The testament of William Bel. Gentleman Left written in his owne hand. Sett out above 33. yeares after his death. With annotations at the end, and sentences, out of the H. Scripture, fathers, &c. By his sonne Francis Bel, of the Order of Freers Minors, definitor of the province of England: guardian of S. Bonaventures colledge in Dovvay: and professor of the sacred Hebrevv tongue, in the same. Electo meo fœdus excidi Bell, William, d. 1598. This text is an enriched version of the TCP digital transcription A07625 of text S113723 in the English Short Title Catalog (STC 1802). Textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. The text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with MorphAdorner. The annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). Textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. This text has not been fully proofread Approx. 224 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 99 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. EarlyPrint Project Evanston,IL, Notre Dame, IN, St. Louis, MO 2018 A07625 STC 1802 ESTC S113723 99848954 99848954 14079 2248556068

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 Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 2, no. A07625) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 14079) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1475-1640 ; 1057:02) The testament of William Bel. Gentleman Left written in his owne hand. Sett out above 33. yeares after his death. With annotations at the end, and sentences, out of the H. Scripture, fathers, &c. By his sonne Francis Bel, of the Order of Freers Minors, definitor of the province of England: guardian of S. Bonaventures colledge in Dovvay: and professor of the sacred Hebrevv tongue, in the same. Electo meo fœdus excidi Bell, William, d. 1598. Bell, James, d. 1643. 180 p. [Balthazar Beller, At Doway : 1632] Printer and date of publication from STC. At foot of title: Permissu superiorum. Imperfect; cropped, affecting imprint and text; tightly bound. Reproduction of the original in the British Library. eng eebo The testament of William Bel. Gentleman. Left written in his owne hand. Sett out above 33. yeares after his death. With annotations at the end, and se Bell, William, 1632 197 41778 768 0 0 0 0 0 183.83 F The rate of 183.83 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the F category of texts with 100 or more defects per 10,000 words. 2012-11 Assigned for keying and markup 2012-11 Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2013-01 Sampled and proofread 2013-01 Text and markup reviewed and edited 2013-02 Batch review (QC) and XML conversion

THE TESTAMENT OF WILLIAM BEL. GENTLEMAN . ●EFT WRITTEN IN HIS OWNE HAND . SETT OVT ABOVE 33. YEARES AFTER HIS DEATH .

With annotations at the end , and Sentences , out of the H. Scripture , Fathers , &c.

By his sonne FRANCIS BEL , of the Order of Freers Minors , Definitor of the Province of England : Guardian of S. BONAVENTVRES Colledge in Doway : and Professor of the sacred Hebrew tongue , in the same .

Electo meo foedus excidi 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Vulgat . Psalm . 88. Disposui testamentum electis meis .

Permissu Superiorum .

AT DOWAY , ● . BALTH●●●● 〈…〉

TO THE RIGHT WORSHIPFVLL MR. EDWARD SHELDON of Beoley , &c. SIR .

Anciently , when after the rihgt of nature , the earth was Common , and all the gooddes therof : ●hat a man Could say to his neighbour 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 hast thou not all the earth before thee ? Genes. 13.9 . separate thy selfe from mee , if thou go to the lef● hand I will keep the right , i● thou go to the Right hand ● will howld the left . Men gau● in theyr testaments to they● children only coelestiall doctrines , that to whom they had given being , they migh● also giue well-being . Psalm . 77 , By thee● meanes wee haue heard an● knowne so manie things : declared to vs by our fathers which in the next generatio● were not hid from they● children , declaring the prayses of our Lord , his virtues , and mervailes done by him , ●hat reised vp testimonie in ●acob : and gaue a lawe to ●sraël ▪ how manie things did hee commande our fathers ●o make knowne to their ●onnes to the end that the ●ext generation might know ●hem , that the children that ●hould arise and bee borne of ●hem , might tell them againe ●o theyr children , and all , ●hat they might sett theyr ●ope in God , not forget his ●orckes , and search out his ●ommands . Moyses . Deut. 32. Re●ember the dayes of oulde thincke vpon everie severall generation , aske thy father & hee will declare , thy elders and they will tell thee . Men gaue , I say , from hand to hand the lawe of God , his feare , & loue : with benediction to the keepers , malediction to the breakers of it ▪ Commending vertue , condemning vice : foretelling payne and glorie the reward● of both . Epist. Iud. ca. 1.14 . Such testament ▪ the seaventh man from Adam , Gen. 48 49. Enoch made . Such wa● the Patriarch Iacobs testament disposed to his 12. sonnes : such also those , of thes● 12. Patriarches themselves . A most ancient Hebrev booke , called , the testament of the 12. Patriarchs But of that new & everlasting testament of IESVS-CHRIST the sonne of God what shall I say ? therin is all knowledge of the heavenly kingdome : the aeternall beatitude and foelicitie of man . After this incomparable Testament , in which are all the treasures of the riches and wisedome of God , I may bring in that godly testament of my holy Father S. Francis , which after he was signed with the sacred stigmats of our Sauiour IESVS CHRIST , full with fervour , and the holy ghost , neer the end of his life , he left to vs his children , that more sincerely and catholickly we might keep his Evangelicall rule .

Divers pious testaments haue been by sundrie devout persons , at severall times ordained : And not among the last doe I accoumpt this testament of my father , a man knowne and esteemed of your worship no less then of Mr. Raphe your father of happie memorie . It hath been kept in his owne manuscript thees 44. yeares and more . By divine providence , it hath at last come to my hands : who hauing been aboue 18. yeares out of my countrie in forraine lands , neither sought for , nor thought of anie such thing ( although seing it now , I remember that in my younger yeares I haue seen it before ) when a graue father of our seraphicall order venerable for his well spent , yeares from his infancie till 67. ( so ●owld he is at this day ) and no ●ess for his profownde iudgement and eloquence both in ●peach and style , lighting ●pon it sent it out of England to mee , with no small commendations therof . His censure animated me to put it in print . And for a patrone to whom I might dedicate it I had not farre to seeke : your Constant Christianitie and professing of the Catholike Religion : who like the great Patriarch Abraham , to follow God , haue gone out of land and Countrie and fathers house and friends and kinred , and familiars , or like Saint Peeter out of all , doth Chalenge so christianlike a testament : especially from mee who , as appeareth in the 34. § . of it , am severely charged to bee serviceable towards you and yours .

That service together with my selfe I offer here to your worship , for vs all that haue the charge there layde vpon vs : that we be not chalenged with the vile vice of ingratitude : or breach of the dead mannes will . my selfe haue had part of my education from Mr. Francis Daniel , my vncle , of whom mention is made in the 32. § . who now liveth not on earth . Of the Throckmartōs of Coughton or Fekenham mentioned in the 33. § . I haue yet no knowledge , nor of Sir Ihon Littletons house , spoken of in the end of the 34. § . I may liue to doe them service . your selfe only remaines the man that most extended his godnes towards vs in accomplishing this wil : in bringing vp my brother Edmund together with your owne sonnes to learning to musicke , & to the vniversitie of Oxforde , as was required . your sister also the Religious Ladie Russell gaue education successiuely to two of my sisters Margarit & Dorothe .

Receiue therfore from me this last will of my father as my first will to serue you , which with my life shall last , and bee my last ▪ so shall I fulfill that iterated precept of the holy ghost 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Proverb. 1.8 . hear o my sonne the instruction of thy father . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Proverb. 6.20 . keep o my sonne the precept of thy father . God praeserue your worship long to his highest glorie , the good of our familie , and chiefly of our seraphicall order to which you haue alwaies shewed a charitable affection : and finally chosen in our Convent at Namur Abrahams double caue for buriall to your happilie decessed wife and you . From our celle● in S. Bonaventures Colledge in Doway this 7. of Ianuarie ▪ 1632.

Your worships obliged Br. FRANCIS BEL●
●N THE NAME of God . Amen .

THE twentith day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand fiue hundred fowerscore and seaven : and in the nine and twentith year of the reigne of our sove●igne Ladie Elizabeth . I William Bell , alias , ●ellne , of Temple-Broughton in the Countie of Wigorne , Gentleman : being 〈◊〉 good health of bodie , & of sound & perfe●● memorie , ( our Lord be bless●d & thank● therfore ) calling to my remembrance th●● all fleshe is grasse , according to the sayi●● of the Prophet Esaia , and borne to di● and that in this decaying age of the wo●● and triumphing time of sinne ; besides t●● course of nature , manie new and dang●rouse diseases doe arise : & manie malitio●● complottes and practises of Sathan and 〈◊〉 ministers are taken in hand ; wherby our li● is continually endangered and sodeinly t●ken away wherof there be infinite natura● & some ruefull & tragicall examples . A● having respect and regard of my fraile su●stance : of my short pilgrimage in th● worlde , and long account I haue to ma●● to my Maker in the worlde to come . A●● desirous to make knowne to my posteri● the state of my soule and bodie . I doe no● declare , ordaine , and publish , my will a●● testament : as a farewell to the vaine and disembling world : and doe therby giue , a●● bequeath , deuise , and declare , in manner 〈◊〉 forme following .

§. 1.

IN PRIMIS . I giue , and as a true Christian Catholike man , bequeathe my ●oule into the hands and mercie of Almigh●ie God ; by faith confessing and in hope re●osing my salvation to bee in the only me●ites death , and Passion of CHRIST IESVS , ●rusting to raigne with him in glorie , that ●or the redemption of mee and all man●inde raigned and triumphed over sinne , ●eath , and hell it selfe , in the Altar of the Crosse . Wherunto I implore , and beseech ●he assistance by prayer of the blessed and ●mmaculate Virgin MARIE , and of all the ●oly companie of heaven , who being now ●n glorie , members of the triumphant Church , haue in Christ compassion of the members of the militant Church . And I will that my bodie , when it shall bee dis●olued into his first substance , bee decently ●uried in the parish Church of Handburie , ●r wheresoever else it sh●ll please God to ●ppoint .

§. 2.

And , for as much as in this ruefull decay ●f the Catholike religion , and in this most ●iurious and troublesome time , I as a true ●hristian , and carefull father , haue a zealouse care to leaue to all the world , and especially to my Children , for their imitation , a Confession of my faith .

§. 3.

Bee it knowne to them , and to all the world , that I professe , and from my heart protest to liue , and die a member of Christs true Catholike and Apostolike Church out of the vnitie and fellowship wherof , there never was , nor is , nor can bee , salvation , what plausible perswasions or pleasing pretences soever now bee , or by the divels drift may hereafter bee devised , to the contrarie . In which faith , and vnitie of which Church , I acknowledge God the Father my Maker , God the Son my Redeemer and God the holy Ghost my Sanctifier three persons , and one very and eternal God .

§. 4.

I beleeue and hold the twelue Articles o● the Christian faith , as the Catholik● Church teacheth them : The Nicen● Creed , and Athanasius Creed . I hold an● acknowledge the ten commandements , a God declared them to Moyses , to be th● substance of the Law . I beleeue there be in Christs Church , seaven Sacraments or fountaines of grace wherby the holy Ghost doth by our receiving and vse of the same worke in our soules grace , that is to say , Baptisme , Confirmation , Matrimonie , Confession , Orders , Supper of our Lord , ●nd Extreame Vnction , and that to be deprived of the vse of these , is an impediment ●nd stopping of Gods grace in vs ; wherof many a Christian soule doth in this time of ●inne feele a ruefull losse .

§. 5.

I beleeue that in the Sacrament of the ●ords Supper ; otherwise called the Sacrament of the Altar , after the words of Conse●ration , in the sacrifice of the Masse , done ●y the Priest duely ordained , there remai●eth the very Real presence of Christs Bodie , ●nd Bloud , without any other substance of ●reatures , and that all figurative speeches , all ●pirituall meanings , all glosses of words , all ●●rmises of false spirits , that suppose or teach ●he contrarie , are derogatorie to the power ●f God and injuriouse to the salvation of ●hristian soules , the words of the Gospell ●ying . Take eate , this is my Bodie , and ●ke and drinke , this is my Bloud .

§. 6.

I beleeue that the examination of conscience and Confession of sinnes to a ghostly father , is a worke necessarie to salvation , as the Church of God doth require it : and that it is the most comfortable meane to stirre vp the soule , sunke into sinne , vnto repentance and amendment , that can bee : and that by the often vse therof Gods grace doth wonderfully worke in our mindes , and that by the neglecting of the same Satan worketh his will .

§. 7.

I beleeue that the doctrine of the Catholike Church concerning invocation of saints , prayer for the dead , and holding of the place for purgation of soules dying in the state of grace , and of christian workes to be effect of christian faith , is a most sound and wholsome doctrine , and that the new found Doctrine of sole faith is the fine force of Satan to deceiue the world .

§. 8.

I beleeue , and firmely avow , that the holy Ghost , since Christs ascension , hath bin and continued with this Catholike and Apostolike Church , teaching her all truth , and so shall continue to the end of the world ; and that the gates of Hell shall never prevaile against her , according to Christs promise : And that the pretended reformers of Religion are Divels , transformed into the shape of Angels of light , fallne into the delicacie of wordly mens delights , in this latter age of the world . And that this is true may be proued by a sensible consequent . First of the new pretended reformed Religion there was never , publike profession in the Christian world before these fortie or fiftie yeares last past , or thereabouts ; then , it being fifteene hundred yeares since Christ established his Church , either it is to be confessed , that the Church and Religion that had beginning and continuance from Christs time vntill these pretended reformed dayes , is the true Church , and true Religion , and that the contrarie is f●lse , or else , ●hat Christ hath not kept promise when he ascended , saying , that he would send to his d●sciples the comforter , which should teach them all truth , and continue with them to the end of the world : but to say so were blasphemie , as I trust every Christian heart will affirme . And Christs Church is no hidden thing , for in the scriptures shee is compared to a Citie set vpon an hill , that every one may see ; to a Candle set vpon a candlesticke , to lighten al that come into the house : And a most ruefull and lamentable thing , my deare infants , it is , that we should now condemne that Religion which we received first into this Realme , aboue thirteene hundred yeares past , and continued in vntill about fiftie yeares past , and then altered into such a libertie of life , a discharging of the conscience , a carnalitie of pleasures , a securitie of salvation , a rash beleeving of spirits , a condemning of the Fathers , a pride af opinions , a setting vp of sects , a pretending of pietie , a performing of impietie , a dissolving of obedience , and generally into such a pleasant safetie of sinning , as I can not but ( in the charitie towards all Christians , and especially of you my deare children , that may haply liue to see and feele the truth of these things ) with an inward sorrow of heart remember .

§. 9.

For conclusion , I holde and beleeue all that the Catholike and Apostolik● Church holdeth and beleeveth , in the summe and substance of faith , and in the godly ceremoniall rights of teaching therof , and I protest to hold it , and affirme it in the passage of my soule : And I desire the eternall God for Christs sake to grant you my children his grace to doe the same , without the which you can never possesse the ioyes of heaven . And I beseech you , in the mercies of CHRIST IESVS , and charge you all , as a father , vpon my blessing , that with continuall prayer you call vnto God to direct you this way , to bring you to this faith , and then no doubt but he will also bring you into life everlasting : which CHRIST IESVS graunt you , and me , and all people . Amen .

§. 10.

And from a resolute heart , and settled Faith , I doe now here make protestation , that if hereafter , either by weakenesse , or debilitie of bodie , by meanes of sicknesse , or for the shunning of any worldly dangers , losses , or persecutions , wherof no part of the world ever knew halfe so many and so great as we now doe , or for any torment or trouble ; wherof there be tragicall , and wonderfull inventions : or for any carnall affection of wife or children : or by any temptation , subtilty , or shift of the adversarie whatsoever , I shall bee of any other minde , or my senses abused to offend against this faith , which God for Christs sake forbid , that then I doe now in perfect minde , by the assistance of God his spirit vtterly denie , detest , and renounce , the same , as wicked , and doe adhere and abide , in life , and in death , to the former declaration of my faith . Which protestation and resolution , I will you my children and all men to witnesse with mee , before God and his Angels in the dreadfull iudgement . And I beseech our Lord I may then see the same found in you and all other men .

§. 11.

Thus having briefly made knowne vnto you the faith and religion wherwith and wherin I meane to passe ( by Gods grace ) out of this world : For as much as I may leaue you young and tender , and your ●eere mother and I by countrie farr divi●ed , and yet lastly conioyned by God in ●ariage , wherby you may be ignorant of ●ome things not impertinent for you , in worldly respects , to know : I haue thought good , before I dispose of other things , to ●cquaint you with what you are by me . I may , I hope , commend you by descent of honest parentage , as the world knoweth : whose predecessors haue tasted of such infortune as in the world is not strange , and for more . Albeit true generositie consist in virtue , and is lawfull for euery one to obtaine , and not tyed to the only descent of flesh and bloud : yet are you not ignoble that way . Which I leaue you , not by way of a vaine vaunt , but rather to excite you therby to endeauour the obtayning and continuing of true generositie .

§. 12.

The first of mine Ancestours by name , within this Countie of Worcester , was Hugo de Belne , a Gentleman ; who , ( as by tradition it hath continued in our familie ) was advanced , as I take it , in the time of Edward the first : for service to him done by the long Bowe ; being an excellent Archer . Et haeredibus masculis as it is said . This King gaue vnto the said Hugo d● Belne , and his heyres , the fee-farme of diverse lands and teniments in Kingsnorton within the Countie of Worcester : Whic● fee-farme cometh every yeare in charg● to the Sheriffe of Worcester-shiere out o● the Exchequour , to this day , vnder the title De terris & tenimentis quondam Hugonis d● Belne , &c. the lands are called Blacke greue and Bells , in value better then an hundred markes by yeare .

§. 13.

From him the lands descended , from on● to another of the heyres males , by lineal descent , wherof the Court Rolles of the manours of Bromesgroue , and Kingsnortton , remayning in the steeple at Bromesgroue , can witnesse and all in the title o● gentilitie ; vntill the time of my great grandfather , in the dayes of King Henrie the eight , whose name was William Bel , or William de Belne , who marying to a second wife , the bace daughter of Sir Arthoure Plantagener , was , for the maintenance of her dissolute life , forced to sell all his patrimonie : part wherof he solde vnto Sir Edward Littleton of Staffordshiere , and part to ● ʳ Sheldon of Spettesley , whose heyre ●ilipp Sheldon , at this day enioyeth the ●ne , by means wherof my grandfather ●n Bel , his heyre by the first wife , was 〈◊〉 inherited .

§. 14.

My father , whose name was also Iohn : in ●s lifetime vnderstanding that the lands ●ere entayled to the heyre male , with re●ainder in the Crowne , made entrie into a ●essuage , and lands called Blackgreue , but ●eing not able to proceede in the tryall , for ●ant of abilitie , was forced to giue over ; ●hich moved him to extend his abilitie for ●y maintenance in learning , hoping there●y to procure a recoverie of our inheri●●nce , for that the commune report of him ●as , that the lands were but mortgaged , ●ith condition of redemption at any ●me .

§. 15.

At schoole I continued in the Countie ●f Warwicke vntill I was 18. yeares of age . From thence I went to the vniver●●tie of Orford , where , with good allowan●● of my good father ( whose soule our Lo●● blesse ) I continued 7. yeares , proceeded b●chelour of art , and was fellow of Ball● Celledge there , and being readie to pr●ceede Maister of A●te by time of yeares , was envied by some vngratefull , God fo●giue them , accused of discontentation Religion , and called to answere the sam● But declyning the malice of time , I retyre my selfe by favour of my Colledge with cause allowed for on yeare . And after r●turning and finding the malice continuin● for the quiet of my conscience I was force to leaue my societie , and to commit m● selfe to the fauour of God in the world : b● whose direction , and vpon earnest reque●● to me made , I came then to a right worth● Magistrate , and worshipfull Gentleman Sir Iohn Throkmarton , Knight , chiefe Iustic● of the Marches of Wales , with whom ● continued in especiall good favour , an● credit , and in entertainement as a dear friend of his , by the space of 12. yeares : i● so great contentation everie way , and suc● liking both in minde and bodie , as , respec●ting the securitie , I found not else where t● bee hoped for , at that time . But perceiuin● my yeares increasing and mine habilitie a● ye● nothing , I was in part perswaded by the ●d Sir Iohn Throkmarton to vndertake the ●die of the common lawes of the Realme , the Innes of court . Wherupon admitting 〈◊〉 selfe a Fellow of Clements Inne , in ●amber and bed with that Worshipfull ●entleman Mr. George Sherley , I fell to the ●●die of the Lawes . Where finding , vpon ●o yeares experience , that the ayre of the ●ttie did vtterly ouerthrow my heath , ●eing never well in health one whole ●onth together , I was forced to returne 〈◊〉 to the countrie : where was willingly af●rced me , by Sir Iohn Littleton knight , the ●xecution of the Office of the Clercke of ●he Peace , of the Countie of Wigorne : ●hich with the good favour of Sir Iohn ●hrokmarton I accepted , and executed with ●uch liking and favour of my countrie as I ●eaue in modestie to speake off .

§. 16.

Shortly after dyed Sir Iohn Throkmarton : ● man whose vertues and rare gu●fts were worthy a longer time , for one to wise and politick in governement , in counsell , so graue and prouident ; in iustice so sound ; in ●earning , ( f●r one of his calling ) so rare ; in companie , so affable and pleasant ; in his disports , so gentlemanlike ; so pitifull to th● poore ; so plentifull in hospitalitie ; to goo● men such a patrone ; to offenders such a te●ror ; and generally so compleate a man ev●rie way , as lived not his like in Englan● The losse of him , to me a principall friend moved me eftsoones to returne to the Innes of Court , determining to haue go● through with the studie of the Lawes : bu● still finding the decay of my health . I wa● eftsoones forced to retire into the countrie to my house at Templebroughton , whic● Sir Iohn Throkmarton had graunted me During mine aboade in the Innes of Cou● many crosses and troubles befel me , putting me to long trouble and charges .

§. 17.

In this time I resolved to marrie : wherein commending my happe to the good direction of God , he so guided me , as I became acquainted with the Worshipful Gentlewoman your grandmother Daniel , who for her vertue , pietie , and liberall house-keeping , was not then in many places matchable . Among her daughters I made choice of your mother for a wife , and shee , with the good liking of her friends , content to become mine , wherin I can not account my ●fe so happie with the best fortune of the ●orld , as in hauing her to me a wife , and 〈◊〉 you a mother . A woman I assure you ●wards God so Religiouse , in loue and ●fection towards me so liberall , in faith ●●d vowed chastitie so sound and inuiola●e , in patience so perfect , in obedience 〈◊〉 humble and readie , in housewifely care , ●nd discreete governement of her house●ould , so wise and provident , to you , ●y children , so loving and naturally affec●ed , to all my friends so kinde and ●entle , and generally towards all so mo●est and courteouse , as her match is not ●asily found : And therefore both you and 〈◊〉 owe much to God in such a blessing : which for my part , as I am resolved to be thanckefull for whilest I liue , so I ●equire you , my children all , that you doe the like . And if it shall please God shee doe surviue me in this world , I require and charge you vpon my blessing , and vpon all the dutie that by the lawes of God or nature you owe me , that during your life you loue , honour , and obey her , in word and deede , that you cherish and comfort her , that you bee serviceable and dutiefull vnto her : that you never murmure , n● grudge against her , that by any meanes yo● prouoke her not to anger , or displeasur● that for any vaine pleasure you never do● nor consent to the thing that may offen● her , that you be ever readie to releeue he● in all distresses , with all the abilitie of you bodies , and with all that God shall giu● you in this world , that you continuall● pray for her and me , and in so doing ▪ be right well assured , that Almighti● God will blesse you , he will multiply and encrease you , and you shall see in this you● posteritie blessed vpon the earth , and all tha● you take in hand shall prosper , and goe well with you ; yea , the dewe of heauen wil● fructifie all that you shall haue ; God hat● so promissed , who will never faile you i● you faile not your selves . Remember it is he that in the commandement hath promissed long life to them that honour their parents : The wise man hath said , that the fathers blessing buildeth vp the roofe of the house , but the mothers curse rooteth vp the foundation . Behold all the histories , both divine and profane , from the creation of the world to this day : and you shall never finde but the obedient childe was fauoured of God and man : and contrariwise , the disobedient was hated , and never failed of his iust punishment in this world , either in him selfe , ●r in his succession .

§. 18.

And to the intent you may the better ●erforme this , and all other good actions ●ou take in hand , for as much as nothing ●s , nor can possibly be profitable vnto man ●n this world , without the grace of God , ●nd assistance of his holy spirit , and that he ●s our God , and we his creatures , and the worke of his will : who hath commanded ●o knocke and it shall be opened vnto vs , ●o seeke and we shall finde , and to aske , ●nd we shall haue , I now most instantly , ●nd before all things , require and charge ●ou , that with continuall prayer you call ●pon God that he may indue you with his ●race , that he will in this time of the Pro●inciall darkenesse of England , wherein ●ou are borne , open vnto you the know●●dge and light of the true Catholike and ●postolike Faith , that he will confirme ●nd fasten you therein , that you never warne from the same , nor stagger to your ●ues end . What greater ioy or comfort can ●ny worldly man haue , then if he were in ●ant or necessitie of any thing , to haue his Prince , or some great man that were of abilitie and power , to say vnto him : aske me a● lordship , a farme , an office , or great store o● treasure and thou shalt haue it , and might thereupon in deede haue it ; were not such an one that would loose all this for want o● asking worthie to want and abide in mos● miserable beggarie ? it cannot be denye● but he were . And then , what an injuri● were it to your selves , and what an ingratitude to so mercifull a God , that hat● heaven and earth and all the rich conten● therof to dispose of at his pleasure , an● that so freely and willingly offereth to the● that seeke , aske , and knocke , not to pray t● him in our necessities , and for our reliefe who can haue nothing in this world but o● his free mercie . The mindes of worldl● men are mutable , who oftentimes promis● and pay not , though we never so much intreate them : but God is so iust as he will no● alonely performe all promise , but giue wit● encrease of measure and in abundance : fo● a full demonstration wherof , looke , amon● many , vnto the Prophet David , who in a his distresses , persecutions , adversities , an● crosses , ever humbled himselfe to God b● prayer , and was heard and delivered .

§. 19.

This prayer of yours must haue faith and trust in God , charitie and the fervencie of zeale , such as was in the Prophet when he said . Exaudi me Domine quoniam clamavi ad te , and againe . Dominus mihi adjutor , non timebo quid faciat mihi homo . Dominus protector vitae meae , à quo formidabo ? and infinite other places , whereby he ever obtayned of God comforr , and deliverance .

You are , my children , as Dauid said of himselfe : In te proiectus sum ex vtero : So from your mothers wombe were you cast vpon God , where our Lord graunt that you may fasten your selues foreuer .

§. 20.

Of the effect of prayer , and the most sweete comforts therof , no man can speake more effectually then I your father , and herein I protest before the sacred Majestie of Almightie God , to whom I must yeeld account of all my words , deedes , and thoughts , that I will speake no more then truth : That from the time of my infancie , wherin I was taught to pray , to this present day , as I haue many and sundry times in my life felt sicknesse , neede of many worldly things , sorrowes , losse of friends , false accusations , the sting of envie , as a matter that did ever oppresse me , cloase imprisonment in an innocent cause , householde troubles , false friends , and infinite others , and aboue all , the lacke of the highest mysteries , and sweetest comforts to both soule and bodie : so ever in all my necessities repayring vnto God by prayer , I haue ever found reliefe , comfort , and deliverance therby . Wherof no creature vnder heaven could shew you more rare and notable examples then I ; which in this place I omit . Onely crying vnto you from my whole heart , to be earnest , zealous , & perseverant in prayer , and if you had nothing in the world to releeue you , yea , all the world opposed against you , yet shall you prevaile and receiue the blessing from God by faithfull prayer .

§. 21.

Hitherto having made knowne vnto you the Confession of my faith , my worldly course , and my counsels in the same : I am now to make my purposed legacies , and bequests among you : wherin I first giue , & commend you all to the mercifull care and protection of God the Father , God the Sonne , and God the holie Ghost , & to the assistant prayers of all the blessed companie of heaven : beseeching CHRIST IESVS , that bought vs all with his pretious bloud , to blesse you , saue you , & make you heires of his Kingdome , And I desire Almightie God so to dispose of you in your several callings , in this world , as may be most to his glorie , and your owne soules health , and that it may please him to powre downe the dew of heauen vpon you , blesse you , increase you , and all your labours , and all things that you shall take in hand , and evermore deliver you from the power and evill purposes of your enemies . Amen .

§. 22.

Concerning my worldly goods , as I received nothing in this world from my parents but mine education , to them ( considering the course of my life ) both carefull and costly , so hauing not much , in respect of the tyme ( an enemie to the thrift of a distressed conscience ) I can not much bestow , and yet , ( blessed bee God for his increase ) shall leaue you something .

§. 23.

The worldly goods I haue , I giue , and bequeathe to Dorothe my deare & louing wife : therewith charging and requiring her , in the faith shee beareth me , and in the loue shee beareth my children , to see them vertuousely brought vp , and instructed in learning , the more readily to prepare them to the service , of God , and true knowledge of him .

§. 24.

The chiefest thing I doe desire therein , is , to haue Edmund and William trayned in schoole to learning , as their capacities will admit , and so to goe to the vniversitie of Oxford , if by any meanes they may obtaine that preferment : and there to Balliol Colledge , of which house I was fellow , and where Doctor Bel founded two schollerships for Worcestershiere men : or else wheras it may be obtayned .

§. 25.

After they are entred in their learning , and are 7. or 8. yeares of age , I would they should be taught plainesong , and pricksong skilfully , and to play vpon the lute , and virginales : a shill not alonly comfortable in it selfe to the haver , but a verie good meane of preferment , or a gratefull entertainement with the best , and to such of them as shall best affect the same , I bequeathe my best lute , sythorne , and gittorne . Item , if either Edmund or William shall be enabled , and haue a desire to studie the common lawes of the Realme , which I greatly desire , then to him so affected , and enabled , and doing the same , I giue and bequeathe al my law-bookes , which I wish should be duely preserved together for that purpose .

§. 26.

Item if Francis my sonne doe hereafter recover speech , then I will that he be , according to his birthright , mine heyre , and to haue all my lands , tenements , and hereditaments , to him and his heyres males for ever , and not otherwise : yeelding & paying to my sonne Edmund out of the same , after my said sonne Edmund shall accomplish the age of 21. yeares *** by yeare , during his naturall life , at two tearmes in every yeare , that is to say , at the feast of S. Michael the Archangell and the Annunciation of our blessed Ladie the vergin by equall portions . But if Francis my sonne doe not recover speech and good discretion , then I doe now giue and bequeathe to Edmund my sonne to be mine heyre , and he to haue all my manour of Templebroughton and lands , tenements , and hereditaments , to him and to the heyres males of his bodie lawfully begotten , and not otherwise .

§. 27.

Item I giue and bequeathe to Marguerite my daughter , to her preferment in mariage , when shee shall accomplish the age of 18. yeares *** and if I haue no issue male , then I giue vnto the said Marguerite all my lands , tenements , and hereditaments , to haue to the said Marguerite and her heyres for ever .

§. 28.

Item , albeit I haue formerly giuen all my goods and chattels to Dorothey my wife , yet is there in the same gift an imployed trust which shee hath promised me , and which I doe most certainely assure my selfe shee will never breake nor violate towards me and those that are hers and mine .

§. 29.

Item , I would that every one of my children should haue a ring of fine gold weighing 3 , l wherin should be written this sentence well enameled : Iacta super Dominum curam tuam & ipse te enutriet . Which may be engraven in two rounds , because it is too much for one , and these rings to be made presently after my decease , and to be delivered them at 18. yeares of age . Which rings I charge them on my blessing , never to depart withall to their dying day . And which of them soever wilfully breaketh this charge , it will goe worse with him , be he well assured .

§. 30.

Item if my wife be now with childe , such care as I haue had of my other children , I would should be had of it , be it man or woman , which care I must commend to my deare wife : and shee with that God hath lent vs , to provide for it , and the rest , as God shall enable vs , and my will is , and I doe giue to Dorothey my wife , the issues , and profits of all my lands , teniments , and hereditaments , till my sonnes come to 18. yeares of age , & then so to allow Edmund *** yearely during her life and shee to haue the rest of the profits of my lands during her life .

§. 31.

Item I would that Marguerite my daughter should , so soone as thee is able to goe to schoole , and be applyed in her booke , and with her neelde , so farre forth as shee shall be of capacitie , and if it may be , that shee be also taught her pricksong , and plainesong , and to play on the virginalls , and if we cannot preferre her farther , this will be ( with Gods grace to guide the same ) a competent preferment in the world . Item I will that Dorothey my wife shall fully possesse my goods to the vse of my children : as I am assured shee will doe no lesse then if shee were my sole Executrix , but Executors or Executrix , I will ( for some private respects ) make none : and so to doe concerning my will , so farre forth as shee shall be able , to execute the same , in all points , according to the conference , and promise betweene vs made and agreed , and that doe assure my selfe shee will doe . Notwithstanding , for as much as we are all mortall , my will is , that if Dorothey my wife doe die before shee performe my will , and deliver my children their portions , or for any other respect doe refuse to doe the same , then I doe constitute and appoint all my children iointly to bee my Executors , and they to doe the same , as by the sound advice of their friends ( whereunto I ever advise them to giue eare ) they shall be directed .

§. 32.

Item , I will that William my third sonne ▪ shall haue *** by yeare , payed him during his life , after he cometh to 21. yeares o● age , by Edmund . Item , for as much as th● greatest perill of infants is in their education , if the same be not wisely governed and provided for , if God call me away leaving my Children young and tender ; and that if God continue their mother , they shall ever be assured of an especiall comfort by her , so farre forth as shee shall be able : yet for as much as many accidents in the world may hinder her good endeavour , I doe instantly desire my very especiall good mother M. rs Marguerite Daniell , and my good bretheren Mr. Iohn Daniell Esquier , and Mr. Francis Daniell , the Right Worshipfull my verie good friend , Mr. Ralphe Sheldon , and all the friends I haue in alliance to mee by my wife , and in consanguinitie to my children , that they will assist my wife in the care and regard of her children , and for their education in vertue and learning ; wherin they shall doe a worke of merite , and worthy their profession towards God , and affection to me .

§. 33.

Item , in respect of the great favours I haue found , and the many obligations of friendship wherin I am bound to be gratefull : I doe now commend to my children , and their posteritie : that they ever shew themselves inwardly affectionate , and , as may concerne them in duetie , serviceable , to the Worshipful family of the Throkmartons of Coughton , and among those , in especiall to the posteritie of my deerest friend Sir Iohn Throkmarton of Fekenham , wherof there is in the eldest lyne but onely one young Gentleman , Iohn Throkmarton , the sonne of Francis , the sonne of Sir Iohn : this yong Iohn Throkmarton is my Godsonne : I humbly beseech our Lord to blesse him , defend him , and increase and multiply him with his grace , that he may , in the fauour of God , repaire the ruines and worldly accidents that vnfortunately and ......... fell on his father and grandfather . Whose rare and wonderfull gifts both of body and minde God graunt may , in dutifull obedience to his Prince , descend vpon him , and he vse them to his glorie .

§. 34.

☞ In most ample merite , and for greatest favour , I require , and charge all my children , with all that ever they shall be able , in bodie and minde , to be gratefull , serviceable , and loving , to the right Worshipfull Mr. Ralphe Sheldon of Beoley , Esquier , and to all that familie , by whose great and inward affection borne me , after the decease of Sir Iohn Throkmarton , I was not alonly comforted and favoured , but releeved and holpen with all that I haue in effect , as my wife by particularitie of knowledge can well witnesse . They are a fortunate familie , and haue relieved and bred vp moe men of account , than all the gentlemen of Worcestershiere . And I would that all mine should serue and follow them , before any other familie whatsoever . With these I require them , to be both gratefull , and dutifull , to Sir Iohn Littleton , Knight , and that house , of whose good favour I did also tast .

§. 35.

And now to bid farewell , and conclude with mine advice , to you my children , after you haue resolved , and indeede become the servants of God , and ever to vse prayer , as the meanes to make God mindefull and carefull of you . Resolue with your selves to vse truth , in word and deede , never to lye , nor dissemble with any man , for any cause : for albeit the same be counted now ( the more is the pittie ) with many vngodly , but a worldly pollicie , yet assure yourselves , that those subtill shifts haue in conclusion a shamefull detection : and leaue behinde them a starre of discredit , that will not be blotted out , seeke to please good men , and pray for the evill .

§. 36.

Delight not in ribawdrie , scurrilitie , nor vncleane communication , for such stuffe as men vtter with a pleasing tongue , wise men will iudge there is store therof in the heart .

§. 37.

Among all the vertues , make choice of humilitie , and abandon pride , for it is such a horse as will sure giue his maister a fal , sit he never so fast : you shall find moe men exalted from meane estate by being humble , courteouse , and affable to all , than by any other worldly occasion .

§. 38.

Entertaine all men with gentle speeches , and be not daintie to put off your cappes to the poorest creature : for , let me your father be beleeved , that there is nothing that winneth the hearts of so many with so little cost .

§. 39.

Accompanie your selves with the best , with all humilitie , and ever desire to be among wise men ; with them rather the meanest , then to be Captaine of an vnruly rabbell of Roysters , for with whom men flocke most , of such shall they be iudged to be .

§. 40.

Be not rash , and hastie in iudgement of ●ny thing : nor prone to anger , for the one ●s a short madnesse and the other the mo●her of error .

§. 41.

Vse few words , and those with discre●ion , especially among your betters : where ●t is ever more seemly to be a hearer then ●peaker , without you bee required .

§. 42.

Be not curious medlers with other mens matters : nor busie lookers into other mens ●ues ; but amend your owne , and pray for ●hem that doe amisse .

§. 43.

Be secret and silent in all things commit●ed to your credit , for the blab is not liked , ●●ough he haue never so many other orna●ents .

§. 44.

Aboue all other things , in worldly respects , I warne you my children not to meddle with matters of estate ; but to looke to your calling , liue in obedience , and leaue Kings , and their causes to God : for the busie intermedling with Gods counsell ( which I take the affaires of Princes to be ) hath destroyed moe rare over-reaching wits , then any one thing else .

§. 45.

Vse temperance in dyet , and beware of drunkennesse , for besides that it is a thing displeasant vnto God , no man will trust the Drunkard .

§. 46.

Beware of suddaine passion , either i● disport , or otherwise , for the rash ma● never wanteth woe : and no man will willingly haue friendship , with such an one .

§. 47.

Be constant , and resolute , in all honest offices ; and fast in friendship , for a turner with the wind is worthie the reward of a wethercocke , and that is , still to be fed with the wind .

§. 48.

Vse patience , and in any wise forbeare revenge , as a propertie peculiar vnto God : for I can by experience assure you , that to be patient , and pray for them that offend you , will kill more enemies , and winne more friends , then the sword , had you the power of a Prince .

§. 49.

Be not too liberall in expences , but learne to vse frugalitie , proportionating your charge , according to your store .

§. 50.

Be not overhastie to beleeue the faire words of everie seeming friend , & trust not without triall . Be thanckfull for everie courtesie , and requite it as you may ; but let time breed the friends you commit secrets vnto . Quia defecit veritas à filijs hominum .

§. 51.

Let the familiaritie you haue with your Superiours , if they therunto admitt you , be ever with due reverence , and not sawcie : for though lyons play , yet haue they long nayles , to scratch at their pleasure .

§. 52.

Be readie to releeue all that are distressed , as it shall fall to your abilitie , for he shall never want a friend that hath beene a friend .

§. 53.

Haue charitie with all men , and pittie the poore , forward theyr suites , and releeue them for you may be assured that God will giue an abundant blessing therfore .

Quod tacitum velis nemini dixeris .

§. 54.

Embrace chastitie , as a sweet ornament of the soule , and beware of the allurements of the harlot : for they destroy the bodie here , and after draw soule and bodie into hell .

§. 55.

Beware of suertieship , as a meanes of the vndoing of manie : neither be busie borrowers aboue abilitie to pay , which will either with the canker of vsurie consume your substance , to the very synders of beggerie : or driue you into exile , from countrie to countrie , or leaue you consuming in prison .

§. 56.

Apply your selves in companie to a modest mirth , agreable to the delights of such as you are with : for sir Sulen , and sir Solemne , are seldome welcome to any place .

§. 57.

One thing is my meaning , and full purpose , and I charge and adjure you , Edmond , and William ; to performe it . That albeit I haue made a graunt to each of you by lease of my lands in possession , yet I require you before the majestie of God , that you never presume to take one foote therof from your mother , so long as shee liveth , nor to trouble her in the occupation therof , otherwise then shee shall freely giue you ; as before I haue appointed : and if you doe , looke for a sharpe revenge at the hands of almightie God , who will severely punish contempt to parents , and breach of the dead mans will .

HERE FOLLOW certaine fragments of the same Testament , that were left written in the same coppie , but out of their order .

ITem , I doe giue to William Turner my black silke rash dublet , a coate and cloake .

Item , to the intent my wife may make William Turner beholding to her : I requier her to bestow on him , as it may appeare I did loue him as a friend .

Item , I doe giue to Arthur my sonne my gaffell bowe , my best lute , and gitterne : and my will is , that every of my foure children shall haue a ioyned bedsteed , with a fetherbed , and the furniture : and looke what portion I did assigne vnto Francis , whose soule God pardon . I would should be assigned betweene William and Arthur , and to Marguerite my best virginalles .

Item , to every of my children a silver cup , and two silver spoones : the choice , as they are in age .

Item , to whom soe ever my lands descend , I will he or shee to haue my greatest clocke .

Item , I giue to William my sonne , my guilded watch , which cost 3. pounds twelue shillings : which I commonly carrie about me : it was made the same yeare that William was borne 1589. which yeare is graven by the name of the maker , on the watch : by the fly : and my gold ring with a crapon stone .

Item , I giue to Edmond my sonne , my round guilded watch , which is the larger of the two : and my ring of gold with the red sealing stone but I will my wife shall haue the vse of my round watch during her life .

Item , I giue to everie childe two olde starre-Riolles .

Item , I doe giue to Edmund my sonne my crosse-bowe , hand-gunne , and short dagge .

Item , I giue to William my sonne my stone bowe and my longer dagge .

ANNOTATIONS VPON the precedent Testament . And first of the reason of them .

SEeing the Author to call the Sacrament of Penance , by the name of Confession , and the Sacrament of our Saviour IESVS CHRISTS Bodie and Bloud , the Lords Supper : and fearing the weake might take occasion of offence where none was iustly giuen : I vndertooke to note those places , and all others , if any of like sort were found different from the vsuall maner of speaking in these times ; yet not so as I would make any great treatise , or discusse matters in controversie , so much handled and rehandled now a dayes : but only with reason to shew , by the practice of good men , that in such vse of speech there is no other thing than may well become a Christian man .

This I thought to haue done by way of marginall notes , but perceiving it encrease to more then could with conveniencie enter in the margents , I dilated my selfe and adioyned it to the end of the Testament , adding withall , some sentences of the saints , and renowned men , vpon severall passages therof applyed .

THE TESTAMENT . ] The originall had no title prefixed , but thus I thought good to style it , rather then to call it a last will , or codicill , or donation for cause of death , &c. Because although , generally speaking , a last will doe comprehend a Testament , yet every last will is not a Testament : in a codicill there cannot be given inheritance . c. de codicill . in l. si idem . And donation for cause of death , is but as it were a last will .

A Testament , speaking properly , doth not comprehend every last will , for a Testament is the iust sentence of our will , concerning that which one will haue to be done after his death , with institution of an heyre , l. iuncta glossa . ff. e. therfore without institution of an heyre there is no Testament . insti . de leg . in § . ante haeredis . And consequently a Testament comprehendeth not a codicil .

This , whether we respect the spirituall doctrines , or temporall distributions , may haue the name of a Testament , of the first all , of the latter each one respectiuely are instituted heyres : the Author , with full ●ower of testation : for everie man may ●ake a Testament that is not specially pro●ibited . no. glo . & Bart. in l. si quaeramus . ff. e. & ●e . in ti . de instru . edic . in § . compendiose .

Facultie of making Testaments is a ●hing graciously graunted men : be ause ●he testatour disposeth of that time , wherin ●e is not to be Lord of any thing , for a Testament is confirmed in death . Vt in c. ●um Marthae . de cele . miss. That is , after his death when he ceaseth to be Lord or haue ●ny dominion . Whence , although the disposition be made when he is Lord and at ●u●h time as he is able , yet the effect is bestowed at such time as he is vnable : which of meere right , or law , should not be ●a●full . l. quod sponsae . c. de dona . ante ●nup .

Testamentum , according to the etymologie of the word is testatio mentis , a testification or witnessing of a mans minde . the Hebrewes call it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , a compact , or covenant betweene the dead and the living , which as the dead cannot , so the living may not change . Paul ad Heb. 9.16 . Where there is a Testament of necessitie the death of the testatour must come in ; for a Testament is confirmed in the dead , otherwise it is of no force , while he liveth that made the Testament . God Almight● in the death of CHRIST IESVS disposed t● new Testament to his elected , the sonn● of adoption ,

Aug. Epist. ad Gal. circa medium exposi● lib. 1. Tom. 4. A humane Testament is muc● more infirme then the divine , and yet th● confirmed Testament of a man , none da● make voide , nor ordaine any thing a ne● vpon it : for when the testatour changeth h● Testament , he changeth an vnconfirme● Testament , because it is confirmed by th● testatours death . And looke of what valu● is the death of the testatour to confirm● his Testament , because he can now n● more change his counsell : of the same valu● is the incommutabilitie of Gods promise t● confirme the inheritance of Abraham , whose faith is reputed for iustice .

The Author of this Testament confirmed the same in his death 11. yeares after the making of it , dying in the same profession of the Christian faith , with all the rites of the holy Catholike Church : leaving the Testament whole and entire in all , except the disposition of his goods ; which by reason of the death of some , and birth of other children , encrease of his goods and other occurrences , he left crossed in some places ▪ and in others vnperfect ; all which places ●o● noted in the margent with semicircles , 〈◊〉 with asteriscs , or interpunctions in the ●ddle of the line .

IN THE NAME OF GOD ] A Christian ●me of beginning , not only Testaments , ●t every good worke : and with great ●son doth he call vpon God in all his ●rks that cannot be , much lesse worke of ●mselfe : man that is by the will of God ●st doe all things in the name of God .

Enosch the sonne of Seth , Gen. 4.26 . the sonne of A●n , being borne , then was the name of our ●ord first begunne to be invocated , that is , ●th more expresse forme of words , and ●es then before .

Every one that invocateth the name of ●r Lord shall be safe : Ioël . 3.5 . vulgata ▪ 2. 32. not that everie one ●at sayeth Lord , Lord , shall goe to heaven : ●t that there is no salvation for any , vpon ●hom the name of the true God is not in●ocated .

Hieremias 14.9 . And thou Lord art most ●ward to vs : and thy name is invocated of 〈◊〉 , forsake vs not .

1. Reg. 18. vulgat . 3. Reg. All nations doe ●vocate the names of their Gods .

Elias . Yee shall call vpon the names of our gods , and I will invocate in the name ●f the Lord .

Coloss. 3.17 . All things whatsoever yee doe in word or worke , doe al in the name of o● Lord IESVS CHRIST .

Psalm . 123 , Our aide is in the name 〈◊〉 the Lord that made the heaven and eart● When others haue confidence , some i● their chariots , and others in their horses , 〈◊〉 will invocate the name of the Lord o● God . Psalm . 19.

Iudic. 11. Invocate the gods that yee hat● chosen . Ionas 1. Arise & invocate thy God ▪

Many invocate not but in swearing , cu●sing ; or blaspheming , contrarie to th● Exod. 20. Thou shalt not assume the nam● of thy God in vaine ; and Levit. 19. Tho● shalt not periure the name of God . Tho● shalt not pollute the name of God .

Esaia 4. Let only thy name be invocate of vs , &c. To those that invocate him , o● Lord is of much mercie . Psalm . 85. To a● that invocate him in veritie . And therfo● is alwaies adioyned Amen 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ] Veritie , particle of one assenting , and yeeldin● trust , as if it were said , let it be firme , be ratified , be it truely so , be it done indee● truly , certainly , in verie deed , constantl● which if it be redoubled becommeth s●perlatiue after the vse of the Hebrew to●gue , Amen , Amen , most truly , most ce●tainely .

Esaias 65.16 . He that blesseth himse● earth , shal blesse himselfe in God Amen . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Who is this God Amen , de●andeth Rabbi Racanat vpon the 15. of ●odus . Whereto the Cabalists answere by ●e rule of Notariacon , where a letter stan●eth for a word . א For 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Adonai . Our ●ord . ם . For 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Melech . A King . ● . For 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Neeman . Faithfull , true : Which is no ●hit dissonant from the faith and confi●ence which he that prayeth ought to haue , ●ut rather much confirmeth it , when at the ●nd of everie prayer he addeth Amen , that 〈◊〉 Dominus , Rex , Fidelis : Our Lord is a faith●ull King : Our Lord is Potent and of good will to graunt vs our Petitions made in his ●ame .

Greg. Nazianz. in Apologetica . The best order of every word or worke , is , that we ●ake our beginning from God and referre the consummation thereof vnto him againe .

OVR SOVERAIGNE LADIE ELIZABETH ] Shee was proclaimed Queene the 17. of November 1558. the same day that Queene Marie dyed .

TEMPLE BROVGHT ON ] This Manour belonged in former times to the order of the Templars .

HEALTH OF BODIE : AND OF SOVND AND PERFECT MEMORIE . ] The first is necessarie , in as much as it conduceth to the latter , which is absolutely necessarie . For whatsoever is by a man done without it , although it be the action of a man ( as the action of a brute beast is the action of a brute beast ) yet is it not a humane action . Which proceedeth from a deliberate will , hauing free facultie to worke , or not to worke , and also sufficient light in the vnderstanding to consult and deliberate vpon the things that are to be done , and to discerne betweene morall good and evill . Which actions alone , and no others , doe merite or demerite , serue to the end of a man , and beare away reward . Want of health , and olde age , doe oftentimes diminish , & oftentimes quite abolish the necessarie vse of reason in a man at that time when most of all he should haue it : at his end , when he is to dispose of his house , his earthly in habitation , & leaue the same , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Ecclesiastes . 〈◊〉 . Remember thy creator in the dayes of thy elections : before the evill dayes doe come , and the yeares lay hold on thee of which thou mayest say I haue no will in them . The dayes of elections , the vulgate calleth the dayes of youth , as wherin a man hath most vigor to extend his hand to fire or water and choose good or evill ; and the dayes in which we haue no will , is the time of dotage when a mans actions are scarcely humane , or the dayes of infirmitie & sicknesse which the vulgate calleth the dayes that please vs not .

Greater madnesse can not be , then to deferre the thing that most concerneth , and that of necessitie we must doe , vntill such time as we be most vnable to doe it : as if a man that were to carrie an hundred weight , should let it alone when he were strong , with purpose to beare it when he were fainting through feeblenesse : yet such is the want of reason in many men as they deferre and putt off , not onely the disposing of worldly goods , but even the profession of their faith , or conversion to God by pennance & good life , vntill they be hardly able to exercise any act of life .

Let vs not , saith S. Augustine , Aug. 1. de salutarib . documenti● cap. 39. Tom. 4. so secure our selves of Gods mercie , as to heape sinne vpon sinne , nor say , while we be in the vigour of our age , let vs exercise our concupiscences , and at last in old age we will doe pennance for our evils , because our Lord is pious , and mercifull , and will no more remember our crimes . Let vs not , I beeseech you , thinke so ; for , thus to thinke is follie in the highest degree , being it is impious for any man to will to haue such licence from God , whereof the very beginning , is , to separate vs from God : therfore , I say , let vs not thinke of such things , being we know not what day we are to die : for no man living knoweth the day of his departure . All die not in ould age , but in diverse ages they depart out of this world ; and in what acts soever a man is found , in the same shall he be iudged , when the soule goeth out of the bodie : for the Psalmist saith , no man shall confesse thee in hell . Let vs therfore make haste to be converted to pennance , &c.

Come hither mad man ; the disposing of soule and bodie which thou hast at thine owne will , is it a worke to be done in time of sicknesse , which time yet thou art not sure to haue , or in ould age , of which thou hast as little certaintie , or rather a worke that requireth health , and strength of bodie , with perfect vse of all the powers of thy soule ? Age and sicknesse , thou saiest , will force a man , to looke about him . How Alas , shall then that habit come vpon thee of which there hath beene no precedent , act ? thou art habituated in deferring , and that habit will still follow thee : thou wilt yet deferre , and if for ever thou couldest deferre , for ever thou wouldest not serue God : of whom it is yet doubtfull whether he will accept of this thy last will , which was , never to giue God but ●he last , and that is now rather necessitie ●hen will , and in it thou seekest not God , ●ut thy selfe , because thou fearest to be ●ost for ever . Seneca in Agamennone . Seneca epist. 32 Bernardus sermo . 10 ▪ in psal. qui habitat . Aug. epist. 13● How miserable a thing it is not to know to die ! how goodly a ●hing it is before death to consummate life , ●nd then secure to expect the rest of our ●ime ! Being in agonie thou wilt doe , as commonly the afflicted vse , repute it the ●ighest felicitie to be exempted from those molestations , and iudge it the greatest beatitude to want that miserie ; wheras that temporall molestation ought rather ●o admonish vs how we should thinke of that life , wherin we may liue without anie labour : escaping , not the turmoiling anguish of a little time , but ●he horrible paines of everlasting fire : for , if we now deale with so much care , ●o great intention , and such labour , ●hat we fall into no transitorie vexa●ion ; how much more solicitous should we be to avoide everlasting miseries ? And if death that finisheth temporall ●abour be so feared , how is that to ●e feared that casteth vs into never●nding sorrowes ; and if the foule and ●hort delights of this life be so lo●ed ; how much more vehemently are the pure and infinite ioyes of the world to come , to be sought after ? then in the time of youth and health , and not of crazie old age . Sicknesse comming on , a ma● seeketh only how to get ease , which had , he is then as farre to seeke as before , in tha● conversion which before he pretended . While we haue time , saith the Apostle , le● vs doe good , he that deferreth , sinneth ever , in as much as if he should never leaue to liue , he would never leaue to sinne , and perchance that is the sinne to death , whero● S. Iohn . Epist. 1. c. 5. Tom. 3. cap. 71. I say not that any man pray for such an one . Among the sentences of S. Augustin● is this : The remedies of conversion to God are not with any delayes to be deferred , le● the time of correction perish by our sloth for he that to the penitent hath promise● indulgence , hath not to the dissembler promised to morrowes day . Life is not muc● worth , Aug. de Temp. Serm. 120. if a man liue to no other end , bu● that in the few yeares of this life , whic● with a short end is to be cut off , he heap vp to himselfe eternall paines to last without end . But lest any one become too secur● or wax remisse by the felicitie of such new● credulitie , lest perchance any one doe say in his heart , let not my guilty conscience s● farre gripe and trouble me , nor my culpabl● life so farre contristate me , I see in a moment , ● see in a small space of time the good theefs ●rimes forgiven him , &c. First in that ●heefe is to be considered , not only the ●ompendiousnesse of his credulitie , but his devotion , but the occasion of that time wherin those things were done , in which ●ven the perfection of the iust is said to haue beene shaken . Then shew me first the ●heefs faith , and after promise thy selfe the ●heefs beatitude ; the divell casteth in secu●itie that he may draw on perdition . It cannot be numbred how many this shadow of vaine hope hath deceived . Let , I beseech you , the innumerable companie of people , vnder colour of such securitie taken out of this life , voide of all good , full of all evill , deterre vs from this persuasion . By daily fearing the vncertaintie of our passage and departure hence , which even now are vnlooked for , and yet at hand , and are to want all remedie for ever , the day must be prevented which is wont to prevent vs . He seduceth himselfe and playeth with his death that thinketh thus , the indulgence of the last houre may helpe me ; securitie promissed at the last day is most perilous . Then againe , it is a most foolish thing to commit vnto the vnprofitable extremitie of the now faliing life , that cause which treateth of eternall necessities . It is odious before God , when a man sinneth more freely through confidence of pennance that he will doe in oulde age . Beleeue me , my dearest , it is a difficult thing for craftie dissimulation of ordering a mans end , to be found worthie to obtaine perdon : with that interpreter of the heart , there wil● be admitted no arte to salvation . But that blessed theefe of whom we haue spoken , did neither wittingly deferre the time of his salvation , nor with vnluckie fraude put the remedies of his state in the last moments , nor reserue the hope of his redemption , to the last of desperation ; Before that time he neither knew Christ nor Religion ; which if he had knowne he had beene perchance amongst the Apostles , not the last in the number who became the first in the kingdome . In this therfore he pleased God at the last , because to the obtayning of the faith , that was not the last houre , but the first . Necessarie therfore it is that by daily acts a man provide for himselfe , and procure his consummation , it is necessarie that all our life be such in conversation , as we may deserue to be free in the end . Thincking incessantly vpon the day of our passage , and the time of iudgement .

Admit thou hast at last both health and memorie , thou art not sure the grace shall then be offered , which often offered thou hast refused . Thou that despisest , Isaia ▪ 33. Eccles. 7.40 . shalt thou not also be despised ? Remember in all thy words , thy last things and thou wilt not sinne for ever . Hieron . Epist. ad Paulin. in fine . tom . 3. Aug. serm. 10 de Sanctis . tom. 1● . He will contemne all things with ease that alwaies thinketh how he is to die .

If men would alwaies beare their day of death in minde , they would restraine the same from all covetousnesse or malice . But that which wholsomly now they will not thinke vpon , necessarily hereafter , & without all remedie they shall sustaine : For the last day will come vpon them , the day of iudgement will come , when neither it shall be lawfull for them to doe pennance , nor can they by good works redeeme themselves from everlasting death : then with such deepe thought the sinner is strooken , as dying he forgets himselfe , who whilest he lived did forget his God .

They that were hired to the vineyard , Aug. de verb. Domini serm. 59. tom. 10. when the father of the familie went out and hired ; for examples sake , those that he found the third houre ; did they say vnto him , expect , we will not goe thither till the sixth , or those that hee found the sixt houre , did they say , we will not goe till the ninth ; or those that he found the ninth houre , did they say , we will not goe till the eleventh ? for he will giue all alike and wherfore shall we wearie our selves more then the rest ? What he is to giue , and what he wil doe , is in his owne power , the counsell is to himselfe , doe thou come when thou art called : for equall reward is promised to all , but about the houre of working there is a great question : for if they , for examples sake , that were called at the sixth houre constitute in that age of bodie when the youthfull yeares are fervent , as at the sixt houre it is hot ; if those young men called should say , expect for we haue heard in the Gospell that all shall receiue one reward , we will come at eleven , when wee be old , being to receiue alike wherfore shall we labour ? it would be answered them and said ; wilt thou not labour that knowest not whether thou shalt liue to be old ? thou art called at the sixth houre ; come , the father of the familie indeed hath promised thee thy pennie if thou come , even at eleven ; but whether thou shalt liue till the seventh houre no bodie hath promissed thee . I do not say till the eleventh , but till the seventh . Wherfore then doest thou put off , and deferre him that calleth thee being certaine of thy wages and vncertaine of the day ? Looke ●o it , lest perhaps what by promise he is to giue thee , thou by deferring take from thy self .

If a man doe pennance when he hath power to sinne , and while he liveth , correct his life from all crime ; there is no doubt but that dying he passeth vnto everlasting rest . But he that living wickedly do●h pennance only in perill of death ; as his damnation is vncertaine , so is his remission doubtfull . He therfore that in death desireth to be certaine of indulgence , let him doe pennance while he is sound , let him sound , and in health , bewaile his passed heinous facts . Isidorus lib. 2. de summo bono . cap. 13.

If any one being now in the last extremitie of sicknesse will and doth accept of pennance : and immediatly is reconciled , and depart●th hence ; I confesse to you , we denie him not what he asketh , but we presume not that he departeth hence well . I do not presume , I deceiue you not , I do not presume . The faithfull living well , departeth hence secure , he that was baptized but an houre before , departeth hence secure : he that doth pennance and is reconciled while he is in health , and after liveth well , departeth hence secure : he that doth pennance at the last and is reconciled , whether he depart hence secure , I am not secure . Aug. lib. 50. hom. 41.

In vaine doth he powre out his prayers before the tribunall of Christ , who neglecteth the time of pennance given him . Aug. serm. 71. ad fratres in eremo .

Integritie of the mind , and not health of bodie , is required in the testatour , at that time when he maketh his testament . Digest . lib. 28. tit. 1.

Gen. 47 ● . SHORT PILGRIMAGE ] Iacob said to Pharao , The dayes of the yeares of my Pilgrimage , are 130. yeares : short and bad haue the dayes of the yeares of my life beene , and they haue not reached to the dayes of the the yeares of my ancestours liues , in the dayes of their Pilgrimages .

By way of malediction was mans life first cut from the ordinarie length of 500. or in some 900. and stinted to 120. Gen. 6.3 .

Psal. 89 The dayes of our yeares in themselves are 70. yeares : And if in able men they bee 80. yeares : what is aboue that is labour and griefe .

Psal. 38 Behould thou hast set my dayes measurable : how short is our life that is to be measured , not the dayes of it only , but the houres , but the moments : not by the divine , or Angelicall science alone , but by everie man that hath but a little tasted of Arithmetike ?

Well may his dayes be measured , whose verie substance is as nothing in the sight of God .

LONG ACCOVNT ] Long and strict , Mat. 12.36 . when of every idle word which men haue spoken , they shall render an account therof in the day of iudgement .

Every one of vs shall render to God an account for himselfe . Rom. 14 12.

§ . 1. Pag. 17. A TRVE CHRISTIAN CATHOLIKE MAN ] By this title did S. Augustine stile himselfe : Sed de me quid dicam , Lib. de vtilitate credendi . qui iam Catholicus Christianus eram ? But of my selfe what shall I say who was now a Catholike Christian ?

The name of Christian was given to the Disciples first at Antioch in the very beginning of the Apostles preaching of Christs Gospell . Act. 11.26 .

The Apostles themselves in their symbole called the Church Catholike , and the members therof Catholiks .

As many as being baptized haue put on Christ are called Christians ; this the vse of the name hath obtained ; although with some nations he is not holden , in common vnderstanding , for a true Christian that is not also a Catholike , and the one name comprehendeth as much as the other , and they be convertible .

Besides these so ancient names wherby ever since Christs time those of the true Religion haue beene knowne , whosoever bringeth in another , doth iniurie to the catholike cause , which the Hereticks of our times haue laboured much in , to haue vs called Roman Catholikes , that consequently themselves might also be called catholikes of other particular Churches , suppose , of Amstelrodam , Geneua , or the like . This they doe pricked on by the sting of envie seing vs alone to beare away from them that most ancient and glorious name : while they therby shut out of the whole , must of necessitie remaine sects , and by one name , whatsoever they be , be called Heretikes . This fraude , and the poyson of their malicious intention some Catholikes not perceiving , take vpon them the addition of Roman : Which although it be good in it selfe because the Roman Church is the Catholike Church , yet more glorious it were for vs , and more confusion to our adversaries to stand fast to that our first name of Catholike which we haue prescribed from them and never suffered to goe out of our hands .

Aug. de vera Religione , Tom. 1. Taking Catholike in the true sense , it signifieth a man that professeth the only true Religion wherin one God is worshipped and with most purified pietie knowne , and acknowledged for the beginning of all nature , by whom all the vniverse is both begunne , and perfected , and conteined , in the one , onely , and vniversall Church which is called Catholike , and not tyed to one place , but diffused into all places and all times .

We , Saith S. Augustine , Aug. de vera Religione , c. 7. must hold the Christian Religion , and the communication of that Church , which is Catholike , & called Catholike , not only of those that are her owne , but also of all her enemies . For whether they will or noe , the verie Hereticks themselves , and nourtured in schismes , when they speake not with their owne compagnions , but with strangers , they call Catholike , nothing else but Catholike , for otherwise they can not be vnderstood , vnlesse they discerne her by this name , by which shee is called of all the vniversall world .

Of vniversall Saith S. Augustine , Aug. contra litteras Petiliani . c. 38 Tom. 7. Act. 1. Catholike tooke the name : our Lord himselfe saying : It is not for you to know the times which my Father hath kept in his owne power : but you shall receiue the vertue of the holy Ghost comming vpon you , and ye shall be witnesses for me in Hierusalem , & all Iudea , & Samaria and through all the earth . Behold from whence Catholike is called .

A Christian I am , and a Catholike I am of the same Christian faith that the Disciples were at Antioch and the same Catholike faith that was founded vpon saint Peter and continueth in his successours the vicars of Christ at Rome : which is to be a Christian Catholike man simplie , and absolutely . He that calleth himselfe a Roman Catholike doth like him that calleth a man a risible reasonable man , giving no more distinction in the last then at the first : for all that they will haue a Roman Catholike to signifie , is but the same that is signified by a Catholike .

A Roman Catholike , soundeth in some sense as if one should say a particular vniversall . Augustine . Aug. contra Gaudent . lib. 5. tom. 7. Marke a little what Church Cyptian called Catholike when he defended the vnitie therof , the Church , sayth he , spread through with the light of our Lord streacheth out her beames through the whole world . Yet it is one light which is everie where diffused , and the vnitie of the bodie is not separated . Shee extendeth her branches over the vniversall earth with copious plentie : her large spread streames more broad shee layeth forth : yet the head is one and the origin one : and one mother copious in successions of fecunditie ...... if yours be ●he Catholike Church shew her stretching ●er beames over the whole world : Shew ●hat shee extends her branches with co●ious fertilitie over the vniversall earth : For hence is Catholike of the Greeke ●ord 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 named . and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 holon in Greeke maketh in English the whole , or ●niversall , so that through the whole , or ●ccording to the whole is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Catholon , from whence Catholike ●s called .

To be a Christian is glorious , and may suffice vs in as much as he that is a good Christian must necessariely be a good Catholike , for he is a Christian that being baptized professeth the whole doctrine of IESVS CHRIST in his Church , and the same is also a Catholike , which name was given to distinguish betweene some and others of the baptized that not professing the whole doctrine , of Christ did sticke to parts and making a doctrine of their owne , leaving the whole , are therfore Heretikes : which only name is condistinguisht against Catholikes , that whosoever is not a Catholike is by the same an Heretike : and not a Luthers Catholike as , the Germans call it , nor a Calvins Catholike , nor no Catholike : for no other sort of Catholike is there , or can b● then a Christian Catholike , S. Peeter Ma●men dyed a Martyr at Damascus about th● yeare of our Lord 742. Slaine by the Ar●bians , for saying : Everie one that embrace● not the Christian Catholike faith , is da●ned , like as Mahomet your false proph● is . Mart. Rom. 9. Kal. Mart. Theophan . in hi● Miscell . lib. 22. Anno 2. Constant . 6. Imp.

Aug. l. 1 Quaest. ex Mat. Good Catholikes and evill Catholike S. Augustin admitteth . Calling those evi● Catholikes , who , although they beleeu● those things to bee true which appertain● to the true doctrine of faith ; and if the● be any thing that they doe not know the● thinke it is to be sought out , and withou● breach of pietie doe discusse it , withou● any preiudice to the truth it selfe , and in a● much as they can , doe loue and honou● those that ar● good , and whom they think● to bee good ; yet they liue wickedly and full of heinous crimes , otherwaies then the● beleeue that they ought to liue . And good Catholikes are those which follow both entire faith and good manners .

Aug de Civitate Dei . l. 10 c. 32. What is the vniversall way , but tha● which everie nation hath , not proper only to it selfe : but is given from God , that i● may be common to the vniversitie , of nations , to all people : this is our pietie , which therfore is called Catholike , because it is not delivered to any certaine people , as to the Iewes , but to all humane kinde , and excludeth not any one ; by this all may be saved , and without it none ; and in this every nation hath not his owne religion , like as with the Gentils ; for with the Romans other Gods were , and worshipped after another manner then with the Greekes ; others with them then with the French , Spanish , Scythians , Indians , Persians : all nations that haue professed Christ doe worship the same God , and with the same kind of sacrifice ; and Augustine Aug. Breuiculi cont . calleth the Church Catholike not alone for the plenitude of sacraments therin , but also for the vniversitie of nations , and people that therin communicate .

S. Athanasius , Luc. Act. 11.26 . Mart. Rom. 8. Kal. mart . in his dispute against Arrius , giveth the reason of the Disciples being called Christians , thus : All that beleeued in our Lord IESVS CHRIST , were not called Christians , but only Disciples : And because there arose many Authors of new opinions , contrarie to the Apostolicall doctrine , they called all their followers Disciples ; and there was no difference in name betweene true and false Disciples , whether they were Christs , or Dosithees , or the followers of one Iudas , or of Iohn , that confessed themselves , as it were , of Christs Church , but all were called by that one name of Disciples . Then the Apostles comming together ( as by S. Lukes narration the Acts beare witnesse ) called all the Disciples by one name Christians , differencing them from the common name of Disciples ; and that the saying of the divine Oracle pronounced by Isaias 62.2 . might be accomplished , which hath ; And thou shalt be called by a new name which the mouth of our Lord shall declare , &c.

Epipha . haeret . 27. Not long after the Heretikes had emulation to this name , and the Carpocratians first vsurped it , whom others followed , reproaching so great a name with false doctrine , & evill manners , as now they would doe with the name of Catholike .

Rom. 10. Pag. 17. §. 1. lin. 4. BY FAITH CONFESSING ] With the heart we beleeue , to iustice , & with mouth Confession is made to salvation . Faith in the heart , confession in the mouth . This is the word of faith which we preach ( saith the Apostle ) that if thou confesse our Lord IESVS in thy mouth , and beleeue in thy heart that God hath raised him from death , Aug. de fide ad Petrum , Tom. 3. thou shalt be safe . S. Augustin to Peter the Deacon . I am glad indeed that thou hast so much solicitude for the keeping of the true faith , without any vice of perfidiousnesse without which faith no conversion can profit , nor yet be at all : for the Apostolicall authoritie saith ; that without faith it is impossible to please God : because faith is the foundation of all good things : faith is the beginning of humane salvation ; without this faith no man can come to the number of the Sonnes of God : because without it neither in this world doth any one obtaine the grace of iustification , nor in the world to come shall he possesse life everlasting . And if any one doe not walke here by faith , he shall not come to the vision . Without faith all mans labour is in vaine , for such it is , as without the true faith whosoever will please God by contempt of the world : as if one bending toward the countrie in which he knoweth he shall liue blessedly , should leaue the right way and improvidently follow errour , by which he cannot come to the blessed Citie , but fall into precipice , where will be no ioy giuen to him that cometh , but destruction brought in to him that falleth .

IN HOPE REPOSING MY SALVATION ] A right order first to beleeue and confesse , then to hope . I haue beleeved and therfore haue I spoaken , and am over much humbled ; saith the Psalmist , as it were betwixt hope and feare .

Augustin . Encheridion ad Laurentium . Tom. 3. What can be hoped for which is not beleeved : and yet something may be beleeved which is not hoped for . As , which of the faithfull beleeveth not the paines of the damned , and yet he doth not hope for them ? and whosoever beleeveth that they be now at hand , hanging over his head , and with a flying motion of his minde doth abhorre them , is better said to feare then to hope . Which Lucan distinguishing , hath set downe thus : Lett him that feareth hope . Faith is both of evill things and good : for both good and evill things are beleeved and that with good , and not with evill faith . Faith is also of things past , and present , and to come , for we beleeue that Christ dyed , which now is passed : We beleeue that he sitteth at the right hand of the Father , which now is : We beleeue that he shall come to iudge , which is to be . Faith is also of a mans owne things , and of other mens , for everie man beleeveth of himselfe that he had a beginning , and that he was not ever , and such other things : nor only of other men but also of the Angels we beleeue many things that appertaine to Religion . But hope is only of good things , and those to come , and belonging to him that is said to hope for them . All which being so , for these causes faith is to be distinguished from hope , as well in reasonable difference as in the name . For in that belongeth to the not seeing either those things that are beleeved or hoped for , it is common to faith and hope . In the Epistle to the Hebrewes , the testimonie wherof the illustrious defenders of the Catholike rule haue vsed ; faith is said to be a convincing of those things which are not seene . Although when any one saith himselfe to haue beleeved , not words , nor witnesses , nor any arguments , but the evidence of the present things , that is , to haue given credit to them , it seemeth not so absurd , that he might rightly be reprehended in word , and it should be said vnto him , thou hast seene and therfore thou hast not beleeved ; whence it may be thought not to be consequent that whatsoever thing is beleeved must not be seene , but better we call that faith which is taught by the divine word , of those things , to witt which are not seene .

And of hope the Apostle saith , hope which is seene is not hope ; for that which one seeth , what doth he hope for ? but if we hope for the things that we see not , we expect with patience . When therfore future good things be beleeved of vs , they are no other thing then hoped for .

Now what shall I say of loue without the which faith profiteth nothing ? and hope without loue cannot be : To conclude , as S. Iames saith , the divelles beleeue and tremble , and yet they doe not hope , or loue , but rather that which b●leeving wee hope for and loue , they feare shall come vpon them . Wherfore the Apostle Paul approoveth & commendeth the faith which worcketh by loue , which verily cannot be without hope , nor hope without loue , nor both without faith .

D. Thom. 2.2 . quaest. 17. Eternall beatitude is the proper obiect of hope . For we may not hope for lesse of God then himselfe , in enioying of whom consisteth life everlasting . And supposing our vnion to our neighbour by loue , a man may by the vertue of Theologicall hope , hope for beatitude for him as well as for himselfe : Psalm . 145. Hierem. 17.5 . but to confide in Princes or the sonnes of men , concerning salvation , or to set our hope in man , the holy Ghost forbiddeth and giues a curse to him that doth it . That faith being old will I keep in which a childe I was borne . Hieronymus ad Pammachium & Oceanum , paulo ante finem . Tom. 2. Now doth faith swimme in many mens lippes , when in their heart there is either none at all , or that that is doth vehemently languish . For who doth not professe that which we reade in the Deuteronomie . Heare Israel , Deut. 6. & 10. thy Lord thy God is one Lord ? And , thou shalt adore thy God and serue him alone ? Who doth not daily recite with mouth , I beleeue in God the father Almightie ? notwithstanding he beleeveth not in God , that doth not place in him alone all the trust of his felicitie : neither hath he one God and Lord that by harlottrie , by riotte , and avarice , doth the commands of Sathan : nor doth he serue him alone , that serveth his bellie , that is given to this world which is set all vpon wickednesse . The heathens thinke there be many Gods , and dost thou seeme to thy selfe a perfect Christian , because thou art persuaded that there is but one God ? What great matter doest thou ? the Iewes doe the same , who daily blaspheme the Sonne of God in their Synagogues ; the same doe the divells beleeue and tremble at it . If truly thou beleevest in God beleeue him to be iust and true . Iust in rewarding the good , and punishing the evill : true in his promises : beleeue that there is no hope of salvation but only in his Sonne whome he delivered to the crosse for all of vs , and to death , beleeve that no evill can fall to them that deliver themselues wholly over vnto his will ; and doe persever in the same , this is to beleeue in God the Father , this is to beleeue in his Sonne , this is to beleeue in the holy Ghost . Cyprian . de duplici martyrio longe ante finem . Tomo 4. Vnexercised faith soone languisheth , and idle is tempted with frequent discommodities : the craftie enemie breakes in vpon remisse sentinels : but externe fraude instructs the man that s exercised in warre and beares him gloriously to the palme of victorie . Peace therfore to the faithfull is matter of corruption . Ambros . serm. 11. in Psal. 118. longius ante finem . Tom. 4.

Psalm . 141. I haue cryed to thee O Lord , I haue said thou art my hope , my portion in the land of the living .

Psal. 26 Abide our Lord , deale manfully , and thy heart shall be comforted , and sustaine our Lord . Because the world , what it promiseth seemeth here to giue in the land of the dying ; and our Lord , what he promiseth is to giue in the land of the living , many are wearie of expecting the true ioy and are not ashamed to loue the deceitfull ; of such the Scripture saith . Eccle. 2 Woe to them that haue lost their patient sustayning , and diverted into wicked wayes . Aug. de verbis Apost. serm. 25. Tom. 10.

Spe salvi facti sumus . Spes non confundit . by hope we are saved , hope confoundeth not . How hope should be without faith I doe not finde , for no man hopeth that he can attaine that which he doth not beleeue to be . It behooveth therfore that al three be in the minde , faith , hope , and charitie : that both a man beleeue the things be true to which he is called , and hope that he may attaine to them , and that he loue them . Aug. lib. 21. sententiarum , sent. 8.

One hope is of the eternall rewards , another of comfort in the humilitie of tribulation . Aug. enarr . in Psalm . 118. super , Memor esto verbi tui servo tuo in quo mihi spem dedisti . Tomo 8.

Because the man that is converted to God hath his delight changed ; the things that he delights in are also changed , and not taken quite away ; for all our delights in this life , are not yet in deede : but the hope it selfe is so certaine as it is to be preferred before all the delights of this world . Aug. enarr . in Psalm . 74. Tomo 8.

Pag. 17. §. 1. lin. 5. IN THE ONELY MERITS ] All our merits are founded in the merits of Christs incarnation , life , and passion : which ground worke taken away , no man hath , or ever had , or could haue since Adam any merits towards life everlasting , which by his demerits he lost and merited damnation . Aug. Confess . cap , 13. tom . 1. Et de Trinit. l. 13. c. 10. tom. 8. Whosoever reckeneth vp his merits to thee , what doth he but recken vp thy free guifts .

What was so necessarie to erect our hope , and deliver mortall mindes , deiected with the very condition of mortalitie , from despairing of immortalitie , as that it should be demonstrated vnto vs how much God weighed vs and how much he loved vs ? And what token of this more manifest and more excellent , then that the Sonne of God , immutably good , remaining in himselfe what he was , and taking of vs , and for vs , what he was not , without detriment of his soules nature , vouchsafing to enter into our fellowship , first without any evill merit of his owne , he would beare our evils : and so now beleeving how much God loveth vs , and hoping for that which before we despaired of , with bountie no way due , he would bestow his gifts vpon vs without any good merits of ours , yea , with many precedent euill merits ; for even those things that are called our merits , are his gifts : for that faith may worke by loue , the charitie of God is diffused in our hearts by the holy Ghost given vs . Aug. enarr . in Psalm . 144. tom . 8. Gratia salvi facti estis . Where thou hearest grace , vnderstand gratis , if therfore gratis , then thou hast brought nothing , thou hast merited nothing : For if any thing be rendred for merits , it is wages and not grace : by grace , saith he , you are saved through faith . Expound that more cleerely for the arrogant , for those that please themselves , for those that are ignorant of Gods iustice and will constitute their owne . And this selfe same thing more openly . And this , quoth he , that you are made safe by grace is not of your selves , but the gift of God , But we perhaps haue done something to merit the gift of God . What then ? doe not we worke well ? yes , we worke , but how ? he working in vs because by faith we giue place in our heart to him who in vs and by vs worketh good things .............. Hearken to the same thing ; what diddest thou merit sinner ? Contemner of God , what diddest thou merit ? see if thou canst meete with any thing but punishment , see if thou canst meete with any thing but paine : thou seest then what was due to thee , & what he gaue thee that gaue thee gratis . Perdon is given to the sinner , the spirit of iustification is given , charitie and dilection is given , wherin thou mayest doe all good things : and aboue all this , he will giue both life everlasting and the societie of the Angels : all of mercie , boast no where of thy merits because thy merits themselves are his gifts . Dominum Deum tuum adorabis & illi soli seruies ▪ Thou shalt adore thy Lord thy God and serue him alone , and thy neighbours erring and labouring thou must help as much as is lawfull and commanded ; so as this very thing when it is well done , we doe vnderstand God to doe it by vs , and deceived with vaine glorie chalenge nothing to our selves , by which one vice we be from height drowned in the deep . Aug. De quantitate animae , lib. 1. cap. 34. tom. 1. & de libero arbitrio lib. 1. cap. 14. Of our merit that it is volunrarie . For this that eternall law hath with immutable stabilitie confirmed , that merite be in the will , reward and punishment in beatitude and miserie . When therfore we say that men are voluntarily wretched , we speake not as if they had a will to be wretched : but that they be in such will , as whether they will or no , miserie must necessarily follow : and therfore it repugneth not in the superiour reason that all have a will to be blessed and yet cannot : for all will not liue vprightly , to which only will , blessed life is due . And againe . De morib . Ecclesiae Cath. lib. 1. cap. 25. tom . 1. Life everlasting is the whole reward , in whose promise we haue ioy : and the reward cannot goe before ●e merits and be given a man before he be ●orthie of it ? for what is more vniust then ●his , and what more iust then God ? we ●ust not therfore demand reward before ●e haue merited to receiue it .

Aug. lib. de Beata vita . Meritis matris se vivere ●edit . Augustine thought he lived through ●is mothers merits ; and lib. 1. Soliloquiorum . He disprooveth the error of those that ●hinke the soules to haue no merit with God : of merit , see . Aug. most copiously in many places . Impressione Basileae 1543. Tom. 2. col. 161. a. 163. a. 161. c. 464. c. Tom. 3. col. 204. B. Tom. 7. col. 770. a. & Tom. 2. Epist. 105. What merits then of his owne , shall he that is delivered boast of , who if he had according to his merits , should be nothing but damned ? Are then the merits of the iust none ? they are verily , because they are iust , but that they might become iust there were no merits ; for they were made iust , when they were iustified : but as the Apostle saith , iustified by his grace gratis . Multa ibi vide . Tom. 2. col. 466. a. 486. B. Tom. 7. col. 1306. B. Tom. 8. col. 1104. B. Tom. 9. col. 26. a. Tom. 4. col. 1014. a. 1234. a. Tom. 10. 406. a. Tom. 3. 191. a. 162. B. 189. d. 190 , B. 437. a. 584. c.d. 186. d. Tom. 4384. B. 169. d. 171. d. 1305. c. 876. c.d. 919. d.

I IMPLORE THE ASSISTANCE ● PRAYER OF THE B. AND IMM●CVLATE VIRGIN MARIE AND O● ALL THE HOLY COMPANIE O● HEAVEN ] Concerning Prayer to Sain● it is in vaine to aske of what opinion h● was that thus actually prayeth to our ble●sed Ladie and all the Saints . So praye● S. Augustine to the Saints . You therfore tha● haue merited to become companions o● the heavenly citizens and enioy the clariti● of eternall glorie , pray for me to our Lord that he will take me out of this priso● wherin I am holden bound and captiue , &c. Tom. 3. l. de spiritu & anima , col . 898 And de ecclesiasticis dogmatibus , cap. 73. Th● same S. saith , the bodies , and chiefly th● reliques of the blessed Martyrs are mos● syncerely to be ho●ored , as if they were th● members of Christ , and Churches called by their names , as holy places dedicated to the Divine worship , with most pious affection and devotion to be most faithfully frequented we beleue : and of the mane● how the Saints ought to be honoured ; at large . Lib. 8. De Civitate Dei : cap. 27. & Tom. 6. contra Faustum Manichaeum , lib. 20. cap. 21. The Christian people celebrateth the Martyrs memorie with religious solemnitie , both to excite themselves to imitation , and that they may be cuppled in ●llowship to their merits , and holpen by ●eir prayers : yet so , as to none of the ●artyrs , but to the God himselfe of the ●artyrs we constitute Altars , although in ●emorie of the Martyrs . For which of ●he Bishops assisting at the Altars in places ●f the holy bodies , hath at any time said : ●e offer to thee Peter , or Paul , or Cyprian : ●ut that which is offered , is offered to God who crowned the Martyrs , at the ●emories of them whom he crowned : ●hat by the admonition of the very places ●reater affect arise to whet charitie , both ●owards them , whom we can imitate , ●nd towards him by whose helpe we be ●ble to imitate . We therfore worship the Martyrs , with that worship of loue and ●ocietie , wherewith also in this life holy men of God are worshipped whose hearts ●e perceiue to be prepared to the like passion for the Euangelicall truth . But ●hose by so much more devoutly , as more ●ecurely after all vncertaine things over●ome , and with how much more confident praise we preach them now victours in a more happie life , then as yet fighting in this ●ife . But with that worship which in Greeke ●s called latria , and cannot be spoken in one word in latine , being a certaine servitud● properly due to the Divinitie , we neith● worship nor teach to be worshipped , b● one God , &c. Aug. in Psalm . 85. prope fine● Tom. 8. Our Lord IESVS CHRIS● doth yet intercede for vs : All the Marty● that are with him make intercession for 〈◊〉 their interpellings doe not passe vntill o● sighs haue passed , &c. Lege de Ciuitate D● lib. 21. Tom. 5 & in Psalm . 105. Tom. 8. vers● Si non Moyses electus eius stetisset in cons●actio● in ●on●pectu eius . Aug , serm. 2. de anuntiatione fine . Tom. 10. serm de Sanctis . O Blessed MARIE who is able worthily to repay thee in th●nkes and preachings of thy prayses who by thy singular assent diddest succou● th● l●st world ? what prayses can human fr●iltie pay thee , which in thy only commerce h●th found an entrie to recoverie ▪ Receiue ●herfore how small soever , how soever to thy merits vnequall thancks-g●vings , and when thou hast received ou● v●wes , by prayer , excuse our falts . Adm● our prayers within the sacrarie of thy hearing & bring vs ba●ke an antidote of reconciliation : be it by thee excusable which b● thee we intrude , let that become impetrable which with faithfull minde we aske , receiue what we offer , giue againe , what w● aske , excuse that we feare , because thou ar● the only hope of sinners , by thee we hope for perdon of our sinnes , and in thee most blessed is the expectation of our rewards : Holy Marie succour the wretches , helpe the pusillanimous , refresh the sorrowfull , pray for the people , stand for the clerecie , make intercession for the deuout woman kinde , lett all feele thy helpe that celebrate ●hy memorie . Assist readily to the vowes of those that aske , and to all , repay the ●ished effect . Let thy dayly studies be to pray for the people of God , who blessed ●ast merited to beare the Redeemer of the world that liveth and reigneth world with●ut end .

Very worthy and iust is it to glorifie hee mother of our God ever most blessed ●nd vndefiled , Chrysost. in liturg . more honorable then Che●ubins , more glorious farre then Seraphins , ●ho without all corruption hast brought ●orth God , we magnifie thee the true mo●her of God , haile Marie full of grace our ●ord is with thee , blessed thou among ●omen , & blessed the fruit of thy wombe , ●ecause thou hast brought forth the Sa●iour of our soules .

To thee we call most holy virgin , Athan ▪ in Evag. de S. Maria Deipara be ●indfull of vs thou who even after thy ●eliverie diddest remaine a virgin . Haile ●arie full of grace our Lord is with thee , the orders of Angels and all men doe call thee blessed . Blessed art thou aboue all woemen , & blessed the fruit of thy wombe . Make intercession for vs O Mistresse , O Ladie , O Queene , and Mother of God .

Greg. Nazian. Traged . Christi . Thrice blessed mother , light of virgins , that dost inhabit the bright temples of heaven , free from filth of mortalitie , adorned now with immortalities stole , yeeld a benigne eare to my words from on high , and receiue I beseech thee O virgin my prayers .

Bernar. serm. 2. de Advent . O blessed inventor of grace , bringe forth of life , and mother of health , let vs b● thee haue accesse to thy sonne that by the● he may receive vs , who by thee was give● to vs .

IMMACVLATE ] This is the prope● epithete of the Conception of our blesse● Ladie . Others there are appropriated to he● virginitie , as most entire , most pure , vndefiled , not corrupted , not stayned , vntouched , &c. Whence may be gathered th● authors opinion of the immaculate Conception to be the same that our Seraphica● Order hath even from the beginning raise● and maintained both in Quire & schoole that the B. Virgin was alwayes Immaculat● even in the first instant of her Conception as becommed the Maiestie of God , that w● to be borne of her vnspotted flesh . Cant. 4.7 . Thou art all immaculate , &c.

Pag. 17. §. 1. lin. 15. MEMBERS OF THE TRIVMPHANT CHVRCH HAVE IN CHRIST COMPASSION ON THE MEMBERS OF THE MILITANT CHVRCH ] By reason of their vnion . For we beleeue in the holy Catholike Church the communion of Saints . The right order of confession required , Aug. in Encheridio . c. 56. that after the Trinitie the Church should be adioyned as a house to the dweller , and to God his Temple , and to the builder his Citie . The which is here to be taken whole , not only in that part in which it is a pilgrim here on earth , from the Sunne ri●ing to the setting of the same praysing the name of our Lord , and after the captivi●ie of oldnesse singing a new song ; but ●lso in that part which alwayes hath adhe●ed to God in heaven from the time that it was first created , and hath experienced no evill of his fall : this stands fast , blessed ●n the holy Angels , and helpeth as it ought , ●o doe his part that is in pilgrimage : be●ause both shall be one by companie of e●ernitie , and now is one by the band of ●haritie , which whole is instituted to ●orship one God .

Psalm . 118.63 . David said , while he was yet living : I am partaker , with all that feare thee and keepe thy commandements .

1. Cor. 12.12 . As the bodie is but one and yet hath many members and all the members are but one bodie , so also Christ , for in one spirit we were baptized into one . The eye cannot say to the hand I need not thy helpe , nor the head to the feet you are no● necessarie for me . God hath tempered the bodie , giving to it that wanted the more aboundant honour , that there might be no schisme in the bodie , but that the member together might be carefull one for another and if one member feele any smart , all th● members doe condole with it , or if any on member receiue any comfort , all the members doe congratulate with it , and you ar● the bodie of Christ and members of h● members , &c.

S. Maximus , serm. de SS. Octavio , Adventitio & Salvatore martyribus Taurinēsibus . All martyrs are most devoutly to b● worshipped but especially those are to b● honoured of vs whose reliques we haue 〈◊〉 possession , for those helpe vs with the prayers , but these with their passion ; wit● these we haue familiaritie for they be a●waies with vs , they dwell with vs , that i● they keepe vs whilest we liue and receiue 〈◊〉 when we dye ; here , lest wee offend , the● lest the horrour of hell invade vs . To th● end it was ordayned by our forefathers , that our bodies should be laid by the Saints boanes that whilest hell feareth them , paine may not come at vs , whilest Christ illuminateth them , our darcknesse may fly away : Resting with the holy Martyrs we escape hell by their merits , but not vnlesse we be fellowes with them in their sanctitie .

Pag. 17. §. 1. lin. 18. In opinione Doct. subtilis . INTO HIS FIRST SVBSTANCE ] This can not be physically vnderstood ; but is morally taken for death ; He dyed the 29. of Iune 1598. of a consumption , wherof he lay sicke almost a yeare at his manour house of Temple broughton , and was , according to his will , buried in S. Maries , the parish Church of Handburie , in the place where the high Altar stood in the time of Catholike Religion .

Of what age he died I know not but gather that he could not want much of 60. It is evident in the Testament that he lived 40. yeares and vpward vnmaried ; afterward he had 12. children borne him by one wife at 12. severall births . Howsoever , the life was short for a man of his worth , and yet long by reason of the worth of it : As it is said . Sap. 4. He that is consummate and perfected in short time , hath accomplished many times and ages .

De fato sane in●ellige . Seneca Epist. 4. de breviori vita non curandum . Our care must not be to liue long , bu● to liue sufficiently . To liue long wee haue need of fate : to liue sufficiently , a minde ▪ Life is long if it be full : and it is full when the mind hath gotten the maisterie o● good , and into its owne hands power over it selfe . What availe a man 80. yeares passed in sluggishnesse ? Such a man hath not lived , but made a stay in life , nor is he late dead but long .

He hath lived 80. yeares ; all the matter i● from what day you count his death . He hath lived 80. yeares , rather he hath beene 80. yeares : vnlesse you meane he hath lived , so as trees are said to liue . Let vs not measure our life by time but facts . As in little stature a perfect man may be , so in a little terme of time a perfect life may be . Age is an externall thi●g : how long I am , is anothers : but how long I am good , is mine . To liue vnto wisedome is the space of mos● ample life . Idem , lib. 1. de tranquilitate vita● cap. 10. There is no viler thing then an aged ould man that hath no other argument bu● yeares to proue that he hath lived long .

Lin. 21. IT SHALL PLEASE GOD TO APPOINT ] Man purposeth and God disposeth . Therfore saith S. Iames the Apostle . Epist. cap. 4. Say if our Lord will , or if we liue , we will doe this or that , because we know not what shall be to morrow .

So the soule bee safe , it is no great matter where the bodie lye : many a holy bodie lyeth in the sea , many burned to askes , many devoured by wild beasts , &c. Yet every man ought so much to esteeme of Christian buriall , as he ought to seeke for it by all lawfull meanes , and is bound to ordaine as providently as he can ; and a good reason why is giuen in the leafe here before , out of S. Maximus .

Pag. 17. § . 2. RVFVLL DECAY OF THE CATHOLIKE RELIGION ] Begunne in England by Henrie 8. breaking obedience with the sea of Rome by act of Parlament , 1533. and made more full by Q. Elizabeth .

AS A TRVE FATHER ] A true father is he that , according to the law of nature , provideth for those whom he hath gotten into the world , not only bodily , but spiritually : which law is so firmely engraffed in nature , as it needs no expresse law written , to command it : as the children haue to honours their parents : the care of providing corporally for children is in some parents over much , and the provision for their soules ( the chief part ) too little .

These are not true fathers , that care not to leaue to their children a true inheritance : but false fathers , leaving inheritance of false riches ; such as when they haue slept their sleepe , they shall find nothing in their hands . The true father hath his principall care to instruct his children in the law of God : that as , not only the earthly goods , but celestiall doctrines were by his forefathers delivered to him ; so he , keeping them in the customes and maners of his life , deliver the same to his posteritie at his death . The sonnes , most commonly follow the steps of their fathers , and thinke all lawful to doe that they see them vse . Great is the obligation of parents in the education of their children .

Ioan. 5.19 . The sonne can doe nothing of himselfe , but what he seeth his father doe ; for whatsoever he doth , the sonne likewise doth .

Isaias 38. Mat. 10.32 . Marck 8.38 . Luc. 9.26 . & 12 8. Pag. 18. § . 3. BE IT KNOWNE TO THEM AND TO ALL THE WORLD ] The father to his children shall notifie thy truth . Every one tha● shall confesse me before men , I wil● also confesse him before my Father which is in heaven . And he that shal● denie me before men : I will also denie him before my Father which is in heaven .

S. Aug. serm. 181. de tempore , Vide supra §. ● . by faith confessing . Tom. 10. Heb. 11. Sine fide . Without faith it is impossible to please God , this faith he acknowledgeth in our hearts , that searcheth reines and hearts , but for conserving of the Churches vnitie ; for the dispensation of this time , with faith of heart , is also necessarie confession of mouth ; because with the heart we beleeue to iustice , and with mouth we make confession to salvation , not only of preachers , but also of those that are instructed : Otherwise one brother of another could not have notice , nor the Churches peace be conserved , nor one teach another , nor learne of another , necessarie things to salvation , vnlesse what he hath in his heart , with signes of voice , as it were , with certaine chariots he sent to the hearts of others ▪ Faith is therfore both to be kept in the heart , and brought forth with the mouth : for faith is the foundation of all good things , and beginning of humane salvation : without this no man can come to the number of the sonnes of God , and without it , neither doth he obtaine the grace of iustification in this world , nor shall he possesse life everlasting in the world to come . And if one walke not by faith , he shall not come to vision . The holy Apostles , having regard to this , delivered a certaine rule of faith , which , according to the Apostolicall number , comprehended in 12. sentences , they called the symbole , by which the beleevers might hould the Catholike vnitie and by which they might convince hereticall pravi●ie , &c.

A MEMBER OF CHRISTS TRVE , CATHOLIKE , AND APOSTOLIKE CHVRCH ] Signes of the true Church are , that it is one , holy , Catholike , and Apostolike , therfore he adioyneth [ OVT OF THE VNITIE AND FELLOWSHIP WHEROF THERE NEVER WAS , NOR IS , NOR CAN BE SALVATION ] No more then was for those that were without the arke of Noe. The true Church can be but one , in as much as truth is one , and can be but one : errour manifold , and in a manner infinite . A man that going a iourney , bent to one place if he leaue the right way , which can be but one , it is no more matter which way he take , of so many wayes as lie round about him , for in all he erreth , and shall not come to the place intended , because he hath left the way that only leades therunto . Aug. serm. 181. de tempore , prope finem , Tom. 10 Symbol . Apost. The holy Catholike Church . It is to be knowne that we must beleeue the Church , and not beleeue in the Church , because the Church is not God , but the house of God . Catholike , he saith , diffused over all the whole world , because the Churches of diverse Heretiks are therfore not called Catholike , because they be contained in places , & every one in their owne Provinces , but this , even from the Sun rising , to the setting of the same , is diffused with the splendour of one faith . There are no greater riches , no treasures , no honours , no greater substance of this world , then is the Catholike faith : which saveth men sinners , illuminateth the blind , cureth the infirme , baptizeth Cathecumens , iustifieth the faithfull , repayreth penitents , augmenteth the iust , crowneth , martyrs , ordeyneth clerks , consecrateth Priests , prepareth for the kingdome of heaven , and in the everlasting inheritance communicateth with the holy Angels . Whosoever he be , and of what condition soever he be , he is no Christian that is not in the Church of Christ .

Our Lord IESVS CHRIST like a whole perfect man , both head & bodie : Aug. in Psal. 90. Concio . 2 Tom. 8. the head wo acknowledge in that man which was borne of the Virgin MARIE , suffered vnder Pontius Pilate , was buried , arose , ascended in to heaven , sitteth at the right hand of the Father , from thence we expect him , iudge of the living and the dead : this is the head of the Church ; the bodie of this head is the Church , not which is in this place ; but which is in this place , and over all the world : nor that which is in this time , but even from Abel vnto those which are to be borne , and to beleeue in Christ even till the end , all the people of Saints , pertayning to one citie , which citie is the bodie of Christ ; whose head is Christ .

Whosoever separated from the Church is conioyned to an adulteresse ; is separated from the things promissed to the Church ; neither doth he appertaine to the rewards of Christ , that leaueth the Church of Christ , he is an Alien , he is prophane , he is an enemie ; he cannot now haue God his father , which hath not the Church his mother . If hee could escape that was without the arke of Noe , then he shall escape that is without the church . Cyprianus tract . de simplicitate Praelat . sive de vnitate Ecclesiae .

I following no first but Christ , am consociated to thy beatitude , that is , to the chayre of Peeter : I know the Church was built vpon the Rocke , whosoever out of this house eateth the lambe , is profane . If any one be out of the arke of Noe while the floud rageth , he shall perish . Hieronymus , epist. 1. ad Damasum , tomo 2.

The Roman Church in all I seeke to follow . Ambros . lib. 3. de Sacramentis , cap. 1. post ●edium , parte 1. No man blotteth out of heaven the constitution of God : no man blotteth out of earth the Church of God . Aug. epist. 162. in fine .

That is the holy Church , the one Church , the Catholike Church , the true Church , fighting against all heresies : fight it may , bee vanquished it cannot . All heresies haue gone out therof , as vnprofitable sprigs cut from the vine , but shee remaineth vpon her roote , vpon her vine , vpon her charitie , the gates of hell shall not overcome her . Aug. lib. 1. de symb . ad cathecum . cap. 5. in fine .

The sunne is easier extinguished , then the Church obscured . Chrysost. hom. 4. in 6. Esaiae .

Theodosius the great , Aug. de Civitate lib. 5. cap. 26. gloried more that he was a member of the Catholike Church , then that he reigned vpon the earth .

What is more honorable then the Emperour to be called a child of the Church , Ambro. de Eccl. non trad . Haereticis . Heb. 11. this is that Moyses preferred before the Aegyptian treasures , denying himself to be Pharaos sonne , and choosing rather to be afflicted with Gods people then to haue the pleasure of temporall sinne . Gregor. Naz. epist. ad 150. Episc ▪ For before God there is nothing so magnificent and illustrious , as pure doctrine , and a soule instructed and made perfect with divine opinions .

Pag. 28. §. 3. lin. 11. I acknowledge God the Father my maker , God the Sonne my redeemer , &c. Matth. 28.19 . Going teach all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Sonne and of the holy Ghost . Aug. l. 1 de fide ad Petrum , c. 1. Tom. 3. The faith of the Trinitie . In what place soever thou beest constitute , because , according to the Rule promulgated by the command of our Saviour , thou knowest thy selfe to be baptized in one name of the Father , & Sonne , and holy Ghost ; principally , and without doubt , retaine with thy whole heart , that the Father is God ▪ the Sonne God , and the holy Ghost God ; that is , the holy and ineffable Trinitie , to be naturally one God ; Deut. 6. Mat. 4. of whom in Deuteronomie it is said : Heare Israel , thy Lord thy God is one God : And thou shalt adore thy Lord God , and serue him alone : Yet because this one God , who only is naturally the true God , we haue said to be neither Father alone , nor Sonne alone , nor holy Ghost alone , but together Father , Sonne , and holy Ghost , we must beware , lest as we truly say the Father and Sonne & holy Ghost , in that belongeth to their naturall vnitie , to be one God ; so we dare say , or beleeue , ( which is altogether vnlawfull ) that he which is Father is the same that the Sonne , or holy Ghost ; Or ●e that is Sonne , either Father or holy Ghost ; Or he that is holy Ghost , called properly , in the confession of this Trinitie , to say or beleeue , that he is personally the Father or the Sonne . For that faith which the holy Patriarchs and Prophets , received from God before the incarnation of the Sonne of God ; which also the holy Apostles heard from our Lord him selfe in flesh ; and , by the magisterie of the holy Ghost instructed , not only preached in word , but also to the healthfull instruction of posteritie left in their writings , preacheth the Trinitie to be one God : that is , Father , Sonne , and holy Ghost . But it were no true Trinitie , if one and the same person were called Father , and Sonne , and holy Ghost : For if , as the substance of the Father , and Sonne , and holy Ghost , is one , so the person were one ; there were nothing wherin it might be truly called a Trinitie . Againe , it were indeed a true Trinitie , but that Trinitie should not be one God , if as the Father and Sonne , and holy Ghost , are in proprietie of persons distinct from one another , so they were distinguished in diversitie of natures .

But because in that one true God Trinitie , not only that it is one God , but also tha● it is a Trinitie , is naturally true ; therfor● that true God is in persons a Trinitie , and in nature one . By this naturall vnitie , all th● Father is in the Sonne and holy Ghost ; al● the Sonne in the Father and holy Ghost ▪ all the holy Ghost in the Father and Sonne none of these is without any one of them ▪ because none is before another in eternitie , or exceedeth in greatnesse , or surpasseth in power ; because , in as much as perteineth to the vnitie of the divine nature , the Father is neither before nor greater then the Sonne , nor holy Ghost : nor the eternitie and immensitie of the Sonne , as it were before , or greater , can naturally precede or exceed , the eternitie and immensitie of the holy Ghost .

Aug. de Trin. cap. 4. Tom. 3. All that ever I could reade of , that before me wrote of the Trinitie , which is God , the Catholike handlers of the divine bookes both new and old , haue intended to teach this out of the Scriptures : that the Father , and Sonne , and holy Ghost , of one and the same substance , with inseparable equalitie , doe insinuate the divine vnitie : therfore they be not three Gods , but one God : Although the Father haue begotten the Sonne , and therfore the Sonne is not , whom the Father is : and the Sonne is begotten of the Father , and for that he is not Father which is Sonne : and the holy Ghost is neither Father , nor Sonne , but only the spirit of the Father and Sonne : himselfe also coequal to the Father and Sonne , and pertayning to the vnitie of the Trinitie : And yet not the same Trinitie borne of the Virgin MARIE ; vnder Pontius Pilate crucified , and buried ; to haue risen the third day and ascended into heauen ; but only the Sonne . Nor the same Trinitie to haue descended in likenesse of a doue vpon IESVS baptized : or on the day of Pentecost after the Ascension of our Lord with sound made from heauen as if a vehement blaste were carried along , and in divided tongues like fire , to haue sitten vpon every one of them , but only the holy Ghost . Nor the same Trinitie to haue said from heaven : thou art my Sonne : when either he was baptized by Iohn , or vpon the mount , when the three disciples were with him , or when the voice sounded , saying : I haue both clarified & againe wil clarify : but only the Fathers voice to haue beene made to the Sonne ; although the Father , & Son and holy Ghost , as they are inseparable , so do they inseparably worke . This is also my faith , because this is the Catholike faith .

Pag. 18. §. 4. lin. 1. I BELEEVE AND HOVLD ] The Apostles Creed , the Nicene Creed , Athanasius Creed , the 10. Commandements , the 7. Sacraments : and in a word , all that the Catholike Church teacheth and holdeth ; for , to beleeue profiteth nothing vnlesse we also hold and keepe in worke , what we beleeue ; and that wholly , and entirely . Epist. Iacobi . c. 2. 10. Whosoever keepeth otherwise the whole law and offendeth in one point : becommeth guiltie of the whole , as if he had transgressed in all . That the Sacraments are the conducts wherby the grace of God is derived vnto mankinde : Their number , order , names , &c.

1. BAPTISME ] He rekoneth the Sacraments in such order as they occurred at the present to memorie , Matth. vlt. Whose right order is , first baptisme : wherby we are , regenerate , and borne a new in Christ to spirituall , and everlasting life ; who before were borne of our parents in the world , to corporall , and , without this Sacrament , to everlasting death .

Ioan . 20. Act. 2. Confirmation ; wherby we be spiritually strengthened and grow , as in our infancie we be lapped and bound corporally vntill our ioynts be knit and we made able to stand by our naturall forces .

Eucharistie , Ioan. 6. praedicatur Euch. Mat. 26. Iacob . 5 Ioan . 20. Mat. 16. wherby we be nourished and fed in soule , as by corporall foode we be fed in bodie .

Penance ; wherby the wounds of sinne that we receiue in our soules after baptisme are cured .

Extreame vnction : Iacob . 5 Marc. 6. which strengtheneth vs in our passage out of this life , when of our selves we be too weake to resist the assaults of the divell , who then most of all rageth ; tendens insidias calcaneo nostro . Of these fiue ; see Scotus in 4. D. 2. Q. 1. Conclusione 1. Whose words are these : Like as in the naturall life first is generation , after followeth nutrition , and corroboration , and reparation of the health lost , and these 4. appertaine to every singular person : and yet besides these , something is requisite pertayning to the communitie , by which a man is constitute in necessarie degree toward some act necessarie for the communitie . So spiritually , to complete perfection outwardly , there must be some helpe pertayning to spirituall generation : and secondly , something pertayning to nutrition : thirdly , pertayning to roboration or strengthning : fourthly , to reparation after falling : and fiftly , besides these things is required some being , wherby he that departeth be finally prepared : For this spirituall life is a certaine way , ordaining that he who liveth well in the same , may without impediment passe out of it to the other , for which he is prepared . These things therfore are required as necessarie helps to every person for himselfe .

Of the other 2. Order , and Matrimonie . Scotus ibi .

And for the good of the communitie observing this law , is required also carnall multiplication ; because the same is presupposed to the spirituall good , as nature to grace : and spirituall multiplication of others in the same law . So therfore it was congruent to haue seven helpes bestowed vpon the observers of the Evangelicall law ; wherin might be both intensiue and extensiue perfection , and sufficient for all things necessarie to the observance of this law ; and these are , as the Maister of Sentences hath in his text : Baptisme , appertaining to spirituall generation : Eucharist , necessarie to nourishment : Confirmation , for strengthening : Penance , to the reparation of those that are falne : Mat. 19. ex 1. & 2. Genesis . Mat. 26. Ioan . 20. Extreme vnction , to the finall reparation : Matrimonie , to multiplication in the being of nature , or carnall being : and Order , to multiplication in the being of grace , or spirituall being .

CONFESSION ] By this name the Author calleth the sacrament of Penance , as by the part of that Sacrament which then was , and allwaies hath beene by the divell , and his ministers the Heretiques , most opposed . The first part of the Sacrament of Penance is contrition , or inward sorrow of heart through consideration of Gods goodnesse and our owne wickednesse . No Heretikes are so barbarous , nor any people in the world , that acknowledgeth any God , but they hold this part necessarie , as indeed it is , and hath alwaies beene , to salvation . This they call ●epentance , and not improperly , if rightly vnderstood . But wheras they hold this to be sufficient to blot out sinnes committed after baptisme , it is false : for since the comming of our Saviour Christ and preaching the law of grace ( which taketh not away , but accomplisheth the former law ) sinne is not remitted by only contrition , but confession of it to a Priest is also required : and moreover Satisfaction must follow : that the partie wronged , whether God , or our neighbour , may againe be appeased , and satisfied : yea , even before the time of our Saviour Christ these seeme to haue beene in vse : 2. Reg. 12.13 . David confessed his sinne to Nathan the Prophet , and did satisfaction by penall worke , adiudging also him that had wronged the poore man , by taking his sheepe , and sparing his owne , to fourefould restitution , The people of all estates that came confessing their sinnes to S. Iohn the Baptist , Luc. 3.10 . demanded , and were by him enioyned what they should doe . Luc. 19 8. The rich Zachaeus offered our Saviour to giue the halfe of his goods to the poore , and restore foure times as much , to any man that he might hap to haue defrauded . In confession is the greatest humilitie , a man will easier part with his goods , or paine his bodie , to satisfie , or be contrite in heart , than in Confession to accuse himselfe ; which kind of Pride we inherited from our first parents : Adam would not confesse his sinne to God that knew it , Aug. de Civis . l. 13. c. 11. in fine . but cast the fault vpon the woman : nor shee confesse , but cast the fault vpon the serpent : deceived in this , that to God rebuking and chastizing , he esteemed he should bring a iust excuse , and such as easily he would admit , if he should say he did it , to gratifie his companion ; and that companion , not which he had assumed to himselfe , but which our Lord had given him .

How many hard labours , and painefull pilgrimages haue some men vndergone to expiate their sinne : which never the lesse they could never disburden their conscience of vntill they confessed . So much availeth confession , as when it can be had , without it no contrition doth suffice ; and when it cannot be had , to make contrition valuable to salvation , we must haue confession at least in desire and will .

Aug. lib. 50. hom. Tom. 10. hom. 12. Dearely beloved brothers , in all the divine Scriptures we be profitably , & healthfully admonished , that we ought to confesse our sinnes , continually , and humbly , not only to God , but also to holy men , and those that feare God : For God will not therfore haue vs to confesse our sinnes because he cannot otherwise know them , but because this the divell desireth , that he may finde what to obiect against vs before the tribunall of the everlasting Iudge ; therfore he had rather we would defend than accuse our sinnes . On the contrarie side , our God , because he is pious and mercifull , will that we confesse them in the world , that we be not confounded for them in the world to come . The divell therfore knowing the vertue of pure confession , with all his forces endeavoreth to hinder a man that he doe not confesse , and as at first he suggested to make man fall , so after the fall he hindreth vs from rising , because he knoweth we cannot rise without confession .

It is worse that a man will not confesse , then to contemne the law . That a man will not by satisfaction appease the offense of God , is worse then by sinning to offend the goodnesse of God : for although sinne be forgiven by contrition , yet vocall confession is necessarie , either in deede , when opportunitie is had , or in purpose , when the article of necessitie excludeth the same , and not contempt of Religion ; and so , the necessitie of confessing after contrition , is not in such case , for necessitie of the remedie , but for the obligation of the precept .

Conveniently was confession instituted , that he who being in his owne power had departed from God , put vnder the power of an other , with humilitie , and deuotion , may returne . Chrysost. hom. 3. op. imperfect . de Confessionis vtil . Confession of our sinnes is a signe of a good minde , and the testimonie of a conscience that feareth God . Perfect feare breaketh through all shame , and there only is the turpitude of confession seene , where the paine of the future iudgement is not beleeved . And because the very shame is a grievous paine , therfore God commandeth vs to confesse our sinnes , that we may suffer the blushing for paine : for this verie thing is part of the divine iudgement . He is worthy of perdon that seeketh not to excuse his sinne , for where confession is , there is remission , because shamefaced confession holdeth the next place to innocencie .

Aug. de poenitentiae vtilitate . Because it is a great shaming to confesse ones sinnes , he that vndergoeth this shame for Christ , is worthie of mercie .

Greg. lib. 12. moral . c. 14. Let those that will mervail at , in everie iust man , the continence of chastitie , let them mervail at the integritie of iustice , let them admire the bowels of pietie , I doe no lesse admire at the most humble confession of sinnes , then so many sublime deedes of virtue .

Aug. vbi supra . O foole , why art thou ashamed to tell to a man , that which thou wert not ashamed to doe in the sight of God ? Remoue from thee shame , runne to the Priest , reveale thy secret , confesse thy sinne , otherwise contrition of heart will nothing profit thee , vnlesse confession of the mouth , if thou cannest , doe follow it . Confession is the health of soules , dissipatour of vices , restorer of vertues , oppugnatour of the divels : what will you more ? it stoppeth the gates of Hell , and openeth the gates of Paradise .

Pag. 19. § . 5. SACRAMENT OF THE LORDS SVPPER ] Although , not only in many other places , but even in the immediatly ensuing words the mind of the author he sufficiently declared , yet because the wise ( that few are ) must speake with the multitude , and accommodate themselves to wise and vnwise , to whom we are debters , with the Apostle : It is here to be noted , concerning this maner of speaking . Everie word absolutely set downe standeth first for his principal , and more general signification . So that Dominus , vnlesse it be limited , and drawne to more particularitie of signification , by some terme of restriction , must after his generall signification be called , A Lord : or , The Lord : and not our Lord , more then your Lord , or my Lord , or his Lord , or their Lord ; which signification it must take from some of these adioyned expressely , our , their , his , mine , &c. Which of it selfe it hath not , but a more noble , because lesse limited . Far more it is to be The Lord , by which we vnderstand The Lord of all , then Our Lord : which , according to the very letter , doth not sound Lord of all , but rather excluding others , would seeme to be ours , & not theirs . In some places , as where it is said , Ego Dominus : it can haue none other sense but , I The Lord : for sencelesse it were to say , I our Lord , and not much better to say I your Lord : the true is , I The Lord .

The Lord , and Our Lord neither kind of speech is to be reproved but according to the occurrent matter both vsed indifferently .

Dominicam Coenam , saith S. Paul , 1. Cor. 11.20 . The Lords Supper , and vers. 26. Mortem Domini , the Lords death : which is better expressed in the other sacred tongues as 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 eth Adonai 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ; the death of the Lord .

When this speech , Our Lord , is vsed out of a more feruent devotion towards God , it is to be applauded , because we will shew therin a particular relation that we haue to him more then all other creatures haue : and that he is Our Lord , with dominion over vs that are after his likenesse , more then over other creatures , that are lesse , or nothing after his likenesse : which is insinuated to vs in the booke of Genesis , where God is never called The Lord , before the creation of man , but 35. times 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 God , and after Gen. 2.4 . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The Lord . What dominion hath a man vnlesse over men , that are of his likenesse and vsing reason ? Over the brute beasts he vseth no speciall act of lordship or dominion , but as he serueth himselfe with them , so also he serveth them . Over insensible more improperly is man said to haue dominion : because they cannot obey his command , but are disposed of by the labour of his hands . Those things we are most properly said to be Lords of , which doe most immediately obey the power of our will . Mans will is immediately subiect to Gods will , and not as other creatures are , by the governement of Angels , or influence of the heavens : And man ought to call Our Lord , and not The Lord , when the matter spoaken of is directly belonging to his will subiect only to God and to no creature whatsoever . Which freedome he hath given vs , because he will shew himselfe a loving , and not a tyrannicall Lord . In these places as of the Lords supper , &c. There is no speciall mention of our subiection , but of his voluntarie gift , &c. Therfore it may well be called , The Lords supper , The Lords death , &c.

Pag. 19. §. 5. lin. 3. OF THE ALTAR ] The Heretikes of these times haue none : only Catholikes haue an Altar . Heb. 13 , 10. Mala. 1.10 .

Lin. 3. WORDS OF CONSECRATION ] How can that which is bread be the Bodie of Christ ? Ambros . de Sacramentis . lib. 4. cap. 4. By consecration . Consecration then with what words , and by whose speeches is it ? by the words and speeches of our Lord IESVS : for , by all other things that are said , praise is given to God , prayer is made for the people , for Kings , for others , when they come once to make the venerable Sacrament , the Priest vseth not his owne words , but the words of Christ . The speech of Christ therfore maketh this Sacrament . What speech of Christ ? verily that by which all things are made . Our Lord commanded and the heavens were made : Our Lord commanded and the earth was made : Our Lord commanded and the seas were made : Our Lord commanded and every creature was engendred : you see of what operation the word of Christ is . If therfore there be so much force in the speech of our Lord IESVS , as that which was not , beginneth therby to be , of how much greater operation is it , to let the things be which were , and change them into other things ? the heaven was not , the sea was not , the earth was not , but harken to him that saith : He said the word , and they are made , he commanded , and they are created . That therfore I may answere thee , there was not the bodie of Christ before the consecration , but after the consecration , I say to thee , that now it is the bodie of Christ : He hath said , and it is made ; he hath commanded ●●d it i●●●●●ted

SACRIFICE . MASSE . Malach. 1.11 . In every place i● sacrifized and offered to my name a pure oblation which none haue but the Catholike Church .

FIGVRATIVE SPEECHES ] By connexion of one place with another , by comparing the antecedent with the consequent words of Scripture : Scotus in 4. D. 10. Q. 1. num. 3. Will haue vs to gather whether things be spoken figuratiuely or not : and argueth that here they be not figuratiue , out of the words following ; for when Christ had said ; Take and eat this is my bodie , to declare that he meant his verie bodie , and no mysticall bodie , he said immediately , which shall be delivered for you ; and his bodie was the same night delivered to death for all mankind , betrayed by the false Apostle Iudas .

Pag. 20. §. 6. lin. 1. EXAMINATION OF CONSCIENCE ] Wherof the Apostle . 1. Cor. 11.28 . Let a man proue himselfe : and 31. if we would iudge our selves we should not be iudged .

No paine is more grievous then a wicked conscience . An evill conscience is tossed with his owne prickings : if publike fame condemne thee not , thy owne conscience condemneth thee , because no man can fly from himselfe . Wilt thou be never sad ? Liue well : good life hath alwaies ioy , the conscience of the guilty is alwayes in paine . Bernard . Tract . De interiori domo . cap. 45.

Among the manifold tribulations , and innumerable molestious afflictions of a mans soule , there is no greater affliction then conscience of sinne . Greg. in septimum Psalm . poenitent . vers . penult. And , on the contrarie , there is no greater consolation , then a conscience adorned with vertues . Vide Aug. serm. 10. ad frat . in eremo , Tom. 10. & serm. 45.

How beautifull is the brightenesse of the soule ! How happie the conscience full of good works ! If he be potent , that commands the world , how happie is he that in his conscience beareth God ? Aug. serm. 7. de Tempore .

By good life a good conscience is gained , that by the good conscience no paine may be feared : let him therfore learne to feare that will not feare , let him learne for a time to be solicitous that will alwaies be secure . Aug. serm. 214. De tempore .

No man reioyceth in God , that liveth i● vice . Aug. lib. 50. Hom. hom. 33. in medio . & serm. 215. No man hath vniust gaine with out iust dammage : where gaine is , there i● dammage , gaine in the coffers , dammage i● the conscience ,

There is no better pleasure then th● grace of a corrected conscience , Amb. lib. 2 de Abraham , cap. 11. Tom. 4.

REPENTANCE , AND AMENDMENT ] Confession maketh contrition or repentance more intense , and as it selfe is caused by them , so it doth againe cherish and encrease them , and of them both proceedeth amendment : for he that with contrition confesseth , submitteth himselfe also to make amends , and doe satisfaction according to the iudgement of him to whom he confesseth : and not only to amend by leading a new life , but as well by satisfiyng for that is past . Of satisfaction ▪ or penance for sinnes , Daniel . 4.24 . Matth. 3.8 . Luc. 3.8 . Wherupon see . Greg. hom. 20. in Evangel. Bernard . serm. 66. in Cant. Chrysost. hom. 10. in Matth. Aug. aut poenitendum , aut ardendum . Looke to doe penance , or to burne .

Pag. 20. §. 7. lin. 2. INVOCATION OF SAINTS ] Who being like the Angels of God , can both attend to our need & the vision of God . Mat. 22.30.18 , 10. Luc. 15.10 .

PRAYER FOR THE DEAD ] Saint Peeter instructed vs , to haue a gard over the acts of our life every houre : he instructed vs also to burie the dead , and to performe their exequies diligently , and to pray for them , and to giue almes . Clemens , epist. 1. ad Iacobum fratrem Domini .

Dionys . de Eccl. Hierarch . cap. 7. Then comming the venerable Prelate readeth a most holy prayer over him , that the divine clemencie will forgiue the dead all his sinnes committed through humane infirmitie , and place him in the light and region of the living , in the bosome of Abraham , Isaac , and Iacob , in the place whence is banished all sighes , sorrow , and sadnesse .

Chrysost. hom. 69. ad populum . It was not rashly ordained by the Apostles , that in the dreadfull mysteries , there should be commemoration made of the dead .

They that loue their friends , dead in bodie , and not in soule , with spirituall loue , and not carnall alone ; let them carefully , and instantly , exercise those things that helpe the soules of the dead : as offerings , prayers , and almes . Aug.

Lin. 4. PVRGATION OF SOVLES ] Matth. 5.25.26 . & 12.32 . Luc. 16.22 . 1. Cor. 3.13 .

CHRISTIAN WORKS ] The iust man is iudged by his works . Iacob . 2.22 2. Petri 1.10 . Apoc. 22.11 . Which places mak● also against sole faith . 1. Cor. 15.58 .

Pag. 21. §. 8. lin. 4 , TEACHING HE● ALL TRVTH ] Ioannes 14.16 . & 16.13 .

Lin. 6. GATES OF HELL ] Mat. 16.18

Lin. 10. ANGELS OF LIGHT ] A● Gal. 1.8 . But although we , or an Angel from heaven , evangelize to you another thing besides that we haue evangelized to you● Anathema . Idem 2. Cor. 11.13 .

Lin. 11 , DELICACIE OF WORLDL● MENS DELIGHTS ] Contrarie to th● delights of good men , who , renouncing th● world , haue fixed their delight in God . O● such the Apostle warned his Disciple 2. Tim. 3. Know that in the last dayes ther● sh●ll be dangerous times , and there shall b● men loving themselves , covetous , loftie proude , blasphemous , disobeying Parents vngratefull , wicked , without affection without peace , laying crimes vpon others incontinent , rude , without benignitie , traitours , sawcie , puffed vp , and lovers of pleasures more then of God , having the appearance of pietie , but denying the vertue therof . Avoide these .

Lin. 17. FORTIE OR FIFTIE YEARES ] Luther fell from the Catholike Church anno 1517. Yet there was no publike profession of Lutheranisme , or libertie , so soone .

Pag. 22. lin. 5. A CITIE SET VPON AN HILL ] Mat. 5.14.15 . Where also of the light of it : and , Marc. 4.21 . Luc. 11.33 .

Pag. 22. lin. 12. THIRTEENE HVNDRED YEARES ] England first received the Christian religion from Ioseph ●b Arimathia , that buried Christ and came after into England , preached there the Gospell , and baptized them that beleeued , as Gildas Sapiens , wrighteth , Venerable Bede , Polydore , Vergill , and others : And Baronius , at the yeare of our Lord 35. num. 3.

But more fully it was converted 180. yeares after Christ in the reigne of King Lucius , by S. Fugatius and S. Damian , sent thither from Rome by Eleutherius Pope .

And also 400. yeares after that , by S. Augustine and his fellowes , sent thither by S. Gregorie the great , about the yeare 600.

Pag. 22. § . 9. I HOLD AND BELEEVE ALL THAT THE CATHOLIKE AND APOSTOLIKE CHVRCH ] If any one come to you and bring not this doctrine , receiue him not into the house , nor say to him , God saue you . 2. Ioan. 1.

Ambrose . He denyeth Chr●st that confesseth not all , things that are Christs .

Hilarius . It becommeth the ministers of truth to professe true things .

Aug. lib. de fide ad Petrum , cap. 39. Most firmely hold , and no way doubt , that every Heretike , or Schismatike , baptized in the name of the Father , and of the Sonne , and of the holy Ghost , if he be not aggregated to the Catholike Church , how many almesdeeds soever he doe , although he shed his bloud for the name of Christ , can by no meanes be saved : For to every man , that holdeth not the vnitie of the Catholike Church , neither Baptisme , nor Almes , how copious soever it be , nor death for the name of Christ vndergone , can be of any value to salvation , as long as he persevereth in that hereticall , or schismaticall pravitie which leadeth vnto death .

Cap. 40. Most firmely hold and no way doubt , that not all which are baptized within the Catholike Church shall receiu● life everlasting , but they which having received baptisme do liue a right , that is , wh● haue abstained them from the vices an● concupiscences of the flesh . For the kingdome of Heaven , as Infidels , Heretikes and Schismatikes shall not haue it , 〈◊〉 wicked Catholikes can never possesse it .

Vincentius Lyrenensis . He is a true and naturall Catholike , that loveth the truth o● God , the Church , the bodie of Christ , who before the divine religion , before the Catholike faith , preferreth nothing , not the authoritie of any man , not loue , nor wit , nor eloquence , nor Philosophie ; but despising all these , and there remaining fixed and steedfast , whatsoever vniversally , from all antiquitie , he knoweth the Catholike Church to haue holden , that only he decreeth with himselfe to hold and beleeue ; and whatsoever afterward he perceiveth new and vnheard of to haue beene introduced by any one , otherwise then all , or contrarie to all the Saints , that he vnderstandeth to appertaine , not to Religion , but rather to temptation .

Lin. 4. GODLY CEREMONIALL RIGHTS ] He that will condemne the ceremonies of Gods Church , let him first trie if he can himselfe leade a humane life amongst civill men ●ithout all ceremonie ; let him separate all substance from his accidents and see whether it be worth the looking vpon . As in accidents there is difference , and some make the substance to be better accepted then others , for examples sake , in colour , in savour , &c. So ceremonies doe , according as they are better or worse , set out the substance of the thing wherabout they be vsed . What is any artificers worke , although according to the substantiall part it be wholly finished , vnlesse i● be also polite . As God gaue to his people i● the old law precepts Morall , Iudiciall , and Ceremoniall , so in the new testament there are Doctrine , Sacraments , with their ceremonies , and Discipline . Deut. 6. Keepe the precepts of thy Lord God , & the testimonies , and ceremonies , which he hath commanded thee .

Lin. 13. CONTINVALL PRAYER ] Luc. 18. Wee must alwaies pray and never faile : Psalm . 118. Psal. 5. Vtinam dirigantur viae meae , ad custodiendas iustificationes tuas . Dirige Domine Deus meus in conspectu tuo viam meam . Be instant in prayer , watching therin , with thanks-giving . Coloss. 4.2 . Pray without intermission . 1. Thess. 5.17 . Psalm . 24. Dirige me in veritate tua & doce me ...... dirige me in semitam rectam . 89. Opus manuum nostrarum dirige .

Pag. 23. § . 10. FROM A RESOLVTE HEART ] No temptation doth so soone seaze , or overthrow , him that is well resolved , and constantly settled in his minde ; as it doth him that is doubtfull and wavering . 2. Cor. 8.12 . If the will be prompt : according to what it hath , it is accepted .

The works of our will that spring immediately from it , cannot suffer violence from any power , but in those workes or acts that are of other powers , commanded by the will , shee may suffer violence .

S. Thomas . 1. 2. Q. 6. A. 4. Violence , Feare , Concupiscence . Ignorance , &c. May assaile the will , but , cannot overcome it , to cause it doe a thing : for that no agent in his action can be compelled . Violence , and feare , may diminish , and make an act lesse voluntarie ; Concupiscence ofter encreasseth , and maketh it more voluntarie , Ignorance maketh it , not to be voluntarie ; but not involuntarie , or against ones will .

He that doth but foresee the dangers , is lesse strooken by the dint of them . Heb. 13 , 9. The best thing , saith the Apostle , is to establish the heart with grace . And Ecclesiastic. 2.1 . Comming to the service of God stand in iustice , and feare , and prepare thy soule for temptation . Our wavering mind addeth forces to the temptation .

Prosper . 3. de vita contemplativa . Every man , vntill by certaine definition he confirme himselfe in that he hath chosen ; being as it were in a forked way of vncertaine deliberation , is torne in peeces by the very diversitie of wills . Vertue exhorteth , and provoketh a man , that , all ambiguitie of definition deposed , he vndertake his spiritu●ll purpose , that h confide , not in his owne possibilitie , but in the miseration of our Lord , to persever in the labour of his conflict vndertaken , 1. Thess. 5.24 . He is faithfull that hath called you , who also will doe it . Esai . 40.31 . They that hope in our Lord shall change their strength , they shall assume wings like Eagles , they sh●ll runne and not labour , they shall walke and not faint .

Pag. 24. lin. 6. AFFECTION OF WIFE OR CHILDREN ] Luc. 14.26 . If any one come to me and hate not his father , and mother , and wife , and children , and brothers , and sisters , and moreover his owne soule , he can not be my disciple . Idem , Matth. 10.37 .

Pag. 25. § . 11. By COVNTRIE FARRE DIVIDED ] Shee being of Acton , by Long Melforde , in the countie of Southfolke .

TRVE GENEROSITIE ] Seneca lib. de moribus . The nobilitie of the mind is the generositie of the sense : The nobilitie of bodie , a generous minde .

NOT IGNOBLE ] Evill nobilitie it is , that by pride maketh a man ignoble before God . Aug. serm. 127. de tempore . Summa ingenuitas ista est , in qua servitus Christi comprobatur . Off. Agath . 5. Feb.

Pag. 25. §. 12. lin. 6. EDWARD THE FIRST ] This was the sonne of Henry the third , King of England , and beganne his raigne the 16. of November , 1272. the same day that his father dyed .

Pag. 26. §. 13. lin. 8. & lin. 11. HENRIE THE 8. ] By the death of his father King Henrie the 7. began to raigne the 22. of Aprill 1509. Of one Arthur Plantagenet ; there is mention in Stow , at the fourth yeare of this King , anno 1513.

Pag. 27. § . 14. FORCED TO GIVE OVER ] In suites of Law it is not enough to haue a iust cause , or good title ; but a man must haue a good head , vnderstanding and insight in the lawes , abilitie and strength of body to follow the suite by ones selfe ; and aboue all other things a good purse that will never be drawne drie .

Quam praestat , pro Deo , renuntiasse mundo : Matt. ● . 40 . Auferenti tunicam , dimisisse pallium !

Pag. 28. § . 15. GOD FORGIVE THEM ] Pater dimitte illis . He prayeth for his enemies , according to that ; Matth. 5.44 . Loue your enemies , wish well to those that curse you , doe good to those that hate yee , and pray for those that persecute and reproach yee . Idem Luc. 6.28 . & ad Rom. 12.14 .

Blessed are they that suffer persecution for iustice , because theirs is the Kingdome of heaven . You are blessed when they shall curse you , and shall persecute yee , and speake all evill against yee , for me , lying against the truth . Matth. 5.10 . Idem . Luc. 6.22 .

If sinning , and beaten yee suffer : what glorie is that ? but if doing well yee sustaine patiently , this is grace with God . 1. Pet. 2.20 . & 3.14 . & 4.14 .

Pag. 29. lin. 20. I LEAVE IN MODESTIE TO SPEAKE OF ] If I presume to speake a little , I hope I shall not sin against modestie : ● . Cor. 12.6 . Veritatem enim dicam .

First , for his Eloquence he was esteemed , where he was knowne , for an other Cicero ; and so much grace was in his speeche , as therewith he was able presently to appease whatsoever tumult or commotion risen among the people . In his yonger yeares when Queene Elizabeth came in progresse to Worcester , he made there an oration before her , at the request of the citie , for which they gaue him 20. pounds : The Queene commanded also to giue him a reward , but Sir Robert Dudley making answere , Madame , he is a Papist , he Lost that reward .

Alwaies going in circuit with the Iudges of Worcestershiere he employed the spare time he had , in visiting the prisons , speaking with every of the prisoners in particular , exhorting them , and giving them counsell how to answere in their owne causes , the best way for their good , and giving them encouragement . Those that by their cause he saw would receiue sentence of death , he would both before , and after , dispose to die in the most Christian manner , and if he saw any good to be done , and that a Priest were to be had without imminent danger they should not want him : according to his abilitie he would also releeue them with his worldly goods .

For many yeares after his death , if any thing were done in the commonwealth against iustice in commutation , or distribution : no other voice was heard among the people then this alone : things were not thus when Mr. Bel was living , nor would not be if now he lived .

Briefly , I may iustly returne vpon him all those commendations which he giveth Sir Iohn Throkmarton in the § . 16. Pag. 29. For he had in himselfe whatsoever he required in his children , or commended in his friends .

Pag. 31. §. 17. lin. 5. TOWARDS GOD SO RELIGIOVS ] Rightly doth he call her Religious , that did not content herselfe with exercise of ordinarie perfection , but aspired to the proper exercises of religious profession ; delighting in the abnegation of her selfe , and corporall austerities , and in the same instructing her children : being so much given to prayer , as besides the office of our B. Lady , of the Dead , the Graduall , and Penitentiall Psalmes , Hymnes , Litanies , Office of the holy Ghost , and H. Crosse , prayers of the Manuall , which were her daily exercise : in the time of lent she would never sleepe before shee had read over the whole Passion of our Saviour , according to one of the 4. Evangelists , in Latin ; which she vnderstood well . Living many yeares a widow with all the care of a great familie . Shee meditated notwitstanding continually the Law of God , reading also , with licence of her ghostly father , the new Testament , with the Rhemes notes , Sir Thomas Mores workes , and other bookes of Controversies verie much , by which shee often defended the Catholike faith against the hereticall Ministers that would come to dissuade her from it ; but found her ever immoveable , as a Rock . Ecclesiastic . 26. Everlasting foundations vpon a solid rocke the Commands of God in the heart of a holy woman : Whose prayse in holy Scripture is manifold . Prouerb . 11.16 . A gracious woman shall get glorie . 12.4 . A woman of vertue is a crowne to her housband . 14.1 . A wise woman buildeth vp her house ; and 31.30 . The woman that feareth God shall be praysed . 18.22 . He that hath found a good wife , hath found a great good , and shall get good will of our Lord . Ecclesiastic. 25.11 . Blessed is he that dwelleth with a prudent woman . 26.1 . Blessed is the man of a good woman , and double is the number of his dayes . The gift of God is a woman silent and prudent , and no change is to be given for a well instructed soule . 16. Grace aboue Grace , is a modest & faithfull woman , and no weight is worth her continent soule . The Sunne rising in the highest of Our Lord , and the beautie of a good woman in the ornament of her house . 7.26 . The woman that honoreth her owne man shal appeare wise before all . Depart not from a wise & good woman , for her grace is aboue gold ▪ 25.1 . Beautifull before God , and before men : The concord of brothers : Friendship of neighbours : Man and wife that agree well together , &c.

Line 7. VOWED CHASTITIE ] That is , conjugall chastitie , or as they vow that are of the third order of S. Francis in the world , and amiddest the cares therof .

I REQVIRE AND CHARGE YOV ] That is here charged , is like the charge of old Tobias , laid vpon his sonne . Tob. 4.3 . Sonne if I dye , burie me , and despise not thy mother : Honour her all the dayes of thy life , and doe what is pleasing to her , and doe not make her sad , &c.

Pag. 33. § . 18. CONTINVALL PRAYER ] Againe , the author vrgeth this point , as a thing for this life most necessarie . Aske and it shall be given . Mat. 7.7 . & 21.22 .

PROVINCIALL DARKENESSE ] This terme he vseth because in respect of the whole Catholike Church , from which it received the light of faith , this Kingdome , as also any other , is but a Province ; and , as it is a province in the respect of the light , so also in respect of the darkenesse , which it hath falne into by shutting it selfe from the whole .

So in regard of S. Francis whole Order , spread through all the world , this Kingdome is called the Province of England .

Pag. 35. § . 19. FERVENCIE OF ZEALE ] The first condition he requireth in Prayer , is FAITH ] wherof Iacob . 1.6 . Let him pray in faith , not wavering : for he that straggereth is like a waue of the sea , moved and tossed with the wind . Let not that man thinke he shall receiue any thing from God . Marc. 11.24 . Luc. 11.9 . Ioan. 14. 13. & 16.23 .

Prayer is an ascent of the minde to God . Damascen . lib. 3. de Fide , cap. 24.

Augustin . Prayer is a pious affect of the minde directed to God . Vigilate & orate vt non intretis in tentationem . Cyrillus . Christ prayeth with 3. companions , so must we ; with Peeter , that is , faith ; with Iames , that is , sequestration from the world , which to vs is supplanted ; Iohn , that is , fervour of grace and Charitie . Frequent prayer our Saviour taught praying the same thing 3. times . Iterate not a word in thy prayer . Ecclesiasticus 7. That is , make it so full as thou needest not to supplie that was by negligence omitted , & 53. The prayer of him that humbleth himselfe penetrateth the cloudes , &c. CHARITIE ] He that turneth away his eares from hearing the law , his prayer shall become execrable . FERVENCIE ] The end of prayer , well made , is more fervent then the beginning , for the motion encreaseth the heate Eccles. 7. Better is the end of prayer then the beginning . Of Prayer Clem. Alex. l. 4. & 7. strom . In the last acclamations of our prayer we stretch forth head and hands , we stirre our feet to heaven , by promptitude and alacritie of spirit flying towards the essence , of which none layes hold but by intellectuall touch : we striue together with our speech to raise our bodies aboue the ground : we straine our erected and elevated soules by desire of better and better things to goe forward into the holy of holies , through greatnesse of courage , scorning to be kep● downe by the clogge of the bodie .

Pag. 35. § . 20. OF THE EFFECTS OF PRAYER ] Let Moyses or Elias speake ▪ To winne in fight ; Exod. 17. 3. Reg. 17. 4. Reg. 6 17. & 20. to stop the plague ; to binde the cloudes , and let them loose . Aske Helisaeas , or king Ezechias , what it is . S. Peeter , S. Gregorie , S. Anthonie of Padua , some one , or all the multitude of Thaumaturgs , since Christ , or preaching of the Gospell shall declare . And of the most sweet comforts therof , beleeue the Author here , or seeke by experience in thy selfe , which better is , to finde it out : enquier among the hardly numerable number of Extatike Saints within the seraphicall Order even from S. Francis and S. Giles , vntill these times , wherin the B. Mother Louysa liues and many moe , of little lesser note . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Rapt , extasie , which is an abstraction and alienation , and illustration , proceeding from God , by which God draweth backe the soule , from aboue , falne to inferiour things , againe from inferiour to superiour , and so shee is left halfe dead bereaft of the senses . Pythagoras . If thou , leaving the bodie , doest passe freely in to the skie , thou shalt be an immortall God , dead to this world . Cicero . When the soule is come to that state which is the highest degree of contemplatiue perfection , then is shee ravished from all created likenesses , and vnderstandeth , not by acquisite species , but by looking into the Ideas , and by the light of them , knoweth all things : of which light Plato saith , very few men in this life are made partakers .

〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Attention or intention , is of so much force in worke , as the more secret Divines doe say , that by words and prayers , nothing can be done without intention . Hence is the commun Proverbe ; Imagination maketh chance , as Avicenna , and others write . Hence the Apostle , I will pray in spirit , I will pray in mind , I will sing in spirit , I will sing also in mind : insinuating that vnlesse the mind attend , the prayer is none , and altogether voide . Although working in holy things , the defect of this attention doe withstand vs , because the reasonable number and harmonie most efficacious in worke , is wanting : yet a greater obstacle it is to vs , when our domestike works are contrarie to the sacred works . Isaias 1.15 . When yee shall multiplie prayers I will not heare , because your hands be full of bloud . In things of Religion , no worke of any mervailous efficacie can be done , vnlesse some of the supernall powers be present , spectatour , and accomplisher of the worke . Humane nature can neither vndertake speech , nor prayer of God , without God , nor yet doe any divine worke without him : for it is so weake and dull , as it hath no remedie of its nullitie , but only some portion of divine light comming from aboue , without which no divine thing is done by vs . Iamblicus de Aegyptiorum mysterijs .

Those that can draw any thing more of the spectacle of God , or of good , doe oftentimes , as it were , oversleeping themselves at the most beautifull vision , dye . ............ Then shalt thou behold it , when thou mayest haue nothing to say of it : for the knowledge and contemplation therof , is silence , and rest of all the senses ; for he that hath vnderstood it can vnderstand nothing else nor can he speculate any thing else , that hath seene it , nor heare of anything else , nor moue his bodie at all : for all the correption of the corporall senses and motions resteth . But searching over all the minde and all the soule , it enlighteneth and withdraweth from the bodie , and changeth the whole into the essence of God . For possible it is , O my sonne ! that the soule be deified in the bodie of a man , when it hath seene the beautie of good , which is , to be deified .............. oftentimes the mind flyeth out of the soule , and at that time the soule neither seeth nor heareth , but is like a brute beast . Hermes Trismegist . clavis , fol. 129. a , 6. & 132. a. 6.

Plato in Tymaeo . The soule that often , and with greatest intention contemplateth divine things , with such nourishment waxeth so strong , and able to get out , as it over-groweth the bodie , and overgoeth it more then the nature of the bodie is able to beare , and with the most vehement tossings therof , doth sometimes , as it were , fly out of it , or as it were , seeme to dissolve it . Marsilius Ficinus de studiosorum sanitate tuenda , lib , 1. cap. 4.

S. Bernard . serm. 52. de modo bene viuendi . When in the sight of God thou singest Psalmes , and Hymnes , handle that in thy minde which thou singest with thy voice . Let thy mind agree with thy voice , let it accord with thy tongue ; doe not thinke one thing and sing another . If thou sing one thing in thy mind , and another in thy voice , thou loosest the fruit of thy labour . If thy bodie stand in the Church , and thy minde wander abroade , thou loosest thy reward . Whence it is said : This people honoureth me with their lippes , and their heart , is farre from me . But as the Apostle saith I wil sing in spirit , I will sing also in mind , I will sing with mouth and heart . Good therfore it is , alwaies to pray God with mind . It is also good with sound of voice , and Hymnes , and Psalmes , and spirituall Cantikles to gloriefie God . Idem in meditationib . c. 8.

Ineffable is the dignation of the Diuine bountie , that daily seeth vs wretches , averting our eares , hardening our hearts , and nevertelesse calleth vnto vs , Isaias 46. Psal. 45. saying : Returne prevaricatours to the heart , take heed , looke to it , for I am God . In the Psalme God speaketh to me , and I to him ▪ and yet when I say a Psalme , I attend no● whose Psalme it is . Therfore I doe grea● iniurie to God , when I pray him to heare my prayer , hich I that make it doe no● heare : I pray him to attend to me , and I do● neither attend to my selfe , nor him : bu● which worse is , tossing vnprofitable and vncleane things in my heart , I cast a horrible stinke before his face .

Franciscus Georgius Harmonia , Cant. 3. modul . 20. Wh●n v●e come once to the first & highest , we must rest , & goe no farther , because farther then the highest , nothing can be given : hereof Ieremias : Shee shall sit solitarie , & hold her peace , because shee hath elevated her selfe aboue her selfe . Psal. 4. And David : In peace , in the thing it selfe , wil I sleepe and rest : and againe Psalm . 65. vulgat . 64.

〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Silence is thy prayse God in Syon . Which said shee must be silent , because shee is now come to the place where silence is , because there every one becommeth inward and most inward with the highest ; so that forgetting all exteriour things , and separate from them all , shee hath none to whom shee may speake , conversing only with him before whom there is no speech required , because he beholdeth all things ; and withall , because shee beholdeth and is delighted with those things , which if she would , she cannot expresse : hence therfore she must be silent , vnlesse by the command of her Prince shee manifest something to inferiours , according to the capacitie of them that are to receiue it , for their profit . As S. Dionys . saith of the Angels ; That they be declarers of the divine silence , as cleere lights , interpreting that which is in secret , &c.

Pag. 36. lin. 7. INPRISONMENT IN AN INNOCENT CAVSE ] Non poena sed causa . As death in an innocent cause , maketh a Martyr , so imprisonment and other sufferings in like cause , maketh a Confessour : in whose number I am verie confident , in the goodnesse of God , I may place the Author of this Testament , who , not onely in death , but all his life , and in everie occasion , hath confessed Christ and his Church with constancie and perseverance . S. Max. hom. 59 2. de S. Eusebio And the caution of the Divine word ; Praise not a man in his life , is , as it were , a command to Praise him after life : Praise him after his consummation .

Pag. 37. §. 21. lin. 9. YOVR SEVERALL CALLINGS ] He speaketh of states , by which men are setled in the world to become apt members in the bodie of the common-wealth ; as Governours , or Magistrates , Doctors in Theologie , Law , Medicine , or Practitioners in any of the sciences , or liberall artes . Religious in any of the Regular Orders , that serue the common-wealth in Preaching , administring Sacraments , Sacrifices , Prayers , Comforting the afflicted , disposing to life everlasting the dying , and all works of mercie : in any of the severall states of the Plebeians , or the Mechanike arts , whatsoever , and not alone of those that the Prince-Apostles speake of , vocation to the faith , 2. Pet. 1.10 . Doe your endeavour brothers more and more , by good works to make sure your calling and election . Et Ephes . 4. I beseech you walke worthily in the vocation wherin you are called , &c. Yet of the former callings S. Paul seemeth to haue admonished . 1. Cor. 7.20 . Every one in what vocation he is called , in the same let him remaine : Thou art called , to be a servant , let it not trouble thee ; but if thou cannest become a free-man doe in Gods name . He that in our Lord is called a servant , is our Lords freeman : And he that is called to be a free man is the servant of Christ .

Pag. 37. §. 22. lin. 6. TIME , AN ENEMIE TO THE THRIFT OF A DISTRESSED CONSCIENCE ] Riches , that are seldome gotten together with a good conscience , are with more danger of detriment to the conscience , gotten together in short time . Matth. 19. A rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdome of heaven . id . Marc. 10. And Luc. 6. Woe be to you rich men . Whence the Apost. 1. Tim 6.17.18 . Command the rich men of this world to giue easily .

Every rich man is either vniust , or the heire of some vniust man . Hieronym . lib. 2. in Ierem. cap. 5. paulo ante finem , & epist. ad Hedibiam . q. 1. in medio . All riches descend from iniquitie , and vnlesse one man loose , another cannot finde , whence that common saying seemeth to me most true ; That every rich man is either vniust , or the heire of one vniust .

B. Laurent . Iustinian . said that riche men could not be saved but by Almesdeeds . We burne in Avarice , and disputing against money , lay open our lappes to gold , and nothing is enough for vs . What is said of the Megarens may well be applyed to the miserable churles : They build as if they were to liue ever , they liue as if they should die the next day . Hieron . ad Geront . de monogamia . Tom. 1.

Not he that little hath , but he that much coveteth is poore . Seneca lib. de paupertate .

No man liveth so poore as he was borne : Seneca , lib. de providentia divina .

Children of Adam ! a covetous , and ambitious kind , hearken ; What haue you to doe with earthly riches , and temporall glorie , which neither are indeed , nor are yours ? gold and silver is it not earth , red and white , which only mans error maketh , or rather reputeth pretious ? If they be yours take them away with you . But when a man perisheth he shall take nothing with him , neither shall his glorie descend with him . True riches therfore is not wealth , but vertues , which the conscience carrieth with it , to make it rich for ever . Bernard . serm. 4. de Aduentu Domini .

Whom God enricheth no man shall make poore . Cyprian . Tom. 1. epist. 2.

Those only are good riches which we haue in hope and expectation . Greg. Naz. orat . de Machab.

Neither is any thing a greater terrour to vs , then lest we should feare any thing more then God . id . ibid.

He is abundantly rich , that with Christ is poore . Hieron . ep. ad Heliodor . de vita solitaria . Est quaestus magnus , pietas cum sufficientia . 1. Tim. 6.6 .

The beautie of riches , is not in the sacks of riche men , but in the poores sustenance . Amb. lib. 7. epist. 44.

The Bishops glorie is to provide for the poores wealth , the ignominie of all Priests is to looke only to their owne riches : Hiero. ad Nepotian . Tomo 1.

To the faithfull the whole world is riches . Amb. lib. 1. de Iacob . & vita beata c. vlti . Tom. 4.

Povertie and riches , are two names of want and satietie , neither is he rich that wanteth something , nor he poore that wanteth not . Amb. Tom. 3. l. 7. epist. 44. Victuals and cloathing are Christians riches . Hieronym . ad Paulinum . Tom. 3.

To me all plentie which is not my God is want . Aug. Conf. l. 13 , c. 8.

Pag. 38. §. 23. lin. 6. INSTRVCTED IN LEARNING ] And the reason is , because knowledge is a great helpe to serue God with ; for as nothing is in the vnderstanding which was not first in the senses , so nothing is in the will which was not first in the vnderstanding . Discipline and science are two wings that with swift flight carrie a man to heaven .

Ambros . in offic. expos. Psal. 118. Life is to be sought before Doctrine ......... Good life , even without doctrine hath grace , Doctrine without life hath no integritie .......... Againe , speaking of morall , and mysticall things , he saith : In those is life , in these knowledge : so that , if thou require perfection , let neither life be without knowledge , nor knowledge without life , let one helpe another . The end of all knowledge is to giue a man the true knowledge of his creatour that accordingly and in truth he may serue and worship him .

There is no secure ioy in knowing many or hard things in the divine Writ , but in keeping of the things that we know . Greg. 22. Moral . c. 4. in fine .

As long as thou art ignorant so long must thou learne ; and , if we beleeue the proverbe , as long as thou livest . Senec. lib. 10. epist. 77.

So great is the profunditie of Christian letters , as I should daily profit in them , if from my very infancie vntill decreped old age , at greatest leisure , with greatest diligence , and the best wit , I shoul endeavour to learne and apply my selfe to them alone . Aug. ep . 3. Tom. 2.

The studies of science without facts , I know not whether they doe not more involue vs . Amb. lib. 1. offic. c. 26. ●n fine . Tom. 1. & lib. 2. c. 3. in medio . Innocence , and science ▪ make a man blessed .

Pag. 33. §. 24. lin. 3. TRAYNED IN SCHOOLE TO LEARNING ] Not only these two children , but of 12. 8. that lived ; were , both sonnes and daughters , brought vp at schoole , all together till they vnderstood the latin tongue .

Pag. 39. §. 24. lin. 7. A GRATEFVLL ENTERTAINEMENT ] Musike is not alonly so , but moreover , a thing celestiall and divine , aboue all the obiects of humane sense , and none doth so much raise the mind , or elevate the soule towards God , the chiefe and beginning of all order , of all mesure , and of all number , as this harmoniacall number , and therfore aboue all others , God is served with it in his Church ; and how much it pleaseth God , so much it offendeth the divels and casteth them farre off . Consult David through all his facts and writings . Musike ioyeth the heart , forbid it not . Eccli. 40.20 . & 32.4 .

Pag. 39. §. 26. lin. 1. ITEM IF FRANCIS ] This was his first sonne , and dyed in childhood . I gather hence that the Author was devoted to S. Francis , considering that none of all his ancestors was called by that name . This § . and the 27. and 28. were noted , as it were left vnperfect , or other wise ordained .

Pag. 41. §. 29. lin. 4. IACTA SVPER DOMINVM , &c. ] This was the Authors Motto , or Devize . The §. 30. and 31. were noted as before .

Pag. 44. §. 32. lin. 17. Mr. FRANCIS DANIELL . ] Here , in gratitude , and for conscience sake , I must acknowledge my selfe to haue perpetuall obligation to this my vncle , not only for 6. yeares of my education , but also for his assistance and furtherance to put me into the course and state of life in which I am , and by the grace of God shall and will die .

The § . 33. Goeth noted as before , and where a word is left out in it , lin 21. I suppose the Author would haue said , Vniustly , but durst not , considering the dangers of that time .

Pag. 46. § . 34. IN MOST AMPLE MERITE ] This § . the Author had himselfe noted with a hand monstrant , in the margent , which gaue me the first motion of dedicating this worke to whom it is , and ought to be dedicated , as is mentioned in the epistle dedicatorie . Here I cannot but commend and extoll the gratitude of the Author to every man of whom he had at any time receiued a benefit , according to the Apostolicall precept . Coloss. 3.15 . Grati estote . Vpon which precept reade S. Bernards sermon , entituled by him : Against the most vile vice of ingratitude . Bern. serm. de diversis , pag. 403. 404. &c. This § . was also noted as the others , 4. lines before the end .

Pag. 47. §. 35. lin. 7. TO VSE TRVTH ] 3. Esdras 3. Truth surpasseth , and overcometh all things , & 4. And all said ; great is the truth . David 116. The truth of our Lord remaineth for ever , and 117. Lord , all thy commands , all thy wayes , the beginning of thy words , are all truth . Prou. 26. The deceiptful tongue loveth not truth . Zach. 8.16 . Everie one speake truth . Matth. 22.16 . & Luc. 20.21 . Thou teachest the way of God in Truth . & Ioan. 14.6 . I am the way , truth , and life . Ephes. 4.25 . Laying away lyes , speake truth every one with his neighbour . 2. Cor. 13.8 . We cannot any thing against Truth . What more ? all the new and old Testament is full of the commendations of truth : and as much in the reprooving of lying , dissimulation , and falshood . Coloss. 3.8 . Lay away all Anger , Indignation , Malice , Blasphemie , Foule speech , ly not one to another . Idem , Ephes. 4.13 . & 1. Pet. 2.1 . Laying a●ay all malice , and all deceit , and dissimulation , and envie and detraction . Et Heb. 12. What desireth the soule more strongly then truth . Aug. tract. 26. in Ioan . No man can long beare a fained person : for feigned things fall soone to their owne nature . Things that are borne vp by truth arise from solid ground and by time proceed to better and better . Seneca , de clementia , lib. 1.

§. 35. lin. 15. PLEASE GOOD MEN ] Paul . ad Gal. 10. If yet I should please men , I should not be the servant of Christ . Know this most certainly , that no man can please God and wicked men , your brotherhood therfore make account that so much more it hath pleased Almightie God , as it knoweth it selfe to haue displeased perverse men . Greg. l. 8. Regist Indict. 3. c. 36. Principibus placuisse viris non infima laus est .

Pag. 47. §. 36. lin. 1. DELIGHT NOT IN RIBAWDRIE ] Apost. ad Ephes. 5.3 . Fornication and all manner of vncleannesse , or avarice , let it not be so much as named amongst you : or filthinesse , or foolish talke , or scurrilitie , which doe not appertaine to the purpose : but rather thanksgiving . Speak no baudie thing , for by little and little shame with words is shaken off . Senec l. de moribus . Matth. 12.34 . From the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh . Idem , Luc. 6.45 .

Pag. 48. § . 37. MAKE CHOICE OF HVMILITIE ] Prou. 15.33 . Before glorie goeth humilitie . And 29.23 . The pride of a man shall humble him : and the humble of spirit shall attaine glorie , & 13.10 . Among the proude are alwaies contentions . And 15.25 . The house of the Proude our Lord will overthrow . Deut. 17.12 . The proude that will not obey the Priest or Iudge , let him die . Prou. 16.18 . Before a fall goeth pride and before a ruine , loftinesse of spirit . Pride is not greatnesse , but a swelling , § that that swelleth seemeth great , but is not sound . Aug. serm. 26. de temp . So great is the vtilitie of human humilitie , as by his owne example the divine sublimitie would commend it ( and that most of all appeared in the washing of Iudas the traitours feet . ) For Proude man had for ever beene lost , vnlesse humble God had sought him out . Aug. tract. 55. in Ioann . Behould O man ! what God is become for thee . Acknowledge at last the doctrine of humilitie , even before thy Doctour speake . Thou wert once in Paradice so eloquent , as to every living soule thou couldest giue a name . And for thee thy creator , loe , lyeth an infant in a manger and calleth not so much as his owne mother by her name . Thou , in the most spacious orchard of fruitfull wood diddest loose thy selfe , neglecting obedience . He obeying came mortall into the wide world ; that dying he might seeke the dead . Thou being man wouldest become God , that thou mightest perish : he being God would become man to find out what had perished . Humane pride did so much depresse thee , as nothing but the divine grace could sublevate thee . Aug. Tom. 10. serm. 25. de temp. in medio .

Those that of our Lord IESVS CHRIST haue learned to be milde and humble of heart , doe profit more in considering and praying , then in reading and hearing . Aug. Epist. 112. He that without humilitie doth good works , carrieth dust in the wind . Aug. serm. 70. ad fratres in eremo .

There is no other way that leadeth vnto life then humilitie , which is by him defended , that , as God , seeth our footsteps , and the same is the first humilitie , the second humilitie , the third humilitie , and as often as thou shouldest aske me I would say the same thing ; not because there be not other precepts to be said : but because vnlesse humilitie doe goe before , and waite vpon , and fellow all things that we doe , both the things proposed vs to looke into , and things apposed vs to sticke vnto , and things imposed vs to represse vs : when we now reioyce of any good thing done : Pride wrests it all out of our hands . Aug. epist. 57.

A very mervailous thing it is , when humilitie of manners raigneth in the hearts of the sublime . Whence yee may thinke that all the potent , when they sauour of humilitie , they attaine the top of vertue , estranged , and set , as it were , a farre off , and rightly by this vertue they eftsoones please our Lord : because they humbly offer him that sacrifice which mightie and potent men can hardly get . It is a most subtile art of living to hould height , and depresse glorie ; to be in power , and not know that we be powerfull ; by bestowing of good things , to know ones selfe to be potent , and in repaying of hurt , to be ignorant of all the value of power . Rightly therfore of such is said , Iob 36.5 . God casteth not away the potent , being himselfe also potent : For he desireth to imitate God who administreth the height of power more busily in other mens profits then elevated in his owne prayses : who being put over others , desireth to profit them , and not to be aboue them . The swelling of loftinesse is a crime , the order of power none . Power God giveth , but the elation of power , the malice of our mind hath invented . Let vs take away that which of our owne we brought , and the things are good which of Gods gift we possesse . Creg . lib. 26. Moral . c. 24.

Pag. 48. § . 38. ENTERTAINE ALL MEN ] Leviticus 19.31 . Before the hoarie headed arise , and honour the presence of the old man . Prou. 22.2 . The rich and poore God made them both .

Pag. 48. §. 39. lin. 3. AMONG WISE MEN ] Prou. 1. The wise man hearing wil● become wiser . 3. Reg. 10.8 . Blessed are thy servants that stand before thy face , alwaie● hearing thy wisedome . Prou. 10.13 . In the wise mans lippes is wisedome found , & 11 ▪ 2. Wher humilitie is , there is wisedome .

Lin. 6. SVCH SHALL THEY BE IVDGED TO BE ) Psalm . 17. With the holy thou shalt be holy : and with the man that is innocent thou shalt be innocent ▪ With the Elect thou shalt be elected ; and with the perverse perverted .

Pag. 49. § . 40. BE NOT RASH ] Define no doubts , but hould thy sentence in suspence : Affirme nothing without experience ; for everie thing that hath apparence of truth is not forthwith true ; as also what at first did seeme incredible is not still false . Truth sometimes retaineth the face of a lye , and a lye is hid vnder colour of truth . Seneca , de 4. virtutibus . And againe : Let nothing be suddaine to thee but looke into all things before hand ; for he that is prudent , saith not , I never thought that this would haue beene , because he doubteth not , but expecteth ; nor doth he suspect , but taketh heed . Enquire the cause of every deed , and when thou hast found the beginning , thou shalt thinke vpon the end .

Betweene an angry , and a mad man , there is but one dayes difference ; the one is ever mad , the other every day angrie . Seneca , lib. de moribus .

Pag. 49. § . 41. VSE FEW WORDS ] Proverb. 10.19 . In much sgeech sinne will not be wanting : and he that keepeth his lippes , shall be vnderstanding . As chozen silver , is the iust mans tongue .

Let thy opinions be iudgements , vagabond cogitations and like to dreames receiue not ; in which if thy mind take delight , when thou hast done and disposed of all , thou remainest sad : but let thy cogitation be stable and certaine , whether it deliberate , search out , or contemplate , let it not depart from truth . Let not thy speech be vaine , but let it either persuade , or moue , or comfort , or command . Praise sparingly , dispraise more sparingly , for overmuch praise is as reprehensible as immoderate dispraise ; that , is suspected of flatterie ; this , of evill nature , or malignitie . Seneca , lib. de 4. virtutibus .

Loue silence , where much speech is , there is oftentimes lying ; where lying , there is sinne . The speech sheweth what the man is . In the mouth of the Priest or Religious let never any word be , wherin the name of Christ soundeth not . Tom. 4. epist. Euseb. ad Damas . de morte Hieronymi , in medio .

WITH DISCRETION ] Coloss. 4.6 . Your speech alwaies gracious , with a graine of salt : that you may know how to answere every man .

Yong man , speake when there is need of thee ; if thou be twice asked , let thine answer haue a head . Ecclesiastic. 32.9 . According to the septuagint : Bring thy answer to a briefe summe or answere compendiously .

Vse thy eares ofter then thy tongue , and whatsoever thou art to say , say to thy selfe before thou say it to others . Seneca , lib. de moribus .

§ . 42. BE NOT CVRIOVS ] Nothing is sweeter to men , then to speake o● other mens things , and to haue care of other mens matters , chiefly if it chance that they be prevented with loue or hatred towards some : from whom alwaies the truth is hidden , or , at least obscured . Greg. Naz. in Apolog.

Only obserue thy selfe , Deut. 4.9 . 1. Cor. 10.11 . Matt. 7.3 . and keepe thy soule very warily . He that thinketh himselfe to stand , let him looke he doe not fall . What seest thou a mote in thy brothers eye , and doest not see the beame in thine owne eye ?

O man that iudgest , thou art inexcusable , Rom. 2. for in iudging another thou condemnest thy selfe , doing the same things that thou spendest thy iudgement vpon .

§ . 43. BE SECRET AND SILENT ] Prou. 25.9 . Reveale not the secret of another . Id. 31. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Isaias 24.16 . My secret to my selfe , my secret to my selfe . Ecclesiasticus , 32.5 . Where others hearken , powre not out speech , and with importunitie haue not a will to seeme wise .

Pag. 50. §. 44. lin. 3. LOOKE TO YOVR CALLING ] Ecclesiastic. 3.22 . Seeke not things aboue thee . Rom. 11.20 . Be not overwise , but feare .

Lin. 4. LIVE IN OBEDIENCE ] Ephes. 6. Col. 3 , Children obey your Parents ; Servants obey your Lors , and maisters . Heb. 13. Obey those that are put over yee . Tit. 3.1 . Admonish them to be subiect to their Princes and superiour powers , to obey their word , &c.

4. Reg. 9 1. Par. 11. & 28. Prou. 21 Tob. 12.6 . 1. Pet. 2.13 . & 17 LEAVE KINGS AND THEIR CAVSES TO GOD ] They be supreme governours vnder God . The Annoynted of God . The elected of God . Their hearts are in the hand of God , and he directeth th●ir counsell . To hide the mysterie of the King is good : and to be subiect to him and honour him is commanded .

Prou. 16 14. Lin. 8. HATH DESTROYED ] The Kings anger is the messenger of death , and a wise man will appease it . In the light of the Kings face is life : and his good will is like a cloude of the evening raine .

Page 50. § . 45. VSE TEMPERANCE ] S. Aug. Tom. 1 , l. 1. de lib. Arbit . c. 13. Temperance is an affection brideling and keeping in the appetite from those things that are coveted with foule desire . Et de morib . ecclesiae Cath. lib. 1. c. 15. Temperance is loue , yeelding it selfe entire to that is loved . Fortitude is loue , easily tolerating all things for that is loved . Iustice is loue , serving the beloved onely , and therfore rightly bearing rule . Prudence is loue , wisely selecting the things by which it is holpen , from those by which it is hindered . But this is not the loue of whosoever , but of God , that is , of the chiefest good , of the chiefest wisedome , of the chiefest concord : therfore you may define it so , & say : temperance is loue keeping it selfe entire and vncorrupt to God , &c. And Tom. 4. l. 1.83 . Q. 31. Temperance is a firme and moderate rule of reason , over lust and other , not right motions of the minde . The parts therof are continence , clemencie , and modestie . Continence , by which concupiscence , by the governement of counsel , is ruled . Clemencie , by which minds rashly provoked and stirred vp to hatred of any one , are by gentlenesse retained . Modestie , by which honest shame getteth cleere and stable authority . And Q. 61. Prudence is knowledge of things to be desired and to be shunned . Temperance , the refraining of concupiscence from those things that doe temporally delight , Fortitude is a firmitie of the mind against those things that temporally molest vs . Iustice , which is diffused through them all , is the loue of God and our neighbour .

BEWARE OF DRVNKENNESSE ] As a thing tumultuous , Prou. 20 & 31. and that can keepe no secret forbidden by the Apostle . Rom. 13. & Gal. 5. With drunkennesse is alwaies ioyned luxurie . Hieron . l. 3. in Ep. ad Gal. c. 5. I will never beleeue that the Drunkard is chast . Hieron . in c. 1. Ep. ad Titum , pag. 246.

Eccles. 9.25 . Eccle. 5. §. 46. lin. 2. THE RASH MAN ] Is odious in his word . Speake nothing rashly , nor be hasty to bring forth thy word before God , for God is in heaven and thou vpon earth , therfore let thy words be few : for as sleepe comes in multitude of businesse , so the voice of the foole in multitude of words .

Pag. 51 , § . 47. BE CONSTANT ] Act. 23.11 . Sap. 5.1 . The iust shall stand with great constancie . A good man , what he thinketh he may honestly doe : although it be laborious , he will doe it : although it be losse to him , he will doe it : although it be perillous , he will doe it : And againe , that which is dishonest , he will not doe it , although it bring in money , although it bring pleasure , although it bring power . From the honest he will by nothing be deterred : to the dishonest he will by no hopes be invited . Seneca , lib. 10. epist. 77. in medio . Horace . Iustum & tenacem propositi virum , &c. Impauidum ferient ruinae .

Iacob . 1.8 . The man of two minds is vnconstant in all his waies .

Sap. 4.12 . The inconstancie of concupiscence , perverteth even the mind that is without malice .

Eccl. 6. & 9. & 12. FAST IN FRIENDSHIP ] There is a friend only at table , a table fellow , but doe not thou forsake an old friend . A new friend is like new wine . A friend cannot be knowne in good , but in malice you shall know him , &c.

Pag. 51. § . 48. VSE PATIENCE , Psal. 9. Prou. 19 Luc. 21. Iacob . 1 ] The Poores patience will not be lost in the end . A mans doctrine is knowne by hi● patience . In your patience you shall possesse your soules . It hath a perfect worke : The armes of the iust are by giving way to overcome . Amb. lib. 1. off . cap. 5. Tom. 1.

If any adversitie befall thee , and it seeme grievous and bitter to thee , beare it so as thou thinke nothing to haue befallen thee but according to nature when thou readest naked was I borne , naked shall I go hence , what our Lord gaue our Lord hath taken away : and he had lost both goods and children , and thou shalt in all keepe the person of a wise and iust man , as he kept that said : As it pleased our Lord so is it done , be the name of our Lord blessed , &c. Amb. lib. 1. off . cap. 38.

No man can be blessed , no man becometh a citizen of heaven , no man is constituted the friend of God , that among evils is not found patient . Aug. serm. 32. ad fratres .

Humane impatience will not haue the patience of God . We wretches that will haue God to be patient , and ar● our selves impatient with our enemies . If at any time we sinne , we desire God should be patient , if another sinne against vs , we will not that God haue patience with him . Hieron . in Psalm . 93. ad , vsquequo Domine peccatores gloriabuntur . Tom. 8.

FORBEARE REVENGE ] That it is peculiar to God , see Deut. 32. & 2. Reg. 22. Psal. 17. & 139. & 149. & Rom. 12. Leaue the revenge to me and I will repay them . Et Ezech 9. Eccl. 35. Esaias 1. &c.

If thou be Magnanimous , thou wilt never thinke thou hast iniurie done thee : thou wilt say of thine enemie , he hath not hurt me , but had a mind to hurt me : and when thou seest him in thy power , thou shalt esteeme it sufficient revenge , to haue beene able to revenge . Know that it is honest and a great kind of revenge to forgiue . Seneca , de 4. virtutib . l. 1. & de Clementia lib. 2. Clemencie is a temperance of ones mind in the power of Revenge , or , lenitie of the superiour to the inferiour in constituting punishment , and crueltie is fiercenesse of mind in exacting of Punishment . He is better that contemneth an iniurie then that grieveth at it : for he that contemneth it , despiseth it , as if he felt it not : but he that grieveth at it , is vexed with it , as if he felt it . Amb. lib. 1. off . c. 6. Tom. 1. Magnarum virium est negligere laedentem .

§ . 49. Seneca , lib. de moribus BE NOT TOO LIBERALL ] Liberalitie is the meane betweene avarice & prodigalitie , and consequently a vertue : which alwaies holdeth the meane , flying the extreames of too much , ever a vice .

To haue , and giue to others , is an argument of a Welthie man . Basil . hom. 29. de poenitentia .

Avarice in old age , is like a monster ; for what greater follie is there , then as the way groweth shorter , to encrease the viaticum . Seneca , lib. de moribus .

These things withdraw from right : Honours , Riches , Power , and the like , which in the opinion of men are deare ; in price vile . Seneca , lib. de Paupertate . Vide Chrysost. Tom. 5. hom. 15. ad Antioch .

All vices wax old with a man , only avarice waxeth yong . Aug. serm. 48. ad frat . in eremo .

§. 50. lin. 3. BE THANKEFVLL FOR EVERY COVRTESIE ] Not to render thankes for benefits is foule , and so holden with all men ; therfore of the vngratefull even the vngratefull doe complaine ; when notwithstanding , this same that displeaseth all , sticketh to all , and so farre men goe on the contrarie side as some are to vs most odious not only after benefits , but even for benefits . He is vngratefull that denyeth the benefit he hath received : he is vngratefull that dissembleth it , he is vngratefull that repayeth it not , he is most vngratefull that forgetteth it . Seneca lib. 3. de beneficijs .

Some , when a gift is sent them , doe vntimely restore another , and say they owe nothing . They are to be reiected : it is a pledge to send presently another gift to him that sent to thee , and extinguish gift with gift . Sometimes being able , I will not restore a benefit , when I shall detract more from my selfe then helpe another : when he shall receiue no encrease by the receit of that , which restored me would stand me in good steed . He that maketh haste to repay , hath not the minde of a gratefull man , but of a debter . And , to speake briefely , he that desireth to repay too soone , oweth ag●inst his will , he that vnwillingly oweth , is vngratefull . Seneca lib. 4. de beneficijs .

Lin. 4. LET TIME BREED THE FRIENDS ] Thou knowest not how great the price of friendship is , if thou doe not vnderstand that thou givest him much to whom thou givest a friend . A thing not in houses alone , but in ages rare , which is no where more wanting , then where it is most of all beleeved to abound . Seneca l. 6. de benef .

He can not be friend to man , that is vnfaithfull to God . Ambros . l. 3. off . c. 16. & l. 6. epist. 40. True loue is proved by constancie .

Slender friendship is that which followeth the friends felicities and riches : such men seeme to me not to loue their friends but themselves . Hieron . in c. 7. Micheae . Tom. 6. pag. 161. & ad Ruffin . Tom. 2. pag. 195.

True friendship must not dissemble what it feeleth . Prosperitie getteth friends : Adversitie is the surest proofe of them . Seneca , lib. de morib . ante medium .

Pag. 52. §. 51. lin. 3. Rom. 13 WITH DVE REVERENCE ] Let every living soule be subiect to higher powers .

When thou sittest to eate with a Prince , Prou. 23. considering consider what is before thy face , and if thou be thyne owne man , set thy knife to thy throate . Eccl. 32 13. In the middest of great men presume not to speake . Where Ancients are speake not much . Rom. 12.10 . Rom. 13 7. Preventing one another with honour , giue honour to whom honour is due . In the middest of the bretheren their Ruler shall be had in honour . Eccl. 10 24. Fooles haue decreed to yeeld to no man , nor to regard distinction of persons , or degrees : on such as doe regard the same , they cast the crime of flatterie , or acception of persons : And being great friends of confusion , to beware of pride in their betters , they take no heede of it in themselves : in stead of order , they shew irreverence . S. Bon. spec. discip . c. 6.

Pag. 52. § . 52. RELEEVE ALL THAT ARE DISTRESSED ] Iacob . 1.27 . Pure and immaculate Religion before God and the Father is this : to visit pupils , orphans , & widdowes in their tribulation , & keepe ones selfe vnspotted from this world . Psal. 40. Blessed is he that hath consideration of the poore and needie , our Lord will deliver him in the evill day . Matth. 5.7 . Blessed are the mercifull , for they shall obtaine mercie . Iacob . 13. Iudgement without mercie to him that hath not done mercie .

A FRIEND ] Forsake not thy friend , and the friend of thy father . Prou. 27.10 .

Pag. 52. § . 53. HAVE CHARITIE WITH ALL MEN ] He sheweth vs , with the Apostle . 1. Cor. 12.31 . Yet a more excell●nt way : For to speake with tongues of men or Angels ; to haue the faith that removeth mountaines ; to feed the poore ; to yeeld the bodie to Martyrdome , is of no value without charitie .

The latitude of the commands is charitie ; because where charitie is , straites are not . Wilt thou not be driuen into straites on earth ? dwell in latitude . Whatsoever a man doth to thee he cannot vex thee , because thou louest that which hurteth not . Charitie therfore is not brought into any straites . Augustin . tract. 10. in Epist. Ioan. & Epist. 62. I doe ever owe charitie , which alone being payed holdeth me still debtor . The bestowing of it payeth it , & although it be bestowed , yet is it still owed , because there is no time in which it ought not to be bestowed : and when it is bestowed , it is not lost , but rather in the bestowing is multiplied , for it is bestowed by having and not by wanting it . As it cannot be bestowed vnlesse it be had , neither can it be had vnlesse it be bestowed : And when a man bestoweth it , in the same man it encreaseth , and is so much more gotten as it is ofter bestowed ............. Charitie therfore is not so bestowed as money ; for besides that in bestowing , this is diminished , that encreassed , there is betweene them this difference , that to whom wee giue money we are so much the more benevolent as we seeke to receiue nothing againe , but of charitie ; he cannot be a true bestower that is not againe a benigne exactour : for money when ●● is received cometh to him to whom it is given and departeth from him that giveth it ; but Charitie , encreaseth , not only in him that exacteth it from whom he loveth , al●hough he doe not receiue it of him ; but also he from whom he doth receiue it , then beginneth to haue it when he yeeldeth it . Wherfore I doe gladly render mutuall Charitie , and willingly receiue it : that which I receiue I doe yet require againe , that which I render I still owe .

Charitie being one and the same thing , if it fully possesse the mind , doth manifoldly enkindle it to innumerable works . Greg. l. 10. Mor. c. 7.

He that followeth charitie , is humble towards all . And the keeper of peace , provoketh none to brawling . Amb. in illud 2. Tim. 2. Iuvenilia desideria fuge , Tom. 5. pag. 415. What thou wilt haue secret , tell it no man , if thou hast not commanded thy selfe silence , how shalt thou hope for it in another . Seneca , lib. 2. de moribus .

Pag. 53. § . 54. EMBRACE CHASTITIE ] Commended in Iudith 15. & 16. Exhorted , 2. Cor. 6. 1. Tim. 2.3.4 . & 5. Chastitie without Charitie is a lampe without oyle , take away the oyle and the lampe giveth no light : take away Charitie , and Chastitie pleaseth not . Bernard . Epist. 4● . Chastitie without her compagnions , Fast , and Temperance , soone decayeth , but strengthened with these helps , will easily be crowned . Chrysost. hom. 1. in Psalm . 50. Tom. 1. & de praeparat . advent . Domini . Chastitie of bodie alone sufficeth not to the integritie of the heart .

The flesh cannot be corrupted , vnlesse the mind be first corrupted . Amb. ad virg. lapsam , c. 4. Tom. 1.

Doest thou command continence ? Lord , giue that thou commandest , and command what thou wilt . Aug. l. 10. Conf. c. 29.

To liue in flesh , not according to the flesh is not an earthly , but a heavenly life . Whence , in flesh to attaine the Angelicall life , is of more merite then to haue it : for to be an Angell is felicitie ; to be a virgin , virtue : Whilest the virgin by her owne forces with grace , endeavoreth to obtaine that which the Angell hath by nature . Hieron . ad Paul . & Eustoch . de Assump. B. MARIAE , Tom. 4.

BEWARE OF THE ALLVREMENTS OF THE HARLOT ] Her lips are a dropping honniecombe . Prou. 5. The fornicator sinneth against his owne body . 2. Cor. 6.

Pag. 53. §. 55. lin. 4. CANKER OF VSVRIE ] Prohibited . Exod. 22.25 . Levit. 25.37 . Deut. 23.19 . Nehem. 5. Ezech. 18.8 . Foenus pecuniae , funus est animae . Vse of money is the soules funerall , and he that by others losse coveteth to be enriched , is worthy to be punished with everlasting want . S. Leo , serm. 6. de ieiunio decimi mensis .

Pag. 53. § . 56. APPLY YOVR SELVES IN COMPANIE ] Rom. 12.15 . Reioyce with those that are glad , weepe with those that are sad . Seneca , l. de 4. virtutibus . Let not thy povertie be vndecent , nor parsimonie vitious , nor simplicitie neglect , nor lenitie languishing , and if thy goods be slender , yet let them not be pinching ..... feare no man more then thy selfe ... Haue not scurrility , but gratefull vrbanity : let thy iests be without tooth , thy disports without harme , thy laughter without noyse , thy voice without clamour , thy gate without tumult , thy quiet not sluggish ; and when others play , doe thou also some good and honest exercise ... Fly flatterie , and be as loth to be praysed of the dishonest , as to be praysed for dishonestie : be glad when thou displeasest the evill , and thinke their evill opinions of thee , thy truest prayse . Feare not bitter , but faire words ... fly vices thy selfe , and of others vices be neither curious searcher , nor bitter reprehender , but without reproaching , a correctour ; so as with cheerefulnesse thou prevent thy admonition , and giue lightly way to pardon errour : Extoll not , nor deiect thou any ... Be to all benigne , but fond of none : familiar with few , equall towards all ... Be a concealour of thy vertues , as others are of their vices : a contemner of vaine glorie , and no bitter exactor of the good wherwith thou art indued ... Be docible , and covetous of wisedome , men when they teach , doe learne ; what thou knowest , without arrogancie , impart with those that require it , what thou knowest not , without hiding of thy ignorance , pray others to impart it to thee .

Pag , 54. §. 57. lin. 14. BREACH OF THE DEAD MANS WILL ] The lawes haue : Let them in all things obey the will of the Testatour . If any one will doe contrarie to the will of the testatour ; Let him goe without the inheritance . Aug. orat . de 5. haeresib . c. 6. Tom. 6. Careat aeterna haereditate hareticus contraveniens voluntati testamenti IESV .

Pag. 55. lin. 8. TO ARTHVR MY SONNE ] This was my name in baptisme , not once mentioned in all the testament before : whence it is manifest that these fragments were not written at the same time with the Testament , but added by the author after 1590. the yeare that first bereved me of a yeares life .

Prima quae vitam dedit hora carpsit . Nullius vltima rapuit plus quam prima . FINIS .
ERRATA .

Pag. Lin. Err. Correct . 26. 23. Arthour . Arthur Plantagenet . 28. 2. Orford . Oxford . 29. 10. heath . health . 29. 13. afforced . afforded . 43. 14. that doe . that I doe . 69. 29. falyng . failing . 74. 14. of the the. of the yeares . 107. 25. w● . we . 110. 3. Pag. 28 , Pag. 18. 156. 26. Author . Author . 165. 29. Lors . Lords .