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Estote & vos ideo parati , quia qua hora non putatis filius hominis venturus est .
ALVMNVS
Salutis
SYTHEN
that
by
naturall
Homo natus est de muliere breui viuens tempore , repletur multis miserijs : Qui , quasi flos egreditur , & eonteritur , & fugit velut vmbra , & nunquam in eodem statu permanet . &c.
Nihil preciosius tempore : heu , nihil hodie vilius computatur . Transeunt dies salutis , & nemo sibi diem vnquam causatur rediturum .
Non aliqua in mundo potest esse fortuna , quam literarum non auget gloriosa notitia .
Scriptura enim speculum est , feda ostendens , & corrigere docens .
Sacra enim scriptura , est quasi Speculum quod oculis mentis opponitur : Ibi enim sentimus , Quantum proficimus , & quantum a profectu longe distamus .
Declaratio sermonum tuorum illuminat , & intellectum dat paruulis
Scrutamini Scripturas , quia vos putatis , in ipsis vitam eternam habere .
WHatsoeuer thinges are written , for our learning and instructon are written , that by pacience , and consolacion of the Scriptures , we might haue hope .
IT behoueth a man to knowe , in what order , with what affection , with what intent , and what thinges they are whiche he ought to know : That is , in what order , That he doo first learne throughly that whiche is most in season , or fitte for time , tendyng vnto welfare . With what affection , That he learne suche matter as is more feruent and more vehement to make him in loue with knowledge . To what intent , That a man not for vaine glory , neither for curiositie , or any such like , doo take any thing in hand to know or make knowen , but only to the ende that God may thereby be glorified him selfe , and his neighbours edified .
THere is nothing in this life perceaued , or felt more sweeter , there is nothing taken more greedely , there is nothing which so sequestreth a mans mind from the loue of the world , nothing so strengtheneth and fortifieth the mind against temptations , nothing so encourageth a man , and furdereth to the accomplishing of euery worcke and of euery trauell , more then the study and zeale of , and vnto the sacred scripture .
A Wyse man that heareth wysedome , shal become therby more wyser then he was .
THere is knowen to be in the Sea a confused noyse , a continuall feare to such as sayle there , an infatigable beating togeather one waue with an other , an vnconstancie continuall : and euen so fareth it with the world .
THY way and thy pathes are in the seas in many waters .
THis life of ours is replenished with such euils , that in the comparison therof , euen death it selfe is thought to be a remedy , and not a punishment vnto vs .
THey are all confused and ashamed , all the woorkers of wickednesse are togeather gone to confusion .
THey being confusedly scattered , are not confounded , and are nothing ashamed of their wickednesse .
THE small number of soules that liue well , tryeth the danger of this world , and so dooeth the multitude of them that persist and goe through the same .
IN the troublesome sea of this world ( sayth he ) we must greatly feare , least that eyther the sturdy violence of the tempest doo carry away our shippe , or that the flowing streame doo sincke and swallowe it vp , either els leste that some cruell Pirate , or Rouer doo seaze vpon it as his prize , and so leade it away with him into perpetuall thraldome .
THE Sunne and the Moone are depriued of their light , and the starres of the Firmament haue withdrawen their glittering hue .
THey haue all gone out of the way , and are altogeather become vnprofitable .
FOR with one chayne and bond of darknesse , were they all bound togeather .
I Haue slyded away into temporall and worldly matters , which are vaine and transitory , and see , I was beset with darknesse .
HE that reacheth after the cuppe wherein is poyson , dooth as it were sippe vppon the brimme of the cuppe for the Hony sake : because he would feele how sweete it is , and not because he feareth how deadly an ende it bringeth .
HOw dimme of cullour is the gold become , the best colour therof is faded and changed : the cheefe stones of the Sanctuarie are dispersed in the vpper end of the streetes .
THey are blind them selues , and the guiders of such as are blind .
THE prosperous and happie thinges counted in this world , haue with them a certaine vnfained bitter taste , a deceitfull pleasantnesse , a sure and certaine heauinesse or sorowe to trust vnto , and an vncertaine pleasure to be delighted withall .
FOR sure ( I suppose ) that aduersitie doth more profite men , then prosperitie .
VErtue shineth clearely , when man is in aduersitie .
FOrtune distributeth all thinges as pleaseth her , and taketh away the same againe at her pleasure : he is sodenly made a lanke and sclender person , which euen nowe was a graunde paunche .
LET a man desire the temporall goodes of this transitorie world , and he shal euermore be vexed and disquieted with the desyre thereof .
EVen as those thornes , are not thornes in deede whiche pricke not , so are those ritches no ritches worldly , whiche doo not disquiet the mind of man .
YT is not at all to be doubted , but greater is the vexation of mind vnto that couetous man whiche enioyeth all thinges at wyll , then of the poore man whiche almost hath nothing at all .
THE children of the vnwyse , and of base degree , dyd suppose and deeme , that pleasures were hidden vnder thornes .
THerfore is the crying of the Sodomites and Gomorrheans increased , and their sinne is too too much greeuous in the sight of the Lord.
THE lyfe of sinne profereth vnto suche as enter in thereto , the Hony mixed with bitternesse to such as goe forwards therein , gall and vineger , and vnto them that passe out of the same lyfe , the poyson of Adders incurable .
I Know where thy dwelling place is , where also thy seate is Sathanas .
FEare and trembling , a deepe pitte , and a lake is ouer thee which inhabitest on the earth .
NAbuchodonozor carried away Ioachim and the kynges Wyues , the kynges Eunuches , & Iudges of the land , the strong Men , the Artificers , and warriers out of Hierusalem , into the land of Babylon . So nowe in like maner by the suggestion of the Deuil , many Christians are miserably caried captiues from the state of grace , into bondage of sinne .
I Ecclesiastes , was the kyng of Hierusalem , and purposed in my mind wysely to seeke and searche out , as touching al thinges that are doone vnder the Sunne .
I Haue exalted and magnified my workes , I haue heaped togeather vnto mee siluer and gold , and the substance of kings and prouinces , I made to be ordeyned mee singers , and singing women , and all the delites fitte for the sonnes of men : and all thinges which my eyes desired , haue I not denyed nor forbidden them from my hart , but that it should enioy all maner pleasure . And when I had turned me agayne vnto al those works which my handes had made , and vnto those labours wherin I had vainely toiled , I then saw , that in them all there was vanit●e , and disquietnesse of mind , and that there was nothing of durance vnder the Sunne , and I sawe that wysdome differed so much from foolishnesse , as the light dooth from darknesse .
HE had to wyues , which were al queenes , seuen hundred , and three hundred Concubines . And when he nowe waxed aged , his hart was so depraued by women , that he folowed after strange goddes .
THE bread of Salomon was dayly .xxx. quarters of meale , tenne stalled Oxen , and twentie out of the pastures , & an hundred Sheepe , besides Hartes , Buckes , and wylde Gotes , and Capons . And Iuda and Israel dwelt without feare , euery man vnder his Vine , and vnder his Figge tree , from Dan to Beerseba , all the dayes of Salomon .
WHether doo these wicked accursed exercises drawe thee , if notwithstanding thou perseuer and goe forwards so to addict and geue thy selfe to them , that thou leauest thee nothing of that whiche is thyne owne . Thou dooest but lose time in those thinges wherein there restes nothing but labour , vaine disquietnesse , and vexation of the spirite : for what is the fruites thereof els , but the webbes of Spiders . One day vttereth an others brablinges , and one nyght adiudgeth the malice of an other .
THey haue conceiued labour and trauell , and haue brought foorth iniquitie , they haue hatcht the Egges of Adders , and haue wouen the webbes of Spiders , their works are vnprofitable , spoyle and repentance are in the wayes of them , and the way of peace haue they not knowen .
WHEN on a tyme this man ( being one of the seuen Sages ) was demaunded , what thing was hard : he answered , A man to know him selfe .
DIscend , and returne vnto consideration of thyne owne hart , and wysely discusse of thy selfe , and consider from whence thou commest , whither thou goest , howe thou framest thy lyfe , howe much thou dooest dayly profite , or how much thou dooest disprofite .
THOV sonne of man , there are vnbeleeuing people , and subuerters of the trueth with thee , and with Scorpions dooest thou inhabite .
A Man of rare diuersitie , is eyther made good or bad , only by meanes of keeping company with others .
DEpart thou from the company of the vniust man , and that which is euill shall depart from thee .
THE worlde is there conuersant , where as is much malice , and small wysedome , where as all thinges are slammy like Birde lyme , all thyngs frayle and brittle , al things couered with darknesse , besette with snares , where soules are put in ieopardy , and bodyes destroyed , whereas also is vanitie , and vexation of the spirite .
THERE is no trueth , there is no mercie , and there is no knowledge of GOD vppon earth , but cursing and lying , manslaughter , and thefte : yea , and vnto adulterie haue they ouerwhelmed them selues , and blood hath medled with blood : for this cause shall the earth mourne , and all fleshe shal be brought lowe that inhabiteth the same .
ROugh prosperitie hath borne me away perforce from beholdyng the wholsome lyfe .
VNto you , O ye kyngs therfore , doo these my woordes appertayne , that you may learne wysedome , and not walke out of this prescribed boundes .
NOwe ye kynges be wyse and learned , ye that iudge the earth , serue the Lorde in feare , and reioyce before him with trembling . Lay hold vpon discipline in time , least that the Lorde be angry at any tyme , and then you perishe out of the right way .
VSed dayly to admonishe and instruct his scholler TRAIANE the Emperour , in foure seuerall thinges . The fyrst , to feare GOD , and honour him duely . The second , in discipline of necessary duety towards eche degree . The third , that he should make much of them that were in aucthoritie vnder him . And the fourth , that he should protect and defend his subiectes from all violence and iniuries : for thou ( sayth he ) shalt handle all thynges woonderous well , yf thou dooest not digresse from thy selfe : yf thou fyrst frame thy selfe to a decent lyfe , and yf thou disposest all that is in thee vnto vertue , all thinges shal prosper well with thee .
A Prince ought to be a woorshipper of GOD , because men doo lesse feare that the Prince can away with that which is euil , yf they thinke he be a man that feareth God .
HE that can not gouerne or guide his owne soule , which is but one only , howe shall he gouerne and guide a multitude of soules .
A Cheefe poynt of wysedome in a King , is to gouerne him selfe .
THERE shall not dwell any within my house , which shall doo after the maner of pride , or arrogancie : my eyes are vppon the faythfull in the land , that they may sitte with me . And he that walketh in the vndefiled way , shall minister vnto me , or serue me .
IEHV the Prophete sayd vnto Iosaphat the kyng of Iuda , Thou geuest helpe vnto the wicked man , & ioynest amity with them that haue hated the Lord , and therefore truely hast thou deserued the displeasure of the Lord.
THIS man being one of the seuen Sages of Greece , sayd , It behoueth him that beareth soueraigne rule , to be gentle and curteous , that his subiectes may rather haue him in reuerence and honor for his clemencie , then feare him for his crueltie .
THERE is no defence of armed men to be counted safe and without daunger in respect : but it rather ought to be enuironed with charitie and good wyll of the Citezins , and not with armour .
IETHRO sayd vnto Moyses , ( Who was the Ruler , graund captaine , and iudge of sixe hundred thousand men ? ) Why sittest thou all alone , and all the people committed to thy charge , looketh for thy presence , from the mornyng , vntyll the nyght . Thou shalt be consumed and vanquished with this thy foolishe labour , yea , both thou and this people which is with thee . Thou hast more to deale withall , then thy habilitie can well dispose withall , and thou being but one man , canst not beare this heauy burden : but heare my woordes , and the counsell I shall geue thee . Doo thou choose out of euery tribe , men of wysedome , and suche as feare GOD , in whom trueth remayneth , and which shall detest couetousnesse . And then let ordeyne certayne of them to serue as Tribunes , or generalles , and Rulers ouer a certayne number , and Rulers of fyfties . And let be also ordeyned Deacons , which shall sitte in iudgement seate ouer the people at all times conuenient : and what so euer shal be of weyghtier importance , that let them referre vnto thy dealyng therwith , and let them selues haue iudgement of lesse matters : And yf thou doo this thyng , thou shalt perfourme the Lordes kingdome . And Moyses dyd as he was thus wylled .
THIS man , one of the seuen Sages , being demaunded by what meanes Cities , or theyr Kynges myght be gouerned , made this answere . Yf the Elders and Rulers of the same , framed theyr lyues accordyng to theyr lawes .
I WYLL reward euery one of you accordyng to your woorkes .
GEVE vnto them accordyng as theyr woorkes haue deserued , and accordyng to the iniquitie of their inuentions , reward them oh Lorde .
FOR the wicked are become cruell in that thing which they haue fynnished .
DOO not thou grudge to see the glory and wealth of the vngodly : for in deede thou knowest not what maner subuertion is comming vpon them .
FOR Cambyses was of a strange seuerity in iudgement , which caused the skinne of a certayne wicked Iudge to be flayne of from the body , and commaunded the Iudges owne sonne to descend in iudgement sitting thereuppon : for this barbarous kyng ordeyned that cruell and newe kind of punishment vpon this iudge , least that any other afterwardes should in lyke maner offend .
THose are abhominable vnto the Kyng whiche doo wickedly : because in iustice shall his throne be established .
I Wyll doo vnto them accordyng to theyr wayes , and accordyng as they geue iudgement , so wyll I iudge them .
THE administration of the office of a Prince sheweth what maner of person him selfe is : euen as he is to be accompted woorst , which not only vseth the instrumentall meane of malice towardes him selfe , but also towardes others . So that Prince is to be reputed a good prince , which not only towards him selfe procureth the vse of goodnesse and vertue , but also whiche manefesteth the same vnto others .
EAche man becommeth freende vnto his equall , and therefore a good man can not fauour an euyll man .
I Haue not set before myne eyes the thyng that is vnrighteous , I haue hated such as haue done wickedly , and him haue I persecuted , which hath slaundred his next neighbour .
Opto placere bonis prauis odiosus haberi .
WE must excite and prouoke , or rather encourage suche as we would haue to doo vertuously , by promising and perfourming of rewardes : but altogeather must we denounce and determinate the punishment without redemption , vppon suche as are of them selues euyll disposed .
IT standeth with the office and duetie of a Kyng , to keepe downe and represse euyll persons , and to exalt and promote them that are good .
FOR by auncient histories is it approued , how and by what meanes of the euyll suggestions ( which certaine persons haue practized ) the cares and enterprises of Kynges , myght be depriued of good successe .
AS in the ordinances made by the euyll Magistrate , that man is reputed partaker of the offences whiche are committed by meanes of the same ordinances so by hym made . So as touching the ordinances made by the elect and holy ones of GOD , he that hath ordeyned that which is good , is a partaker of the righteousnesse thereof .
SAyth Daniel to Cyrus Kyng of Persia , O Kyng , be not deceaued , couet to be instructed in the historie it selfe , and not in the glose thereof .
THE charge in gouernyng a ship , ought not to be committed vnto him which knoweth not howe to hold the sterne .
IT is not the best way to make euyll men Lordes and Rulers in a Kyngdome , because them selues had more neede of others to ouersee them , then they to ouersee others .
IT is a matter impossible that euyll and negligent persons in aucthoritie , shoulde be diligent seruantes .
THE Cleargie ought euery where to haue regard in euery age and degree , as well those that are learned , as that are vnlearned ( so farre as standeth with the Ecclesiasticall charge ) that in such sort they liue , as though a man myght without cares discharge his duety , when he shall come to take charge vpon him ouer them .
THERE is nothing that more offendeth , or trespasseth vnto the Churche of GOD , then that vnwoorthy persons should atteyne vnto the charge of cure ouer soules .
O GOD the Gentiles are come into thy heritage , they haue spoiled thy holy temple , they haue . &c.
PHARAO exalted and preferred Ioseph , because of the goodnesse and wysedome which was in him . And so dyd Nabuchodonozor preferre Daniel , although these twayne were their bondmen , and very strangers of other countreys .
IOsaphat dwelt in Hierusalem , and on a time going out of the Citie vnto the people of Barsaba , euen vntill the mount of Ephraim , he called them againe vnto the consideracion of their Lorde God and King : and dyd let ordeyne Iudges of the lande to be placed in euery citie within the land of Iuda in euery circute , and gaue the same Iudges in charge , thus . Take good heede ( sayth he ) to your matters that ye haue to deale in : and neyther shall you doo and execute the iudgement of men , but of God : and what so euer you shall adiudge and determine , shall redound vnto you , and vpon your owne heads . Let the feare of the Lord remaine with you , and doo you all thinges with diligence : for truely there is none iniquitie with our Lord GOD , neither accepting of any person in iudgement , nor coueting after bribes or rewardes . And he also constituted Leuites and Priests in Hierusalem , and Rulers ouer the housholdes of Israel : to the end they shoulde handle the iudgement , and cause of the inhabitantes there . And he moreouer charged them , saying , Doo you so behaue your selues faythfully in the feare of God , in a perfect and vpright hart , declare the lawe vnto the people , that they do not transgresse and sinne agaynst the Lorde : and least that his wrath come vpon you , and vpon your brethren . Be you therefore of good comfort , and handle your dueties with diligence , and the Lorde shall be with you . &c.
WHO so euer honoureth me , I wyl honour him , and they also that doo despise me , shal be brought lowe .
AS that man which obserueth the lawe , is the best liuing creature : so is he the woorst of all creatures liuing , whiche liueth without order of lawe , and digresseth from iustice .
IOiada made a league betweene all the people and the kyng , that they should become the seruantes of God .
THERE shall be a reuerence vnto iustice , euen of those whiche are layde a sleepe , and a safety vnto them for euer .
IT is best for a Citie to liue in vnitie and concord , after the rules of amity and frendshippe .
WIthout iustice , it is impossible for men to dwell togeather .
THAT man can not be faythful towards men , which sheweth him selfe vnfaythfull to GOD .
THERE is no comparison to be made vnto a faythfull freend .
FOR Dauid , and all the whole house of Israel , delighted in GOD with all vertue and godlinesse .
IT is better to be gouerned by a good king , then by a good lawe .
EVEN as the captayne is the defender of the hoste , so reason with skil and knowledge , is the guide of humane lyfe .
MEN were woont to feare theyr kyng , when they sawe that he feared GOD .
THE cheefest poynt in a Kyng of wysedome , is that he be able to gouerne hym selfe .
MY Lord and Kyng , vppon thee are the eyes of all Israel wholy bent , to beholde thee . The Queene of Saba sayth vnto Salomon as it is written .
FOR that cause that the Lord hath loued Israel for euer , therefore hath he annoynted thee to be kyng ouer them , to the ende thou shouldest execute iudgement and iustice .
BVT the Kyng shall reioyce in GOD , and the daughter of Sion shall reioyce in their King.
THE King shall raigne , and he shal be endued with wysedome , and shall execute iudgement and iustice vpon earth .
YOV shall pray for all men , fyrst and specially for all Kinges , and for all suche as are appoynted to beare cheefe rule vnder them .
EVEN as there are ordeyned ouer vs both Princes and Prelates , for whom we ought specially to pray , ( for of , and by theyr good disposition and well gouernement , dependeth the common wealth of eache estate ) so is it of good right , that we encline our selues to liue quietly and peaceably vnder their gouernement in all godlinesse and chastitie . And not only ought we thus to pray , for Christian Princes , but also for the Infidels vnder whom Christians remayne captiued .
THERE shal be offered sacrifices of thankesgeuing vnto the mighty GOD for the Kyng and his chyldren , and the people shall pray for their liues . &c.
THE Prince ought to be a woorshipper of GOD , because men doo lesse feare that the Prince can away with that which is euyll , yf they thinke he be a man that feareth GOD .
THE fyrst duety of Iustice , is to be ioyned with the ordinance of GOD , the second , is to be ioyned with the lawe of man . Let the Iudge therefore so execute iustice , that he doo not offend GOD , and iniurie his neyghbour .
AND wylt thou haue all thinges subiect vnto thee , doo thou then submit and yeeld thy selfe to reason : for euen reason shall gouerne many Kinges , and thee also .
HE shall haue to iudge of an other mans offence , whiche hath not in him selfe that he may condemne by equitie : least when he iudgeth an other man , he geue sentence vpon him selfe also .
IT happeneth for the most part , that he sitteth in seate of iudgement , whose lyfe is leaste agreeable vnto the woorthynesse ●f that place , and it oftentimes comes to passe with him , that he condemneth the guiltles , and saueth those that are guilty .
THE Kyng which in trueth iudgeth the poore , shall haue his throne established for euer .
HEARE , O ye Princes and Rulers of Iacob , and you Captaynes of the house of Israel : is it not your part to knowe what iudgement and iustice is , which do hate that that is good , and loue that which is euill .
THE greatest policies are dissolued and violated , by reason of the transgression and offence committed in dooing iustice .
IVstice is the Lady and Mistresse of all thinges , and the Queene of Vertues .
THE iustice of the Kyng , is the peace of his people , the sauegard and defence of his countrey , the ioy of men , the solace of poore men , the inheritance of children , and vnto him selfe this iustice , is the very hope of blessednesse in time to come .
THE lawe is nothing els but a straight and perfect reason , whiche proceedeth from the cleare light of the day , commaunding such thinges as are honest , and prohibiting suche thinges as are contrary . Therefore we ought ( as Virgil saith ) to obserue the fidelitie or faithfulnesse in the lawes prescribed .
TAKE away Iustice , and what els are Kingdomes but great spoyles of robberies .
PEace shal be the woorke of Iustice , and there shal be a reuerence vnto Iustice , euen of them whiche are layd to sleepe , and they shall dwell in safetie for euer .
THE Kyngdome shal be translated from one nation vnto an other , by reason of their iniust dealinges and iniuries , and by meanes of their reproches , and because of the diuers deceiptes which they practize .
THEY haue wrested iudgement backwardes , and Iustice hath stoode a farre of , because trueth hath fallen downe in the streetes , and equitie coulde not enter there , and trueth was made a guste of forgotten freendship , and the man that departed from dooing euill , felt the smart of a prized spoile .
BEholde , I deliuer before you the way of life , and the way of death : doo your iudgement in due time , and bring the oppressed soule out of violence , least that my displeasure and wrath , doo haply depart from me , towardes you , as a consuming fyre , and so burne you , that there ve none to quenche the same , by reason of the malice of your inuentions .
WIcked Iudges , euen after the maner of Woolues , do rauen and make hauocke of all thinges .
NAbuchodonozor eateth me vp , and greedely dooth as it were deuoure me .
BRibes and rewardes doo blind the eyes of Iudges , and as a gift in the mouth dooth stoppe their reprehencions .
HEARE this , ye Princes and Rulers of the house of Iacob , and you Iudges of the house of Israel , whiche haue abhorred to doo iustice in iudgement , and doo peruert all thinges that are good : because you build vp Sion with bloodshed , and Hierusalem with iniquitie , their Princes shall geue iudgement for rewardes : for this cause shall Sion be furrowed vpon , euen as a feelde .
THE simple people are more greeuously torne in peeces of the euyll Iudges , then of their most cruell enimies : For there is no robber so greedy of other mens goodes , as a wicked Iudge is amongst those whom he hath aucthoritie of .
IN so much as the mischeefe of couetousnesse waxeth nowe so ripe , that euen of custome the very lawes are bought and solde , iudgementes are corrupted , the very sentence it self is set to sale for mony , & there can be no cause without care and vexation tryed .
WOO be vnto you whiche iustifie the wicked for bribes and rewardes , and doo wrest the iust mans cause from him .
HEARE me , O ye of hard harts , which haue sequestred your selues farre from Iustice .
YOV haue forsaken those two most graue respects of the law , that is , the one iudgement , the other mercie .
FOR nowe Iustice is made none other thyng , but a common marchandize .
NOW , O ye Kynges be wyse and learned , you that iudge the earth .
IT is the office and duety of kinges , to keepe vnder those that are euil , and aduance such as are good subiectes .
ANtiochus saide , I wyll be reuenged vppon them whiche haue corrupted the land . &c.
IN this poynt doo Kinges serue God , yf in theyr kingdomes they commaund and establishe that whiche is good , and forbid that which is euil , not in matters only parteyning to humane society , but as concernyng deuine religion : for neither liue they at ease free from cares of mind , and trauels of the body : but bestowe their tyme in great disquietnesse and labour , vntill such time as they haue accomplished their functions and dueties to all perfections .
THE hardest iudgement shall be ministred vnto them whiche beare aucthoritie ouer others .
BLessed is that land , whose King is of noble race .
VErtue and malice doo determine and handle matters betweene bondmen and freemen , betweene noble men , and those of base degree .
NObilitie and Vertue , are in few persons to be found remayning togeathee .
MY song shal be of mercy and iudgement , to thee , oh Lord . Idem . I haue done indifferent iustice , and executed iudgement , I haue hated the workes of iniquitie . &c.
I Haue clothed me with Iustice , and with my iudgement haue I apparrelled me as it were with a garment , and Dyadem of honour , I haue been in steade of an eye to the blind man , and as a foote to helpe the lame : A father haue I also been of the poore , and such cause as I was vtterly ignorant in , haue I diligently searched for the certeyne trueth thereof : I haue destroyed the labours of the vniust man , and out of his Iawes haue I taken the spoyle .
BLessed are they whiche hunger and thyrst after righteousnesse , because theirs is the kingdome of Heauen .
FOR as from day to day there is a continuall thirst and hunger renewed in our stomackes after meates and drinkes corporall : so ought there appeare in vs a freshe and new appetite , or affection inseperable after iustice , in correcting of offences committed .
SEleucus Prince of Locria , on a time being in the cheefe Citie thereof whiche he had , established & protected with most wholsome and profitable lawes , when as his sonne was condemned for adulterie , accordyng to the lawes whiche he him selfe had ordeyned , that such offender should be depriued of both his eyes : and that the whole Citie for the honour of their Countrey , did for a certayne space withstand and gaynesay to dispence with necessity of punishment in this respect . The father being throughly ouercome with the instant requestes of the people : because he would doo some moderation of iustice , and borowe the lawe in some part , executing it at full in an other , first causing one of his owne eyes to be quite pluckt out , and then afterwardes one of his sonnes eyes , left vnto them both but two eyes to see with . So farre dyd he perfourme a due measure of punishment , with a woonderfull temperature , as the equitie of the lawe might require , making hym selfe partaker in the punishment wholy due vnto his sonne , perfourmed him selfe a mercifull father , and iust distributer of the law in this maner .
LET vs liue soberly , iustly , and godly in this world , looking for the blessed hope and glory of the mighty God .
BLessed is the man which hath the name of the Lord for his hope , and hath not beheld nor looked after vanities and mischeuous falshoodes .
BEhold the man which hath not taken God for his helper , but hath trusted in the multitude of his ritches , and preuayled in his vanitie , the hope of the vngodly shall perishe .
WHat madnes is this where men doo desire to forsake plaine and simple dealinges , for double double dealinges . Where is the couetous man , where is the lecherous person , where is the ambicious and vayne glorious , where is the vnthankfull person that whineth at the fe●icitie of this world : because howe much the more God hath bestowed his benefites vpon such one , so much the lesse feareth he to offend him , and reputyng not him self beholdyng in duety for the benefites of God receaued , doth rather more impugne and withstand him .
WHOM the Lorde hath loued , is puft vp with fatnesse , and hath spurned against the Lord his maker .
THEY are troubled and mooued vnto mischeefe as a drunken man .
THE thing that thou desirest to enioy , is like vnto a Mouse trappe , whyles thou seekest to catch thy desyre , thou thy selfe art snared : whyles thou holdest that which is an other mans , thou art holden caytiue of the deuill .
WHAT dooth GOD punishe , or what dooth he hate , but a mans selfe wyll in sinfulnesse . Let selfe wyll in sinfulnesse cease , and there shal be no hell ordeined for thee . &c.
THE foolishnesse of this world , is counted wysedome before God .
YOV foolishe dotyng Galathians , who hath bewitched you , that you wil not obey the trueth .
WHERE are nowe become thy wyse men , the Princes of Zoan are become fooles , the Princes of Noph are deceaued : euen they that were reputed the cheefe stay thereof , haue deceaued Egypt : in the midst of it hath the Lord powred the spirite of wickednesse , yea they haue deceaued Egypt in euery woorke thereof , euen as a drunken man staggereth in his vomit .
EVen seeing it with my eyes , my selfe wittingly and willingly doo perishe , and am vndone .
O You louers of the world , for what cause doo you goe to warres with your selues : Can your hope be greater in the world , then that you become freendes vnto the worlde ? what other thyng els can you finde there , but a frayle and brittell vessell full of dangers . All these things let them perishe , let vs geue ouer these vaine thinges , and let vs goe another way to the wood , to the searching foorth of those thinges which haue none end .
HE that is poore in the purse , and ritche in good conscience , sleepeth more soundly in the Cottage , the● the ritche man that enioyeth gold and purple at pleasure .
THE world passeth away , and the concupiscence thereof . Whether hadst thou leauer loue temporall thynges , and with them passe away in time , or loue Christe , and with him liue for euer .
WHO was he at any time so mindful of the world , that hath been mindfull of Christe as he should be .
I Beseech you as Strangers and Pilgrims , that you absteyne your selues from carnall desyres , which fight agaynst the soule .
STrangers and Pilgrims doo harbour them selues in many & diuers Innes , but they finde no freendship by their soiournyng at all .
THE innocent and iust men haue taken part with me .
VNtyll I dye wyll I not depart from my innocencie .
HAVE thou no delight in wicked children , yf they shal be multiplied vpon the earth : for one childe that feareth GOD , is better then a thousand of the vngodly , and it were better to die without issue , then to leaue wicked children behind thee .
THE innocent shal be saued . Idem CAP. 3. What innocent person did euer yet perishe at any time .
A Man is knowen and discerned in his children .
WIthdraw not discipline from thy child , for yf thou beate him with the rod , he shall not dye .
THE dissolute or loose life of the children , is referred vnto the negligence of the parentes .
IT is needefull that vertues haue a master and teacher of them : but as for vices , they are learned of vs without any teacher , because vertue is a thing wherein difficulty consisteth .
THE bringing vp of children , and the discipline , or awe of correction wherein they stand , doo confirme theyr maners and conuersation , and euery childe hath a taste & perseuerance of that which he hath learned .
THE doore is set open for vs , but there is a manifest daunger before our eyes , and we haue many aduersaries·
NONE shall be crowned with the garland of victory , but he that hath fought it out to the vttermost .
I Doo arrogate and callenge vnto my selfe a most foolishe victory , yf I doo not fyght , and I clayme a crowne without victory .
TO doo euyll , is an easie matter , but to doo well , it is hard for vs .
THE beginnyng of vertue in a man , yea the cheefe vertue selfe , is to embrace vertue . &c.
BE not you deceaued in your owne doings , God is not mocked withall : what so euer a man soweth , the same also shall he reape .
WHO so soweth iniquities , shall reape to him selfe that which is euyll .
IF thou hast not geathered togeather some store in thy youth , howe shalt thou fynde wherewith in thy aged yeeres to helpe thee .
A Chylde is knowen by his studyes and trauelles .
FOR innocencie is the defencible armour of God , which yf thou hast , thou and all thyne shal be in sauety .
IT lyeth in vs to gette the victory , if we wyll endeuour our selues therevnto , and out of this battell or conflict , none of vs agaynst our wylles shal be deiected .
AS thou growest in yeeres , so let grace increase with thee more and more : let iustice increase , as the number of thy yeeres increaseth , and how much the elder thou art , so much the more perfect let thy fayth appeare in thee .
THERE is no greater vertue can remayne in man , then to bridle and came vices .
I Passed by the feelde of the slothfull man , and there grewe vp thornes which couered his woorkemanship .
HE that soweth in teares , shall reape in ioy .
GLorious is the fruite of good labours .
THere is nothing vyler , then he which toyleth , and wyll haue all thinges that he doeth to be counted good , and yet he him selfe laboureth not to be reputed a good man .
THE slothfull man would not plowe because of the colde weather , he shall therefore goe a begging in the sommer , and no man shall releeue him .
EXcept a man doo with all endeuour trye out the mastry to the vttermost , there is no superfluous triumph of victory to be had .
O True pronounced safe battle in Christes cause , and for Christes loue is that conflict wherein neyther is a man wounded , cast vnder foote , nor stricken downe , neyther yet being slayne a thousand times ( yf it were so possible ) shall he be frustrated and deceaued of the victorie : so that he stand to it manfully , and start not away .
HIS bones shall be fylled with the vices of his youth , and with hym shall they sleepe in the dust .
THE continuall custome of transgressing and offendyng , hath made the way of vertue vnpleasant and sharpe vnto vs .
IF the blacke a More may change the cullour of his skinne , or the Leopard her speckled heare , euen so is it possible with man to doo well , when he hath learned alredy to doo euyll .
THere is nothyng more precious then tyme : alacke there is nothyng at this day deemed more vyle . The dayes of mans lusty and healthfull tyme passe away , and no man thynketh of the well bestowing thereof : for euen as there shall not perishe one heare of the iust mans head , so neyther shall there escape hym one minute of tyme vncounted vpon . All the tyme that on thee is bestowed , shall be required at thy handes , in what manner thou hast spent the same .
BEtter are the stripes of him that loueth thee tenderly , then the deceitfull kysses of hym that hateth thee .
THE young man shall walke in the way that I haue prescribed him , and when he waxeth olde , he shall not depart therefrom .
THE beauty and deformity of mans mind , is prescribed in the quality , eyther of the vertues , or of the vices thereof .
IT is a hard thing to be brought to passe , nay it is a thyng altogeather impossible for deuine vertue , where once the yoke of sinne is taken vppon vs , to shake it of from our shoulders : because he that committeth sinne , is the seruant and bondman of sinne .
HE hath fallen , and hath not taken holde wherevpon he myght aryse vp agayne .
I Haue more easely founde out who they be that haue obserued innocencie of baptisme , then whiche repented theyr sinfull lyues as they ought to haue done .
THAT man recouereth vp with muche a doo , whom the massy weyght of euyl custome keepeth vnder .
CVstome and countenaunce in maner of liuyng , confyrmeth the maners of lyfe , and the vse of the yoke , is as the inclination of nature .
THAT best order or rule of lyfe is to be chosen , whom custome shall make pleasant and sweete vnto vs .
BE you conuerted , and repent you of all your iniquities , and your iniquities shall not be the cause of your destruction .
MAKE no tarriance to turne vnto the Lord , and deferre not of from day to day : for suddenly shall his wrath come , and in his wrath he shall destroy thee .
AN euill cogitation bringeth foorth a noughty delectation : the delectation , a consent : the consent , a deede : the deede , a custome : the custome , an euyll necessity .
HOWE comes it to passe , that certayne haue the penury and scarcity of spirituall grace , when others haue the plentifull abundance . Vndoubtedly he that is the distributer and bestower thereof , is neyther couetous to keepe it to him selfe , nor bare and needy to such as he thinkes woorthy of the bestowing thereof : But where as empty vessels for the purpose are wanting , there must the oyle want her vse . The loue of the world showueth her selfe in to euery corner with her consolacions , nay rather desolations , shee keepeth and obserueth the maner of her comming to a man , shee rusheth in at the wyndowes of the mind , shee possesseth the mind of man , but not his mind that hath saide , My soule hath not refused to be comforted , I haue ben mindfull of GOD , and I am delighted in him : for surely the sacred delight forsaketh and declineth from the minde that is exercised in worldly desyres : neyther can thinges true , be mixed with thinges that are vayne : neyther thinges eternall , with things frayle and transitory : neyther yet corporall things with spirituall thinges . It is thus to be concluded for principall , that a man ought to be wyse in thinges that are aboue , as well as in thinges vpon earth .
IT seemeth there is this difference betwene the delightes of the body and of the minde , as , the corporal pleasures , when they are not enioyed , do kindle a greeuous desire towards them selues , and being enioyed , they turne all thinges to destruction . And on the other part , the delightes of the soule are quite contrary : because howe muth the more the taste of them is sauoured , so muche the more the same is esteemed , to the ende they may be beleeued with more auidity or greater desyre : and therefore not being enioyed , they can not be embraced or beloued , because the taste of them is not knowen or approued .
TAste and see howe sweete the Lorde is , and this he meaneth ( as who would say ) you haue no perceauerance of the Lorde , except you taste and feele the goodnesse of him .
THeir soule hath abhorred all meates , and they haue drawen neare vnto the gates of death .
OVR soule perprabraketh vppon the receipte of this light meate .
THERE is no torment greater then the torment or vexation of the conscience . And wylt thou then neuer be sadde or molested , lyue well . A mans mind that is secure , dooth easely sustayne and away with sadnes : A good lyfe hath euer ioy among .
IOY shal be mixed with sorowe , and there is euer mourning foloweth extreme ioyes .
THOV Lorde hast commaunded , and it comes so to passe , that there is a torment due vnto euery inordinate mind that can not measure it selfe .
SVrely there is no man whiche ought , or may thinke , that there aryseth greater felicitie of the mind , in , or by the vse of vices , then there dooth in and by the exercise of vertue .
THE holy and elect children of GOD , haue conquered kingdomes by fayth , haue wrought equitie and iustice , and haue adopted them new promises of sauing health .
IF humane minde , with a strong and fyrme desyre be directed towardes God : she esteemeth euery bitter thing to be sweete , and thinkes euery thing to be as it were a quiet rest , whiche dooth molest her . And moreouer , she earnestly desyreth to passe ouer this life by death , to the end she may the more fully obteyne lyfe .
IT standeth most with equitie , that we doo loue him aboue all thynges , which hath loued vs aboue all thynges .
WHEN he had receaued meate , he was comforted .
MAN dooth not liue by bread only , but by euery woord that proceedeth out of the mouth of GOD .
MY Soule is replenished as it were with marowe and with fatnesse .
LET your handes receaue comfort , and be you the children of valiant and couragious mindes .
PRayer is a sauegard of the Soule , a solace and consolation to the good angell , a scourge vnto the Deuill , and an acceptable obsequy or sacrifice of man vnto God .
THE fortitude or courage of the reprobate in this world , is enclined to the loue of transitorie thinges , and neuer stinteth that affect : but without reason ( not knowyng what shee dooth ) hardneth her selfe agaynst the scourge of the maker of this world . The fortitude or courage of good and godly persons , is bent to ouercome the fleshe , and to goe against her owne pleasure : to extinquish the delectations of this present lyfe , to embrace the sharpe and bitter stormes of this worlde , for and in consideration of the euerlasting remuneracions : to contemne the flatteryng allurementes of prosperitie , and manfully to vanquishe in the hart all feare of aduersitie .
EXcept thy conscience be pure and cleane from sinnes , thou shalt not be heard of God : then make cleane the chamber of thy hart onely , and thou shalt fynde him within that wyll heare thee at full .
HOwe many are there whiche enter into the house of God to pray vnto God , how fewe are there heard of him , howe many are there which cal God theyr father , as in their prayer , ( Our Father . &c. ) which are not his chyldren , but the fathers children of whom it is written : You are of the father the Deuill , because they are not the chyldren of GOD , which haue lost his grace and fauour , but are rather the Deuils children , who hath begotten them in malice , and nourisht them in mischefe .
EVen as fyre and water can not be both togeather in one substance at once , so neyther can the delites of the body & of the soule abide to dwell togeather .
A Good conscience is the tytle and signe of religion , the Temple of Salomon , the feelde of blessing , the breeder of delites , the golden reclaiming meane of a transgressor , the ioy of Angels , the Court of God , the habitackle or dwellyng place of the holy ghost , the booke opened and shut , which shal be manifested in the day of iudgement .
WHAT is there thought may be obteyned , where as a good conscience is lost .
THere is no man more corrupt in life , then he that seemes to him self to be cleare and sound in lyfe .
LOoke vppon the mind , scanne vppon the maners , marke and be mindful of thy doinges , for euer in them , and by or of them , shalt thou knowe what thou art .
IT is a poynt of foolishnesse properly for a man to prye and looke neare into other mens faultes , and to forgeat his owne .
I Wyll smite the Shepheard , and the sheepe of the flocke shal be scattered one from an other : the integritie of them that beare rule , is the health of the Subiectes .
IT falleth out nowe and then , that one man hath power ouer an other to his owne hinderance .
THE Citie shall reioyce in the wealth of iust and vpright Rulers , and there shal be ioy ouer the destruction of the wicked .
MAN is neuer in state of honour without dolour and sorowe : in pleasure without payne , in aucthoritie without vanitie .
I Wyl geue them children for their princes , and such as are of womanish mindes , shall beare aucthoritie ouer them , and the people shall perishe .
THY Shepheardes are chaunged into fleesers of their flocke , thy Lambes into Woolues , thy defenders , into dispersers of the flocke , and they that should be sober , are dayly geuen to drunkennesse : they that should be chaste , are vicious liuers : for godly Prelates , thou shalt haue wicked Pilates : and they that ought to be god●y inducers and teachers of thee , shal be seducers , and fetchers of thee from the right way .
DAVID , the second Kyng of Israel , dooth surely shine in mankind , as it were a certayne brightnesse that would dazell our eyes . In what man at any time were there found togeather these two thinges : that is to say , so great aucthoritie conceaued with so great humility , so great courage , so great clemencie , so great a care as he conteyned towardes the disposing of his worldly affaires , so pure and deuoute contemplacion , or meditating of spirituall matters : to kill so many men , and to shed teares of repentance : to fall into so great offences as he dyd , and to perfourme so good repentance .
I Am delighted in the way of thy testimonies , as in al the riches and worldly wealth which I haue .
DElight thou thy selfe in the Lord , and he shall rewarde thee euen to the desyres of thy owne hart .
WEre it not but that my meditation is in thy lawe , I shoulde then perhappes haue perished in my owne humilitie . Lorde , my hart is not puffed vp , neither are my eyes lifted vp , neither haue I walked in greate thinges , nor in woonderfull thinges aboue my reache . Lord remember Dauid , and all his mercie .
WIth exhorting thee ( good brother ) I beseeche thee , that vnto euery seruaunt of thy housholde , from the greatest vnto the least , thou wouldst be a messenger of loue and sweetenes towardes the obteyning of that heauenly kingdome , and denounce vnto them the horror and trembling that is in the infernall pit of hell : and that thou be wyse thy selfe for theyr welfare , and be as a watche man vnto them : because for euery seruaunt which is within thy house , thou shalt render an account .
DEpart ye wicked from me , and I wyll searche foorth the commaundementes of my God .
FOR the louers of euill men are woorthy of death .
GOE away from the wicked man , and there shall no euill come neare thee .
I Haue written vnto you , that you should not entermingle your selues with fornicators , with offenders , specially whiche haue committed fornication against God . And this dyd I vnto that end , that eyther they myght be confounded , or amended .
HEarken not you vnto the false prophetes , whiche may come vnto you in Sheepes clothing .
IN nature of worldly things ( saith he ) thus falleth it out : that so ofte as the euyll man is a companion vnto the good man , the euill man is not made better by the good man , but by the euyll man , the good man is made woorse .
THERE is nothing so much hurteth a man , as dooth euyll company . I thinke it a thing more then possible , that that man can any longer continew in dooing well , whiche is dayly conuersant with euyll men .
BLessed is the man which hath not walked in the counsell of the wicked , and hath not stand in the way of the vngodly , nor hath not sit in the chayre of pestilence , but hath reposed his wyll and desyre in the lawe of the Lorde .
WIth the holy , thou shalt be holy , and with the froward , thou shalt learne frowardnesse .
WHiche matter is prooued by auncient histories , and by suche persons as they are accomplished dayly , how by the euill suggestions of certaine which are in aucthoritie about some princes of the world , the trauels and affaires of those Princes are brought to yll passe .
IOAS the King of Iuda dyd that whiche was acceptable in the syght of the Lord , so long as Ioiada the high Priest liued : but of trueth when Ioiada dyed , the P●inces of Iuda entred into the fauour of Ioas the K●ng , and did honour the King as a God : who being ouercome with their flattering seruices , gaue eare vnto them , and both the King and his Counsell then forsooke the Church of the Lorde , and dyd woorship vnto the starres of the Firmament , and grauen Images , and the wrath of the Lorde was mooued vppon Iuda and Hierusalem for this offence .
I Wysedome haue my dwelling in the counsels of men .
ROboam the King , forsooke the counsell of the Elders of the kingdome : wherevppon it came to passe , that of twelue tribes which ruled in Israel , he lost ten of them .
THE counsels of the vngodly are meare deceiptfull snares vnto them selues .
Regnum stat sanum , per consilium veteranum , Where auncient heads doo counsell giue , The kingdome there dooth safely liue . Regnum decressit , vbi consilium iuuenescit . That kingdome must of needes decay , Where counsellors young do beare the sway . Et proprium lucrum crescit , Liuorque patescit . And eche mans priuate gaines increase , And malice from mischeefe doth not cease .
I Haue hated the vniust liuers , and I am abhorred of them .
THERE is risen vp a light in place of darknesse , to suche as are of a true hart .
FOR with one chaine or band , were they all linckt .
THVS sayth the Lorde , Keepe equitie , and doo right : for my sauing health shall come shortly , and my righteousnesse shall be opened .
PVT thou no confidence in fortune of this world , for in a moment is the Sea altered and chaunged .
THE great surges of temporall thinges , carrieth with them the iudgement of eternall damnation .
IT is not possible for a man to enioy both the present felicities of this life , and of the life to come : and here to fyll his belly , and there to satisfie his mind , and from pleasures to pleasures to passe his appointed course , that he may be both happy and blessed in heauen and earth togeather .
IF we wyll seeke for the sweete , it is requisite that wee doo suffer and tollerate the sower .
Dulcia non meruit , qui non gustauit amara . The sweete to haue deserues not he , That hath not tasted the sowre tree .
THEY shall walke as the blind doo , because they haue sinned against the Lorde .
AND Moyses lifted vp his handes vnto Heauen , and there was made horrible darknesse for the space of three dayes , vppon the whole land of Egypt , so that no man kn●we his owne brother , neither knewe he in what place him selfe was : but contrarywyse ▪ where so euer the children of Israel had their abiding , there appeared light vnto them .
THE light shineth in the darknesse , but the darknesse comprehendeth it not .
THE people that walketh in the darkenesse , haue seene a great light appeared vato them : there is light arysen vp vnto them that dwell in the shadowe of death .
TO lighten those that sitte in darknesse , and in the shadowe of death .
A Light from Heauen compassed him , shining rounde about him : and when he opened his eyes , he sawe nothing .
FOR their owne malice hath blinded them selues .
THERE is great labour and trauell ordeyned for all men , and a yoke of greeuous painefulnesse , which shall be laid vpon the sonnes of Adam from their birth day , vntill they shall returne vnto the Earth their graue , the mother of all thinges : euen from the degree of him which beareth the scepter , and weareth the Diadem or Crowne , vnto that lowe degree of him that is clothed in sackecloth : fury , zeale , hurlyburly , trembling , and the feare of death burning in irefull indignation and contencion , shall molest him , and when he would take his rest in his bedde , the dreame of the night passed , shall take away his vnderstanding .
MAN which is borne of a woman , hath but a short time here to liue , and is filled with many miseries , with heate , colde , and hunger , and neuer remaineth in one estate , because he is nowe in good health , straightway sicke . &c.
HOO ritche Lorde art thou in mercie , howe mighty in iustice , howe bountifull in grace : O Lorde our GOD , there is none like vnto thee .
BVT those that seeke foorth the Lorde , shall not be put to confusion in euery good enterprise : wherevppon saith Cassiodorus , When we loue the Lorde , we finde al things in him , he is one onely to be sought for : but he is that one wherein all thinges are conteined . Oh woonderfull gaine , oh singuler sallary , or steepend for our paines : why then doo we wearie our selues by diuers meanes : but let vs with one vnitie of mind make haste vnto him , who being had , let vs seeke for none other felicities besides him , but let vs holde him with fixed faith .
THOV hadst very little before that I came vnto thee , and nowe thou art made riche by me , and God hath blessed thee at my entrance vnto thee .
AT all times and seasons doo thou geue praises , and pray vnto God , and desire of him that he would direct thy wayes , according to his wyll .
THERE is nothing more like vnto the woorkes of the Deuils , then to be continually at strife and debate one man with an other .
SEe that you haue vnitie in the bond of peace , because there is not a more liuelier shape and fourme of Angelicall conuersation , then is brotherly vnitie of one man with an other .
GOD loueth the bonde of concorde and vnitie .
THERE is nothing more precious with God , then the vertue of loue : there is nothing that the deuill desireth , more then the extinguishing of charitie and loue .
THERE is nothing hard or difficult vnto those that doo loue , there is no tedious trauell in loue . Let vs therefore loue Christe , and what so euer thing is hard of it selfe vnto vs , wee shall thinke it very easyly to be atcheeued of vs .
THE labours and trauelles of louers can not by any meanes be tedious and burdenous vnto them , but euen them selues are delighted therein , as they that haue a delight eyther in hunting , fowling , or fisshing .
WHAT man so euer he be that shall perfectly discerne the burden of sinne , and the wound of his soule or conscience , shal eyther very little or nothing at all feele the payne , or vexation of his body , neyther shall he thinke much of the labour bestowed , wherein he shall vnderstand howe to deface and wype away his sinnes doone and past , and learne to take heede how he commit any more such offences in time to come . &c.
BEtter is that medicine preserueatiue , then that which is curatiue .
ALL haynous offences and horrible , whiche man dooth by custome commit , are eyther thought by him to be but small , or none at all : so as not only they are not to be cloked and couered , but also doo require to be published and openly detected .
CErtaine persons there haue been so accustomed to feede vpon very poyson , that they haue taken it for their onely meate .
GOod custome ought to shake out and reiect those thinges , which the euyl custome hath put in vre , and trayned in man .
IT is a hard thing for man to resist & withstand custome , because she is made so like nature in her proper vse : yet notwithstanding it is an easier thing for vs to alter and chaunge custome , then naturall inclination .
ONE depthe calleth vpon an other , they haue prolonged their iniquitie .
O Most wicked presumption , from whence art thou descended ?
O Thou my soule , whiche art the badge of a Christian , made noble after the image of God , decored with equall forme , spoused vnto him in fayth , endowed with the spirite , redeemed with his blood , made heyre with angels , receauer of blessednesse , the child of grace , and partaker of reason , what hast thou with thee , as touching thy frayle fleshe what may be saide , hast thou not found it an vnsauery and noysome dounghil ?
O Cleare white vnspotted Lilly , oh thou tender and delicate floure , there are vnbeleeuing people abidyng with thee , and such as seeke thy subuertion , and with Scorpions hast thou thy dwelling . Take heede , and see that thou walke warely amongst the thorns , because the worlde is full of thornes : they breede on the earth , they are in the ayre , and they are in thy fleshe . To be therefore conuersant amongst these , and by them not to be hurt , consisteth in the power deuine to withstand , and not in any vertue that thou hast .
O Howe is that Soule vnhappy , which is sequestred from the cheefe felicitie , and ouer whom the deuill hath sway , she is made voyde of lyght , and enuironed with darkenesse , she is consumed with pleasure , and made drunke with bitter waters , she loseth life , and fyndeth death . &c.
BEcause I doo acknowledge myne iniquitie , and my sinne is alway against me .
BVT they that commit sinne and iniquitie , are enimies to their owne soule .
THERE should no aduersitie or mishap hurt vs , yf there dyd no iniquitie condemne and adiudge vs woorthy therof .
MY iniquities are gone ouer my head , and as a great burden are they heauy vppon me .
SInne maketh the people become miserable .
WHAT can be more miserable , then the wretched worldling which hath no compassion of him selfe .
I Wyll vizite the landes with diseases , and agaynst the wicked wyll I goe with theyr in●quities .
AS the Lion is euer lurking for his pray , so dooth the sinnes of man lye in wayte for them that woorke mischeefe .
SInne is defined , to be any thyng spoken , or any thyng done , eyther any desyre striuing agaynst the lawe of God .
O Howe wretched is the state of sinners , which esteeme of the sonne of God , as of a Swineheard .
YOur iniquities haue set enimity betwene you and your God , and your sinnes haue couered his face from beholdyng you with mercie , and that he shoulde not heare you when you pray vnto him .
OVr iniquites are multiplied before him , and our sinnes haue made answear vnto vs .
DAVID spake these woordes touching Ioab , The Lorde recompence the euyll man , according to the mallice of his mischeefe .
THOV hast hated all them that doo woorke wickednesse .
SInne is the ransacking spoyle of the good grace receaued , and a corruption naturally grafted in man .
BVT the wicked and vngodly in the land , shal be destroyed .
THE way of the vngodly , is as the darkenesse , they knowe not where they fall .
OVR sinnes haue debarred and prohibited the good graces of God from vs .
IN the woorkes of his owne handes , is the sinner snared and taken .
MANY plagues are there ordeyned for sinners , but mercy shall compasse him rounde about , that putteth his trust in the Lorde .
BE ashamed ( oh my Soule ) and blushe at thy folly : thou hast chaunged thy deuine shape and forme , into a brutish and beastly forme .
THERE is nothing more beastly , then that man which is endewed with reason , and vseth it not .
HOw much the more a man shall sinne , so much the lesse shall he knowe what sinne is , and in deede so much the more shall he be delighted therewith .
SInne is the issue , or generation of the deuill , the parent of death , the corruption of nature , and the deformation , or defilyng of the soule .
WHAT greater poynt of madnesse can there be in man , then for a very little pleasure of the flesh , to make him self a bondman vnto euerlasting punishmentes .
WHAT yf thou wouldest desire of God that thou mightest heare the voyce of this thy Lorde and God speaking vnto thee , that thou shouldest obserue and accomplishe all that he commaundeth . The Lorde shall strike thee with madnes , and with blindnes , and with fury of the minde , that thou shalt stumble at the noone day , as the blind man is woont to stumble in the darknes , and thou shalt not guide thy footesteppes , but shalt alwaies suffer reproche , and be oppressed with violence , neyther shall there be any man to deliuer thee free from his fury .
THEY haue trembled with feare , where there was no feare at all .
IF so be that you wyll not heare me , neyther doo all that I haue commaunded you , but shall despise my lawes and ordinances , I wyll set my face agaynst you , and you shall perishe before the face of your enimies , and you shal be cast vnder foote of those that haue hated you . The King shal put them in feare , yea , the noyse of a leafe blowen from the Tree , shall make them afraide : they shal fall downe to the earth , when there is no man to strike them .
THE way of the vngodly , shall deceaue them : the deceitfull man shall finde none aduantage .
THERE is prepared a dwelling place for all the Deuils , and a place of custody for euery vncleane spirite .
THEY are become abominable , euen as those idols that they haue embraced and had in honour .
THE belly of the wicked person , is neuer satisfied .
THEY haue walked as the blinde that sawe not , because they haue sinned against the Lorde .
HIS foote path is hidden in the earth : feare and trembling shall make him afraide on euery side .
THE praise of the vngodly shal be but for a small seazon , and the ioy of an hypocrite is like vnto the poynt of a swoord : yf his pride shall lift it selfe vp vnto the heauens , and that his head doo touche the cloudes , yet in the ende it shall be destroyed , euen as the filthy dounghil , and as a dreame that is vanished , shall it not be found .
THE reward of sinne , is death .
HIS spirite shall goe foorth , and shall returne into his owne land : in that day shal all his cogitations perishe .
THE wicked man being once dead , there resteth no further hope vnto him .
O Thou Soule of man , not with precious golde or siluer , but with the blood of the Lambe of GOD redeemed : Why wylt thou deliuer thy selfe into destruction , seeing Christe ( for the loue that he beareth vnto thee ) hath shed his most precious blood .
THE Soule that sheweth not her selfe nete and clearely shining , indewed with the garment or robe of holy life : is not the Soule espoused vnto Christe , but the Deuils darling .
HAppy is that Soule which shall so endeuour her selfe to gouerne her life , that she may through Christe deserue to receaue and entertaine Christ as her geste and inhabiter within her .
BE sorowfull and heauy for thy Soule .
THE zeale of thy house Lorde , hath euen as it were eaten me vp .
THERE is none that soroweth for my state .
THE wicked are hardly chastized to amendment , and the number of fooles is infinite .
BEcause mercie hath come vppon him , he shall with mercie be chastized .
THE lewde and dissolute life of the child , shal be imputed the negligence of the parentes .
BVT the oyle of a sinner shall not hurt my head .
FOR euery pounishment and correction ought to be without reproche , neither to the reproche of him whiche so punisheth , or chastizeth any person : but to be referred only for the commoditie and profite of the weale publique .
THE wrath of GOD is then greate , when the offender is not by due chastisement reclaimed : but suffereth him selfe to runne in further offence , by taking a wandring libertie .
REmember thy last dayes , and thou shalt not doo amis for euer .
IF a man doo liue many yeeres , and in all this time shall reioyce and be meery , yet he ought to remember the dayes of darknesse , and the daies of many , which shal then come , shal plainely testifie , that the dayes past were the dayes of vanitie .
THE true and perfect life , is to be med●tating howe to dye well .
HE that considereth with him selfe what maner of person he shal be when death assayleth him , is euermore fearefull in his affaires to offend .
THE Lorde shall bring all thinges to receaue iudgement , that are done vnder the heauens .
REmember the Lorde in thy life time , because death detracteth no time .
WE ought to knowe , that neyther the iust man , nor the vniust , the child , nor the olde man , are exempted , but be dissolued by death the soule from the body , before they be in that state of goodnesse or euill , beyonde the which , yf they should heare liue alway , they shoulde neuer passe further to any felicitie . &c.
OH death , how bitter is the remembrance of thee vnto a wicked man , hauing peace in his ritches .
OH life , howe many hast thou deceaued , whiche whyles thou fleest and passest away , art as nothing : whyles thou art seene of vs , thou art as a shadow : whyles thou art made much of , thou art as a vanishing smoke : sweete art thou vnto fooles , and bitter vnto wyse men : therefore thou art to be shunned , thou art to be feared , because thou art daungerous . So fareth it with man in this lyfe , euen as a man that soiourneth in an other mans house , not knowyng when it shall be sayde vnto him , arise and depart from hence .
BY meanes of sinne , death entred into the worlde .
THE true death in deede , which men doo feare , is the separation of the soule from God , who is the life of our soules .
WHY art thou proude , O thou Earth and Ashes .
A King to day , and to morowe dead : and when a man dyeth , he shall become the heyre of Serpentes , Beastes , and Wormes .
DVst thou art , and into dust shalt thou returne againe .
WE dye dayly , and we are changed dayly , and yet we thinke our selues to be eternall , euen this very woord that I speake , that I write , when I eate , when I drinke , or what thing els so euer I doo , somewhat therby is my life time shortened .
MAn is made like vnto vanitie , his dayes doo passe away as a shadowe .
MAN dooth not know his end , but as the fyshes are taken with the hooke , and the birdes are catcht in the snares , so in the euill dayes are men snared , and yet notwithstanding this man knoweth not whether he deserue more to be hated or loued , but the vncertainetie of thinges are reserued till a further time .
THE vngodly and wicked shall die in his sinnes .
WHAT thing can be more miserable vnto vs , which are cast foorth into this life as all bare and naked , fraile in body , weake in mind , doubtfull and full of disquietnesse , slowe to take paines , prone and redy to pleasure .
IT is a foolishe thing for a man to liue in that case , wherein a man dare not aduenture to die , and he is of better courage which slumbreth and resteth with one deadly sinne , going no further , then he that waigeth battel with seuen enimies .
MIscheefe shall fall vpon , and ensnare the wicked to his destruction .
IT is better for sinners that doo euill to dye , then that they shoulde remaine still long in sinne .
OF all fearefull thinges , death is the most fearefull .
THE graue is their dwelling place and last end , they shall leaue their ritches vnto others to possesse .
RItches shal not profite nor preuaile them that haue abused them in the last day of reuenge , but iustice shall deliuer a man from death of hell .
FOR horrible is the death of the vnrighteous generation .
EVery man feareth the death of the fleshe , but fewe doo feare the death of the soule .
ONE generation passeth , and an other commeth .
BEhold , we all taste of death , and are as it were water cast vpon the earth , which returneth not from whence it is sent : so do we fall away .
THERE is no suruiuing memorie of them that went before .
THE memorie of them is perished , as it were with a sodaine noyse .
I Am yeelded vp vnto obliuion , as a man that is dead from his owne hart .
WHERE are the Princes of the nations become , which were lordes ouer the beastes of the feeld , which delighted them selues in the foules of the ayre , whiche haue hoorded vp their siluer and gold wherein men do put their trust , and those neuer linne searching for the same , which doo woorke therevpon , and are busie therein : their dayes are ended , and them selues are gone downe into the deepe pit .
IT is a nation without aduise or counsell , and without wysedome : would God they would once be wyse and haue vnderstanding , and woulde prouide for ●heir later dayes . Which woords being more amply discussed by saint Bernard , he saith , Would God they would be wyse in three thinges that are past , that is to say , In the losse and lacke of good thinges , whiche are brought to passe vnder mortall power , or in dooing those thinges which they haue neglected to doo . 2. That they woulde be wyse in not constituting the wicked in aucthoritie , whereof the number is infinite in the worlde . 3. And that they would be circumspect and carefull in the losse of time , then which thing there is nothing to be coumpted more precious .
And sayth saint Bernard , Would God they would vnderstand three things that are present : that is to say , 1. The shortnesse of our life : because we haue neither certaine day nor houre how long to rest here . 2. The difficulty of our saluation : because straight is the way that leadeth therevnto , and fewe there are which walke in thereby . 3. And the small number of them that are to be saued : because there are many called , but fewe are chosen .
And againe he saith , Woulde God men would prouide for those three things that are to come : that is to say , 1. Death , then which nothing is more bitter . 2. The iudgement that shall be generall at the last day , then whiche nothing shal be more horrible to heare . 3. Eternall punishment ordeyned for the vngodly , then the which nothing shal be more sharper .
BE mindful of death , because when he commeth , there is no stay with him .
THEY are wyse ynough to doo wickedly , but to doo well , they haue no knowledge at all .
I The Lorde am he that doo transport wyse men backwards , and doo make their perseuerance to become meare foolishnesse .
MY dayes are passed away , my cogitations are dispersed , disquieting my hart , they haue changed the night with me into day , and againe yet after darknes , I hope to see light .
TELL me , where are the louers of this worlde become , whiche a fewe yeeres before passed were with vs , there is nothyng remaining more of them at this day , but dust and woormes .
Had they not their appoynted time to drinke with thee , to eate with thee , and to laugh with thee ? And so esteemed they of their dayes spent in their wealth and ritches , and in the ende they are gone downe into the neathermost pit .
Their fleshe is here in the earth bestowed vpon the woormes , and in hell , there theyr soule vnto the flaming fyre , tyll being againe lincked in that vnhappy familie , they are tossed in perpetuall burning flames .
THERE is ordeyned a most vyle death for sinners .
HE shall dye that hath not receiued discipline .
FOR the most highest is a pacient rewarder of the wicked , for those that he hath long suffered to sinne , to the ende that they might be conuerted and repent . The same persons not being conuerted nor repentyng , he dooeth more greeuously adiudge them to the greater damnation .
THE iust man , though he be ouertaken with death , yet shall he finde rest .
THERE is nothing so much deceaueth man , as the vayne hope to liue longer .
VNcertaine death doth preuent and steale vpon many amendementes of mislyfe ( that are deferred ) or euer they be aware .
DEath shall feede the euyll men , euen as sheepe that are throwen into the lake of hell : they shall desyre to dye , but death shall flee from them . &c ,
PRecious in the syght of the Lorde , is the death of his Saintes .
DEath vnto those men is happy and welcome , when she seemeth not to plant more pleasure at one time then at an other , and being often called for , he comes sodenly to the sorowfull .
TRuely to dye well , is for men to dye wyllingly .
THere is nothing more withdrawes man from sinne , then the often meditating and thinking of death .
THE Lorde hath wrought woonderfull thinges in the death of man .
THere is nothing shall profit thee so much vnto temperance and moderacion of all worldly thinges , nor cause thee so much to contemne them , as the dayly forethincking and meditating of death .
REmember from whence thou art fallen , and be wylling to repent thee thereof .
DIspose and set in order all thinges within thyne house , because thou shalt dye and not line .
And Ezechias turned away his face vnto the wall , and prayed vnto the Lorde .
And Ezechias wept with bitter teares .
WE haue this experience , because the minde of man is more familier and invred with the diuers intisementes of this world , and ouercome with the concupiscences , or lustes thereof : that therefore she refuseth to be occupied in well dooing , requireth pleasure : and scarcely is she brought to this poynt , that she shal be able to exclude and reiect from her selfe , the custome of her former lyfe . But when she shall once fall in reckoning howe necessary it is to thinke vpon the latter day , & of the efficacie , of the iudgement whiche shall then be : being stirred vp and prouoked , eyther with hope of reward , or with feare of pounishment , she proclaymeth wylfull warres against her good mocions and passions whiche shoulde resist the same , and assaulteth her auncient former good desyres , and forecibly as it were striueth with her selfe to subdude her selfe .
THE wicked and vngodly men haue no mind vppon the day of iudgement : but they that seeke the Lord , doo consider therof .
TRuly Lord thou art righteous , notwithstanding in thy iudgementes , yea , yf I should dispute with thee what the cause is , that the wicked in their wayes doo florishe .
WHY doo the wicked liue still vppon earth , and are so exalted on high ? they leade their liues in wealth , and yet in the end they goe downe into hell .
THere are some godly persons , before whose faces their owne euils haue come to light , as though they had offended with the wicked . And there are also some vngodly persons whiche liue with suche securitie , and thinke them selues so safe , as though they had the woorkes of godly disposed persons with them . And I haue perceaued , that af all the woorkes that the Lorde hath done , man can not comprehend and finde out the reason .
O The woonderfull height of the ritches of the wysedome of GOD , and of his knowledge , howe incomprehensible and inscrutable are the iudgementes of his way .
O What tormentes haue all the elect of GOD suffered , that they might safely come vnto the obteyned victory , ordeined for martyrs .
WOe be vnto Assur , which is becomr the rod of my fury , and the staffe it selfe of reuenge , in their handes is my heauy displeasure . But according to the opinion of Saint Augustine : when the father hath corrected the childe in mercy and iustice , he then casteth the rod into the fyre .
THE Lorde dooeth knowe when in due time to take hence those that are godly : but as for the wicked , he leaueth them for the day of iudgement , to pounishe them then according to their desertes .
LOrde , I haue been mindfull of thy iudgementes , and I am comforted .
Were it not but that my meditation is in thy lawe , then shoulde I perhaps haue perished euen in myne owne humilitie . &c.
CHriste hath suffered for vs , leauing vs an example , that we shoulde all folowe his steppes .
OVght not Christe to haue suffered death , and ●hat he shoulde so enter thereby into his glory ?
THE holy ones and elect of God by faith , haue co●quered vnto them kyngdomes , haue wrought the woorkes of equitie and righteousnesse ▪ & haue purchased them selues newe promises of sa●yng health : But some others hauing tryed the scornefull dispites and scourges of this worlde , and mo●eouer the b●n●es and imprisonment , haue been stoned to death , haue been d●smembred , haue been tempted , and haue been put to death with the swoord .
ADuersities are meanes to reclayme and remedy the diseases of the soule . Sicknes woundeth the fleshe , but cureth the defect of the mind .
THE Lorde looketh for vs , to the ende he would haue mercie vpon vs .
BVT because the Lorde is pacient , euen for this purpose let vs repent the more , and let vs with teares craue his pardon .
HE had compassion of the obstinate and wicked person , and he hath not learned to feare our righteousnes .
SAY not thou with thy self , I haue sinned , and what mishap hath chaunced vnto me , by meanes of forgeuenesse of thy sinnes , be thou not therefore the more without feare : for mercy and displeasure soone passeth away from him , and his wrath dooth beholde those that sinne .
THOV art vtterly ignorant , that the great good wyll of God bringeth thee to repentance : but according to the hardnes of thy hart , and as thou art impenitent , thou heapest vp wrath vnto thee in the day of wrath , and when the iudgement of the iust God shal be reauealed , whiche rendreth to euery man according to his woorkes .
AND dooest thou despise the ritches of his goodnes , of his pacience , and longanimitie ? Thou dooest then heape vppon thee his wrath against the day of wrath .
FOrsake me not Lord in the day of my tribulation .
I Wyll not feare any euyll thinges , because thou Oh Lord art with me .
TRuely because the Lorde was not with me , therefore haue these euils and mischeefes come vpon me .
THE Lord is with you to helpe you , because you are abiding with him : yf you shall seeke him , you shall finde him , but yf you forsake him , he shall forsake you .
IF God be on our side , who shall be agaynst vs .
MY soule liueth , euen because of thy louing fauour .
THE Lorde shall geue vnto his chosen both grace and woorship .
HE shall geue grace to the humble and lowly in hart .
GRace shall remaine amongst the iust and vpright in hart .
THere shall be ordeyned a iudgement of euery soule , according as he hath done in this lyfe time .
O Man remember thou my iudgement , for euen so shall thine be : with me it was yesterday , and with thee shal it be to morow .
LET him sprinckle him seuen times : that is , to be cleansed from his offences , that he may be purged by the lawe .
NEyther let him enter into the Sanctuarie , vntyll suche time as the dayes of his cleansing shal be fulfylled .
BVT euery man shall receaue his owne reward , according to his labour and trauayle .
THere shall be also apyointed a measure of punishment , according to the measure of the offence and sinne committed .
FOr their woorkes shall folowe them when they are gone hence .
THou shalt render vnto euery one according to his woorkes .
HOwe becommest thou ignorant what the way of the spirite is ? Dooest thou so not vnderstand the woorkes of God , which is the woorkemaster of all thinges ?
FOR who is he that can vnderstand the mysteries of God .
THere shall sodenly come a plague vppon thee , which thou knowest not of .
WE beleeue to be saued by the grace and fauour of God .
IF so be that I knewe my reward were laid vp for me in hell , I would pray no more for it , then I would doo for the deuill .
THere is not any man acknowledged or knowen to haue gone downe into hel , and haue returned thence againe .
MArke and beholde alwayes this rule , that after the Lorde hath long spared sinners , he dooeth more greeuously seeke to be auenged of them .
LET the dust of mans corrupt nature returne vnto the earth from whence it came , and let the spirite returne againe vnto God , who hath geuen the same .
SHall any man take vpon him to teache the Lord knowledge , which iudgeth thy higher powers ? The strong and lusty men are subiect to death , yea the rich & happy of this world .
BVT an other man dyeth in the bitternes of his soule without any woorkes of repentance : and yet notwithstandyng they shal sleepe altogeather in the dust , & the wormes shall couer them .
THE eternal lawe of God hath ordeyned nothing better vnto man , then that we haue all one kind of enterance geuen vs therby into this life , and diuers maners of death .
MY iudgementes shall passe foorth from me , as the light out of the Firmament .
HOw , many people doo liue in this world , I know not : but of the dayes to come , it is written , That the Lorde shall iudge the secrete dooinges , and vnknowen deallinges of men , and shall geue light euen vnto the dungeons of darknesse , and shall disclose the counsels of mens hartes .
ALL thy iudgementes are iust , Oh Lord .
FOR I haue been afrayde of thy iudgementes , Oh Lorde .
MAke redy thy righteousnesse that thou canst lay for thy selfe , before the iudgement of the Lord be summoned .
BRethren , let vs be enflamed vnto repentance , let vs examine our consciences , let vs be encouraged to take reuenge of our sinnes by earnest repentaunce in Christes bloodshed , crauing his gracious fauour to escape the horrible iudgement of the liuyng GOD . &c.
REmember thy Creator in the dayes of thy youth , and before the time of affliction shall approche , and the dayes wherof thou mayst haue cause to say , these dayes doo not lyke me .
REmember the wrath of the Lorde , because it shall not be foreslowed .
REmember the Lordes wrath in the day of the end of the world , and remember the time of pouertie , euen whyles thou art in thy wealth .
REmember thou the later dayes , and cease of to doo mischeefe : for there is blessednesse and death approching in the prescriptions thereof .
MY soule is in my handes alwayes . &c.
BVt of that day and houre when the Lord shall come to iudge the world , no neyther Angel , nor the Sonne of man knoweth , but the Father him selfe . Take you heede therefore , watche , and pray .
WAtche therefore , because you knowe neither the day nor the houre wherein the sonne of man wyll come .
DOo not you loue the world , which you see can not abide for euer , because the great day of the Lord is neare .
THE day of desolation draweth neare , and the times of the latter dayes do speedely hasten on .
THere shal be iudgement geuen vpon him without mercie , because he hath not shewed mercie . &c.
ANtechriste shal be borne in Babylon , out of the tribe of Dan , according to the saying that Iacob mencioneth : Let Dan be made a Snake in the way .
ANd those dayes shal be such , and so troublesome , as the like haue not been from the beginnyng of the creation of man , vntyll nowe : neyther shall there be any more suche afterward .
And except the Lorde had shortened those dayes for his elect sake , there should haue been no saluation vnto frayle mankind .
ALL those that wyll liue godly in Christ , must suffer persecution .
BVT who so shall persist constant vnto the end , shal be saued .
IT shal be destroyed ( meanyng of Babylon ) without force of strength of the hand .
THen shall that wicked Antechriste be reueyled , which the Lorde Iesus shall destroy with the breath of his mouth .
NOw are there many Antechristes come into the world , whereby we knowe that we are in the later dayes .
THere shall come deceitfull woorkers of mischiefe in the later dayes , walking after their owne lustes .
THere haue many members of Antechrist gone before vs , and their proper workes doo well agree with the ryngleader of their mischiefe , according to the Apostles saying , which affirmeth : that they haue perfourmed the woorkes of iniquitie , yea before that their cheefe captaine was manifested to the world .
ANd in the end of the kingdome , when the wicked are come to the full of their iniquitie : that is to say , In Gluttony , Lechery , and Couetousnesse , a kyng of a fierce countenance and vnderstandyng , with hard sentences shall stand vp . &c.
IN the later dayes there shall come deceauers , which shall walke after their owne desyres in wickednesse . These are they whiche shall assemble them selues togeather as liuing creatures hauing no Soule in them . These are Cloudes without water , whiche are caried about with the windes . These are Trees growing somewhat before Winter , vnprofitable , whiche being twyce dead , are plucked vp by the rootes : for whom the mystes of darknesse are to be kept for euer and euer .
THere shall goe before him a consuming fyre , and it shall scortche his enimies round about him .
WHyther shall I goe from thy spirite ? and whyther shall I flee from thy presence ?
THere is a fyre kindled in my fury , and it shall burne euen vntill the very last day in Hell.
THere shal be no time for them to flee away which shall saue them .
THere shal be signes in the Sunne and in the Moone , and in the Starres .
IN those dayes after that tribulation , the Sunne shal be darkened , and the Moone shall not geue foorth her light , and the Stars of Heauen shall fall from thence , and the vertues or powers of the Heauens shal be changed , and then shall they see the sonne of man comming in the Cloudes of Heauen with great power and glory .
THere shall goe before thee a deuouring fyre , and a consuming flame .
BLowe vp the Trumpet in Sion , Reioyce you that dwell vpon my holy hill . Let all the inhabitantes of the earth be troubled and disquieted , because the day of the Lorde is at hand , because the day of darknesse and of smoothering heate draweth neare , the cloudy and troublesome day .
BEfore his face shall goe a deuouring fire , and after him shal folow a burning flame● for the day of the Lord is a mighty day , and a very fearefull day , and who shall abide the same : neyther is there any man which shall escape it .
BE you therefore conuerted and turne vnto me saith the Lorde , with all your whole hart , in fasting , in mournyng , and in bitter teares , and you shal be saued .
AND the sea gaue out from her the dead bodyes that were buried in the bottome thereof : yea death and hell it selfe sent foorth their dead gohstes , and there was sentence of iudgement pronounced vppon euery one according to their woorkes .
I Wyll geather all nations togeather , and I wyll bring them into the vale of Iosaphat , and wyll dispute with them .
TRuly we shall ryse againe at the iudgement day , but we shall not all be immutable or vnchanged , euen in a moment or twinckling of the eye in the last blast of the Trumpe .
HOwe or in what maner the Lorde wyll geue iudgement , is not presently manifested to the world : neither hath he woorthely rewarded euery man , neyther hath he punisht them accordingly , but the accomplishment thereof resteth behind in his handes , as touching the body and the soule , and as touching the desert of prayse or punishment .
VNtill we shall al runne togeather in one course , with vnitie of fayth and woorshipping the sonne of GOD , growing vp to one perfect man , in measure of the fulnesse of the aige of Christe .
ANd I sawe as well the great , as smal bodyes standing openly before the throne , and the bookes were opened .
AGaynst whose comming all men shall be warned to aryse with their bodyes out of the earth .
WHO shal be able to consider of the day of his comming ? or who shall endure to behold the sight of his presence ?
WHO is able to warrant me that thou wylt protect my soule in the neathermost hell ? and hide me vntill the furie of thy displeasure shal be passed : and that it wyll please thee to appoint me a time when thou wylt remember me . That day is the day of wrath and calamitie , yea the great day of miserie very bitter .
BVT terrible and fearefull is the looking for of the iudgement and feruent heate of the fire , which shall destroy all his enimies .
FLee you away from the face of the Lorde because the swoord is a reuenger of iniquities .
THen shall they see the sonne of man comming in the Cloudes of Heauen .
WHO shall stand against thy iudgement , oh Lord ? or who shall come before thy presence as a reuenger vppon the wicked ones of this world .
THE Lord wyll not spare any flesh in the day of reuengement , neither wyll he be pacified with the entreaty of any person , neither wyll he take great rewardes to redeeme any soule .
BEcause his mercie is enduring for euer .
IF only the lawe and iudgement of mortall creature and fraile flesh , which shal be turned into dust , be with such care ●hroughly trembled at and feared . With what carefull feare ought we to prouide for the iudgement of the deuine maiestie ?
I Wyll sing of mercy and iudgement vnto thee , oh Lord.
O GOD , geue thy iudgement vnto the King . &c.
THY iudgement , oh Lord , is as the light of the mid-day .
AND behold , the dead were called vp to be iudged ( as touching those things that were written in the bookes ) to receaue their reward according to their woorkes .
BEholde ( sayth the Lord God of hostes ) I come vnto thee , and wyll discouer thy shamefulnesse , euen in thine owne face , and wyl shewe thy nakednesse vnto the nations , and reproche vnto other kingdomes , and I wyll poure out vpon thee thy owne abominations , and will smite thee with reproches .
BVT the righteous shal liue for euermore , their reward also is with the Lord , and the care for them is with the highest .
IN that day of the Lordes reuenge , we shal haue nothing to answeare for our selues : for the Heauen , the Earth , the Sunne , and the Moone , the Dayes , and the Nightes , and all the whole Worlde it selfe shall stand against vs , to beare witnesse against vs of our sinnes and wickednesse .
YOur ritches are become rotten , and consume● : your garmentes are eaten with the Moth , your golde and your siluer is become rusty , and the rust thereof shal be a witnesse against you .
THE stone in the Walle shall crie out against you , and the Tymber betweene the Rooffes of your houses , shall answere against you .
THE conscience of man is as a booke shut , whiche shal be opened in the day of iudgement .
HEare , O ye Princes of the house of Iacob , & captaines ouer the house of Israel .
LET the high Hilles heare the iudgement of the Lord.
GEVE a reckonyng of thy Stewardshippe .
THere shal be a most sharpe iudgement ordeyned for such as beare aucthoritie ouer others .
THE Prelates are woorthy to dye so many deathes , as they geue euill examples of death vnto their people committed in charge vnto them .
HEare me , oh you of hard hartes , whiche are farre of from dooing iustice .
MY people is become a disobedient people , their Sheepheardes haue led them a wrong way .
INiquitie is gone out from Babylon , euen from those that were the elder Iudges , which were seene to beare rule ouer the people , and they haue turned away their vnderstanding , and haue withdrawen their eyes from beholding the Heauen , neither would they remember the iudgementes of the iust .
FOR we all must needes be manifested and openly reuailed before the tribunall seate of Christe , that euery man may reape that whiche he hath done in his body , be it good , or be it bad .
BEhold the day of the Lord shal come , that cruell day and full of indignation , wrath , and furies , to put the earth in feare , and her sinners to be ouerthrowen by her : because the Starres of Heauen , and their glit●ering hue , shall not geue foorth light vnto them .
THE end commeth , it shall stand vp as a watchman against the : sorowe shal come vpon thee which dwellest vppon the Earth : the time is come , the day of death is neare at hand , and not of the ioyfull sound of the Hils . Now euen at hand foorthwith , wyll I powre out my indignation vppon thee , and wyll accomplishe the desire of my fury vppon thee , and wyl iudge thee according to thy wayes , and wyll lay vppon thee as a burden all thy wickednesse , and my eye shall haue no compassion vpon thee , neither wyll I shewe thee any mercy , but wyl lay vpon thee thine owne wicked wayes .
THen shall he say to those which shal stand vpon his left hand , Depart from me ye cursed into euerlasting fyre , whiche is prepared for the deuil and his angels .
SInners doo lincke them selues in amitie with the Deuill , as they which are by the prouidence of God saued , are made coequals with the holy angels : So such as perishe , are compared vnto the angels of the Deuil .
HEreby also is it manifest , that the same fire is geuen by ordinance for a pounishment vnto men and deuils .
IT belongeth to the iustice of a straight Iudge , neuer to withdrawe pounishment from them , whiche of their owne mindes in this life , would neuer withdrawe them selues from sinne .
VNderstand this , you that haue forgotten God , least that at any time he take you away by force , and then there be no man to take you out of his handes . &c.
COme you , the blessed of my Father , possesse you the kingdome prepared for you from the beginning of the world .
FOR the holy ones of God , whiche haue wrought the woorkes of righteousnesse , haue alredy taken for their hyre , the inheritaunce on the right hand of GOD ( for their woorkes of righteousnesse ) wherein consistes both rest and glorious triumphe .
LAbour in worldly matters , will discourage thee from comming vnto God : but behold the Heauens whiche haue learned the first commaundement , they fulfill the same .
THE Lorde GOD of Heauen shall rewarde thee with ioy and comfort , for the werisome trauel that thou hast endured .
FOR this ioye and comfort that we haue conceaued , is a witnesse of our conscience within vs . &c.
BE you glad in the Lord , and be ioyful you that are iust . &c. and reioyce you in the Lord . &c.
WAtche therefore , because you know not the houre when the Lord wyll come .
IT was not requisite that the Apostles should haue the day of the foreknowledged comming of Christe reuealed vnto them , that by reason of theyr earnest looking for of his comming , they not knowing when , yet might alwayes beleeue that he would come , whom they knewe not howe soone he would come .
WHat man seemeth to watche in deede , which to beholde the brightnesse of the true light , keepeth open the eyes of his mind . That man watcheth , who obserueth that order of dooing well , which he beleeueth is acceptable before God . That man watcheth , which driueth from him the darknesse of dolour and negligence .
O Ye generacions of Vipers , who hath taught you to flee from the wrath to ome . Doo you therefore shewe foorth woorthy fruites of repentance .
EVen as the wounded bodies sleeping in their graues : that is to say , The sinners of whom there is no further memory , and those are repulsed out of thy handes .
DEpart from dooing that is euill , and doo good .
REturne and come againe , oh you that haue frowardly walked after your owne hart .
O How strait shall then be the way for the reprobate : aboue in the Heauens , shall sitte the Iudge full of displeasure : belowe in Hell , shal be an horrible confusion : vpon the right hande , shall stand our sinnes to accuse vs : vpon the leaft hand , infinite numbers of Deuils , which shall drawe vs to the tormenting place : within vs , the gnawing of our conscience : and without vs , the Wo●ld burning rounde about . Whyther then shall the sinner flee : To appeare to iudgement , shal be intollerable for him : and to hyde him setfe , shal be impossible .
I Haue remembred these , and I haue powred out myne owne soule before me .
BVT thou discreete Reader , marke and consider , that both the punishments which are ordeyned , are eternall : and that the euerlasting ioyfull life hath in it no maner of decay or ruine .
BE mindfull of the wrath of the Highest , because he wyll not long foreslewe the time .
FEare not ye those that haue power to slay the body onely , but rather feare you him which is able to destroy both body and soule , euen in the very Hell.
BVT we see all such as loue this present life temporall , and which is soone ended , so to labour for the same : that when the passion of death approcheth them , they make all the shift they can , that they not be taken away with death , and by all meanes seeke to prolong their life . If then men doo with suche labour and such care endeuour th●m selues , to the ende they would liue a litle longer : howe and by what meanes ought they to labour and be carefull for the life euerlasting . And yf such men be accompted wyse , which trye all maner wayes howe they may deferre death , and prolong life for a short time . How foolish are those whiche liue so , as thereby they lose the life euerlasting : surely such may be called most fooles of all other .
THey are corrupted , and become abominable in their studies : it is time Lord to besturre thee : they haue dispersed and wrested thy lawe .
I Wyll pray vnto the Lord , who reproueth the wyse men of this world in their craftinesse , and dooth disperse the counsels of the wicked .
HE hath forsaken the right way , and walketh through the darke places .
THey geue not sentence in fauour of the Orphane , and the complaint of the Wydowe hath not come in before them .
DIssemblers , and lukewarme worldlings , doo pro●●re the wrath of God vpon them .
THE mouth of them that speake mischeuous thinges , is stopped . Let the deceitfull lips be come dumbe , and not able to vtter their speache .
THe children of this world are in their generation wyser , then the children of light .
THey are troubled as a drunken man , and all their wysedome is vtterly consumed .
FOR wysedome shall depart and perishe from the wyse of this world : that is to say , from such as are reputed wyse men , and their vnderstanding shall be darkened , because it is said :
THey are wyse enough to woorke wickednesse : but to doo well , they haue none vnderstanding .
SVrely thou hast found out wisdome aright , yf thou canst esteeme of all things as they be , namely of sinne and vices , as thinges that are vyle , and altogeather to be shunned : Of ●emporall thinges , as that whiche is fraile and transitory , and therfore to be smaly made accompt of : but of eternall thinges , as that which is best , and therefore aboue all others c●eefely and specially to be desired and imbraced .
THey shall walke as the blind in darknes , because they haue sinned against the lord .
THus sayth the Lorde , In an acceptable time haue I heard thee , and in the day of health , haue I helped thee .
WE exhort you brethr●n , that you receaue not the grace of God in vaine : for he saith , Behold the acceptable time , Behold now the day of your sauing health .
ANd he swore by the God that liueth for euer , because there shal not be any longer time .
FOR all things shal be sought for in their time .
IT is a nation wanting the counsell , & voyde of the wysedome of the highest : Would to God they would once be wyse and geather vnderstanding , and that they would prouide for the later dayes . &c.
HEare this al ye nacions , marke and geue eare , heare this you that inhabite the world .
THe great day of the Lord is at hand , it is very neare , and too too swiftly comming vpon vs : ye heare tell that the day of the Lorde shal be bitter : ●hen shall the strong man be troubled . That day shal be the day of wrath , the day of tribulation and of sorowe , the day of calamitie and of trouble , the day of the Trumpe , and the sound of the Trumpe vpon the strong defended cities , and vppon the angels on an hie : and I wyll vexe all flesh , and they shall walke as the blinde doo , because they haue sinned against the Lord.
BVt their siluer and their gold shall not deliuer them in the day of the wrath of the Lord . All the earth shal be consumed with the fyre of his indignation .
SO oft as I consider vppon the day of the Lordes iudgement , I quake for feare in euery part of my body : and whether I eate or drinke , or what thing so euer els I doo , mee thinkes I heare the fearefull Trumpe alwayes sounding in myne eares , Aryse vp you dead , and come to iudgement . &c.
THOV shalt renue the face of the earth , when the sinners shall perishe , thou shalt see it .
THese shall depart into the perpetuall torment .
THE light of the Moone shal shine foorth as the Sun doth , and the Sun shall geue foorth his beames as the light of seuen dayes together : euen vpon that day when the Lord shall binde vp the woundes of his people , and shal heale vp the scarre of the stripe : and behold , the name of the Lord commeth from a farre : whott shal be his wrath and indignation , and greeuous to be susteyned .
THE Heauens shall shewe foorth their beauty , in the day when the glory of the sonne of man shal be seene .
NOwe in deede is the time when the spirite shall say , Let all flesh rest from their labours .
THE Lorde knoweth best times when to take away and deliuer the godly from the temptations of this world , and to keepe the wicked ones to be tormented at the day of iudgement .
THe iudgementes of the Lorde are as the ballance and the weightes .
FEare an● trembling haue come vpon me , and the darke places haue enuironed me round about .
FALL to repentance whyles thou art i● health , and yf thou shalt so doo , I say vnto thee , that thou shalt be safe : because thou hast repented thee , whyles otherwyse thou mightest haue trespassed : for yf thou wylt in time repent thee when thou shalt not haue power to sinne , sinne shall forsake thee before thou forsake them .
WHen thou art greeuously handled in bodyly sicknesse , thou canst scarse thinke vpon any other thing , then vppon the payne thou feelest : for thyther is the cogitation of the minde caryed , where as is the force of payne and perplexitie most greeuing a man .
BEhold thou art now made whole & sound , doo thou not hencefoorth sinne any more , lest some other woorse euill happen vnto thee .
THere are many called , but fewe are chosen .
ENter in at the narrowe gate , because brode is the gate , and wyde is the way that leadeth to destruction , and many there are which enter there aub●ry narrowe is the way that i●adeth vnto lyfe , and fewe there are which finde the same .
THE whole fulnesse and effect of wysedome , is to feare God .
IN many thinges we all offend .
THE most safest thing for man , is to feare nothing els but God only .
BLessed is the man that liueth alwayes in the feare of God .
FEare the Lorde , all his saintes : Let all the seede of Israel feare the Lord . Blessed are all they that feare the Lord.
NOthing enflameth so the hart of man vnto loue , as the continual remembred passion and effabilitie of our Redeemer : because he tooke vpon him therby to make vs a new creature a freshe loue , and to haue newe and vnaccustomed consolations in him , and of consequence , to tas●e by his death and passion a certayne new estate of sweete life , in as much as he seemed to be a fore runner of the glory predestinate vnto him selfe .
HE hath loued and washed vs from our sinnes in his blood .
WHere is the safe and fyrme rest for our imperfection to be founde , but in the woundes of our Sauiour : so much the safer doo I there dwell , how much the more therby he is of power to saue me . The world rageth , the fleshe keepeth me vnder , the Deuill lyeth in wayte for me , yet fall I not , because I am established vppon the rocke : I haue sinned , thy conscince is troubled , but it shal● not be tormented , because I haue remembred the death and passion of the Lord.
EVen from my childehood , because of the huge heape of desartes ( which I know to be wantyng in me ) I haue carefully endeuored this little bundle of Mirh to haue geathered , and layde it ●p in my brostes , which is gathered euen of al the anguishes and smarts of my Lord God . This ( said I ) should teache me wysedom● , the perfection of righteousnes and fulnesse of knowledge .
SET me Lord as a marke or token of remembrance before thy brest .
CAll him agayne and agayne vnto your mindes , who hath suffered such reproche done vnto him by the sinful : for you haue not as yet withstood touching his blood shed for you , to fight agaynst sinne , and you haue forgotten the comforter whiche speaketh vnto you , as vnto his children , saying , Good children , despise not the correction of the Lorde , nor be thou aweary at suche time as thou art reprehe●ded : for whom the Lord loueth , him chasteneth he .
YOV shal drawe vp waters with ioy out of the springes of your Sauiour : that is to say , all kinde of vertues and graces are to be founde in the precious bloodshedding of Christe .
CHriste hath suffered for vs , leauing vs an example to folowe his steppes , who hath not committed any sinne , neyther was there any guyle found in his mouth .
ANd none of you haue suffered as a murderer or robber , for your euyll deedes , and agaynst your wylles .
IN euerduring good wyl haue I loued thee , therefore haue I drawne thee vnto me , taking compassion vpon thee .
WHAT is there so much helping thee to doo well , whiche is not more saluing thy sore in the death of Christe .
HErein knowe we that the loue of God is in vs , because he hath geuen his lyfe for vs . &c.
PLentifull redemption is geuen vnto vs in the bloodshedding of our Redeemer : great abundance of sweetenes and grace , or rather fulnesse and perfection of vertues .
IN all my aduersities I finde not any suche and so effectuall remedie , as I finde in remembring the death and passion of Christe : for out of these I taste sometimes the potion of healthfull bitternesse : and againe , I feele howe sweete and supple is this oyle of consolation . These , betweene ioy and sadnesse , administer vnto my present life ( whyther soeuer I be tossed ) a safe abidyng and refuge : This is my more profound wysedome , then any other that I reioyce in , to knowe Christ , and him crucified . Who euer heard of the lyke thing , or who hath seene at any time the lyke of this : he suffered death him se●f for his enimies , and for the sinfull , rather choosing to passe by death into the Heauens , to the ende this sweete freend , wise counsellor , and mighty helper , might also transpasse vs into the Heauens .
FOrget not thou the frendship of thy Suretie , for he hath pawned his lyfe for thee .
SO long as I reposing my confidence in God , doo vsurpe vnto my selfe that whiche lacketh , by and through the woundes of my Lord Iesus : because he aboundeth with mercie towardes me , I ought not be voyd of well deseruing , so long as the Cesterne of his mercies is neuer empty towardes me .
ALL the proude people sprong of the linnage of Adam , laboured by all meanes to atteyne vnto the prosperous thinges of this world . To shonne and eschewe al aduersities , flee from reproches , and folowe after pompe and glory . The Lorde came amongst them , choosing to take vnto him aduersitie , fleeing vayne pompe and glory , despising prosperitie , and embracing reproches .
YF the passion of Christe be called of vs rightly into our mindes , there is nothing so greeuous vnto vs , but thereby it shal be tolerated of vs with pacient mind .
HE shewed him selfe humble and lowly , being obedient to death , euen vnto the death of the crosse .
I Liue nowe , yet not I , but Christe liueth in me .
HE is wounded for our iniquities , and torne in peeces for our sinnes : the discipline of our peace is vpon him . Lorde therefore , take from vs our stony hart , and geue vs a fleshly hart .
O Good Lord Iesu , oh that the reproches of those whiche put thee to death , hadde light vpon me , that they might haue moued my hart vnto compunction and harty sorow .
LET vs also goe and dye with him .
CAll me agayne to thy memorie , and let vs be iudged togeather : Declare thou for thy part what thou canst , & then see what thou hast to iustifie thy selfe of .
O Sweete Iesus , the bitter cuppe whereof thou dydst taste , hath made me to loue thee aboue all other thinges : a woorke perfourmed for our redemption once for all .
This being oftentimes duely pondered , dooeth easely callenge our loue vnto it , nothing more delectably allureth our deuotion vnto it , more iustly perfourmeth our duety , more deepely bindeth , nor more vehemently surpriseth our affectes . He hath taken great paynes for vs , and yet in all the woorkes that euer he wrought as touching the worlde , this the aucthour of our life , was neuer in any thing so turmoyled : For in that he suffered for vs , in steade of saying trueth , he was controlled with gayn●sayinges : for his good deedes , he had those that looked nearely vnto him : when he felt extreame paynes , he was scorned of them : and when he dyed , he suffered the reproche of his enimies .
THY passion Lorde , is our last refuge that we haue to cleaue vnto , and our singuler remedy .
THERE is none ende of the treasures ther●of .
THE passion of Christe , being set before our eyes , woorketh all vertue in vs , both for the time present , and to come : and fulfylleth all health of soule and body .
And when we receaue the remembrances of the passion of Christe , streightway thereby all the deuils in Hell are put to flight , and all our deserued punishmentes for our offences are dispenced with , and forgeuen .
HE had brought such weapons vnto thee , which ( hadst thou not first reiected ) might haue defended thee with an inuincible strength .
BE you comforted in the Lord , and put vppon you the armour of God , in the power of his vertue , that you may be able to withstand the deceiptes of the Deuill .
YEa , there is an infinite quantitie of treasure hidden for men , wherein who so euer are possessed , are made partakers of the freendship of God .
MAnifest therfore and openly , expresse vnto him your hartes and your soules , that you may seeke for your Lord God .
IF you seeke for him , you shal finde him out : but yf you refuse to seeke him , and forsake him , he wyll forsake you .
MY soule is heauy , euen vnto death .
OH howe bitter is death , whose only premeditacion caused Christe to sweate water and blood .
AND his sweate became as the drops of blood running downe to the earth : for his blooddy sweate doo expresse the sorowes of his hart .
WHom so euer I shall kisse , the same is he , hold him fast .
THen all the Disciples hauing forsaken him , fled from him .
BEhold thy Christe in his face .
HE tooke vp with him , Peter , Iohn , and Iames , and feare and tediousnesse came vppon him , in so much as he trauayled with sorowe , teaching vs by example , or as it were figuratiuely , what maner companions and disciples a man ought to haue with him in such perplexities , as he that wyll then pray , is or ought to be like affected : for euen as a theefe hearing an outery , presently taketh his heeles , and therevppon the neyghbours besturre them to remedy the case . Euen so by mans feruent prayer , the Deuil fleeth away , and the holy spirite of God entreth with good meditations to comfort man .
O Father , yf this cuppe may not passe me , except I fyrst drinke thereof , thy wyll be done .
THis voyce of the head , is the health of the whole body : this voyce hath instructed al the faythfull , hath inflamed all the confessors of Christe , and crowned all the Martyrs of Christe : for what is he that is able to ouercome the hatred of the world , the troubles of temptations , and the terrors of persecutors , but only that Christe in all , and for all , should say vnto his Father , Thy wyll be done .
THen they spitted vpon his face , and buffeted him .
THE Euangelist expoundeth those most reprochefull handlinges , in this maner . Nothing abashed was he to suffer them : because we might imprint them in our hartes with continencie , and in them reioyce ▪ or take comfort .
HOwe much the poorer he made him selfe by his humilitie , so muche the ritcher he shewed him self in goodnesse : and how much more base he was in the sight of the world , so much the more deare beloued is he vnto me .
OH humble hart , and yet most hygh maiestie , and oh most highest and last ioy of humane kind : oh reproche of men , and glory of angels : no man more noble , and yet none more despised : Who coulde refraine from teares to heare such wicked handling .
TO con●inue in sinne , dooth increase wickednesse .
ONE depth calleth vpon an other .
THe sinne that is not extinguished by earnest and true repentance , straightway , with the efficacie thereof , dooth 〈…〉 more sinne .
PEter remembred , and thought vppon the woordes of Christe .
NOthing so muche healeth the sore of sinne , as when we continually think vppon the Lord in our mindes .
HE went out , and wept bitterly . &c.
WHAT shall I render agayne vnto the Lord , for all that he hath bestowed vppon me .
THEY haue rewarded me euyll thinges for good .
IVdas sinned more in that he dispayred , then in that he betrayed Christe . Couetousnesse is the snare of the deuill , by meanes whereof he han●eth vp all couetous persons .
THey brought him foorth with his handes bound behind him , and deliuered him vnto Poncius Pilate the cheefe Iudge .
I Haue seene howe paynefull the priestes haue been about mischeefe : they haue watched all the nyght long , because they woulde spill the blood of the innocent .
WHich of these two wyll you that I let loose vnto you : Barabbas , or Iesus , which is called Christe .
AND all the whole company cryed out togeather , Take this man , and let Barabbas goe at libertie .
OH fury of mad men , oh blindnesse of the Iewes : what more peeuishly coulde they haue done , then to slay him who hath raysed vp the dead from their graues , and to let goe a theefe , whiche after his libertie might doo more mischeefe .
THE Iewes earnest request remayneth vntyll this day a memori●ll ( when they lost the kyngdome of Heauen : ) because they had leuer haue a sedicious Prince to gouerne them : that is to say , the Deuil , then the Lord GOD .
BEcause I am prepared for the scourge .
THE most louely young man , elegant and gracious , of more excellent feature , in respect of the sonnes of men , was bound to a pi●ler and scourged with the greeuous and sorowfull whippe of most vyle persons . That tender fleshe of his most vndefiled and fayrest flowre of all fleshe , and of all humane kinde most innocently was greeuously scourged , wounded , and torne in peeces of them .
IT is smal to purpose , that the Iewes with their mis●heeuous handes so crucified thee : but that thy soule before was replenisht , and with gohstly consolations illuminate . O elect childe of GOD , what hast thou trespassed , which deserued such bitternes and confusion : Doubtlesse nothing at all , I silly soule that I am , haue been the cause of all thy affliction and persecution .
IF he went not from hence without the scourge , who came into the world without sinne : Howe doo they deserue to be scourged which haue offended euen tyll this day .
FRom the soule of his foote , euen vp to the crowne of his head , was there not remaynyng one free spot ▪
HE washed vs from our sinnes , by the sheddyng of his blood .
AND they makyng a crowne of thorne , put it vppon his head , and gaue him a Reede in his right hand : and bowyng theyr knees before him , laughed him to scorne , saying , HAYLE KING OF THE IEWES .
HEare hath our Sauiour powred foorth vpon vs the abundance of all charity , and plenitude of all his godlinesse . And here agayne hath he powred foorth , the heauy indignation of his inspeakeable wrath .
SAyde the Theefe . Lord , rememmber me when thou shalt come into thy Kingdome . Iesus said vnto him , Verely I say vnto thee , This day shalt thou be with me in paradyse .
O What a fayth , and what a perfect conuersion or turnyng to the Lorde had this Theefe : he had nothing left him at his owne libertie but his hart and his tongue , whereby he declared his inward r●pentance : and ( being inspired with this good motion towards God ) obteyned no doubt , all that he found in his owne free desyre remayning .
OH most godly Iesus , what haue we trespassed vnto thee , and thy death , and thou hast not mourned for it : what haue we ben indebted vnto thee , and thou hast not thy selfe paid it : Thy loue , and our iniquitie , hath so made thee lowly and weake for our sakes .
THey ledde him f●orth to crucifie him .
IF any man wyll come after me , let him take vp his crosse and folowe me .
THE Crosse of the Lorde is not onely meant that which was of wood , wherevppon he was crucified : but also the Crosse of Christe is called that , whiche in all the tyme of our life is made equall with vertues , suffering all maner corrections .
FAther , forgeue them , for they knowe not what they doo .
THE Iewes cryed , Crucifie him . And Christe cryed , Forgeue them . Lord , how great is the multitude of thy sweetenesse , Oh Lord , howe shalt thou drinke of them in the flood of thy pleasure whiche delight in thee , and desyre thee : which powrest out so abundantly the oyle of thy mercy , to ●utch as hate thee .
BEhold the abundance of charity , and wonderfull pacience in our Sauiour : He commaundes vs to pray for our enimies , and seeketh no reuenge : why then should that little creature the Ante , the Moth of the earth , and woorme : that is to say , the hart of man , seeke reuengement , and deferre of to forgeue .
ABout the ninth houre , Iesus cryed out with a loude voyce , saying , My God , my God , why hast thou forsaken me ?
SVrely these were the woordes , signifiyng what a carefull and troubled spirite he had for vs , which are beset with troubles , and in them expresseth a certaine tendernesse of bitter passion and sorowe , proceeding out of his so deepe sithes , entire lamentation , and bitter plaint : whiche might suffice to molefie vnto compunction and remorse , a very iron brest might cleaue in sunder , a stony stomacke might humble and bowe the hart of wood towardes loue , and finally moysten a very brasen hart towards contemplacion in this case . Neyther let man marueyle , yf he doo suffer tribulations : because he is so comforted in Christe , his head and cheefe captaine .
AND when he had cryed agayne with a loud voyce , he gaue vp the gohst .
AND bowing the head , he gaue vp the gohst .
THE Sauiour of the worlde bowed his head at his death , that he might kisse his welbeloued Mother , and the Disciples then and there present . And wee doo so oftentimes kisse him , as we are compunct and throughly stirred vp to the hartifull remembraunce of his death .
THE Heauens stoode astonished at his death , the Earth was amazed : What dooest thou then , oh Man ? Neither is it a thing to be marueyled at : yf the shinyng Sunne became perplexed , that thou shouldest be also perplexed : yf els the Earth became sadde and pensiue , so thou shouldest likewyse be sadde and pensiue : yf the Stones were rent in sender , that thy hart be rent in sonder : yf those that stoode by the Crosse dyd weepe , thou shouldest weepe as well as they .
BEhold , when Christe dyed , euery creature had compassion vpon him : but man alone hath not had any compassion at al vpon him , for whom in deede Christe dyed .
AND they tooke the body of Iesus , and wrapped it in linnen clothes , and spiced it with Balme and sweete odours .
MAry , the mother of Christe , was the example of sorowe and compassion , vnto all those that loue Christe .
BEhold , oh man , what I suffer for thy sake : see the paynes and troubles that I endure for thee : see the nayles wherevnto I am fastened , and whyle I endure for thee such outward sorowe : yet notwithstandyng my inward gronyng is more greeuous , whyle I trye thee and finde thee an vnthankful freend vnto me .
CRucifiyng agayne vnto them selues the sonne of God .
THey crucifie Christe , and are found reprochefull vnto him , which contemnyng his grace , doo sleepe in their sinnes .
I Knewe not ( sayth he ) that Christe so loued me , I ought not to be therefore reprochefull vnto my self , which so manifestly see that God was crucified and suffered death for me , which haue been so acceptable vnto him , that he chose rather to dye for me , least that I should otherwyse perishe .
OH precious Soule , not with gold nor siluer redeemed , but with the blood of the lambe of God : why wylt thou cast thy selfe so into perdition , seeing Christe for thee shed his precious blood , haue remorse ouer thyne owne soule , seeking to please God .
COuld not GOD repare his pretended woorke of grace in Man any other way , but by this so great danger of his owne lyfe ? Yes truely he might otherwyse haue remedied this matter : but he had rather woorke this meanes , though it were to the preiudice of his owne person : because he woulde not finde any further hatefull vice of ingratitude in man , but that he would make man a debter vnto him of manifolde loue that he ought vnto his Sauiour , and hereby shoulde encourage him to be thankfull vnto him , whom the felicitie of his creation had made lesse gratefull : when as this our Creator for our sakes but spake the woord , and al things was done : he commaunded it should be , and they were created .
THerefore God was able , being a man also , to satisfie for man : but yet he was not bound to any man so to doo . But man was , and is bounden to satisfye the wyll of God , and coulde not , nor can not : therefore it was needefull that God should be a man : that is to say , because in that he was Christ , he was able to satisfye as God , and was not bounden as man .
HE that made vs of nothing , yea yf it had pleased him , coulde haue redeemed vs without his death , or passion .
THere could not haue been any more fitter meanes wrought to heale our miserie , then that Christe should dye for vs .
WHen I shall ●eepely excogitate whatsoeuer I am of my selfe , & whatsoeuer I can doo of my self : is it not thincke I with my selfe , in respect as a Starre to be compared to the Sunne : a sparcke of fyre , to the heate of a whole furnace : a droppe of wat●r , in comparison of a flood : a litle stone , in respect of a hill : a grayne of Corne , to a whole heape : and a handfull , to all the worlde ? Therefore Lord , I haue but two small powers in me , nay they are very litle that I haue : that is to say , the one my body , the other my soule , or rather I haue but one onely litle power : that is to say , my good hart and wyllyng mind , whiche thou hast made and geuen me . And shall I not bestowe it in recompence of thy good wyll , who being such a one as thou art , hast bestowed so much for me , and hath as it were preuented me at once with so great benefites , who hath in thy selfe comprised me wholy : or otherwyse yf I shall retayne these to my selfe , and not bestowe them of thee , with what countenance , with what eyes , and with what mind or conscience doo I goe vnto the bowels of the mercie of my God : and I do see that same most strong safegard or defence of myne , is altogeather gored , whereby Israel is kept : and that his blood , not as droppes , but as flooddes from the fiue partes of his body , hath been shedde for the price of my redemption . &c.
O All you that passe by the way , marke well and see , yf there be any sorowe like my sorowe .
BEhold , oh man , with the eye of thy mind , in what duetifull debt of recompence , thou art bound vnto the Lorde suffering death for thee .
O Howe shewed he mercy , more then he ought to haue done , howe thankfull and tryed loue dyd he expresse towards vs : what vnlooked for woorthynesse bestowed he vpon vs , what admirable sweetenesse , what inuincible mildnesse and humilitie : in that he being the king of glory , should geue him selfe to the handes of his enimies , for the most vylest person of the world to suffer death .
THE symple soule of man shall finde in the death and passion of Christ such foode and repast , as shal make the same most healthfull and strong .
AWake thou , oh my soule , and more diligently behold with the eyes of thy minde this man , as one borne before the time , and so conceaued , as though no man regarded him , and as one in the sight of the world , vnwoorthy , deformed , and leprous .
HEare me , I beseeche you all you people , and behold my sorowe and anguishe .
GOD forbyd that I shoulde glory but in the death of our Lord Iesus Christe , by whom the world is crucified vnto me , and I am crucifyed vnto the world .
HE that loueth thee from the hart Lord , is wounded for thy sake , and is content to suffer langwors , and as it were a dead man from the woorkes of the worlde , is made strange vnto the world : for thy loue is strong as death , and thy heauy wrath is as the pitte of hell .
WHO is not caryed perforce vnto hope and confidence of obteyning his desire , which geueth due and attentiue regard to the disposing of his body . And vouchsafe thou , oh Lorde , to receaue and accept my spirite commended into thy hands : and so strike my body and pearce my hart with the swoord of charitie , and therein the woundes of thy body , that after the course of this lyfe , I may freely commende into thy handes my soule , as banished and mere strange vnto the worlde .
I Beseeche thee good Lorde , so pearce and wounde this my soule , with the sharpe point of thy accustomed feruent loue , for whom thou hast vouchsafe to dye , that with the most mighty weapon of thy loue , & with the staffe of thy entyre good wyll , shee being chastized , may more deepely consider of thy mighty vertue , and plentifully yeelde foorth her flooddes of brynishe teares both day and night .
VOuchsafe , oh Lord and heauenly father , to looke downe from out of thy Sanctuarie , and from thy heauenly habitation : behold the pledge which thy sonne our Lord GOD and high Priest Iesus Christ offereth for the sinnes of his brethren , and be fauourable to the multitude of our wickednesse .
REmember nowe , oh Man , and although thou knowest thy self to be created of nothing , yet notwithstandyng thou hast to acknowledge , that thou art not redeemed for or by nothing . The Creator , Redeemer , and Sauiour , in sixe dayes made all thinges , and thre amongst all thinges : but in thirtie yeere space : that is to say , In his liue time vppon earth dyd he woorke thy saluation . Oh what paynes hath he endured then for thy sake .
ALL thinges are by him made , and without him , is nothing made .
HEareby knowe wee the loue of God towardes vs , because he hath geuen his life for vs .
NO man hath greater loue in him , then he that woulde geue his life for his freendes .
OF trueth sweete Iesus , thou hast hadde greater loue , whiche hast geuen thy lyfe , euen for thy persecuting enemies .
FOR you are bought with a great price .
NOT according to the woorkes of righteousnesse which we haue done , but accordyng to his mercie hath he saued vs .
THY wrath is come , and the time of the dead to be iudged , and to render a reward aswell vnto thy seruantes the prophetes , as to thy holy ones , to those that feare thy name small and great , and to destroy those whiche haue corrupted thy land .
THOV haste made all thinges in wysedome .
GOD is a iust Iudge , strong and pacient .
DEpart from me ye cursed into euerlasting fyre , whiche is prepared for the deuil and his angels .
AND they shall goe to euerlastyng pounishment .
WHo so shall happen to descend vnto hel , shall not ascende vnto the heauens .
AVCTOR
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.
If I had a hundred tongues , and as many mouthes , and a voyce as strong as Iron , I could not comprehend to declare al the kindes of mischeefes , and for the pounishmentes thervnto due , they are so many , that I might rather seeme to passe the names of them with scilence , then to resite them at full .
I Wyll heape mischeefes vpon their heades : that is to lay , all kindes of tormentes : and I wyll fulfyll the number of my arrowes of displeasure vpon them .
FYre , Tempest , Famine , and Death , all these are ordeyned for a reuenge of the Lord against the vngodly .
IT raigneth snares vppon sinners : Fyre , Brimstone , and Tempest .
FOr as the droppes of rayne are innumerable , so are the pounishmentes due vnto the wicked .
EVen as the eye of man hath not seene , his care hath not heard , neyther hath it ascended into the hart of man , what God hath prepared for them that loue him : So vndoubtedly ought we acknowledge , that mans eye hath neuer seene , neyther hath the eare of any trauayler heard , neither hath it ascended into the hart of man how many euils there are , which God hath prepared for them whiche trespasse against his deuine Maiestie .
ACcordyng to the saying of naturall reason : Euen as the kyng hath a fayre Hall for his freendes , a Kitchin and Stable for his seruauntes and Cattle , and a place of pounishment for guyltye persons : So God the kyng of kynges , hath prepared Heauen for his freendes and the elect , the world for time seruers and transgressors , and hell it selfe for those that are dampned .
THEY shall stand in great constancie against those whiche haue molested them , and whiche haue defrauded them of their labours : They seeing this , shal be troubled with horrible feare , & shall marueile at them in the suddennes of an vnhoped for health , thus saying amongst them selues , repenting when it is to late , and mournyng for very anguish of soule , saying , These are they whom we sometimes despised and disdained to beare rule ( who being out of our wittes ) esteemed their life to be madnesse , and their ende without honour . Behold how they are reckoned amongst the sonnes of God , and their lot falleth among the Saintes : therefore haue we erred from the way of trueth , and the light of righteousnesse hath not shined vnto vs , and the sonne of vnderstandyng hath not appeared vnto vs : we haue gone astray in the way of iniquitie and perdition , and haue walked difficult wayes , but the way of the Lorde haue we not knowen . In our malignitie are we therefore consumed : suche thinges shall they say in hell which haue sinned .
SInners shal be conuerted vnto hell : that is to say , shall feele the tormentes thereof .
THE Lorde hath mollefied my hart , and the Omnipotent hath layd troubles vpon me .
LET the vexed mind fyrst behold the punishment due for sinne , before she doo offend : and let her set before her eyes the sorowes , in respect of carnall concupiscences , which were woont to folowe the sinner at the hard heeles , and there shall no sinne delight her , neither shal any carnall delectation moue her to offend God .
LET vs breake the bondes of them in sunder , and cast from vs their yoke .
LET his sorowe returne vpon his owne head , and let his iniquitie lyght vpon his owne pate .
HE that hath eares to heare , let him heare what the spirite sayth to the congregations .
BInde him hand and foote , and cast him into the vttermost darknesse .
THey shal be geathered togeather , as in a congregation of one solempne feast , and shall be shut in perpetuall prison .
THey shal be tormented night and day for euer and euer : Oh howe voyde of perceuerance and blind , are the hartes of sinners , not considering these things : for sinners shall there say , What hath our pride profited vs , or what hath our boasting in our wealth brought vnto vs . They are all vanished as a shadowe , and we are consumed in our owne malignitie .
ORder is a certayne disposition , which distributeth equalitie & diuesity vnto euery thing , equall or vnequall .
GOD hath sett nothing in the world without order , therefore he appoynteth a conuenient place for euery thing , accordyng to the measure thereof : but that which is tedious or burdensome to the body , is delectable , and embraced in the soule , and in reasonable creatures .
THE body is euen so carried about with tediousnesse , as the soule is with delectation .
THere is nothing hard for them that loue , there is no hard or difficult matter in loue . Let vs then loue Christ , and euery thing shal seeme easy vnto vs , which otherwyze is hard to be atcheeued .
THere is nothing more precious vnto God then the vertue of loue : and nothing more desirous vnto the deuil , then the extinguishing of loue .
HE that soweth in the flesh , shall reape the corruption of the fleshe .
FOR they that liue after the flesh , doo sauour of those things which are of the flesh : that is to say , they esteeme carnall things to be better then spirituall thinges .
AS the mercie of God beareth her selfe towardes good and bad , so dooth his iustice likewyse beare her selfe towardes the reprobate and vngodly . Therefore as they are the chosen chyldren of heauenly heritage , whiche in their loue haue preferred heauenly things before earthly thinges : so are the reprobate deputed for hell , because they haue preferred earthly thinges before heauenly thinges , and thinges carnall , before thinges spirituall .
MY loue is my labour , therewith am I carried whether so euer I am carried .
THat same burnyng flame reuengeable , hath with it a certayne fierie consuming of vices , but hath no light at all : there the fire casteth no light to comfort the tormented foules : and yet notwithstandyng , it geueth light to an other purpose , to the end it might more and more torment the dampned soules : for the followers thereof are plainely to be perceaued therewith seene in the torment , by meanes of whose affection they haue trespassed .
YOV shall serue strange goddes , whiche shall not suffer you to take any rest nyght nor day .
AND there shal be after these thinges , seene those that shall slide away without ●onor , and liue in reproches amongst the ●ead for euer , and they shal be laid waste , euen ●●to the very last man .
THE pounishment is by the ordinance of God distinguished , according to the mea●●re of the fault committed .
THERE is most wicked pouertie in the mouth of the vngodly .
HE shall cast vp agayne the wealth and ritches that he hath swalowed vp and deuoured .
THey shall leaue their ritches for strangers to posses .
WIthin one houre are they bereaued of such substance .
THeir ritches shall not auayle the wicked in the day of vengeance : he that trusteth in them shall haue a fall .
ALL sorowe violently russheth in there vpon him .
THere is no other man more acceptable vnto GOD , then he that contempneth worldly ritches .
OH foolish blessednesse happening vnto man by brittle wealth , which when hee hath gotten hee then becommeth secure and careles therein .
AND there shall a fire consume them , which shall not cast any light .
THE fyre of hell shall both geue light vnto the augmentation of the payne for the wretched soules , to the end they may see that shal be to their sorowe , and also shall not geue light to their comfort , because they shall not see that may be to ther ioy .
THE people shal be as the foode of fyre .
THE wicked haue death in hell that shall neuer dye , want without want , ende without end ( because death there ) is immortall penurie neuer fayling , and the ende of their paines infinite .
EVilles haue compassed me rounde about , whereof I am not able to resite the number .
GOD shall strike thee with neede , or penurie , sicknesse , and colde , with heate and drought , with corrupt ayre , and with rust of the earth .
WHich of you shal be able to dwell where the deuouring fyre hath his force .
BVT yet shalt thou consider before thyne eyes , and shalt see the reward that shal be geuen sinners : I wyll remember and beare in mind these thinges , and my spirite waxeth faint therefore .
MY sonne , remember thy ende , and thou shalt not sinne for euer .
BEcause a thousand yeeres are before thine eyes as yesterday , which is passed .
THou shalt be cast out also from the heritage that I gaue thee , and I wyll subdue thee vnder the heauie bondage of thyne enemies , in a land that ye know not : for ye haue ministred fyre to myne indignation which shall burne euermore .
IN this present life , temporall pleasures are counted sweete , and troubles are coumpted bitter : but who is he that despiseth not the voluptuousnesse of this worlde , thirsting or longing after the felicitie of the life euerlasting : or who would not willingly drinke the cup of tribulation for Christe in this world , fearing the euerduring torment of the fyre in hell .
IF it be a tedious thing for the healthfull man to lye waltering in his bed all day and all night long , and in the softnesse thereof to wallowe him selfe at wyll : so vnto a young dissolute person , it happeneth likewyse a thing ircksome to keepe company long tyme with fayre Women . These and suche other like , which were woont to be doone for sport and pleasure , doo with continuall vse thereof bring lothsomenes . Alacke therefore , why do such sinners slumber in sinne , why rather doo they not awake , and why doo they not consider before , that horrible tormentes in hell are prepared for them which shall endure a thousand thousand yeres after , yea for euerlasting .
AND thincke we then brethren , that the power of God haue foreshewed vs these thinges in sport ? or that the Apostl●s haue told vs of these things in a laughing m●ode ? that the iudg●ment of the deuine Maiestie is newly begun and determined without discretion ? But these are no sporting plaies , when paynes doo passe herevpon , yf they haue suffered pounishment in midst of their ioy , they are yet notwithstandyng beleeued of vs to haue spoken these thinges but in iest , and not in earnest .
SAra was sawen in peeces , Danyel was throwen amongst the Lyons , Paul was beheaded with the swoord , Peter was hanged vppon the Crosse , after the same manner that Christe was : and all this tendeth to that ende , that with their doctrine and good lyfe , they might reuoke and withdrawe vs from our sinnes .
WHerefore ( sayth the sayde Robart ) Oh wicked , oh peruerse , oh deceitfull , and oh deuelishe cogitation of them , which doo esteeme and suppose that there is no hel at all . Oh thou hard and stony molded soule , oh thou bewitched , oh thou vicious soule : what dooest thou ? or whyther wandrest thou ? why dooest thou make such haste to hell wardes , wheras thou shalt liue most miserable for euer . Nowe therfore returne thou vnto the Lord thy God which shal deliuer thee ▪ and graunt thee both grace and glory in Heauen .
PO●der well in thy mind , what so euer sorowes or vexations of torments are ordeyned for sinners , what so euer pounishmentes of this world , or els whatsoeuer bitter gripes of sorowes assayle thee : yf thou comparest such like altogeather vnto the state of hell , all that thou sufferest shall seeme light and easie vnto thee .
FEare to breake the appoynted feastes , and the solempne feastes of the soule from sin , and refraine the wicked labors of thy hands : but these thinges are thought easie to be done or accomplished , by him that hath mind vpon the euerlasting fyre in hell .
WHAT man is he that liueth , and shall not taste death , or shall saue his soule from the neathermost hell .
DOthe not all the tyme of this our lyfe ▪ ( wherin we seeme to take our pleasures ) manifestly appeare a mainteyner of pleasure and lust , as the sleepe of one onely night , in respect of the felicitie in the lyfe eternall .
ALL the good thinges , or euill thynges which we enioy in this world , are entermixed with their contraries , neyther haue they any fyrme or certayne degree of their perfection , but eyther may they be encreased or diminished : eyther els may they be enioyed or had of vs somewhat more or lesse , as it is euident in euery vertue & vice , and as well in eury good or euyll part of the body , as in euery good or euyll cogitation or affect of the soule . Neyther is there ioy found here without feare , nor sorowe or sadnesse with consolation : neyther perfect health without diseases , or some hurtfull harme : neyther yet valiant courage of body and mind , without debilitie or feeblenes of nature . But in heauen are all good things , not mixed with contrarietie , and those are certayne to trust vnto with most perfect consolation : in hell likewyse are all euyll thinges quite contrary .
CErtaynely there is one onely fyre of torment in hell , which we ought to beleeue is ordeyned for the wicked , but all shall not be tormented alike in one maner : for euery one , accordyng as the qualitie of his trespasses hath required , shall there feele the smart of the pounishment due for the same .
THE world passeth away , and the concupiscence thereof : oh man , what wouldest thou haue . Whether hadst thou leuer to loue temporall thinges , and so slide away with time transitory , or loue Christe , and with him liue for euer .
THis world is more dangerous when she flattereth vs , then when she loureth vpon vs . There can be no greater madnes then for momentany pleasures to loose eternal ioyes , and to euthrall thy soule vnto perpetuall torment . Oh how happy is that man that hath not walked after the glory of this world , and the dissembling madnes of the same .
THE wysedome of this world , is counted meare foolishnesse before God .
IN the multitude of thy worldly affares , when thou art occupied , the very inwarde partes of the body are replete with iniquitie .
THE poyson against loue and charitie most pernicious , is the lust after temporal pleasures .
OH my soule , what feare shall then take hold of thee when all these thinges haue forsaken thee , whose presence are so pleasant vnto thee , so acceptable in sight , and so familier to dwell togeather . Altogeather fearefull and trembling , thou alone shalt enter into a strange countrey , when as those most vglye and fearefull monsters all vpon an heape shal runne vpon thee .
THose eyes which the offence hath shut vp and made to wincke at , the same shall the due pounishment for suche offence , open and make to see plainely .
IF I shall endure this vexation , hell it selfe is my house ordeyned , and in the darcknesse haue I made my bed : I haue sayde vnto corruption , thou art my father , and my mother : and to the woormes , thou art my sister . Where is then my recouerie and helpe become : all that I haue in possession , shall goe downe into the deepe pit of hell . Therefore geue me leaue to depart , that I may bewayle my sorowe , before I shall goe hence , and not returne vnto the darke land couered with the heate of death : the land of miserie and darknesse , whereas is the shadowe of death , and no order of lyfe , to say euerlasting horror inhabiting there .
HE that feareth onely for a small tyme to put his finger in the fyre , why rather feareth he not both in soule and body to be tormented . Oh howe great is this madnes of man for these frayle and transitory things , to suffer perpetuall pounishment both in soule and body .
DEclare thou howe many , and what ages haue been , or are spent in ryot and carn i● pleasures : what times and seasons passed in vayne delightes , whiche are to be compared vnto the euerlastyng paynes of hell . If thee lyst , bestowe thou an hundred yeeres in suche delectacions , yea adde there vnto an hundred yeeres moe , or rather tenne hundred yeeres moe , what shall this or that be in respect of the lyfe euerlastyng .
AWake thou that sleepest , and ryse vp from the dead , and Christe shall lighten thy steppes .
FOR all thinges are had , by seekyng for them in their due tyme .
KEepe thee therefore within thy bondes , and establish thy soule : stand to thy tackling with a good courage , and thou shalt see the helpe of God vpon thee .
HE that dyeth , and dooeth not repent him of his sinnes eare he depart out of this lyfe , dyeth not at all , but liueth in eternall torment .
MY Soule is alwayes before me .
HE shall geue victory to him that contendeth for victorie , who hath emboldned the wrastler .
WOulde God they once in their dayes would be wyse , and haue vnderstandyng , that they might prouide for the last day .
WOe be vnto you riche men , which haue all your consolation in your riches here vpon earth .
BLessed are they whiche doo mourne after godlines in this life , because they shall be comforted .
WHat shall it preuayle man yf he gayne vnto him selfe all the world , and loose his owne soule .
FOoles doo esteeme of greatest thinges , least in value to be cared for , & haue greatest regard vnto very small thinges . They take more care howe to keepe and cherishe their diseased corrupt body , then howe to foster and cherish the precious soule . Yea , they are more carefull howe to batten and ●eede the flesh with fatnesse and good likyng : but the kirnell of the soule , or the hart of the spirituall man , they doo oftentimes destroy .
THey surely that are not diligent in their vocations ( as men ought to be ) are partakers of the deuils them selues in their trauayles .
THere can be no labour deemed tedious : neither any time seeme long vnto vs , wherein the euerlasting glory is obteyned .
NO doubt , sinners doo dayly heare the scriptures , promising as well vnto those that loue God , the most blessed graces of his good prouidence : and contrariwyse they heare the scriptures , which doo threaten vnto such as care not for GOD , the plagues and pounishmentes by him for them ordeyned . And yet geue they no regard therevnto , neyther wyllingly do they heare God thus speaking vnto them , when he gently entreateth them , nor when he seuerely threatneth them , but rather doo resist him with their euyll and wicked dooinges .
THE wyse man also , as well as the foole , shall goe to the graue .
MEN doo more wyllingly toyle them selues for the desire they haue vnto pleasure , then for the loue that they beare to vertue . Most men are naturally geuen to be feareful and timerus in paines taking in sustayning troubles , pouertie , and other daungers , wherewith humane kind was wonte to be molested . But yf they were wyse in deede , and vnderstoode the excessiue calamities ordeyne● for sinners without ende , they woulde then be farre more fearefull to offend in this lyfe .
THey that feare a frost vpon them , shall haue a snowe come to them .
WHen they shall say , Peace and security is with vs , then by and by shall a sodayne destruction come vppon them , as the pange of a woman trauayling with chylde , and they shall not escape away .
MAke thou no tarying to turne vnto the Lorde , and prolong not of from day to day : for sodaynely shall his wrath come , and in time of reuenge he shall destroy thee .
FOr you haue said , We haue made a league with death , and with hell we haue made a couenant .
BE you not deceaued in your owne dooinges , God is not mocked withall : what thing so euer a man shall sowe , the same shall he also reape agayne .
THey haue rather chosen death then life
THey haue drawen neare , euen vnto the gates of death .
THere is a most vyle death ordayned for sinners .
REmember to dye , because death wyll not tary long .
I Tremble and quake for feare of the iawes of the infernall beast , yea tyl● I be deliuered from the body of hell , from the roaring feendes prepared to their meate . Alacke , oh my mother , why hast thou conceyued me the child of sorowe , the childe of bitter bale , indignation , & eu●rlasting lamentation ? Why was I l●lled in thy lappe ? why was I fostered with thy dugges : I was borne the meate for woormes , and foode of the fyre .
YOur laughter sh●ll turne into mournyng and your ioy into sorowe .
SO much as he hath vaunted and reioyced him selfe in his ritches : so much torment and mournyng let him haue administred vnto him .
THere shal be a certayne prescribed rate of pounishment , according to the measure of the offence that euery man hath done .
BReethren , let vs be enflamed to repentance , let vs examine our consciences , and let vs be encouraged to take reuenge of our selus , by repentance to the end we may be able to escape the horrible iudgement of the liuing God .
WHY dooest thou cry out so vppon the contrition of thy soule : thy sorowe is incurable , by reason of the multitude of thine iniquities , and because of thy greeuous sins haue I done this , sayth the Lord.
THE moderacion of Gods displeasure , the duetie of godlinesse , seeketh onely for our returne , and desyreth that we may be sa●ed by this long forbearance of his goodnes : If we wyll not be conuerted , yf we be stiff● necked , and yf we continewe still in our syns vnlawfully , euen tyll our death . Let vs trust vnto it , God wyl not shewe mercie vnto those that continually perseuer in their sinnes .
I Tremble to thincke vppon the gnawyng woorme , and the death that neuer dyeth . I shiuer and quake euery ioynt of me , to fall into the handes of that death that endureth , and of that l●fe that dyeth .
THE w●cked shall dye the death euerlastyng .
IF at that instant , when a man purposeth to sinne , he would with diligent mind consider what pounishment claymeth to be done towards those that are taken in trappe for their mischeefts : what torment shoulde vexe the conuict soules , what feare would shake their members and ioynts in euery part , and what wanne and pale colour would dumpe theyr hauty countenances : and finally , how execrable reproche and ignominie it selfe the sentence denounced vnto suche sinners woulde duely re●der I knowe not whether he would take any such delight , or frame him selfe vnto such vices and wickednes yea or no.
BEholde , the Bridegrome commeth , and they that were prepared to wayte vppon the Bridegrome , went in with him vnto the wedding .
IF thou , oh wicked man wert wyse and diddest vnderstand what ioye this were , thou wouldest oftentimes consider herevpon , and speedely run to repentance : neither wouldest thou lose or forgoe the acceptable time , and the dayes of thy saluation , through thy banquetting , dayly ryot , and idlenesse , without profiting body or soule .
WHO shall geue water vnto my head , & a fountaine of teares vnto my eyes , that I may weepe night and day , when I behold the children of the people committed to my charge .
LET vs craue his pardon with teares .
THE iustice of the Omnipotent hauing foreknowledge of thinges to come , let ordeyne to be made the fyre of hell , euen from the first creation of the world : He whiche is of his owne mercifull goodnes contrary to this fire , who is enflamed with loue of the heauenly God , he is the fire whiche is neuer extinguished , neither is he with mans loue consumed , nor with wood noryshed .
WHat is more horrible to thinke vpon , then death : what is more feareful ▪ then iudgement : what more intollerable , then the pai●es of hell fyre : what more ioyfull , then the glory of Heauen . &c.
MAN dooth not comprehend in faith or beleeue , what God hath prepared for them that loue him : neither is it a thing that can be hoped sufficient , nor desired as it ought to be , yet may it be obteyned : but it can be sufficiently esteemed , valued , or deemed , according to the due value thereof .
HOW dearely beloued thy tabernacles of vertues are : Oh Lorde my soule hath desiered to knowe within thy Courtes , and yet hath it fayled thereof .
ENter tho● into the ioy of thy Lord.
EVery man is made blessed in the country of the heauenly kingdome , as well within doores , as without : within , that is to say , in the contemplac●on of the diuinitie of the Creator : without , to say , in the incarnation and beholdyng in Heauen his Sauiour .
BLessed are they which dwell in thy house , oh Lorde , they shall praise thee worlde without end .
THere are glorius sayings of thee , oh thou Citie of God .
O Lorde , I haue loued the beautie of thy house , and the place of thy habitation .
BLessed shall I be , yf the rest of my seede might hereafter see the bright clearenesse of the Citie Hierusalem . The gates of Hierusalem are builded of the Saphir and Smaragd stone , and of diuers precious stones : yea , of precious stones is the compasse of the walles thereof .
THe heauenly Hierusalem hath the walles thereof in measure , an hundred and foure and fourty cubites , after the measure of man , which is of the angel that measured the same , hauing twelue foundacions : that is to say , all beautified with eache kinde of most precious stones . And the first fundacion was of Iasper stone : the second , of Saphire : the third , of Calcedony : the fourth , of Emerald : the fifth , of Sardonix : the sixth , of Sardius : the seuenth , of Crysolity : the eight , of Berill : the ninth , of Topas : the tenth , of Crysophrasus : the eleuenth , of Iacinth : and the twelfth and last fundacion , of an Amethist .
AND the streetes of the Citie resembled a golden world , shining clearly as bright as glasse . And the Temple thereof , dyd I not see : for the Lorde God , euen the Almighty , he is the Temple thereof , and the Lambe . And the Citie neyther wanted Sunne nor Moone to geue light therein : for the beauty of the liuing God hath illuminated the same , and the light thereof is the Lambe . And the gates thereof are n●t shutt by day time : for there shall no night be seene there . And thyther shall they bring glory and honor out of the Nacions . There shall nothing that is de●owled enter in therat , neither any thing that woorcketh abomination , or maketh leasings : but such as are written in the booke of the life of the Lambe .
THere is a ioy that is not geuen vnto the wicked ones , but vnto those thankful ones whiche honor thee , whose ioy thou thy selfe art .
MY people shal rest them in the Tabernacle of faithfulnesse , in the beautiful court of peace .
AND there shal be none end of peace .
OH heauenly house of Hierusalem , whiche art ful of light : vnto thee breatheth my peregrination , that he might possesse me in thee , which hath made both thee and me .
ETernall blessednesse consisteth in two pointes : to say , in the necessarie absence of all euyl , and in the necessarie presence of al good . If we aske what good , there is at all to be found : otherwyse it may not be answered , but what so euer good thing may be , is there to be found , and what so euer euyl there is , or may be in any place , is not at al to be found there .
ONE day in thy Courtes , is better then a thousand .
A Thousand yeeres , are in thy sight but as one day .
FOR who would loue that which he knoweth not : wherevpon the Psalmist admonisheth vs , saying , Taste , and see how sweete the Lord is . And yf he manifestly declare his sweetenes , yet you knowe him not , because you haue not tasted of him .
SVch is the beauty of Iustice , so much is the pleasauntnes of eternall light : that although we had but one day , and no longer limitted vs to tarry there , euen for this cause only ( yf there were none other ) might in-numerable yeeres of this life be despised , which are passed full of delightes in the abundance of temporal wealth , and that but of right and with iust cause .
PRosperity , the Stepdame of vertues from the fyrst beginning of the world , hath been proffering vnto her guestes sweete things to drincke : that when men haue been drunke with the dregges of her wine , she might entermingle them , her deadly poyson therewith .
VNhappy and voyde is the hope of them , their labours are without fruite : but glorious is the fruites of the labours of the good men .
WHat madnes of soules is that to lose life , and take death to gett wealth , and lose heauen .
IT is better to be compared vnto the brute Cattell , then continually to be borne into this world : For naturally to be voyde of reason , is a thyng intollerable , but for a man that shoulde be adorned with reason , to liue without reason , is and may be wel counted a trespassing life .
MAN being in honor , hath none vnderstanding , but is compared vnto the brute beast●s : yea , vnto the vnwyse , and is made like vnto them . &c.
THE carnall delectation darkeneth and obscureth so that mind which she doth infect , that she can not see the clearenesse of the true light , but therevpon is more deuilishly delighted , so as thencefoorth she suffereth fierie flame , euen ascending vpward .
WE all are geuen to be wary in least matters , and negligent in greatest thinges .
BEcause thou wouldest be such one , that no earthly thing delighteth thee at all : beleeue me thou shalt see euen at the same moment of time , that thing which thou desirest .
IF we would consider what and how great benefites these be which are promised vs in the heauens , we should thinke in our mindes that all thinges are vyle and base whiche wee enioy vppon earth : for the earthy substance being compared vnto the heauenly felicitie , is a burden heauy for vs to beare , and not a treasure to enioy . The temporall lyfe , being compared vnto the life eternall , is rather to be called death then lyfe : for that same dayly diseaze of corrupt nature , what other thing els is it , then a certaine proloxitie , or circumstaunce of death .
THere shall no man take away your ioy from you .
OH thou house of God , the Citie of the great kyng : what woonderful ioyes are there in thee : howe much , and what great gladnesse , how blessed are thy inhabitantes .
I Wyll sing of mercy and trueth vnto thee , oh Lord.
FOR what is there for me in heauen , and what would I haue of thee vpon earth : I am delighted in the way of thy testimonies , as in all my ritches : my hart hath refused to be comforted in worldly thinges .
I Haue been mindfull of my God , and I am comforted .
THY consolacious , oh Lorde , haue made my soule glad .
FOR vnto the image and similitude o● God , is eu●ry reasonable soule made . It may be better exercised , then all other creatures : but in very deede it can not be satisfyed at all .
I Shall be satisfyed when thy glory shall appeare .
THE soule that is entrenched with the flowres of vertues , and with the deawe of heauenly grace , is called the Paradise of the Lorde .
THE v●permost trenche possesseth the soule , when she is afflitted with the desire of the heauenly kingdome , euen with salte teares : but the neathermost trenche doth she enioy when she throughly feareth , by her sorowe and teares , the tormentes of the pitt of hell .
FOR our naturall bodyes are compa●t of foure Elementes , wherevpon with foure fould qualities shall they be remunerate : for the Earthy Elament shal be turned to eternall immortalitie : the Watry Elament , into al maner of vnabilitie in suffering : the Ayrie Elament , into a speciall agillity or swiftnes : and the Fyry Elament , into most bright clearenes . And then shall these shine as the Sunne , and as the sparckes out of a flaming Furnace , shall they disperse them selues abrode , because the Lorde shall wipe away all sorowe from their eyes .
WHere so euer the spirite desireth to be then , there altogeather shall the body be also . &c.
AND there is a fruition of blisse , whiche shall endure for euer , and that in diuers maner : not vpon the behalfe of euery perticuler soule which shall enioy the same , but on the behalfe of such as shal posses them soules : for the bles●ed and elect of God , howe muche the more perfectly they are enobled with the light of glory , and by the same il●ustration or noblenesse , the more conformable made : So muche the more sharpe contemplacion haue they of the deuine essence , and in the same contemplacion the more are they delighted .
THere is one light of the Sunne , an other light of the Moone , and an other lyght of the Starres : but euery Starre differeth in hrightnesse eche from other , and so shall the resurrection of the dead differ one soule from an other .
NO inferior , shall enuie his superior , euen as now , no other angel inferior , doo not enuie their superior in heauen : for some one shall haue a larger gift of blessing , and some other a lesse . So as notwithstanding what so euer gyft , eyther of them haue in the blisfull state of heauenly ioy , he shall hold him selfe content therewith , and shal not at any tyme wyshe or desyre for more . &c.
LEt therfore the greatnes of the rewards ▪ layd vp for thee in heauen , encourage t●y ●oule : but let not the force of the conflict in Christes fayth terrifie thee : for no one man shal be c●owned with the ga●l●nd of victory , but he that hath rightfully ●ought it out to the vttermost .
THat is , y alone true , and only ioy which is not conceaued of the Creature , but of the Creator , whiche when a man possesseth , there is no man shal take the same away ●rom him . Whereunto , yf we compare all other sweetenesse , the same may be co●mpted to a mindful p●rson : al sweetenes a sorr●we , euery bitter thing sweete euery comely thing filthy : and fina●ly , whatsoeuer other may seeme to delight vs , the same in deede is but greeuous and intollerable .
I Desire to be dissolued , and to be with Christe .
ALL my comforters seeme vnto me ●e●ious and burdensome : They vex● me , but comfort me not : I seeke for my Creator , and it is greefe to me to behold euery Creature .
THis is my rest , for euer and euer wyll I dwell here , because I haue chosen the same .
COnsider wel , thou faythful soule , what inestimab●e honor it shal be for thee to be crowned of the cheefe King of Kinges with his owne handes , and to be adurned with the Dyadem of eternal glory , not in the dounghill of this world , but in the Pallace of Heauen , in the sight of innumerable Ang●ls , and of al the Sainc●es , in your stoole of immortalitie , and with splendant royal ornamentes to be inuested .
LTT them receaue the kyngdome of honor , and the Dyadem of dignity , euen at the handes of the Lord.
OH thou my soule , yf it be so that we must needes suffer tormentes euery day : yea , to suffer the very horrible hel it selfe a long time , so that we might afterwards see Christ our sauiour in his glory , and with his saintes euermore accompanied : should we not onely suffer all sorrowe and paine , to be made partakers of such glory and good graces ?
BEloued brethren , in the perplexity of this worldly pilgrimage , we suffering the sorowes of our exile , as it were with want of all goodnes are defiled , and suffer the disposing of all incombrances , the snares of sinnes laide for vs in euery place , fearing the subtel deceiptes of our enimies : but not sufficient , watchfully , or diligently preuenting them as we ought , forbearing detrimentes and vexations , and not able to shake from vs calamities , swelling in vices , enclined to vanitie in steade of veritie , enduring exile for our countrey , taste pouertie in steade of abundance , vyle thinges for want of glorious thinges : and doo so loue this world with a miserable blindnes , or rather foolishe madnes , that we are vtterly ignorant of that same glory of the holy ones of God : whervnto lyfting the face of our mind and inward man , we then behold the ioyes of eternal lyfe , that we might some what surely sauour in our hartes the sweetenesse thereof .
OH that I knew what I my selfe am , and what thou art , oh Lorde . Oh yf a man knewe what him selfe were , and what GOD were , he would suffer a thousand deaths yf it wer . &c.
BEholde the perpetuall goodnes of the reward for such as feare God .
BEhold with your eies● forasmuch as I haue laboured a little , and I haue found great rest vnto my selfe : Let your hart reioyce in his mercie . Be dooing what you can before the time , and he shall geue you your reward in due time .
THE Apostles went from out of sight of the people which gaue counsell , because they were coumpted woorthy for the name of Christe , or in his behalfe to suffer reproches .
WE wyll reioyce with the elect of God , and we wyll suffer tribulations of the world with them : for surely they that would not imitate the holy ones in this manner , shoulde not attaine vnto their renowne and glory .
FOR euery one shall receiue his owne reward , according to his labour and trauell : but many for the most , not meanyng to liue well , desire to dye well , knowyng how precious in the sight of the Lorde , is the death of his sainctes .
Is he the God of the Iewes onely ? is he not also of the Gentiles ? yes of the Gentiles also .
IF any man shal thincke the way paynefull to liue wel , such a one is the excuser of his owne slouth and negligence : for yf Mariners , and Seafaring men soppose the raging floods of the Sea to be threatninges of danger vnto them : yf the season of Winter be thought a hinderance vnto husbandmen : yf woundes and slaughter of Souldyers seeme a thyng tollerable : and yf most greeuous stripes and blowes seeme thinges easie to be borne withal of very champions them selues , for the hope of temporall thinges and transitory commodities : much more when heauen is prepared for a rewarde , of the godly we ought not once to thincke any thing of these present calamities , neither ought a man to looke that this way is streyt , but whyther it bringes a man : neyther ought we to seeke for any other beeause it is brode , but where the same finisheth .
AND being bidden to the supper , they begun euery man to excuse them selues .
FOrgeue vs Lorde , forgeue vs , we excuse our selues , we woorke al against the graine : so as there is scarce any man whiche wyl be made practized ( as he may w●ll be ) in those thynges which parteyne vnto thee . They all sauour earthly thinges , they seeke that which is theirs , and not that which is parteinyng vnto Iesus Christe . They embrace vices , they flee vertues , and they waxe v●le togeather as the brute beast , through filthynesse of their sinnes .
THe godly man perisheth vpon the earth , and there is not any one amongst menne , that liueth aright . &c.
THere shal be the cheefe securi●ie , the safe tranquility , the tranqiul or safe sweetenes , the sweete felicitie , the happy eternitie , the eternall blessednesse·
OH heauenly Citie , thou safe M●nsion place , a countrey fully c●n●eyning wh●● so euer may be delightful ▪ a people without murmuring , quiet inhabitance , men hauyng no neede of any thing .
THE deuine bountie of the most highest , shal replenishe all the receptacle of the soule with all goodnesse : that is to say , the angry and irefull soule with power and dignitie : the greedy and couetous soule , wi●h delightes : and the reasonable soule , with wysdome , that there may therein appeare power without contradict●on , dignity without comparison .
THE feare of the Lorde , is the Well of lyfe .
LET the loue of this present Wo●lde depart from thee , wherein no man is so borne that he may not dye , and let the loue of the worlde to come take place in thee , wherein al men are made liuing , so as thence foorth they shall not dye , where no aduersitie shall trouble thee , and no gree●es disquiet thee , but whereas euerlastyng ioy and gladnesse raigneth for thy perpetual comfort .
THe● sayd I , Lorde how lon● , H● answered , vntyl the Cities be vtterly wasted without inhabitantes . &c.
THey shall obteyne ioy and gladnesse , and sorowe and lamenta●ion shall flee from them .
OH howe good is the God of Israel vnto such as are true of hart .
MOYSES sayd vnto the chyldren of Israel . Consider , that this day I haue set before thee in thy sight , both lyfe and good : and of the contrary part , death and euyll .
I Take this day , Heauen and Earth to witnesse , that I haue set before you lyfe , and good , blessing , and cursing : choose you therefore lyfe , that you may lyue .
I marueyle , and greatly marueyle , that man ( whiche aboue others is a creature endued with reason ) dooeth not in any thyng followe the iu●gement of reason , despi●yng wholesome thynges , and embrasing daungerous thinges , seekyng and desyring deadly and hurtfull thinges .
OH eternall GOD , what is the cause of suche dotyng fondnesse in man : what reason is there of such foolishnesse and madnesse : Why dooeth he desyre the death of the soule with so wicked a hart . &c.