An epistle of comfort to the reuerend priestes, & to the honorable, worshipful, & other of the laye sort restrayned in durance for the Catholicke fayth.

AN EPISTLE OF COMFORT TO THE REVERENDE PRIESTES , AND TO THE Honorable , Worshipfull , and other of the layesorte , restrayned in Durance for the Catholike Fayth .

IT hath bene alwayes a laudable custome in Gods Church , for such , as were afflicted in time of persecution , not onlye , by continuall prayer , and good works , but also by letters , & bookes , to comforte one an other . And although ●he estate of imprisoned Confessours , or , as the Fathers call them , designed Martyrs , Tertul. li. ad Martires . hath bene so honorable , and they euermor● presumed , to be so especially lightened , and assisted by the holye Ghost , that the fountaine of spirituall delightes , was thought alwayes to lye open vnto them : yet because inward helpes are nothing preiudiced , yea rather abettered by externall motiues , I thought it no presumption to shew my reuerent affection towardes Gods prisoners , by presenting vnto them this epistle of comfort . And though others haue largely entreated of the same subiecte , and that in very forcible sorte : yet because where the same calamities are stil continued , the remedies agaynst them , can not be to often repeated , I deemed it not vnprofitable in this heate & seueritye of molestations , to employe some labour , in a thing of the lyke tenour . For as to the wayfaring pilgrim , wandering in the darke , and mistye night , euery light , though neuer so litle , is comfortable : & to the stranger , that traueyleth in a land of diuers language , any that can ( though it be but brokenlye ) speake his contrye tongue , doth not a litle reioyce him : So peraduenture in this foggye night of heresie , and the confusion of tongues , which it hath here in our Iland procured , this dīme light , which I shall set forth before you , and these my Catholicke , though broken speaches , which I shall vse vnto you will not be altogether vnpleasant . And though I maye saye with Tertullian , Tertull. Li. de ●atien . that as the sickest are most willing to talke of health , not for that they enioye it , but because they desire it : So I exhorte you to patience , rather as one , that wold haue it : then as one that possesseth it : yet because somtimes a diseased Phisician maye prescribe helthsome phisicke , and a deformed engrauer carue a fayre image , I hope no man will blame me , if for my owne good and your comfort , I haue taken vpon me to addresse vnto you this short treatise . Wherein I will enlarge my selfe but in a few poyntes : which seeme vnto me the principall causes of consolation , to those that suffer in Gods quarell .

Cap. 1. CaP. 1. The first cause of comforte in Tribulation is that it s●eweth vs to be out of the deuils power .

ANd first it must needes be a great comfort to those that ether reclaimed from schisme , or heresie , or from dissolute lyfe to the constant profession of the Catholike fayth , are for that ca●se by the deuill & his instruments , persecuted : for that it is a very great signe that they are deliuered out of his power , & by him accounted for sheepe of Gods flocke , seinge that otherwise he would neuer so heauilye pursue them . The poore creple had lyen long at the pond vppon Probatica , Io● . 5 and none would saye a worde of rebuke vnto him , but so soone as he was by Christ cured both in bodye and in soule , & beganne ioyfully to execute his commaundement , they streyte reproued him , for carying his bedd on a sabaoth daye . The lyke we reade , Io●● . 8 of that selye blynd man , who so longe as he continued in his blindnesse , was neuer called in question , but so sone as his eyes were opened , not onlye he himselfe , but his parents also were presentlye conuented . Luc: 7 When Mary Magdalen came to wash Christs feete with teares , and anoynt them with pretious oyntmente , there was a Simon to murmur at her , for the one , and a Iudas to reprehend the other , who notwithstanding spake not agaynst her , while she helde on her lewd and damnable course . The deuill desireth allidere paruulos ad petram , Psal. 136 to dash our litle ones against the rocke , that is , to blast vertue in the budd , before it growe either to fruite or flower . So beganne he with Eue in paradise , in so muche , Gene. 3 that the forbidden aple , is thought by the Fathers to haue bene the verye first , that she tasted of . So did Pharao procure to roote out the Hebrewes , EXO: 1 Matt. 2 by killing theire babes : as Herode also thought to doe with Christ , when he murdered the Innocents . The deuill hath his mastiues to garde his folde , that if anye escape out they maye presently barke & byte him with detractious slaunders ; & if that will not serue , with heauier afflictions . Of these the Scripture sayeth , Psal. 56 Filij hominum , dentes corum arma et sagittae , et lingua eorum gladius acutus . The children of men their teeth are like swordes , and arrowes , & their tongue a sharpe blade . And thoughe they be verye vglye monsters , that in steede of teeth , and tongue , carye such murdering weapons , yett such are the deuils instruments , to persecute those , that recoyle from his seruice . These men S. Ciprian well describeth in the person of Nouatian , Cipri . Ep. 1● ad Cornel. saying , that a man of that office , is Desertor Ecclesiae , misericordiae hostis , interfector paenitentiae , doctor superbiae , veritatis corruptor , perditor charitatis . A forsaker of the Church , an enimye of mercye , a murderer of penance a preacher of pride , a corruptor of the truth , & a spoyler of charitye . But they that leaue theire iorney , for suche , are lyke horses that are frighted with shadowes , seing they feare the paines , & troubles of this worlde which in deed are but shadowes , Chris●st . hom. 2● . ad heb. in respect of those of the worlde to come . Illic trepidauerunt timore , Psal. 5● vbi non erat timor . They there trembled for feare where there was no iust occasion therof . It is not for vs to regarde the slaunders of men , or to abandon the seruice of God for them , seyng that it is but a verye slender excuse , to alledge the feare of wordes of a vassall , as a iust impediment of not performing our duetye towardes our soueraigne . The frindshipp of this worlde is an enemye to God , Iaco. 4 & S. Paule him selfe sayd , that if he would haue pleased men , Gala. 1 he could not haue ben the seruant of god . It were a great follye for the blynd , to reuyle , or scorne others , because they see , or for the lame , to contemne those that are sounde of lymmes : and much more sottishnesse were it , for a man that seeth to goe blyndfolde , or to put out his eyes for the blynde wretches scoffinge , or to lympe or mayme him selfe for the creples sayinges . Ambulans recto itinere , Pro● 30 & timens Deum , despicitur ab eo qui infami graditur via . He that walketh an vpright waye , and feareth God , is despised of him that treadeth infamous pathes . Psal. ● But qui habitat in coelis irridebit eos . He that dwelleth in the heauens shall laugh such to scorne , knowinge how much better they deserue it , then those , whome they make their stales . It is no disgrace to the sunne to be hated of the Ousell , and night byrdes , nor to the iewell to be trodden on , and not esteemed of the beasts . And so Aristippus , when one tolde him , that men despised him , answered , so do the bests them , making as litle account of their contempt , as they did to be contemned of the bestes . Iob. 16 Ecce in eoelo testis meus , & conscius meus in excelsis . Lo my witnesse ( sayeth Iob ) is in heauen , and in the highest he , that is priuye to my doynges . We must not esteeme , how we are iudged of men , but how acceptable we are vnto God , who is the onlye vmpeere , of whom we must looke for the finall verdicte vppon all our actions . S. Bernard compareth such as are caryed with the wordes of mens mouthes , Serm. de natiuitate Ioa● . Baptist. vnto the moone ; which because it hath but a borowed light , somtimes waxeth and somtimes weyneth , & other whiles is not seene at all . So sayeth he they that relye theire consciences in other mens lippes , are somtimes of greate , otherwhiles of litle , and full often of no account , as it pleaseth the flattering tongues , to set forth , or suppresse their prayse . But he that with the sunne , caryeth his light within him , and maye saye with S. Paule Gloria nostra , 1 Cor. 1 testimonium conscientiae nostrae . Our glorye is the testimonye of our conscience , howsoeuer he may with a cloud of disgrace , & malicious slaunders , be couered from mens eyes , yet can his light be neuer so darkned , but that Pater , Matt. 6 qui videt in abscondito , reddet illi : Our father , which seeth in secrett will reward him , and in the daye of iudgment shall he shine like the sunne it selfe , in the view of the whole world , agreablye to that saying , Sap. 3 Fulgebant iusti sicut sol . The iust like the sunne shall blaze out theire brightnesse . You must not thinke , when you are come out of the Whales bellye , Ion. 4 to sett with Ionas in the shadowe , but that you shall haue some enuious worme , to gnaw the Iuye roote asunder . And if you be altered from a thorne , or bryer , to be an odoriferous Cedar , the worme , that can not breed in you , wil be gnarring about you . It is the propertye of the deuill , and his instrumentes , to feede like storkes , vpon the venemous & euill actions of men , and they onlye take pleasure to see vs in sinne , and reioyce ( if we amend ) at our calamityes . And as Vultures , or rauens , though they strayte smell a dead cors , when it is corrupted , and drawe , vnto it by the vnsauery stench , in which their delight is : yet the sound bodyes , they neyther sent , not seeke out : So the wicked are readye to flocke about vs while we are in the stench of sinne , and corrupted with vice , because they them selues delight therin : Yet if we be sound and hole , and haue cast from vs , that carryon , wherof they were eagre , they neyther smell vs nor seeke vs , yea rather auoyde vs and hate vs . The sauour of vertue striketh them dead , and though in the winter when the vyne was bare , they could lye vnder it , yett in the spring when it beginneth to flower , they lyke serpents are stroken dead with the sent therof : and therfore no maruell , though they mortally hate it . In our storme is their time of singing , as to the Sirens is vsuall , and they are most sadd in our calme , and sorye in our welfare . And as the shipp , while it is vppon the maigne sea , is in a manner a Castle or common wealth by it selfe , and hauing all the sayles hoysed vpp , and swolne with the wynde , and the banners displayed with a verye loftye shew daunceth vppon the waues , and allureth euerye eye to behold the pryde thereof : But when it is comen into the hauen , it is strayte ransacked by the Searcher , forced to paye custome , and the sayles being gathred , the banners taken in , the anchers cast , it lyeth quietlye at rode and is litle regarded : So they , that whyle they sayled vppon the surges of worldly vanityes , & followed the tyde of a consciencelesse course , might range vncontrolled , and hauing the fauourable gale of authoritye to waf●e them forward , and honours and pompe to sett them forth , were admired of the people : if they chaunce by Gods calling to retire them selues into the porte of true fayth , and vertuous lyfe , to worke their saluation , they are streyte serched , and sacked , theire sayles gathered , the accustomed wynde ●et , theyr glory disgraced , and they litle or nothing esteemed . Si de mundo essetis , mundus , quod suum est diligeret : Ioan. 19. sed quia ego elegi vos de mundo , ideo odit vos mundus . If you were of the worlde , the worlde , woulde loue you , but because I haue chosen you out of it , Basil in al●quot scrip . lohom . at . it beareth you malice . Saint Basill recounteth of his owne experience , that the Libard beareth such a furious hatred vnto man , that it sodeynly at the sight of him , flyeth in his face , and to auoyde the rage therof , the custome is to shew vnto it a mans picture , in a paper , which it presently rendeth and teareth asunder , shewing therbye , how eagrelye it is bent agaynst man him selfe , whose image it can not abyd . Euen so is it in the deuill and his followers , who not being able to wreacke their malice agaynst almightye God , whom they especyally hate , they turne their spite agaynst gods image , that is mans soule , and so much the more enuiouslye seeke the ouerthrow of it , the more they see it to waxe like vnto God , not onlye in nature , but also in goodnesse . When we come to the seruice of Christ we come to a rough profession , that is bound to haue continuall defiance and enimtye , with the pleasures , vanityes , and prayses of this worlde , and therfore can we looke for nothinge els at theire handes , that are friendes to the same , but onlye trouble , hatred , and persecution . Accedens quisque ad seruitutem Dei , August . in Psa. ●3 . ( sayeth Saint Augustine ) ad torcularia sevenisse cognoscat , contribulabitur , conteretur , comprimetur , non vt in hoc seculo pereat , sed vt in apothecas dei defluat . Let euery one , that commeth to the seruice of God perswade him selfe , that he is come lyke a grape to the winepresse , he shal- be crushed , squeysed , and pressed , not so much to procure his death , to the worlde , as his reseruation in gods seller . The theefe as S. Chrisostome obserueth , Chrisost. L. 2. de P●id . Dei . when he entereth into a house to rob , he first putteth out the lightes , according to that , Qui male agit , odit lucem . Ioan. 3. He that doth euill hateth the light , and therfore the deuil and his Impes , seyng those , that were once darknesse , ●Phes . 5. now to become light in our Lorde , they seeke to disgrace , & blemish their vertues , that they maye the more freelye contriue their wicked purposes . Circumueniamus iustum , contrarius est enim operibus nostris . SaP. Let vs circumuent the righteous , ( saye the wicked ) because he is contrarye to our workes . Origen . L. 7. cont. Celsion . But as it were sayth Origines a disprayse and abasement , for one , to be honored , and praysed by the impious onlye : so is it a greate honour , to be persecuted , and disgraced by them , because it is a pregnant proofe , that we are enemies to theire lewd behauiour . Howsoeuer the dogges barke , yet dogges remayne they , and we men : So remayne the bad , wicked , and we for all theire slaunders no whitt the lesse vertuous . The more the waues , and billowes , how boysterous soeuer they be , beat agaynst a stonye rocke , the more are they broken , and turned into a vayne some , & froth , & yet the rocke nothing the weaker . Let the malicious fume , and frett agaynst vs , our rocke is impregnable , if we cleaue vnto it , hurt them selues they may , but harme vs they can not . So it appeareth in Steuens persecutors , of whom it is written that Dissecabantur cordibus suis , Act. 7. et studebant in eum . They were cut in their hartes , and they gnashed with theire teeth at him . & yet he nothing moued , or terrefied with theire furious spite . Whose example maye be vnto vs a paterne of constancye , & teache vs to make the same account of the obliquyes of our aduersaries , that he did of the malice of the Iewes . For how can it moue any of gods seruantes , to be euill spoken of , especiallye by heretickes Quasi ( sayeth S. Ciprian ) apud lapsos , Cip. Ep. 66 et prophanos , et extra ecclesiam positos , de quoru pectoribus excesserit spiritus sanctus , esse aliud possit , nisi mens praua , et fallax lingua , et odia venenata , et sacrilega mendacia , quibus , qui credit , cum illis necesse est inueniatur , cum indicy dies uenerit . As though emongest the lapsed , and prophane persons , that are out of the church , out of whose brestes the holy ghost is departed , there could be other looked for , then a depraued mynde , a deceyptfull tongue , cancred hatreds , and sacrilegious lyes , to which , whosoeuer geueth creditt , must needes be numbred with them , in the daye of iudgement . Wherfore whosoeuer haue entred a vertuous course , lett them prepare their mindes to all kynde of tentation , both by words , and wicked endeuours of the bad , seynge that assuredly we know , that the deuill will neuer agree with those , that in gods cause are his enemyes , howsoeuer he fawned vpon them , while they were in his power . As long as the lyon hath the praye in his pawes , he can dallye and playe with it , but if he see any offer of escaping from him , he forthwith fixeth his clawes in the fleshe . Pharao neuer so fiercely did persecute the Israelytes , Exod. 14. as when they were going out of Aegipte . Gen. 31. Laban neuer pursued Iacob , till he departed from him : so litle careth the deuill to byte or barcke at those , that are his ●ousehold seruauntes , vntill such time , as they beginne to waxe straungers vnto him . Of this the scripture geueth vs warninge , Esa. 59. Qui recessit a malo praedaepatuit . He which forsooke wickednesse , laye open to the spoyle . And S. Gregorye to the same effect sayth Hostis noster , Greg. ho. 2 in Euang. quanto magis nos sibi rebellare conspicit , tanto amplius expugnare contendit : eos enim pulsare negligit , quos quieto iure se possidere sentit . Our enemye the more he seeth vs to rebell agaynst him , the more endeuoreth he to ouercome vs , For such he litle careth to molest , of whom he findeth him selfe in quiet possession . So maye we vnderstand the wordes of Holofernes vnto Iudith . Nunquam nocui viro , Iudit . 11. qui voluit seruire Regi Nabuchodonozor . I neuer did harme to anye that was content to serue my Kinge Nabuchodonozor . younge Tobias , Tobi. 6. so long , as he walked in the myre , and dirt , went quietlye , and was neuer troubled : but when he went to washe his feete in the cleare riuer , there was presently a fishe redy to deuour him . The Pirates , while they knowe the shipp to be emptye , let it quietlye passe , but when it commeth loaden with rich marchandise , theire maner is to assault it with all violence : So sayeth S. Chrisostome , Chrisost. Hom 31. in g●n . while men are voyde of vertue , the deuill letteth not theire voyage , but when they are enriched with grace , & haue taken in their freyght of the gyftes of gods spirite , he strayte geueth the onsett with tribulation . He commeth not into styes , and kenels to seeke his praye , for he knoweth , that there is nothing to be found , but myre and filth : but his haunt is to the rich cofers , and chestes of Iewels , and plate . Those that haue nothing in them , but sinne and wickednes , lye alwayes open vnto him , and well he knoweth , that they are not worth the robbing : but those that begīn to fill their cofers , with the Iewels of vertue , & clense theire soules from vice , to geue roome to gods heauenlye treasures , are a praye that he longeth to gett , as the same sainte obserueth . He well knoweth , that suche as are out of gods fauoure , maye be wonne with out strokes , and he is able with eueryè push , Hom. 1. ad . Pop. Antioch to laye them grouelinge in what sinne he listeth . But when he findeth one returned into grace and armed with godlinesse agaynst his encounters , vpon him he commeth with sadd blowes , and by all sleyghtes and violence endeuoreth to ouercome him . A paper wall he breaketh with one knocke , but when he findeth a strong rampier , or bulwarke , he strayte planteth his batterye , and vseth all possible engines to ouerthrowe it . But alas his force is but feeble , Chrisost. hom. 25. in Matt. his engines weake , to batter downe the adamante rocke of vertue , and therfore as S. Chrisostome . sayth therin he doth but spurne against a thorne , and while he seeketh to hyde the fire in his garmentes , he doth but burne him selfe , Hom. 5. in Matt. and geue the fire matter to worke vpon , and shew it selfe the more . God will alwayes defend a Moyses , and prayse him most , Num. 12. when Aaron and Marye murmur agaynst him : and Christ will take vpon him the patronage of a Magdalen , what Iudas soeuer controll her good workes , yea if men oppresse them , the verye senselesse and vnreasonable creatures , will fight in their defence , and witnesse their innocencye . The sea will honour a true Israelite , by giuing drye passage . Exod. 14. Dani. 6. 3. Reg. 17 Dan. 3. The hungrye Lions will be lambes to a Daniel , the crowes will feed an Elias , and the flames of fire with-holde their force , CaP. 2. from burninge a Sidrac , The second cause of comforte in tribulation is , that it sheweth vs to be gods children tenderly loued of him . Heb: 12. Misaac , or Abdenago .

CaP. 2.

Another cause , whye we should willingly suffer tribulation , is , because Quem diligit dominus castigat , flagellat autem omnem filium quem recipit . Whome God loueth , he chastiseth , and scourgeth euerye childe , that he receyueth : And S. Paul● , calleth those that are extra disciplinam , Ibid. from vnder correction , base borne , and not true children of Christe . When Dauid was reuiled of Semei , he acknowledged it from God , that vsed him like his childe : 2. Reg. 16. Praecepit illi dominus vt maledicat mihi . Our Lord hath commaunded him to rayle at me . God knoweth how easelye in the vanities of this lyfe , we reuolte from him , & therfore restrayneth our licentious humor with the snafle of affliction , and with trouble curbeth our affections . The falconer that hath a hauke on his fist of great price , be he neuer so fond of it feedinge it him selfe , and takinge his whole delight in it , yet will he not lett it loose , yea the more he loueth it , the more care he hath to keepe it hooded , to haue good Iesses at the legges , and to holde it fast : So dealt God with Dauid , whom though he aduaunced to succeed Saule in his kingdome , and gaue him not onlye the victorye ouer Golias , but bounde vnto him the good wils of Saul●s sonne & familye , yea of the whole people : yet put he iesses to his legges , vnwilling to leese so choyce a peece , & therfore was he so persecuted by Saule , that he was miserablye tossed , and tormoyled , and suffered famyne , thirst & other greate distresses . S. Paule a greate fauorite of God soared so hye , that he came to the third heauen , and some deuines , and Fathers holde , that he had the view of the verye essence of God , and yet had he his iesses : Ne magnitudo reuelationum extollat me , ● Cor. 1● . datus est mihi Angelus satanae , qui me colaphizet . Le●t the greatnes of reuelations , shoulde puffe me vpp , ther is allotted vnto me , an Angell of Satan to buffet me . Gen. 44. Beniamin of all the brothers was most tenderly loued of Ioseph , and therfore was Iosephs cup found in Beniamins sacke : So is the chalice which Christ droncke of , that is the chalice of tribulation found in their sackes , whom Christ most loueth : The new peeces are tryed , whether they be good by fire & gonnpowder , which if they can beare , without breakinge , they are much esteemed . God is verye ioyce , whom he adopteth for his child , and his inheritance is so greate , that he meaneth to geue it to such onlye , as shall well deserue it , and therfore not only beginners are tryed to the proofe , before he make anye reckoning of them , but euen those to whome he hath geuen honorable entertaynment in his seruice , and maketh greate account of , ar putt to continuall proofe of theire perseuerance . EXO. ● . So when Abraham seemed to be most in gods fauour , he was tempted , and bidden to offer his owne sonne . When God him selfe praysed Iob , Iob. ● . he was strayte assaulted with most greeuous tentations : Yea & Christ after that voyce Hic est filius meus dilectus , this is my beloued sonne , Matt. 3.4 . was presentlye ledd of the spiritt into the deserte , to be tryed with tentation . And it was sayde to Tobye : Tob. 1● Quia acceptus eras Deo , necesse fuit vt tentatio probaret te , because thou werte acceptable vnto God , it was necessarye that tentation should prooue thee . Greg. L. 2● moral . Such Patients , ( sayeth S. Gregorye , ) as be not past cure , God geueth bitter medicines vnto , because he mindeth to restore them to perfecte health , but such as are so farr gonne , that by ordinarye course of phisicke , they are not likelye to be recouered , he suffreth to doe what best liketh their phantasie , without controlment . When Dauid numbred his people , 2. Reg. 2● god scourged him with a greate mortalitye : but Augustus committed the same sinne , yea and a greater , makinge all to paye tribute , yet was not once touched . When Ionas fledd by sea from going to Niniue , 〈◊〉 . 1. doubtlesse in the shipp were diuers greuouser sinners then he , beinge all gentils : & yet when it came to triall , for whose sinne the tempest was raysed , the lott fell vpon Ionas : and when he was cast into the sea , the storme ceased : which is a token , that the wicked though they be full freyght with sinne , shall sayle with a calme tyde , and prosperous gale : but those whom god loueth , for that litle which they haue offended , shall haue theire stormes , and be cast into a sea of afflictions . This language of the holye ghoste , is not vnderstoode of the worplings , who like fleshwormes , only feede vpon the pleasures of this lyfe , and dreame of no other felicitie . Alas poore wretches full litle vnderstand they their owne miserie , carying vnder the names of Christians , the hartes of Pagans , preferringe pleasure , & the future paynes due vnto it , before the Crosse of Christ , and the eternall felicitie ensuing after it . But suche carye theire sinnes to hell to be punished with euerlasting tormentes , and the afflicted soules beinge purged here , shall after theire decease , enioye their heauenlye inheritance . This is signified in Leuiticus : Leui. 24 Qui maledixerit Deo , portabit peccatum suum , qui autem assumpserit nomen Dei , morte morietur . He that blasphemeth God , shall carye his sinne , but he that taketh his name in vayne shall dye the death . In respecte of blaspheminge God or reuiling him , it is but litle to take his name in vayne : and yet is this punished in this lyfe , with present death , the other not : for why as Origines vnderstandeth it , the other is so great , as it deserueth a more greuous reuenge , & therfore shall the offendor carye it with him into hell . So befell it in the rich glotton , Lax. 16. whose offences not beinge purged with anye tribulation , were reserued to the flames of hell , wherin he was buried : wheras Lazarus in life full of miseries went without any stopp into the bosome of Abraham . The like ende did the Machabees foretell Antiochus of , when he put them to death . 2. Mac. 7 Nos propter nosmetipsos haec patimur , peccantes in deum nostrum , tu autem ne impune existimes futurum , quod contra Deum tentaueris pugnare , tibi enim resurrectio ad vitam non erit . We for our owne faultes suffer this , offending our God , but thincke not thou that it shall passe vnreuenged , that thou hast presumed to fighte agaynst God , for to thee shal be no resurrection vnto lyfe . And this maner and fatherlye kinde of proceedinge vsed Paule with that sinfull Corinthian of whom he sayde . Quem tradidi Satanae in interitum carnis , 1. Cor. ● vt spiritus saluus fiat . Whom I haue geuen ouer to Satan , for the destruction of his flesh , that his soule maye be saued . And in truthe it is a most rufull scourge of God , and a token of a reprobate soule , to be suffered to enioye continuallye all sortes of delighte , and to haue no crosse to trauerse our comfortes . This scourge did God threaten vpon the people of Hierus●lem , when reckoning the enormities by them committed , he surioyneth presentlye . Propter quod , Hier. 6. ● . non visitabo super filias vestras , cum maechantur . For which I will not chastice your daughters , for theire fornications . As who would say , this shal- be parte of your punishment for this , Basil. in Cap. ● Esay . S. Basill expoundinge those wordes of Esaie , I will leaue my vineyarde desolate , it shall neyther be pruned , nor digged , vnderstandeth them of the soule that sinneth with-out scourge , which therby waxeth wylde , fruitlesse , & full of weeds . A more plaine saying for this purpose we haue in the second of the Machabees , wher the holy ghost in these wordes warneth vs of it . 2. Mac. ● . Obsecro autem eos , qui hunc librum lecturi sunt , ne abhorrescant propter aduersos casus , sed reputent ea , quae acciderunt , non ad interitum , sed ad correctionem esse generis nostri . Etenim multo tempore , non sinere peccatoribus ex sententia viuere , sed statim vltiones adhibere , magni beneficy est indicium . I beseeche them that shall reade this booke , that they be not terified , by these aduersities , but rather deme those thinges which haue happened , to be rather to the amendment , then destruction of our nation : for it is a token of a greate benefite , not to suffer sinners to haue longe time their designementes , but strayte to sende them reuenges : for God dealeth not with vs , as with other nations , whose sinnes he leaueth to the laste daye , to be punished together , but though he neuer remoue his mercy from vs , he chastisinge neuer forsaketh vs , in our troubles . Well therfore sayeth S. Augustine : August . in Psa. 99 Vnde plangis ? quod pateris medicina est , non paena : castigatio , non damnatio : Noli repellire flagellum , si non vis repelli ab haereditate : noli attendere , quam paenam habeas in flagello , sed quem locum in testamento . Why weepest thou ? that which thou sufferest is a medicine , not a punishment , it is a correction , not a condemnation : Reiecte not the whippe , if thou wilt not be reiected from the inheritance , regard not what payne thou sufferest in the scourge , but what place thou hast in thy fathers will . The calues or oxen ( as S. Grgorye noteth ) that are designed to the slaughterhouse , Greg. Li. 21. moral . are suffered to runne , and range at theire will in pleasant pastures : but those that are appoynted to lyue , are put in the plough , yoked , tyered , and whipped . Of this S. Augustine vseth these words : Quot sunt , qui lasciuijs vt boues , et vaccae ad iugulum tendunt , August . in Psal. 72. & canentes , et saltantes parant iter ad infernum ? How manye be there . that runn dalyinge like oxen to the stall , and prepare their waye to hell with singing & daunsing . Dimisit eos , ( sayeth Dauid ) secundum desideria cordis eorum , Psal. 30. ibunt ad inuentionibus suis. He hath giuen them ouer to their owne harts desires , they shall goe on theire owne deuises . But howsoeuer they prosper here in all theire attempts , and worldelye wayes , portant peccatum suum , they cary theire sinne with them , and in them is that sayinge of Iob verified . Ducunt in bonis dies suos , 10 B. 21 & in puncto ad inferna descendunt . They passe theyr dayes in iollitye , and in a moment they tumble into hell . PSa. 72. In this lyfe true it is , they are not partakers of the toyles of other men , and they shall not be scourged with them , and therfore were they puffed vp with pryde , & ouerwhelmed in theire owne sinne and impietye . But sure it is Comedent fructus viae suae , Pro. 1 they shall feede on the fruites of theire owne waye , in the world to come . Which fruites are thus described in Deutronomie , vua eorum vua fellis , Deutro. ●● & botri amarissimi . Fel Draconum vinum eorum , & venenum aspidum insanabile . Theire grape is full of gall , and theire clusters extreeme bitter , the gall of dragons is theire wine , and the vncureable poyson of Cocatrices . The theeues ( sayeth S. Chrisostome ) till they come before the Iudge , Chrisost. hom 1. de risurrect . lyue in delightes , and of other mens spoyle and calamitye enioye aboundance , & plentye of all pleasure : So the wordlings till theire time of accompte come : but then shall they be throwne into fluddes of fire . And as S. Augustine warneth . Veniet iudicium , vt arescant peccatores , Aug. in ps. 93 & virescant fideles . Ther shall come a Iudgement , that shall make the wicked wyther , and the faythfull florishe . Better therfore it is to be chastised here with Gods children , then spared and pampered with the vassals of Satan : better to be dashed , with the frutefull plantes , them without touching to florishe with barren trees , and in the ende be quite cutt downe to make fuell for hel fire . For aecording to the saying of S. Augustine . August . ibidem . Boni laborant , qui flagellantur , vt filij : mali exultant , quia damnantur vt alieni . The good toyle because they are scourged as children , the bad triumphe , because they are condemned as aliantes . Greg. in Ezech. And ( as S. Gregorye obserueth ) Peccantes quosque tum putemus amplius miseros , cum eos conspicimus in culpa sua sine flagello derelictos . Lett vs then accompte sinners most miserable , when we see them lefte in theire sinnes without correction . Psa. 1.43 There is a people ( sayeth Dauid ) whose sonnes are like florishing young spyres , their daughters decked , and trimmed like temples , theire granaries and sellers full of prouision , their sheepe & cattell fatt & fertill , no ruines in theire howses , no noyse nor crye in their streetes : But for all this , doe not you saye Beatus populus , cui haec sunt , Blessed is the people , that hath these thinges . The oke is stately of grouth , full of fayre leaues and casteth a pleasante shadowe , but the fruite therof serueth for nothing , but for swine to feede vppon . And Clemens Alexandrinus compareth such to the prophane temples of the Egiptians , Clem. Alex●● L. 2. Padagog . ca. 2 on which if you looke , you shall first se● verye sumptuous , and stately buildings , garnished about with varietye of marbles , portraytures , and curious workes : with in the first roomes adorned , and decked with gorgeous furniture , and greate maiestye : But if you goe into the secretest Chappels to view the God for whose honour all this solemnitye & preparation is vsed , you shall finde some vglye viper , or crocodyle , or some other venemous serpent . So is it with those that enioye prosperitie in this worlde . If you consider their houses , they are costlye and glorious , if you marke their attyre , it is fayre and precious , yf you view theire bodyes , they are personable and comelye . But if you enter into their inmoste roome , and consider what is harboured in all this brauerye , you shall not finde a cleane image of God , but in place therof , a monstrous , vglye , & sinfull soule , in the state of damnation , and therfore be not deceyued with their vayne externall glose . Though you see the fishe merelye catch the bayte , and with fleetinge and turning to and fro , to seeme to reioyce at it , maruaile not ( sayeth S. Augustine ) neyther deeme it happye , August . in Psa. 91 the fisher hath not yet pulled the thred , the hooke is not yet fastened in the fishes guilles , but surely it will be one day verefied in such : Eccl● . 9 Sicut pisces capiuntur hamo , & aues laqueo , sic capiuntur homines in tempore malo . As the fishes are catched with the hooke , & the birdes with the snare , so are men taken in time of miserie . And in the ende how-soeuer they nowe dalye , and playe in pleasure , the fisher as Abachuc foretolde Totum in hamo subleuabit , Abac. 1. & trahet illud in sagena sua , et congregabit in rete suum : He shall drawe all vpp with his hooke , and shall hale and gather it into his nett . And then alas for theire libertye , they shall reape restraynte , and for one daintye bitt , be an eternall praye of the woroing & deuouringe helhoundes . And for this cause doth God chastice his children in this life , & if they can not be wonne with easier remedies , whom he seeth redye to runn astraye , he holdeth backe with a hard bitt of aduersitye , & hedgeth them in with the thornes of tribulation . Ose. 2 I will hedge in thy waye with thornes sayth God , to the sinfull soule , and I will inclose it with a wall . First like a most faythfull paramour of our soule , hangi●● in moste rufull maner naked , wounded , and redye to dye vpon the Crosse , he hath often sent vs em bassyes of loue , Cant. 2 sayinge Dicite dilecto meo , quia amore langueo . Tell my beloued , that I languishe for loue . And we most vngratefullye haue refused his messengers . He hath shewed vs his feete nayled to attend our comminge , August . L. de ●●rginis . his side open to geue vs entrance , his armes stretched forth readye to embrace vs , his head inclined to afford vs the kisse of peace , his eyes shutt to all our offences , his eares vnstopped to heare our petitions , his handes open to enrich vs with his gyftes , finallye a multitude of bleeding woundes to shewe vs how entierlye he loued vs , and how dearlye he bought vs . But we like the stifnecked Iewes , nothing moued with his excessiue loue , haue contemned all his in uitings , yea when vttering his most ardent desire of our soules , ●oa● . 19 he sayde sitio : I thirst , we answered him with a drafte of eyfell and gall , and when yelding vp the ghoste to conclude our redemption , he sayde Consummatum est . It is consummated : we with most brutish & sauage hartes fought with his dead cors , not sparing with one , yea with a thousande speares of our sinnes , to wound him to a second , yea to many deathes . Yet hath not all this vngratefulnes , altered his affection , but seing that he can not moue vs with so manye griefes susteyned in our behalfe , he obscureth the sonne of our comfortes , he sendeth earthquakes of tribulations , he maketh the graues open , and setteth death before our eyes , to wynne in a maner by force , sith by loue he coulde not , and to make vs euen amongst the mydst of his enemies , with the Centurian to confesse him , Matt. ●● and saye . Vere filius Dei erat iste . Vndoubtedlye this was the sonne of God . The vanities of this worlde , cast the soule into such a delightsome phrensie , and lull it so daungerouselye a sleepe , that maynye in a franticke fitt of licentiousnes , runne hedlong to perdition : Et dum letantur insaniunt . SaP. 14 And while they reioyce they raue . And other in a carelesse , and remisse kynde of life sleepe them selues to death Sicut vulnerati dormientes in sepulchris , PSa. ●● . like wounded wretches sleepinge in theire graues . And therefore God holdeth ouer his children the rodd of tribulation , both to temper and staye to raging moode of the franticke , and to rouse the dead sleepers out of their letargye . And as it can of no reasonable man , be construed , but in good parte , to bynde & keepe in awe , yea to whipp and beate , the mad man , when he falleth into his rage , likewyse to pynch , nipp , & wring , yea and with redd hott yrons to burne the sicke of a letargye , when he entereth into his dead sleepe : So for God , to correcte our former , or to preuent our future infirmities , by the scourges or hott yrons of affliction , can not but be thought the parte of a mercifull & prouident father : for as ( S. Augustine oteth ) Non omnis , August . ser. 59 d● verb. Dni● qui parcit amicus est , nec omnis , qui verberat inimicus . Meliora sunt vulnera amici , quam blanda oscula inimici . Melius est cum sinceritate diligere , quam cum lenitate decipere , et qui phreneticum ligat , et letargicum excitat , ambobus molestus ambos amat . Not euery one that spareth is our friend , nor euerye one that striketh our enemy . Better are the woundes of a friend , then the flattering kisses of a foe . Better it is to loue with sinceritie , then to deceiue with lenitie : he that byndeth the franticke , or waketh the sicke of the letargye , though to both ttoublesome , yet to both is verye friendlye . To weane vs from an vnnaturall nurce God anoynteth her teate with the bitternesse of tribulation , and as a mother desirous to affectionate her childe , to her selfe aboue all other , maketh all of her householde , to vse it curstly in shew , that finding good intreatye of none but her , it maye the willinglyer repayre vnto her : So God , ( sayeth S. Chrisostome ) suffereth vs , Chrisost: hom. 14. ex variis in Matt: loc. of the worlde , fleshe , and deuill to be molested , that we maye only acknowledge him , and come vnto him as our chiefe succour and refuge . The Deuill kisseth where he meaneth to kyll , he giueth vs a draught of poyson in a golden cup , and in a sumptuous and statelye shipp wafteth his passengers vpon the rockes of eternal ruine : Eus●b : Emiss● hom. 3 de Epipha : Dum per voluptates ( sayth Eusebius Emisssenus ) extrinsecus blanditur , intrinsecus insidiatur : interficit spiritum dum oblectat affectum . While with pleasures without he delighteth vs , inwardlye he deceyueth vs , and killeth our soule , while he flattereth our fancye . For when he moueth vs to labour our wittes , and settle our affection in these inferiour things , what doth he perswade vs , but with a golden hooke , to fishe in a filthye puddle , & sincke , where nothing can be gotten but venemous and vnsauorye vermin . With Sirens sweete notes he woeth vs into the salte sea of perdition , with Crocodyles teares , he endeuoreth to intrapp vs , and when he sheweth a mans face , and glorious lockes adorned wrth a crowne of golde , as the Locustes of the Apocalips did , Apoc. 9. then meaneth he euen like the same to byte vs with his Lions teeth , & stynge vs with his Scorpions tayle . For whye all his fauoures and friendlye countenances are but Oscula inimici , kisses of an enemye . Virus amaritudinis obscurat fraude dulcedinis , Euseb: Emiss ibidem . prouocat prius odor poculi , sed praefocat infusus sapor in virus , mel est , quod ascendit in labia , venenum et fel , quod descendit in viscera . He shrowdeth his bitter poyson , vnder a deceiptfull sweetenesse , the pleasant sauour of the cupp inuiteth , but the sweete taste of the poyson choketh , it is honye that commeth vpp to our lippes , but gall and poyson , that goeth downe into our bowels . And howsoeuer with a smoth flyghte , and an euen winge the deuill houereth in the ayre , as though he weare an Egle , that delighted to view the Sonne , and looke towardes heauen : yet beareth he a raueninge minde , & in truth is but a greedy kyte , that hath his eyes alwayes fixed on the Earth , and maketh only such a fayre shewe in the ayre , the better to watch a fitt tyme , when he maye best seyze vppon his praye . For this Saint Basill compareth him to a theefe , Basil : in hom. non esse adh●rendum reb●● secularibus . that when he can not by open violence catch his bootye , seeketh by shrowding him selfe in the valeys , bushes , & darknes of the night , to take the poore traualour vnprouided , and so to spoyle him . For so the deuill when he seeth , that by open pursute he can not ouerthrowe vs , he couertlye cowcheth him selfe in the shadowes , & bryers of worldlye vanityes , and delightsome allurementes , therby to intrapp vs ere we preuente his traynes . Chrisost. hom ▪ de auar. tem . ● But God taketh a contrarye course . For as the husband man doth lopp the vyne , leaste all the force be vnprofitable spente in leaues , and the roote beinge therbye weackened , the frute be neyther so much , nor so pleasante as otherwyse it would : So God like a carefull keeper of our soule , least our whole mynde shoulde be imployed in vayne and superfluous pleasures , he cutteth them from vs , that our wittes , which would in them with our profitt haue byn diffused , beinge kepte in compasse by troubles , may be fitter to worke , and bring forth frutes of eternall saluation . Where God purposeth to heale , he spareth not to launce , he ministreth bitter sirroppes , to purge corrupte humors , and sendeth embassies of death and reuenge , where he meaneth to afforde eternall lyfe and felicity . Good Raguell prepared a graue for young Tobias , Tob: ● . and yet desired harte lye his long lyfe . Ioseph accused his brothers , as spyes , when he mente them left harme , and restreyned litle Beniamin as guilty of thefte , Gen: 44 whom he knewe fulwel to be a guiltlesse innocent . But these accusacions were but like water in a smithes forge , to kindle not to quenche , a rough entrance to a most kynd vsage , and an outwarde shewe of suspicion , to vtter the more his intire affection . Euen so dealeth god with his children . We haue passed through fire & water ( sayth Dauid ) : Ps● 65 but it foloweth , and he hath led vs out into comforte . Manye goe de carcere & catenis out of prison & cheines , but their iorneys ende is , Eccle: 4. ad regnum . to a kingdome . Many be in a few thinges vexed , but they shall be well considered for it in many . Sap: 3● Manye are tryed lyke golde in the fornace , but at their time shall regarde be had vnto them . If it be a greeuous infirmitye , at the lest it maketh the soule sober . Eccle: 31. And if god beginne with aff●ixi te . I haue afflicted thee , N●● : 1. he will doubtlesse ende with Non affligam te vltra . I will afflicte thee no more . 2. Cor: 1 And finallye . Sicut socij passionum sumus , sic erimus & consolationis , si commortui sumus , 2. T●● : ● . & conuiuemus , sisustinemus , & conregnabimus . As we are fellowes of his passions , fo shall we be of his comforte , and if with him we dye , with him shall we liue , and if we suffer his Crosse , we shall be partners of his Crowne . God woundeth , but his wou●des be vulnera amici woundes of a frinde . He sent Ionas to Niniue to threaten them an ouerthrow , Io● : 1. but his intente was , to bring them to repentance , that he mighte continue towardes them his fauour . 4. Reg. ●● . He sent to Ezechias to tell him of his laste day , but his meaninge was to make him sorye for his offence , that he mighte adiorne his lyfe . Daniel . 6 He suffered Daniel to be throwen into the denne of Lions , but it was to aduaunce him to greater credit . Gen. 39.17 He that had seene Ioseph vndeseruedlye in prison , Iud. 10. Hester . 5. Dan. 13. Iudith in her enemies campe , Mardocheus in sackcloth with his gibbet before his eyes , and innocent Susanna going to be stoned , would haue lamented their case , and feared their farther misfortune . But had he knowen , that Iosephes prison shold end in a Prince dome , Iudiths hazard with a most happye victorye , Mardocheus perill , with royall preferment , and Susannas stoning with glorye and triumphe , he would rather haue thought than m●ch beholdinge to god , for the ensuinge felicity , them greatly to be pitied for their present distresse . The figtree hath bitter & rugged leaues it beareth no flowers , and yet bringeth forth moste daintye and sweete fruite . Clem. Alex L. 2. strom . The Deuill because in dede he hath no fruite , is fayne to feed his followers with leaues that soone wither , and flowers , that soone fade , and all that he giueth is blowen awaye with a blast . But god because he loueth vs sincerelye , and not in shewe onlye , but in veritye , he giueth vs the fruite without flower or leafe , that is , his giftes and graces without externall , and vayne solaces : yea and sometimes he besetteth his fruites , not onlye with rugged and bitter leaues , but also with sharpe and pricking thornes , that the hardnesse to attayne them , maye make them the more prysed , and the remembrance of former aduersitie , maye make the comfortes followinge more delightsome . The benefitt of a calme weather is moste desired , and best welcome after a boystrous tempest . Health is neuer so much esteemed , as after a greate sicknesse , & all pleasure is most plesante to those , that haue ben leaste acquainted with it , and most troubled with the contrarye : according to that prouerbe of Salomon . Prouerb . ●●● Anima saturata calcabit fauum , & anima esuriens etiam amarum pro dulci sumet . A full stomacke will lothe the honye combe , and one that is hungrye will thinke the bitter sweet . But albeit god affordeth his finall rewarde , onlye to those , that haue passed through manye tribulations , yet when they are in trouble or anguish he doth not abandon or leaue them desolate , but watereth their miseries with sundrye comfortes . Egredietur fons de domo Domini , Ioel : 3. & irrigabit torrentem spinarum . There shall flowe a fountaine out of the house of our Lorde ( sayeth Ioel ) & water the torrent of thornes . And Dauid to the same effecte Secundum multitudinem dolorum meorum in corde meo , Psalm: : 9 3 consolationes tuae laetificauerunt animam meam . Accordinge to the number of the sorowes of my harte haue thy solaces reioyced my mynde . Act. 7. Stephen when he was stoned , sawe heauen open , and Christ standing at the right hande of his father . 4. Reg. 2. When Elizeus was besett with the Assirians , he sawe a hill of fierye chariotts standinge in his defence . ● . Reg. 19 And when Elias was like to dye for hunger , he was fedd & comforted by an Angell . And , it alwayes falleth out true , that as S. Paule noteth . Sicut abundant passiones Christi in nobis , 1. Cor. 1. ita & per Christum abundant consolatio nostra . As the passions of Christ abound in vs , so also by Christ aboundeth our consolation . Chris. hom. 4 ad Pop An●iochen . And as the Musician neyther streyneth the string of his instrument to hye , for feare of breaking , nor letteh it to low for feare of distuning . So god ( sayth S. Chrisostome ) will keepe a meane neyther suffering vs to be carelesselye secure , nor driuing vs for want of comforte to despayre . Hilar. Ps. 2. Which Hilarius fitlye expresseth saying . Virga de radice Iesse storuit , vt virgae seueritatem , floris suauitas temperaret . The rodd of the roote of Iesse flowred , that the swetnesse of the flower might mitigate the seueritye of the rodd . For if the potter tempereth his fornace agreeablye to the vessell , that he myndeth to frame , if the goldsmith vse greate care , not to haue his fyre to greate , or to litle , for the quantitye of his metall , if the caryer hath a regarde , not to loade his beaste , more then he is well able to beare : How much more warye is god , Macar . Hom. 26. ( sayeth S. Macarius ) in not suffering vs to be tempted aboue our force . Aug. in . Ps. 61 For as S. Augustine well noteth . Tantum admittitur Diabolus tentare , quantum tibi prodest , vt exercearis , vt proberis , vt qui te nesciebas , a teipso inueniaris . So much , is the Deuill permitted to tempt thee , as is for thy benefite , that thou mayest be exercised , proued , and come to knowledge of thy selfe that knewest not thy selfe before .

Cap. 3.

Cap. 3. The third cause of comforte in tribulation is that we are moued to suffer it willingly both by the president of Christ and title of a Christian . THirdlye one that vnderstandeth the course of christian behoofe , can not but thincke it a most comfortable thinge , to suffer aduersitye , for a good cause , seing it is not onlye the liuerye and cognizance of Christe , but the very principall royall garment , which he chose to weare in this lyfe . And therfore can it not be taken of a soldier but wel , to be cladd with his captaines harnesse , or of a disciple , to be like his maister . Christiani nomen ille frustra sortitur , ( sayeth S. Augustine ) qui Christum minime imitatur . August de vita Christia . Quid enim tibi prodest vocari quod non es , & nomen vsurpare alienum . In vayne he claymeth the name of a christian , that doth not imitate Christe , for what doth it auayle thee to be called that , which thou art not , and to chalenge vnto thee an other mans name . A man a most ambitious and haughtye mynded man , Hest : ● . thought it the greatest honour that a prince coulde doe to his subiect , to make him ryde on his owne palfrey , attyred in his most royall and statelye robes . If therfore tribulation be the most precious garment , that Christ did weare , and the Crosse his palfrey , we are greately honoured , whyle he aduaunceth vs to the same prerogatiues . Of this did S. Paule greatlye glorye , when he sayed Absit mihi gloriari nisi in cruce domini nastri Iesu Christi . Gala: ● . God forbidd that I shoulde glorye sauing in the Crosse of our Lord Iesus Christ . And in the same place . I beare the markes of our Lorde Iesus in my bodye . This S. Iames accompted a principalll cause of ioye and comforte , when he sayde Esteeme it all ioye , Iac: 1 when you shall fall into diuers temptations . It is noted in the scripture for a singuler proofe of Ionathas goodwill to Dauide , 1 : Reg: 1● that he gaue him his owne cote & aparell . Elias departing from Eliseus , 4 : Reg: 2 in token of goodwill , cast him downe his mantell , and S. Ierome writeth of S. Anthonye that he wore S. Paule the first Eremytes cote , Hierom : in vita Paul . Er●m vpon highe and solemne feastes for loue and reuerence therof . And shall not we acknowledge it for a singuler fauour , to be clad with Christs attyre , and to weare the token of his goodwill towardes vs . Non consolantur ( sayth S. Bernard ) panni Christi ambulantes in stolis , Bernard . non consolantur stabulum & praesepe , amantes primas cathedras in sinagogis . Christes cloutes confort not those that walke in robes , the stable and maunger comforte not those , that loue the highest roomes in the sinagoges . But those onlye that rightlye iudgeinge of the manyfolde miseryes that they haue deserued , weare the morning weed of sorowe and repentaunce . He is an vnduetifull chylde , that is ashamed to professe whoe is his father , and a most maleperte seruaunte , that refuseth to weare his maisters liuerye , but of all a moste vngratefull creature , that doth not willinglye accept the liuerye of his god , and maker . If we be Christians affliction is our cote , and the Crosse our cognizance . Of which it was sayde to Constantine , when he became a Christian . In hoc signo vinces . In this signe shalt thou conquere . When Iacobe sawe the cote of his sonne Ioseph imbrued with bloode , Gen. 37. thincking that he had been deuoured by a wylde beaste , as his brothers sayde . He cutt his garments , put on sackcloth , mourninge his sonne a longe tyme . And when his other children , that had betrayed Ioseph went about to comforte him , he refused to receyue any consolation . Let vs looke on the sacred coate , not of our sonne , but of our father & redeemer , of whose humanitye it is sayde . Esay . 63. Quare rubrum est indumentum tuum , & vestimenta tua sicut calcantium in torculari . Quis est iste qui venit de Edom tinctis vestibus ? Why is thy garment redd , and thy apparell lyke theirs , that tread in the winepresse : and who is this that commeth from Edome with stayned attyre ? Let vs cast our eyes vpon this cote , dyed in his owne innocente bloode , let vs consider that not only one beaste deuoured him , but that he was for our sinnes , a praye of many bloodye & impious , helhoundes : and doubtlesse it can not seeme much to vs , patientlye to weare the hearecloth of tribulation , to cutt of the garmentes of our vayne pompe , and superfluities , and rather with Iacob to sitt comfortlesse , sorowinge , and lamentinge , then to receiue anye comforte at their handes , that betrayed our father , that is the vanityes , sinnes , and pleasures of this worlde . Machab : 6 In the Machabees it is written , that when the Elephantes went to the fielde , they shewed them a bloodye coloured iuyce , to sharpen and enrage them the more to the battell . Beholde to vs beside the blood of infinite Martyrs , Christ our Captayne & King , hanging vpon the Crosse , openeth fiue fountaynes , gushinge out with his inocente blood , and sheweth vs his whole bodye all goarye with lashes , and shall not all this harten vs constantly to encounter all tribulation , and to wage battell agaynst our vayne desires , and appetytes , when they drawe from the Crosse , to delight and pleasure ? When we haue a thorne in our foote , much more if it be in our heade , or harte , all the reste of our bodye is so troubled , that no consolation seemeth sweete , and we wishe rather for the surgion to launce vs , then for anye pleasures to delighte vs . Seinge therfore that we see our hed which is Christ , to be stuck full & crowned with thornes , how can it be , if we be true members of his body , but that we must needes both care litle for all comforte , & be more willinge to sorowe wi●h our head , and be launced for his sake , then leane vnto the worldlye solaces , which he contemned because as S. Bernarde sayeth . Non decet sub spinoso capite membrum esse delicatum . It is an vndecent thing to haue a dayntye member , vnder a thornye heade . Good Vrias , when Dauide bad him goe lye in his owne house , washe his feete , and take his ease . He lyke a true Israelyte , answered agayne . 2. Reg: 1● The Arke of god Israel , & Iude dwell but in tentes , my Lorde Ioab , and the seruauntes of my Lorde lye vppon the face of the earth , and shall I goe into my house to eate , drincke , and haue the companye of my wyfe ? By thy saftye O Kinge , and by the saf●ye of thy lyfe I will not doe it . He thought it , an odious thinge , to haue better lodginge then the Arke of god , and his captaine , and felowe soldiers . He thought it a grate stayne , to sleepe in a softe bedd , while they laye on the harde grownde , & therfore rather chose , to lye before the kings gate , then once to enter into his owne house . Loe our Arke lyeth not in papilionibus , in tentes , but in praesepio in the maunger . Our Captayne lyeth not on the harde grounde , but hangeth naked and nayled to a reprochfull crosse . Our fellow soldiers are not onlye vpon the face of the earth , but some haue beene cast into dungeons , other into fyers , manye amongst Lions , and raginge beastes , finallye all haue tasted of diuers and bitter afflictions . And can any true Vrias , thincke it much to take lyke parte with all these ? Ion. 3. When the king of Niniue mourned in sackcloth , and ashes , all his Peeres and people did the same . 1. Reg. 14. When Ionathas ventured to clyme most craggye and daungerous rockes , and was alone to set vpon a whole troupe of Philistians , his man sayde vnto him . Perge quo cupis , et ero tecum , vbicunque volueris . Goe whether thou wilte , and I will not fayle to folowe thee , 1. Reg. 31. which waye soeuer thou goest . Yea one of Saules squiers , seinge his Kinge to haue runn vpon his owne sworde and killed him selfe , presently , ( though wickedly ) followed his example , chosing rather to spill his lyfe with his Prince , then to spare it for his enemyes . Beholde our Kinge mourneth in sackcloth & ashes of diuers calamities . Our Ionathas clymeth vp to the mounte Caluarie , loaden with a heauye Crosse vppon his torne and wounded shoulders . He alone encountereth the Deuill , and all his impes , and offereth him selfe to the troupe of his enemyes , in the garden . Yea our Saule falleth on the most rigorous sworde of his owne iustice , for our sakes . And shall we for whose benefite all this is done , vngratfullye refuse to followe his example ? Shall he morne in sackecloth , and we bathe in pleasure ? Shall he fightinge alone , in our defence , be all in a goure bloode with infinite woundes , and shall we disporte , and solace our selues with fonde & vayne delightes ? Shall he be stricken through with the sworde of reuenge , for vs , and shall we be vnwillinge to suffer for our selues ? Alas we are they , that deserue rather to sitt with Iob in the dunghill , then in sackcloth , onlye with the Niniuites . We are they that deserue , with naked handes , and knees , to creepe vpp , on the most ragged rocke of aduersitye . For vs it were fitter in regarde of our trespasses , to hazarde our liues amonge a thousande blades and tormentes . Finallye it were our behoofe with repentant hartes , & lothsomenes of our former lyfe , to embrace the sworde of gods iuste reuenge , and therwithall to kyll in our selues olde Adam , that is veterem hominem cum vitijs , Galat: 5 & concupiscentijs suis. The olde man with his vices , and concupiscences . O moste vnnaturall children , that hauing before their eyes , the most bloody flaughter of their owne father , yea being with his bloode , like Pelicans younglinges , reuiued and raysed from death , will not yet learne the excessiuenesse of his loue , nor consider howe much they ought to doe and suffer for them selues , who by their misdeedes haue bene cause of so vntollerable paynes , vnto their heauenlye father . Far other effecte tooke Christes passion in S. Paule , who beinge inflamed with the force of so vnusuall an example , laboured him selfe to be a perfecte scholer in this doctrine , esteeminge it the highest and most needfull poynte of Christian knowledge , to vnderstand the valew , necessitye , and maner , of patient sufferance . He woulde haue no other vniuersitye but Hierusalem , no other schole bur mount Caluarye , no other pulpitt but the Crosse , no other reader but the Crucifixe , no other letters but his Woundes , no other commaes but his Lashes , no other full poyntes but his Nayles , no other booke but his open syde , and finallye no other lesson But scire Iesum Christum & hunc crucifixum : 1. Cor: 2 to knowe Iesus Christe & him Crucified . In this schole shoulde be our chiefest studye . Here shoulde we learne by Christes nakednesse , how to clothe vs , by his crowne of thornes , how to adorne vs , by his vinagre and gall , how to diet vs , by his praying for his murderers how to reuenge vs , by his hanging on the crosse , how to repose vs , and by his paynfull and bitter death , how to esteeme of the pleasures of this lyfe . Here maye we see the wounderfull fruites , and miraculous sequels , ensuinge vpon tribulation , patiently accepted : which passe all naturall reach , & haue bene sett downe vnto vs , as shores of comforte , to vpholde vs in all our distresses . Here may we see , that death reuiueth , that sores salue , that bloode washeth , that sorow solaceth , that an Eclipse lighteth , that the fast nayled guydeth , the thirsty giueth drincke , the wearye refresheth , the diseased cureth , the dead bringeth forth . Which albeit they be principally the proper effectes of Christes onlye Passion , yet are they through the merites therof , now experienced to followe also the martirdomes of Christes seruauntes , to whom all crosses are confortable , and their bodilye death cause of many a soules spirituall lyfe . So that now we may trulye interprete Sampsons ridle . Iudic. 14. De comedente exiuit cibus , & de forti egressa est dulcedo . Out of the deuourer there came meate , & out of the stronge issued sweetnesse . For since that our sinnes lyke fierce Sampsons , most cruellye murdered that Lion of the tribe of Iuda , if our repentant thoughts , like bees , sucke at the flowers of his Passion , they maye worke a delicious combe of honye , and not onlye we our selues , taste the sweetnesse therof , but by our example moue others , to feede willingly of the same , shewinge them by our experience , that the eysell and gall of our tribulations , in this Lions mouth , hath bene altered , from the wonted bitternesse to sweetnesse , & the lionishe rage , of persecutors , accustomed to deuour so manye soules , doth now rather minister to gods seruauntes , a most pleasant viand , yea & those rigorous iudgmentes of god , which haue heretofore bene so terrible vnto vs , Psa. 18. are now become Desiderabilia super aurum & lapidem pretiosum ●ultum , & dulciora super melet fauum . More to be desired then golde & pretious stone , & more sweete then honye and the honicombe . Bitter were the waters of tribulation , & so vntoothsome to mans taste , that few could endure the annoyance therof , and our queysie stomackes , were rather contented to wante health , then to procure it by such vnsauery & lothsome phisicke . And for this did our heauenlye Phisician strayne this bitter medicine , through the nectared cloth of his sacrede humanitye , and lefte therin such a taste of sweetnesse , that it hath bene since egrelye thirsted , which was before so warilye eschewed . We need not now to crye Mors in olla Death is in the pott : 4. Reg 4● . because the Prophet hath seasoned it , not with a litle flower or meale , but with his owne bloode . We neede not murmur at the waters of Mara : ●xod. 15 that is of ghostlye discomforte , as vnable to be droncke , or feare to sincke in the tempesteous poole of bodilye vexation : for our Moyses hath sweetned the one , with the sacred woode of his Crosse , & since our Elizeus cast into the other , 4. Reg. 6. the wood of lyfe , that is his blessed bodye , our Iron began to swimme , where before it had soncke , & the desolate that sayd , Infixus sum in limo profundi , Psalm: : 6● & non est substantia . I am sett fast in the depth of the mudd , and can fynd on stedye footing : maye beginne to singe Eduxit me de lacu miseriae , Psa: 39. & de luto faecis , et super aquam refectionis educauit me . He hath ledd me out of the lake of miserye , & the myre of filth , and hath brought me vppon the waters of refection . Let vs not therfore be afrayde to saye now to Christe . Domine iube me venire ad te super aguas . Matt: 14 O Lorde commaunde me to come vnto thee vppon the waters . For be the surges neuer so boystrous , the waters neuer so deepe , the stormye windes neuer so outragious , if we runne vpon them towardes Christ , they will eyther yelde drye passage , by diuidynge them selues , as the redd sea did to the Israelites , or they will vpholde vs from perishinge as the waues did S. Peter . 1. Cor. ●3 . Fidelis enim deus qui non patietur vos tentari supra id , quod potestis . For faythfull is god , who will not suffer you to be tempted , more than you are able to beare . And surelye now is the time , that we are called by Christ through fyer and water , and now with open voyce doth he renue his olde proclamation . Whosoeuer loueth father , Mat. 37 mother , wyfe , children , house or liuinges more then me , is not worthye of me and he that taketh not vpp his crosse ( and that ) euery daye can not be my disciple . We must not now seeke Christ as our Ladye did inter cognatos & notos , L●c : ● . amongest her kinsefolke and acquaintance : nor as the spouse did , that sayed , In lcctulo meo per noctes , quaesiui quem diligit anima mea : Cant: ●● In my bed haue I in the nights , sought whom my hart best loued . Nor as the Israelites did of whome O see speaketh . In gregibus suis , et in armentis , Os●e . 5 vadent ad quaerendum dominum . In their flockes , and herdes shall they goe , to seeke our Lorde . For as S. Anselme well noteth : Ansel in ●●●ditat . Non cubat in delitijs splendidi cubilis , nec inuenitur in terrasuauiter viuentium . He lyeth not in the delicacye of a gorgeous bedd , neyther is he found in the lande of daynty liuers . Moyses did see him in the deserte , Exod. 3. amid dest the fyer and thornes , Exod. 19. in the mount amongest lighteninges , thunderinges , and mistes : Dan. 7. Daniel sawe him in a fierye throne , & amongest fierye wheles , with a swifte fierye sludd runninge before him . And shall we thincke to be more priuileged , then our aunciente fathers ? Thincke we to fynde in doune & deyntinesse , him , that to them appeared so terrible , and fearfull . Doe we thincke , that his rigor and iustice , signified by these terrible semblances , is so relented , that he shoulde shew him selfe vnto vs , only in amiable & louelye countenances . Surelye we are greatlye deceyued , if we feede our selues with this vayne persuasion . For albeit the new testament be fuller of grace , yet is it no lesse full of agonyes . Matt. 11. Though Christes seruice be sweete , and lighte , yet is it a yoake and a burden : and though our champions , be of more courage , and our foes more enfeebled , since our redemption , yet doth the Kingdome of heauen still suffer violence , Ibidem . and the violent beare it awaye , 2. Timot. ● . and none shall be crowned , but they that haue lawfullye foughte for it . If Christe was seene transfigured in Mounte Thabor in glorious maner , he was also at the same time , heard talkinge de excessu of his bitter passion . Luc 9. And euen he that allured with glorye , cryed bonum est nos hic esse . It is good for vs to be here affrighted with the voyce . Cecidit in faciem suam & timuit valde . fell vppon his face , and was in a greate feare : If he were in pompe and triumphe , at his entrance into Hierusalem , Matt. 21. his pompe was of smale pleasure , and his triumph not without teares : Luc. 19. and as fast as the children on the one side , did sett forth his prayses , so fast did the Pharises on the other side , repyne and murmur agaynste him . There is no reason , that Christe shoulde shew him selfe more fauorable to vs , that haue bene his enemyes , then to his owne bodye , neyther can we iustlye complayne , if ere we find him , he giue vs a sipp of that bitter chalice , of which for our sakes he was contente to drincke so full a draught . Yea we maye be hartelye glad , if after long teares , and deepe syghes , we maye in the ende fynde him at all , whether it be in the pouertye of the cribb and maunger , or in the agonyes of his bloodye sweate in the gardeyne , or in the middest of blasphemyes , reproches , and false accusations at the tribunals , or in the tormentes of a shamefull death vpon the Crosse. And we must thinke our selues , as much in his fauour , for being preferred to be tryed testimonyes of of his passion , as for beinge called to witnesse of his glorious transfiguration . Of which to ascertayne vs the more , the same Apostles , that in token of particuler loue , he tooke with him to mount Thabor , Mar. 9. et 14. he afterwarde in argument of the like goodwill , ledd with him to the heauye conflicte of the gardeyne . Wherby it appeareth siue foueat infirmos , Bern. Epist. 2 siue exerceat proucctos , siue arguat inquietos , diuersis diuersa exhibens , sicut filios diligit vniuersos . Whether he foster the weaklings , or exercise the stronger , or checke the vnrulye , giuinge diuers remedyes to diuers persons , he tendereth all as his owne children . For as it is pleasant & glorious vnto men , to haue their children resemble them , and then they are most delighted to haue bred new ofspringe , when they see therin expressed , the feature of their owne fauour : How much more comforte is it to our heauenlye father ( sayeth S. Ciprian ) when anye is so borne to spirituall lyfe , Ciprian . D● Zelo et liu●r● . that his diuine prowesse & generositye is set forth in his childrens actes , & prayses . Nether doth this comforte consiste , to see in vs a shadowe of his beautye , a sparke of his wisdome , or a resemblance of his might , riches , or glorye : but rather in seinge in vs , the scares , wēmes and werttes of his vexations and paynes : which the more they deface vs in outwarde shew , the more they beautifye vs in soule , and the more vglye and odious they make vs in the mistakinge of mans eye , the more amiable they render vs , in the sight of god . For as the scarre of a wounde in the childes face , which he hath suffered in his fathers quarell , though it make his countenance lesse eyesome , & disfigure his fauour , yet is it a more edginge whetstone , of fatherlye affection in the parent , then if it were absent , because it yeldeth , a perpetuall testimonye of a dutifull and louinge mynde . So god more desirous to haue vs affectionate , then fortunate children , delighteth more to see our torturings , rackinges , cheynes and imprisonments , for his sake , which are assurances of our loue , then to see vs swimme in his temporall guiftes , and pryseth more the Niniuire in his sackcloth , and disfigured Iob in his dunghill , then eyther of them in all the pompe and glorye of their riches . For as S. Gregorye noteth : Greg. in moral . Amissio felicitatis interrogat vim dilectionis . Nec prosperitas quippe amicum indicat , nec aduersitas inimicum cela● . The losse of felicitye , sercheth the force of affection : for neyther prosperitye proueth a friende , nor aduersitye concealeth an enemye : Cipr. L. de mortal . And as S. Ciprian also sayth : Delicata iactatio est , cum periculum non est , conflictatio in aduersis , probatio est veritatis . It is an effeminat bost , when there is no perill , the combate in aduersity is a triall of the truth . If therfore our god be more delighted with our valour in conflicte , then with our pleasure in peace , lett vs saye with S. Peter : Luc. 22. Tecum pa●atus sum in Carceres & in mortem ire : With thee I am readye to goe into prison , and to death it selfe . And with S. Thomas : Io● . 11. Eamus & nos , & moriamur cum illo . Let vs goe also , & dye togither with him . We reade in the booke of kings , 2. Reg. ● . that Ioab and Abneis seruauntes to shew their Captaynes disporte , entered into so fierce and desperate game , that bloode and woundes was the beginninge , and mutuall murder the ende of their pastime . And if they at a wordes warninge , to so open hazarde , ventured them selues , for a vayne contentment of their Captaynes , and in hope of a sorye reward , nothing comparable to their perill , how much more ought we , beinge chalenged to the fielde , by gods enemyes , giue our heauenlye Captayne a profe of our loyaltye , and perfitt remonstrance , of our seruiceable myndes , by waginge in spirituall battayle with his foes , and most readilye encountring them , in his quarell , with what daunger soeuer . we see , that an enamored knight hath no greater felicitye , then to doe that , which maye be acceptable to his paramour , and the fadinge beautye , of a fayre Ladyes countenance , is able to worke so forceiblye in mens myndes , that neyther losse of riches , daunger of endurance , menacinges of tormentes , no not present death , is able to withholde where she inuiteth , or make the barke ryde at anker that is wafted in her streames . Euery perill vndertaken for her , seemeth pleasante , euerye reproch honorable , all drudgery delightsome , yea the very woundes that come from her , or are suffered for her , are voyde of smarte , and more reioyced is the wounded wretch , with hope that his hurte will purchace fauoure , then agreeued that his bodye hath receyued such a mayme . The colours that like her seme fayrest , the meate that fitteth her taste sweetest , the fashion agreable to her fancie comlyest , her faultes are vertues , her sayinges oracles , her deeds paterns . Finallye whatsoeuer pleaseth her , be it neuer so vnpleasante seemeth good , & whatsoeuer cometh from her be it neuer so deare bought and of litle valew , is deemed pretious and a cheape peniworth . O vnspeakable blyndnesse of mans harte , that so easilye trayneth to senses lure , and is so soone caught with the bewtye of an Image , and hath not grace to remember whome it resembleth . I will not staye vppon Christes corporall seemlynesse , though in deed he were Candidus et rubicundus , Can. 5. electus ex millibus , et speciosus forma prae filijs hominum . Ps. 44. White and ruddie a choise peece out of thousands , comlye in feature , aboue al the sonnes of men , and in that respecte more amiable then any other : but I set before the eyes of our faythe , the glorye , maiestye , and beautye of his Godhed , wherin whatsoeuer is in any creature , that maye breed delight or contentment eyther to our sense , or soule , is so perfectly vnited together , that ther is no more comparison betweene the delight that his presence yeldeth , and that which any worldly thing can afforde , them between the fayrest damosell in the worlde , and her shadow , betweene the light of a sparkle , and of the sunne , yea betweene a most vglye leaper , and a most beutuous Angell : Which Saint Augustine consideringe sayde Deus vera et summa vita , August . in soliloq. in quo , et a quo , & per quem , bona sunt omnia , quae beata sunt . Deus a quo auerti cadere , in quem conuertiresurgere , in quo manere consistere est . Deusa quo exire mori , in quem redire reuiuiscere , in quo habitare viuere est . Deus quem nemo amittit , nisi deceptus , nemo quaerit , nisi admonitus , nemo inuenit , nisi purgatus : God is the true and chiefest lyfe , in whom , from whom , & by whom , are all good thinges , whatsoeuer they be , that are happye to enioye . From whom the reuolting is fallinge , to whom the returning is risinge , in whom the stayinge is sure standinge . God from whom to depart , is to dye , to whom to repayre , is to reuiue , in whom to dwell is to liue . God whome none leeseth , but deceyued , none seeketh but admonished , none findeth but the clensed . If therfore god be so perfectlye amiable , and the chiefest obiect of pleasure , why doe we not saye with Dauid Quid mihi est in coelo , Ps. 72. & a te quid volui super terram ? What haue I in heauen , or what desired I in earth , besydes thee . why doe we not crye out with S. Augustine Quicquid praeter deum est , Aug. in Ps. 26 dulce non est . Quicquid vult dare dominus meus , auferat totum , et se mihi det . Whatsoeuer is not god is not pleasant , and whatsoeuer my Lord will vouchsafe vppon me , let him take awaye all , and geue me him selfe . Shall the presence of his picture , wherin he is but verye rudelye expressed , make vs lauishe of our wealth , carelesse of our libertye , and prodigall of our lyues ? And shall not he , whom the picture representeth , woe vs to as much readinesse in his affayres ? Can we to please his shadowe , delighte in daunger , embrace dishonour , triumph in our harmes : And care so litle for him , that casteth it as not to thincke him more worthye of the lyke affection ? Are we so eagre , licorous , and plyable , to those colours , eates , and fashions , that a base creature of his liketh : and shall not the fauours , foode , and attyre , of our creator , be as acceptable vnto vs ? Finallye shall we take no exception , agaynste the faults , wordes , and deeds , of a frayle , & faultye wretch : & not be as much moued , with the vertues , sayings , and examples of an vnfallible trueth . What is the fayrest creature in the worlde , but an imperfecte counterfaite , and onlye a vayne shadow of gods soueraigne beutye , and maiestye . If therfore with the naturall peyse of affection , we sincke so deepe into the liking therof , according to that of S. Augustine Amor meus pondus meum , Aug. L. 13. Confess . illo feror quocumque feror . My loue is my loade , with that am I caried , whether soeuer I am caried : Much more oughte we to be deepely rauished , with the loue of god , and so settle our myndes therin , that we thincke it our chiefest happynesse in this lyfe , to embrace all hazardes , disgraces , & misfortunes in his quarell , and then to haue moste cause of comforte , when for his glory , we are in moste bitter panges . For as S. Gregorye noteth . Gregor. Amor dei otiosus non est , operatur enim magna , si est , si operari renuerit , amor non est . The loue of god is not idle , it worketh greate effectes , where it is , if it refuse to worke , loue it is not . And so much the more ought we to reioyce in our passions for Christe , in that we haue bene so tenderlye beloued of him , that whatsoeuer we suffer for him , it is lesse then he suffered for vs . And whatsoeuer we spende in his behalfe we restore him but his owne , & are neuer able to come out of debte , though we had as many liues to spend , as droppes of bloode to shedd . For as S. Bernard sayeth . Bernar. de d● ligendo De● . Si totum me debeo pro me facto , quid addam iam pro me refecto . Nec enim tam facile refectus , quam factus . In primo opere , me mihi dedit , in sccundo se , & vbi se dedit , me mihi reddidit . Datus ergo & redditus , me pro me debeo , & bis deb●o . Sed quid domino pro se retribuam . Nam etsi me millies rependere possem , quid sum ad dominum meum . If I owe my selfe wholye for my firste makinge , what can I add more for my redeeminge , espeaciallye seinge I was not so easely redeemed , as I was made . In the first worke he gaue me my selfe , in the second him selfe , and when he gaue me him selfe , he restored vnto me my selfe . Therfore thus geuen & restored , I owe my selfe for my selfe , and I owe my selfe twise . But now what am I able to repaye my Lorde for him selfe . For though I coulde repaye my selfe a thousande tymes , what am I in comparison of my Lorde . O harde and stonye harte , that is not incensed , at the consideration of so inflamed loue , and beinge woed of so louinge a spouse , can reiecte this offer , or be slacke in recognisinge so vnspeakable charitye . For as S. Augustine sayeth . Nulla maior est ad amorem inuitatio , August de cathechiz . rudib . quam praeuenire amantem , & nimis durus est animus , qui si dilectionem nolebat impendere , nolit rependere . There is no greater entisement vnto loue , then to preuente the louer , and to harde is that harte , that if it woulde not request loue is not contente at the least to requite it . And where was euer any , that eyther sought so much , or bought so deare , the loue of anye creature , as Christ did ours : What hath a man more then riches , honor , & lyfe , and all this did Christ spend in woinge our soules . As for his riches , he was borne and dyed naked , concerninge his honor , he was sorted , and executed with theeues , touchinge his life , he was bereued therof , by a most vylde & dispytefull death . Let vs but consider , the last tragicall pageant of his Passion , wherein he wonne vs , and lost him selfe . And marke the excessiue loue shewed therin , which if anye other then god had vttered , it would haue been at the least deemed a senselesse dotage , waying by whome , and to whome it was intended . Let vs view him with the eyes of our harte , & and we shall ( sayeth S. Bernard ) discouer a most lamentable sight : Bernard . I● quodam serm. we shall see his heade full of thornes , his eares full of blasphemyes , his eyes full of teares , his mouth full of gall , his bodye full of woundes , his harte full of sorowe , and yet in all these tormentes , doth he crye to man , Ibidem . sayeth the same Sainte . Magis aggrauant me vulnera peccati tui , quam vulnera corporis mei . More am I payned with the wounds of thy sinne , then with the woundes of my owne bodye , more sorowinge at mans vngratitude , then at his owne affliction . Where the Prince ( sayeth Cassiodorus ) in so greate agonye morneth , Cassiodor in psa. 50. who would not weepe , when he weepeth , and sighe when he lamenteth : When in steed of his royall crowne , he is couered with dust , and his head is hoarye with ashes , not with age . O worke without example , grace without merite , charitye with-out measure . What woulde he haue done , if we had been his friendes , that was contented to doe so much for vs beinge his enemyes ? what will he doe , when he knoweth we loue him ? that did al this , when he knewe we did hate him . O Christian , sayeth S. Augustine . August . de catechiz . rudib . Ama amorem illius , qui amore tui amoris , descendit in vterum Virginis , vt ibi amorem suum amori tuo copularet . Loue the loue of him , that for the loue of thy loue , descended into the wombe of a Virgine , and afterward ascended to the ignominy of the Crosse , that there he mighte couple his loue , and thy loue together . What Christian harte , can thincke much to suffer , beyng moued with this example , yea who woulde not glorye with S. Paule , in his infirmities , and take greatest comforte in his desolations , seynge the most louinge & faythfull spouse of our soule , hath thus sweetned all our paynes , with the excesse of his vnspeakable charitie , and geuen vs such a presidente in suffering for vs , as it must needs seeme litle , whatsoeuer we suffer for him : Shall the loue of a mortal friend , not only a moue vs , but enforce vs , to loue him agayne , and his perils for vs , make vs eagre of perils for him , because therbye both our loue to him , is best witnessed , and his loue to vs most confirmed , and shall not this loue of an imortall welwiller , who tendereth vs more then we our selues , and in all respectes better deserueth to haue his loue counteruayled , shall it not I saye be able to inflame vs , with desire to suffer for him , & to testifye our affection with continuinge the same in the middest of our tormentes if need so require . We see a dogge that is voyde of reason , by onlye instinct of nature , readye for hauinge receyued a bone , or a crust of breade , to runne vpon the sword , in his maisters defence . We thincke it the dutye of our seruant , if we geue him but fortye shillings in the yeare , to hazarde him selfe in our perils , to fight in our quarels , and we condemne him as an vngratefull miscreant , if he stand not betweene vs and our enemyes , as a buckler of our blowes , though the daunger be neuer so apparant . And shall a christian harte , be eyther more vnnaturall then a beast , or lesse thankfull than a hired seruant ? shal a crust of breade preuayle more with a brute thinge , or a litle money with a hyrelinge , then with vs the foode of Angels , wherwith Christ hath fedd vs , then his precious bloode , wherwith he hath bought vs , then eternall felicity , wherwith he will rewarde vs ? Yea and shall men be so readye to serue the deuill , that we see thousands euery daye , carelesse to cast awaye both bodye and soule , in followinge his trayne , & shall we to serue our omnipotent , and louing Lord , refuse to venture our goods , or bodyes , with so vnestimable benefitt , and vantage of our soules ? Ciprian . L. de ●pere et elce●os . S. Ciprian sayeth . When Christ in the daye of Iudgement shall shew him selfe , & laye open to the worlde , the benefits which he hath bestowed , the rewardes which he hath promised , the tormentes and paynes which he hath suffered for man , then shall the deuill on the other syde , most greeuouslye charge vs , and saye vnto god : Loe how much more right I haue in man than thou . I neuer loued him , and yet he serued me . I neuer did him good turne , & yet he obeyed me . Without woing or wages I easely wonne him . What I suggested , he performed , whatsoeuer I profered , he imbraced . No perils could stopp , when I allured , no feare , or loue of thee coulde moue him , to abandon and forsake me For obteyning a vayne pleasure , he hath yelded to most seruyle drudgerye , to please an appetite , he hath contemned all gods and mans punishmentes , & hath bene readye to venture libertye , liuing , creditt , yea lyfe and limme , for the atchiuinge a delighte , that I cast in his fantasie . And yet did he vndoubtedlye beleeue , that in steed of thy loue , I bare him implacable malice , in steede of thy sufferinge tormentes for him , I desired to be his eternall tormentour , & wheras thou didest promise eternall felicity , I coulde afforde him , nor wishe him , anye thing , but endlesse damnation . Yet coulde not this ( though foreseene and thought of ) withdrawe him from me , but still he was readye to be drawne with my lore , and so soone as I set him anye seruice to doe , he forthwith putt it in execution . On the other syde , what hast thou preuayled with the miseries of thy poore natiuitye , with the grie●e and shame of thy paynfull circuncision , with thy three and thirtye yeares pilgrimage , bestowed in his seruice ? Hath thy fastinge , or prayinge , thy whippinge , or crowninge , thy bloodye death , or passion , bene able to counteruayle my suggestions ? Hath not for all this , my motions bene sooner obeyed then thy preceptes , & my will preferred before thy commaundementes ? If therfore I haue ruled him , reason it is that I should rewarde him : And if with me he contemned thy mercye , with me also , lett him feele thy seueritye . In this maner shall the deuill accuse vs , & happye is he , that in this lyfe hath so testified his loue , by his patience , in gods cause , & willing sufferance of aduersitye , that he maye eyther preuent the accusation , or be prouided of a sufficient answere . Consideringe therfore how glorious , how decent , yea and necessarye it is for a Christian , to take vp his crosse with Christ , and tread the path of tribulation , which he hath playned vnto vs , by his owne example : lett vs not be dismayde with these crosse aduentures , that befall vs , lett not the crueltye of our enemyes , the sharpnesse of our miseries , the continuance of our afflictions , daunt our courage in gods cause . We are not better then our maister , who suffered farr more , nor wiser then god him selfe who iudged and embraced the distresses of this worlde , as fittest for the passengers therof . Finally we are Christians , whose captayne is a crucifixe , whose stendard the Crosse , whose armoure patience , whose battayle persecution , whose victorye death , whose triumphe martirdome .

Cap. 4. Cap. 4

BVt though this example of Christ , The fourth comfort in tribulation is that it best agreeth with the place and condition of this lyf● and the title of a Christian , were not so forcible motiues , to suffer aduersitye , as they be , yet consideringe where we are , what state we stand in , the daungers that hang ouer vs , and our ordinarye misses and wantes : we shall finde , that our whole lyfe is so necessarilye ioyned with sorowes , that it mighte rather seeme a madnesse to liue in pleasure , them odious to liue in paine . Consider O man , ( sayeth S. Bernard ) from whence thou comest , and blushe whether thou goest , and feare where thou liuest , and lamente . We are begotten in vncleanesse , nourished in darkenesse , brought forth with throbbs and throwes . Our infancye is but a dreame , our youth but a madnesse , our manhode a combate , our age a sicknesse , our lyfe miserye , our death horror . If we haue anye thing that , delighteth vs , it is in so manye hazardes , that more is the feare of leasinge it , then the ioye of the vse of it . If we haue anye thing that annoyeth vs , the agreuance therof increaseth , with the doubt of as euill or worse that maye strayte ensue after it . Which waye can we cast our eyes , but that we shall finde cause of complaynt , and heauinesse . If we looke vp towardes heauen , from thence we are banished : If we looke tawards earth , we are there imprisoned : On the right hand we haue the sayntes , whose steppes we haue not followed : On the left hand , the wicked , whose course we haue pursued : Before vs we haue our death readye to de●oure vs : Behynde vs our wicked lyfe readye to accuse vs : Aboue vs gods iustice readye to condemne vs : Vnder vs hell fire readye to swallowe vs , into end lesse and euerlasting tormentes . And therfore S. Damascen most fitlye compareth vs , Damascen . hist de Barlaam . 〈◊〉 Iosaphat . to a man , that pursued by an enraged Vnicorne , whyle he was swiftlye fleeinge from it , fell into a well , and in the fallinge , gott holde by a little tree , and setled his feete on a weake staye , & thus thought him selfe verye secure . But looking a litle better about him , he espyed two myse , one whyte , and an other blacke , that continually laye gnawing a sunder the roote of the tree , which he helde bye , vnderneth him a terrible Dragon , with open iawes ready to deuoure him , at the staye of his feete , he found fower adders , that issued out of the wall , and after all this lifting vp his eye , he espyed vpon one of the bowes of the tree , a litle honye : He therfore vnmyndfull of all his daungers , not remembringe that aboue the Vnicorne wayted to spoyle him , that beneath the fierye Dragon watched to swallowe him , that the tree was quicklye to be gnawen asunder , that the stay of his feete , was slipperye , and not to truste vnto : Not remembring I saye all these perils , he onlye thought , how he might come by that litle honye . The Vnicorne is death , the pitt the worlde , the tree , the measure and tyme of our lyfe , and whyte and blacke myse the day and night , the stoppe borne vp by fower adders , our bodye framed of fower brittle and contrarye elementes , the Dragon the Deuill , the honye worldly pleasure . Who therfore woulde not thincke it a madnesse in so manye daungers , rather to be eagre of vayne delight , then fearefull and sadd with consideration of so manifold perils . O blindnesse of worldlinges , that loue vanitye , and seeke lyes , Ps. 4. that reioyce when they haue done euill , Prou ● . & triumphe in the baddest things , that haue no feare of god before them . A nation without counsell or prudence . O that they woulde be wyse vnderstand and prouide , Deuter. 32. for their last thinges , lest it fare with them as Iob sayeth : Iob. 2. ● They holde the drumme and citherne , and reioyce at the sounde of the organe , they passe their dayes in pleasure , and in a moment they descende into hell . Farr otherwyse ought we to doe , that fore see these inconueniences , and rather with sorowfull hartes crye , Ps. 119. Hei mihi , quia incolatus meus prolongatus est . Woe vnto me that my inhabitance is prolonged . For vpon the fluddes of Babilon , Ps. 1. ●● what cause haue we , but layinge a syde our myrth and musicke , to sitt & weepe , remembringe our absence , out of our heauenlye Sion : In the vassalage and seruilitye of Egipt , where we are so daylye oppressed with vncessante afflictions , & filthy workes , Luti et lateris of claye and bricke , that is of fleshe and blood , what can we doe , but with the Israelites ingemiscentes propter opera vociferari , Exo. 1● lamentinge our vntollerable drudgery , cry out vnto God . Who consideringe him selfe a wandering straunger in this farr , and foreyne countrey , and a drudge in the mierye farme , of this worlde , inforced to feede the swyne of his earthlye appetites & senses , and dryuen to so extreame exigents , as not to be suffered implore ventrem , Luc. 15. de siliquis , quas porci manducabant . To fill his bellye of the huskes , that the swyne did eate : Who I saye considering this , would not with the prodigall sonne , bitterlye morne , remembringe the aboundance and plentye of his fathers house , wherof he is depryued , and the moste wretched plyghte , into whiche through sinne he is falne . Ps. 62. We are here in a deserte pathlesse , and waterlesse soyle , in an obscure land , couered with the fogge , Iob. 10. and shadowe of death . We are here in a place of exile , in an hospitall of lazars , in a chanell of ordure , in a dungeon of miserie , in a sepulcher of dead carcases , finallye in a vale of teares . And who could in such a place , liue without sorowe , and who woulde not saye with the wyse man . E●cles . ● . Risum reputaui errorem , & gaudio dixi , quid frustra deciperis . I accounted laughture errour , and to ioye I sayde , why arte thou in vayne deceyued . Prouerb . 14. For laughing shal be mingled with sorowe , & the endinge of our mirth , shal be preuented with morninge . Happye is he that sitteth solitarye , & in the peruse , of these miseries , lifteth vp himselfe , aboue him selfe , Thr●n . 3. happye is he that carieth the yoke , from his verye youth , blessed are they , that morne and vnderstande , how much better it is to go to the house of lamentation , E●cles. 7. then of a bancker ? What comforte , can a man reape , in a place that is gouerned , by the prince of darcknesse , peopled with gods and our enemyes , where vice is aduaunced , vertue scorned , the badd rewarded , & the good oppressed ? What quiet or contentment of mynde , can be enioyed , where the paynes be infinite , common , & vntollerable , the pleasures few , rare , and damnable , where frindshipp breedeth daunger to the soule , enmitye vexation to the bodye , where wante is miserable , plentye full of perill , & a man on euerye syde assaulted , with vnplacable aduersaries . Bernard . C●● 15. medita . My flesh ( sayeth S. Bernard ) is of earth , & therfore ministreth earthlye , and voluptuous : the worlde vayne , and curious : the deuil euill , and malitious , thoughtes : These three enemyes , assayle , and persecute me somtymes openlye , somtimes couertlye , but alwayes malitiouslye . The deuill trusteth much vpon the helpe of the fleshe , because a housholde enemye is apter to hurte . The fleshe , also hath entered league with him , and conspired to my subuersion , beinge borne , and nourished in sinne , defiled from her beginnynge , but much more corrupted by euill custome . Hereuppon it is , that so egrelye she coueteth agaynst the spirite , that so daylye she murmureth , impatiente of disciplyne , that she suggesteth wickednesse , disobeyeth reason , & is not rastrayned with feare . The crooked serpente enemye of mankynde , to her ioyneth his force , her he helpeth , her he vseth , and he hath no other desyre , no other businesse , no other studye , but to cast awaye our soules . This is he that alwayes endeuoreth mischiefe , that speaketh sub●ellye , prompteth cunninglye , and deceyueth guylfullye . He insinuateth euill motions , he inflameth venemous cogitations , he stirreth broyles , he fostereth hatredes , he moueth to glotonye , he procureth lust , he incenseth the desires of the fleshe . He prepareth occasions of sinne , and ceaseth not with a thousand hurtfull traynes , to assaye mens hartes . He beateth vs with our owne sta●fe , he byndeth vs with our owne gyrdle , labowring that our flesh , which was giuen vs as a helpe , mighte be rather cause of our fall and ruine . A greeuous combate , and great daunger it is , to wrastle agaynst our domesticall foe , especiallye we being straungers , and she a cityzen . For she dwelleth here in her owne countrey , wheras we are but pilgrimes and exiled persons . Greate is also the hazarde in susteyninge the often and continuall incounters , agaynst the deuils deceiptfull guyle , whome not onlye his subtill nature , but also the long practise , and exercyse of his malice , hath made crafty . By which wordes of S. Bernard , we may vnderstand , how litle cause we haue , to ioye in this lyfe , in which we haue to struggle howerlye , with so mightye , peruerse , and malicious enemyes , who can neuer be so ouercome , or so thoroughlye vanquished , but that after a litle respitt , they turne to bydd vs newe battayle : And that with such varietye , and chaunge of forcible temptations , that they putt vs in continuall daunger and anguishe of mynde . This doth S. Ciprian well expresse . Ciprian . li. 〈◊〉 mort . Obsessa mens hominis , & vndique Diaboli infestatione vallata , vix occurrit singulis , vix resistit . Si auaritia prosstrata sit , exurgit libido , Si libido compressa , succedit ambitio , si ambitio contempta est , ira exasperat , inflat superbia , vinolentia inuitat , Inuidia concordiam rumpit , Amicitiam Zelus abscindit ; cogeris maledicere , quod diuina lex prohibet , compelleris iurare quod non licet . Tot persecutiones animus quo tidie patitur , tot periculis pectus vrgetur , et delectat hic , inter Diaboli gladios diu stare ? Mans mynde beseeged on euerye syde , inuironed with the vexation of the deuill , is scarce able to preuent all temptations , yea scarce to resiste them . If couetyse be subdued , vpriseth lust , if lust be suppressed , ther succeedeth ambition , if ambition be contemned , anger incenseth , pryde puffeth vp , drunkennes inuiteth , Enuie breaketh peace , Ielosie sundereth frindshipp . Thou shalt be constrayned to speake , that gods precepte forbyddeth , to sweare that , which is vnlawfull . So manye persecutions daylye doth our mynde suffer , with so manye perils is our breast assaulted , and can it delighte vs to make longe abode amongst these swordes of the deuill ? Moreouer if we consider our body what it is , how britle , how frayle , how subiect to corruption , how full of horrible diseases , stuffed with lothsome excrementes , miserable in lyfe , and abhominable after death : how can we take pleasure in a fountaine of so much paine , or not fynde a tediousnes , to serue , and of necessitye to feede , so noysome a thinge . But of all other miseryes , that deserue to be lamented , there is one that passeth al the rest , and is of it selfe , though ther were none but it , able to crosse all possible comfortes , and to make him that semeth meriest , to spend daye and night in weepinge , and complaynte . We haue but one poore and sillye soule , our onlye treasure and Iewell , in whose custodye consisteth our welfare , with whose losse ensueth all our discomforte . A soule of noble substance , of exceedinge beautye , inspired by God the Father , redeemed by the sonne , sanctified by the holye Ghoste , and endewed with the Image of the whole Trinitye . A soule created to liue with Angels , to enioye the loue and companye of an eternall spouse , to be a citizen of heauen , to enherite a kingdome , and triumphe in royall dignitie . This soule I saye , is not only exiled from her natiue countrye , like a caytiue , fettered in a most filthye dungeon , like a forlorne & left widow depriued of her spouses felowshipp , & in most lamentable sort debarred from her kingdome : but is so perilouslye besett , with the fore-resited enemyes , that it standeth in continuall hazarde , to encrease her presente miserye , with an eternall losse , and in liew of all her honours , endowmentes , and dignityes , that she was created vnto , to reape euerlasting horror , and punishment . O fearefull and vncomfortable case , of which ther is no cure . O harde and heauye daunger , that receyueth no security , whose easiest and only remedy , is the seueringe of soule and bodye asunder . Thryse happye are the Martirs , whose bloodye agonyes , purchase assurance of happines , and acquite them from all perill of ensewing tormentes . And thryse vnhappy is our estate , whose hope of felicitye hangeth , on so tickle and slipperye termes : For as S. Augustine sayeth Lubrica spes qua inter fomenta peccati saluari se sperat , Aug. lib. de singula . clericor . Incerta victoria est , inter hostilia arma pugnare : et impossibilis liberatio est , flammis circundari , et non arderi . It is a slipperye hope , that amonestg so manye nourishmentes of sinne , looketh to be saued : vncertayne is the victorye , when it is fought for amongst the enemyes weapons , and vnpossible ( in a maner ) is the deliuery from burning , where we are compassed in with flames . And as S. Bernard well noteth , Bernar. in s●rm . so longe as in any creature ther is power to sinn , it is securee in no place , Nec in coelo , nec in paradyso , multo minus in mundo . In coelo enim cecidit Angelus , sub praesentia diuinitatis . In paradyso Adam de loco voluptatis . In mundo Iudas , de schola Saluatoris . Neyther in heauen nor in paradyse , much lesse in the worlde , for in heauen fell the Angell , euen in Gods presence , in paradyse fell Adam from the place of pleasure , in the worlde fell Iudas from the schole of our Sauiour . Neyther is it certayne in anye , that , qui fieri potuit ex deteriori melior , Aug. in 〈◊〉 . non fiat etiam ex meliore deterior . as Saint . Augustine noteth , that he which of worse could become better , maye not also of better become worse . For if S. Paule sayde Nihil mihi conscius sum , 1. Cor. 4. sed in hoc non sum iustificatus : My conscience accuseth me of nothinge and yet in this am I not iustified . If Iob sayd I feared all my workes , Iob. ca. ● . and though I be washed with the waters of snowe , and my hands shyne as though they were most pure , yett wilte thou fynde me stayned with vncleanes . If Dauid cryed Enter not into iudgmente with thy seruaunte , Ps. 141. for not anye liuing creature shal be iustified in thy sighte . And the wyse man . Eccl. 9. No man knoweth whether he be worthye of loue or hatred , Prouer. 2●● and who can saye cleane is my harte , and pure I am from sinne . If these men I saye stoode in such feare of them selues , Philip. 2. how much more ought we In tremblnge and feare to worke our saluation and not to be without feare euen of our released sinne . Eccl. 5. But rather labour in our sorowe , and washe our bedd with teares , Ps. 6. and make them our bread , daye & night , so longe as it is daylye sayde vnto vs , Ps. 41. where is your god , Ps 123. and till such time as our soule is deliuered like a sparrowe out of the foulers snares . We read that the strumpet which came for iudgment to Salomon , 1. Reg. 3. when she harde him call for a sworde , and commaund , that her litle childe should be parted into two peeces , she presentlye fell into so vehement a passion of sorow , that Commota sunt viscera eius super filio , her bowels were moued for pitye of her sonne . We reade that Agar beinge driuen out of Abrahams house , Gen. 21. and enforced to wander in the wildernesse , with her ●ender sucklinge , seeinge the infant for want of water readye to dye , and not fiyndinge wherwithall to refresh it , nor hauinge the harte to see her li●le innocent geue vpp the ghost : she withdrew her selfe a farr of from it , and with pitifull mone and lamentation lyfted vpp her voyce to heauen , feedinge her pensiue and timorous thoughtes , with the dolfull remembraunce , and continuall feare of her childes departure . We see what cold and trembling agonyes , surpryse the poore wretch , that pleadeth at the barr , whyle the Iurye deliberateth vpon his finall sentence . We see how doubtfully the sicke patient hangeth in suspence , betweene hope and feare , whyle the phisicians are in consultation , whether his disease be mortall . Finallye if a younge spouse tenderlye affected , and deeplye enamoured vpon her new husbande , see him assaulted by fierce and cruell enemyes , or inforced to wage in a whote & daungerous battayle , what a multitude of frightfull passions oppresse her , how variablye is she tossed vp and downe , with crosse and fearfull surmises . Of euery gunne that is discharged , she feareth that the pellett hath hitt his bodye , ere the noyse came to her eares , at euerye worde that is reported of anye that are slayne , feare maketh her doubt that her best-beloued is one . Euerye rumour costeth her a teare , euerye suspicion a pange , and till she see the battayle ended , and her husbande safely returned , she hangeth betweene life & death , drawing euery thing to sorowful constructions , & vtterly refusing all kynde of comforte . O how harde and tough harted are we , towarde our owne soules , that seeinge them in all the rehersed daungers , feele not in our selues , any motion of the like affections . The sword of gods iustice hangeth ouer our soules , ready for our sins to diuyde vs from eternall blysse , and vncertayne it is , whether he will geue not onlye a parte , but the whole to the foule fiend , that hath so often through our iniquityes , stolne vs from our mothers syde , into his enuious handes , and shall not we be moued with pitye and griefe . We are from paradyse exiled with Agar , into this barren deserte , and can not certaynelye assure our selues , that we haue so much as one dropp of grace to slake and mitigate the thirsting passions , which without it vndoubtedlye worke the death of our soules , and our finall damnation . And can we seeinge not our childe , but the chiefe portion of our selues , in such a taking , with drye eyes and vnnaturall hartes beholde it , without sorowe ? Are not we to stande at the barre in the daye of Iudgment , where the deuils , our consciences , and all creatures shall giue most strayte information agaynst vs ? The twelue Apostles as our quest , & Christ as our Iudge , whome we haue daylye offended , shall passe their verdicte in moste rigorous sorte vppon vs , and that about our eternall death , and saluation : And can we vntil we here , what wil become of vs , doe otherwyse but lyue in continuall feare and perplexitye ? Is not our soule in this bodye , as a Lazar in death-bed , vncertayne of life so long as it couched therin , yea in apparent daunger of an endlesse death , and shall not we till we heare the iudgment of our heauenlye phisician , who can quicklye search , and onlye can enter into our diseases , tremble , quake & feare a hard resolution ? Finallye is not our most beutiful & noble portion , of which the body hath al the seemlinesse , without which it strayte becommeth vglye , and monstrous : Is it not I saye in the thronge and presse of most powrable , subtile , and barbarous enemyes , hauing continuall warre , not onlye agaynst fleshe & bloode , Ephesi. 6. but also agaynst the princes and powers , agaynst the rulers of the worlde of this darcknesse . Is it not also set the in reach of many occasions , allurementes , and prouocations vnto sinne . And can we seeinge this doe any thing , but morne and liue in continuall anguish and pensiuenesse , vntill we see the battayle ended , and our soule safely deliuered out of daunger . O senselesse and benummed hartes of ours , that at the consideration of so heauye and lamentable poyntes , can not fynde scope and fielde of sorowe . Lett vs at the lest be sorye for our want of sorowe , and bewayle our scarcitye of teares , lest we fall into a carelesse securitye , and by not sorowing as we should , leaue considering for how great causes we ought . For as S. Gregorye noteth . Greg. L. 8. mor Saepe quod torpentes latuit , fletibus innotescit , & afflicta mens certius inuenit malum , quod fecerat , et reatum suum cuius secura non meminit , hunc in se commota depraehendit . Oftentimes that which we knowe not through our sloth , we learne by teares , and an afflicted mind more certainly findeth a committed fault , & the guilt which in securitie it remembred not , being troubled it espyeth . And seeing that on euerye syde we haue such vrgent occasions to morne and passe the dayes of this our paynfull pilgrimage in griefe and heauinesse , we must rather content our selues in tribulation , then in repose , seeinge by the first we are but inuited to weeping and sorowe , which is the thinge that we should professe , and by the last to comfort and solace , which with reason the eminent daungers and straytes that we stand in , will not comporte . Which both of Christ and his saintes hath ben so well vnderstood , that Christ , though it had bene as easye for him , to haue bene borne an Emperour , & haue had all the pleasures that heauen and earth could yelde , yet would he not in the vale of teares , geue so preposterous an example , of myrth . But as one that knew whether he came , he entered into the worlde weepinge , and in tyme of his aboade with vs , lyued lyke an outwayle , and morner , & in his death , tooke his leaue with teares & torments . What his Saintes haue done , lett all antiquitye testifie , how like men that had no feelinge of worldlye comfort , they roued in deserts , lodged in desolate holtes , and caues , were cloathed with heare and sackcloth , fedd very litle and groslye , chastised their bodyes often and seuerelye : endeuouringe to keepe them selues alwayes in remembraunce , that they were mourners : And therfore choosinge place , habyte , dyet , & exercyse , fittest for that dolfull profession . The Sayntes knew , that heauen onlye was Terra viuentium , Psal. 14. a lande of the liuinge , and that in this worlde we sitt , In tenebris , Luc. 1. et in vmbra mortis , in darkenesse , and the shadowe of death , and therfore they wyselye iudged , that musica in luctu importuna , Eccles. 22 vnfittinge it is to haue myrthe , and musicke , in tyme of sorowe . They sawe ( no doubt ) the tree of this lyfe , loaden with some alluringe and delicious fruites : but consideringe that it grew in such a place , as the clyminge vnto it , implyed manifest daunger of falling into the bottomlesse pitt of hell , they lefte it as a praye for the raueninge foule of this world , contenting them selues with the bitter frutes of aduersitye . They knew that only in the arriuall to heauen , Psal. 123 In exultatione metent portantes manipulos suos , They shall reape in ioye bearing their handfuls , and therfore here all the waye , Euntes ibant etflebant mittentes semina sua , they went weepinge sowinge their seedes in sorowe . They knew that who will keepe the feast in heauen , must first keepe the vigill and the fast here . For otherwyse he that will feast it here in ioconsye and disporte , after this lyfe , ad sepulchra ducetur et in congerie mortuorum vigilabit . Iob. ●● He shal be led to the graues , & in the heape of the deade shall keepe a perpetuall vigill in hell . Basil. in Gordian . Marti●● They obserued that as S. Basill sayeth , the huge and noble cityes furnished with glory of munition , with aucthoritye of great personages , and all plenty both at home and abroade , at the length shew in the onlye ruines the signes of their auncient nobilitye : The shipp also that hath often escaped many shipwrackes , & a thousand tymes crossed the seas with great aduantage of the shipmen , in the end iustled with a blast , is shattered in peeces . Mightye armyes that haue often conquered in warr , haue afterward bene made a miserable and bloodye spectacle to their enimies . All nations & Ilandes enhaunced to great power & swaye , haue decayed in time , or chaunged their libertye , with bondage . Finallye what hauocke , losse , ruyne , or miserye can be reckened , wherof this wretched world hath not shewed some example ? yea and that in the lyfe of the godlye . All thinges therfore bendinge here to decaye , and beinge taynted with deathes consumption . The Sayntes in mourninge sorte , agreablye to dyinge and passing persons , liued in a continuall farewell , as men that all wayes stoode vpon the departure from these earthlye solaces : litle regardinge the thinges , that they were to leaue , and hauinge their hartes setled vpon the felicity , that they tended vnto . And as men , that at noone daye , desire to see the starres , goe downe into a deepe and darke well , from thence the easier to discrye them : so they desyring to haue the eyes of their harte , perpetuallye fixed vppon the starres of heauen , that is the glorye of the Sayntes , descended in to that profounde , obscure , and base kynde of lyfe , sequestring them selues from the lyght and pleasure of these inferior comfortes , yea and delyghtinge in griefes , the better to conceaue of future happynes . Iob. 17. Consider how low Iob went when he cryed . Putredini dixi pater meus es , mater mea & soror mea vermibus . I sayde vnto corruption , thou art my father , and to the wormes , you ar my mother & sister . Consider how low S. Paule went , 1 Cor. 4 when he sayde , Esurimus et sitimus , & nudi sumus , & colaphis cedimur , tanquam purgamenta huius mundi facti sumus omnium peripsema vsque ad huc . We are hungrye , we thyrst , and we are naked , and beaten with buffets : yea and that which is more , we are made the refuse of this worlde , and drosse of all euen vntill now . How farr went Dauid when he sayde , Psal. 21 Ego sum vermis & non homo , opprobrium hominum & abiectio plebis . I am a worme and no man , the stale of men , and the castawaye of the people . They were not ignorant , that euery valley shal be filled , Luc. ● and euerye mountayne & hill humbled . They knew that the waters of grace springing into lyfe euerlasting , Ioan ● rest not on the hyghe and steepe hilles , Ioan. 4. but in the bottomes and lowe valleyes , according to that . Qui emittit fontes in conuallibus , inter medium montium pertransibunt aquae . Psal. 103 Who letteth out his fountaines in the valleyes , and his waters shall passe in the middest betweene hils . They well vnderstoode , how conuenient a thinge it is , and conformable to the state of this lyfe , recumbere in nouissimo loco , Luc. 14 to sitt downe in the last place as Christ counsayled . For as S. Augustine sayeth . August . super Ioan. Excelsa est patria , humilis via : ergo qui quaerit patriam , quid recusat viam ? Aloft is our countrye , but lowe is our waye , who therfore seeketh the countrye , why shuneth he the waye ? O howe much are the worldlinges deceyued that walke , in magnis & mirabilibus super se in greate thinges and in marueyles aboue them selues , Psal. 130 that reioyce in the time of weepinge , and make their place of imprisonment , a pallace of pleasure , that think these examples of Sayntes follyes , and their endes dishonorable , that thincke to goe to heauen by the wyde waye , that onlye leadeth to perdition . August . in psa 138 Well maye we to these saye with S. Augustine . Quo itis ? peritis & nescitis , non illac itur quo pergitis , quo peruenire desideratis . Nam vtique beati esse desideratis : Sed misera sunt , & ad maiorem miseriam ducunt , itinera ista quae curritis . Tam magnum bonum querere per mala nolite , si ad illud peruenire velitis huc venite hac ite . Whether goe you , you perishe and you perceyue it not , that is not the waye to the place you goe vnto , and to which you desire to arryue : for your meaninge is to be happye , but miserable are they , and to more miserye leade they , those iorneyes which you runne : seeke not so greate a good by euill . If you meane to atchiue it , hyther must you come , & this waye must you goe . The path to heauen is narrowe , rough , and full of weerisome and tyeringe ascents , neyther can it be trodden without greate toyle . And therfore wronge is their waye , grosse their error , and assured their ruine , that after the steppes and testimonyes of so manye thousand Sayntes , will not learne wherto settle their footinge . It were enough to haue the example of Christe onlye , who as S. Augustine noteth cryeth alwayes vnto vs . August . Qua vis ire , ego sum via . Quo vis ire ego sum veritas . Vbi vis permanere , ego sum vita . Which waye wilt thou goe , I am the waye . Whether wilt thou goe , I am the truth . Where wilt thou staye , I am the lyfe . And if this waye leade vs through austere , and paynfull passages , if this trueth teach vs the trace of humilitye , if this lyfe be not atchiued without a doleful & dyinge pilgrimage . Luc. 6 Then Vae vobis qui ridetis quia flebitis : & beati qui lugent quoniam ipsi consolabuntur . Matt. 5 Woe be vnto you , that laugh , for you shall weepe , & happye are they that morne , for they shal be comforted . For as S. Gregorye sayeth . Greg. in mor. Qui honoratur in via , in peruentione damnabitur : & quasi per amoena prata ad carcerem peruenit , qui per praesentis vitae prospera ad interitum tendit . He that is honored in his iorney , shal be condemned at his iorneyes end : and he commeth as it were by pleasant medowes to his prison , that by the prosperitye of this worlde runneth to his ruine . For in trueth the contentments of this lyfe , haue true miserye , fayned felicitye , assured sorowe , doubtfull delightes , rough stormes , timorous rest , solace full of sadnesse , and hope full , of hazarde . They are lyke fayre wether in winter , nothing durable , lyke a calme in the sea , alwayes vncertayne . Like the stedines of the moone , that is ouer in chaunginge . They resemble the Co●●●rices egge fayre without & foule within : Nabuchodonozors image , that had the face and hed of golde , but earthen and brittle feete , or the sweete riuer , that runneth into the salte sea . Sordes eius in pedibus eius & nouissima eius amara quasi ab sinthium . Thr●● . ● Pro●er . 5. Her filth is in her feete , and the last of her pleasures are as bitter wormewoode . Seeing therfore , that all our troubles , penaltyes , restrayntes & afflictions , be but meanes to remember vs of our place , state , daungers , and profession , and but seedes of comforte , and eternall glorye , howsoeuer they seeme here couered and corrupted in earth . Lett vs solace our selues in hope of our ioyfull haruest . We are but pilgrimes , and haue no citye of aboade , Heb. 13 but seeke a future place of rest . If the waye had bene besett with pleasures , with true delyghtes , with vnfadinge & odoriferous flowers , we should haue easilye bene slacked in our iorney towardes heauen , beinge drawen , and with-helde , with the pleasant view & desire of these allurementes . And therfore god hath made our throughfare tedious , vncomfortable , and distresfull , that we hasten towardes our repose , and swyftly runne ouer the cares of this lyfe : imitatinge the dogges of Aegipt , that of the riuer Nilus drincke runninge , lest if they stayed to take their full draughte at once , they should be espyed , and stunge by venemous serpentes . Whereuppon S. Peter warneth vs , 1. Pet. 2 Tanquam aduenas , & peregrines abstinerenos a carnalibus desiderijs , quae militant aduersus animam . Like strangers and pilgrimmes , to absteyne from fleshlye desires , which fyghte agaynst the spirite , remembring , that this world is a deluge of miseries , and heauen onlye our arke of securitye , out of which though the vncleane crowe , can vppon carren and dead carcases finde footing , and litle care to returne : yet the cleane and chaste doue , abhorring such a lothsome abode , without this arke can not fynde anye rest : but with the wynges of penitent harte , and longing desire , flickereth still at the wyndowe , vntill it please our Noe to put out his mercifull hand , and receyue it into the Arke of his heauenlye felicitye .

Cap. 5. Cap. 5.

But suppose that the pleasures of this world , The fifte comfort in tribulation is that our punishmentes are but easy in comparison of our desertes . & place or state of our lyfe , were such , that they rather inuited vs to comforte and ioye , then to sorowe and patient sufferance : yet if we consider , what our lyfe hath ben , what our sinns are , what punishments therby we haue deserued , we shall thinke god to deale moste myldlye with vs , and be moste ioyfull of our troubles , which be allotted vs , in liew of most vntollerable chastisementes . What hath our whole lyfe bene , but a continuall defiance & battayle with God . Our senses so manye swordes to fyght agaynst him , our wordes blowes , and our workes woundes . What haue our eyes and eares ben , but open gates , for the deuill to sende in loades of sinne into our mynde . What hath our sente , taste , and feelinge ben , but tinder and fuell , to feede and norishe the fyer of our concupiscence . Our bodye , that ought to haue ben a temple of the holy ghost , a chaste & cleane harbour of an vnspotted soule , a bed of honour , and a gardeyn of delyght , for him that sayde delitiae meae esse cum filijs hominum . Prouer. ● . My delyghte is to be with the children of men . What hathe it ben , but a haunt of deuils , a stewes of an aduoultresse , and a filthye sepulcher of a corrupted soule , as full of carrein , and venome , as any poysened carcas . What hath it ben , but a forge of Satan , wherin the fyer of our passions , kindled with his wicked instinctes , he hath enflamed our soule , and made it so plyable to his purposes , that vppon the Anduyle of euerye pleasure , and sensuall delighte , he hath wrought it to most vglye and detestable shapes . And as for the soule that was betrothed and espoused to Christ in baptisme , that was beutified with grace , fedd with the repast of Angels , and a treasurye for all gods riches : that was a receyte of the blessed Trinitie , and ordeyned to the felowshipp of Angels in eternall blisse . What hath it ben , but a most ryetous , disloyall , and vngratefull losell . Our vnderstandinge hath ben lyke a most lewd Priuado , to prsent vnto the will incentyues , and instruments of sinne . Our will a most lewd & common curtesan , coueting & lusting after euerye offer , that she aliked . Our memorye a register and record , of wicked and abhominable sightes , sayings , and deedes , for our sinfull thoughtes , and phansies to feede vppon . Finallye what parcell of our bodye , what power of our soule , wherof god hath giuen vs the vse , haue we not abused to his dishonour : warring agaynst him with his owne weapons , & employing our lyfe , motion , and beinge , to the continuall incensynge of him , Act. 17. In quo viuimus , mouemur & sumus . In whome we lyue , we moue , and we are . Seeing therfore we haue not onlye bene sinfull , but euen a lumpe , & masse of sinne , what thinke you was due vnto vs , if god had dealte with , vs according to his iustice . Which the better to consider , lett vs call to mynde , how odious a thing vnto God sinne is , and then maye we the better perceyue , how mercifullye we are dealt withall , to haue our heynous faultes rather chastised here , then in hell : and how worthy we may thinke our selues , of all our heauye scourges . Of God it is sayde , Sap. 10. that nihil odisti eorum , quae fecisti . Thou hast hated nothinge of all that , which thou hast made . Onlye that nothinge of which , as S. Augustine expoundeth it the Gospell speaketh sine ipso factum est nihil without him was made nothing that is sinne , I●● . 1. this nothing I saye , is the cause , that to some things he beareth an vnplacable hatred . The deuill in his nature is more amiable than man , beinge of nobler substance , of higher excellencye , and endewed with higher prerogatiues , then we . Yett who knoweth not , how muche God doth hate him . We knowe what tender affection God hath alwayes shewed to mankind , for whose sake he hath made this world , and enriched and garnished it with so glorious ornaments , besydes other infinite tokens of a moste tender loue , howerlye shewed vnto vs . And yett it is sayed . Psal. 5 Odisti omnes operantes iniquitatem . Thou hast hated all , that worke iniquitye . And in the booke of wysdome . Odio est deo impius , Sap. 14. & impietas eius . Hatefull is to God the impious , & his impiety . If therfore both the wicked man , and the deuill him selfe , is so deepelye of God detested , and for no other cause but onlye for sinne ? How abhominable must we thincke that sinne is . When we will make a comparison of a thing that is euill , in the highest degree , we can fynde nothing to lyken it vnto , worse then the deuill : And when we haue named him , we thincke to haue reckened the last , and greatest euill , that can be imagined . For the which cause , Tertuli . de patient . & alibi . of Tertullian and the auncient fathers , he was called Malum the euill it selfe : As who would saye , that no other name was sufficient to expresse his noughtinesse . And as badd , Tertuin Apolog●● . odious , and detestable as he is , more odious & detestable is sinn , which is the onlye cause of his odiousnesse , of which if he were ridd , he were a more glorious and louelye creature , then anye mortall man . Seinge therfore this most monstrous and abhominable sinne was as well in vs , as in the deuill , we maye rather thincke our selues happye , that we are not chastised as he is , then marueyle that wee are afflicted as now we be ; espeacially consideringe , that which S. Ans●lme well noteth , Ansel. ● . d● casu . diab . that sinne in vs , is more punishable , then in the deuill him selfe . For his sinne was but one : ours infinite . His before the reuenge of sinn was knowen , ours after notice , and experience therof . He sinned created in inocency , we restored to the same . He persisted in malice beinge of God reiected : but we beinge of God recalled . He was harden●d agaynst one , that punished him : we agaynst one , that allured , & tendered vs . He agaynst one , that sought not him : we agaynst one that dyed for vs . And lo thus ( sayeth this Sainte ) I fynd in my selfe a more horrible horrour , then in him , whose verye image I abhorred . Moreouer as it is a straunge & most dreadfull darknesse , that no light can illuminate ; and an extreame colde , that no heate can rebate ; So must it be a moste odious thing , that an infinite loue hateth , and the baddest thing that can be that an infinite goodnesse detesteth , and a most vyld & execrable thing that omnipotencye can not doe . For if there were in it anye sparke or iott of goodnesse , God could not otherwyse doe , but in some respecte loue it , approue it , and be aucthor of it . And syth we so long haue suffered this vglye and filthye deformitye , to sticke and fester in vs , and consequently haue ben most abhominable , and lothsome in Gods eye , what rubbing , what rough intreatye , or harde vsage can we thincke to much , to scoure out so canckred a corruption . For as S. Bernard sayeth . Bern. in quod . Serm. Qui perfecte senserit onus peccati , aut parum sentiet , aut ex toto non sentiet corporis paenam , nec magnum reputabit , quo pcecata nouerit deleri praeterita , & caueri futura . He that perfectlye feeleth the burden of sinne , and the hurte of the soule , eyther shall litle , or nothing at all , feele the punishment of his body , nor esteeme it much , whereby he knoweth his former offences to be canceled , and his future sinns to be preuented . But because the consideration of that , which our sinnes haue deserued , is a most forcible motiue , to disgest with patience what miserye soeuer , though otherwise very tedious : Let vs call vnto mynde , how God mighte iustly haue delte with vs , what he might haue layde vppon vs , and yett not only not exceeded , the bond of his iustice , but haue still shewed himselfe of infinite mercye . It is a generall Axiome , and an approued veritye , ratified by the common consent of all fathers , and diuines , that as God rewardeth aboue the deserts of our merites , & in his eternall recompence farr exceedeth the valew of our good works , so on the other syde , doth he chastise farr vnderneth the rate of our mysdeedes , and his infinite iustice considered , his greatest punishment amounteth not , to the exceeding heynousnesse of the lest mortall sinne . For the iniurye offered to so infinite a maiestye of one so farr inferiour , & so highlye beholding vnto him , in so opprobrious and despytefull wyse , that as much as in the sinner lyeth , he quite defeateth God of his godhead , and yeldeth it to that wherin he sinneth : This iniurye ( I saye ) is so greate , that though God shoulde double and treble all punishmentes of sinne , and lay them on one sinners backe , for one on lye mortal offence , yett might he iustly double them of new , and as often as he thought good , without doing anye iniurye to the offendor ; yea and punishing him farr lesse , then his desert were . Lett vs now therfore consider , what rigorous punishmentes God hath vsed , in reuenging him selfe vppon sinners . First if we marke what temporall miseryes common to all men , God hath caused in the worlde , for one onlye sinne of Adam ; They will seeme so manye , as might suffise yea and exceede the iust measure of the desert of that sinne . For if man had perseuered in the state of innocencye , nether should our bodyes haue ben subiect to anye diseases , nor the minde to anye sorowe or disordred passions . The earth should haue ben a place of pleasure , the ayre temperate , all creatures to man obedient , finallye all thinges to our contentment , & nothing to our annoyance . If therfore we consider now the miseryes of our bodyes , as hunger , thirst , nakednesse , deformitye , sickenesse , and mortallitye ; the troubles of our mynde , as phansies , feares , perplexityes , anguishes , & diuers imperfections : likewyse the generall scourges of plagues , warre , a thousand hazardes and calamityes , : Finally all other incombrances , that in any respect ar incident into this lyfe , they are so manye in number , so greeuous in qualitye , and so ordinary in experience to all , that who so well wayeth them , might thinke them sufficient scourges , not onlye of one , but of all the sinnes of mankynde . Doe but cast your eyes into one hospitall of lazars . See what cankers , fistuloes , vlcers , and rottings , what wolfes , sores , and festered carbucles . Wey the miseries of the phrensye , palsey , letargy , falling sicknesse , and lunasye . Consider the diseased of the eyes , eares , mouth , throate , and euerye parcell of mans bodye . On the other syde consider the infirmityes of the mynde , the furious rages , enuyes , rancours , and corrasiues , the vnplacable sorowes , and desperate passions , the continuall hell , tormentes , and remorse of conscience , and infinite other spritishe fittes , and agonyes . Consider the displeasure of superiours , the malice and enmitye of our equalles , the contempt , ignominy , and reproch , we receyue of our inferiours , the fraude and trecherye of all sortes and degrees . Goe forwarde to the other ordinarye molestations , by losse of goodes , lymmes , libertye , frindes , wyfe , or children . By daungers of fyer , water , sword , beastes , and infinite of lyke qualitye . And remembring that all these thinges , and the defeating of the commodityes & pleasures contrarye to the same , befell vnto man by reason of one , and that in shew but a light sinne ; Lett vs not thincke much if we , whose offences are most greeuous , and verye many , suffer a few of these scourges , and those such , as compared with diuers other afore recyted , haue in respecte of them , scarce anye colour or shadow of miserye . What sinne haue we committed , that maye not be deemed as exorbitant as the eating of an aple : and how manye haue we done , that seeme farr more detestable ? why then shoulde we not , eyther looke for the whole heape of afflictions to light vppon vs , or at the lest , the most noysome and greuous that are emongest them : which God of his mercye , not hauing permitted , but layed a softe and easye hande vppon vs , more cause we haue of thankes giuinge , then of anye iuste complaynte . But to passe to other particuler scourges , that God hath sent in this lyfe , for the diuers sinnes and offences of men , we shall fynde them so manye , so terrible , and so vntollerable , as the very imagination of them without the experience , were able to affryght a right couragious , and stoute harte . In the scriptures what straunge punishmentes reade we , of the deluge of Noe , Gen. 7. Gen. 19. of the powring downe fyer and brimstone vppon Sodome and Gomorrha : of the opening of the earth , to swallow in Dathan and Abiron , Num. 16 Psal. 105 , and a deuouring fyer to consume their confederates . How wonderfull were the plagues of Egipt , Exo. 7.8.9 , 10.11.12.13.14 the turninge of the waters into blood , giuing to their thirst , more punishing remedyes , then the punishment it selfe . The horror of scrauling froggs , leauing no place nor person vnannoyed : the fierye stinging gnattes , encombringe lyke clowdes the ayre , as well within as without the howses : the most bitter and viperous flyes , that not contented to sting without , with extreeme torment gnawed them selues passage into the verye intrayles , leauinge no parte of the sinner vnreuenged . The sodeyne death of the cattell of all the Egiptians , the mattering sores , & blistering byles , and botches , the wonderfull hayle myngled with fyer , that kylled man and beast wheresoeuer it fell . The cloudes of locustes that couered lyke sande all the earth , deuouring the verye rootes of the herbes , and plants that the hayle had spared . The fearfull and palpable darcknesse , the kylling all the first begotten , both of man & best , and finally the drowning of Pharao , and his innumerable armye in the redd sea . I omitt the slaughter and mortalitye of men ; 1 Reg. ● Of the Bethsanites for curioslye beholding the Arke , 1 Reg. 5. of the Philistyns for robbing it from Gods people , of the Israelites for Dauids numbringe of them . 2 Reg. 24 The deuouring the disobedient Prophett by a Lyon , 3 Reg 13 4 Reg. 2 4 Reg 1 the children that scoffed at Elizeus with wylde beares , Achabs soldiers with fyer from heauen , The turninge Loth his wyfe into an image of salte : Gen. 1● finally infinite other reckoned in the Scripture . I will come to the straunge reuenges of God , mentioned by other authors , first what vntolerable vsage hath there ben of diuerse people by the rage and furye of Barbarous tyrantes , what spoyle of their goods , shedding of their bloode , oppressing of innocentes , persecutions of the Godly , deflowring of virgins , Abusing of matrones , compulsion vnto wickednesse , and terrifyinge from all vertue . What inconueniences and miseryes haue insued by warr , what alteration of estates , subuersion of Kingdomes , slaughtering of men , destroying of cittyes , and confusion of all order . Vide Egesippum et Iosephum And to put one example what a tragicall & straunge vengeance , did God shew vnto the Iewes , for their horrible sinne in murdering Christ , at the last destruction of Hierusalem . To omit their rifling , and spoyle by diuerse roman magistrates , their seruilitye vnder straungers , the surprising of other cittyes of Iurye , & the driuing all the inhabitants into that one cittye of Hierusalem : the onlye taking of it was the occasion of suche miseryes , that were they not registred , by such authenticall writers , it were almost incredible , that so manye and so straunge calamityes , coulde befall in so shorte a space . First the famine was so greate , that not onlye they of the same familye , were at weapons for a bitt of meate , but the soldiers , that lyke hungrye wolues ranged about the cittye , if in anye place they felt but the sent of vittayle , they rushed in with drawne swordes , and were readye to ripp open the bellyes and bowels of their owne citizens , to fetch out the meate which they had eaten , and fedd vppon that lothsome stuffe so brutishlye gotten , & imbrued in the bloode of the first eater , as vppon a deyntye & delicate dish . The children were at defiance with their owne parentes , the brothers & sisters mortall enemyes , the father and mother at deadlye foode , with their owne ofspring , all readye to murder one an other , for euery bitt that anye of them putt into their mouth ; So farr did the extremitye of hunger , abolishe all feelinge of naturall affection : yea & that which is more , man was enforced to chew beastes dunge , & after they had eaten vpp the fleshe to take their repast vppon their most filthye excrementes . Others fishing & raking in the sinckes & chanels , from thence gatherd though for to thincke most detestable & bestlye , yet to them in those termes not vnpleasant foode . Some fedd vppon the lether of their bucklers , and shoes : others on trampled and broken haye , finallye men vsed to all varietye of viande , and delicious fare , were now driuen to so base and abhominable dyett , as the brute beastes them selues by nature would abhorr . I leaue it to your consideration what mortallity & strange diseases this famine was likely to breed . But yet besid this , were ther at the same time such ciuil mutinies , such domesticall vprores amongest them selues , that euen Titus theire mortall enemye , who laye in siege about their citye , hearing of their mutuall slaughters , for all his vnplacable enmitye , was deepely moued with compassion , saying that they needed no foreyne enemyes to worke theire confusion , so bloodye were the tragedyes they reysed among them selues . Neyther was this the greatest of their miseryes . For afterward besyde the vnmercifull hauocke , that the romaines made of the Iewes , when the citye was taken , there was found an other thing , that bred occasion of a greter and most cruell massaker . For the Iewes vnwillinge to enrich their enemyes with their treasure , and thincking to saue somewhat from the generall spoyle , swallowed into their bodyes so much golde , perle , and prcious stone , as nature woulde beare . which thinge the Romanes afterwarde fyndinge out by their excrementes , they left rifeling their houses , & in most barbarous sort began to ransacke their bodyes & bowells : So that wheras they thought their bodyes , their surest coffers , they found by a rufull experience their owne follye , who when they might with theire treasure haue tedeemed theire lyues , they so horded it vp , that neyther they coulde vse it to their owne profite , nor the enemye spoyle them of it without spillinge their lyues . Finallye besydes battering downe the walles , the defacinge of the citye , the burninge of the temple ; there were as Iosephus reporteth partly by famine , partly by the sword , put to death , an eleuen hundred thousand Iewes , besydes fourscore and ten thousand other the relques and onlye remnant of that nation , that were scattered and most miserablye dispersed in to diuers partes of the world . And the glory of the temple after an eleuen hundred yeres standinge , and the people of all other most famous , strong , and glorious , after the honour of so manye ages , ended in this most shameful & opprobrious sort . Much like vnto this was the destruction of Carthage , which after seuen hundred yeres glorye & maiesty , was in the end ouerthrowen , the walles were turned into duste , and the citye burning continuallye for the space of seuentene dayes together , had not onlye the buildinges and treasures therof consumed into ashes , but was also a funerall pyle to the Queene and her two sonnes , and diuers other desperate multitudes , that rather chose to be fuell of theire countrye fyer , then captiues of their f●reyne enemyes . Oros. li. 5. C●● . 1 Of which Orosius sayeth Nomssime miseris ciuibus passim 〈…〉 vltima desperatione iactentibus , vnus regus tota ciuitas fuit : cui etiam nunc siti● 〈◊〉 , moembus destitutae , pars miseriaru● est , recordari quid f●●erit . In the end the wretched citizens euerye where throwing them selues with a finall desperation into the fyer , the whole citye became a funerall fyer , and being now left smale in situation , & bare of walles , it is a parte of the misery therof to here what it hath ben . It were infinite to exemplifye the desolations , ruines , and calamityes , that by warr haue fallen vppon all nations , and prouinces , & euerye history & cronicle of former times , yea the v●rye experience of our dayes geueth so large proofe and notice of them , that none can be ignorant how terrible a scourge it is , hauing in it no smale resemblance of the eternall horrour of hell . And thus it appeareth how mans offence , by man hath ben reuenged . Lett vs now see , how the whole worlde hath conspired to the iuste punishment of Gods enemies . And first to beginne with the earth what a terrible instrument of Gods iustice hath this element bene ? Diodo . li ●● Strab. li. ● All Achaya was so strangelye shaken with an earthquake , that two cityes Bura and Helice , were swallowed vpp . An other also happened in Traians tyme , Euseb. in c●● . which in Asia ouerthrew fower cytyes , in Greece two , and three others in Galatia . About the same time was greate parte of Antioch in lyke maner ouerthrowen . Xiphilinus in Traiano In the nynth yeere of Titus & Vespasianus , Orosi li● . ca. 7 three cityes of Ciprus were by the like accident destroyed . I omitt the earthquake of Constantinople , Orosi . li. 3 ca. 3 li. 4 ●ap 13● Rhodus , and Caria , thoughe all memorable for terrible effectes . I will not speake of the horrible breach , and gaping of the earth , that happened in Rome , Aug. de ciuita te dei . li. 7 ca 20 out of which vamped so vntollerable a stench , that the verye byrdes that flew ouer it fell downe dead , which by no other meanes coulde be closed vpp , Li● . li. 7 but by the deuouringe of a man , that voluntarilye leaped into it . I omit diuerse other wonderfull calamityes , which the earth by Gods permission hath occasioned , to giue vs to vnderstand , that we ought not to muche to marueyle at our present afflictions , as muse at Gods mercye , that we beinge attaynted with the lyke crymes , we are not swallowed vpp quicke , with our familyes , howses , children , and goods , as the sinners of former ages were . Nether haue fewer vexations happened by meanes of the water . For to saye nothing of Noe his fludd , Gen. ● . that left in the whole worlde no more but eyght persons aliue , destroying cityes , townes , men , and beastes . There haue also since that time happened other inudations , though not so generall as that , yett doubtlesse such , as testified sufficiently Gods deepe and immortall hatred agaynst sinne .

Aug. deciui● . li: 18

Oro : li: 7 ca 1

Of Ogigius fludd we reed that it wasted all most all Achaia . Deucalions deluge consumed greatest parte of Thessalia . Diod: li: ● And Diodorus writeth of an Iland in Egipt called Pharos , that was altogether couered and drowned with a straunge irruption of waters . I will not recken the ouerflowing of riuers , yea of litle brookes , that by continuall rayne and snowe , swelled so hye , that they haue drowned manye cityes , Oro : li: 4 ca ●● de Tiberi● destroyed manye townes , spoyled corne , and cattell , and left behinde them most rufull monumentes of Gods deserued indignation . How often also and how daylye see we , how by diuers alterations the ayre hath ben a meane to chastise mens iniquityes . What wracke & hauocke hath ben made by stormes , and tempestes , what terrible & frightfull casualtyes , by thunder , what strang mortallitye by pestiferous vapours , & exhalations , corrupting and infecting the ayre , and breeding infinite diseases in mens bodyes . Euseb. Eusebius writeth that Aethiopia was so pestered with the plague , and infectious diseases , that it was almost brought to vtter desolation . Rome in L. Genucius and Q. Seruilius consulshipp , Orosli . 3 ca. 4 by an infectious wynde was two whole yeres consumed with so generall a pestilence , that all the inhabitantes were eyther dead , or by extreame leanes left in as good as deadly termes . Yea and in L. Cecilius Metellus and Q. Fabius Maximus Seuerinus tyme , Iul Obsequens . Oros. li. 4 ca. 4 The infection and mortalltye was so greate , that first there were not enow to burye the dead , and in the end ther were none at all . In so much that great howses were voyde of liuing , and full of dead bodyes , furnished with ample patrimonyes , but without anye to enioye them : Yea the miserye grew to so lamentable an issue , that not onlye , there could no man liue in the citye , but not so much , as approch vnto it , so vntolerable was the stenche of the dead carcases , rotting in their houses , and in theire owne beddes . Neyther was that wonderfull punishment of god , shewed in M. Plautius Hipsaeas and M. Flaccus dayes , of lesse terror . For when throughe out all Africa , there swarmed innumerable multitudes of Locustes , which deuoured , not onlye the corne , fruites , herbes , leaues , and twigges ; but euen the barke of trees , and drye wood being lifted al from the earth , with a sodeyne tempest , and gathered into globes , they were caried in the ayre , a long tyme , and in the end drowned in the African sea . Which afterwarde casting them by huge heapes vpon the shoares , there rotting , and putrifying , they breathed out so noysome and pernicious a sauour , that the verye bestes and byrdes dying , and corrupting in the fieldes , greatlye increased the former annoyance . And as for men in Numidia where then Micipsa raygned , ther dyed eyght hundred thousand , and about the sea costes , towarde Carthage , and Vtica two hundred thousand more and in Vtica it selfe thirtye thousande soldiers . The death also was so sodeyne that in one daye , and by one only gate of this one citye , there were caried out fiftene hundred of the younger sorte . And thus the multitude of vermyne , that could not alyue haue bene endured , was much lesse tolerable , when it was dead , and the perishing therof destroyed all thinges , which they could haue consumed , if they had liued longer . Which most detestable infections , being conceyued , encreased , and fostered , in mens bodyes , by breathing , and drawing in the corrupted ayre , we see how seuere a whipp , of Gods iustice it hath bene , and that of Gods great mercye it proceedeth , that we liuing therin so long , haue ben thereby spared , from parte of lyke rigorous punishemente , our sinnes , being so greuous that they deserued , not onlye this our present , and in comparison verye smale aduersitye ; but the moste bitter portion of the forenamed vengeance . Now if we consider , what desolate effectes the fyer hath wrought , not onlye in hell and purgatorye , where the torment therof is vnspeakeable , but in this verye lyfe we shall fynde them , no lesse fearefull argumentes , of Gods iustice , then haue bene touched before . For to omitt the ordinarye casualtyes , wherby manye townes & cities haue bene by Gods permission vtterly consumed . To omit also the burning of Constantinople by fyer descended from the element ,

O●os : li: 3 cap : 3

Oro : li: 4 ca : 4 Idem ca : 11

in Arcadius his tyme , The ouerthrow of greate parte of Rome walles by lightening , The burning of manye partes of the same citye by sodeyne fyer , which no man knoweth from whence it issued ; To omitt the strange iudgementes of God vpon diuers Tirants , persecutors , and wicked persons by thunder flashes : I will onlye sett downe some other extraordinary , and notorious declarations of Gods seueritye shewed , by fyer in most terrible sort . Idem li: 4 cap : 4 In a place of Italye called Ager Calenus , with a sodeyne breach and opening of the earth , ther burst out a most horrible flame , burning continuallye for three dayes , and three nightes , turning manye akers of grounde and all that was in them into ashes , not sparing so much as the verye rootes of the trees . How often hath Mount Aetna in Sicilia , not only belched out huge flakes and globes of fyer , throwing them on euery syde verye farr to the great ruine and consuption of cattell , corne , townes , & villages , but also burst out with whole f●ddes of fyer , which turninge all things where they passed , into ashes , haue both terrified with their horrible sight and smoake , and made a moste lamentable waste and spoyle , to the inhabitantes vtter vndoinge , besydes the inconvenience which they bredd farther of , by the filthye sauour and inflaming of the ayre . This scourge hath the citye Catana , and the adioyning places felte so greeuouslye , & that more then once that all the houses therof being couered and oppressed with heapes of burning ashes , the Romans were contented to release them tenne yeares tribute , to repaire the vnestimable damages of one such eruption . But of all other , that was most notorious , which Iulius Obsequens and Orosius write of the Iland Lippara , Oros li. 5 ca : 10 where as though hell mouth had ben open , not onlye the earth but euen the sea it selfe boyled , with such excessiue heate , that euen the verye rockes were burnt and dissolued , the pitch of the shippes melted , and the bordes scorched , the fishes turning vpp their bellyes , sodden in the same waters & seas , wherein they were bredd . The men also that could not flye verye farr from that place , styfled , and their bowelles burnt within them , so miraculouslye was the ayre inflamed . And to passe from heate to colde , we read that fower thousand soldiers , who at the siege of Asculum fledd from Pompeius , were vppon the topp of a mountayne frozen so styffe , that standing ther in the snow with theire eyes open , and their teeth bare , no man could otherwise perceiue they were dead , but onlye by want of motion . It were to long to reherse the inuasions of wylde beastes , though as Diodorus writeth , Diod. li. 4 ca. ● diuers cityes of Libia were dishabited by the continuall incursions of Lyons . And Titus Liuius reporteth of a serpent of huge syse , that deuoured a great multitude , bare downe and crushed , a number , and with the poysend breath wrought the bane of diuers others ; howbeit in the end it was by Regulus armie and engynes , after losse of manye soldiers ouercome . Which prodigious and feafefull examples , ought to put vs in minde of Gods singuler mercye towardes vs , that neyther he now wantinge the lyke aboundance of fyer , colde , wylde beastes , and horrible monsters , nor we the lyke abhomination of sinnes , no lesse worthye to be in the same maner chastised , he is contented notwithstanding , to abate our deserued hyre , and with a fatherlye pitye , rather to geue vs a warninge not to offend hereafter , then a scourge for our former trespasses . I wil not enlarge my selfe , how the heauens by concourse of planettes , and diuers pernicious influences , haue caused no small miserye . Amongest others lett that onlye accident suffise , of the extraordinary broyling & parching of the sunne , Plato 〈◊〉 Tim●● : Oro : li: 1 ca 11 through the whole worlde , mentioned by Plato which the vayne Poets not acknowledging as a worke of Gods omnipotent hande , framed vppon occasion therof , the ridiculous fable of Phaeton . I will not also staye to shew how the Angels both good and badd , haue ben executioners of Gods indignation . Of these lett the scripture suffise , of the good it sayeth : Ps 14● Exultationes Dei in gutture eorum & gladij ancipites in manibus eorum ad faciendam vindictam in nationibus increpationes in populis . The prayses of God in their mouthes & two edged swordes in their handes to doe vengeance vppon nations , & correction emong the peoples . Examples of their actions in this behalfe , we haue manye . For who killed with the plague threescore & ten thousand , 2 Reg. 24 for Dauids numbring of the people , who in one night slew a hundred fourscore and fyue thousand Assyrians , 4 Reg. 19 2 Machab : 3 who whipped Heliodorus for robbinge the temple , Act: 1● who strake into Herode that horrible disease , wherby he was eaten with vermyne . Finallye who powred those scourges on the worlde , wherof S. Ihon speaketh in the Apocalips . But Angelus Domini the Angell of our Lord . Of the badd Angels besydes the diuers examples in the scriptures , of those that tormented Saule , 1 Reg. 16 Iob. ca. ● Tobi : 6 Ps 14● , Ephes. 6 1 P●t . ● afflicted Iob , choaked the seauen husbandes of Sara . Of these that are called spiritus procellarum , and Principes & Potestates tenebrarum harum , that lyke roaring Lions goe about seeking , whome they may deuoure : and for theire diuers mischiefes , that they worke vs , are called sometymes Dragons , sometyme Lyons , Psal. 9● otherwhiles Serpentes , Adders & Basiliskes , besydes these I saye , the daylye experience of possessed persons , of sorceries , witchcraftes , and enchauntements , wrought by their meanes , giue vs sufficient intelligence , of their manifold scourges : which had God permitted them , agréably to our desertes , and their malice to haue practised vpon vs , we would haue thought our present distresses , fauourable and gentle corrections , in respecte of their vnmercifull & hellishe vsage . But thus we see , howe trulye it is sayed in the booke of wisdome . Sapi. Cap. 5 His anger shall take harnesse , & arme all creatures to the reuenge of his enemyes , he shall put on iustice for his breastplate , and shall take for his helmett certayne iudgemente . He shall take equitye as an vnpregnable buckler . He shall sharpen his dreadfull wrath into a speare , and the worlde shall fight with him agaynst the senselesse persons . His throwes of thunderboltes shall goe directlye , and shal be driuen as it were from a well b●nded bowe , and shall hitt at a certaine place . From his stouye anger shal fall hayle shoures , the waters of the sea shal be inraged agaynst them , and the fluddes shall roughlye concurr . Agaynste them shall the spirite of myghte stande , and lyke a whirlewynde shall diuide them , and shall bringe all the land of their iniquitye , to a deserte , and shall ouerthrow the seates of the mightye . Now therfore considering the rehearsed penaltyes , & heauy scourges , and remembring that they were not meere casualtyes , but permitted and procured by the omnipotent hand of God , soueraigne Moderatour of all creatures , and vmpyer of mans transgressions : Consideringe on the other syde that doubtlesse the lest mortall sinne , that we haue committed , deserueth not one , but all the sayd punishmentes , yea & a thousand times more : Lett vs not thinke it much , that of so huge a heape of miseryes , a least parte therof is happened to our lott , but rather lett vs rest astonished , and merueyle at the secrete iudgments and mercyes of God , that he being still of lyke iustice , habilitye , and power ; the creatures as much at his commaundement , rule and obedience ; our sinnes as manye , as horrible , and as worthye of reuenge : Neuertheles the same thinges are helpes and comfortes vnto vs , that were scourges and most cruell torturres to our forefathers . When two guiltye wretches are conuented before the same iudge , for crymes of lyk tenour , and qualitye , if the one be condemned to endure the extremity of the lawe , hath not the other greate cause to tremble and quake , yea and vndoubtedlye to looke for the same entreaty . But now if contrarye to his desertes , the iudge mitigate his sentence , & in liew of a rigorous chastismente appoynte some farr mor easye , then that which to his felow was allotted : Hath not he rather greate cause , to be gratefull to the iudge , for the benefite of his deliuerye , then anye waye to murmur or repyne at his verdict . How then can we hauing so manye examples of condemned persons , for the lyke sinnes whereof we are also guilty , but highlie prayse the mildnesse of our heauenlye iudge , that hauing so hardlye vsed others , he hath mercifullye spared vs , and relented the heauye hand of his iustice , to laye so easye a burthen vppon vs . Yea when we ether looke vpp to heauen , or downe to earth , or on the ayre , fyer , or water about vs , remembring howe terrible they haue ben agaynst others , how can we but muse how they haue ben with-helde from wreaking vppon vs the lyke indignation . The torment● of hell . But to passe from preambles to the thinge in deede , from shadowes to the truthe , from gentle warninges to the penaltye it selfe : I will leaue the reuenge of sinne shewed in this lyfe , and come to that which is prepared in the next , in respect wherof al the formentioned miseries , are but very small resemblances , and forerunninge signes . This we maye gather of Christs owne wordes , who reckening all these calamityes , saying Nation shall ryse agaynst nation and kingdome agaynst kingdome and ther shal be great earthquakes in places , Mat : 24 and greate pestilences , Luc: 21 : and famines , and terrours from heauen , and there shal be signes in the sunne moone and starres , and vppon earth distresse of nations , for the confusion of the sounde of the sea and waues , men wythering , for feare and expectation , what shall come vppon the whole worlde , for the powers of heauen shal be moued . Mat : 14 Hauinge ( I saye ) reckened all these , Marc 1● he addeth Initium autem dolorum haec , These are but a beginninge of the griefes , as who would saye , these wonders , and straunge euentes , are but pronostications of thinges to come , as a smoake in respect of a terrible ensuinge fyer , and lyke a musteringe of soldiers before the sadde battayle . What therefore will the paynes be , that these beginninges portend , and how rigorous a sentence , that hath so fearefull remonstrances before the iudgement . But lest I be to tedious , I will not stand to make a full declaration of the tormentes of the next world , but onlye briefly touch so much thereof , as maye be enough for vs to ghesse at the rest . And first not onlye these aforesayde afflictions , or at the lest the terrour and payne therof , but all other paynfull and vnpleasant thinges , that are in this worlde scattered , and dispersed in diuers places , and creatures , shal be there vnited and ioyned to the reuenge of sinne . And that in such sorte , that whereas here diuers of them , are sufficient alone to worke our temporall death , and he that hath indured one , is past feare of susteyning anye other ; there euery sinner shall susteyne them all , in farr more cruell maner , then any of them can here punishe , and besydes them also infinite other panges proper and peculier to hell . So that whatsoeuer there is in the whole worlde , or euer hath ben or shal be , that can payne sighte , hearing , sent , taste , or feeling , what disease or vexation so euer , can here torment the hart , the hed , ioints , bones , sinews , veins , or any parcel or member of our bodye , whatsoeuer can most or lest trouble or annoye our will , memory , or understanding or any poure of our mynde : all these and a thousand tymes more , shall ioyntlye at one instant , and that foreuer , most vnmercifully torment eche sinner in euery part of bodye and soule . And to descende to some particulers . First if we consider the place the verye names therof maye giue vs to vnderstande how miserable a thing it is to be thrust into it . It is called a bottomlesse depth , APoc. ca ●● . & 14. Matt ● . APoc. 20. Ps. 54 ▪ Luc. 16. Ps. 20. Iob. ca 10. or pitt , a profound lake of the wrath of God , outward darcknesse , A pond burning with fyer and brimstone , A well of perdition , a huge Chaos of confusion , a prison , a fornace of fyer , and is by Iob thus described . An obscure lande , couered with the fogg of death , a lande of miserye and darcknesse , where the shadow of death , and no order but euerlasting horrour inhabiteth . Nether ( as S. Cirill noteth ) can anye deliuer him thence by flyght , Cirillus in Orat . de exitu ●nima . nor prouide anye escape , because he is fast shutt vpp . The prison wall is vnsuperable , the Gayle full of darcknesse , the fetters vnsoluble , the cheynes able by no force to be vnfastened , finallye whatsoeuer can make anye place odious , and detestable , shal be all there vnited , to store that roome with furniture fittest for sinners desertes . Nether shall the comfortes of the companye , anye whitt relieue the discomforte of the place . For first they shall haue the Deuill and his Angels in most horrible & frightful shapes , Matt. 25 which how fearfull they shal be may be gathered by the wordes and description sett downe in Iob. Who ( sayeth God ) shall open the gates of his countenance throughout the compasse of his teeth appeareth feare . Iob. 41 His bodye is lyke founded shieldes , compacted together with scales pressing one an other , His neesing is like the blasing of fyer , and his eyes lyke the eye liddes of the morning . Out of his mouth come lampes lyke flaming torches of fyer . Out of his nostrills issueth smoake as out of a kindled , boyling pott . His breath maketh the coales to burne , and flame goeth out of his mouth . In his necke shall remayne his strengthe , and before his face goeth needinesse . His harte shal be hardened lyke a stone , & pressed hard together lyke the hammerers anuyle . In hell sayeth Cassianus dwell the hideous fiendes , Cassian . in confes . Theo. par. ● . whose armes are lyke Dragons heddes , whose eyes shoote out fierye dartes , whose teeth sticke out lyke Elephantes tuskes , & sting to their tormente lyke scorpions tayles . Finallye whose sighte striketh terrour , dolour , & death into the beholders . Of men out of this world they shall haue as S. Ihon noteth the timorous , Apoc. 21. incredulous , accursed , murderers , fornicatours , wiches , Idolaters , & lyers , to whom S. Paule addeth adulterers , 1 Cor. 6 effeminate , sodomites , theeues , couetous persons , dronckerdes , raylers & extortioners , the verye rifraffe and dregges of mankynde . Neyther is here an end of theire number . The Prophet Esaye yett telleth vs of more : Isa. 13 there sayeth he shall the bestes rest , and their howses shal be filled with Dragons , There shall struthions dwell and the apes shall leape . There shall the skrichoules giue an Echo in the houses , and the Sirens in the temples of their pleasure . O vnhappye place and more vnhappye companye , what tormentes in this lyfe come neere to any of these miseries , and yet how often alas haue we deserued them both , and a great deale more . But peraduenture there is ether some pleasant sight , some comfortable talke , or musicke , some sweet odores , or delitious iuncates , or other pleasurs of the body , that abate the horrour of the place & companye . Alas and what are theire sightes , but the deuills in hideous and monstrous formes , theire moste fearefull and threatninge shapes , their barbarous & spritishe crueltye , their vnmercifull rending , worowing , slaughtering , scourging , and torturing . The tormentes of others , and espeaciallye their fellowes in sinne , aboue them an vnplacable iudge , vnderneath them an vnquencheable fyer , about them vnfatigable tormenters , on eche syde desperate and miserable companye , euerye where vneuitable & endlesse tormentes . Finally as Isidorus sayeth Ignis gehennae lumen habet ad damnationem , Isidor . L. ● . de summo bo ca. 31 vt videant Impij vnd● doleant , non habet ad consolationem ne videant vnde gaudeant . The fyer of hell hath light to damnation , that the wicked maye see wherof to be sorye , but it hath no lyght to their consolation , that they maye see wherof to besolaced . There shal be confusion of moste frightfull noyses , for their musicke there shal be the horrible terrour of thunder , wyndes , stormes , and tempestes , the raging of the seas , the horrible roaring of the deuils , the sparkling of the flames , the cursinge and blasphemies of the wicked , the weeping and gnashinge of teeth , continuall skriching , howling , sighing , and sobbinge , continuall hissing , barking , gurminge , and bellowinge , with all other odious & fearfull noyses . woe , vae and Alas , shall euerlastingly fill their eares , and this shal be their harmonye , to recompence the disordered abuse , of their hearing in this lyfe . Nether shall their sent be free from most noysome sauours . For besydes the stench of the fyer and brimstone , besydes all the filthe & corruption of this worlde , that in the later daye shall ( as some holde ) be voyded into hell , as the chanell and sincke of all vncleanesse : The verye bodyes of the damned shal be more vnsauery then any carryne , or dead carcas , and being ther so pestered & crammed together , that they shall lye scralling vppon one an other like heaps of froggs or toades mingled with serpents , Basaliskes and other most vglye and vncleane wormes , and vermyne . We maye easelye ghesse what their torment shal be in that behalfe . Now for their taste , what comfort can it yelde when the rehearsed annoyances be , yea what discomfort shall it adioyne , to the former miseryes . And of this is sett in Iob. Iob. 10 His bredd in his bellye shal be turned into the gall of cocatrices , he shall vomitt out the riches which he hath deuoured , and God shall pull them out of his bellye , he shall sucke the head of a cocatrice , and the tongue of the viper shall kill him . Their mouth shall continually be stuffed , and farsed full of abhominable poyson , and filth most bitter , sower , salte , and lothsome . Their lippes , roofe , tongue , and gummes perpetuallye tormented with gnawinge venemous wormes , whose taste shal be as paynfull as their tearing . Finallye their whole bodye now free , sing in snow , now broyling in fyer , man gled by wormes and tearinge fiendes , whipped and harried by the deuill , and perpetually tumbled in fyer and brimstone , amiddest that masse of carcases and monsters , what an vnrestye bedd and vntollerable torment shall it feele in euerye parte . And loe if we remember , this verye bodye of oures , that we now beare about vs , and whose present misery we so much lament & thinke so greuous , deserued to haue ben in all these vnspeakeable paynes , since the time we committed the first mortall sinne , in all our lyfe , vntill this instant and foreuermore . Yea and in much more miserable tormentes of mynde . For our imagination should haue ben in continuall frightes , and feares of the present terrours , and paynes , The vnderstanding vexed with a desperate , and obstinate conceyte , of Gods vnplacable iustice , of the eternitye of these paynes , and of the losse of euerlasting felicitye . The memorye also pestered , with remembrance of the ioyes past , and sorowes present , comparing euerye senses pleasure , with the incumbent payne , and the opportunity that was once offered to avoyde those punishmentes , of whose releasing there nether now is , nor euer wil be anye sparke of hope . For as S. Gregorye sayeth , Greg. 〈◊〉 . 9 mor 〈◊〉 . 4● the damned suffer an end without end , a death without death , a decay without decay , because ther death euer liueth , their end alwayes beginneth , and their decaye neuer ceaseth . But they are alwayes healed to be new wounded , alwayes repayred to be new deuoured . They are euer dyinge and neuer dead , a perpetuall praye neuer consumed , eternallye broyling and neuer burnt vpp . Now therfore if there be anye man so innocent , that he may saye Nihil mihi conscius sum , mundum est cor meum . 1 Cor. 4 My conscience accuseth me of nothinge , cleane is my harte , and so assured of his integritye , that he maye vaunte In tota vita mea non reprehendit me cor meum . Iob. 27 In my whole lyfe my harte hath not reprehended me : Such a one mighte marueyle with some grounde , why he shoulde be so afflicted , though if he way how S. Paule , who sayed the first , & Iob who vttered the last wordes , were tormoyled , he might thinke him selfe as well worthy of their troubles , as ether of them , how much more being one from his childhoode , fleshed & noseled in sinn , as most of vs be , hath he rather cause to maruaile why he is not in hel , them why he is in prison , why he is not rather condemned to the eternall losse of heauenly treasure , then to the temporal losse of a few worldly goods , finally why he is not adiudged to a death , that is an vnhappye beginning , to a more vnhappye progresse , and no ending , then to a death , that ending all miserye , beginneth an endlesse felicitye .

Cap. 6. CaP. 6.

But now to come to the principall drift of this my discourse , The sixt come fort in tribulation is that the cause we suffer in : is the true catholike faith for a motiue to comfort you in your tribulation , what more forcible thing can I sett before your eyes , then the cause of your persecution , the honour of your present estate , and the future rewarde of your patiente and constant sufferance . First the cause which you defend , is the onlye true and Catholike religion , that which impugneth you , is erroneous , and blasphemous heresye . Our weapons in this action , are prayer , fasting , exhortation and good example . We defende that Church , which is by all antiquitye auouched , by the blood of infinite Martirs confirmed , by the heretikes of all ages gaynsayed , and by all testimonyes most vndoubtedlye approued . We defende that Church of Rome , Cip. li. 1 Ep. ● to which as S. Ciprian sayeth , Perfidia non potest habere acc●ssum : Misbeliefe can haue no acce●se . Hiron . li. 3 Apolog: con . Ruffin Whose fayth Saint Hierome affirmeth Praestigias non recipere et etiamsi angelus aliter annuntiet , quam semel praedicatum est , Pauli autoritate munitam non posse mutari . To receyue no forgerye , and though an Angell teach any otherwyse then hath bene once preached , garded with S. Paules auctoritie , it can not be chaunged . We defende that Church of Rome , 〈◊〉 . ●pud d : Thom. in cat which as Cirillus sayeth . Ab omni seductione et haeretica circumuentione manet immaculata . Remayneth vnspotted from all seducinge , Matt. 16 and hereticall circumuention . Of whiche Theodoretus writeth , that Semper haeretici faetoris expers permansit .

Theodo . Ep. ad Renatum pres . roma .

Ruffin . in ex●os . Simboli .

It hath alwayes bene cleere , from stench of heresye . We defend that Church of which Ruffinus noteth . In ecclesia vrbis Romae neque heresis vlla sumpsit exordium , & mos ibi seruatur antiquus . In the Church of the citye of Rome , nether hath anye heresye taken the beginning , & the auncient custome is ther dulye obserued . Of which also Gregorye Nazianzen obserueth , Greg. Nazian. in ●arm de vita sua . that Vetus Roma ab antiquis temporibus habet rectam fidem , & semper eam retinet , sicut decet vrbem , quae toti orbi praesidet , semper de Deo integram fidem habere . In olde Rome hath the true fayth euen from the times of our forefathers , ben kept , and it alwayes retayneth it , as it is fitt for a cittye , that ruleth the whole worlde , to haue euermore a sound fayth of God . We defend not a Church singled from others , not the dismembred Church of Arrius , Berengarius , Luther , or Caluin , who as they haue their seuerall names , from their seuerall founders , so ar they knowen therbye ,

Lactan. li: 4 ca : 30

Hieron : con : Luciferan : in fine

as Lactantius and S. Hierome note , to be no longer members of Christ , but the sinagoge of antichrist . But we defend the Catholicke Church , whose name as S. Augustine is witnesse , Aug: li: con : Epi : fun : ca : 4 no Hereticke dareth for shame clayme as proper to his owne secte , hauing of all ages and persons , ben euermore accounted the knowen style of men of our profession . We defend a Churche founded by Christ , enlarged by his Apostles , impugned by none but infidels and condemned heretikes . Whose doctrine can be deriued from no late author , neuer conuinced of noueltye , neuer touched with variablenesse , change , or contrarietye in essentiall poyntes of beliefe . This Illiricus our professed enemye , Iliricus hath in his centurias sufficientlye shewed , where from age to age he setteth downe the sayinges of the fathers that manifestly approue our fayth , how be it malicously he termeth them , naeuos Patrum the wennes or wertes of the fathers . And yett for his owne doctrine , he can not fynde in all antiquitye so manye sound and vnblemished places , as the werttes be which he findeth for the confirmation of oures . And therfore well sayth Vincentius Lirinensis , that our religion imitateth the course of our bodyes . For though there be greate difference betweene the flower of childhoode & the ripenesse of olde age , yet is it the same man that was then younge , and is now olde , & though the partes of childrens bodyes , be nether so bigg nor stronge , as they be in the full groweth : yett are they the verye same , equall in number , and lyke in proportion , and if anye haue altered shape , vnagreable to the former , or be increased or diminished in numbre , the whole body eyther waxeth monstrous , or weake , or altogether dyeth . So ought it to be in Christian doctrine , that though by yeeres the same be strengthened , by tyme enlarged , and aduaunced by age , yett alwayes it remayne vnaltered , and vncorrupted . And though the wheate cornell , which our forefathers haue sowen , by the husbandmans diligence hathe spronge to a more ample forme , hath more distinction of parts , & is become an eare of corne , yett lett the proprietye of the wheate be retayned , and no cokle reaped where the wheate was sowen . But now towching the Churche that impugneth vs , as of all other heresies , we can bringe forth the late beginner , his new doctrine , eyther vnheard of before , or condemned in other heretickes , his first adherentes , the general opposition against him , or counsels , vniuersityes and Catholicke Doctours , varietye and sodeyne chaunge in doctrine , and diuision of his disciples , as of Luther and Caluin the worlde knoweth , and of other heretickes all historyes doe reporte . Tertul : li: de praescripti . Optatus li: 2 con : parmen. Aug. 3 : con : dona : ca : 2 And thus did Tertullian Optatus Millenitanus and S , Augustine with other fathers sett downe a note , to know them by the demaunding the beginninge of their beliefe , the cause of their longe lurkinge , the origin of their cathedrall seate . We defend that Churche which notwithstandinge the rage of the Iewes in her Infancye , the barbarous tirranye of Pagan Emperors in her Childhoode . The outragious persecutions of heretickes in her ripe age , not withstandinge all other bruntes , and encounters of Satan , and his impes , hath alwayes remayned vnpregnable , yea the more it hath bene lopped and pruned , the more hath it shott out , and florished . The more it hath bene suppressed , the better hath it prospered , and lyke the arke of Noe with the swelling of the waters , that haue drowned all other sectes , it was rather alofted and aduaunced to the view of all nations . For as S. Leo noteth . Leo : Ser: 1 d● S S. Petro & Paulo . The Church is not diminished with persecutions , but encreased , and our Lordes fielde is then alwayes best furnished with most abundance of corne , when the cornells that are single in their sowing , are multiplyed in theire grouthe . Which surelye could neuer be , vnlesse it were of God miraculously maynteined . For as Gamaliel sayed . Act: 5 If it were the counsell or worke of men , it would haue bene dissolued , but because it is the Church of God the gates of hell haue not bene able to preuayle agaynst it , Matt: 16 beinge the firmament and piller of truthe as S. Paule calleth it . 1 Tim: 3 S. Chrisostome also vpon the forerehersed wordes of S. Mathew , sayeth , that God onlye was able to make , that a church founded vppon one fisher , & a base person , shoulde not fall beinge shaken with so boystrous tempestes . For though the Catholickes haue bene temporallye so weake , their number in respect of their enemyes small , The princes that haue impugned them most mightye , theire decrees , manacinges , and tormentes , to suppresse them vntollerable , yet because they were built vpon a sure rocke not all this blusteringe of wyndes , nor irruption of waters , haue had power to ouer flowe or to beare them down , but that in the ende , they haue had and alwayes shall haue the vpper hande of Gods enemies . Nether can any say , that it is not our Church , but theirs that was thus persecuted . For there is no tirannical persecution , but hath alwayes bene most violentlye bent , agaynst the sea of Rome , and agaynst the Pope and his followers , in so much that of the Popes them selues , there haue bene aboue thirtye Martirs . Besydes if we reede all antiquitye , we shall not fynde one , that hath suffered for anye parte of our aduersaryes religion , but onlye such , as are by all auncient authors registred for damnable heretickes . whereas we can alledge them diuers that hane died and ben persecuted for poyntes of our beliefe , who haue euer bene since their deathes honoured , and acknowleged for Saintes , by all Christendome , vntill Luthers tyme . For how manye virgins for not breakinge theire vowe of virginitye , haue bene cruellye put to death which if they would haue consented to mariage might haue easelye escaped as S. Agnes so highlye praysed by S. Ambrose and diuerse others . Amb. ser. 90. How many for cleauing vnto the Pope & fayth of Rome , haue bene by the Arrian Emperours , banished and put to death . Did not S. Alban dye for receiuing a Clergye man , and S. Thomas of Canterburye for defendinge the libertye of the Churche agaynst vsurped authoritye . Were not diuerse put to death in Coproninus tyme for defendinge Images , finallye how manye monckes , heremites , and religious men , whom our aduersaryes disclayme from their religion , how many I saye haue ben martired for their faith as Palladius and S. Damascen write . Pallad. in histor. Lansiaca . Damascen . in vita Barlaam et Iosophat . Nether doe I recken these in perticuler to exclude all the other Martirs , for dout lesse as by their historyes is apparent , in all persecutions none died Martirs , but of our fayth . But I cite these perticulers to shew that those generally in former ages haue ben accounted as Martirs , that haue suffered for these selfe same poyntes , for the which we are now chieflye persecuted . So that it sufficiently appeareth , that both all the generall persecutions haue ben raysed agaynst our churche , and that not withstanding all their crueltye it yett endureth , and shall to the worldes end . But now on the other syde , two hundred archheretickes , brochers of new sectes , that haue ben since Christes tyme , though they haue for a season florished , and preueyled , hauinge Emperours , Bishopes , and Potentates , to defende them , infinite bookes and writings to diuulge their doctrine , and all temporall aydes to sett them forwarde : Yet we see that their memory is quite abolished , their names commonlye vnknowen , theire bookes perished , and no more mention of them than the condemnation and disproofe of their errours recorded by Catholicke writers . The same doubtlesse wil be the end of Luthers noueltyes , which being but parcels of their corruptions , reuiued and raked out of obliuion , as heretofore they vanished with their prime deuisers , so will they now with their late reuiuers . And we see this almost euen alreadye verified , seeing that amonge so manye of Luthers progenye , ther are founde scarce anye , and peraduenture none at all , that dare aduouche or take vppon him the patronage of all his articles : Yea and his schollers are alredy so straungelye sondred into most contrarious and diuers sectes , that it is a most manifest token , and proofe , that God is not the author of theire opinions , seing he is only the God of peace , and not of dissention . Lindanus 〈◊〉 Dubi●ant . For Lindanus long since , in his Dialogue named Dubitantius , reckeneth vpp threescore & eyghtene diuerse sectes , sprong all since Luthers first preachinge , and with those that are of later grouth , they are now well nere a hundred all different from others , in essentiall poyntes of faythe , as in moste of them Prateolus sheweth . Which doubtlesse is the prouidence of almightye God , in this as it hath bene in all other heresies , of former dayes , that the vnconstancye , varietye , and sodeyne chaunge , the dissention of doctrine and diuision of schollers , both from theire maisters and among them selues , should be a manifest argument , that their assertions proceeded of the spirite of error , were maynteyned with the spiritt of pryde and obstinacye , and should be quicklye ended by the spiritt of discord & contradiction . This doth Ireneus obserue of Simon Magus , Iren. l. 1. ca. 21 l. 1. cap. 5 and of Valentinus , Angust . l. 1 de bapt. ca. 6. l de 50. haeres . her . 46. Epipha . l. 1 con haeritom : 3 l : a : tom : 1 Ruffin : l. 10 histor: ca : 25 Hillar. l. ad Constant. Eua. l. 3 & 4 histor. S. Augustine of the Donatistes & Maniches , Epiphan. of the Marcionites , & Montanistes , Ruffinus & Hillarius of the Arrians , and Euagrius of the Eutichians : who were scarce so soone sprong as they were spread into most contrarious branches , or as S. Austine speaketh in minutissima frusta into very small māmocks . For why , when they once swarue from the compasse of the Catholicke Churches censure , onlye allowing and interpreting the scripture in the sense , that their single spiritt susgesteth , as they be of diuerse fancyes and humours , so fall they into diuerse and sondrye perswasions , and then not yeldinge to anye vmpiershipp but their owne , they are past all meanes and possibillity of agrement . Wherevppon Origines expoundinge the signification of that acte of Sampson , Orgen : hom. 4 in Cantic : when he bound three hundred foxes by the tayles , & tyed fyer in the middest , and sente them to burne his enemies corne , so ( sayeth he ) must the true Catholike Doctor , take the repugnant opinions and contradictons of heretickes , and by conferring them together deduce therby a conclusion against them , which maye serue as fyer to burne vpp their owne frutes . And in deed there is nothing of more force , to shew their madnesse , them this presumption vpon their selfe arbitrement , which is the cause of all their discord . For as S. Chrisostome noteth . Chrisost: ho● . in : 4 cor. As we would iudge one madd , that seinge the smithe take a red hott iron with his tongues , would aduenture to take the same in his bare fingers , so maye we deeme both of the Philosophers , that went about to compasse our faith in their bare reason , & of the heretickes of our tyme , that aduenture vppon the creditt of their single spirits , to decyde all controuersies , and interprete Gods worde , which the cunningest smithes of all antiquitye , durst neuer handle but by the tongues of the Catholike Churches censure . And therfore as one takinge the Kinges image sett forth with exquisite , conning , and with most choyce precious stones , by a rare workman , should change it from mans shape , and the seemelye fashion that it had , to the likenesse of a fox or dogge , vsing still the same mettall , and the same pretious iewels , though rudelye and groslye disposed , and shoulde then vaunt that this were the Kinges true portrature , so artificially wrought by the first worker deluding the ignorant with the beautye and glisteringe of the pretious stones : so doe the heretickes sayeth Ireneus . Ir●ne . l. 1. ca : that changinge the fayth of Gods Church into the fables of their owne phansie , seeke to set forth their follyes , with the authorityes and sayinges of Gods worde , applyed and wrested by their peruerse spirittes agaynst the true meaning , so the easier to blynde the simple . And as the Pirates vse in the darcke nighte to sett lightes in the shallow places , and hidden rockes , that the shippes by that directinge their course , and thinckinge to fynde some sure hauen , may be thus guilfullye drawne to their owne ruine , so the Deuill sayeth Origines , Origen . l. 10. in ●p ad . Rom ca. 14 setting the light of the scripture and counterfaite pietye , vppon the rockes of heresyes , allure the simple passengers of this lyfe , to their owne perdition vnder colour of truth . And therfore are we warned , not to beleue euerye spiritt , whereuppon Catholickes the better to auoyde this variance , presumption , and malicious fraud of heretickes , alwayes standing to the verdict of the Church , and her chiefe Pastour , to whom God hath promised the vnfallible assistance of his spirite , haue euermore defended with one accorde , one onlye fayth , agreable to it selfe in all tymes , places , and persons , which is the selfe same , which we now suffer persecution for . Wherof we cal all auncient writers to witnesse , who by their bookes & many by their bloode , haue before vs laboured in the same quarell & confirmed the same faith , though assaulted by other kynde of enemyes . But if comparison with sayntes be not presumption , this for our greater comforte maye we saye , that thoughe the cause of religion were alwayes honorable , yett is it in vs more worthelye defended , then of anye Martirs of former ages . For they defended it ether agaynst Epicures and heathens or agaynst the Iewes and Rabbines , or agaynst some one heretike and his ofspringe . But we are now in a battayle , not onlye agaynst men o four tymes , who are both Epicures in conditions , Iewes in malice , and Heretickes in proud and obstinate spirittes : But agaynst the whole rable and generation of all heretiks , that since Christes tyme haue ben , & in a manner with Satan the father of lying , and his whole armye . who albeit they be fast cheyned in hell , & there reape the fruite of their blasphemyes . yett haue these companions of theires borowed all their weapons , and reuiued some of all their heresies . So that encountring with these , we chalenge all the olde heretickes into the fielde , and must in one age susteyne a multitude of enemies , ioyntlye assaulting vs , euerye one of the which , haue in times past made worke enough for diuerse Doctours , in seuerall ages accordinge as they did ryse one after an other . For we must defend that God is not author of sinne agaynst . 1 1 Vincen. con : proph: her . nouit : Simon Magus 2 2 Iren. l. 1. ca. 29. Cerdon 3 3 L. con. flori . apud Euseb. l. 5 histor. c. 20. and Florinus . We must defende that the whole Churche can not erre agaynst . 4 4 Vincen. lit . Nestorius , That tradtions are to be obserued agaynst 5 5 Iren. l. 3. Tertul. de prescript : Cerdon 6 6 Epiphen . her 69 Aug. l. 5. con. Maxim . Arrius 7 7 Basilius de spi sanct. c. 27 Eunomius 8 8 Epiph. her 75 Aerius 9 9 Basil. Ancyr. crone habita in 7 sinodo Nestorius and almoste all heretickes . That onlye faythe suffiseth not agaynst 10 10 Aug. her . 54 Clem. l. 5 recog. 49.11 Aetius . Eunomius and Simon . That good works are necessary agaynst 11 11 Iidem ibid. the same , together with Valentinus . That man hath free will agaynst 12 12 Clem. l. 5 recog. Simon 13 13 Aug: her 11 Valentinus and 14 14 Aug: her : 49 Hieron pro logo dialog contra Pelag Manicheus . That the fathers writinges are of great authoritye , agaynst 15 15 Euseb: l : 7 histor c. 26. Paulus Samosathenus 16 16 Basilius : l. 1 in Eunom Aetius and Eunomius . That sinnes are not alike , & Virginitye to be preferred before Matrimonye , against 17 17 Aug: her . 82 Hieron : l contra Iouiniatū Iouinian . That Baptisme is ne-cessarye to saluation agaynst 18 18 Aug: her 49 Manicheus 19 19 Theodor : l. 4 haret fab: the Euchytes , and 20 20 Gregor: l. 4 mora c 3 Philoponus . We must defend the Sacrament of the Altar agaynst 21 21 Theodor : dial. 3. circa medium the Donatistes 21 21 Theodor : dial. 3. circa medium & Arrians that trodd it vnder thelr feete , and gaue it to their dogges : agaynste 22 22 Lanfrane l : con : Beren : Berengarius and the 23 23 Sinod : 7 : Ichonomachie , that made it but a figure of Christes bodye . The Sacrifice of the Masse , agaynst 24 24 August : her : 49 : Manicheus . The Priestes or namentes agaynst 25 25 Hieron : 1 : con : Pelaeg : Pelagius , Purgatorye agaynst 26 26 Greg : l : 4 : dial : 34 the Armenians , Reliques , chastitie of Priestes , voluntarie pouertye , and prayer for the deade agaynst 27 27 Hieron : con Vigilant : Vigilantius and 28 28 Epiphan her 55 Aug her 73 Aerius . The Vow of obedience agaynst the 29 29 Damasce l : de 102 her : haere : Lampetians . Churches & Altares against the 30 30 Socrat : l : 2 ca 33 Da: sup. Eustachians and 30 30 Socrat : l : 2 ca 33 Da: sup. Euchites . We must defend confirmation agaynst 31 31 Theod l 3. de her fab Nouatianus . Confession agaynst .32 . Mon tanus . Matrimonye agaynst the 33 33 Vide Prate ●h●n : Apostolici . The Sacrament of Order and Priesthoode agaynst the 34 34 Epiphan her 49 Pepusites , that gaue it to women . Lent and other appoynted fastes agaynst the 35 35 Tertulin scorpiaco Gnostickes 36 36 Socrat. l. 2 cap 33 Eustathians 37 37 Epipha her 53 : Aerians and 38 38 Hieron : l : 1 contra Iouini : Iouinians . All which men are by 39 39 Aug: de haeres : ad Quoàuult deum . S. Augustine 40 40 Epiphan de haeres . Epiphanius , Ireneus , Tertullian and al antiquitye registred in the Catalogue of condemned heretikes . Finally we mnst defend in a manner all Catholicke truthes , agaynst all hereticall innouations . I am ashamed to say , that we are forced to defend that Christ is come agaynst the Iewes , that he is of the same snbstance with his father , and Homoousios agaynst the Arrians , yea and that there is anye Christ or God at all , agaynst the Politiques and Atheistes . Yet vndoubtedlye if euer there were anye neede , euen when Epicurus sect moste florished to proue a God , a hell , or a heauen , then surely is there now , when heresye is growne so ripe , and the infinite sectes and diuisions so spread , besyde new daylye vprisinge , that the varietye of religions , hath abolished almost all religion , and the vncertaintye which emongest so many is truest , hath made the greatest parte of our contrey to beleeue none at all . Yea and we see the liues , consciences , and dispositions of men in this behalfe to be at suche a staye , that should the Prince but commaunde them , to adore Mahomett or renewe the memorye of the olde Godds , and Goddesses , as Iupiter , Iuno , Venus , with the rest of that crew , there would be thousandes , as readye to embrace them , and seeme as zealous in their seruice as now they be in a belief of they can not tell what them selues . And this in truthe is the ende , and last stepp that heresie bringeth men vnto . Seinge therfore that Peters shipp now sayleth , not agaynst the wynde of one euill spirite , or agaynst the streame of one fludde of heresye , but agaynst all the pestilent spirittes , of former ages , and agaynst the maigne streame of all heresye : It is no lesse necessarye then glorious , for vs to employe our last endeuours to the defence thereof . And thincke our limmes happelye lost , our bloode blessedlye bestowed , our lyues most honorablye spent in this so noble and in important a businesse . And how beit it maye seeme much , for men of one age to fighte with the enemyes of so many . for Catholikes of one beliefe , to encounter with hoastes and armyes of all sundrye sectes : yett this comfort we haue to encourage vs , that first as some medicines there be of such qualitye , that they are not onlye profitable for this or that disease , but haue a generall and common force aganst all , so sayeth Hillarius , Hilar : l : 2. de Trinit. the Catholicke fayth not onlye agaynst euerye heresye , but agaynst them all hath so vniuersall a remedye , that nether the straunge kynde of the disease can hinder it , nor the number ouercome it , nor the varietye deceyue it , but one electuarye serueth it agaynst all hereticall pestilences , which is the vnfallible assistance of Gods spiritt . Secondlye we fight agaynst suche as deriue their petegree from the offalles , and condemned castawayes of Gods Chuche , whose weapons and wardes hauinge bene seuerallye blunted , and broken , by the Champions of former tymes , they are lesse able to offend vs , or defend theire vnhappye posteritye . Whereas on the other syde , we are countergarded with the assistance of so vnuincible aydes , that as hitherto they could neuer be discomfited , so is ther no possibillitye that they should be hereafter . And firste what an assured defence of our cause haue we , by that continuall , and neuer interrupted descent , and succession of Bishopps in the sea of Rome , of whom from S. Peters tyme vntill this daye , we are able from tyme to tyme to giue a certayne accounte , & to shew of euery one the same beliefe , that they haue from hand to hand deliuered vnto vs , without chaunge or alteration : as agaynst the impious obliquies of heretiques of our tyme , Bellarminus learnedlye sheweth in the fourth booke of of his first Tome , and third controuersye . This sayeth Ireneus confoundeth all heretickes , Iren l. 3 ca. ● who were alwayes them selues the first , and often tymes the last pretensed Bishoppes , of theire beliefe , nether laufullye descended from anye Apostle , nor orderlye installed in their cathedral seates , but intruded by them selues with-out anye vsuall creation . This same doth S. Hierom S. Epiphanius and S. Augustine , Hieron . in con 〈◊〉 chron. 〈◊〉 seb● . ● pip● her 27. Aug. Epis 165 oppose against sectaries for an vnconquerable engine , as in deede it is . Especiallye if we consider , that after the decaye of al other Patriarchal , and Apostolicall Seates , as of Antioch , Alexandria , and Hierusalem , after so manye alterations , and violent changes of the temporall state of Rom● , from Emperoures to Kinges of the Gothes , from them to exarkes of the Greekes , and an otherwhyle to Consuls , and of these some by right , some rayninge by vsurped authoritye , likewyse after so manye Massakers , sackinges , and ouerthrowes of the citye it selfe : yet this succession hath neuer fayled the authority therof neuer decayed , but hath alwayes continued & perseuered as it shall doe to the ende of the worlde . Secondlye , what an assured proofe of our religion agaynst all the aduersaryes Cauils , hath the Church of Rome , by the innumerable miracles wherby God hath auerred the truth thereof , in diuerse famous and holye men , adherentes and defendours of the same . For albeit the deuill maye worke some fayned wonders , aboue mans reache , & yet in the compasse of other naturall causes , thoughe also by inueigling and deceyuing our sense , or imagination , he maye make that appeare a miracle which in deed is none , yett these thinges which surpasse the habilitye of anye creature , and are onlye in the power of almightye God , nether the deuill nor anye other , can doe by naturall meanes , but onlye as the instrument and agent of God , chiefest and soueraigne cause therof : as to giue sighte to the blynde , to restore a līme to the maymed , to rayse the deade and such lyke , which men of our beliefe in all ages since Christe haue donne . For to omitt Christ and his Apostles , to omitt also others of the primitiue Churche , we fynde such as our aduersaryes can not denye , to haue bene of our Church , to haue wrought verye extraordinarye miracles . First those of Gregorye Thaumaturge , Basilde spiritu sanct: ca : 2● Greg : in vita eius Hieron . de viris Ilust . of which S. Basil , S. Hierom , & S. Gregory Nazianzen . The strange cures and raysinge of the dead , by S. Anthonye Hillarion S. Martin and S. Nieholas , which S. Athanasius S. Hierom Sulpitius and others write of . In vitis eroum And yett it is well knowne that S. Anthonye and S. Hillarion were professed Eremites , and Monckes and consequentlye enemyes to those , that condemne and reproue Monasticall lyfe . After them we haue these which S. Gregorye speaketh of in his Dialogues of whiche manye were donne by Monckes & other religious persons . Greg. l. 3. c. 2 : 3 And to come to our natiue examples , how manye miracles wrought S. Austine and his companye in reclaymynge of our contrye , Greg l : 9. ep. 58 Bed . l : hist ca 31 as S. Bede and S. Gregorye reporte , to omitt those of S. Cuthbert S. Ihon S. Oswalde S. Dunston and diuerse other registred by the same S. Bede , Beda . l 3.4.5 hist. & our owne cronicles . Which mens religion , it were a follye to call in question , what it was , seinge that by the testimonye of all writers it is as apparent that they were addicted to the Catholicke Roman Churche , as that there were anye such men at all . Now if we come to later tymes . Bern. in vita Malachia . Let S. Malachias so highly commended in S. Bernardes works , Lett S. Bernardes owne lyfe written by Gotfrye a man of the same tyme , lett S. Francis miracles registred by S. Bonauenture , S. Dominickes S. Thomas of Aquine Saint Bonauentures owne be testimonies whose fayth is the trewest , seinge that all these were them selues monckes and fryers , and first founders of diuers religious orders , professours of perpetuall pouertye , chastitye and obedience , and vowed persons . All which poyntes are condemned by our aduersaryes , and maynteyned by vs . Finally to come to sayntes yett freshe in memorye , what miraculous thinges haue ben wrought by S. Bernardin & S. Catherine of Siena , of whome Sainte Anthonine writeth , by S. Anthonine him ●elfe of whome Surius writeth . And in our dayes since Luther vprist , by the reuerend father Francis Xauier of the societye of Iesus , in the Indies whose wonderfull miracles are not onlye certeyne by most diligent enquirye , and scrutinie made for the true knowledge of them by the Kinge of Portugall , but the miraculous conuersion of so manye thousandes , yea and so manye Kingdomes , as by the same were turned from infidelitye to the Romaine faith , yeldeth an vndoubted assurance therof . Seynge therfore that these men by our aduersaries owne confession , and by their lyues and writinges , are manifestlye knowne for men of our religion ; Seynge also their miracles were suche , as surmounted all power of coniuringe , sorcery , or enchantment , as the fathers graunt the giuinge light to the blynde limmes to those that wante them , and reuiuinge the dead to be . Seynge finallye these miracles haue ben wrought , eyther for testimony of their vertue , which can not be true vertue without true faythe , or for proofe of their religion , which all authors assure vs was the same that oures , what greater certificat can we haue of the goodnesse and integrity of our quarell , since we are sure that God the onlye author of these supernaturall effectes , can not witnesse anye kynde of vntruthe . And to doubte whether these miracles be true , or truelye reported , being written by so graue and authenticall auctors is nothinge els , but to condemne all historyes , bookes , and registers of antiquitye , and onlye to allow that whereof our owne sight and sense doth acerteine vs , which is extreme follye . Moreouer if we consider both the sinceritye and sanctitye of our fayth , and the professours therof , and the absurditye and corruption of our aduersaryes beliefe , and behauiour ; by the fruites we shall soone know in whose gardeyne the best tree groweth . For as concerninge our fayth , the principles , rules , & groundes therof are suche , that though they be aboue , yett are they not agaynst reason , neither yelde they scope to suche as lyue accordinge to their prescript , of licentiousnesse or riott , but keepe them in awe and compasse of their duety towardes God and man . Whereas the verye articles of our aduersaries religion , are of suche tenour , that in reason and pietye , they can not be held for religious truthes , nor beinge belieued restrayne mens consciences to the limites of vertue , but rather open them a wyde gate to desperat & dissolute lyfe . For he that affirmeth all the actions of man , euen the verye best to be damnable sinnes , as Caluin and his followers auouche , and therewith that all sinnes are of equall deformitye and heynousnes , touchinge death and damnation , what harte or encouragement can he haue , to followe vertue , or what bridle can holde him from plunginge him selfe in the puddle of all vyce : seinge the one is as greate an offence , and as punishable before God as the other , and the same fayth which maketh , that the sinfulnesse of a good action is not imputed to the doer , is also of the same force and hath the same effecte , in anye other wicked worke whatsoeuer . Agayne he that beleeueth the commaundements of God to be impossible for man to keepe , and withall that howsoeuer he breake them , it nether can nor ought to make him doubt of his election , which dependeth only vpon gods predestination , why should he not thincke it follye to endeuoure to obserue Gods lawe beinge an impossibillitye : yea and vppon certaintye of his saluation , become carelesse to breake anye commandemement , & to take what course most pleaseth his sensuall appetyte . Further he that maketh God the author of sinne , & as well the inforcer of man to wicked and impious actes , as the directour to anye vertue . and withall knoweth that if he be damned it shal be for no other sinne then suche as by God him selfe he was constrayned to committ , must needes thinke his case most miserable in being so dishabled , from auoydinge suche an offence , and God a most rigorous and vniust iudge , that condemneth a man for that fault , which he forced him vnto . The effecte of which and such lyke principles , well appeareth in the vnchristian and irreligious behauiour of sondrye estates , and speaciallye of the protestant ministers , teachers , and defenders of the same , who are knowen in most places to be so loose , and lewde , & so far disordred , that their own shepe do greatly mislike their vngodly behauior . But now on the other syde for proofe of the sincerity of our religion , I only appeale to the common experience of Catholickes lyues , both in our and former ages . Let all historyes witnesse their sincere dealing , playne wordes , simple attire , frugal tables , vnfained promises , assured loue , & amity , and most intier & friendlye conuersation one with an other . Lett vs consider their large hospitallity , in houskeeping : their liberallity towardes the poore , their redinesse to al mercifull and charitable actes . Lett vs remember their assiduitye , and continuall exercyse of prayer , theire strayte obseruation of long fastes , their austeritye and rigour , in other chastisments of their bodyes , & we shall fynde what different manners , and fruites proceed from our beliefe , & from the doctrine of our new doctours . Yea and the chiefest thinges layde to our charge , by infidels , and heretickes , are that we kepe men to much in awe , that we restrayne them to muche from carnall libertye , that we haue to muche of the crosse of Christ . Iudeis quidem scandalum , Gentibus autem stultitiam . 1 Cor. 1 Scandall to the Iewes , and follye to the Gentils . So doth Plinius reporte of vs in his epistles to Traian that we detest all vices , Plin. 2. l. 10. Ep. and lyue most holylye , and that we haue onlye twoe faultes . The one is , that we are to readye to spend our lyues in Gods cause , the other , that we ryse to earlye before daye to syng prayses vnto Christ . which faultes our Gospellers of all other take most heede of . So for the moste parte exceptinge those lyes , that the Heretickes father vppon vs , the greatest complayntes they haue agaynst vs , are for prescribing fastes , forbidding fleshe on certayne dayes , condemninge mariage of Priestes , Monckes , and other vowed persons . For prescribinge confession , satisfaction , and penance in this lyfe for men sinnes . For auouchinge prayer , fastinge , almois , and other good workes as necessarye to saluation . For requiringe an exacte obedience , of the temporall to the spirituall , and of all to Christes Vicar here in earth . For condemninge the arrogancye , of their selfe spirites , refusinge all other iudgement in matters of controuersye , and intelligence of the scripture besydes theire owne , and suche lyke poyntes that may anye waye brydle them , from full libertye of followinge their carnall appetites . Yett for all they thus disalow our doctrine , the truthe it selfe enforceth them somtymes , as of olde it did the verye deuils , to speake most reuerently of our religion , and professours therof . Luther in his booke agaynst the Anabaptists , confesseth that in the Popdome ther is most of christian goodnes , ye al christian goodnes , & that from thence he & his receiued it . And rehersing that we haue the true scriptures , Baptisme , Sacrament of the Altar , the true keyes of iurisdiction , the true office of preachinge , the true Cathechisme , our Lordes prayer , the ten commandementes , and the articles of faythe . In the end he concludeth with these wordes . I auouche moreouer ( sayeth he ) that in the Popdome there is true Christianitye , yea the verye cornell of Christianitye , so that this cornell beinge but one , according to that Vna fides Vnum baptisma , ther is but one fayth and one baptisme , ether he must be of our religion or els by his owne confession , we hauinge the true cornell , he hath nothing but the huske and shell for him and his disciples . Now concerninge the professours of our faythe , S. Athanasius , S. Hierom and Sulpitius write that the infidels them selues , bare verye greate reuerence , and did muche honour , to S. Anthonye , S. Hillarion , and S. Martin . Totila an Arrian Prince honoured highly S. Benedict . Caluin called saint Bernarde a godlye writer . Luther Melancton , and the Augustan confession call Bernard Dominicke and Francis Saintes . All which being as is before sayed Monckes , Fryers , & religious persons , are vndoubtedlye knowne to haue ben farr from the Protestantes or Puritanes religion . And though the Heretickes sayed nothinge , yett doth all antiquity crye , and infinite miracles yelde certayne warrant , of the holinesse and vertue of the Catholyke fathers . But we neede not to range farr for examples of good lyfe . For God be thancked , euen our aduersaryes them selues , are so fullye perswaded of our good behauiour , that if a man in companye be modest and graue in countenance , wordes or demeanor , if he vse no swearing , foule or vnseemelye speache , if he refuse to ioyne in lewde companye , and dishonest actions , he is strayte suspected for a Papist : And on the other syde if there be anye ruffianlye , quarellous , foule spoaken , and lewdlye conditioned , he is neuer mistrusted for a Papist , but taken for a very sound & vndoubted Protestant . Lett also the recordes of ssises , and sessions be serched , and lett it be but shewed among so manye hundred Protestantes , as are yearelye executed , for fellonyes , murders , rapes , extortions , forgeryes , and suche lyke crymes , how few recusantes , haue bene euer in so manye yeares , attached iustlye with suche lyke offences . Lett but the neyghbours of Catholicke and Protestant gentlemen , be witnesses who● liue best , and are readyest to all good deedes and workes of charitye . Let the Iaylours and keepers of prisons report , what difference they fynde , in the lyues of Catholicke & Protestant prisoners . And if all these say as the truthe is , that we goe beyonde the other in Christian dutye , then maye we by theire owne testimonyes , auouche the tree of our religion to be good , seing that as Christ sayeth an euill tree can not bringe forth good fruite . Matt. 7 Whereby we maye also inferre that the religion of our aduersaryes is euill , syth the fruites therof are so extreme badd , as daylye experience sheweth , that euen among heathens and infidels there is found more truth , honestye , and conscience , then is now in the Protestant multitude , so well haue they profited in the licentious principles of their religion . Agaynst whome we must remember that the Apostles were not without cause called salte of the earth , and lyght of the worlde , but for that their doctrine shold haue effectes agreeable to the propertyes of these thinges . For as the salt preserueth flesh from the vermyn , stenche , and corruption , & the light is a meane to discerne the good from the badd , the mierye from the cleane waye , our friend from our foe : So doth the true faythe geue remedyes , agaynst all stench and corruption of vice , and sheweth the path of vertue and trueth , from the dirtye waye of sinne and erroure .

Cap. 7. Cap. 7 The seuenth comfort in tribulation is that the state of the persecuted in a good cause is honorable .

Now as concerning your estate , how can that be but honorable , where your quarell is so good : seing the cause honoreth the combate , and assureth you of the finall victorye . Your counterpeeres are mightye , their force very greate , their vantage not vnknowne , their malice experienced , theire tormentes to fleshe and bloode vntollerable : but your Captayne hath alwayes conquered , your cause hath ben always in the end aduanced , your Predecessors neuer loste the fielde , wherfore then sholde you haue lesse hope of the victorye . Christianitie is a warfare , and Christians spiritual Soldiers , their conflictes continuall , though their enemies be diuers . In the beginninge our faythe was planted in the Pouertye , Infamye , Persecution , and Death of Christe . In the Progresse , it was watered , and dunghed , with the blood and slaughtered limmes of Gods Saincts . And it cannot come to the ful grouthe , vnlesse it be fostered with the continuall showres of Martirs woundes . You are the choise captaines , whom God hath alotted to be chiefe actours in the conquest . Your veynes are conduittes , out of which he meaneth to driue the streames , that shal water his Church : he hath placed you as the fayrest and surest stones , in the forefront of his building , to delighte his friendes , and confound his enemies , with the beautie and grace of your vertuous lyfe and patient constancie . Now is the tyme come , for the lighte of the world to blaze out beames of innocencie : for the salt of the earth to season the weake soules , bending to corruption . Yea and for the good shepheard to spende his life , for the defence of his selye flocke . Tempus putationis aduenit . Can. ● The loppinge time is come , and to the intent the tree of the Churche may sproute out more aboundantlye , with yong twigges , the branches and bowes of full grouth , are lopped . Nowe is that tyme come of which Christ fore-warned vs . Isa. 16 Erit , vt qui occiderit vos arbitretur se obsequium praestare deo . It shal come to passe that he that kileth you shal thinke he doth god a good peece of seruice . And as S. Ciprian sayeth , Ciprian de mortalitate . fiunt ecce , quae dicta sunt et quando fiunt quae ante praedicta sunt , sequentur et quaecunquae permissa sunt , Domino ipso pollicente , ac dicente : Luc. 11 Cum autem videritis haec omnia fieri scitote quoniam in proximo est regnum dei . Loe the thinges that were sayd , are now done and now sith that it is fulfilled that was fore tolde , that which was promised wil be also performed : Our Lord him-selfe assuring it and saying , when you see all these thinges to come to passe , then knowe you , that the Kingdome of heauen is neere at hande . When we see the flower we hope for the fruite , and take it as a presage of a calme temperate , and pleasant season . Our floures that foreshew the happye calme of our felicitye , growe out of these thornes , and of these bryars must we reape our fruite . If the stalke wound , the flower healeth , if the reapinge be troublesome , the fruite is the more delight some . Lett no man denye the sea to be deepe sayeth S. Ambrose , because the shores be shallowe , nor heauen to be cleere , because it is sometymes cloudy , nor the earth to be fertill , because it is some where vnfruitefull , nor the cropp of corne to be good , because it is mixed with barren otes : So thinke not the haruest of a good conscience to be lost , though it be interrupted with some sorowfull and bitter shoures . The ignorant peraduenture will condemne vs , that thincke it no follye , to make account of the gall of Tobias fishe . Lett them muse at our madnesse that most willing lye feede on Sampsons honicombe , when it is taken out of the Lyons mouth . Lett vs not regarde their phreneticall laughtures , and rauinge scoffes . Animalis homo non percipit ea , 1 Cor. ● quae sunt Dei . A sensuall man vnderstandeth not the thinges apperteyning to God . We know that the floure of Iesse gaue his most pleasante sent , and came to his full grouth vpon the Crosse , we knowe that the fruite of lyfe was not gathered without thornes , we knowe finallye that gall was chosen in extremitye by the most experienced and perfitt taster , and the honicombe not eaten till after his resurrection , when it was in a manner fetched out of the Lions mouth whome he had by his death victoriouslye foyled . Our choyse agreeth with our Captaynes examples , and both the tyme , and our cause moueth vs therunto . If two keyes were offred vs , the one of golde sett with diamants , rubies , & perle curiously wrought & hanged in a cheyne of greate price , the other of olde rustye iron , vnhandsome and shapelesse to beholde , tyed in a rotten corde , and yett this the true keye to infinite treasure , the other to a sincke of corruption , and a dungeon of dispayre , whiche of these two keyes , were in reason to be desired . This rusty key is trouble and affliction , the key of golde worldlye prosperity : That , openeth heauen gates . For Per multas tribulationes oportet introire in regnum Dei , Act 14 By manye tribulations must we enter into the kingdome of God . This other openeth hell dores . Multos enim perdidit aurum & argentum . For manye , hath golde and siluer cast awaye . Ecclesi . 8 We must now remember the last will that as S. Ambrose sayeth , Amb. ser. de Pass●o . Christ made vppon the Crosse. Author pietatis in Cruce pendens , testamentum condidit singulis pietatis opera distribuens Apostolis persecutionem , Iudeis corpus , Patri spiritum , Virgini Paranymphum , Peccatori in●ernum , Latroni Paradisum , Christianis vere paenitentibus Crucem commendauit . Vnde inquit Maximus omnis Christiani vita qui secundum euangelium vixerit , Maxim. ser. de Mart. crux est atque martirium . The author of lyfe hanging vpon the Crosse made his will allotting to euerye one workes of pietye , to his Apostles persecution , to the Iewes his bodye , to his father his soule , to the Virgin a Paranymphe , to the sinner hell , to the theefe Paradyse , to the repentante Christians he commended the Crosse. Whereuppon S. Maximus well sayeth , that all the lyfe of a Christian , that will lyue agreeably to the Gospell , is a perpetuall crosse and martirdome . We must now acknowledge our profession , and not be ashamed of our inheritance , which Christ allotted vnto vs . We must saye with S. Paule Mundus mihi crucifixus est , Gala. 6 & ego mundo the worlde is crucified vnto me and I to the world . To put them selues in mind of this , the olde Christians in Tertullians tyme , were wonte to praye with theire armes streatched out , as men all readye crucified in mynde , and readye in Gods cause to be crucified also in bodye . Where vppon Tertullian speakinge of this gesture in prayer , Tert. Apo● . ca. 30 sayeth . Sic Itaque nos expanges vngulae fodiant , cruces suspendant , ignes lambant , gladij guttura detruncent , bestiae insiliant . Paratus est ad omne supplicium , ipse habitus orantis Christiani . Whyle we are thus prayinge with our armes spread abroade , lett the hookes digge vs , the Gibbetes hang vs , the fyers consume vs , the swordes cutt our throates , the beastes flye vppon vs , the verye behauiour of a Christian in prayer , sheweth him readye to all kynde of tormentes . A wyse shipmaister , when he setteth forth from the shore , and goeth to sea , layinge asyde the remembrance of wyfe , children , house , and familye , employeth his bodye and mynd onlye to the due performance of his office , in auoydinge the daungers and directinge his shippe to a gaynfull hauen . You are now lanched out of the porte of worldlye prosperitye , into the sea of temporall discomforte , in Gods cause , and therefore it behoueth you to vncomber your selues of all earthlye cares . You must displaye the sayle of your soule , vppon the mast of Christes Crosse , betake you to the tacklinge of vertue , keepe your hande vppon the sterne of good order and discipline , and beinge aparted from earth , lifte vp your eyes towarde heauen . You must directe your course by the motion of the starres , and planettes , that is by the example of former Saintes , that so hauinge Christ for your Pilott , the inspirations of the holy Ghost for your gale , you maye goe through the stormes of persecution , ouercome the surges of worldlye pleasure , passe the shelfes of alluringe occasions , auoyde the shipwracke of deadlye offence , and finallye safelye arryue to the porte of lyfe and perfitt repose . Now is the tyme wherof the spouse in person of the Churche sayde , Can. 4 Surge Aquilo & veni Auster , perfla hortum meum , et fluant aromata illius . Arise north , and come southwynde blowe my gardeyne , and lett the spice therof flow downe . These windes now blow , & it is now tyme , that the spice fall & the vertues & constant examples of Saints , that laye hidden , and couered amongst the leaues , be with this persecution shaken from them and layde open for euery one to gather . We must now ascend ad Montem mirrhae to the mounte of mirrhe , which is in taste bitter , and Ad collem Thuris to the hill of frankincense , that giueth no sweete sauour but when it is by fyer resolued . Our heauenly smith hath now brought vs into the forge of triall , and kyndled the coales of persecution , to proue whether we be pure golde and fitt to be layde vp in his trea surye . Now whyle this winde is stirring , commeth the winnoer with his fanne to see who is blowen awaye lyke lyghte chaffe , and who resisteth to the blastes lyke massye wheate . That which lyeth hidd in the younge blade of corne , is displayed in the ripe eare , that which is concealed in the flower , is vttered in the fruite . Many beleeuers are deemed aequall whome triall prooueth of vnequall fayth , the tribunall sheweth what was couered in the budd , agreeablye to that sayinge by theire fruite you shall knowe them . Manye flowers promise a multitude of fruite , but when they are once putt to the proofe by stormes of wynde , verye few perseuer to the full grouth . So manye seeme faythfull in the calme of the Churche , but when the blastes of aduersitye bluster agaynst them , few are founde in the fruite of martirdome . The conninge of the Pilott is not knowne till the tempest riseth , nor the Captaynes courage till the warre beginneth , nor the Catholickes constancye till the Persecutor rageth . Tertul. de fuga in persecut. Persecution as Tertullian noteth is Pala quae Dominicam aream purgat scilicet ecclesiam , confusum aceruum fidelium euentilans , discernens frumentum martirum , & paleas negatorum . The shulue which purgeth our Lordes floore , that is the Church , fanning the confused heape of the faithfull and seueringe the corne of Martirs , from the chaffe of deniers . This is the ladder which Iacob dreamed of , Gene. 28 which shewed to some the waye into heauen , and to others the descent into hell . This is the water of contradiction by which Gods seruauntes are proued according to that Probasti in tentatione , Deut. 33 iudicasti ad aquas contradictionis . Thou hast taken triall by tentation , and iudged vs at the waters of contradiction . This is the water at which our heauenlye Gedeon , trieth who are fitt soldiers to assist him agaynst the Madianites , Iud. 7 and he seuereth such as fall on theire knees for greedines and thirst of worldly vanityes , from those that reach with their hande , so much onlye as their necessity requireth . Of whome God sayeth in tre centis viris qui lambuerunt aquas , liberabo vos . In those three hundred men that haue licked the waters will I deliuer you . Chrisost. Hom 29 in Ep. ad Rom. S. Chrisostome reporteth that the shepherdes of Capadocia , for the care they haue of their flockes , many times lye three dayes together couered with snow , and they of Libia are contented whole monethes , to wander after their flockes in those desertes , that are full of cruell wilde beastes , preferring the care of their catell , before their owne daungers . How much more are the Pastores yea al the Catholikes of this time , boud to endure the pinchinge and freesinge colde of what aduersitye soeuer , yea and the hazardes of cruell persecutors , that lyke wylde beastes haue turned this vinevard of our contrye into a bar ren desert , rather than to suffer so much as in vs lyeth , Christes flocke ether to be scandalized by our example , or destitute of our necessarye endeuours . For as in a serious & earnest battayle , wher vppon the state of the common welth depended , and the King him selfe were in complet harnesse , & with his weapons ready in person to fight for his kingdome . If anye of his nobles , should come into the fielde with a fanne of fethers in steed of a buckler , and a poesye of Flower deluce in steede of a sworde , and in euerye other respect more like a carpet knight then a man of armes , The Kinge could not but take it in verye euill parte : So surelye must Christ if in this spirituall warre agaynst his Churche , for which he fought in person , and receyued so manye woundes , we should looke on more lyke worldly wantones , then true soldiers , and not be as readye as our Kinge & Capteyne to venture our liues in the same quarell . Now therefore is the tyme , that it standeth vs vppon , to shew proofe of our selues . Now must it be knowne whether we be vasa in honorem or contumeliam , Vessels of honour or reproch , whether we be signed with the name of the lambe , or touched with the marke of the beast Antichriste , Apoc. l4 whether we be of the wheate or of the cockle , and finallye whether we belong to the flocke of Christ or to the herd of Beliall .

Cap. 8. Cap. 8.

And a thousande tymes happye are you , The Eyght confort in our tribulation is the honoure of imprisonment in a good cause . whose prisons are proofes , whose cheynes are pledges of your future immortallitye . A thousand tymes happye I saye , whose estate is both glorious here , & a sure waye to an vnspeakable glorye of the worlde to come . For as S. Ciprian sayeth . Cip. Ep. 4 Longo temporum ductu glorias vestras non subtrahitis , sed augetis . tot vestras laudes , quot dies , quot mentium curricula , tot incrementa meritorum . By the longe tract of tyme you diminishe not your glorye , but increase it . So manye are your prayses , as dayes , so many encreases of merites as courses of monethes . Of you there is no doubt whether you be for the barne or for the fyer , for you being there layde vpp , lyke cleane wheate , and precious corne , Hospitium carceris horreum computatis . Ciprian . Ibid. Your lodginge of the prison , you accounte your barne . For though the prisons be in them selues foldes of Satan to harbour his lewde flocke , yett when the cause ennobleth the name of a prisoner , the prisoner abolisheth the dishonour of the place . What thing of olde more odious then the Crosse , what place more abhorred , then the mounte Caluarie , what roomes more reprochefull then the Criptes , grottes , and dungeons of Saintes . Yett now what thing more honorable then the holye Crosse , what place more reuerenced , then the foresayde mounte , what sanctuaries more desired , then the dungeons of Saintes . So doth God defeate the Deuill of his vsuall hauntes , and of kenels ordeyned for the couching of his hell houndes , frameth mansions of greate merite , & portes of saluation for his owne seruaunts . A reprochefull thing it is , to be cheyned in sinne , gyued in wickednesse , and shutt vpp in the deadlye prison of mortall offence . A miserable thing it is , to be enthralled in the vassalage of the deuill , in the seruile subiection to our lawlesse appetites , and in the slauishe bondage of worldlye vanityes . Cip. Ep. ●9 . But O pedes faeliciter vincti , qui itinere salutari ad Paradisum dirrigantur . O pedes compedibus & trauersarijs interim cunctabundi , sed celeriter ad patriam glorioso itinere cursuri . O feete happelye cheyned which are directed a safe waye to paradyse . O feete for a tyme foreslowed , with fetters and boltes , but shall hereafter with a glorious iorneye swiftelye runne vnto their contrye . Honorable it is in Gods quarell , to be abridged of bodilye libertye , for mainteyning the true libertye and freedome of our soule . The birdes beinge vsed and naturallye delighted with the full scope of the ayre , though they be neuer so well fedd in the Cage yett are they all wayes pooringe at euery cranie to see whether they maye escape . For why , they vnderstand not , that in the Cage they are both surer from the kyte hauke , and fouler , then abroade , neyther marke they the benefitt of theire assured repayre , from harde weather and worse foode . But for a reasonable creature , and withall a Christian Catholicke so much to affecte a daungerous libertye , as not to accounte of the benefitt of his prison in so good a cause , it can not but be thought an imperfection , especiallye consideringe how manye perils of our soule are cutt of , and how highlye our spirituall welfare is aduaunced . Lett vs not in this be lyke the senselesse byrdes , but rather imitate them in an other propertye , which is , that in the cage they not onlye singe their naturall note , both sweetlyer and oftener , then abroade , but learne also diuerse other , farre more pleasant , and delightsome , So we both keepe , and oftener practise our wonted deuotions , and besydes learne new exercises of vertue , both for our owne comfort , and example of other . And when might you so freelye range emongest the quires of Angels , as when you are sequestred from the distractions of vaine companye ? when could you take a fuller repast of the sweete fruites of prayer and contemplation , then when the onions , garlicke , and fleshe pottes of Egipt are farthest out of sent and sight ? Your eyes are not to much troubled with impious and wicked sightes , your eares not annoyed with bloodye outcryes and heynous blasphemies . You are quitt from many scandals , and seuered from occasion of diuers tentations . Finallye thincke not of the name of a prison , and you shall finde it a retyringe place fittest to serue God . If it restrayne you of temporall comfortes , your bootye is gainfull , that by losse of transitorye deserue eternall . If your bodye be chastised your soule is cherished , and the pyninge of the one is the pamperinge of the other . You forsake a paradyse of of poysening delightes , for a place that yeldeth cause of grounded and true solaces . Yea and as Tertullian noteth if you way from whence you came , and where you are , you shall fynd , that you are rather deliuered out , then committed into prison . Greater darknesse hath the worlde , which inueigleth and blindeth not onlye the eyes , but the hartes of men . Heuyer cheynes and shackles doth the worlde lay on vs , which doe fetter and entangle our verye soules . Farr worse ordure and stenche doth the worlde breath out . I meane ribaldrye , carnallitye , and all kynde of brutishe behauiour . Finallye more prisoners & guiltye persons hath the worlde , the whole generation of mankynde , not to be iudged by the vmpiershippe of anye earthlye magistrate , but by the censure and verdicte of almighty God . Happye therfore are you , if you can recken your selues translated out of prison , into a place of preseruation , which if it be combred with darcknesse , your selues are lampes to light it , If it charge you with gyues , yett are you loose and vnbound towardes God . If you be pestered with vnsauery smell , you are frankincense and sauour of sweetnesse . If it affright you with expectation of iudges . Cap. ● Your selues hereafter shall iudge nations and rule ouer peoples . With this saying of Tertullian doth S. Ciprian agree . Cipri . Ep. 56 O blessed prison sayeth he which your presence hath honored . O blessed prison that sendeth the men of God to heauen . O darknesse brighter then the sunnne it selfe , and more cleere then the light of this worlde , where the temples of God are now placed , and your members sanctified with your diuine confessions of your fayth . Lett them complayne of the difficultyes of the prison , that haue fastened their affection vpon worldlye vanityes . A Christian Catholicke , euen out of prison hath renounced the worlde in his baptisme , and it litle importeth in what place he be in the world , who by promise and profession , hath vowed neuer to be of it . Lett them complayne of the prison , that knowe not the glorye and soueraigne prerogatiue of that place , but for a Catholike , that hath Christ for his auctor , the Apostles for his witnesses , all former Saintes for testimonyes howe honorable it is , to suffer in Gods quarell . It is a greate shame not to thincke worthilye and reuerentlye therof . One that knoweth not the vertue of herbes , when he walketh in the fieldes , or hils , without any regard treadeth vnderfoote whatsoeuer groweth in his waye , making no more accounte of one herbe then of an other , but if he come into a Phisicians house , where he seeth manye , not onlye holsome herbes , but to his thinckinge stronge and vnsauerye weedes , he neuerthelesse conceyueth , that there is in them some secrett vertue to cure diseases , And if he see the experience of theire operation muche more accounteth he of them , and wheras before he trampled with contempt vppon them , he now would be as carefull to gather them : Euen so one that knoweth not the vertue and honour of the Crosse , cheynes & prisons of Christ , despiseth and abhorreth them as contemptible & dishonorable thinges , but if he come into this schoole of our heauenlye Phisician , I meane the scripture , and there see these thinges had in accounte , and view the strange operation of them , not onlye in Christ him selfe , but in S. Paule S. Ihon Baptist & others , how can he choose but haue them in greate esteeme , and be readye if occasion serue , to trye the force thereof in his owne selfe , howsoeuer the ignorant iudge them as vnprofitable weeds , and badges of disgrace . What place of more price then Kinges Pallaces , yea what place so glorious as heauen : and yett S. Chrisostome sayeth that kings courtes , Chrisost in ca. 4. ad Ephes● . and heauen it selfe yeldeth to the glory of the prison , that harboreth Christes prisoner . For as the Princes presence honoreth the basest cottage , and maketh it more esteemed and resorted vnto , then the most statelye buildinges . So the presence of Gods prisoner in the most infamous dungeon , maketh it a courte and resorte of Angels , and a paradyse where God him selfe delighteth to walke and taketh pleasure in the constancye of his afflicted seruantes . For such is the honor that the cheynes giue him that is a captiue in Gods quarell , that his roome what soeuer it be , is honorable , and he by his fetters more richely adorned , then he could be with anye Princely or imperiall robes . Mardocheus was not so much honored with Assuerus royall garmentes , nor Salomon so glorious in his costliest habitt , nor Herode so adorned when he sought in his gorgeous attyre to boast him selfe for a god , as S. Ihon Baptist was , when he had atchiued that title Ioannes in vinculis Ihon in cheynes . Yea imagin not onlye what pompe hath of any Emperour or worldly potentate ben shewed , In golde , iewels , or anye ornamentes of highest price , but also what might be shewed , if mans wishe might be putt in execution , yett maye it still be sayed with S. Chrisostom . Pudet diuitias et auream munditiem huiusmodi conferre vinculis . Ibidem . I am ashamed to compare riches , or the purenesse of golde , with such cheynes . For in truth they are but base comparisons , in respect of other things of greter preeminence , whiche neuerthelesse amount not to the dignitye of beinge cheyned for Gods cause . It was a great prerogatiue to be an Apostle , a Doctour , an Euanglist . It was a singuler fauour , to be rapt into paradyse , and to the third hea●en , to heare secrettes that it is not lawfull for man to speake . It was a rare priuiledge to heale anye disease , not onlye with the touch of his handes but with the touche of his verye handkerchers and girdles . Chrisost. Ibid And yett S. Chrisostome of these thinges sayeth , Admiranda quidem fuerunt ista , sed non qualia illa Cae sum autem multis plagis , coniecerunt in carcerem . Merueylous thinges were these but not lyke to those other , whipped with manye stripes they cast him into prison . And this S. Paule him selfe seemed to acknowledge in th●t he writinge to Philemon , he omitteth his vsuall style , of Paulus Apostolus or seruus Iesu Christi Paule an Apostle , or seruant of Iesus Christ , & begineth his epistle with Paulus vinctus Iesu Christi Paule a prisoner of Iesus Christ . Wherin he seemeth to follow the custome of great personages , who when from inferiour dignityes they are enhanced to more honorable titles , they alwayes in theire letters omitting the other , sett downe their principall style , proper to theire new atchiued prefermente . But now to speake of the highest glorye , whiche men chiefely esteeme , what place more acceptable then heauen , what seate more to be wished then the thrones on Gods right hande , what company comparable to the felowshippe of Angells , what dignitye so greate as to be one of the celestiall spirittes , that haue theire roome next vnto God ? And yet S. Chrisostom thought S. Paules prison a worthyer place , his clogges and cheynes worthyer seates , his fellowe captiues more honorable companye , and the state of Christes prisoner a more surpassing dignitie . And if you aske the cause , he will answere , for that it is more glorious to a stout soldier , more pleasant to a true louer , to suffer for their Captayne , and laboure in seruice of their Loue , then to be honoured by them . Potius mihi habetur affici pro Christo , quam honoraria Christo. I account it more honorable , sayeth he , for Christ to be trobled , then of Christ to be honored . For if Christ becomminge man , stripping him selfe in a manner of his maiestye , thought it not so honorable to be in his glorye , as for vs vppon the Crosse , how much more ought we to deeme it a singuler preferment , to suffer for his sake . The Apostles did greatlye reioyce , that they were vouchsafed with this honour . Act. 5 Ibant gaudentes a conspectu consilij , quod digni habiti sint pro nomine Iesu contumeliam pati . They wente reioycing from the presence of the councell , for that they were thoughte worthye to suffer reproche for the name of Iesus . But we neuer reade , that they so reioyced at their power ouer deuils , the gyfte of miracles , or other lyke especiall fauours , which well declareth how muche they prised theire persecution , more then theire authoritye . And therfore Christ sayde Beati estis not for commaunding deuils , not for raysinge the dead , or healing the lame , or working of infinite wonders : Matt. 5 But beati estis cum maledixerint vobis homines , & persecuti vos fuerint , & dixerint omne malum aduersus vos , mentientes propter me . You are blessed when men hate you , and persecute you and speake all the euill they can agaynste you , belying you for my sake . But if it were a blessednesse to worke wonders , in this respect also the cheynes of Christ were able to make vs blessed . What greater miracles , then for those that are fast bounde , Act. 16 to vnloose ? for those that haue their handes manacled , and theire feete fettered , to shake the foundations of the prison ? to open without key or other materiall instrument locked & fast barred dores . To vncheyne not onlye the fast bound bodyes , but the enthralled & captiue soules . What stranger thing then the same cheyne , that byndeth the bodye in earthe , to bynde the soule to God in heauen , to make a prison of miscreantes , a church of Christians , and the nest of vipers , a nurcerye of Saintes . What greater wonder then Iaylours to desire to be vnbounde , by theire cheyned Captiues , and yelde them selues voluntarye prisoners to those , whome they violentlye kept in durance . And if these seeme smale matters , consider what reuerence the verye senselesse and vnreasonable creatures beare vnto Christes cheynes . The Viper durst not stinge the hand of S. Paule , Act. 28 that those cheynes had bound . Nether tempest , storme , sea , nor shipwracke , coulde drowne those passengers , whome these cheynes defended . How did Felix tremble and quake , Act. 27 at cheyned Paules speaches , Act. 24 how muche were other hartened and comforted by the force of his fetters , Philip. 1 how manye did he bring to Christ , whyle he was bound for him , gloriynge in them as so much the fayrer , in that they were bred in his captiuity . Now what prisoner for gods cause woulde not crye with Dauid funes ceciderunt mihi in praeclaris . Pas. 15 My bondes fell out to my greate glorye ? Whoe woulde not willinglye harken to those comfortable speaches , that exhort vs to embrace the cheynes of wisdome , that is of Christ the wisdome of his father . Inijce pedem tuum in compedes illius , Ecclesi . ● & in torques illius collum tuum , subijce humerum tuum et porta illam , & ne acedieris vinculis eius & erunt tibi compedes eius in protectionem fortitudinis , & bases virtutis , et torques illus in stolam gloriae . Decor . n . vitae est in illa , & vincula illius alligatura salutis . Put thy feete into her fetters , and thy necke in to her cheynes , set vnder her thy shoulder , and carye her , and take no tediousnes in her gyues , and her fetters wil be vnto thee a fortresse of strength , and foundations of vertue , & her cheynes a stole of glorye . For the beautye of lyfe is in her , and her gyues are bandes of saluation . Gen. 39 Where beganne Ioseph to be made a decipherer of dreames , a sercher of secrett interpretations , but in prison ? Ierem. 33 Where did Hieremias prophesye most boldlye and truelye the ouerthrowe of his enemyes , but in prison ? Where did Sampson recouer his strength and victoriouslye reuenge him self vppon the Philistines , killinge more at his death , Iudi● . 16 then in his lyfe , but Quando eductus de carcere ludebat coram cis when he was brought forth of prison to playe before them ? ● Paral. 35 Manasses a most wicked Idolater , and an impious King was neuer conuerted vntill he was captiue . Ionas came not to full konwledge of his faulte , Iona. 2 but when he was imprisoned in the Whales bellye . Iosephes brethren neuer entered into consideration of their offence in betrayinge him , Gene. 54 but when they were kept in restraynte . So that we see the prison is a schoole of diuine and hidden misteries , to Gods frendes , a fountaine of reuenge agaynst his enemyes , and a cell of repentance to carelesse offenders . O how true a sayinge is that In funiculis Adam traham eos , Os●● . 4 in vinculis charitatis . In the bandes of Adam , will I draw them vnto me and in the cheynes of charitye . How truelye maye they be called cheynes of charitye and loue , that haue not only force to appease the iustice and stirre vpp the mercye of God , but euen haue power to suppresse and brydle the vnflexible enmitye that Nature hath engrafted . Who could liue vntoucht among hungrye Lions , but a Daniel and Gods prisoner ? Dan. 6 Who could walke in the middest of the flame without burning , but such as were bound and should haue bene burned in Gods quarell ? Dan. 3 These S. Basill , Basil. Hom. ● de ieiunio compareth to a stone called Amianton , which is of that nature , that in the fyer it becometh as bright as a fierye coale , and taken out , is cleerer then at the casting in , and can not be anye waye stayned or defiled . For their bodyes were not only as golde purged , but more then golde , not so much as dissolued , & came purer out , then they were cast into the fornace . Act. 12 These are they , that are visited by Angels , as S. Peter , fedd by Prophetes as Daniel , Dan. 14 honored by heauenlye light and earthquakes as S. Paule and Sylas . Act. 24 Of these it verefied that de carcere & vinculis catenisque egrediuntur ad regnum . Ecclesi . 4 From prison gyues , and cheynes , they come out to a kingdome , Gen. 39 as in Ioseph and Daniel appeareth , the one being made Lorde of all Egipt , and the other agayne made one of the three chiefe vnder Darius , And both from the thrall of the dungeon aduanced to the throne of Prince lye dignitye . In these haue all we afflicted Catholickes our chiefe confidence , hoping , that their cheynes will pleade for vs , theire prisons protecte vs , and their prayers obteyne vs some end of our miseryes . We doubt not , but Dominus de coelo in terram aspexit , Psal. 10 vt audiret gemitus compeditorum . Our Lord hath loked from heauen into earth , that he might heare the grones of the cheyned in prison . We assure our selues , that exaudiuit pauperes Dominus , Psal. 68 et vinctos suos non despexit . Our Lorde hath heard the poore , and hath not neglected the cheined for him . And therfore doe we daylye crye Introeat in conspectu tuo gemitus compeditorum . Psal. 78 Lett the grones of thy prisoners enter into thy sighte . Wherfore be not you dismayde , but rather take comforte in your present estate . If you be despised by the bad , you are honored of the good , if you be disgraced of men , you maye righte well looke for your prayse from God . S. Ihon Baptist was alwayes worthy of honour , both in respect of his rough habitt , his hard dyet , his innocent lyfe , his hye function , and greate Prerogatiues . Yett so longe as he was at libertye , that the people rann admiring his lyfe , and reuerencing his person , we here no great mention made by Christ of him , but when he was once become Ioannes in vinculis Ihon in cheines fallen into worldlye disgrace , Matt. 1● & preferred to this Christian honour , the Capteyne strayt sounded the souldiers renoume , and God him selfe rehersed the catologue of his diuine prayses . Which though they alwayes were so greate , that they could neuer haue bene worthily enough by mans tongue rehersed , yett were they neuer so worthy to be vttered by Christes owne mouthe , as when they had their chiefe complement and perfection , which was the honour of his cheynes . Now let the captyues of the world flatter them selues with the vayne title of liberty . Lett them triumphe in their cheynes of golde , in theire iewels of perle , and pretious stone , in their gorgeous and statelye robes . Lett them bost of theire freedome , when euerye thridde and ornament about them , is a manifest marke of theire captiuitye . When I saye theire tongues are thrall to Potentates eares , theire action and all theire behauiour framed to the likinge of greate personages eyes , their sense bodyes and myndes seruyle to their owne sensualityes . It is with them as S. Chrisostome noteth as with Kinges , Chrisost. Hom 18. in 1. Ep. ad Tim. that are taken captiues by a barbarous Prince , who for their greater ignominye , and his owne glorye , suffereth them to keepe on their princely robes , and to were their crounes and in this attyre forceth them to most base & seruyle offices . For so these that on the one syde , by their brauerye seeme of great might , and at large libertye , on the other if you consider their slauishe actions , most base and filthye , and theire daylye drudgerye in sinne , you can not but deeme them so much the more miserable , in that seeming glorious , they are inthralled in so heauye a bondage . For as often tymes the lightening though it leaue the veluet and costlye scaberd whole , yet it consumeth the more worthye thing that is the sworde , whiche by the lightnes of the scaberd is easely perceyued : So that pernicious fierflash of sinne , thoughe it leaue the bodye and goodes sounde , and impayre not the outwarde state , yett kylleth it the soule , and leaueth it dead , wherof the gaudye lightnes of their outwarde behauiour , is no obscure signe . Lett vs not yelde to suche follye , but rather reioyce in our enclosure , and glorye in our bandes , remembring that the longer we weare them , the more honour we shall purchase by them , and the better we lyke them , the more benefitte shall we reape of them . Semel vincit sayeth S. Ciprian , Cip. Ep. 4 qui statim patitur , at qui manens semper in paenis , congreditur cum dolore , nec vincitur , quotidie coronatur . He hath but one victorye , that strayte suffereth , but he that alwayes dwelling in payne , doth encounter with sorowe , & is not conquered , is euerye daye crowned . And agayne blessed is that parte emongest you , sayeth the same Sainte , that remayneth in prison , ad meritorum titulos ampliores tormentorum tarditate proficiens , habitura tot mercedes in coelestibus praemijs quot nunc dies numerantur in paenis . Proceedinge by the lingringe of your tormentes to more ample titles of meritt , and sure to haue so manye rewardes in the heauenlye paymente as there are dayes reckoned in present paynes . These are the true ornamentes for Christians to bost of . This captiuitye is our principall freedome , and the prisons are portes where God harboureth with vs here and from whence he conueyeth vs into the shore of eternall faelicitye . Of this sayeth S. Ciprian . Cip. Ep. 39 Imposuerunt quoque compedes pedibus vestris , ac membra felicia ac Dei templa , infamibus vinculis ligauerunt , quasi cum corpore ligetur , & spiritus , aut aurum vestrum ferri contagione maculetur . They haue putt shacles vpon your fecte , and haue bounde your happye members temples of God with infamous cheynes , as though the spiritt coulde be bounde with the bodye , or your golde could be stayned with the contagion of their iron . But comforte your selues , and thincke this intreatye no hard vsage : howbeit in them it proceede of a malicious hatred . For Dicatis deo hominibus , Cip Ibid. & fidem suam religiosa virtute testantibus , ornamenta sunt ista non vincula , nec Christianos pedes ad infamiam copulant sed clarificant ad coronam . To men consecrated vnto God , and with religious vertue professing their fayth , these are not cheynes but ornamentes , neyther doe they fetter Christian feete to their infamye , but honour them to their croune and glorye . Of this did Salomon forewarne vs , shewinge vs the protection and care that God hath of those , that suffer for him , and how glorious estate they be in . Descenditque cum eo in foueam , & in vinculis non dereliquit illum , donec afferret illi sceptrum regni , & potentiam aduersus eos , qui eum deprimebant , & mendaces ostendit , qui maculauerunt eum , Sap. 10 & dedit illi claritatem eternam . He descended with him into the pitt , and forsooke him not in his cheynes , till he brought him a scepter of a kingdome , and powre agaynst those that did oppresse him , and shewed them lyers that did defame him , and gaue vnto him an eternall glorye . Remember therfore the goale and you shall comfortablye passe ouer the race , regarde not so muche where you are , as where you shal be . Thinke not so much of the comfortes that you want , as of the wage that you winne . Grieue not at the companye from which you are barred , but reioyce in that to which you are prepared , and assure your selues that how few soeuer you see , yett are you not alone , to whome Christ and his Angels haue continuall accesse . Solus non est cui Christus comes est , Cipri . Ep. 63. solus non est qui templum dei seruans , vbicunque fuerit sine deo non est . He is not alone ( sayeth S. Ciprian ) who hath Christ for his pheere , he is not alone that keeping the temple of God , vndefiled , where soeuer he be , without God he is neuer . Finallye considering that our lyfe is but a warfare and we alwayes in the field agaynst our professed enemyes , to whom in our baptisme we badd battayle by defiynge and renouncing them : Seing also the times be such that those whiche sticke vnto the truthe , are in a manner designed to the slaughterhouse , in so muche that we maye truelye saye , Psal. 43 Propter te mortificamur tota die , aestimati sumus velut oues occisionis : For thy sake we are mortified all the daye , & are accounted as sheepe for the butcherye : These thinges I saye considered , lett vs take our prison as a place of preparation , & a priuate schoole of exercyse , to trayne and instructe vs , for the publicke , serious , and moste sharpe frayes . For as Tertullian sayeth , Tertul. li. ad Martires . It is not for the aduantage or behoofe of a valiant soldier , to come from disportes to bloodye strokes , or from the carpett to the campe , but it is necessarye to be hardened firste in roughe treatye of them selues , in harde vsage and toylesome trauayles . For so in peace , they shall learne to disgest the disasters and incommodityes of warre , and by these forerunning laboures inure their bodye to vnease , and foster the courage and prowesse of theire myndes . Happye therefore are you , what troubles soeuer you susteyne , for the exercyse of youre vertue , and better inhabling both of bodye & mynde . Such was the preparation of the champions & soldiers of profe in former ages . They were restrayned of libertye , withhelde from chamber worke , straytned in their diett , from sweete meates , and pleasant drinckes , The more they were laboured , the better they were liked , and the more tormoyled in trouble , the more hope they had of the victory : knowinge that vertue and constancye , that with hardnesse and rigoure gathereth force , with softnesse and ease doth languishe and fall to ruyne . This did they in regard of a corruptible croune , which they were nether certayne to attayne , nor sure to possesse . We therefore ayminge at an incorruptible rewarde , lett vs recken the prison a place of triall , that we maye be broughte vnto iudgment well fortefied agaynst all encounters , and be able to saye vnto the iudge that , Quantum formidinis & terroris attulit , Cipri . Ep. 16 tantum fortitudinis ac roboris inuenit . As much feare and terrour as he brought , so muche force and fortitude hath he founde .

Cap. 9. Cap. 9.

AND Now to drawe to the ende of your conflicte , The Nyneth confort is th● death in it selfe is comfortable to the good . for your final comfort I put you in mynd of a moste comfortable thing , that if you be putt to deathe in this cause of the Catholicke fayth , your death is Martyrdome , and your foyle victorie . And therfore seing that dye we must , lett vs imbrace as S. Ciprian sayeth this happye occasion , Cipr ep. ●3 . vt fungamur exitu mortis , cum praemio immortal litatis , nec vereamur occidi , quos constat , quando occidimur , coronari . To passe ouer our mortall ende with the rewarde of immortallitye , neyther lett vs feare to be killed , who by killing are sure to be crowned . Death of it selfe to the good is not so odious , but that for infinite motiues , we haue rather cause to wishe it , then to eschewe it , and rather to desire it , Chrisost. hom 46. in matt . then to feare it . Sweete sayeth S. Chrisostome is the ende to the laborers , willinglye doth the trauayler question about his Inne , often casteth the hirelinge when his yeare will come out , the husbandman alwayes looketh for the tyme of his haruest , the marchant is stil busie about his billes to know the daye of payment , and the woman great with childe is euer musing vppon the tyme of her deliuerye . No lesse comfort it is to Gods seruauntes , to thinke of theire decease , seing that there is theire hart , where they haue horded their treasure . For as S. Bernard noteth , Bern●r . ad mi 〈◊〉 . templi . where the conscience is cleere , absque formidine mors expectatur , imo et exoptatur cum dulcedine , et excipitur cum deuotione . Death is looked for without feare yea desired with delight accepted with deuotion . To vs it killeth our most daungerous and domestical enemy , it breaketh the lockes , vnloseth cheynes , Ps. 141. and openeth the dore , to lett vs out of a lothsome prison . It vnloadeth vs of a combersome burden which oppresseth our soule . Sap. 9. Who would not willingly be out of the sway of Fortune , ridd of the infinite hazards and periles , of daylye casualtyes . Who would not be gladd to settle his soule in securitie , out of this daungerous sea , wherin as S. Bernard sayeth , Berna● . periculum probat , transentium raritas , pereuntium multitudo . The rarenesse of those , that passe ouer safe , and the multitude of others , that perishe in their passage sufficiently proueth the perill . In the Ocean sea , of fower shippes not one doth miscarrye , and in the Sea of this worlde , of manye fowers , not one is saued . This world is the kingdome of Sathan , what seruaunt of God can loue to liue in it ? It is a place of banishment , and who is so vnnaturall as not willinglye to forsake it ? Can any choose rather alwayes to hang in hazard , then once to fall for his felicitye ? Can anye rather desire to liue in the Gunshott of the deuils assaultes , then to enioye the porte of assured securitye ? Ioan. 16. We are promised , that here we shal- be persecuted , and hated of the worlde , that we shall we●pe , and liue in sorowe , that we shal be despised , and put to shame , and haue no reste of bodye , nor perfecte contentmente of mynde . We are assured on the other syde , that in the nexte lyfe our rewarde is greate , our repose without trouble , and our comforte without crosse . Our teares shal be turned into triumphe , our disgrace into glorye , all our miseryes into perfect felicitye . Who therfore would not reioyce quickly to dye ; seing that death is the passage from this worlde to the nexte , from all the presente agreeuances , to all possible happynesse . Well maye the brute beastes feare death , whose ende of lyfe is the conclusion of their being . Well maye the Epicure tremble , who with his lyfe , looketh to lose his felicitye . Well may the Infidels , heretickes , or vnrepentant sinners quake , whose death is the beginning of their damnation . Such as here haue their heauen , and haue made their prison their praradise : those whose bellye was their god , and their appetites theire guides , maye with reasone rue theire death , seing they haue no portion in the lande of the liuinge . They haue sowne in sinne , and what can they looke to reape but miserye , vanityes were their traficke , and griefe wil- be their gayne , detestable was their life , & damnable wil be their decease . Of suche it is verified , Eccl. 4 O mors quam amara est memoria tua , homini pacem habenti in substantijs suis ? Ibid 44. vere mors peccatorum pessima . Sed pretiosa in conspectu Domini mors sanctorum eius . O death , how bitter is thy remembrance to a man that hath planted his peace and contentment in his worldlye substance , for in deede most miserable is the sinners decease . But pretious is the death of saintes in the sight of our Lorde . Here they haue their payne , and in heauen they looke for their payment . Here they haue sowne in teares , and there they shall reape in ioye . Their Iudge is he , for whome they haue suffered , and therefore doubtlesse wil be mercifull . Their accusers are made dumme , by their former repentance , and therfore cannot be preiudiciall . Their conscience is cleered by humble confession , and therfore cannot be fearfull . Hope is theire staffe to keepe them from sliding , rightuousnesse their safe conduite , to warrant them from arrestyng , grace is their guide , to keepe them from erring . Their woundes and sufferings in Gods cause , are rewardes to assure them of comfortable intertaynment . Their frayes and wrastlinges against their owne passions , are badges of perfection and will finde free accesse . Finallye the hell that here they haue passed , will acertayne them of obtayning a crowne in heauen . They are goodlye fruite , more fitt for the golden plate , and Kinges table , then to hange longer on a rotten bough . They are pleasant and sweete roses , more worthye to be honoured in the Princes hande , then lefte vpon a thorny stalke . Yea they are glorious rubies , rather to be sett in the crowne of glorye , then here to be trodden vnder foote by dirtye swyne . What can they see in this world to with holde them . H●m. 7. in ep. ad ●ob . They runne ( sayeth Saint Chrisostome ) for a greate wager , and not quasi in certu . They regarde not whether the way be greene , and pleasant , or rough & mierye , they waye not whoe seeth them , nor what they saye of them . Though they be reuiled , they stay not to answere . Though they be stroken , they stande not to reueng . Though their house burne , their wife complayne , their children crye , they turne not backe to m●ane them , their minde is onlye on their wager , if they runne not , they winne not , and therefore their onlye ioy is to come soonest to their goale . If they looke vppon the worlde , they see it lyke a Sea where manye trusting to the waues are drowned , others are beaten with the billowes against the stonye rockes , dyuerse laboring to attayne dyuerse shores , some by healpe of a selye plancke , some by some fragment of the broaken shippe . They see manye forced to healpe them selues with their onlye handes , and manye other ouercome with the surges , to haue yelded vp the ghost , and lefte a multitude of dead carcases to the waters rage . Amongest others they see themselues , also tyred not with the smalest stormes , and their holde to be verye fickle , and therfore what greater comforte can ther befall them then to be quicklye landed in a safe porte , where behoulding vnder them , the perilles esscaped , they maye the more reioyce at theire attayned securitye . Psa. 106. Dauid describing this tedious voyage , or nauigation of Gods seruauntes thorough this stormye sea , sheweth howe eagre they were , and desirous to be deliuered out of the same . They sayethe he which descende into the sea of this lyfe , in the shippes of their mortal bodyes , doing their worke in manye waters of worldlye afflictions ; true it is that th●y see the mercyful workes of our Lorde in cherishing them , and his maruayles in confirming them : But all this they see in the depth of theire distresses . He sayd , and the spirite of tempest stoode vpp in their persecutours , and the waues of aduersitye were raysed hye agaynst them . They mounte , as hye as heauen , and fall , as lowe , as hell and for the tyme so amaze them , that their life pined away in miseries . For they are tossed , and made to stagger lyke a drouncken man with continual varietye of newe surges and grieues , and all their wisdome in patiently suffering , & firmely hopinge of Gods helpe , is deuoured , and to the eye vnprofitable against their enemyes rage . And therfore they cryed vnto our Lord , when they were distressed in this daungerous manner , and desired to haue a shorte cut to theire voyage end , and esteemed it a singuler benefitt , that he led them by death out of their necessities , and so altered their storme into a calme wind , and guided them in the hauen of theire owne willes , that is the hauen of securitye , in which they most desired to be . If they consider the poore , their lyfe is lead in such agonye , payne & needynesse , that it maketh euery one to loath it . If they beholde the rich and mightye , their felicitye is follye , and their ioye is vanity . If they looke on Potentates , that seeme the very flower of mankinde , they finde oftentimes , that they are poore in their riches , abiect in their honours , discontented in their delightes . Their bodye a sacke of dunge , their soule a sincke of sinne , miserable their birthe , wicked their lyfe , and damnable their ende . Looke ( sayeth S. Augustine ) into the graues , Aug in sententiis a Pros per. collectis sententia 〈…〉 sur-vew all the Emperours , Dukes , States , and , Worthyes of former ages , & see who was maister , who man , who riche , or who poore . Discerne , if thou canst , the Captyue from the King , the strong from the weake , the fayre from the deformed . Which wordes import , that if after lyfe there is no more , difference of persons then there is in the ashes of veluet and course canuase , or of diuerse woddes burnte vp in one fyer , then surelye it is follye to care for these bodyes or to desyre theire long continuance , whiche in the end must be resolued into earth and dust , and can not here liue without a multitude of combers . The lyke we fynd almost in euery other thinge , and therfore surely all miseryes of our lyfe well perused , we maye thinke it a great benefitt of God , that whereas there is but one waye to come into this worlde , yett are there verye manye to goe out of the same . What can there be in lyfe , eyther durable , or verye delightsome , when lyfe , it selfe is so frayle , and tickle a thinge Our lyfe ( sayeth the scripture ) is like the printe of a cloude in the ayre , Sap. ● . lyke a mist dissolued by the sunne , lyke the passing of a shadowe , Ps 102. Iob. 13. Iacob 4. lyke a flower , that soone fadeth , lyke a drye leafe caried with euerye Wynde , lyke a vapoure that soone vanisheth out of sighte . Chrisost. hom. 24 in ep ad 〈◊〉 . S. Chrisostome calleth it one whyle a heauye sleepe fedd with false and imaginarye dreames , an other while he cal , leth it a comedye or rather in our dayes a tragedye , Chris●st ep. 6 of transitorye shewes & disguised persons . Ibid. Hom. ● . ep. ad coloss. Somtimes he likeneth it to a birdes nest made of strawe and dung , that the winter soone dissolueth . Gregor. Nazi 〈…〉 a●andis S. Gregorye Nazianzen calleth it a childes game that buildeth houses of sande in the shore , where euerye waue washeth them away , yea and as Pindarus sayeth it is no more but the dreame of a shadow . Sap. 5. It passeth awaye like one that rideth in post , like a shipp in the Sea , that leaueth no printe of the passage , like a bird in the ayre of whose way there remaineth no remembrance , like an arrowe that flyeth to the marke , whose tracte the ayre sodaynlye closeth vp . Whatsoeuer we doe , sitt we , stande we , sleepe we , wake we , our shipp saith S. Basill alwayes sayleth towardes our last home , Basilius in Psal. prin●● . and the streame of our life kepeth on an vnflexible course . Euery daye we dye , and howrely loose some parte of our life , and euen then when we grow we decrease . We haue lost our Infancye , our childhood , our youth , and all til this present daye . what tyme soeuer passethe , perisheth , and this very daye , death secretly by minutes pourloyneth from vs . Greg. l. 11 m●● . ca. 26. This S. Gregorye well expresseth saying Nostrum viuere , a vita transire est , vita nostra ipsis suis augmentis ad detrimenta impellitur , et inde semper deficit , vnde proficere se credit . Our liuing is a passing from lyfe . For our lyfe with her increase diminisheth , & by that alwayes impayreth wherby it seemeth to profit . Future things ( sayth Innocentius ) are alwayes beginning , Innoc. 3. l. 1. d● contemp . m●●l c. 24 vel secundum alios . c. ●● present thinges alwayes endynge , and thinges paste are quite dead and donne . For while we liue , we dye , and then we leaue dyeinge , when we leaue liuinge . Better therfore it is to dye to lyfe , then to liue to death : because our mortal lyfe is nothing , but a liuing death . And lyfe continually flyeth from vs , and cannot be with-helde ; and death howrely commeth vppon vs , and cannot be withstood . No armoure resisteth , no threatning preuayleth , no intreaty profiteth , against deaths assalte . If all other perilles & chaunces spare our lyfe , yet tyme and age , in the ende will consume it . We see the fludd , that riseth in the top of a Mountayne , to fall & roule downe with a continuall noyse : It gusheth out with a holowe and horse sound , then it runneth roaring down , ouer craggye and rough clyffes , and is continuallye crushed and broaken with diuers encounters , til at the foote of the hill , it entereth into the Sea . And so fareth it with mans lyfe , he commeth into the worlde with payne , and beginneth his course with pitifull cryes , and continually molested with diuers vexations , he neuer ceaseth running doune , til in the ende he fall into the Sea of death . Neyther is our last houre the beginning of our death , but the conclusion , and then it is come that hath bene longe in the comming , and fullye finished , that was still in the ending . Why therfore shold we be vnwlling to lese , that which cannot be kept ? Better it is since death is debte , and natures necessarye wracke , to folowe S. Chrisostomes counsell . Chrisost hom. 10. in matt . Fiat voluntarium , quod futurum est necessarium , offeramus deo pro munere quod pro debito tene mur reddere . Lett vs make it voluntarye , which must needes be necessarye , and lett vs offer to God for a present which of due and debte we are bound to render . What maruayle if when the winde bloweth , the leafe fall , if when the day appereth , the night ende . Our life sayeth the same saynct was a shadowe and it passed , Chrisost ep. ● . ad Eutrop. it was , a smoake , and it vanished . It was a buble , and it was dissolued . It was a spinners webb , and it was shaken a sunder . No wise-man lamenteth , that he liued not a yeare sooner then he was borne , and whye shoulde he lament , that within a yeare or lesse , he shall liue no longer . For he leeseth nothing , that then he had , and he shall be to the world but as then he was God made Adames garment of dead beasts skinnes , Gen. 3. to put him in minde , that he was condemned to dye ; and to make the remembrance of death familiar vn to him , that the losse of lyfe might not affright him who alwayes caryed the liuerye of deathe vppon him . And as Daniell by spreadding ashes in the Temple discouered the treacherye , Dan 14. and falshood of the Priestes of Babilonia : So by poudering our thoughtes , and memorye with the duste of our graue , and often repetition of our decease , we shall soon discrye the vanitye of this lyfe , the traines of the diuell , and our secrete temptations to be such , as we would rather wishe by losing of lyfe to cutt of , then by auoyding death to continue . If any thing make death tedious , it is the wante of the consideration of it . The old men haue it right before them , the yonge men hard behinde them , all men daylye ouer them , and yet we forget it . Familiarytye with Lions taketh awaye the feare of them , the being vsed to tempestes geueth harte and courage to endure them , and in warre the seinge so manye howrely bereaued of lyfe , maketh the soldier litle or nothing to sett by it . If therfore we wil be out of all feare of death , lett vs continuallye remember it . If we vse our horse to the race before we runne for the wager ; If we accquaint our selues with the weapons before we fighte for the victorye ; Much more sholde we take heede , that we come not dispourueyed to this laste combat . The good Pylot , when he guideth his shipp , he sitteth at the sterne in the hinder parte therof , and so the prouident Christian to directe his lyfe , must alwayes sit at the end of the same , that the mindfulnes of death being his sterne , he may feare it the lesse and prouide for it the better . This is the dore wherby we must go out of bondage , & therfore , as the prisoner that standeth vppon his deliuerye , taketh greatest comfort in sitting vpon the threshold , that when the dore is opened , he maye the sooner gett out : So ought we alwayes to haue our minde fixed vppon the laste steppe of our lyfe , ouer which we are sure , that passe we muste , though how , or when we know not . For this cause that holy man Ioannes Eleemosinarius Patriarke of Allexandrya hauing his Tombe in building , commaunded that it shold be lefte imperfect , and that his seruauntes euerye daye , shoulde putt him in minde to finishe the same , that hauinge hys eye alwayes fixed vppon this dore of death , he might the better prepare for the passage through it . The memorye of death is the ashes , wherin the fire of vertue being raked vpp , it continueth the better , and wil be fitter to enkindle the courage of our mind , that when death commeth in deede , & these ashes shal be vnraked , we maye rather reioyce , that our flame hath found a vente to mount to hir natural Sphere , where it will shine to our glorye , then sorowe , that it parteth out of the chimnye of our fleshe , where it was in daunger to be quenched with our iniquitye . It was not without cause that God likened death to a theefe . For as the theefe when hee findeth the man of the house watchinge , and vppon his garde he saluteh him in curteous sorte , and taketh vppon him the person of a friende ; but yf he finde him a sleepe , he cruellye murdereth him , and robbeth his treasurye : So death , to those , that are prepared for it , is verye confortable , and to those onlye terrible that sleepe in sinne , and are carelesse of their ende . And to these belongeth that sayinge , The deathe of the sinners is worste . Euill because it seuereth from the worlde , worse because it seuereth from the bodye , and worste of all because it seuereth from God . For why ; they make the worlde their Parradise , their bodye their god , and God their enemye . To suche death is hatefull , for that therin they are tormented with the panges of of the dyeing fleshe , amazed with the fittes and corrasiues of the mynd , frighted with the terrour of that which is to come , greeued with remorse of that which is paste . They are stunge with the gnawing of a guiltye conscience , discomforted with the rigoure of a seuere Iudge , annoyed with the thought of their lothsome sepulchre . And thus though death of it selfe be not bitter , yet is it bitter , to the wicked . And yet ( as S. Ambrose noteth ) euen to them is lyfe more bitter then death . For more greeuous is the liuinge to sinne , then the dyinge in sinne . For the wicked while he liueth increaseth his offence , and when he dyeth offendeth no more , and therfore by his lyfe he agumenteth his tormentes , and by his death he abridgeth the same . It is the feare of death , that maketh it terrible , & is not in deed so greeuous to dye , as to liue in perpetuall feare , and expectation of death . Ecclesi. 1. For he that feareth God , shall make a good ende , and in the daye of his decease he shal be blessed . And happye are the dead , Apoc. 14. that dye in our Lord , from hence forth ( sayeth the spirite ) they shall reste from their laboures , for theire woorkes doe followe them . Iob. 11. The noone daye lighte shall ryse vnto them , at the euening ( of their life ) & when they thinke themselues quite consumed , they shal ryse as bright as Lucifer . They ( as S. Augustine sayeth ) bycause their desire is to be loosed , and to be with Christe , endure to liue with patience , & are readye to dye with ioye . They feare not death because they feared God in lyfe . They feare not death , because they rather feared lyfe ; And an euil deathe , is but the effecte of an euil lyfe . Their lyfe was a studye how to dye well , and they knew , that since death passed thorough the veines of lyfe , it loste the bitternesse of death , and tooke the taste & sweetnesse of lyfe . Neyther are they amazed with the fore-goinge gripes , & extremityes , because they take them as the throwes of childebirth , by whiche our soule is borne out of this lothsome bodye , and brought forth to an eternal felicitye . They feare not the diuels , to whome they haue stoutelye resysted . They haue confidence in God , whose wrath they haue with repentaunce appeased . The horror of the graue dothe nothing moue them , because they doe but sowe therein a carnall and corruptible bodye , to reape the same in the resurrection incorruptible and spirituall . This made Simeon so ioyfullye sing Now thou releasest thy seruant O Lord , Luc. 2. according to thy worde in peace . This made S. Hilarion so confidentlye say vnto his soule , Hieron . in vita Hilarionis . Egredere , quid times ? egredere animamea quid dubitas ? septuaginta prope annos seruisti Christo , & mortem times ? Departe , why fearest thou ; departe O my soule , why doubtest thou ? Almost three score and tenne yeares hast thou serued Christe , and fearest thou death ? This made S. Ambrose on hys death bedd , geue this aunswere to those that wished his longer lyfe . Possidorius in 〈◊〉 S Agust cap● 17 Non sic vixi , vt pud●at me inter vos viuere ; nec mori timeo , quia bonum dominum habemus . I haue not so lyued that I am ashamed to liue amongst you , nether feare I to dye , because we haue a good Lord . This made a Bishop S. Augustines familiar friende , Ibid. when his ●locke semed vnwilling with his death , to say . Si minquam bene . Si aliquando quare non modo ? If I shold neuer dye . Wel. But if euer why not now ? They wel knew , that death is but Gods officer to summon before him , whome he meaneth to call . They thought it an vnchristian parte , to with-saye in deedes , that , which they prayed euerye daye in wordes . For euery daye , the Christian sayeth , thy will be donne , And how preposterous a thing is it ( sayth S. Ciprian ) when his will is , Cip. l. de mortali . that we departe not willinglye to obeye him ? If we repyne and grudge against his pleasure , doe we not folowe the guise of stubbrone and euill deseruing seruauntes , that cannot with out sorowe and greefe be brought before their maister ? Doe we not rather goe enforced by meere necessitye , then with anye remonstrance of goodwill or dutye ? And can we for shame desire , of him to be honoured with eternal rewardes , that can so hardlye be intreated to come and receaue them ? or to enioye for euer the glorye of his presence , that shunne the dore wherby we must enter into it ? Wel might those wordes be repeated to vs , Ibidem which in S. Ciprians tyme were sayde in a vision to one that laye a dyinge . Pati timetis , exire non vultis , quid faciam vobis ? You are vnwilling to suffer in the worlde , lothe to departe out of the worlde , what should I doe vnto you ? A worthye rebuke of the loth to dye . For if the chased Harte , to auoyde the greedye houndes , flyeth often tymes to the hunters protection , and though pursued of him , yet by nature hath an affiance in his mercye ; If one enemy sometimes findeth fauoure at an other enemyes hande , where he least looked for it , why should a dutyfull childe feare , to goe to his heauenly Father , a penitent soule to his sweete Sauiour , an obedient member , to be ioyned with his head . If he came into this worlde to redeeme vs , why should we doubte , but at our death he will receyue vs , especiallye if we dye for him , as he dyed for vs . He that accepteth his enemyes , will he reiect his friendes ? and he that bought vs so deere , will he refuse his penyworth ? If he affecte our companye so muche in earthe , that he sayde my delyghte is to be with the children of men , hathe he now so forgotten his olde loue , as not to admitt vs to his companye in heauen ? He came hether to buy vs , an inheritance , and he went from hence to prepare it for vs , and when we are to enter into posession wil he exclude vs ? Who can imagin of him , that is contented here to be him selfe our food , & to abase his maiesty to enter into our soule , dwelling in this cottage of clay , & vnpleasant dungeon , that he ( I saye ) will not be content in our cheefest neede , to be our frende , & to aduaunce our departinge soule to the comforte of his presence ? Can he that hath bene our guyde , and our gardian all the waye , forsake and shake vs of in in the ende of our iourney . No no the eyes of our Lorde are vppon those , Psa: ●● that feare him , that he maye deliuer theyre soules from deathe . Lett vs remember his loue in adopting , his trueth in promising , and his power in performing , and our feare of death wil be soone altered into desire of the same . He came to open heauen gates , and what meaned he but that we sholde enter in ? He came into earth to inuite vs vnto him , and why departed he from earth , but to haue vs folowe him ? Finallye he abandoneth none , but abandoned by them : he is easily found , where he hath bene carefullye sought : and is moste readye to crowne , the victorious conquerour . All whiche considdered , Amb : l. d● bon● mortis cap : 7 we maye well saye with S. Ambrose , that death to the good is a quiet hauen , and to the bad may be counted a shipwracke . Cap. 10

Cap. 10. That the viol●nt death and foregoing torments are tolerable in a good cause .

NEyther let the vyolence of death , or multitude of torments affrigh● vs , we haue but one lyfe , and but one can we leese . 1. Reg 17. Iud 16. 1. Reg. 4. Golias was as much hurte by Dauids litle stone , as Sampsone by the wayght of a whole house . And Hely had as much harme , by fallinge backewarde in his chayre , as Iesabell , by beinge throwne downe from a hye windowe . 4 Reg 9 Act. 7 And all they that stoned Steeuen to death , tooke no more from him , then an ordinarye sicknesse did from Lazarus , Io●n . 12 and doth dayelye from vs all . One death , is no more death then an other , and as wel the easyest , as the hardest , taketh our lyfe from vs . Whiche poynt a gloryous Martyr of our dayes executed for the Catholike Faythe in Wales , Rich●rd Whi●e . Mart. hauing well vnderstood , when the sentence of his condemnation was red that he shold be drawen vpon a hurdle to the place of execution , then hanged till he were halfe dead , afterwarde vnboweled , his head cut of , his body quartered , his quarters boyled , and se●t vpp in such and such places , he turned vnto the people , & with a smiling countenance sayd . And all this is but one death . But yet if the foregoing torments daunt our constancie . Lett vs consider what we are , what we auoyde , what we looke for ▪ and whome we serue . We are Christians ▪ and ought to be of more valoure then heathens , we auoyde by shorte punishmentes eternall and more greeuous afflictions , with small conflicts we purchase vnspeakable glorye , we suffer for a God , that hath suffered more for vs . Lett vs but consider what men haue suffered for false gods , for the deuyll , and for vayne glorye , and we shall thincke our tormentes the more tolerable . Tertullian writeth of a Curtizan called Leoena , Tertul. ad mart . that hauing tiered the tormentours , in the ende spitt her tongue in the Tirantes face , that she might also spitt out her voyce , and be vnable to bewraye her complices , though violence should chaunce to make her willinge . It was the fashion emongst the Lacedemonians , for choyse younge gentlemen to offer themselues to be whipped before the aultars of theire false gods , their owne parentes exhortinge them to constancye , and thinkinge so much honoure gayned to their houses , as they shedd blood . Yea and accountinge it greater glorye , that their lyfe should yelde and departe from theire bodye , rather then theire bodye yelde or departe from the lashes . The history of Mutius Scae●ola is knowen , whose constancye Seneca commending sayth . Hostium flammarumque contemptor , manum suam in hostili foculo distillantem spectauit , donec iussum est vt inuito ignis eriperetur . Hoc tanto maius puto , quanto rarius est , hostem , amissamanu vicisse , quam armata . A contemner both of flames and foes , behelde his owne hande , melting in his enemies fyer , vntil commaundement was geuen that agaynst his will the fyre sholde be taken from him . Whiche so much the more I account of , by howe much a ra●er thing it is , with a maymed then with an armed hande to conquere an enemye . It was an ordinarye pastime a monge the Romaines , for men to shew sporte in wrastelinge and striuing with Lions , and other wilde beastes , onlye for a vayne proofe , and bost of their valoure . They esteemed the printe of brutishe tuskes glorious ornamentes . The ranges of bloodye clawes badges of honour , and their comlines increased with number of scarres . Of these S , Cip ▪ ad Dona. Ciprian speaking sayeth . Quid illud oro●te , quale est , vbise feris obijciunt , quos nemo damnauit , aetate integra , honesta satis ●orma , veste pr●tiosa viuentes in vltroneum funus ornantur , malis suis miseri gloriantur , pugnant ad bestias non crimine sed furore . What meaneth that I praye thee , what thinckest thou of it , where suche cast themselues to wilde beastes , whom no man condemned , and persons of ripe age , of comely feature , gorgeously attyred , while they are aliue sett forth themselues towardes a voluntarye funerall , and glorye poore wretches in their own miseryes , & fight with bestes not condemned for their faulte , but incenced with furye . But what neede I reckone profane examples , though in deed they ought so much the more to moue vs in that they suffered for a puffe of vayne glorye , more then we doe for eternall felicitye . Yet wante we not most gloryous examples of our owne Sainctes , and in our owne cause , and because the particulers were infinite , I wil onlye sett downe some general speches of their torments . Cip. Ep. 2. ad Demetrium S. Cyprian speakinge to a persecutor sayth , Innoxios , iustos , deo caros , Domo priuas , patrimonio spolias , catenis premis , carcere includis , bestijs gladio ignibus punis . Admoues laniandis corporibus longa tormenta , multiplicas lacerandis visceribus numerosa supplicia , nec immanitas tua vsitatis potest contenta esse tormentis , excogitat nouas penas ingeniosa crudelitas . The innocent iuste and deerest vnto God , thou thrustest out of their howses , thou spoylest of their partrimonye , thou loadest with cheynes , thou lockest in prisons , with wilde beastes , swords , and fyre thou deuourest . Thou vsest longe torments in dismembringe their bodyes . Thou multiplyest varietye of punishments in tearing their bowels . Nether is thy barbarousnes contented with vsuall torturinges . Idem ep. 6 Thy wittye crueltye deuiseth newe paines . And in another place speaking of the martyrs . The tormented sayeth he , stood stronger then the tormentors , and the beaten and torne members , ouercame the beatinge and tearinge hookes . The cruell and often doubled scourginge , coulde not conquere their vnconquerable fayth though they were brought to that passe , that the tormentour had no whole nor ●ounde parcell of limes , but only goarye woundes wheruppon to continue his crueltye . A●●c● l●● congent in fi●● Arnobius speaking to the persecutours . You sayeth he with yo●r flames , banishments , torments & bestes , wher with you rend & racke our bodyes , doe not bereaue vs of our lyues , but only ridd vs of a weake & sorye sicknes . Apolog ●t . You put vs sayeth Tertullian vppon gallowes and stakes , you teare our sydes with forkes , we are beheaded , throwēto the wilde beastes , & condemned to toyle in the mettall mines . Not inferiour to these were the torments of the fathers of the olde Testament , H●●● : 11 of which S. Paule speketh sayinge . Others were racked not acceptinge redemption , that they might finde a better resurrection . And others had tryal of mockeryes , and strypes . Moreouer also of bandes , and prisons . They were stoned , they were hewed , they were tempted , they dyed in the slaughter of the sworde , they went about in sheepes skinnes , in gotes skinnes , needye , in disstresse , afflycted , of whom the worlde was not worthy . Wandering in desertes , in mountaynes , in denes , & cau●s of the earth . And of these tormentes of Martyrs , all Historyographers doe make so often & large mention , that ther can hardly be deuised any kind of cruelty , that they reckon not amongst the passions of Gods sayncts . Nether ar ther fewer that haue most valiantlye besyde tormentes indured the laste brunte of death ; then thinkinge themselues , most happye , when they had obtayned any meanes to departe this life . Lucretia sheathed her knife in her owne bowels to renoune her chastytie . Empedocles threwe him selfe into Aetna flames to eternize his memory . Peregrinus burnt himselfe in a pyle of woode , thinking thereby to lyue for euer in mens remembrance . Asdrubals wife at the surprysing of Carthage , rather chose to burne out her eyes , and yeelde her bodye to hir countrye flames , then to beholde her husbandes miserye , and to be her selfe her enemyes praye . Regulus a Captayne of the Romaynes , rather than he would ransome his owne lyfe , with the death of manye , was contented to be rouled in a Hogsehead sticked ful of sharpe nayles , and Cleopatra suffered her selfe to be bitten and stounge with moste venomous Vipers , rather then she would be caried as captiue in triumph . Dyd not Saule and his esquire runne vppon their owne swordes , ● : Reg: ●● to auoyde the Philistians rage . Dyd not Iudas hang him selfe for desperation , Matt. 27 to hasten his iourney toward his deserued punishemente . And yet all these with theyre death , began theyre hell , not ended theyre miserye , and vppon a vayne humour did the same , that we are forced vnto for Gods cause . Tertul : ad man . And as Tertullian well noteth , haec non sine causa Dominus in seculum admisit , sed ad nos et nunc exhortandos , et in illa die , confundendos si formidauerimus pati pro veritate ad salutem , quae alij effectauerunt , pro vanitate in perditionem . Not without cause hath our Lorde permitted these examples in the worlde , but for our present exhortation , and future confusion , if we be afrayde to beare for verytye to our saluation , that whiche others haue desyred for a vanytye to their perdition . Now if I would stand to recite the glorious examples of those , that haue constantlye dyed in a good cause , the number is so great , their courage so glorious , that it would require a whole treatise by it selfe . Consider the example of Abell that was cruellye murdered , Gen: 4 of Hieremy that was stoned , Esay that was sawen in sunder , 2. Pa● : 24 Zacharye that was slayne betwene the Temple and the Aultar . Consider in the newe Testamente , the courage of litle children , that in their prowes surmounting their age , ha●e in their childish bodye , shewed hoarye and constant mindes , and in that weakenes of yeares , bene superyours to all Tyrantes tormentes . Consider the tender and softe Virgins , who being timorous by kinde , and frayle by Sexe , haue neuerthelesse in Gods quarell altered their female relenting hartes , into vnfearful and hardye valoure , and bene better able to endure , then their enemyes to practise vppon them anye outrage . Consider the whole multitude and glorious hoste of Martyrs , whose tormentes haue bene exquisite , bloody , and with all kinde of extremytye , and yet their myndes vndaunted & stronge , and their agonyes alwayes ended with triumphe and victorye . And if all these examples be not forceible enough , to make vs not to feare death , let vs consider how manye wayes , we may of force and without merite suffer casuall mischaunces , and sodayn death ; Vt illa nos instruant , Tertul. L. ad Mart. as Tertullian sayeth , si constanter adeunda sint , quae et inuitis et eue nire consueuerunt . That those things may benefit vs if they be constantlye endured , whiche whether we will or no are incidente vnto vs . How manye at vnawares haue bene burnte vpp in theyre owne howses , how manye slaughtered by beastes in the fieldes , how manye by the same deuoured in Cytyes ? Howe many consumed in common pestilences , murdered by theeues , slayne by theyr enemyes ? And euen in oure dayes , how many see we not onlye desperatelye to venture in warre , to runne vppon the swordes , to contemne perilles , to be lauishe of theire lyues , but diuers also forced against their willes , to enter the same daungers , and to caste them selues awaye , and that often tymes in vniuste quarrelles , to the damnation of theyr soules . Finallye who is there , that mauger whatsoeuer he can doe , maye not suffer that by misfortune , which he feareth to suffer in Gods cause . Why therfore should we feare that , which cannot be auoyded ? The verye necessitye of death , sholde make vs not vnwilling to dye , and the remembrance of our mortalytye sholde make vs litle feare , when experyence sheweth vs mortall . Lyue well and dye well we maye , but lyue longe , and not dye , we can-not . We should not thinke our lyfe shortened , when it is well ended . He dyeth olde enough , that dyeth good , and lyfe is better well loste , then euill kepte . We goe but that waye , by the which all the world before vs hath gone , and all that come after vs shall followe , and at the same instant with vs , thousandes from all partes of the worlde shall beare vs companie . If we be taken awaye in the flower of our age , how coulde it be better bestowed , then on him that gaue it , and all our losse therein is concluded in this , that being passengers vpon this worldlye Sea , we had a stronger gale to wafte vs sooner ouer , to our desired porte . If we dye in this cause , our pitcher is broaken ouer the fountayne , where the water is not loste , but onlye returned thether , from whence it was firste taken . We are not in prisone for thefte , or murder , that when we are called out we sholde looke for nothing but for presente death . Our bodye is our holde , our death our deliuerye , when the Iayler calleth , we haue a clere conscience and feare not hys threatninge . If he manace death , he promiseth lyfe , and his killinge is our reuiuinge . It is a shame for a Christian to feare a blaste of mans mouth , that hath such vnuincible shores to support him , as that no man nor diuell is able to ouerthrowe them . Tertul. def●g . in pers●cut . Times hominem Christiane sayeth Tertullian , quem timeri opo●tet abab Angelis , siquidem Angelos i●dicaturus es . Quem timeri oportet a demonijs , siquidem et in demones accepisti potestatem . quem timeri oportet ab vniuerso mundo , siquidem et in te mundus , iudicatur . Fearest thou man O Christian , that arte to be feared of the Aungels , for the verye Aungels shalte thou iudge . That art to be feared of the diuels , for ouer the diuels haste thou receyued authoritye , that art to be feared of the whole worlde , for in thee is the world to beiudged . How often for a poynte of honoure , haue we bene readye to chalenge our counterpeere into the fielde ? how often haue we for oure pleasure , vsed desperate and breaknec● games , thinking it glorye , to contemne death for a brauery , and a stayne to our courage to shew any cowardice in mortall hazardes . Now therfore maye Tertullians words be well obiected vnto vs . Tertul. in ●corp . Quid grauatur pati nunc homo ex remedio , quod non est tunc grauatus pati ex vitio . Displicet occidi in salutem , cui non dsplicuit occidi in perditonem ? Nauseabit ad Antidotum , qui hiauit ad venenum ? Why grudgeth man to suffer for hys remedye , that which he grudged not to suffer vppon a vanitye ? Displeaseth it him to be killed to his saluation , whome it displeased not to be killed to his perditon ? and will he loathe to receyue the medicyne that gaped so wyde to lett in the poyson . Now ought we to renewe , that wonted courage and be as carelesse of our lyues , when they are to be wel spent , as then we were , when we would haue spilte them for a vanitye . When the diuell led vs in his seruice , he could with a vayne hope of prayse , weane vs from loue of our lyues , and shall we thincke that God dealeth hardlye , that with so glorious rewardes enticeth vs from the same ? Is death pleasant , when the diuell commaundeth it , and is it vncomfortable when it is at Gods appoyntemente ? For this verye ende hath God ordayned Martyrdome . Vt a quo libenter homo elisus est , Tertul 〈◊〉 . eum iam constanter elidat . That by whom man was wilfullye foyled , him he should manfullye foyle agayne . In sinne and heresy , we were venturous and bolde , or rather presumptuous and rashe . when we were vnarmed ▪ naked , and without force , no terrour could amaze or coole our audacity : & now that we are reclaymed to vertue , and true religion , harnesed with Gods grace , garded vnder Gods pauice , protected by his Angels , and fortified by the Prayers , Sacraments , and good workes of the Churche ; shall we be more fearfull , then we were without all these succours ? We are allotted to a glorious combat , in which the onlye comforte of so honourable lookers on , were enough to harten vs againste all affrontes . Cip. op. 6● . Preliantes nos sayeth S. Cipryan , & fidei congressione pugnantes spectat Deus , spectant Angeli eius , spectat et Christus . Quam ta est gloriae dignitas , quanta faelicitas , praeside deo congredi & Christo iudice coronari ? When we skirmish or fight in the quarell of our fayth , God beholdeth , hys Angels beholde vs , and Christ looketh on . What a glorious dignitye is it , how great felicitye , to fighte vnder God as ruler , and to be crowned of Christe as iudge of the combate . Lett vs therfore with our whole might , arme vs , and prepare our selues to this conflicte . Let vs put on the brestplate of Iustice , so that our breast may be garded agaynst our enemyes dartes . Ep●● . 6. Let our feete be shod , that when we beginn to walke vppon the Basiliske and Adder , Psal. 6● . and to tread vnder foote the Lyon and the Dragon , we be not by them stung or supplanted . Let vs cary the shield of fayth to repayre vs from our enemyes shott . Let vs hyde oure head in the helmett of saluation , that our eares yelde not to bloodye menacinges , our eyes detest heretycall bookes and seruice , our forehead alwayes keepe the signe of the Crosse , and our tongue be alwayes readye to professe our faythe . Lett vs arme oure hande , with the sworde of Gods spirit , that it refuse to subscribe to anye vnlawfull action , and defende onlye the true Catholike faythe , and being thus armed with a pure minde an vncorrupted fayth , and sincerytye of lyfe ; Ad aciem qua nobis indicitur , dei castra procedant , Armentur integri●ne perdat integer , quod nuper stetit . Armentur et Lapsi , vt et lap sus recipiat quod amisit . CiP. Ep. ●● . Integros honor , lapsos dolor ad praelium prouocet . Let Gods campe marche on to the battayle , that is bidden vs . Lett the perseuerant be armed leste they lese the benefitt of their late standing , let the yeelders be armed that they may recouer the losse of their former falling . Lett honoure to the constante , and remorse to the lapsed be a spurre to the skirmige . Tertu●● . in Scorp . It hath bene alwayes sayeth Tertullian accounted a moste worthye experience of combatters studyes , to put in tryall the strengthe and agilitye of their bodyes , and measure it by the multitude of commenders , hauing theire rewarde for theire goale , the assemblye for their iudge , & the common verdict for their pleasure . The naked limmes beare awaye many woundes , the buffetes make them stagger , the spurninges iustle them , the plummet staues rende them , the whippes teare them : Yet no man condemneth the Captayne of the conflicte , for obiecting his champions to suche violence . Complayntes of iniuries haue no place in the fielde , but euerye one marketh what reward is apoynted for those galles , woundes , and printes of the strypes , as namely the crownes , glorye , stypende , publike priuileges , portratures , and grauen Images , and such like monuments , wherwith the worlde dothe as it maye eternize them , with a certayne perpetuitye , and procure them a continual resurrection in their posterityes remembrance . Pictes ipse non queritur , dolere se non vult , Tertul. ibid. corona premit vulnera , palma sanguinem obscurat , plus victoriatum est , quam iniuriatum , hunc tu laesum existimabis , quem vides laetum ? The Champion himselfe complayneth not , he would not be deemed to feele anye payne , the crowne couereth the woundes , the wager shrowdeth his bloode , greater is his victorye then his iniurye , and whome on the one side you thinke sore , on the other side you see not sory . How muche more ought we to glorye in our martyrdomes , and not only not condemne , but highlye prayse our heauenly Captayn , for exposing vs to these bloodye frayes . The husbande-man scattereth in the earthe his corne so carfullye before reaped , yea he burieth it and couereth it in the forowes , he reioyceth when the showers come to rotte it , the froste to nippe it , the snow to lye ouer it , and yet in that seede hath he all his hope of gayne . The rayne moueth him not , when he thinketh on the haruest , nor the corruptyng of the cornel , when he thinketh on the rype eare of corne . Lett not vs therfore condemne our husband man for delighting in our passions . For well knoweth he , that nisi granum frumenti cadens in terram mortuum fuerit , ipsum solum manet . Vnlesse the cor●nell of wheate fall vpon the grounde & dye , it selfe onlye remayneth . And therfore suffereth he these persecutions , because therby multiplicabit semen vestrum , 1. Cor. ● . et augebit incrementa frugum iustitiae vestrae . He will multiplye your seede , and augmente the increases of the fruites of your iustice . T●rtul . i●●d ▪ Wherfore herein , Liberalitas magis quam acerbitas dei praeest . Euulsum enim hominem de diaboli gula per fidem , iam & conculcatorem eius voluit efficere per virtutem , ne solum modo euasisset , sed etiam de ●icisset inimicum . Amauit , quem vocauerat ad salutem , inuitare ad gloriam , vt qui gaudeanus liberati , exultemus etiam coronati . Gods liberalitye appeareth more , then his rigoure . For whome he had draune out of the deuils throate by faythe , he would haue to trample him doune by vertue . Lest he shold onlye haue fledd , not foyled his enemye . It pleased him , whome he called to saluation to inuite vnto glorye , that we might not onlye reioyce as deliuered , but also tryumph as crowned . Chrisostom 〈◊〉 . 4 in 〈◊〉 . If therfore as S. Chrisostom sayeth the stormes and rage of the Sea to the maryner , the winter and foule weather to the husbandman , the murders and woundes to the soldiers , the cruel blowes and stripes to the combatter , seme tollerable enough in hope of a temporall and transitorye rewarde : Muche more all worldlye miseries , to vs in hope of heauen . Other Kinges and potentats , neuer conquere with out killinge , neuer tryumphe without crueltye , neuer enioye the pleasures of this lyfe , without the miseryes of many mens deathes . But the souldiers of Christ are most honourable , not , when they liue in deyntynesse , pompe , and maiestye , not when they murder impiously , cruelly , and brutishly : But when they suffer , humblye , stoutly , and patientlye , in his quarell . Let our aduersaryes therefore loade vs with the infamous titles of traytours , and rebels , as the Arians did in the persecution of the Vandals , and as the Ethnicks were wonte to call Christians Sarmentitios , & semiassios , because they were tyed to halfpeny stakes , and burnte with shrubbes : So lett them drawe vs vppon hurdles , hange vs , vnbowel vs alyue , mangle vs , boyle vs , and sett our quarters vppon their gates , to be meate for the byrdes of the ayre , as they vse to handle rebels : we wil aunswere them as the Christians of former persecutions haue done . Tertull. apolog. cap. vlt. Hic est habitus victoriae nostrae , hec palmata vestis , tali curru triumphamus , merito itaque victis non placemus . Such is the manner of our victorye , such our conquerous garment , in such chariotes doe we triumph . What maruayle therfore if our vanquished enemyes mislyke vs . Consolamini igitur in verbis istis . Take comfort therfore in these wordes , and with ioyful hartes crye , Philip. 1. Mihi viuere Christus est et mori lucrum . If you dye , you shal be delyuered out of two prisons at once , the one so muche worse then the other , as is it worse to be with-helde from perfect blisse , then from the libertye of a moste paynful & tedious pilgrimage . You haue heretofore lyued to dye , but then shal you dye to lyue for euer . Here you so liued that you were continuallie dyeing , but then you shall once dye neuer to dye more , or rather by abrydging a lingring death p●rchase and euerlasting lyfe . You shall leaue a ruinous and base cottage , and passe to a moste glorious and blessed pallace , whose verye pauement , set with so manye bryght and glorious starres , maye geue you a ghesse what roomes you are lyke to fynde aboue . It cannot greeue you to departe with the prodigall Sonne from this dirtye village , Luc. 1● . and the companye of swyne to your fathers house , and you must needes willinglye cast of your sacke of dunge , to receyue the first stole . where you are inuited to the great supper . Luc. 14. I hope you haue neyther oxen to trye , nor farme to see , nor newe wife to withholde you from goinge . You haue had toyle enoughe in the seruitude of Egipte . You haue wandred longe enoughe in the Deserte in continuall battayle , with youre and Gods enemyes . And nowe if you dye the tyme is come , that you take repose and enioye the felicitye of the lande of promise . You haue bene in the Mount Sinai with Moyses , Exod 9. quando caeperunt audiri tonitrua , micare fulgura , & nubes densissima , operire montem . When thunderinges began to be heard lyghtnings to flashe , & a thicke darke cloude to couer the Mounte . Nowe are you called vnto Mounte Thabor , Matt. 1● . where in-ioyeinge his glorye , whose terroure you haue alreadye sustayned . You maye saye with S. Peter . Bonum est nos hic esse . It is good for vs to be here . The haruest of the Churche , wherof the Spouse speaketh in the Canticles . Can 5. Messui mirrham meam cum aromatibus . I haue reaped my mirrhe with my spyces , is not yet donne . You are growne vpp in this fielde , and are part of the croppe that by martirdome must be reaped , to be layde vp in Gods barne . You are the mirhe to enbalme not the deade bodies but the dead soules of heretickes . You are Spyce to seasone by the example of your constancy , the bitter griefes and passions of poore Catholickes . Remember howe often you haue bene with Christe at his Supper , Luc. 22. and reasone nowe requireth you shold folowe him to Gethsemanie not to sleepe with S. Peeter , but with him to sweate bloode . Your lyfe is a warfare your weapons patience , your Captayne Christe , your standerd the Crosse. Now is the larum sounded , and the warre proclaymed , dye you must , to winn the fielde . Neyther is this newes to you , that haue professed to be Christs champions , seeinge the Captaynes generall of his armye , I meane the Apostles and all the most famous Soldiers since their tyme , haue esteemed this the moste soueraygne victorye , by yelding to subdue , by dyeing to reuiue , by sheddinge bloode , and leesinge lyfe , to winne the goale of eternall felicity . Elyas must not thinke much , 4 Reg. 2. to let fall the worthlesse Mantle of his fleshe , to be caryed to Paradyse in a fyery chariot . Gedeon maye willingly breake his earthen flagons , to shewe the lyght that must put to flyght his enemyes . Iud 7. Gen 39. Ioseph must leaue his cloake in the strumpets hands , rather then consent vnto her lewd entysements , & the yonge man of Gethsemani rather runne away naked , Ma● : 14 ▪ than for sauing his Sindon to fall into the Sinagoges captiuity . The Beuers when they are hunted , & see them selues strayted haue this propertye , they byte of their owne stones , for whiche by kinde they knowe themselues to be chieflye pursued , that the hunter hauinge his desyre , maye cease to folowe them anye farther . Now if nature hath taught these brute thinges , to saue themselues with so paynful a meanes , from bodilye daunger , howe muche more oughte reason and Faythe to teache vs , willinglye to forgoe not onlye lybertye and lyuinge , but euen our verye lyfe , to purchase therby the lyfe of our soules , and deliuer our selues from eternall perdition ? You haue euerye daye in your prayers sayd Adueniat regnum tuum , lett thy kingdome come . Now is the tyme come to obteyne your petition . The Kingdome of this worlde is in the wayning , and the age thereof beginneth to threaten ruine . The forerunners of Anti-christ are in the pryde of their course , Cip l. de mor●al● . and therfore S. Cyprian sayeth . Qui cernimus iam caepisse gra●ia , & scimus imminere grauiora , Lucrum maximum computemus , si istinc velocius , recedamus . We that see alreadye greate myseryes , and foresee greater to be at hande , let vs account it tyme happilye gayned , if we maye quicklye departe , to preuente their comminge . Neyther is the winter so full of showers to water the earthe , nor sommer so hot to ripen the corne , nor the springe so temperate to prosper young growthe , nor Autumn so full of rype fruite , as heretofore it hath bene . The hilles tyered with diggynge yelde not such store of marble , the wearyed mynes , yelde not so great plenty of precious mettall , the scante vaynes waxe daylye shorter . In the Sea decayeth the maryner , in the tentes the souldier , Innocencie in courtes , Iustice in iudgementes , agreement in friendshippe , cunning in artes , and disciplyne in manners . The hot Sunne geueth not so cleere lighte , the Moone declineth from her accustomed brightnesse , the fountaynes yelde lesse aboundance of waters . Men are not of so perfytt hearing , so swift running , so sharpe sighted , so well forced , nor so bygge and strong lymmed , as heretofore . We see graye heades in children , the heare falleth before it be full groune , neither dothe our tyme ende in olde age , but with age it beginneth , and euen in our verye vprist our natiuitye hasteneth to the ende . Fynallye euerye thing is so impayred , and so fast falleth awaye , that happye he may seeme , that dyeth quicklye , least he be oppressed with the ruynes of the dyinge worlde . Lett them make account of this lyfe , that esteeme the world their frende , and are not onlye in the worlde , but also of it , As for you the world hateth you , and therfore how can you loue it , being hated of it . We are here Pilgrimes & straungers , & how can we but willinglye imbrace the death , that assigneth vs to our last home and deliuering vs out of these worldlye snares , restoreth vs to paradyse , and the kingdome of heauen . Our countrye is heauen , our parentes the Patryarkes , why doe we not hasten to come speedylye to our countrye , and to salute these parentes . There a greate number of our friendes exspecteth vs , a huge multitude desyreth our comminge , secure and certayne of theyre owne saluation , and onlye carefull of ours . What vnspeakeable comforte is it to come to the syghte and imbracing of them ? How great is the contentment of theire aboade , without feare of dyinge , and with eternytye of lyuinge ? There is the glorious quire of Apostles , a number of reioycing Prophetes , the innumerable multytude of Martyres , crowned for the victorye of theyr bloodye frayes and passions . There are the troupes of fayre Virgyns , that with the vertue of chastity , haue subdued the rebellions of flesh , and bloode . There are the companyes of all Gods Saynctes , that bathe in eternall felicytye , hauing happelye passed ouer the daungerous voyage through this wicked worlde . There is the center of our repose , the onlye seate of vnfaylyng securitye , and who can be so vnnaturall an enemye to himselfe , as to eschewe death being the bridge to so vnspeakeable contentment . Seeinge therfore there is so lytle cause ether to loue lyfe , or to feare deathe , and so greate motyues , to lamente that oure inhabitance is prolonged , & oure decease adiourned : Lett not their threatninges appall vs , who can onlye kille the bodye , and haue nothinge to doe with the soule . Whose greatest spyte worketh our profitt , and whoe when they thinke to haue geuen vs and our cause the greatest wounde , then haue they deeplyest wounded themselues , & procured our hyghest aduancemente . They vnarme vs of blunte and bending weapons , they stryppe vs of slyght and paper harnesse , and agaynst theyre willes , they arme vs with more sharpe , & prycking swordes , and with armoure that yeeldeth to no kinde of vyolence . When they thinke to haue rydde vs , from encounteringe theire wicked endeuoures , they doe but a better our habilitye to resiste and vanquish them , altering vs from earthlye souldiers , to heauenlye warriers , from tymorous subiectes to mightye soueraignes , from oppressed captyues to glorious Saints . Gen● : 4 They thinke by kill●●g Abell that Caynes sacryfice wil be accepted , not remembringe that Abels bloode cryeth out agaynst them . 4 : Reg: ● By pursuinge Elyas with manye soldyers , they thinke to haue the vpper hande , not remembring that the fyre wil fall from heauen in his defence . Act. ● They thinke by stoning Steeuen to haue ended their chiefe enemye , not considering that his principall persecutour , will succeede in his roome , and be vnto them a more victorious aduersary . Lett them still contynewe their rage , let them thinke themselues wise in this ignorante follye . But Lett vs though we lamente at theyr offence yet reioyce in oure felicitye .

Cap. 11.

Cap. 11 WHat greater preeminence is there in Gods Churche , The Eleuenth comfort that Martyrdome is glorious in it selfe , moste profitable to the Churche , and honourable to the Martyrs . then to be a Martyr ? what more renoumed dignity , then to dye in this cause of the Catholike faythe ? And this crowne doe our greatest enemyes sett vppon oure heades . The glorye wherof , thoughe none can sufficyentlye vtter , but suche as by experience haue proued the same , yet maye we gather by coniectures , no small parte of the greatnesse ●fit . For yf we consider it in it selfe , it is the noblest acte of Fortitude , death beinge the hardest thinge for nature to ouercome . It is also the greatest poynte of Charytye by Gods owne testimonye , who sayde Maiorem charitatem nemo habet , 〈◊〉 . 1● quam vt animam suam ponat quis , pro amicis suis. It is the principallest acte of obedience commended so highlye in Christ . Phillip . ● Factus obediens vsque ad mortem . Become obedient euen vnto death . It is by S. Augustins verdict more honourable then virginitye . August . l : d● virgin . ca. 46 t●● . 6 It is finallye the verye chiefest acte or effect of all vertues . If therfore as the Diuines saye , that worke or action is more perfit or meritorious , which proceedeth of the greatest number of good causes concurring to the same ; Then must Martirdome be a most glorious thing , which requireth the concourse of all vertues , and that in th●●●●hest degree , to the accomplishement therof . Martirdome hath the priuiledge of the sacrament of baptisme , Aug: ad fortun . l. de ●ccl . d●gmat . c : ●● tom. 3 & by S. Augustine is compared therwith . In Martyrdome sayeth he all the misteryes of baptisme are fulfilled . He that must be baptised confesseth his faythe , before the Prieste , and aunswereth when he is demaunded . This doeth also the Martyr before the persecutoure , he acknowledgeth his fayth and aunswereth the demaunde . The baptised is eyther sprinkled , or dipped in water , but the Martyr is eyther sprinkeled with hys blood , or not dipped but burned in fyre . The baptized by imposition of the Bishoppes handes receyueth the holye ghost . The Martyre is made a habitacle of the same spirite , while it is not he that speaketh , but the spirite of his heauenly Father that speaketh within him . The baptized receyueth the blessed Sacramente in remembraunce of the death of oure Lorde , the Martyr suffereth death it selfe for our Lorde . The baptised protesteth to renounce the vanityes of the worlde , the Martyr besyde this renounceh his owne lyfe . To the baptised all his sinns are forgeuen . In the Martyr all his sinnes are quite extinguished . Cip. de singul ●lericor . versus ●ine●● . Sainte . Cipryan also aleadging a reason , why no cryme nor forepassed offence coulde preiudice a Martyre . sayeth Ideo martirium a●pellatur , tam corona quam baptisma , quia baptiz at pariter & coronat . Therfore is Martirdome called as well a crowne , as a baptisme , for that it baptizeth & crowneth together . So that as no offence committed before baptisme can doe the baptised anye harme , so also dothe Martirdome so clense the soule from all spot of former corruption , that it geueth ther-vnto a most vndefiled beautye . Yea and in this , Martirdome seemeth to haue a prerogatyue aboue baptisme . For though baptisme perfectlye clense the soule , and release not onlye the offence , but also the temporal punishment due vnto the same : Yet sticketh the roote of sinn in the flesh , & the partye baptysed retayneth in him , the badge and cognizance , yea the scarres and tokens of a sinner . But Martirdomes vertue is such , that it not onlye worketh the same effecte of baptisme , but purchaseth also to the soule , forth with a perfect riddance of all concupiscence and inclynation to sinne , and maketh it not only without offence , but vnable to offende anye more . It dothe not onlye gather the fruites , or lop the braunches , or fell the tree , but plucketh it vpp by the verye rootes , and dishableth it from springing vp agayn . With the broode it killeth the dame , it consumeth both the weede and the seede together , & clenseth vs both from the myre and from the stayne and spot that remayneth after it . And therfore of Martirs doth the Scripture say , Apoc. 7 Isti sunt qui venerunt de tribulatione magna , et lauerunt stolas suas , et dealbaucrūt eas in sanguine agni . These are they that came out of a great tribulation , and haue washed theire stoles and whited them in the bloode of the Lambe . Vppon whiche place Tertullian sayeth , I● Scorpiaco . Sordes quidem baptismate abluuntur , maculae vero mar●irio candidantur , quia & Isaias ex rufo & coccino niucum & lancum repromittit . The filth is washed away by baptisme , but the staynes are cleered by Martirdome , for Esay promiseth that redd and scarlet should become as white as snowe or woll : As who sholde saye , so much more forcible is martirdome then baptisme , as the water , that taketh out dirte and stayne together , then that which washing the dirte awaye leaueth the stayne behinde it . Not that this stayne importeth any sinne , but the infirmity which originall sinne hath caused , and of which actuall sinne proceedeth . So that baptisme taketh away our falte , & martirdome our frayltye , baptisme geueth vs the keye , but martirdome letteth vs in . That maketh vs members of the millitant , this of the tryumphante Churche , that geueth vs force to walke to our iourneis end , and to fight for the victorye , but this setleth vs in repose , and crowneth our conquest . Baptisme bringeth vs forthe as the mother dothe the childe , to which though she geue most of those partes which are in men , yet some she geueth not , and those that she geueth are so impotent & weake , that though they may be vsed in childishe actions , yet not to the principall thinges that man needeth , till by processe of tyme they be farther enhabled . For so baptisme geueth vs grace , wherby we maye weakely turne the powers of our mind to God , and haue an obscure and in a manner a childish kinde of knowledge , & loue of him . But the chiefe actions , wherin our felicitye consisteth , ensewe not strayghte vppon our baptisme , but with longe toyle we must laboure for them , before we can attayne to so great habilytye . But martirdome bringeth vs forthe as the Lyonesse dothe her whelpe . Which breeding but one in all her lyfe , beareth it six and twentye monethes in her bellye , till it grow perfect in proportion , hable and stronge of all the lymmes , armed with all the clawes , and not so muche but with all euen the cheeke teeth full growen . So that it commeth forth with full make , and free from the impotencye of other broode , as Epiphanius writeth . Epiphan. 〈◊〉 And thus martirdome doth with our soule , bringing it forth with such perfection , that it is strayght enhabled , to haue the perfect syght and loue of God , wherin consisteth our blisse and happynesse , without any delaye of further grouth , or sufficiency . In the baptisme of water ( saith S. Thomas ) the Passion of Christe worketh , by a certayne figuratiue representation , in the baptisme of spirite by a desyre and affection , in the baptisme of bloode by perfecte imitation . Lykewyse the power of the holy ghost worketh in the first by secret vertue , in the seconde by commotion of the mynde , in the thirde by feruour of perfect loue . So muche therefore as immitation in deede , is better then representation in the figure , and desyre in the thoughte : So muche doth the baptisme of blood , surpasse those of water and spirite . Baptisme is the cloude by which Moyses guided Gods people , Exod. 1● . and shrouded them in the deserte : Ios: 2.3 . but martirdome is the ryuer Iordan thorough which Iosue leadeth them into the lande of promise . He●t : 6● Baptisme appareleth Mordocheus in Kinges attyre , yet leaueth him a subiecte : But martyrdome with the robes , inuesteth him also with royall dignytye . No Naaman is so foule a leaper , 4. Reg. 5 that this water of Iordan cannot cure . No man so blynde but that the washing in this poole of Siloe can restore to sight . Ioan. 9 No disease so vncurable , Ioan. 5 but this ponde vppon Probatica can perfectlye heale . It accomplysheth the laboures of the vertuous , & godlye , & satisfieth for the sinnes of the sinfull and wicked , & is to those a rewarde , and to these a remedy . Vidimus sayth S. Cyprian ad hunc nominis titulum fide nobiles venisse plerosque , Cip. de land● Martir . vt deuotio nis obsequium mors honestaret . Sed & alios frequentur aspeximus interritos stetisse , vt admissa peccata redimentes cruore suo , loti haberentur in sanguine , & reuiuiscerent interempti qui viuentes putabantur occisi . Mors quippe integriorem facit vitam , mors amissam inuenit gloriam . We haue seene manye of noble faythe , to haue aspired to this title of Martirdome , that their deathe might honoure their seruiceable deuotion . We haue seene others to haue stoode without feare , that redeeminge their offences with their bloode , they might be knowen to haue bene washed in the same , and might be reuiued by killing , that alyue were accounted dead . For this deathe maketh lyfe more perfect , and recouereth the grace that was loste . Chrisost. ep. ad Neophi . And if S. Chrisostome extollinge baptisme sayeth , that it not onlye maketh vs free , but also holye , not onlye holye but iuste , not onlye iuste but children , nor only children but heyres , not onlye heyres , but heyres of the same inherytaunce with Christe . Not onlye heyres with Christe , but members of Christe . Not only members , but temples , not onlye temples , but also instrumentes of the holye Ghost : Then may I farther enlarge my selfe in the prayse of Martirdome and saye , that martirdome geueth a freedome voyde of all seruitude , a holines and iustice without any faulte or feare of losse . It so maketh vs children , that we cannot become enemyes . It make●h vs heyres not only in right , but in full possession . It maketh vs heyres with Christ not onlye of hys grace , but also of his glorye . It maketh vs members , that can not be cut of , temples that cannot be defyled , suche instrumentes of the holy Ghost , as cannot be abused . Finally it geueth vs the crowne , wherof baptisme is the pledge , In all which poyntes it is superior vnto it . To praye for the baptised is a benefitt , Quia nescit homo finem suum , Ecclesi . 9 no man knoweth what his ende shall be , A●g : de verbis Apost. but to praye for a martyr S. Augustine termeth it an iniurye seeing we ought rather to commende vs to his prayers . Iniuria est orare pro martyre , cuius debemus orationibus commendari . It is an iniurye to praye for a martyr , to whose prayers we must be commended . For these causes dothe the Churche call the dyinge dayes of martyrs their byrth dayes . The dyinge dayes of M●●●tyrs called birth dayes For though we be borne agayne by baptisme , yet are we not come to a ful birth and perfecte healing . For as S. Augustine sayeth Filij dei quamdin mortaliter viuunt cum morte confligunt , Aug in E●cheridi . ca. 64 & quamuis veraciter de illis dictum sit , quotquot spiritu dei aguntur hi sunt filij dei . The children of God so longe as they lyue a mortall lyfe they struggle with death , and though of them it be truelye sayde , that so manye as are ledd by the spiryte of God , they are Gods children . Yet so longe as the bodye opresseth the soule . Often times tan quam filij hominum , quibusdam motibus humanis deficiunt ad se ipsos , et ideo pereunt . Lyke children of men with carnall motions they fall into their oune fraylty & so perishe . Aug. tract. 22 in c. 5. Ioan. Likewyse vpon these wordes of S. Ihon in iudicium non venit sed transit a morte ad vitam . Ecce ( inquit ) in hac vita non dum est vita transitur a morte ad vitam , vt in indicium non veniatur . He came not into iudgment but passed from death to lyfe . Lo sayth he , in this lyfe there is yet no lyfe , we passe from death to lyfe to auoyde the comminge vnto iudgment . Origen . l 3. in Iob. in illud per●●● dies in quo natus s●● . We therfore sayth Origen . Doe not celebrate the day of the Sayntes natiuitye , which is an entrance of all griefes , and molestations , but the day of their death , which is a rid dance of their sorowes & a farwell to the deuiles assaltes . We celebrate the daye of theire death because thoughe they seeme to dye , yet in deed they dye not . Chrysolog ser. 119. When you here therefore named sayth an other Father the birth daye of the Sainctes , vnderstand not that which breedeth them of fleshe into the earth : but which bringeth them from the earth into heauen , from laboure to reste , from tentations to quiet , from tormentes to delightes , from worldlye laughters , to a crowne of glorye . Ciprian l. d● mortal . For as S. Ciprian noteh , scimus eos non amitti sed praemitti , & recedentes praecedere . We know they are not loste , but sente to leade vs the way , and gone from vs to make way before vs . Aut alius 〈◊〉 no●in● , 〈◊〉 editione Gagn●i . H●m. 5●● de genesio . Natales vocamus dies sayeth Eusebius Emissenus , quando eos martyrij vita & gloriae fides , dum ingerit morti , genuit eternitati , & perpetua gaudia breui dolore parturiit . We call their natall dayes , when the life of martyrdome , and the glorye of their Fayth , while it putteth them to a temporall death , begetteth them to eternall lyfe , and with a shorte payne bringeth them forth to perpetuall pleasure . Worthely are they called birth dayes by the whiche , they that were borne into this myserye of mans frayltye , sodaynly are borne agayne to glory , taking of theire end & death , a beginning of an endles lyfe . For if we call those birth dayes , in which in sinn & sorow we are borne to sorowe in this worlde , more iustly may these be called birth dayes , wherin from corruptible lyght , they come into the brightnesse of the next worlde , and the sonnes of men ascende to the adoption of a heauenlye Father . Whiche considerations , were enough to encorage vs to be rather greedy of martyrdome , being so glorious a thing , then anye waye slacke in imbracinge it , Martirdome beneficiall to the Churche . when it is offered . But if we consider moreouer , how beneficiall the same is to the Churche , and how importante a meanes to aduaunce Gods glorye , no true member of Christe , nor true childe of the Catholicke Churche , can be so vnnatural , as not to reioyce , that he hath so good an occasion to discharge his dutye to them bothe , in so acceptable a sorte . The martyrs sayeth S. Chrisostom vphold the Church lyke pillers , Chrisost. serm. I●uent & Max. mart . they defende it lyke towers , they beare of the rage of waters lyke rockes , keeping them selues in great tranquillitye . Lyke lyghts they haue dispersed the darkenesse of impyetye , and lyke oxen haue drawen the sweete yoake of Christe . The corne the more it is watered with showers , of rayne , the more plentyful haruest doth it yeelde . And the Vyne also when it is pruned , it spreadeth out the braunches in greater pryde , and is the more loaden with fayre clusters , and the iniurie it seemeth to suffer returneth to the greater increase . It is beneficiall to the fielde , to set on fire the stubble , that the ground maye be more fertyll and aboundant . So sayeth S. Cyprian in martyrdome the fore-goinge fall , Cipr. de la●● mart . is a preparation for greater fruite , & condemneth lyfe to deathe , that by deathe lyfe maye the better be preserued . And for this Theodoretus compareth the persecutours to men , Theod. serm. 9. de cur . Gr●can . affect . that go about to extinguish the flame with oyle , wherby they rather increase it : & to carpenters that felling trees , cause many more to springe than they cut downe . For the more martyrs are slayne , the more daylye spring vp in their place . This sayeth S. Hilarius is peculier to Gods Church , Hilar. de trin. L. 4. while it is persecuted it florisheth , while it is troaden doune it groweth vp , while it is despised it profiteth , while it is hurt it ouer cometh , while it is contraryed it better vnderstandeth , and then it is most constant when it seeemeth to be conquered . So wonderfull is the force of the death and bloode of martyrs . Whose gloryous course is verye fitlye expressed in the silk-worme , which first eating it selfe out of a verye lytle seede , groweth to be a small worme , afterwarde when by feeding a certaine time vppon freshe & greene leaues it is waxed of greater syse , eateth it selfe agayne out of the other coate and worketh it selfe into a case of silke , which when it hath once finyshed in the ende castinge the seede for manye younge to breede of , and leauing the silke for mans ornament , dyeth all white and winged in shape of a flyeinge thinge . Euen so the martyrs of the Catholicke Church , first breake out of the dead seede of original sinne by baptisme ; then , when by feedinge on the Sacramentes and leaues of Gods worde , they are growne to more rypenesse , castinge the coate of worldlye vanityes , they cloath them selues with the silke of vertue , and perfection of lyfe , in whiche worke perseuering to the ende , euen when the persecution is greatest , they finallye as need requireth , shedd their blood , as seede for newe ofspring to arise of , and leaue moreouer the silke of their vertues as an ornamente to the Church . And thus departe white for theyre good workes , and winged with innocency of handes , and cleanes of harte they presentlye flye to theyre heauenlye repose , agreeablye to Dauides saying Quis ascendet in montem Domini ? Ps. 23. Innocens manibus & mundo corde . Who shall ascend to the mount of God , The innocent of handes and cleane of harte . So that thoughe the rype fruite of the Church be gathered , yet their blood engendereth new supplye , and it increaseth the more , when the disincrease therof is vyolentlye procured . It is lyke the bush that burned & was not consumed . Exod ● . Of the owne ruines , it ryseth , and of the owne ashes it reuiueth , and by that increaseth , by which the worlde decayeth . Epiphan in auchora● . The Phenix as Epiphanius S. Clement and others report when she is come to her full age , gathereth in some hye mount a pyle of mirrhe frankencense , & other spices , which being kindled by the heat of the Sunn , she suffereth her selfe to be burnte vpp , and of her ashes , there firste breedeth a litle worme , which in the ende becommeth a Phaenix agayne : So the Martirs , when they see it necessarye for Gods glorye , hauing gathered a pyle of vertue and good woorkes , in the mount of the Catholike Churche , and gotten that bundle of which the Spouse speaketh Fasciculus mirrhae dilectus meus mihi , Cant. 1. My beloued is vnto me by the example of his Passion a bundle of Mirrhe : Exposinge them thereuppon to the scorchinge heate of persecution , sacrifice them-selues in the flame of patience & charytye , that by theyr death the posteritye of the Churche may be preserued . For as Saint Ambrose noteth , Ambros serm 92. de Naza●●o et Celso . the greate goodnes of our God , so plentyful of mercye , and so cunning an artificer of our saluation , by setting before our eyes the hye rewarde of vertue , will haue the merytes of martyrs to be our patronage , and while in the harde conflicte of martirdome , he commendeth vnto vs the true Faythe , he maketh the affliction of the fore Fathers , an instruction of their posterytye . O how greate is Gods care ouer vs : he examineth them to informe vs , he spoylethe them , to spare vs , and turneth their passions to our profitt . For we finde by experience that whosoeuer suffereth , though he suffer for his offence is pityed , and naturally miserye , though deserued , cannot but breede remorse , & tendernesse in the beholders . But now when such men as be of innocente behauioure , of vertuous conuersation , learned and graue persons , shall with comforte offer themselues to extremytye , reioyce when they are tormented , smile when they are dismembred , and goe to death as they would to a bancket : When such as neyther want dignityes to withdraw them , nor frendes and familye to pulle them backe , nor powerable enemyes to affrighte them , shall be readye to change theire dignitye with disgrace , to forsake their friendes , and geue themselues into the handes of their mortall foes only for the defence of theire conscience , men must needes saye as they dyd in S. Cyprians time . Ciprian . De Laud. mart . Noscenda res est , et virtus penitus scrutanda , visceribus . Nec enim leuis est ista quaecunque confessio , propter quam homo patitur & mori posse . It is a thing worthye to be knowen and some vertue that deserueth deepe consideration for which a man is content to suffer death . They wante no meanes to searche out the trueth , hauing both read & heard , that which can be sayd on eyther syde . They wante not witt and iudgemente to discerne the good from the bad , being persons knowen to be of deepe insight and discretion . They can haue no pleasure in paynes , nor anye temporall allurement to moue them to vndertake so greate miserye , yea they haue manye delyghtes , honours , and prefermentes , to withdrawe them from it , and with altering opinion , and speaking a word , mighte easylye anoyde it . Sure therfore it is , that they fynd it necessarye to doe this , and that their soule lyeth vppon it , or else fleshe and bloode coulde neuer disgest so heauy calamities . And though other , as worldlye wise , doe the contrarye , yet maye we easilye conceyue , that pleasure , profitt , and vanitye , with draweth the most parte of men , which here haue no place , Matt. 7. and narrowe is the waye , that leadeth to lyfe , and but fewe they be that finde it . Luc. 13. And this is the comforte of those that suffer , that their death rayseth manye from death , and their patience maketh euery one inquisitiue of their religion . Quisquis enim sayth Tertullian , Tertull. ad scapulam . tantam tolerantiam spectans aliquo scrupulo percussus , et inquirere accenditur quid sit in causa , & vbi cognouerit veritatem , & ipse statim sequitur . And agayne Exquisitior quaeque iniquitas vestra , illecebra est magis sectae . For euery one seinge such constancie is cast in some scruple , and waxeth inquisityue , what quarell we mayntain , and when he knoweth the truthe , he strayte embraceth it , and euerye most exquisite iniquity of yours agaynst vs , is a greater allurement of others to our religion . For as one that breaketh open the Iewellers cheste , by breakinge an iron locke , discouereth to those that are presente a multitude of most precious iewels , which being once seene , euerye one is desyrous to consider more at leysure the workemanship , glorye , and valew of the same : and manye vppon the sighte moued to buye them , which if they had bene still vnder locke , no man would haue regarded : So the persecutoures , by breaking the worthlesse lockes of martyrs bodyes , laye open their fayth and vertue to the sighte of the worlde , of which men fallinge into deeper consideration , and debatinge with themselues the grace , and perfection , that appeereth therin , are moued to buye them , though it be with losse of all theire landes , libertyes , and lyues . O wonderfull force of the Catholicke faythe , which aboue all natural course , and beyonde all reache of mans vnderstandinge , increaseth by that meanes , by which all other things are suppressed . We haue no other way to roote out wyckednesse , sinne , and impyetye , no meanes to abolishe lewde behauioure , and disorder amonge men , but onlye vyolence of tormentes , and cruell punyshmentes . And we see , though sensuality , and pleasure , intyse them with vehemente incentyues , yet the feare of seuere chastisemente , maketh them bridle their affections , and if anye be executed for greate enormityes , when he is dead , his sinne dyeth with him , and syldome leaueth he any posteritye , that by his deathe , is not rather dismayed , then incouraged to folowe hys euill example . But in this quarell of oure Faythe , it happeneth quite contrarye , For as good slypp beinge ingraffed in a soure tree , bringeth forth neuerthelesse sweete fruite , agreable to the owne kinde , and the sapp of the same roote , which in the crabb is soure , and bitter , in the aple of the slypp , is most pleasant , and delightsome , & though it be lothsome in the one , it allureth in the other : So hapneth it to Gods Saynctes , beinge put in the persecutoures handes . For theyr odyous and vntolerable crueltye , breedeth when it is practised vppon malefactoures , terroure , feare , and horroure of the wicked fruites , for whiche they are punished : Yett in the faythfull , and vertuous , the same bitter tormentes practised vpon them , worke the pleasante and goodlye fruites of saluation , not onlye moste acceptable vnto God , but able to allure mens harts to taste of the same . And as a cunninge artificer , not onlye of Iuorye or golde , but of iron or clay , can frame a proportionable Image , & in a base mettall or moulde , shewe exquisyte skill : so the true children of the Catholike Church , taught by Gods spiryte , shewe the perfection of their vertue , not onlye in ryches , and welth , but in neede and pouertye , and as well in the depth of myserye , and middest of paynes , as in the heyght of prosperitye and worldly pleasure . To this effecte may we vnderstand the promise of God made by Dauid to those that kepte themselues within the walles and boundes of Hierusalem , that is the Church . Who geueth snowe as wooll and spreadeth the miste as ashes . That is those tormentes which to the badd are snowe colde and vnprofitable , and able to quenche the naturall heate that men haue to folowe sinnfull examples , are wooll to the good that both in them & others encreaseth the warmthe of true faythe and vertue , and the rancke fogge of worldlye disgrace , whereby the fyre of heresye and sinne is extinguished as ashes to Gods seruantes , where in the fyre of true religion and perfecte charitye is preserued and strengthned . Aug. 22 de ci. 6.6 . Ligabantur , sayth S. Augustine includebantur , caedebantur , torquebantur , laniabantur , trucidabantur , vr●bātur , et multiplicabantur . They were imprisoned , whipped , tortured , burned , torne in peces , & murdered , and yet they were multiplyed . Philo : l. 2. logis Allegor● Philo comparing the worde of God to Coriander , reporteth this seed , to be of that propertye , that being cutt into litle peeces , euerye crumme of it bringeth forthe as muche , as the whole seede woulde haue donne : Euen fo happeneth it in the Martyrs , of whome when they are martired , euerye quarter , and parcell , yea euerye dropp of bloode , is able to doe as much , and somtymes more forcible effectes , then the martyr himselfe , if he had remayned alyue . Well did S. Hierom say est Triumphus dei passio martyrum , Hieron : q : 1● ad Hed●brō & pro Christi nomine cruoris effusio . The passion of martyrs and sheddinge bloode for the name of Christe , is the tryumphe of God . Well maye it be called the tryumph of God , seeing it passeth all other tryumphes of men . The tryumphes of the Romans , were wonte to be solēnyzed , in glorious chariotts , drawn with Lyons , Elephants , or goodlye steedes , with applause of the people , with pleasant musicke , with a troup of captyues , with costlye arches , and suche other monumentes of victorye . The banners of the foyled enemies , the ryche spoyles , and famous pryses , were caryed in syghte , and euerye thinge ordered , and sett forth , with pompe and maiestye . But who euer heard of a tryumphe , where the conqueroure was haled , and haryed vppon the grounde , with his handes and seete bounde , with reproche of the lookers on , with disgrace and infamye , where he him-selfe was captyue , his tryumphall arche the blocke , or the gallowes , his enemyes banners , the axe or the corde , his spoyles and pryses his vnbodyed bowels , & dismembred limmes , fynally his pomp , punishment & his maiestly miserye . This tryumphe is not that , which worldlings affecte , neither can they conceiue , how torments , & tryumphes can agree together . And therfore did S. Hierome well call it , the tryumphe of God . In this tryumphe was Nabuchonosor and Paule captyues , and Iustinus confesseth him-selfe , to haue bene conuerted by the constancye of martyrs . Of this tryumphe speaketh S. Cyprian when he sayeth . Ciprian de lau de martyri● : Tanta est virtus martirij , vt per illam credere etiam ille cogatur , qui te voluit occidere . So greate is the force of martyrdome , that therby euen he , is forced to beleeue with thee , that was readye to kill thee . But to proue this , though for the present disgracefull , yet in the sequell , a more gloryous tryumph , euen heare on earth , then euer anye the Romans had ; Lett vs consider the gloryous shewes ther be to sett it forth . The martyrs for their tryumphall charyots , haue most sumptuous and statlye Churches ; For the applause of the people , the prayers and prayses of al true Christians ; For their musycke , the solemne quires ; and instrumentes , vsuall in the Church ; For their triumphall arches , most riche shrynes , and altars ; For the banners of theyr foyled enemyes , the Armes and honours of Prynces , conuerted by their meanes ; For theyr captyues , Kinges , Emperoures , and Monarches ; For their spoyles and pryses , the Empyre , Kingdomes , & common wealthes . Finallye , for their pompe , the reuerend maiestye of the Catholike Churche . Loe now whether our tryumphe , though base in the eye , be not in effecte most gloryous , and whether any conqueroures euer wann more , by killinge others , then the martirs haue done by being killed themselues . Quid infirmius Sayth S. Cyprian quam vinciri , dam nari , Ciprian : aut altus eius nomine de duplici martirio : caedi , cruciari , occidi , et cum ad arbitrium carnificis collum praebetur ? Haec species inter dum misericordiam mouet , etiam saeuissimis tyrannis . verum vbi iam ad monumenta martyrum pelluntur morbi , rugiunt Daemones , terrentur monarchae , coruscant miracula , concidunt idola : tunc apparet quam sit efficax & potens martyrum sanguis . What argueth more impotencye , then to be bounde , condemned , whipped , tormented , killed , and to laye the head on the blocke at the hange-mans pleasure ? This sighte , somtyme stirreth mercye , euen in the moste cruell tyrantes . But when at the martyrs tombes disseases are cured , the diuels rore , the monarches tremble , miracles are wrought , Idols fall doune : then appeereth it howe forcible the blood of martirs is . While the golde is yet mingled with earth in the mines , men treade it vnder foote as they dyd the earth , But when it is tryed with the fyre , & depured by the artyficers hand , Kinges them selues thinke it a greate honour to weare it on theire heades : and so the martyres while they were alyue , enwrapped in that masse of earth , I meane their corruptible bodyes : they were contemned and troaden on , as the refuse of the world . but when their golde was seuered from drosse , that is their soule from their body by vyolent death in Gods cause : ther is no Catholycke Prynce so hautye , but that with bowed knee , and stooping head is readye to adore them , and accounte their very ashes , as cheefe ornamentes of hys crowne , and succoures of his realme . They are not therfore subdued that ouercome their enemyes , yea and theyr victorye is moste gloryous , for the vnusuall manner . Psa. ●1. You shall dye lyke men ( sayeth Dauid ) and lyke one of the princes shall you fall . You shall dye lyke men because your death shall seeme full of humane myserye , but in deede lyke one of the Prynces shall you fall , that is like one of the Princes of Gods people . Or you shall dye not as the sensuall worldlynge , who is compared to the foolishe beastes and is become lyke vnto them , Psa. 4● . but lyke men , iudging it in reason good for your fayth to dye in hope of a better lyfe . Yea not onlye as men , but as Prynces amongest men , whose successours neuer faile , whose tombes are glorious , whose memorye is perpetuall . Cant: 1 : Nolite me considerare , quia fusca sum . Regard you not how blacke I am , for though I be black yet am I the fayre daughter of Hierusalem . Of all the partes of a tree , the roote is to the sight the foulest , and most vglye , and therfore semeth nature to haue hyd it from the eye , that it might be no disgrace to the beauty of the other partes . But yf you consider the fayre flower , the sweete fruite , the pleasant leaues , the goodlye braunches , the verye lyfe , and sappe of the whole tree : you shall fynd , that all proceedeth from that shaplesse , & vnseemely roote , and therfore it ought of all other partes to be cheeflye prysed . So is it with the martyres , they seeme in theyr torments the most myserable of all other men , couered with disgrace , infamy , and reproch : But if we consider the beauty of virgins , the fruite of the confessors , the leaues of temporall commodityes , the braunches of all nations , yea the verye lyfe , & grace of the Churche of God , we shall fynd that for all these , we maye thanke the blood of Martyrs . Well may they be called , the neat or kine of the church , whose teates serue it of necessary milke ; For as the neate at all seasons , euen in the foulest weather , ranging in the medowes , fieldes , & pastures , and feeding vppon grasse and wilde hearbes vnfitt for mans eatinge , by vertue of theyre inwarde heate , turne them into sweete mylke , and suffer the same quietlye to be drawen out of them , for the benefitt of mankinde : So the Martyrs , euen in the most stormye tyme of persecution , are contented to feede vppon the sower and bitter paynes of theyre enemies rage , and disgestinge all theyre crueltie , with the inwarde heate of charitye , and zeale , turne theyre owne afflyctions , to our instruction and spirituall nurture , and suffer their bloode to be drawen from them , the vertue wherof hath more force to fortifye our soules , than sweetest milke to strengthen oure bodyes . Zachar : 9 : This is Vinum germinans virgines wyne that breedeth virgins sanguis vuae & mori acuens Elephantos 1 : Machab : ●● in bellum the bloode of the grape and mulberye , sharpeninge the Elephantes that is Christians , to spirituall battell . This is the pledge that gott the priuyledge . Iudicabunt nationes , Sap: 3 : dominabuntur populis , they shall iudge nations , and rule ouer peoples . Tertull : l : de anima c 32 And as Tertullian sayeth , Tota clauis paradisi est sanguis martyrum . The blood of Martyres is the very keye of Paradise . So that we maye euen of the earthlye crowne , vnderstande that sayinge of S. Hierome . In vita Malachi . Persecutionibus creuit ecclesia , martyriis coronata est . The church encreased by persecutions , and was crowned by martirdomes . For when was that veryfied , Isa. 49. Erunt reges nutritii , tui et reginae nutrices tuae . Kinges shal be thy foster fathers , and Queenes thy Nurces , but after the death of infinite martyrs , whose very ashes afterwardes the Kinges and Monarches haue honored , doing as it were due homage , and acknowledginge them as captaynes , by whome they were conquered ? Whiche also in the same place Esaye fore shewed in the wordes following . Vultu in terra demisso adorabunt te , & puluerem pedum tuorum lingent . With a lowly countenance they shall worship thee , and shall lycke the verye duste of thy feete . And whoe are the feete of the Churche , but onlye the Martyrs , Apostles , and Pastoures , that Vpholde it , and carye it still forward through out all nations , of whom it is sayde . Rom. 19. Act. 9. Luc. 24. Quam speciosi pedes euangelizan tium pacem , & uos estis qui portabitis nomen meum antereges & presides & vsque ad extre mum terrae . How fayre are the feete of the preachers of peace , for these are they that carye my name before Kinges and rulers , and to the verye ende of the worlde . Thus we see how the wordes of Christ are veryfied . Ioan. 12. Nisi granum frumenti cadens in terram , mortuum fuerit , ipsum solum manet , si autem mortuum fuerit multum fructum affert . vnlesse the cornel of wheat fall into the grounde and dye , it selfe remayneth alone , but if it dye , it bringeth forth much fruite : Amb. serm. 3● in Psa. beati immaculati in via : Saynt Ambrose noteth that in the vinyardes of Engaddi a citye of Iurye , there is a tree that if it be pricked or cutt , it distilleth out most precious balme , and yeeldeth a moste sweete sauoure , neyther of which thinges it dothe being lefte whole : Euen so happeneth it in the Martyrs , whose blood by their woundes gushing oute , is more precious , sweete & acceptable , then the balme . And of this maye we vnderstand those wordes of the Spouse . Cant 1. Botrus Cypri dilectus m●us mihi in vincis Engaddi . A cluster of Cyprus is my beloued vnto me , in the vyne yardes of Engaddi . Hieron . q : 11 ●d Hea●b : For as S. Hierome sayeth Ideo odor disseminatur inter gentes , & subiit tacita cogitatio nisi verum euangelium nunquam sanguine defenderent . By this meanes is the sauoure of Christianitye spredd emonge the Gentils , and this secret thought commeth to theyr mynde , that excepte the Gospell were true , men wold neuer defend it with their blood . The swetnesse of the rose , if it be vntouched soone withereth awaye with the leafe , which to day is fayre , and to morow fadeth . But put it into the still , couer it from the conforte of the Sunne , yea scorche it with the fyre , it vapoureth out most delicate water , which maye be longe preserued , & imparteth sweetnesse to whatsoeuer it toucheth : So that whether it be by fyer , or by naturall course , the rose wythereth : but in the firste manner , both the leafe keepeth a pleasant sauour , & distilleth from it a most sweete liquour , wheras in the seconde , bothe the leafe is lesse lykesome , and the water lost . So fareth it with Gods Martyres . Whyle they lyue , they are sweete in their vertuous conuersation , If they dye , their example for a tyme doth some good , but put them in pryson , keepe them from worldlye comfortes , yea scorche them , burne them , and vse them in all extremitye , then doe theire vertue geue the best sauoure , and their bloode whersoeuer it is shedd , engendereth a wonderfull alteration in mens manners , makinge them embrace the trueth and become Christi bonus odor & incensum dignum in odorem suauitatis . ● Cor 2 Eccl: 45● A good sauoure of Christe , & an incense worthy to be odour of sweetnes , wheras in their naturall deathe , though theyr example wold haue done good ; yet neyther theyr leafe , had ben so odoriferous , nor theyre precious lyquoure , to such benefitt of the church . And therfore maye we say with Salomon . O quam pulchra est casta generatio cum claritate , Sap. 4. cum presens est imitantur illam ; & desiderant eam , cum se eduxerit ; & in perpetuum coronata triumphat , incoinqui●atorū c●rtaminum praemia vincens . O how fayre is a chaste generation with bryghtenesse , whyle it is present men doe imitate it , and longe after it , when it is departed , and tryumpheth crouned with perpetuall glorye , winning the rewardes of theyre vndefyled encounters . Personable men of comelye feature , though they be by sicknesse or dirte disfigured , yet keepe they the tokens of seemelynesse : yea and then , theyr seemlynesse is most seene , when it is compared with some contrarye deformitye . And so is it in Gods Martyres , euen in the depthe of worldlye disgrace , doe they shew the glorious grace , and beautye of theyre mynde , and when theyre vertue encountereth with the persecutors vyce , then doth it shyne brightest , and is vnto the behoulders most pleasinge and amyable . O vnspeakable force of the bloode of Martyrs , then most powrable , when it is spilte , and then moste victorious , when it is troadden vnder foote . No Adamant so hard , but though it resiste to the strokes of preaching , yea and to the mightye force of myracles , yet yeeldeth it to the blood of innocent lambes , of which Christe speaketh Ego mitto vos sicut agnos inter lupos . Luc. 10. I sende you lyke lambes amonge wolues . No leaprosye so vncurable , but the blood of these infantes , in innocencye , thoughe not in age , in malyce though not in discretion , cannot cure . And albeit Constantine refused a bathe of the bloode of Infantes in age , yet doubtlesse had not these Infantes in innocencye ( I meane the Martyres ) bathed him in theyres , God knoweth whether euer he had ben rid of his spiritual leaprosye . Which he himselfe in a manner acknowledging , when he came to that famous Councell of Nice , fynding manye of those Fathers , that had some parte of theyre bodye , maymed or disfigured , with the tormentes suffered for the Catholike Fayth , he embraced them , in humble sorte , most deuoutlye kissing the scarres of theyre tormentes , as most honourable badges of Christianity . Three testimonyes recounteth S. Ihon in this world tres sunt qui testimonium dant in terra , spiritus , aqua , et sanguis . There are three that geue witnesse in earthe , the spirite , water , and bloode . The firste dyd S. Ihon Baptist see in the forme of a doue , the second and thirde S. Iohn Euangelist comminge out of Christes syde . In one sense , these three thinges haue caused our spirituall lyfe , in another they mayntayne our corporall . Our inward man is quickned by Gods spiryte , clensed by the water of Baptisme , redemed with the blood of Christ . But nether wold this spirite haue quickned , nor the water washed , vnlesse the blood had redemed . The Spirit soweth , the water rypeneth , the blood reapeth . The spirite appeared in Christes baptisme , & though the heauen was opened , yet nether earth nor hell gaue any signe of his comming . The water was shed , when Christe weeped at Lazarus raysinge , & though hell was enforced , to render her praye , yet neither heauen nor earth were moued at it . But when the blood came out of Christes woundes , bothe the heauens denyed lyghte , the earthe quaked , and hell deliuered vppe the deade , and then was it fulfilled , si ●xaltatus fu●ro a terra omnia traham ad mcipsum . If I be exalted from the earthe , I will draw all things vnto me . Our corporal lyfe also dependeth partly vppon breathing , partlye in watrye humours , but chieflye in blood . Yet those are by natural course , tokens of lyfe , while in the bodye they performe theyr seuerall effectes . But for our present consideration , it importeth more to consider , that theyr spirituall value , and force , is shewed , when the bodye is bereaued of them . No man was moued , by seeinge Christe drawe breath , but when with a greate voyce , hee gaue vpp his spirite , and loste his breath , then dyd the Centurion strayte crye , Matt. ●● vere filius dei erat iste . In verye deede this was the sonne of God . Whyle the blood and water were in his bodye vnseene , and vntouched , the effecte of them was neuer perceyued . But so soone as by the wound in his syde , they founde passage , to come out , there issued also with them , a fountayne of grace , where of all the Sacramentes take theire effecte . Euen so is it in the blood of Martyrs . They whom theyre holye lyfe nothing moued , they that by theyre myracles could not be conuerted ; by theyr blood were mollyfied , & wrought to goodnes . S. Paul● was obstinate for all S. Steuens preaching , he was stubborne in his opynion , for all his myraculous workes . He could neuer be wonne , tyll he felte the effecte of his innocent blood . August : For as S. Augustin saieth Nisi Stephanus sic orasset , ecclesia Paulum non habuisset . Vnlesse Steeuen had thus prayed , that is in his bloodye agonye , the Churche had neuer had S. Paule . Of S. Iames also it is written , that in Spayne he could in his lyfe conuerte but eyght persons : But when his blood began to worke , the whole contrye yelded to his dead bones , and reliques , that regarded so lytle the force of his lyuinge speeches . So lyke-wise the Citie of Rome , though by S. Peter & S. Paules owne voyces , Epistles , and conuersation , they had bene laboured vnto the trueth ; yet it neuer could be throughly conuerted , vntil it was longe soaked in Martyrs bloode . Psa: 17 Tenebrosa aqua in nubibus aeris . Darcke sayth Dauid is the water in the cloudes of the ayre . and yet , that verye same it is that bringeth to light the sweete rose , & fayre li●lye , that loadeth the trees with goodlye fruites , and geueth all the pryde to the stateliest plants . That is it , as black as in the cloudes it seemeth , that watereth the earthe , and fallyng vppon the flowers , setteth them forthe , as it were with perles , and diamantes , and filleth the riuers with moste cleere streames . What are these cloudes , but Martyres , of whome it is sayde , Isa. 6● whoe are these that flye lyke cloudes , and lyke doues vnto theyre windowes . What is the water so darke in the clowdes , but the blood of Martyrs in theire bodyes , where the force therof is not yet vttered ? But when it is once shedd , Ihon. 7 it sheweth it selfe to be the fludd of lyuing water , that Christ promysed should flowe out of his beleeuers , Psa. 67 and that voluntarye rayne , which God hath sett aparte for his inheritance , Deut. 3● that falleth lyke a shower vpon the herbes , & lyke dropps vpon the grasse , Psa 64 in whose droppinges the younge springe reioyseth . Of this maye we vnderstande Dauides prophesye . Thou haste visited the earth , Ibid. doubtlesse of thy Church by persecution , thou haste thoroughlye watered it , doubtlesse with the bloode of Martyres , and thou haste multiplyed to enriche it , with younge springe of newe beleeuers . In this are the words of Esay verifyed . Isa. 4● Since that thou art made honorable in my eyes , and glorious by martyrdome , I loued thee , and will geue to my Churche , men for thee , many for one , yea & whole peoples for thy only lyfe , that of thee it may be sayde , ●●d : 1● . as of Sampson , that thou hast had a victory ouer more by thy death , then by thy lyfe thou hadest obteyned . To this effect may we referre these wordes of the Prophet . Isa. ●● They shal turne theire swordes into culters of ploughes , and theyr speares into suhes , because since Christs tyme all the persecutors by vsinge their swordes against the Church haue but plowed and tilled it , to prepare it for newe corne , and their speares haue bene but sithes , to reape the rype croppe , that more seede myghte shoote vpp in the place therof , to the greater increase of Godds people . And hetherto we haue experyenced the performance of that promyse , Isa: 6● made to Christes Church , that the younge grouthe of Gods planting sholde to his glory shewe it selfe to be a worke of his handes , for that the least shal become a thousand , and a litle one , become a moste stronge nation , as by the vertue of the same hands , fiue loues were multiplyed to be sufficiente foode , for fyue thousand persons . So hath it bene in euery place for the most parte , and alwayes is proued true , that Quo plus sanguinis , 〈…〉 . effusum est , hoc magis ac magis ●f●●o●nit multundo fidelium . As S. C●prian noteth . The more bloode hathe bene shedd , the more hath the multitude of the faythfull sloryshed . Well may the Church saye vnto Christ these wordes of Sephora . Exod 12 sponsus sanguinum tumihies . Thou arte vnto me a Spouse of blood , seinge that he neyther planted , nor increased , nor fostered her , but in bloode . With blood sprouted out her firste buddes , as a presage and paterne of the future fruites , and she was no soner maryed vnto Christ , but strayt the Innocentes gaue her notise , in what greefe ●he was to bring forthe her children . Of these S. Augustine speakinge sayeth . Aug. serm. 〈…〉 . Iure dicuntur martyrum flores , quos in medio frigore infidelitatis exortos , velut primas crūpentes ecclesiae gemmas , quaedam persecutionis pruina decoxit . Non habebatis , aetatem qua in passurum Christum crederetis , habebatis carnem qua pro Christo passuro passionem susti●eretis . They are worthely called the flowers of Martyres , whiche springing in the harte of the colde of infidelitye , as the firste buddes of the Church , that shot out , a certayne frost of persecution parched . Your yeares serued you not to beleue in Christe , but youre fleshe serued you to suffer for Christe , that was afterwarde to suffer for you . With theire blood did the Apostles , Disciples , and other Martyres vntill our dayes establish the Churches doctrine . With bloode must we confirme it , and in the ende of the worlde Enoch and Elias , and other Martyrs of Antichristes time with their blood must seale vp the same . Cypr. de duplici martyrio for as S. Cyprian well noteth nullum instrumentum indubitabilius quam quod tot martyrum sanguine obsignatum est . No obligation more infallible , then that which is sealed vp with the blood of so manye Martyres . And therefore Christ taketh this course for the confirmation of his doctrine . If in the olde Testament when Moyses redd the lawe vnto the people , he sprinkeled them with blood of calues , Exod: 24 sayinge Hic est sanguis faederis , quod pepigit Dominus vobiscum super cunctis sermonibus his . This is the blood of the league which our Lorde hath made with you , concerning all these speeches : How much more effectuallye , is the Churche sprinckled wyth the bloode of Martyrs , as a meane to binde our hartes with vnfoluble league of beleefe to Christes sayinges ? The efficacie of this confirmation of our saith , doth S. Ambrose acknowledge , as verye important . Ambros ser● 92. de Na●ario et Celso . Nouerimus itaque ( sayth he ) quia non sine magno discrimine de religionis veritate disputamus , quam tantorum martyrum sanguine confirmatam videmus . Magni periculi res est , si post tot Prophetarum oracula , post Apostolorum testimonia , post martyrum vulnera , veterum fidem quasi nouellam discutere presumas , et post tam manifestos duces in errore permaneas , & post morientium sudores otiosa disputatione contendas . We must vnderstand ( quod he ) that we cannot without great daunger dispute of the trueth of that religion , whiche we see confirmed with the blood of so manye Martyrs . It is a verye perylous thinge , if after the oracles of so many Prophetes , after the testimonies of the Apostles , after the wounds of Martyrs , thou presume to discusse the auncient faythe as a noueltie , and remayn in thy errour after so manifest guydes , and contende with idle disputation after the toyles of so manye as haue dyed in the cause . Finallye how beneficiall , both in this , and infinite other respectes , the blood of Martyrs hath bene vnto the Church , & the wonderous force therof no man is able sufficiently to expresse . Holy was the austeritye & zeale of Elias , & S. Iohn Baptist : Godlye was the estate of the olde Patriarches and Prophetes : vertuous the lyfe of virgins and widdowes : Honourable the condition of confessors and Religious persons ; Yett as S. Cyprian sayth Martyrio totum n●cesse est cedat , Cypri . de la●d Mart. cuius inaestimabilis gloria , infinita mensura , īmaculata victoria , nobilis virtus , inaestimabilis titulus , triumphus immensus . All must of force yelde to martyrdome , whose glory is vnualewable , whose measure infinite , whose victorye vnspotted , whose vertue honourable , whose tytle inestimable , whose triump exceding great . To our blood the gates of heauen flye open , with our blood the fyre of hell is quenched , in our blood our soules are beautifyed , our bodyes honoured , the diuel suppressed , and God glorified . It is poyson & death to heretickes , it is restoratyue and comfortable to Catholikes , a seede of all vertue , and the bane of vyce . To conclude assure your selues de martyrio tantum posse dici quantum potuerit estimari . Ibid. Of martyrdom so much maye be sayde as maye be conceyued . But now hauing shewed , how honourable it is in it selfe , Martyrdome most glorious to the Martyrs them selues . and how profitable to the Church : Let vs see how glorious it is , euen in this world vnto those that suffer it . And to omitt the tryumph of the Church , which being procured by theyre blood , redoundeth also to their prayse ; What a glorye is it to Martyrs , that the verye prophesies that wente of Christ , are so playnlye verified in them , that it is no small coniecture , how particulerlye they resemble Christ in glorye , whose titles haue so neere affinitie with his style . And to touche of infinite some fewe , Isa. 53. of Christ it is sayde , Ascendet quasi radix de terra sitienti , he shall come vpp like a roote out of a thirsting grounde , and yet of him it is also written , erumpet in germen & faciet fructum , Ezech. 17 it shall breake out into a budd , and shall bring forth fruit . Who semeth more lyke a withered roote in a drie and barren soyle , them the Martyrs , that are pestered in prisons , & as it were buried in miseries ; & yet from this roote , who seeth not how many budds of vertues , and fruites of gayned soules continuallye springe ? Of Christ it is sayde , we haue seene him , and there was no comelynesse in him , yea we tooke him for a leaper , & the basest of all other men , and yet we desyred him . And how fitlye agreeth this to Martyrs , whose tortured bodies & opprobrious deathes , if you consider , there are none more abiect , and deformed , then they : But for all this , not anye disfiguring or outward vnhappyenesse could so preuayle , but that they are , & euer shal be , desired , honored , and highlye esteemed . Ibidem Of Christ it is sayde , if he yelde his soule to death he shall see a long aged seede and I will geue him verye many , & he shall diuide the spoyles of the stronge . And is not this also veryfied in Martyres , whose bloode is seede , whose death reuyueth , whose plucking vpp , is the plantinge of theyre posteritye ? Was not Abel the first figure of Christ , and he a Martyr ? Was not Ioseph a principall paterne of Christes passion , and he sett to sale , and an innocent prisoner ? Were not all the sacrifices of beastes & birds , types and shadowes of Christes oblation , & none of them without shedding of blood ? how perfectly therfore doth Martyrs resemble theyr Captayne , seeinge these figures and types , that foreshewed him , maye also be aptely applyed vnto them ? But to procede to their other prerogatiues , there are but three especiall poyntes , wherin the dead can be honoured , by those that be alyue . First by monumentes and worthye me moryals erected for theyre renoune . Secondlye by famous wryters to register theyre actes . Thirdlye by being reuerenced & generally esteemed to be of soueraygne great power . And as concerning the first poynte , though the Emprerours and men of marke , emongest the Gentiles , haue had dyuers honourable memoryes : Yet were they for the most part of theyr owne or others buildinge before they dyed , or if it were after theyre decease , it was rather to flatter some of their suruiuing frendes , them for anye greate care , that they had of the dead partyes glorye . And howbeit to the false gods in token of duty , there haue bene set vpp most sumptuous temples , longe after theyre deathes : Yet with the memory of that wherin they were beneficial to the common wealth , there was also sett forth to be honoured in them theyr brutishe and vnnaturall wickednesse , which did geue to reasonable persons of good iudgemente , more cause to abhorre them for theyr lewdenesse , then to honoure them for theyre vertues . So was it a common thing to sett forthe the rapes of Iupiter , the adultryes of Venus , the lasciuiousnes of Apollo , & such lyke & to haue them paynted in the verye aultars and prospectes of their temples . but for Martyrs , the monumentes are so generally raysed in dyuerse countryes , that it can not be deemed flatterye , and of them nothing but good either hath or could be sett forthe whiche they euer wolde haue reckoned in theyre vertues , or turned to theyre glorye . If Potentates & greate personages , haue had suche remembrances , it is no greate maruayle , seeinge they were mightye in power , they had ryche and wealthye posterity , which as well for theyr owne aduauncement , as for the goodwil to the deade , were contented to renoune theyr houses and familyes with such stately workes . But a wonderful thinge it is , that common yea abiecte and base persons , suche as in theyr lyfe were counted the reuersion and refuse of the worlde , such as had neyther friendes nor posteritye to shewe them anye lyke fauoure , yea suche as dyed with infamye and dyshonoure , deuoured by beastes , and not thought worthye of so mcuh as a place of buryall in the earthe : that such men ( I saye ) sholde after theyr deathes , be honoured with sumptuous Churches , altars and daylye solemnityes , and not onlye in the place where they conuersed , but in dyuers distant nations , and countryes , where they were neuer knowen before their departure , it is a thing wherof as there can be no naturall reasone , so surelye muste it needes be construed a testimonye of Gods myghtye hande to honoure his Saynctes . Chrisost hom. 66. ad populum Antice . This dyd Saynte Chrisostome obserue when he saide Christe when he was deade , drew the whole world to worship him . And why speake I of Christe , when he caused his verye disciples after theyre decease , to be gloryous . Yea and what speake I of his Disciples , for not so muche but theyre places , theyre Sepulchers and theyre dayes hath he made to be celebrated with perpetuall memory . Shew me then the Tombe of Alexander , name the day wherin he ended his lyfe . But neither of them is notorious . They are now destroyed and quite abolyshed . But the Sepulchers of Christes seruantes are famous , aduaunced and honoured , in the Imperyall citye , and theyre dayes commonlye knowen to the worlde , bringing with them a festiuall comforte . And as for Alexanders Tombe , not his owne neyghboures knowe it , but these of the Saynctes , euen the Paynims can tell of . And the sepulchers of a crucyfied mans disciples are more gloryous , then kinges pallaces , not onlye in the hugenesse and statelynesse of the buildinges ( for in this also they exceed them ) but that which is more in concourse and resorte of suppliants . Theodoretus also hath the like sayinge The Churches of Martyrs are glorious to be sene , Theodorat . l 5. de cur grac●●●ffect . notorious for their hugenes , garnished with all kinde of ornaments , and blazing a broad the pomp of their beautye . Neyther frequent we them onlye once , twise , or fyue tymes in a yere , but often spend in them whole dayes , yea manye tymes euerye daye doe we there singe to our Lord the prayses and Hymnes of these Martyrs , What sumptuous Churches did Constantyne the great buylde , in the honoure of S. Peter and S. Paule ? What massye Images of all the Apostles did he make , with crownes of gold on their heads of fourescore & ten pound wayghte a peece ? beside other passing riche ornamentes , namelye two Crosses of golde , Damas Pap● in vitae s●luest . one vpon S. Peters an other on S. Paules Tombe , of a hundred & fyfty pound wayght a peece . I omit the Temple that by Gallus was built to the honoure of S. Mama martyr , Gregor. Naz● an . orat in Iulia 1. mentioned by Gregory Nazianzene . The Church of S. Theodorus , Greg. Nissen . in orat in Theodor. which Gregorye Nisene reporteth to haue ben most sumptuous . I omit the statelye riche Churches , yet extante in all places of Christendome , which are sufficient proofes to shewe the Martyrs of God , more gloryous in this behalfe , then the greatest Monarks that euer were . For one Sainte Steuen or one S. Laurence , hath not only in Rome where theyre bodyes are : but in France England , Flaunders , Spayne , Italye , Germanye , and all christendome , most hautye buildinges erected for theyr memory : Yea not onlye in euerye countrye , but almost in euery cheefe Citye , and in infinite other townes . Now as concerninge the writers , that haue regestred the Martyrs actes , they surpasse all former Potentates of the Gentiles , for how manye Emperoures , haue you , that haue had Emperoures to write theyre worthye exploytes ? how fewe , vnlesse they were men of base callinge , had theyre equales or betters to register theyre fame ? Wheras to the Martyres other now as famous , for miracles , & holynesse of lyfe , as they were for their martyrdome , and as muche honoured euery waye , as they in the whole world , haue ben the croniclers & penners of theyre prayses . How manye Martyres doth S. Cyprian S. Basill S. Chrisostome S. Hierome S. Ambrose S. Augustine S. Bernarde and others honoure in theyr Sermons and workes ? All , men as gloryous themselues in Gods Church as they of whome they sett forth the prayses . I omitt Eusebius S. Beede , Florus , Metaphrastes , Vsuardus , and infinite other graue authors . For what bookes haue you almost written by a Christian , where in if the matter beare it , there is not mention made of Gods Martyrs ? Yea how manye of the verye Gentiles haue regestred their memoryes ? of whome thoughe they conceyued not as they sholde , yet speake they of them to their owne confusion , and theyre glorye . Now as touching the thirde poynte , whiche is the reuerente and worthye opinion , that true Christians haue of the power of Martyrs , it were to longe to recyte the perticular testimonyes of antiquitye . For though we doe not ( as the heretickes groslye father vppon vs ) yelde them anye diuine honoure , or take them for Gods ; yet they haue ben euer more highlye esteemed of our fore fathers , as also they are by vs , for theyr wonderfull power . And firste if what theyr power is in heauen , be gathered by that which they had in earth , we haue great cause to put confidence therin . If S. Peters shadow , S. Paules handkerchers , & girdeles , were able to cure diseases ; If S. Paules prayer in the shippe was able to obtayne the lyues of two hundred seuentye sixe persons ; If S. Steeuens prayer , was so forcible for his persecutours , as to conuerte a cheefe agente in his death ; Why maye we not with S. Hierome inferr , Hieron . con● . Vigil . that they are able to doe much more in heauen , where they are in more fauour with God , and perfited in charitye towardes vs ? Bernard ser. 2 de Pet & Paul Mortales adhuc et morituri , imperium vitae & mortis videbantur habere , solo nimirum verbo mortificantes viuos , & mortuos suscitantes ; quanto magis nunc cum honorati sunt nimis , nimis confortatus est principatus eorum . When they were yet mortall ( sayeth S. Bernard ) & sure to dye , they seemed to haue commandement ouer lyfe and death , putting to death the quicke , and raysinge from deathe the deade , and that with theyre onlye worde . How much more mighty are they now , when they are aduanced to suche vnspeakable honoure , and theyr princedome is most assuredlye established ? Ser. in vig Pe. & Pauli . And againe , Quam potentiores sunt in coelis , qui tam potentes fuerunt in terris ? How muche more powrable are they in heauen , whose power was so great euen here on earthe ? Secondlye if we consider the might of the diuels , what stronge effectes they haue wrought , as by the inchaunters of Pharao , the sodayne destruction of Iobs cattel , the murderinge of his children by ouerthrowing their house , & other wonderful effectes , that God hath permitted vnto them ; Muche more power must we presume to be in Gods Saints , whome we are sure he wolde not make inferiour in might vnto his enemyes in heauen , ouer whom he gaue them so greate authoritye here in earth . And for this hath it bene alwayes a custome in the Church to goe on pilgrimage to Martyrs Tombes , where they haue alwayes shewed theyr patronage to such , as come vnto them for succour . Of this S. Chrysostome sayeth Ipse qui purpura indutus est , Chrysost. ho● 66 ad popul. Antioc . accedit illa complexurus sepulchra , & fastu deposito stat sanctis supplicaturus , vt pro se apud deum intercedant , & scenarum fabrum & piscatorem etiam mortuos vt protectores orat , qui diademate redimitus incedit . He which is clad in purple commeth to embrace those Sepulchers , and setting aside his maiestye standeth as a suppliant to those Sayntes , that they would vouchsafe to pray for him : and he that goeth adorned with his crowne , prayeth to a tente-maker and a fysher , and those also deade , as to his protectours . And a litle after , who euer went in pilgrymage to see anye Kinges Pallaces , but to enioye the sight of the Martyres tombes , many Kings haue become Pylgryms . Prudentius also of this writeth . Prudent . Him no. 1 in He●●iternon & Chelidon mart Illitas cruore nunc arenas nicolae Confrequentant obsecrantes voce , votis , munere , Exteri nec non et orbis huc colonus aduenit Fama nam terras in onnes praecucurrit proditrix Hic patronos esse mundi quos precantes ambiant . The tounsmen flock to the imbrued sands There makinge sute with voyce , with vowe , with gifte . Men also come from farre and forreine landes , To euerye coast fore-ranne the fame so swifte . That heere the patrons of the worlde did lye , By whose good prayers eche wighte might seeke supplye . S. Beede also and our own Chronicles make mention how King Cedwall & King Cenred wente to Rome in Pilgrimage to those holye reliques of the Apostles , Bed● . l. 5 hist. c. 7 : & 20 : which honour to what Emperoure was it euer geuen , or so longe continued ? Moreouer what wonderfull force the Martyrs be of , the effectes that haue bene wroughte by theyre verye ashes , bones , garmentes , and other thinges of theyres doth aboundantlye testifye . S. Chrisostome sayeth that S. Peters cheynes , Chrisost. serm. in adora ●euer eaten . Petri. his sworde , and his garmentes , wrought manye myracles . S. Ambrose writeth that at S. Geruasius and Protasius reliquies , Ambrosus Epist. ●5 . adsoror●● . so diuerse diseases were cured that the people caste theyre Beades and garmentes vppon theyre bodyes , Oraria . deeminge them of force to cure maladyes , by the only touch of those saintes . The verye ashes of S. Cyprian dryue the diuells , out of the possessed , cured diseases , and gaue fore-knowledge of future euentes , Greg Nazian. orationem is land . Cypri . as Cregorye Nazianzen wryteth . And S. Chrisostome compareth Martyrs bodyes to the Emperoures owane armour , Chr hom d● . nati . 7. macha . the verye lyghte whereof maketh the theeues that is , the diuels to flye though neuer so eager of praye . Non ad naturam eorum intendunt , sed in arcanam dignitatem , & gloriam christi , qui in agone certantium induta corpora martyrum suorum sicut arma portauit . For theyre eye , aymeth not at theyr nature , but at the secret dignitye and glorye of Chryste , whoe puttinge on the bodyes of hys Martyrs , beare them as armoure in the agony of theyr combates . And in sum , what hath bene wrought by anye Martyre in his lyfe , but that ordinarilye his ashes and reliques haue ben of the lyke yea and somtimes of greater force , whether it were raysinge of the dead , restoring of the lame , geuing sighte to the blynde , hearinge to the deafe , or speache to the dumme , or what other miracle so euer . Psa. 3. Now therfore yf Dauid demaunde his olde question . Shall any vtter thy mercye in the graue , or thy trueth in perdition ? shall thy maruayles be knowen in darkenesse , or thy iustice in the lande of obliuion ? We maye aunswere , that the Martyrs in their tombes extoll his mercye , who by theire verye ashes cureth diseases , and releeueth manye miseryes . In perdition , by the losse of theyr lyues & shedding of theyr blood , they confirme and geue testimonye vnto his truethe . In darkensse of infidelitye and errour , or of temporall disgrace and worldlye punyshmentes , they make the maruayles of hys power and maiestye to be knowen , and in theyre graues whiche are the lande of oblyuion , they renewe a continuall memory of his iustice , who is so forwarde to aforde his rewarde to the deseruers , and to crowne the conquerours in his quarrell , that euen he maketh theyr deade bones and duste , gloryous in this worlde , before they be indued with theyre final incorruption . Where-vppon Gods Churche hauinge to her great aduancement founde the singuler power of Gods Martyrs , hath alwayes made an especiall accounte of them , & had them euermore in chiefe reuerence . This also moued the Fathers to geue them suche honourable tytles . S. Basill calleth them the helpe of Christians , Basili●● . hom 20.40 . mart . the guardians of mankinde , partners of our cares , furtherours of oure prayers , Bassilius hom 20 our embassadoures vnto God , the starres of the worlde , the flowers of the Church , and Towers against inuasion of heretickes . Amb. ep 85 et ser. ●● in Nazar . & fel. S. Ambrose calleth them gouernoures and watchers of our lyues cryers of Gods kingdome , inheritours with God , intercessours of the worlde , Patrons and fortresses of Cityes . Theodoret : l : ● grac: assect : Theodoretus calleth them our Captaynes , our Prynces , our defenders , keepers , and aduocates . Finallye S. Chrisostom calleth them Pillers , Chrisost serm: in I●u●●t . & max mart ser 60 ad pop: a●tioc : Rockes , Towers , and lyghtes of the Church , and Protectours of Kinges and Emperoures .

Cap. 12.

Cap 12 : O How vnhappye are they , that for the sauing of goods , The vnhappyness of the schismatickes and lapsed & comfortes against their example credite temporall authority , or such worldly respects , forsake these so glorious & diuine honours , & purchase a most lamentable & ignominious stile . For what are they but contrary to that which S. Basill sayth of Martyrs , the spoyle of Christians , the destroyers of mens soules , the occasioners of our cares , hinderers of our prayers , factours of the diuell , cloudes of darkenesse , weedes of the Church , and fortresses of heresye . What are they but ruynes of relygyon , dismembred offales and lymmes of Sathan . Manye of them yeldinge before the battayle , and foyled before they foughte , haue not lefte them-selues so muche as this excuse , to saye that they went to church vnwillingly . They offer them selves voluntarylye , they runne wittinglye to theyre owne ruine , and seeme rather to imbrace a thing before desired , then to yeelde to an occasion that they wolde fayne haue eschewed . And did not your feete stumble , your eyes dasele , your hart quake , & your body tremble , when you came into the polluted Sinagoge ? And could Christes seruant abyde in that place to do anye reuerence and renounce Christe , or to doe anye homage to his enemy whom he had in baptisme renounced ? And could you come thether to offer your prayers vnto God , where your verye presence offered you bodye and soule to the diuell ? And could catholicke eares sustayn without glowing , the blasphemous , reprocheful , & rayling speaches against your true mother the Catholicke Churche ? Was it no payne to heare the corrupte translations , abuses and falsifyings of Gods owne worde ? Was not the lawe of , goinge to churche , and of beinge there present at that which they call diuine seruice , made and published purposelye to the abolyshinge of the Catholique Faythe , to the contempte , reproofe , and ouerthrow of the true Churche , to the establishing of theyre vntrue doctrine ? And can any Catholicke knowing this , ( as none can be ignorant therof ) imagyne , but that in obeyinge this lawe he consenteth vnto it , and to the accomplyshing of that , which the lawe intendeth , that is the impugning of the true & the setting vpp of a false faythe . Doe you not remember S. Paules wordes They are worthy of death not onlye that doe suche thinges , Rom. 1. but also those that consente to such as doe them ? Euen as he is worthye to be punyshed , who though in mynde he fauoure his Prince , yet in deede he cleaueth to his enemye . Moreouer was not thys lawe made , to force men to shewe and professe a conformablenesse in external behauiour to this new faith ? Is it not required as a signe of renouncinge the true church , and approuinge this newe forme of seruice , sacraments , and religion ? To denye thys , is against experience . For to this effecte sound al the penall lawes and statutes , this doe the examinations , araygnemēts & executions , make manyfeste , wherein still the thinges punished , and condemned are , not goinge to the diuine seruice as they call it , the hearing masse , the receyuing Priestes , vsinge the benefitt of theyr function , or acknowledginge of the authorytye of the Sea Apostolicke . In all whiche , what can we thincke is meante , but that theyre lawes , and all theyre indeuoures tende to make vs denye oure , and receyue theyre beliefe . And therefore when we obey them in these poyntes , what doe we but that which they pretende att our handes ? For if a subiect should make a lawe , that al the estates of the Realme shold leaue the obedience of theyre true Queene , and only submit them selues vnto him : And shold prescribe that in token therof they all sholde come to his Pallace , and attende there , whyle his seruantes did Pryncelye and regall homage vnto him ; were not the obeying of this lawe a consente to his rebellion ? And the presence at his Pallace a sufficyente sygne of oure reuolte from oure Soueraygne ? Or doe we thinke , that by forsakinge oure Queene , thoughe it were for feare of her aduersarye , we dyd not enough of our partes , to sulfill the mynde of his lawe , whiche was to drawe all from her , to attende vppon himselfe : that therby shee being destitute of adherentes , he might dispose of her , and of her kingdome at his owne plea●ure ? Is not this our very case ? The Queene is the Catholicke Church . The rebellious subiecte , resembleth the enemyes therof . The lawe commaunding from the Queenes , and forcinge to her rebels obedience , are the penall lawes terrifyinge vs from the Catholycke relygion , and enforcinge vs to the heretycal seruice . The comminge to his Pallace whyle he is honoured as Kynge , is lyke the comminge to Church while heresye is sett forthe , as true religion . Now therfore is not the obeyinge the lawe of comming to theyr seruice , whether it be for feare , or loue , a sufficient sygne of our reuolte from our Queene that is the Catholyke Churche ? And doe we not as muche on oure sydes , as is sufficient to fulfil her enemies desire , and intente ? which is the forsakynge the open profession of dutye and seruice due vnto her , and the attendance vppon her enemyes pleasure , that none being lefte that dare openlye withstand them , & defend her , they maye worke her ouerthrow the better . Surely if in a temporall cause , this point shold come to the scanning of any seculer tribunal , the leaste faulte that the offenders could be condemned of , were highe treason . And how much greater treason thinke we it is against Christe , to cooperate so directly to the ouerthrow of his Churche , which is not onlye his kingdome , but his mistycal bodye , and he not onlye the Soueraygne , but the heade therof ; Whose iniuryes he accounteth as offered to himselfe , as he well shewed sayinge to S. Paule once a persecutour of it Saule Saule why doest thou persecute me ? Nether can your protestation or other signe excuse you , for you are both in mans reason , and Gods censure , more to be iudged touchinge your minde , by your deedes , then by your wordes . And therfore if your deede be an establishing of theyr lawe , and consequently an actual denial of your faythe , your wordes excuse you no more , then they should doe hym , that offering incense to an Idole by commandement of his Prince , should saye that in mynde and harte , he were a Christian , though all the world might see that he plaied the Infidel . For where the action it selfe is contrarye to the faythe whiche in wordes is professed , a mans wordes doe onlye argue , that eyther he is an Atheist , that careth not for religion ; Niceph. 4.62 Euseb. l. 6. c. 31. or a Basilidian or Helckesaite that thinketh it lawfull to denye hys faythe , Iacob . 4. Aug. in Psa. 54 or at the leaste a wilful sinner , that dothe wittinglye against his owne conscience , all which are moste odious and damnable poyntes . And if youre protestation be , Vide in epist. Cleri . Rom apud Cypri . ep. 31 that you are in mynde Catholickes , & that you come to churche only to obey the lawe , doe you not acknowledge , that the lawe ought to be obeyed , and therfore that it is good and iuste , seeinge obedyence is due to none but iuste lawes ? Doe you not confesse , that there was in the enacters of it Ecclesiasticall and suficiente power , to commaunde or bynde you in spirituall actions , and those such , as only and wholye tende to the confirmation of false doctrine , and subuersion of the trueth ? And who seeth not that this is as muche in effecte as if you sayde , the lawe that commaundeth goinge to churche with heretickes is iuste , and temporall Magistrates haue spirituall authorytye , sufficient to binde in conscience to goe to theyre erroneous seruice , notwithstanding that they doe it to establish misbeliefe , and race out the Catholicke religion . And to saye that goinge to churche at suche tymes as theyre seruice and sacramentes are mynistred , theyre doctrine preached , or the rites of theyre secte practised , is not a spiritual , but a ciuile action , is against all sense and reason ; seeinge that it is the verye principall signe of spirituall dutye , to be presente at suche thinges , wherby religion is chiefelye professed : especiallye when this presence is commaunded by a lawe , the knowen meaning wherof is to force men to a profession of a false beliefe . For so doe the verye wordes of being present at diuine seruice importe , and otherwise the enactours endeuoures , and actions apparentlye witnesse the same . I omitt the scandall which you geue in confirming the beleefe of heretickes , Matt. 13 Marc. 9 2 Machab. 6 1. Cor ● Aug. ep. 154 Euag l. 3 c. 21 Amb ep. 30 in weakeninge the fayth of Catholickes , in quite ouer throwing the faynte harted and wauering Schismaticks . I omit what vantage you geue to the churches enemies to triumphe ouer her as ouercome , Matt. ●2 Amb. l. 20 ffi . cap. 24 & to boaste of you , if not as of children or voluntaries , at the least as of pressed men & slaues of theyr Sinagoge . I omitt the daunger of infection by theyre contagious speaches , 2 Tim. 2 Ecclesi. 13 ● . Cor: 10 that crepe like a canker ; which to neglect and not to consider is wilful blindnesse ; to consider and not to feare is temptinge of God and greate presumption ; to feare and not to auoyde , is impyetye towarde your soule , and peruerse obstination . I will not stande to rypp vp your contempte of the Cannon of the Apostles , Can. Apost. 63 Concil. Laod. can . ● 31.33 Vid. Clem con●stitut apostol. l. 5 c : 4 of the Councell of Laodicea , & diuers others , forbidding to resorte to the heretickes prayer or conuentickles : Of the example of all antiquitye condemning the same : Of the verdicte and common consente of the profoundest Clerkes of Christendome , and namelye of twelue of the moste choyse men in the laste Tridentine Councell , who after longe siftynge and examining this poynte , in the ende found it altogether vnlawefull , and auouched it better to suffer all kinde of tormentes , then to yeelde vnto it . Yea and although they were desired , not to make this a publicke decree , in respect of the troubles that might aryse to the Catholickes in England , in whose behalfe the question of goinge to church was proposed : Yet the Legate and the foresayde Fathers , gaue this aunswere , that they wold haue this resolution no lesse acounted of , then if it were the censure of the whole Councell . I omit also that dyuers heretickes shal be witnesses againste you in the daye of Iudgement , who with letters and sett treatises haue by many Scriptures proued it to be vnlawfull , for one of a true beleefe to frequente or repayer to the seruice or sacramentes of a false churche . Whose argumentes and actions in this matter , will so much the more condemne you , in that they were more religious in an erroneous and vntrue , then you in a syncere and vndoubted faythe . Theyre oppinion in this matter who desyreth more at large to peruse , lett him reade the treatyse of Ihon Caluine whiche he made de vitandis superstitionibus , quae cum sincera fidei confessione pugnant , of auoydinge superstitions whiche repugne against the sincere profession of faithe : and his booke , which he did wryte as an Apologye ad Pseudonicodemitas to false Nicodemites , who alledged in theyr defence the example of Nicodemus that came to Christe by night● . In which amonge other poyntes he sayeth , that goinge to a churche of a contrarye beliefe , is , partiri inter deum & diabolum , animam vni , corpus alteri assignando . To part stakes betweene God and the diuell assygning the soule to one and the body to the other . He hath also of the lyke tenoure written two Epistles vnto two of his friendes . You maye lykewise in the same volume see the counsel of Melancthon , Peter Martyr , Bucer , and the Ministers of the Tigurine Congregation , whose censure being by Caluine demanded , they all agreed to his opinion . M. Fox also recordeth diuerse letters of Bradfod , Hullier , & others that wholy approue the same assertion . And albeit their reasons were misapplyed in the particular churche , to which they proued it vnlawfull to resorte : Yet are they very sufficient and forcible to confirme that the repayring to a false church in deed , is moste sinnfull and damnable . And there-fore consider with youre selues , what wilfull blyndnesse you are in , that mayntayne a poynte whiche not onlye Catholickes , but euen the verye heretickes them-selues that caryed anye forme or shew of conscience and religion haue detested , as moste preiudiciall to the trueth , offensyue to God , & pernicious to your selues . And not contented your selues to offer your soules , Scismaticke● impietye towardes their children to sacryfyce your fayth , to make an hoaste to the diuell of youre eternall saluation , and your portion in heauen : You carye also with you youre selye innocentes , and force your children to the lyke impyetye , as though it were not enough for you to perishe alone . Cyprian . d● lapsis : Shall not they as S. Cyprian noteth in the daye of iudgemente crye out againste you ? We of our selues haue donne nothing . We dyd not of our owne accorde leaue the meate and cuppe of God , to runne to prophane infection : the infidelytye of others hath caste vs awaye . We felte our owne parents our murderers . They denied vs the church for our mother , & God for our Father , and haue reuyued the olde sinne of the Iewes and Gentiles . Immolauerunt filios suos & filias suas demoniis . Psa ▪ 105 They offered vpp theire sonnes and theyr daughters to diuels . O how cruell and how vnnaturall a thing committ you in thus trayning vp your litle ones in so impious a sorte ? You gaue them but a temporall lyfe , and you take from them a spirytuall : you bred their bodye , and you are the bane of theyre soule . You brought them forth for heauen , & you guyde them the waye to hell . Was this the fruite of your paynful laboure , to bring one into the world , that shold through your education curse the father that begat him , and the mother that bred him , the howre of his birthe , and wishe that the wombe had ben his tombe , his natiuitye , his decease , and his beginninge his endinge ? O howe much better did that good mother of the Machabees , ● Machab. 7 that rather exhorted her children to martyrdome then to offende for sauing theyre lyues . Muche better dyd S. Felicitas , who in the tyme of persecution , beinge as desirous to send her children before her to heauen , as other mothers are to leaue theyres after them here in earthe , confirmed them in spirite , whose bodyes she had borne , and was theyre mother in theyr byrth to God , as well as in theyr natyuitye towarde the worlde . Gregor 〈◊〉 . ● in E●●●g . And as S. Gregorye sayeth , seeinge her seuen deare pledges martyred before her , was in a sorte martyred in them all , and though she were the eyghte in place , yet from the firste to the laste she was alwayes in payne , and her owne killinge was not the beginning , but the ende of her martyrdome . The lyke examples we reade of S. Symphorosa & S. Sophia , who as they were mothers in affection , so were they also in care of theyr childrens soules , exhorting them to constancy , & geuing example of the same . Alas how contrarilye doe the parentes of our dayes , who as thoughe , theyre children were nothing but fleshe and bloode , & bodyes with-out soules , pamper them in all sensuall delight , & feare nothige more , then that theyre soules should be in the state of grace , & members of the Catholicke Churche . But they that are cruell to them-selues , how can they be mercyfull to others , and suche as are them selues fallen from God , how can theye eyther exhorte or vphold others in Gods seruice ? O blindnes & dulnes of harte . And had you rather haue God then man for your enemye ? Had you rather be the diuels then Gods prisoners ? Had you rather lyue caytyues here in earth , then dye to be Sayntes in heauen ? What are your riches as you vse them , but giues to cheyne you , and fetter you in sinne ? Are they not most strayte and stronge boltes , Cypr de lapsis by whiche as S. Cyprian sayeth . Et virtus retardata est , & fides pressa , & mens victa , & anima praeclusa ? Both vertue slacked , and fayth suppressed , & the minde ouercome , and the soule imprisoned ? Yea and besydes this , bringe not these cheynes with them a moste cruel keeper , Chrisost. hom ●● . in Matt that is the loue of mony ? whose qualytye is whom he hath once gotten , not to suffer him to depart the pryson , but to holde him sure with a thousand bandes , lockes and dores , & casting him into an inwarde holde , to make him take pleasure in his bondage . O what a miserable change make you . You sell with Esau your heauenly inheritance for a litle broth : Gen. ●5 You sell your soule , that coste no lesse then the life & blood of God him-selfe , for the shorte vse of a fewe ryches : you sell God and all he is worth , for a small reuenew of a fewe yeeres . It is not the feare of temporall losse can excuse you . God gaue it you , and for him you must not be vnwilling to forgoe it . It is foly to thinke that God can allowe for an excuse the losse of a lyttle pelfe , when the soule which he bought with his owne blood is lost for the sauing of it . Clem. Alex. l. 2. paed●g . c. 1● Clemens Alex andrinus reporteth , that Apelles seeinge one of his schollers paynting Helena & limming her image with muche golde , sholde saye vnto him , that sithence he was not able to paynte her fayre , he meant at the least to make her ryche . Whiche wordes we maye well vse to those that alleadge theyre ryches as a cause of theyre reuolte . Whose faulte beinge so palpable , that they can not paynt it with anye seemlye shape of vertue , they seeke at the least to gylde it , and make it seeme tolerable with the pompe of theyr riches , as though wher true beawtye and grace wanteth , theyr heauenly Apelles could be blinded from espying the deformyty of theyre image by the glyttering of theyre golde . No no , well seeth God your grosse erroure & the follye of your bargayne . Qui regna coelorum , sayeth S. Chrysostome , permutant pecunia ; Chrysost. hom 64. in M●tt idem faciunt , ac si quis regno actus amplissimo , stercoris cumulo glorietur . They whiche change the kingdome of heauen for monye ; are lyke vnto him , that being dispossessed of a large kingdome , shold glory in a heape of dunge . They that desire to gayne : seeke in puttinge forth theyre monye , suche as will geue them greatest vsurye , Chrysost hom 53 ad popul. ●ntioch . and take theyre monye thankefullye at theyre handes . But you seeme to take a quite contrarye course . You forsake God , that offereth not the hundred parte , but the hundred folde gayne , and put out your monye to suche , as can not so muche as restore the principall . What can your bellye retourne you , whyche consumeth most parte of your riches , but dunge and corruption ? what your vayne Pompe and glorye , but malice and enuye ? what your vnchastitye , but hell and the worme of conscience ? And yett haue you chosen these for your detters , and for the vsury and lone of your wealthe : presente euils , and future punishmentes . What comforte can your wealth geue you who how richelye soeuer you are attyred , without Christe you are naked ? with what Iewels or ornamentes soeuer you are sett forth , without Christes beautye , you are deformed . How soeuer your face is paynted and your beautye blased ; without grace you are vgly and monstrous . And alas , how can you take anye pleasure in these vanytyes , consideringe that you haue loste your selfe , and that you cary aboute you your owne funerall , whyle your body is a filthye tombe of a more filthy soule , not only dead , but almoste rotten in sinne ? And will you thus lende your riches to your owne reuenge , & not rather put than out to Christ , that offereth heauen & life euerlasting for your lone ? If the time of his payment seeme some what long , & that withhold you ▪ Remember that he which lyeth not biddeth you firste seeke the kingdome of God , Matt: 6 and for necessaries , you shall not wante . Remember the longer he keepeth it , the more gayne he hath to returne for it . And if you not onlye beare but wishe for this delaye in your vsury with men : haue you so lytle confidence in God , & suche feare he should become banckeroute , that you dare not truste him so longe as you would an ordinarye marchant ? Consider with your selues that the articles of your fayth are no fables : the wordes and contentes of the Scripture , no Poets fictions : They are vndoubted truethes , and shal assuredlye be veryfied . Christ sayeth , whosoeuer loueth , Matt: 10 father , mother , ryches , wyfe , or children , more then him ; is not worthye of him : And who so gathereth not with Chryste , Matt: 12 scattereth . And he that is not with him , is against him . Suche as deny him here , Matt: 10 shal be denyed of him in the nexte worlde . Luc. 12 And whosoeuer confesseth him here , shal be acknowledged of him in the daye of iudgemente . And both these sayinges being of equal trueth and credite , Cyprian : de lap sis then as S. Cyprian sayeth . Si fides quae vicerit , coronatur ; necesse est vt victa perfidia puniatur . If the fayth that conquereth be crouned , them must the foyled perfidiousnesse be chasticed . Wherfore whosoeuer hath fallen , lett him nowe ryse : If he haue shewed himselfe a man in sinninge : Lett him not shewe himselfe a diuell in obstinatlye perseueringe in his faulte . Gr●g : hom: 1● Euang: So many delightes as you haue to leaue , so many sacrifyces you haue to appease God . Your number of vices , maye you turne into a number of vertues , imployinge all that to serue God in your repentance , which you abused to the contempte of God , Bernard : in quod : ser: in your wickednesse . Flye out of the middest of Babylon sayeth S. Bernard and saue your soules . Flye vnto the cytye of refuge , where you maye doe penance for that whiche is paste , obtayne grace for the presente , and expecte the comfortes that are to come . Lett not the burden of your conscience withholde you , for where sinne hath much abounded ; there aboundeth also Gods grace in repentance . Lett not the feare of difficulties , and rigour , dismaye you . The passions of this world are not condigne neither to the sinnes paste which are released , nor to the present sweetenesse of grace which is restored , nor to the future glorye wher-with they shal be rewarded . If you beleeue not wordes : beleeue examples , of so manye . How manye haue you in pryson both by nature and custome verye dayntye , and tender ? Nothinge is impossible to true beleeuers : Nothinge sharpe to true louers : Nothinge harde to the meeke : Nothing rough to the humble , to whome grace affordeth healpe , and deuoute obedience easeth the wayghte of Gods commaundementes . Remember what iudgementes God hathe shewed on those that denyed him . Cyprian de lapsis One as soone as he had denyed Christe , was presentlye stricken dumme , and in that began his punishment , in whiche beganne his faulte . An other woman hauinge committed the lyke cryme , was sodaynlye in the bathes seased on by an euill spirite , and toare of her tongue with her owne teeth , by whiche she had renounced her faythe . And thus being made the reuenger of her own offence , within a litle space extremelye tormented with wringinge in her bowels , she gaue vp the ghost . And to omitt perticulers ; Harken what S. Cyprian sayeth of those , Ibidem that in his tyme were guilty of this reuolte . Quam multi quotidie immundis spiritibus adimplentur ? quam multi vsque ad insaniam mentis excordes , dementiae furore quatiuntur ? Nec necesse est ire per exitus singulorum , cum per orbis multiformes ruinas tam delictorum paena sit varia , quam delinquentium multitudo numerosa . How manye are euerye daye fraught with foule fiendes ? howe manye waxinge witlesse fooles , are in the ende shaken with a furious madnesse ? Nether neede I to goe ouer the particuler endes of euery one , seeing that in the manyfold ruines and reuoltes through the worlde , the punishmentes of theyre sinnes are as various , as the multitude of offenders is greate . Let euery one of you consider as well , what he himselfe hath deserued , as what others haue suffered . Lett no man flatter himselfe in the adiourning of his chastisement . Yea lett him rather feare the more , seeinge God reserueth his sinne to an eternall reuenge . Be not moued with theyre example , that eyther throughe retchlesse errour , or dulnesse of faith runne headlonge forward in theyre wilful blindenesse . Goe not you to perdition with them for companye , and thinke it not better to goe to hell with manye , then to heauen with a few . Ioyne your prayers with oures , that daylye praye for you . Be not slack in your owne cause , to which so manye cooperate , and laughe not you in your miserye , which so manye rue . God is readye agayne to receyue you . He openeth vnto you the gate of his mercye . He calleth you , he enuiteth you , with fatherlye pitye . O vngratfulnesse , why stycke you ? why stande you ? what stayeth you from comming ? Your soule lyeth vppon it ; youre eternall weale or woe is in the ballaunce . Take mercye whyle you may , enter whyle you haue accesse . Leste the gate be shut , and your knocking not harde , and your last aunswere , nescio vos , I knowe you not . And you on the other syde moste constant confessours , Comfortes agaynst Sersma tickes example continue youre course , perseuer in youre commenced enterprise . Lett not the example of those that fall , make you the weaker . 1 : Ioa : ● Si fuissent ex nobis , mansissent vtique nobiscum . Cyprian de v●●tate Ecclesia Gratulandum ( sayeth Saint Cyprian ) cum lupi , & bestiae de Ecclesia separentur ; ne columbas , ne oues ▪ Christi saeua sua & venenata contagione praedentur . If they had ben of vs , they wold haue stayed with vs . We should reioyce when wolues & beastes are sequestred from the Church , least with their cruell and venemous infection , they praye vppon the doues and sheepe of Christe . Howe can the sweete stande together with the sower , darkenesse with lyght , the calme with the tempest ? Cyprian : de simplicitat● praelaetorum● Nemo putet bon●s de ecclesia discedere . Triticum non rapit ventus , nec arborem solida radice fundatam procella subuertit : Inanes paleae tempestate iactantur , inualidae arbores turbinis in cursione euertuntur . Lett no man imagin that the good goe out of the Churche . The winde carieth not away the wheat , neither doth the storme ouerthrow the trees that are strong rooted . The lighte chaffe is tossed with euery tempest , & the weake trees with euery blast are blowen doune . And as the piller in a building , if it stande so ryghte as it sholde ; the more wayghte is layde vppon it , the more firme and vnmoueable it standeth ; but if it leane to eyther syde , any wayght maketh it fall quite doune and breake a sunder : so those that in this spirituall building of the Church walke vprightlye , framing theyre behauiour agreeablye to the integritye of theyre fayth ; by the poyse of persecution , are rather strengthned and confirmed : but suche as are of loose demeanoure , and euill lyfe , leaninge to the lybertye of this wycked tyme ; with euerye lytle wayght of aduersitye , fall into schisme , and are broaken of from the members of Christes misticall bodye . When the Sunne shyneth sayeth S. Augustine , Aug. in Psa: 93 is it the Palme that withereth , or the Cedar that is parched ? is it not rather the wearish haye that sodaynly fadeth with the heate ? 1. Reg. 19. Though you see some Saule of a prophet to become a prophets persecutour : some Iudas of Christs Apostle to become his betrayer : Apoc 2 Some Nicholas of a Deacon to become an archheretike : yet be not you moued . What maruayle when the beame is seuered from the Sunne , if it leese the lyght ? when the bough is cut of from the tree , if it wither ? Or if the brooke being parted from the head springe , drye quite vpp ? This cannot anye waye preiudice but rather profitt the Churche , whose purytye is increased , when it voydethe oute of it suche ordure and corruption . For as Sainte Gregorye sayth Nemo amplius in ecclesia nocet , Greg. in pastora . quam qui peruerse agens , nomen vel ordinem sanctitatis habet . Delinquentem namque hunc redarguere nullus praesumit : & in exemplis culpa vehementius ostenditur , quando pro reuerentia ordinis peccator honoratur . No man in the Church doth more harme , then he that liuinge peruerselye beareth the name and degree of pyetye . For such a one no man presumeth to reproue , and a greate deale more apparentlye turneth the faulte to euill example , when for reuerence of the order the offender muste haue his honoure . Better therfore it is that they should goe out of it , that within it are a disgrace vnto it , and without it honoure it , as a grounde that can not brooke such rancke and poysoned weedes . Contemne not the perle because the swyne treade vppon it : despyse not the lyghte , because the euill doers hate it : thincke not worse of the Churche if the wicked forsake it . It were a follye in the Aegiptians to contemne theyre riuer Nilus that fatteth theyre soyle , and causeth all theyre aboundance : to refuse to eate of the fruites which by wateringe the earthe it engendreth , because there-in the Crocodyle breedeth , or for that some times it casteth out an vglye Vyper . So were it muche more madnesse to condemne the Churche , or Sacramentes ther●of , because some poysened wormes haue bredd and fedd in them , and afterwarde impiouslye reuolted from them . It is not muche to see some cockle in Gods fielde , so longe as the enemye maye sowe it . Matt: 13 Looke you vppon the wheate , for the Aungels shal bynd the cockle in bundles , and throw them into vnquenchable fyre . Ibidem The nett is not yet drawen to shore for the fysher to caste out the euill fyshe . The good man of the house hathe not yet sorted his vessels , Rom: 9 nor seuered the vessels of reproche from the vessels of honoure . Cum acceperit tempus , Psal: 74 ipse iustitias iudicabit . When he taketh hys tyme he wyll iudge iustice it selfe ; how muche more theyre impyetye ? In the meane whyle though some of the bad seuer them selues from Christs body : we must rather thincke it a happynesse , then a nouelty . For so hath it ben alwayes heretofore , and so will it be alwayes hereafter , vntill suche tyme as venient Angeli & separabunt malos de medio iustorum . Matt: 19 The Angels shall come and seuer the bad from emongest the iuste , and alott euerye one to his deserued home . It is better for vs to be humbled with the meeke , Pro: 16 then to diuide spoyles with the proud . Better it is to be a wounded and tormented member in the bodye , then a member clad in golde and cutt of from the same . It were greate follye in one , that seeing a horse fayre to the eye , of a good coloure , of a proper make , and sett forthe with a gorgeous furniture ; would strayte bye it at an vnreasonable pryce , neyther considering the pase , corage , force , or soundenesse therof : So were it extreme madnesse , to buye the aduauncement of this world , with losse of eternall ioye , only for the fayre shew and flattering delyghtes , not wayinge the slyppernesse , the vanitye , and the daunger of them . If they thinke worldlye pleasure so great felicitye , as to take it at this rate with the losse of theyre soules : yett lett not vs imitate or lyke of theyr bargayne . Though children seeinge the stage players , in costlye attyre , thinke them happyer then the rich gentleman , that goethe playne , because neyther consider they the players base condition , otherwise , nor theyre shamfull profession , but onlye theyre fayned glorye : yet lett not vs be so chyldishe , as to make the lyke accounte of the worldlye glouttons , that haue reuolted from God to gorge , knowing that though they are cladd in purple , and euerye daye pampered with magnifical banckets , yet ende they with this miserable conclusion , mortuus est diues , & sepultus in inferno . Luc. 16. The riche man dyed , and was buryed in hell . Who is so mad as to admire his might sayeth Eusebius Emissenus , Euseb. Emis . de SS. Epiphodio & alexandr● that is onlye mightye to doe himselfe mischiefe ? who would deeme him happye that had a stronge hande , for nothing but to cutt his own throt ? who would prayse his swiftenesse , that runneth hastely to his owne perdition ? or maruayle at his hye ascente , whose mounting is only to his greater ruine ? Such felicitye is much lyke theirs , that hauinge taken the poysened iuyce of certayne hearbes , are by the operation therof , brought to dye with excessyue laughture . And what felicitye is it , sayeth S. Chrysostome , Chrysost. 〈◊〉 3. de L●zar● for one sicke of the dropsye to haue choyse of pleasante drynckes , which the more they allure him to taste of them , the more they forwarde him towardes his deathe ? Lett them triumphe in this theyre imaginary happynesse and true misery : Lett them reioyce in theyre wickednesse , and glorye in theyre destruction : Lett vs comforte our selues in our passions , and afflictions for Christe , which we knowe will aduaunce vs to an eternal rewarde , & to those glorious titles before mentioned , which vndoubtedlye are due vnto the Martirs in our cause & to no other . Cap 13 That Hereti●kes can not be Martyrs .

Cap. 13

FOr though it hath bene the propertye of heretickes , to vaunte of suche as dyed for theyr religion , and to terme them martyrs , as they dyd theyre heresye true religion : Yet in fyne it hathe alwayes appeared , that as theyr doctrin was heresye , so theyre death desperation . Eusebius writeth that the Cataphrigians beinge driuen to an exigent , Euseb. l. 5 : hist ● : 15 : 16 : had no other waye to mayntaine theyr doctrine , but to flye to theyre Martyrs . To whome Apollinaris well aunswered , that so had the Marcionistes and other heretyckes done , but , quae ( sayeth he ) esse poterit apud eos , martirij veritas , vbi Christiveritas non est ? Howe is it possible for them to haue the trueth of martirdome , that wante the trueth of Christe . The Manna when it was vsed agreeablye to the precept of God , had all kinde of delightsome tastes , was fitt to norish & verye pleasante to eate . But when in the vse therof his comaundement was not obserued , that most comfortable viand rotted , and turned into wormes . So though martirdome , if it be well vsed , be an acte of singuler vertue , yea of all vertues together , and turne to the incomparable glorye of the Martyre : yet when it is not taken for a right cause , and in a due sorte , it is to the sufferer but a beginning of an eternall corruption , and breedeth an euerlastinge worme of conscience . And vppon such alighteth that curse of God mentioned in Deuteronomie , Deut: 28● that they shall sowe much seed , & reape litle corne ; because the Locust shall deuoure it . They shall plante and digge a vinyarde , but neuer drincke the wine thereof ; because the wormes shall destroy it : they shall haue olyue trees in all theyre groundes , and yet not be anoyndted with the oyle ; because theyre Oliues shal fall and perish . And so what torturing so euer the wicked or heretickes suffer , it shall auayle them to nothinge but to theyre payne . For if all were Martyres , that dye for theyre relygion , then manye heresyes both contrary emong themselues , and repugnant to the euident , doctrine of Christ , sholde be truethes , which is impossible . Esse Martyr non potest , Cyprian : l ●● simp●● : pral● torum qui in Ecclesia non est , ad regnum peruenire non poterit , qui eam quae regnatura est derelinquit . Cum Deo manere non possunt , qui in ecclesia vnanimes esse noluerunt . Ardeant licet flammis , & ignibus traditi , vel obiecti bestiss animas suas ponant : non erit illa fidei corona , sed paena perfidiae : nec religiosae virtutis exitus gloriosus , sed desperationis interitus . Occidi talis potest , coronari non potest . Sic se Christianum esse confitetur , quomodo & Christum diabolus saepe mentitur , ipso domino premonente et dicente multi venient in nomine meo , dicentes , ego sum Christus , & multos fallent . He can be no Martyr that is not in the Churche : he can not atchyue the kingdome , that forsaketh her that shal be Queene . They can make no abode with God , that refuse to be peaceable in his Church . Wel may they broile in flames , and beinge throwen into the fyre , or wherled to wylde beastes caste awaye theyre lyues : It shall be no crowne of theyr fayth , but a punishment of theyr perfidiousnesse , it shall not be a glorious ende of theyr religious vertue , but a death of desperation . Well may such a one be killed : but he can not be crowned . He so professeth him selfe to be a Christian , as the diuell faslye fayneth him selfe to be Christ . As our Lord forewarned vs saying , Many shall come in my name sayinge I am Christe , and shall deceyue dyuers . Aug l. 1. de ci●itate dei c. ● In the same fyre ( sayeth S. Augustine ) the golde shyneth and strawe smoaketh . Vnder the same flayle the corne is purged & the huskes broken . Neyther is the oyle and dregges confounded together , because they are bothe vnder the wayghte of the same presse . Euen so the same vyolence that proueth , purifyeth , and clenseth the good ; damnethe , wasteth , and spoyleth the badd . And in the same affliction the wicked curse and blaspheme God , and the good praise him and pray vnto him , so muche importeth it , not what things , but in what state and cause euery one suffereth . For by the lyke stirringe the myre breatheth out a horrible , and the sweete oyntmente a delightsome sauour . The redd sea of Martyrdome , Sap. 16 though to the true Israelite it yelde drye waye without impediment , yet Pharao and the false Aegiptians are drowned therin and syncke to the bottome lyke stones . Exod. 15. Who were euer more readye to dye for the relygion then the Donatistes ? who dyd not onlye dye obstinatlye when they were condemned , but prouoked men to kill them for theyr religion . Haue we not the same furious spirite , likewyse in the Anabaptists , who though they denye the scripture , the humanitye of Christe , though they stycke onlye to theyre owne dreames , and reuelations , though they permitt suche brutishe communitye and pluralytye of wiues , and mariage of sister and brother together : Yet dye they in defence of these damnable Paradoxes , & that with such pertinacye , as thoughe they had bodyes of steele , that felte no payne or tormente . But lett not this moue anye one to thinke the trueth on theyre syde . For euen to this daye doe the Iewes dye in defence of the fables of theyre Talmud , ( which is to them as oure Byble is to vs . ) Wherein notwithstanding besydes the denyall of the coming of Christ , ther are very many ridiculous things . As that God spendeth three houres in the daye in readinge theyre lawe : other certayne houres he weepeth and afflicteth himselfe for sufferinge the Temple to be destroyed , & the Iewes brought into bondage : that he appoynted certayne sacrifyces euery newe Moone to be offred for his sinne in geuing the Sunne that lyght which wrongfullye he had taken awaye from the Moone ; and other fables of lyke follye . And yet as childish thinges as these be , wante there not at this daye , that will dye in defence of theyre religion . And not many yeares since , a Renegate Christian becomming a Iewe , was burnt for this fonde doctrine . Neyther is this maruayle when the Gentyles themselues euen vnto this daye , haue also their Martyres . For as maye be seene in the Epistles & storyes of India , it is thought a verye laudable thinge amonge them , putting themselues and theyre goodes into an vnfurnished shipp newe builte for that purpose , to bore the shipp thoroughe , and by drowning in the syghte of theyr friendes and the people , to sacryfice themselues to theyr false Gods . Other also in theyre greate and hyghe solemnities , when the presse & throng of people is moste , vse to lye flatt in the thresholdes of the dores of the Temples , and suffer them selues , to be trampled to death , & are therby accounted as Sainctes . I omitt Decius , Scaeuola , Leocorius , Leonides , and others of older date , whose factes maye easilye auouch S. Augustines sayinge , August . l. 3. de ciuira . Dei . that causa , non paena , martyrem facit .. And therfore they are madd ( sayeth he ) that diuide the members of Christ , Idem ep. 50. abolish the Sacraments , and yet glorye of theyre persecution , in that they are forbidden to doe these things by the Emperours lawes , which they haue enacted for the vnity of gods Church : And boste guilefullye of their innocencye , seekinge at mens handes the glorye of Martyrs , which at oure Lordes they can not haue . But the true Martyrs are those of whome our Lorde sayde , blessed are they that suffer persecution for iustice sake ; Wherfore not they that for theire owne iniquitye , or for the impious breache of Christian vnity , but they which for righteousnes suffer persecution , are in deede the true Martyrs . Et si passa es , o pars Donati , corporalem afflictionem ab ecclesia Catholica : a Sara passa es Agar , redi ad dominam tuam . And O saction of Donatus , if thou hast suffered corporall persecution of the catholicke churche , thou hast suffered as Agar of Sara . Returne therefore vnto thy maystres . And in testimony hereof , of so manye hundredes of heretickes that haue bene in former ages put to death for theyre heresyes , whome haue you emongest all aunciente authores , that doth register them as Martyrs , yea that condemneth them not for obstinate heretickes ? Where haue you anye of theyre festiuall dayes , theyre glorious tombes , theire honour and memories celebrated , mentioned or knowne ? We see that the true Martyrs dayes , names , actes and ashes are yett famous , though they were strayte after Christes tyme , and haue passed the stormes of so manye and greate persecutions . They are mentioned of all antiquitye , honoured with the style of as great Saintes as them selues , Eccle: 45 et memoria eorum in benedictione est : and theire memorye shal be blessed . But not all Arrius posteritye , not all the races of other heretickes , coulde mainteyne theyr doctrine , or theire Martyrs credite longe , but euen it fell out with them , and will doe with foxes Martyrs , Psa: 36 as Dauide prophesied . Vidi impium superexaltatum , & eleuatum supra Cedros Libani . & transii , & ecce non erat . & quaesiui eum et non est inuentus Locus eius , For a whyle they were honored as Saintes , and had the glorye of the Cedars of Libanus giuen vnto them . But in the ende they are found to haue bene barren trees , and throwne into vnquencheable fyre , and theyre places was no longer found amongest Saints . Martyrdome can not be the iuste punishment of sinne , but the crowne of vertue ; and whosoeuer is iustlye executed for a true offence , Sainte he maye be , if he repente him of his faulte , and take his deathe as his iust deserte ; But Martyre he can not be , thoughe he endure neuer so manye deathes or tormentes . For as one that in a hott sommer daye walkinge in a drye and barren fielde , and being sore parched with the sunne , & extreme thirstye , though he settled him selfe to paynte or graue in the earth most pleasante fountaynes or delyghtsome and shadowye bowers , shoulde be neuerthelesse as much annoyed with heate , and as litle eased of his thyrst as before : So they that walke in the fruitelesse fielde of heresye , in which it is vnpossible that eyther the fountayne of grace shoulde spring , or the arbours of glorye growe , howsoeuer in the heate of theire iust persecution and thyrst of comforte in theyre punishmentes they feede theyre imagination with a vayne presumption of future ioyes : yett in trueth all their hope is like a paynted fountayne , that rather increseth , than diminisheth their payne . And therfore in yelding them selues so rashelye to tormentes for theire heresyes , they doe lyke a poore wretch lyinge a sleepe on the edge of a hye and steepe rocke , who dreaminge that he were made a Kinge , and had a glorious trayne of nobilitye to attende him , sumptuous pallaces to lodge him , and the commodityes of a whole kingdome at his commandement : shoulde vpon the sodeyne by starting vp and leaping for ioye , fall downe from the rocke , and in lieu of all his imaginarye solaces , kill him selfe and leese that litle comforte which he had in his miserable lyfe . For in trueth as S. Paule sayeth , though I deliuer my bodye to be burned , and haue no charitye and vnion with God , and his true Church : it auayleth me no thinge . And for this woulde Christe haue his first Martyres Innocentes , and as S. Cyprian sayeth , Cypr. ep: 24 Aetas nec dum habilis ad pugnam , idonea extitit ad coronam ; & vt appareret innocentes esse , qui propter Christum necantur , infantia innocens ob nomen eius occisa est . The age vnhable to the combate was apte for the crowne , and that it myghte appeare that they were innocentes that shoulde dye for Christ , innocent infancye was firste for his name putt to death . This seemed Dauide to insinuate when he sayd , Psa: 36 keepe innocencye and beholde equitye , because there are reliques for the peaceable man . But where this innocencye wanteth , this equity fayleth , this peace ablenesse with Gods Church is not obserued , well sayeth S. Cyprian : Cypr ep: 16 Siex talibus quis fuerit apprehensus : non est quod sibi quasi in confessione nominis blandiatur , cum constet , si eiusmodi extra ecclesiam fuerint occisi fidei coronam non esse , sed paenam perfidiae . If anye such be apprehended , he need not flatter him selfe , as though he were a confessor of Christes name : seeinge it is manifeste that if anye such be killed , it is no crowne of his faythe , but a penalty of his faythlessnesse . And therefore if anye of theire actions be committed to writinge , it is not a reporte of theire prayses but a rehersall of theire iniquities . For as Dauid foretolde . Perijt memoria eorum cum sonitu ; Psa ● and agayne : Psa. 36 iniusti autem peribunt , simul reliquiae impiorum interibunt . Theyr memory vanyshed with a sound , & the vniust shall perishe , and theyre verye reliques be quite extinguished . wherfore to you only and to your predecessors who suffer in this gloryous cause of the Catho , like fayth , & whose only quarrell as before is proued , is the true quarrell of religion , to you I saye , & to no other appertayneth the glory of Martyrs in this worlde , and the vnspeakeable felicitie prepared for them in the worlde to come .

Cap. 14. Cap. 14. The twelft confort , is the glorye due vnto Martyres in the nexte world●

WHich how great it is , may easelye be coniectured . For theyre deade bodyes , here in earthe are so highlye honoured and had in suche estimation ; what maye we thincke of the maiestye of theyre soules in heauen . For first all the comfortes , ioyes , and delightes that are here scattered in diuers creatures , and contryes all the bewtye and comlynesse that any worldlye thinge here hath , shal be there vnited and ioyned together in euerye Sayncte , without any of these imperfections , wher-withal they are here coped . Nowe what a happye man woulde we thinke him , that with a worde mighte haue all the wealth and treasure , solace and comfort that this worlde is able to afforde : If he might be loued of whom and as much as he wolde : honoured of all : and partner of euerye mans ioye , as much as them selues : and haue euerye thing in what tyme place and manner , that it pleased him to appoynte ? We see how muche anye one pleasure is prysed . Some will venture to anye perill , to please theyre taste : other to contente theyre eye : manye to satisfye theyre eare : infinite to fulfill theyre sensualitye . And yet what are all the content-mentes of these senses , but shadowes and dreames of delight , neyther sufficient to quenche sorowe , nor able to cotinue longe , nor wonne without hazarde , nor ended without feare , nor lost without greefe ? But in heauen all the senses are euermore and without feare of losse , fullye satisfied , with theyre seuerall pleasures , and drowned in the depth of vnspeakeable delighte . The place how glorious it is maye be ghessed by the description of S. Ihon of heauenlye Hierusalem , Apoc. 28 whose walles are of pretious stone , whose gates Pearles , whose porters Angels , whose streetes paued with golde , and interlaced with Christal riuers , the banckes wherof are sett with the trees of lyfe , whose fruite reneweth , & the leaues preserue from all kind of sicknesse . God is their Sunne and euer shineth : theyre temple , and is euer open : theyre daye neuer endeth , theyre felicitye neuer decayeth , and theyre state neuer altereth . Which description , though it be sett forthe with the most precious things of this world , the better to resemble the glorye of that place : yet in trueth it hathe litle comparison to the thinge it selfe . But because we beinge ruled by sense , more then by vnderstandinge , conceaue not spirituall matters , but by the similitude of earthlye thinges : Lett this for the glorye of the place suffyse , that all the ornaments , delightes , and inuentions , that eyther nature hathe bredd , or arte deuised , or man imagined , shall there meet to the furniture of these roomes . And whatsoeuer hath bene , is , or shal be of rare beautye to sett anye thinge forth , shall there be present , & all this in a thousande folde more delicious & exquisite maner , then euer hath bene seene or conceyued in this world . Now range with your inwarde eye in the suptuous Pallaces , and statelye buildinges of monarches , & Emperours , see what you can , and thincke a thousand times more then you see , it is all but a fancye in respecte of that which heauen is garnished withall . Now for your companye you must not thincke that because the lame , blynde , poore , and despised abiectes of this worlde are those that goe to heauen , and on the other syde the Princes , peeres , and Potentates for the most part those that sinke into hel : that therfore all the beste companye is banished from thence , and the remissals of mankinde , onlye lefte ; to fill vpp the seates of the falne Aungels . For firste , all those of al states , and degrees , whose companye shal be grateful , shal be there present : but suche as were vnworthye of theyre earthlye prefermentes , and abused them to theyre damnation , as moste doe : Muche lesse are they worthye of heauenlye glorye , and theyre companye we shall vtterlye deteste , & therfore neuer be troubled with it . Secondlye if God of a childe that cometh naked out of his mothers wombe and hath no more to healpe him selfe , then the poorest bratt that is borne in the worlde , can make , such mightye Emperours , and worthyes as we reade to haue ben in tymes paste : how much more able is he to aduaunce the moste impotent wretch to a greater dignitye in heauen . God estemeth not the toyes that men accounte of , his iudgemente onlye searcheth euerye mans desertes . When we dye , it is , as in the change of a Prince : for they that were in authoritye , are then deposed : those that were base and abiect before are then aduaunced : and the Prince that is newly created , regardeth litle whome his predecessoure fauoured , but who seemed to him best worthye of prefermente . Euen so little esteemethe God what accompte the worlde hathe made of vs , but howe well we haue deserued to be well thought of and worthelye rewarded . Besydes men , we shall haue the companye of so manye quires of Angels , of our Ladye , Christe , and the moste blessed Trinitye , and these so beautifull to see , so amiable and louing to conuerse with , that we shall no lesse ioye of oure companye , then of oure owne glorye . Anselm . ep. 2 ad Hugonem . Of this S. Anselme speaketh thus . Whosoeuer deserueth to come thither , whatsoeuer he wold wish shal be , and what he will not , shall not be neyther in heauen nor earthe . For such is the loue of God to his Sainctes and of them amonge themselues ; that all loue one another , as them selues , & loue God more then them selues . And none will haue but what god will haue , and that whiche one will haue , all wil haue , and that which one or al wil haue God , also will haue it so to be . So that euery on s wishe shal be fulfilled in hym selfe , in all other creatures , yea and in almightye God . And so shall all be absolute Kinges , because euerye on s pleasure , and will shal be fullye accomplished . Finallye , in the syghte of God we shall haue the fulnesse of felicity , which neither eye hath seene , nor eare heard , nor mans harte atchiued . The vnderstanding shal be without erroure , the memorye without forgetfulnesse , the will without euill desyres ; the thoughtes pure , and comfortable , the affections ordinate , and measurable , all the passions gouerned by reason , and setled in a perfecte calme . No feare shall affrighte vs , no presumption puffe vs vpp , no loue disquiete vs , no anger incense vs , noe enuye gnawe vs , no pusillanimitye qualye vs , but courage , constancye , charitye , peace , and securitye , shall replenishe and establishe our hartes . It shall be lawefull to loue whatsoeuer we lyke , and whatsoeuer we loue we shall perfectlye enioy , and not onlye loue , but be also loued , so much as we our selues will desire . Our knowledge shall comprise , whatsoeuer maye be to our comforte , not only one thing at once , but all thinges together , so that the multitud of the obiects shal delight vs , not confound vs , fill our desire of knowledge , not hinder the perfect intelligence of them all . And for our bodyes , they shal be of most comely & gracious feature , bewteous and louely , healthful without al weaknes , alwais in youth flower and prime of theyr force , personable of shape , as nimble as oure thought , subiect to noe penall impression , vncapable of greefe , as cleere as christall , as brighte as the Sunne , and as able to finde passage thorough heauen , earth , or any other material stopp , as in the liquid and yeldinge ayre . Our syghte shall feede on the most glorious and eysome maiestye of the place , and on the glorye and bewtye of the company : the eare shall alwayes be solaced with moste sweete and angelicall harmonye : the smellinge delighted with heauenlye sentes and odours : the taste pleased with incomparable sweetnesse : the feelinge satisfyed with a perpetuall and vnknowen pleasure : Fynallye euerye parcell , ioynte , senew , vayne and member of our bodye , shall haue his seuerall and peculiar delyghte . Whiche though they be most diuers in qualitie , and so vehement , that the least of them in respecte of the excessyue ioye that it wolde cause in vs , were more then our mortall bodye would beare : yet shall not the presence of the one , diminishe the full comfort of the other , but euery one increase others pleasure , and we neuerthelesse haue a seuerall contentmente bothe of euerye one by it selfe , and of them all together . Theyre plentye cloyeth not , theyre satietye offendeth not , the continuance annoyeth not . Theyre hunger is satisfied yet not diminished , their desyre accomplished but not ceased , so that by hauinge theyr desyre , theyre mynde is quieted , and by desyring that they haue , annoyance auoyded . Neyther is theyre ioye conteyned in theyre owne persons . For as Hugo sayeth , Hugo . l. 4 d● anima c. 15 eche by louinge other as himselfe , delighteth in others ioye , as much as in his owne : & what he hath not in himselfe he possesseth in his companye . So that he hath as manye ioyes as fellowes in felicity , and the seuerall ioyes of all are of as greate com●ort to euerye Sayncte , as his owne peculier . And because all loue God more then themselues , they take more pleasure of his blisse , then of all theyr ioyes beside . O how gloryous wil it then be for gods Martyres , when in securitye they shall counte theyre conquestes of Sathan , & his instrumentes , by patience and constancye ? when they shall haue an eternall tryumphe , for a shorte victorye ? when they shall looke down vpon their glorious spoyles of soules , by theyre blood conuerted , and shall see theyre enemyes eyther confounded , by Gods iustice , or reclaymed by his mercye ? What a singuler ioye shall they conceyue by considering the tormentes auoyded which the lapsed shall endure and the glorious change that they fynd in them selues ? For theyre prison they shal haue a paradyse of delights : for theyr cheynes , ornamentes of glorye : for theyre reproche and shame , honoure and reuerence : for the raylinge againste them , euerlasting prayse & titles of renoune : from the rage of enemyes they shall passe to the league of Saynctes . O how gloryous will the scarres of theyre woundes , and the tokens of theyre agonyes then shewe , Aug. l 22 de ciuit . c. 2● which as S. Augustine sayth they shall beare about them as perpetuall testimonyes of theyr victories . Non enim deformitas in eis , sed dignitas erit : & quaedam , quamuis in corpore , non corporis , sed virtutis pulchritudo fulgebit . For there shal be in them no deformitye , but dignitye : & a certayne beautye shall shine , though in the bodye yet not of the body but of vertue . So sayth S. Chrisostome Pugnacis militis gloria est , Chrisost. in 24 c. Matt referre cum victoria lacerum clipeum , ostendere plagas . It is a glory , to a couragious soldier , to bring home with victorye a torne & hacked buckler , and to shewe his woundes . And in an other place he sayeth ; that they shal not only be after the resurrection badges of tryumph , but are also now verye forcible motyues to obtayne theyr petitions , and to praye confidentlye for vs . Serm. de SS. Iuuen. et Ma● Etenim sicut milites vulnera in praelijs sibi inflicta regi monstrantes , fidenter loquuntur : Ita & illi absecta capita gestantes , & in medium afferentes , quaecunque voluerint apud regem coelorum impetrare possunt . For as soldiers shewinge theyre Kinge the woundes receyued in his quarrell speake confidentlye vnto him : so they carying and bringing in presence theyr heades chopped of , maye of the Kinge of heauen obtayn whatsoeuer they wil. Ep. ad Hedibia . The same doth S. Hierome insinuat sayinge , that the Martyrs keepe the markes of the pullinge out theyre eyes , the slytting of theyre nose , and suche lyke maymes for Gods cause . In testimonie wherof we see that Christe the paterne of our resurrection , did beare with him into heauen the printes of his wounds , as S. Beede noteth to the confusion of his enemyes , shame of the Sinagogue , as eternall testimonyes of his loue towardes vs as glorious proofes of his obedience to his father , & as a perpetuall discharge of our raunsome . O peccator , sayeth S. Bernarde , Bernard in Canti . securum accessum habes ad patrem , vbi habes matrem ante filium , & filium ante patrem . Filius ostendit patri latus & vulnera , mater filio pectus et vbera , nec potest esse ibi aliqua repulsa , vbi sunt tot caritatis insigna . O sinner , securelye mayest thou come to the father where thou haste the mother before the sonne , the sonne before his father . The sonne sheweth his father his syde and his woundes , the mother to her sonne her breste and her dugges , neyther can there be anye repulse , where there pleade so manye markes and tokens of charitye . O howe terrible will these woundes of Christe be , to the Sinagoge , when that shall be veryfyed in the daye of dome , videbunt in quem transfixerunt ? Ioan. 19 They shall looke on him whom they haue persed ? O how comfortable to all Saynctes , but especiallye to Martyrs , who shall not onlye reioyce in them , as assurances of theyre saluation , certyfycates of Christes loue towardes them , and pledges of perpetuitye in blisse : but also in that they themselues are scarred in like manner , and haue a more particuler resemblance of that glorye . They also with theyr wounds shall terrify their tormentours : and euerye strype and hurte that they haue receyued , shal be so ineuitable an accuser and witnesse of theyre persecutoures impyetye , that they would rather if they mighte hide theyr heades in hell fyre , then see those prints & stepps of theyr barbarous crueltye . S. Leo ser●●in Laur. This doth S. Leo signifye in hys sermon vppon S. Laurence . Quid , sayeth he , non ad victoris gloriam ingenium tuum reperit , quando in honorem triumphi transierunt , etiam instrumenta supplicij ? What hath not thy wisdome found out to the glorye of the conqueroure , when the very instrumentes of his tormentes are turned to the honoure of his triumphe ? For so in deed they are while it pleaseth god to make the prints therof principal ornamentes of glorye . And as Golias sword which he ment to haue imbrued in Dauids bloode , was firste his owne bane , and after a perpetuall ornamente of Dauids victorye against him : So the tormentors holes and woundes , that they make in the bodyes of martyres , will tourne to theyre condemnation , & to the Martyrs endlesse comforte . And therfore S. Ambrose honoring the scarres of Martyres and shewing the glorye of theyr very ashes yet in theyr graues , Amb. serm. ●3 . de Nazario et Celso . geueth vs notice how much more glorious they shal be when they are raysed to theyre felicitye . Honoro , sayeth he , in carne martyris exceptas pro Christi nomine cicatrices : honoro viuentis memoriam perennitate virtutis : Honoro per confessionem Dei sacratos cineres : honoro in cineribus semina aeternitatis : honoro corpus quod mihi dominum ostendit diligere : quod me propter dominum mortem docuit non timere . Cur non honorent corpus illud fideles , quod reuerentur et daemones : quod & afflixerunt in supplicio , sed glorificant in sepulchro : honoro itaque corpus quod Christus honorauit in gladio , quod cum Christo regnabit in coelo . I honoure , sayeth he , in the fleshe of the Martyre the scarres , of the woundes for the name of Christ receiued : I honoure the memorye of his lyfe in the perpetuitye of his vertue : I honour his verye ashes by the confession of God sanctified : I honour in his ashes the seedes of eternity : I honor the body that sheweth me how to loue our Lord : that teacheth not to feare death for oure Lorde . And why shold not the faythf●l honour that body , which the very diuels doe reuerence : and which though they afflicted in tormentes yet they glorifye in the tombe ? I honoure therfore that bodye whiche Christe hath honoured by the sworde , and which with Christe shall raygne in heauen . By which wordes we maye gather how honourable these scarres wil be in heauen , that deserue so much honoure here in earth : how glorious the reuyued bodye , when the dead ashes therof are of suche pryce : how highe a grouth of all happynesse , will be in the Saynct ; when the seedes of eternity springe so high in his only duste : What a whetstone he wil-bee of the loue of Christe : what a comforte to them that contemned deathe for Christe : howe muche honoured of other Saynctes : what a terroure to the diuels : finallye how highlye esteemed of God in his glorye : seeinge that all these prerogatyues are so forciblelye expressed euen in his deade bones and reliques . And this is the effect of that especiall croune peculier & proper vnto Martyrs which is nothing else , Aureola martyrum . but a singuler comfort and contentmente of mynde expressed in particular sygnes of glorye in the bodye , for hauing suffered constantlye death in defence of the faythe . And although the like croune by the Diuines and Fathers called Aureola , be also a priuiledge of virgins and Doctors : Yet as the combat of martyrdome is more vyolent , harde , and victorious , then that of Virgins , against the rebellions of the fleshe , or of the Doctours against the diuels subteltyes , where with he endeuoureth to subuerte soules : So hath the crowne of Martyrs a preeminence before them bothe . Finallye , how vnspeakeable the rewarde of Martyrs is , maye be gathered by the manner of Christes speach . Who assygning in all other beatitudes a particular rewarde , he limited the guerdon of Martyrs to no certayne ioye , but sayde in general . Merces vestra copiosa est in coelis . Matt. 5 Your rewarde is verye greate in heauen ; to shewe the aboundante fulnesse of theyr felicitye . Neyther must we thinke them onlye to atchyue this triumphe , who by apparent vyolence , by woundes or effusion of blood conclude theyr lyfe : but all they , though neuer so vnknowen , whose dayes by imprysonment , banishment , or anye other oppression are in defence of the Catholike Faythe abridged . For we haue example in S. Marcellus who beinge condemned to keepe beastes , and put to extreme drudgerye , after manye yeares spent in that vnsauery office , departed without any other forcible vyolence , and yet hathe bene alwayes esteemed a Martyre & for such a one is honoured of the Church . Cap. 15. A warninge to the Persecutours .

Cap. 15.

COnsider now O you that persecute vs , what harme you doe vs : yea to what tytles and glory you preferre vs , by putting vs to death . You see , howe when you condemne vs ; you crown vs : when you kill vs ; you increase vs : when you spoyle vs ; you inryche vs . Plures efficimur , Tertull. apol. cap. vlt. quoties metimur a vobis , semen est sanguis Christianorum . Our number increaseth so often as you reape vs , and seed is the blood of Christians . The more the children of Israell were oppressed , the more they were increased , and so is it in Catholikes as S. Augustine sayeth Resurrectio immortalitatis pullulabat faecundius , Aug. 22. de ci●itat . c. 7. cum in martirum sanguiue sereretur . The resurrection of immortallity sprong more fertillye when it was sowne in the bloode of Martyrs . Oure Palmes with wayght growe hygher , our flame with suppressinge waxeth the whotter , and oure spyce by poundinge yeldeth the better sente . When you persecute vs , you till and manure the ground of the Church : & thincking to roote out her corne , you doe but sowe seed that will spring with a more plentifull haruest . You thinke it is the Seminarye prieste that enlargeth the Catholike Faythe : wheras indeede youre selues make the chiefe Seminarye , of which Catholikes doe growe , accordinge to that sayinge of S. Hierome : Sanguis martyrum seminarium ecclesiarum . The Pope & his Bishops make them Priestes , but you are they that make them Seminaries . Thoughe theyre voyce doe somewhat , yett alas in comparisone it dothe but litle . Vox sanguinis fratrum vestrorum clamat de terra . Gen. 4. The voyce of the bloode of youre murthered brethren cryeth out of the earth , against you : And this voyce is it that so forciblye worketh . They saye that which bookes can teache them , but as Tertullian sayeth non tantos inueniunt verba discipulos ; quantos Christiani , factis docendo . Theyre wordes fynde not so manye disciples , as Christians do teachinge by theyre deedes . Oure constancye forceth men to looke more into our cause , and then by seeking they fynde , by fynding they beleeue , & beleeuing are as readye to dye as we our selues . Our prisons preach , our punishmentes conuerte , our deade quarters and bones confounde youre heresye : You haue laboured to suppresse vs this 29. yeares : and yet of our ashes spring others , Ezech. c. 3● and our deade bones , as Ezechiell prophesied , are come to be exercitus grandis a huge army . With your thunderinge bothe the cloude of erroure is disolued , the enclosed lyghte of trueth displayed , and the earth watered with profytable showers to the rypening of Gods corne . Newe slyppes are euer engrafted when the olde bow is cutt of , and the vertue of the roote that the bough leaseth the slypp enioyeth . You cut open our fruite and shed the cornel on the earthe , where for one that you spoyle , many will springe vpp of it . We are the wheate of Christe as S. Ignatus sayde : and are readye if you will to be ground with the teeth of wilde beasts , or if you wil not offer that , with the milstones of your heauye persecution , that we may become pure and cleane bread in the syghte of Chryste . The Crosse is our inherytance , as S. Ambrose saythe , and there-fore if you bringe vs to the Crosse , or which is all one in effecte to the gallowes ; we maye saye with S. Andrew . O bona crux , accipe me ab hominibus , et redde me magistro meo , vt per te me recipiat , qui per te me redemit . O good Cross take me from men and restore me to my maister , that by thee he may receiue me , who by thee hathe redeemed me . For in this quarrell , Deut 21. non maledictus , not accursed , but benedictus homo qui pependit in ligno . Blessed is the man that hunge vppon a tree . Tertull. apol. ca. vl● . And therfore Agite , boni praesides , meliores multo apud populum , si Catholicos eis immolaueritis , cruciate , torquete , damnate , atterite nos , probatio est fidei nostrae iniquitas vestra . Goe on , you good magistrates , so much the better in the peoples eyes , if you sacrifyce vnto them Catholikes , Racke vs , torture vs , condemne vs , yea grinde vs : youre iniquitye is a proofe of our fayth : You open vs the waye to oure desyred felycitye : You geue vs an absolute acquittance from endlesse misery ; You washe a way the vncleanesse of oure iniquitye , and deliuer vs from the assaultes of oure eternall enemye . You will peraduenture saye , why then complayne you of our persecution , yf you rather desyre to suffer , seeing you should loue those by whom your desyre is fulfilled ? If we pleasure you ; thanke vs : & if we be so beneficyall vnto you ; we cannot doe but wel in continuing our course . We answere you to this with our Sauiours , wordes whoe sayde : desiderio desideraui hoc pascha manducare vobiscum . Luc. 22. With desyre haue I desyred to eate this pasch with you . And yet it stoode well with this sayinge , to saye also : Luc. 22 Vae homni illi per quem tradetur , melius erat illi si natus non fuisset . Wo be vnto him by whom the sonne of man shal be betrayed , better it had bene for him if he had neuer bene borne . Beinge soldiers by profession , we are glad , that we haue so iuste occasion to fyghte in defence of the trueth : and yet hartelie sorye to see you bidd vs battayle by impugninge and persecutinge the same . How-soeuer it goe with vs , we are sure of the victorye , who if we haue the vpper hande , we haue wonne Satan , and chased him out of his haunt to the confusion of heresye : and yf we be oppressed and murdered for oure faythe , then winne we a heauenlye reward to oure selues , and a confyrmation of oure relygion to oure posterytye . Where-fore small is the hurte that you doe vnto vs , ye vnspeakeable the benefytt . But alas vnknowen the miserye , that you worke vnto your selues , for though you marke it not , or will not see it , you shall once feele that these wordes shal be verifyed in all persecutors . Psa. 36 Gladius ipsorum intret in corda eorum , lett theyre owne swordes enter into theyr owne hartes : And the rootyng out of Catholykes from amongest you , is the onlye waye to procure your ruine . For why you plucke vp the flowers , and leaue the weedes : you cut of the fruitfull braunches , and let the withered alone : you burne the corne , and spare the stubble : Gen. ● you put Noe in to the Arke : whose beinge amongest you , kepte you from the deluge . You thruste Loth out of Sodoma , Gen. 19 that kepte the Cytye from burning vpp : you oppresse Moyses , Exod. 3● who should wrastle with Gods anger , and keepe it from you . And therfore puttinge Catholikes to deathe , you digge your owne graues , & cut of the shote anckers that shoulde saue you from shipwracke . It were but a follye for a Kinge that desyred peace , fyrst to abuse , disgrace , and tormente , the Embassadours and all the seruantes of a Monarch mightyer then himselfe , and then to sende them home thus cruellye intreated , to vtter theyr wronges receyued , and to call vppon theyre soueraigne for reuenge of theyr iniuryes . Yet is this the extreme folly of all persecutours , who thinke it necessarye for theyre peace , fyrste to impouerishe , spoyle , and tormente Gods seruantes , and by barbarouslye martyring them , to sende them to heauen , there to be continuall soliciters with God for reuenge against theyre murderers . The effecte of whose prayers you partelye proue : and if Gods mercye be not the greater , more shall you proue hereafter . The redd hott yron being put into the water maketh a greate noyse , and seemeth to do the water greate harme . Where-as in the ende we fynd , that the fyre thereof is quenched , the force of burninge loste , and the water lytle the worse . Lyke thys bublinge is your tryumphe ouer vs . For thoughe you embrue youre bloodye fystes in oure bledinge woundes , and make to the eye a greate shewe of victorye : yet when it commeth to the proofe , God will shew you by a ruefull experyence , that all the noyse that you made : was but the sounde of your owne quenching , fall , and ruine , and the Martyrs estate not hurte , but abettered by your seueritye . Doe but consider euen at this presente the wonderful straites into which your temporall state is fallen . But yf this scourge seeme not enoughe : consider what rewarde hath bene geuen to such as persecuted Gods flocke , and howe heauye his hande hath bene in reuenge of his seruauntes quarrell . Ep. 2. For as S. Cyprian sayeth Nunquam impiorum scelere in nostrum nomen exurgitur , vt non statim vindicta diuinitus comitetur . Neuer dothe the impyetye of the wicked , rage against vs , but strayte Gods heauye reuenge doth accompanie theyr wickednesse . Nero the ringeleader of youre daunce , from killing Christians , fell to be his owne butcher , and murderinge himselfe ended his lyfe with these wordes : Turpiter vixi , & turpius morior . Filthilye haue I lyued , more filthilye doe I dye . Domitian was stabbed to death of his owne seruauntes ; Maximinus was slayne together with his children , hys murderers crying out . Ex pessimo genere ne catulum quidem relinquendum . Of so leude a race , not so muche as a whelpe ought to be lefte alyue . Decius tasted of the same cupp , seeing his children slayn and himselfe with them . Valerianus being taken at 70 yeares of age , by Sapor Kinge of the Persians , was kepte lyke a beaste in yron grates , and in the ende being flean , miserablye ended his lyfe . Diocletian after manye diseases , in the ende consuminge a waye fell mad and killed himselfe , & his house was burnt vpp with fyre from heauen . Hen. de h●r . l. 6 c. 29. Antiochus President vnder Aurelian , whyle S. Agapitus was in martyring , cryinge that he burned within , sodaynly gaue vpp the ghost . Flaccus the Prefect after the martrydome of Gregorye Byshoppe of Spoleto , stroken by an Angell did vomit out his intrailes . Dioscorus , S. Barbaraes Father , was burnt vpp with fire from heauen , for his butcherye towardes his daughter for her faythe . That nyghte wherin S. Chrisostome was exiled , the Citye of Constantinople and especiallye that parte , where the Emperours Pallace stoode , was so shaken with an earthequake , that they were glad to call him backe agayne . When Valens the Arrian Emperoure would haue chased the Catholikes out of the same Citye , there fell suche a hayle of stones , that it had lyke to haue destroyed it . I omitt the horrible endes of Antiochus , Herode , & Iulianus Apostata , of which the fyrst two were eaten vpp with vermin : the other being stroken miraculously with an arrowe from heauen , the earth opened & breakinge out with fyery flames swallowed him quicke into hell , as S. Gregorye Nazianzen writeth . Wherfore consider you also that persecute Catholiks in Englande , how easye it is for God to practise the lyke punish-mentes vppon you , as the examples of some haue sufficientlye already geuen you warning . Remember the sodayne and horrible deathe of one Yonge an Apostata and Pourswivaunt who pursuing a Catholike at Lambeth fell doune on the sodayne , ere he could laye handes on him that he persecuted and foming at the mouthe presentlye dyed . Remember Iustyce Bromlye whoe after he condemned in Wales a Catholike Schoolmaster called Richard White , became soone after bethered and childish , and neuer sat in Iudgement synce , but remayneth still in that impotente takinge . The Iurye also that went vppon him after a while dyed eyther all or the most parte : And the clarke of the Assyse was so strooken in his eyes that he could not reade the endytement . Consyder the deathe of Norton your rackmaister who vppon his death bed in desperat maner cryed out , that he was racked more cruellye then euer he racked any : to omitt that which to his sonne and his wyfe befell to the more apparent reuenge of hys crueltye . Consyder the accidente , that befell to Blythe a man of speciall authority in the councel of Yorke : who when a Prieste comminge to the barre made the signe of the Crosse spake in derision therof very vnreuerent wordes , & with in a fewe howers fallinge downe a large payer of stayers in the presidents house lyued not manye dayes after . Remember the iuste reuenge of God agaynste Cheeke and Hurlestone the cheefe agents in the apprehension , condemnation , & execution of M. Inglebye Prieste , & notorious enemyes of Catholikes ; of which the fyrst suruiued not longe after ; and the seconde goinge to speake with the Bishope at his house without Yorke , & hauing sente one in to aduertyse hym of his comming when the messenger returned was found dead & with so vntolerable a sauour , that the verye ground where he laye as it is crediblye reported retayned the stench , and they were fayne to drawe him awaye with longe ropes at a boates tayle in the riuer , not being able to indure him in the boate for the extreme bad sent that came from him . I omitt Iudge Alephe who sitting to keepe the place when the other Iudges retyred , while the Iurye consulted aboute the condemnation of Father Campian and his companye , pullinge of his gloue founde all his hande and hys seale of Armes bloodye without anye token of range pricking or hurte : and being dismayed therwith because with wipinge it went not a waye but still returned , he shewed it to the Gentle men that sat before him , who can be witnesses of it till this daye , and haue some of them vppon theyr faythes and credites auouched it to be true : Yea and he him selfe soone after by deathe was cutt of from so bloodilie occupying that roome anye longer . I omitt the straunge and sodayne deathes of the chiefe knightes & gentlemen in Deuon shiere , who presently vpon their cruell & vniuste handelinge & producing certayne Catholike straungers by Gods Iustice soone dyed & to the terrour of others were appayed with theyre due reuenge . I omit the wonderful stay and standing of the Thames the same day that Father Campian and his companye were martyred to the great maruayle of the Cittizens and maryners . I omit the lyke staye of the ryuer Trente about the same tyme . Which accidents though some will impute to other causes yet happening at such speciall times when so open & vnnaturall iniustice was donne they cannot be but interpreted as tokens of Gods indignation . For doe not thincke but that he hath as much care of his seruantes nowe as in former Ages he had , he is as much enemy to wickednesse now , as then he was : and no lesse able to reuenge that whiche he mislyketh , then heretofore he hath bene , as the rehearsed examples maye geue you proofe . We speake not this in waye of daring ; For as Tertullian sayde to Scapula , non vos terremus , qui nec timemus , sed velimus vt omnes saluos facere possimus , monendo mi theoma chin . We fright you not , for we feare you not . But our desire is to helpe all to saluation , and to warne them not to bid God battayle . The Priestes and Catholickes whome you persecute , are stones that God throweth at you to make you by theyre example and exhortation , to leaue feedinge vppon the carryon of sinne and heresye . But you like enraged houndes breake your teeth vppon the stone , not considering the hande that threw it . But as for vs , our countes are caste , and oure reckoninge knowne , & this only I speake to warne you of your erroure . If God suffer you while you breake your owne teeth to worow also vs , & to butcher our bodyes : we know he dothe it not for our harme . But S. Chrisostome well sayeth that as the cunning artificer to abetter an image doth first melte and disolue it ; Chrisost. in idde dormientibus nolo ve● ignerara to cast it afterwarde in a more perfecte moulde : So God permitteth oure fleshe by you to be mangled , to make it more glorious in the seconde casting . And as a cunninge imbroderer hauinge a peece of torne or fretted veluet for his ground , so contryueth and draweth his worke , that the fretted places being wroughte ouer with curious knottes or flowers , they farr excel in shew the other whole partes of the veluet : So God being to worke vpon the grounde of our bodyes , by you so rente & dismembred , will couer the ruptures , breaches , & wounds , which you haue made , with so vnspeakable glory , that the whole partes which you lefte shal be highlye beautifyed by them . And as the paperer of olde rotten shreddes , often times gathered out of vncleane dunghils , by his industrie maketh so fyne , white , and cleane paper , that it is apte to receyue anye curious drawinge , paynting , or limminge : so oure scattered partes by you cast in to dunghils , he will restore to suche puritye & perfection , that they shal be more capable of his glorious ornamentes , then they were before . And this is that which Saint Paule sayd : Reformabit corpus humilitatis nostrae configuratum corpori clari tatis suae : He shall reforme the body of our humility confygured vnto the bodye of his brightnesse . Whiche phrase of speache argueth , that the more the body for him is humbled in torments , the more shall yt be partaker of hys brightnesse in glorye . Farre otherwyse will it be in the bodyes of the wicked here pampered in all kind of pryd . For as the haukes though while they are alyue they are highlye prysed , deyntilye fedd , and honoured vppon greate persons fistes : Yet when they are once dead theyre bodye serueth for nothinge but to be throwen in to the dunghill ; wheras the Partridge whose fleshe hath bene torne with the haukes talons , is notwithstanding serued in a syluer plate to the Kinges owne table : so the wicked in this lyfe cheryshed with all kinde of solaces and set forth with great pompe after theyre deathe are onlye fytt for hell fyre : wheras the bodyes of Gods Martyrs , shall both in earth haue theyr honour often times by open myracles , and in heauen be preferred to the Kings table not to be eaten them selues ; but to feede vppon the repaste of Angels . Cease therfore to abuse and contenme that God esteemeth : cease to pursue whom God defendeth : & heare his gentle warninges , leste he power vpon you more vntolerable scourges . He beginneth to geue a taste of his anger alredy . And And therfore if you loue not vs , consider at the leaste youre owne welfare ; if you also neglect that , at the lest haue care of the common wealth , leaste the offence of magistrates bring the whole nation into the compasse of Gods heauy reueng . Alas , why should you vse these extremityes against vs ? why should you pyne and waste vs , with such lingering torments ? we saye with S. Cyprian Eyther to be a catholike is a capital crime or no. If it be , we acknowledge that this fault we haue , and will neuer forsake it . Why then doe you not forth with put vs to death for it ? If it be no such fault : why do you persecute innocents , & put to death , torments , & ryson the vndeseruing . Tormenting is for those that acknowledge not the accusation : but we doe not onlye not denye or conceale our Faythe , from you ; but are readye if you will to preach it in your most publike assemblyes . And if that all those were to suffer for oure Fayth , that in deed beleeue it to be the best : I will not only say as Tertullian did to Scapula of Carthage Quid passura est Carthago decimāda a te ? What shall Carthage suffer beinge to be tithed by the ? But quid passura est Anglia tertianda a vobis ? what shall Englande suffer , being to be thirded by your crueltye . Quid te , Ep ad Demotrium . sayeth S. Cyprian to a persecutour ad infirmitatem corporis vertis ? quid cum tenerae carnis imbecillitate contendis ? Cum animi vigore congredere , virtutem men tis infringe , fidem destrue , disputatione , si potes , vince , vince ratione . Whye doest thou turne thee to the fraylty of our bodyes ? why stryuest thou with the weaknesse of our fleshe ? Encounter with the force of our minde ; impugne the stoutnesse of oure reasonable portion ; disproue oure faythe ; ouer come vs by disputation if thou canst , ouercome vs by reason . This is not the waye in christian charity . You should firste sufficientlye enforme vs of the truth , by putting vs to silence , and conuincing of errour the learned of our syde : before you proceede to punishing of vs , for not embracinge it . We haue reade your bookes , we fynde them full of wilful corruptions , bothe of Scriptures and Fathers , purposlye wrested agaynst the true meaninge therof . Pryuate conference is to small purpose , for it commonly endeth in only raylinge agaynst vs . The waye of Gods churche hath alwayes in suche cases bene , to geue free lybertye to the verye heretickes , to haue publike disputation before sufficyente Iudges , and if they were there conuicted or refused to come , they haue bene subiecte and that worthelye to temporall punishmente . But hitherto could we neuer haue anye equall conditions of disputation graunted . Vnlesse , it be equall for a man to be brought from the racke to dispute . And yet that very disputation was so litle to the aduauntage of your cause , that manye of your beleefe were since that the lesse friendes to your faythe , and others became altogether Catholikes . But if you will needes kepe on your violent course againste vs , and prolonge your iniquitye : we will saye Dominus nobis adiutor , Psa. 117 non timebimus , quid faciat nobis homo . Our Lorde is our ayder , and we will not feare what man can doe vnto vs . The Martyrs in S. Cyprians tyme disgested the lyke miseryes with ioyful hartes , Moyses et Maximus Cypryano . sayinge : Hostes veritatis non tantum non perhorrescimus , sed prouocamus : Inimicos Dei hoc ipso quod non cessimus , vicimus : & nefarias contra veritatem leges , subegimus : & sinondum sanguinem nostrum fudimus , sed fudisse parati sumus . We are not , onlye out of feare of the enemyes of trueth , but we chalenge them : In not yelding to Gods aduersaryes , we haue ouercome them , and mastered theyre wycked lawes agaynste the truethe : thoughe as yet we haue not shed oure bloode , but are prepared if neede require at anye tyme to shedd it . If you shew vs worldly honours , therby to entyse vs vnto you : you shewe the Lyon haye , for which he careth not . If you threaten vs with torments , therby to enforce vs : you shew the Salamandra fyre , with which she is not harmed . For neyther can youre pleasures profitt vs , nor your punishmentes hurte vs , and therfore equallye we contemne them bothe . The worste you can doe vnto vs in oure beste ; though temporallye you oppresse vs , you cannot hinder our spirituall aduauncement : though you spoyle vs of oure worldlye goodes , you cannot bereaue vs of oure heauenlye in heritaunce : and how heauilye soeuer you affryghte vs , you shal neuer be able to suppresse oure religion . Though the vpper heauens violentlye turne the lower from easte to weste , yet haue they theyr peculier and proper course from weste to easte . Aud well maye you vse vyolence to oure bodyes , to remoue vs from the easte of Gods Church , where the Sunne of trueth ryseth , to the west of heresye , wher the lyght therof goeth downe : but God willing your vyolence shall neuer make vs leaue oure naturall motion , from the errour of all false doctrine to the easte of true religion . If God will permitt you , we refuse not to endure and stay his pleasure . If he will , he is able to healpe vs ; if he will not , he will make vs able to sustayne you . If it please him the frogges , the gnattes , the flyes , the grashoppers , are armyes stronge enoughe to enforce you from molesting vs , as they dyd Pharao from molesting the people of Israel . But if he thinke it better for vs , to haue the number of oure brethren made vpp , before he reuenge oure iniuries ; we will contente oure selues with his diuine apointmente . It were no delight to vs to see you in the miserye , that we our selues desire to be ridd of . Your scorges could not auayle vs , we enuye not so muche youre prosperitye , as to desyre youre ouerthrow . To your hatred we render goodwill , for your punishments prayers & we would willingly purchase your saluations with oure deerest bloode . But how well so euer we be affected towardes you : take heede that the earth that receyueth oure bloode , crye not out againste you , agreeablye to that , The voyce of thy brothers bloode cryeth out of the earthe . Ambros. l. ● . 〈◊〉 Cain & Abel c. 9. Vppon which S. Ambrose noteh : that God sayde not , it cryeth out of thy brothers bodye , but out of the earth . For though thy brother forgeue thee , yet the earth forgeueth the not . Though thy brother saye nothinge , the earth condemneth thee . That is against thee both a witnesse and a Iudge . A more earnest witnesse , that yet reeketh with the bloode of thy vnnaturall murder . A more seuere Iudge , that was defyled with so heinous a crime , as to open the mouth & receyue thy brothers blood at thy handes . Yet for our selues , we from our hartes forgeue youre iniuryes towardes vs , and only pitie your abuse of Gods benefits , that you sholde offende him with his owne giftes , and for his fauoures towardes you persecute his flocke , & hinder the course of his religion , yea endeuoure to abolishe the name of his Catholike Churche . Alas youre laboure is in vayne , inestimable youre offence . Adulterari non potest sponsa Christi , Cypr. de simplicitat prae . incorrupta est , & pudica , vnam domum nouit , vnius cubiculi sanctitatem casto pudore custodit . The Spouse of Christ cannot play the aduoutresse , she is vndefyled and chaste , she knoweth but one house , and with vnstayned integritye , keepeth the sanctitye of one onlye chamber . And we doubte not , but that God will geue vs grace to be loyall and true children to so pure and chaste a mother , and rather to leaue if we had them manye lyues , then degenerate from the profession of oure Faythe . Illius faetu nascimur , Illius lacte nutrimur , spiritu eius animamur . Haec nos deo seruat , haec filios regno quos gerauit assignat . We are children of her broode , with her milke we are fostered , with her spirite we are quickned . She preserueth vs for God , & she assigneth to a kingdome the ofspringe that she hath brought forth . She hath ben here to fore as fiercely assalted , when in one Chrismasse daye she had twentye thowsand of her chrldren martyred , Nic. l 7. c. ● Aug. q. 57. ad Orosium . and yet neuer ouercome . And she is as S. Augustine sayeth like a dye , whiche howsoeuer you lett it fall or throwe it , it euer more lyeth on a flatt syde , and can neuer fall a misse . She is a sure shipp , and wrought so conninglye by our heauenlye shipwrite , that , quantumlibet mare sae uiat , ventus incumbat , inter fluctus nauis ista turbetur ; tantum non mergatur , & curret . How much soeuer the Sea rage , the windes beate vppon it , how muche soeuer this shipp be tossed emongst the waues ; onlye be it kept from drowning , and it runneth on . And doubtlesse drowne it can not , hauinge him at the sterne of whome it is sayde mare & venti obediunt ei . Matt. ● The Sea and the windes obeye vnto him . 2. Reg. 2 Your Idol Dagon must needes fal before Gods Arke , and by the broken handes and feete bewraye the owne impotencie . Your God Baal must needes be dumme and deafe , though you ripp youre vaynes and sacrifyce your bloode yea your soules vnto him , when he once commeth to stryue for the vpper hande with almightye God . If your Scrybes and Pharisyes seeke with slaunders & obloquyes to deface Christes doctrine : he can make the diuels to confounde theyr owne impes : And if there should wante anye to defende it , the verye stones would crye , & your owne childrens mouthes be instrumentes to perfit the praise therof . It was not with out cause that S. Iohn Baptist called your predecessours genimina Viperarum , Euseb. Emiss . hom in natiuit . S. Stepha . a generation of Vipers . Whose nature as Eusebius Emissenus writeth , is such , that when the female conceyueth of the male , she killeth him , and when she groweth bigge with yonge , she also of her owne brood is murdered . For they refusinge to stay the ordinarye course of cominge forthe gnawe them selues passage through the sydes of the dame , and with theyr birth worke her deathe . Thus fareth it with the Persecutours of true pastours . They deliuer into you the seede of Catholike doctrine , and you moste vngratfullye murder them for theyr paynes . but for all you can doe , thys seede breedethe younge in your owne bowels , and your verye broode will eate themselues oute of your impious wombe , and leaue in the end your aduoulterous Sinagogue deade & consumed , as hetherto it hath happened in all other heresies . Returne you therfore to the Churche , acknowledge with vs youre mother whom now you aflicte . Cypr. ad Dometri . Credite & viuite & qui nos ad tempus persequimini , in aeternum gaudete nobiscum . Beleeue you and lyue you , and though you now persecute vs here for a tyme : yet reioyce with vs for euer . But if you continewe still in this rigorous course : how many thousand soules haue you to aunswere for , which by youre seueritye haue no meanes neyther to heare nor embrace the trueth . You haue enow in hell alreadye , that curse the day that euer you were borne through whose crueltye they fynde themselues to haue fallen into those vnspeakable torments . O how heauily will our blood weye vpon you , you will thinke euery droppe a load of ledd . What will you answere for the spoyle of Catholikes whose damages if you repent not , you shall repay in eternall torments . Remember what the scripture sayth . This sayeth our Lord. Ezech 33 You which feede in blood , and lifte vpp your eyes to your vncleanesse , & shedd innocent blood : thynke you to possesse the lande by inheritance ? Ibidem 35 Nay rather I will deliuer thee ouer vnto blood and blood shall persecute thee , Isa. 10. & sith thou hast hated blood , euen blood shall pursue thee . And woe be vnto them , that make vniuste lawes , and writing haue written vniustice . That they might oppresse in iudgemente the poore , and might doe violence to the cause of the humble of my people . That the widdowes might be theyre praye , and they might spoyle the orphans . Whither will you flye in the daye of visitation , and of calamitye , that cometh a farre of ? To whose ayde will you make recourse , and where will you leaue your glorye , that you be not bowed down vnder the chayne , Amos 8 and fal not with those that are slayne ? Because you spoyled the poore and tooke awaye the choysest praye from him , you shal builde houses of square stone , and shal not inhabit them . You shall plante moste pleasant vynyardes , and shall not drinke of the wine therof . Exod 22 For whye those ( sayeth God ) whom you haue oppressed , shall crye vnto me , and I will heare theyre cryes ; And my furye shall take indignation , and I will stryke you with the sworde , and your wyues shal be widdowes , and your children , orphans . Yea and I will meate the enemyes of my churche with theyre owne fleshe , Isa. 49 and they shall be dronken with theyr owne bloode , as it were with newe wyne . Remember what is sayde in the booke of wisdome Condemnat iustus mortuus viuos impios : Sap. 4 One iust man dead condemneth many wicked yet alyue . They shall see sayeth Salomon , the end of the wise man , and shall not vnderstande what God hath determined of him , and whye our Lord did protecte him . They shall see and shall contemne him , but our Lord shall laugh them to scorne . And after these thinges they shal fall without honour , & with reproch amongst the dead for euer , for he shal burste them puffed vpp without voyce , he shall moue them from the very foundations , & shall bring them to vtter desolation . And they shall grone and theyr memorye shall perish . Thus hath it happened to persecutours of former tymes , who haue as is shewed , euen with theyr posteritye bene rooted out for theyre cruelty shewed to their mother the Churche . Neyther can suche stepchildren euer prosper , accordinge to that saying of Christe : Matt. 1● Omnis plantatio , quam non plantauit Pater meus , eradicabitur . And that of Salomon : Sap 1 Spuria vitulamina non dabunt radices altas , nec stabile firmamentum collocabunt . All planting that my Father hath not planted shal be rooted vp . And bastard slypps shal neuer take deepe roote , nor be setled in any stayed suerty . Remember that he which speaketh these things is able to perform them , & doubtlesse will doe it , if you wil not cease to deserue it .

Cap 16. Cap. 16.

The Conclusion BVT Now to returne to you moste glorious Confessors remember who sayd vnto you Feare you not my litle flocke . Luc. 12 1. Reg. 2 For the aduersaries of our Lord shal be afrayed of him more then you of them and he will thunder from heauen vppon them . He wil tourne theyre lyghteninges into rayne of consolation . Psa. 134 Isa. 40 And if here he measure the waters of your short miseries with his closed fiste ; heauen and his eternall rewardes he will measure vnto you with his open span . Psa. 19 Psa 103 Isa: 31. If here he hath made darkenesse his secrete place : he will afterwarde shew himselfe vnto you clothed with lighte as with a garmente , and will make the comfortlesse deserte wherin you nowe dwell as it were a place of delights : and the wildernesse of your desolation as the garden of our Lorde : In the meane tyme , you muste be contented to saye with Iob , Iob : 30 I haue bene a brother vnto Dragons and a felowe of Ostriges ; taking well theyre euill vsage , and requitinge Dragons spite , with brotherlye charitye and the vnnaturalnesse of the Ostrige , that as the Scripture sayeth is hardened against her yonglinges as thoughe they were not hers with friendlye demeanour & dutifull subiection . Gregor ▪ in moral : in id : frater fui draconum . ●t socius struthionum Remember what S. Gregorye sayth Abel esse non potest , quem Caini malitia non exercet . & rosa quae redolet , crescit cum spina que pungit . Abel he cannot be , that is not exercysed by the malice of Cayne & the rose whose pleasant sauour delighteth , Iob : 39 groweth with a stalke whose prickle woundeth . God will not be angrye for euer , neyther will he all wayes conteyn in wrath his mercyes . Isa: 10 Adhuc paululum modicumque & consummabitur indignatio mea , & furor meus super scelus eorum . Deuter : 32 Iuxta est dies perditionis , & adesse festinant tempora . Yett a litle whyle and a verye shorte space and my wrath ( sayeth he ) shal be consummated and my rage vppon the enormitye of mine enemyes . The daye of theyr destruction is nere , and the tymes hasten to be at hande . Isa: 10 And then shall the burthen be taken from your shoulders and the yoke from youre necke . Then shall God afford you a crowne of glorye , in stead of the ashes of your disgrace . Oyle of ioye for your mourning , Isa. 61. and a garmente of prayse , for the spirite of heauines . Psa: 109 Happy therfore is he that drinketh in the way of the torrent of martirdome for he shall lifte vp his heade to an vnspeakeable crowne . Amos : 4 Hapye is he , that is quasi torris raptus ex incendio , lyke a fyre brand snatched out of the flame of persecution , because with a most fortunate vyolence is he caryed brighte with an enflamed charitye to the presence of God . Happye is he that sucketh honye out of this rock , Deuter : 32 and oyle out of this most harde stone . For by the taste of this honye shall his eyes be opened , 1 Reg: 14 as it hapened to Ionatha● and he shall see the yoake of all miserye rott awaye from the face of this oyle . Isa. 110 Finally blessed is he , that with Dauid can saye , my mouth sayde in my tribulation I will offer vpp vnto the holocaustes full of marow , Psa: 65 yelding himselfe with Isaac as a perfecte sacryfyce , rather then our mother the Churche , shold want lyuing hoastes euen of her owne children to offer when God shall appoynte it for the confirmation of his trueth . Heb: 1● For withe suche hoastes is Gods fauoure earned . And seeinge that persecution in Gods cause , is a signe that you are Sathans enemyes , sith he thus pursueth you : That you are Gods children , sith he thus chastiseth you : Seeinge that you haue Christes example , to encourage you : the necessarye miseryes of this world to make you willing : the auoyding of greater paynes due vnto your sinnes , to comforte you : seing your cause is so good : the estate of the persecuted so honorable in Gods Churche : imprisonmente glorious : martirdome pretious in it selfe : profitable to the Churche : and so beneficiall to the sufferers : and last of all your finall rewarde so ample and greate : what remayneth , but for you to reioyce in somanye tytles of consolation , & happelye to continew that which you haue fortunatlye begonne . Epist: 24. ad Reg. For as S. Cyprian seyeth : Parum est adipiscialiquid potu isse , plus est , quod adeptus es , posse seruare . It is a small matter to haue ben able to gett a thinge : more it is to be able to keepe it , when it is once gotten . Now is the time that many of our forfathers haue desyred to lyue in , that is when they might not only profitt the Churche by example of theyre lyfe , and by vertue of theyre preachinge ; but also ( which they accounted most to be desyred ) by effusion of their blood . When Englande was Catholike , it had manye glorious Confessors . It is now for the honour and benefit of our countrye that it be also well stored with the number of Martyrs . and we haue God be thanked suche martyrquellers now in authoritye , as meane if they may haue theyre will , to make Saynctes enough to furnishe all our Churches with treasure when it shall please God to restore them to theyre true honoures . I doubte not but eyther they or theyre posteritye shall see the verye prisons and places of execution , places of reuerence and great deuotion , and the scattered bones of these that in this cause haue suffered , which are now thoughte vnworthye of Christian burial , shrined in gold : when the prophane carcases of hereticks , now so costly enbalmed , shal be esteemed more worthy of the martyrs present disgrace , & farr more vnworthy of such funerall solennyties . So is the example manifest in other contryes , where such places of martyrs executions , and tormentes are frequented by Kinges , Princes , & great potentates , though theyr owne predecessors , had ben the chiefe persecutors . Lett vs in the meane tyme , take this occasion , of so greate preferment in gods courte , and be as carefull in this age to aspyre , vnto this present dignity of wateringe Gods Church with our blood , as our fore-fathers haue bene to guide it , and further it , by theyr vertuous example and glorye of good workes . Erat Ecclesia , Cip : Ep: 4 in operibus fratrum , candida : nunc facta est in martyrum cruore purpurea . Flori bus . n . nec rosae desunt nec lilia . Certent nunc singuli ad vtriusque honoris amplissimam dig nitatem , vt accipiant coronas , vel de operibus , candidas ; vel de sanguine purpureas . The Church sayth S. Cyprian was heretofore white in the workes of our brethren : it is now purplein the bloode of Martyrs For emonge the Churches flowers , nether Roses are wanting nor lilyes . Lett euerye one therfore now endeuoure to attayne to the moste ample dignitye of eche honoure , that they maye receyue crownes eyther whyte of theyre good workes , or purple of theyr blood . Looke vp vnto the Rock out of which you are hewen , Isa. 51 that is the martyred bodye of our Sauiour and to the caue of the lake out of which you are cutt , that is the deepe and wide wounde of his blessed syde : that consideringe from whence you come , you maye shew your selues worthy stones of so noble a quarrye , and not vnworthye mettall of so honorable a myne . Remember your daye penye and you will easily beare the heat & wayght of your toyle . Matt: 20 Let your Rocke be stroken , that water of Lyfe maye issue out , Psa: 77 and be contented to set vppon earth , Psa: 112 and in the dung of worldlye disgrace , the better to be placed with the Princes of Gods people . Regnum coelorum aliud non quaerit pretium ni si teipsum , tantum valet quantum es ; te da , & habebis illud . The Kingdome of heauen sayeth S. Augustine requireth no other price but thy selfe . Aug serm 37 de SS siue ser. 1. de restomi●um SS. It is worth all thou art . geue thy selfe & thou shalt haueit . O thrise happy are you that are now in the last stepp to this glory . Ioye in your happynes , & pray that God may accept vs also to the lyke comforte , Rom: 5 alwayes remembring with your selues that this light and momentary tribulation will worke in you an eternall poyse of glorye . And confirming your selues with these comfortable words siue viuimus , Rom: 14 Domino viuimus siue morimur domino morimur , siue viuimus siue morimur Domini sumus . Whether we liue , vnto our Lord we liue : whether we dye , vnto our Lord we dye : whether we liue or dye , our Lordes we are . Finallye , Bernar : Ep 119 : ad ●●n●enses to conclude with S. Bernardes wordes , what now remayneth my deerest , but that you be warned of perseuerance , which only deserueth renoume to the men , and rewarde to their vertues . For without perseuerance , neither getteth the champion the conquest , nor the conquerour his crowne . The accomplishing of vertue , is the vertue of courage nurce to our meritts , & mediatrice to our meede . It is the sister of patience , the daughter of constancy , the louer of peace the knott of frendship , the bande of agreement , the bulwarke of godlinesse . Take away perseuerance : no seruice hath any paye , no good turne anye thankes , no prowes anye prayse . In summe , not who beginneth , but who perseuereth vnto the end he shal be saued .

By one , that reuerenceth your prisons , beareth most dutiful affection to your persons , & humbly craueth parte in your prayers ,

I Saiae . ca. 30. In silentio & spe , erit fortitudo vestra . In silence & hope shal be your strength .

FINIS