A myrrour or cleare glasse for all estates, to looke in, conteining briefly in it the true knovvledge and loue of god, and the charitie of a faithfull christian tovvardes his neyghbour.

IF we the chyldren of Adam depely wold consyder , and ponder diligently from the beginnyng , the maiestie of th immortall God : In beholdyng symply and with all humblenes ( both externely and with our inward senses ) his omnipotent power and workemanship in heauen and in erth : the merueilouse order of his doynges , Gene. 1. and his most happy entent towardes mankind in the same : what greate appearaunce there was of his moste deere and syngular loue , that after the creation ( first ) of heauen and earth , as also the depe and bottomlesse seas , and all thynges innumerable in theym conteyned ( and by hys blessynge tencreace and multiply ) for the redy vse seruyce , and pleasure of man : howe he then ( in tyme ) made man a creature amonge all other his louelye creatures , moste glorious , beautyfull and semely , yea , and after his owne ymage and symilitude a liuyng soule , breathyng into him the breath of life : Gene. 2. Eccle. 32. 1. Cor. 15. how he made him lorde and ruler , and to haue dominion ouer all , & gaue names vnto all maner of cattall , fowles of th aire , and beastes of the fielde , how he planted a gardeyn of pleasure , and there set man , whom he had fourmed , to dresse it , to keepe it , and to enioye all the louely pleasures therof , onely one thynge excepted , from the which ( because he wolde ther shuld be signified vnto hym wyth reuerence , lowe submission as vnto God his maker , and his duetie in obedience ) he streyghtned the reane of his freely vertie , and layed the burdeyne of his greuous commandement vpon his shoulders , sayeng vnto him : Gene. 5. Eccle. 11. Of al the trees of the gardeyn , thou shalt eate , and vse at libertie , for the accomplisshement of thy full delight and pleasure : but of the tree of Knowledge of good and euyll , thou shalte not eate : and gaue hym further a sharpe and mooste bitter threate , saying : Take hede , and be well ware of this my commandement : for the same day thou eatest of that tree , thou shalte die the death . It is here then to be noted after this straight precept of God , what greate daunger ( through disobedience ) man stoode in : and howe the most subtil and malicious serpent the deuyl and onnemye to mankynde ( who alwaies and by al meanes possible , despightfully seeketh his destruction , watched his time , and immediatly deuysed to worke his present confusion , through his sleightie & sweete sugred tale vnto the weake & fraile woman , Gene. 3. 2. Cor. 11. tellyng her they should be as goddes , and know both good and euyll , not withstandyng the commandement of god ( if they wold eate of that fruite ) wherby without fearyng god , & forgetfull of his former loue towardes theim , of theyr most blyssefull and high estate , and of the place of great plesure , where he had planted them , neither yet remembryng his straight commandement and most terrible threatenyng of death , theyr heartes were sore blynded , they were vtterly deceyued , they receaued the foule spotte of the serpent , they were desyled with disobedience & pride , and hastened to leaue God theyr maker theyr dere and most louyng fronde , and folowed the dyuell and his moste cursed suggestions , beeyng theyr mortall and deadly ennemie , and to tast of that moste bytter and forbydden fruicte of deathe and euerlastynge dampnation , whiche by the iustyce of God , and accordyng to the doome of theyr own consciences , through theyr most wretched disobedience ) they had duely deserued : Gene 2. for their faultes were thenne opened vnto theym , they knewe assuredly they had doone amisse , and therfore they sled and ran into corners , to couer and hide themselues with leaues , and amonge the trees , from the face and presence of god as ( in themselues already condemned ) moste disobedient to the voyce of god , and wretched synners , and durste not appeare nor shewe their faces : so lothesome and foule was their spotte apparant in their owne eies . And God that created them , not yet forsaking them , Esay . 40. Iere. 30. but stil bearyng his tender compassion & mercy towardis man , wold not yet leaue him but sought him out where he had hidde himselfe , he called vnto him , he gently talked with him , & herd the grounde of that most hainous & great offence . And so consequently according to his diuine wille and iustyce , rewarded euery of theim : the malicious serpente for his part , the fraile woman for hir part , Gene. 3. and lykewise the vnhappy manne with the malediction of god vpon th earth : and for his parte also depriued from his former & most blisseful estate , cast out of the gardeyne of pleasure , and constrained to labour and to tylle the earthe , frome whence he was taken , and so myserably with great trauayle and sorow , and wyth the sweat of his owne browes , to get his breade . So that vnto man , that sorowful & reiected creature , ther apered then no hope of redresse , in that his present distresse and moste wofull misery , but rather vtter desperacion and encreace of all sorowe , continuall tribulation and trauayle , paine and anguish in bodye and soule , corporall death and eternall damnation , tyll God ( still renuyng his loue , whiche is vnspeakable and infinite ) made promise vnto man , that Christ the seconde Adam , Rom. 5. Colos. 1. Luc. 11. the seede of the woman , and sauior of the world , shoulde in time be raysed vppe , to ou●● come synne , and lyke a valyant & most puissaunt conqueror , to destroye the anuyll , deathe , hell , and damnation : 〈◊〉 that also by hym shal be restor●● 〈◊〉 ( through a liuelye faith ) the gra●● 〈…〉 heauenly father , peace and 〈…〉 conscience , Esay . 53. Iohn . 3. Act. 10. and eternall saluation 〈◊〉 che he vndoubtedly did then 〈…〉 therfore obteined grace : whole 〈◊〉 also we are , and spotted impes , spryngyng out frome that olde , crooked , and stoupyng tree : a stocke vnstable , waueryng and alwaies leanynge , and ready with euery storme and tempest of tentation to fall , suche is the feblenes therof and corrupted nature : whose fruictes continually are none other , but rotten and vnsauery wourkes : as blynde ignorance , disobedience , pride , & stoughtnes , mistrust , contempt of god and godlie thinges , feruent lusting after carnal thynges , scornefulnes , hatred and malice , selfe loue , with innumerable suche other odible stuffe and stinkynge store , and therefore most worthye the banishmente of all pleasure and the presence of god , to wander the earth in misery , and to susteyn as rotten braunches , the stroke of the axe , Math. 7. Luke . 3. and to be cast for euer into hell fyre . For the which and frome the daunger wherof , we also know non other remedy ( yf we desyre the fauoure of God , to be his faithfull seruauntes , his obedient children and heires of his kyngdome ) but to seke our pourgation in Iesus Christe , whose name we haue professed , whome we acknowledge to come frome aboue , the sonne of God , Esay . 7. and verye God ( and to be incarnate in the wombe of the virgin , Esay . 7. Luke . 20. Iohn . ● . Rom. 8. Philip. 2. that he here lyned perfecte man amongest vs in the fleshe , immaculate and vnspotted , and suffred al kind of affliction in the fleshe : yea euen very death : and that the most cruell and shameful death of the crosse . for the redemption and freedome of vs disobediente and wretched synners , to pourge vs , Esay . 54 , and with the effusion of his bloud , to wash and make cleane our spotted and moste fylthy soules , and so to restore vs agayne to the grace of our heauenly father : from whom ( with our synneful father , lyke frayle and vnthankful creatures , we were sled : and through our instabilitie and lightnes , lyke runnagates , rebellious and presumptuous chyldren , Esay . 23. Psal 119 , wandrynge a strate lyke loste shepe , & falne euen into the lap or mouth of the roryng and deuouryng lyon the deuyll : whose tearyng teethe and insaciable throte is alwaies wyde , strained , and firmely fixed impituously to rente , deforme , and deuoure the beautie of goddes creation : vnto whom we were in most bytter thraldom , his seruile and very bond slaues , the children of sinne , and deathe , and for euer th unquenchable tyrebrandes of hell . From the whiche he hath mercifully delyuered vs , restored vs vnto strength , peace , and quietnes of mynde , he hath fylled vs full of ioye , he hath made vs to be of the company of the aungelies , Iohn . 1. 1. Cor. 6. 1. Cor. 11. and the sonnes of God , the heyres of immortalitie , the membres of his body , and oure bodies the temples of the holy ghost : our myndes the ymages and the secrete habitatle of the deitie . 1. Cor. 1. And therfore most worthyly we acknowledge hym to be oure only sauiour and redemption , our rightuousnes and sanctification , our onely iustifier and reconciliation to god the father , and haue therefore promysed to reuerence his glorious and most excellent name , Pro. 18. Act. 4. whervnto the rightuous flieth , as vnto a stronge castell , for theyr strength , safegard , and saluation ) whiche is moste blessed and prayse worthy for euer , Amen . Thus ( I say yf we the spotted chyldren of our synfull father , The remembraunce of the wourhes of god , leadethe vs to the knowlege and loue of god . woulde happyly remembre as we haue professed the meruaylous woorkes of GOD , and the order of his dooynges in the begynnynge , as haue been here but briefely touched ( besydes the innumerable exaumples of his omnipotencye , mercy , and also his Iustice , signified vnto vs throughout his holy scriptures , and that we also our selues haue bothe felts and seene in our daies , to th exaltation of his owne glorye , and to the blessyng , greate comfort , and reioicing of his deare , obedient , and most louynge freendes : and to th utter ouerthrowe , rooting out , and destruction of his cursed and moste malicious ennemies , Roma. 1. we shoulde haue good cause not onely to acknowlede hym an omnipotent God , and immortall , holy , rightuous , and mercyfull , and therefore in a certain maner , for those his moste blessed and singuler graces , a farre of with a stipper loue , as dyd our father Adam , to loue hym agayne : but rather wee should haue good occasion to loue hym vnfeynedlye , Exod. 2● . Deute. 6. as obedient and constant chylderne , accordynge to hys mooste holy commaundemente , euen wyth all oure heartes , wyth all oure soules , and with all oure strengthe and power : and feare to offende hym , because also we know hym to be a iust god , and terrible in wourking his reuengement against his enemies , for their dissimulation , vnthankefulnesse , disobedience , coldenes , and slippernes . Then , forasmuch as we here see , whereby tacknowledge God and his loue ; and for his loue to loue hym agayn , and for his iustice to feare hym , I thynke it ( at this present ) conuenient , some thynge to touche particularly of our loue to God , Math. 2● . Eccle. 1. whyche is the fyrste and greattest commaundement , as also to ours neighbours , and then of the feare of god , that shoulde alwaies possesse our heartes , whiche is the ryghte and true seruice of god : wherby we shal the better knowe our selues , oure louely obedience to god , and our loue also and duetie towards our neyghbours , But before ( herin ) I procede any further , I make myn humble suite vnto you ( my deere countrey men , my neighbours , louyng frendes and christen brethern ) that the ground of your hartes beyng well wrought , moilified , and softe tempered with the dewe of goddes grace , ye wyll nowe paciently heare , and aptly receiue this exhortation offered vnto you , not from me ( most wretched synner ) but rather from hym , an by his onely good motion , from whom procedeth all vertue and goodnes , Philip. 2. ( whiche also woorke the in vs bothe the wyll and also the deede euen of his good wil and fauour : that the lyuely seedes or plantes of his heauenly and diuine spirite , beyng fyrmly sette or deepe sowen in your hartes , faste roote maye there bee taken , that naturally in tyme without delay like forward impes and freshe flourishyng braunches in the gardeyn or vine yard of Christe , E●dr . 5 Iohn . 15. the quicke and liuely buddes , blossomes , leaues , and the louely fruites of hys fatherlye encrease and blessyng , may appeare wourthys hys gloriouse contentation , beautifulle , large , and seemelye : and to the senses of youre owne soules , sweete in taste , comfortable , delicate , and deyntie . So that the operacion of loue ( that moste singuler and acceptable vertu to god ) shal haue power & force in you : wherof I wyll nowe procede , groundynge myne intention onelye vppon the enemytie and malice of mankynde , howe agaynste goddes wyll and the lawe of nature our hartes are cursedly bente : Thorough small occasion our hartes are ●endeled to mischiefe . not onelye vppon good occasion , or for great causes , as we vse to term them , but for euery triflinge & lyght matter also we wyll quarell and fall oute one wyth an other : one countrey or kyngdome agaynst another : natural countreimen one against another ( by mutanies , conspiracies , ciuill warres , and commotions : ) yea , natural brotherne one seeke to destroye another : suporiours also and inferiours : spirituall menne , temporall menne : Riche men , poore menne : familiar companions : neere Neighbours and frendes : And fynallye , euen frome the prynce to the poore plough man , or moste wretched wandring begger , we are all deuided , we are all fledde frome Christ , the serpent hath deceiued vs , for we haue all rebelled , and haue broken the bonde of the peace of god . Heauen and earth ( if we list to knowe it ) beare manifest witnesse agaynste vs of oure cursednes , hardenes of harte , and maliciousnes . Whose vnnaturall and rare seene signes , signyfieth vnto vs the yre of god , for our chosen way of iniquitie , god by his mercy sendeth them vnto vs , and before our eyes , to admonyshe vs , to putte vs in feare , and to remember his iustice : and that wythoute spedye repentaunce his swifte vengeance by some terrible meane shall shortly ouerrunne and consume vs . Whereof the true mynysters and preachers of the wourde of God , Straunge signes signifieth vnto vs the comminge of goddes wrath . hath , and doo , frome tyme to tyme ( before the imminence falle of the wrathe of god ) thundered in our eares , our moste detestable and wycked state of lyfe , and the terrour also of his most bytter reuengement , duely therafter ensuyng . Our consciences condemneth Of the whiche also our owne consciences beareth witnesse agaynst vs : they preache vnto vs : the wourme gnaweth in vs : it vexeth and tourmenteth vs : and describeth playnly vnto vs our most iust damnation to come . And as Sathan hath seemed sleightily to compasse vs : and by his craftyingins to wound and ouerthrowe vs , and leade vs captiue from the lyghtesome and lyuely waie of Christe , into his moste lothesome hypathes of dackenes , daunger , and deathe : So we thunexperte souldiors in the campe of Christe , and vtterly voyde of the fencible armour of god ( without resistence ) cowardely suffer our selues to sustayne the deuyls most damnable and deadly darts , and to be vsed as his bond slaues and cursed instrumentes , Faynte courage in christen souldiours . to wourke in all mischieues , his moste noysom appointed purposes . And for the probation wherof , whether is this truly sayd or not ? We feare neyther god not the feuil . God and his lawes we esteeme not : of our othes & promises we passe not : of goddes kingdom we thinke not : his power we regard not : his only glory we seke not : whiche ende go foreward we care not : No , it playnly seemeth in dede amongest vs , that hel fyro also we fear not . Wherby we shew our selues not onlye to be of our selues very corruption , the sede and frayle fleshe of our disobedient father Adam , but rather the naturall brotherne and ryghte companions in deede , of cursed Cayne , We are cōpa●●●ns , and natural brother● to to Come . the serpentes seede : whose poysoned nature , cancred rebellion , wilfull disobedience , pretenced malice , murmuryng and murther breake forth in tyme , to the kendlyng vpon hym self , the heauy indignation and wrathe of god : whose vilitie also and noysome state of lyfe , oure hartes wyl seeke to folowe , to the purchasing vnto our selues the lyke damnable rewarde and assured end of destruction . Verily , if we the children of Adam ( engendred of moste frayle fylthynes , and wonderfully defiled with Sathans sleightes , were not thereby approued and knowne cursed Caynites : that is to safe , the apte companyons and vnfayned folowers of wycked Caynes affecte : and dyd detest vtterly the vncleane steppes of Cayn , but were the lyuely and true chyldren of peace , and the mylde folowers of ryghtuousnes , with blessed Abel , guyded by the good spirite of God : we wold not be as we are , so hatefull , suche seckers of varyaunce , kendlers of diuision , wourkers of mischiefe , nor suche mercyles committers of vnnatural and deadly murders , as the euyll ympes of Sathan , and the wylfull destroyers of the christen Abelles : Namely the faithful membres of Iesus Christ : hindered , conspired against , rasshely iudged and murdred , by the diuel , and by vs his naughty noisome membres . For in steade of th alowed & true loue of christ , wherby we shuld blesse , preserue , & succor our brother : Gene. 4. we haue the hatefule lothsom loue of Cayne , whereby we curse , annoy , & destroy our brother . And the cause also why , we our selues do know : that is : because our owne wourkes beinge euil cannot abide , 1. Ioan. 3. but haue in vtter detestation our brothers most godlye and rightuous wourkes . Therfore vnto the deare louers & frendes of god , it is nothing at al merueilouse , that they be in such wise hated , & in danger of the vnrightuous & most wicked worldlinges : by whom ( as I said ) they are continually assaulted & bewrapt in misery . Of whose further conuersacion or vnkindnes ( namely of the wicked ) through corruption of nature in other particuler euil , to their own great hurte , & to the vtter discomforte or hurt of gods peple : shal in diuers pointes hereafter , more plainly be manifest , neither is this here spoken properly , in the respect of any one man , or of a few persons , either only of the clergie or of the laitie , for the due execution of iustice in honest & godly causes , nether is ther here anye thinge spoken againste the noble vertue of magnanimitye , valiaunte stoughtnes or couragious resittynge wicked enmies , at due times , in necessary causes , & in the fear of god , whether onely for particular cases , or for the moste nedefull defence of a countrey , or commune wealthe : Neither nowe of this presente tyme , or onely here of Englande ( one christen region so called among the rest ) or otherwyse solye and generally of all barbarous nacions ( besides our selues ) that haue not knowen god : but specially of the whole and vniuersall dispersed churche of all Christendome ( whyche shoulde moste clearelye shyne in rightuousnesse ) hath been and is sowly contaminated , and the whole bodye thereof embrued , with these most dampnable and dyueilishe spottes , of maliciousnes , wrathe , and murther : yea , they seme to be spottes ( alas for pitie ) so depely sette , dryed vp , and inward lye rankeled , that they are vtterly to be immundified and irradicable ( as though god had clearely withdrawne the plentyfulnes of the moisture of his grace from vs ) to purge waste , and consume all fylthy affectes in vs , bycause he hath called vnto vs , and we wickedly abusyng our senses , haue not endeuored our selues to here and vnderstande his will for our christen conuersion and sauynge health : but haue not withstandyng styll with rage , hungrely hunted to spy our pray : and in spyeng , we haue falne to scaterynge : and in scatterynge ( withoute ceassyng ) haue falne to chasynge , violent stronge straynyng , and short breathyng , tyll we haue ( at the leaste ) fore wearied , greuously pinched , piteously wounded , or elles most gredily deuoured : yea , we are therefore no lesse knowen and wel tryed , then very forward impes , approued swift folowers , skilfull and conninge hunters , and vnfained louers of this oure forefixed and most merciles wicked game . And certenly , if thei ( whom we haue in chase ) escape at our handes , a mischeuouse or deadlye daunger , as truelye they seldome dooe : we maye then saye as they haue alwaies said : Go thy waies , thou hast escaped a scouringe , or passed thorough the pykes . For in our natures , from the begynnynge , we haue ben so mischieuous , cankred , and furious , rooted in vnhappynes , wedded to wickednes , and imaginynge mischiefe as lawe : Psal 94. that if we can gette them at aduantage , or cote theim in their rase , & that God assist theim not mightilye in their course : we wyll assuredlye ouerthrowe them , with lyngryuge paynes tormente theym , and gredllye gnashe ( in the ende ) their bones in sonder . Vpon whose abhominable outrage , fylthie affecte and corruption , god loked downe from heauen , to beholde amongest vs the state of our vnderstanding , our desire to knowe hym , and our diligence in seking after him : But he perceyued playnelye that we were al out of the waye : that we were treaders of hys pathes : that we were altogether become abhominable : that there was none of vs good : that oure throates were as the open sepulchres : howe wyth our tongues we had deceyued : Psal. 14. that the poysone of aspes was vnder our lips : that our mouthes were full of cursynge , venome , and bitternesse , that oure feete were swyfte to shedde blonde : that destruction and vnhappynesse was in oure wayes : that the waye of peace was vnknowne to vs , and that we had not beefore oure eyes the reuerende feare of God . What can we saye , but that all these and suche other lyke euylles mencioned in goddes holy wrytte , of this generation , haue been felt from tyme to tyme , throughout christendome ( generally ) and in all ages ? haue they not beene fulfylled ? It were happye for vs , in these our dayes , yf we coulde saye , it were not so . But wee muste needes saye , as experience hath moste trewely ( with bytternesse ) taught to the contrary . For we may auouche with teares , that the soules of the ryghtuous , Psal. 120. and the true louers of God hath long dwelte ( with wo and greate myserye ) amongest them that are enemyes vnto the peace of god . Vnto whome notwithstandynge , when dylygent suite and labour hath been most most humbly made by the rightuous , for the vpholdyng of this peace ( tendyng to the glory of god , and theyr owne saluation ) they haue chaunged theyr countenaunces ( with Cayne ) : Genes. 4. they haue growen exceedynge wrathe : they haue gnashed theyr teeth at them : they haue stopped their eares agaynst them and haue prepared them selues immediatly to bloudye battayle or murther . And haue shewed hatrede with cursed Caine , agaynst those whom god most dearely loued . But what gette they at any time therby ? Are they not therfore ( with blouddy Cayne ) most wourthitie accursed ? And for this their hurtful rebellion , wrathfulnes , & the breach of goddes peace , knowen where so euer they be scattered or intermedled in the true church of god to be the right synagoge of Sathan , & the serpentes most poysoned and noysome seede , only rooted in the rotten hartes , and stinkyng soyle of the wycked , growynge vp and spreadynge ouer the whole face of the earth : euen verye duste and drosse , the ofscourynge and fylthe of the earthe , the venemous slynkynge weedes , and moste fylthy rotten dunge , spoylyng , spottynge and poysonynge ( where yt maye ) the pure and holsome ayre , the beautifull and goodlye groundes , the louelye greene pastures , the sweete smellynge herbes , and the moste faire flourysshynge flowers , fruictes , and trees , enclosed with glorye in the most amiable , seemelye , and precious gardeine of Christ : yea and that by his only power also , this moste pestilent and infectuous fylthy dunge , shall bee in time , as myre in the streates , throwne out , euen by that most iust , most pure , most puissaunt , and almyghty prynce of peace : and shall for euer susteyne wyth the dyuell and cursed Cayne , the violence of his wrathe , the weightye stampe of confusion vnder hys feete , and his most fearse & furious spourne , into the botomles pitte & stinking lake of helle . God shall recompence oure wyckednes and destroy vs in our malice : yea , I say , euen the Lorde god , he it is that shal destroye vs : he watcheth ouer vs : and when we in our vngodlynes , least feare hym , and beare our selues agaynste hym , and agaynste the peace , healthe , and lyfe of his people : when we are greene as the grasse , and at the ripest , and that all oure workes of wickednes doo moste abounde and florishe : thenne shall we bee destroied , and euerlastynglye perishe wyth oure workes of wickednes , euen by the same Lorde that is most high , and lyueth in glory for euer ? We are called vnto by the mylde voyce of god , to attayne to the knowledge and vnderstandyng of god : to loue hym : to seeke after hym : to be a ryght folower of hym : to keepe holy his lawes and ordinances : to acknowledge our wickednes : co confesse our weakenes : to calle for strengthe : to tourne from euyll , and to doo good , to shewe obedience : to be humble and full of humilitie : to be mercyfull , charitable , and frendly : Heb. 13. Iohn . 12. to embrace loue : to seeke peace also , and ensewe it . He cryeth vnto vs , Peace , peace : peace bee with you , and peace bee amongest you : peace within , and peace without : yea , haue ioyfulnes and peace in your consciences : be charitable and folowe peace with all men and holynes : without the whiche , no man shall see the Lorde got : who onely of hymselfe is a god of al puritie and holynes : and seeketh accordynge to his nature , the onelye peaceable and pure harte of man : vnto whome , as vnto the faithfull louers of his testimonies , lyke a mercyfull and louyng GOD , yeldeth vnto theym the bountyfulnesse of his grace , and to bee theyr readye healpe in all necessities . And it is sygnyfyed vnto vs by the spirite of god , that greate is the peace of the ryghtuouse , and suche as feare God , and that they neuer be offended at it . It behoueth you then to be wyse , peaceable , and louynge : and that ye also take good heede , leaste ye be destitute of the knowledge and grace of God : neyther that ye refuse that , God offereth his grace frely vnto al me . whyche he so freelye and largelye offerethe vnto all men : that ye also in his holye peace , maye not be hurtfull , but fauourable , plentuouse , and bountyful in all good woorkes , to th exaltation of his name , that is ryche of grace and plentyfull . Vse freely therfore the grace of god in the waye of peace , neither respect persones therein : And knowe , that the peace of god maye not be patched or colorably disguysed : for all as we that bee of Christe ( euen from the hyghest to the lowest ) haue receyued but one onely waye ( thoroughe the power of his spirite ) to enter the bonde of peace : so muste wee , all and euery of vs , indifferently haue peace with all men . Rom. 12. Concorde must be kepte : we may not breake vnitie : 1 Cor. 1. Rom. 12. we muste be all of one mynde : there may bee no discention amongest vs : we may not recompence vnto any man euyll for euyll : neyther may we wickedly spende our tyme in vaine talkynge , Iacob . 4. foolysshe babblynge , vile detractyng , or rashe iudgyng one an other : for by suche thynges are broken our true faithe , fidelitie , and promise , and our perfecte loue and peace that we owe to God . And he that is a backe byter also and iudger of his brother , as a most wicked and rebellious membre , backebiteth and iudgeth the lawe , which is holy and good , & deepely grauen in the hartes of the rightous . If true loue and charitie , by the good lawe of God , to his praise , and to the prosyte of our neighbour , onely belongeth vnto vs : then nothynge at all verily , of our vayne talkyng , We may not be rash in Iudgemente or otherwise to the hurt of our neighbome . detraction , rashe and blynde foolyshe iudgement , or otherwise , wherbye we may hurte our neighboures , belongeth vnto vs . For the peace of god and vnitie is our profession : and the vertue of charitie , true frendship , and godly loue , should shoulde be alwayes oure very hungre and luste , for our honest preferment to the estimation of God : yea it is the fulfyllyng of his lawe . But to vse folishe babblyng , detraction , or vndirect iudgement , to the hurt of our neyghbour belongeth not to vs : for we are corrupted in our vnderstandyng : we ar carnall : our iudgementes are vnperfect : we are wilful and effectionate : Because we are affectionat● and wilful our iudgementes are vnperfect . we are eyther foolyshe , blynde , or full of maliciousnes : by whiche meanes , we rather ( before God ) seke his offence and displeasure , then the increace of vertue , or the godlye reformation of oure neyghbours abuse , whereof we wyll talke and vaynely waste oure breathe . If we will seeme to busye oure selues in cases of iudgement , or to looke narowly vpon other mens matters , lette vs fyrst paynfully and with dilygente trauayle , If we first examine a our selues , we shall the better liscerne the doinges of other . examyne and iudge of oure selues , what reprochefull wickednes our owne hartes possesseth , what venomous fylthe lyeth lurkyng therin , and the greate blyndenes also that is in our own eies : that we may then the better discerne the doyng of other : and so with compassion to ordre all thynges for our neyghbors comfort & commoditie . We are firste required to the triall and examination of our owne state , When our eyes and hartes are cleare and vnspotted we shall shew forth the fruites of a good spirite , to the exaumple of other . But to the contrary , if our eies be wicked , and oure hartes corrupted : we shewe forthe the fruites of an euil spirite , to others decay & to iudge of our selues , leste we bee in dede , iudged of the lorde : whose iudgementes are infallible , and ryghtuous altogither . When our own eies ar opened , cleere , vnspotted , and pure : & oure hartes cleane purged of all impuritie , then it shall beautifully appeare ( in suche thynges as we shall haue to dooe ) that we possesse a good spirit : by whose power and holynesse , all our dooinges shal be comely and well doon , euen accordyng to the diuine nature thereof . But to the contrary , if our eies be wicked , or our owne hartes foule and corrupted : we shall shew forth the fruites of an euil and wicked spirite : whether it be by hasty iudgement , lyeng , detraction , fals accusation . &c. which ar notable euils , not belonging to vs that haue professed Christe : who by his wourde hath commanded vs , to seke peace & quietnes , to loue one another , and to kepe our selues from murmuring , which profiteth nothing , & to spare our tongs from sclaunderouse reportes and backbyghtynges : for an ydle worde shal not passe in vayne , and the mouthe that speaketh lyes , sleeth his own soule . Sapi. 1. who art thou ( saith saint Paul ) that iudgest another mannes seruaunt ? Rom. 1● . He standeth or talleth vnto his Lorde : yea he maye well stande , for god is able to make him stand There is one lawe geuer & iudge , Iacob 5. whyche is onely able to saue and to destroy . What arte thou then that iudgest another ? Eccle. 18. Iudge firste thy selfe beefore the iudgement com : so shalt thou be sure to fynde grace in the syght of God . Ephe. 4. Iudge not therfore ( I require the ) that thou be not iudged agayne . Walke as it becommeth your callynge ( wherein ye ar called , Ezechi. 18 Gal. 〈◊〉 . wyth al humblenes of mynd , mekenes , and longe sufferynge , forbearinge one another in loue : and be diligente to keepe the vnitie of the spirite , thorough the bonde of peace : for euery man shall beare his own burthen , and receiue his rewarde accordingly . Therfore spende your tymes in the conteplacion of beuēly thinges : be frendly , loue togyther wyth pacyence , and praye one for an other that ye maye all bee saues . In loue and peace the good sowle reioyceth : Iacob . 5. Rom. 16. Ephe. 2. and oure hartes by loue and peace , are vnited to the god of peace . In whome peace abydethe , there the grace of God aboundantly floweth : And the possessours thereof purchase vnto theim selfes to be called the sonnes of God . Math. 5. Whose godly and diuine myndes are alwaies bent to doo well , and not to consente to any euyll : they are paciente : there is in them no desire of reuengement : no murmuryng , no rebellion , no discorde , no discention or variance abydyng . Among many vertues , that god gyueth vnto menne ( his faythfull and speciall good frendes : in whom through Christe he delighteth ) are chiefely knowen in this lyfe , by hauyng in them these thre principall vertues , Thre vertues .. that is , loue , peace , and pacience . Whiche comfortablye shyneth frome the hartes of the righteous , in greate beautie and clearenesse before the face of god , to the reioycyng and comforte of his people , and to the greate laude and prayse of his name . Wherby also , the world for alyght and example vnto it , may well see whome they do possesse , what good spirite guideth them , and to what godly ende they are so guided . For by their sayd vertue of loue , Loue . they ioyefully passe foorth their tyme , and spende their lyues with inwarde trauayle or outewarde payne in the fleshe : not proprely in any thyng touchynge them selues , or for their owne singular gayne and commoditie : but fyrst respectynge the knowen wyll of God , they obedientely ( to his praise in all poyntes ) easily performe the onely straight named bond of charite . They are so lyuely possessed with the good spirite of God , that touchyng theyr inwarde man , they freely with ioye sette foorthe th acceptable good wourkes of god . And as loue in all cases of necessitie , is presentely apte to succour and comforte , without respect of persons : Peace . so peace also adioyned to loue ( & bothe deriued from the loue of god ) sorcibly ioyne them selues togither , to preuent dangers that inwardely bredeth in the conscience ( through th infirmite of the flesshe ) or suche also as hyndereth the continuance of our naturall lyues in the fleshe . ●acience . And touchyng pacience in th approued man of God , 3. Reg. 21. 4. Reg. 14. Esdras . 18. Psal. 44. Roma. 8. what frende or enemy , by word or dede can plucke him backe from the bond of loue , frendeship or amitie ? What vexation or forment in the flesshe , suffereth god to bee layde vppon hym , but he will contentedly beare it , and that for the loue of God ? so deepely in suche , hath he planted his grace . But we commonly , ( from whem as it semeth , god for our greate wickednes sake , hath withdrawne his grace ) are so pufte vp with the poysoned venym of the serpent , and our hartes so strained with th anguishe of syn , that health is taken frome vs : our soules are sicke : we ar fled from the helthfull and sweete foode of lise , We haue refused the grace of god . vnto the noisom and most tart tast of death . In steds of goddes heuenly loue and charitie , our harts are wickedly possessed with willful malice & enmite : for peace warre & discention : for pacience in aduersitie , murmuringe , detraction , lyeng , spightful reuengement , & slippyng frome god : or in steade of frendly familiaritie , vayne contempt & strangenes . O the subtiltie of the moste sleighty and malicious serpent , & the great soly frailtye or blindenes in our flesshe . Euell are those seedes ( by appeeraunce ) and of poysoned nature , Esdras . 4. that hath ben sowne frome the begynnynge , in the hart of man , whose estate doubtles ys moste miserable , whenne thorowe the wante of vertue and the lighte of gods grace , he forsaketh the plesant & plaine pathe way of pietie ( which is that reuerent seruice , honour and obedience , Math 7. Luke . 13. Psal. 10. due vnto god ) & falleth into the dangerous stonye , & harde bestubbed way of iniquitye , the very bonde slauery , and dirtye drudgerye of the dyuell . I onsure you ( louyng brotherne ) oure ease is to manifeste , that onles Sathan the prince of darkenes , had thorowly bewitched vs , blynded oure eyes , darkened oure understanding , & ( as it were to distaine the stoughtnes & couragious estate of christen souldiours ) robbing vs of oure memory , and to tourne and winde vs , like a sort of effemmate , feeble , & light persons , at his pleasure , where he lusteth , to our vtter derogation , shame , and dishonor : we wold not be so strongly deluded , ouerrun & blindely seduced in suche snarlyng and impious pathes that leadeth vnto the lake of perpetuall payn and pardition : whervnto the very order truely and continuance of our stiffenecked wickednes , We wilfully walke the way of wickednes declareth playnely what pathes we treade , and whose steppes to the deathe we wylle seeme frankely and very wylfully folowe . For the auoydyng wherof , we cannot saye to excuse our selues of ignoraunce , or that we knowe not God by the doctrine of his wourde , to be a god of loue , of vnitie , peace , and concorde : or that we haue not abundantly ( in Christe Iesus ) both tasted and felt of the liuely and faste flowynge fountaines of his grace , ● . Cor. 13 to the greate blessyng , sustentation , and comfort of body and soule : whose commandementes also we haue professed and promised to obeye , and whose steppes of rightousnesse we ought to embrace and folow . In consideration whereof , and for the perfourmaunce of ryghtuousnes , haue not wee Christians , the rather good occasyon well to remembre , that when we were professed & consecrated wyth the holye mysteries of the foun●aine of lyfe , howe we thenne boundo our selues vnto the good wyll of god , Rom. 6. and Christ , in all puritie and holynes , and to forsake the deuil and al his dampnable wourkes of darkenes : and lyke dilygence and faythfull souldiours of Christ , to be alwaies prepared and redie armed wyth the armoure of lighte and rightuousnes , to wythstande the cruell assaultes and craftye ingins of Sathan , that our most aunciente and mortall enemye ? And valyauntlye to aduenture our lyues , throughout the whole rase and dangerous passage of this shorte lyfe vnder oure victoriouse prince , & most puissant captain , christ , to whome oure lyues are double due : first because he ons gaue lyfe vnto vs , and than being lost , to restore it vnto vs agayne ? Eyther are we forgetfulle agaynste whome wee stryue ? For we wrastle not agaynste fleshe and bloud , but agaynste rule , agaynste power , againste worldlye rulers , euen gouernours of the darkenes of thys worlde , and agaynste spirituall craftynesse in heauenlye thinges . Wherefore take vnto you the whole armoure of god ( sayeth saint Paule ) that ye may be able to resist in the euyll daye , Ephe. 6. Luke . 18. Thes. 5. and stande perfect in al things . Stande therfore , and your loynes gird with the truth , hauing on the breast plate of rightuousnes : & hauing shoes on your fete , that ye may be prepared for the gospel of peace . Aboue al things , take to you the sheld of faith , wher with ye may quench all the fyry dartes of the wicked . And take the helmet of saluation , & the sword of the spirite , which is the word of god . And Iob saith , ●oh . 〈◊〉 . That the life of manne here vpon th earth , is but a continuall warfare or tyme of resistence , & mightily touer come the stoughtnes of our enemies : & that no man attaineth the croun of victory , except ( in Christ ) be striue laufully : And that we prepare our selues by continuall praier to preuaile against our ennemies : as the Israelitis therby preuailed againste the wicked Amalachitꝭ , Exod. 17. or other their deadly enmies , men cioned in the scriptures . Wherfore for the more strait loking to of our charge and the more spedye , fulfyllyng of our profession & bond , as we wold shew our selfs faithful valiant & wise souldiors , & th obediēt seruantis of god : as we wold declare our selfes to be the zelous children of the vprighte and moste pure honourynge of god : and as we woulde haue any regarde to the state of our soules , and to the lyfe to come ( whose euerlastyng ioyes no tungue can expresse ) let vs haue in remembraunce oure sayde promyse 〈◊〉 made to anye earthelye kynge , or other vayne creature vnder the sonne , nor to any angel in heauen , but to the Lord of heauen him self that liueth for euer , a god aboue al goddes , a righteous god , omnipotent , and immortall : vnto whome let vs acknowledge our owne weakenes , and applye our selues , chieflye and aboue al thinges humbly to abase our selues , to prepare our strength in Christ , to seke the mortification of th old man ( the whole body of synne ) to seeke newnes of life , and to hungre and thirst for the waye of rightuousnes : Prayer is the eleuation of the minde to god wa●do whereby is secluded al worldly do sires and all carnall and vayne fantasies . And vnto the said prayer must be ioyned fastynge and almose dedes . Toby . 12. lette vs trauell wyth our ful force and strength , and with al feruent prayer and bourning desire to god , to attayne at his gracious & most mercyfull hande , to bee partakers of the depthe of hys grace : whereby we maye the rather attayne into our hartes , the wisedome of his sonne Christ : whiche by vs must be reuerently searched for , and digged out of the hydde treasures , and plentyfulle vaynes of diuine scriptures or wourde of god , which is the word of truth , the touche-stone of trial , the lanterne of light , the heauenly foode , health , strengthe , and life to our soules ( wrought in vs by the spirite of God , or mynistred vnto vs by his diuine and faithfull mynisters ) And by whose clearenes and beautyfull bryght shynyng beames , our soules may be pourged frome all impuritie , frome the vayne wisedome of the worlde , from darkenes , and from the fowle stynkynge , and blynde thycke myste of ignorance : whiche dymmeth in vs the perfect senses and iudgement of reason , whiche is wonderfully corrupted : against whom sensualitie preuaileth : who also of it selfe is not able to healpe and rule it selfe , but feebly yealdeth to confusion , and therefore muste haue for his assured and perfect guyde , a more excellent and wourthy gouernoure . For not withstandynge that Baptisme ( the outewarde signe and lauachre of Regeneration ) hathe wiped away in vs , the greate and foule spotte : yet the synne , Wee styll possesse the spot of our father Adam partlye there remayneth styll , of oure progenitoures , and first parentes : which hath not a litle darkened , that soo pure and cleere light , of the countenan e , resemblaunce , or similitude of god ( whyche he hathe wonderfullye shewed and layed vpon vs ) whereby our courage is greatly enfeabled , oure strength diminished , or the vertue of our wysedome , fowlye dysteyned and spotted . For the reformacion wherof , through the liuely courage omnipotencye , and greate wysedome of oure Capitayne Christe , and by the vertue & heauenlye operacion thereof in vs , our hartes by hym shal be cleane pourged and lyghtned , to possesse and enioye the spirite of humilitye & mekenes . Through whyche vertue also , we shall bee the rather ( in Iesus Chryste ) made more apt vesselles prepared and sanctified to honoure , and meete for the vse and seruice of our lord god , and to the receyuinge also of hys most holye spyrite : Math. 5. Iohn . 4. who alwayes reioyceth to reste , in the humble and meke harted personne : vnto whom Christ hath promised the blessyng of god , and to en●̄erite and possesse the earth . Iohn . 14. Math. 5. And when our mynds are therby replenished , we shall be than the more enforced with all singlenes of hert , to marke dilygently by hearyng or readyng the wourde of god , what his good wyll and pleasure is , should here in this lyfe , be done by vs , and amongest vs : who hath promised vs for our christen obedience , humilitie & mekenes , in acknowlegyng ( as before ) oure owne inhabilitie and weakenes , trustyng and only leauyng to the power and merites of Christe , that he wyl mercifully heare vs when we call vnto hym , Iohn . 7.9 . and teustruct vs in his doctrine : and to make vs againste oure aduersaries wyse , politike , and puissant : And therfore with al our possible strength and endeuour , to apply our good myndes to folowe the same : that althoughe our flesshe seeketh her owne , and couereth with the deuil and the worlde , to take parte against god , to the destruction of our soules : yet will he assist vs , & strengthen vs with the armour of grace , that his holye and diuine wil here in earth , may be done by vs , and amongst vs , Math. ● . Luc. 11. as in the presence of his glorious maiestie , amonge the angels and saintes in heauen : leste we be founde to the contrary , very rebels in the latter daie and wilfull disobedient children ( vainely kickyng against the pricke ) whiche can neuer be aptely atteyned vnto , onles the said corruption and blyndnes bee first taken from vs , Ephe. ● Iohn . ● . Iohn . 8. and our soules clean purged of the vnfruitefull workes of darknes , wherwith we shuld haue no felowship : that we may be light in the Lorde , & walke as the children of lyght , by th example of Iesus Christe , the trewe lyghte of the worlde : whome if we folowe , we shall not walke in darkenes , but shall haue the light of life : wherby we may the better & the more clerely discern in our profession , thynges that are euyll to be refused , frome thynges that are good to be accepted : & so to eschew the stumbling or the doubtful aduenture at the election of such thyngs as appertaineth in dede , to the very profession & tru religion of christen men . we shall then fynde thereby ( to the confirmation of oure promise , ) howe verye needefulle it shall be , Mat. 13.16 Marc. 9. Luc. 8. Iohn . 2. 1. Ioan. 5. Faithe is a liuely and quicke feling knowlege of the mercye of our heuenly father : agreed , made at one , and moste graciousely reconciled vnto vs by the bloude of our lord Iesus . Act. 5. to haue in our hartes an assured and lyuely faithe in god our creatour and heauenly father ( as his chyldren regenerate and new borne ) to rule vs , to dwel and abide in vs : And whollye to dedicate oure selues vnto hym ( both harte and soule , our mynde and wytte , and that all is within vs ) as vnto a god of loue , mercy , and righteousnes : whome we euer fynde to bee oure readye helper in all necessities : by whose dyuyne power also we lyue , we haue oure beeinge , and are moued . Of whose greate mercye and goodnes towards vs , the prophet wrighteth : that he lyke a diligente watcheman , attendeth euer more vppon his people , whether they wake or sleepe : and is these strength and mightye defence , not onlye against Sathan , that olde and maliciouse enemye of mankinde , but also againste all other oure aduersaries , so that thorow his great mercy and godlye power : we be harmeles preserued , and are deliuered frome the power of darknes , & hath translated vs into the kingedome of his deare sonne : whose eyes contynuallye respecteth theym that loue hym : for their loue agayne is largely required : he is their myghty protection and stronge grounde : a defence for the heate , and a refuge for the hot noone day , a succour for stumvlyng , Eccle. 34. and an healpe for fallynge : He lyfteth vp the soule , he lyghteneth the eies , he geueth lyfe , health , strengthe , and blessyng . And the cause also why the said prophete ( who alwaies beholdeth the mercies of God in Christe ) brefely declareth vnto vs : that is , for our faithfulnes , mekenesse , and humblenes of spirite , for our hartes contrition , Psal. 1 9.15.25.33.34 37.40.41.84.91.101.103.107.112.116.119 128.145.147 . for our constancy in loue and obedience to his commandementes . And sainct Paule also saieth : That he hath blessed vs with all maner of spirituall blessynges in heauenlye thynges by Christ , accordyng as he had chosen vs in hym before the foundations of the worlde were layde , that we should be holy and blamelesse before hym thorowe loue . Wherby also he hath ordeined vs to be heires vnto hymselfe , accordynge to the good pleasure of his will , and to th exaltation of his glorye for his grace : wherwith thorowe oure Lord Christ he hath made vs accepted &c. For these his abundant mercies & innumerable benefites and blessyngs poured vpon vs most wretched sinners we owe duely vnto hym ( by the direction of sound & clere consciences , euen from the very depth of our harts & soules , Deute 10. Eccle. 2.14 . Iohn . 14. Roma. 8. 1. Iohn . 4. Iohn . 3 Roma. 2. 2. Cor. 5. Collos. 1. all thankes geuyng , praise , and glory : and with no lesse efficacie , force , and vertue , to loue hym again in wourd & deede : to loue him feruently aboue all thynges , and to keepe his commandementes . Whose greate loue apered vnto vs first : in that he sent his only begotten sonne into the world , that we the children of death , might haue life , and liue thorowe hym . Herein appeared the great loue of god to vs ward , not that wee loued hym , but bycause he loued vs , and gaue his onely sonne to make agrement for our sinnes . God is loue , and he that dwelleth in loue , dwelleth in god , and God in hym . And hereby knowe we , that we divelle in hym , and he in vs , because he hathe geuen vs of his spirite . And we knowe and beleue , the loue that God hathe to vs . If god so loued vs , thenne oughte we also to loue one an other . If we loue one an nother , God dwellethe in vs , and his loue is perfecte in vs . And the perfecte loue of God seekethe not it selfe , but frankelye appeareth for all others necessitye . It is alwayes charitable and frendelye , paciente , 1. Cor. 8. and longe sufferynge . If a mannne saye , I loue God , and yet hate hys brother , he is a lyar . Leuit. 19. Iohn . 13. For howe camme he that loueth not his brother , whome he hath s●ene , loue God whome he hathe not seene ? And this commandement haue we of hom , that he which loueth god , shoulde loue hys neighbour also . Wherby ( saieth Christe ) all men shall knowe that ye are my disciples , yf ye loue one an other . If my wourdes abyde in you , then are ye my right disciples : and ye shall knowe the truthe , and the truth shall make you free and delyuer you . You shal be cleane rydde from all bondage of vnrightuousnes : ye shall bee possessed with the good spirite of GOD : Iohn . ● and where the spirite of God is , there is freedome : And therefore abyde you in Loue : Obeye my preceptes and commandementes . And this commandement geue I vnto you , Iohn . 15. that ye loue togyther , as I haue loued you . As ye haue found me to be vnto you , a God of mercy and louyng kyndnes , and haue alwaies trained ye vp , by example and doctrine , to th excercise of godly compassion and charitie : so I requite you , and geue commaundemente vnto you , that ye obedientely walke in my waus , inseparably to knitte your hartes in vnitie , and ●●saynedly to loue one an other . And howe to continue in loue , Christe ( in fewe wordes ) signifieth vnto vs , that is : 〈…〉 the preceptes of god . 1. Cor. 14. by kepyng his preceptes and commandementes . Moste precious in the sight of God are these three vertues : Faythe , Hope , and Charitie : and of theim all , the laste excelleth , and hath the souerayntie . Miche . 6. Micheas the prophet of god cryeth vnto vs , sayeng : I wyll shewe thee O man , what is good , and what the Lorde requireth of thee : namely , that thou trade thy selfe in rightousnes : that thou be humble and lowly : that thou haue pleasure in mercy & ionyng kyndnes , & to walke with the Lorde thy God . O the heauenly voyce and counsayle of God , that soundeth vnto vs for our sauynge healthe , and wherein is comprehended the wholle summe of our duetie . Whiche with all humblenes we oughte to receyue : whervnto we shuld with reuerence be obedient , and to exalte therefore at all tymes his moste glorious name : and beyng myndefull of his mercy , to bee hartily thankefull , as well in all kyndes of aduersitie and dolour , as otherwise in any manner of prosperitie or pleasure : and then for his greate mercy and loues sake , to loue hym agayn . Whiche can bee by no better meane , To 〈◊〉 god ready is 〈◊〉 be 〈◊〉 a 〈…〉 then to showe our selues frendely and charitable vnto all men , what soeuer they be without exception , bicause thei are of his creation and image , and preciousely redemed also by Christ , as we our selues hope to be . Whom the charitable heart imbraceth indifferently , yea , euen the whole kynde of manne : whose state , whether it standeth highe or low , right or wrong , wel or euill , al must be referred to the good wil , disposition & grace of god . we must therfore , respecting herein the will of God and the stoughtenes of our bonde and promise , deuise with our selues , how , and by what meane , we myght happily do good vnto all men , to the vttermost of oure power : We muste haue feruent loue among oure selues , for the saide loue shall couer the multitude of oure sinnes . 1. Pet. 4. and by no meanes ( no , not by thoughte , yf it were possible , for the clearenesse of oure owne conscience sake ) to hurte anye manne . For as the bande of charitye : is to loue god wyth all oure heartes , wyth all oure lyues , and wyth all oure power and strength : so charitie ( also in Chryst ) doeth further extend to the loue of euery man : poore or ryche : good or badde : holye or vnrightuouse : protestante or catholyke : frenche manne or spaniard : chrysten or heathen : faythefull or vntrue : bonde or free : kynsefolkes or straungers , no personne excepted .

And as the fygure of GOD is perfecte and equall in all : so lykewyse vncorruptelye wythoute affection , indyfferentelye to fauoure all : Whyche is agreable to the example of Chryste : who woulde all menne indifferentlye without any respecte of personnes , to haue the benefytte of hys holye lyfe and passion , and to bee saued thorowe faythe in his bloude ( so great was his loue towardes vs , ) by whose exaumple he woulde haue vs in lyke maner , indifferently , gladdely , and with good wyll , to spreade foorthe oure affections to all man , after the free , and most liberall distribution of charitie . And what soeuer cause be geuen to the contrary , yet neuerthelesse , accordyng to the will of God , and thorowe the vertue of pacience , to beare good harte and wyll vnto euery man , to vse oure selues well , and to be fauourable vnto theym : not onely in cherefull wordes , Rom. 12. and by outward familiaritie and countenaunce ( whereof otherwhyles we make very nyce and straunge ) but also in other oure actes and deedes , euen frome oure veraye hartes . If they bee good menne , to loue theym in Christe , and yf they be euyll men , to loue theim also for Christes sake .

And whenne they haue deserued hurt or disfauoure , or that occasyon be geuen by theym of reuengemente and displeasure , yet we shoulde not withdrawe oure frendeshyp frome theym , and to hurte or hynder theim , but to doo good vnto them , Rom. 12. though they haue not deserued it . For to ouercome euyll with goodnes , and malice with kindnes , is truely to counterfayte the perfect charitie of Iesus Christ , the sonne of God , the sauiour of the worlde , and patron of all pietie : Esa. 53. Math. 26. Act. 8. Eccle. 17. who hath taught the very same doctrine for our erudition and learnyng , that haue earnestlye professed his name : whiche also to our example ( in his owne persone ) performed in very deede : although the malicious and proude people of this world that vainly boast of Christe , and hath their whole felicitie onely fixed vppon earthly vanities , are the sworne seruantes of Sathan : who was a dissembler proude , malicious , and a murtherer from the beginning : by whose corruption and malice , is engendred in oure hartes , priuie hatred , open contempt , secrete murmuryng , sclaunder , detraction , sedition , false accusation , and finally wylfull consent to murther . Suche among many other , are the woorkes of the deuil , and of his malignant & bloudy membres , from the beginning vpon the earth . And lyke as is the minister , suche are the seruauntes . If 〈◊〉 therfore be ( in deede ) of Christ , and 〈◊〉 vnfeyned professours of his name , we are also the true seruauntes of Christ , and beloued of hym , whome we take to be our Lorde & maister , our marke , and perfect exaumple of lyuynge , and whome we ought alwaies to haue before our eies , as the only patrone of all holy conuersacion , and godlye state of lyfe : that euen as he hath geuen vs exaumple , so we shoulde also doo . Iohn . 3. Ephe. 5. 1. Pet. 2. Vnto whome , ( and beefore whose presence ) oure myndes shulde wholly and at all tymes appeare vncorrupted , and oure soules contynuallye occupied in the meditation of celestyall or heauenlye thynges : reiectynge frome vs violentlye ( as drosse ) all vayne and vnfruitful studies : al hatred , enmity , and malice ( or other kyndes of fylthynes : ) and to direct onely vnto hym , all our enforcements : al our pastymes and pleasures all our ententes and purposes , all our rest and quietnes , and finally also , all the whole summe of our busines . For touching proprely the perfection of the saide loue and charitie , that we ought to haue amonge our selues , and eche to other , in this maner , sayenge : Ye haue hearde it taught in tymes paste , thou shalte loue thy frende , Math. 5. and hate thine enmy . But I say vnto you : Loue your enemy . Speake well of theym that defame you , Rom. 12. and speake euyll of you : Blesse them that curse you : doo well to theim that hate you : praye for theym that vexe and persecute you , that ye maye be the chyldren of your father , whyche is in heauen . For he maketh his Sunne to ryse bothe vppon the good and badde : and sendeth raine to the iuste and vniuste . For yf ye do but loue theym that loue you , what rewarde shall ye haue ? Dooe not the Publicanes lykewyse ? And yf that ye speake well of theym that bee youre bretherne and dearely beeloued frendes , what greatte mattier is that ? Do not the Heathen the same also ? Math. 6. Agayne , If you forgeue menne theyr faultes , your heauenlye father shall also forgeue you youre faultes . For if our fautes shoulde trouble our consciences , thenne we in this thynge thoroughe Faythe , oughte to knowe as by a sure and a moost certayn token of comforte , that oure trespasses he forgeuen vs of GOD , yf we firste forgeue oure Neyghbours their tresspasses , wherein so euer they haue offended vs , howe greate so euer the trespasse bee , and muche moore for tryfelynge cases , or ( as I maye say ) for womannelye quarellynges : I doo speake wythoute offence to he wyse . And we in oure daylye prayer require of GOD to bee forgeuen of hym , of oure dayelye and contynuall wyckednesse , as wee forgeue other their faultes commytted agaynste vs .

So that beefore we praye , Prayer . ( whyche we are alwayes bounce to doo , ) and of all thynges moste needefull : and that not tediouselye , stoughtlye , faynedlye , doubtiullye , neyther yet maliciouselye : but cheerefully , reuerentlye , heartylye , faythfullye , and charitablye , wyth a freendelye and louynge hearte : ) oure prayers ( I saye ) when we doo praye , must either with the charitie of God , in suche wyse bee tempered , that we can frely forgeue if offence be committed agaynst vs , Math. 21. Iohn . 15. 1. Iohn 3. Iacob . 1. or elles wourthyly secke for our malyce sake , and stiffenecked wickednesse , not onely to susteyne the losse of our present suite and desyre , but also encreace of the vengeance and wrath of god , the more abundantly to fal vppon vs . For onelesse we forgeue vnto others theyr offences , Math. 6.11.18 . god our heauenly father wil not forgyue vs our offences . And whe ther we haue offended theym , or they haue offended vs , we must seeke the vnitie and peace of Christ : yea ( I say agayn ) we must seeke it , except we will seeme wylfully to runne headlonge to the deuill and damnation : we may not be deuided : we may not breake the bond of the felowshyp of Christe : we are all membres incorporate into the body of Christe : we must thruste backe stately courage and th estimation of wealth : we muste herein laye our malice and pride aparte : we may not bee quoy or nyce in these straighte cases of god , nor vaynelys shamefaste : wee maye not daly wyth GOD : we may not thynke of oure paynted sheathe : but all peenyshe fantasies , worldlye vanities and flesshely affectes set asyde , wee must symplye and wyllynglye wyth at diligence , prosecute the good work whiche God describeth vnto vs , and oure owne consciences also most plainly directeth . Beefore thou praye●● therfore , Ecclesiastic. 18. prepare thy soule ( in anye wyse ) to contence well god , and dalye not with him as one that tempteth hym , but simplye or reuerentlye looke to thy charge . Humble thy selfe : bee obedience to hys voyce : imprint or engraue in thine hart his most fruitful and diuyne sentences We are taught to bee of lyke affection , Rom. 12. one towardes another , and not to bee hygh minded , proude and stought , but humblye abasinge our selues , to bee equall wyth them of the lower sort . We may not be wyse in our own opinions , neither recompence vnto any man , euyll for euell : we may not by double minded for our loue must be perfecte and sound without dissimulation . We must be feruente in the spirite , applye to the tyme , and lyue peaceably wyth all menne . And yf we wyll take Christ , for our patrone and exaumple of lyse , we must reuerence him , and obey hym also in his wourde : who saieth vnto vs also in this wyse : Beholde , I am the lyghte of the worlde . &c. Take me for youre guyde : Learne of me : for I am not proude : Math. 11. I am not haute mynded , disdaynfull , nor scornefull : but gentyll , lowely , and meeke in hearte . And yf we ( that are the folowers of Christe , ) wyll seeke or desyre any thynge at the hande of God the father for Christes sake , we must reuerently seeke to content his will : we must tast and sauour of hym in goodnes : we muste manyfest oure selues to bee the folowers in deede , of his glorious and most beautifuile steppes , we muste rente frome our hartes , and treade ( with force ) vnder foote , these our moste poisoned ragyng euylles : namely the deadly and venomous prickyng , priuy lukynge , secrete annoyeng , inwarde fretrynge , outward defacing , disteinyng , swelling disgracyng , renting , tearing & choking thornes , thistles , brambles , burres & briers , & such other shameles & endles noisom shrubs of our monstrous beastly pride , cancred maliciouines , & moste vain foolishe stoutnes ( which are th incensementes of Sathan , and his only vehement motions in vs , to the stirring vp of disobedience and stryfe : of which more shall hereafter be somme thinge touched ) and seeke him simplie that is simple and lowely , wyth al simplenes lowlynes : and mekenes of harte : Prou. 28. For he appeareth and is onelye founde of them , that tempteth him not , Sapi. 1. but reuerentelye feareth hym , and beleueth in hym ; that reioyceth to please him , and loth to offend him . And if we think it a great thyng to remit th offences committed againste vs by others , respectings this or that offence , or the basenes of the party that offendeth vs , thinking therby that our estimation or honesty shuld be greatly di●●eined , if we dydde seks to conferrs with him , If we consider the darkenes and wickednes of our owne liues , other mennes liues shal be fore God , seeme vnto vs , so much the purer . although for concord & charities sake , how much more ought we rather to consider & remember our owne notable & most vile state of life , & that heapes of offences , which we daily commit against god , and in the presence of his mooste glorious and excellente maiestie , who respecteth no persones , but knoweth & reproueth th iniquitie and frailtie of all fleshe , notyng by his iustyce , what is dewe vnto theym , and that he not withstandynge of his 〈◊〉 ●lemency and mercye beholdeth 〈…〉 Christe , and dooeth forgeue vs , 〈…〉 with repentance we praye 〈…〉 vnto hym . Let vs therfore in 〈◊〉 callyng examyne well our selues , 〈◊〉 men in anctoritie he , so will the people bee Orce . 4. and consider the great mercye of god , and his exaumple to charitie : and the greater we be of byrth among many others , in estimacion of men , & in anctoritie or welthy , ( that the prayse of god may shyne amongest vs : ) so much the more to consider our estate to god-warde , we oughte to submytte our selues to hys wyll : and in charitye to apply our selues , to the good exaumple of all men : that the peace of god and godly amitie , maye bountifully flourishe and abounde lyuelye amongest vs .

Whose mynde in hys diuyne wourde and manifest exaumples of hys mercy he hath thus ( as before ) sygnified vnto vs , touchynge oure loue and charitie , that we owe to oure neyghbours . And there vnto saint Paule counsaileth vs , satenge : 〈…〉 Bee ye therefore folowers of God , as deare children , and walke in loue , euen as Christ loued vs , and gaue hymselfe for vs , an offerynge and a sacrifice of a swete sauour to god . He● . ●● . Iacob . ●● Let brotherlye loue and peace continue amongest you : for the fruites of rightuousnes are sowen in loue and peace , of theim that are the louers and mai●●●e●ers of peace . Of which peace , brotherly concorde and vnitie , kyng Dauid , the seruant and beloued proph●● , of God , had experience , and hath signified vnto vs the excellencye and noblenes of the same vertue : to the eno● we should ( euen from the depth of ou● hartes ) be thervnto affected , and delite to trade our selues therin ioyfully , all the daies of our loued : beyng all brotherne and sisierne , and haue one father , euen our heuenly father : by whom also , we haue Christe our sauioure , to be our lorde and brother ; And by hym we are the sonnes and heyres of god : Rom● . 8. yea and felowe heyred with hym of eternall glory : how requisite therefore is it ( seing we haue but one father , the God of heauen , and Christe to be one brother , and are all brotherne and sisterne in Iesus Christe , to be all of one mynde : because there is nothyng that more garnisheth and becommeth better the name of brothern , than brotherly loue , true peace , quietnes , mekenes and amiable concorde . It must needes picase well God , and be an excellente treasure in any common welthe , seynge the prophet so hyghly extolleth it , and compareth it to a moste precious ointment , Psal. 〈◊〉 and most pleasant dewe , whose swete smelles can not be expressed . Beholde , saieth he , howe good and ioyfull a thynge it is , bretherne to dwell togyther in vnite : & so forsh as in the psalme . Th experience wherof , Where peace and 〈◊〉 abideth , ther s is the blessinge of God . we also our selues ar able som thing to declare by perfect knowledge , what benefites innumerable ( by the blessing of god ) hath hem poured vppon those countreyes and commen wealthes , where it hath raigned ( as also amonge faythfull and vnfeyned frendes , or honest familiar companions ! ) And to the contrary , where the sayde vertue betwixt them , hath byn broken and not flouryshed : but rather diuision , murmuryng , maliciousnes , warre : Wher war and discen●●ō is , there is the curse of God . and discention : there , by the curse of god , hath appeared amongest theim , innumerable other plagues , to to their great griefe in conscience , to the confusion of their owne bodyes , losse of their goodes , spoylyng of their frendes , defylynge their wyues , Euery king dome diuided , muste : come to desolation . rauishyng their daughters and maydens , destruction of insantes , and fynallye the vtter decaye and subuersion of the whole common wealthe : whether by diuision or ciuill warres among them selues , or by anye other vyle nation : whome , aboue all others , their hartes doth most abhorte . If our hartes therfore be presentely yrefull , or poysoned with rancoure and malice , and suffer the continuaunce thereof in vs , withoute fearynge daunger , or seekynge rem dy : It is not possible to the contrarye , but beeynge wylfulle possessours of wrathe , whereby we shewe oure selues to bee the very chylderne of wrathe , but also that the iuste anger and wrathe of GOD , shall therfore agayn consume and destray vs . By our sedition and wrathe wee deuyse and seke all maner of myscheues : Prou. Oree . 10. but violente and cruelle messangers shall therfore be sent agaynst vs . Suche fruites as we plante , we shall plucke and taste . If we sowe iniquitie , we shall reape sorow . Iob. 1. Gala. 6. But forasmuch as we vs all of Christ and liuely membres also incorporate into the body of Christ , and are al one with Christ , and in Christ : and Christ ( in no wise may amongest vs ) bee diuided : of whome also , We must● liue in loue 〈…〉 a 〈◊〉 of Christe . we receyued example of loue and vnitie : we muste all lyue in the same loue , we must stil continue in the same loue , we musse seeke the peace of god : and as muche as in vs shall lye , neuer to breake the bonde of vnitie . And yf through frayltie , we other whiles slip from it , and therby breake the peace of Christe : yet bycause he woulde in no wyse haue any continuance therof amongest vs , beyng a pestilente malady and an infection of the soule , he calleth vnto vs , sayeng : Let not the son go downe vpon your wrathe . Christe vnderstandyng this cursed euyl to be a foule spotte and deforinitie in the soule of man : & that thervpon also did depende great distruction & mischiefe , geueth vs this shorte and swete lesson to auoyde the continuaunce thereof that the rather our lyues maye be perfect and holye , accordyng to the excellencye of our christen confession , Eccle. 18. thinkyng alwayes vpon the couenaunt of the rightuouse and most high god , and so charitably , to shewe our selues frendlye , and to forgeue oure Neighboures their offences and ignoraunces , not leauynge ( in no pointe ) to stryfe or variaunce : wherby , god shall be wel contented , and our sinnes also diminished . For suche as be yrefull , busye , and vnquiet , they are wycked wourkers of mischief , kendelers of variaunce , and sowers of discorde , among theim that be at peace , Ecclesiastic . 25 to the encrease of iniquitie and heaping vpon them selues the yre of god . The more woodds there is , the more vehemente is the fyre , and the longer that strife endureth , the more wyckedlye it dourneth . And therefore for th auoydyng of euyl , and that good may come vnto vs , saint Paule counfaileth vs , sayenge . Let all bitternes , Eph● . 5. fearcenes , wrathe , roryng , and cursed speakyng be put away from you , with all maliciousnes . Be curteous one to another : be charitable , lowly and mercyfull , forgeuynge one another , euen as god for Chrystes sake , Phil. 2. hathe forgeuen you . Be ye lyke mynded vnto me , hauynge one loue , beynge of one accorde and of one mynde , that nothing be done through stryfe or of vaine glorye , but in mekenes of mynde : And let euery man esteme another , better than hym selfe . Phil. 4. Agayne , let your softnes be knowne vnto all men . For the Lorde is euen at hande , remembre therefore these diuyne counsayles of Christ and hys Apostles , & sleepe not before thine harte be pour god of maliciousnesse , of the pride and stoughtnes . And thynke that yt cannot be only perfourmed of thee , wyth thoughts ( For soo mayest thou styll keepe the serpente of maliciousnes lurkynge wythin thy breaste : ) but let it in deede be manifeste ( in the spight of the diuell ) vnto those , against whom thou bearest thy malice , & stoutenes of stomack . For in that mean while , that this rule is not thus by the obserued : truely greate is thy daunger and present peril by the hand of god . O what knowst thou , thou grosse lump of erth , what soeuer thou be , the liuest vpon the earth , that gloriest so much vpon thy selfe , that couchest downe thy selfe at nyght vpon thy soft bedde , with a mischeuous and cancred stomacke , what shal chaunce vpon thy soule , before the daye returne ? Or after thou risest in the mornynge , what state thou shalt be in er nyght ? He that gaue vnto thee thy life , can also take away frome thee thy life : and is able to caste both thy body and soule into hell fyre . Math. 10. Luc. 12. Why dooth thyn hert then ma●e thee so proude ? Why standest thou to greatly in thyn own conceipt ? Whervnto looketh thy eies , that thy mind is so puft vp againste god ? Fearest thou not in thy selfe that huge heapes of sinne that wil accuse thee , or make the more careful and lowely ? Neither thy barthen of thy conscience , that so sore oppresseth thee , and wherby the iustice of god hangeth ouer thee ? Either wy●●e thou shew thine hart to be hardened against him ? O fadyng floure , & erthly creature , what meanese thou vnreuarently to forget god thy creator , or not to fear hym ? Thinkest thou that the continuance of thy wil to do wickedly shal euer endure ? Or why art thou so presumptuous ageinst him ? Art thou able ( thou wretched and feeble wourm●● to resiste hys omnipotence or almyghtye power ? Art thou not in hys hande as a piece of clay in the hand of the potter ? Esaie . 49. Iere 18.19 Rom. 9. Or whyche of all the stought or puyssaunte prynces of the earthe , shall not stoupe at hym , and obeye hym ? He , trulye ) is almyghtye and terryble : yea , the earth trembleth and quaketh for feare of hys greate indignacion and wrath : and the people shal not he able to abide hys threatnynge . The whole power and strength of all the earth ioyned to I●ther , is not able to abyde one blaste of the breathe of goddes mouthe . And darest thou ( thou dustye stubble ) persist or stand at any time , in the state of wickednes , before the face of so great and terrible a god ? Consider therfore thy wilfull malice and folishnes , and thy carelesse slippyng from god , that is so iust and terrible . Examin thy self , & reuerentlye in the feare of god , trye well the state of thy conscience whether thou mayest iustlye saye before heauen and earth : O lord , thou omnipotent & terrible god : Hiere. 17. whose throne is most glorious excellent , and of most antiquitie , which dwellest in the heuens : euen in the place of mans holy rest : of whom , thou arte of all goddes moste highely to he feared : for thou art a rightous and a iuste god in pouryng thy wrath vpon thyne enmies : The repentant sinner . yea I must also say that thou art a mercyfull and a louyng god : the only comforter and refuge of man : his immouable pillour and staye of assurance , and the lyuely hope of his helth , ioy , strength , and saluation . Therfore O Lorde , in acknowledgynge thyne omnipotency and great mercy , whervnto I appeale : I humbly fly vnto thy mercy seate for succour . for myne iniquitie , O god , is manyfest vnto thee : which I confesse before thy diuine maiestie . I haue , O lord , offended against thee : I haue forsaken thy lawe , and committed iniquitie : I haue fledde from thy loue : I haue falne from thy word : I haue broken my fidelite : I haue ben rebellious against thee : For myn hart hath wickedly possessed pride and maliciousnes , wherby I haue greuousely offended and hurte my neyghbour . O Lorde , greate therfore is myne iniquitie in thy sight . Psal. 119. My conscience iustly accuseth me : my fleshe trembleth for feare beefore thee : my spirites are troubled within me : And the remembraunce of thy Iudgement is terrible vnto me . O Lorde myne eies therefore gushe oute with water , my sight falleth me : I am greuouslye vexed : myne harte panteth within me : my strength is gone from me : my knees are weake : my flesshe is dryed vp : my beautie is consumed , & I am weary of my gronynge . Alas my griefe , alas my fal : Alas my great wo and myserye , for thys my stroke and wofull plage , that thy grace ( O God ) should thus be taken frome me : wherby , I most wretched sinner , am forget full of my truthe and obedience , of my faythe and promises , of thyne infinyte loue and goodnesse towardes me , and of thy greate indignation and Iustice for my synne & iniquitie . Ah , who shall geue me water to my head , and a fountain of teares to mine eies , that I may washe my bedde with teares of sorow and bewayle my sinnes both nighte & day : wherby thy grace ( O swete god ) may yet be returned vnto me , and thy iustice agaist me be shortlye preuented . I make myn humble peticion in thy presence with my whole hart , the thou wile be merciful vnto me , accordyng to the truthe in thy wourde . O heauenly father , A Prayer . lette thy greate mercy in Iesus Christe , lyghten , vppon me , that thy wrathfull indignation preuaile not against me . I humbly ( with repentance ) acknowledge myne iniquite : I contesse my sicknes & frailtie , & appeale to thy mercye , promysed vnto me in Iesus Christ . And if thou , O Lorde , for his sake , wilt assist me , Psal. 119. & order my steppes according to thy wourd , my fete shall kepe thy pathes , & no wickednes shall henseforth haue dominion ouer me . O refourme therfore with mercy that is amisse : Psal. 3● . for thy mercy recheth vnto the heauens , and thy faithfulnes vnto the cloudes . With the is confort & the light of life : & in thy light shal I se light , and the workes of darknes shall flie farre from me . O turne thee then vnto me , Ierem. 1● . so shall I be tourned : heale thou me , and I shall bee made whole : saue thou me , and I shall be saued . O be not terrible vnto me after thy rightuous iudgemente . Psal. 143. Enter not into iudgement with thy seruaunt : for then shall I not be iustified in thy syghte . Yea , if thou O lorde , shouldest extremely marke what is doone amysse , who could then abyde it ? But thou arte also a God of mercy : yea , thou delightest in mercy , and with thee is plentuous redemption . My soule therfore flieth only vnto thee : Psal. 130. it wayteth humbly for thee , & trusteth assuredly in thee . Out of the depe doo I call vnto thee ( O Lorde ) O here myne humble voyce , and lette thyne eares consyder welle the voyce of my complaynte . Benignely beholde me with thyne eye of mercy , that I ( I say ) thyne vnwourthy seruaunt , maye bee ioyfull of thy countenan e . O let thine holy spirite possesse my harte , to create in me a cleane harte . & to ●enue within my bowelles a ryghte spiryte : that I wretched synner may be quiet in thee , maye growe in the true knowledge of thee , that I may feruentlye desyre thy kyngedome , and that I maye knowe thy wyll and reuerently wourke there after . For thorow thyne onelye grace ( O Lorde ) and by the vehement impulsion of thyne holye spirite , shall myne heart and soule be cleane pourged , quiesed , quickened , strengthned , & sanctified . It is thy spirite ( O GOD ) that shal conuerte my soule , and guyde me forth in the pleasaunte and playn path waye of rightuousnesse . Yea Lorde , I wyll therfore be bolde and saye : Come thou good spirite of god : comme ( I beseche thee ) and assiste me with the present healthe of thy grace . I haue affiaunce in thee . O instruete thou me , and strengthen mee : refresshe , comforte , and quiete me : replenysshe my soule with ioye and gladdenesse , and kendle in me the fyre of thy loue . Th n O holy spirit , whether in body I wake or sleape , my soule shall continuallye watche vnto thee , thynke of thee , delight in thee , depende onely vpon thee : yea , it shal be fully satisfied in thee : and euermore reioyce , loue , & please thee , euen from my verye hearte , with all my power and strength , and loue my neyghbour as my selfe , to thy glory O god , all the daies of my lyfe , and for euer in the world to come Thus , I say , O thou erthly creature , & dere christen brother , that hasardly ( by due iustice ) abidest the hard hande of God , let daily sorow fasten vppon : thee , and continuall sadnes po●●e●fe thyne hart . Offre vnto God the acceptable sacrifice of a troubled spirite , of a broken , sore vexed , and contrite heart , till grace bee planted againe in thee , and thy synnes thorowe faithe , cleane purged and taken from thee . And alwaies remembre , if thou loue god bicause of his mercy , if thou feare hym for his iustice sake , or if thou beare any good hart towardes the counsailes or voice of god , harden not thy hart , as in the day of temptation : kendle not vpon thy self the wrath of god : flee from the vengeance to com , for otherwise the iustice of God wylle fall faste vppon thee . And yf thou , as before , wilfully dost desire to be mindfull of wrath , reuengement , or displeasure , either of speking or of doing wickedly , vse fyrste thy cogitation in this maner folowyng , whiche shall bee rather to a godly entent and purpose , accordyng to the counsayle of the preacher : which is , not to be yreful against thy neyghbour , to wourke reuengemente agaynst hym for any matter : or to wythhold thy charitie from him but to thinke vpon the moste terrible & bitter day , when thou ( among the rest ) shalt be called vppon by the trompe of god , Eccle. 18. to appere before his wrathfull indignacion , and to remembre the bitternes of his vengeance , when he shal turne his face away from thee , yea , euen from thee , thou wrathfull and dampnable reiected creature , if thou abyde in thy wrath , and yf thou ( with the rest ) shalte be partaker of thys terrible and moste bytter sentence . Awaye ye wicked , to the deuell and to hell fyre for euer . Yf thou otherwyse haue pleasure to think vpon wrath , and to wourke or deuyse mischiefe thereby , to the hurte of thy neighboure : be thou certaine hereof & well assured , that suche a matche shall be ioined vnto thee as wyll cruellye in his wrath , vexe thee , quickly consume thee , and violentlye twyne thee , euen lyke a rysshe , Psal. 49. to the sodaine and shorte confusion . Euen God hym selfe it is , that shal recompence thee thy wickednesse , & shal destroy thee in thine owne wycked malyce : yea , it is the Lorde God hym selfe ( I say ) that shall vtterlye destroye thee . As hatrede , enemitie , & reuengement , with suche other , are wyeked euils forbidden thee , and thervppon agreed with thyne owne consent and promise , to a blessed and most happie ende ; so if thou contemnynge this prohibition , dooest swarue frome thy promyse and fidelitie , and cleaue vnto suche iniquitie , they wyll kendle the wrathe of God agaynste thee , Eccle. ●● to the increace of affliction , to the wour kyng of an euyl death and euerlastyng destruction . Thou shalte worthily be compted among the numbre of the cursed and vngodly people Vpon whom , god ( in this lyfe ) shall rayne snares , fyre , brymstone , storme , and tempeste , whiche shall be their dewe portion to drynke . Psal. 1● . And suche as be scornefull despisers withoute a cause , they shall bee put to confusion : Psal. 5. Psal. 68. Psal. 75. neyther shall suche as be mercylesse and cruell , stande in the syghte of God . For lyke as ware melteth at the greate heate of the fyre● so shal ●hun godly perishe at the presence of god , & come to a terrible and feareful end . Fire , haile , wind , earthquake , tempest , and whirlewind : hungre and thirst , pestilence , murrayn , burninge feuers , incurable botches , swellyngs , madnes , and suche straunge diseases , sodayn fearefulnes , strise , vnquietnes rigour , oppression , sworde , bloudsheddyng , death , sodayn death , destruction and punishment : the teeth also of wild and noysome beastes : the scorpions , Eccle. 39. serpentes , and all suche poisoned and venomous wourmes , are created for vengeaunce , to the destruction of suche malicious and wicked people . If thou wylt not therfore do & obserue the will of God , and feare to offende the fearefull name of the Lorde thy God , Deut. 28. Psal. 39. he will sende vpon thee , yea and vpon thy seede after thee , these foresaid greuous and moste terrible plagues and curses . O chaunge therfore thy copy , and tourne in tyme . Leaue of frome wrathe , what soeuer thou be , and lette go displeasure : feare god : be charitable : kepe peace : abyde in loue : styppe not from it : consider it wel , and thinke what theron dependeth : so shalte thou knowe it : yea , thou shalt gladly also exeresse it , and enioy for euer the delectable fruites of it . And if thou wilte further knowe of loue what it is , note saint Paule : Loue saith he , is pacient and curteous : 1. Cor. 4. it enuieth not , it dooth not frowardly : it is not pufte vp : it dealeth not dishonestly : it seeketh not her own : it is not prouoked to anger : it thinketh none euil , it reioiceth not ouer iniquitie , but in rightuousnes & truthe : it beareth al thinges , 1. Tim. 1. beleueth al things , hopethe all thynges , and suffere the all thynges . And this loue is the whole summe and ende of the lawe , that shineth from a pure harte and good conscience , and out of an vnfayned faith : Rom. 13. For they that loue one an other fulfilleth the law . So that the dedes then of that fleshe beynge mortitied , Gala. 2. we shall haue our conuersation in the spirit , and not lyue vnder the lawe . These are the fruites of the spirite , Gala. 5. loue , ioy , peace , longe sufferynge , gentylnesse , goodnesse , faithefulnesse , meekenesse , and temperaunce . These ( I saye ) bee the fruictes of the spirite . And those that possesseth them , are free , and lyue not vnder the law : wherby our soules are in rest , & at peace with god : we content well god ; we reioyce to worke his will to the helpynge and edifyenge of oure neyghboure , and to compte of our selues , to be as before , al membres of one bodye : to thinke that we be all but one in Christ : Charitie . to reioice in our neighbours helth , welth , & confort , euen as we would do of our own : to remedy his incommodities , to lament hys distresse & mysery , to aide him and comforte hym : or if he erre or go oute of the right way , to bewayle ( frome oure hartes ) hys greate blyndnes & errour : to geue him frendlye counsayle and warnynge : to admonish him gently : to tel him of his faultes soberlye and courteousely : to geue hym instructions for his learning , according to the veritie of goddes worde ( wherby oure hartes are illumined , & the will of the flesh cofounded : ) & finally , as the redemed iewel of Christ , & decely beloued of him , to succour him in al necessities . Thus , if we hereby , wel regard the mynde of god , hys great loue and mercy towardes vs , our obediece vnto hym , and oure dueties towardes our neighbours : we shal perceiue and easely finde out , what heauenvly doctrin and counsailes ( among many others ) these are to be attayned vnto , to be beloued , embraced and folowed , Iob. 1. Gala. 6. as the lyuely cleare sparkes of goddes grace , to the lyghtnynge of our darkenes , to the brydlyng , repressing , and treading vnder foote , oure rancoure , our priuye enemitie , malyce , pryde , couetousnes , and vncleannesse : oure obstinacie and stiffeneckednes , our hartes hardenes , oure rebellion , oure cankred natures and stoughtnes . Christ hath taught vs and lefte behynde hym , quicke sparkes of his heauenly doctrine amongest vs , and as it were lyuelye and euerlasting vaynes , of hys moste pure and godlye mynde . He hath opened his mynde vnto vs and amongest vs , by hys holye worde , to pourgeand cleanse our stubburne hartes , of all contagion and filthe : yf we woulde happily apply ( with diligence ) oure affections there vnto : & enforce our selues by carefull trauell : to knowe these sparkes of lyfe : to feele and putte in practyse the operacion of theym ( leauynge the deade synders or smokinge shrubbes of cursednesse : ) wherby it shall then be manyfest vnto vs , thorow the light of goddes grace , The grace of god is redy at all tymes to enter into vs , if we thorough obstinat ma●ice ●epe it not backe it is the good gift of god , and descendeth frome about , euen frome the father of light : whi●he shall soone 〈◊〉 coined 〈◊〉 vs , 〈◊〉 increased in vs , yf we make cure 〈◊〉 and fe●●ent praiet to god for it : yea he wyl 〈◊〉 , stablishe it in vs for euer . shinyng in vs , that in the profession of a very christian , constancy in loue and godly charitie , is also an high and principall vertue : whereby we forsake the state of wyckednesse , embracynge a godly lyfe , and ar loosened from darknes , and from the thraldome and bytter bondage of our slye ennemye , the prince of this worlde , and be frankely sette at libertie in the kyngdeome of Christe : th ende of whose course in the shorte race of thys lyfe , was to leaue amongest vs , thys moste preciouse and heauenly gyfte : without the felowship wherof no vertue ( in anye wyse ) from the hart of man may appeare to be vprighte , cleare , and perfect . For he that lacketh this singular and blessed gifte of god , it is not possyble for hym to do any thyng well to the plealure of god , neyther is he wourthie amonge the godly to be had in estimation and honest regarde ( howe hyghelye soeuer of his lyke , or amonge the vaynglorious of thys worlde , he seeme to be extolled ( lifted vp , and magnified ) because that he whiche loueth not his brother with singlenes of hart , according to the bond of charitie , which is the perfection of a christen man , but respecteth persons , is not of god , nor to be compted among the rightuous , & therfore the lesse apte to attayne the preseruation & blessyng of god : which he hath promised to al those that loue hym , & be obedient to his cōmādemētꝭ . But alas with what great sorow may we lament , in these our vnhappy and moste wretched daies : If we consider the sharpenes of goddes late visitation amongest vs , Goddes visitation . for oure vnthankfulnesse sake , diuersely to bee layde vppon vs , by withholdynge specially the lyghte of his countenaunce vpon vs , that w●drawīg of his grace from vs to the darknyng of our understanding , to the plucking back of his loue & godly charitie in vs , to the makyng of vs hard herted & pitiles , to that kendlyng amongest vs , dishonorable warre & discention : to the supportation also wherof , hath risen throughout this common welthe , greate & meruailous charges , importable & greuous exactions , to th increase of pouertie , great wo , and myserye , scarcitie and ramine : the cursed motion , in deede , of the dyuell , and the fruites of hys malignaunte and wicked membres , wherby the christen regions are thus afflicted , an open and most manifest shewe of goddes wrathfull indignation agaynst vs : namelye vpon this our christen church of England , whervpon the brightnes of his glorye for the shewe of his mercy in rightuousnes , hath heretofore most bright lye shyned : and now of late dayes , thorough his iust wrath , for our vnthank fulnes sake , hath wythdrawne it : and by wicked and wilfulle warres ( the swourds of hys vengeaunce ) not only to sustayne the losse of suche peeces , Warres . beyond that seas ( wherof England somtime with honour greatly reioyced ) but rather amongest vs here wythin the realme greate and intollerable miserye , and the destruccion of the people by color , Famine . & famine . O how greuously , thorough out these whole dominions , were , & yet are that poore creatures of god & tender membres of Iesus Christ , most greuouslye therwith afflicted ? And comm●nly also , how the harts of those were , & yet be hardened against them , which in their vocation and habilitye , ( being here but stewardes of goddes treasures ) were bound , and ought in conscience , Of pitilesse welthy men . to haue sought their preseruation and naturall comfort , soeyng we are not onely borne to our selues , & wastfully to support our vayne affectes : but also accordyng to our duetie , state , & habilitie , for others succour , helpe , and necessite : And how they were constrained for want of naturall feedyng , and accordynge to the vse of mankynde , to be conuerted into the state of brute beastes , and to eate for the vpholdyng of their wretched & moste wofull lyues , acornes , grayns , and draffe , the fylthy swynes refection . And howe naturall and deare parentes , throughe wretched pouertie , weryly wandryng the wastful pathes of lyfe , Against nature . were inforced agaynst nature , to leaue sleapyng in fieldes , and vnder hedges , or losynge in corners of cities and townes , their yonge babes & tender infantes , the beloued fruit of their bodies , tournyng them at aduenture , frome theyr owne armes of compassion , into the moste vnkynde and pitilesse worlde , bycause they coulde not abyde to heare their contynuall mournyng noise , their great lamentation , theyr pituous complayntes , & most heuy countinaunces , alwaies fixed for help vpon theim , their moost wretched and vnable parentes : whose wofull hartes abhorted to see ( in suche wyse ) the destruccion of their owne fleshe , and the violente crueltie of death by colde and famyne , ready to take their liues from them . Either how sorowfull a thynge was this to heare , and more pitifull to see ( by the reporte of credible & honeste men ) that in Hertford shire , beside saint Albons , as they passed by the high way side , they sawe there , lyeng and sitting together , a poore woman , A pitifull syght . with her six or seuen younge children . And as they approched nere vnto them , to comfort theim with their godlye charitie , they see the mother of them , lye dead amongest them , consumed by famyne to the bones , and a younge suckynge infant also dead in her armes , another of her children dyeng by her side , and the rest pituously making lamentation about her . And as I haue here made relacion ( by credible reporte ) but onelye of one companye , and a fewe personnes , that haue sustained ( through mannes most wretched vnkyndnes ) this greate wo and miserye : so coulde I name of dyuers , both men , women and children : either in villages without the citie , or within , in backe lanes , desolate corners , or vppon carraynely stinkynge donghilles , that hath ben bothe quicke and deade , wrapped in dust and horselytter , amonge the dogges , pygges , and fylthye swyne . O howe lamentable is it , to heare and vnderstande , of the greate fall of Englande , from the grace of God ? O the hardnesse of our hartes that hasteneth vnto vs the wrathe of God . O howe greattely appeareth the yre of God to hange ouer vs ? Yea howe heauyly already layeth he is hande vpon vs ? Math. 18. O cursed be the occasion , by synne , for euer : that goddes heauy indignation should so lyght vpon vs , and his grace so clerely withdrawen from vs , that we haue no pity vpon our poore neighbours , but suffre theim in suche wyse , to wourke desperatelye agaynste nature : the parentes to forsake theyr chylderne , and the childerne to bewaile the losse of theyr parentes , lamentablye sorowynge , crying , yellyng , sighing , sobbyng , and groning on both sides , the one for the other , & the one not able to help thether , but abide to the death , the bitternesse or their hard & most wretched fortune . O dolefull desteny , & most heuy aduenture . O lamentable losse and most greuouse departure . O pitifull parentes . O forsaken & comfortlesse infantes . O render membres of Iesus Christ , fe●ly creping always for lyfe , and findyng in theno nothing but death : whose irremediable and moste wofull signes ye beare : Miserable pouerue . apparaunt pearcynge lookes , pale faces : leane chekes , wanne lippes , torne coates , gante bealies : withered skins bodies consumed to the bones , and waightynge alwayes deathes mooste deadly brunt , for the banefull breache of lyfe . O lorde , if we now lyuyng in these daies , & in the ●yme also of lyght and knowledge of the gospell , shonsds but in this one onely point , compare our selues , with the good disposition of the people in other ages past , although in the daies of vtter darknes and ignorance , for the great pitie & tender compassion that was amongst them towardis the common welthe , & for thadusidyng of suche vnnaturall , most horrible and monstrouse sightes , amonge the poore membres of Christ and of the common wealth : what an vntowarde most pitt les , and vnnaturall generation , shuld we now thinke our selues to be , in comparison of the other : but rather muche more wicked : moste wourthie also the wrath of god : most wourthie reproche among the very Infidelles : yea , & to be reproued also of the vnreasonable and very brutishe wilde beastes of the field whiche against nature ( to the reprofe of their owne beastelye natures ) committeth not at any time , any one suche wretched euyll : but wylle naturally seke to nourishe , saue , and defend that thinge , which nature hath naturallye in their owne kynde , most gladly desyred , most aptlye framed , inwardly preserued , tenderly nourished , & brought vp in tyme amongest theim : by whose vertue also , constancie , and tendernes in their rude natures , the name of god their maker or is , or should be praised & magnified by mankynde , the only reasonable creature , and Lord of all creatures nexte vnder hym , as by the chiefe louer and speciall maynteyner of all causes necessarye to natures good affecte . O what natural good man then or man of god , except he were the verye deuell hym selfe , or the diuelles owne dearelynge , in whome restethend possibilitie of pitye or good nature but woulde lamente and haue compassion vpon these good creatures of god in such necessitie : namely of mankinde , theyr owne flesshd and bloude : whom God hym selfe so derely loueth , for our example : whome he so blesseth , and vpon whome he poureth so abundantly his good graces and gyftes aboue all other his creatures ? Doo not ( as I sayd , ) the lyke of kynd helpe their lyke ? The loue of beastes . Are there anye so brute beastes vnder the sonne , or vyle crepyng wormes vpon th earthe , but wold in their kynd loue one an other , and ioyn their hartes in amitie , to withstand to their power , the crueltie of vnnaturall and straunge aduersaries ? Are there among wourmes and beastes of the earthe , more cruell or vnnatural aduersaries one strang beast or worm against another , then is either nakednes , colde , or famine against mankynd , whose furious and deadly force , we oughte euery of vs myghtily withstand ( accordyng to the wyll of god ) for one an others preseruation ? Dishonour to mannekinde . Can there be greatter shame and dishonour to mankynd , the lorde & ruler ouer al vnder god , than to be reproued in this special point of natural amitie , of most inferiour & base creatures ? Truly I am of this opinion before heauen and earthe , and thynke in coscience , I offed not : that as god neuer sent his sharpe plages & cruel chastismentes , vniustly vpon the earth : but wourthili by his iustice , for the punishment of synne , and that vpon all estates and degrees of men : whether it be by warres , pestilence , or famine , all or some at ones : as hys iustice , notwythstanding hys greate mercy , respecteth the stonye and harde heapes of synne : whereby hys wrath is the more largelye kendled vpon this or other regios : so wyth the greate and moste wycked offendours , The inno●●●● with the 〈…〉 are plag●d And why . the innocentes , ( I so term them in respect of the other offendors ) are also then plaged to this good ende and purpose , that the godly and repentaunte synners , and suche as are of sufficient habilitie , shoulde wyth prayer and fastinge , bountifully and freelye , reache forthe their hande of compassion to the poore and nedy personnes : whiche by warres are eyther wounded or maimed , by dyuers diseases visited , or elle● greuously by famine afflicted , to the asswagynge of goddes greate furye and wrath , and that the spirit of desperation therby put a parte , the good creature of god maye haue pacience in pouertie , and thankfully reioice in his mercye , which aboundantly spreadeth ouer all fleshe : whereas the onely compassion and mercy of man , so to succour & helpe , his poore and neady neighbour : vpon whome , our eies ( with compassion ) ought to be euer fixed , Eccle. 28. that God in our charitie maye bee blessed . O howe faire a thing is mercy & pitie in that time of necessitie , in the tyme of heauynes , Eccle. 25. anguyshe and trouble ? Is it not lyke a cloude of rayne , that commeth in the time of drought ? But alas , how greatlye to the contrary hath the diuel now blinded our eies , robbed vs of our good vnderstandyng and memory , and hath also stripte vs naked and bare of all compassion and charitie ? What pitiles seedes hath he sowen in our harts ? What scornefulnesse and contempte ? What nicetie , leude wantonnesse and foly ? O what may we thynke of oure selues , that glory so muche to be called christians , that cannot abide the name of hereticke , turke , scismaticke , or papist , that so muche deny Christ in conuersacion : beynge vtterlye conuerted into wourse state and behauioure , then the most vyle estate of Ethnickes and infidelles , and suffre our selues to bee reproued of beastes , and ouercomme with these most horrible monsters , fylthie couetousnesse , pride , and excesse : & to be blyndelye ledde in suche singuler and vaine affectes , that we regard not but rather contempne , the most gloriouse and lyuelye Images of God , Gene. ● . the redemed membres of Iesus Christe , our christen brotherne and naturall countreymen , but suffer theim wythout compassion ( in suche lamentable wyse ) to appeare before oure eyes in euery corner : In fieldes , in high wayes , in churches , in stretes , in by lanes , in commen Iaquesses , vnder stalles , at rych mens doores and vnder their walles ? Ah most lamentable & wofull case : wherby , if we do enter into oure owne consciences , what shall we there fynde ? What good matter of reioycinge and perfecte peace , shall there ( before god appeare in vs ? What remaineth in vs wanting the charitie of god , to be quiet in our selues , and to liue in the state of goddes grace ? Remaineth there nothyng vprightly in vs ? What nothing at all ? No no verily , of any inwarde or heauenly ioy : but a terrible out cry , Where the charitie of god remayneth not , there the conscience abideth vnquiet and alwaies in terroui● . and an open accusation agaynste vs , and the iust terrour and vengeance of god vppon vs : because we haue not in tyme to our powers ( accordyng to the order of charitie and perfect compassion ) preuented these most notable and cursed euils : or at the least , for not preparyng present comfort in suche tyme of necessitie : makynge our frendes of wicked mammon , whereby the poore myght be relieued , & that there myght be also layed vp in store for our selues , a good foundation in Iesus Christe against the tyme to come , Rom. 12. 1 , Timo. 6 Eccle. 11. and obtayne-thorough hym euerlastynge lyfe . Ryches is a good thing , for it is the gift of god , and so likewise is pouertie : and as god hath made somme men riche ( with an holye and good spirite ) to despyse worldlye gooddes : so hathe he also appointed some , to beare the bourden of pouertie , that they might happilye receiue his benefites , at suche charitable and rich mennes handes . O how blessed are those that haue riches ( the good gyfte of god ) where by they maye not only make many frendes : to the praise of God , Pro. 19. and their owne comforte : but seeke also the fauour of the poore : that are often through pouerty ( for saken of their frendes , whose continuall praier and swete blessinge ) by the promises of god , shall purchase vnto theym the fauour of god , healthfulnes , ioy , prosperitie , and plentifull encreace . For the charitable acte of the rightuous & godly man , god alwayes beholdeth and accepteth as an hygh and wourthie sacrifice : whiche he ( at any tyme ) vaynelye receyue not , and without recompence but as his acte is worshyppeful accordynge to Salomon , to doe good and to help the poore in their necessity , which be calleth lendinge vnto the Lorde , or layed out for a season : so the Lord god that is all goodnesse and truths , that delighteth in well doing , and reioiceth in hys people , wyll not wythholde hys bountyfull hande , but see him largelye requighted agayne . Prou. 19. Prou. 29. Prouer. 12 The poore and the lender ofte meete together : but it is the Lorde that lightneth both their eyes . It is the lord that prepareth pouertie . It is the lord that geueth vnto the poore strengthe , and consolation , thoroughe faith by the power of his spirite , to ask in his name , and to attaine reliefe : It is the lord also that geueth ryches , Eccle. 17. and wourketh in the hartes of the rich , tender compassion and mercye towardes the poore , by the same spirite : whereby hys name in theym bothe is hyghlys reuerenced and magnyfied . And he that thus geeueth or lendeth vnto the poore in the name of God , shal be blessed , and not want him self . For the mercye that a mercifull man sheweth here vnto his neighbour , in these terrestrial & vain earthly thynges : is as it were a purse wyth hym , or a treasure house , plentuousely stuffed with thin comparable and endlesse treasures of god the father : in , and by oure Lorde Iesus Christe : thorowe the loue and faith in whom , a mans good dedes preserueth hym , euen as the apple of an eye . So that al vertuous and charitable dedes God louyngely beholdeth in Christe , and largely agayn requiteth , If grace wer amongst vs to consider the same , and practise it . But we are ( I saye ) to the contrary , so blynded and sore infected with earthely and vayne affectes and selfe loue so preuayleth our senses to rule , that wee forgette god and his wourde : we neglecte Christe and his gospelle : we haue embraced but a benummed and deade faythe : wee haue not reuerentely in price , the onely merites of Christes deathe , but wee rather heare the name of Christyanitie and holynesse , secludynge the true faithe in the waye of rightousnes , and are in deede enuironned and cloked in with all kyndes of maliciousnesse and wickednesse . we haue professed ( in Iesus Christ ) to loue god aboue all thynges and our neighbours as our selues but we contempne God and Christe , our creatour and sauioure , and the rather neglecte oure poore neighboures and christen brotherne , our companions in Christ , and felowe heyres with him in his kyngedome : bendynge our whole affectes , to the onely dead will of the flesh : we loue so much the world the diuelles snares hath caught vs : The deuell the worlde and the flesh preuaileth against vs . Ena hath deceyued vs : light fantasies are obeyed : excesse beareth rule : our callinges are abused : our eies must be satisfied : our bodyes must go gaye : our feding must be fyne : our pastymes must be kepte : and what so euer earthly vanitie , the deuill motioneth , the worlde proeureth , or the fleshe coneteth , therevnto our corrupted hartes immediatlye consenteth . Trulye , Sathan , that cursed enemy and prynce of impietie , syns his firste fall from the kingdome of god into vtter darkenes , neuer better bestirred him , to the nereace of his helly kingdom , them now in these our pitiles and most vnhappy daies . And how he preuaileth , and in victory triumpheth god to oure plage suffereth , his grace he withdraweth , which our wickednes serueth , and that the godlye most greuously feeleth and with teares also lamenteth . And if herein , we now consider mennes ingratitude : amongeste whome , in their degrees they greatlye differ : as some are muche more to bee noted then some , namelye of such thinges as shal immediatly folowe : considering how merueilously we be mixed with what diuersitie of spirites we bee guided : and how variable in al our doynges : we are alwais affected : for we haue not amongest vs : one only faith we leane not zelously to one only true god : neyther doo we seeke one onelye eternall and heauenlye father : whose wyll of all men shoulde onely be receyued & folowed , if our hartes in dede , were onlye to him vnited . But as we bee apparauntly and to euel deuided , and some to one way , and some to another addicted , so the powers of darkenesse hathe mightilie preuailed , and wroughte open contempte to our iust reproche .

Therfore , respectinge these two natures thus deuided , I wyll humbly now wyth reuerence , leaue here wourthylye vntouched , all vertuous , ryghte prudente , honourable , and godlye gouernours : whose harts I acknowlege in their doinges , to be alwayes moste aptly tempered with the reuerend feare of God , from whome springeth ( wyth beautie ) the comfortable , free , & lyuely fruites of compassion , christen charity and frendly liberality : and vnto whom ( aboue all others ) most wourthilie doo appertayne such thinges , as hereafter foloweth , accordinge to their right reuerend estate and dignitie : In whome goddes people reioiceth , & vnto whom they owe due honor , harty prayse , and dayly praier : amongest whome also , I meane nothinge lesse , then arragantely to kendle ( herein ) offence against them or against any godlye man of anye degree : but charitablie with humblenes , do touche ( in fewe wourdes ) this familiar abuse , which is : whereof it commeth that among the riche and wealthy men of this world , we se ( for their pleasures wythoute numbre ) their fatte fed dogges of euery kind : their pampered horses : their fair mules & gay glistering Genettes : And to the contrary is many starned & forlorn creatures & christen soules miserablie passing by them , lyenge in the stretes before them , or standing at their gates to try them , with pituouse cries in their necessitie , through sorenes , hungre , and nakednes : and rather receiue succour of the dogges then of them selues ( if in their kyndes their toungues licking wyll ease & asswage these griefes ) so pitiles are they and colde of charitye , to the comforte or mankynde in his necessitie . And to aunswer truelye the question : what other cause is there , then that they are more affected vnto them ? their hartes are bente towardes them : they glory in them , & haue their felicity and pleasure in them ( as they are in deede in their kynde and creation , & for their good gyftes of nature , wourthie to bee beloued and estemed , to be prepared for and nourisshed : ) but how much more shoulde manne , that noble and most excellent creature , aboue all other his creatures , be looked vnto , be beloued prepared for and nourished ? if we thinke it conuenient , to make preparation for the nourishement of beastes , that are seruiseable to vs earthely & mortall creatures : how muche more one man for an other , after th ensample of Christ , that hath entred the bondes of christen amitie , and are sworne seruantes to the celestiall and euerlyuyng god ? What lefull let is there to the contrarye ? Beastes in their kinde ought to be beloued . but that we maye and oughte , by natures good consente , to loue euerye creature of God in their kynde , and be carefull for them : specially for those , by whom we fele not only to haue great pastime and pleasure , but suche also as bryngeth vs muche profite and welfare : whether it bee by laborious tillyng the earth : by payneful trauailing in iourneis : by greuous caryeng of burdeyns : by couragious re●i●tynge enemyes : We maye not be so affected to fantasies , that we leaue the people of god vnprouided for . or such as also serueth to feede our bealies ? All whiche are louelye , necessarye , and wourthye due preparation , with thanks geuyng to god : yet we maye not so loue theim , and haue theym in price , nor seeke so with excesse to fufyll our affectes , that we forget or neglecte our high charge and duetie towardes our poore neighbours and christen brothern : whervnto we are bounde by goddes will , and the lawe of nature : And whome god ( aboue all other hys creatures ) so dearely loueth : and whome he hath so beautifullye adourned , wyth reason , with wytte , wysedome , and vnderstanding : by whose vertue also and deuine state of life , Psalm 9. the glory of god doth shine : In whome through Chryst he is well pleased , he sheweth his ioyfull countenance vpon vs , he plucketh hys wrath from vs , he blesseth vs , and hathe also mercy vppon vs . And although we , in our health , wealth , & vain felicitie , thorough the hardenes of oure hartes , bee vnmindeful of them , regarde them not , nor passe anye thinge of them , in theyr greate extreme agony and misery : beatinge alwayes oure heades to the supportation of our owne state , to the encreace of our owne felicitie and vayne pleasure , and to stablishe our posterity in the estimation & glory of the worlde as though oure doynges therein were sure , and founded vpon an immouable rock : yet god that is omnipotent , rightuouse , and mercifull , who iustly waieth the true ordre and meanynge of all oure carnall ententes , will accordinglye preuent vs , and with the vehement storme of his furye , beate downe , ouer throw , and destroy our sandy and stubble foundation : And at the day or houre when he shall make inquis●tion for the bloude of hys saynctes , and call to remembraunce the complayntes of the poore , and how wyckedlye we haue in this life abused theym : he will bee aduenged of them : & for the euerlastinge loue that he hathe towardes theym : he will haue mercy vpon them , he will be perpetuallye myndfull of them : he wil regarde and visite theym , and not forsake them in such tyme of trial , psalm . 14. psal. 106. psal. 138. psal. 140. but geueth them the comfort and strength of his spirite , pacientlye a shorte tyme to beare the crosse of Christ , and the extremitie of their great payne and pouertie , through the vnkyndnes of vnnaturall and pitiles people , and that their ioyes eternallye shal be afterwardes with him in heauen . For he is alwayes the comforte , preseruation , strength , and defence of all suche as pacientlye beare the hande of GOD , abyde hys wyl , and walke alwaies innocentlye beefore hym . He is attendannte vpon theim : he guideth theim : he keepeth them in the right pathe , and preserueth the waie of his sainctes : vnto whom he gyueth th understandyng of rightuousnes , Psal. 9.14 . Prouer. 2 , iudgement , and equitie : yea , and euery good pathe : and deliuereth the poore when he crieth , the nedy , and hym that hath no helper : for he shall be fauourable and frendly to the simple and nedy , and shall preserue also the soules of the poore . Of whome in their great agony and bytternes of paine , he torneth forth other whiles , with out numbre , before our eies , and in suche misery , to th ende we shuld beholde in theim , as in a glasse , the face of Iesus Christe , his greate pouertie and moste greuous afflictions and tourmentes . Vnto whome as vnto Christ hymselfe , in their hungre , thieste , and nakednes , we ought chari●ably to minister breade , drynke , and cloathe , as also in their sycknes to confort theim , Math. 25. and in their bands and imprisonment to visite theim . They are the price and redemption of Christe : they beare before oure eyes the Image of Christe , and also in whome we partely doo se the great anguysh & dolour of Christe : And what so euer we be hold in theim , we beholde in Chryste : and what so euer we geue vnto them : we geue vnto Christe : Math. 25. And what so euer wee wythdrawe from them , we withdraw from Christ : for those are they , whom Christe spake of to be lefte alwayes amongest vs ( his beloued poore membres ) representinge his most deare personne : and vpon whome we shoulde for hys sake , and in the remembrance of him , haue compassion vpon them , vse frendly familiaritie amongest them , and dispose our godlye charitie to the vpholdynge of their lyues , and the asswagynge of their most wofull payne and miserye , their great anguish & dolour in soule & body , as we would wyshe vnto our selues ( beynge now altogether in the handes of god ) if we were in the lyke aduersitie . Let it not nowe be spoken by any tonge from an vnfained hart , Eccle. 31 , Tobi. 4. Math. 7. Luke . 6. We muste doo , as we woulde be done to . that euer specially within the mind of man , in this famous region and noble angle of the worlde , a countreye heretofore no lesse feared then beloued of all nations for our vertues , strengthe and great wealth , was sene the like multitude of pouertie , Pouertie . raysed vp , encreaced , and spred for the amongest vs , by gods sufferance and visitation , through the hardnes of our hartes , through forced warres , greate speknesses , and famin● where shal a man now within these dominions , eyther ryde or go , but stil there shall be great occasion ministred vnto hym of pitie ? Which way shal he now turne his face , but the poore membres of Christe shall appeare before hym , in extreme necessitie and miserye , and cal vpon him for his charitie , in the name of Iesus christ ? whose name we ought to reuerence , ●say . 65. Math. 1. Roma. 14 Philip. 2. and to extende freely for his sake our charitie , according to our habilitie , and as we see iustly occasion of necessitie , to content well god . Or at what time shal we in conscience better dispose oure charitye to the people of god ? Was there euer by theym the like wofull attempte ? O that the spirit of god our synnes through his mercy beynge remitted woulde yet happilye descende vppon vs , and amongest vs , to wourke in vs , and to pourge , and mollifie our corrupted and flintie hartes , of impietie , vnnaturall slackenes , selfe loue , and all vayne affectes : A nedefull request of God . that wee maye wyth the more lyuelye diligence in the fears of GOD , tender hys beeloued people : and so prepare for theym , that oure holye and moste iuste GOD , maye in all oure dooynges , be well contented and pleased . O howe happy shoulde we bee to fulfill the wyll of GOD , yf oure eares were opened , and oure heartes by the dewe of goddes grace , softe tempered that wee myght aptlye heare and worthily receyue the voice of god ●h●e calleth vnto vs , sayenge : Be not ashamed of thy neygboure , in hys dystres and miserye : Defende the poore and father lesse ! Delyuer the out caste and poore : Shutte not thyne hande whenne thou shouldest geeue : Eccle. 4. psal. 82. Eccle. 4. Distribute thy breade vnto the poore and hungry , bringe the poore fatherles home into thine house : geeue hym lodgynge : clothe hym yf he hee naked : Esay . 18. and tourne not thy face frome thyne owne fleshe : that is to saye , from thy poore neyghboure : thy Chrysten brother or Syster . And lykewyse to hyde thyne Almase in the bosome of the poore , that god may be blessed , and thy synnes pourged .

Not by thy merites , I saye , but tho ) rough the lyuely faithe and loue that is in thee towardes Iesus Christ , and for his onely merites sake : who loued thee fyrst , who preciously with his bloud hath redeemed thee , and inspireth thee with his holy spirite , to loue agayne : and thankefully to wourke his wyll : wherby thou maiest than vnderstand , that as water quencheth fire , so almose deedes also proceedynge from suche a louely faith , quencheth synne and asswageth the wrathe of god . Luke . 11. Geue al , mose therfore by this lyght of grace , foreshynyng in thee , and then as shal be pure and cleane vnto thee . And although he be thyne ennemye , yet forgeue hym for the loue thou haste to Christe : and yf he bee in necessitie and hungry , yet feede hym for his sake : If he be thirsty , geue him drinke if he be naked , cloathe hym : or if he be in prisone , visite hym . For in so doyng the charitie of god shall cleerely shyne in thee , and thou shalt heape coales of fyre vpon his head , Prouer. 25 The grace of god is offered vnto thee : Prou. 25. Roma . 12. Eccle. 34. psalm . ●● bee not ouercome wyth euil , but do thou ouercome euyll with good : For therevpon dependeth the blessinge of god , as vnto the charitable and rightuouse man , accordinge to this sayenge . The blessinge of God hastneth to the rewarde of the ryghtuouse , & maketh his fruites to flourishe and prosper . Agayne , blessed is he that considereth the poore and neady , for in the troublesome day , the lorde shal delyuer him . And contrary wise , he that stoppethe hys eares at the crye of the poore , he hym selfe shall also cry in the day of necessitie , but the lorde shal not heare hym . For the whole congregation of the people of God , are euer cryinge out ( wyth great lamentation and sighinge ) agaynst hym or agaynste the whole rablement of them , that are so wicked and harted agaynst them . For they are the cause in deede , that so many men are hungrye , naked and bare , or to wante sufficiencie for their naturall succoure and comforte . Iob. 24. Eccle. 13. Those are they that detest or abhorre the poore & nedye man . They are proude , stought , blasphemouse , and scornefull . They be vnkynde , pitilesse , and reioyce at the decaye of the rightuous . But the lorde laugheth them to scorne , and his vengeaunce lurketh for theim , Eccle. 27. euen as a lyon . They shal be taken in the snare , and anguyshe of hearte shall consume theym before they dye . It highlye dyspleaseth the ryghtuous and most iuste god , when we , whome he hathe made of habilitie , sittyng at home at ease and in securitie , be not moued with pity , at the great calamitie , miseries and troubles of the poore people of god , as the prophete Amos complayneth , Amos. 6. saying : Wo be to the people , that are of habilitie and wealthie , whiche are not moued wyth heauines , compassion , and pitie , to se the poore creatures and people of God in wofull distresse , affliction , and misery , and will not with tendernesse , of their hartes , seeke meate , and necessaries to ease them , relieue theim , and comforte theim . O that our , The curse of god foloweth mannes iniquitie . vntowardnesse ( with tremblyng feare ) woulde suffre vs , to waye well this wo or curse of God : whiche signifieth vnto vs the greatnes of this our iniquitie , & howe largelye ( in tyme ) his vengeaunce is lyke to fall vpon vs .

And howe outwarde so euer we bee in deede and without regard , in this wise to mynister vnto the poore membres of Chryste , and to seeke or deuise by all meanes possible , to helpe and relieue theym : yet our consciences therein , alwaies openeth vnto vs the good mind of God whyche ( before hym condempneth vs vtterlye of oure disobedience , ingratefulnes , and most wylful slacknes , of what so euer estate and degree we be of , or of habilitie in the commen wealthe . For the charitie of God , vninersally & of duetie , tendeth to all estates and degrees of men , frome the higheste to the lowest , Charity be longeth to all estates : but it appereth not from al m● alike . that haue professed hys name : And it is rather apparannt ( by due ordre ) in some estates , of , and for the commen wealth of goddes people , thenne in somme . The excellencye and noblenesse of whyche vertue , shynethe not frome all personnes alike : for as there bee diuersities of degrees , and somme in moore auctoritye or of more habilytye thenne other that should rule in a commune wealthe , for an assured good state and comfort of the people : so this moste louely and pearelesse vertue ( goddes heuenly charitie shoulde breake foorth more abundantly , and shine more clearely frome suche as beare rule and bee in auctoritie , then frome other th inferiour and base people of the comminaltie , or from suche as be not of habilitie , for examples sake and encrease of vertue : althoughe euery of vs in our vocation , shulde seeke an others commoditie . And agayne , as there duely , by the promyses of god , belongeth vnto vs the blessynges of God for oure charitable demeanour and well dooyng , throughe our lyuely and sounde faithe in Iesus Christe , so for th abusyng of our profession , state , or holye vocation , dependeth ouer vs , the malediction and iust wrathe of god . Princely or spiritual gouernemet . Thou arte called in the churche of god , to princely or spirituall gouernement : thou arte a lorde , a maister , or a father , ouer the seruants and people of god , thou hast a charge committed vnto thee by the power and will of god , for their healthe , wealthe , consolation , strengthe , and defence . Thy charge herein & vocation is greatest , and most straight aboue al others for the lyuelye settyng forth amongest them in bodye and soule , the glory and prayse of god . But thou beynge in honour , and wanting the felowshyp of a good guyde ( namely the spirit of god ) art now without vnderstanding , thou art forgetfull , thou art wedded to vanities , thou arte verye negligente , or an abuser of thyne office : Thou considerest not directely , wherevpon truelye thyne honour dependeth : Thou sek●st not aboue all thynges the glory of god in rightuonsnes : Thou art not careful nor tender ouer the people : neither hast thou compassion nor pitie vpon them : Thou art not a good shephard among thy shepe : Thou watchest not ouer them to nourysh , saue , and defend then : Thou blowest not thy trompe amongest them . to kepe them together in the obedience of ryghtuousnesse , lest they straye and be in daunger of the swourde of God : Ezech. 34. Thou harkenest not , what furiouse & deuouring beastes assaileth them .

Thou art slouthefull , careles , and not continually studious for their bodilye and ghostly comforte : but rather singulerlye ( for thyne owne glorye ) corruptlye infected wyth vayne affectes , and so sufferest theym to straggle and wander , to starue , and diuerslye to stande in greate peryll and daunger . Thoroughe whyche vnnaturall and noisome euelles , thyne estate is abused thyne honour disteyned , thy personne defamed , and the glory of god thereby greatly hindered . Whereby also most plainely appeareth , that the bright beames of rightuousnes shineth not from thee : namelye , the good fruites of loue & charitie , which should chiefly breake forth , for the peoples felicitie : and therfore ( before God ) thine owne open wickednes shall iustly condempne thee .

He wyll poure oute hys cruell displeasure vpon thee : he wyll vndoubtedlye confounde thee , roote the out , and consume thee in the fyre of his wrath . The bloude of hys people , wyll he requyre at thyne hande : Eze. 22.32 . and thyne owne crooked and vayne wayes shall he recompence , vppon thy verye heade . Thou arte a gentle manne , a man of worship or a landed man : Gentlemen or men of worship . thou arte peraduenture raysed vppe of nothing , to a ryght honourable or wourshippefull estate : thou art a lawyer , a iudge or a iustice , an officer , or a minister in the commen welth : thou art endeued with the good gyftes of god : with wytte , wysedome , learnynge and grauitie : thou hast also in thee , an apperance of vertue : by reason whereof thou growest into effimation , and art auctorisod & put in truste vnder god & the highe magistrate oure soueraigne , to be in the commen welth a diligente ouerseer , a faithfull & true minister , a shielde and mighty pro●ection , by auctoritie aforesayde , that the simple poore people or flock of Christ , be not ouercomme with these outragious and deuourynge beastes : rebellious idle vacabundes , sturdy beggers , murderers , theues or robbers , conspirators , priuy pickers , extortioners , oppressors , whisperers , wilful deceiuers & crafty deuisers . Thy charg committed vnto the is great , & requireth at the hand of god , a iust & straight accompte . But thou also arte negligente and s●ongtheful : thou duelye lokeste not to thy charge : thou wyckedly appliest the gift of god or thou thy selfe wyth somme of these foresayde euelles are spotted : whereby thou canst not worthily reproue others accordyng to thyne office , least peraduenture thyne owne shame , should then be opened , and so thou sufferest muche wyckednesse in thy selfe and in others rankely to abounde : thou art therfore fled from God : thou wantest in thee the charitie of God : thou hast offended thy maker , thou hast bene vnthankfull to hym : thou hast bene hurteful to hys people : thou hast deceyued thy prynce : and arte knowne and so noted in the common wealth , to be but a monster , a corrupted and lewd officer , a pernicious enemy , and most subtile deceiuer . The diuyne iustice hangeth ouer thee , the curse of the people shall preuaile against thee : yea , thy state shal be chaunged , and thy glory abated . And where thou by thyne auctoritie , hast disorderlye ruled or abused others , to the great offence of god , to the dishonour of the kyng : and great griefe of the commen wealth , thou thy self shalt also by some other , be rightly vsed : to the glory and prayse of god , to further the kinges honour , and to the reformacion of thyne abuse in the commen wealthe . Thou art called a marchaunte man , or vsest the trade of marchaundise . Merchaunt men . Thou bearest the face of a frende in the commen wealth : and that thy vocation therein ( thou saiest ) is of necessity : thou hast at thy disposition , the commodities of thy countreye : thy charges and trauailes are great , thy iourneys be far : thy dangers bee not smalle : thou cariest ouer : thou recariest , thou makest exchange , thou preparest & bringest in such thinges , as the time orderly wil permitte : in apperance , for the good state and necessitie of the commen wealth : secludyng in secrete all priuy and corrupted auarice , all craft or deceipt , al falsehode or subtletie . Thy pretence herein is honest , wel pleasyng , and commendable and wourthye due supportation , by princely autoritie . But if thou swarue from the forsaid straight trade of simplicitie , vertuous good demeanor , and sinceritie , into doublenes , auariciouse dealyng and subtilte : thou shewest thy selfe an approued ennemye , verye vnfrendly and vnnatural is thy countrey and therfore cleane voyde of gods heauenlye charitie : for the whyche , his indignation shal fall vpon thee , to the encreace of thy wofull mishappe , spoylynge thee of thy pleasures , and plagynge thy posteritye . Fermer . Grasier . Vitailers . Thou arte a ryche farmer , a stoughte frankelyne , a graster , or a vittayler in the commen wealthe of thy countreye . God ( vnder thyne hande ) blesseth the earth , thy fieldes , and pastures : & geueth thee greate encreace of corne and all maner of cattaile , for the assuraunce , firste of thyne owne welfare : that thou wyth a reioycyng hart , and thankes geuing to him for his bountifulnesse , shouldest accordingly as a good seruaunte and faythful stewarde of hys benefites , not onelye to receyue theym , preserue theym , and in due tyme distribute theym , as thine habilitie shall requyre , either free lye with a charitable hart , to thy poore countreymen , in their necessitie , for the deare loues sake thou hast to God : but also ( at the least ) for a sufficiet and competent gayne to make sale : that the commen wealth of thy countreye , may the rather , through moderacion and good order of thy prises , lyuelye flourysihe , and the poore membres of Christ , wel contented and nourished : which is the ground of thy vocation & dutye , & that the name of god in thine obedience may bee lyfted vp and magnified . If thou woldest in this behalfe obiect for thy selfe , the raisinge of rentes to be an impediment , the thou canst not as thou woldest , vse thy vocation duly for the welth of thy countrey : I passe ouer with silence , the auaricious & most notable euil , commendyng it to the deuil from whense it camme : humblye beseching almyghty god , for the greatnes of his mercies sake , & for the loue that he hath to his people , in Iesus Chryste , so to wourke the confusion thereof , that al thinges in time , to hys prayse , maye be broughto to their pristinate and former state : onelye requirynge of thee , that arte a manne of god , the vertu of thy good wil and charity , to bewaile vnfainedlye this great wyckednes crept in amongest vs , and to plucae it downe ( as much as in thee shall lye , and not to vphold it ) to the conforte of the people : whyche shal be thy sufficient discharge before God to his praise , to the quietenes of thyne owne conscience , to the good encouragement of others , and to the purchasyng vnto thy selfe , praier , frendly report , and all honest and good mens fauours . But yf thyne harte be otherwise corruptly fixed vpon fylthy auarice , onely without the feare of God , regardynge the state of thyne owne welfare , and to enriche thy selfe with craftye abuse : in withholdynge , Who so ho●deth or hideth vp corne , shal be cursed among the people : but the blessing of god shal light vpon his heade that selleth it . Prouer. 11 secrete hoordynge , hydyng , buryeng , wilfull spoylyng , raisynge of prices , or vncharitable denyeng , not to haue that , whiche in deede thou haste : or to withhold thy diligent good will , from labouryng , tyllynge , temperyng , and sowyng the erth , And so foorthe , to seeke as muche as in thee shall lye , good encreace and frendely furtherance of all thynges vnder thyn hande , ioynynge thy good wyll to the wyll of god , to put by dearthes , and further a common wealth in thy countreye , to the comforte spectally of the poore people , and that they maye happilye lyue by thee : or elles that thou of a naughtys and euyll conscience , onely for priuate wealthes sake : flatteringly thoroughe the coloure of necessitie , or fallynge into pouertie , Deceiptful enemies of the commen wealth . by chargeable seruyce in marciall affaires , or otherwyse : thou suest to the vertuouse and noble counsaylours , and other thy frendes , to be frendelye vnto thee , and to bee thy gracious good lordes and medyatours in thy beehalfe , vnto the kynges maiestie , for the graunt of a lycence , in recompence of thy seruyce , to carye ouer beyonde the seas , a certayne summe of grayne : peraduenture by requeste one thousande quarters . &c to make thy market : or otherwyse certayne dyckers of leather : or suche lyke commodities of the realm , whereby thou shouldest bee relieued : sygnifienge vnto theyr honoures , formallye forgyng a false tale , not wayeng the vertues of suche godlye actes , and lawes , as hath bene from tyme to tyme , for suche purpose appointed and stablished : neyther charitably considerynge in deede , the present scarcitie of thy countrey , to the increace of famin and destruction of the people : neither yet regardyng the wrathe of God , the indignation of thy prince , nor heauys displeasure of hys nobilitye ) doest declare ( I saye ) what super●luous store is thorougheoute the realme , and that there is largely and more thenne sufficiente , bothe for the countreye , and also to serue thy tourne , yf yt would please their honours to graunt thee thy requeste : doubtynge also the lesse to obtayne thy sute , because ( thou sayeste ) it is not chargeable to the Kynge , wherebye thou shouldest bee welle recompenced , and the Kynge not charged . And the rather binding theym to creditte thee ( because thou knowest their honours to be both wise , vertuouse , and faithful to their countreye : and that they will not in anye wyse , as nere as they canne , graunt any thinge corruptlye , that shoulde bee preiudiciall or hurtefull to the commen wealthe , forasmuche as they be honourable , pityfull , and sworne fathers to the same ) thou craftily vndermyneste theym , thou diligentlye pliest them , and art euer before their faces , and rounding in their eares , bringinge in before their honours certaine wytnesses ( peraduenture one at the least , of whome they haue some knowledge ) to testifye of thyne honestye , of thy good seruice , of thy pouerty , and so forthe , and that thy suite maye not bee hurtefull to the commen wealthe : for all thynges are true that thou sayest : they beare the face of honestye , of good estimation , or peraduenture lyke gentlemenne : althoughe in verye deede , nother so , nor so , but by due probation thoroughe suche vnnnaturall and vngentle sutes , playnelye tryed menne lyke vnto thy selfe : and approued enemies of the commen wealth , if men should creditte the whole voyce of thy countreye , for that ye are all partakers or one commoditie . And whenne thou hast thus by this meanes , or such lyke simple pretence , obtained thine vnsemelye sute , and caryest wyth thee , thy commission into the countreye , fullye to serue and satisfye there , thy hungey or gredy turne , thou abusest also the vertue of thy commission : thou art vnreuerent : thou art vnquiet , troublesome , & an outefacer of the people : thou rangest at libertye , thou ouer reacheste , and straynest thy conscience tylle it cracke agayne : for thou art entred into the sweete : thy luste muste be satisfied : and thou art fully fixed , to haue thorowly at the least , thy full fraighte for thy vyage how so euer in what order the pryses be made , or the moneye to the sellers disbursed and payed .

These doings ( I say louing brothern ) or such seke out of order : wher , or when so euer they be committed and done in any common wealth , are truely very villanous , and vnsemely base shiftes of reprochefull and lewd shifters , and not meete for the degree of honestie : whether of gentlemen , men of wourship , seruisable souldiours , landed men , seruyng men , or such also as only and insufficiently lyue by arte , by seruice , by office , frendship or fee : for they may vndoubtedly by the grace of god , seke manye other waies , honestely , and in good order , according to vertue , to the augmentation of their well wisshed and wourthy honeste lyuyng . But as there bee in euery common welthe , among the degrees of men , some naturall , frendly , and charitable men , that seeketh gladly the preferment of their countrey by their vertue and wisdom : so to the contrary , there be many other also , that are vnnaturall , very vnfrendlye , & vnlouinge to the same , and alwaies seeke the hynderaunce therof by their craste and subtletie . Of whome we maye saie with compassion and pitie , because worthilie there hang ouer them the daunger and pricke of misfortune : O vnnaturall and strange people , peruerse and vntoward to the vse of vertue , And vnfrendly for the comfort of your countrey : before whom standeth alwaies the vrefull face of goddes iustice . For yf in these or such other like thinges , offence be committed , shall it not then be manyfest of thee , what so euer thou bee , that the charitie of God abideth not in thee , or that an euyl spirite possesseth thee ? What is this , but that the deuyl preuaileth againse thee : when thou art rebellious againste the wil of god , or hateful to thy countrey ? Thou hast not sought th aduancement of Goddes glorye . Thou haste not directly answered to thy vocation : thou hast sought onely thyne owne wealth and commoditie : Thou art disobedient and false to the kyng : thou hast craftily deceyued hym , and his moste vertuouse counsaylours : thou lyuest vnder hym , an vnnaturall and wicked subiecte : thine hert is vnsounde towardes hym : thou art sclaunderous to his personne : Thou careste not for hys lawes : Thou dishonorest hys nobilitie : neyther loueste thou hys people : thou haste shutte vp thy compassyon from theym , thy poore neyghboures : thou haste not soughte theyr commoditye , whome thou oughteste to loue as thy selfe : but rather haste styrred theym vp , as muche as in thee hathe lyne , to dispeyre of the grace of god , to disobey the wourde of god , to breake withoute feare , the true peace of god , to hasarde in madnes both body & soule , & to make rebellion and vproure , agaynste hym theyr annoynted Kynge and naturall prince , as in the dayes of darkenes or great ignorance of god , to danger his person , & to put in hasarde vnder him , his whole dominion & empire , although ( of late dayes ) the myghtie hande of god , thorough the power of his grace , to his onely praise , hath so stayed the hartes of the people , that thy most wicked attempte hath not taken place , O blessed therfore be the name of God for euer , that hath wrought so mercifully in vs , to the lyghtnyng of our darknes , and to works in vs his reuerent feare and obedience : wherby the people of god , ( the commons of this realme ) hath bene quiete , paciently in all thynges to susteyne the sharpe rodde of his iustice : whiche he of late hath bitterly layde vpon vs , for oure former disobedience , and great vnthankfulnes , in the daies of his mercyfull visitation amongest vs : who in tyme , accordynge to the greattenesse of his mercye in Iesus Christ , and for the loues ( sake in hym ) he to his elect , hath and wyll retourne againe his ioyfull countenaunce vppon vs , and wourke myghtily for vs , contrary to the expectation of his and our moste wicked enemies : Psal. 89. yea euen in such wise , that thei shal se & peciue it & be ashamed , because he our god , hath mercifully leaned vnto vs , blessed vs , holden vs vp , and conforted vs . Thou therfore , what so euer thou be , the arte a maynteyner of thyne owne only state rather by corrupted auarice , vntrewe dealynge , or fylthy gayne , then truely in the feare of god without dissimulation or doublenes , accordynge to the duetie of goddes faithfull seruaunte , and the kinges obedient subiect , to the prayse of God , to the honoure of the kyng , and comfort of his people , thou playnely approuest thy selfe the verye ennemy of God , a disobediente rebellious subiect to the kyng , and a wilfull spoyler or murtherer of his people .

Thou arte wourthy no better to be termed amonge the people in a common wealth , before God , and to the knowledge of the kyng , than an open ennemy , a secrete sower of sedition , and a priuie worker of rebellion : wherby the kyng ( the appointed high minister and seruant of God , thy liege lorde and soueraigne ) and his derely beloued people , the flocke of Christ , may be greatly vexed , and in daunger of confusion : althoughe I saye , suche cursed instrumentes and workers of mischiefe as thou arte , God prospereth good ententes . ar oftentymes by the grace of GOD , swyftely preuented , and the iuste confusyon , thorough thy very occasion , to lyghte vppon thine owne pate . Thynges that are well deuised and entended , from a good hart to a good ende god prospereth theym , & bringeth theim well to passe : but the wicked deuises and ententes , of an euill hart to a wycked ende , Wicked de 〈…〉 of 〈◊〉 god prenented . are often of God preuented , and comme not so to passe , but as a stone vehemently rebounding from the rocke or hard wall , doth stryke or hurte hym that threwe it , to his greate perill and danger . Reuoke therfore thyne euell ordre , to the supportacion of thyne own state . Preuent betimes an inconvenience , and beware that thou be not rightly vsed , and susteyne the curse of god . Feare him , and honour thy kynge : be obediente to his lawes , and loue dearelye his people .

Bridle ( I lay ) thyne vnlauful attemptes : least thorow the iustice of god , the Kynges auctoritie also fall vpon thee : for he beareth not a sword for nought , but wourthily for the sharpe punishemente and cuttinge of , of suche rotten membres , noysome and destroyful caterpillers , Roma. 13. engendered in the commen wealthe , of an euyll wynde and pestilent ayre of the deuil : that spileth and deuoureth the louely buddes , tender grene leaues , faire freshe fleures , and plesant frutes , plentifully flourishyng ouer all , the head , the braunches , and the beautyful renoumed stocke of this Englishe common wealth . And finally , what soeuer member thou be , or artificer , inhabiting within thy cuntrey , Artificers and other . that bearest the name of a christen subiect , and abusest thyne honest estate & vocation , through corrupted auarice , falseboode or subtletie , not duely wayeng the true order and frendshyp in a common wealthe , appointed and stablyshed by th auctoritie of god and the kynges lawes , to the comsorte of the people , thou shalt also manifest thy self to be void of grace , not to be of Christ , not to haue in thee the charitie of god , nor to lyue in his feare , and vnder the obedience of thy kynge : and therfore as a disobedient and wylfull malefactour both to God and the kyng , thou shalte wourthyly , by due iustice , stand in daunger of them bothe , to thyne vttre ouerthrowe and destruction : th one iustely condempnynge thee , and the other mynystrynge his vengeaunce vpon thee . For as thou art the very aduersary of god , mischeuouse , hard harted , and euill willynge to goodnes : so wyll he by some meanes , Eccle. 21. sende the bitternes of his wrath vppon thee , and it shall destroye the euen as the stubble . Therfore , O thou enemy of rightuousnes , thou vncharitable , vnnaturall , & wycked man : Herken in few wourds vnto the voice of the holy ghost , by the mouthe of the prophete ( who narowly respecteth thyne euell fixed state , and wicked vayne lyfe : ) These things ( saieth he ) hast thou done . Psal. 50. And because in thy doynges I staied my tong against thee , and haue not presently according to iustice reproued thee , and poured my plages vpon thee , but haue gently delayed to trye thee , after the greatnes of my mercye , for thy better amendement : thou haste therein contempned me : thou haste vnthankfully forsaken me , and repined agaynste me : thou haste abused this my blissefull state of gentlenesse , longe susterynge , and pacience : and hast styll moste wyckedly contynued and wandred forth in wickednes , in vnfaithfulnes , pride , lieng , and deceitfulnes , & thoughtest me thy creatour , thy rightuouse Lorde , merciful , and omnipotent god , to be as no God : or to bee euen lyke vnto thy self ( that ys ) vnrightuouse , verye vaine , most feble , fantasticall , and foolyshe : and to be but a sleepinge , double faced , or drousie god : either not to know thy dooinges , or wantonly wynkyng at thy wickednes , as one that alwaies looketh thorow the fingers at thee , as though I were but a dalier with thee , forgetfull of thee , an hider of my face from thee , or without earnest regarde of thy behauour , and not recompensing thy condicion in th ende : But be thou well assured ( O thou very worldelyng and most vaine creature ) that as thou art vtterly deceyued , greatly blinded , and wilfullye led in the damnable waies of darkenes : so shalt thou vtterly be vnexcused . For if thou ( in suche wise , thou earthie slime and slipper filthines ) wilt nedes be ignorant of me , not knowynge , or rather not regarding the state of myne eternitie greate power , and maiestie , but styll euyl affected , to fondenes and vanitye : neyther yet confessing thy faultes before me wyth repentaunce and humble submission , thou shalt both know and feele , that I the onelye omnipotente , rightous , and most true god , do plain lye perceiue thee : and as my soule doth abhorre thee : so wyll I duelye also reproue thee : and vnwares set before thy face , to thy confusion , the wickednesse whiche thou haste done , yea I wyll in deede so visite thee , and lay iustly mine hande vpon thee : that I wil make thee as the filthy & rotten dung vpon the erth , or as the light flieng stubble , before the face of the wynde . For I do thee truely to vnderstand , that as I , the great god of heuen and earth , haue sworne by myne holines , to kepe faithfully my promises , & to be merciful vnto the charitable and faithfull christians ( the generation of the rightuouse ) that wyllynglye wyll walke in the right waye : so will I also vpon all fleshe , and al faithles and pitiles generations , that leadeth vnkindlye their liues in wickednes , performe straightly the rigoure of my iustice , in the truth of my promises . For as mercye is highly annexed , to the exaltation , most wourthy aduauncement , & supportation of myne eternall glorye , or the excellency of my diuine maiesty , in the incomprehencible state of my deitie , among such as loue me , & treade gladly th appointed plain pathes of piety : so the brightnes also of my glory , my potent power or omnipotency , my wisedon , godly loue , faithfulnes , & veritie , hath ben is , and for euer shal be , both sene , felte , knowne , embraced , aduaunced hyghlye , and feared most emdently : because iustice is ioyned so aptlye to mine etertistie , for the defence of my louing trendes against the ennemye : whose lyues hath bene traded , euell spent , & wasted in the hurtefull steppes of impietie .

The Prophete therfore goeth loorthe with this most gentle and myld exhortation , sayeng : Regarde and consider this , O ye the forget god , of what estate or degree so euer ye be : whether ye bee hyghe or lowe , ryche or poore , of the clergy or laitye , natural countrey men , or strangers , the haue office , auctoritie , or any kynde of ministery , in the churche of God , and in the common wealth of his people , least his wrathe be thus kendled against you , and that he sodenly rent you , & pluck you away , & not one els of powerable to help or deliuer you &c. For touchuīg this point of ingrate fulnes , what thing is it committed by vs & amongest vs , vpon th earth , through out all degrees , that more greuousely offendeth God , & causeth him to tourn vpon vs the terrible face of his iustice , then the want of an vniuersall eare , to thvse of gods charitie , naturall frendship & amite , wherby the common welth is vpholden & florisheth ? Hath not the wrath of god falne vpon great cities , whole kingdoms , & countreis . for vsing themselfes to the contrary ? Either hath not particularly suche wicked people ben worthily plaged , that hath wanted this vertue of charitie ? we fele daily ( if we haue wyll to regarde it ) the swete fauour of god , for chuse of vertue , procedyng from the true faith in Christ : & what displeasure also by his iustice doeth fall vpon vs , The 〈◊〉 of god respecteth not 〈…〉 . for our incredulitie vice & great wickednes . The iustice of god hangith by egal balance nuer anl flesh that disobeieth his holy preceptes and lawes . And lyke as his iustice for oure Ethnike disobedience , is ready to fall vpon vs : so his mercy , for our christen obedience , shall euer remayne amongest vs . Looke whiche waie we apply our selues , and dispose oure lyues either wickedly , or in the waie of godlynes , so our rewards with ioy or paine , are accordyngly prepared vs , and shal assuredly lyght vpon vs , at his appointed and most certain tyme Are we not at libertie to sinke or swymme , and to ascende or descende through our behauiour , to God , or to the diuell ? Either wyll we nedes wylfully walke in the waye of wickednes ? Let vs leaue god if we lyste : Note 〈…〉 . let vs set lyght by Christe , and his wourd : let vs folow the dyuel : let vs styll loue the worlde : let vs yet leane to our old lewd lustes and flesshly foolishnes , with obstinate and hard hartes , so to accomplysshe the fulnesse of our moste fickle and vayne affectes through our filthte auarice , pride , and excesse , that we elles regard nothing , in this lyfe , touching eyther god and chri●t , or his poore afflicted membres , but suffre them without compassion , to wander abrode and perysh , or to minister occasions , whereby the commen wealth shal decay : by his iussice ( I say ) he wyll also leaue and forsake vs : He will wythdrawe his grace frome vs : we shal be vnwourthi the ioy of his countinaunce : Math. 18. Iacob . 2. And as we shewed no mercy or comfort vppon his poore people , according to his word , nor were studious for their naturall preseruation , but with drewe our carefull diligence and charitye , both to the losse and greate daunger of their bodies and soules : so wyll he also withholde his mercy from vs , and poure duely his heauy indignation vppon vs : he wil be vnmyndeful to doo vs good : he wil diuersly visite vs , Leui●. 26 Deu● . ●● . Iob. 7. he will not cease his wrath ou●r vs : he wil vexe our spirites and fyll vs wyth bitternes : he will sodenly shorten oure daies : he wil plucke vs from our pleasures : other shall enioy our winnings he will leaue vs euill heires , vicious , & wastfull spenders : for we oure selues are vniust and corrupted gainers , and haue craftily deceiued our neighbors : we are gone backe from god uns haue ben disobedient to the voyce of god : Daniel 9 for we haue she wed our selfs vnthankfull a faithles : Esav . 59. 1. Iohn . 3. we are also pitiles : our hartes possesseth maliciousnesse : we haue broken that peace of god : our handes are ful of bloude : we haue committed murther : we haue slaine that innocent : we are gyltie of our brothernes death : & therfore their bloud in that way of ( reuengement ) crieth from the erth with terrible and shyrle sound , for the swifte vengeance of god to come vpon vs : who also hath promysed to reuenge the quarel of his deare people & louing frendes , vpon his and their moste cursed and malicious enemyes . Deut 3● . Psal. 11● . Rom. 12. Vengeaunce is myne ( sayth the lord god ) and I will reuenge . I wil rose vp at the exclamation and crye of the poore It is I that wil visit the wickednes of the people vpon them selues and vpon their childres children , vnto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me , Exod. 54 Iere. 32. and breake my commaundementes . And in the parable , betwixt the wicked slowe iudge , and the poore wydowe , that cryeth for vengeaunce against her enemye : Luke 18. whiche although at the begynnynge he woulde not harken vnto her , to performe shortely her gladde desire : yet thorough her importunacie and busye callynge on , dydde graunte her , her suite in the ende : So ( saithe Christe ) shall not God also reuenge the quarell of his elected & dere people , whiche with their extremities and necessities , cry day and night vnto hym , for succour , strength or deliuerance , although he seeme somwhat , at their fyrst cries , to deferre in helpinge them ? Yes yes I tell you plainly , he will notwithstanding be reuenged for their sakes : yea , he will poure our the bitternes of his wrath vpon their enemies , Abacu . 2 & that without delay . And the prophet Abacuk saith of gods coming to performe his wil : If he tar● ( saith he ) loke for him assuredly , for he will shortly appere , & not be slow in coming . After this maner , in sundry places , & for dyuers causes , that lord in the scriptures , thundreth vnto vs his sharpe thretninges & most bytter reuengementes , to remembre our selues , if we coulde happily with due reuerence , receiue them into our hartes . O Lord , in what dangerous state stande we nowe in , if we shuld wourthily ioyne with oure wycked desettes the due iustice of God ? Math. 25. Rom. 3 14 2. Cor. 5. Hebre. 10 What shal we be able herein ( in the terrible day before the iudgement state of God ) to lay for our selues , for the escapyng of our damnation to come ? Howe shall wee then excuse our lyngryng and lyghtenes , and our flacknes to tourne vnto god ? O let vs remembre , howe fearefull a thynge it is , to fall into the handes of the lyuyng god . He is the God whose wrathe and great fury no man mate withstande : Iob. 9. but the proudest and most stought of theim all , must stoupe vnder hym . It shall therfore be moste expedient for vs , christen brotherne , and louyng frendes , ( accordyng to the mynde of the prophete of God , Psal. 119. ) to call to our remembraunce our owne wicked waies , and to tourne our selues to the testimonies of god : and not to vse dalyaunce and prolongynge the tyme to keepe his lawes . The waye of lyfe ( at any time ) may not vs neglected : It may not slouthefully be applied vnto , neither fearefully , but with moste assured purpose , with all our hartes and with ryghte confident and forwarde myndes . The spirite of god calleth vnto vs : sayenge . Make no caryeng : seeke no delayes to tourne vnto the Lorde god : put not of frome daye to daye , for sodenly shall hys wrathe come , and in the tyme of vengeance shall he destroy you . Turne in tyme : set not your felicitie in vayne thynges : mortifie your affectes : trust not in wycked riches , Eccle. 16. nor in the pleasures of thys fickle lyfe : for they shall not helpe you in the terrible day of goddes sharp wrath and ponishment : but beinge abused , they shall rather stance as witnesses agaynst you , to your vtter condemnation for euer . Psal. 119. We maye not deferre nor dalye wyth the voyce and counsayles of god offered vnto vs , at what tyme , by whome , or by what meane soeuer he shal sende theim ( our owne consciences beynge iudge ) least thorowe our slackenes and most beastly negligence , there appere wickedly in vs open contempte : and so the spyryte of grace bee vtterlye taken frome vs : and fall into the like daunger of the obstinate , blynde , and stiffe-necked Iewes : whose vncyreumsised heartes were possessed with the spirite of vnquietnesse , instabilitye , Iere. 19. and lyghtnesse : whyche also whenne they knewe GOD , Roma . 11. Esay . 6. Math. 13. Iohn 12. Act. 28. Rom. 1. glorified hym not as God : they were vnthankefull for hys benefyttes : they were vaynely addicted in their imaginations : their foolish heartes were blynded : neyther regarded they their obedience and duetye to the voyce of GOD : whose voyce is gloriouse , and ( as the Prophete sayth ) mighty in operacion : Psal. 29.81 Prou. 1. and therfore he wythdrewe the swetenes of his grace from theim , and gaue them vppe vnto the bytternesse of theyr owne heartes lustes : and wyckedly to followe their owne fylthy and vayne fantasies : whiche was , to leade theyr lyues in al abhomination and vnrightuousenes : as the holye ghost by the apostle doth shew vnto vs : amonge the whyche , he toucheth contempte of god , dysobedience , maliciousenesse , murther , enuye , debate , backebightynge , truce breaking , vnmercyfull and vnlouynge ( the fruites of an euill and most wicked spirite ) whiche their hartes blyndly thorough pryde and obstinacye , wylfully possessed : whose filthy familiaritie , we must hate and not haunt : but with an humble and make spirite , for the more speedie preuention of gods yre and wrath , to yelde vnto hys voyce : and wythoute delaye to receyue the diuyne and most neadeful request of the holye ghost , Iere. 11. Hebre. 12. by the mouth of the apostle , which saieth : See that ye despise not hym that speaketh vnto you . By whiche heauenly and dyuyne aduertisement , ( although the sentence hee but shorte ) it comprehendeth yet a greate charge : for wee muste therebye learne , and consider , who it is that the apostle meaneth doth speake vnto vs : what a louing GOD , he is : a GOD of rightuousnesse : a mercyfull GOD : an euerlasting god : almyghtye , iust , and terrible : and to what good ende be speaketh vnto vs , & in what danger also we shal stand in , If we vnreuersely do neglecte his voyce . For if they in those daies ( in the time of Moses ) escaped not that wrath of god , which then refused to here hym , that spake vpon the earth : much more shall we not escape the greate yre of God , if we tourne our eares from him , Exod. 19. that speaketh vnto vs from heauen , whose terrible and mightye voyce , hydde thenne mooue and shake the earth . God diuer sly and oftentymes speaketh vnto vs , esther by his faithful ministers , accordinge to the scriptures , or one godlye man ( in tymes of necessitie ) to wright vnto another , or conferring , and reuerently counsallyng one wyth another : eyther as we , in readyng to our selues with humblenes of hart , desire to know god , to loue and feare hym , and obediently to keepe his commaundementes , All that is conteyned in the booke of lyfe , Psal. 116. is written for our learnynge : it is the wourde of truthe , and the lanterne vnto our feete : It lightneth our vnderstandinge : It cleanseth vs of al darkenes , filth and corruption : and guideth vs vnto the lyghte of lyfe , healthe , strength , ioye , and euerlastinge saluacion : whyche ought to be amongest vs most gladlye retayned , reuerently embraced , obedientlye folowed , and in no wyse to bee in anye thynge contempned : Prou. 1● . for he that is an abuser or contempner of the wourde of GOD , or settethe lyghte by the counsayles of GOD , he slippeth frome hys welfare , he wandreth astraye , and seketh the bye pathes of deathe and destruccion . And Chryste our good shepherde and pastoure , because he woulde haue vs harken vnto hys voyce , and bee obediente to hys call , and folowe him , he sayeth vnto vs of hym selfe : Iohn 10. I am the good sheppeharde , and know well my sheepe , and they also knowe me , and wyll heare my voyce , and folowe me : And I wyll geeue vnto theym eternall lyfe , and they shall neuer perys●he . I am the waye , the truthe , Iohn . 14. Iohn . 8. and the lyfe . I am the lyghte of the worlde : and he that foloweth me , doth not walke in darkenesse , but shall haue the lyghte of lyfe . &c. In consideration of whyche heauenlye and comfortable sayenges , and that they maye the rather take good effecte in vs to a good ende , lette vs fyxe oure selues to bee reuerentelye constante in the doctrine and waye of Chryst , and not be doubtfull of oure preseruation , healthe , ioye , strengthe , and saluation by him : and so contemptuously thinke Christe and his wourd , to be vnto vs , onelye a voice or vain sound , without signification or good effecte : but to be vnto vs in dede al rightuousnes , truth , and mercy : and that be also in his owne person ( for our liuelye exaumple ) to be approued charity , simplicitie , innocency , pacience , cleannes , and finallye , what soeuer thing he him selfe vsed , most holilye to teache vnto others . But as the Iewes , which were the peculiar & picked out people of god , among all nacions of the world , Roma. 9. the naturall and true Olyue braunches ( to whom perteined the adoption , the glory , the couenauntes & the law that was geuen , & the seruice of god & the promises : whose also were that auncient & holy fathers : of whom also as concernynge the fleshe Christe came ) were not spared , but sustayned the wrath and heauy hande of god , for their incredulitie , vnthankefulnesse , and dysobedience : howe muche more shall wee , the vnnaturall and wylte olyue braunches , ( althoughe for a season , thorough theyr vnbeleeue , we bee grafted into the true & perfecte flocke ) bee torne forthe agayne , Iohn . 15. Roma. 1● . yf wee abyte not gree●e and fruitefull braunches in oure callynge , but vaynelye bos●e oure selues , wyth wycked lyues , in so holye and most pure profession ? Verilye , strayghte and of greate charge is our bonde , to that oure magnificente , moste glorious and gelous god : before whoms , our wayes muste be straighte and right foorth : we maye vse no tournyng daliaunce : we may not be nowe goyng , and sodenly turne backe again : we may not stande to day of good assuraunce , and fall to morow of very wilfulnes : But must leane strongly at all times , to our assured and ready stases : And all flatterynge fantasies , putte a parte , to loue and followe oure good guyde Chryste : by whose most vertuous and wyse gouernemente , we shall haue preste wylles and good encouragement , at all tymes to resyste oure enemies , and to preuail against them , by whome we haue bene dysceyded , ●nercome with vanities , or blindlye seduced . Let vs not ( to the contrarye ) so vaynelye bost our selues , in name and title of Christ only , when in deede our conuersacion appeare cleane contrary Shal we onely glory in our selues , and say : Are we not called christians ? Question . Beare we not vpon vs that name of Christe ? haue not we the liuinge god to be our God ? Do we not call him our lord , To be called a christian preuaileth nothinge , except we so lowe the steppes of Christ . our maister , & father ? Are not hys holy lawes , and the truth of his wourd , more liuelye flourishynge amongeste vs ( called christians ) then among other the bar , batouse nations of the worlde ? And is not this our priuslege and profession , of all others , called moste acceptable , most rightuous , and holye ? Yes verilye , al this is true : Answere . there is no religion , nor no profession of holynes vnder the sonne ( what so euer name or vain shew it beare to the face of the world ) that is like it , or to be compared vnto it , because it is most straighte , moste holye , ryghtuous and pure . And muste it also be of necessitie , that as we haue professed and beare the name of Chryste , wee muste take hym for oure patrone , embrace hys wourde , and follow him in strayghtnesse of lyfe ? Ye truly , onlesse wee shewe oure selues but fained and dyssemblynge christians , we must counterfeyte him in conuersacion and followe hys sleppes : we muste be obediente to hys voyce : and that wyth all synglenesse of harte , yf we wyll seeke the fauour of god , and his eternall salvacion , by the benefittes of his deare sonnes death and passion . The true christian obeyeth the voice of Christ , and obtaineth by 〈…〉 . For what auaileth this title , and al thys glorye amongest vs , onely in conceipte : when in stead of humility , loue , pacience , chastitie , godly liberalitie , and modestie : our hartes are inwardly enforced and rankeled , wyth pryde , enuye , wrathe , murther , couetousenesse , leachery , self loue , vayne sloughtnes , and such like ? What lothsom spottes are these in the most holy church of Christ , and greatlye discentyng from christianitie ?

Shoulde not our lyues so shine in holines , Math. ●5 . that by the light of good conuersacion others might be conuerted vnto christ ? Do not the chaunge of their incredulitie , and corrupted state of lyfe , greatelye depende in the puritie and good behauour of our liues ? Beare we in sufficientlye and onelye , the good name of Chryste , wythoute regarde of hys heauenly exaumples and doctryne , to oure owne greate reproche , and to others decaye and fallynge , whereby the name of GOD , is vnreuerentlye spoken of ? 1. Peter . ● Rom. 2. Esay . 42. Lette vs herein iudge truelye of oure selues and examyne rightlye , oure vntruth and doublenes , what folowshyppe ( amongest vs ) hath light wyth darkenes , Christe wyth beliall , or GOD , wyth the deuell ? Are they at vnitie maye we thinke ? No no , they haue bene deuided from the begynninge : neither will they euer be at vnitie : for the one guydeth vnto lyfe , and the other vnto deathe : let vs not therefore be deceyued ( brotherne . God requireth the very hart . ) For it is not the outwarde shew onely , and the name or title of Christ , that came dyscharge vs , and satisfie rightlye a God of ryghtuousenesse : who requireth the very harte , & the whole summe of faythefull fruites therein conteyned . For as the law is holy , and our profession of al other most pure : so the puritie of oure liues , must in suche wise appeare , that the law of god and our profession , may shyne aboue all other . In vayne to the contrary shall we bost of our holynes , of god , and Chryste , and of their moste holy and vndefiled lawes : how so euer in accustom we vse to commend them , to beare them in oure handes , to handle theym , to carye theym at our gyrdles , in our bosomes , talke of them , here them reuerentlye preached of preachers , or at any tyme elles read of our selues .

For the booke or holye table , wherein the law of god shoulde be imprinted or depely grauen , are the hartes of men , and such as he hath chosen to him self , which is according to this sayenge of Dauid : Psal. 36. The law of god is in their hartes . From whense procedeth the very perfection and true meaning of the holy law of god , to the good exaumple of the heathen , or such as know not god , & for their conuersion to that praise of god . whereunto we are counsailed of saincte peter , to shew forth that truth of our profession that is : to lead an holy conuersacion , among that heathen & straung nations : that they which backbighte vs , as euell dooers , may behold our holy & good workes , 1 , Pet. 2. that the name of god , in that day of his visitation amongest vs , may be lifted vp & magnified . Roma . 2. Iacob . 1. Math. 7. And S. Paul saith : Not that herers of the law , but that fulfillers of the law shal be iustified before god . neither shal euery one that saith : lord lord , enter into the kingdom of heuen , but such as do that wil of our father , which is in heuen , & those are they also , whome Dauid , speaketh of , to be vndefiled in the way of the lorde , Psal. 119. and that they shal be blessed , beecause they keepe hys testimonies , they committe no wickednesse , neyther are they double faced dissemblers , but seeke hym right forth & simplye wyth their whole hartes : whose heartes are sounde and pure : and vnto whome in such wise belongeth the blessynge of god , that they shall cleerely see the face of god . Math 5. The ioyes whereof , no eare hathe herde , no tongue can speake , nor the hart of man at any tyme can thinke : which ioy and euerlasting rewarde , god the father in Iesus Chryste , hath promised vnto the rightuous , for their obedient and holy lyues , for the cleannes and puritye of their hartes by the power of hys holye spirit , and shal be perfourmed trulye vpon them , at his gracious and most godly appointed time . But if we that haue professed the law of god , only beare an outwarde face of loue towardes god , confessynge hym wyth oure mouthes , and denye hym inwardlye in our hartes , thorough oure euell and corrupted conuersation , wourke we not then , rather oure iust dampnation then saluacion ? or rather to be cursed of god then blessed ? The true knowledge and lous of GOD , amongeste vs : effectuallye consisteth herein : that is , in wourking , in folowynge , and in good ordre of lyuynge , accordyng to his most perfecte exaumple by the rule of hys wourd : rather then in vayne talking , ●ayned fauouring , or in colde or slipper louing . 1. Cor 4● . And touchynge the sayde capital vice of pryde amongest others , ( A poisoned 〈◊〉 of perdicion ) If we woulde happily enter into our selues , 〈◊〉 . with sincere iudgemente and secrete examination , what we bee of oure selues : what substaunce wee are made of : of what base matter : of how fraile and fylthye flesh : what lothsome frutes commeth thereof : vnto how many miseryes , diseases , and daungers , we be in subiection vnto , lyuyng in the fleshe : The misery of makind , in this life . the filthines of our conception : the place , and manner of our byrth : wyth how great daunger we be borne ( ryther touchynge our selues , or our mothers that beareth vs : ) how naked we also are : howe neadye : how brutishe : how sore : how wretched and howe myserablye we creepe into thys chaungeable lyghte of lyfe : and that oure race then beynge but shorte , death in the ende , must of necessitye ouercome vs : These few thinges ( I say ) among other , well noted of vs , would some thing mortifie in vs ( I think ) our corrupted & grosse affects , they would be a meane the rather , to cleanse in vs among the rest , that pestilent insection of pryde : a vyce moste ougly , hatefull , and detestable before God and man , & the originall of all synne : whereby also we are fylled wyth the cursynges of God : Eccle. 1● . who hathe promised that greate wretchednes and misery shall come vpon vs , that in the latter time shal dwel in the worlde , for the greatnes sake of that lothsome and cursed vyce . And how it aboundeth now in these da●es , Esd●as . 8. we maye well note and thinke , the appointed tymes of gods vengeaunce , to be wourthilye entred amongest vs .

And because that in the lyfe and welfare , of the proud people of this world , dependeth greate and manye mischieues , to the griefe and vexation of the poore and rightuous , the prophet crieth in this wyse , for the hastenynge of Gods vengeance amongst them : Psal. 9● . Arise O lord , thou iudge of the world , & recompence in thy fury the great pride of this people , euen after their just deseruing . O forget not the voice of thyn enemies : for the presumption of them that be hatefull agaynst thee , encreaceth yet stylle more and more . Again : Let the proude be cofounded , O Lord for they go wickedly about to destroy me . And th olde sayenge , hathe bene from the begynnyng : Pride wyl haue a fall . Whiche agreeth to the saying of Salomon ; Presumption goth before shame & destruciton : & after a proud stomack ther foloweth a fal . May we not no where think it at the highest , and neuer so like to fall ? Pro. 21.29 Was there euer sens god created heuen and earth , that like abuse & abhomination without measure reignyng ? Can it by any meanes more horribly appere amongst vs ? Can it with possibilitie , Excesse in pride . from any fantastical head that beareth life , be more diuersly deuised & chargeably , to the painting forth & setting out of our rotten carrainly carcases ? Or can it be by other more vainly or fondly deuised , than is of our selfs fondly consented & to receued ? Of ther consider we as we ought in al such our doinges , our poore and base estate , or the sleandernes of our habilitie , for the supportation of such a chargeable fantasie ? In pride we forget po●●●tie . And dothe it not also by oure wourkes appeare , that as we are gloriouse , gaye , and ryche without : our hartes are wretched , deformed , and full of pouertye wythin ? yes vndoubtedlye , both in the presence of god and all godly men , it is to to plaine and euident : and that we are presently thereby ( among other euelles : ) greately entred into the hatred of god . Our Lord haue mercye vpon vs , for his sonne Iesus Chrystes sake , and temper oure heartes wyth the spirit of his feare , that we may in al our doynges , better consider our christen profession , and declare it more holylie in our outward conuersation , that the terrible threatnynges of gods vengeaunce , do not light vpon vs . Temperance in the lyfe of a christian , is a moste precious and bright shynynge vertue , to shew forth gods glori , and to declare the beautifull lyuely state of the christen commen wealth . It is a true sayenge , that the wourdes , countinaunce , gesture , and the apparell of the outwarde man Gods vengeance amongst them : Arise O lord , thou iudge of the world , & recompence in thy fury the great pride of this people , euen after their iust deseruing . O forget not the voice of thyn enemies , for the presumption of them that be hatefull agaynst thee , encreaceth yet stylle more and more . Again : let the proude be cofounded , Psal. 〈…〉 O Lord for they go wickedly about to destroy me . And the prophete also foreseing in himselfe by the spirite of god , how horrible and lothsome this synne of pryde was in the sight of god , and how hurtful and daungerous a thyng● it was , both touching the poisoned nature thereof , either raingning in him self , or in any other person : & what power also to mischiefe , was therein approued often : he cryed in this maned vnto god , sayeng : O Lord that art my strength , keepe me thy seruaunt I beseche thee , from the sinnes of presumption : O defende me , leaste they get the dominion ouer me : then shall I O god be cleane , innocent , and vndefiled , end from the great offence . O lette not the foute of pride come against me : neither lette the hande of vngodly crosse ouerthrowe me , and cast me downe . Thus this good man of god ( for his own safegarde and defence , and for the auoyding of goddes vengeaunce ) declareth his owne weakenes , and crieth vpon god for hys assistence and strength , against this pestilent vyce , and against the possessoures thereof : leaste by fastnyng ( specially ) vpon hymselfe , susteining thereby the violence of hys ennemyes , he shoulde bee confounded and throwne downe , as experience diuerslye hath taught at all tymes and vpon all estates , either vpon the proude people them selues , by goddes only hand , for the proude to be plaged and subuerted by the proude : or also vpon anye other , that haue sustayned ( in innocencie ) the violente crueltie of the proude . And because , as he him self was a fearer and feruents louer of god , and had experience ( as before mentioned ) of this infectuous vyce , and woulde haue all men in lyke maner to reuerence God , to loue hym , and to eschewe the daungers of this vice : what the nature therof is , what it wourketh in theym that possesseth it , and what they commenlye are that sustayne the violence thereof , and what the rewarde also shal be vnto theym that embraceth this euell , he him self besides other , wrighteth thereof in this maner : Pride saith he , engendreth forgetfulnes of god . Pride wourketh in the hartes of the wicked , contempt of god . Neither is God in the thoughtes of the proude . Their wa●es are continually greuouse . Their mouthes are full of cursing , spight , bitternes , scornefulnes , wilines , lyeng , deceipte , & fraud : & vnder their tonges is vngodlines , and vanitie : they are lurkers , they are dyggers of pyttes , setters of trappes , and layers of snares , to catche the rightuous and lowlye : they are priuye murtherers of the innocent , and they haue their eyes fyxed and full bente to the destruction of the poore . Psal. 〈…〉 &c. What euelles are there that bee noysom vpon the earthe to the hurte of man , the springeth not from the hart of the wicked proude man ? For pride is the original of al sin & wickednes : the begynnynge whereof , is wickedly to slippe and fall from God , his creatoure and maker : for his hart is wythdrawne from dym . Ecclesi . ●● There is no feare of God before his eyes : The proude flatter theimselues in their owne syght , euen tyll their abhominable synnes be found out . Tush say they , in the pride of their heartes : we shall neuer bee caste downe : there shall no harme happen vnto vs : God hath forgotten : he hydeth awaye his face , and he shall neuer see it . Psal. 10. But contrarywyse the holy ghost men cloneth of the proude , respectyng the affectes of their corrupted hartes , that the myghtye hande of God , scattereth theim in the imagination of their hartes . Luke . i. The Lorde shall roote out all wycked and deceiptful lyppes , and the tungues also that speakethe suche prowde thynges . Psalm. 12. Agayne , as God beyng moste hygh , respecteth gently , the humble and lowely : so beholdethe he the wyckednesse of the prowde people afarre of . Psal. 138.

And agayne : who so hathe a prowde ●oke , and an hyghe stomacke : hym wyll I not suffer ( sayeth the Lorde ) Psal. 101. And in an other place : The glorye of the Lordes maiestie casteth downe the ●aute and hygh lookes of the presumptuous , and bryngeth full lowe the vayne pride of man . Esay . 2. And this also in an other place : All people that are forgetfull of God , and of their duetie , in humilitie and obedience vnto hym , shall bee tourned into hell . Note also touchynge pride , Psal 9. amonge other places of the scriptures what the prophete Esaye saieth : and what the terriblenes of gods wrathe : is there mencioned agaynst the same . And here also I thynke it not oute of the way , Esay . 3. that we consyder and note wel the blyssefull state sometyme , of the mosse glorious , cleare , and beautyfull creature Lucyfer : that gloried so muche in hym self , and sought in his pride beyng but a creature , to aduance and to exalte hym selfe vp into heauen , and to sette his throne besydes the starres of God his Creator and maker . He desired in his proud hart , to clyme aboue the cloudes , and to bee in comparison lyke vnto the mooste hyghe God . But what happened therby vnto hym ? Receiued he not his reward accordingly , when he was wourthily thrown down , euen to the verye deapthe of helle : where he remayneth in steade of a fair bryghte aungell of heauen , an horrible fowle deuell of hell , abyding in dampnacion and darkenes , wyth hys companions for euer , the ryghte father of pride , and of al wycked presumptuous persons , and the onelye rynge leader , high capitaine , prince and ruler , of all abhomination and iniquitie ? Esay . 14 Seynge then that the apparaunte and iust vengeaunce of god , hath bene felt from the begynnynge , for such disobedience and pryde , and that he hath promised by hys wourd , to perfourme truly hys wrathe , for suche wycked offences : O why woulde pride spring ( by anye meanes ) from the harte of man : ouer whome hangeth the yrefull power of so terrible a god : man beyng of hym selfe most feeble , and a frayle creature , very corruption , earth and asshes ?

Eccle. 10. O blessed therfore is the man that is lowly , & meeks spirited , the hathe only with reuerence , set his hope in the lord god , & hath not tourned vnto the wais of the proude . For vndoubtedly when the wrath of god , shall fall by his iustice vpon thys generation for the synne of disobedience & pride , as in all ages before it hath ben greuously felt : O how great shall the fall thereof be vpon vs ? yea , how ( alas ) shall we wretched creatures bee able to abyde it ? The olde sayenge , hathe bene from the begynnyng : Pride wyl haue a fall . Pre. 21 2● Whiche agreeth to the saying of Salomon : Presumption goeth bee fore shame and destruction : and after a proude stomack ther foloweth a fall . Maye wee not nowe thinke it at the higheste , 〈…〉 pride . and neuer so lyke to fall ? Was there euer sens GOD created heauen and earth the like abuse and abhomination ( with oute measure raignynge ? Canne it by anye meanes moare horribly appeare amongeste vs ? Canne it wyth possibilitie , from anye fantasticall heade that beareth lyfe , bee more dyuerslye deuysed and chargeablye , to the payntynge foorthe and fettynge oute of oure rotten carraynlye carcases ? Or can it bee by other more vainely or fondly deuysed , then is of our selues fondely consented to and receyued ? Eyther consyder we ( as we oughte ) in all suche our dooynges , oure poore and base estate , or the sleandernes of our habilitie , In prvde we forget pou●●●tie . for the supportation of such a chargeable fantasie ? And dothe it not also by oure wourkes appeare , that as we are gloriouse , gaye , and ryche without : our hartes are wretched , deformed , and full of pouertye wythin ? yes vndoubtedlye , both in the presence of god and all godly men , it is to to plain and euident : and that we are presently thereby ( among other euelles : ) greately entred into the hatred of god . Our Lord haue mercye vpon vs , for his sonne Iesus Chrystes sake , and temper oure heartes wyth the spirit of his feare , that we may in al our doynges , better consider our christen profession , and declare it more holylie in our outward conuersation , that the terrible thretnynges of gods . vengeaunce , do not light vpon vs . Temperance in the lyfe of a christian , is a moste precious and bright shynynge vertue , to shew forth gods glori , and to declare the beautifull lyuely state of the christen commen wealth . It is a true sayenge , that the wourdes , countinaunce , gesture , and the apparell of the outward man , expresseth plainelye , the naturall disposition and lust of the inward man But what diuersitie is there now touching the present state of our liues betwixte vs , We diffre nothinge from the sodomites . & the most vyle people some tyme of the world , that were moste detestable in the light of god , for the gretnes of their wicked company , and the multitude of their terrible synnes : ouer whome god rained from heauen , sulpher , fyre , & brymstone , wyth great darkenes and horrible stinch , for their reward and destruction : : ( namely the filthy sodomites and stinking Gomorreans : ) whose ioy and felicitie was in pride , delicacie , fulnes of meate , abundaunce , and ydlenes : neither reached they their hande to the poore , but were harde harted and pitiles , and full of al fylthye abhomination . Vnto whom in the fulnes of their pride , and stynkyng felicitie , the Prophetes of God preached repentance , to tourne them from their great abhomination , & wickednes and to escape the heauye wrathe of God , presentely hanging ouer them , if they could haue preuailed : whose heuenly doctrines from time to time , sharpe threatninges , gentle warnings , & faire promises from god offered vnto them , Preaching preuailed not against the Sodomites . The destruccion of the sodomites . were no lesse bytter and vnsauery vnto theim , then their accustomed haunted fleshlines , or beastly filthines , was pleasaunt and sweete vnto theim . And so without leauing of , or fearing daunger , they stil contynued in their beastelye wickednes , vntill the vnquencheable fyre of gods vengeaunce fell down vpon them , to their perpetual confusion of body and soule . The signe of whiche horrible destruccion , and great vengeance of god , remayneth in the place vnts thys daye , for an exaumple vnto the wycked inhabitours of the earthe : wherebye , they maye learne to knowe and feare the mighty at me of so terrible and iuste a God , agaynst hys obstnate , styffenecked , We are carelesse of gods vengeaunce . proude , vncharitable , and filthy enemies . O howe careles also are we of such thinges ? Howe slacke and farre of are we , from due cogitation of that mightie god , and of his iustice , that shoulde bee alwayes a terrour in our consciences ? And of his humilitie and great example also of loue , lowlynesse , cleannes , and puritye , that should mooue vs to charitie , mekenes , holynesse , and chastitie ? Neyther consyder wee the frailtie , rebellion , and vilitie of our fickle and frayle flesshe , We seeke not to with stande the rebellion and greate frailetie in our fleshe . to withstand the corrupt motions therof , that euer yeldeth to euyll , and reeleth alwayes wyth greate daunger to fall . Yea , and other whyles the fall is suche , as we maye here and knowe ( through our willfull presumption , longe suffering , lyngerynge daliaunce or fylthye wantonnes ) that it descendethe frome synne to sinne , We fal thoroughe the flesh neuer to ryse againe and from one iniquitie to another , tyll the staye of gods grace be vtterly taken away , & so neuer to rise again , but fal with the sinking Sodomites , by what ordre of corporall deth so euer it be , from god to the deuel , to eternal deth , hel , & dampnacion for euer . O pleasaunt purchaced end , & wourthy reward for such pleasures . Hath it not ben as wel truly known as often spoken , the sweete meate , wil haue sharpe & soure sauce : haue we not also knowne , that after a few vain , short , & foolish pleasures : there foloweth many bitter , woful , and endles miseries ? the after laughter , ioy , & iolitie , there foloweth lamentacion , greuous & cruel desteny ? that after health , wealth , and worldlye prosperitie : there foloweth the troden trace of infelicitie ? And finally , after an vnrepentant & wycked shorte lyfe : there foloweth gods iuste iudgement to eternal death ? These thinges wel noted : May we not thinke our tymes welle spente , that serueth for so louely recompence ? For a fewe dayes of vain pleasures , to enioy euer lasting paines ? Thou O man , that art in such wise disobedient , a contempner of god , a refuser of hys grace , or obstinate and heady agaynst hym , that is so mightye , so mercifull , pitifull and gentle : & thou an apt folower of the deuel , that is so merciles and cruell a tiraunts : be thou well assured hereof , that in thys case , thorough thyne owne wylfull malyce , and beastly obstinacie , both their mindes shal be sette and ioyned together agaynste thee : that is : the one to wythdrawe hys mercye from thee , God fotsaketh the refuser of his grace . The deuell receiueth him . and vtterly to forsake thee , and the other maliciously to take thee , and mercilesse to torment thee . Thou shalt not deuise to do more wickedly , then he wil prepare wayes to cruciate thee . And thoughe thy tyme of fylthy pleasures and to do wickedly , be but short : Our filthye pleasures are but short : but the reward of iniquitio endureth for euer . yet the iuste rewarde for thine iniquitie , shal for euer endure , whether thou escapest or not the diuersities of gods wrathfull visitation in this present life , as partly before is touched . Truelye therfore , I thynke , If the remembraunce of these thinges were happily planted in oure hartes , The remembraunce of goddes iustice wold temper well oure doynges . they would not a litle asswage our statelye and haught courage : they would brydle and pluck back our fleshly affectes : they would wourke temperaunce in vs to vse well thys lyfe : they would make vs in deeds beare our sailes lower , and keepe more close our pecockes tailes . Our lord prepare vs apt vesselles : to possesse his holy spirit , Prayer . that by the vertue and myghtye operation thereof , our hartes may be pourged of this most lothsome and filthye vyce of pryde , and of all vnrightuousnes : that our lyues beynge reformed , or conuerted into holynes , the blessynge of God may shortly ensue vpon vs . And to procede further in thys foresayde pryde . wherewyth we are so greatelys deformed : If it bee puffed vp in vs , pride thoroughe rycher . because of ryches : whereby wee feele oure selues lusty and in great iolitie : and that the worlde estemeth vs , the simple people croucheth vnto vs , and the grosse multitude honoureth vs ( whyche seemeth a gloriouse , and a thing greately contenting the vaine fleshe : ) let vs not in any wyse staye there : let vs quickly remooue our affect , for most wretched therein is our state to stande , and the curse of god hangeth nere ouer vs : but let vs humble our selues with thankefulnes to god , and descende into the vs tome of our owne consciences , & there see and and consider , the most miserable estate and pouertie of the mynde , & the fowle blaynes , botches , and leaprosy , whereby our soules also are so greatly disfigured : whose deformitie and vyle basenesse , the good spirite abhorreth , and all godly and wyse men vtterly detesteth . Yea , lette , vs haue in remembrance the lorde of glory , We muste remembre the humilitie of christ and his simplicitie and humblenes : whose moste excellente and glorious estate , was of the vyle worlde despised , and of the proude people vtterlye abhorred and defyed , but of GOD the father most highly blessed , estemed , and glorified . Let vs consider , howe he in his natiuitie , confoundeth pride . It pleased hym that made vs and all the worlde , to descende humblye frome aboue , euen frome the worlde of all worldes , in to thys earthe and worlde of al wretchednes , to bee incarnate , to be borne , and to shew him self destitute of all glorye , in mooste base estate , in pouertie and in humilitie , that oure pride might the rather be pardoned our insolen●te abated , & our vanities confounded : and that thorowe his pouertie , we might be enriched : and by his humilitie also highly exalted vnto god the Father , and with hym to remayn for euer . This vertue of humilitie , The vertue of christes humilitie● so greatly appeared in hym , that he was contented for our sakes , to bee of this worlde despised and hated , that we of his heauenly father , myghte be esteemed and loued . Whose loue , we assuredlye wante not , yf we in contempnynge these worldely and vayn thynges , haue oure hartes fyxed vppon permanente and heauenlye thynges , accordynge to the exaumple of oure gentyll and meeke sauioure Christe : who take vpon him our flesh , and suffered all kynde of affliction in the fleshe . O to what ende , shall all these oure fugitiue & flitting pleasures serue , wherin we are so greatly blinded , and wher vnto we are so singulerly affected , if god in castyng vs away from hym , shal despise vs , and the celestiall spirites both abhorre and defye vs ? If God blesseth vs , and maketh vs fortunate and happye with hys giftes , let vs then acknowledge the geuer , and vse them without abuse , that alwayes in theym , glorye may onely redounde to hym . The vertue of gods spirite against pryde . Certainly , wher the good spirit of god abideth , there , neyther wealth , nor abundance of richesse , ar any prouocation at al to pride or wantonnes : nor yet any bar or ●efull lette , to withholde free libertie , to vse and bestow the benefites of god , to his due laude and praise : but rather ( to theim that haue them ) a sharpe and quicke spurre , to pricke theym forwardes : that by the vse of charitie and frendely liberalitie , the grace of God maye clearely shyne in theym , to the quiete state in theim selues , and to others moste happye reioycynge . The vertuous and wyse manne ought to thynke , What the vertuous and wyse man thinketh . that as longe as he liueth in thys worlde , he holdeth all earthelye pleasures but at aduenture : and that oure felicitye is geeuen vnto vs , but in most slipper wise to abide amongest vs : whyche the course of tyme consumethe , and causeth vs to leaue yf , and it to leaue vs . We muste remembre also ( as beefore wrytten ) that god is Lorde of heauen and earthe , and of al thynges in them conteined : Gene. 1. Ier c. 32. Psal. 8. he with hys owne hande hathe bothe created theym and vs : he is the Lorde god omnipotence : he hath putte all thynges in subiection vnder hys feete : he dysposeth hys gyftes at hys pleasure : he bestoweth theim after the measure of his grace , where , whenne , and to whome him lusteth : and wyl at hys godlye and appointed tyme , take all away againe , God geeueth and taketh : 1. Reg. 1. Psal. 113. Eccle. 8. God encreaceth and dymynisheth : GOD lyfteth vp and throweth downe : god exalteth , and bryngeth agayne full lowe . And Iob full well descrybeth oure miserye ; namely of such as are couetous , Iob. 27. proud and vayneglorious in thys worlde : that haue theyr delyghte in vayne ryches , and that holdeth their felicitie vpon the consumynge trasshe of thys worlde : that whenne we dys , wee shall carye nothynge awaye wyth vs : and in the twyncklinge of an eye , we shall bee gonne , Iob. 1. Eccle. 5 and leaue altogether beehynde vs . Naked wee camme oute of oure mothers wombe , and so without caryeng any thynge wyth vs , we shall thether retourne agayne . Pride thorough dignitie . Furthermore , yf we swell in pryde , because of dygnytie , wytte , wysedome , learning , healthe , strengthe of bodye , beautye of face , and suche other lyke gyftes and graces of nature ; do we not slippe then from oure marke , and shewe oure selues forgetfull of God oure cratoure , vnthankefull for hys benefyttes , and greatlye to abuse hym in hys gyftes ? Fynallye , what good thynge is in vs ? What is to be sene vpon vs ? Or what good thynges are those that belongeth vnto vs , 1. Coe . 4. Eccle. 17 , the we haue not receiued ? If we answer , we haue not any good thing , but that , we haue receiued , & acknowledge also the geuer , which is god : why do we then ( forgetters , or rather despisers of Godd vainely glorye and proudlye hoste in our selues , is though suche thynges camme of our selues : and apply not rather our studies , ( wyth humblenes ) to seeke his glory in his giftes , Iere. 13. Act. 12. that is onelye wourthye all exaltation and glorye ? Let no mariesteeme more of him selfe , then becommeth hym .

Erre not my brotherne : Euerye good gifte , and euery perfect gyste , is from aboue , & cometh down from the father of light . Prou. 2. Iohn . 3. We must be in submission therfore vnder the mighty hand of god , that he in time to come may exalte vs For as God resisteth the proude , Iacob : ●● so geueth he grace to the humble ? Haue we not often experience of gods doings in his wrath , the long before age or deth , or other whiles by death for vnthankefulnesse sake the honourable of this world & men in auctority , are thrown down , & al theyr glory troden in the duste ? Psal. 14● . that of ryche men there haue becomme poore men ? Of the vs neglorious , most witty , and wise personnes , 1 Cor. ● . theyr wysedomes are tourned to foolyshnes ? that healthfull and stronge menne ( by syckenes and manye daungers ) are made weake and enfeebled ? that of semelye personages becommeth deformed creatures ? Yea , and of faire faces , lothesome and fowle visages ? Are not these the wourkes of God ( to a good ende ) wourthye the notinge of vs ? And yf we only consider the state of our flesh ( wherein we so greatly glorye and delight , Gene , 6 , R●m . 〈◊〉 . nourysshing it and settinge it forth wythoute respect of charge ) what are we ? What appeareth in vs ? Are we any thing els , them erthly creatures in the hands of that creatour , and as the clay pot in the handes of the potter ? Are oure bodyes anye other then earthly vesselles , duelye proportioned of the maker , Iob. 10. What we are to●●● my , only the fleshe . couered wyth skynne and fleshe , and ioined together wyth synewes and bones ? Eyther are we any better , then very dungeons of darkenes , vile donghilles of all filthynes and stinche , wourmes meate , and a fowle synke or puddle , that floweth wyth infections and all noysome corruptions ? Are not our bodies flesh and bloude , of lesse substaunce thenne shadowes ? The shornes of mannes lyfe . our lyues more swiftlye vanishynge then the smoke ? or of as shorte contynuaunce , as the sodayne ryuyttyng bubbles ? Are we not also compared for our shorte abydyng to the swift trace of a cloud ? to a consuming mist , to a vapoure or smoke , to a lighte flyeng lease , to drye dustie stubble , Sapi. 2. Iob 1● . to wythered hay , or to the floures and grasse of the fielde , whose flouryshyng times are but shorte , and that the swaye of death ( in tyme ) by the sickle or sithe do lyghte vpon theim ? Psal. 〈…〉 Eccle. 14 , Iacob 1. 1. Pet. 1. Are not the cruell strokes of the ineuitable dart of death in all tymes frome the firste lyfe of the younge and tender infante , vnto the last breath of the most old and crooked aged man , felte with most dolorous panges to end this life ? What are al these discriptions vnto vs , and innumerable suche other , but familiar and lyuelye exaumples , perfecte and true layinges , to make vs myndefull of god , to knowe well our selues , and to remenbre oure ende ? to fashion our wylles to his wyll , and to wythdrawe wythoute delaye , oure fyxed hartes from vayne thinges . Maye it no the thought verye madnes and a greate folye in vs to be vnmyndefull of suche thynges , as wee daylye bothe feele , and see ? or to be forgetfull of oure saylynge wyth paynfull trauailes , It is greate follye , not to remember the dangers of this life , and that we Shall dye . thorough the great and daungerous perilles of this life ? And that wee are sodeynely at one becke , commaunded ( in tyme ) of necessitie , to take lande , to discharge vs of oure flesh , and to take the earth in the sepulcre ? The myghty lorde and creatoure , the rightuouse god and iust iudge him selfe , hath thus plainely determined against vs : and hath geuen euer vs ( touching our end & ) shorte and terrible sentence , sayenge : The determinate sentence of god . Thou shalte dye the death . Thys his briefe sentence is irrevecable : It is not nowe : but hath bene experimented vpon all fleshe from the begynnyng : neyther wyl his ambassadour be corrupted in hys Embassage with gold nor siluer , nor for the whole treasure vpon the earth , to withdrawe one title or iote of hys commission , Deathes extremities . withoute respecte of personnes . but wyll wyth all rygoure and sharpened , execute the extremitie of hys apointed office : not respectinge the vayne estate or stoughtnesse of anye personne : violentelye he stryketh theym : he cruellye wyth hys deadely darte yearceth their hartes in sonder ; he ryddeth theym of their lyues , and rolleth theim together in the dust . It is the fatal destiny of vs all earthly creatures , that we must nedes dye : we ar borne to dye : And as we haue known the death of many , so manye also shall knowe vs dye . Worldlye ●ros● 〈◊〉 . We are nowe youthfull , lyuelye , and at lybertie : healthfull , wealthye , and full of solitie : we haue presently all thynges at pleasure , and lyue in securitie : yea , we wysshe not for anye thynge , but it frameth luckily : suche is the good disposition of god otherwhiles vppon vs , to put vs in remembraunce of hys goodnes , wyth due reuerence and thankesgeuing . but what doth than ensu ? 〈…〉 . Note the vntowardnesse , the cursed abuse , and vnthankefulnes of mankind . We are so rapte and ouer ronne wyth our own blindnes , wyth obstinacy , pryde , and beastlye folly , swymminge in vanities and earthly felicite , that we are then forgetfull of god , vnkynde , vnrēuerent , stiffenecked , and brutishe . 〈…〉 And as wee at suche tymes are vnmyndefull of GOD , and of death , the messenger of god , and thynke all thinges , to be coch sure on our side , saieng with in our selues : tusshe , let vs be mery : let vs be iocunde , lustye , and liuely : what impedimentes are there to the contrary ? we haue peace : al thynges are safe , we stande in no perel : we thynke of no daunger : we care for no chaunge : wee passe of no warres : wee remembre no famin : neither pestilence or murrain ; we dread no subuersion , nor feele none affliction : So destruccion or sorow hastille approcheth vs , or death immediatlye ( by the will of god ) cometh swiftlye vppon vs : lyke an outragious and moste vehemente runnynge streame , wyth hys terrible chastisementes , and wyth hys impytuous and mooste roughe rorynge soundes of horroure and desperation : renewinge into our conscyences the sharpo sentence of GOD , sayenge vnto vs : Thou shalte dye , The 〈…〉 Thy time is nowe expired , therfore nedes muste thou dye . I death , the messenger of the most high , immortall , and iuste GOD , am sente vnto thee for thy presente confusion .

My charge and and comyssion is so grayghte agaynste thee , that I maye not deferre to styfle thee , or geeue thee thy deadly wounde . Nay nay , striuing preuaileth not : ther is now no remedye , for the swourde of god is whe● against the. What , couldest thou not haue thought of thys before ? Hast thou not ben often aduertised to remembre the ende ? Hast thou not had ( by the doome of thy conscience ( often and sufficiente admonition of goddes myghtye hande and power ? Haste thou not sent by all meanes possyble the experience of thys bryckle lyfe ? Remembrest thou not , that with one only blast , Iob. ●● . the dimme lyghte of thy candle of lyfe , is vtterlye extincts and put oute . And that it is in suche wyse dynged , that there remayneth in it no spark of hope for thy light to retourne agayn ? And that the lyght beyng ones loft , the waxe lieth waste , the heate abateth , the ●nuffe smoketh , it corruptly stinketh , it quickly consumeth , and sodeinely falleth to asshes ? Haste thou not thus thought of mans mortalitie and falle ? Eyther haste thou presumed vppon Goddes sufferaunce , or wantonly fyxed thyne hart to daliaunce ? Hast thou not yet aptely prepared thy selfe to God , a repentant synner , for the multitude of thy sinnes and iniquities ? Haste thou not in thee the charitie of god ? Haste thou presently wrath in thee agaynst thy neyghbour ? Either hast thou maliciouslye of wicked & set purpose detracted thy neighboure , to the spoylyng of hys good name and same , He that is stiffenecked , and will not yeld to the grace of god and he reformed , shal sodainly ( without helpe ) bee rooted out and destroyed . Prou. 29. losse of goodes , losse of frendes , or losse of lyfe ? Haste thou not soughte with a sorowfull harte , to bewaile thy wickednesse to God , and to be reconciled agayne vnto thy neighbour , accordyngs to the wyll of god ? Hath the deuell so blynded thee , or poysoned thine harte wyth pryde , malyce , contempt , or scornefulnes , that then wylt contynue in stoughtnesse and be ashamed of well dooynge , to knytre thy selfe in the bonde of peace and amitie , wyth thy frend or enemy , thy poore neighbour , thy christen brother or sister ? Hast thou oppressed hym , or craftilye deceyued hym ? Hast thou bene slacke in doynge thy duetie to hym ? Hast thou ben pittles , or vncharitable to hym ? Hast thou thus sette at naught the preceptes and holye counsailes of God ? Eyther haste thou so fyred thy selfe to the worlde , ( refusynge the grace of GOD , ) that thou hast not yet found time , to be stowe and set in good ordrs ( to his glorie ) the vaine things of this world , fore seing the sodaine visication of God , or the swiftnes & cruelty of me deathe , Eccle. 24. Eccle. 41 the messenger of god ? Hast thou not herd , that at my commyng I tary not ? Hast thou not bene taughte to byspase thy goodes , and to be charitable vnto thy freende : and accordynge to thyne habilytye , to reache out thyne hande and geeue vnto the poore , and to wourke ryghteousnesse before thy death , to the sanctifieng of thy soule in . Iesus christ ? Examine thy self : what thinkest thou ? Feelest in thy conscience the due iustice of god , and the terrour of me deth hys messenger ? Doth the sorows of deth now compasse thee , and the huge flouds of iniquity make the afraid ? hath the paines of hel fastned vpon thes , & the strangling snares of deathe ouertaken ther ? Shrinkest thou now at mee ? Feelests now in thine hart my deadlye gripes ? Seest thou nowe no waye to flye , nor longer dayes to amende thy lyfe ? And is ther therfore now in thee , a feareful hope of ioyful life , and condempnation in thy conscience to eternall death , for thy leuds folly and forgetfulnes of the wille of God ? Ah , the more accursed and dampnable is thine estate , neither do I pitie thee : no no , lette hell fyre deuoure thee , or all the tormentes of hell fasten vpon thee . for as I fynde thee , so muste I surelye take thee : I maye not passe the boundes of my commission . And as I thy mortal enemye , Death 〈…〉 regarde not thy present state of dampnacion to eternal death : so wyll I now not defer so ●●uruec thy soule from thy body , and wyl byolently wyth my force deforme thee , waite and consume thy beautye , and take from thee my breath of lyfe .

And as thou hast hath hards and seene or manye , that haue sustayned my p●●●es ●urye and ouerage : so wyth 〈◊〉 my moste violent cruet●●● , I new take ●●om thee thy me O the arear terrour and sharpenes of ●eam . 〈…〉 O sodayn and ●●r●or crueltie . O the mercyles meisenger or the 〈◊〉 : most ●euere god , than thus in ●o●yne cutteth vs thorre from 〈◊〉 curshly rei●●●e . ●e● , rather wer may ●ny with lamentation : We for euer ●ee 〈◊〉 th●ie 〈◊〉 and damnnable sowles : whose benummed and dull senses hath ben wylfully stopped from the apte seelynge and receiuyng of the diuine grace and voice of god : wrootyng and cumblyng lyke swine , in the myre of their carnall and filthye affectes : wandryng the byepathes of Sathan , refusyng the straight wate of Christe , and contempnyng the moste pure and vndefiled law of the highe●● Whose byrthe whenne they be borne , 〈…〉 shall bee to cursynge : and when they dye , the curse shal be their portion . For horrible is the death of the vnrightuous . He shall neuer come our of darknes , the flame shall drie vp his braunches : and with the blast of the mouthe of god , he shal be taken awa●e . O ●ure wilful and stiffnecked wickednes , that hasteneth vpon vs goodes heauy ●●●o●gnation and wrath : heapes of his plagues to torment our flel●he , & the violence of deathe to shorten this lyfe . If we a●●er escape euerlasting death . For as ●ynne preuaileth against vs , to the iustice of God hangeth ouer vs . And because we are the seruauntes of 〈◊〉 we shal also receiue the reward of 〈◊〉 whiche is death : Rom. ● . 6 . as it was playnely signified vnto vs from the beginnynge by the mouthe of God , Gene. 2. when Adam ( whose children we are ) disobeied and transgressed the wourde of God . We with our forefathers ( to the destruction of thys lyfe ) must all drynke of the cuppe of death : We muste drinke all of the cup of death . who dyuersely knocketh before he stryketh , to warne vs of our ende . But who regardeth that ? Who harkeneth gladly to the knocke or call of death ? Eyther who alwaies duely receiueth that monishementes of deathe , for a remembrance of his ende by deathe , thorough innumerable sygnifications and exaumples of lyuynge thynges : whether it hee in their rysynge or fallynge , in theyr quicknyng or decaying : or in their vncertaine liuyng and moste certain dying : besides the fickle course of mans short life , felt & approued in al times & ages , euen from the yong & tender infant , to the youthful & middle age , & so forth to the gray heded & croked old age , as also these daily & familiar messengers , that is : Many & strange diseases , violent plagues , great perils , hard fortunes , & sodein deathes ( with such other like , as before mencioned & prepared for sinne ) eyther partly & worthily felt vpon his owne flesshe , or fully performed before his face vpon others ? wh● I therfore consider but a little , the forgetfulnes , great frailtie , and vsual disorder of mankynd in this behalfe : and behold ( to the contrary ) the great workes of God , and the most mercyful order of all his doynges towards man , for thvpright conuersation , good life , and saluation of man : As I can not ( herein ) but highely magnifie & praise the good name of god , for such his fauorable & most gracious doinges : So again , I must most greuously lament & bewaile sorowfullye , the fraile state of man , through vnthankfulnes , disorder of lyfe , and great forgetfulnes● namely of goodes determination touchyng our short and familiar passage or th end of this life : wherby ( with godly & good vnderstanding ) we should alwais the better frame our selues in liuynge , and with the more ioyfulnes , peace , & quietnes of conscience , & that the terror of deth also shuld euer the lesse molest vs : by whome , we feele in oure selues , that moste horrible and poysoned bitter stinge , which so defileth and woundeth oure weake consciences : drawynge vs to enemitye , to impaciencie and rebellion , to forgetfulnes , to incredulitie and distruste of gods mercye , wyth suche other , euen the spottes and foule deformities of synne and iniquitie : whereby also we muste iudge , & that iustly of our selues to be but the seruantes of sin , & stand therfore in daunger of gods wrathfull iudgement to eternal death : and occasion therfore geuen , to expresse wyth sorow and wo , our most wretched and frayle estate : feelinge in oure selues , iuste reproche , shame and confusion of face , fearefull trembling deadly sighing , bitter wayling , & most harty and inwarde gronynge , for thys our weakenes and greate imperfection : These thynges ( I saye ) thus consydered of vs , how can we in suche distres but lamente all the sorte of vs , and say wyth groninge desires : for grace and better memorye , as subiectes continuallye in handes to the slaughter , vnder suche a careles , most pitiles , and publique enemy : O death deth , thou most cruell and deadly aduersarye , seeynge we are not at any tyme of power , able to preuayl bodily against thee , or with force to wythstande thee , Iere. 13. Act. 12. nor can finde fauoure in thy sight to staye thee , neyther canne wage thee by anye meanes to deferre thy doynges : I woulde most ioyefully wyshe , that we were at least so happye , alwayes to remember thee , for our health and felicitie , as we continually haue experience of thee , Prou. 1. Iohn . 3. seeing we must assuredly and vnwares abide thy dint . I say therfore , how it is ordeined that we shal al die : neither may we escape in the ende ) the force of deathe : Iacob . 5. For we plainly se from tyme to tyme , that goddes power by death , shal styfle our breath , and fynyshe our ende . Ah , what shall we then sale ? Seynge there is no resystence agaynste the violente force of thys messenger deathe , Psal. 147. what shall we then vnreuerentlye agaynste god , esteeme of our selues ? What shal then auaile amongest vs , 1. Cor. 1. our vnprofitāble and vayne studies : and our busied heades for fantasies ? Where shall then become our nice and light affections , our solitie , our deyntie desires , & earthelye delyghtes ? What shall wee then gaine by our haught courage , & the moste foolyshe and vayne brute of stoughtnesse , ? Where shall thenne lye our lifted vp heades , our hygh lookes , our forged canntynaunces , our fayre faces , and our stretched out neckes ?

Euen there full lowely truely , where our ●●mble and fyne feete , oure tripping toes , and the whole body of erth shallye . By the order and decaye of all things , m●nes deathe is signified . The ordre and state of al thinges vpon the earth , beynge or lyuyng in theyr kynde vppon the earth , dothe playnelye signifie vnto thee , ( O thou man or woman , euen in the middest of she ruste and folitie , ) what thou arte , and whereunto also thou shalte . For as they are altogether but earthly , verie vanitie , transitorious and flitting : sommetime beautifull and seemelye , frethely in floures flourishyng , youthfull , frutefull , and well pleasynge the eye : healthfull , puissaunte , fortunate , and happy : to the contrarye ( in tyme ) foule and vnseemelye , wythered and deformed , ●loe and vnfrutefull , infected , enfebled , Man is in the number of vayne thynges . infortunate & vnhappy : So thou also , in the numbre of vaine thinges : ( although of greater estimation and price before god : who hath endued thee wyth hys good graces and gyftes , aboue all the rest of his creatures ) to hys prayse and thy ioye , if thou well note it , haste thine order and turnes in tymes prescribed thee : nothyng auaileable to grounde vpon , nothyng certain or sure , nor neuer abide in one state . God , Goddes immortalitie is not more certayne then the mortalitie . of man is certaine . touchynge the state of hys most pure , immortall , and incomprehensible maiesty , is not more certaine by hys own power , for euer to endure and raigne in glory , wyth his aungels and blessed sainctes in heauen worlde wythout ende , then thou , corruptible , mortall , and earthelye creature , shalt here holde thy felicity , but earthly and at aduenture : nothynge certayne nor stable , nothyng pleasaunte or sweete , nor nothynge wourthye any hungrys delyghte , whereunto thou maiest happily cleaue or leaue of assurance , but altogether shal be vnto the but vnstable , lightnes & vanity , very fondnes , misery and most certainlye to ende . It maye well bee sayth of those , that onely seke this lyfe , and glory in the pleasures of thys worlde : they folowe but fantasies and a vayne shadowe : Whyche , when they thynke to be surest of , vanyssheth away , and is nothynge : For let vs neuer so muche applye to thys lyfe : beewrappe oure selues , Vayne trauell . frame , fashion , and flatter oure selues wyth the vayns delyghtes thereof : and seeke by al meanes possyble , to now sell and stablys●he oure selues therein : in vayne and most foolyshe shall be our trauaile : we haue our tymes prescribed to dye : we are al planted within the limits of death : all flesshe is but as grasse : death muste be oure ende : frome the earthe we came , yea , verye earth we are : And as we beynge but earthe , were bredde in the entrayles of the earth , and are nourished vppon the earthe , and by the earthe : so are we also cyted by deathe , to retourne to the earthe agayne . For the graue muste bee oure house , Eccle. 11. Psal. 104. Iob. 16. Iob. 7. and from whense also , wee shall neuer retourne agayne , vntill the day of Christes generall iudgemente : Neyther shall oure eyes see any more , the vayne pi●asures of the earthe . O full well described Ieremy of oure vnstable , lumpysshe , and moste grosse nature , Iere. 22. and of the shorte contynuaunce of our lyues , when he called vnto vs in fewe wourdes , faleng : O thou earth , earth , earth . And as we earthlye creatures , are not able to saye , that we holde any thynge certaine in this lyfe , whether it be life yt selfe , tymes belongynge to lyfe , or thinges necessary for this life : so there is nothynge so certayne against life , Luke . 12. as death , though the times of death be vncertayne , in what kynde so euer we sustayne hys force : either in bedde , or out of bedde : by force of lawe : by dinte of swourd : by rage of fyre : by peril of water : or by innumerable other wais and casuall chaunces : vnder all whiche , Roma . 5. Hebre. 9. we liue in subiection to dye . And notwithstandinge , that wyth greate griefe and careful studies in the flesh , we rub thorough this vale of misery in many dangers of the flesh , vncertaine to attaine the hungry delightes of the fleshe : and of a few things doutfully attained vnto , we do not onely doubtfully kepe them , therby to enioy the fruites of our trauail & to take the sweete with the soure ( for as we haue the proofe in getting them with perils , so we often also in perils for go them , whych sygnifieth vnto vs , most manifest and open misery , besides the vncertayne howre of the bodyes most certayne deathe : and that as we heere lyue a whyle deliciously , we sodaynly departe hense most bitterly , but we be also in further daunger by gods sharp and extreame iudgement in the latter daye , Esay . 52. Apoca. 1. The rewarde of the wicked of the seconde deathe : that is : the death of the soule : A death most dolorouse : A deathe most horrible & euerlastyng : euer more in tormentes : euer dyenge and neuer to dye : whose intollerable paynes no hart can thinke nor tonge can expresse . In vayne shall we their 〈◊〉 ●●laine and lament our grieses and wycked state of lyues : Sapi. 4. psal. 49. Sapi. 4. 4. Esdr. 16 psal. 49. we shal lye for euer amonge the dead in shame and dishonoure : hell shal be our dwellyng , & we shall for euer be laied waste vnto the highest : we shall now mourn for euermore , and our memoriall shal peryshe : We shall remember our sinnes , and our owne wickednes shall euer condempne vs : we shall lye in hell lyke sheepe : death shal gnawe vpon vs incurable shal be oure woundes : most outragyouse and stoughte , shal be the strokes of goddes myghtye arme vppon vs , to dryue vs downe headlonge into the dolefull dungeon and deepe botomelesse pyite : where perpetuallye is stynche , darkenesse , languysshynge and yellynge , endles horrour , Math. 13.22.25 . 2. Pet 2. Iude. 1. and gnashynge of teethe . Frome whense wee shall beholde , wyth the eyes of oure tormented and most wicked soules , the buckled browes and moeste terryble countynaunce of that rightuous and iuste GOD : by whose irreuocable sentence ( thoroughe oure owne wyckednesse ) we shall for euer lye bourninge , in the perdurable lake , and vnquencheable fyre of hell : Hebre 10. a place prepared for the deuell and hys Aungelles , hys moste fylthys and malygnaunte membres : the dungehylles of synne , the vesselles of venguaunce , the chyldren of perdicion , and the mooste cursed aduersaries of Chryste , and of hys dearelye beloued churche . As the blessing , toye , and saluacion of god , shall comme vppon all them , that hunger and thirst for ryghtuousenesse , and preuayleth in syght , agaynste the furiousenes of our bodylye and ghostlye enemyes , hauyng the eternall God to be theyr God , their onlye waye , and theyr onelye strengthe , thoroughe hope , as the children of hys kyngedome : Apoca. 21 so the louers of wyckednes , the contempners of rightuousnes , the fearefull , the vnbeleuers , and the abhominable , and murderers , adulterers , filthy whoremongers , beastlye drunkardes , sorcerers , deceyuers , idolatoures , scorners , lyars , flatterers , & all wrongefull dealers , shal haue their parte in the lake , that bourneth wyth tyre and brymstone , Psal. 89. whyche is the seconde and euerlastynge death . Ah , terrible is the Lorde our God , and greatlye to be feared among his sainctes : of whom he must be pleased and reuerenced with godlye feare : yea , ( I saye , ) he must be feared , & his great wrathe thorough his grace preuented : for he is against his enemies in cases of reuengement , Deut. 4. Psal. 105. a terrible & consuming fire : whose mighty arme & most sharp punishmentes : are felt through out the whol world . Therfore in ●ope of goddes mercy , although we haue committed iniquity , & haue paumpered our flesh deliciously , and withdrawne our godly charitie .

( And therfore haue or doo sustayne in this lyfe greate affliction and miserye● in the fleshe for our whole imperseend truly and vnrightuousenes of lyfe , so marueilousely hath iniquity preuailed amongest vs , Iere. 〈◊〉 to the hastnyng vpon vs the sharpe Iustice and wrath of god : ) yet let euery of vs , yea the most rightuouse of vs , wythout seekynge the condempnacion of others , straightlye appeale to the iudgemente of our owne cōnsciences : and there see , Es●v . ●4 . how verye foule and filthye we are ( as witnesseth the prophet ) in the sight of god : whose most cleare and lyuely quicke eies , penetrateth the heues : where through he seeth & sercheth the secretes of the hartes & raines : Iere. 1.27 Psal. 3 before whom also ( notwithstandinge his diuine counsailes and moste bitter threatnynge , often ryngynge in oure tares , we shew our selues inflexible , stought , stonye harted , and sturdy , vntowarde , sloughthful , and vnprofitable seruantes : And doo the rather merite to haue poured vpon vs the vialles of his heauye indignaion and wrath , throughout the race of this shortlyfe , and in the ende corporall death : yet let vs ( I saye ) reuerentlye in tyme , Psal. 119. Iere. 4. haue peace wyth God , seeke to content wel God , with troubled spirytes , broken , contryte , and meeke hartes : lette vs mourne and weepe : let our laughter , oure lyghtenesse , and oure folitye , bee tourned into lamentation and mournyng , and our earthly ioies and vaine foolyshenesse , in to bytter weepynge and heauines : let vs plucke down our pryde : Iacob . 4. lette vs subdue the lustes of the fleshe , and vse temperaunce in all our affectes , accordynge to oure honest estate and calling : let neither pride nor excesse , in suche wise preuayle against vs , but that vertue and reason maye partely beare rule : lette vs be charitable , and loue better one another : let vs bee more liberall , to the comforte of the poore , that GOD may agayne blesse vs , and wythorawe hys furye frome vs . And if he will feeme yet further to visite vs , then pacientlye wyth repentance , to beare al kynde of affliction , and the crosse of Chryste : Hebro . 12. for we maye not despise the chastisinge of the lorde : neyther fainte when we are rebuked of hym : for whome the lorde loueth , hym doothe he chastise : yea , he scourgeth euery son that he receiueth . Prouer. 3. Whereby : we doo and shall feele the loue of God in Christ , and his fatherlye kyndenesse towardes vs : who by hys sharpe rodde of iustice , Iacob . 4. Iob. 13. Psal. 32. Luke . 15. 1. Iohn . 1. putteth vs in remembraunce of oure iniquitye : a way to prepare vs vnto repentance : & wyth all lowlynesse also and humble submission , to fall prostrate beefore hym , to confesse from our hartes oure synnes , to acknowledge our weaknes , and to appeale to his grace for mercy and forgeuenes , that by hastnyng his heauenlye benediction , and the wourkynge of his spiryte in vs , we tourne from presumption to humilitie : To be tourned frome oure wye●ednes and sinne , is the gift of god . Iere. 31. from carnall fooolyshenes , to cleannes and puritye : frome vayne superfiuitie , to temperaunce and modestie : from vnmercifulnes , to compassion & pity : from enemity to amitie : from discorde & discention to peace & vnitie : and so foorthe from strength to strength , to the happy amend ment of our vntoward & most peruerse liues . Iere. 3● . And though we haue long tyme heretofore stopped our eares , Let it repent you and be conuerted ( sayeth Christ ) that your sinne : and iniquities may be done away Math. 4. Act. 3. tourned oure faces , and fledde backe from the voice of our most holy and rightuouse God , in the lare dayes , specially of hys mercyfull visitation : yet lette vs repentauntely tourne in tyme , and embrace hym moste louely with our readye spreadde armes of faith , charitie , and constancye . And as we haue ouer longe , wyth corrupted and vaine hartes , bene vaynely addicted to vaine thynges , and our wylles greatly dissenting from the wil of god : so let vs now make haste , that wyth all puritie and cleannes of harte , suche fondnesse and impuritie may be refected , and goddes most diuine wyll obediently retayned . Yea , and though God ( in deede ) by his iustice , hathe some thing of late dayes and presently also touched vs , Gods heauye and bitter wrathe vpon Englande . and hath seemed to laye vpon vs cruell strokes , and rough chastisementes , whether by our late kynges death , that most godly and christen prince , either by the breach of vertuous and good lawes : by the alteration of Chrystes holy religion , by takinge awaye the lyght of the gospel , by cruell persecution and destruction of the pastoures and flocke of Christe : And in stead of mercy and pitie , bitter tyrannye , and most shamefull effusion of innocente and christen bloude , by bournynge , famishinge in prysons , buryenge in dungehylles , rackynge , headinge , drawynge , hangynge and quartering , as in the dayes of goddes slaughter by his greate and most heauie indignacion : besides strange diseases , sodein deathes , dishonorable warres , greuouse exactions , meynteinyng of straungers , vniuersal famyne , losse of goods , losse of frends , or otherwise , yet for the auoidynge of further daungers , that by the bytternes of his wrath maye yet fall vpon our fleshe , and specially escapynge the second death , secludinge wilfull ignoraunce , obstinatie , Good counsayle . and stiffeneckednes , let vs humbly geue thankes vnto gods diuine maiestie for all thinges , and namely for the present shewe and ioiefull lyght of his countynaunce , now shynynge agayne vpon vs : dailye besechinge him to contynue his goodnesse , to assiste vs wyth his grace , and to prepare vs lyuelye and apte folowers of his holye and diuine wylle , wythout murmurynge , vnreuerente talkynge , secrete conspirynge , or cursed rebellynge : for they are euelles greately dyspleasing god , and wourkes of the deuell and of hysedicious membres , vpon whome , he wyl assuredly poure downe his determinate plages to their swyfte confusion of bodye and soule . Lette vs feare therefore to offende the maiestie of so mighty a God : We maye not with . stande the wil of god . who is rightuous and a ieolous god ouer rightuousnes : let vs not repugne his wyll , or stryue against the streame , preparyng newly vnto our selfs the cup of gods wrath , and to drynke double the dregges of his vengeaunce : but spedyly with a lyuely faythe , to retourne and leane towardes hym , and not be doubtefull of his mercy : for he hath promised ( in Iesus Christe ) that our synnes shall be consumed , oure transgressions couered , and oure iniquities pourged . He is mercyfull , Daniel . 9. he beholdeth vs in Christe , and reioyceth in the conuersion of synners : he wyll haue mercye vppon vs , after the multitude of his mercyes : whyche wyll not the death of synners , Math. 3. Eze. 18.33 . 1 Timo. 〈◊〉 1. Peter . 3. The tyme and houre when god will vifite vs and take accomptes of vs , wee know not . but rather that they repentantly tourne and lyue : and aptly receyuynge the grace of god , readily to prepare theim selues , that in what so euer tyme and place , deathe ( by the hande of God ) shall assaild them : they bee not founde vnprepared , in that so shorte and sodayne warnyng . And not withstandinge this moste apte preparacion touchyng lyfe and death , or tymes appointed for them , let vs referre all ( with a liuely hope ) to the good disposition and wyll of god , and say with saint Pauie : whether welyue or whether we die , to god and to goddes good pleasure wee lyue or dye . For herein shall consist greate perfection in oure spirituall profession , if in our redines , and moste apte preparacion , we humblye embrace rightuousnes , shewyng our selues always well pleased and reioycing in god , and desire accordynge to the wyll of god , to be dissolued from this frail and corruptible body , and to lyue vncorruptible wyth Chryst for euer . And we may be sure , yf god see in vs such apt towardnes , that we hunger & thirst for the waye of ryghtuousnesse , and that we earnestly seeke the mortification of our olde grosse affectes , and shake frome oure shoulders that greuous packe , and reprocheful bourthen of malice , Collos. 3. fearcenes , wrath , bloudshed cursed speaking , conspiring , rebelling , lieng , octractiō , false accusation , pride couetousnes , drunkennes , vncleannes , selfe loue , vayne affection , and suche lewde fondnes : and in respect of gods heauenly felicite and endles treasure , to neglect the fugitiue and shorte pleasures of this life , he will not deferre to help vs , to assist vs , and strengthen vs , such is the accustomed goodnes of his deuine nature towardes vs , but wyll be myndefull of hys promyse to haue mercy vpon vs , as he in thys wise sayeth of hym selfe , by the prophet Esaye : I haue forsaken you ( sayeth hee ) for a small season : Esay . 〈◊〉 . I haue tourned my face from you . I haue sharply with plages visited you , & haue stretched out myne arme agaynste you : to stryke you , and make you stoupe for the greatnesse of your pryde and iniquity , ye haue bene agaynste me , so stoughte , so stonye harted and sturdye : but now I see you agayne relented , repentaunse for your synnes , and tourned agayn vnto me , I wyl with great mercyfulnes tourne me vnto you , embrace you , receyue you , take ye vppe agayne vnto me , and for euer holde ye vp and preserue you . And where in my wrathe ( as it were the twyncklynge of an eye , ) I hydde my selfe frome you : I haue nowe , thoroughe myne euerlastynge goodnesse , tourned me agayne vnto you , and pardoned you : sayeth the LORDE GOD youre auenger . I am he , Psal. 102. I am he ( sayeth the Lorde ) whych taketh awaye your iniquities : for mine owne sake , and will no more remember youre synnes . Thus we vnderstande the greate mercye and goodnesse of God towarde vs dysobediente and wretched synners : who wylle not onelye here vs , and tourne hym mercyfullye agayne vnto vs , by oure humble sute and peticion , or by oure happye amendmente of lyfe , thoroughe the true faythe and loue in Iesus Chryste , and staye his presente indignacion now raygnynge vppon vs , and the greate terroure of hys vengeaunce to comme , eyther in cases generall , touchynge thys our already afflicted realme or countrey , our lord blesse it and defende it : or properly touch●●●● our owne personnes , for euerye of vs see in our selues , our due dosertes : but wyll henseforthe blesse vs : he wyll renewe styll hys ioyfull countynance vpon vs : he wyll wythdraw the power of the diuell from vs , that he preuayle not agaynst vs in no kynde of temptacion : he wyll not suffre vs to be tempted aboue our strength , but wyl in the myddeste of temptation prepare vs awaye to escape : Numc . 23 1. Cor. 1.10 1. Thes. 5. 2. Pet. 2. he wyl so strengthen vs that when his grace is offered vnto vs wee shall not receyne it in vayne : hys good spirite shall poisesse vs , & cleanse oure hartes of the deuelles infections , he wyll not suffce vs to be ouercomme or drowned in theym : for he wyll sowe in oure hartes , the lyuely seedes of his grace , and fill vs full of the wisedome of Chryst : By thereare of god sin is eschewed . he will putte his feare into oure heartes ( whyche the proude and scornefull people of thys worlde , and they that maliciousely meddle against god do want : Iob. 18. his grace is taken from such , for they dwell without his feare , he will so knitte our hartes in vnitie , that hauynge but one harte and one waie , we shall feare his name all the daies of our lyues , that we and oure children after vs , Iere. 32. Psal. 118. maie bee blessed and prosper the will delyuer vs frome all daungers and misfortune : he wil take warre and discention frome vs : he will geeue vs victorye ouer our ennemyes : he will prepare vs quietlye to● inioie oure wynuyngs : he wyll not suffre vs to be cofounded , our children destroied , our goodes spoiled , nor our wyues , our daughters , our maydens to be rauished and defyled , he wyll be our mighty protection , at all assaies , & geeue vs longe life : Iob. 8. he will blesse oure posteritie : he wil fil our mouthes with laughter , and our lippes wyth gladdenesse : he wyll blesse the lande wherein we dwel , & take from vs , famine , pestilence , & all strange dyseases , specially of the mynde : that oure soules beynge found , we may behold him with a pure saythe , and serue hym ioyfullye wyth a cleane harte : he wyll bee vnto vs a GOD of ryghtuousnesse , truthe , and mercye : he wyll be faithfull to fulfill and keepe hys promises : He will sette vppe an euerlastynge couenaunt with vs : namely , that he wil neuer ceasse to doo vs good , and that he wyll put his feare into oure hartes , Iere. 32. so that hensefoorthe wee shall not runne nor goe astraye frome hym : hee wyll make vs walke in the good and perfecte waye , and to keepe the pathes of rightuousenes . Yea , Prou 2. he wyll haue a luste to do vs good , and faythfullye to plante vs in the lande of the lyuynge , wyth hys whole harte , and with all hys soule .

For lyke as he hathe broughte vppon vs , Iere. 32. great and diuers plages : so will he also of hys mercye , take theym againe frome vs : and in steade of hys greate vengeaunce yet to come , he will bring vpon vs all the good that he hath promised vnto vs . I foure hartes haue in possession , thys precious and lyuelye vertue ( the feare of God ) the grace and fauoure of God , shall abundauntly be poured vppon vs . Neyther shall we at anye tyme in suche wyse offende him , that his wrath shal be kendled ageynst vs . There shall nothinge be wantyng in vs , or neadefull for vs , that shal bee to the comforte of soule and bodye , yf we haue in vs the sayde vertue . It is the begynnyng of wisedome : Prouer. 1. It is the verye entrye , to attayne the fauoure and blessyng of god . Iere. 31. psal. 24. In whom so euer it abydeth , the secretes of our lord god are euer vnlocked vnto theym , layed foorthe and spredde amongest theym , and sheweth also vnto them , Psal. 25. Act. 13. psal. 23. psal. 147. Psal. 34. Psal. 102. his comfortable and most ioiefull couenaunt . Vnto theim also ( as vnto the faithfull seede of Abraham ) is the wourd of saluation sente . They that feare him , and putte their truste in his mercye , beholde , hys mercyfull eyes are euer fixed towardes theym , his delyghtes in theym , hys aungell pitcheth his tente round aboute them . He is their strength and delyuereth theym , his saluacion is nygh vnto them . And looke how hygh the heauens , are in comparison of the ●arth , so great is his mercy towardes them that feare him . Looke how wide ●he East is from the west , so far hathe ●e sette oure synnes from vs : yea , and like as a father pitieth hys owne chyldren , euen so is he merciful vnto them that feare hym . psal. 103. The mercyfull goodnes of the lorde endureth for euer and euer vppon theym that feare him , and his ryghtuousenes vpon their childres children . psal. 111. psal. 112.182 . He geeueth meate to theym that feare hym , and towardes theym , he is euer myndefull of hys couenant . They are blessed that feare the Lorde . The feare of the lorde maketh a longe lyfe . Prou. 10. Prou. 14. The feare of the lorde is a well of lyfe , to escape the daungers of deathe . The feare of the Lord preserueth life , yea , it geueth plentuousnes , withoute the visitation of any plage : We are sure it shall goe well wyth theym that feare the lorde , because they haue him before their eyes . Prou 19. Ecclesi . 8. Ecclesi. 1. The feare of the lord is wourshyppe and triumphe , gladdenes , and a ioyfull crowne : it maketh a mery hart , and it driueth out synne .

The feare of the lorde is in the hart of the wyse , whereby he departeth from euell and walketh in the pathe way of ryghtuonsenes . The feare of the lorde is wyth the wyse manne in all hys doynges , Prou. 14. Eccle. 28. and in the dayes of transgression he kepeth him self from sinne . Eccle. 25. The feare of the lorde , setteth it selfe aboue al things : It is the beginning of loue . and the beginning of faith , is to cleaue fast vnto the feare of god . The feare of the Lorde wanteth nothyng , Eccle. 40 and neadeth no helpe . The feare of the lorde is a pleasaunte gardeine of blessing , and nothynge is so beautyfull as it is . Eccle. 25. psal. 128. O blessed therfore is the man , vnto whom it is graunted to haue the feare of god . For ( as Esay saith ) it is the power of goddes holy spirite : whereby we reuerence god by auoidinge euell and embracynge good , accordyng to this sayenge : The wyseman feareth god , and auoydeth from euell . And Iob sayeth : Beholde , the feare of the lorde , is euen verye wisedome it selfe , and is wholly continuyng for euer : for it is the strength of the diuine spirit , to the reuerencing and wourshypynge of God : whyche strength , is not ( in vs ) the wourke of nature , but the grace of god bath planted : not the wil of man , but the purpose of god , towardes his beloued & chosen people : vnto whom ( in Iesus Christe ) pertaineth the great strength & myghtys wourkyng of hys gracē , to the renewing of their mindes , that through a reuerent life in rightuousnes , the promises of god maye ( in this lyfe ) be atrayned vnto and felte : And after thys lyfe , Math 25. Iohn . 5. to haue a ioyfull resurrection into euerlastynge lyfe , thorough the onlye merited and death of hys dearelye beloued sonne Iesus Christ , our lorde and sauiour : who liueth and raigneth wyth hym in the vnitye of the holys ghost most blessed for euer and euer .

Amen . The grace of god . ( O dearelye beloued ) abounde in oure hartes to the shewing forth of hys glorye in rightuousnes that all we knowynge our duties and obedience to hys dyuyne and most gloriouse maiestie , may be ryche and plentyfull in all good wourkes , to the pleasynge of oure neighbours , for their wealth and co●yeng , Roma . 15. Gala. 15. accordyng to the exaumple of Iesus Chryste , the true patrone , comforter and sauioure of the worlde : who for the tendernesse of compassion that he had to hys people , and to saue them from destruction , sought not to please hym selfe , but beeyng innocent , and a lambe vnspotted , suffered as a wicked offendour , moste shamefull reproche , bitter tormentes , and paynes in the flesh , as also bodilye death , as it was written of hym by the prophet . The rebukes of them wihche rebuked thee , sel on me . psal. 69. Roma. 4. What so euer thynges are wrytten aforetyme , they are written for our learning , that thorough pacience & comfort of the scriptures we myght haue hope . The god of hope , pacience and consolation , fil vs wyth all ioye and peace in beleuynge , that we may be ryche in hope , thorow the power of the holy ghost , Leuit. 19. and be like mynded one towardes another after the ensaumple of Christ : that we al together agreeyng in vnitye , may wyth one mouthe , praise God , the father of our lorde Iesus . Amen .

The God of peace , treade Sathan shortelye vnder our feete . Roma. 6.

FINIS .