A goodly treatise of faith, hope, and charite necessary for all Christe[n] me[n] to know and to exercyse themselues therein tra[n]slated into englyshe

A goodly treatise of faith , hope , and charite necessary for all Christen men to know and to exercyse themselues therin translated into englyshe .

Prynted in South warke , For Iames Nicolson .

Anno M. D. xxxvii

1537.

The translatoure .

THer are many now a dayes that vse greate disputacions and reasonynge of fayth , thinking to haue faith whan they can reason muche of it . They know that by fayth only a man is iustifyed , or made ryghteous , but yet they knowe not the grounde & pyth of faith , wherby a man is made righteous . Yee true fayth can better be felt inwardly , than it can be expressed with wordes . It is planted in at the eare by hearynge of the worde of God , it is grounded and roted in mans harte , by the operacyon of the spirite , workynge in the same worde , and finally ( seynge it can not be hyd ) it bresteth out in doynge of charitable dedes , the which the faythfull knoweth to be acceptable vnto God . And by thys workynge or endeuoure to please God , he conceaueth an hope to optayne euerlastynge lyfe , wherin he shall rest in ioy with God : not of dewtye , as one that were hyred therto , but only of Gods bounteous goodnesse and mercye . The dyuels also haue an hystoricall fayth of Christe , and beleue al to be true that is spoken of hym thorow out all the scrypture : for they can not improue nor denye the treuth of it . But seynge they conceaue not suche an opinion of God , as namely , that God is theyr redimer that by hym and by none other ( be he neuer so holy ) they be saued , that in hym only they oughte to reioyce , to truste , and to be conforted : therfore is not theyr ●ayth auaylable or an occasyon vnto saluacyon but rather ( as sayeth saynte Iames ) a cause to feare and tremble . It is not ynough to be baptysed , and to know by harte all that articles of oure faith although euery one that wyl be called a Christian is bounde to beleue & to know the● ) but he must also expresse them in hys lyuynge . Yf I be leue God to be a father , and a creator or maker of heauen and earth , and al that is therin of nought , and yet do not seke all ayde , conforte , and goodnesse at hym : how can I haue a true fayth or beleue in hym ? howe can I saye truely : I beleue in God the father almyghtye ? &c. Herken how God complayneth by hys prophet Micue . 1. Shulde not a sonne honoure hys father ( sayeth he ) and a seruaunte hys mayster ? Yf I be now a father , where ●● myne honoure ? Yf I be the ZORDE where I am feared ? sayeth the ZORDE of hoostes . As though he wolde saye : who declareth hys fayth that he hath to me ? who soueth me as a son hys ather ? not for ony respect or regarde of auauntage that he can optayne by it : but of the inwarde and naturall mocyon of loue that he hath to my goodnesse Or who feareth me as a seruaunt ? that dredeth punyshment for transgressynge of his lordes commaundemente . For as sayeth Dauid : They are all gone out of the waye , they are all become vnprofytable , ther is none that doth good : no not one By thys is it euydent what small fayth is founde in the world now a dayes and how lyttell declaracyon of the same : specialy of those that can and do moost reason , & dispute of it . Thys I saye , and that in verbo domini that I wolde of god they vttered lesse wordes of fayth , hope , and charyte : but declared them more by outward dedes of the same . To speake diuinite maketh not a diuine , but to lyue diuinite . Yf wyshyng ? myghte do good , I wolde hartelye wyshe euery one that can speake muche of diuinite the same mynd , that saynt Augustine was in whan he sayde : The vnlearned stonde vp , and take in the kingdome of heauen , and we synke to hell with all out learnynge . Yf we dyd take once hartye grace to vs and busyed oure selues to lyue the Gospel , than shuld not we need to be asked a counte of our fayth , than shulde we go on progresse from vertue to vertue , than shuld out lyghte lyghten the weakelynges , lest they do offende at Christe the heade corner stone But alas for pytye , the greate punyshmentes wherewith God doth and wyll punysh vs comme vpon vs because ther is no faithfulnesse , ther is no mercye , ther is no knowlege of god in the londe : but swe●tynge lyeng manslaughter thefte , and aduoutrye haue the ouer hand , and one bloudsheddyng so ! oweth another . &c. Dse . 4. Loke thorowe the whole flock of them that wyl be seyers of god , that is the cytesyns of Ierusalem : Seke thorow hyr stretes also yf ye can fynd one man that doth equal & right , or that laboureth to be saythfull : and I shall spare hym ( sayeth the LORD ) For though they can say : The LORD lyueth , yet to they swear to deceaue . Where as thou : o LORD lokest only vpon saith & treuth . Christ himself hath prophecyed these peryllous tymes of oures sayenge : Whan the son of man commeth , suppose ye that he shal fynd faith vpon earth ? As though he wold say , no. Yee where faith is not , there is an vnbermēt of wyckednesses : as sayeth Esay . 59. There is equite gone asyde , ● rightcousnesse stondeth afarte of . Treuth is falledown in the strete , & the thynge that is playn & open , may not be shewed . Yee the treuth is layed in preson , & he that refrayneth hymselfe from euell , must be spoyled . Is it not a pyteous case to heare the prophetes thus complayne vpon oure wyckednesse , yee Christe hymselfe ? What do we thynke that shal become of vs after thys vapoure rather than lyfe ? What and yf one man had gotten al the worlde , shulde it profyte oughte vnto hys soule after hys departynge hence ? seing he is come naked into this worlde , & must depart naked out of it agayn . Why do men set so lytie by faith ? & regard 〈◊〉 or charite as a thing lyttel worth ? where as . ● Paul not ●stondinge dot cal loue the greatest of the thre theological vertues

That thou mayest therfor ( good te●der ) crercyse theselfe in these thre holy vertues , as namelye faythe , hope & charite or loue : I haue translated to thy behofe this lyttel treatyse , treatinge of the same : whose brefenesse I trust shal draw thy mind to the reading of it . For by manifest scriytures ( the which be here sufficientlye brought forth ) thou mayest perceaue the power of fayth whereby man is saued the which causeth man to conceaue an hope of the lyfe euer lasting . And thus of inward ioy & gladnesse he breaketh forth vnto dedes of charyte , wherby he declareth his in warde gyft of fayth . So that finally he can not chuse but hope to come vnto lyfe eternal the which greūt vs he that created & redimed vs . Amen .

The treatise of fayth

¶ The fyrste chapter treateth of the Fayth in Christe , and what is a true Fayth .

FAyth is described playn ly vnto vs in the epistle to the Hebrewes after this maner . Fayth is a sure confidence of thynges Hebre 11 which are hoped for , and a certainte of thinges which are not sene Herby we maye se which is the true fayth , namely , that we abyde & loke to optayne mercy of the LORDE : where as we fynde nought in vs that is worthy of Gods mercy , nor se the good that God hath promysed vs , but onely trust in hym , because he is mercyfull . Wherfore receauynge the worde that wytnesseth vnto vs and beareth record of his goodnes , we haue a sure hope in God by faith that he shall shewe his goodnesse & tendernesse toward vs by his bounteous mercy . But hereto is requyted of vs that we reste with our whole harte vpon this promyse of mercy , reioycynge in sprete therin , and by fayth rendre vs in loue and thankfulnesse to God .

Thus haue we a sure testymony that we are come to a good fayth for we can fynde none other fundament wheron the synfull soule may test , saue onely yf we can hope that God wyll be a mercyfull father , thorowe the death of IESV CHRISTE . This is it that Paul sayeth : No man can laye another fundament , saue 1. 〈◊〉 . 3. that which is layed already , that is CHRIST IESV . Suche fayth causeth a man to walke confidently & to be sure mynded to Gods goodnesse , wherin he can reioyce , so farre as he can beleue to optayne so much as God hath declared and promysed by his worde . Now because he beleueth the same , therfore is his spirite endued with godly ioye by the sprete of God , whiche dyd appeare and teache hym the same by fayth .

Wherfore sayeth Paul : Ye haue not receaued the sprete of bondage Rom. ● . to feare ony more , but ye haue receaued the sprete of adopcion , whereby we crye Abba deare father . The same sprete certifieth our sprete that we are the chyldren of God . Whan a man feleth this by fayth , and his harte reioyceth therin , then hath he rest and quyetnesse in his conscience , hauynge no respecte to his owne workes or deseruynges , but onely to CHRISTE : which hath set hym atone with the father , throughe his bytter passyon and death . Thus geueth he onely CHRIST the glorye of his redempcyon , & beholdeth hence forth no creatures more . It is sufficient to hym to knowe God in his goodnesse , beleuynge that mercy & goodnesse shal be shewed vnto hym of God , & reioyceth in that he hath a mercyfull father in heauen , & in all thynges he conceaueth a good opinion of God & his goodnesse . Suche fayth causeth hym to rest & to be content , with all that the LORDES wyl is to do with hym . Whether it be deth , hell , synne or deuell , none can make hym abashed . For as longe as a man clyueth to Gods worde , beleuyng that God hath ouercome all euel thorow his loue to warde mankynde , them is he at rest and peace in all that can betyde or chaunce vnto hym , beyng certified , that seynge God loueth hym , he sheweth mercy & kyndnesse in all that he doth vnto hym : and all man kynde . Whether it be than anguyshe , painfulnesse , or ony daunger that can happen vnto man other in body or soule , that commeth al to his auayl . Onely yf he can beleue , & be persuaded in himselfe that God loueth him . For one frende forbeareth much of another the which natural loue causeth . Wherfore yf naturall loue can forbeare wronge of a frende : how muche more ought we to forbeare the good , that is sent vs of God to our saluacyon .

Seynge fayth is a gyfte geuen of God , it is necessarye we turne oure selues lowly vnto the LORDE , desyrynge hym humbly to prepare oure hartes and make them wyllynge to accepte his worde with ioye . As muche as we loue Gods worde , so muche shal we be conforted & made glad in sprete by fayth in all that the worde hath promysed vs . Seynge God is hyd in his worde , yee & is the worde it selfe , therfore yf we receaue the worde then by fayth and with ioye , we shall receaue so much as God hath sayd and promysed by his worde . CHRIST , which is the blessed worde of the father , geueth hym self with his goodnesse in to al faythfull hartes , and maketh hym selfe with all his goodnesse commune , takynge vs to his grace : yee with all the wyckednesse that is in vs .

Whan we haue synned , than wyll God haue vs to admonysshe hym of his promyse : yf we than praye with a faythfull harte , he shall remembre all that he hath promysed , and shal haue mercy vpon vs , to fulfyll hys promyse and worde .

Thys knewe Dauid what tyme he sayde : The worde of the LORDE Psal. 32. is treue , and al his workes are faithful . Upon thys trusted the same Dauid whan he had synned , he put god in mynde of his wordes , sayenge : Agaynst the onely haue I synned , & Psal. 50. done euell in thy syghte : that thou myghtest be iustifyed in thy sayenges , and shuldeste ouercome whan thou arte iudged . As though he wolde saye : LORDE . I haue trespassed , I praye the remembre thy word that thou haste promysed vnto the synners which turne agayne from theyr synnes , namely , that thou wilt receaue a sorowfull sprete vnto thy mercy . Wherfor thou oughtest to receaue me vnto thy grace , that thou myghteste be founde ryghteous . Shewenge suche mercye vnto the synner accordynge to thy promyse , than shalt thou discomfyte thyne enemyes wyth the treuth , which wyl iudge and estyme the as one that doth not accordynge to hys worde .

Whan Dauid nowe knewe inwardlye that he had optayned mercy of the LORDE , than dyd he prayse and thanke God in al his wordes and dedes sayenge : The LORDE is gracious and mercyfull , longe sufferynge , Psal. 144 and of greate goodnesse . The LORDE is louynge vnto euery man , and hys mercye is ouer all hys workes . The LORDE is ryghteous in all hys wayes , and holy in all hys workes . The LORDE is nye vnto all them that call vpon hym : Yee all such as cal vpon him faythfully . And euen thus is it wyth vs : We can prayse and thanke God so earnestlye , and reioyce so greatlye in hys goodnesse , as we can beleue that mercye , and kyndnesse can be shewed by hym . Though the lawe dyd vtterlye damn vs , & hel wold swalow vs vp , & though all syn , and other enmyes wolde ouerrunne vs : yet muste we abyde sure vpon God , and se what CHRISTE hath deserued and geuen vs by hys bytter passyon , and what he hath promysed , & & than shal faith worke hyr worke . Yf we haue receaued the worde in fayth through the holy goost than shal we optayne mercye , and lyfe in the myddes of death , and of synne . Wythout hope dyd holde vp oure head , and the promyses sonke in oure hartes , we muste nedes be drowned in despayre . Hope sayth : My sonne despyse not the selfe in thy syknesse , but ●●●ll . 38. praye vnto the LORDE and he shal make the whole . The synfull man beholdyng God , and knowyng him by hys worde ( that is ) that he is mercyfull , not wyllynge the death of a synner , he lyfteth vp hys heade with a lusty corage sayenge : I shall not Psal. 118. dye , but lyue , and shewe forth the workes of the LORDE . The LORDE chastenynge hath chastened me and not delyuered me vnto deathe . Open vnto me the gates of ryghtwysnesse , and whan I am entred than shall I confesse the LORDE . That is the gate of the LORDE , and the ryghtwyse shall entre in thorow it . All thys fayth and confydence hadde Dauid , for he was sure fyxed vppon Gods promyses . Whan his sinnes wolde oppresse hym , than turned he vnto the LORDE , and hys worde , the whiche whan he trusted vnto , he reioyced in the LORDE . All this caused the worde that was beleued : Yf he had ben weake in the faith , he wolde haue thought continually that he muste be damned .

Wherfore he sayde . Wythout the LORDE had holpen a lyttell whyle Psal. 117. my soule shulde haue dwelled and abyden in hell . Dauid sought none other comforte , saue onely , that he wolde fulfyll that vnto hym , which he had promised him , and beleuyng this he was conforted , sayenge : Psa. 118. Thynke vpon thy seruaunt as concernynge the worde wherin thou causedest me to put my trust , that conforted me in my lowlynesse : ye thy worde hath relyued me .

Herby may we discerne the true fayth , namely , that a man is fixed & grounded vpon God and his word , that is to saye , that he shall and wyl geue so much , as his promyse is , & that the synfull soule can be conforted therin : or els is it not possible to knowe God in his goodnesse . Yf God be not knowen in his goodnesse by his worde , how shulde ony man reioyce in his goodnesse , or conceaue ony Exo. 15. 16 and. 17. hope to come to his mercy ? What tyme as the chyldren of Israel had synned greueously agaynste God , murmurynge agaynste hym , and so prouokynge hym to anger , and after that worshippynge the golden calfe , so that he wolde haue destroyed the whole multitude of them : Moses lyke a true and faythfull seruaunt of God , seing that God was angry , and beynge wyllynge to apeace his wrath agayne , he knewe no nearer nor feater waye to reconcyle the people agayne vnto God , than to offre a faythfull harte : wherwith he dyd knowlege God to be mercyful , kind and longesufferynge , shewyng mercy in thousandes . Moses was surely fixed vpon this grounde , that is , that the LORDE was mercyfull : But seynge his mercy was turned in to wrath by reason of the multytude and greatnesse of the synnes , he perceaued that it was not possible vnto Exo. 32. man to fynde grace by God : Wherfore he beganne to admonyshe hym of his kynde and fatherly loue , & to remembre all that which he had promysed vnto Abraham , Isaac , and Iacob . Thus was the LORDE pacyfied , so that he dyd not the euell that he hadde spoken agaynste the people . This hadde Dauid sene in spre● ( that is ) that God in his wrath shulde remembre his conuenaunt sayenge : My conuenaunt wyll I Psal 88. not breake , nor disanull the thynge that is gone out of my lyppes . Dauid Crod . 32 Psal. 98 wytnesseth of faythful Moses , which brake and turned the wrath of God whan he admonysshed hym of his promyse . The LORDE ( sayd he ) wolde haue destroyed the people hadde not his chosen and electe Moses stonde for them agaynst the mysdedes .

Whan the synnes be accomplysshed , and the synner knoweth not whether to turne hym , than is ther no counsell better then to submytte hym selfe before God , praynge that he maye take his Godly worde to harte , and to knowe therby what mercy and forgeuenesse God wyll shewe vnto the , that trust in hym , & knowlege him by his fatherly loue , The LORDE requyreth nought of vs for oure synnes but an heuy and contrite sprete , a wyllynge harte to leaue synnynge , and an hungry soule to fulfyll the wyll of God . More ouer whan we be moost forsaken , and whan oure synnes and the iudgement of God do moost greuously oppresse vs , then is it tyme for vs to knowe whiche be the true fayth , & whan we ought to haue our syght and mynde moost surest fixed vpon God . Unto the synner is God mercyful , wherfore sayeth Paul : This 1. Tim. 1 is a true sayenge , and by all meanes worthy to be receaued , that CHRIST IESV came in to the worlde to saue synners , of whom I am chefe . Notwithstandynge , for this cause optained I mercy , that IESVS CHRIST might pryncypally shewe in me all longe pacyence , to the ensample of all them whiche shulde beleue in hym vnto eternall lyfe . Furthermore sayeth Paul : Where abundaunce of syn was Rom. 5 there was yet more plenteousnesse of grace . Nowe where true fayth commeth , there shall it not be enquyred , what ther is deserued . or what a man is worthy to haue , or howe impossible it is for a man to come vnto the mercye of God . For ther is nothyng in man that is worthye of mercyfulnesse : and fayth beholdeth God onely , and that whiche he hath promysed with hys worde , and that the LORDE is mercyful , and wyl shew mercy vnto all them that seke hym in the treuth . Thys causeth the synner to conceaue an hope to optayne mercye by oure LORDE though to hymselfe it seme impossible . Thys maye we se by Abraham , which beyng 〈◊〉 . 17. olde hundreth yeares , and Sara his wyfe foure score and ten , herde that they shulde haue a sonne in theyr olde age . Which thynge whan he herde it , it semed vnto hym impossyble , as it myght also to ony man : for ther was no hope of ony frute . But seing it was God that promysed it , and that Abraham gaue fayth vnto the worde : therfore dyd he hope contrarye to hope , and beleued agaynst nature , Roma . ● and thys fayth is rekened hym for ryghtwysnesse . Not because of of hys workes , nor because of the circumcisyon or vncyrcumcysyon : but seynge he beleued , he dyd geue God the glory , and optayned mercye .

Thys is not onely written to know howe Abraham became ryghteous by hys faith , but also for our instruccyon , yf we beleue . CHRIST dyed for oure synnes , and is rysen agayn for oure iustyfycacyon . Thys thyng earnestly beleued shal also saue vs : for fayth consydereth onely howe much God maye and wyll geue of hys goodnesse .

Wherfore , let vs that be faythful rest onely vpon CHRISTE IESV that hath saued vs , although oure mysdedes be many and greate . Let vs trust and leane harde to Gods worde , it is ynough that God hath promysed it : Thys doynge we be sure and may reioyce that we be come to the trewe fayth . Thys fayth had Abraham . He was promysed that thorowe hys sonne Isaac hys sede Gene. 22. shulde so encrease , as the starres of the skye . After thys dyd God commaunde hym to offre the same sonne and to staye hym . Abraham beynge stayed in God and his promise , was redy to accomplyshe Gods wyll .

Thus is Abraham become ryghteous by the dede ( that is ) Abraham by thys worke hath testifyed , and declared hys fayth to be good & trewe before God , thus be hys workes counted ryghteous before God thorowe fayth : As wytnesseth Saynt Iames Thys all is spoken now to knowe a Iac● . 1. trewe and good fayth , namely . Not onely to beleue God to be a mercyfull and good father : but also to beleue that God through hys mercye wyll receaue a synner to grace : and that he maye come to the fauour of God . Suche fayth causeth a man to reste and ●cane on God only , and so earnestlye to reioyce in the goodnesse of God , as doth he that fyndeth a treasure of greate value .

We speake not of a fayned faith , as the deuels haue , or as the wycked do beleue , nor of suche an hystorycall faythe as to beleue , that CHRISTE was crucyfyed : but we speake of suche fayth , and confydence , wherebye we are assured that the goodnesse , and mercye of God is oures , and that all is oures that is in God : that he is mercyfull vnto vs : that we can reioice in him , and walke confydently in hym , all thys is the operacyon of faythe .

Suche faythe causeth mortyfycacyon of the fleshe wyth all hys concupiscence , Gala , 5. whan he hath felte once by faythe the exeeadynge goodnesse , that he hath founde by the LORDE . Shulde not suche a faythfull soule reioyce in the LORDE his God by true loue ? & vse all spirituall glory ? Suche fayth causeth a man to captiuate and presone his witte , vnderstonding , & wyl wholy vnder Gods worde , and reioyce only in God , sayenge with Dauid : My soule wayteth Psa. 61. onely vpon God , for of hym commeth my helpe . He onely is my strength , my saluacyon , my defence , so that I shall not greatly fal . And agayn : Turne agayne then to thy reste ( O Psal. 114. my soule ) for the LORD hath geuen the thy desyre . And why ? thou hast delyuered my soule from death , myne eyes from teares , and my fete from fallynge . I wyll walke before the LORDE in the lande of the lyuynge .

Paul , what tyme he was come to such earnest fayth , sayd very ioyfully : I shewed not my selfe amonge 1. 〈◊〉 . 2. you as though I knewe ony thinge saue onely IESVS CHRIST , euen the same that was crucyfied . It is not sufficient to saye : I beleue that the Note . holy church beleueth , or as myne elders haue beleued , but a man muste searche and proue how he beleueth . For by his owne fayth shall a man be acceptable to God . Yf he wyl procure to optayne ought of God , he must turne hym to God and knowlege hym by his owne fayth , that he is his LORDE and redimer . Abraham saw God in sprete through his lyuely fayth and reioyced . This fayth ●orageth a man agaynst death , in it a man seyth his lyfe : For ( according to the wytnesse of all scriptures : ) The iust lyueth by his fayth . Abat . 2. Rom. 1. G●l . 3. Heb. 10 11. Tim 1 Gal. 5

& This fayth is not subdued vnto the lawe : for the faythfull accomplissheth the LORDES wyll in the sprete , through loue . So that he fulfylleth all that the lawe commaundeth . Not ●ecause it is a commaundement of ●he lawe : ( for the lawe geueth onely knowlege of synne ) but because he ●ath a loue to the commaundementes , and is ready to do all that is acceptable to God . Wherfore sayeth Paul : Thorow the lawe I am dead Gal. 2. vnto the lawe , that I myghte lyue vnto God . I am crucyfyed with CHRIST , yet do I lyue : Neuertheles now not I , but CHRIST lyueth in me for the lyfe which I lyue now in the fleshe , I lyue in the fayth of the sonne of God , whiche loued me and gaue himselfe for me . Agayn sayeth Paul that God hath made vs accepted in Ephe. 1. the beloued sonne , in whom we haue redempcyon thorow his bloude , namely , the forgeuenesse of synnes accordyng to the ryches of his grace .

Seynge then that ( accordyng to these testimonies of scripture ) the worke of our redempcyon is accomplyshed in vs by CHRIST : therfore must oure synfull soule knowlege that excellent worke in CHRIST only , and in hym only rest by fayth . For CHRIST sayd : No man commeth to the father , but only by me . And : yf Ioh 14. ye are the father ought in my name Ioh. 1● . he shal geue it you . But seyng faith is a gyfte of God , therfore muste we lowly and humbly praye the LORD to haue pyte vpon vs , and increase oure faith , that we may know his goodnesse dewly by fayth , and reioyce in hym . Of this gyft speaketh Paul sayeng . By grace are ye saued thorow fayth , and that not of youre selues . Ephe. 2. For it is the gyft of God , not of workes , lest ony man shulde boast hymselfe . For weare his workemanship created in CHRIST IESV vnto good workes , to the which God ordeyned vs before , that we shulde walke in them . Whan man fyndeth rest , and quietnesse in his conscience by fayth beleuynge that all that is in God , is to mans behofe , that is a sure token that such a man is come to the faith whiche geueth health . For fayth certifyeth hym that CHRISTE hath ouercome death , hell , synne , and the deuyll for hym .

As great as his faith is , so much also can he reioyce in God , Prayse God , and thanke God whiche hath receaued his synfull soule to mercy , not for the workes of ryghtwysnesse that we haue done , but accordynge to hys mercye hath he saued vs .

Thus muche nowe is sayde to knowe the trew faith : namely , to rest onely vpon CHRIST , and to knowlege oure redempcion , and saluacion by CHRISTES death , according to hys worde . The whiche graunte vs the father thorowe hys welbeloued sonne CHRIST .

Amen .

¶ The second Chapter treateth of that inestimable , greate mercye , that we do purchase , and optaine by the lyuely fayth For true saith can not be ydle , but bryngeth vnto hym that possesseth her plenteous saluation .

WHan Paul wolde comforte the sycke , or stablyshe the weake in faith more & more than dyd he ofte rehearse and ( as a man myghte saye ) bette in them the glad tydinges of the Gospell : Certifienge them to what greate mercye they were called , whan God geueth them a good wyll to receaue hys worde with ioye , and to reioyce ouer all the goodnesse that the Gospel assureth vs of . Thys frute which the Gospel bringeth with it , and geueth vs oughte we hyghelye to thanke God for , and to reioyce for cause of so manyfolde gyftes , and treasures minystred , and geuen vs by hym , thankynge , and praysynge God whiche hath opened oure eyes , and inwarde syghte : So that we maye dewlye knowlege oure saluation by CHRIST IESV & reioyce in him only .

This is the intent now wherfore Paule doth so earnestly admonyshe vs not to receaue such gyftes in ●ayne , but that the worde of God be frutefull in vs by fayth , and loue , that God myghte be praysed , thanked , and honoured for hys workynge so wonderfullye , mercyfully , and gloriouslye in all faithfull hartes . Therfore sayeth Paull : We are bounde to geue thankes al waye 2. Tess. 2. vnto God for you brethren beloued of the LORDE , because that God hath from the beginninge chosen you to saluation in the sanctifyenge of the spirite , and in beleuinge of the treuth , whereunto he hath called you by oure Gospell , to optayne the glorye of oure LORDE IESVS CHRIST . Farther more saieth Paul After that ye herd the worde of treuth , Ephe. 1. namely , the gospell of youre saluation , wherin whan ye haue beleued ye were sealed with the holy sprete of promesse , whiche is the earneste of oure enheritaunce to oure redemption , that we mighte be his owne to the praise of his glorye . And agayn : Because we knowe ( brethren beloued 1. Tess. 1. of God ) howe that ye are electe . For oure Gospell hath not ben with you in worde only , but both in power , and in the holy goost , and muche certainte . In all these foresaide reasons are we exhorted , to receaue the godly worde with greate luste , and loue , prayenge the LORDE humbly to geue vs grace that we maye take it to harte , and receaue it as a gladde tydinge that is shewed , and promysed vs by the worde . Paule what tyme he preached the worde of God , he thanked hym , and sayde : for thys cause we thanke God wythout 1. Tes. 1. ceassynge , because that whan ye receaued of vs the worde of the preachynge of God , ye receaued it not as the preachynge of men , but ( euen as it is of a treuth ) the worde of God , whiche worketh in you that belefe .

It is not sufficiente that we can Nota bable muche of the worde , and haue many treatyses and bokes thereof : but we muste also be chaunged and renewed in the spirite through faith of the worde in oure lyuyng , so that we can reioyce in spirite , beyng sure that the worde of God hath ended a greate glorious worke in vs . By faythe of the worde muste we be renewed in sprete , and in conuersacyon : so the we can reioyce in sprete beynge assured that the worde of God hathe fullended a glorious worke in vs . By fayth in the worde muste we be certyfyed that muche is geuen vs of the LORDE .

By fayth muste we trye oure lyues . Thys worde worketh myghtelye , whan it is receaued in faythe : for Roma. 5. CHRISTE reconcyled vs by the father , whan we were yet enemyes vnto hym . We are approched and Ephe. 2 , come neare vnto God by the faythe in the worde , where as afore we were straungers : so that we be euen electe , and chosen chylderen . Ioh. 15.

CHRISTE sayeth : Nowe are yecleane , because of the worde that I haue spoken vnto you . Abyde ye in me , and I in you . Alas we be all dettours , our synnes will depreasse vs , oure conscyence is of tymes greued , whan she douteth whether to turne herselfe . We fynde nought in oure selfe , whereof we myghte haue ayde , or comforte . But yf we coulde beholde CHRISTE only in oure trouble , and pondre by oure selfe the profyte of hys passyon , and remembre the mercye promysed vnto vs by Gods goodnesse : Howe earnestlye shulde we than ryse from oure synnefull lyfe ? sayenge wyth a lustye corage : Wherfore shulde I mystruste ? he dyed for me whiche shall iudge me , and he hath also were safe to call me , I wyll ryse and seke my LORDE my God . He may damn , but I am sure he wyll Esa. 3. saue . The LORDE is oure iudge , the LORDE is oure lawe geuer , the LORDE is oure kynge , he shall come hymselfe , and saue vs . yf Rom. ● . God be wyth vs , who can be agaynste vs ? whyche dyd not spare hys owne sonne , but hym hath he geuen for vs all : howe shall not he geue vs all thynges with hym also ? Who wyll laye ony thynge to the charge of Gods chosen ? It is God that maketh ryghteous , who wyll than condempne ? It is CHRISTE that dyed , ye rather which is raysed vp agayne , whiche is also on the ryghthande of God , and maketh in tercession for vs . We haue CHRIST for aspecheman , for a mediator , and 1. Timo. 2. 1 Iohan. 2 an apeacer of Gods wrath , whose bloude calleth for mercye for vs . By CHRISTE haue we a sure , Ephe. 2. and fre entraunce to the father .

Whan the synner seyeth all this in the scrypture , and can stonde sted faste vpon these wytnesses , than maye he perceaue ryghte well that they be wrytten to oure comforte , that the synner myghte hope to optayne Rom. 15. mercy by the father . Yf he submytte hymselfe vnto God , the LORDE shall accomplyshe hys promyse in hym , and steare the synner to repentaunce . All this commeth by the worde which the synner heareth , and taketh to harte : for so myghtely worketh it in a man . Therfore doth Paul call the worde or gospell the power of God , saynge : I am not ashamed of the Gospell of CHRIST : for it Rom. 1. is the power of God , whiche saueth al that beleue theron , the Iewe fyrst and also the Greke : For in it the ryghteousnesse that is of value before God is opened , which commeth out of faith into fayth , as it is written : The iust shal lyue by his fayth . Agayn sayth Paul : The worde of the crosse is folyshnesse 1. 〈◊〉 . 1 to them that peryshe , but vnto vs that are saued it is the power of God . In these aforesaid scriptures is it euident that God doth & wyll worke a myghtye and blessed worke : namely , that he wyll turne & conuerte a synner through his wordes . Let vs therfore cal earnestly vpon hym , desyryng hym to poure out his worde feruently vpon vs , and to worke therwith mightely in our hartes . Peter preachyng the worde dyd I. tu . 2 conuerte thre thousande men at one tyme . Scripture sayeth that what 2. Par. 14 that tyme the chyldren of Israell fought agaynst the Morians , in theyr anguyshe they called vpon God , and he herde them because they beleued on hym . And agayne ther is wrytten : The eyen of the LORDE beholde the 2. Par. 16. whole earth , and geue strength vnto them that trust in hym with a perfecte harte . And agayne ther is wrytten : And Iuda was greatly conforted , 2. Par. 13 : for they trusted in the God of theyr fathers . And of Asa sayeth the scripture that he called vpon the LORDE 2. Par. 14 his God , and sayd : LORDE , it is no difference with the to saue by fewor by many . Helpe vs O LORDE our God : for our trust is in the , & in thyne name we come forth agaynst this multitude . Such lyke prayer made kynge Iosaphat in his anguyshe , & 2. Par. 20. the LORD dyd help hym . By this may we perceaue the power of faith , which he requyreth of vs : namely , that we must loke vpon his worde & what he requyreth of vs : Agayne what he hath promysed vs , how faythful he is of his promysse , and true in his worde . Consyderynge this we maye be stedfast in his worde , and folowe the counsell of Syrak , writynge in Ecclesi. 2. his boke called Ecclesiasticus : Beleue in God , and he shall helpe the : ordre thy waye aryght , and put thy trust in hym . Holde fast his feare & growe therin . O ye that fear the LORD , take sure holde of his mercy : shrenk not away from him , that ye fal not . O ye that feare the LORDE , beleue hym , & your rewarde shal not be emptye . O ye that fear the LORD put your trust in him & mercy shal come vnto you for pleasure . O ye that fear the LORD , set youre loue vpon him , and your hartes shal be lyghted . Consydre the olde generacyns of men ( O ye chyldren ) & marke them well : was ther euer ony one confounded the put his trust in the LORD ? Who euer continued in his feare , and was forsaken ? Or whom dyd he euer despyse , that called faythfully vpon hym ? &c. And agayne in the same chapter : They that feare the LORDE , wyll not mystruste his worde : and they that loue hym wyll kepe his commaundements . &c.

Thus is it euydent that fayth muste nedes be a worke glorious & puyssaunt , wherby man optayneth so much of the LORDE . How coulde ony man comprehende and perceaue the power of faith ? and that by Ioh. 1. fayth we are one with God . Ihon sayeth : That God hath geuen all men power to be the chyldren of God . Matt● . 9 Christ sayd : All thynges are possible Ioh. 11. vnto hym that beleueth . And agayn Yf ye beleue , ye shall se the glorye of Math. 17. God . And agayne : Yf ye haue fayth as a grayne of mustarde sede , ye maye saye vnto this mountayne : Remoue hence to yonder place , and he shall remoue , nother shall ony thynge be vnpossible vnto you .

Now seynge God worketh so gloriously in all faythfull hartes : then is it conuenient that we humbly beseke hym to teach vs to trust in his worde . For we shall reioyce so much in his goodnesse , & loke for so much aide & conforte at his hande , as we can Susān● . ● trust in hym , and in his worde . We ●ede of Susanna , that what tyme she was in hir moost distresse & anguish beyng iudged wrongfully to death , she syghed and prayed to God , trustyng stedfastly in him , and the LORD delyuered her . Daniel also whan he Bel. ● was cast in the Lyons denne was not hurte of them : for he trusted in God .

The godly worde commeth not for nought , it worketh wonderfully whan it is receaued in fayth . Therfore doth saynt Iames erhorte vs Iac● . 1. to receaue with mekenesse the word that is grafted in vs , whiche is able to saue our soules . A man can not erre , so longe as he can testyfye hys lyfe to be led accordynge to Gods worde . Yf a man haue his myndefixed vpon mans inuencyons , or inuented holynesse : he maye surely be dysquyete and confortlesse . But so longe as a man hath his eyen fixed vpon God and his worde , bearynge Gods commaundementes in his harte : so longe doth that man walke in sekernesse , beynge assured of all the is expressed by Gods worde and is sure of his sauegarde and conforte : accordynge as Paul sayeth :

All men are lyars , but God is true . The sonne of God is the wysedome Rom. 3 of the father , Who so now doth yelde hym selfe vnto the word , receauyng therby the wysedome of the father : the same is dryuen from death vnto lyfe by the sprete of God . Syrak sayeth : Eccl● . 4 that wysedome breatheth lyfe in to hyr chyldren , & receaueth them that seke her . It foloweth then that they which haue once assayed god by his worde in the wysedome of God : that those I saye maye come to complete lyfe . But it is contrarye with the worldly wysedome , as wytnesseth Paul , sayenge : In so muche 1. Cor. 1 as the worlde by the wysedome ther of knewe not God in his wysedome it pleased God thorowe folyshe preachynge to saue them that beleue .

Whan Paul was mynded to conuerte ony man , then wolde he laye nothynge before hym , saue onely Gods worde , sayenge : I haue begotten you in CHRIST IESV thorowe the gospell . Wherfore I exhort you , be ye my folowers , as I am IESV CHRISTES .

So longe as a man redresseth hys lyfe accordyng to Gods worde , so longe shall he come walkynge the ryghte waye of saluacyon , and reioyce in his conseyence : For all that the worde of God doth vtter is concernynge ether mercy or in warde consolacyon . Peter sayeth : Ye knowe of the preachynge that God ●ct● . 10. sent vnto the chyldren of Israel , preachyng peace thorow IESVS CHRIST . Of hym beare al the prophetes wytnesse , that thorow his name , all they that beleue in hym , shall receaue remission of synnes . Luke also wrytyng CRISTES wordes saieth : Thus Luct . 24 is it wrytten , and thus it behoued CHRIST to suffre , and the thirde day to rise agayne from the dead , and to let repentaunce and remyssion of synnes be preached in his name amōgeal nacions . This knewe Esay afore hande whan he sayde : Lyke as the rayne and snowe commeth downe Esay . 55. from heauen , and returneth not thyther againe , but watereth the earth , maketh it frutefull and grene , that it maye geue corne and bread vnto the so wer : So the worde also that commeth out of my mouth , shall not turne vnto me voide agayn , but shal accomplyshe my wyll , and prosper in the thynge whereunto I sende it . Hereby we are taughte , that like as the earthe is made frutefull of the rayne that God sendeth : so shall we also be renewed and be frutefull , yf we knowlege God a ryghte by hys worde , and reioice in al that he hath wytesafe to warne vs of by hys worde . Yee we shall mortifye the fleshe wyth all hys desyres , and he ioyned to God .

He that cleueth vnto god , becommeth one sprete wyth hym : and optayneth all goodnesse wyth hym . A man reioyceth so muche in God , as he is knytte wyth him by fayth , and is diligent in all thynges to forther hys glorye . The olde father Symeon beholdynge the lytle babe , and Luce. 2. beynge sure inwardlye that he was hys saueoure : ( for he loked for hym by hys fayth ) reioyced in hys harte , desyrynge to go to hys reste by bodely death : for his eyen had sene the saue garde of men . Euen so lykewyse we , yf we had sene by fayth the loue which God beareth to ward vs , how hartelye shulde we then yelde oureselues vnto death ? For fayth certyfyeth the harte that God is a mercy full father , and that mercye shall be shewed vnto vs by the death of IESV CHRISTE . We can optayne no greater rewarde than to beleue that God is wyth vs , and we beynge wyth the LORDE are safe . Steuen Actuum . 7. seynge heauen open by fayth , sayde incontinentlye . LORDE receaue my sprete . For thys cause sayde Paule : Because therfore that we are iustyfyed by faythe , we haue peace wyth Roma. 5. God thorow oure LORDE IESVS CHRISTE , by whom also we haue an entraunce in faythe vnto thys grace , wherein we stonde . Here lo is no mencyon of workes , or of the lawe : for by the workes is noman iustyfyed . But the workes muste breake oute thorowe loue , and declare oure inwarde fayth , by workynge of charitable dedes . Iob was ashamed of all hys workes , and was not so bold Iob. 9. as to lyfte vp hys heade before hys LORDE God , but submitted hymselfe lowly vnto him : ye though ther had ben founde some rightwysness in hym . Dauid also sayde : LORDE Psal. 142 entre not in to iudgemente with thy seruaunte , for in thy syghte shall noman lyuynge be iustifyed . Neuerthelesse God wyllynge to certifye vs what we maye optayne by fayth , he shewed vs that by pure , and onely loue , and mercye he taketh the synner to grace , wythoute ony regarde of dedes : so that mercye shulde be shewed to vs of promyse , and not of Roma . 4 dewtye . Therfore ought we to geue all glorye vnto God onely . Dauid P wytnesseth thys same sayenge : Blessed are they , whose vnryghteousnesse is forgeuen , and whose sinnes are couered . Blessed is the man vnto whome the LORDE imputeth no syn , and in whose sprete ther is no gyle . Herin maye you perceaue the maner of tustifienge , namely , that God wyll of pure mercye forgeue the synnes , requyrynge but onely stedfaste fayth of vs . Wherfore , a synner perceauynge that by the goodnesse of God onely he is come to grace , he oughte to geue hym onely for it all prayse and honoure Paul saieth : Yf Abraham were made righteous thorow Rom. 4. workes , then hath he wherin to reioyce , but not before God . But what sayeth the scrypture ? Abraham beleued God , and it was counted vnto him for righteousnesse . Unto him that goeth aboute with workes , is the rewarde not rekened of fauour , but of dewty . But vnto him that goeth not aboute with workes , but beleueth on hym that iustifyeth the vngodly , is fayth counted for ryghteousnesse , for by the law commeth but knowlege Rom. 3. of synne . But nowe wythoute addynge to of the lawe is the ryghtwysnesse whiche auayleth before God declared , hauynge wytnesse of the lawe and prophetes : but I speake of the ryghtwysnesse before God , whiche commeth by the fayth on IESVS CHRISTE , vnto all , and vpon all them that beleue . Here is no difference : for they are all synners , and wante the prayse that God shulde haue of them . Wythout deseruynge are they made ryghteous , euen by grace , thorowe the redempcyon that is done by CHRISTEIESV : whom God hath set for a mercyseate thorowe fayth in hys bloude , to shewe the ryghteousnesse which auayleth before hym , in that he forgeueth the synnes , which were done before vnder the sufferaunce of God . And agayne : We holde therfore that a man is rustifyed by fayth , wythout the workes of the lawe . &c. Thus farre be the wordes of saynt Paull , wherein he teacheth vs , that by faythe we optayne all ryghteousnesse , and not by oure owne procuryng of suche strengthe is the grace of fayth .

Whan God perceaueth in vs a faythfull harte whiche seketh hym earnestlye , dredynge , and fearynge hym : than doth he communicate , and ioyne hymselfe vnto suche one , geuynge hymselfe wholye ouer vnto hym , with all that is in hym . For a man optayneth by faythe all that , which God hath promysed vnto the the faythful saieng . I wil spouse the vnto me foreuer . I wyll marye the vnto Dsee . 2 me in ryght wysnesse & mercy . I wyl mary the vnto me in fayth , & trueth and thou shalt knowe the LORDE . All the lawe , and commaundementes stretche therto , namely , that we shulde fulfyll them , and lyue so , that oure good workes maye testyfye , and declare oure faythe , and loue , that we haue towarde God .

But seyng we be frayl , and oftymes fall through weaknesse of the flesh : therfore shall we endeuoure oure selfes to ryse agayne wyth a good wyll , syghynge for oure mysdedes , askynge mercye wyth a sorowfull sprete . Whan we beholde oure synnes , then let vs humblye beseke God to geue vs a faythfull harte . For yf God syeth an hungrye soule in vs , whiche longeth for the ryghteousnesse of faythe , and that we do so procure grace by God , as by one whiche can comforte the synner : than shall the LORDE receaue suche a faythfull harte vnto hys grace . For faythe and loue cause a man to haue alwaye a good opynyon of God .

Yee it is the beste , and mooste excellente gyfte that we can haue to be comforted in God , and in hys gyfte . For as our opinion is of him , so shall he please vs . And euen as fayth is a gyft of God , geūe frely to man : so muste thys opinion of God come frely of him also . Yf we knowlege hym for a mercyful father , than shall we reioyce in hys mercye , trustynge in hys goodnesse , and are mercye at hym with a chearefull mynde . But yf we knowlege hym for a dredefull iudge : than shall we not reioyce in hys goodnesse , but euer feare , and tremble before hym : for we fele no certentye of hys goodnesse . Such men can not reioyce in God , nor loke for ony comforte of hym . Wherfore Paull doth exhorte vs very earnestlye to loue , that thereby we myghte know God a right , reioycynge in all hys goodnesses , and so to prayse and thanke hym , sayenge : But aboue all thynges put ●oios . 3. on loue , whiche is the bonde of perfectnesse . And the peace of God rule in youre hartes , to the whyche peace ye are called also in one bodye , and se that ye be thankefull .

Let the worde of CHRISTEIESV dwell in you plenteouslye , in all wysedome . Teache , and exhorte youre owne selues wyth Psalmes , and hymnes , and spirituall songes , which haue fauoure with them , syngynge in your hartes to the LORD . And what so euer ye do in worde or dede , do all in the name of the LORD IESV , & geue thankes vnto god the father by hym . All this must come by fayth . For as a man reioyceth in God : euen so shall he prayse hym , thanke hym , and euen brest out in syngynge to hym , as to one by whom health and saluacyon is happened vnto hym : Yet though the flesh wyll cause hym to synne , and greue hym inwardly . But yf he knowlegeth God for a mercyfull father : then is he conforted agayne by his goodnesse , as wytnesseth Paul sayenge : God which is rych in mercy , thorow his great loue wherwith he loued vs , euen whan we were dead in synnes , hath quickened vs with CHRIST . Than is God mercyfull vnto vs , & a father of mercy , geuen vnto vs with al his goodnesse , and then are we saued by his goodnesse : whan we can beleue thorow fayth the redempcyon & iustifycacyon declared by his worde . Therfore sayeth Paul : Yf a man beleue Rom. 10. from the harte , he shal be made ryghteous : and yf a man knowlege with the mouth , he shal be saued .

For the scripture sayeth : Who so Esay . 28. euer beleueth on hym , shall not be confounded . Seynge then that fayth was so necessary , therfore was CHRIST so diligent , euen to beate it in vs : As for an ensample , to the syke of the palsey he sayde : My Math. 9 sonne be of good cheare , thy synnes are forgeuen the. And to the woman of Canaan : O woman , great is Math. 15. thy fayth : be it vnto the , euen as thoudesyrest . And agayne to Martha he sayeth : I am the resurreccyon Ioh. 11. and the lyfe , he that beleueth on me , shall lyue , thoughe he were dead already : And who so euer lyueth and , belyueth on me , shall neuer dye . Item to the woman that was syke of the blody yssue , he sayde : Doughter be of good conforte , thy Matt● . 9 fayth hath made the safe . Thus is it euident that all is ascribed vnto fayth , and not vnto vs . For oure workes can stretch no farther , saue onely to shewe oure wyllynge harte , and to yelde thankes vnto hym whiche throughe vnoutspeakeable loue hath saued vs . And thus doynge we geue only God the honour for all the good which he worketh in vs . Loke vpon the seconde to the Hebr●es . And in the elenenth chapter he sayeth : Without fayth it is vnpossible to please God . For Heb. 11. he that commeth vnto God , muste beleue that God is , and that he is a rewarder of them that seke hym . And agayne : We knowe that a man is not ●al. 1. made righteous by the dedes of the law but by the faith on IESVS CHRIST . We haue beleued also on IESVS CHRIST , that we myght be made ryghteous by the fayth on CHRIST , and not by the dedes of the lawe . Ihon also sayeth : All that is borne 1. Ioh. 1 of God , ouercommeth the worlde : and this is the victory that ouercommeth the worlde , euen our fayth . Who is it that ouercommeth the worlde , but he which beleueth that IESVS is the sonne of God ? And further in the same chapter : These thynges haue A written vnto you , which beleue on the name of the sonne of God , that ye maye knowe how that ye haue eternall lyfe , and that ye maye beleue on the name of the sonne of God .

And this is the fre boldnesse whiche we haue towarde hym , that yf we aske ony thynge accordyng to his wyl he heareth vs . Lo , how yf a man beleueth , ( that is ) yf he setteth his trust vpon the goodnesse of God only , he is herde , and optayneth all that he requyreth of the LORDE , as Marke Matt. 11. also wytnesseth . Paul what tyme he preached the forgeuenesse of synnes 〈◊〉 . 13. 14 , 16. he dyd alwaye ascribe it vnto faith : that we myght knowe the vertue & power of CRISTES death , and that we shulde geue all glorye and praise vnto hym , which hath receaued vs vnto the fayth by his goodnesse . IESVS preached the Gospell of the kyngdome M●● . ● of God , sayenge : The tyme is ●ulfylled , and the kyngdome of god ●s at hande , amende your selues , & beleue the gospel .

Here myght some men saye : ye speake so much of fayth , & that man ●s iustified by fayth onely , and not by workes : Where as saynt Iames neuerthelesse sayeth , that fayth with but workes is dead . Trueth it is , & he sayeth well : For without ther ensue Nota. forsakynge and lothsomnesse of synnes , and without a man rest and reioyce onely in God , hauynge respecte to none other creature , sekyng helpe or conforte at the same : Then is it a token that he is not wholy fixt vpon God , nor putteth his trust in hym . So longe as a man reioyceth in synnynge , so longe is not God his ioye . As longe as man commeth not to God with more loue & thankfulnesse , nor can quyete hym selfe with God : so longe hath he not the trewe fayth . The trew fayth mortifyeth the synnes , that the outward workes maye testifye of the inward fayth . Thus doynge optayneth God the glorye , whiche wyll worke wonderously in all them , in whom he hath poured his worde by fayth . Therfore sayd CHRIST : Let youre lyght so shyne before men , that they Math 5 1. Pet , 2 maye se your good workes , and glorifye youre father which is in heauen . Scripture wytnesseth euery wher that fayth must make new creatures , Pha. 2 orels shuld it not work , the worke wherfore God sent his worde . Not that workes iustyfye a man : But seynge man is iustyfyed by fayth , therfore is he called iustifyed or ryghteous for doynge the workes of fayth : For the workes be called ryghteous before God , by reason of fayth . Here vpon bryngeth saynt Iacob . 1 Iames Abraham and Rahab as proues , sayenge : Wylte thou vnderstonde O thou vayne man , that fayth without dedes is dead ? Was not oure father Abraham iustyfyed thorowe workes , whan he offred Isaac his sonne vpon the altare ? Thou seyst how that faith wrought with his dedes , through the dedes was the fayth made perfecte : and the scripture was fulfylled , whiche sayeth : Abraham beleued God and it was reputed vnto hym for ryghteousnesse , and he was called the frende of God . &c. Yf Abraham had douted on Gods promyse , whan he wolde haue offered his sonne : then hadde not his faythe bene ryghte nor sufficyent . Rahab Iosu . 2 also shewed hyr fayth , where by she let the spyes go , shewynge them whiche waye they shulde go . She beleued stedfastly that God shulde cause the chyldren of Israell to wynne the cytie of Iericho , and by that fayth was hyr faythfull worke accepted before God . God loked first vpon Abell and then vpon his Gene. 4. gyfte . The scripture hath shut vp al Gal 3. vnder synne , that the promyse shuld come by fayth on IESVS CHRIST , geuen vnto them that beleue . Hereby we maye se that fayth only iustifieth ( that is : ) Whan we forsake all creatures , submyttynge out selues , and passe by all mans inuencyons or holynesse , fallynge and leanynge to CHRIST only , sayenge : O LORDE I knowlege health to be happened vnto me by the. LORDE augment thou my fayth . CHRIST sayd : I am Ioh. 5. the lyght of the worlde he that foloweth me shall not walke in darkenesse , but shal haue the lyght of lyfe . And agayne in the same chapter : Yf ye continue in my worde , then are ye my disciples , and ye shal knowe the trueth , and that trueth shal make you fre . Though the faythfull fell to synnynge , yet remayneth God a frende vnto the fayth and loue that he fyndeth in a man : his promyses vnto them that beleue are so manyfold . Dauid Psal. 36 sayeth : Yf the ryghteous falleth , he shall not be brused : for the LORDE doth staye hym with his hande . Paul sayeth : Then is ther now no damna Rom. 8. cyon vnto them that are in CHRIST IESV , which walke not after the flesh , but after the sprete . For the lawe of the sprete ( that bringeth lyfe in CHRIST IESV ) hath made me fre from that lawe of synne and death . Saynt Ihon also 1. Ioh. 3. wrytteth sayenge : Who so euer is borne of God , synneth not , for his sede remayneth in hym : & he can not synne , because he is borne of God .

Though a man be weake after the fleshe , and thereby fall to synne : yet Nota. doth God loue a man for the fayth wherby he loueth God . Whan he falleth , his fall is not vnto dead : for his sprete is without gyle . The LORDE suffereth the ryghteous to fall , leste he stonde to muche in hys owne conceate : but that he aske mercy with all his harte . The ryghteous falleth seuen tymes in one daye , and ryseth agayne . The LORDE taketh the faythfull for his best beloued , and reserueth hym to his mercy . Salomon sayeth : The ryghteous Prou. 10 laboureth to do good , but the vngodly vseth hys increase vnto sinnes . Oure prayer is that we maye abyde by the gladde and ioyfull tydynges of the gospell . For he that Matt. 16. beleueth , and is baptysed shall be saued . I brynge you tydynges of 〈◊〉 . 2 great ioye which shal happen vnto al people : for vnto you is this daye borne the Saueoure , euen CHRIST the LORDE .

Thus farre is now sayde of the mercy , which we vptayne by fayth : For true fayth ioyfuily receaued , excludynge al the is contrary to CHRIST bryngeth a greate health wyth her .

¶ The thyrde chapter shall treate how hurtefull vnbelefe is , and what is the cause that men be so colde and straunge in Godly matters and in loue towarde God .

WHan we consydre our fyrste progeny , then is it euydent vnto vs , that the nature of man is created to the lykenesse of God in wyll , reason , and vnderstandyng : folowynge God through wysedom , and by knowledge of the creatures , And that man was ioyned with a perfecte hart vnto God , vsynge hym with a complete knowlege . Upon this hath Gene. ● . God set him in the paradyse of pleasure , geuynge hym a commaundement , namely , the he shuld not eat of the tre of knowlege of good & euell . This commaundement was geuen vnto Adam by God , to the entent the he wolde proue , whether he wolde abyde stedfast by his word & commaundment , or not . But the deuel , which was minded to bring synne & deathe in to the worlde thorow vnbelefe , occasioned to it by his enuye to mankynde , he hath stered the serpent ( which was the sotyleste creature of all creatures ) to saye vnto the woman : Yee , hath God sayd Gene. 3 in dede : Ye shall not eate of all maner trees in the garden ? Then sayd the woman vnto the serpent : We eate of the frute of the trees in the garden : But as for the frute of the tre that is in the myddes of the garden , God hath sayde : Eate ye not of it , & touche it not , lest ye dye . Whan the Serpent now perceaued that Euastode weakely vpon Gods worde , for she sayde : lest we dye ( where God neuerthelesse hadde sayde : Loke in what daye so euer thou eatest therof thou shalt dye the death : ) he dyd assault Eua fyrst , to make her dout in Gods worde , and to brynge her from it . Now whan he had her so farre : than brought he her yet farther , sayenge : Tush ye shall not dye the death . For God knoweth that in what daye so euer ye eate of it , youre eyes shal be opened , and ye shal be as God , and knowe both good & euell . And the woman sawe that the tre was good to eate of , and lusty vnto the eyes , and a pleasaunt tre to make wyse : and toke of the frute of it , and dyd eate , & gaue vnto hit husbande also therof , and he dyd eate . Thus haue they both lefte Gods worde , and haue done theyr wyl , and fulfylled theyr desyre and lust . Thus hath man cast hym selfe awaye thorowe mysbelefe transgressyng gods worde and commaundement .

The lust and desyre that Adam conceaued in his fyrst appetite doth yet remayne in hym : for we are of the same fleshe and substaunce and also folow them ature of it . We are so sore wrapped in mysbelefe , that it is also vnto vs the cause and occasyon of all synne : so that we be naturaly chyldren of wrath , by inspiracyon of that prynce of the ayre , which is a sprete , workynge in the chyldren Ephe. 2. of mysbelefe , fulfyllynge the pleasure of the fleshe : for the whiche Tollo● . 3 the wrath of God commeth vpon the chyldren of vnbelefe . Whan man now leauynge the worde of God , regardeth not God , folowynge hys owne wytte and wysedome : than is his harte and mynde darkened and drawen awaye , trustynge more to his owne wysedome , then to his LORDE his God . And his harte conceaueth nothynge saue the lust and desyre of the fleshe , of the which he is ledde captyue : so that he axeth no more counsell at God . This doth Dauid complayne sayenge : The Psal. 13 foolysh bodyes saye in theyr hartes : Tush , ther is no God . They are corrupte and become abhominable in theyr doynges , ther is not one that doth good . The LORDE loked downe from heauen vpon the chyldren of men , to se yf ther were ony that wolde vnderstand and seke after God . But they are all gone out of the waye , they are altogether become vnprofitable , ther is none that doth good : no not one . All this commeth by mysbelefe , and whan man setteth no more by God & his worde , nor hath no more lust vnto hym . For yf man dyd abyde by God , & beheld alway the wonderous and glorious workes , whiche the LORDE hath declared vnto vs by his benefytes and goodnesse : it were not possible that he shulde forsake his LORDE his God , but shulde alwaye be gyded of God and his worde , sekynge at hym onely all his comforte and health . But seynge he is deceuered from God and his worde , and wyll stande to his owne wysedom , which is but playne ●oly : therfore is he rest lesse , and to his LORDE his God is he vnfaythfull : as wytnesseth Esaye sayenge : He that is vnfaythfull dealeth vnfaythfully . Dauid also sayeth : Esay . 21. They kepte not the conuenaunt of Psal. 77 God , and wolde not walke in hys law . They forgat what he had done and the wonderfull workes that he Aba●ut . 2. hadde shewed for them . In all this haue they synned , and dyd not beleue in his wonderfull workes : for the soule of the vnfaythfull is not stedfaste nor trewe in hyr selfe . By all these euydences and reasons are we taught , that all wyckednesse is come in the worlde by mysbelefe : for thorowe mysbelefe hath man but slender knowlege of God : and accordynge as he hath knowlege of God , so muche loueth he God , and reioyceth in his goodnesse . This mysbelefe doth so kepe a man bound in synfulnesse , that he can not fele or perceaue ony goodnesse to come vnto hym from the blessed LORDE .

Thoughe he saye that he beleueth CHRIST to be crucyfyed , and that he hath suffred the paynfull death , which the deuyls also beleue : yet beleueth not he so , as one that can rest in this deth only , & as one that is fully per suaded to haue mercy & forgeuenes therby of the LORDE . For yf he coulde beleue this , he shuld both loue God , and reioyce wholye in hym , not lokynge aboute for to optayne ony other mercye of what creature soeuer it were . It shuld suffise him to know God which will receaue him to hys mercy . Wherfore , the cause why men be so coulde in loue towarde God , and so straunge from him is , that they knowe him so lytle , & that they haue so smal perceueraunce of that loue that he hath towarde vs . Lo , what vnkindnesse commeth by mysbelefe as whan man is not fully certyfyed in his harte , that God will geue vs so much , as he hath promysed vs by hys worde : yee so litle is man inwardlye reioyced , and comforted , as he doth beleue , and is assured in his conscience that God is , & will be good vnto vs . For yf he knoweth not God in hys goodnesse , howe can he reioyce in hys goodnesse ? Thus is it euydent that man abydeth presoned of hys owne wytte and wysedome thorowe vnbelefe . Thys caused Esaye to saye . Therfore commeth my people Esa. 5 also in captyuyte , because they haue no vnderstondynge . Dauid also speaketh of thus myserable estate sayenge . O LORDE , howe glorious Psal. 91. are thy workes , thy thoughtes are very depe . An vnwyse man wyll not knowe thys , and a foole wyll not vnderstonde it . And agayne in another place . They wyl not be learned Psal. ●1. and vnderstonde : but walke on styll in darknesse . Who so is not lyghtened thorowe the worde of the LORDE to knowe the LORDES waye , and to perceaue hys saluacyon by the faythe in God , that man walketh in darknesse altogether , fyndynge no restynge place for hys synfull soule , hauynge a weake hope to fynde saluacyon by the LORDE . Thys is it that Dauid sayde . They beleued not in God , and put Psal. 77. not theyr truste in hys helpe . Esaye calleth vs oute of thys darknesse sayenge : Esaye , 50 , Who so walketh in darknes , and no lyghte shyneth vpon him , let hym hope in the LORDE , and hold hym by hys God . How could a man haue ony hope or truste in hys hart , seynge he is not stedfastlye perswaded that mercy can be optayned , for the whiche he maye hope : seynge the hope & lōgyngefor commeth by fayth .

Because now that man doth not beleue , therfore can he also not hope ony such good as is promysed him by faith , nother can he loue dewly the geuer of the good , that hath promised hym so much of it : this may we perceaue by the children of Israel : the LORD promised to geue Abraham al the lond of Canaan Gene. 15. & afterward whan he wold haue sent Moses vnto Pharao , to deliuer the same people , he promised vnto Moses Exod. 3. Deut. 1. to geue them the lond that flowed with milke & hony . Now that god was mynded thus to do , that did he shew euidently in deliueryng that people from Pharaos handes , leadyng them straungly thorow the reede see , and fedinge them with heauenlye bread . But howe happened it ? For whan they had ony lettynge by the way , by reason of theyr mysbelefe and vnthankfulnesse , and had forgotten the benefytes shewed vnto them of God : than fell they to murmurynge , and deceuerynge from God , and hys worde . Agayne , what ●u. 13. 14 tyme as the spyes had searched out● the londe of promyse , and came , and shewed all thynges vnto the chylderen of Israell , howe they had sene greate giauntes in comparison of whom they were but greshoppers , and that the indwellers of the lond were stronge and myghty men , and that theyr cyties were hygh walled . The chylderen of Israell hearynge thys were sore astonnyed , murmured agaynste God , Moses , & Aaron , sayenge : that they wolde turne back agayne in to Egypte . All thys murmurynge came of mysbelefe . For yf they had stand stedfastly to his worde and bydden sure by hys promyses , they shulde haue answered & sayde : We shall ouercoeme that nacyon ryght well , and take the londe in possessyon , though they were thousand tymes stronger : For the LORDE hath promysed and geuen it vs . But seynge they fel from gods word , & hys promyses , leanynge to theyr owne polyce and strength , therfore semed it vnto them vnpossible . Neuerthelesse it was possible wyth God , and thorowe God , as hys worde dyd assure them .

Seynge than that God made suche a promyse vnto them , and that they decyuered from hys behestynges : therfore had they no hope to take in the londe of promyse : Wherfor they were vnworthye of it , and haue not entred in to the rest , which God promysed them . For thys cause commeth Paull and warneth vs of thys wycked vnbelefe , sayenge : Let vs feare Heb. 4. therfore leste ony of vs forsakynge the promyse of entrynge in to his rest , shulde seme to come behynde : for it is declared vnto vs as well as vnto them . But the worde of preachynge helped not them , whan they that herde it beleued it not . By these reasons is it declared vnto vs euydently howe hurtefull mysbelefe is vnto vs . We can do God no more wrong , nor bring more losse vnto oure soule , than in that we geue no more credence to his wordes , which not withstonding is faith full vnto vs in all hys promyses .

Thys also complayned CHRIST to the Iewes sayenge : The father which Iohan. 5. sente me beareth wytnesse hymselfe of me . Ye haue nother herd his voyce , norsene hys shape at ony tyme : You haue not hys worde abydynge in you , for ye beleue hym not , whom he hath sente . I am come in my fathers name , and ye receaue me not : Yf another come in hys own name , hym shall ye receaue . How can ye beleue , which receaue prayse one of an other , and seke not the prayse which is of God onely ? Yf ye beleued Moses , ye shulde beleue me also : For he hath written of me . But yf ye beleue not hys wrytynges , how shall ye beleue my wordes ? ye wyll not come vnto me that ye myghte haue lyfe . He that beleueth not God , hath made 1 Ioh. 5. hym a lyar : because he hath not beleued the recorde that God hath testyfyed of hys sonne . And this is the recorde : euen that God hath geuen vs euerlastyng lyfe . And thys lyfe is in hys sonne . He that hath the sonne of God , hath lyfe . Hereby is it euydent , that yf we couet to be conforted in God , than shal we seke it in his word , and take recorde of the same , howe we maye come to hys mercye . So muche fayth as we geue to his wordes , so muche shall oure knowlege be also of hys goodnesse , and so muche shall we be comforted of hym . Howe can we be fully comforted , seynge we do so sore wauet & stonde not stedfaste in hys worde , whiche hys goodnesse doth declare vnto vs ? For all that doth conforte vs commeth of God . The father loueth Iohan. 13. the sonne , and hath geuen all thynges in hys handes . Whoso beleueth Ioan. 3. in the sonne , hath lyfe euerlastynge : But he that beleueth not in the sonne , shall not se lyfe , but the wrath of God abydeth vpon hym . Thys doth scrypture specifye vnto vs , that we shulde knowe the cause and occasyon of all euel : that is mysbelefe , and it is the cause that we know not God , nor haue ony loue toward hym . Nowe whan the loue of God is banyshed , than doth man lyghtelye fall to all maner of wyckednesse . Therfore sayde CHRISTE : Whan the holy goost commeth he shall rebuke the worlde of synne , of ryghteousnesse , and of iudgemente . Of synne , because they beleued not on me . Of ryghteousnesse , because I go to the father . Wo be vnto them Eccli. 2. that are lowse or harte , whiche put not theyr trust in God , and therfore shall they not be defended of hym . Againe : They that fear the LORDE , Prou. 18. wyll not mystrust his worde : & they that loue hym wyll kepe his commaundementes . Thus maye we se how that whan man knoweth not what God hath commaunded hym , nor standeth stedfastly vpon God thorow fayth : how then ( I saye ) he falleth vnto extreme vnkindnesse , without ony dredyng of God . Mysbelefe therfore is the cause and occasion of al synnes , wherof man shal be iudged . For yf the fyrst man had bydden fast by Gods worde , he shulde not haue fallen to synnynge : Therfore sayd CHRIST : The workes that I do in my fathers Ioh. 10. name , they bear wytnesse of me : but ye beleue not , because ye are not of my shepe . Baruch also sayeth : But Baruch 3. how happeneth it Israell that thou art in thyn enemyes lande ? thou art waxen olde in a straunge contry , and defyled with that dead . Why art thou become lyke vnto them that go downe to theyr graues ? Euen because thou hast forsaken the well of wysedome . Truely , yf thou haddest walked in the waye of God , thou shuldest haue remayned styll safe in thyne owne lande . Euen this same complaineth the LORDE also by Ieremy the prophete , Ierem. 2 sayenge : What vnfaythfulnesse founde youre fathers in me , that they wente away so farre fro me , fallynge to lyghtnesse , and beynge so vayne ? They thought not in theyr hartes : Where haue we left the LORDE , that brought vs out of the lande of Egipte ? that ledde vs thorow the wyldernes , thorow a desert & rough lande . &c. And continently after in the same place : For my people hath done two euels : They haue forsaken me the wel of the water of lyfe , and dygged them pyttes : Yee vyle and broken pyttes that holde no water . And it foloweth also : Thyne owne wyckednesse shal reproue the , and thy turnynge awaye shall condempne the : that thou mayest know and vnderstande how hurtefull a thynge it is that thou hast forsaken the LORDE thy God , & not feared hym sayth the LORD God of hoostes .

Wherfore , whan we beholde oure selues duely , remembrynge the worthynes and excellency of the chosen soule , whiche of ryght shulde be a bryde of IES VS CHRISTE : for of nature can not she be refresshed nor comforted but , onely of God .

What so euer she seketh besyde hym , that maketh her disquyete and comfortlesse . For this cause is it nedefull for vs to lyfte oure eyen vp towarde heauen , besekynge hym humbly to conforte vs wyth his owne presence . Nother is this accomplyshed , but onely whan the LORDE declareth his goodnesse vnto vs by his word , and that we then reioyce in all the goodnesse which he hath promysed vs therin . Yf we forsake the worde , then shal the soule become cold & straunge from god This confirmeth Ieremy sayenge : I wyll cast you out of this lande , in Ierem. 16. to a lande that ye , nor your fathers knowe not : and there shall ye serue straunge goddes day & nyght , there wyll I shewe you no fauoure . That man verely hath no rest whiche falleth to ony shapen creature , or to ony inuencion & ymaginacyon of man . Where man doth yet procure ryghteousnesse & saluacyon by his owne mother wytte & wysedome , there doth not god work his worke . This may be tried by many places of scripture CHRIST dyd not shewe many tokens Rom. 1. there where was no faith , because the they knowynge that ther is one God , haue not praysed hym as God , nor thanked hym , but became vayne in theyr ymaginacyons , & theyr folyshe hart was blinded . Whan they counted themselues wyse , they became fooles . And why ? Euen because ( saith Paul ) Rom. 10. they knowe not the ryghteousnesse which auayleth before God , & go about to mayntayne theyr owne righteousnesse : & thus are not they subdued vnto the ryghteousnesse whiche is of value before God . CHRIST is the ende of the law vnto-ryghteousnesse for euery one that beleueth . For God so loued the world , that he gaue his Ioh. 3. only sonne , that wo so euer beleueth in hym shulde not peryshe , but haue euerlastynge lyfe . Lo how saluacyon commeth by fayth . Who so therfore doth not receaue the worde by fayth the same abydeth in darknesse & dāynacion : as CHRIST wytnesseth in the same place , sayenge : But he that beleueth not , is condempned already : because he beleueth not on the name of the onely sonne of God . But this is the condemnacion : that the lyght is come in to the worlde , and men loued the darcknesse more then the lyght , for theyr workes were euell . Who so euer doth euell , hateth the lyght , and commeth not to the lyght , that his dedes shulde not be reproued . Here in are we enformed that it is Gods wyll , that all men be saued : and that we shall knowlege the fathers loue , whiche hath geuen vs CHRISTE to be oure Saueoure : and that we shulde knowlege oure saluacion to come by hym , whiche hath accomplyshed the worke of oure health in vs . But seynge many men do not turne them selues to God warde , walkynge after theyr owne wyll and desyre : therfore cannot they haue knowlege of the saluacyon that is promised and geuen vs by CHRIST . Man muste vtterly forsake hym selfe , with all that is in hym , and rest vpon CHRISTE onely : by whose death we maye fynde sauynge health . But alas Lollo . 2. for pytie ther be many vayne and pufte vp in theyr fleshly myndes , which holde not them selues to the heade and worde , nother come to CHRISTE to be humbly taught of hym . This is the cause why the Pharises came not to God , but sayde it that Iob dyd prophecy aforehande , sayenge : They saye vnto God : Go Iob. 21. from vs , we desyre not the knowlege of thy wayes . What maner of felowe is the Almyghty , that we shulde serue hym ? What profyte shuld we haue to submytte oure selues vnto hym ? Esaye also sayeth : Thou hast Esaye . 57. hadde trouble for the multitude of thyne owne wayes , yet saydest thou neuer : I wyll leaue of . Thou thynkest to haue health or lyfe of thy self and therfore thou beleuest not that thou arte sycke . Yee , heare what O see the prophete sayeth : I droue Ephraim , Iuda plowed , and Iacob O see . 10 played the husbandman , that they might so we vnto righteousnes and reape the frutes of weldoynge : that they myghte plowe vp theyr fresshe & new tylled lande , and seke the LORD tyll he came , & taught them ryghteousnesse . But now they haue plowed them wickednesse , therfore shall they reape synne , and eat the frut of lyfe . Seynge thou puttest thy confidence in thyne owne wayes , & leanest to the confidence of thy worthies , ther shall growe a sedicyon amonge thy people . By this is it euident that man remayneth in his vnfaythfulnesse thorow his owne wysedome . For the LORDE wyll teache vs with his worde only , yf we couet to walk aryght in his way . Al is but foolyshnesse , be man neuer so well learned , yf he knewe nought of God . Therfore sayeth Paul : The worde of the 1. Corin. 1 crosse is foolyshnesse vnto them that perish , but vnto vs that are saued it is the power of God . For it is written : I wyl destroye the wysedome of the Esay . 29 wyse , and wyll cast away the vnderstandyng of the prudent . For so much as the worlde by the wysedome therof knewe not God in his wysedom . it pleased God thorowe foolysh preachynge to saue them that beleue . Yf 2. Cor. 4. oure Gospell be yet hyd , it is hyd in them that are loste : amonge whome the God of thys worlde hath blynded the myndes of them , whiche beleue not , that the lyghte of the Gospell of the glorye of CHRISTE ( whiche is the ymage of God ) shuld not shyne vnto them . And in another place saieth Paul : Because they receaued not the loue of the treuth , 2. Tessa. 2. that they myghte haue bene saued : therfore shall God sende them stronge delusyon , that they shulde beleue lyes , that all they myghte be damned , whiche beleued not the treuthe , but had pleasure in vnryghteousnesse . It hath bene the LORDES wyll alwaye to draw euery man vnto hym both by benefytes , and wordes . But whan he seyth the hartes to remayne styll harde , and peruerted , than threateneth he the vnbeleuynge , that they shall come to naught , yf they do not receaue hys worde , sayenge : The kyngdome of God shall Math. 21. be taken from you , & shal be geuen vnto the Heythen , which shal bryng forth the frutes of it . And who so falleth vpon thys stone , ( that is CHRIST ) shal be broken●● peces : and loke vpon whom it falleth , it shal grynde him to poul●●r . This is fearful to heare of him , that i● offended at Goddes worde thorow mysbelef , nother doth knowlege thorowe loue hys saluacyon to be therein : but withstandeth it by al meanes possyble . They that be offended and dashe at the stone ( that is CHRISTE ) they be not drawen to hym through hys goodnesse , but be rather peyered , peruerse , & myndlesse . Yee and they become enemies of God by the lawe : whereby they be broughte to greater feare , than can wel be swaged and redressed againe by Gods worde .

Whan the stone ( that is the blessed Nota. CHRIST ) shall fall vpon the misbeleuing beleuing , & forsake the sinner trustyng in his blindnesse , beynge despysed of God for his obstinacie , and beating his iudgemente wythout mercye at the daye of dome : than shall the vnbeleuynge se how greuous it is vnto hym , that he hath not receaued CHRIST in his worde . The LORDE sayd : He that is not with me , is against Math. 12. me . He that gathereth not with me , scattereth . For he that seketh righteousnes , notbeholding CHRIST only with a pure minde , he dasheth agaist the stone . Now greuous it is to offend at the stone , & to be offended at CHRIST , do many places of scripture specifie vnto vs . CHRIST is set to a fall , & to an Luce. 2. vprising agayn of many . But well is him whose trust is in the LORD hys god . Be it knowen vnto you therfore Actu● . 13. ye men & brethren , the thorow this man ( that is CHRISTE ) is preached vnto you the forgeuenesse of synnes , and from al the thinges , wherby ye might not be iustified in the lawe of Moses . But whosoeuer beleueth on thys man is iustifyed . Beware therfore that it come not vpon you , which is spoken in the Prophetes . Beholde ye despysers , 〈◊〉 . 2. and wonder at it , and peryshe : For I do a worke in youre tyme , which ye shall not beleue yf ony man tell it you . And agayne in the same place sayde Paull and Barnabas to the Iewes : It behoued fyrste the worde of god to be spoken vnto you , but now that ye thruste it from you , & counte youre selues vnworthye of euerlastynge lyfe : lo , we turne to the Gentyles . Oh LORDE who can perceaue how hurtefull the worldly wysedome is ? The Byshoppes , Pharisees , Prestes , and Lawers thorowe theyr owne wysedome wold not submitte them selues to the humble , and meke fayth of CHRISTE , but rather drewe the other people from the fayth in CHRISTE , sayenge : Doth ony of the rulers or Pharisees beleue on hym ? But the commune Iohan. 7. people whiche knowe not the lawe , are cursed . Thus were the Publicans and open synners ( whiche beleued in CHRISTE ) despysed of them . Yee because the commune people Luce. 7. Iohan. 12. folowed CHRIST , therfor haue the Byshoppes and Prestes taken counsell how to slaye CHRIST . CHRIST also whan he saw that the couetous Pharisees dyd mocke hym , he sayd : Ye are they that iustyfye youre selues Luce. 16. before ●●n , but God knoweth youre hartes . For that which is hye amonge men , is abominacyon before God . And agayn sayd CHRIST : Why know ye not my speche ? Euen Iohan. 8. because ye can not abyde the hearynge of my wordes . And agayne : I am come to iudgement into hys Iohan. 9 world , that they which se not , might se : and that they which se . myght be made blynde . And some of the Pharisees that were wyth hym , herde thys , and sayde vnto hym . Are we then blynde also ? IESVS sayde vnto them : Yf ye were blynde , ye shulde haue no synne : But now that ye say we se , therfore remayneth youre synne : That is as muche , as though CHRISTE wolde saye : He that wyll se hys saluacyon by hys owne wysedom , he is blynde : For he loketh not vpon God , but is blynde in himself . But he that loketh not vpon hymselfe , but seketh hys saluacyon in CHRISTE , he is lyghtened of God . Thys wytnesseth saint Paul , sayeng Roma. 9. The Heythen whiche , solowed not ryghteousnesse , haue ouertaken righteousnesse . But I speake of the righteousnesse that commeth by faythe . Israell folowed the lawe of ryghteousnesse , and attayned not vnto the lawe of righteousnesse . Why so ? euen because they soughte it not oute of faith , but as it were out of deseruing of workes . For they haue stombled at the stomblynge stone , as it is written . Beholde , I laye in Syon a stone to Esaye . 28. stomble at , and a tocke to be offended at : and whosoeuer beleueth on hym , shall not be confounded .

Here haue we now herd what hurt vnbelefe bryngeth , whereby a man becommeth coulde and straunge from God . For thorowe vnbelefe hath a man small perceuenaunce of God or godlynesse . Yee where God is not duely knowen , there is man ydle , & can haue no godly lust , nor fauoure vnto God . But that father hath geuen vs CHRIST hys only sonne , accordynge to hys loue towarde vs ( euen hys godly worde ) that we shulde herken to him , & learne to know the waye of saluacion thorow hys word . Thus hath CHRIST called vs louingly namely vs that were of a disquiete & troubelous hart , geuingvs knowlege of his fatherly wil thorow faith , that we shuld be conforted in his word , which brigeth al mercy with it . Yf our hart be ready to accomplish that wil of god accordinge to his worde , & not to departe thorow ony straung learning , than are we surely called of hi. For Ihon saith . Whosoeuer transgresseth , and abydeth 2. Iohan. 1 not in the doctryne of CHRIST , hath not God . He that abydeth in the doctryne of CHRISTE hath both the father , and the sonne . And agayn : Yf no man wyl receaue you , Math. 10. nor heare youre preachynge , depart out of that house or cytie , and shake the duste from youre fete . Treuly I saye vnto you : It shall be easyer for the loude of Sodoma , and Gomorra in the daye of iudgement , than for that cuie . Thus may youse the damage Math. 9 and hurte of mysbelese , the whiche causeth a disquyeted harte , and remorse of conscieure , and an harte the is comfortlesse , yee a continuaunce in synfulnesse . Wherfore CHRISTE seinge the multitude , hauyng blind leaders , he is moued with pitye vpon them : for they were pined away , and dispersed , as shepe hauyng no shepe herde . And CHRISTE sayde vnto his disciples . The haruest is great , but the laborers are few . Wherfore praye the LORDE of the harueste to send forth labourers into his haruest . Now louyngly wyll the LORDE haue pytye vpon vs , seynge he calleth vs so swetelye to hys godlye worde , that we abyde not in damnacyon . 2. Tes. 3 Paul sayeth : Brethren , praye for vs , that the worde of God maye haue fre passage , and be glorified as it is with you , and that we maye be delyuered from vnreasonable , and euell men . Thys graunte vs the heauenlye father , thorow IESVS CHRISTE his sonne .

Amen .

¶ Here endeth the treatyse of fayth and hope .

Here foloweth the treatyse of loue and charite .

¶ Of the loue that God hath towarde vs , howe stronglye loue worketh in vs , and howe hurtefull the worldlye loue is .

PEace and mercye from God the father thorow IESV CHRIST . Ye entyerlye beloued , ye that hunger to come to the knowlege of the loue that God hath to vs ward ye must turne youre selues humblye to the blessed LORDE , desyrynge hym to make youre hartes wyllinge to receaue his worde ioyfully , and to knowlege that loue in the spirite by fayth , the whiche the LORDE shewed vs so frendlye thorow his worde . Hys loue is not knowen , but onely thorowe hys worde , the which onely geueth vs true wytnesse that God loueth vs . So farre stretcheth oure knowlege of hys loue , as we haue gotten it oute of hys wordes by fayth . The LORDE sheweth vs suffycyentlye in hys wordes that he loueth vs .

As God is trewe and faythful in hys promises , so maye we lyghtelye gette perceueraunce of hys loue by hys own wordes . Yee euen that god hath promysed , that he loueth vs , were ynoughe to reioyce in , yf we coulde beleue dewly , and not to seke about for ony other louers . It shuld be ynough for vs that God loueth vs , and we shuld reioice in his loue : For hys loue is onely trewe , bounteous , holye and good . That the worlde , and al men do loue me , that doth not auayll me , nother doth it comfort , nor saue me : but that God doth loue me , that is a confort vnto my sinful soul . For god geueth saluacion holynesse , righteousnesse , & redemption thorow his loue . The world with al hyr louelynesse , geueth nought saue damnacion , hell , synne , & death . Therfore can the soule finde nother rest nor peace therin . For the soule maye be comforted in hyr owne nature , and strengthe with God onely , and with his loue . Nowe whan man heareth this , and perceaueth it , than muste his harte leap vp for ioye towarde God , whiche loueth him . Thus becommeth be equall , and lyke vnto God , so that he is so mynded in loue to Godwarde , as God agayne is mynded to him , sayenge with chearefulnesse : Is it not a greate thinge , that such a LORD loueth me , that draweth all men to him : and that because I shulde be partaker of all the good that of hys loue he hath promysed to geue vnto all them , that knowlege hym by hys loue . He that is sure of thys loue , sayeth boldelye : Who can now daunger me ? Who can condemne me ? For God so loueth me that he will saue me . Now do I feare no ther death nor hell : For God that loueth me hath ouercome death , hell , and synne for me . Let aryse nowe agaynste me castels , stronge holdes , yee the gates of hell , and though I were i the middes of death , yet shal not they hurte me . For God , that hath al powers in his hande , doth loue me . Them that God hath electe , & chosen , Roma . ● . them hath he called : and whome he hath called , them hath he also made righteous , and whom he hath made righteous , them hath he glorified also . What shall we say than vnto these thinges ? yf God be on oure syde , who can we be agaynst vs ? whiche spared not his owne sonne , but hath geuen hym for vs all : howe shal not he geue vs all thynges also wyth hym ? Who wyll laye ony thynge to the charge of Gods chosen ? It is God that maketh ryghteous , who wyll then condemne ?

For as muche than as the chylderen Hebre. 1. haue fleshe & bloude , he also hymselfe lykewise toke parte with them : that he thorowe death , myghte take awaye the power of hym , which had lordshyppe ouer death that is to say the deuyll : and that he myghte delyuer them , whiche thorowe feare of death were al theyr lyfe tyme in daunger of bondage . For he in no place taketh on hym the angels , but the sede of Abraham taketh he on hym . Wherfore in all thynges it became hym to he made lyke to his brethren , that he myght be mercyfull , and an Hyghe Preste in thynges concerninge god , to make agrement for the synnes of the people . For us that he hymselfe suffered , and was tempted , he is able to , succurre them that are tempted . Who coulde now be comfortlesse , yf he were perswaded in hys mynd hereof ? Who could not reioice in spret hauynge founde suche a redemer ? Who sawe euer such a loue ? Herein 1. Iohan . 4. is loue , not that we loued god , but the he loued vs , & sente his son to make agrement for oure sinnes . The loue Roma. 5. of God is shed a brode in our hartes by the holy goost , which is geuen vnto to vs . For whan we were yet weake according to the tyme , CHRIST dyed for vs vngodly . Whan we were yet enmyes , CHRIST reconcyled vs vnto Roma. 4. the father , which was geuen for oure synnes , and raysed vp for oure ryghteousnesse sake .

Oboūteful LORD , how dyd loue driue you to vs ward , what tyme ye dyd loke so louingly vpon vs with your fatherly pitie ? For , because ye might shew your moost excellent loue that ye beare toward vs , therfor dyd ye yeld your selues vnto the bitter death : that we might knowlege al our saluacion , & redemption in you only , & reioycei you . Oh who can fele the bottom of your loue , what tym as we se , & perceaue what inestimable price ye gaue for our redemcion ? with your faithful & trew worde haue ye assured vs of youre loue : with your precious bloude haue ye scaled it : with your death haue ye confirmed it : & bequiethed & left vs the testament of loue , to the forgeuenesse of synnes O howe glorious are we estymed in roure syghte father ? euen as electe and chosen chylderen , had in greate reputacyon of you thorowe loue .

Lo , what loue the father hath shewed vs , that we shulde be called the 1. Iohan. 3 chylderen of God , and also be the same . We are nowe the childeren of God , and yet hath it not appeared what we shall be . But we know that whan he shall appeare , we shall be lyke him : for we shal se hu● as he is .

O wonderful loue ? Who coulde Nota. comprehende and vnderstande , that the naturall man , ( which was so pytyfully destroyed thorowe Adams synne , and comme in the deuils power ) shulde so be lykened vnto God , and to haue optayned suche fellowshyppe and communion with hys inestimable goodnesse . By nature we were chylderen of the wrath of God , and coulde not ryse agayne by oureselues . But God not wyllynge to be wroth foreuer vpon his handy worke hath called to remembraunce his naturall loue and pytie : and thought how that he hadde created vs after his lykenesse , after he had once poured hym selfe in vs thorowe his tender loue . Thus was he myndefull of vs thorow hymselfe , & dyd shewe mercy : his loue steared hym to it , & our fraylnesse hath he taken to his mercy . For he sawe we were fleshe & faydynge heye , not beynge able to stande , without the assystaunce of his goodnesse . He was also myndful of that which he promysed vnto man , hearynge the depe desyres , and the humble syghinge of the ryghteous : which longynge for his commynge , did cal for him , that he shuld she we his loue to the strayeng and lost nature . Wherfore the father hath opened his fatherly harte , sendynge vs his worde , his only sonne : that he myght be for vs y● onely mediatour , speche man and swager of Gods wrath , which shulde ouercome death , hell , synne and the deuell , whiche shulde accomplyshe for vs the worke of saluacyon thorowe his death , whose fleshe and bloude shulde call for mercy for vs vnto the father . Who shuld not now knowlege his glorious state , where vnto the LORDE hath called vse . Who can now fele and perceaue this loue , and not reioyce inwardly ? For he hath geuen euery one power to be the chyldren of God , that Ioh. 1. beleue in his name . Who can come to hygher estate , them to be electe chyldren of hym , that onely hath power to exalte his frendes ?

When CHRIST had called his beloued disciples to his loue , them conforted he them alwaye in theyr passions , saynge : I am amonge you as a mynister . As for you , ye at they that Luce. 22. haue bydden with me in my temptacyons . And I wyl apppoynt the kyng dome vnto you , euen as my father hath appoynted me , that ye may eat and drynke at my table in my kyng doine , and syt vpon seates , & iudge the twelfe trybes of Israell . No māhath Ioh. 15. greater loue , than to set his lyfe for his frend . Ye are my frendes , yfye do the I commaunde you . I call you not seruauntes : for a seruaunt knoweth not what his lord doth . But I haue sayd that ye are frendes . For al that I haue herde of my father , haue I shewed vnto you . Ye haue not chose me , but I haue chosen you , and ordyned that ye go & brynge forth frute , & that youre frute continue : that whatso euer ye aske the father in my name , he shulde geue it you . Unto you it is geuen to knowe the mistery of the kingdom Math. 1● of heauen , but vnto them it is not geuen . With these aforesayd sayenges are we greatly conforted , in that we se how much the LORD wyl do vnto them the he loueth . Now commune maketh he hym selfe with all his kingdome ? wyllynge vs all to haue his loue , and the we all shulde knowlege all our saluacion to come of his loue , the which he declareth so plenteously vnto vs . Therfore sayeth Paul : The LORDE hath chosen vs by hym ●yhe . 1 ( that is CHRIST ) or euer the foundacyon of the worlde was layed , that we shuld be holy and without blame before him in loue : and ordeyned vs before to receaue vs as ehyldrē thorow IESVS CHRIST , accordyng to the pleasure of his wyll vnto the prayse of the glory of his grace , wherby he hath made vs accepted in the beloued : in whom we haue redempcyon thorow his bloude ( namely ) the forgeuenesse of synnes , accordynge to the ryches of his grace , which he hath shedde vpon vs abundauntly in all wysedome and prudence . The fatherly hart was so moued with loue to vs warde , that all his thoughtes were employed how he myght shew mercy vnto his poore shepe . Thoughe the ryghteousnesse of God myght tustly haue condemned vs : for Adam and we haue both transgressed hys commaundement in one fleshe . And though the LORD myght haue kept vs styl in deaths daunger : yet hath his loue and pytie so moued hym , that he dyd ioyne his mercy with iustice , and peace with trueth , so that these beynge assembled , dyd call vpon loue desyrynge that God wolde declare his loue . This dyd Dauid knowlege in sprete and sayd : I wyll herken Psal. 84 what the LORDE God wyll saye , for he shall speake peace vnto his people , & to his sayntes , that they turne not them selues vnto foolyshnesse . For his saluacyon is nye them that feare hym , so that glorye shall dwel in our lande . Mercy and trueth are met together , righteousnesse & peace kysse eche other . Trueth shall ryse out of the earth , and ryghteousnesse shall loke downe from heauen . And why ? the LORDE shall shewe louyng kyndnesse , and our lande shall geue hir encrease . Righteousnesse shal go before hym , and prepare the waye for his commynge . And agayne : The Psa. 144. LORDE is gracyous and mercyfull , longe sufferynge and of great goodnesse . The LORDE is louynge vnto euery man , and his mercy is ouer al his workes . Turne agayne then to Psal. 114. thy rest ( o my soule ) for the LORDE hath geuen the thy desyre . And why ? Thou hast deliuered my soule from death , myn eyes from tears , & my fete from fallynge . Hereby is it euident that yf we desyre ony inwarde goodnesse wheron our synful soule myght test them shall we loke stedfastly vpon this loue , & alwaye consider what CHRIST hath geuen vs thorow his loue . whan we haue the knowlege of his loue in vs , then haue we fyrst a cause to reioyce . For only in his loue may we knowlege our saluacyon . Therfore sayth Paul : We haue not receaued Rom. 1. the sprete of bondage to fear ony more , but we haue receaued the sprete of adopcyon , wherby we crye , Abba , dear father The same spret certifieth our sprete , that we are the chyldren of God . Peter also confirmeth this , sayenge : 2. Pet. ● For so muche as his Godly power hath geuen vs al thynges that pertaine vnto lyfe & Godlynes , thorowe the knwlege of hym that hath called vs by his owne glory & power , wherby the excellent & moost great promyses are geuen vnto vs : namely , that ye by the same shuld be partakers of the godly nature , yf ye flye the corrupte lust of the worlde . He now that doth reioyce in this loue , and can perceaue what is geuen hym by the same , he ( I saye ) coulde lightely withdrawe hymselfe from all , that is no trewe loue , and suffre not hym selfe to be deceaued with false loue . For God hath made vs so lyke vnto his godly nature thorowe loue , he hath yelded hymselfe so louyngly vnto the nature of man : he hath drawen it so frendly to him ward , making of it a chosen temple clensed by his bloude , that his sprete myght rest in it with al his goodnesse : and that man myght vse God as a frende .

Now whan we perceaue the loue of God onely to be perfect , holy and good , wherby redempcyon and saluacyon is geuen vs : then of dewtye ought such loue only to be our ioye , glory and comforte . For God which Ephe. 2 is ryche in mercy , thorow his great loue , wherwith he loued vs , euen whan we were dead in synnes , hath quyckned vs with CHRIST . And for cause of this , nother lawe nor synne lyue in vs , but CHRIST , which hath powred hym selfe in vs thorow his worde : so that God is in vs , and we in God . The lawe doth not now compell vs ony more , but it is God that hath so moued oure hartes thorowe his loue , that we by the helpe and assistaunce of his sprete shall do all that is acceptable vnto hym . This inwarde mocyon of our harte commeth by fayth : For whan we know verely that God loueth vs , then doth i● worke in vs , causyng vs to fixe our mynde on nothynge , saue howe we maye reioyce in hym that doth loue vs . It is sure a greate grace geuen vs of God , that we knowlege his loue towarde vs , felynge in oure entrayles by fayth peace , glorye , reste , and ioye : wherby only we perceaue that thorowe hys loue all mercye and for geuenesse is happened vnto vs .

This wytnesseth Paull saieng . But after that the kindnesse , and loue of Titum 3. God oure saueoure towarde man appeared , not for the dedes of ryghteousnesse which we wroughte , but after hys mercye he saued vs by the fountayne of the newe byrth , and renewynge of the holy goost , which he shed on vs abundauntly , thorow IESVS CHRIST oure saueoure , that we beynge made ryghteous by hys grace , shulde be heyres of eternall lyfe , accordynge to hope . Therfore hath god declared his loue vnto vs , that he onely shulde haue the glorie of our saluacion by fayth , wherby we are assured , that of oure selues we haue nought : but the al is geuen vs frely of his fatherly loue and goodnesse . By sayth only are we assured of gods loue , & the we may walke confidently in this loue . Therfore sayde CHRIST : God so loued the worlde , that he gaue Ioh. 3. his only sonne , that whosoeuer beleueth in hym , shulde not peryshe , but haue euerlastynge lyfe .

The ioy & conforte of our conscience shal endure so longe , as his loue is had in price & worthynesse of vs : but yf it begyn once to fayde and waxe coulde , so that we can nother fele reste , nor ioye in his loue , than do we drede god as a tyraunt or a strayght iudge , not trustyng to optayn mercy of his loue & goodnesse , nor the we be made worthy of hys loue , & goodnesse by his bitter passion & death . This is the moost blashhemie & wrong the can be done vnto God . Where such knowlege of god is , there do men beginne to seke health & conforte in creatures , in mans inuencions , in straung holynesse & in the workmanship of the craftisman . Thus waxeth man could & straung from god , hauing nother faith of god , nor sauoure of godlynesse , the which not withstonding did loue vs for his own sake . Euen as our opinion is of him , so shal he please vs , as CHRIST sayeth : This is the lyfe euerlasting , that they Ioh. 17 know the ( the thou art only the true God ) & whom thou hast sent IESVS CHRIST . This loue doth the boke of wysdom commende vnto vs , estyminge it to be a precious treasure the we be come to the knowlege of the same , saieng : But thou Sap● . 15. ( o our god ) art swete , long suffering and true , and in mercy ordreste thou all thinges . Though we syn , yet are we thyne , for we know thy strength . Yf we synne not , shan are we sure that thou regardest vs . For to know the , is perfecte ryghteousnesse : Yee to knowe thy ryghteousnesse , and power , is the rote of immortalyte . By thys knowlege is God hyhglye praised and thanked of his loue . Yee he hath caused to geue testimony of his loue thorow out all scriptures , that we shulde be certifyed of it , and to runne confidentlye to hym thorowe the same . By Ieremye the prophete Iere. 31 , he sayeth : I loue the with an euerlastynge loue , therfore do I sprede my mercy before the. I wyll repayre the agayn , that thou mayest be fast and sure . Now whan man doth perceaue ( by reason of many places of scrypture ) the Nota. God doth loue vs , than ought he to lyft vp hys eyen towarde heauen vnto hym , that onely can lyghten oure eyen , and that can geue vnderstandynge of all that , whiche he teacheth by hys worde . Wolde God we dyd receaue hys worde by faythe in the spirite , that we myghte fele , and beleue his loue therin , and how we maye optayne mercy , grace , and saluacyon by the same : than shulde oure synfull soule be comforted in al the goodnesse , the which the LORDE hath promised and declared vnto vs so louyngly by hys worde . O LORD I can perceaue nother the , nor thy goodnesse , saue onely by thy worde , wherebye thou saydest that thou louest me . Poure therfore a clean hart wythin me , and I shall be conforted in all thynges , whereby thou declareste thy loue . My soule is restlesse , vntyll I can rest in the. Encrease my fayth ( for it is thy gyfte ) and I shall haue perceueraunce of the. My soul shall be conforted in thy loue , for thou arte my saueoure , my glorye , my reioycynge and ioye .

Whan the LORDE doth heare the hongrie soule syghing after this maner , longing and hoping for hym , than doth he turne hymselfe spedely and meteth man , comforting him with himself sayenge : Come to the waters all ye that be thyrstye , and ye that haue Esaye . 55. no monye , come , bye , that ye may haue to eate . Come bye wyne and mylke , wythout ony mony or mony worth . Come to me all ye that laboure , and Math. 11. are laden , and I wil ease you , & learn of me : For I am meke and lowlye of hart , & ye shal find rest vnto your soules . It is al touching mercy & forgenesse wher with god doth cal his shepe .

Hereby is it euident vnto man , the gods loue is vnto hym a sure fundament a strong hold , a rock & an hard ground , wherevpon he may buylderightwel . Wherfore he bringeth his ship to his hauen , he casteth out hys anker vpon this sure ground , tyeng al his diseases and grifes at this stony rocke , he escapeth thorow god onely all the wawes and peryls of the see , euen as God dyd promyse by Esaye the prophete , sayenge : Whan thou Esaye . 45. wentest in the water , I was with the that the stronge floudes shulde not plucke the awaye . Whan thou walkest in the fyre , it shal not burne the , and the flamme shal not kyndle vpon the : for I am the LORD thy God , the holyone of Israell , thy saueour . And Salomon also sayeth : The name of Pro. 1● . the LORDE is a stronge castell , the righteous flyeth vnto it , and shal be saued . He that loketh stedfastly vpon the LORD , shall not be broughte to confusyon : for the loue that he knowlegeth in God shal cause him to walke confidently and assuredly . And with such a faythfully harte is God well apayed , the hongereth alway to come vnto farther knowlege of his wyll . Such hartes shal that LORD cal vnto hym , shewynge them his loue , sayeng : Sonne be of good cheare and comforte , all that is in my is for the. Yf thou haue sinned , yf thou haue offended me , remember the I loue the , truste vnto my loue , I haue payed thy det , I haue geuen myself ouer vnto death for thy sake , the thou shuldest knowlege thy saluacion to be of my loue .

Whan man doth begyn to perceaue this , than fideth he confort & rest , & doth vnderstood how strong the loue was , the which dyd subdue death . Thys loue hath God to oure behofe , that in oure nede we maye runne to hys loue , and admonysh hym of the same . And seynge God is loue , therfore cāhe not forsake hymself : but wyl geue after the power of hys loue , and all that of his loue he hath promised by hys godlye worde .

This teacheth vs to know CHRISTES death in hys power , glorye , and victory , in whose loue we maye se so clearly our redempcion , and reioyce therin . O wonderfull gyftes , O incomprehensible treasure . How happy is the man , to whom it is geuen to haue a perceueraunce of thys ? Who came euer to hygher saluacion ? Who reioyced euer more , than he the fand god ( wich loueth vs ) euen a father ? Fulfeatlye doth Salomon saye : Sett me as a 〈◊〉 . 8. seale vpon thyne harte , & as a seale vpon thyn arme : for loue is as mighty as the death , & gelousy as the hel . Hyr coales are of fire , & a very flame of the LORDE : so that many waters are not able to quenche loue , nother maye the streames drowne it . Yee yf a man wolde geue all the goodes of his house for loue , he shulde counte it nothynge . He that confesseth that IESVS is the sonne of God , in hym 1. Ioh. 14. dwelleth God , and he in God : & we haue knowen and beleued the loue that God hath to vs . God is loue , & he that dwelleth in loue , dwelleth in god , & god in hym . Herin is the loue perfect with vs , that we shuld haue a fre boldnesse in the daye of iudgement . Herby is the synful conscience conforted , namely yf we can perceaue by fayth , that the LORD wyl receaue the sinner to grace thorow his loue . And agayn , yf we haue made vs vnworthy of his loue , then let vs humble ourselues before the LORDE , syghynge for our mysoedes , and his loue shall conforte vs agayne . Unto him that loued vs , and clensed vs from synne by his bloude , and hath made vs kynges and prestes , namely , vnto God and his sonne , be glory & prayse for all his goodnesse . Amen . Hetherto haue we sayde how well God loueth vs , and how — we maye truste in his loue : Now shall we shewe , that as God hath wrought and done great mercy vnto vs , euen so must the same loue worke in vs also toward God , & our neghboure , wherby loue is vttered what she is . This namely is , whan we rendre prayse , honoure and thankes vnto the LORDE God which hath made our hart wyllynge in his loue thorow the worde , so that we beleue to receaue hym , & to knowlege his loue therin . The loue of God doth worke so much in vs to our saluacyon , as we can beleue and be persuaded , that God loueth vs , & that we can reioyce in his loue onely , beyng assured , that we can optayne nother mercy nor fauout , saue only thorow his loue : that whiche he declared so louyngly toward vs in suffring death Wherby we may be assured , that he doth loue vs without gaynsaynge : & that he wyll geue vs so muche goodnesse , as he hath promysed by his worde . As we knowlege our saluacyon & redempcion by his loue , so shal we yelde hym only the glory of our saluacyon . Seynge he only is a geuer of al goodnes thorow his loue , therfore ought we to glorye & reioyce in hym onely . He that could vnderstande this duely in sprete by fayth , the same shuld rest vpon CHRIST in al peaceablenes , knowleging his saluacyon to come by him only , & require mercy & grace of hym onely . For this cause wyll God thus declare his loue to vs , that we shuld know , how to reioyce namely , that god loueth vs , & that we know our redempcion to be by his loue

Wold God euery man knewe the power of the loue that god hath toward vs Not● , for then shulde we be euer prayeng , and euer readyng scripture , that we might learne how to knowe God in his loue by his word , and to reioyce in hym . For nother of God , nor his loue are we assured inwardly , saue onely by the worde , where vnto we geue faith and credence . And as the loue of God is in our harte , and as we knowlege his loue perfectly : so is oure harte agayne steared with loue towarde God , beynge ready & wyllynge to do all that is acceptable vnto hym : that all loue & thankfulnesse myght be recompensed him agayne , which hath heaued and exalted vs so hyghly by hym thorowe great loue : hereby do we know that God hath wrought a wonderful glorious worke in vs . Seynge the ther is no goodnesse in man , therfore must all his dedes be assured and sealed with fayth , yf they shal be acceptable vnto god . And in this fayth we shal beleue that God doth worke in vs both to wyll and to fulfyll . It is God that hath accomplyshed the worke of saluacyon in vs . What worke of saluacyon that euer we can deuyse or requyre , that hath CHRIST accomplysshed in vs . Yf we beleue this , & thorowe loue vtter it , then are we iustified & saued , not for the dede or workynge , but because we are ryghteous thorow fayth , thefore be the dedes of loue or charite ryghteous also . For a faythfull man doth alway beholde his owne ryghteousnesse in god , ascrybyng to his goodnes only all honoure : and vnto hym selfe nothynge but synne & confusyon that God onely maye haue the glorye . Paul doth demaunde & saye : What 1. Cor. 4. hast thou that thou hast not receaued ? yf thou haste receaued it , why makest thou then thy boast , as thoughe thou haddest not receaued it ? Agayne sayeth Paul : Suche trust haue we thorow CHRIST to God 2. Cor. 3 warde , not that we are sufficient of our selues to thynke ony thynge , as of our selues , but our ablenesse commeth of God . The LORDE also exhorteth vs by Ieremy saieng : Let not the wyseman reioyce in his wysedome , Ieremi. 9. nor the stronge man in his strength nor the rych man in his ryches : But who so euer wyl reioyce , let hym reioyce in this : that he vnderstandeth & knoweth me : for I am the LORDE which do mercy , equyte & ryghteousnesse vpon earth . All these places testify that we must loke vpon CHRIST beleuynge that we be saued only by his loue , yf we couet to seke rest and peace in oure conscience . Therfore doth Ieremy agayne speake confortably sayeng : The mercyes of the LORDE are not clene gone , & his louinge 〈◊〉 . 3 kyndnesse ceasseth not . His faythfulnesse is great , & reneweth it selfe as the mornynge . The LORDE is my porcyon ( sayeth my soule , ) therfore wyll I hope in him . O how good is the LORDE vnto them , that put theyr trust in hym , & to the soule that seketh after hym . Seyng now that God is alwaye workynge with his loue , therfore muste we confesse and knowlege all our saluacyon to be onely by the workynge of his loue : & so doynge we geue hym onely the glorye of all the goodnes that is in vs .

This loue shall stear our hartes to fulfyll the LORDES wyll , & cause man not to remayne ydle in that loue , where vnto the worde of the LORD doth exhort him so louyngly . Loue coueteth to come to perfectnes , desyryng alway to be so mynded in loue to god ward , as god by his loue is minded to vs , hongeryng alway to be equall with God in loue . The spret exhorteth vs to end euoure vs thorow loue to please God , euen as he thorowe his loue hath done well by vs . A o●e is mery , & commeth from a ioiful hart . For loue causeth a man to haue a good opinion of God , namely , that god of his bounteous goodnes hath geuen hi rest & hartes ease , so the he must reioyce euen from his whole hart . How can he be sory , yf whan he loketh vpon God . he is fully persuaded that God loueth hym ? And this is the t●ken wherby he knoweth it : that is , whan he feleth his harte to be drawen in loue towarde God . For he is sure of a great and in estimable treasur , that he can rest in the loue of God , beleuynge God to be a mercyfull father vnto hym by reason of his tender loue . And sure he is , that God shal geue hym so pleteous goodnesse , as he hath promysed hym by his louynge worde . Yf God fynde loue in man ( seynge he hymselfe is loue ) then fyndeth he godlynesse in hym , wherfore he loueth hymselfe in man : and as longe as a man continueth in this loue so longe can not God hate hym , nor seperate hymselfe from man . For God is knytte and ioyned with man by hymselfe , and can not forsake hymselfe so longe as he perceaueth hymselfe in man .

Now , seynge man is become godly thorowe loue , yf God the father wolde of his ryghteousnesse cōdene hym , then must the godlynesse be condempned also . Wherfore , because God is the glorye , therfore of necessite must thys damned man lyue with God in glorye thorowe his loue . By loue haue we felowshippe with god and all that is in hym : lykewyse also hath he felowship with vs , hydynge our synnes with hym selfe , not sufferynge that suche a vessell ( wherin he resteth hym selfe thorow loue ) be brought to confusyon .

By loue vse we God to our pleasure , with all his gyftes , and al that is in God : for loue wylleth none otherwyse then God wyll . Man hath it not of him selfe , yf he do ony good accordynge to the wyll of God : but seynge he hath the loue of God , the same is constrayned by the sprete of God to do nothyng saue it that pleaseth God , whom he endeuoureth euer to please thorow loue . And as God alwaye delyteth in hym selfe , & in all that he doeth : euen so wyll he also haue a pleasure in all that , whiche is done in man thorow loue . God of his loue hath made all thynges good : wherfore all muste be good that man doth of loue . Loue is pure and cleane , and can seke none other rest or peace , saue onely in hym whiche hymselfe is rest & peace , which hath fylled his harte with ioye so louyngly . Loue is satisfied with God only , sekynge nothynge but God . For he hath soughte God onely thorowe loue , that he myghte enioye hym in trueth .

No man can vse due loue in God , without he be sure fyrst by fayth inwardly how wel God doth loue vs , reioycyng in the same loue , and puttynge all his saluacyon therin . Thus doynge he shall passe by all creatures , estymynge them as donge , countynge CHRIST onely his ioye , glorye , & hartes desyre . He now that vttereth the loue , ( for true loue cannot be ydle ) he vttereth it , that which God the louer of loue wyl haue the louyng man to do . Paul sayth : Owe nothing Rom. 13. to ony man , but to loue one another for he the loueth another , hath fulfylled the lawe . And agayn . The chefe 1. Tim. 1 summe of the commaundementes is loue of a pure harte , and of a good conscience , & of fayth vnfayned . That is : Yf we desyre ony goodnesse inwardly , we shall praye humbly , that we maye haue loue : for onely loue is a wytnesse that we haue fayth in CHRIST . Loue is a power wherby all oure workes are acceptable vnto God , and sufficiently tryed . Wherfore sayeth Paul : In CHRISTIESV Galat. 5. nother is circumcision ony thynge worth , nor vncircumcysion , but fayth : whiche by loue is myghty in operacyon .

And that we shuld knowe the better the power of loue , & so yeld oure selues to the same , therfore doth Paul shewe ful featly , what worthy dede of loue CHRIST hath wrought in vs , ( that we shulde the better knowlege our saluacyon to be optayned by loue , and so folowynge and conterfaytynge CHRISTES loue ) sayenge : Therfore doth God set forth his loue towarde Rom. 5. vs , in that CHRIST dyed for vs whan we were yet synners : muche more then shall we be saued from wrath by hym , seynge we are nowe made ryghteous thorow his bloude Yf we now desyre to folow CHRIST & to fulfyl his lawe , commaundementes & gospell : them is ther no nearer way than to folow him in loue . Paul doth exhorte vs to the same very hartely , sayenge : Be ye folowers therfore of God as deare chyldren , & walke in Ephe. 5. loue , euen as CHRIST loued vs , & gaue hymselfe for vs an offerynge and sacrifice of swete sauour vnto God . The cause now why man is so colde in loue toward God , & so sore deuyded from the same , so that he hath nother pleasure nor sauour in God is , because he hath not fully yelded his harte to God , to be taught of hym , the so he myght knowe how well God doth loue hym . Of this maketh god none preuy saue onely suche as seke hym with all theyr harte , and be alwaye hongerynge to knowe God in his goodnesse .

The vnfayth fulnesse & lytle perceueraunce Nota. that men haue of God , doth cause them to abyde in synfulnes and to hange vpon creatures . They can not rest duely vpon God , nor his benefites , by reason of theyr small vnderstandynge in godly matters : for the benefytes of God do not synke in theyr entrayles . Yf man could entre euen to the grounde of the benefites of God , and beholde the wonderfull & glorious workes of God , then shulde he no doute geue sentence & verdite , that vnto such a god , and suche a LORDE onely is due all prayse , honour , and glory .

Therfore oughte man to yelde al his wytte , wyl and wysedome to Gods maiesty , estemyng in hymself nothynge saue synne and foly , with out God dyd steare oure hartes inwardlye with his loue : so that we shulde perceaue nor desyre noughte with all our harte and mynde , saue onely CHRIST our louer . With out this wysedome is it al folyshnes that is in man . For without God ther is nothyng to seke nor to fynde wherin man maye reioyce by ony meane . It is God onely that can satisfye mans harte , and brynge hym to loue . Paul was ioyfull in God a ryghte , what tyme he was come to this knowlege , sayenge : For I shewed 1. Corin 2. not forth my selfe amonge you that I knewe ony thinge , saue only IESVS CHRIST , euen the same that was crucyfyed . Oh let vs humbly beseke the LORDE , that we maye knowe hym by his loue , and reioyce ouer all the good the he hath wetesafe so louynglye to declare vnto vs by his worde . For as we knowe God by his worde in his loue , so shal our harte agayne be kyndled in loue towarde God , and shall not passe this bande . For fayth consysteth in this , namely , that we can beleue all mercy , saluacyon , and health to come frely by only loue : and that we agayne vtter the same fayth thorow loue in the syght of all men . To this exhorteth vs CHRIST , sayenge : Let your lyght so shyne before men , Math. 5 that they maye se youre good workes , and gloryfy your father which is in heauen . s . Peter also exorteth vs 1. Pe●t i. ● . to lede an holy lyfe among the heythen .

Loue doth declare herselfe by fayth , workyng wonderously , to the ryghteousnesse and saluacyon of all such men , as knowlege God in his loue , ready alwaye to rendre hym loue and thankes agayne . Paul what tyme he hadde a tayste of this loue , and felte the power of the same , he gaue vnto thys holye loue the glorye of all the good that is acceptable before God in man , saynge : Thoughe I spake with tunges of 1. Cor. 13. men and angels , and yet had not loue , I were euen as soundyngebrasse , or as a tynklyng cimbal . And though I bestowed al my goodes tofede the poore , & though I gaue my body euen that I burned , & yet haue not loue , it profyteth me nothynge . Loue is pacyent and curteous , loue enuyeth not , loue doth not frowardly , is not pufte vp , dealeth not dishonestly , seketh not hyr own , is not prouoked vnto anger , thynketh not euell , reioyceth not ouer iniquite , but reioyceth ouer the trueth , beareth al thynges , beleueth all thynges , hopeth all thynges , suffereth all thynges . Thus much suffyseth to be spoken of the loue that God hath towarde vs , & how man is ioyned vnto God by loue . For true loue muste worke by fayth in such as god hath elect & chose therto , & it causeth man to optayne al thynges lawful , wherfore we shall treate farther wherein we oughte to declare , and vtter oure loue agayne .

Seynge that we haue here sufficientlye shewed that god loueth vs , and that the same loue worketh alwaye ; therfore shall man examyne hymselfe , and searche hys entrayles whether he be come to a true loue by faythe . Faythe muste declare it selfe thorowe loue and mortyfycacyon of the fleshe . S. Ihon exhorteth vs earnestlye to a renewynge of our sin ful lyfe , after that we haue receaued the worde of the LORDE with ioye , beinge assured by faith that we may optayne mercye thorowe IESV CHRISTE , sayeng : God is light , and in hym is no darknesse at all . Yf 1. Iohan. 1. we saye that we haue felowshyppe wyth hym , and yet walke in darknesse , we lye , and do not the treuthe . But yf we walke in lyghte , euen as he is lyghte , than haue we felowshyppe together , and the bloude of IESVS CHRIST hys sonne clenseth vs from all synne . CHRIST also sayeth : I am the lyghte of the Iohan. 8. worlde , he that foloweth me shal not walke in darknesse , but shall haue the lyghte of lyfe . And agayne : The Iohan. 12. lyght is a lytle whyle with you , walke whyle ye haue the lyghte , that the darknesse fall not vpon you . He that walketh I darknesse woteth not whether he goeth , Beleue ye on the light whyle ye haue it , that ye maye be the chylderen of lyghte . It foloweth : I am come a lyghte in to the worlde , the whosoeuer beleueth on me shulde not abyde in darknesse . By all these aforesayde sayenges are we taught , that God hath geuen hymselfe alyghte in oure hartes , yf we haue learned to knowe hym in hys loue by hys worde . The worde is the lyght and foode of the soule , whereby the loue of God is clearlye set forth vnto vs . That we therfore be founde , trutefull and thankefull before the LORDE , it is hys wyll to leade , yee to dryue vs wyth hys lyghte to lyghten vs , and to teache vs al that , whereby oure synfull soule maye be conforted , and reioyce in God oure louer . Whan Dauid knewe thys lyghte , he was gladde thereof , and sange : Howe precious is thy mercye ( O God ) that the chylderen of men Psal. 35. maye put theyr truste vnder the shadowe of thy wynges ? They shall be satysfyed wyth the plenteousnesse of thy house , and thou shalte geue them drinke of the ryuer of thy pleasures . For by the is the well of lyfe , and in thy lyghte shall we selygthe .

Whan we haue nowe receaued CHRISTE so rychelye , and ioyfully by hys worde , than shall also the Godly worde onely be our light , guyde , and mayster , so that we shall herken diligentlye what God hath commaunded , admonyshed , and taughte vs in hys worde . Noman feleth inwarde ioye , or comforte of the Gospell , wythout he be sure that it hath wroughte euidentlye in hym the mortyfycacyon , and subduynge of hys owne synfulnesse , and the loue towarde hys neghboure . Whan it hath wroughte thus in man , than perceaueth he fyrste the incomparable loue and fauoure the which god doth declare by hys worde . Moreouer , whan he hath tryed the same with the renewynge of hys lyfe , than is he sure that God hath wroughte a passynge greate worke of mercye in hym . Thys knewe Dauid whan he sayde : I wyll herken what the LORDE Psal. 14. God wyl saye , for he shal speake peace vnto hys people .

Now is it euidente , and playne that God doth sende his worde , and lyghte in oure hartes , that we thorowe the lyghte in hys worde shuld knowlege all oure saluacyon , and redempcyon , reioycynge in hym only . Yf man do not yet fyxe hys syghte only vpon God , and hys loue , but seketh comforte ether of mens inuencyons , or ony creatures , not reioycynge in God onely : than is it to be doubted , lest such one be not founded a ryghte on God onely . Paull sayeth : But we wayte in the spirite of E●l● . 5. hope to be made righteous by faith . The faythfull lyueth alway in ioye . Aba●●● . 2. for the iuste lyueth by fayth . Scripture Roma ● . Heb. 10. wytnesseth euery where , that God doth call vs , and sayeth : I am , I only am he that putte awaye synne , wythoute Esaye . 43 me ther is no saueoure . In the tyme of trouble , and in the strayghtnesse of synfulnesse , than doth god be holde vs mooste of all , yf so be we seke hym wyth oure whole hartes . The soule can reioyce in nothynge that is wythout God . Therfore seynge God loueth vs , he exhorteth vs to putte oure confidence in hym onely , sayenge . Yf ye fyxe youre syght vpon an other , than shall ye remayne confortlesse , and ye shall serue straunge goddes daye , and nyghte , that wyll shewe you lyttell fauoure . But my Esaye . 32. people shall dwell in the ynnes of peace , & in my tabernacle , and pleasure , where ther is ynoughe in them all . For thys cause shall man trye hymselfe whether he be mortifyed in hys owne synfulnesse , and carnal desyres . For Paull sayeth . They that are CHRISTES , haue crucifyed theyr Gala. 5. fleshe with the lustes and desires . He shall also searche howe he oughte to behaue hymself in loue toward god , doynge it that he is sure to be acceptable vnto God , that the father may be glorifyed thereby : the whiche wyl worke wonderously thorow his loue in all them , in whome he hath powred hys worde so louynglye . Of this maye the auncyent father Symeon be an ensample , the whiche seynge Luce. 2. the lytle babe reioiced in sprete . The two disciples also herde CHRIST , and they learned to know him with Luce. 24. ioyfull and mery hartes .

Now shal we procede and shewe that al oure thoughtes , wytte , & wyl shall be enployed , howe we maye agayne tendre the LORD al seruice , loue & thankfulnesse , after that we know what vnoutspeakeable loue , & mercy is shewed vs by him . It were vndoutedlye a greate losse yf god shuld loue vs for naught : yf his loue shuld not worke in vs , nor bryng forth the frutes of the same : or yf it shulde haue wrought no saluacion in vs , whereto god hath alwaye geuen it : For than shuld god be ydle in vs with his loue , with his holy word , with his goodnesse , yee with al his precious giftes : Than ( I say ) shulde not god haue ony glorye , nor praise in vs for al the benefites , which we do possesse by his bounteous goodnesse . By the frutes may it be euident what a great act god hath wrought in a faithfull harte . Therfore sayde CHRIST : I am come to kindle a fyre vpon earth , & what wold I rather than Luce. 12. that it were kyndled alreadye ? Is Iete . 23. not my worde fyre ( sayeth the LORDE , ) and lyke an hammer that breaketh the harde stone ? It is sure a consumynge fyre bryngyng to naughte the iustes of the fleshe , and kyndlynge man to charitable dedes . Thus muste it be workynge , and maye not come agayn voyde , as sayeth Esay .

As for the frutes of the spirite , that Esaye . 55. be wroughte by fayth in loue , those maye we fele in oure selues . Fyrste , Yf we do reste vpon CHRISTE IESV onely , reioycynge in hym onely , trustyng to hys goodnesse onely , the which he hath promised by his word Secondarly may we know them by the mortifycacion of the fleshe wyth hys desyres , namely . Yf we haue conquered oure selues by the loue of God , and lyue nowe in all mekenesse , and clenlynesse of harte . Thyrdlye , yf we be kyndled by the aforesayde loue with mercye , and kyndnesse to warde oure nedy neghbour . To the which Pau doth exhorte vs , sayenge : Now therfore as the electe of God , holye , and ●ollos . 3. Ephe 4. beloued , put on tender mercye , kyndnesse , humblenesse of mynde , mekenesse , longe sufferynge , forbearinge one another , and forgeuynge oue another , yf ony man haue a quarell agaynst another . Lyke as CHRIST hath forgeuen you , euen so do ye also . But aboue all thynges put on loue whiche is the bonde of perfectnesse . And the peace of God rule in youre hartes , to the whiche ye are called in one body : & se that ye be thankful . Loue 1 Petri. 4. couereth the multitude of synnes .

Hereby haue we perceaued loue , that he gaue hys lyfe for vs : and therefore Iohan. 3. oughte we also to geue oure lyues for the brethren . But he that hath thys worldes goode , and seyng hys brother haue nede shutteth vp hys harte from hym , howe dwelleth the loue of God in hym ? My lytle chylderen , let vs not loue with worde , nother wyth tunge : but wyth the dede , and with the treuthe . And agayne : Dearlye beloued , let vs loue one another , 1. Iohan . 4. for loue commeth of God : and euery one that loueth is born of god and knoweth God . He that loueth not , knoweth not God : for God is loue . We knowe that we are translated 1. Iohan . 3. from death vnto lyfe , because we loue the brethren . He that loueth not hys brother , abydeth in deathe . Whosoeuer hateth hys brother is a manslayer . And ye know that a man slayer hath not eternall life abyding in hym . Iames sayeth that ther shal Iacobi . 2. be iudgemente mercylesse to hym , that sheweth no mercye . CHRISTE Math. 25. in the daye of iudgemente shall verye rouglye requyre of vs the dedes of charite . Wherfore lyke a true watch man , he doth admonyshe vs of hys loue , that he myghte draw vs to the same , sayenge : Be ye therfore mercyfull , Luce. 16. as youre father also is mercyfull . And agayne : A newe commaundemente geue I you , that ye loue together Iohan. 13. as I haue loued you , euen so loue ye one another . By thys shall euerye man knowe that ye are my dyscyples , yf ye haue loue one to another .

By all these afore sayed places of scrypture doth the LORDE , admonyshe vs , howe we oughte so be lyke hym in loue . For fayth doth declare herselfe openly by loue . As God is the loue hymselfe , euen so is man lyke vnto God , yf he be louynge . And as God of hys loue hath redymed vs wythout oure helpynge handes , euen so must we vtter the same loue to our neghboures behofe . He therfore that hath no loue to warde his neghbour , how can he haue ony goodnesse in him , wherby he might be acceptable vnto god , or wherin he may be equal with god by loue ? He that fulfylleth not it that god hath commaunded howe shall he optayne it of god , that which god hath promised ? It is loue the causeth man , & al that he doth to to be acceptable vnto God . Therfore speaketh Iames so muche of workes .

Fayth muste declare it selfe by dedes of charite , not that the workes are an occasyon of oure ryghteousnesse : for than shulde God be depryued of hys glorye , the which maketh vs ryghteous in the fayth thorowe CHRISTE , leste we shulde boaste oure selues , but rather make oure boaste of CHRISTE IESV , which maketh the synner ryghteous by faith workinge loue in man . Of thys treateth Paull very muche . Whan workes come from a beleuynge harte , than are they acceptable vnto God thorowe fayth : the whiche a man doth vtter by the workes of loue . God loked Gene. 4. fyrst vpon Abel , and than vpon hys gyftes . For thys cause sayeth Iames : What auayleth it my brethren , Iacob . 2. thoughe a man saye he hathe fayth , whan he hath no dedes ? For sayth yf it haue no dedes , is dead in it self , Abraham is made ryghteous thorowe workes ( that is ) the workes were counted ryghteous by faith , and gaue testymonye that he hadde fayth , what tyme he wolde haue offered hys sonne Isaac . Therfore sayth scrypture . Abraham beleued God , Gene. 15. Roma . 4. Galat. 3. Iacobi . 2. and it was counted hym for ryghteousnesse . For thys cause shall man searche , and examine hymselfe , whether he hath declared hys faythe by dedes Nota. of charite , or not : lest he deceaue hymselfe , thynkyng to haue faith and loue whan he can talke and vtter many wordes of the same . Who so therfore fyndeth himselfe without loue , beynge yet fleshlye mynded , grauntynge the fleshe hys requeste , he ( I saye ) is not yet come to the true faith . Yf we now be come to the true loue , than are we caried by death vnto lyfe , and can reioyce duely in hym 2 Tessa. 1. that loueth vs . For this cause sayde Paule : We praye alwayes for you , that oure God make you worthy of the callynge , and fulfyll all delectacyon of goodnesse , and the worke of fayth in power , that the name of our LORDE IESVS CHRISTE maye be praysed in you , and ye in hym , accordynge to the grace of oure God , & of the LORDE IESVS CHRISTE

I beseke the LORDE entierlye ( which is onely the geuer of al goodnesse ) , that he wyll so lyghten and steare our hartes inwardly , that we maye reioyce a ryghte in hys loue , & rendre hym agayn thankes & prayse with a feruent loue : though oure synfull soules be not worthye of suche loue . But thys agayne is oure comforte , namelye , that the father hathe geuen vs CHRISTE , the whiche hath geuen hymselfe ouer vnto the bitter death to declare hys excellent loue vnto vs , that we myghte knowlege our saluacion in his loue by faith accomplyshynge hys wyll , and pleasure . Unto hym that of his loue hath called vs so gentelye by hys worde vnto all mercye , vnto hym ( I say ) be thankes , prayse , honoure , and glorye , both by vs , and by all other creatures nowe and for euer .

Amen .

¶ Hereafter shall we treate howe hurtefull the loue of the worlde is , and howe we maye despyse it .

SEynge that we haue spoken so largely of the loue the God hath towarde vs , and howe stronglye the same loue worketh in vs , we shall therfore now treate how daungerous worldlye loue is : that is , that ether the worlde loueth vs , or that we loue it .

Whan man doth consydre the worlde , and all that is therin , than findeth he nought for hys soule to conforte , to rest , or to satisfye herselfe in . He that doth beholde the world duely , maye se that it is hurtefull , & faydyng , with all that belongeth thereto : Yee al such as wil ether seke , folowe , loue , serue or please the world must stayne & ioyne them selues with the same . It is al vanyte & vexacion of mynde Eccls. 1. that is vnder the skye . What ioye or glorye shulde man fele inwardlye , whan he consydereth that he serueth such a lord as bryngeth nought saue damnacion , hel and sinne with him . As the soule is noble , and heauenly , euen so can she fynde nothynge amonge these earthlye creatures wherein she myghte vse true glorye , and ioye . And seynge the soule can refresh herselfe in nothynge that is transytory , therfore must she forsake al creatures , and knowledge God to be glotious in all that he hath declared , and wroughte in hys creatures : for he is wonderfull in hys power , wysedome , and goodnesse : wherebye al creatures haue receaued theyr bewty , growynge , fashyon and lyfe . The creatures call to vs sayeng : We geue nothinge that may satisfye you , saue onelye the eye syghte : By vs may ye perceaue God to be wonderfull , and glorious in all hys workes . Yf ye remayne , and abyde with vs , and go not vnto God by vs : ( For he wyll be knowen in his loue by vs ) than shal ye be restlesse surely , seynge we geue nought wheron youre soules maye rest . Yf man coulde consyder this dewly , then shulde he se euidently , that he was neuer aryght conforted , that sought to fulfyll his lust and pleasure in ony creature . The worlde smyleth and promyseth a man much : but seynge ther is nothynge stable in it , therfor can not it also geue ony thynge to rest vpon . Thoughe all the worlde dyd loue vs , yet shulde it not be profytable and auaylynge to our saluacyon : but rather a stoppe or lette of the same , makynge man vnworthy of the loue of God . For God doth not poure his loue in that Sap. 1. harte , wherin the worlde with his loue is abydynge . This wytnesseth saint Ihon , warnyng vs , lest we suffre vs to be begyled of the worlde , sayeng : Se that ye loue not the world 1. Ioh. 1. nother the thynges that are in the worlde . Yf ony man loue the worlde the loue of the father is not in hym : for all that is in the worlde ( namely the lust of the flesh , the lust of the eyes , & the pryde of lyfe ) is not of the father , but of the worlde . And the world passeth awaye , and the lust therof : but he that fulfylleth the wyll of God abydeth for euer . Iames confirmeth thys sayenge : Who so euer wyll be Iaco. 4. a frende of the world , is made the enemye of God . This is the profyte that we haue by the loue of the world , namely , that for the loue of the same we do become enemyes to God . For this cause sayd Paule : Yf I shulde ●ala . 1. yet please men , I were not the seruaunt of CHRISTE . The apostles also what tyme they were chosen and sundered , they were hated of the worlde . For it coulde not agre to be atone wyth God , and to haue frendshippe wyth the world . Yf ther shal be an atonement wyth the world , then muste ther be also a consente to his synfulnes . And bycause that nother CHRIST nor his disciples were of the worlde , nor consented to the lust of the same , therfore doth he admonishe and conforte his disciples at his departynge , sayenge : Yf the Iohan. 15. world hate you , them knowe the it hath hated me before you . Yf ye were of the worlde , the world wolde loue his owne . Howbeit because ye are not of the worlde , but I haue chosen you from the worlde , therfore the worlde hateth you . And the prophetes all though they were hated of the worlde , yet were not they sory for it . For yf they wolde haue procured the loue of the worlde , then shulde not they haue rebuked the synnes of the world but lyued in synfulnesse with them , and forsaken God , nother shulde they haue reioyced in his spret . The loue of God no doute ouercame the loue of the worlde . This is euident in many patriarches , prophetes and holy men and wemen , the which were al slayne for rebukyng of the world , and because they folowed not the lustes of it : as namely Abell , Esay , Ieremy , Helyas , Micheas , Susanna , Daniel with diuers other that haue bene slayne and persecuted of the worlde .

The world therfore is a wycked thynge , for it geueth nought wherin man myght reioyce by ony meanes , but his rewardes be , synne , hell , and damnacyon : and itselfe is altogether set on wyckednes . The nature 1. Ioh. 5 of man is communely such , that it is chaunged in to it , where his loue is moost set on . But what ioye can a man vse in that thynge that is wycked of itself ? The worldly wysedom coulde not brouke CHRIST , nother coulde the worldly holynesse rendre all glorye vnto CHRIST only : Yee because CHRIST dyd rebuke wyckednesse , and fayned holynesse , therfore rose the worldly men agaynst CHRIST and haue determined to slaye hym . This one thynge myght of ryght open the eyen of many men . Seynge the loue of the world was neuer good nor profytable , how myght we then get ony goodnesse by fulfyllyng his lustes ? as Paul sayeth : What frute Rom 6. had ye at that tyme in those thinges wherof ye are now ashamed ? for the ende of suche thynges is death . O death , how bytter is the remembraunce Eccl● 4 , of the to a man , that seketh rest and comforte in his substaunce and ryches : for death is the rewarde of syn . Whan lust hath conceaued , she bringeth Rom. 6. Iacobi . 1. forth synne : and synne whan it is fynyshed , bryngeth forth death .

Whan a man now hath well consydered the worlde , and begynneth to perceaue that it is nothynge but vanite and hartes grefe , then beginneth he to withdrawe his hart from it . Wherfore yf he can then praye to God entierly and hartely , he shall se how glorious and nobell he is estymed med in the syghte of God , namely , that he is a vessel of synne , where as God notwithstandynge hath created hym to be a tabernacle or a temple , wherin he wyl dwel with his spret , and all his gyftes . Yf he can beleue this with a stedfast fayth , than shall his harte reoyce in God , trustynge to vse suche gyftes more frely with hym . By fayth doth man se where to he is created and called , & what is promysed and geuen hym . And seynge that by fayth he doth loke for a better worlde , then this wretched worlde and vale of mysery is , therfore is not he contente with it : for the world geueth his hart nothing to reioyce in . Whan man hath dont longe and trewe seruyce vnto the worlde , he fyndeth none other rewarde , saue great grefe and heuynesse of harte . For man is made a straunger from God , and colde in loue , whan he goeth about to serue ● please the worlde . Now whan h● hath once a tayst of this , and is sure that it is so , then doth he wende his harte from the worlde , sayenge : Fare well all transytory creatures , fare it well all that euer deceaued me , fare well with all thy lustes . I wente astraye whan I soughte the , I was begyled whan I tande the , I was blynde whan I set my loue vpon the , I was amased whan I pleased the , I was confortlesse whan I occupyed the , I was parted from God whan I serued the , I was in ●eath whan I lyued with the , I was ●estelesse whan I behelde the , I was sorye whan thou gauest me ●oughte , I was not suffised whan ●hou gauest me muche , I was mysaryed whan thou madest my glad . Oh thy wysedome is folyshnesse be●re God , thy glyrye is heye , thy ●ylynge is deceate , thy bewtye is ●lthynesse , thy ryches are vnsta●e , thy presence is without rest , ●y rewarde is but death , thy ioye endeth with sorow . He that fyndeth the leseth hymselfe , and commeth in deaths daunger . He that loued the was neuer dealt faythfully withall . He was not conforted aryghte that sought thy frendshippe . He that busyed hym to please that was neuer ioyfull . He neuer reioyced aryght that reioyced in the. He neuer happened wel that was seruiable vnto the. He that folowed the dyd neuer happen well . He that knewe the aryght dyd neuer passe greatly vpon thyne amyte or frendshippe . Thou deceauest al thy louers . Thy loue is vntrusty Thy dealyng is craftynesse . O how happy is he that neuer soughte for the : but happye is he whose hope is in the LORD his God . He that seketh God , commeth from death vnto lyfe : But he that loueth the worlde , falleth from lyfe vnto death . CHRIST therfore not wyllynge vs to be damned thorowe the worlde , hath warned vs of the daungers of it , sayeng What helpeth it a man thoughe he Math. 1● . wanne the whole worlde , and yet suffered harme in his soule ? Whan CHRIST dyd cal ony body , them dyd he drawe hym from the snares and peryls of the world , as namely , Mathew , Zache , Mary the open synner . CHRIST sayd vnto the yongeman : Math. ● Luce. 9 Let the dead bury theyr dead . But go thou thy waye and preache the kyngdome of God . And to another that wolde haue folowed hym he sayd : Who so purteth his hande to the plowe , and loketh backe is not mete for the kingdome of God . And agayne whan another that demanded of hym , what he shulde do to come in to the kyngdome of heauen , he sayd : Yf thou wylt be perfecte , go thy waye and sel that thou hast , and Math. 19. Matti . 10 Luce. 12. geue it vnto the poore , & thou shalte haue a treasure in heauen , and come and folowe me . Whan the yongeman herde that worde , he wente awaye sory , for he had great possessions . IESVS sayd vnto his discyples : Uerely I saye vnto you , It shall be harde for a ryche man to entre in to the kyngdome of heauen . Hereby maye it be euidente that ryches drawe a man somtyme to synnynge , wherfore he can not folowe his LORDE his God , to serue hym humbly . For ryches & worldly loue cause man somtyme to fall to pryde and obstinacy . Yf the Nota. ryche man coulde vse his ryches well ( that is ) to dispend them charitably to the behofe of his neyghboure , & in the meane season prouydyng for h●s owne necessite , releuinge the nedy with the rest : then shulde not his ryches be hurtefull vnto hym . Abraham , Isaac . Iacob , Iob , Dauid , & many other holy men and wemen haue had great ryches . But seynge they haue worshipped & serued God & shewed kyndnes vnto theyr neghbures with theyr substaunce : therfore were theyr ryches a furtherauce rather than a let vnto theyr saluacyon , accordyng to the mynde of Tobias the elder . Nabal though he was rych , and 1. Reg. 25. Dauid hauynge nede , requyrynge only what it pleased hym to geue , wold depart from nothyng . The rych glutton also wolde shewe no mercy Luce. 16 vnto Lazarus . Because of suche abuse were theyr ryches hurteful vnto them . Therfore sayd Paul : They that 1. Tim. 6 wyl be rych fal in to the rēptacion and snare , & into many folysh & noysome lustes , which drowne men in destruccyon & damnacyon . For couetousnes is the rote of al euel . Iesus Sirak coūfeleth euery man also , sayeng : My Eccler . 11. sonne , medle not with many maters : Yf thou wylt be rych thou shalte not be without wyckednes . For this cause sayd Paul : Charge them which are rych in this worlde , that they be not 1. Tim. 6 proude , nor trust in the vncertayne ryches , but in the lyuynge God ( whiche geueth vs abundauntly all rhynges to enioye them : ) that they do good , that they be rych in good workes that they geue & destribute with a good that wyl , gathering vp treasure for them selues , a good fundacyon , agaynst the tyme to come , that they may lay hande on eternall lyfe . The cause why saynt Paul doth thus exhorte vs , is : For we brought nothynge in 1. 〈◊〉 . 6 to the worlde , therfore is it a playne case , that we can cary nothyng out . Whan we haue foode and rayment let vs therewith be content . CHRIST lykewyse exhorteth vs not to be so carefull for this short season , nother to set an outragious loue vpon ony creatures , sayenge : Se that ye gather you not treasure vpon earth , Math. 6 where ruste and mothes corrupte , & where theues breake throughe and steale : but gather you treasure together in heauen , where nother ruste nor mothes corrupt , & where theues nother breake vp , nor yet steale .

That man myghte withdrawe his hart the better from these creatures , he shulde call oftymes to remembraunce how transitory and faydyng all it is , that is without God . All that he beholdeth with his bodyly eyen , geueth his harte nother rest , peace , nor ease , yee it geueth nothyng saue hartes grefe . Man ought also to remember that we haue here no abydynge Hebre. 10 cytie , but we hope and loke for another , the which is better by a thousande partes then all that is in this worlde . Whan dyuerse saintes dyd consyder this , they haue set the worlde at nought , sekinge theyr glorye in CHRIST only : which can satisfye his frendes with the trueth , and make them ryche with hym selfe : so that whan his frendes shal haue plenty , his enmyes shal suffre great scarcenesse . For the world geueth nothing wherin the louer of the same can rest and satle his mind . They that haue opprest the symple , they that haue vsed policyes and craftes to auaunce them selues in worldly dignities : those shall be brought to confusion at the daye of dome , and shall se that they haue procured nothynge saue hell & synne . For they wold geue no eare vnto the trueth of Gods wordes . At that tyme shall they saye : Tedious wayes haue we gone , but as for the waye of the LORD , we haue not knowen it . What good hath our pryde done vnto vs ? Or what profite hath the pompe of ryches brought vs ?

All those thynges are passed a waye lyke a shadowe , and as a messaunger runnynge before . &c. Euery man ought well to considre this , for the worldly seruice commeth to a bytter ende . Herken what scripture sayeth : Yf a man lyue many yeares and be gladde in Eccles 11. them all , let hym remembre that dayes of darcknesse , whiche shal be many : and whan they come , all thynges shal be but vanite . Be glad then ( O thou yonge man ) in thy youth , & let thyn hart be mery in thy yonge daies folowe the wayes of thyne owne hart and the lust of thyne eyes . but be thou lure , that God shall brynge the in to iudgement for all these thynges .

This is ment of the louers of this worlde . For though it seme to be somwhat , truly it is nothyng ( yee thoughe man lyued a thousande yeares ) in comparison to it that is euerlastynge . Whan we thynke in our selues : where are the myghtye ? where are the great men ? where are the wyse men ? whose name and fame hath all the worlde maruayled at . At ● ende haue they concluded all with death . Salomon perceaued ryght well , that for all his wysedome and ryches , he was equall in dyenge vnto all other men : Therfore hath he counted it al foolyshnesse that is vnder the skye Esay also sayeth : O my people , they Esay . 3. that call the happy , do deceaue the. As though he wolde saye : They that prayse you here of oughte that is in you , they deceaue you . For ther is nought in man that is worth prayse , or glory . Be not proude of thy raymente , and exalte not thy selfe in the daye of thyne honoure : for the workes Ecc●● . 11. of the Hygheste onely are wonderfull : yee glorious , secrete , and vnknowen are his workes . Many tyrauntes haue bene fayn to syt down vpon the earthe , and the vnlykelye hath worne the crown . Many mighty men haue bene brought lowe , and the honorable haue ben delyuered in other mens handes . They that be nowe exalted , shall be brought lowe tomorow . And they that be nowe broughte lowe , shall be exalted tomorowe . It is greate folye that man hath confydence in that thynge that is vnstable and geueth no goodnesse from it selfe . Suche one buyldeth vpon a sandy grounde , whereby his house must sodenly fall , and perishe . Suche a foolyshe body saieth : Now Ec●●●● . ● . haue I gotten rest , and nowe will I eate and drynke of my goodes myself alone . And yet he consydereth not , that the tyme draweth nye that he muste leaue all these thynges vnto other men , and dye hymselfe . CHRIST sayd : Ther was a rych man Luce. 12. whose feldes had broughte forth trutes plenteouslye , and he thoughte in hymselfe : What shall I do ? I haue nothynge wherein to gather my frutes . And he sayde : thys wyll I do : I wyll breake downe my barnes , and buylde greater , and therin wyl I gather all myne encrease and my goodes , and wyll saye vnto my soule : Soule , thou haûe muche goods layed vp in stoare , for many yeares , take now thyne ease , eate , drynke , and be mery . But God sayde vnto hym : Thou ●oole , thys nyghte shall they requyre thy soule from the , & whose shall it be that thou haste prepared ?

Seyng that the end of the seruyce of this world is so bytter , and that it rewardeth his seruauntes with remorse of conscience , therfore dothe God shewe vs so greate mercye in drawynge vs so louynglye from the loue of the worlde : & that doth he , because we shulde reioyce with hym in the treuth . It is a ioyful thyng to folowe CHRIST : for he maketh hys seruauntes glad with hymselfe . But he that foloweth the worlde , fulfylling the synful desyres of the same : becommeth a seruaunt of synne . And Iohan. 9. Paul sayeth : that the rewarde of syn Roma. 6. is death . Fashion not youre selues ( then ) lyke vnto thys worlde , but be Roma. 1● . chaunged thorow the renewynge of your mynd , that ye may proue what thynge that good , that acceptable , and perfecte wyl of God is . And this is the wyll of God , euen your sanctifienge , 1. Tessa. 4 that ye shulde abstayne from whoredome , that euery one of you shulde know how to possesse his vessel in holynesse & honor , & not in the lust of concupiscence . And that no man go to farre , nor defraude his brother in bargenyng . For the LORDE is the auenger of all suche thynges , as we haue sayde and testified afore tyme . Nowe as the worlde and the wysedome thereof haue alwaye persued CHRISTE and hys , separatyng themselues from god , & fallyng to synnynge , from the leaste vnto the mooste : therfore maye we thynke ryghte wel that we also shal optayne but lyttell goodnesse of it . For thys cause dothe Syrack warne vs sayenge : My sonne , yf thou haste synned , Ecc●● . 21 do it no more : but praye for thy foresynnes , that they maye be forgeuen the. Flye from synne , euen as from a serpente . For yf thou commest ▪ to nye hee she wyll byte the. The teth therof , are as the teth of a lyon , to slaye the soules of men . The wyckednesse of man is as a sharpe twoegged swearde , which maketh suche woundes , that they can not be healed . Iob also speakynge very largly of the welthe of the wycked , sayeth : They spende theyr dayes in welthynesse , but sodenlye they godowne to Iob. 21. hell . They saye vnto God : go from vs , we desyre not the knowlege of thy wayes . &c. Dse lykewyse sayeth : They are gone to Baal Peor , and 〈◊〉 . 9. runne awaye fro my to the shameful Idoll , and are become as abhominable as theyr louers . For the vngraciousnesse of theyr owne inuencions wyll I dryue them out of my house . Yf we were now enfourmed of the wickednesse of the worlde , and knewe it well , than shulde we lyghtelye forsake it and seke CHRIST , whose loue calleth vs to the lyfe eternal : and than shulde it be to vs that Paule sayeth : Yf ye be now rysen with CHRIST , Co●●● . ● than seke those thynges whiche are aboue , where CHRIST is sittynge on the righthande of God . Set your mynde on the thynges which are aboue , not on them thynges that are vppon earthe . For ye are dead , & youre lyfe is hydd wyth CHRIST in God . But whan CHRISTE oure lyfe shall appeare , than shall ye also appeare wyth hym in glorye .

Thus haue we nowe shewed vnto you howe God loueth vs , wyth what strengthe and power hys loue worketh in vs , how we agayn shuld vtter loue to oure neghboure , and finally howe hurtefull the loue of this worlde is . I praye God now , that we maye so folowe him in loue , that our good conuersacyon and lyfe prayse the heauenlye father , that hath declared hys bounteous loue so wyllyngly , in sedyng vnto IESVS VS CHRISTE hys sonne .

AMEN .

¶ Here ende the two frutefull treatyses , namely , of fayth and hope , and of loue , and charite .

¶ Imprynted in South warke for Iames Nicolson , Anno , M. D. xxxvii .

Notes, typically marginal, from the original text

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Notes for div A13919-e5940