world ) what should I speake of them , as it is meete ? woe to you that hasten to the kingdome of heauen through the way of riches , seeing that it is easier for a camell to goe through the eye of a needle , than for a rich man to enter into the kingdome of heauen . These are not my words , but the words of Christ ; if this sentence be reuocable , Christ is no more God . The heauen and the earth ( saith he ) shall passe away , but my words shall not passe away . Bewaile ( ô ye miserable Nobles , and Potentates ) the titles of vnslable fortune , because yee are blinded with the fumes of the honours , and falfe dignities of this world , when as the threed of your brittle life shall peraduenture be cut off this night , and ye shall be tormented in hell , more than others , world without end , liuing in continuall dying . Yee are not amongst the labourers in the world ; yea ye do not onely not indure labour with men , but ye doe not suffer the laborers to liue ; therfore ye shall be scourged not with men , but with deuils . For by how much your glory , and ioy hath bin the greater in this world , by so much the greater punishment is prepared for you in hell . We confesse , that Christ chose twelue Apostles , amongst whom Bartholomew onely was of noble descent , and Matthew only was rich , before that he was receiued into the Apostleship , the rest were poore fishermen . Now heare wherfore I haue related this . If Christ be true , and all , which I haue heard out of his mouth he true , amongst such kinde of men , scarse one of a thousand is to be sound fit for the kingdome of heauen . But such of them , as doe not beleeue mee , shall after a short time feele it , when they are placed in torments . Yet some man blinded from the light of the truth , will now maruaile : to whom , if hee would aske mee hereabout , I would answer . Do we not beleeue , that a man is damned for one sinne ? and if it be so , how can he be saued , that liueth in an hundreth thousand sins ? But what other thing is the rich man , fed with the ayre of fading honour , but a rotten vessell full of all sins ? Where is couetousnesse ? where is pride ? Is it not in the rich , in the noble , in the great ones ? Are they not also theeues , which doe violently prey vpon the hire of the poore ? and presse them downe , and kill them ? who dowicked things out of the plenty of the Lords house , which they haue receiued , that they might giue to the poore ? Certainely they adde to superfluitie in dyet , superfluitie in apparell , hauing no regard to the poore , that dye through cold & nakednes . They reare vp pallaces , and great buildings , that they may be seene , when the poore dye in the streets . They prouide feasts often for other rich men , that they may fill their bellies with most delicate dishes , when the poore perish through samine . What other is their life but sinne ? if the belly be filled with such plenty of meate , is not surfet at the doores ? And what should I say more , when the tongue of euery man would faile in telling the thousands of sins , which they do ? Neither do they acknowledg God , vnlesse it be by dreame ; neither do they thinke , that they shall dye , as I suppose : for he that thinketh that he shall dye , and that God shall iudge him , doth not easily fall into sinne . He is verily ouer weake , and miserable , that hath not the remembrance of these things . Therfore to speake truly , if they did acknowledge God their iudge , and beleeued , that they heard , they would at the least wise not sinne so securely . Why doe these most milerable men goe to the Church to be present at diuine mysteries ? whether that they may behold the countenances of faire women ? this is their meditation , preaching , and knowledge of God . If they looke into Gods law , it is but , that trauailing by sea , or by land , they may gather money to themselues , and their children by often watches , and distractions of minde , that they may be the first in changing their suites , through the wonderfull inuention of the workeman . But miserable men , what do yee , doe yee not consider , that you destroy your bodie before the time , and slay your soule ? whence come weaknesses , & so vntimely deaths , but of the much plenty of meats , and of the often vse of women ? Doe ye thinke to mocke God ? yee doe certainely mocke your selues : for the body yee forget the soule , and ye destroy both bodie and soule before the time . But delay not to do , what ye do ; change your garments often , lest your Nobilitie should decay , if any man should exceede you , that ye may receiue shame and confusion in hell . Where shall your feasts , where shall your delicare dishes then be , where your costly wines , mixt with honey , and spices ? Banquet , and be drunken , for yee shall do no more so after death , but being in hell torments , yee shall with the rich man desire the least drop of water , and shall not obtaine it . Take your comfort in surfets , fulfill your pleasures , sowe in corruption , that of corruption ye may reape that sentence , which the iust iudge will giue in the great day of iudgement , saying , Goe yee cursed into heli sire , prepared for the Deuill , and his angels . O stenle heart ! that dost not feare , that such a doome hangeth ouer thy head , for the slender comforts of this world . If thou lookest for that day so terrible and cruell , wherein thou shalt giue account , not onely for thy surfets , and vaine apparell , and drunkennesse , and of thy time lost , but also of euery euill thought , why art thou not amended ? Why dost thou wretch deferre from day to day to turne vnto the Lord ? why dost thou not now repent thee of thy sinnes ? Behold , death maketh haste , running night and day , that it may teare thee in peeces : behold the Deuill maketh haste to catch thee : behold thy riches shall faile thee ; behold the wormes waite for that body , which thou doest nourish so daintily , that they may gnaw vpon it , vntill such time as being receiued to the soule , it may togither suffer endles punishments . Why dost thou seeke comfort by vanities , wandring in the by-waies of this world ? Thou canst not finde true riches , and glory , and pleasant things here , because they are not : but if thou seekest for true ioyes , hasten to that heauenly glory , for which thou wert made . There doubtlesse are those true ioyes , which the eye hath not seene , nor the care heard , nor the heart conceiued . Let goe ( I pray thee ) fading , & momentanie things , and seeke things euerlasting . But why doe I speake of these men , that will not cease from sinne , through loue and feare of God , or for the terror of death , and torments following after , but are grieued , if they cannot doe the wicked things , which they desire ? Woe , woe vnto yo● wretches , that laugh here , for yee shall mourne ; woe be to you , because yee desire these temporall ioyes , yee shall suffer , though most nilling , the paines of hell . Behold , ye haue but a litle time remaining , fill vp the measure of your wickednesse , that all the wrath of God may come vpon you . Enioy this short time in sports , drunkennesse , and dancings , and wantonnesse : let not your time bee spent without these . Why delay you , whilst yee liue , gather for your children riches , honors , preferments , increase your nobilitie , and name , that your children also may fulfill that , which ye haue done , that yee may altogither suffer the greater tortures in hell . But some man will say , the Lord is good , and mercifull , and receiueth in mercy euery sinner that commeth vnto him . This is true indeede I confesse , the Lord is better , than he is thought to be , he spareth , as is meet , euery one , that commeth vnto him . Is he not a most kinde God , that tolerateth so great iniuries done vnto him by sinners , giuing them space to amend ? But thou must know this , that as he is kinde in forbearing so he is iust in punishing . But some man , perchance , will say again ; he which hath done euill all his life , becomming penitent at the very point of death , obteineth pardon of the Lord . O how false an opinion , and how false a meditation is this ? Scarce one of a hundreth thousand , whose life hath bin alwaies ill , hath found this fauour at the Lords hands . A man begotten , and altogither nourished vp in sinne , which hath neither seene nor knowne God , neither hath bin willing to heare of him , neither taketh notice of his sins , nor what repentance is , being altogither bound vp in secular businesses , whom the strait of forsaking his sonnes presseth , whom weaknes paineth , whom the sorrow of riches , and temporall goods now about to be lost shaketh , when he seeth , that he cannot enioy them any longer , can such a man make repentance acceptable vnto God , who would not repent , if he did thinke , that he could be healed ? I may verily conclude truly , that he which doth not feare to offend God , whilst he is young , and sound , shall not be found worthy in death of the Lords pardon . What repentance is that , which a man receiueth only , because he seeth , that he can liue no longer ? who , if he should recouer from his sicknesse againe , would become worse than he was before . I know no meane monyed men , who hauing repented them in their extremide , haue waxed well againe in bodie , and worse in life . I hold this , I thinke this to be true , and haue learned it by manifold experience , that he atteineth no good end , that hath alway led an ill life , which hath not seared to sin , but hath alwaies liued in the vanities of the world . Pretious ( saith he ) in the sight of the Lord , is the death of his Saints , and most accursed the death of the wicked . And therefore ( my beloued sonnes ) gird your selues with power , be ye mighty sonnes , and feare not the slender power of the rich & mighty here , in the doing of righteousnesse . For he , that suffereth for righteousnesse is blessed , and if he suffereth death , he is more blessed . If thou desirest to haue life through Christ , feare not death for Christ : for thou canst not indure those things for Christ , which are worthy of the glory to come , which shall bee reuealed , when our glory , which is from aboue , shall appeare . Let him not looke for a reward that doth not labour ; the name of a Christian alone doth not suffice , but if thou beest a Christian , imitate Christ . Hee hath in vaine the name of a Christian , who followeth the Deuill . He is no Christian , but an Antichrist , according to that of Iohn : Ye haue heard that Antichrist commeth , & now there be many Antichrists . Wilt thou therefore reigne with Christ , then suffer with Christ . If Christ , the Lord and King , who hath a name aboue all names , ought to suffer , that he might enter into his glory , what hope hast thou to enter without paines ? O how foolish are we , and slow of heart to beleeue ? We will here passe our time in pleasure with the world , and afterwards reigne with Christ . Seeing the master entred naked , shall the seruant expect to enter being laden with the superfluitie of apparell of gold and pearles ? He was full of fastings , this man of surfets and ryotings : he died vpon the crosse for him , this man sleepeth vpon a delicate bed . Shall seruants do that , which the Lord doth not ? The Lord promiseth his kingdome to the sonnes of Zebedee , if they could drinke the cup , that he should drinke . Be yee wise , come hither , and heare me , and I will tell you the things , which I haue heard and knowne . It is good to cleaue to the Lord , and to walke , as he hath walked . Euen as Christ hath laid downe his life for vs , so we , if need be , ought to lay downe our life for the truth , which is God himselfe . He that loueth his life in this world , shall loose it . Christ hath suffered for vs , leauing vnto vs an example , that we should follow his steps . Let him not thinke himself a Christian , which doth not finde himselfe ready to die for Christ Let the minister of Christ follow Christ . Answer me ( ô thou man ) which art a Christian onely in name and in word : dost thou hold and preach the faith of Christ ? this is a good thing , but where be thy workes ? faith without workes is dead . Let mee tell thee truly , thou which praisest Christ with thy word , and not with thy worke , doest indeed denie who if thou didst beleeue his sayings , thou wouldst at the least be afraid , and blush to commit sinne . And if thou dost beleeue , and dost euill , thou art to be punished an hundreth fold more . Is not the sin , which is done out of malice infinitely worse , than that which is done out of ignorance ? The Angell sinned , and the man sinned , the one could finde pardon , the other not . For what cause ? the Angell sinned out of malice , man sinned out of the Deuils suggestion . Where vpon say I , thou doubtlesse canst haue none excuse , if thou saist that thou sinnest by the Deuils suggestion , euen as he did , because thy suggestion is not like vnto his . He knew not yet , what the Deuils suggestion meant , neither how greatly sinne would displease : but thou knowest well , and beleeuest , as thou saist , and yet committest so many thousand fins ? And what shall I conclude ? they that are such Christians beleeue him in word , and lye vnto him with their tongue , but their heart is not right with him , neither haue they faith in his testament . If any man loueth Christ , if any man be a true Christian , & specially a Priest , in whom , as it were in a glasse , perfection doth shine , he must deny himselfe , that he may be altogither dead vnto the world ; because that vnlesse a graine of corne falling vpon the earth , dieth , it remaineth alone . He wandreth in the way , that hastens to goe by riches , and delights . It is a signe of manifest damnation to follow the pleasures of this world , and to be beloued of the world . The Lord doth often correct , and chaslise those , whom be loueth . If ye must glory in the world , glory willingly in your tribulatious , and aduersities : for Christ promised these vnto his Disciples , whom he loued euen vnto the end , and that in signe of his chiefe loue , when in his last supper he said , Verily I say vnto you , yee shall waile , and weepe , but the world shall reioyce . Reioice ( my most beloued sionnes ) when the world hateth you . Desire to suffer contumelies , and reproaches of men , because ye shall be blessed , when men shall curse you , and persecute you , and say all manner of euill against you falsly for the sonne of mans sake . Know , that ye are not of the world , for if yee were of the world , the world would loue his owne . Thinke it all ioy , when ye haue many reproaches , and oppositions in the world , knowing that euen out of these doth arise valour , and patience , and patience hath its perfect worke . Virtues are tried by patience , euen as gold by the fire . He that hath other virtues without patience , carries gold in earthen vessells . In your patience onely ( said our Sauiour ) ye shall possesse your soules . Valour is ioyned vnto patience , a patient man is of a valiant minde , and he which is penitent , and valiant , may securely hope for the good things of the life to come . Keep patience in your minde , and whilst yee haue time exercise it in your workes . For patience is a couering whereby our ship saileth securely in the stormes of this world , what winde soeuer bloweth , without any feare of danger . Let reproachfull words moue none of you to reuenge , or hatred of your neighbour . Be ye mercifull euen as your Father is mercifull , who doth raine vpon the iust , and the vniust , and makes his Sunne to shine vpon the good , and the bad . Hee shall haue iudgement without mercie that doth not exercise mercie , and mercie reioiceth against iudgement . If ye will not from your hearts forgiue such as offend you , neither will your Father forgiue you . He doth in vaine aske for mercie , which denieth mercie to others . Herein is our virtue established , herein standeth our stipend , and reward , if wee lone our friends in God , and our enemies for God . That wicked seruant , which receiued mercie , and denied mercie to his Fellow-seruant , did therefore deserue to haue the seueritie of iustice . Iustice without mercie is crueltie , and therefore mercie is to be mingled with iustice . All our law is in mercie , God could haue condemned all in iustice , whom he saued in mercie . Wherfore he that wanteth mercie , is no Christian . It is almost imposlible , that a mercifull , and godly man should not pacifie Gods anger . Blessed are the mercifull , for they shall obraine mercie . A man without mercie is , as a shippe in the midst of the sea in euery part full of holes . The Preist , which dissereth from the men of this world in apparell , yet agreeth with them in life . Cerainely there is no beast in the world so cruel , asan euill Preist , for hee deth not suffer himselfe to be am ended , and can neuer heare the truth , and that I may smish in a word , he excceds all men in naeghtinesse . Alas how much hath couetousnesse growne in some , that are spirituall in habit , and name , yea , that I may speake truely , couetousnesse is the cause of this spiritualitie ; who truely are rauening Wolues in sheepes cloathing . If thou seest a Priest couetous , and without mercie , flie more from him , then from a Serpent . There are some , which thinke that all the fruite , that they are to bring foorth is to build Churches , and Monasteries in a wonderfull manner , whose couetousnesse is so great , that they think the world , and all things too little for them . Their minde , and thoughts are altogether set vpon this , that they may picke other mens purses . Our Sauiour reprouing such , saith , Woe to you that build the tombes of the Prophets . Behold they that build Monasteries , and set vp Churches of rare workemanshippe seeme to doe a goodly worke : but if they shew mercie to the poore , that is a good worke indeede . Wouldst thou haue thy worke to please God , prouide , that the poore may haue ioy of it , what Church is more deare to God , then man ? Yee are the Temple of God , saith the Apostle , when thou reachest out thy hand vnto the poore , when thou succourest a man in his necessitie . When thou bringest the wandring in to the right-way , Oh , what an admirable temple , and acceptable vnto God hast thou built . Breake thy bread vnto the hungry , and bring the poore wandring into thy house , Let not man excuse himselfe , and say , I haue nothing to giue to the poore , if thou hast any garment , or any other thing besides very neeessaries , and dost not succout a poore-man in want , thou art a theefe , and a Robber . Wee are ( beloned ) only Stewards and not Possessours of things temporall . One man hath so much more , then hee needeth , as an hundreth might hue vpon , which perish thorough famine . Hee , that hath a little , and giuoth nor , robbes one , but such rob beth so many , as he giueth not vnto being in want . But perchance thou wilt say ( ô Wretch ) it is mine owne , my Parents left it me . How could they leaue that to thee , which was not their owne ? if it were their owne , whence had they it , who gaue it vnto them ? what brought they with them , when they came into the world , what shall they carrie away , when they go out ? Certainely such things of the poore as wee possesse will crie for vengeance in the day of iudgement before the eyes of Gods iustice . The law of nature requires this , that what we desire should be done vnto vs , wee should doe vnto other . What other thing doth the old law publish , and if thou aske the doctrine of the Gospell , what other thing doth it insinuate ? These truely shall bee Witnesses before GOD the iudge . What therefore should I say to these , that onely gather together stones , and erect wals aloft , that their worke may appeare to the eyes of man , and that the building may be praised ? Who is so foolish , as that he vnderstandeth not , that such buildings are not to the praise of God , but for worldly pompe . But some man will say , what , is it not good to build Monasteries , and Churches , that God may bee honoured thereby : I answere , it is good , so that the poore in the meane while crie not to God against such . How can I build an house pleasing vnto God , or to his Saints of those monies , for which the poore crie out ? What iustice can it be to reward the dead , and to spoile the liuing , and out of the want of the poore to offer vnto God ? Certes if this iustice should please God , he should be the companion of violence , and if it displeaseth God , it cannot please the Saints . Wherefore ( most beloued sonnes ) as new borne babes , desire the sincere milke of the word , that yee may grow thereby , if ye haue tasted , how sweet the Lord is . For verily , if ye be not as new born , Bibes , yea shall not enter into the kingdome of heauen . A new borne Babe seeing a faire woman is not delighted , beholding gorgeous apparell he doth not desire it : Being hurt he dwelleth not in anger , he doth not remember , nor hate therefore , he followeth his father , and doth not forsake his mother . And therefore let no man thinke , that he shall attaine the kingdome of heauen , vnlesse he be a follower of this innocencie , viz: of chastitie contempt of the world , of loue and patience , following Christ , and resting in the bosome of the church his mother . Put off ( most beloued ) the old man , and put on the armour of God , that yee may stand against the treacheries of the Deuill . Let your weapons , wherewith ye fight , be chas●itie , patience , humilitie , and charitie : for these are weapons against the subtleties of the Deuill , wherewith if yee be armed , yee shall gird your loynes with fortitude , and strengthen your arme , and when yee shall be in the battaile , yee shall laugh , your house shall truly be founded vpon a sure rocke , which is Christ . Luxurie is the sword of the Deuill , as how many doth he slay with that sword , and there is no sin , whereby the Deuill doth so often ouercome . For as chastitie doth equall a man vnto the Angels , so luxurie doth make a man like to the brute beasts : yea , to speake truly , it makes him worse , than a beast . We doe not read of any other sin , that God said , that he repented that hee made man for it . The workes of luxurie are these , it weakneth the body , and doth alwaies , as it were , destroy a man by death , it brands the good name , it emptieth the purse , it sets a worke to steale , it causeth murther , it dulls the memory , it takes away the heart , it blindes the eyes of either man , and prouokes the wrath of God aboue other sinnes . It springeth from gluttonie , as from a roote , and for no other sin hath God exercised so manifest iudgement as for that , without all mercy . For this sinne , God brought the flood vpon the world , he burnt Sodom , and Gomorrah , and slew many other men . This is the net of the Deuill , if any man be taken herein , he is not soone let loose againe . In this so grieuous a battaile no men can ouercome , vnlesse hee flies , none can firmely indure , vnlesse he times the flesh . He that vseth wine , carries fire in his bosome . Be not drunken with wine , saith the Apostle , where in is luxury . This brunt is not borne but by abstinence , and fasting . Wine hurteth , but the countenance of a woman an hundreth fold more . A beautifull woman is the deuils dart , whereby a man is soone drawne into luxurie . Let no man liuing be confident in this , if thou beest a Saint , yet thou art not secure . Can a man hide fire in his bosome , and his garments not burne ? or walke vpon coales , and his feete not burne ? A man & a woman togither are fire and towe , and the Deuil neuer ceaseth blowing to kindle it . Many most holy men haue fallen by this vice for their securitie , therefore feare ( ô my sonaes ) and if in other sinnes , much more in this . But , to speake truly , a new kind of fornication is committed by many of the spiritualty now a dayes . Alas , what shall I say , men doe not now blush , but glory in doing euill . There is some kinde of bashfulnesse , tho but a litle in women ; but in men this euill hath so increased , that he is counted a foole , that is not expert in these things . What should I say more ? This is their holy day keeping , this is their preaching for this come they to the Church , that they may see faire women , and that they may talke with them , that the desire of filthinesse may the more increase thereby . But ( ô wretched man ) why dost thou glory in this euill ? Thou sinnest an hundreth times more than the woman . Shee is weake , and thou thinkest thy self strong : shee sitteth at home , and thou wandring abroad seekesta thousand waics to intangle hir , and sometime compellest hir by force ; and when thou dost these things , because God holds his peace , thou thinkest that hee is like vnto thee . But the time will come , wherein he will reproue thee , and set thy sinnes before thy face . Wherefore ( ô my sonnes ) be yee wise as serpents , innocent as doues , & fight manfully against the old serpent . O loue one another , I haue receiued this not of man , but of my Sauiour , who saith , This is my commandement , that yee loue one another . As out of one root many branches do spring , so out of charitie spring all vertues . If I speake with the tongues of men , and angels , and haue not loue , I am nothing , saith the Apostle . He that hath loue is benigne , and patient . He hath true loue , which doth not only loue the nearest vnto him by kindred , and in the flesh , as the heathen doe , but which loueth his enemy , euen as his friend . By this one thing a man may know , that he abideth in loue , if he loueth him that is against him . There are very many that loue , but they loue amisse , for in louing man they oftentimes loose the loue of God . They which loue any thing more than God are not worthy of God . In all vertues temperance is required , vertue must alwaies keepe a meane . To loue too much , or too litle is euill . All loue , that hurteth , is to be anoyded . Through too much loue some haue fallen into fil th inesse , through too litle some haue fallen into enuie . Ouer-much loue would alwaies see the thing , which it loueth . This loue is ignorant of iustice , and truth it wants reason , it knowes no measure , neither can it thinke any thing , but that , which it loueth . It is impossible , that a man , which hath such loue , should offer acceptable prayers vnto God , or please God . This loue is not charitie , but folly . We ought to loue all our brethren , as our selues , but yet so , as that we loue not their vices . It is loue to punish sinne , it is iust to loue more the better man . Men are so to be loued , that goodnesse may be exalted , and vice disgraced . He that is without true loue , is without God , because God is loue , and loue is God . He that dwelleth in loue hath already begun to dwell in heauen . Where there is true loue , there is no enuie , no ambition , no backbiting , no murmuring , or mocking , but one , and the same will . Therefore I beseech you , whilsi yee haue time , that ye receiue not the grace of God in vaine . In this short time of our life let vs sow , and so we shall reape in due time . The dayes of man are short ; our life is cut off as a weauers threed , death commeth as a theefe , and euery mans workes follow him . Whilst ye haue light , walke not in darknes , he that walketh in darknesse knoweth not whither be goeth . Your light is Christ , which doth shine in darknesse ; come there fore vnto him , the liuing stone , reiected indeede or men , but chosen of God , that yee as liuing stones may be built vpon him , and yee may carry your selues in all things , as the ministers of God , in much patience , in tribulations , in necessities , in streights , in scourges , in prisons , in labours , in fastings , in chastitie , in long-suffering , in the Holy Ghost , and in loue vnfained , in the word of truth , and in the virtue of God . Let there not be a lye told amongst you , for euery lyer is abominable vnto God . God is truth , and lying is opposite to truth . Flie euery idle word , for of euery idle and vaine word , wee must giue accompt vnto God . Loue silence , where there is much talking , there cannot but be much lying . The speech bewraieth , what a man is . Let no word come from your mouth , which may not sauour of Christ , alwaies meditate vpon Gods law . Surely nothing hurts a man more , then euill society , for such is a man made , as they are , whose society hee vseth . The Wolfe neuer dwells with the Lambe . A chast man flies the society of the luxurious . I thinke it impostible for a man to remaine long in good workes , that vseth euill society euery day . With the holy , saith the Psalmist , thou shalt be holy , with the innocent , thou shalt be innecent , & with the froward , thou shalt learne frowardnesse . For euen as euill company hurteth , so good companie profiteth , Nothing can be compared to this treasure , hee that hath found good Companions , hath found life , & flowes with riches . And to speake truely , very seldome is a man made either good or euill , but by company . The heart of a child is like vnto a table , wherin nothing is ( at the first ) ingrauen ; therefore what hee receiueth from company , he reteineth euen vnto old age , whether it be good , or bad . Let youth keepe company with men of yeares , and wisedome : for if hee be linked to one like vnto himselfe , by daily fellowshippe , hee shall fall from folly , to folly . Aboue all things ( my sonnes ) sweare not , neither by heauen , not by earth , nor by any other Oath . Out of whose mouth , Oathes are heard , in him is little knowledge , and loue of God . If it be not true which I sweare , I doe in effect denie God : for God hath for bidden , to take his name in vaine . Be instant in continuall prayers . Frequent , and deuout prayer doth much auaile . Prayer doth lift vp a man from earth to heauen , and makes him to speake with God . Hee obteineth grace of God , if his Prayer be deuout , and mixt with teares . Hezechiah ( by his prayers , and teares ) did presently obtaine grace of the Lord , so that the sentence was changed , which had bin denounced . At the praiers of Elias , the beauen gaue raine , which had beene shut vp three yeares , and six monethes . If ye want any thing , aske it of the Lord by prayer , and weeping , being no whit doubtfull : for whosoeuer hath faith , but so much as a graine of mustard seed , whatsoeuer he shall aske , shall be granted vnto him . The same Lord , that then was , is now also rich in all things : wherefore let God now be your hope , your ioy , your thinking , and your desire . For of him , in him , and through him are all things , in whom we liue , and moue , and haue our being , and without whom we are nothing . And now ( ô my sonnes ) I shall not speake many things to you , for the houre is come , vnto which I was borne , vpon this condition I came into the world , that I might goe out againe . The Lord spared not his owne son , but made them to die vpon the Crosse for vs all , by whose death our death is dead : for none of vs liueth to himselfe , but dieth , whether wee liue , we liue to the Lord , and if we die , we die to the Lord , therfore whether we liue , or die we are the Lords : and for this cause Christ is called the Lord of the liuing , and of the dead . For if Christ bee dead , surely the seruant is not about his Master , we must also die , and if he be risen againe , we haue also most sirme hope , that we shall rise againe , and if he bee risen to die no more , neither shall we die any more after our resurrection , but shall alway abide with him in glory . When Christ died , a man like vnto vs died , that the body of sinne might be destroyed , that we might be made one body together with him . Wherefore ( my beloued sonnes ) although I now die , I beleeue , that my Redeemer liueth , and that I shall rise vp out of the earth , at the last day , and shall bee couered againe with this skinne , and in this my flesh I shall see him my Sauiour , whom I my selfe shall see , who now speake , whom ye see now dying , and not any other for me . And these very eies , whereby I now see you , shall looke vpon him . Wherefore reioice with me , and sing , cast away the garments of mourning , and heauinesse , praise the Lord , sing a Psalme vnto his name , giue glorie to his praise , for hitherto I haue walked through fire , & water , & behold now he refresheth me . I will enter into the house of the Lord , that I may pay my vowes from day to day . Oh how great a game it is to me to die ? Because Christ shall bee my life againe : Behold the earthly house of this habitation , is dissolued , that another may succeede not made with hands , eternall in the heauens . Behold I put off this mortall cloathing , that I may put on immortall . Hitherto I haue bin in pilgrimage , now I returne to my countrey . Behold I now receiue the prize , for which I ran in the race , I touch the hauen , which I haue desired with so great a desire . Behold I am carried from darkenesse to light , from dangers to safetie , from pouertie to riches , from battell to victorie , from heauinesse to ioy , from a temporall life to eternall ; and from a filthy stincke to a most sweete smell . Here I am blinde , there I am inlightened , here I am wounded , there I am healed , here I am alwaies made heauie , there I am made ioyfull , liuing here I am dead , there I am truely made aliue . The life , in this world , is no life , but death , a deceitfull life , a life loaden with sorrowes , weake , vmbraticall , deceitfull . Now thou flourishest , by and by thou witherest , it is a fraile , a momentany , a fading life . Wherein looke how much thou growest , so much thou decreasest , when thou goest more forward , thou drawest nearer to death . O life full of snares , how many men doest thou intangle in the world ? How many through thee doe indure the torments of hell ? How blessed is he , that acknowledgeth thy deceits , how much more blessed is he , that careth not for thy flatteries , and how most blessed is hee , that is well rid of thee ? O sweete , and pleasant death , thou art truely no death , that bestowest true life . Thou puttest away feuers and wounds , thou quenchest hunger , and thirst . O most just death , good vnto the good , and rough vnto the euill , thou humblest the proud , rich and mightie , and exaltest the humble . Thou openest the way to eternall punishment to the euill , and to eternall reward to the iust . After these , and other graue , and comfortable speeches , he vttered this heauenly praier following .