A Description of the natural corruption wherewith mankind is infected by the contagion of sinne .

IT is a verie lamentable thing to behold● that bottomles sink● of corruption and sin which lyeth h●d in mā● nature : and yet farre more lamentable to behold his gross● and monstrous blindnes , which is so palpable , that although there be no sparkell of goodnes in him : nay , although he be so defiled with sinne , that he i● become as blacke as euer was the blacke horsse , which is spoken of in the reuelation ; So that from the cro 〈…〉 Reuel. 6. 5. of the head to the s●●le of the foote , there Esa. 1. 6. be nothing but woundes , sores , and swellings full of corruption ; Yea , although his veri● righteousnes he as a Esa. 64. 6● verie clo●t defiled with corrupt 〈◊〉 , and his wisdome tending alltogether vnto death and destruction : For this is the state of euery naturall man , vntill such time as he be borne againe : yet notwithstanding I say his blindnes is such : that in no wise he can bee brought to haue any distrust or misliking of himselfe , but rather is caried away with a vaine perswation of that which ought to be in him , and is not in trueth : hauing his heart lifted vp in pride ; because he hath an outward● ▪ knowledg of some thing that appertaineth vnto religion and christian conuersation : thinking it a sufficient perfe●tion , to be able how to define Repentance , although he neuer feele the effect thereof in him selfe . For his owne sins which are so monstrous and wherein he hath euery way so grieuously offended God , a most daungerous disease and incurable , not because there is no remedie soone to heale it : but rather because the sens●esnesse of our nature is such that in no wise we can be brought to any feeling of our disease , yea , and the more daungerously we are infe〈…〉 therewith , the lesse willing are we to yéelde vnto our sinnes ; nay that which is worst , the more perfecte we thinke our selues to be . And therefore these things considered : how or which way should we be brought to recey●● any medicine for the curing thereof . For the patient must first of necessit●● be brought to feele his disease & knowe the daunger thereof , before he can or will haue any desire of the Phisition . In this sense spake our sauiour Christ when he vsed these words . The whole Mat. 9. ●● . Mark . 2. ●● . Luke . ● . ●● . neede no Phisition , but those that are sicke . Not that there were or are at any tune any so perfect which neede not Christ , who is the heauenly Phisition of our soules : but rather shewing thereby how litle Christ our sauiour shal profit those which persw●d● themselues to be whole without him by his ministerie , not for that he can not as I haue before shewed , but rather because they will not : in so much as they feele not theire owne disease , nor knowe the daunger therof . How truely therfore doth the Prophet vse these wordes . Oh , Israel thy damnation is of thy selfe . The Lord offreth vs mercy , but we refuse it ; he ●raueth , but we will not heare ; he knocketh , but we will not open ; and why , because we perswade our selues that we haue no néede of his helpe : not that there is any so rude as to vtter the same in wordes . But the foolish man Psal. 14. 1. & 53. 1. hath said in his heart there is no God . Sure , our great and pensiue care that we haue in labouring by right and wronge to become rich in those things that shal perish ; And on the other side our wonderfull carelesnesse in seeking those heauenly riches which will neuer decaye , and whereby we are made righteous : If there were no other thing , this is sufficient to laye open our shame euen vnto the whole world , not as in a glasse or darke speaking , but face to face , whereby it may plainely bee seene that they trust more in the creature , Then in God , Rom. 1. 5. which is the Creator , who be blessed for euer and euer . Amen .

Truely the Lord hath not deserued to be thus recompe●sed at our handes , his mercies do require better merites then these are : for what could he haue done more for his vinyard Israel , then ●sa. 5. 4. he hath done vnto England . And how commeth it then that our fruit is nothing but wild grayes . We al confesse that the night is past long since , and why do we not beginne to cast off th● workes of darknesse . Wel , if God spared not the naturall branches for this and such like corruptions : how shall he spare vs which are the wild oliues ? if our sinnes be no lesse , the iudgementes and threatnings of God in his worde are plentifully thundred out against vs : but alas , we do not beleu● them ; and as for his mercies we make them a bulwarke vnto our sinnes . As for example , admonish any man at any time of his sinnes , this will be his answere accustomably . Tush God is mercifull , loe , thus we imagine of his mercies that we vtterly ouerthrowe & contemne his iustice . But in the end we shall knowe and well vnderstand , that as mercie floweth from him towardes the penitent beleeuer : so iudgment with seueritie in no lesse measure commeth from him vpon the obstinate and disobedient sinners . But how should we be brought to beleeue these things ? our heartes are so choaked with infidelitie that we will giue credit to nothing before we feele or s●● it put before our eyes . Suerely our securitie is such , that we may be very wel compared vnto an Oxe which is driuen to the Butchers stall ; or a foole led to the stockes : for the property of an Oxe is when he is driuen to the Butchers stall to go ioyfully , because his hope is that he shall be driuen to some better pasture , and neuer feareth vntill the are be readie to be laid vpon his head . So likewise a foole when he is led to the stockes , goeth wilfully and neuer feareth vntil his feete bee fast snared therein . A comparison verie fit for the securitie of this age , who in like manner goeth forwardes weltering in the broade way without remorse of conscience , perswading them selues that that is the perf●ct waye , because the greatest nomber do walke therein , and neuer perceiue theire owne folly , vntill they be snared in the trappes of destruction . In the meane time , if ani● man seeing them in this case , do pittie theire miserie , and seeke by the authoritie of the worde to reclaime them and set them in the right waye ; who is so deadly a for vnto 〈◊〉 as such an on● s 〈…〉eth to be . For they can in no wis● disgest his counsell , and therefore it commeth to passe oftentimes , that in stead● of profitting , they purchase vnto them selues some blemish , as it is witt●n in the prouerbes . He that reproueth Prouerb . a scorner getteth a blot ; That is , some reprochfull worde or prinie blemish otherwise by sclaunder or so forth . Not that they are made worst therby before the Lord , but rather better , yet men do so accounte of it : and therefore greate cause haue Gods children to proceede without discouraging in exhortation , admonition , and reproofe also , seeing God doth so w●ll allow of it , when occasion is offr●● , although it come so to passe oftentimes , that they cast pearles before swine Mat. 7. 6. and giue that which is holie vnto dogges : He that obserueth the Prouer. winde shall neuer sowe . So likewise they which haue an eye alwayes vnto th 〈…〉 mons of men and will knowe 〈…〉 hat ●●tertainment thri●e admonitions and reproof● shal haue before they 〈◊〉 bestowe the 〈…〉 , can n●uer prōfit●● thereby : for that in so doing they see●● rather to please men and seede their● humors , then that god should haue his glorie increased thereby . Knowe you not what is written . He that will be a man pleaser , cannot be the seruant ●lat . 4. 10. of God . A most dangerous euil to g● about to please those who will not bee pleased without the displeasing of the Lord : For men commonlye are best pleased with those which be as themselues are ; and will iustifie none , but such as flatter them in their sinnes , and sowe pillowes vnder their● elboes . Truely it is euen a worlde it see ou● blindnes ; how wise we are to deceiue our selues in such matters as these are : for ●● are ready to bestow great cost , yea and burden our selues very largely without grudging , so that wee may procure the acquaintance and familiaritie of those which will flatter vs , & feede our affections at the full , especiallye if they be such as goe vnder the name of prophets or righteous men : that thereby wee may cloake our corruptions , and seeme to be that which we are not ▪ by shrouding our selues vnder their profession . And alas , what is thi● any better then to buyld vpon them lande , which is an vnstable foundation ; nay it is no other then that which Esay speaketh of , Euen to take falsehoode for our refuge , & couer our selues vnder vanitie . Surely a very thi●●e garment , and such as will not defende vs from the colde in winter , nor yet from the heate of sommer ; nay it were well if it would c●uer our filthy nakednesse : but alas the thinnesse of it is such that the same is not able so to doe . For what grosse blindnesse is it in vs ? to thinke our selues well satisfied when wee are praysed of a fewe miserable men , which possiblie 〈◊〉 as bli●●● as we our selues be : for that is all the gaine wee 〈◊〉 〈…〉 chase by it . Nay let mee goe forth 〈…〉 can it pr 〈…〉 vs to haue the acqu●●●tance & pra●●e of all the learned and godlye in the worlde : If our owne conscience do acc●●e vs before the Lord , who is far greater , then the same , to condemn vs . For as we are before the Lord , so we are ●● 〈◊〉 , and not as men doe ac 〈◊〉 of vs : who oftentimes doe take the garments of Gods deare saints , & giue them vnto strangers , and therefore it behoueth vs to seeke for a better garm●nt then the prayses of men only to couer our selues withall ; least that when we think our selues to be in best case , then our nakednes should be discouered and layde open , not onely to our owne consciences , but also to the whole worlde , who will then laugh at our shame .

Wel therfore to the end that wee may auoid these inconueniences , & remain● no longer so blinde as to become deceiuers of our selues , by so much respecting of mens prayses , and in the mean 〈…〉 éese the pra●se of God 〈◊〉 is the true praise in deede : To the end● I say that wee may auoide this , it is needeful for vs to haue an eye alwai● vnto our affections in all our acti●●s and enterprises whatsoeuer , and 〈◊〉 whether God his glory , the strengthening of our owne faith ; and profiting of our brethren be sought onely ●● d●ing of them . Otherwise let our 〈◊〉 be neuer so many , and see●e as glorious as they will ; In so much that euery mans mouth is filled with praysing of vs : yet it is to no purpose , if our consciences doe not witnesse with vs that these things before repeated , are the things which we in euery of our déedes haue euer theefest respecte vnto . True it is that Scripture doth greatly commen● the receyuing of Prophetes and righteous men into our houses ; Yea & God hath bound himselfe , by promisse therunto also , that those that do it shall be greatly rewarded : but the question is then , how we ought to receyue them , he ( saith the holy Ghost , Which receyueth a Prophet in the name of a Prophet , shall receiue a Prophets reward . And againe . He that receiueth a righteous man , in the name of a righteous man , shall receiue a righteous mans reward .

So heere our Sauiour Christ describeth ●● plaine wordes , howe wee ought ●● receiue them : that is , as a Prophet , or righteous man , as one that ●● of the Lordes Houshold , and sent vnto vs by him ; ●o the ende that we should entertaine him as one of 〈◊〉 best 〈◊〉 and minister vnto him such necessaries , as he commeth vnto vs for , because we haue hope also to receiue of him in like manner such spiritual treasures as the Lord hath endued him withall , to the end● ( I say ) that we might profit theire bodies vnto a temporall life , and they our soules and bodies both vnto a spiritual and eternall life . With this minde we ought to receiue them , and not for fashions sake ; neyther yet to ●●ede our humors : or els it can not be said that we do receiue them as Prophets , or righteous men , but rather as Hipocrites and dissemblers : for 〈◊〉 are none that will giue theire consent to doe so , vnlesse they bee such . And therefore it behoueth vs , to take heede how we do abuse the Prophets , and Saintes of God , by thinking that they are so vaine as to be drawne away from the trueth , to seede our corrupt affections . Nay if they be the true Prophets and Saintes of God , rather then they will so doe , they will vtterly forsake our houses , be the plenty therof neuer so greate : yea , ( and that which is more ) they will shake off the 〈◊〉 of our streetes from theire feete , as a witnesse against vs : because we woulde not obey theire counsell , or rather the Lordes , which is vttered by them . Knowe you not what is written . He that receyueth you , receyueth me , and he that receiueth me , receiueth him that sent me . So then heareby you see plainely , what it is to receyue : ● Prophet or a righteous man : it is not to receiue him alone , but God the Father and Iesus Christ also , which 〈◊〉 accompany ▪ them ; and therefore how well welcome should such ge●tes he vnto vs ; not as though we would so much pleasure them , but they altogether pro●●t vs ; neyther yet may we by our own wisdome measure out vnto them , a way and meane whereby we thinke they may pleasure vs best : for that were to set the Lord who doth ab●se him selfe to be their companion , as it hath bene before proued , to schoole : but rather it behoueth vs to bring our owne wisdome into captiuitie , and content our selues with that mean● & order , which the holy Ghost doth 〈◊〉 th●● to vse for our profiting ▪ whether it be sower , or sweete , sharpe , or ple●sant , iudgement , o● mercy , threatning , ● or promisses , seing the Lord is the di●poser 〈◊〉 ● . of it , Who worketh all things for ▪ the best vnto vs . Receyue the same with patience and thankfulnes , and not g●ut●h or murmure for any thing whatsoeuer commeth vnto vs from them ; humbly acknowledginge our owne ignorance and blindnes , in chosinge vnto our selues , any way or meane that may profit vs vnto eternal life : and thus hauing our heartes prepared , we should bec●●e fitte ground to receiue the seede of God● wo●● 〈◊〉 to our endles comfort . For sure it is , that before the Lord can sow any 〈◊〉 seede in the furrowes of our hard heartes ▪ he must first of necessitie breake ●● ▪ ● mo●●fy the same with the pl〈…〉 ●● his law , & teare in s●●der the hard 〈◊〉 of vyces & sins , with the sharp harrow of his iudgments : that so the wéedes which our own flesh do naturally yéeld forth , may be pluckt vp by the rootes , & scatered ▪ vpon the vpper 〈◊〉 of the earth , that is , laide plai●●● open before our eyes , whereby our 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 may bee made manifest vnto vs , and we by that meanes dr●en forward more earnestly , to séeke for our Physition Christ Iesus , and more willingly take the purgations which he by his seruantes shal minister vnto vs , how sharpe so euer it be for curing therof . Dasig●rous diseases require sharpe & bitter medicines , to purge out the corruption which is the cause of the same ; yea & the more daungerous the d●sease is , the more sharpe medicine it requyreth ▪ Wel than , if it be so , as it is most true , as by a 〈◊〉 example it may be made more plaine ; that french pockes is a f●r more daungerous disease , then the messels , and therfore requireth a more bitter purgation for the curing therof , then the other doth . But our diseas which naturally we are infected 〈◊〉 is far more per●●o●s than eyther that messels or fre●●he pockes : for it is no better then a most lothsome lepry , which doth not only 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or foote , but the whole body 〈◊〉 e●ery member thereof , within and without , so that there is no place fr●● ; which disease although it bee not bodely 〈◊〉 kinge out into scur●● 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in the open face of the world , which may make vs lothsome vnto the ●y●● o● men , and hasten our naturall death : yet it is spirituall , and breaketh out into blasphemous swearinge , lying , deceauing , cursed speaking , flaunder , murder , drunckenesse , and such like , which maketh vs lothsome in the eyes ▪ of the eternal God ; and bringeth speedely vpon vs , though not bodely death , yet that spirituall and eternall death of both bodie and soule in hell fire , which is endlesse , endlesse , and hopelesse , from which the Lord for his Christ his sake deliuer vs all . Amen .

CAP. II. By what meanes mans corruption i● made knowen vnto him : and of the endes of the Lawe .

MOst true it is , that we are all by nature infected with this spirituall leprosie of sinne and corruption , which maketh vs lothsome in the eyes of the almighty as it hath beene already some what touched , and yet not so sufficiently as the necessitie of the matter requireth . For although the Disease ●● both grieuous and generall , yet the knowledge & feeling thereof is very sparing ; and although that all bee infected with the same , yet not one amongest a thousand , wil in trueth confesse him selfe so to be ; such is the blindnes of our stubborne and crooked nature , as for example : aske a naturall man , which hath his life as voyd of th● feare of God , as it may be , whether he be proud , ( couetous , deceiptfull , ● blasphemer of the name of God ) or how much his nature is enclyned therunto , he will straight wayes answers with a shew of thankfulnes vnto God , affirming that his nature both is and hath bene alwayes from his youth , frée from any such things , wondring euen with cursed speaches , how , why , or for what cause , any man should conceiu● so euil an opinion of him . A maru●lous blindnes , and yet commonly this will be theire answere , although there appeare no better fruit in all the actions of their life : and thus Satan pulleth vs forward from euill to worse , in adding vnto our blindnes , wilful stubbernes , and therfore one degree farther off from being cured : for ● it were so that wee were simply blinde , there were some hope that we would receiue light when occasion is offred , to discerne some part of our disease with desire to be cured , because of the danger ▪ which otherwise through the longe continuance of it . might ensue vpon vs . But seeing ▪ ●●●s far otherwise , that wee are not 〈◊〉 blinde , but also through the va●●e wisdome of our owne conceits , c●rryed away in a false perswasion of our selues , that we do both knowe and very well perceiue , our owne estate to be good , yea and so perfect , that the same can by no meanes be bettered . Seeing it is so I say , how , or which way is it possible for a●●e man to worke for ou● health , when we our selues , be ●o 〈◊〉 off from any dread 〈◊〉 of being sick . What the● ▪ shal we leaue it thus ruinous as we finde it ● God forbid ▪ for the which is vnpossible to men , is possible to God . And although the plater b● nothing Corin. 3. 6. and the wat●rer as litle worth , except the Lord giue increase : yet ●● is sinne , in the planter not to plant , and no better in the waterer not to water ▪ how ●●de & vnfruitful soeuer y● barre● ground of mens heart seeme to be vnto them ; and why , because we know not what the Lord will bring to passe by their labours , who by the ministery of his word , doth not only cleanse the lepers , and gaue sight vnto the blind , but also bringeth far more mightie things to passe ; as in turninge raueninge wolfes into meeke lambes ; and cruel Leopards into gentle Kids ; and deuouring Lyons into t●me Calues ; yea and the venemous Aspes or Cockatrices into the nature of innocent & delightfull children ; not that beastes are thus changed , but the holy Ghost meaneth the wilde and sauage affections of men , who although they bee as rauening , deuouring , cruell and venemous , as any of these wilde beastes , yet the power and force of the worde & gospel of Iesus Christ is such that it will make them as tame , meeke , gentle and delightfull as Lambes , Kids , Calues , or little children : & not so only , but much more : for the excellencie of it is such , that it will rayse by those that be dead , euen to life againe , & therfore great cause haue the ministers & saints of God , euen with bouldnes and exceeding hope , to take this spirituall weapon , both in hearte and hand , 〈◊〉 a sufficient armoure , to stand and preuaile , against all the engins and f●ery darres of the wicked , how 1. Cor. 10. 5. luk. 10. 17. 18. great and cruell soeuer they seeme to be . For it is the word of God onelye , which casteth down strong holds , and euery thing which exalteth it selfe , against the knowledge of God ; yea and bringeth into captiuitie euery affection vnto the obedience of Christ : which worde , as it is a sufficient defence against all dangers ; a perfect purgation to cleanse vs from all ill humors ; yea a most pre●●ous salue to heale al diseases or woundes whatsoeuer : so also it is a most cleare and bright candle to lighten our blinde eyes , whereby wee may perfectly behold , not onely the grienousnesss of our dise●se , but also the great danger therof ; a point very néedfull and chiefly to be obserued , as the first step which belongeth to true and vnfayned christianitie . For before 〈◊〉 doe knowe our disease which is sinne , how shal we vnderstand the danger & inconuenience that it subiecteth vs vnto , which is the wrath & euerlastinge curse of God ; and hauing our eyes once shut vp from beholding the danger and discommoditie of sinne , which way is it possible for vs to be broughte to feare and tremblinge at the iudgements and heauy threatnings of God in his words , seting we haue no credit therein : and then hauing our heartes thus hardened , how far ●ff are we from Rom. 3. 2● ▪ Ga● . ● . 16. 2● Heb● 11 ▪ 6. repentance , but much farther off from faith , whereby alone we are iustified before the Lord , and without the which it is impossible to please him . Well then , to the ende that w●e may auoide these great inconueniences , and be vnfaynedlye brought vnto the hope of Christ his kingdome : order requireth that we begin to inlarge vpon this first point or step thereunto , which is to prooue and make knowen vnto vs , by the worde of God , our disease , that we are all infected , with this spirituall leprosie of sin : concerning which matter the Scriptures are very plentifull . Psal. 5● . 5 , Dauid in the Psalme vseth thes● ●ob . 25. 4. wordes : We are borne in iniquitie , and in sinne hath our mother conceaued vs . Iob considering this , maketh it an vnpossible thing for vs to be voyde of sinne : how saith he may a man be cleere in thy sight , or how may ●say . 11. 7. ● . he which is borne of a woman be righteous ? Like begetteth and bringeth foorth his like ; men gather not figs of thornes , nor grapes of thistles ; It is contrary to the nature of a crab-tree to bring foorth any other fruit than crabbes : So likewise man and woman all generally being sinners , can beget and bring foorth no better then themselues . Thinke this therefore with thy selfe , that if thou be begotten of a man and borne of a woman , thou muste néedes be a sinner . Can the blacke Moore change his skin ? o● the Cat of Mount her Spottes ? So vnpossible a thing it is for thee to change thy condition and estate that thou wast● borne in , bridle it how thou w●lt , and pretend as much as thou canst ; yet when thou hast done thy best thou art a sinner , not in parte , but wholie , euen from the foole of the foote , to the Esai . 1 6 crowne of the head , as Esaie saith , in his first chapter : not in worke onely , but also in worde , and not in wordes & workes alone , but also in thoughtes , as it appeareth by that which is written Gen. 6. 5. 〈◊〉 . ● Mat , 15. 19 in Genesis . All the thoughtes & imaginations of mans heart are euill continuallie . And yet because we may be more drawn out of our selues ; and not deceyued with a shewe of good things , which may seeme to rest in our nature : the holy Ehost telleth vs , that Esai . 64. 6 Rom. 8. 6. The verie righteousnes of man , is as a defiled cloth , & his wisedome tendeth wholie vnto death , wherein he ouerthroweth euen ▪ the best things of our nature For what should we iudg the righteousnes and wisdome of man , which the holy ghost speaketh of here , to be , but this : his prayer , fasting , and almse deeds , his frequenting of common prayer , Sermons and Sacramentes , his gay and glorious speaches , fran●ed out of the word of God , which hath in them great shew of religion and pietie : but to conclude , whatsoeuer it be ●or how glorious a shewe so euer it hath in the eyes of men , yet if it proceed● from no other affection , then that which we haue receyued from our naturall parentes , it is no better accounted off before the Lord then a defiled cloth , and the wages that we shall receyue for the same , no better than death : herein then you may see the trueth of that scripture fulfilled , which telleth vs , that to the vncleane , nothinge is cleane : well therefore , Let vs not deceiue 1. Iohn . 1. 8. our selues , by saying that we haue no sinne , or by supposinge our selues to be in good case , because our sinnes are more tollerable then other mens bet . For the least sin in vs , although it be but in thought , if there bee no stryuinge against the same , or mislyking of it , the waight thereof , is no lesse , nor no easier then the euerlasting torment of hell fire . But here some man may obiecte and say , that all these wordes are to no purpose : for who is he that confesseth not himselfe , to be a sinner ? True it is that all men in a generall speach doe confesse them selues so to be , yea and perticularly also from the lippes forwards : but the vnfayned acknowledgement of our sins perceth far deeper , & commeth more nearer vnto the quicke . For it doth not stir vp bare wordes in vs alone , but other things also , which are of farre more sense and feeling ; as a troubled soul● ; a pensiue and sorowfull spirit , for our sins committed against God : because our owne conscience doth tell vs , that therein we haue greatly offended him , and prouoked his euerlasting curse to be powred vpon vs , which as yet we● see not which way , or how to auoyde : the consideration whereof , stirreth vp in vs greate care ; much and earnest prayer , euen with gr●ning sobbes , and bitter teares ; feare also with desire , zeale and punishment , that by this iudginge of our selues , we might preuent the iudgementes of God , which otherwise wee knowe & do very well perceyue are to be executed vpon vs . But this may be made more plaine vnto vs by a familiar example & such a one as we are very wel acquainted with , & experienced in : the thiefe or wicke● person , which hath committed some notorious crime , of theft , murder , or both so long as his facte is vnknown , he maketh no conscien●● of it ▪ but eateth and drinketh with the drunkard , and proceedeth forwards in like wickednes ; tell such a one in generall speache , that he is ● sinner , and there is no doubt● , but that hee will willingly yeelde vnto it ; but come more nearer vnto him , and tell him that he is a theefe or murderer , and if he bee sure that thou canst bring forth no sufficient proo●e of the same , hee will not falle but make thee smart for it , as farre forth as the Lawes of the Realme will giue him leaue . Now● this felowe which standeth so ●●outlis all this while vpon his pantos●●es , as t●ough he had receiued greate wrong , his facte beeinge once knowne , and brought to right , and hee him selfe laide holde ●pon , to appeare before a iudge , where hee must receyue the sentence of death for his wicked deede , which he hath committed , and seeth no waye nowe to auoyde the sa●e : marke then his tou●●enance and see howe all the powers of his bodie are chaunged , ●nto tremblinge and feare ; his ●n●es which before were so stiffe , nowe doe willingly yeelde them selues vnto the grou●de , with weeping and wringing o● hands , to cra●●e pardon , labouringe by all meanes and wayes that hee can deuise or procure , euen with greate importunacie , that he 〈◊〉 obtaine the same , willingly yeeldinge him sel●e vnto the prison , to the ●etters , and to the hote yron , so that he may escape with life , he weigheth not these other punishmentes , yea , and the more terible the sentence of death is , which the iudge doth pronounce against him , the more is his feare and labour to aauoyde the same . Hereby you see then , as in a cleare glasse , what it is in trueth to confesse our sinnes , and by what meanes we are brought therevnto . For as the thiefe or wicked person , can not bee brought vnfay●edly to confesse his facte , before it hee made knowne , and hee himselfe attached to appeare be●ore a iudge , to bee condemned for the same : so likewise the case standeth with euery one of vs ▪ who by nature are no better then theeues and murderers before the Lord , that we can by no meanes bee brought in trueth to yelde vnto the same , before the monstrousnesse and vgly shape of these our sinnes , with the paine and penaltie due thereunto , bee set before our owne consciences , and we as it were summoned before Gods iudgement seate , to be condemned for the same : you see also the fruit and effectes , which folowe the true acknowledgment of our sinnes , which is feare , trembling , weeping , wringing of handes , and importunate sute , euery kinde of way for pardon , and the reason is verie good : for if the face of an earthly Iudge which can but kill the body , bee so terible vnto that partie , which is brought before him for his facte : what shall wee thinke then , or howe terrible is the face and sentence of that eternall and heauenly Iudge of Iudges ; who after hee hath killed , Ap●● . 20. 11. can cast both bodie and soule into hell fire , and from whose countenance flyeth away both the heauens and the earth . Well then ? these comparisons beinge well thought vpon , and we so perfectlie experienced in the lesser which is before man , will willingly I doubte not yeelde vnto the trueth of the greater , which is , when anie mans conscience for sinne , doth sommon h●● before the Lord .

Let vs not therefore hereafter , bee anie more so blinde and ignorant , as to thinke that we are come to greate perfection in Christianitie before we are entred into the first steppe that appertayneth vnto the trueth thereof , which is the vnfayned acknowledginge of our sinnes : vnfayned I call it , when these passions of the minde before repeated , are stirred vp in vs , through the sighte thereof , otherwise it is fayned and to noe purpose . For if wee call to minde the testimonie of holie scripture to prou● and confirme the same , we shall see it and as in a glasse behold it very plentifully prooued , and sufficiently euery way warranted vnto vs , howe that this hath alwayes bene the Lordes purpose and intent , dealinge with all his children & elect , in the beginning of theire calling , euen so to humble theire soules , with the sight of their sinnes , that they were almost fettered in the chames of desperation , as we may see it in the poore Publican , who seemed Luke . 18. 13 so vile in his owne eyes , That hee durst not lift them vp to heauen . So likewise the people of the Iewes , Act. 2. 37. which were conuerted at the preaching of Peter , and the rest of the Apostles , were in such distresse and trouble of minde for theire sinnes , that they could not tell which way to wind out of it , But being pricked in their heartes , cried out vnto the Apostles and saide , men and brethren , what shall we do ? Which doth importe a marueylous distresse that they were in . A notable example of this also we haue in the sixtenth of the Actes , in the Act. 16. 3● . conuersion of the keeper of the prison , who when hee sawe the greate power of God in shaking the foundation thereof for the delyuerance of his Saintes , came tremblinge and quakinge , in marueylous feare , sayinge , What shall I doe , that I maye bee saued ? Which requeste doth giue vs to vnderstand , that he iudged him selfe to be no better than a condemned wretch . In like maner the Prophet Abacuk speaking of the beginning of his calling , saith thus of it When I heard , my bellie trembled , my lips shooke at the voice : rottennesse Abacuk . 1. 1● entred into my bones , and I trembled in my selfe , that I might be spared in the daie of the Lorde . See , here the Prophete taketh these troubles & anguishes of mind , which hee was brought into by the hearing of the word , as a warrante vnto his owne soule , that the Lord would spare him in the day of euill . A verye apte proofe we haue of this also in the booke of kings , where it was said vnto Iosias the kinge , that because his hearte 2. King . ●● . 19. 20. did melt , when he heard the booke of the Lawe read , and those iudgementes pronounced , which the lord pretended to bring vpon Ierusalem and the temple for the sinnes of Manasses : because ( I say ) his heart did melt , & he rent his clothes , & wepte at the hearing thereof , therfore the Lord tolde him , that these miseries shoulde not bee in his dayes , but that he shoulde be gathered to his fathers in peace and not see them . And what should I saye of Dauid the king . who beeing a man after Gods owne heart , yea and also a figure of Christe , what wonderfull distresses & anguishes of minde & soule was he in , not only , in the beginning of his calling , but also throughout his whole life , as it appeareth very plentifully in the Psalmes , where he vttereth these voyces . Many saye vnto my soule there Psal. 3. 2. is no helpe for him in his God , and agayne : I fainte in my mourning Psal. 6. 6. and cause my bedde euerie night to swim with my teares : and aga●●e . howe long wilte thou forget me O Psal. 13 1. 2. Lord for euer ? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me , howe long shall I take counsell with my selfe , hauing daily wearines in my heart : and againe , there is nothing sounde Psal. 38. 3. in my flesh because of thy displeasure , there is no rest in my bones , because of my sinnes , and againe my heart trembleth within me , the Psal. 55. 4. 5. sorrowes of death are fallen vppon me , feare and trembling is come vppon me , and an horrible feare hath couered me , yea his troubles Psal. 42. 7. were such , and his temptations came so thicke one in the ne●ke of another , that his soule refused comforte , and Psal. 77. 2. it seemed vnto him that the Lorde had vtterly reiected his soule , * reade the 88. Psalme . Thus you see it plainely proued out of the word of God , how the Lorde hath alwayes dealte with his children , in calling them vnto the hope of his kingdome , that they might be pricked forewardes to bring vnto him that acceptable sacrifice of a sorowfull spirite , and broken hearte , Psal. 51. 17. which hee at no time will despise , but hath bounde him selfe by promise , that at what time soeuer any do come vnto him , which are ouer burdened Mat. 11 28. with the sight of their sinnes , they shall finde refreshing : here you see also the trueth of this doctrine verified : that the Lorde doth first wounde , before he maketh whole ; hee firste Osce . 61. humbleth , before hee doeth exaulte ; Bee bringeth downe to Hell , beefore 1 Sam. 2. 6. hee raiseth vppe to Heauen , And to conclude , hee maketh vs to see our miserie , before he will bestow vpon vs his mercy : for to whom is meat most sauery , but to him that is moste hungrie ; to whome is liberty most delightfull , but to him which is in the most miserablest bondage ; and to whom is life most sweete , but to him that is in the greatest danger of death . For offer liberty to such a one as is fre● from bondage , or life to him that is in no danger of death , and they will laugh thee to scorne : but goe to some prison , and offer liberty to him that hath hen long in chaines , and life vnto him that is already iudged to die , and thou shalt sée how thankfully he will receiue thy proffer , and how mindefull he will be of the same . A similitude very fit to teach vs , for what cause the Lord doeth thus deale with his children in humbling of them , to the ende that they may praise him in trueth for deliuering them out of such wonderfull miserie , and neuer be vnmindefull of so great a benefitte . In this sense it was sayde of Marye Magdalen , that she loued much , because many sinnes were forgiuen her . For who amongst the children of women , was there euer found● , to be a more greuouser sinner then she , which was Make 16. ● Luke . 8. 2. a common harlot , and had ●●uen deuils rast out of her , that is to say , a greate many , we know not the number , and who againe was there euer founde , to shew foo●th the like affection of loue vnto our lauiour Christ as she did , after she perceiued that these greate sinnes were forgiuen her , and she redeemed Iohn . 12. ● . from the danger therof : for she washed his feete with her teares , and wyped them with the heire of her head . In this sense also it is sa●d of the Apostle saint Paul , that hee laboured more aboundantly then all the reste of the Apostles , and what moued him so to do , euen this , because hee perceiued that many and grieuous sinnes were forgiuen him . What the●● shall wee sin much , that we may loue and laboure much ? God forbid . The holy Ghoste hath no such meaninge , neither is it saide that they loued and laboured much , because they had sinned much ; but because many sinnes were so giuen them . There is none of vs all but doe commit many and grieuous sins , and the more wee doe commit the worse we are to be liked , for the lesse doe we loue , and the lesse also is our labour in the waies of Godlines : but if wee were come vnto this steppe , that wee did clearelie see these sinnes , and were perfectlie humbled and wearied with the burden of them , hungring and thirsting for easement , there is no doubt , but that wee should quickly perceiue and feele , the great loue of God towardes vs , in pardoning and forgiuing all these our sinnes whiche we haue committed against him , and so by that meanes wee also might bee drawen with Mary and Paule , to loue and labour much , because many sins are forgiuen vs . But before wee can haue faith to beleeue , and strength to feele that many sinnes are forgiuen vs , we must first learne to knowe & feele both that wee haue committed many sinnes , yēa that we doe nothing els but sinne , and to the ende that we may vnfainedly bee brought vnto the knowledge therof , the best meane or way that we can vse , is this , euen so set the purenes and seuerity of the law , as it is in it selfe without Christ , against our own affectons , vntill such time as we be euen plunged into nothing , and perfectly humbled therby : for this is the office of it , & to this end it was ordayned . The vse of th● Lawe . First to reueale vnto vs our sins , as it is very plainly declared in the e●●stle to the Romanes , where it is written , by the lawe shall no flesh be iustified in Rom. 3. 20. his fight : for by it commeth the knowledge of sin , & againe : the lawe causeth Rom. 4. 15. wrath , for where no lawe is , there is no transgression , that is to say , there is no transgression knowen , according to the which the Apostle speaketh in another place , where hee vseth these words . I had not knowen sin , but by Rom. 7. ● . the law : for I had not knowen that lust had beene sin , except the lawe had said thou shalt not lust , so th●n , hereby you may eastly perceiue , that the first office of the lawe , is to reueale or make knowen vnto vs our sinnes .

Secondlie it goeth forwardes and maketh vs to bee out of measure sinnefull . For to this ende the lawe Rom. 5. 20. entered , that sinne might abounde . And after this sorte the Apostle reasoneth in another place , where hee hath these wordes : Sinne tooke occasion Rom. 7. 13. by the commandement and deceiued me , and thereby slew me , wherfore the lawe is holie , and the commandement is holie , and iust , and good . Was that then which is good made death vnto me , God forbid , but sin , that it might appeare sin , wrought death in me by that which is good , that sinne might be out of measure sinnefull , by the commandement . And thus you see how the Lawe doeth proceede , not onely in reueiling vnto vs our sinnes , but also in making vs out of measure sinnefull : not onely in bewraying the corruptions of oure workes , but also of our wordes : and not of our wordes and works alone , but also of our thoughts not in condemning some , & iustifyinge the rest , but in vtterly reiecting of all . If there haue been but one thought in all our life time out of square , and admitte it to be so , that we were free from sinne , both in worde , work , & thought : yet the s●ueritie of the Lawe is suche , that it wholy depriueth vs of all hope of life , because wee were borne in sinne , and hauing thus bewrayed in vs such a huge heape of corruptions , whereby we perceyue our selues to be aboue measure sinfull , yea nothing els but a masse and lumpe of sinne , doth it leaue vs so ? noe , but then it proceedeth in setting before our eyes , the iudgmentes of God for the same , threatning , condemning , and cursing vs , for not fulfillinge that in euery poynt , which we are not able to performe in one of the least poyntes therof : Deut. 28. 16. 1 : 13 &c. pronouncing vs To be cursed in the field , cursed in the towne , cursed in our basket , and store , cursed in our houses , and in the fruite of our ●wne bodies , cursed in al that we take in hand ▪ yea and that which is worst of all cursed in our selues with an euerlasting curse , from the presence of God : who is become vnto vs a terible and st●rce iudge , from whose face we shall destrethe hils & mountaines to fall vpon vs ▪ and hide vs , thundring out heauy , & feareful threatnings against vs . That Osee . ●3 . 7. 8 he will be vnto euery sinner , as a verie lyon , & as a leoparde in the waie of as●hur , he wil meet them as a she beare that is robbed of her whelpes , & will breake the verie gall of their hearts , he Iere. ● . 14. Psalm. 11. 9. wil be vnto them as a deuouring flame , & wil raine snares vpon their heads , fier , brimstone , & stormy tēmpest , this shal be the portion of their cup. For euerie Psalm. 9. 17. sinner must be cast into hel , & all nations that forget God , head & taile , roote & branch , not one exempted : for the reward of sin , is death , & we are al sinners : therfore , by the law we are al condemned , we are all vnder the curse , the bondstaues of satan , and fire brands of hel . Thus the law proceedeth in plunging vs , deeper & déeper , into the pit of sorrow , where we can finde no g●●ud : for when it hath shewed vnto vs our sins ; and the vnmeasurablenes of the same , with the m●gmēts & heauenvly plagues of God , to be executed vpon them , then entereth the fourth 〈◊〉 4. office of the Law . of the law , which is horror , feare , 〈◊〉 , weeping , wringing of hand● , &c. as it hath bene before made plaine vnto vs , by a similitude , & very plentifully proued also out of the scriptures , that the children of God , 〈◊〉 bene subiect vnto these passions of the minde & body , before they could come vnto the hope of his kingdome , & therfore lesse may 5. Office of the Lawe . be spoken of it now , wil then the last office of the law , is , that it send●th vs vnto christ , as the Apostle witnesseth : Christ is the end Rom. 10. of the Law for righteousnesse , vnto all that beleue , and againe , The law is our Calat . 3. ● schole master , to bring vs vnto Christ , that we may be made righteous by faith . So then hereby it is plaine , that the last office of the law , is to send vs vnto Christ , and marke it for a special point , that it is the last office therof , & not the fi●st : for the ●aw must of necessitie proceed vpon vs , by these steps before repeated , that we may be as it were killed in our selues , from all hope of fleshly righteousnes before we can be prepared , to receyue the life which is by Christ . So then hereby you see that the lord in conuerting of a soule , doth euen work a miracle , ● raise them which are dead to life againe , and therfore they do abuse the gospel , which wil presume , vpon the conforts therof , before such time , as the law hath thus humbled them ▪ for most certaine it is , that they which so deale , do deceiue them selues , to the encrease of pride & security . For as the law without the gospel , driueth to dispaire , so in like maner the gospel without the law , maketh vs to presinne , & therfore of necessitie both worke together , but the law hath the first place : for vntil such time as the law hath done ●is office , in humbling of vs , the gospel can not profit neyther yet doth the same appertaine vnto vs , no more then a plaister , or pleasant healing salue , doth belong vnto that wound which is full of corruption , and rottennesse , euen to the bone : for you know that vnto such a wound , there belongeth first knyues and laun●ors , to open the same , and then sharpe and bitter salue to drawe out the corruption , and eate out the deade fleshe thereof , before there come any healing plaister neere it : the nature wherof is to close vp and skinne the vpper parte of the wounde , and clense all the corruption and deade flesh within , which afterward breede to great inconuenience , and make the wounde far more daungerous .

Euen so it fareth with all those which are wounded with the venemous dart of selfe loue : which wound beinge choaked with the corruption , and deade fleshe of couetousnesse and pride , and yet , will vse no other medicine for the curing thereof , then that pleasante healinge salue of the Gospell , which if they knewe in trueth howe litle the same did pro●●●te them , before such time as the sharpe launcinge knife of Gods Lawe had opened the wounde , and the bitter salues of his iudgementes , and sharpe threatninges eaten out the rottennesse thereof , they would goe an other waye to worke , and vse a more sounder dyet , for the obtayninge of health , although it bee verie tedious and sharpe at the first . Surely it is very lamentable to behold the grosse blindnesse and securitie of our age : for the most parte of vs , nay almost euery one , doe thinke that christianitie , doth wholy rest in an outward shewe of wordes : and therefore if wee canne come to the vnderstandinge of some places of the scripture , whereby we may bee able to define and prooue , what faith is , and the obiecte , vpon whome the same taketh holde : we thinke it to be such a perfection , as we neede goe no further , and that there can be no better Christians in the worlde , then we our selu●s are , although there be no more remorse of conscience for sinne in vs , then there is in a blind beast . But alasse let vs thinke or knowe as much as we will or can , in this sorte , and let other men which be as blinde as wee our selues are , praise vs for our knowledge , as much as they list , yet al this wil stand for no payment before the Lord , nor bringe one sparkell of warrant vnto our soules , whereby we may assure our selues to be in his fauour ; who onely looketh vpon a troubled soule , which is humbled with the sight of his sinnes , and Psal 51. Esai . ●6 . 2 hath promised to power his Spirit vpon those that tremble at his worde . Therefore if thou wilt make a true examination of thine estate between God and thee , whether thy faith towardes him be vntayned or not , prooue not the foundation thereof , by thy knowledge , how much or whom thou doest knowe , but rather by the feare , howe much or whome thou doest feare . For in trueth there is neyther knowledge nor faith , except the beginninge thereof bee feare , as it is manifest in diuers places of the prouerbes . The feare of the Lorde is the beginning of wisdome . By wisdome in that place is meante all things that belon●e vnto the knowledge & saluation of a Christian man ▪ and yet here you see , that the holy Ghost sheweth in plaine wordes , that the feare of the Lord is the beginninge of ●t : and who knoweth not that faith is the chiefest and onely thinge which belongeth vnto euery Christian , for the attayning of saluation : therefore the beginning of faith is feare , which feare is stirred vp in vs , through remorse and conscience for sinne , which sinne also is reuealed vnto vs by the Lawe : and therefore if feare be not the beginning and first fruit of thy faith , thou hast good cause to doubte of it , and to thinke with thy selfe , that thou arte come vnto Christ before the Father draweth , and our sauiour Christ telleth vs plainly , that no man can Iohn . 6. 44 come vnto him , except the Father do first drawe him , which word drawing , doth importe in vs , a marueylouse vnwilling●esse , because the way seemeth verie tedious and vnpleasante vnto vs , vntill such time , as wee come vnto Christ , that is , vntill wee haue a iustifyinge faith to beleeue in him . And therefore that rashe and forged faith which men doe drawe vnto them selues without the Lord , that is without remorse and conscience for sinne , may very fitly be compared , vnto the faith of him , which is spoken off in the Gospel after saint Matthew , who came to our Sauiour Christ , and saide vnto him , Master I will folowe M●● . 8. 19. 20. thee whither so euer thou goest . But what was the entertainement , that our Sauiour Christ gaue him , he telleth him that the Foxes haue heales , and the foules of the aire haue nestes , but the Sonne of man hath not where to lay his head : meaning that whereas vnto an earthly man for a while it may seeme an excellent and sweet● thinge to folowe , that is to professe Christ : yet when he must come to the denying of him selfe , and to renounce the loue of eternall things , it will be veri● bitter and vnpleasant vnto him . Hereby you see the entertainement and welcome of those which are so hastie to come before they bee called , that is , in the pride of theire heartes , without any consideration of their owne miserie , & neede they haue of him ; nay rather , as though hee had neede of them : for certaine it is , that there are a great manye ; which when they haue done any small thing , that belongeth vnto the duetie of a Christian ; doe thinke in that pointe that the Lord had neede of them , and therefore is become their debter for doinge it . But alack , it is not so , the good or euill which we doe , shall profit or hurte our selues ; we cannot enrich● the Lord with any thing that we are able to doe , who draweth both the sinners , and the deuils to set foorth his glory , and therfore can as well be glorified in our condemnation , as in our saluation . But to leaue this , and come to our former matter : these ready fellowes which are so soone ripe , will be as quickly rotten ; those that are so hastie to followe Christ vnto the breaking of bread , that they maye fill their bellies , if they shall but heare this voyce from him ; Sell all you haue and giue it to the poore : although hee promise them neuer so greate treasure in heauen , yet they will forsake him , if it be to the vtter destruction and ●amishing both of body & soule euerlastingly . Take me not here , that I goe about to condemne our 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and speede in turning vnto Christ if it be in trueth ; neither is it my purpose to withdrawe any man from reading & meditating vpon the sweete promises of the Gospel : for the Lord hath many wayes to conuert vs by , and this may very wel be one , euen the consideration of his great mercies offred vnto vs in Christ , which may be a good meane to bringe vs to the consideration of our owne vnworthines and vnthankfulnes for the same , and of our great miseries without it , and so be vnfaynedly brought vnto Christ : But rather my purpose is to bea●e downe our 〈◊〉 boastinge of faith , when it is with so little fruite , as though it were possible Gen. 28. 12. for vs to be vpon the top of Iacobs ladder , before we come neere the foot therof , and our heedeles presumings vpon Christ , without any remorse or conscience for sinne , as though the Lord did iustifie and appoint those vnto eternal saluation whom he would neuer sanctify vnto holines of life : these sinners are they , against whom chiefly he●herto I haue proceeded , to the end that they may ( if it be possible ) be pulled away from the grosse absurditie of putting religion in bare names , titles , & figures , as though it were a matter of indifferencie , whether they which call vpon the name of the lord did depart frō●●quity or not : to the end , I say , that we may put no more such confidence in daine shadowes , which are without all trueth of substance , & be constantly perswaded in our selues that before we can liue vnto righteousnes , we must ●y vnto sin : and before we can be vnseperably ioined vnto Christ , wee must vt●erly be rent away from our selues , and see our miserie without him , who from euerlasting is appoynted of God his father , to be a Phisition only vnto those which are sick , and not vnto those which perswade themselues that they are whose ; and hath bounde himselfe also by promise to satisfie the hungry , & not those which are full ; to giue sighte vnto the blinde , & not vnto those which suppose them selues to see wel mou● already , that God may be all in all , and Christ haue the whole glorye of our sauinge health . As hee who hath troden the winepresse of Gods wrath alone for vs , without any to help him , and to the end alss that euerie mouth may bee stopped , and all the world be found culpable before the Lord , who hath shutte vp all vnder sinne , that he may haue mercy on all , not all that are sinners , but euery one that confesseth him selfe so to be , which hee graunt for his mercies sake , Amen .