A godly and holsom preseruatyue against disperacio[n] at al times necessarye for the soule: but then chiefelye to be vsed and ministred when the deuil doth assault vs most fiersely, & doth approcheth nieste.

A prseruatiue

FOrsomuche as the diseases of the body and corporall deathe , dothe so trouble mannes mynde , that we commonly trimble and quake at the onely mencyon of them : How much ought we to feare the sicknes of the soule and death of the same , then whiche , there can no greater nor more fearefull calamytye chaunce vnto man .

And seinge that euery man doth auoyde ( so muche as in hym lyethe ) the payne , myseryes , dyseases , and deathe of the bodye : howe much more ought we to decline and eschewe , the causes of these euilles , which be sinnes and offences , and feare the ire of god , which we so ( by oure enormities ) do prouoke . Yf we be neuer so lytle sick in our body , by and by we send for the phisycion , we spare no cost we sike for medecines and remedy , thoughe they be neuer so chargable , & al to patch and clout vp this earthen v●ssell of oure bodye . which do we neuer so muche can not last long . And why vse we not lyke dylygence in desiring & seking remedies against the diseases of the soule whyche like as thei be more greuous euen so they bring with them ( without comparison ) infinitely more daunger . For what can it profit a man thoughe he haue all the riches in the world , though he liue a thousand yere , and that in such health & pleasure , that he is not ones touched with sickenes or gryefe : hys soule in the meane time being poisoned with sinne being captiue to satan , hauing God displeased with him , and dampnacion readye for him after thys lyfe . For truelye thys lyfe must once haue an ende nether know we whan , where , after what maner , Math. 25. or how sone .

Therfore sayth Christ watch for ye nether know the day nor hour when the sonne of man wyl come And lest we this shorttime of our abode ( omittinge thinges mooste waightye and profitable ) shulde folow trifulles , & things of smal price : he hathe vouchesafe to prescribe vs an order and as it were a breue , certaine and sure way : to come vnto true felicite sayeng . Seke first for the kingdom of god and righteousnes therof : Math. 6. and all thynges shal be added vnto you . Care for liuing , care for ryches , care for worldly dignytie , worldly fauoure , worldlye estimacion and such lyke transitory thinges which in dede doth lytle profitte but many times be cause bothe of filthy vices and also of greuous calameties ( doth besy , doth vexe doth trouble , doth euen defatigat vs both day and nyght but in seking for and procurynge of godly & heuenly thinges : we be most negligent , most slacke , most dull most forgetfull . And I pray you what can be a greter blindnes or a more dangerous madnes ? whyles we be lustye , whyles we be in helthe , whyles we be in prosperity we scaselye thinke vpon any lyfe to come we remembre not once that we shall dye , But when we be in perell , and daunger by syckenes , and deathe begynneth to knocke at our dore . Euen at that same houre when we shulde playe the menne and fyght agnynst our enimy , being sufficiently armed & weponed afore ) then begin we first to thinke vpon oure armoure to thinke vpon our wepon , to think vpon mending of our lyfe . These thinges declare vs to be smallye exercised soudiers to be men of preposterous iudgement , and verye weaklings in fayth . God be mercyfull vnto vs . Amen

But yet though a man be neuer so old though the day be neuer so far past , so he amend whiles he is here , eare it be night , his repentance cometh not out of season , Neuertheles it were to be wished , the no man shuld differ his repentance to his last & most dangerous conflict For euen thei shal haue much ado to stand and to defend them selues from the assaultes , the guiles , & inuasions of the enemy whych in the time of their helth prepared & armed them selues , what then shall come of them whiche not fearing god neither minding once repentaunce hath led a dissolute filthie and naughty lyfe ? how shal thei fyghte ? howe shal they be able to wythstand the force of satan ?

¶ Seinge therfore the multitude of people is great , and the ministers of the gospel very few nether able to be euerye where to do their office to euery man : I hauing a wil to help al men : haue gathered to gether , & written out of scriptur , a certaine brief forme how to admonishe , instructe , and comfort such as be sicke , that thei either reding these thinges , or hearing them red bi others : may conceiue certaine hope & perfit consolacion , lest in this most daungerus conflict they faint , geue ouer like cowards , & so be ouercomed & perysh : For this is certain , when soeuer a man is taken with extreme sicknes & is in daunger of deth , he is assauted with diuers many , & greuous tentacions . First it is a greuous and vehemente tentacyon , when he seeth the moste terrible image of deathe afore hys eyes , when he seeth he must leaue thys light , leue this life , leue frendes , leaue landes , goodes , kynfolkes father , mother , wyfe , childern , all thinges wherin he had here ether pleasure or comforte . Then such synnes as be against the wil and pleasure of god hathe committed shall shewe and present them selues , and shall appere more in numbre , and more greuous then euer they semed afore , and so shal wonderously vexe and torment the conscience . Then death , iudgemente , hell , dampnacyon as it were in a plumpe , shal assault and lay sege with diuers daungerous engens agaynst the old man of ours .

In these Agonies , except a man be armed with a sure and constant faith : it is to be feared , leste he be weried , tired and at last ouercommed . For these tentacious whych chaunce vnto men lyeng in extremes : appeare most houge fearful and daungerouse , and that for bicause our fayth is verye slender , and waueringe , nyether yet able to see , perceaue or apprehend , the incomprehensyble and inestimable riches of the children of god , whyche be remission of synnes through Christ , resurreccion of the fleshe , communion of saynctes , euerlasting life and all these geuen vnto vs in Christ and for Chryst .

In these articles of our fayth we must dayly exercyse our selues .

These we must diligentli reuolue and earnestly expend in our mindes . For thoughe all the artycles of our fayth are diligentlye to be remembred and without al waueringe beleued : yet in the Agonye and poynte of deathe these foure ( that is ) the communion of saynctes , remission of sinne , by the bloud of Christe , the resurrection of the fleshe , and euerlastinge lyfe : are chiefely to be mynded expended , and inculcated .

For like as deth is the paine & stipend of sinne : Rom. 6. euen so for sinne God dothe commenly punish vs with diuers diseases and plages , As it is to be sene in diuers places of scryptur . Io. v. Psa. 88. Deut xxviii . ii . Reg. xxiiii

Neuertheles afflictions be many tymes layd vpon vs that our fayth may be tried : For than is it easy to be perceaued howe much we loue GOD , what faythe we haue in him , howe we trust hym , when we be pressed & greuyd with aduersytie . In this case therfore we must bewayle & acknowledge our sinnes for the which we haue iustlye incured Goddes displeasure , and deserued most greuous paine , We must turne to god with true repentaunce in all our harte & mynde withoute all faynynge and conterfating , we muste haue recourse vnto the Gospell where we shall fynd most bountiful consolacion . i , absolucion or remissio of our sinnes which christ hath instituted in the churche Io. xx , Receaue ( sayth Christe ) the holye ghooste whose sinnes ye forgiue thei ar for geuen . This inestimable treasur is dayly opened & offred vnto vs When remission of sinnes is thus desire , & optayned : vndoutedly then the paine of sinne which is the disease or affliccion shall sone ceasse and leaue vs , or elles accordinge to the most beneficiall will of our heuenly father : shall turne to the profit and soule helth of him that is diseased or afflicted , For this maye we be sure of , that the paine and affliccion in the body in this worlde ( seme it n●uer so greuous a bourden or heauye yoke to the flesh ) as comenlye nothinge elles but a fatherly rod , wherwyth god doth drawe vs his children from synne , Psal. 88. and call vs home to hym , Truly our heuynly father dothe loue vs moste feruentlye , he beareth vs good mynde , Heb. xii . and dothe all thinges , for our amendmente and profit for whome GOD louethe , him he chastisethe , and correctythe vs temporally here : ● . Cor. 11. that we shuld not be punished in hell euerlastingly . Thoughe he semith angrie : he louith singulerlye . Nether is his Ire the Ire of a tiraunt or tormentour desirynge our perdycion : but of a father ●eking our amendement and sauftly First therfore we muste crye God mercy desire pardon & forgeuenes of our sinnes ( but by Chryst , but with a hart truely penetente ) that we may be at one wyth God and haue him merciful vnto vs This done we may then desyre GOD to deliuer vs from the Imminente and present affliction and disease For so teacheth ecclesiast. Ecclesi . ● . Sonne in thy infermitye neglecte not thy selfe , but pray to the lorde : and he shall delyuer the. Also in the Ps. Psal. 70 remembre not o lord god our old iniquites but let thy mercye spedely preuent vs : for we be verye miserable , helpe vs God oure sauiour . Lord God of power turne vs howe longe wilte thou be angrie ? shewe thy face and we shall be saued , Here we be taught fyrst to desire remyssion of synne that we may so be at one with God : and after that to haue his wrathe , and the tokens of the same taken awai . But when so euer we desire to be deliuered or to be eased of the crosse that presseth vs we must alwaye annexe this addicion . Mar. vi Thy wyll ( o heuenlye father ) be fulfylled . Neither knowe we so well what is profytable vnto vs . Nether can we so well prouide for our selues as our most louing heuenly father Which is both of infinite powre and also of incomprihensible wisdome whyche neuer turneth hys eys from vs , whiche carieth continually for vs wh●ch knoweth the numbre of our yeres , whych doth quicken , norish , fede , kepe , defend prouide for al his creatures much beter then thei can wish or desire . But to drawe to the more perticuler temptacions , & to shewe what thinges do most fierlly ● daungerously at the time of deth assault vs . And how we shal withstand them .

¶ There be thre thinges , whych at the houre of death doth wonderously vexe trouble , & feare our mindes ( that is to saye ) synne , death hell or dampnacion .

Syne

WHerten we haue vngodlye myspent our life , wherby we haue greuosly offended God and our neighbour : This commyng to oure remembraunce when we lye vpon our death bed , doth dryue vs to a wonderous feare , Rom. ii pensiuenes , and anxiety . As sainct paule sayth , wrath indignacion to trouble and anguishe agaynst euerye loule of man that doth euell .

¶ A medicine agaynst synne vexinge and troublynge our conscience .

LEt vs call earnestly to remembraunce that the sonne of god came downe from heuen , became man , toke vp on his backe the synnes of the worlde , died for them vpon the crosse , there makynge satisfaction for vs and paing our dettes . This most precyous blod of christe was shed also for vs , & of this death we be also partakers so we ryght lye beleue in Chryste Nether nede we to doubt but Chryste died aswell for vs , as for Peter and Paule : Rom. 6. For we be baptised also ( as saynct Paule sayth ) in the deth of chryst . Thys ought to comfort , vs this ought to erect and stay our myndes . For seinge we be baptised in the deathe of chryste , Chistes deathe bryngethe also vnto vs helth and saluacion . By Chrysts deth we be also dead to synne : by Chrystes deathe we haue also certaine and sure remission of our synnes , by chrystes deth we be raised also to a newe and euerlastynge lyfe . For baptyme is a couenand betwixt god and vs . And a sygne of his grace and fauour towarde vs wherin we be reconciled and made at one wyth god againe , so that we may nowe haue a ioyfull and quiet conscience , for somuch as our sinnes be forgeuen vs through the resurrection of Iesus chryst , yea christ also in the institucion of the most blesed sacrament of his last supper speaketh also to vs saynge , that hys bloud is shed for the remission of synne . Nowe although we haue not liued alwaye innocentlye nether led suche a lyfe as we ought to haue done : Yet we maye not dispaire , but without delay resort vnto god , by true repentaunce , cal faithfully vpon hys name , and we shal be saued . Rom. x Ye let euery one of vs with a meke harte burst out into these , or like wordes and say O most mercyful god , father of al mercy , father of oure LORD Iesu Chryste , be mercyfull vnto me a wretched synner , make spede to deliuer me , for the moste bitter ( but moost precious ) death , and passion of Iesu Chryste thy only begotten sonne , our redemer , and only sauioure : Amen . Enter not ( o lord ) into iudgement wyth thy seruaunte , handle me not accordynge to my deseruyng , neyther do vnto me after my iniquities : but according to thy infinite and botomles goodnes & mercye take me vnto the. I a miserable and wretched creature am in thy hand I am in thy debt & daunger thou mayst do with me what it please the. O moost mercyfull father forsake me not , nor caste me of . I am thine all that I am , There can no man comfort , no man help no man delyuer me , but thou alone . Thou art the true comforte , the most present helpe the surest bulwarke in all necessite . Thou god art my refuge , my strengthe , my helpe in al troubl● . Thou art my Lord in thy handes resteth al my chaunce and affaires . Shew thy louinge and mercifull face vpon thy seruant , saue me in thy mercy O lord : but many wayes in our extreme sicknes and affliction let vs beware we loke not to earnestly nether to longe vpon oure sinnes . But rather let vs haue the image of Christes moste helthfull and precious deth before our eys . Let vs fix that in our mynd and be full perswaded that Christe is now bourdened with his synnes , that he hathe nowe taken theym vpon his owne shoulders and so hath satisfied for theim and wasshed them awai that he wil neuer charge vs with them but frelye for geaue vs theim as we professe in our Crede , when we sai Credimus remissionem peccatorum , we beleue the remission of synnes .

¶ Here it shal be mete that in our syckenes we call to remembraunce such places of holy scripture as testifieth of remission of synne purchased by Christe of the which some be here subscribed .

Ioh. i. BEhold the lambe of God which takith away the synne of the worlde .

We are bought with no golde nor siluer , i. Pet. i nether any corruptible price , but with the precious bloud of the vnspotted and vndefyled lambe Iesus Christ .

¶ So god hath loued the world that he gaue hys onely begotten sonne to the ende that we so beleuynge in hym dothe not peryshe but haue lyfe euerlasting Io. iii

I come not to call the righteous but the sinners to repentaunce . Mat. ix Come vnto me all ye that labour and are laden and I shall refresh you , Lo he calleth all , Mat. xi he refuseth he excludeth none , we must includ also our selues within his words

All we must resorte to him , and he wil receaue and reffeshe vs ,

God setteth forth hys loue toward vs : For Christ died for vs , Rom. v when we were yet sinners , muche more now therfore we being iustified bi his blood shal be sauffe from wrath by him .

i. Cor. i Christ Iesus is be commed vnto vs wisdom , righteousnes , holines & redempcion . Here let vs confort our selues that though we haue be neuer so gret sinners , let vs confesse and knowledg our synne let vs call for mercye and pardon , let vs vnfainedly beleue christ to be our only helth Iustice , and redempt on : and strayght waye he is so , he wyl by and by couer and put awai our sinnes in such sort that we shal nede fere no peril nor daunger

ii . Cor. v Him that knew no sinne , hath god made sinne .i. a payment of sinne for vs , that we shuld become the righteousnes of god by hym . Gal. i

Christ gaue him selfe for our sinnes that he myghte delyuer vs fro this present wicked world acording to the wil of god our father

In Christ we haue redemption throughe hys bloude , Ephe. ● euen the remession of synnes according to the riches of his grace .

Christ Iesus is come in to this world to saue synners i. Tit. i

Christe Iesus hathe geuen hym selfe a redempcion for al men . i. Tit , ii This let vs constantly beleue vndoubted we be of the nombre of those that shal be saued . For when he is come a redemption for all , these thynges the he hath suffered pertayneth no lesse to the & me & euery one of vs ( so we beleue ) than to Peter or Paule Christ hath borne our sinnes in his body vpon the crosse . i. Pet. ii

Christ died ones for our synnes the ryghteous for the vnrighteous . i. Pe. . ii . The bloud of Iesus chryst clenseth vs from all sinne . i. Ioan. i

If ani man doth sinne we haue a aduocate with the father euen Iesus i. Ioan ●i Chryst the ryghteouse and he is the attonemente for our synnes : Not for ours onely : but for the synnes of the whole worlde .

By these places and suche lyke we maye se howe god the father ( which wyll not the death of a sinner , but that we shulde turne and lyue ) for that moost feruente burnyng loue that he beareth toward vs hath eased vs of the burden of our sin , & hath layd it vpon the back of his most dere beloued sonne . which his sonne hath so taken , borne and suffered for them : that they can neuer condemne vs . For god taketh and reputeth the deathe of his sonne for a full satisfactyon & paiment for al our sinnes , so that we truly beleue in hym : For seing that our sinnes thus layde vpon Chryst could not ouercome hym , retain him in deth , nor dampne him ( for why he rose againe ) vndoubtedly a full satisfaccion is alredye made for them , the iustyce of god is fully answered , and they be vtterly hid and forgeuen . Let vs beleue thys and we shall not perysh euerlastingly . For chryst is nowe become ours , with al that he hath with hys death , with hys resurrection , wyth his assencion into heauen , with his lyfe , Qui proprio filio suo non sepercit . his merites hys glorye . As saynt Paule wytnesse . Rom. viii . wherfore Satan hath nowe no title to vs , he can not medle with vs , he hathe no power to hurt vs . Forsomuch as we be iustified by christ purged from our synnes and made the chyldren of god by Chryst who hath reconcyled vs & wrought our peace , we must therfore be of good conforte . For seinge we be in the handes of god , that is omnipotent , who is now our best most louing & trusty father we be in a sureporte , we be without daunger , there can no incommodity nor aduersitie hurt vs for we be inuironed with the custodi of god & the gard of angels , oute of the handes of this heuenly father can no creature by force pluck vs When we be at an end by deathe of thys crosse and corporal afliction then haue we ended our iourney , then ha●e we fynyshed oure warre : Christ hathe borne the same crosse Chryste hathe passed the same waye , he hathe suffered lyke deathe , he is oure heade we must be lyke to hym we m●st suffre with him yf we intend to raygn with him we must leue thys corporall lyfe ere that we can enioye lyfe euerlasting . Lette not oure sinnes trouble vs : lette them not tormente oure conscyence , as though they coulde not be forgeuen . They are alredy forgeuen , if we repent and beleue : Christ is al ours as muche as he is . He by hys innocency hath couered and taken away our synnes . As Chryst can not be dampned , euen so we can not be dampned , yf with a ryghte faythe , we cleaue vnto hym . As synne , deathe , and hell , hadde no power agaynst Chryste so haue thei no power against vs so we be in Chryste , and Chryste in vs . Yf the matter hadde be left and committed to vs to haue borne our owne sinnes and to haue satisfied for them , they wolde haue be to heuy for vs , we had not be able to stande vnder theym they wold haue pressed and sunke vs downe to hell . But christe bothe god and man hathe ( of hys owne free will ) offered hym selfe for vs . he hath taken our turne , he hathe playd our parte , and paide for vs all that we ought . As it is in the Psalme spoken in the persone of christ , I payd that I oughte not , We had trespased , we were the detters , so farre behind hand , that all that was in vs , was not able to paie the lest some we ought . Christ became our suerty , paid for vs acquited vs , and set vs at libertie yea , made vs coheires wyth hym of euerlasting glorye

If it were possible for one man to commit the sinnes of the whole worlde , so he truelye repente and cleaue by true fayth to Chryst he can not be dampned , hys synnes be sufficiently and abundantly by Christ satisfied for . For Chryst ( as touching hys godhead one in substance with the heuenly father As touchynge his man hede oure very flesh and bloode ( hath purchased and truely boughte grace and pardon for vs . For Chryst be came man for vs , was borne for vs died vpon the crosse for vs , rose from death for vs , ascended into heuen for vs , and hath accomplyshed and perfourmed all thynges mete for our saluacion for vs . If therfore we beleue in christ we are beco●e partakers of Gods fauor we are eased of the packe & bourden of sinne , we are made the heires of god and coheiris with Chryst for euer , and that by chryste and for christ . For withoute Christ there is no consolacion on helth no hope no helpe . In Chryste alone is all comforte , all helthe , all hope , all succoure ▪ all refuge all grace and mercy more habundant more plenteous , more excelent than any man is able either to comprehend or to wishe . God graunte vs therfore a true and a constant faith . In this forme or in like sort we most comfort our selues in our sickenes or calamitye , and our brother beinge visited . But in ani wais and with al dilygence it is to be foreseene , that we wythdrawe oure mynde from the fearefull and terryble contemplacyon of synne , death , and damnacyon . And that we fixe these of our mynd and whole thoughte vpon christe onlye , the we cleue vnto him , that we call vpon hym , that we commit our self wholy to hym . For in christ we shal espie nothng but innocencie , iustice , lyfe , saluacyon which al be deriued from Chryste into vs , so that we wyll acknowledge him , & receaue him for the author of our saluacion and only redemer , yf we haue christ crucified afore our eyes : if we imprinte him in our hart , yf we flee to hym with out fath : if we wholy clyue to him Then shal hel gates nothyng preuayle against vs , then shal we be able to wythstand al the forcible assaultes of Satan , though thei be neuer so sore , neuer so fierce , neuer so terrible .

Let vs cal to remembraunce with what lenitie , what gentilnes , what humanitie , what clemency Chryst ( as it is in the euangelicall history ) hath called vnto him and receued al suche sinners as hath repented them and desired his helpe . We shall finde Mary Magdalen , the synner that honge vpon the right hand of christ crucified , the publicane , zache , wyth other mo whome Chryst most louyngly receiuinge pronounced cleare from sin , ( though they had synned greatlye ) and the chyldern of saluacion , chryste is very grace , mercy , helpe , comfort , life , ioye , and saluacion to al those which loke for these things at his handes : and put theyr trust in hym And all these thynges hathe God ( who is truethe it selfe & can not lie nor wyl not deceyue ) promysed vnto vs for chrystes sake .

Fynallye when deth approcheth we must do as Chryste dyd vpon the crosse , Mat. vi we must praye for our enemyes and forgeaue them with our harte . Yf we haue offended any man we must be hartely sory for it , we must desire forgeuenes . yf we haue iniured anye man , we must make hym amendes , or take such order that amendes maye he made vnto him , yf ●t passeth oure power to make restytucyon and amendes : it shal be ynoughe that we desire forgeuenes . And wyth our hartes forgeaue others which hath hurt vs ether 11. name , body sub●●ance or estimacion . For if we truely forgeue : god hathe promysed we shal be fyrgeuen as it is in the syxt of Mathew .

It is verye necessarye also and profitable for the confirmacion & strengthening of our fayth to receaue the most blessed sacramente of the body and bloud of our sauyour christ which we ar commanded to receaue in remembraunce of his benefytes , that hereby , we may be truely sertyfied in our conscyence hys body to be geuen for vs , and his bloud to be shed for remission of our synnes .

Dethe

OF our flesh & fraill nature is so ferd & abhorted that when he approcheth , mans hert is filled and laden wyth suche sorowes , panges , and anxieties as tong is not able to expresse .

¶ A medicine agaynst the feare of death .

WE muste call to our remembraunce deathe to be ouercomed and abolyshed by Chryst . So that nowe the soules of so many as trust in Christ , can not dy nor peryshe : but departynge from the body goeth straight to Chryst For thus was it sayde to the thefe at his houre of death . Thys daye shalt thou be with me in paradise The bodye thoughe it reste and pause for a whyle yet we be in certaine hope that at the laste daye it shal be raysed againe to immortal and euerlasting life . And therfore scripture calleth the deathe of the body but a slepe , for that thys same frayle , weke , vyle , mortall and corruptible bodye , whych we cary about , which lieth sicke & sore diseased , which shortly shal be put into the earth , burne to asshes , deuoured with bestes or fooles , drowned in water , the same self bodi ( I say ) shal be raised again incorruptible , glorious , bewtifull , stronge , pure immortall to possesse a newe and euerlastyng lyfe : i. Cor. xv where there shall neither be hunger , thirst , heate cold , synne , deth nor any kynde of calamitie , but iustice , innocencye , lyfe , ioye blesse , world withoute ende . For as the body of Chryst laid in the graue rose agayne the thirde day neuer more to dye , euen so shal the bodies of al the beleue in chryst at the latter day be resuscitate to a lyfe , after whiche shall folowe no death . God who is of infinite power and infallible truth hath promysed these thynges , they muste therfore nedes be so . And here it shal be profitable to call to remembraunce suche places of scrypture as treateth of the resurrectyon of the flesh , which be the words not of man but of god , who is able & will certeynly fulfill what soeuer he hath spoken . No man can chaunge his wil , no man can alter his purpose . No creature can frustrate let or tary his sentence . He is omnipotent , he is true , he is faithfull , his goodnes and mercye is inexpicable . Let no man therfore doubte of the trueth of his wordes let no man doubte of the performaunce of this promise .

☞ Here after foloweth certayne places of scripture witnessing the resurrection of the dead accordynge to the article of oure fayth wherin we say we beleue that this flesh shal rise agayne .

Ioan , vi THis is the wyl of my father which sent me , that who soeuer seith the sonne & beleueth in him shal haue life euer lastinge and I wyl raise him vp again in the last daye . Iohan. v

The houre cometh wherin all they that be in the graues shal here the voice of the sonne of god and shall go forth thei that haue done good vnto the resurrection of lyfe . For if so be that the spirite of him which raysed vp Iesus from the deade dwell in you : Rom. vi.i. euen he that raysed vp Iesus Chryst from the dead shall also quicken your mortall bodies because of hys spiryte that dwelleth in you . i. Cor. vi

God hathe both raysed vp oure Lord Iesus Christ and shal also raise vs vp by his power . Iohan. xi

Christe sayeth Lazarus was but a slepe where in verye dede he was dead and buried . But Christ is the resurrection and lyfe ( as it is in the same place ) so that he that beleueth on him thought he were dead he shall lyue , In verefienge whereof he raised strayghte waye Lazarus being foure dayes dead and stynkynge . And because we be naturallye in the agonye of deathe virye fearefull , weake and faintherted : to th ende that we myght be the easelier perswaded in the article of resurrection : Scripture maketh mencion of manye whiche in the tyme of the prophetes Chryste and th appostles were called from death to lyfe .

Luc. vii Luc. i. Christ raysed the widowes sonne

He raised the ruler of the sinagoge his daughter .

Iohan. xi Act. ix He raised Lazarus .

Peter restored to life Tabitha .

Act. xx 4. Reg. iiii . Paule raised again Eutichus

Elizeus the prophete called againe to lyfe his hostes sonne

4 , Re. xvii . Helias raised the babe of the woman of Sareptanie .

God toke also vnto him out of this frail and transitory life , Gen. v. 4. Reg. ii . these two excellent and holy men enoch and Helias quicke bothe bodye & soule , to giue vs ( as it were ) a tast and representation of the true life to come , lest after the opinion of the ethnickes and epicures we shulde thynke there were no worlde , nor beinge after this wretched & miserable lyfe . Let vs not forget what christ Iesus lorde of lyfe , & death , sayth in the .viii. of Luke , wepe not the maid is not dead but a slepe . Reason not comprehending the misteryes of god , nether perceiuing his pooer doth laugh this saing to scorne , but crist proueth his saing true , he raiseth by & by the dead maide to lyfe . The .xv. chapter of the first epistle to the Corin. is replenished with most godly pleasaunt and pithy consolacions . Trulye it is more precious than any golde . For in that Chapit . saincte Paule dothe so annexe and couple oure resurreccion to the resurrection of christ as though thei coulde in no wyse be seperate or deuyded after thys forme . Chryst is rysen from death ( which thing is certen ) ergo 〈◊〉 also shal vndoutedly rise . For christ is our head and we his membres : Thys head is nether without , nether wyll forsake his membres . Then it foloweth that where christ is , there shall we be . For why , we are the members of hys body and euen of his fleshe and bone , Ephe. v what tonge , what penne , what wytte is able to set forthe ( as it is worthy ) this ineffable , & inestimable glory of the mercye and grace of god , the God hathe vouchsafe so lowe to humble himself as to become mortal man that this feble and fraile nature or man vnited and knit to the diuine natur● by the power & ●fficacie of the godhead , myght be in haunced & promoted to immortalitie . For trulye the nature of al faythfull men whyche , ether were before chryst hath be sens , at now or shal be to the worldes ende : vndoubtedlie in chryst very god and man hath optained immortallity The consolacion therfore the riseth of christes resurrection is of great efficacitie . As when sainct Paule saythe to the Corinthians : i. Cor. xv . Christ is risen againe from dead , and is the firste fruictes of theim that slepe for by one man truly cam death & bi one man cometh the resurrection of the dead . And as al die in Adame euyn so shall all be made alyue in chryst but euery one in his order . The first is christ . Then thei which are christes whych hathe beleued in his comming . And saint Paul dothe adde a similitude taken of naturall thynges wherby he doth set forthe and declare the resurrection of bodies . The symilitude is taken of sede whych is cast into the earthe by the husbandman dieth as it were and rotteth . Neuer the lesse it is not vtterlye loste but at lenght spryngeth & commeth forthe of the earth , goodlye , beautyful & pleasaunte . So our bodyes shall rise agayne not feble , vyle , corruptyble , mortall : but stronge glorious incorruptible , immortal neuer to dy again but euer to liue

The wai into true and euerlastynge lyfe to our longe home , as they call it , and contrey is by corporall death . Fleshe and blood beinge corruptible and mortall cannot inherit the kydgdō of god wher nothing is but life . Therfore this corruptible bodi must put on īcorrupcion , Oze. xiiii . Esa. xxv , & this mortal must put on immortality . Than shal the saing that is written be fulfilled , Death is swalowed vp in victory . They that beleue in Chryste hath nowe ouercommed synne , deathe , and hel . Therfore not fearinge deathe but stronge , hold , and well harted in Chryste : they maye saye deathe where is thy sting ? death where is thy victorye ? The stinge of death is synne , and the power of synne is the lawe . But thankes be vnto God whiche hathe geauen vs the victorye through our lord Iesus Chryste .

Let vs heare also more sentences full of godly and mightye consolacion .

He that hath raised vp Iesus shal rayse vs vp also with Iesus ii . Cor iiii Our conuer●acion is in heuen from whence we do loke for the sauiour our lord Iesus christ which shall chaunge our vile body that it may be like fashioned vnto hys glorious body accordyng to the workynge of his power , Philli. iiii by the which also he is able to subdue al thinges vnto him selfe .

Ye are dead and your life is hid with christ in god , Col. iii. but when christ your life shal appere then shall ye also appere in glory with him .

We wolde not brethern ) that ye shuld be ignorant concerninge them that slepe , i. Tess. iiii that ye sorow not also as other do whyche haue no hope . For if we beleue that Iesus chryst died and rose agayne : euen then also which are a slepe through Iesus shal god bringe with him .

Saynct Paule also doth confort Timoth ii . Tim. ii . with the article of resurrection sayng . R●membre the the lord Iesus Christe beyng ●he sede of Dauid rose again from the dead according to my gospell . And if we be deade with hym we shal also lyue with him . If we suffer paciently we shal also raign with him .

It was written also to the hebrus Heb. ii that Chryste tasted deathe for all men , and that he was partaker of fleshe and bloude .i. became very man the he mighte destroye hym which had the rule of death ( that is ) the deuell , and that he myghte delyuer them which were in bondage al th●ir lyfe time by the reason of the feare of death .

God hath delyuered vs , ii . Tim. i and called vs with an holy calling not according to our workes but according to his purpose and grace whyche is geauen vs in Chryste Iesu before the time of the world but is now made manifest by the apperinge of oure sauioure Iesu Christ which truly hath destroyed deathe and hath broughte lyfe and immortalite to lyghte , by the gospell .

i. Ioh. iii We know that we are translated from lyfe to deathe because we loue the bretherne .

Iohn . 41 In this hathe the loue of god appered in vs , because god sente his onely begotten sonne into the world that we mighte lyue through him .

Iob. xix I knowe that my redemer doth lyue , and in the last daye I shall ryse agayne , and agayne be wrapped in my owne skine . And in my owne fleshe shall see God , whome I my selfe shall se & these my eyes shall beholde and none othere

These places of holye scrypture and suche lyke , yf we diligentlye remember & faythfully imbrace : we shall perceaue greaet consolacion and conforte And euen wyth sayncte Paule reioyse , Phil. iii. that we knowe Chryste and the power of his resurrectyon , wherby death is ouercomed . Nether is there nowe ( to these that beleue in Christ ) any thynge in deathe terrible or to be feared , sauinge onlye the Image and outwarde forme , hurte it can not . Lyke as a dede serpente keapeth stil his old fearefull shape & forme : but to stynge or do harme he hathe no power at al. And lyke as by the brasin serpente whyche Moyses by goddes commaundemente sette vp in deserte when it was loked vpon through the power of goddes woorde men were delyuered from● daunger of the lyuelye and venyme serpentes so our deathe is made harmles and we deliuered frome the feare and daunger of it , so ofte as wyth the eyes of our faythe we do beholde the helthefull and medycynable dethe of Chryst . In conclusion deathe is nowe become but a Image and shadowe of deathe , yea the entraunce and gate to lyfe . For Christ who is trueth it self sayth , Yf anye man kepe my worde , Iob. viii . he shall neuer see death , For a man trustynge to the mercye of God , through faithe , whiche he conceauith by herynge of Chrystes gospell : is so vnite and knyt to christ his lord and mayster , that he can not be plucked nor seperate frome hym .

The bodye in dede for a tyme is seperate from the soule but in certayne hope of risinge agayn to euerlastinge lyfe . And so he that beleuethe in Chryst dothe not see nor fele the euerlastinge dethe of body and soule , which is euerlasting dampnacion , For the death of good men is nothynge els but a departure from thys transitory and mortal life : to immortality to chryst , to hys angelles and sainctes .

¶ Hell and dampnacion .

DOth offer it self at the hour of death , so that many tymes man doth greatli feare lest he be abiecte from the fauour of god & appoynted to euerlastynge payne The deuyll ( whyche seketh by al meanes howe to deuoure vs ) sterynge vp in youre myndes manye daungerous & troubellous thoughtes concernyng our electyon & predestinacion .

¶ A medicine against the feare of hell and dampnacion .

WHen the deuil goeth about to cause vs to dyspaire or to doubt of our election : whether we be of the numbre of them that are appointed to euerlastyng lyfe or no , In any wayes let vs not be to boulde in copynge wyth hym , let vs not enter dysputacyon agaynste hym ( for he is to subtyle and expert for vs ) but say shortly vnto him . Away Satan with sorrowe , it is written , thou shalte not tempt the lord thy God . For seing that god as a most louyng father hathe not onlye geauen vs lyfe . fedde and preseruyd vs , to thys houre : but also hathe indued and euen loden vs from tyme to tyme with hys singuler benefites , what madnes were it contrary to oure former experyence , nowe to doubt of his mercy ? He hathe receauyd vs into hys flocke by baptime . He hathe sente vs the Gospell of hys grace , wherein he hathe promysed to become oure father . We haue he fedde wyth the fleshe and bloude of hys sonne oure sauiour CHRISTE in remembraunce that oure debtes be payd and we acquyted , whye shoulde we nowe then doubte of the good wyl of GOD towarde vs ? lette vs not therfore admytte the doutfull and daungerous Imagynacyons of oure predestinacion which the deuell like a crafty and malicious marchaunt doth labor to iusti●l . But let vs thinke vpon suche sentences as God woulde haue our mindes occupied wyth all , whych Christe hym selfe hath prescribed , as Iohn . iii , where he sayethe . GOD hathe so loued the woorlde , that he hathe geuen his onelye begotten Sonne that who so euer beleueth in him shall nor perishe , but haue lyfe euerlastynge . Loo here we see that he which beleueth in Chryst , which faythfully acknowlegeth chryste to be his sanctificacyon , iustyce redempcyon and satisfaccion : can not be dampned , but is assured of euerlasting lyfe . So many as conceaue faythe by bearynge of Goddes ●ord : and so truste stedfastly vpon the mercy of chryste Vndoutedlye they be of the number of those whych be chosen to everlastyng blysse , knowen before in CHRISTE predestinate . and written long syth in the boke of lyfe . These thynges be mooste certayne and most true , God can neyther deceyue nor be deceaued . Rom. viii . Such is hys good wyll , so hathe he purposed and decreed afore the worlde beganne , what thynges so euer therefore oure ennemy the deuell ( spytinge oure saluacion , and sekynge our destructyon ) shall put in our minde contrary to this doctrine . Lette them not moue vs , lett them not make vs afrayde , but lette vs trust truly in christe : and so shall he be come oures , and we become hys , who beynge our good LORD , we can mot perishe nor be dampned . Io. x For he wyl lose none of those that hys father hathe geuen hym , we muste fyxe oure eyes vppon Chryste , we muste flee to hym , we muste cleaue to hym . He is oure onelye and true sauyoure , who muste be apprehended and imbraced by faythe , yf we loke to be saued . For they that beleue ryghtelye in Chryste they are predestinate to euerlastynge lyfe . Here we muste diligently remembre and earnestelye expende the godly exhortacion of saynt Paul whych he writeth in the .xii. to the Hebrewes , whose wordes be these Lette vs runne by pacyence vnto the battell that is sette afore vs , He. xii . lokynge vnto Iesus , the auctore and finisher of fayth , whyche when the ioye was set afore hym , suffered the crosse , and dyspysed the shame , and sitteth at the ryght hand of the seate of God .

Furthermore all the greuous temtacyons and afflictyons that Ch●yste suffered , he sufferyd them for our sakes . Heb. iiii As saincte Paule sayth also in the .iiii. to the hebrus we haue not a highe priest that is not able to haue compassyon on oure weakenes : but such one was prouyd in all pointes wythout synne let vs therfore wyth bouldnes go vnto the seat of hys grace , that we may o●tayne mercye and fynde grace to helpe in tyme of nede Let vs in any ways consider and deplye imprinte in our harts , christ to be geuin vnto vs , not onlye to th end that we might be redemid , reconciled & made partakers of euerlastyng saluacion : but also that in him we myght haue an example , bothe howe to liue , and also how to end oure lyfe . Nether can anye man liue , suffe●r or dye well : vnles he loke vpon and folowe the lyfe , suff●rynge and death of Chryst , if therfore we desire to end thys lyfe well and godlye : let vs consider and remembre howe Chryste behaued him selfe in that bitter and smarte agonye , when hangyng vpon the crosse , he was assaulted with diuers fyersse and most greuous temtacyons , and praye that we may haue grace to folowe hys example .

FIrst he was temptyd with syn whan being hanged betwixte two theues as a notable and haynous synner : it was sayd vnto him yf thou beist the sonne of God , ●at . xxvii . come downe from the crosse . By this contumelious voyce what do they signifye elles , but that they iudged hym a noughtie and vngodly person , such one as by craft subtiltye , falsheade , sosserye , and other vnlawfull meanes had deceaued the people , hadde blynded the worlde , and to be nothynge lesse then the sonne of GOD .

Euen in lyke maner at the houre of deathe doth the deuyll tempte man , what soeuer man hath committed againste god , al the sinnes that euer he dyd , he sheweth vnto hym , he doth exaggerate them to the vttermoste , to th ende that the multitude and hainousnes of them considered and perceaued manne shulde doubte of the mercye and fauoure of god , and , so fall into desperacion . Here we had nede to stande sure . And euery one of vs had nede to aunswer our enemye , thus temptinge vs after thys maner I knowledge mi selfe to haue synnes aboue all numbre , and measure but Chryste , who neuer sinned in whose mouth was found no guile , who is that verye innocent lambe , hathe suffered deathe for my synnes , he hathe wasshed them awaye , he hathe satysfied aboundantlye for them , Esay . iiii . howe manye and howe greate so euer they were , Christes deathe partayneth also to me he was wounded also for my iniquities , he was brused for my vngracyousenes , by hys strypes I am also healed . All my synnes hath Chryste taken to him selfe , so that nowe I haue none ( thankes be to CHRIST ) who hathe satysfyed for theym in hys owne body .

CHRIST was tempted also with death , when it was said vnto hym : Math. ●7 . he hathe saued other , but he canne not saue hymselfe . ( As thought it shoulde be sayd he ) is nowe at appoynte , he must dye , there is no remedye , he canne not escape . Thus dothe oure olde and erreconcyble ennemy labour to feare vs wyth deth but let vs holde out the buckeler of faythe in Chryst agaynst hym Lette vs remembre that Chryste our Lord , kynge of glorye , and prynce of lyfe , coulde not be ouer commed nor holden of death , but thoughe he once tasted of deathe : he nowe liueth and raygneth for euer . Thys lorde of oures will not leaue vs , nor suffer deathe to execute any tyranny agaynst vs , that after he hath suffered vs to be tempted a whyle he wyll also that we dye corporally : al that is wholy for our welth .

Neyther coulde we other wayes come to euerlastynge lyfe but by temporall death . We must therefore leaue this present lyfe ere we can inherite the eternall life . Also thys corporall deathe bringethe thys comoditie that by tastynge the bitternes and sowernes of it : we haue experyence and knowe the excedynge loue that Chryste bare towarde vs , and the inestyma●le benefite that he did for vs in clensyng our synnes , in abolysshynge of death , in breakinge vp of hel gates , and al by his death .

Other wayes we could neuer haue knowen the power of chryst in abolishing of deathe , we could neuer haue iustly estemed the excellency of thes benefit , we could neuer haue sene howe iuste cause we haue to geue thanks to christ our Lord and redeamer . Chryste lyuing trulye , we shall also lyue . and this corporal deth to vs shall be nothynge els but a swete and holsome slepe , an intraunce and gate into the true & blessed lyfe . For after thys transitory lyfe then begynne we fyrst truly to lyue .

THirdli christ was tempted with hel , or euerlastynge damnation , whan it was said vnto him he hath trusted in GOD let him , now delyuer hym yf he wyll . As thoughe they should saye . Nowe it appearethe that he hathe hoped in God in vayne . For god wyl none of hym , he hathe forsaken hym , he likethe hym not , he dothe abhorre hym , he wyll caste hym downe to hel & perpetually condempne hym . When therfore the temptor shall lasche at vs with ly●e temptacyons , we maye not shrinke , we may not be afraid , w● may not be dyscoraged but commend our self , wholy to CHRISTE , hange vpon hym who is wholye oures , who hath geuen him self wholy to vs , so that synne , deathe , nor hel , hath no thynge to do wyth vs . Chryste with a inestimable price , his owne bloude hathe deliueryd vs frome the tyranny of the deuyl , and euerlastinge dampnacion , he is become our innocency , our lyfe , and oure iustice . Let vs take hede in anye ways that we turne not our hartes from CHRISTE , crucifyed . Yf we cleue to hym , we are set vpon a sure and inexpugnable rocke , agaynste the whyche all the power of hell is able to do nothinge . So that we may boldli exclame , and euery one saye ●●th CHRISTE I prouided the lorde afore my eys all waye , Psal. xvi for he is at my ryght elbowe , that I shulde not be mouyd , therefore my harte hath be gladde and my tonge hathe reioysed , moreouer my flesshe shall reste in hope . By faythe in CHRISTE we become the sonnes of GOD , the bretherne and coheires of Chryst , and partakers of euerlastynge lyfe , by this faith departing hence we shall go to the kyngdome preparyd for the electe , afore the beginnynge of the world . And if in the feruentnes of these temptacyons our faythe begine to wauer yf we do not bere pacyentlye the wyll of oure heuinlye Father , if our loue towarde god waxe faynt and cold yf o●●● hope beginne to be feble & weake : and therfore we begynne to feare , lesse god and we be not all at a full poynt , but that he is yet desplesed with vs ( which tentacion surely is verye greuous painful , dangerous , and hard to ouercome ) we must cal to remembrance Christ to haue suffred for vs so intollerable and inuincible tentacions : that there apered no help , no confort , no refuge , wherin GOD and the whole worlde : semyd to haue for saken him , and to be against him : In so mouche that he exclamed , O mi god , o mi GOD why haste thou forsaken me . Oh here was a greuous tentacion . A sharpe and a bytter deathe that CHRSTE suffered for vs , and all to make the way of the crosse and death easy vnto vs . Therfore seynge that , CHRISTE of hys owne free wyll , caste hym selfe in to the felynge of intollerable payne , calam●ty , and anxeity ( GOD our most louynge Father beyng therwith contente ) vndoubtedlye he knoweth and considereth our enfirmite , vndoubtedly he will not deale with vs accordynge to the rigour of the lawe , but will bere much with vs and pardon many thinges to our infirmity . Dothe not CHRIST speake to all men ? doth he not call men , when he sayth : Come vnto me all you that do labour and are laden and I shal refresh you ? how can ther be any greater consolacyon ? how coulde CHRISTE speake more mercyfull to vs . There be many thinges that pynche ▪ vexe , and trouble man greuously : but what thyng is it that can trouble the conscience of a synner , more than when he doubteth of the mercy of god , then whan he feareth lest God will cast him of then whan he can not persuad him self to conceaue ani trust of gods m●rci but Imagine that us withered member he shall cut of and cast away . Here we had nede of christs present helpe , here we had nede of spedi confort , lest this violente tempest ouerwhelme and drowne vs . But let vs not feare . CHRISTE is no decembler , he wyll stande by his worde , he wyll perfourme hys promise , He wyll helpe and refreshe Therefore when we begynne to trimble and feare in our conscience , when we beginne to doubt of goddes mercy , when we perceaue our faythe to be feable . Let vs forthwith call vppon GOD , and that feruentlye , and that indesinantlye , euen from the bottome of oure harte , that he tourne not his face from vs .

Lette vs power be●ore hym all that dothe trouble vs . Let vs disclose to hym oure meserye , oure imbecillitye , oure incredulity . Let vs crye wyth the disciples , Lorde increase oure fayth . And wyth the Father of the Lunatycke , Luc. xvii . Lorde we beleue , helpe our incredulyte . And with the prophet . Marci . i Lorde make haste to help vs . For thy mercy is aboue all thy workes . O mooste louyng , O moste mercyful father lord god of our healthe , Psa. lxi our onlye helpe and refuge . Enter not into iudgemente with thy seruauntes . Chryste is our iustyce oure redeption , and innocency , he for vs hath suffered most bitter & cruel death .

Let these thynges moue the o father of mercy . For this thi son our sauior chryst●s sake haue mercy vpon vs , confirme and strength our harte in fayth confort vs with the consolacions of thy holy spr●t , that we may finally optayne Ioy euerlastyng , through Iesus christ Amen ,

After thys sort yf we ( laboryng wresting and stryuinge wyth our imbecillyty , accusing afore god , & lamentinge our pusilianitye and incredulity ) do catch hold of christ and clene fast to hym , earnestlye and feruently desiryng hys help , that he wyl vouchsafe to take our place & to supplye that is lackyng in vs . These thinges if we do , surely all thinges shal be well , we shal auoyde and escape easly al daunger & peril , we shal be safe inough For these two , to beleue in Chryst and with hart to desire fayth , doth not much differ the one from the other . For though we fele yet great weaknes and imperfection in our selfe yet this ought to comfort vs that god willeth & commaundeth that he shoulde be called vpon , that he hath promised to here and help these , that cal ryghtly vpon hym . Now as nothing is more iustli or necessarily desyred than true fayth , euen so god hearyth no prayer soner or more gladly than whan man findyng no goodnes in hym selfe , doth acknowlege his owne infyrmity , hys owne mysery , hys owne beggerlines , dothe accuse and lament his owne increduliti , & with depe sighes , & harti des●res calleth for fayth . These sighes , these desyres , these p●ayers , this litil sparke of faithe is the very sede of God , wrought in vs by him which saith of chryste by the Prophet Esay , that he shall not quenche the smoking filaxe , nor breake the brusyd rede , Therfore let vs stedfastly beleue , or at the leaste earnestelye and hartely pray that we maye beleue , bewayling afore god our lacke of fayth , whiche thinges if we do , we nede not doubt bot we be acceptid of god , we be taken for his children For it is not for noughte , nor in vayne that he hathe layde oure imbecillitie and synnes vpon hys only begoten sonnes backe .

In Mathew Math. v. it is said blessed be those that mourne , for thei shal be comforted , blessed be those that honger after righteousnes , for ●hey shal be satisfi●d . These wordes ar spok●n also to vs , they may iustly be applied to vs , we mourne and are sorye in our hartes the we haue mispendid our life past . We wish and desire , yea we euen honger & thirst after righteousnes . Let vs be of good chere , we shall o●tain our desyre , we shal be comforted we shal be counted iust afore god for Chryst our sauioure his sake . Finally let vs after this example of Chryst and sainct Steuen commend our soules into the handes of god your heuenly father , sayng euery one after this maner .

O Most merciful father I commend into thy holye handes my spirit , yea thy spirit , for thou hast creat it , thou haste commytted it for a tyme to the body , thou hast geuen it thy owne Image and simylitude . Thou hast sente for the redemption of it , thi owne most derely belouyd sonne to shed his bloud . Thys the spirite , I resigne into thi handes , O GOD of all mercye , I am thyne al that I am , I beseche the refuse not thy owne , but receaue , kepe and place me in euerlasting glory for the sake of Iesus Christ , thy only begotten sonne Amen .