The spectacle to repentance

Wo to the world bycause of offences . Ma● . xviii . IF Care doth cause men cry when sorowes do abounde , And if in dolefull misery small solace may be founde : If Wo doth make men wayle when they be in distresse , If ioyfull mirth may not preuayle nor make their woes the lesse , Well may I then complaine , sith ech man liues in care , Well may I shew my carefull paine , and inward grefe declare . Sith all men liue in woe , and sorowe is ther foode , Now let my mourninge lyfe be so , such be my dayly moode . For why I finde and proue , experience teacheth still , Men do not as them should behoue Gods preceptes to fulfill . For marke and you shall see , a buses dayly wrought , I feare me this the cause wil be , that all do come to nought . First looke vppon the place , wher riche men do remain : Then will you say in litle space , thear mischiefe hath his raign . And shall I truly saye , as true it is in deede , The greatest mischiefes day by day , from thence they do proceede . Like Sepulchers with out , full costly in their kinde , But inwardly euen all a bout , much filth ther may you finde . For why in outward show , like Sots they do appeare , Ther inward parts you may wel know great filthines doth beare , Like Hawkes so is their sight , in couetinge of gaine , Continually with maine and might , they striue this to abtaine . Wher good may haue increase , and riches may abounde , Wheras before they liued in peace , now care doth keepe the grounde . And though yea with the best , their Tabernacles flow , Though their estate aboue the rest , in happines doth grow , And though in all his workes , God frames all to the best , Yet rooted in the hart ther lurkes , an enemy of rest . For dayly is it showne , as all men may declare , The wealthier the man is known , the greater is his care . I meane in seeking good , though all I do not blame , Yet many do refuse their food , in searchinge for the same . But where that may bee wrought , which goodnes may pretend , Experience hath plainly tought , few do theron depend . Like Owles in mids of night , which may not see by daye , So darkened is these bussardes sight the truth I truly say . O man wher is thy minde , who biddeth thee liue in woe , Or els why art thou thus vnkinde , to serue thy maker so . O thinke that he which wrought , the cloudes , the sea , the lande , And ech thinge to his order brought , still mighty is his hande . Which made the foule , the fish , the beast accordinge to his minde : And ech thinge els reposde in rest , agreeing to their kinde . Which to the crepinge creature , for foode did make the fielde , And likewise other forniture , the foule and fishe to shield . Which made the mouthe to speake , the hand to worke his will , If men his lawes do euer breake : may not he plague them still . Which made the eye to see , the feete likewise to wend , Shall not he plague and punish thee : if euer thou offende . And wherfore is thy minde , but these thinges still to ponder , It should be sure thy proper kinde , vppon these thinges to wonder . The Auther of the harte , which lyeth in thy brest , May not the same thy sinnes conuart , as it doth like him best . For why thus hath he sayd : although thy sinnes do showe , As scarlet , yet they shal be made , as white as any snowe . But out alas the time , I thinke it ouer past : To call vs to repent our crime , in sackecloth mourninge fast . Behold I view and see : Gods wrath is fully bent , And if it may possible bee , to call vs to repent . The Drunked careth not , how euer he hath sped , And if so be the biblinge pot , be setled to his head . So that it happen shall , as I do thinke no lesse , I thinke the same shall surely fall , which Ioell did expresse . Ye Drunkardes now lament , Ioell . 1. bewaile ye night and day , For God is now euen surely bent , to take your cup a way . The wine so swete in tast , which made your senses dull . The lord a way shall surely cast , and from your lippes it pull . And if he did it speake , vnto his owne elect , What shal we do his lawes which break in much more ill respect . If wepinge may preuayle , we haue sufficient cause , To houle and morne , to weepe & waile , which still do breake his lawes . So that I greatly feare , if wee do not repent , God will not still his wrath forbeare , vnlesse our hartes relent . I feare the iust shall speed , far worse for ill mens sake , And God will as I thinke in deede , a way his blessinge take . For wher the word is tought , in most aboundant wise . Small goodnes semeth to bee wroght , small fructes of many rise . Yea euen the greatest vice , which Heathens did abuse , As though it were of worthy price , the Christians daily vse . Yet Christ they do professe still boastinge of his name Wheras the truthe for to confesse , t is but ●o cloke their shame . In coueting for good . was neuer more delight , Such hastines in sheedinge blood , was neuer set in sight . Such falsehoode all for gain , as was not seene before , Such carping care such toyling payne , in heapinge worldly store . Such care for filthy mucke , such toylinge heare and thear , I feare me ill wil be the lucke , which all this care doth beare . And sure I doubt it sore , it was not sayd in vaine , Which Christ pronounced longe before , in Luke his Gospell plaine . A certaine man full rich ther was , Luk. 12 whose grounde gaue much encrease , And thus in time it came to passe , when as he liued in peace . His barnes being well repleat , with treasures of his grounde , A bounding with all substance great , as euer could be founde . Vnto his soule thus doth he saye , bee glad and take thine ease , For thou art blest for many a daye : with goodes of great encrease . But oh thou foole sayth God the Lord , thou knowest not what shall fall , The goodes wher with thou now art stord shal be consumed all . And in the selfe same night , his goodes of so great powre , And he him selfe of such a might , were parted in an howre . This is the end of such , as neuer are content , Of Gods good giftes which had so much , till all was quickly spent . Bycause in all their ioye , ther maker they forget , Therfore he doth them cleane destroye , and catch them in his net . And are not such in deede , apparant at this time . Whōse great vnthankfullnes doth breed a scourge iust for ther crime , Yes if it were well knowne , wher wealth doth much abounde , I feare such seede is depely sowne , al most in euery grounde , But what or who they bee , or how their lyfe they leade , I wishe with all my hart to see , such vices turnd to dreade . For in our fathers time , though sinne did somwhat grow , Yet neuer was se rite the crime , which now a dayes doth flow . For why in euery place , wheras you lyst to walke , Which way so euer you shall passe , a bounds such filthy talke . Such swearing here and theare , a busing God his name , Which causeth as I greatly feare , his word to beare the blame . Yet do his preachers speake , rebukinge sharpely still , Those which his holy lawes do breake regardinge not his will . But oh mans fickle state , oh his corrupted age , Oh miserble runnagate , who shall thy paines aswage . Vnlesse thou do repent , and that in litle space , Vnlesse thy stubborn hart relent , and call to God for grace . Leaue of and that with spede , thy brother to oppresse , And rather helpe him at his nede : his sorowes to redresse . Turne not a way thine eare , when he shall sighe and grone , But with a louing countnance heare , and listen to his mone . But who is fully bent , the carefull to consider , Such one doth sure a good intent , the nedy to remember . But out alas the griefe , which their poore harte sustain , Full litle sure is the reliefe , which may appease their pain . Right dolefull is the songs , which cometh from the poore , With empty wombe yea all day longe they crie at euery doore , The scripture doth declare , that man shall not be harde , When as he crieth , his brothers care , which doth no whit regard . Full bitter is the sore , which greues the simpl● hart , And when likewise was euer more , Such puttinge poore to smart . But oh who dare once moue , when rich men do not right , Or who is he which dare reproue , a man so great of might . And when he shall appeare , before the iudgement seate , And eke the iudge shall playnly hear● his faultes to be so great . Good Lord how in his cause , his quarrell to maintaine , Shall then be hard intionted lawes , to rid him out of paine . And shall I say the trothe , that his should be the right , The iudges many times forsooth , for mony make him quite . Yea thogh ech man might se , his cause was nothinge iuste , Yet is he now both franke and fre , to serue his wonted luste . Yet may ech man be bolde , when poore men do amisse , Of many men they are controld Yf once they do but hysse . Yea and the sely poore , though small be his offence , He shal be thrust out of his doore , to seeke his owne defence . And if he moue his lippes , his quarrell to maintaine , He shall haue many tanting nips And prisone is his gayne . And though his goods be small , and litle be his store , Although it may release his thrall , He hath it not therfore . Though litle be his fault , to come before the iudge , Good Lord how great is the assault of those which beare him grudge . And that like tigers ferce , they should beholde hys bloode , And see the sword his harte to perce , which all waies did them good . Yet Chryst is their defence , of whom they beare ther name , Wheras it is but a pretence , to cloke ther filthy shame . For Chryst doth plainly saye those same which be of me , They follow my preceptes alway , and with my lawes agre . Therfore sayth God the Lord , Esdras . xvi . I will no sinnes mayntayne , And they shall fele my heauy sword , which put my sheepe to payne . Wo vnto those which laye . Esay . v. one fielde vnto another , And house to house ioyne euery daye , displacinge still ther brother . This same is in mine eare , the Lord of hostes hath saide , The lamentacions I do heare , which innocentes haue made . Therfore ther houses faire , they shal be desolate . And likewyse none shall them repaire , ther to inhabitate . Thes be Eramples lo , of thinges which were before , But oh the world doth them forgo , and vice encreaseth sore . Such pryde hath neuer ben , in such aboundant wise , I thinke the time was neuer sene , that pride did so arise . And that to good mens grieffe , as ech man may well know , For litle sure is the reliefe , which ther vppon doth growe . Some proude be in ther minde , and some be proude in harte , And sondry kindes you may well finde , of pride in euery part , Some proude in dainty cheare , wher in men do delight , Presumtuous many do appeare , in boasting of ther might . And proud of their misdedes , full many maye be founde , Thus filthy foule corrupting weedes , do grow in euery grounde . Some proud of skilfull braines , wher with God hath them blest , And some be proude if that ther gaines , encrease aboue the rest . Some proude of hauty lookes : and some to worke ther spite , And some againe in skilfull bookes , haue great and proude delight . And though that bookes do yelde , some fructes to willinge braines , Yet is the Lord the stedfast shielde , wherby to bring them gaines . Some proude in their attire . ordeind to couer shame , Yet many haue a great desire , and glory in the same . And though their landes be base , perchance yea none in dede , They thinke it is no comly grace , gay vestimentes to nede . The vesture must be braue , though other thinges be scante Though in his purse small good he haue , to satisfie his wante . That when as he should walke , before the peoples sight , The ingnorant might say and talke , loe ther a man of might . But God which made the harte , an instrument of praise , He seethe when thou dost depart , out of his holy wayes . Therfore the Lord which saide , Esay . iii. to Sion longe agoe , Thy Daughters heads bald shal be made syth me they do forgoe . By cause ther pride is much , there neckes in stretchinge out , There minsinge in the streat is such when as they walke about . Therfore there costly calles , and other ornamentes , Ther braceletes , and perfuming balles , with such like instrumentes . Ther Tabletes and ther Kinges , with other of ther goodes , Ther earinges vailes and other thinges And eke ther costly hoodes . Ther mufflers with the reste , ther crispinges faire in sight Ther launes and all thinges of the best , they shall forget them quite . And wher the sauoure swete , did first so trimly smell , The stinke shal be exceding great , as Esay doth it tell . Ther beauty shal be voyde , and burninge be in stead : Ther yonge men eke shal be destroid , and none shall waile the dead . These thinges expreste before , may not they now be sene ? Are not such things still more and more as ryfe as they haue bene . No not the lest of all , but now is to be founde And that which then was very small , Now do they most abounde . And though one in degre , another do exceed , Althought she may maintained be , in costly state in deede . Thogh she wear rich attire , if so it be her will , And eke in all thinges her desire , may be accomplisht still . Yet if another may , this woman see so braue , Why might not I straight will she say , Such costly garmentes haue . Wher women still shold bee , Titus . 2. not giuen vnto stryfe , That men might say when them they see they leade a Godly lyfe . And that they be discret , not runninge to and fro , But that ther chastnes shold be great , as doth become them so . But now twixt man and wyfe , as many do well know , What great debate , what daily stryfe , incessantly doth grow . Likewise the yonger sort , do run a wantan race , Wherby they gain such misreport as may ther name disgrace . But who doth liue in peace , Reioycing in his rest , Or say his hart is well at ease , such one I thinke is blest , But that he must consider , what thinges he did before , And carefully hys sinnes remember , and sory be therfore . The hart it is in deede , a member somwhat small , Yet hath it surely greatest neede , of mendinge first of all . For all thy former sin , wherwith they dayes are spent , Fyrst at the hart thou must begyne , thy frailty to repent . And if thou could once see , the hart with in thy brest , Full many thinges there placed be , which spoyleth thee of rest . But man doth rune hys course , to haue his last reward ; And worldly things do make him worse to take so small regarde . I meane by worldly things , the sins which therin flowe : Which man to such corruption bringes , wherby contempt may growe . For looke and you shall see , such mischieues dayly breede : So that the world might called bee , the vale of woes in deede . Such hatred doth aryse betwixt ech other still : The rich man doth the poore despise accordinge to hys will . And if that one exceed his neighbour in degree , Contemned is the man of need , as commonly wee see . But Ioseph did not still , Genesis . xxxvii . within the pit remaine : Nor God did not so frame his will to keepe him still in paine . And though he bare the smart , euen at his brothers handes , Though he through their despiteful hart ▪ was sold to forren landes : Though Israell wrought him wo , and much dispite in deed : In Egipt was he loued tho , and helped at his need . And when the dearth was great and vitayles very scant , Hee gaue his brethren foode to eat , and satesfied their want . Thus God doth still prouide to set his owne at ease , Although the world cannot abide , to see theyr welth increase . For many are the paynes Psal. 34. which iust men do indure , But God doth loose theyr yron chaines , and wondrous ioyes procure . For he which was so kinde ▪ Acts. xii . to Peter in his handes : So that the chayns which did him binde . were shaken from his handes . And he which made a way , Daniell . vi . for Daniell in the den : Doth guide as it is seene all way , the iust from wicked men . But very seldome sure , the Godly liue at ease , Wheras the wicked still procure , the cause of their disease . For surely such misdedes , did neuer so a bounde , Such myschiefe as now dayly bredes , I thinke was neuer founde . Such hatred hear and ther : so many worldly wife , Such witty braines as neuer were , to nourish wicked vice . Such Enuy all about , such Glottony in feastes , And finally the world through out , mankinde more like to beastes . Such Bacchus belly cheare , encreased neuer more , Such vices as doth now appeare , the Heathens hated sore . Yet Christians is our name , although not so in deede , For knowne we be euen by the same , which doth with in vs breede . Like as the tre is knowne , by fructes yea euery wheare , And as the fruct right well is showne , by trees which doth it beare . So may the man be spide , what is his daily lyfe : And by the thinge he may be tride , which in him is most ryfe . As by the stately man , his pride is set in sight : And as the Dronkard by hys can , wherin he doth delight . As Glottons by their cheare , when as it doth exceede , And as the poore man doth appeare , by pouertye in deede . As rich men by their wealth , which daily doth encrease , As sound men likewise by ther helth , as sicke men by disease . As ech thyng to be brief , which Nature first did finde : Whych bringeth eyther ioy or grief , according to ther kinde . Thus by the out ward show in things which most are vsed , The inward hart you may well know Wher in it is abused . And if that ech misdeede , my pen should ioyntly touch Although it were no more then need , yet might I thinke it much . And that aboue the rest , which maketh man so blinde : Of all the mischiues in his brest , which Nature wrought by kynde . One thinge ther doth remayne , a Vice excedinge great : Wherof I thinke wil be no payne in breuity to treat . Such whordome so maintaind , the lyke was neuer seene , Such lustes which may not be refrai●d , I thinke hath neuer beene . Yea and so closely wrought that it may not be spide , Yet will it surely come to nought : for long it may not bide . And if it chanceth so that rich men do the deede , They shal be suffred free to go : sith money helpeth neede . Yea ? and which is a payne , who may once moue his lip . Although he might , yea very playne him take in such a trip . But those whom harlots traine Pro. 2. vnto their wicked wayes : They neuer do returne agayne , and shortned be their dayes . Yea what vice may you tell which whordome doth exceed , For surely Theft it doth excell : Pro. ● and worse it is in deed . For Theft may Pardon haue , sith it is done for neede : But Whordome leadeth souls to graue whence they shall not proceede . For thither they discend from whence they may not rise , Whose paines shhall neuer haue a●l end for such their enterprise . Though Ammon did defile , Sam. 11. 13. his sister Thamras bed : Yet was it but a litle whyle vntill his blood was shed . Sith that hee was so bold , to do so great offence Therfore did Absalon behold , his sin with recompence . For Absalon which had this vice in him abhorde , His seruauntes by commaundement bad to smite him with the sworde . Thus though with his owne kin , this vice hee did commit : Yet recompensed was his sin by sword , which ponisht it . What then is his reward which others doth defile ? Will God thinke you with smal regard at his offences smile ? Who so doth thinke the same hee is deceaued sure , For God rewardes with open shame those which his wrath procure . Though Dauid was vpright Sam. 2. ▪ 11. cha. in doing Gods good will , Though God in him had great delight , and well did loue him still : Yet when his hart was set vypon Vriahs wife , Whose loue did cause him to forget , his former godly life . So that she then did raigne , with Dauid in his seat : Vriah guiltlesse being slaine , when as the war was great . This thing displeased sore , the mightie lord aboue And Dauid blamed was therfore , for this his wicked loue . And Nathan then was sent , his faultes to shewe him playne : But earnestly hee did repent , and turnd to God agayne . Thus iust men go astray , when God is not their guide : Yet neuer be they cast away , although they walke aside . But how do manie sinne , in doyng such offence , When they be catched in the grin then seeke they some pretence . Wherby to scape the smart for such a mischief due : Although they say within their hart , this thing is surely true . How many to be brief ? do stand in Dauids case : But fewe do shewe their inward grief , and call to God for grace . Yea , and how many knowe , such deedes deserueth shame : And that lykewyse therby may growe Gods vengeance for the same . Yet do it not for go , but vse it more and more : Vntill they feele the endles wo which shall them-greeue therfore . And not without a cause , sith it they do procure : Bicause they breake Gods holy lawes this certayne is and sure . Wherfore this was the minde , of Heathens longe before , That what Adulterar they might finde should die the death therfore . But wee do thine it meete , for such an huge offence : Thoffendours to stand in a sheete , in open audience . While thus they thinke in hart , ( though all I do not blame : ) This is nothing of any smart to turne me from the same . And then they do afreshe , their former vice begin : Thus do they serue their wicked fleshe , in working deadly sin . And where perhaps before not much they did offend , Now be they sure encouraged more , to Whordome to intend . Yet do thou still refraine Pro. 7. as doth the wise man say , For many strong men haue bin slaine , By turning to her way . For sure it is a vice , as no good eares may heare For dayly therof doth arise , small fructes , as doth appears . Likewise Ambicion : doth beare such open sway Whose filthie disposicion is honours to assay . In whom where it doth bide , it bringeth forth disdaine : For such one seekes on euery side to bring his frend to payne . So that hee may aspire to honoure by the same , And satesfied be his desire , in matters touching Fame , Not being well content , to liue in his degree : Although hee haue sufficient as commonly wee see . But Absalon which thought Sam. 2. 15. chap. to honours to attaine , And by his subtle mischief sought , the kingdom to obtaine . Yea , and such craftie skill did daylye put in vre , Wherby hee thought to worke his will , to slay his father sure . Ill councell did not lacke in such a wicked thing : To secke his father Dauids wracke , and hee to bee the king . But God , which sawe his hart his purpose did preuent , So that he felt the greater smart , for this his ill intent . So that it did beside , Gods plague hee did prouoke And as in bataile hee did ride , was hanged on an Oke . Euen by the verie heare wherin hee did delight : For why ? it was exceedinge faire , well facioned in sight . Thus God doth turne the though●es , of wicked worldlinges still : And brynges their counsels clene to noughtes according to his will . Yet was there doble crime in Absalon to see . The one because hee sought to clime , to higher dignitie . The other that he wrought his father wondrous grief , Sith disobediently hee sought , To worke him such mischief . So that I iudge it so , Death did him iustlie smite : Who sought to breede his fathers wo , with such extreme dispite . How manie now be founde , like Absalon in deede : How manie do deserue the wound which his offence did breede . But if the hart were spide , as is the outward eye , I thinke Ambicion should be tride , if it ther in did lye . But God which made the hart and eke the eye did frame , May well reuenge with cruell smart the sekers of the same . Yet may wee well declare , as touchyng outward sight That many men Ambicious are , and in that vice delight . For why ? when they shall see a man of great estate , That moued is both cap and knee : to such a Potentate . Their hartes do much delight still thursting after fame , And neuer are they well in plight , till like they bee of name . And thus they do dispise , their neighbours lowe degree : Right ioyfull when they shall arise to higher dignitie . But when they haue a place , within the Princes gate : They make a faire pretenced face to help their frendes estate . So that them selues before be placed in their seat , Then be they licensed the more for poore men to intreat . Thus all men make a shift to glorie to attaine , Till they haue made an handsom dri●t wherby to get them gaine . But how do pooremen fare when such men liue at ease , Their food shall seeme to bee but bar● their sorowes to appease . And when such Glottons now , euen thorowly are sped : I pray you shewe the manner how , poore Lazarus is fed . To speake the truth in deede his cheare it is but small . And in respect of his great neede , is surely none at all . And well wee may behold his clothes be litle sure , Which may preserue him from the cold which his poore limmes indure . O shepeheardes to vnkind your sheepe thus to forgo : To driue them thus to waue and winde did Christ instruct you so ? Ney so you should them loue , Iohn . 10. as for them yeld your life : For faithfull shepheardes doth behoue , to keepe theyr sheepe from strife . And alwayes them to feede , with food yea of the best And cherish them in time of neede , and still prouide them rest . And still to haue an eye to keepe them with your sheeld , And when the Wolf ye shall espie , to driue him from the feeld . But who doth feede the leane but still the sat doth spoyle : Yea , and doth push the other cleane , out of their pleasant soyle . Therfore the Lord our God Es●c● . 34. euen hee himselfe doth say , My sheepe nomore shall ronne abroad , nor euer go a stray . And they which did them traine , vnto contrary costes , I come to visite them with payn● , thus saieth the Lord of hostes . And they shall not be fed , like as they were before , Which of my Shepe the blood haue shed and still did greue them sore . But as for my poore flocke , their pasture shal be good , And likewise Dauids royall stocke , with care shall geue them foode . Thus God doth heare the crye , of poore men in distresse , And doth aswage their misery , and make their pains the lesse . But while this lumpe of clay , doth rule yea all a bout , And beareth such out ragious sway , the open worlde throughout . How can thēr stedfast peace , In any place endure , When as such mischiefe doth encrease , thus dayly put in vre . Such vsurye in good , as was not seene before , Such suckinge still of poore mens blood , I thinke was neuer more . For if a poore man shall , require the riche mans ayde , To lend him mony wher with all , to see his debtes be payde The rich man will not stay , to seeke his doble gaine , For wher a peny he did paye . he will require twayne . Regardinge not the paine , which nedy men shall take , Althogh with care they wold be faine , good payment for to make . Yea such one oftentime , so dealeth with his brother , Althogh he daily such a crime , commiteth with another : Yet can not God for beare , such mischiefe to be sought , And that vnto thy brother deare , such trespas to be wrought . This thinge thou shalt not do , Deut. 23 in mony or in meat , The loue of God ordaind it so , for Moses to repeat . But now as all men see , ech one deceaueth other And lyeng weightes maintained bee , for to beguile their brother . Wheras Gods Law hath saide , Deut. 25 and Moses sheweth plaine . Let no false balances be made , wherby to gather gaine . Thou shalt not in thy doore , haue weightes both great and small , Wherby thou mayst beguile the poore , to further thee with all . But let thy weightes be right , and measures iustly made , So God in thee will haue delight , as he him selfe hath saide . But as full true it is , I nede not for to faine , What man is he regardeth this , which doth such craftes maintaine . For if it were his vse , in scriptures for to reade False balances he wold refuse , and leaue them clean in dede . Ther might he view and see , such craft deserueth shame , And God his hatred known shold be , and vengeance for the same . But as I saide before , who doth consider this , Els surely would he morne full sore , for that he doth amis . Vnles his eyes were blinde , as I do thinke it so , For els it shold be sure his kinde , to waile his hidden wo. But oh this clayish clod , by nature apt to fall , It doth not see ther is a God , whose wysedome ruleth all . Therfore our flesh so frayle , from sin doth neuer cease , And nothinge sure it doth preuaile , to say on earth is peace . For thus the Prophet spake , Lere . viii . and did with grief complaine : Both Preest and Prophet God forsake , and folow after gaine . Yet still they crye of peace , where is no peace in deede : But rather mischief doth increase and war-doth dayly breede . So surely is it nowe , As it appeared then , Ther is no peace I may auowe on earth with worldly men . Although not in the feeld , God haue the prayse therfore : ( For hee it is that doth vs sheeld , and keepeth euer more . ) Yet in ech priuate place some discorde doth arise , Contencious strife doth breede a pace as is the worldly guyse . And what was els the cause that Rome did so decaye , But for the breach of ciuill lawes and discord euery daye . For when contentious strife , was not with forren landes : Internall mischief brought their life as it were into bandes . And as it came to passe , it had no further staye : For this the most occasion was that it fell to decaye . Consider now by this the sinnes that dayly flowe , And likewise , as full true it is the strife which still doth grow . Marke well ech thing therfore , reposed in his kinde : Then vewe how vice doth go before poore Vertue standes behind . Then may it well be sayd , of thinges which London spoyle : Such deadly sinnes were neuer bred within the Romayne soyle . And though perhaps as much in Rome did once abounde , Perchaunce againe was neuer such vppon the Romaine ground . Yet be we warned still such vices to auoyde And well wee know it is Gods will , to haue such thinges destroyde . And knowing well the way which leadeth vnto shame , Yet seeke we euer day by day to walke vppon the same . Wher as the Romains then , were not instructed so : Nor had likewise such godly men to teach them where to go . Then lesse is their offence , which could not walke aright : Nor hauing guides for their defence to bring them to the light . Lesse surely is their sin , then those which do offend Yet do they dayly walke therin , vnto their liues end . Great are the stripes therfore which that man shall sustaine , Who as gods wil he knoweth the more , the lesse do it maintaine . And sure the world is so , such thinges therin be set , Which bringes to man an endles wo : sith God they do forget . Wherfore this caused Paul , Rom. 6. that faithfull man to wayle When as his sprite could nought at all within his flesh preuaile . So that with teares he saide who shall this death hence take , Or from this sinne within me laide shall ful deliuerance make . Thankes therfore do I yeeld , through Christ to God alone : For he it is that doth mee sheeld when I shall make my mone . Now therfore in my mynde , Gods law I do fullfill : But in my flesh as I well finde , I serue my wicked will . How many now do sin far worse then Paul in deed , Yet do they still delight ther in and cause it more to breed . How many serue their lust , as swine delight in in●●e : So do they wallowe in the ●ust which they do most desire . But in the Lawe of God , their studie is but small For why ? they thinke it is a Rod to plague their sinnes with all . And so it is in deede to those which do offen● , But to the godly it doth breede : such ioyes as haue no end . Wherfore in Moses lawe Deut. 11. God straightly did commaund , Let Parents keepe their youth in awe , my Lawes to vnderstand . So that when they shall knowe , what is my will therby , Then they with care the same may show , to their posteritie . And likewise they againe may teach it to their seede , That it right stedfast may remayne for euermore in deede . But who doth this fulfill ? not all I maye well saye , But for to do mischeuous ill : are bent yea euery day . And though they do not know nor theron frame their taulke , Yet will they not their children show which way aright to waulke . But as the prouerbe saith if both be blinde a like , They walke not on the common path , but fall into the dike . Lesse greater be the stay which God shall shewe in deede . Vnlesse he ●● direct the way , to help man at his neede . Yet all I do not blame : which so their children leade , Percha●ce sum know not how to fram● the path where they should tread . And some perhaps again they haue not wherwith all For to release their childrens pain when they shal be in th●all ▪ And what is els the grief , Which many do endure : Then when they leese the same relief which labours did procure . I meane when Gods good giftes within them doth remaine , They shal be driuen to their shifts their liuing to maintaine . And true it is in deede , who can the same denie : They are molested with great neede , and liue in misery . Though other serue their lust , and do their wanton will And in ther treasure put their trust which shall not tary still . Thus Christes aflicted flocke doth run from cost to cost , And constantly resist the Rocke or els then life were lost . And thus in greuing poor● what do wee els at all : But thrust our Sauior out of doore , encreasing still his thrall . For if wee shall it do vnto his owne elect , As he hath said it greueth him to and that in ech respect . And surely wisdomes grace which once did so exceed , I thinke was neuer made so base as it is nowe in deede . Such learning set at nought the time was neuer so , Such thinges vnto confusion brought which teach to flee from w● . And ga●ing so for gaine as was not seene before , Although we thinke it breedth no paine wee are deceaued sore . For though wee do not see , that now it doth appeare I thinke the paine will shortly bee : for nowe it draweth neare . So that if you well know the time that you shall see , When in the world good ●ruct wil grow I thinke will neuer bee . Vnlesse such sinnes decaye , which nowe are dayly wrought , And such misdeedes done euery day do surely come to nought . When Auarice shall cease and be no more in deede , And Dronkennes shall haue decrease which now doth daylie breede . When Pride shall haue an end and from the world depart , And Vsury which doth offend , the godly faithfull hart . When as externall strife , shal be no more in feeld : Then will I saye a godly life , the faithfull sort doth sheeld . When whordome hath no place , to frame her ill intent And wicked worldly men a pace to Gods lawes shal be bent . And when deceipt shall fade and dealing shal be true : And subtle weyghtes no more be made , the simple to subdue . When Bribery shall fall , which Iudges doth defile And subtletie be brought in thrall , which poore men doth beguile . And when Extorcion great shall cease for to be done , And eche sinne which I may repeat nomore shal be begonne . When Vertue shall encrease and Iustice be maintaind , When Wisdome shall abound in peace and be no more disdaind . When poore men shal be eased of paynes which greene them sore : And godly men which be diseased , shal be opprest nomore . When ech thing to be brief which goodnes doth pretend , Shall cease from paines and haue relief vnto the worldes end . Then shall the worlde in deede , be changed from his kinde : And ech sinne which in it doth breede , be cleane worne out of minde . And then shall bale to blisse , returned be againe , And ech thinge which is done amisse , it shall not so remaine . Then shal be ioy to them , which lyued in wofull chance , And likewise new Ierusalem , bee their enheritance . And they shall liue in rest , their ioye shall then a bound , And euery thinge shall sure be blest , which groweth on their ground . But how shall this betide , and to an end be brought , When such misdedes on earth abide , and are thus dayly wrought . Sith suche is the complainte , almoste in euery streat , Of those whose harts ar wondrous faint with pains excedinge great . So that I feare it sore , it shall not so bee fall , Like as I did expresse bee fore , of ioyes perpetuall . But as in Noehs time , the world was much infect , And ech man did commit his crime , in euery ill respect . Iust thought they was their lyfe , and all thinges did enerease , And dayly foynd was man to wyfe , and pleasures did not cease . Great were the vices then , which dayly did proceede , So that corruption grew in men , as in the ground th● weede . So that in ech thinge sure , which I exprest before ; Gods heuy wrath they did procure , and vengeance ferre therfore . They serued their filthy lust , in doinge thinges a 〈◊〉 But few in God did plit their trust , for so the truthe it i● : God therfore sawe tire i● harte , that ill was their in tent ; By cause from him they did depart , and to their lost were bent . Therfore he sent a ●lood , which couered euery part , Both house and feld and euery wood , for their malicious hart . Thus God did them confounde , contrary to their minde , & all the world through out was droun● as wee in ▪ scriptures finde . And as Dauid declares , when as their foode they eat , Gods plague came on them vnwares , as they were eatinge meat . Lo this is the reward , of those which do offende , Which still do take so small regard , not lookinge to the ende . For if wee would remember , the sinnes which wee haue done , And with great diligence consider , the thinges which are to come . It should bee sure our kinde , incessantly to pray , And all waies haue our sinnes in minde , and driue ill thoughtes a way . But who doth this fore see , but few I thinke in deede , Yea euery one will carefull be , to shift in time of neede . But how is all their shift , assuredly for gayne , And wher they thoght to finde som thrift alas it is in vayne . For ech man hath his will , to do his owne intent , But few Gods preceptes to fullfill , with hart and minde ar bent . So that I thinke it sure , the flood shall come no more , But fiery flames which shall endure , alas for euermore . And as in Sod●ma , a wondrous sparke was sent , Which kindled fire in Gomorrha , and all their cityes brent . Bicause they would not heare , to Gods most holly word , They were constraind as did appeare , to fele his fiery sword . Thus while they surely thought , their hart was set at ease , Into their land a plague was brought , their stoutnes to appease . So when Balthazar kinge , did make a sumptuous feast , Dan. 5. And thought his hart in euery thinge , was set in quiet rest . The vessels of the Lord , they serued to his vse , Yet did he the most precious word , of God the Lord abuse . And in his royall cheare , he pray so his Gods of Gold , As it in scriptures doth appeare , right plainly to beholde . But God could not sustaine , his blasphemous despite , For on the wall was shewed plaine , A hand which thes did write . Thye kingdome God hath tride , and tooke it from thy handes , For why thy powre he will deuide , amonge the Persian landes . And in the selfe same night , with in a litle space , King Balthazar was s●ain in fight , Darius takinge place . Thus God doth still ordaine , great Kinges his flock to feede , But when they will not them sustaine he plagueth Kinges in deed . So Asshure which did boast , him selfe aboue the stars , Cro. 2. Chap. 32 God did subuert his wicked host , discomfitinge his wars . And many thousandes then , were slayne with in the feeld , Yea noble and right skillfull men , well tried in the sheeld . So that as he did pray , vnto his blockish Lord , Euen his owne children did him slay , and smote him with the sword . For thus it came to passe , and God appoynted so , By those his lyfe bereued was , which should haue heald his wo. So that wher I did speake , of Sodom burnt with fyre , By cause Gods precptes they did breake they felt his flaming ire . Now do I thinke it sure , the same shall vs befall , Which Sodomites did then indure , by fire which brent them all . For such iniquity , which then did much abounde , I thinke as great impiety , in vs may now be founde . Wherfore the soules vpright , Reue. 6. whom wicked men had slaine , By cause in God was their delight , vnto him did complaine . Now longe o lord most highe , wilt thou thy wrath for beare , Of those which make vs thus to crye , and put vs so in feare . To whom was said againe , a bide a litle space , Vntill that those which shal be slaine , do come to you in place . And now the truth is so , some be already past , And by the Pope that furious foe , to death are dayly cast . And sure I thinke the end , will now be sone at hande , By cause of those which do offend , through out both sea and lande . All Visions now be past , and Prophecies be done , And nothing surely long shall last , which is or was begone . For vnto all mens sight , the Scripture sheweth plaine , The father with the sonne shall fight the sonne with him againe . And so it is in deede , with other sins beside , That Drunkennes shall dayly brede , and eke presumtuous Pride . And euery other thinge , which makes man to offend , When in his fulnes it shall springe then shal be seene a● end . Then shall the world decrease , and ech thinge be prepard , And be that spent his time in peace shall haue a iust reward . If Godly was his lyfe , his recompence is such , And if he spent his dayes in stryfe , his anguish shal be much . And now th offences all , which I before exprest , They rather rise , then seme to fall , out of our mortall brest , Wherfore most mighty Lord , dyrect vs in thy waye , And cause vs all with one accord , incessantly to praye . For thou hast promised , he shal be blest in deede , Whom thou shalt finde well occupide , thy sely sheepe to feede . And now consider well , thy Saintes and thine elect , And those which on the earth do dwell , good Lord do thou protect . Bow downe thy listing eare , vnto thy Marters crye : And with a louing countenance heare and swage their misery . And sith our flesh is frayle : Lord help vs with thy might , That sinne nomore with vs preuayle but still be put to flight . That wee may liue in peace if so it be thy will , And that likewise wee neuer ceace , thy preceptes to fulfill . That Christ beeyng our head our captaine and our guide , Vnder his power wee may be lead : and from him neuer slide . And as the branches growe and cleaue vnto the tree , Good Lord do graunt that euen so in Christ wee rooted bee . And sith wee promise haue : that prayer should vs lead , To euery thing which wee shall craue of Christ our only head . Therfore wee come to thee with prayer mourning sore , Requiring of thy Maiestie , that sin greeue vs nomore , And nowe O England now , repent thy former crime And make a stedfast faithfull vowe to mend thy sinnes in time . And now my pen shall frame , euen heare to make her stay Wishing that all withouten blame : may run a Godly way . And for our Queene her grace let pray all faithfull men , That she may raign Methushelas space , let England say Amen . Finis . George Colclough .