A sermon of S. Cyprian made on the Lordes prayer that is to wytte, the Paternoster.

The Sermon of saynte Cyprian made on the Pater noster .

THE PRECEPtes of the Gospell moste louynge bretherne , are none other thing , than diuine techinges , the foundacions of edifyenge hope , the sure groundes of fortifyenge faith , the nourysshmentes to cheryshe the harte , the stere to directe our iourney , and the firme defences to opteyne saluation , whiche preceptes whyle they instructe in erthe the apte myndes of the beleuers , they bryng them to the kingdome of heuen . Goddis wyl was , that many thynges shuld be both spoken and harde by the prophetes his seruantes : but how farre greatter are those thynges , that the sonne speketh , which the word of god , that was in the prophetes , witnesseth with his owne voyce ? not nowe commaunding , that the waye be made redy for hym commyng : but commynge hym selfe , and openynge and shewing to vs the way , that we , that fyrste were blynd and wandryng in the darknes of deathe , beinge illumyned with the grace of his lyghte , Psalm . 5. and he beinge our leder and gide , may holde on our iourney to lyfe : whiche among other his helthful monitions and diuine preceptes , with whiche he allureth his people to saluation , he also gaue a forme of prayer , he monyshed and instructed what we shulde pray . He that made vs to lyue , taughte vs also to pray , this dyd he of his benignitie , whereby he vouchesaued to gyue and conferre other thynges , that whyle we in prayer and oryson , that the son taught vs , speke to the father , we may be the soner hard . He than tolde vs before , the howre commeth , whan the trewe worshyppers , shulde worshyp the father in spirite and trouthe , and hath fulfylled that he before promysed , that we , which of his sancctification haue receyued spyrite and trouthe , of his tradition also shall truely and spiritually pray . For what prayer can be more spiritual than that , that is gyuen vs of Christe , frome whome also the holy ghoste is sente to vs ? What prayer maye do more with the father , than that , that the son , whiche is the veritie spake with his owne mouthe ? in soo moche that to praye otherwyse than he hathe taught , is not onely ignoraunce , but also offence , Matth. 15. seinge he hath set forthe , and sayde , Ye caste asyde the commandement of god , to the ende you wolde stablysshe youre own tradition . Therfore dere brethern , let vs pray , as god our master hath taught vs . It is a frendly and familyar oryson , to praye god of his owne , the prayer of Christe to ascend to his eares , the father wyll acknowlege the wordes of his sonne . Whan we make our prayer , lette hym that dwelleth within the breaste be in the voyce . And seynge that we haue hym as an aduocate to the father for our synnes , whan we synners pray for our offences , let vs bring forth the wordis of our aduocate . For syth he saith : Ioan. 1 What so euer ye wylle desyre of the father in my name , he shall gyue it you : than howe moch more effectually shall we obteyn that we axe in Christis name , if we craue it with his own prayer ? But suche as woll praye , let their wordis & prayer be lowly quiete and honest . Let vs thinke , that we stand in the syght of god . The diuine eyes must be pleased bothe with the behauyour of the body , and maner of speche . For as it is an imprudent poynt , to make a clamorous noyse , so contrarywise it is conuenient , shamefastely to praye with sober and temperate prayers . Furthermore the lorde commandeth vs secretely to pray in priuie , secrete , or out places , ye in oure bedde chaumbers , whiche thynge dothe greately agree with our fayth , to th ende that we shuld knowe God to be presente euerye where , to here and see vs all , and with the fulnesse of his maiestie , also to perse and enter into secret and hydde places , as it is writen , I am god drawyng nere , Hier. 23. and nat god afarre of . If a man were hid in priuie and secrete places , ergo shall nat I see hym ? Do not I fyl both heuen and erth ? Pro. 15. And ageyn , The eies of god do beholde in euery place bothe the good & bad . Whan we com togyther with our brethern , and do celebrate diuine sacrifyces with goddis mynister , the prieste , we must be myndefull of shamefastnesse and dyscipline , not to blaste abrode our prayers , with vnordered voyces , nor oure petition , soberly to be commended to god , we shuld cast out with tumustuouse ianglynge , for god hereth the harte , and not the voyce . Nor we shoulde crye out to hym , whyche seeth oure thoughtes , the lord prouokyng and saying , Luc. 5. what thynke you wyckednesse in youre hartis ? and in an other place . Hier. 17. And let all congregations knowe , that I am the sercher of the rainis and harte . Whiche thyng Anna in the fyrst boke of kynges , bearing the figure of the church , obseruid and kepte , whyche not with a clamorous peticion , but styll and softly within the pryuye partes of her breast , prayd vnto the lorde . She spake with a hyd prayer , but with an open fayth : she spake not with voyce , but with harte , for soo she knewe god herde , and she obteyned effectuallye that she desyred , bycause she axed faythfully . Holy scripture declareth what she sayd : She spake in her harte , 1. Reg. 1. and her lippes moued , and her voyce was not harde , and god herd her . Also we rede in the psalmes : Psalm. 4. Speke in your hartes , and in your beddes , and remember your selfis . By Ieremye also , the same thynges the holy ghooste dothe perswade and teache , sayenge : Hier. 29. It behoueth the to praye to god inwardelye . But yet well beloued brethern , he that dothe pray , shuld not forget , after what maner in the temple the publycane prayed with the pharisee , his eies not vnsemely lifted vp to heuen , nor his handes insolently stratched out , knocking his brest , and acknowlegynge his secrete & hydden synnes , lamentably desyred succour of goddis meecy . But seinge the Pharisee stoode in his owne conceite , this man deserued more to be sanctified , which so praied , that he had no hope of saluation in his innocency , sythe no man is innocente , but confessynge his synnes , he humbly prayde , and he that forgyueth the humble , harde his prayer : The whiche thinges the lord in his gospel putteth and sayth : Luc. 18. Two men went vp into the temple to pray , the one a pharisee , and the other a Publycane : The pharisee stode , and prayed by him self after this maner : God I thank the , bicause I am nat as other men vniuste , robbers , adulterers , as this publycane . I faste twyse in the weke , I gyue the tythes of al what so euer I possesse . But the publycane stoode afarre of , and wolde not lyfte vp his eies to heuen , but knockid his brest , saying God be mercyfull vnto me a synner . I telle you this manne went downe moore iustyfyed into his hous , them he the pharisee . ●●th. 23. For who so euer exalteth hym selfe , shall be humbled , and who so euer wolle humble hym selfe , shal be exalted . Whiche thynges dere bretherne , we lerning of the diuine lesson , after that we knowe how we ought to procede to praier , we must know alsoo , the lorde instructynge vs , what we shulde pray , thus saythe he , praye ye .

Our father , whiche art in heuen , halowed be thy name . Thy kyngedome come . Thy wyl be done in erth , as it is in heuen . Gyue vs this day our dayly breade . And forgyue vs our trespaces , as we forgyue them that trespas agaynst vs . And let vs not be ledde into temptation . But delyuer vs from euyll . Amen .

Aboue all thynges , the teacher of peace , and mayster of vnitie , wyl not singular & priuate prayer to be made , that whan any prayeth that he shuld not onely pray for hym selfe , We say nat , My father , whiche art in heuen , nor Gyue me my dayly bread . Nor there is no man that desyreth to haue his synnes forgyuen hym aloone , or prayeth for hym selfe alone , that he shulde nat be led into temptation , and delyuered from euyl . Our prayer is publyke and common , and whan we pray , we pray not for one , but for all the people , for we all be but one . The lorde of peace and mayster of concorde , whiche taughte vnitie , wolde oone to pray soo for all , as he hym selfe bare al in one . This rule of prayer , the thre childern inclosed in the forneis of fire obserued , agreing and accordyng in prayer and consente of spirite . Whiche thynge the trouthe of diuine scripture declareth , & whan it teacheth howe they prayd , it giueth example , whiche in our praiers , we ought to folowe , that we may be suche as they were . Daniel . 5. Than ( sayth , the scripture ) they thre as out of one mouth , sang an himne , and blessed the lorde . They spake as out of oone mouthe , and yet Christe had not tought theym to pray , and therfore to theym prayinge , their wordes were effectuall and toke place , for their peasyble , symple , and spirituall prayer , deserued to be accepted of god . And so we fynd , that the apostels with the disciples prayid after th ascention of the lorde . Act. 1. They were all , sayth the scripture , of one mynde , and continuynge in prayer , with the women , and Mary the mother of Iesu , and with his bretherne . They being of one mynde perseuered in prayer , declaryng bothe the instance and concorde of their prayer . For god whyche maketh the inhabitantes of one mynde in the house , Psal. 67. admitteth none into the diuine and eternall house , but suche as are of one mynd in prayer . But what be the misteries of the lordis prayer , most dere brethern , how many , how great , how brefely gathered togither , but in vertue spirituall , howe copious and abundant ? that there is nothing omittid , that is not in our praiers and orysons , comprysed in this compendiouse heauenly doctrine . Thus sayth he , pray ye , Matth. 6. Our father whiche arte in heauen , The man that is renewed and borne ageyn , and restored to god by his grace , sayth in the fyrst place , Father , bycause he begynneth nowe to be his sonne . He came ( sayth the scripture ) into his owne , Ioan. 1. and his owne receyued hym not , But as many as receyued hym , to theym gaue he power to be the chylderne of god , which beleue in his name . Therfore he that beleueth in his name , and is made the chyld of god , must forth withall begyn both to gyue thankes , and acknowlege him selfe to be the chylde of god , whan he nameth his father to be in heauen , god . He woll also among the first wordes of his byrthe declare hym selfe , to haue forsaken his erthely and carnall father , and to begyn to haue hym his only father , that is in heuen , as it is writen : They that say to the father and mother , I knowe the not , & they acknowleged not their children , they haue kepte thy preceptes , and haue obserued thy testament . Matt. 23. Also the lord in his gospel commaundeth , that we shulde calle no man father in erthe , bycause we haue one father whiche is in heuen . And to the disciple , that shewid , that his father was deade , he sayde : Matth. 8. Suffre the deade to burye the deade . For he sayde , that his father was deed : sythen they that beleue , haue a lyuynge father . Nor we ought not dere bretherne , to marke and consyder this onely , that we shuld cal hym father that is in heauen , but we ioyne therwith , and say , Oure father , that is of them that beleue of them that by hym bd sauctifyed , and with the natiuite of spiritual grace restored , beganne to be the chyldren of god . Whyche voyce also doothe wrynge and sharpely touche the Iewes , whych not only vnfaythfully despised Christe , forshewed to them by the prophetes , and to them fyrst sent , but also cruelly slewe hym . The whiche Iewes can nat nowe call god father , sythen the lord confoundeth and reproueth them , sayeng : Ioan. 8. You are of the father the dyuelle : and after the lustes of your father wyl ye do , for he was a murderer from the begynnynge , and abode not in the truthe : bycause the truthe is not in hym . And by Esaie Esay . 1. the prophete god disdaynyng crieth out : I haue begotten chyldren , and exalted them , but they haue despised me . The oxe knowith is lord , & the asse his masters stable , but Israell knoweth not , and my people hath not vnderstand , out vpon ye synfull nation , people full of synnes , wycked seede , vngracyouse childerne . you haue forsaken the lorde , and haue prouoked him the holy one of Israel to indignation .

To whose rebuke and shaame , whan we Christians pray , we say , Our father . bycause he hath begon to be ours , and hath lefte to be the Iewes father , which forsoke him . Nor a synfulle people can nat be his chylde , but they , whose synnes are forgyuen , be callyd chylderne , and to theym euerlastynge ioye is promysed , oure lorde hym selfe sayenge : Ioan. 8. Who so euer dothe synne , is the seruant , of synne , as for the seruant , abydeth not in the house foreuer , but the sonne abydeth for euer . But howe greate is the gentylnesse of the lorde ? howe plentiful is his fauour & goodnes towarde vs ? That so wolde haue vs celebrate our prayer in goddis sight , that we shuld cal god , fader and that as Christ is the sonne of god , so we also shoulde be cleped the chyldren of god . Which name none of vs durste ones touche in prayer , but if he had permitted vs soo to praye . Therfore deere bretherne , we ought to remember and knowe , that whan we cal god , father , we oughte to behaue vs as children of god , that as we take a pleasure to haue god our father , so he maye be pleased to haue vs his chyldren : we shoulde behaue vs as the temples of god , that it myght appere , that god dwelleth in vs . Ne our dedes shoulde not vary from the spirit , that we that haue begunne to be heuenly and spirituall , shulde thynke nor doo but heuenly and spiritualle thynges . For god hym selfe saythe : 1. Reg. 2. I wyll glorifie theym , that glorifie me , and he that despiseth me , shal be despised . 1. Cor. 6. Also the blessed apostel in his epistell sayth : ye are not your owne , for ye be bought with a great price : glorifie and beare god in your body .

¶ After this we saye , Halowed be thy name , not that we desyre of god that his name shulde be halowed by oure prayers , but we aske of him , that his name maye be halowed in vs . For of whome is god sanctified , whiche hym selfe sanctifieth other ? but bicause he saith Be ye holy , Leuit. 20. for I am holy , therfore we desyre and pray , that we , that are sanctified in baptysme , maye perseruer & abyde in that we haue begun : and this daily we pray for .

For truly we had nede to be dayly sanctified , that we , whiche synne dayly , might pourge our synnes with continuall fanctifycation .

But what this sanctification is , that god vouchsafeth to giue vs , the apostelle declareth , 2 Cor. 6. sayienge : Nother fornicatours , nor Idoll worshippers , nor brekers of wedlocke , nor weakelynges , nor abusers of them selfes with mankynd , nor theues , nor the couetous , nor drunkardes , nor sclanderers , nor cursed speakers , nor extorcioners shall inheryte the kyngedome of god . And suche haue you ben , but ye be washed , ye ar made rightuous , ye are sanctified in the name of oure lorde Iesu Christe , and in the spirite of our god . He saythe , we be sanctified in the name of our lorde Iesu Christe , and in the spirite of our god . That this sanctification shulde remayne in vs , we pray : and bycause god our iudge menasseth the healed and the relyued of hym , to sinne no more now leste he shulde be worse handled , we make this continuall prayer , this we craue bothe daye & night , that the sanctification and viuification , that is goten by the grace of god , might be kept by his protection .

There foloweth in this prayer , Thy kyngdome come . We desyre also , that his kyngedome be represented vnto vs , lykewyse as we aske that his name maye be halowed in vs . For whanne doth not god reigne ? or whan begynneth his reigne , which alway was , and euer shal be ? We desyre our kyngdome to come , of god to vs promysed , and with the bloudde and passion of Christ gotten , that we , which before serued in the world , may afterward reigne with Christ rulyng , lyke as he promyseth and sayth : Mat. 25. Come ye blessed of my father , take and receyue the kyngedome , whiche is prepared for you from the beginnyng of the world . Truely it may be , dere bretherne , that Christ hym selfe is the kyngdome of god , whiche dayly we desyre to come : whose commyng we couete soone to se. For seyng that he is oure resurrection , and that we ryse agayn in him : so likewise he may be vnderstande the kyngdome of god . For in hym we shall reigne . Heauenly and erthly kyngdom . And we do well , to desyre the kyngdome of god , that is , the kyngdom of heuen . For there is also an erthely kyngdome . But he that now forsaketh the worlde , is greatter than the honours and kyngedome therof : and therfore he that dedicateth hym self to god and Christe , desyreth not the erthly , but the heauenly kyngdome . We had nede to pray continually , leste we falle frome the heauenly kyngedome , as the Iewes dyd , to whom it was fyrste promysed , as oure lorde hym selfe manyfestely proueth : Matth. 8. Many ( saythe he ) shall come from the easte and west , and shall reste with Abraham , Isaac , and Iacob , in the kyngedome of heuen . But the chylderne of the kyngedome shall be caste out into vtter darknesse , there shal be wailynge and gnashynge of tethe . He sheweth this , bycause the Iewes were afore chylderne of the kyngdome , as longe as they continued to be the chyldren of god . But after the name of the father ceassed amonge them , theyr kyngedome ceassed withall . And therfore we christians , whiche in our prayer haue begonne to call god , father : do also praye , that the kyngedom of god may come to vs .

¶ We adde therto and saye , Thy wyll be done in erthe , as it is in heuen , not that god shuld do that he wol , but that we may do that god wol . For who withstandeth god , but that he may do what he wol ? But bycause the dyuelle withstandeth vs , that our myndes in all thynges , and in euery act obeyeth nat god , we praye and desyre that the wylle of god maye be done in vs , whiche to the ende it may be done in vs , we haue nede of Goddes wyll , that is , of goddis helpe and protection : for no man is stronge of him selfe : but is sure and safe by the indulgence and mercye of god . For god declaryng the infirmitie of man , whiche he bare himselfe , sayth : Matt. 26 Father , if it be possible , let this cuppe passe from me . And gyuynge an exaumple to his disciples , that they shulde not do theyr owne , but goddis wylle , he added therto sayinge : Neuerthelesse , not as I wylle , but as thou wylte . And in an nother place he saythe : Ioan. 6. I discended not from heuen to do myn owne wyll , but his that sente me . If that the sonne was obedient to doo the fathers wyll : Howe moche more oughte the seruaunt to be obedient to do goddis wyll ; 1. Ioan. 2 Saynte Iohum alsoo lykewyse in hys epistle exhortethe and instructeth vs to do the wylle of god , sayenge : Se that ye loue not the world , neither the thinges that are in the world . If any man loue the world , the loue of the father is nat in hym . For all that is in the worlde , is the luste of the fleshe , the luste of the eies , and the pryde of lyfe , whyche is not of the father , but of the concupiscence of the worlde , and the world passeth awaye , and the luste therof . But he that doth the wyll of god , abydeth for euer , lyke as god abydeth for euer . We that woll abyde for euer , must fulfyl the wyll of god , whiche is eternalle . The wylle of god is , which Christ both taught and fulfilled : humilitie in conuersation , stablenesse in feyth , myldnes in wordes , ryghtousenesse in dedes , mercy in workes , discipline in maners , not to knowe to do iniurie , and to suffre wronge done , to lyue quietly amonge brethern , to loue god with all the harte , to loue hym bycause he is the father to feare hym bycause he is god , to esteme nothynge aboue Chryste , for he estemed nothing aboue vs , to cleaue to his charitie inseparably , & to sticke to his crosse strongly and faythefullye , whan for his name and honoure there is anye stryfe : to shewe constancy in wordes , that we confesse hym with : and sure truste in question , wherwith we assayle other : pacience in dethe , wherto we contende , this is to wylle to be heire wyth Chryste , this is to do goddis commaundement , this is to fulfyll the wyll of the father . We desyre the wylle of god to be done in erthe as it is in heuen : bothe whiche apperteyne to the consummation of our wyll and saluation . For sythen we possesse a body of the erth , and a gost of heuen , we be erthe and heuen , and in bothe , that is , bodye and gooste , we praye , that the wyll of god be doone . Trewely there is a wrastlyng betwene the fleshe and the spirite , and stryuinge oone ageynste the other , they dayly contende together , that we canne not doo the thynges that we wolde : while the spirite seketh for heuenly and diuine thynges , the fleshe coueiteth erthly and worldly thinges . And therfore we ernestly desyre , that betweene these two , by the ayde and helpe of god , agreement may be made , that whan the wylle of god is fulfylled bothe of the spirite and the fleshe , the soule whiche by hym is borne agayne , may be saued . Whych thynge the apostel Paule playne and openly declareth with his owne voyce : The fleshe ( saythe he ) lusteth agaynste the spirite , and the spirite agaynst the fleshe . These two are so contrarye one to the other , that you can not do what thinges that ye wolde . Galat. 5. The dedes of the fleshe be manyfeste , whiche are , adulteries , fornications , vnclennes , fylthy wantonnesse , idolatry , witch-craft , murder , hatred , contention , spite , wrath , prouocation , debate , heresye , enuye , dronkennes , glottony , and suche lyke , which I tell you before , as I haue tolde you , that they whiche do such thinges , shall not possesse the kyngedome of god . But the fruit of the spirite is Charitie , ioye , peace , long sufferynge , feythe , mekenesse , continence , chastite . And therfore daily yea continually we praye , that the wyll of god be done concernynge vs , bothe in heauen and in erthe , For this is the wylle of god , that erthely thynges shuld gyue place to heuenly , and that spiritual and diuine thynges , shulde preuayle . It may also be thus vnderstande dere bretherne : that bycause god commandeth , ye and monyssheth vs to loue our ennemies , and also to pray for them that persecute vs , we shulde praye for them that be as yet erthy , and haue not yet begun to be heuenly , that touchyng them the wyl of god may be done , whiche Christ fully dyd , in conseruynge and renewynge man . For sythen he called his disciples not erthy , Matth. 5. but the salte of the erth , 1. Cor. 15. and the apostell calleth the fyrste man of slyme of the erthe , erthy , the seconde of heauen , heauenly : with good cause we , whiche oughte to be lyke god the father , that maketh his sonne to ryse vppon the good and bad , Matth. 5. and sendeth rayne vpon the iuste and vniuste , shulde so praye and desyre ( god admonishynge ) that we myghte make prayer for the helthe of all men . That lyke as in heuen , that is , in vs by our faythe , the wylle of god is done , that as we shuld be of heuen , so euen in erth , that is in them beleuynge , the wyll of god maye be done , that they , whiche as yet of theyr fyrste byrthe , be erthye , borne of water and the holy goost may begynne to be heuenly .

¶ Procedyng forth in our prayer we aske and say : Gyue vs this daye our dayly breade , whiche saieng may be vnderstand spiritually and simply : for bothe the vnderstandynges with diuine vtilitie , profytte vnto saluation . For the breade of lyfe is Christ , and this is not euery mans breadde , but it is oures . And lyke as we saye , our Father by cause it muste be vnderstande , he is father of theym that beleue : so we cal hym our bread . Luc. 14. For Christ , whose bodye we touche , is oure breade . This bread we aske dayly to be gyuen vs , leste we , that be in Christe , and receyue dayly his precious body , by some greuouser offence chaunsynge , whyle we be accursed out of the churche , & not communicating , Matth. 6. shulde be prohybited from that heuenly breadde , and shulde be separated from the body of Christe , hym selfe before shewyng and monysshynge : Iohan. 6. I am the breade of lyfe that descended from heuen . he that woll eate of this breade , shall lyue for euer . The breade that I woll gyue for the lyfe of the world , is my fleshe . Therfore whan he saythe , Eodem . he that woll eate of this bread , shall lyue for euer , it is than manyfest , they lyue , whiche touche his body , and receyue it by the right of communion : soo contrarywyse it is to be feared and prayed for , leste while one accursed out of the churche , is separated from the body of Christ he remayne farre from saluation , hym self thretnynge and saying , Excepte ye eate the flesshe of the sonne of man , Eodem . & drynke his bloud , ye shall haue no lyfe in you . And therfore we aske daily our breade , that is , Chryst to be gyuen to vs , that we , that abyde and lyue in Chryste , shulde not departe from his sanctification and body .

It may also be thus vnderstand , that we , whiche haue forsaken the wolde , and by grace of spirituall feythe , haue caste away the riches and pompe therof , woll desyre onlye oure meate and foode , seinge Chryst woll vouchsafe to instruct vs and saye : Luc. 14. He that woll not forsake all that he hath , canne not be my disiple . He that hathe begunne to be Christis disciple , forsakynge all that he hath , after the wordes of his mayster , ought to aske his daily foode : ne we may nat extend the desyres of our petition to any longe tyme . Matth. 6. For Christ ageyn prescribeth and saith : Be not ye careful for the morowe : for the morow shall care for it selfe . Euery daye hath inough of his own trauaile . Therfore Chrystis dysciple skylfully asketh his dayly foode : whiche is prohibited to be carefull for the morowe . For it is bothe contrarye and repugnant in it selfe , that we shuld desyre to lyue longe in this worlde , whiche prayer , that the kingedome of god may quickly come . And so the blessed apostel monisheth , forinynge & strengththyng the stedfastnes of our hope and faithe : 1. Timo. 6 Nothynge ( sayth he ) we brought into the worlde , and truely we can carye nothyng out . Therfore hauyng foode and rayment , let vs be content therwih . For they that woll be ryche , falle into the temptation and snares of the dyuell , and into many noysom lustes , which drowne a man into distruction and damnation . For couetousnes is the roote of all yuels : whiche , some moch desiring , haue rounne to wrecke frome the faythe , and tangled theym selfes with many sorowes . He teacheth not onely , that ryches shoulde be despised , but also that they be peryllous , and that in theym is the rote of blandysshinge yuelles , the blyndnes of mans mynde , begyling with priuie deceyt . Wherfore Christe reprouynge the foolysshe ryche man , that had set his mynde on his worldly substance , & reioyced in him self for the great abundance of his fruites , saythe in the gospell : Luce. 12. Thou foole , this nyghte shall they require thy soule frome the , than whose shall those thynges be that thou haste prepared ? The fole that shuld dye the same nyght , reioysed in his fruites , and he , whose lyfe nowe fayled , was carefull for abundance of foode . But Christe teacheth a contrarye lesson , Matth. 19 that he that wol be perfect , muste selle a way all that he hath , and deale it amonge poore men , and make hym a tresure in heuen . This man ( saith Christ ) foloweth him , and the glorie of his passion , whiche is expedite and lyght apparayled , not wrapped and loded with householde stuffe , but leuse and at lybertie , his goodes and substance sent afore to god , he also foloweth after . To the which that eche of vs may prepare him selfe , he lerneth vs to pray , & to knowe after what maner our prayer ought to be . For no ryghtous man can lacke his dayely foode , Prou. 10. sythe it is written : The lorde kylleth not the soule of a iuste man with hunger . Psal. 38. And agayne : I haue ben yonger , and nowe am olde : and haue nat sene the iuste man forsaken , nor his sede seke theyr breadde . Matth. 6. Also the lorde promyseth and saythe : Be not ye carefull , sayeng : what shall we eate , or what shall we drinke , or wherwith shall we be clothed ? For those thinges the hethen people seke . But your heuenly father knowethe , that ye haue neede of those thynges . Seke ye fyrst the kyngedome of god , and the rightuousnes therof , & all these thinges shall be ministred vnto you . To them that seke the kyngdome and rightuousnes of god , al those thynges he promyseth to be ministred . For sythen all thynges be goddes , he that hath god , lacketh nothynge , yf he hym selfe be not wantyng to god . Deute . 14 So for Daniel , by the kynges commaundemente inclosed in the lyons denne , a dyner from heauen was prepared , and he the man of god dydde eate among the hungry wyld beastes , that hurte hym not . 3. Reg. 17 So Helyas in his flyght was fed , and in wildernes by rauens and byrdes ministrynge and bryngynge to hym meate , he was norished in persecution . O detestable crueltie of mans malyce , the wylde beastes forbeare to doo hurte , the byrdes bryng fode to nourishe , men practise wyles , and cruellye demeane them selfes .

¶ After all this we praye for our synnes , sayeng : And forgyue vs our trespaces , as we forgyue them that trespas agaynst vs . After helpe of fode , forgyuenesse of synne is desyred , that he that is fedde of god , may lyue in god , hauynge respecte not only to this present and temporal , but to the eternal lyfe , to the whiche he may come , if his synnes be forgyuen , whiche the lorde callith dettes , lyke as in his gospelle he sayth : Matth. 18 I haue forgyuen the all thy dette , bycause thou praydest me . But howe nedefully , howe prouidently , and howe holsomly be we admonyshed , that we be synners , whiche be compelled to praye for our synnes , that while forgiuenes is craued of god , the mynde maye remember his conscience . For to the ende no man shulde stande in his owne conceyte , as though he were an innocent , and extollynge hym selfe , shuld peryshe the more he is instructed & taughte , that he synneth dayely , sythen he is commaunded dayely to praye for his synnes . And thus fynallye Iohn in his epistell admonyssheth vs , 1. Iohan. 1 sayeng : If we saye that we haue no synne , we deceyue our selues , and the truth is not in vs . But if we woll confesse oure synnes , the lorde is faithfull and iuste , whiche wol forgyue vs our sinnes . Both these he hath comprised in his epistell : that we oughte to praye for our synnes , and that we shall opteyne forgyuenes whan we praye . And therfore he saith , god is faith full to forgyue synnes , holdynge the faith of his promise . For why he that taught vs to praye for our sinnes , hath promised , that fatherly mercy and forgyuenes shulde folowe . He hath ioyned and added therto a lawe , constraynynge vs with a certayn condition and promise , that we shulde so desyre our synnes to be forgiuen vs euen as we forgiue theym that trespas ageynste vs : Knowynge well , that it canne nat be obteyned , that we aske for our sinnes , rxcept we wol doo the lyke to them that trespas agaynste vs . And therfore in an other place he saithe : Matth 7 With what measure ye mette , with the same shall it be mesured to you agayn . And he the seruaunt , whiche after his lord hadde forgyuen hym all his duetie , wolde not forgyue his felowe , was trowen into pryson . Bicause he wold not gentilly forgiue his felowe , he loke that that his lord had courteisly giuen him . Whiche thynges Chryste in his preceptes more strongly , and with more vigour of his sharpe iudgement , fortolde vs : Matt. 11. And whan ye stande to praye ( sayth he ) forgiue , yf ye haue ought against any man , that your father also whiche is in heuen , may forgiue you your trespasses : but if you wol not forgiue , no more woll your father that is in heauen forgyue your offences . There is no excuse for the , at the day of iudgement , whanne thou shalt be iudged after thyne owne sentence : and that thou hast done , that shalt thou suffre . For god commandeth , that such as loue peace , concorde , & to liue in vnitie , shuld dwelle in his house : and suche as he made vs in our seconde natiuitie , suche he woll vs beinge borne againe , to perseuer : that we whiche haue begunne to be the children of god , shuld remain in the peace of god , and we that haue one spicitie , shoulde be of one minde and intent : for so god receyueth our sacrifice . He commaundethe the stryuer , retournyng from the altare , fyst to reconcile hym to his brother , that with prayers commynge from an harte , that loueth peace , god may be pacified . Our peace and brotherly concorde , and the people knytte togyther in the vnitie of the father & of the sonne , and of the holy goste , is a sacrifice hyghly acceptable vnto god . For god regarded not the gyftes and offerynges that Abill and Cayne the fyrst , Genes. 4. offred vp in sacrifice , but he behelde theyr hartes , that he shulde pleace hym with his gyfte , that pleased hym in his hart . The peasible and iust Abell innocently offrynge vp his sacrifyce vnto god , taught all other , whan they offre theyr gyft at the altare , so to come with the drede of god , with a symple harte , with the lawe of iustice , with the peace of concord . He that was suche in the sacrifice of god , was afterwarde worthily made a sacrifyce to god : that he fyrste shewyng a profe of martirdome , with the glory of his bloud tasted the lordes passion , the whiche had in hym bothe iustyce and peace . Suche the lorde crowneth , such at the day of iudgement shal with the lorde be reuenged . But he that is at debate and strife , and lyueth not in peace with his bretherne ( lyke as the blessed apostle & holy scripure witnesse ) though he shuld be slayne for the name of Chryst , yet coude he not escape the cryme of dyssention . For as it is written : 1. Iohan. 3 who soo euer hateth his brother , is a mankyller : & a mansleer commeth not to the kyngedome of heuen , that he may lyue with god . For he can nat be with Chryst , that had rather be the folower of Iudas than of Chryste . What maner synne is it , that can nat with the baptisme of bloudde be washed awaye ? What faute or offence is it , that can nat be purged with martyrdome ?

¶ This also our lord necessarily werneth vs , that in our prayer we shulde saye : And let vs not be ledde into temptation . In the whiche part it is sheweth , that our aduersarye can nothynge do ageynst vs , without god before permytte hym : to the ende that all our feare and deuotion , and obseruation , shulde be conuerted to God . For in oure temptations the fende hathe noo power , without it be gyuen hym of god , as holy scripture proueth , whiche sayth : 4. Reg. 24. Nabuchodonosor , the kynge of Babylon camme to Hierusalem , and conquerid it , and god gaue it into his hande . Power is gyuen to the dyuell ageinst vs , after as our synnes be , as it is wrytten : Esay . 42. Who gaue Iacob and Israel to them to be troden vnder foote and spolyed ? Dyd not god , ageynst whome they synned , and wolde nat walke in his ways , nor here his lawes , therfore hathe he brought on them the wrath of his displeasure ? And agayne , of Salomon synnynge and leauyng the commandementes and wayes of the lorde , thus it is wrytten : 3. Reg. 12. The lorde raysed an aduersarye vnto Salomon .

¶ Power is gyuen agaynste vs two maner of wayes : eyther for our punishment , when we offend , or elles for our glorie , when we be proued : lyke as we see doone on Iob , Iob. 1. god declarynge and saying , Beholde , all thyuges , what so euer he hath , I gyue into thy handes , but beware thou touche hym not . And Christ in the tyme of his passion , Iohan. 19 saith in the gospel : Thou shuldest haue no power on me , yf it were not gyuen the from aboue Whan we pray , that we fal not into temptation , we be admonished of our infirmitie and weakenes , while we so pray , to th end no man shuld extolle hym selfe , that noo man shuld proudely & arrogantly take any thing vpon him , that no man shuld repute it his owne glorie , eyther of confessyon , or of passion , sithen our lord hym felf teachynge humilitie , Marc. 14 sayth : Watche and pray , that ye fal not into temptation , The spirite is wyllynge , but the flesh is weke : so that when an humble and lowly confessyon goth before , and al togither ascriued vnto the lorde : what soo euer in lowly wyse , with feare and honour of god is asked , of his mercy he woll graunt vs .

¶ After all these thynges , in the fynyshynge of our prayer cometh this clause in a briefe collection , concludyng all our petitions , and prayers . For in the laste place we saye : But delyuer us from euyll , comprehendynge all aduersities , that our ennemye endeuoureth to doo agaynst vs in this worlde : frome the whiche a trustye and sure defence may be , yf god woll delyuer vs , yf we humblye prayenge and tenderly besechynge hym , he woll vouchesafe to helpe vs . Whan we say : Delyuer vs from euyll , there remaynethe nothynge nowe that ought to be farther asked , whan we shall haue oones desyred the Protection of god agaynst yuell : whyche being opteyned agaynste all thynges , that the dyuell and the worlde worketh , we may stand sure and safe . For wat dreede of the worlde is to hym , to whom in the worlde god is the defendour ? What meruail is it , dere brethern if the prayer be suche , whiche god taught , whiche as a maister most worthye , hath abreuiate all oure peace with his helthefull worde ? Nowe this thing was before told by the prophete Esaye , whanne he beinge replenyshed with the holy gooste , Esaye . 10. spake of the maiestie and pitie of god : A worde consumyng ( sayth he ) and breuiatynge in iustyce : for god shall make shorte his worde in all the roundnesse of the erthe . For whan the worde of god , our lorde Iesus Christe , came to all men , gatherynge togyther bothe the lerned and vnlerned , to euery kynde and aege , he gaue preceptes of saluation : he made a compendyous worke of his preceptes , bycause the memorie of the lerners shoulde not be greued in the heuenly discipline but shulde quickly lerne that that shuld be necessary to the pure and symple faith . So whan he taught what euerlasting life is , in a great and diuine briefenes , he comprehended the mistery of lyfe , Iohan. 17 saying : This is the lyfe euerlastyng , that they know the , to be the only true god , & whom thou hast sent . Iesu Christ . Also when he gatherid out of the law & prophetes , the fyrst & chiefest preceptes : Deuter. 6 Harke ( he said ) Israell , thy lorde god , is one lord onely . And thou shalte loue thy lorde god with all thy harte , with all thy soule , & with all thy myght and power . This is the fyrst , and the seconde is lyke to this : Thou shalt loue the neyghbour as thy selfe . In these two commaundementes hange al the lawe and the prophetes . And agayne he sayth : What so euer you wold that men shulde do to you , euen so do ye to them . Math. 7. This is the lawe and the prophetes . And the lorde hath not taught vs with onely wordes to praye , but also with dedes : he him selfe ofte prayenge , and with the wyttenesse of his owne exaumple shewynge vs , what we oughte to do , lyke as it is wryten : Luc. 9. He was goynge into wyldernes and prayinge . And agayne : Mat. 14. He went into a mountayne to praye , Marc. 6. and was all nyghte in his prayers . Nowe if he prayed , that was withoute synne , howe moche more oughte synners to praye ? And yf he watchynge all the nyght longe prayed continually , howe moche more ought we to watche in the nyghte and busily praye ? The lorde praied and made petition , not for hym selfe : for what shuld an innocent praye for hym selfe ? but for our offences , lyke as he hym selfe declareth , where he saythe to Peter : Beholde , Sathan hath desyred , Luc. 22. that he myghte syfte you euen as wheate : but I haue prayd for the , that thy feyth fayle not . And afterwarde he prayed the father for all sayinge : Iohan. 17 I praye not for these onely , but also for those , whiche throughe theyr worde shall beleue on me , that they all maye be one , lyke as thou father art in me , and I in the , that they also may be one in vs . Great is the benignitie and mercy of the lorde for our saluation , that was not contented to redeme vs with his bloud , but more ouer wolde vouchesafe to pray for vs . But se what he desyred in his prayer , That lyke as the father and the sonne be one , soo we also shuld remayne in that Vnitie , wherby we maye well perceyue , howe gretly he offendeth , that breaketh that vnitie and peace , seinge the lorde prayed for it , wyllynge to haue his people knytte to gether in one : knowynge full well , that Discorde commeth not to the kyngdome of god . But whan we stand to praye , dere bretherne we muste watche , and with all the hole hart applye our selfe to prayers . All worldely and carnall care muste be laid apparte , ne the mind shuld runne on no other thing than that that is prayed for . And therfore the priest before he prayeth , with a preface prepareth the mindes of his bretherne , sayeng , Sursum corda , vp the hartes : that whan the people answereth . Habemus ad dominum , we haue to the lorde : he is admonyshed , that he shulde thynke on none other thing than on the lord . Let the breaste be shutte agaynste the aduersary , & open to god onely : ne he shulde not suffre the enemie of god to approche nere hym in the tyme of prayer : For often tymes he cometh priuely , and entreth in , and subtilly deceyuynge , draweth our prayers frome god : to th end we shuld haue one thing in our hartes , and an other in our wordes . whan the mynde & sense , and not the sounde of the voyce , must pray to the lorde with a syncere intention . For what a sluggysshe slouthfulnesse is it , to be withdrawen and caught with pyuysshe and prophane thoughtes , whan thou shuldest praye to the lorde , as thoughe there were any other thynge , that thou shouldest more thinke vpon , than that thou speakest with god ? Howe desyrest thou to be herde of god , whanne thou canst not here thy selfe ? woldest thou haue god myndefull of the in thy prayer , whan thou remembrest not thy selfe ? that is , not to be beware vtterly of thyne ennemie , that is , whan thou prayst the lorde , to offende the maiestie of god with thy negligent praier : that is , to watche with the eyes , and flepe with the hart : where as a chrysten man ought to watche with the harte , whanne he slepeth with the eyes . Lyke as it is written in the name of the Churche in the Canticles : Cant. 1. I slepe , and myn harte waketh . Wherfore the apostel carefully and warely warneth vs sayenge : Coloss. 4. Continue in prayer , watchynge in the same , teachyng and shewyng vs , that they maye optein that that they aske of god , whome god seeth watchefulle in prayer . But prayenge , we ought not to comme vnto god with vnfruytefull and naked prayers . The petition is of none affecte , whan bareyn prayer is offred vnto god . Matth. 3. For sithen that euery tree , that bryngeth forth no fruite , shal be hewen downe , and cast into the fyre , euen soo the prayer hauynge no fruite , whiche is not fertile in operation , canne not merite with god . And therfore the diuine scripture instructethe vs , sayinge : Prayer is good with fastyng and almes dede . ●obi . 12. For he that at the day of Iudgement shall rewarde vs for our workes and almes dedes , wolle also dayely here that prayer benygnely , whiche commeth to hym with good warkes , So Cornelius the Centurian , whan he prayed , deserued to be herde : he dyd greatte almes dedes amonge the people , and was alwayes in prayer to god , before whom prayinge about . ix . of the clocke , stode an angell , yeldyng witnesse of his worke , and sayinge : Actuum . 10. Cornelius , thy prayers & almes dedes haue ascended vp to the remembraunce before god . The prayers do soone ascende vp to god , whiche the merites of our worke do bryng vnto god . So the aungelle Raphaell was alway to Tobie praying and workynge a continuall wytnesse , sayenge : To reuele and aknowlege the warkes of god is moche honourable . For whan thou and Sara prayedst , I offered vp the memorie of your prayer before the syght of the clerenes of god . And whan thou symplye buriedst the deade , and bycause thou taryedst nat to rise , and to leaue thy dynar and wentest & buriedst the deade , and I was sent to tempte the , and agayne god sent me , to heale the , and Sara thy daughter in lawe . For I am Raphael one of the. vii ryghtous aungels , whiche stande and ar conuersant before the clerenes of god . Esay . 58. Also the lord , by Esai admonysheth and teacheth lyke thynges , sayenge : Unknyt euery knotte of vnryghtuousnes : vnlose the stranglynges of wycked bargaynes : Let the oppressed go free , and disparple al vnrightous thoughte . Deale thy bredde to the hungrye , and bryng the poore fatherles home into thy house . If thou see oone naked , clothe hym and despise not the household seruauntes of thy sede . Than shall thy lyght breake forthe in tyme , and thy garmentes shall soone aryse , and ryghtousnes shall goo before the , and the clerenes of god shall compasse the aboute . Than thou shalte crye out , and god shal here the , whyle thou art speakyng he shall saye : Lo , I am here . He promyseth to be present , and to here , and to defende those , whiche vnknytte the knottes of vnright tousnes of the hart , and do almes dedes amonge the housholde seruauntes of god , accordyng to his preceptes , whyle they here that god commaundeth to be done , they also meryte to be harde of god . The blessed apostle Paul , Phil. 4. being holpe of the bretherne in the nede of tribulation , calleth the workes that were done to him , the sacrifices of god : I was ( saith he ) euen fylled , receiuyng of Epaphroditus those thynges , whiche were sent frome you , an odour of swetenes , a sacrifice acceptable and pleasant to god . For whan a man taketh pitie on the poore , he playeth the vserer with god : and he that gyueth to the pore and nedy , gyueth to god , spiritually he doth sacrifice to god an odour of swetenesse . In celebratynge prayers we fynde , that the thre chyldern with Daniel , being stronge in feith , and victours in captiuitie , obseruyd the thyrde , the syxte , and nynthe howre , as a sacramente of the Trinite , whyche shoulde be opened in the laste dayes . For the fyrste houre commynge into the thyrde , shewethe the perfecte number of the Trinite . Also from the fourthe , procedyng to the syxte houre , declareth an other Trinite . And whan from the vii . the. ix . houre is accomplished , by thyrde houres the perfecte tryuitie is numbred : whiche spacys of houres , the true worshyppers of god , dyd longe sence spiritually determine , that they seruid to praier at certayne lauful and appointed tymes , and afterwarde , the thynge was manyfest , to be some tyme a sacrament , that iuste men afore dyd so praye . For the thyrde houre , the holy ghost came downe vpon the disciples , whiche fulfyllid the grace of the lordis promise . Also Peter , at the. vi . houre ascendynge vp into the howse aboue , was instructed bothe with sygne and voyce of God , monysshynge hym , that he shulde admyt al men to the grace of saluation , when he before doubted , whether he shuld admyt and clense the gentyles or no. And the lorde being crucified at the howre of . vi . at . ix . of the clocke , with his bloud dyd washe away our synnes : and to th ende he myght redeme and reuyue vs , he than with his passyon accomplysshed his vyctorie . But to vs , dere bretherne , besyde the howres of praying , of olde time obserued , bothe the tymes and sacramentes haue increasid . For now we must praye in the mornynge , that the lordes resurrection maye be celebrate with the mornynge prayer : whiche thynge the holy goost dyd notifie longe ago in the psalmes , saying : Psalm. 5. My kynge and my god , yarly in the mornynge to the lord woll I pray , and thou shalte here my voyce , Betime in the morning I woll gette me to the , and wolle intentiuely beholde the. And ageyne by the Prophete , the lorde saythe : Yarly before the sonne risyng , they shall watche to me , sayenge : Lette vs go and returne to the lorde our god .

¶ Also whanne the sonne gothe downe , and the daye fayleth , it is necessarye that we praye ageyne . For , bycause Christe is the verye sonne and the very day , the sonne and the day of this worlde departynge , whan we pray and desyre , that lyght maye come ouer vs ageyne , we craue the commyng ageyne of Christe , the grace of eternal light , to be giuen vs . That Christe is called the day , the holy ghooste declareth in the psalmes , sayenge : Psal. 117. The same stone , whiche the buylders refused , is made the hed stone of the corner : this is the lordis doinge , and it is meruaylous in our eies . This is the day , whiche the lorde hath made , lette vs walke , and be ioyfull in it .

Also that he is callid the Sonne , the prophet Malachie doth wytnesse , sayeng : Malach. 3. But vnto you , that feare the Lordes name , shall the sonne of rightousnes arise , and in his wynges is healthe . Howe yf Christ in holy scripture be the very sonne and the very daye , there is no houre exceptid to christen men , but that god ought to be ofte and alwaye adored : that we , whyche be in Christe , that is , in the verye sonne , and in the very day , shuld styl pray , and bryng the day to an ende with prayers : and whan the day is gone , and the nyght by alteration and course is come , it is noo dammage to them , that woll praye in the darke season of the nyghte . For with the chyldern of lyghte , the daye is in the nyghte . For whan is he without lyght , in whose harte is lyghte ? Or howe dothe the sonne and the day fayle hym , with whome the sonne and the day Christe , is ? We that be alway in Christ , that is , in the light , shulde not in the night cesse from prayer . Soo Anna the wydowe , without intermission praying alwaye and watchynge , perseuered in meritynge with god , lyke as it is written in the gospell : Luc. 2. She departed not ( sayth he ) from the temple , nyght and day seruynge god in fastynge and prayeng . Let the gentiles , that are not yet illumined : or the Iewes , which leauyng the light , haue remained in darknes , Ioke vp and se. We dere brethern , which be alway in the light of the lorde , whyche remember and vnderstand , what we haue begun to be sens we receyued grace , shulde recken the nyght for daye . Let vs beleue , to walke alway in the light , we can not be hyndered with the darknes , which we haue escaped : let no houre scape vs from prayer in the nyght , let no prayer be lost , through slouth and sluggyshnes . We , that by the mercy and goodnes of god , are spiritually newe made and borne ageyne , shoulde folowe that that we shall haue in the kyngdome of heauen , oonely day without any night . So in the night as in the light , let vs alway watche and pray , and gyue thankes to god . Also lette vs not here ceasse to pray and thanke hym .

FINIS .