Every-dayes sacrifice Wherein are comprehended many comfortable prayers and meditations, very necessary for all Christians. Also, many comforts for the sicke which are afflicted by the sight of their sins and the terrour of death; written by D. M. Luther, a little before his end. With most true comforts out of holy Scripture of the knowledge we shall haue of one another in the world to come. Translated by, W.R.S.

Exhortations to make the sick desirous of death .

WE bee but strangers and soiourners , as were all our fathers : our daies on earth also are but as a shadow , and there is no abiding .

The dayes of man are the daies of an hireling , yea wind and nothing .

We are made as dust , and must return to dust , as a leaf that is carried of the winde , dry stubble , and a garment that is moth-eaten .

Man is burthened with many calamities : he cometh vp , & is cut down like a flour , and he lieth as it were a shadow : short be his dayes , and the Lord hath appointed him his bands , which he shall not passe .

Where is there any man that liueth , and soeth not death ?

Our daies passe away swiftly , and we are gone .

A man in his time is but as grass , and florisheth as a flour of the field : fo● as soon as the winde goeth ouer it , it is gon , and the place thereof knowes it no more .

Man is like to a thing of nought : his daies passe away like a shadow .

Euery thing hath a time , yea , all that is vnder heauen , hath his conuenient season . There is a time to bee borne , and a time to dy .

Death doth not forget him self .

By one man , death entred into the world , and went ouer all men ; and through one sin of one man , all men are subiect vnto death .

All flesh is as grass , and all the glory of man is as the flower of grasse .

Our life is euen as a vapor that appears for a little tune , and then vanisheth away .

Héer haue we no continuing city , but wée seek one to come .

Whatsoeuer hath béen borne since the beginning of the world vnto this day hath been subiect vnto death : and whatsoeuer is yet aliue , or shall be born , must néeds die euery-while .

Whosoeuer receiueth life , must also suffer death remedilesse .

On this condition camest thou into the world , that thou shouldst leaue it again .

Thou hast béen sure of death , euer since thou wast conceiued in thy mothers womb .

Whatsoeuer thou hast liued ouer the first day of thy birth , is superfluous and too much ; and God hath suffred thee to liue long enough .

There is no remedy , but that thou must néeds die , and no man can saue thee nor defend thee : for , thou art dust , and must bee turned into dust again .

Think none other in thy minde , but that the end of thy life is comne .

This misery geeth not only euer thee : for , great and small , rich and poor , yong , old , Lord , seruant , man , woman , and all men must take this iourney in hand .

This debt hast thou owed a great while , and thou must néeds pay it ; the sooner the better .

If thou shouldst be put to death or execution , with a hundred more besides thy selfe , what should it auaile thee , whether thou were the first or the last .

He that is first dispatcht , is soonest rid out of his pain .

Thou hast full well deserued at the hand of God , to die a worse and a more sudden death : wherefore thou art bound to thank him , that hee handleth thee so graciously .

This life is short : childehood flowes away like water : youth and manhood are full of sin and labour : age is full of infirmities , although not one among a thousand doth attain to it .

This life is but a prison , full of heauinesse , calamity , bondage , incombrance , painfulnesse , labour , trauailes , vnlustinesse , sinne , diseases , temptations , yea , 't is nothing but a crosse . From all which miseries , death dooth deliuer vs .

The day of death is better than the day of birth .

In the day of birth , thou art put to cold , heat , hunger , thirst , tediousnesse , sinne and wretchednesse . In the day of death art thou deliuered from all bodily impediments .

Therefore doo Iob and Ieremy curse not onely the day of birth , but also him that brought the message to their father , that a child was born .

The bitternesse of death which is sent thee , passeth all the paine that euer thou dibst seele in all thy life : but it lasteth not long , and it is soon done .

Through the grace & help of GOD canst thou wade through this danger , & drink this cup.

Thou didst neuer truely feel the passion of Christ in all thy life : wherefore now in the houre of death thou shalt patiently féel and taste .

In case the diuell by force , for his last feat , would proue himself vpon thee ; then bée thou sure , that he is a mightlesse enemy , and is ouercome by Christ , and can gette no more at thy hand , but onely as much as thou fearest him , and doubtest in Christ .

If there happen vnto thée any fearfull temptation , giue thanks to God , that he handleth thee so gratiously : for , thou art worthy to haue a more grieuous punishment .

The wicked spirit which tempted Christ , wil not leaue thée vntempted : but hée cannot preuaile against thée ; for , he hath nought in Christ , nor in thée .

Many temptations shall assault thee , which thou must patiently suffer ; thinking , that the Lord might iustly send thée greater temptations , which neuerthelesse he leaues vndone of his meer mercy .

When thy conscience doth lay before thée thy manifould sins , and sendeth thée to good works ; then remember , that Christ hath paid for thy sins vpon the Crosse .

Let not vnprofitable thoughts trouble thee ; as , If God would lengthen thy life , thou wouldst think to become more holy , and more apt to die : for , although thou mightst liue yet ( which is vnpossible ) an hundred yéers , thou canst deserue nothing with thy holinesse before God .

Although all creatures were against thée , yea , although God himselfe should lay before thée his fearfull indignation and terrible indgement , and shew himself none otherwise than as though he were thine enemy , & although thou shouldst see nothing but diuels about thee , yet care not for it , whatsoeuer thou feelest : shut the eyes of thy minde : take hold of faith , and trust in the Gospell . There is no Diuell so strong , that is able to ouerthrowe it . Trust to God , and feare not . Cast all thy care on the Lord , and hee will prouide and preserue thee .

Hitherto thou hast béen as dead , but now shalt thou first begin to liue : for , death is a do●● of life , a beginning of resurrection , and a departing from sin and pain .

Forsake the world , and receiue death ( which is seat vnto thee by the grace of God ) willingly : for , it is thy owne , and must also serue thee for thy wealth .

This smart and paine is ordained for thee of God , and hee doth not chasten thee because he hateth thée , but that hee may preserue and receiue thée as his sonne . Therefore faint not , séeing thou art chastened of the Lord .

No maner of chastising for the present time seems to bée ioyous , but grieuous : neuerthelesse , afterward it bringeth the quiet fruit of righteousnes vnto them which are therein exercised .

The afflictions of this life are not worthy of the glory which shall bee shewed vpon vs .

Tribulation , anguish , persecution , hunger , nakednesse , perill , sword , death , life , Angels , rule , power , things present , nor things to come , height , lownesse , neither any other creature shall be able to separate vs from the loue of God .

If thou didst truly remember and consider the vnfaithfulnesse , falshood , blasphemy , and the Antichristian conuersation and life of this world , truely thou wouldst not couet to liue any longer .

A thousand liues ( if it were possible ) oughtst thou to lose , onely because thou hast heard and tasted the gospell ; namely , that thou hast obtained redemption and forgiuenesse of sinnes through the bloud of Christ , and not through thine owne merits .

Thou hast prayed daily , that it would please GOD to take thee out of this euill world into his Kingdom , and that his will might be done . Wherefore , séeing hée will now , through his grace , bring thee into his Kingdome , thou oughtst ( as his son ) willingly and gladly to obey , and to reioice with all thy heart , that thou , out of the diuels Kingdom , out of this vallie of misery , and out of this wretched life , commest to thy Father , and all his Elect in euerlasting Paradise .

The Heathen , which notwithstanding were without hope , did , for the loue of the life to come , destroy themselues : and shouldst thou , béeing a Christian , to whom so much comfort , hope , and euerlasting life is promised , despaire in death , and desire not to die with all thy heart ?

The Iewes die merrily , which neuerthelesse haue crucified Christ , and are damned for euer : and shouldest not thou , being a Christian man , be more earnest and bolder to die ; to whom such ioy is promised , as the eie hath not séen , the eare hath not heard , neither hath entred into the hart of man ? and wouldest thou now giue place to the miscreant and cursed Heathen and Iewes , in bodily dying ?

The seruant is not aboue his Lord , nor yet the Disciple aboue his Master . Christ thy Master and Lord suffered and died for thée : thou must also suffer and die .

All they which are baptized to die , are baptized : thou art baptized , therfore art thou also baptized to dy .

For Gods sake art thou killed , and art counted as a shéep appointed to bee slaine . What were a slaughter shéep , if it were not slaine ? or what were a Christian man , if he should not be assaulted , suffer , and die ?

Faint not in this affliction , to which thou knowest thy self to be constituted .

Now will Christ thy Sauiour and Redéemer prooue whether thou wilt stand by him or no , whether thou wilt for his sake valiantly abide death , and bee like vnto the shape of his passion , or not . Therefore suffer now as a good warrior of Iesus Christ , and think not to be crowned , vnlesse thou fight valiantly : for , if thou die with Christ , thou shalt also liue with him , thou shalt also triumph with him .

Unfaithfull and without honour is hee counted before the world , that giueth-ouer his holde in his dominions : & shouldst thou not bee without honour , if in the necessity of death thou shouldest shrink from Christ thy Sauiour ?

Take vp thy Crosse and death , and follow him .

Knowest thou not , with what great ioy and desire all the Apostles and seruants of Christ haue shed their bloud for Christs sake , and haue gon euen to meet death ?

For Christs sake hast thou not yet suffred any speciall thing . Therefore giue thy self willingly and ioyfully vnto death , as a shéep , for Christs sake .

God is by thée in thy trouble : he will pluck thée out of it , and bring thée to honor ; and he is at thy right hand , that he may help thée .

Put now thy trust in God , and thou shalt be holpen .

Bee of good comfort , and bestowe thy stinking carcase ▪ which is but wormes-meat , vpon Christ thy Redeemer and Sauiour , and trust onely to him and his holy Gospell , which is the power of GOD to saluation to all that beleeue .

Abide the Lord , and let thy heart take sure hold .

Commit thy cause vnto the Lord , and trust in him : hée shall order it well enough .

Be sober and watch : for , thine aduersary the diuell , as a roaring lyon , will go about thée , séeking how he may denoure thée ; whom resist , stedfast in the faith .

Ye wrestle not against flesh and bloud , but against rule , against power , and against worldly Rulers of the darknesse of this world , against the spirits of wickednes , yea , against sinne , death , hell , and the diuell . For this cause , behaue your self as a Christian champion , and take vnto you the armour of God , that ye may bee able to resist in the euill day , and to stand perfect in all things . Stand therefore , and your loynes girt about with verity , hauing on them a brest-plate of righteousnes , and shod with shooes prepared by the Gospell of peace . Aboue all , take vnto you the shield of faith , wherewith yee may quench all the fiery darts of the wicked . And take the helmet of saluation , and the swo●d of the Spirit , which is the word of GOD. And pray alwaies in all manner of necessities .

¶ A short instruction of the confession of sinnes .

FIrst , because all mankind by the lawes of GOD : Secondly , and also out of the sorrow of death , the cruell martyrdome and bitter death of our Lord and Sauiour Iesus Christ , by reason of our sinnes which hee took vpon him : Thirdly , and also out of the fearefull examples of holy Scripture , how God alwaies punisheth the vnrepentant , which continue in their sinnes , and are bound to confesse the same , if they will bee quit thereof , and die happily .

Therefore should we poor creatures , with the great fearefull miseries and woes , wherein we ( alas ! ) through sinne are grieuously fallen , repaire vnto our deare God with hearty sighing and wéeping earnestly call for mercy , as the holy Prophet Dauid did also ; Enter not into judgement with thy seruant , O Lord . And let vs take héed , that we blaunch not our sins , as the Hypocrites and the Pharises did , Luke chapter 18. For , the Cherubins and Angelles of GOD , which are wholly holy , doo couer their faces and feet , that is to say , all their glory , works , and dooings , and will not bée praysed ; but doo sing with their voice , their Gloria , la●● , and Gloria in excelsis Dee ; to the end that GOD the Lord onely may bée acknowledged for holy , honoured , and praysed .

But in such confession of sur , let vs not créep into corners , as Adam did , Genesis the third chapter , but call vpon God from the bottome of our hearts for grace and forgiuenesse , through the worthy deseruing of Christ Iesus , as ieremy the fourtéenth chapter : Lord , we acknowledge our wickednesse , and the misdeeds of our fathers . For , we haue sinned against thee : and the offenses wherwith wee haue angred thee , are great . But , for thy names sake , let vs not bee brought to confusion . Let not the throne of thy glory be mocked . Remember yet , and let not thy Couenant with vs cease . Thou art yet the Lord our God , on whom wee hope : for , thou canst do all this . So did Dauid pray in the 25 Psalme ; Remember not , O Lord , the sinnes of my youth , nor my transgressions : but thinke vpon me according to thy mercy , for thy goodnes sake . And in the two and thirtith Psalm hee speaketh very comfortably : I said , I will confess my transgressions , and thou forgauest mee the wickednes of my sinnes . Likewise Daniel in his ninth chapter prayed , Lord our God , &c. we haue sinned , & haue alas bin wicked . O Lord , for thy righte ousnes sake turne away thy wrath and anger for our sins sake , wee are blamed of all them that are round about vs : and now , our Lord & God , heare the prayers of thy seruant , & his complaints , and behold with fauor thy holie place which is destroyed for the Lords sake . So likewise should euery Christian comfort himselfe , & beléeue with his heart , that hée for Christs sake , through such faithfull prayer , shall surely obtaine Gods grace and forgiuenesse of his sinnes , as it is said and promised to all the faithfull , Iohn 16. Verily , Verily , I say vnto you , whatsoeuer you desire of the Father in my name he wil giue it you ●id Ieremy 14 saith Thou art the Lord our God , and canst and wist doe all this same , Amen .

Heere follow certain Prayers , how a man should call to God for grace , and forgiuenesse .

O Almighty and Euerlasting God , most gracieus and mercifull Father , I poore sinner acknowledge from my heart , and confesse it also before thee with my mouth , that I am ( alas ) a great sinner , conceuied , borne , and growne vp in sinne : and so haue many times transgressed thy holy commandements , with evill , sinfull , vncleane , and vnseemely thoughts , wo●●● , and wicked deeds . All which I do repent from my very heart , and pray and desire thee of thy Grace , O heauenly Father , indue mee with the Grace , and forgiue me all my sinnes , in the name of thy deare and onely Senne , my Lord and Samour Iesus Christ , in whom thou hast promised me comfort , and remission of all my sinnes . I comfort my selfe with this gracious promise , Iohn 6. where thy deare Sonne saith ; Who eateth my Flesh , and drinketh my Bloud ; That is , Who beleeueth on mee , hath euerlasting life , and I will raise him vp at the last day .

Such godly and gracious promises of thy Son , doe I trust vnto and beleeue , and am certaine , that I , through such saith , haue forgiuenes of my sinnes : and shall bee a child of thy Kingdome , and remaine so for euermore , Amen , Amen .

Another Prayer .

O Thou Almighty and Euerlasting God , Father of our Lord Iesus Christ , maker of Heauen and Earth , and of all Creatures , I poore , miserable and sinfull creature , come héere before thy diuine Maiesty , full of sin and vnrighteousnesse , and fall downe at thy féet before thy glorious Maiesty : for I haue mightily offended thee my Lord and God , and sinned against thy commandements and done against thy godly will .

But because I cannot other wise bee quit and free from this my heauy burthen , but onely through thée my Lord and God : Therefore doe I now from my very heart complaine vnto thee my woe and misery ; and especially what I haue at this present franed in , and haue accomplished the same against thy godly will : besides all other ( alas ) which I daily commit , with deceit , in shew and false heart , with negligence , euill lusts and otherwise : whether it bee with euill thoughts , words or workes , wittingly or vnwittingly , secretly or openly ; whether it bee against thee , or the loue of my neighbour : All which I acknowledge vnto thee , and confesse it also from the bottome of my heart ; and pray thee , that through thy grace thou wilt graciously and fatherly forgiue mee all my sinnes . Haue respect onely to the bitter death , Martyrdome , and bloud-shedding of thy onely deare Sonne , in whom thou art pleased , who innocently died for mee poore sinner . O my Lord and God , looke vpon thy deare Sonne , and especially on the great loue which hee shewed vnto vs poore sinners , when hee went so patiently and willingly to death . O looke vpon the great obedience which thy deare Sonne hath ●us●●red for our sakes , and h●●●bled himselfe vpon the er●●●● , de●th , graue , and hell . O looke also v●on the great gl●●● to , wherewith thou hast adorned thy Sonne , in th●● thou hast made him Lord ouer all . For which ●our , 〈◊〉 b● on ●ee , and ●●o●y , ●●ou wouldst graciously ●e●●●●ue me this daies offence whereinto I , by temptation , 〈◊〉 s●llen , with all my former sames which I haue done from my youth : For in sinne was I conceiued , borne , and brought vp , and yet doe liue therein without ceasing : So that sinne hath gone through my whole bodie , marrow , and bones . Therefore I beseech thee most gratiously to remit and forgiue me all such sinnes , to cast the same behind thée , and neuer thinke more on them , nor punish my body or soule , either in this world , or the world to come : for thou art rich vnto all that call vpon thée . And because thou wilt not the death of a sinner , but rather that he turne from his wickednes and liue : therefore do I pray thee to giue me a good meaning to amend my life , especially in that thou hast promised mee also , through thy deare Sonne , to giue mee whatsoeuer I aske in his name .

Therefore do I pray thee through Christ , thou wouldst forgiue mee all these my sins , and poure thy holy Ghost into my heart , that I may constantly abide in a godly life . All which grant vnto mee for thy deare Sonnes sake Iesus Christ , my Lord and Sauior , Amen ,

Another prayer to our Lord Iesus Christ , the euerlasting Son of God , for grace , and forgiuenesse .

O My deare Lord Iesus Christ , I confesse vnto thee from the bottome of my heart , with great sighing , that I am , alas , a poo●e sinner , conceiued and home in sinne and iniquity , to haue liued wickedly against thee and thy holy Word , with vngodly and vnthankefull heart , for which I am heartily sorry .

But I am comfored in my heart , that thou wilt not the death of a sinner , which thou hast sworne and confirmed with an oath : That thou wilt not be angry with me for euer , nor yet for euer punish mee . Thou dost call and entice all them that are weary , oppressed , comfortlesse , sorrowfull bearts and consciences , to thee and thy holy Word : and namest thy selfe A heauenly Physicion , which takest vpon thee our woes and miseries ( wherein wee through sinne are fallen ) and bringest to vs thy euerlasting helpe and refreshing , by Preaching of thy holy Gospell , wherewith wee may be holpen for euermore : vpon such thy gracious promises come I to thee , and pray thee from the bottome of my heart ( O my Lord God and Sauiour ) to be mercifull to me poore sinner , like as thou hast promised such mercy , for the loue of thy owne grace & merits : Amen , Lord Iesus Christ , Amen .

The Lords Prayer contained in a short forme .

ABba , deare Father ; wée thy vnworthy children call vpon thee in the name of thy beloued Sonne Iesus Christ , through thy holy Ghost , vphold vs by thy holy Word , giue vs honest and true Teachers and Preachers to distribute the same amongst vs : Release vs quickly out of the Diuels kingdome ; bring vs to thy Kingdoom of Grace , and to euerlasting life : And giue vs thy holy Spirit , that wee , as the Angels of God , may liue holily , according to thy will and pleasure . Nourish , blesse , and preserue our households , Wiues , Children , and Seruants , in this life : couer our trespasses and of fences , and giue vs a louing heart , to forgiue all those that haue offended vs . Let vs not consent vnto sinne , nor fall from thy onely Word of saluation , but keepe vs from the euill Fiend , and from all his deceites . Thou art a most mightie King , powerfull to rule ; thou canst , and wilt grant vs all these things : For which wee will giue thee thankes , and praise thee for euer , Amen .

A Prayer ( wherein the confession of our Christian Faith is simply contained ) wherewith a man may cal vpon God for st●engthening of his faith .

O Almightie and euerlasting God , which art a Father of all grace and mercy , and a God of all comfort . for vs poore sinners , which I and all Christians ( through reuealing of thy Word ) doe acknowledge and beleeue for certain , Therefore doe I land , honour , and praise thee , deare Father of heauen , for such thy vnspeakable loue , wherewith thou hast graciously had respect to vs thy enemies , transgressors of thy commandements , and damned creatures : Namely , in that thou hast not spared thy onely Sonne our Lord Iesus Christ , who is equall with the God head , and with the holy Ghost : Especially that thou hast let him bee incarnate for our sinfull nature and doings , with our actuall misdeeds : and howsoeuer we haue thereby deserued , and into manifold horrible reproches ; and finally to yeeld himselfe to the shamefull death of the Crosse . And so of pure fatherly loue , hast ordained him a Lambe , to carry my sinnes , and the sins of the whole world vpon the Crosse , and to be a perfect Oblation therefore , and dost proffer , proclaime , and promise the same throughout the whole world , commandest also the same to be beléeued , vpon paine of losing euerlasting saluation : for thereby , and by no other meanes , must it onely bee applyed and impropriated to me , and to all the faithfull , and to bée our owne .

Therefore , deare Father , do I constantly beleeue , according to the same reuealing of the holy Gospell , all this same , and doubt not thereof any thing at all , as I thy Childe am bound , and will doe , not respecting my vnworthinesse . In Christ thy onely Sonne , are all my sins , and all which beleeue , and boldly trust vnto it , sufficiently punished , corrected , spent , and through his perfect obedient death of the Crosse , all killed and taken away : And that I am , and also all Christians , through such faith , planted in the Kingdome of thy deare Sonne ( as the holy Scripture saith ) by whom we haue redemption through his bloud : namely , remission of sinnes .

I beleeue also verily , that in the death of Christ thy deare Sonne , my death is ouercome , that it shall neuer hurt mee nor consume mee into damnation , ( as the Scripture saith ) Christ hath ●a●ed of death for all ; hath taken into his power , and brought to lighten vntransitory life and being , through his Gospell .

I beleeue also , that the destroying of ●●ell , which was done by thy deare Sonne , is destroyed and torne asunder for mee and all faithfull ; that the same cannot consume or deuoure mee , nor any of the right beleeuers , as the Scripture saith , ●●ll , where is thy victory ▪ And in another place ; The gates of Hell shall not preuaile against the right Beleeuers . And The Prince of this world is iudged .

I beleeue also , that thy Commandements , with all the power thereof which they haue , haue no more right ouer mee , although I cannot absolutely keepe them : For the Lord Christ thy deare Sonne hath through his obedience perfectly kept the same for mee , and taken from them the right and interest which they had in mee : wherewith thou almighty , Euerlasting , and Merc●full God and Father , art satisfied .

I beleeue also , that the resurrection of Christ thy deare Sonne , is a new life vnto mee , and to all faithfull , vnto euerlasting life .

Finally , I beléeue also ( as the Scripture saith ) that hee is ascended into Heauen , and hath taken rule on the right hand of his Father : and answereth for me and al the faithfull , that hencefoorth the Diuell and all his power is taken , must bee subiect , and lie at the feete of mee and all the Faithfull .

Therefore I pray thée , O Lord GOD , thou infinite Fountaine of all grace , that through the power & working of the Holy Ghost , thou wilt giue mée such faith and acknowledging this day and lawaies , to the end of my life .

And I pray thee also , my Lord Iesus Christ , which art true and perfect GOD with the Father and the Holy Ghost ; forasmuch as thou hast put thy selfe vnder the tyranny of the Law , which ( by reason of sinne ) it had towardes mee and all mankind , and hast taken on thée my sinne , Death , Hell , and damnation , which I by all reason , right , and rigour thereof should haue borne ; that thou wilt help to still and pacifie these great misdeedes betwéene GOD our heauenly Father and mee , especially in my conscience , which continually disquieteth mee , through the power of God , & of the Holy Ghost , which thou hast promised to send vs from the Father . 〈…〉 so said , 〈◊〉 m●● 〈…〉 ●●●ek ▪ th●● , bu● th●●● 〈◊〉 the● ▪

Thou art the onely euer last 〈◊〉 , ●●vas●parable truth : There 〈◊〉 do I s●edfastly beleeu● , by knowledge of the S●●ty●u●e● , that thou art to m●●●●●●●o all Ecleeuers a 〈◊〉 h●pnest , a seat of Grace , and A●uacate so thy heauenly Father and I beleeue ve●rily , ( notwithstanding that reason is astonished thereat ) that through no other Oblation workes , or meanes , either in Heauen or on Earth , our sinnes , Death , Hell , and damnation , is ouercome and taken away and we at agreement with God thy heauenly Father , but onely through thee Iesus Christ ; whereon I will trust , and also die thereon . Thereto helpe thou me , thou deare God , Father , Sonne , and Holy Ghost . Amen .

O LORD Iesus Christ , which with the Father and the Holy Ghost a●● one vnseparable Essence , and a Fountaine of all Grace : I thanke and praise thee al●waies , that thou hast also reuealed vnto mee thy grace for my better comfort , as thou hast endued thy dea●e Mother Mary , and also other Saints , with great grace , and wrought wonderfull workes in them . I pray thee therefore heartily to look vpon on mee with the eyes of thy mercy , as thou diddest looke vpon the euill doer , which was hanged vpon the Crosse by thee , and diddest open his heart that hee confessed his sinnes , and was mightily afraide of them , but yet despaired not , but confessed , & desired thy grace and mercy which thou gauest to him willingly and plentifully . Also Saint Peter which denied thee : and Mary Magdalen in her sinfull liuing : And hast also respected Mathew the Customer in open estate , Saint Paul a raging and earnest persecutour of Christians : Also in the old Testament Dauid , King Manasses the Tyrant , and other sinners more , which thou didst bring to repentance and confession of their sins ; and of pure loue , grace and mercy ( which thou didst reueal vnto them by thy holy Word ) hast placed them with thee in thy Kingdome . Therfore dear God and mercifull Father , will I strengthen my self so much the more , and doubt nothing thereof .

These , and other godly people of worth , which thou of thy grace hast taken out of this sinfull life to righteousnes , are a comfort and example to mee , and all beléeuing Christians , that thou wast mercifull to them , and so wilt be to me , and to euery sinner which repents , according to thy owne pure loue , which the holy Ghost , through faith in the Gospell , worketh in vs both gracious and mercifull , and grants vs a happy end in such acknowledging of thy Name . Which , help thou me with , and all Christians ( dear God ) Father , Sonne , and holy Ghost , which art in three inseparable persons , one only and euerlasting GOD , for euer , Amen .

Heer follow certain Praiers , to call vpon God for strengthening of our faith .

O LORD ●ESUS CHRIST , strengthen mée also with thy holy Spirit in my feare and quaking . And admonish me , that I thinke vpon thy sacred Wounds in my last end . And let not thy holy and bitter Passion bee lost on mee poore sinner , thou which art therefore come , that thou maist destroy the Diuels worke , and pay and counterpoize my sinnes with thy hard and painfull labor : and thou which hast sworne , Thou wilt not the death of a sinner . Strengthen my weak faith , and kéep mee through thy Spirit of grace and of praier , vnto a happy end , Amen .

A Prayer .

O Lord Iesus Christ , I confesse vnto thée my great and manifold sins , and the righteous wrath of God , and euerlasting punishment which I haue deserued . But I comfort my self with the great loue and pure mercy of thy Father ; and pray thee ( séeing thy bloud is more than the sinnes of the whole world , and thou art our Mediatour and Aduocate ) that thou wilt bee Intercessor for mee to thy Father , that my faith doo not diminish , and that I neuer despaire of thy mercy for my sinnes , Amen .

A Praier .

O Lord Iesus Christ , increase my faith and trust in thée , that I despair not of thy gracious mercy , nor in my greatest sin perish in vnbeleef . O Lord , preserue for mee thy promised grace in the holy Gospell : let it not come out of my heart . Thou art my onely comfort and hope : stand to me in this my sorrow . Let not my poor soule come into the hands of my horrible . Aduersary , and giue him no power ouer me . But shew mee thy goodnes at this present : for thou art my Sauiour and Redéemer , Amen .

A Prayer .

O Lord Iesus Christ , I pray thee , through thy goodnes and mercy , that thou wilt strengthen my soule vpon thy holy way which lyeth before me , into thy heauenly and euerlasting Kingdome .

I beléeue , that thou diedst for my sake , hast of thy grace and mercy forgiuen mee my sins , and that euerlasting life is promised to mee . Of this my faith , O Lord , shall thou be witnes , and all thy Elect : and in this faith shall bee my last Will to die therein ( O Lord ) in thy pure mercy . And although I through griefe , want of sense , or other troubles , should fall off from the same yet ( O Lord ) let m●e not die in vnbelief and blasphemy : but strengthen and increase my faith , that neither sinne , hell , nor diuell , hurt me . Thou art stronger , and of more power than all they : whereunto I will trust . Lord , let me not be confounded , Amen .

A comfort out of holy Scripture against the feare of sinne . ESAY 12.

Behold , God is my saluation : I am safe , and feare not : for , God the Lord is my strength , my Psalm , and my saluation .

The first Comfort . How a man should comfort himself against sin , and the just anger of God , out of the comfortable promises of the holy Scripture .

The first comfortable sentence . GENESIS 3.

The Seed of the Woman shall tread down the head of the Serpent .

THis is the first Euangelicall Doctrine of the euerlasting Sonne of God in Paradise , reuealed vnto the fallen and damned mankinde ; whereby he might be released againe from death , Gods wrath , Sinne , Hell , and power of the Diuell , and might obtaine , through beliefe in these words , Comfort , Grace , Remission on of sinnes , and euerlasting life .

And with this Promise , haue all the holy men comforted themselues , vntill Abraham , two thousand yéers long : for , héer doth GOD tell vs , that he , euen of pure loue and mercy , will send vnto vs ( poore damned sinners ) his onely and deare Sount , borne of a Uirgine , to take vpon him mortall and humane flesh and bloud ; who should , with his absolute Obedience and Passion , pay the ransome of our sinnes , pacifie GOD's wrath kindled by reason of our sinnes , destroy Death through his death ; and with his victory , and rising againe , restore againe righteousnesse , resurrection , and euerlastin●g life .

This comfort should wée conceiue with faithfull harts , and bee certaine thereof , that the Diuels workes are destroyed for o●r sakes , and all his power taken away ; that wee neuer néed to bée afraid of sinne , death , hell , or God's anger ; but , through Iesus Christ our Lord , true God and Man , haue gotten againe righteousnesse and euerlasting life . Do did an honest Christian at ●reiberge in Misnia , in the yéere of our Lord 1547 , comfort himself with this sentence , and got victory ouer the diuell , who did trouble him by reason of his sinnes , and GOD's wrath .

For , as hee was troubled in his sicknes , the diuell came to him in visible forme with Ink and Paper , and sate him downe besides the sick man , and said ; Hee should rehearse his sinnes : hee was therfore there to write them vp , and to giue sentence vpon them . The sicke man was affraid : but yet hee remembred himself of this sentence , answered the diuel , and said he should write , The seed of the Woman should tread downe the head of the Serpent . Straight-waies the diuell vanished away , and left such a stinke behinde him in all the house , as if hée would haue choaked them all .

The second comfortable Sentence . GENESIS 22.

Through thy Seed , shall all the Nations of the earth bee blessed .

THis is the second Promise and Preaching of the Lord Iesus Christ . All other mankinde , from the first Adam vntill the last , were by nature full of wickednesse . God was angry with them , and became their enemy : for , there was no blessing with them , but cursing , because they were sinners .

But through this Man Iesus Christ , born of the Virgin Mary , the onely Son of the Father , full of Grace and Truth , is the onely right Séed of Abraham ; wherein all the Nations of the earth must bee blessed , if they will attaine vnto euerlasting saluation .

In this Sentence , behold what Saint Paul writeth to the G●lat . 3. where hee saith , Christ hath redeemed vs from the curse of the Law ( for , it is written , ●ursed is that man which hangeth on a tree ) ; that the blessing of Abraham might come among the Gentiles in sesus Christ ; And we doo receiue the promised Spirit through faith .

In this place Saint Paul placeth these two words one against another ; First , the curse ; and then , the blessing .

All men are of themselues poore , cursed , and dam●ed sinners : For , as the fouretéenth Psalme saith , They are all gone astray : there is none that dooth good ; no , not one . Against the which , this blessed Séed bringeth the blessing vnto vs , and redéemeth vs from the curse of the Lawe , in that hée was a curse for vs : for hee as the onely immaculate Lamb of God , hath taken our sinnes vpon him ; and , as S. Peter saith , Offred our sinnes himselfe with his body on the Crosse . Wee should henceforth bee quit from sinne , and liue vnto righteousnes ; or , as Saint Paul saith , To come to the blessing by him , and to receiue the Holy Ghost , and be the children of God . In this bespoken blessed séed did Abraham trust , and was happy . Abraham beleeued alwaies on God , and it was counted to him for righteousnes .

The third comfortable Sentence . ESAY 43.

Thou hast made me labor with thy sinnes , and hast made mee weary with thy misdeeds : I will wipe out thy transgressions for my names sake , and wil not think vpon thy sinnes .

IN this comfortable saying the Lord Iesus Christ teacheth vs , that hee onely hath paid the ransome and satisfaction for our sinnes , with his bloudy sweat , bitter passion & death ; and that hée through his owne merits hath forgiuen vs all our sinnes , in such sort , that they shall be wholly put out , and cleane wiped away before the face of God , and cast into the bottome of the sea , as though they had neuer béen , and shall neuer be thought vpon .

Therefore let vs not be afraid of the great●es or multitude of our sinnes , that wee despair not of Gods mercy , as ●ain & Lucas did ; but c●mfort our selues with the ●●ssion & s●t●sfaction of our Lo●d I●sus Christ , and some vpon th●s● words .

So did king Ezec●●●s comfort himselfe , E●ay 3● . in his great tribulation , by reason of his sinnes and the wrath of God ; where hee saith , Behold , I was much grieued for want of comfort : but thou hast heartily accepted of my soule , that it doo not perish : for , thou castest all my sinnes behinde thee ; that is , thou wilt no more know nor think vpon my sinnes . Likewise did King Dauid also pray in Psal. 51. Wash me from mine iniquiry , O Lord , and clense me from my sins : then shall I be whiter than snowe . For no other washing of anointing on earth can help .

The fourth comfortable Sentence . EZECHIEL 33.

So sure as I liue , saith the Lord , I haue no pleasure in the death of the vngodly ; but rather , that hee turne from his wickednes , and liue .

HEER the euerlasting Sonne of GOD , our onely Lord and Rock , sweareth an oath by himselfe ( because hée hath no greater ) , as true as he is a liuing , eternal , and almighty GOD , hée will not that a sinner die , and bée damned for euer ; but that hée , in acknowledging of his sinnes , and sure confidence of Christs bloud and merites , in true inuocation and good pretence turne vnto GOD , so shall hee surely obtayne remission of sinnes , euerlasting righteousnes , and the Holy Ghost , with eternall life . Vpon this deare , constant , and true oth , should wee haue respect when wee are troubled by reason of our sinnes , and Gods wrath , and also in our last end : and say or thinke , I care not now how often , and how greatly I haue sinned , and angred my Lord God : but I look vpon the oath , and comfort my selfe , that the true GOD hath sworn ( and hée cannot repent it ) he will not the death of a sinner : so will hee not also , that I bee damned , but for his Sonnes sake will forgiue mee all my sins , and take mee with him into euerlasting life . So did the holy Apostle S. Paul comfort himselfe and others ; as , in the first epistle to Timothy , and in the first chapter : It is certain and true ( saith he ) that Iesus Christ is comne into the world to saue poor sinners .

The fift comfortable Sentence . IOHN 3.

So God loued the world , that he gaue his onely-begotten Son , that whosoeuer beleeued on him , should not perish , but haue euerlasting life .

THis is one of the chiefest Sayings in all the new Testament , which IESUS CHRIST ( whom God the Father from heauen commands vs to hear ) did himselfe bring out of the bosome of his Father , and preached the same to his louing C●t c●●● 〈◊〉 ●●holar Nichodemus .

Wherein he teacheth vs his Father will , what the eternall GOD is determined towards the world , that is , towards all great sinners as euer were in the world , or yet may bee ; that hée loueth them , and will not haue them lost .

And this great loue did hée shewe and set foorth vnto vs , when-as there was no other meanes whereby the sinnes of the world might bée taken away , Gods wrath pacified , death and hell vanquished : then spared hee not his onely Sonne , but did let him take humane flesh and bloud vpon him , and to fulfill all which was vnpossible for vs to obserue , and suffer all payne and punishment , which all the world with their sinnes had deserued .

Whereby Gods righteousnesse might bee fully accomplished , and wee released from the curse of the Lawe .

This purchased treasure , through the onelie perfect oblation , the Holie-Ghost doth put into the Word of the Gospel , & into the holie Sacrament , and causeth to bée preferred to the whole world .

All that beleeue , that is , which doe acknowledge this onely Sauiour , and comfort themselues with heartie resuge to his demerits , shall not be lost , but haue eternall life . Therefore , let vs out of these words , learne to know Gods gracious will and fatherly loue , and comfort our selues against all tribulations , against sinne , and against the Lords an●er .

These sayings the deare and godly man Master Doctor Martin Luther , and the mightie Prince Iohn Fredericke , Duke of Saxon , of godly memorie , haue had in their last houre , for a happie comfort ; and so departed both of them happily , and with merry and quiet consciences .

And euen so did the poore Publican comfort himselfe in the Temple , Luke the eightéenth chapter , when he did pray vnto the Lord , God be mercifull vnto mee a poore sinner : that is to say , a wicked creature am I , and the most part of the world : but I doe recomfort my selfe with the fountaine of pure mercy , and endlesse loue of my most déere God , which he hath manifested vnto me in the passion and oblation of his onelie begotten Sonne our Redéemer Iesus Christ the Righteous , who hath payed and satisfied the ransome of my sinnes and ●a●ous transgressions , and hath pacified Gods wrath , and hath giuen vnto me euerlasting life .

The sixt comfortable Sentence . MAT. 11.

Come vnto mee , all you that labour and are ●eauie laden , and I will refresh you .

WHat can wée heare more kindly , yea or more louingly , then that the euerlasting Sonne of God calleth vnto him all that be weary and oppressed in heart , and troubled for their sinnes : and biddeth them come to his holy word , naming himselfe a gentle and humble Teacher ?

Let euery one reioyce in his heart , that God hath sent such holy comfort and refreshing vpon earth ; and promiseth in plaine words , that all , whether they be poore or rich , yong or old , shall surely find by him , rest , peace , ioy , refreshing , ease , help , and assistance , shall bee comforted in their soules , and bee made aliue againe .

Therefore , when any is tormented by reason of his sinnes , that he féele his heart troubled with sorrow , and almost ouerthrowne with discomfort : Let him not creepe into a corner , or run away from the people , as Adam did , Genesis 3. but let him run to the Lord Christ , and to these , and such other the like comfortable words , which wee shall finde in the house of God before his face , or where God hath appoynted , in remembrance of his name : that is , in preaching , in the holy Sacraments , and in the Writings of the Prophets and Apostles : for , so soone as we seeke Christ , hée will méete vs ▪ as hée saith in the first chapter of Zacharie , Tu●ne ye vnto me , then will I turne vnto you So doth the Lord méete Mary Magdalen , a poore troubled sinner , from whom our Lord and Sauior had before cast out seuen diuels , and maketh himselfe knowne vnto her soone after his resurrection , and comforted her heartily , when shee sought him , Iohn 20.

The seuenth comfortable Sentence . ROM. 5.

But where Sinne is mighty , there is Grace more mightie , through Iesus Christ , &c.

HEere doth S Paul méet with a great tribulation , and heauy thoughts . When wee do often thinke , My sins are too great : Oh , if I had not such great sins vpon my heart , then would I hope I should be saued :

There doth Saint Paul answere , If Sinne be great , yet Grace is greater , and excéedeth farre all our sinnes : that is , one droppe of Iesus Christs blood is greater , more glorious , powerfull , yea and stronger then all the greatest and fearefullest sinnes of the whole world : yea , as a little moat in the Sun , is not to be compared towards Heauen and Earth : so is the whole worlds sinne not to be compared to the precious blood of Iesus Christ .

And as the cleare Sunne darkens al the starres of heauen , that they cannot be seene in day time ( although they do stand in the firmament ) : euen so , when the right Sun rising shineth from aboue , all sinnes are quenched . Whosoeuer with heartie faith catcheth hold on the bloud of Christ , his sinnes are all couered before the face of GOD , that GOD will neuer sée them : and is reckoned so cleare and holy , as if hee had troubled no water all his life time .

For the bloud of Iesus Christ , the Sonne of Almightie God , purgeth vs of all our sinnes .

So did the holy Prophet Esay comfort himselfe and his people , in the first chapter , where he saith , Though your sins were like Purple , they shal be white as Wooll .

Likewise Dauid the Prophet , a man after Gods owne heart , in his déepest hell & tribulation comforteth himselfe thus , with the Lord is mer●ie and much redemption , as in the hundred and 30. Psalme : for the more sins that Christ forgiueth vs , the more is his praise , honor , and glory : as he himselfe teacheth in the seuenth chapter of Saint Lukes Gospel , where he doth speake of the great and open sinner ; To her are many sinnes forgiuen , because shee loued much . But to whom little is forgiuen , the same loueth little .

The eightth comfortable Sentence . PSAL 16.

I thanke the Lord that hath counselled me .

WHenas the first man ( through the craft of the old poisoned and fierie Serpent , and through their disobedience ) fell into sinne , Gods wroth , and iustice , which after succéeded vpon all Adams Children ; there was no comfort , not counsell to finde , except the helpe and redemption of our Lord and Sauiour Iesus Christ .

But through the wonderfull counsell of the high and godly Maiestie , at the intercession of the onely and euerlasting Mediatour , our Lord Christ , it was concluded , that the Sonne of almighty God , borne of the Father euerlasting , should take humane Nature vpon him , pacifie Gods fierce and iust anger , and bring vs out of the Diuels power , and euer counsell and help vs , from whence he carrieth the name : so that Flay the Prophet , in the ninth chapter ( amongst other glorious names ) calleth him a Counseller .

Now when wée are ouerwhelmed by reason of our manifold sinnes and transgressions , then let vs cause such help , as a harty and true counsell , to be brought before vs , by preaching of the holie Gospel .

And let it be preached vnto vs , that through confidence of his gracious help and redemption , wée shall be quit of our sinnes , released from death , and obtaine his grace , righteousnesse , and euerlasting life .

This is such a true counsell , that in all tribulations we may stade , and haue some comfort therein : which Dauid did acknowledge , and thereforre saith , Had it not beene for thy Word , I had perished in my miserie , Psal. 119. and heere hee giueth the Lord harty thanks for all such mereifull comfort and help : I thank the Lord my GOD , which hath counselled mee

For , this is also a counsell of such power , that if a man should now depart out of this life , and that neither goods , f●iends , riches , mony , or gold , nor any other temporall matter or thing , wherein he had peraduenture héere to fore put his trust , can counsell or help ; yet hath he heere by Christs word , a sure and certayne comfort , and a powerfull counsell , whereby hee shall bee r●ght and well , yea prosper and bee holpen for euermore .

This dee the poore Christians acknowledge in 〈◊〉 : Therefore , when they should depart out of this miscrable life , and leaue all that is temporall , they doe take hold of this happie comfort and counsell of the holy Gospel in their hearts , and die therein happily Thus Saint Peter comforted himselfe , Iohn 6. Thou hast the word of life . And the Apostle Saint Paul , in the first chapter of his Epistle to the Romans , The Gospel of Christ Iesus , is the power of of God to saluation to all that beleeue .

How a man should comfort him selfe against sinne , and Gods iust indignation . Other general comfortable sentences . ESAY 1.

IF your sinnes were redde like blood , yet shall they bee white as Snow : and if they were like purple , they shall be like wooll .

Esay 2.

The Lord will not iudge according to the sight of his eies , nor punish according to the hearing of his eares : But will with righteousnes iudge the poore .

Esay 6.

Thou kéepest continuall peace , according to sure promise , for man relyeth vpon thée : Therefore rely you vpon the Lord alwaies , for God the Lord is an euerlasting Rocke .

Esay 27.

God is not angry with me .

Esay 38.

Thou hast heartily accepted my Soule that it perish not , for thou hast cast all my sins backward behind thee .

Esay 40.

Comfort my people ( saith your God ) speake faire to leru ●ale●r , and preach to her , that her warrefare is at air end , her misde●des are pardoned , for shee hath receiued double from the hands of the Lord for all her sinnes .

Esay 44.

Israel , d ee not forget mee , I driue away thy misdeeds like a cloud , and thy sinnes like a mist . Turne thee vnto me , for I haue red●emed thee . Reioyce , yee Heauens , for the Lord hath done it .

Esay 53.

Hée was wounded for our misdeeds , and beaten for our sins : The punishment was laid vpon him , that we might haue peace , and through his wounds are wee healed .

Esay 53.

Through his knowledge shall my righteous Seruant make many righteous , for he beareth their sinne .

Esay 64.

Thou Lord art our Father and Redeemer ; from the beginning hitherto , that was thy name .

Esay 66.

I haue respect to the wretched and him that is of a lowly spirit , which is afraid of my Word .

●zechiel 33.

So sure as I liue , I will not she death of a sinner , but that hée turne from his wickednesse and liue .

Dan. 9.

In the Lord our God is mercifulnesse , and forgiuenesse .

Zachary 9.

Thou redeemest also through the bloud of thy Couenant , thy Prisoners out of the pit wherein is no water .

Micheas 7.

Who is such a God as thou art , which forgiuest sins , and releasest misdeeds ?

Ierem.

Hée is mercifull , hee will take pitty on vs againe , put downe our wickednesse , and cast all our sins into the bottome of the Sea .

Ionas 4.

I know that thou art gracious , mercifull , long suffering , and of great goodnesse , and repentest thée of euill .

Psal. 13.

I hope vpon thée , because thou art so merciful , my heart reioyceth that thou so willingly helpest .

Psal. 25.

The Lord is good and gracious , therefore directeth hée sinners vpon the right way .

Psal. 22.

I said , I will confesse my transgressions vnto the Lord : and thou forgauest mee the inquity of my sinne .

Psal. 31.

I rejoyced and was glad in thy goodnesse , that thou didst consider my misery , and know my soule in his need .

Iohn 3.

God hath sent his Sonne into the world , not to iudge the world , but that the world through him might bee saued . Whosoeuer beléeueth on him shall not bee iudged .

Iohn 3

Like as Moses sifted vp the Serpent in the Wildernesse , so must the Sonne of man bee lifted vp , to the end that all which beleeue in him , should not perish , but haue euerlasting life .

Iohn 1.

This is the Lambe of God which taketh away the sins of the world .

Iohn 6.

This is the will of him which sent mee , that whosoeuer looketh on the Son , and beléeueth in him , hath euerlasting life , and I will raise him vp at the last day .

Iohn 6.

Verily , verily , I say vnto you , whosoeuer beleeueth on mee , hath euerlasting life .

Math. 1. The Angell saith of Christ .

Hée shall saue his people from their sinnes .

Mathew 9.

I am come to call sinners to repentance , and not the righteous .

Luke 24.

Thus it is written ; and so must Christ suffer . And in his name doe they preach Repentance , and forgiuenesse of sins amongst all people .

Acts 4.

There is no other saluation , nor any other name giuen to mankinde , whereby they should be saued .

Acts 10.

Of Christ doo all the Prophets witnesse , that through his Name , all they which beléeue in him , should receiue remission of sinnes .

1. Tim. 1.

This is a true and worthy Saying , that Iesus Christ is comne into the world to saue poor sinners .

1. Tim. 2.

There is one GOD , and one Mediatour betwirt God and man ; namely , the Man Christ Iesus , who gaue himself for vs , to the redemption of all .

1 Iohn 2.

If any man sinne , we haue an Aduocate with GOD the Father , Iesus Christ , who maketh vs righteous , and hee is the atonement for our sinnes .

1 Iohn 4.

GOD hath loued vs , and sent his Son for a reconciliation of our sins .

1 Peter 2.

Christ hath offered vp our sinnes himselfe with his body vpon the Crosse ; to the end we might be frée from sinne , and liue vnto righteousnesse : through whose wounds you are healed .

1 Cor. 1.

Christ is made to vs from God , for righteousnes , glory , and redemption .

1 Thes. 5.

GOD hath not appointed vs to wrath , but to attaine saluation through our Lord Iesus Christ , which died for vs .

1 Pet. 1.

Ye are not redéemed with transitorie siluer or gold , but with the most precious bloud of Christ like a guiltlesse and vnspotted Lamb.

1. Iohn 1.

The bloud of Iesus Christ maketh vs cleane from all sinne .

Mat. 9.

Be comforted , my sonne : thy sins are forgiuen thée .

The second comfort against sin , and the right wrath of God , out of examples of holy Scripture .

BEsides these mercifull promises , God hath caused many comfortable examples to bee written in the sacred Scriptures ; how hee hath taken the greatest sinners to mercy , when they haue méekely acknowledged and confessed their sinnes , belieued in Iesus Christ , and amended their liues ; and all for the comfort of vs poore sinners .

For , when sinne and Gods wrath is rightly felt in our harts , some man is somtimes so troubled therewith , that no comfortable Sayings will enter into the heart : but hée thinks alwaies ; Ah! GOD speaks not of such great sinners as thou art .

But , that the mercifull God not onely promiseth forgiuenes of all great and manifold sinnes , but sheweth also indéed , what sinners and wicked people hee hath iustified ; he hath set downe diuers examples , which in our feare and despaire wee may set before vs for a singular comfort .

First , as these : first , Adam and ●●e , the greatest sinners , blasphemers , and murderers of all mankinde ; by whose sins and disobedience , all sin , shame , death , and euerlasting damnation , came ouer all men : and yet GOD made them pure and holy , after his owne Image .

Then when they were fallen into sin and disobedience , GOD shewed this mercy vnto them , and receiued them again , for the promised blessed Séeds sake , as the first Euangelicall Promise was giuen to them for a comfort , Genesis 3. which they beséeued , though they had no example of the forgiuenesse of sins .

Secondly , Abraham was an idolatrous man , and serued the idols of Vr in Chaldea : to him did GOD giue the Promise of the blessed Séed , and made him a Father of all Beléeuers , that is , as Esay in his fortith Chapter reporteth ; Comfort my people , saith the Lord : for , their offenses are forgiuen , and they haue receiued double from the Lords hands for all their misdeeds .

But this is double ; that GOD first remitteth to vs the sinne , and releaseth to vs the punishment of the sinne , and after giueth vs withall euerlasting righteousnes and saluation , that wee may liue and raigne with him in euerlasting righteousnes , ioy and glory .

Thirdly , Dauid , though an abominable wedlock-breaker and murderer , hath forgiuenes of sins for Christ's sake , and is saued for euer .

Fourthly , Manasses , the cruell and raging tyrant , who with a Saw caused the holy Prophet Esay to bee cut in sunder ( when he had preached eighty yeers in great pain and labour ) and spilled much innocent blood , set vp all heathnish idolatry , letting his owne son passe through the fire ; and lastly , offred him vp aliue to Moloch : then , when he was in prison , he turned and humbled himselfe vnto God , and prayed him with teares ; the Lord God did heare him , and brought him again to Ierusalem , to the earthly and heauenly Kingdom , 2 Kings 27.

Fiftly , what a great sinner was the thief on Christs right hand , and other intolerable Vsurers & Publican sinners !

Sirtly , how grossely haue the deare Apostles oft-times gon astray ! How horribly fel Saint Peter , when he denied his Master , in taking-vpon him so much , & cursed himself !

What innocent bloud did Saint Paul help to spil , when he was a persecuter of Christ his Congregation ! For all these Christ prayed , forgaue them all their sinnes , and saued them for euer . Also through them hee did much good in Christendome .

Seuenthly , Christ also had many sinners in his kinred , and are so registred , which were his Grandfathers and Grandmothers according to the flesh ; as , Iuda the bloud-thirsty , Rachab the common Harlot and Heathen at Iericho ; to shew thereby , that he was comne into this world to saue sinners .

These examples hath Almighty GOD ( through the holy Ghost ) written vp for the learning and comfort of vs poor and wretched sinners , that wée should beleeue , God will forgiue vs all our sinnes for his Sonnes sake , as often and as horribly as wée haue offended , not that wée should thinke our selues safe , and presumptuously sin on such mercy of the ●ord , but that we might haue a sure comfort and consolation against sinne and damnation , that wée despaire not by reason of our sinnes , or flée away from Christ : which is the onely sin whereby the world was damned , Iohn the sixtéenth Chapter : As the Apostle Saint Paul also sheweth vs this profit , 1 Tim. 1. where hee writeth thus : This is a true Saying , that Iesus Christ is comne into the world to saue sinners ; among which , I am the chief .

But mercy is shewed to me in this respect , that Iesus Christ hath shewed patience on mee for example , that all that beléeue in him , should haue euerlasting life . Therefore to God the eternal king , the vntransitory , inuisible , and onely wise God , bee all praise and glory for euer , Amen .

A Praier .

O Lord Iesus Christ , thou onely Fountaine of all grace and mercy , thou neuer didst deny thine endless mercy , neither to Mathew , nor the Publican , nor Mary Magdalen , nor the lost sonne , nor to Peter nor Zacheus the Tole-keeper , nor to the Thief on the Crosse , nor yet to any mankinde . Thou hast spoken with fatherly & comfortable spéeches , Come vnto me , all you that labour and are heauy ▪ laden , and I will refresh you . O take care of mee , and look vpon mee with thine eyes of godly compassion , euen as thou didst look vpon Peter ,

I , a poor and vnworthy sinner , doo stand before thée , laden with so many great sins and offenses , that , by reason thereof , I cannot look vp , being both abashed and asham'd before that godly Maiestie whom I haue grieuously offended , and knowe not what to say . O Lord , be mercifull to me a wretched sinner : turn away thy wrath , and impart thy mercy with me . Which I do desire with hearty tears , through the merits of Christ Iesus our alone Lord and Redéemer .

The third comfort against sinne and Gods wrath , out of the holy Sacrament . Esay 4.

THe Lord shal wash away the filthinesse from the daughter of Sion , and shall purge the bloudy sinne from Ierusalem by the Spirit of iudgement , and by the Spirit of burning .

Esay 12.

With ioy and consolation shall you draw water from out of the Well of Saluation .

Zach. 13.

At that time shall the house of Dauid , and the Citizens of Ierusalem , haue a free and open Well against sinne and vncleannesse .

Mark 16.

Whosoeuer beléeueth , and is baptized , shall be saued .

Acts 2.

Peter saith , Repent , and let euery one bée baptized in the Name of Iesus Ch●ist our Sauiour for the remission of sinnes .

Iohn 20.

Christ saith to his Apostles , Receiue the holy Ghost : whose sins you forgiue , they are forgiuen .

Mat. 26.

Christ saith , This is my bloud of the new testament , which is shed for many for the remission of sins .

BEcause oftentimes tribulation & grief is so great , and sorrow with the combate of death so ouertakes vs , that we cannot hastily , and in such great weaknesse , remember our selues of any sentence or example ; and that a man begins often to despair whether God hath forgiuen him his sinnes , and will be mercifull to him , and if Christs bloud especially bee shed for him also : so : there hath the Lord , of his great loue , not onely giuen vs his holy promise , and set downe comfortable examples , especially the holy and worthy Sacraments ; that is to say , Baptism , and his holy Supper : which hee hath instituted and ordained for remission of sinnes , especially to all them that are baptized in his bloud , and absolueth euery one of all their transgressions , that hée may bée sure hée is also cleare thereof in heau●n before the face of God ; and féedeth euery one seuerally with his Body and precious Bloud , to the end hée may bee assured , Christs Bloud was shed for his sins , and his Body offred vp also for his mis-déeds , and giueth the same to euery one that receiueth the same ( in true Faith , acknowledging his sinnes , and in good pretense ) all and what soeuer hee hath earned and obtained with his Obedience , Death , and Passion .

With this holy Sacrament should wee admonish and comfort our selues , when sorrow , and the combate of death , is at the greatest , that wee cannot remem●er any thing else ; and think and say thus much in our hearts : I am baptized ; whereby God the holy Trinity , hath made an euerlasting couenant with mée , that he will bée and continue my GOD , and hath not grounded the same vpon my goodnes , but vpon his infinite mercy , the merits of his onely Sonne , and vpon the grace and power of the holy Ghost . So am I absolued through Christ , and haue oftentimes receiued the holy supper of the Lord according to his institution : therefore I am certaine of the forgiuenes of all my sins , Gods grace , and saluation of my soule .

For , if the euerlasting , mercifull God , and my Lord Iesus , with the holy Ghost , would not haue mee saued , or taken me to mercie , he would not haue suffered mee to be baptized , or called mee to his Kingdome through his holy Gospell , nor let mee so often receiue the holy Sacrament .

Therefore should we haue these worthy Sacraments in great estimation , and often resort to the holy Communion of our Lord , vsing the same in right worthinesse for confirming of our faith , and comfort against sin , and the wrath of God in our last end .

A Prayer .

O Thou euerlasting , true , mercifull God and Father , I thanke thee through Iesus Christ thy deare Son , in the power and vnspeakeable sighing of the holy Ghost , that thou hast suffred mee to be baptized in the name and power of the holy Trinity , and taken me vp for thy child , and through power of the keies hast absolued me from all my sinnes , and fed mee with the body and bloud of thy deare Sonne , for the strengthening of my faith , and forgiuenesse of all my sinnes .

And I pray thée , dear Father , that thou wilt vphould me through thy holy Spirit , in true saith and confidence to my end , that I may sléep in peace like to holy Simeon , and rise againe with the righteous to euerlasting glory , through Iesus Christ thy dear Sonne , our onely Lord and Sauiour , Amen .

A Praier to bee said , when a man will receiue the blessed Sacrament of the Body and Bloud of Christ .

O LORD IESVS CHRIST , thou liuing Sonne of God , which before thy Death and Passion didst institute and ordaine to all Christians a new Testament of the most worthy Sacrament of thy most holy Body and Bloud : which I poore sinner am not worthy to vse , or take thy holy Body and Bloud into my vncleane mouth , or vpon my sinnefull tongue : and that thou , béeing so great a Lord , shouldest come vnder the couer of my house , or into my vnprofitable Bodie , I am ( alas ! ) not worthy . But I pray thée ( O dear GOD and Brother ) open thou my mouth , touch thou my tongue , and purge thou my heart from all sinnes , and make mee thy poore seruant worthy of thy most holy Testament , that I may receiue , take and vse ' thy most worthy bodie , and pure deare bloud of thy Sacrament , to the health and saluation of my soule , strengthning of my faith , amendment of my life , in burning loue towards thee , true loue towards my neighbour : and bring mee to euerlasting life , Amen .

A Praier of Thanksgiuing .

O Almighty and euerlasting God , I praise and thanke thy godly mercifulnesse , that thou hast fed mee with the flesh and blood of thy onely Sonne Iesus Christ , my Lord and Sauiour , and doe pray thee most humbly , thou wilt with the Holy Ghost so worke within mee , that I which haue receiued this blessed Sacrament with the mouth , may also with constant faith , conceiue and alwaies keepe fast thy godly grace , of remission of sinnes , and iustification with Christ , which is therein shewed and promised , and euerlasting life through our Lord Iesus Christ thy deare Sonne , who with thee in vnitie of the holy Ghost liueth and rai●neth , one true God for euer and euer , Amen .

A godly confession of the deare and worthy man M. Iohn Stoliz .

MY sins doe trouble mee .

Gods grace ioyeth me .

Two things know I ,

A poore sumer am I ,

God is mereifull :

The first , acknowledge I ; The second , beléeue I.

O God bée mereifull to mée poore sinner .

God giueth .

Christ meriteth .

Faith conceiueth .

Workes do witnesse .

Come to helpe mee , thou good God ; weake is mans helpe in tune of need .

Esay 42.

The bruised Reede shall bee not breake , and the glowing Tow shall ●ee n●t quench out . O Lord strengthen & increase our faith , Amen .

Of Gods gracious and euer lasting Prouidence and Maintenance , a most true comfort . Psalme 37.

WHen I haue but thee ( my Lord Iesus Christ ) I care not for heauen or earth . When my body and soule fayle mee , yet art thou alwaies God , the comforter of my heart , and portion .

Zachary 12.

OVer the house of Dauid and ouer the Citizens of Ierusalem , will I powre out the Spirit of Grace , and of Prayer , for they shall looke vpon mée , whom they haue pearced .

HEere doth the Lord promise to send his Holy Ghost to vs poore sinners , as Saint Iohn in the 15. and 16. Chapters , often maketh mention of this promise : for because wée are weake and of little faith , when sinne and Gods wrath doe terrifie vs , to the end our faith cease not , then shall the Holy-ghost ( as a true Comforter ) strengthen and comfort vs , and bee witnesse to our hearts , that our sinnes bee forgiuen , and that weere in grace , and she children of GOD , and shall help vs to sigh and pray with vnspeakeable sighing .

Therewithall also shall the How-ghost for the comfort & strengthening of our faith , admonish and shew vs the holy wounds , whereby wee may acknowledge , that he was wounded and pearced for our sins , and his blood shed for the clensing and washing away of all our sinnes .

II. Esay 54.

SO haue I sworne , that I will not bée angrie with thee , nor yet reprooue thee : for the Mountaines shall remoone , and the hills shall fall away ; but my Grace shall not , ●oe away from thee , and the Conenant of my Peace shall not fall away , saith the Lord thy compassioner .

GOd the Almighty hath ( through Christ , his hest beloued Sonne ) erected a Conenant of peace with vs , and confirmed the same with an doth , That if we do beleeue in Christ , hee will not punish , nor yet concernne vs for euermore , but continue our deare and louing Father eternally .

Such promise is so certaine , that the Mountaines shall fall down ; yea Heauen and Earth shall passe away , before such words faile .

A very glorious and comfortable cause doth the Prophet set héereunto . The Lord thy Compassioner hath said ; that is , God is so mercifull , that hee will not condemne you for your sinnes : Whosoeuer beléeueth in Christ with a faithfull heart , shall rest in grace , and hee will for euer release and helpe him out of all misfortune .

III. Esay 54.

Feare them not , thou shalt not bée ashamed . Bee not weake , for thou shalt not bée mocked .

THESE are faire and comfortable words . The Holy Ghost seeth how flesh and bloud doe forment vs Christians ; for although they haue exceeding promises , and sure comfort , yet is this weakenesse continually by it , that their hearts bee fearefull , and weake . They are astonished at the diuels power , and are afraide by reason of their vnablenesse : for because examples doe stand before our eyes , how God doth sometime let the godly fall , therefore feare they the like will happen vnto them : but God comforteth them , they shall not bee ashamed nor mocked : that is , God will not let them die or perish in their sinnes , but he will redéene them and help them for euer . For , to bee ashamed is nothing else in the Scripture , but when hope faileth and is in vaine .

So the Rich man hoped in his money & goods , but he was ashamed therby ; for a thousand things may happen to them , where neyther money nor goods will help at all . So must ther be ●shamed , who hope vpon I clatrie , & their owne goodnesse . But they which set their hope on God , that hee will , for Christs sake , bée mercifull , and help , and saue them , this hope is sure , ●letteth them not be ashamed . So did Dauid comfort himselfe , Psalme 31. Vpon thee doe I trust , let me not be ashamed , release me through thy righteousnesse .

III. Esay 54.

Thou shalt bée prepared through righteousnes Thou shalt bee farre from force and wrong , that thou needest not bée afraide thereof , for it shall not come neere thee .

HEere must thou not apply these wordes , force , wrong and feare , temporally ; for with Christians héere it shall not bée otherwise , but that they shall bée oppressed , and sundry wayes made afraid , as Experience sheweth . And Christ saith , In the world you shall haue sorrow .

But the Holy Ghost speaketh of Force , Wrong , and Feare , that is euer and eternally ; from which Christians are sledde away through remission of sinnes ( which they beléeue through Christ ) for they know that GOD is their Father : although he let them suffer corporally , they comfort themselues with his helpe and grace , and know , whilest they haue Christ , they cannot misse .

V. Esay 49.

Sion saith , The Lord hath forsaken me : The Lord hath forgotten me . Can a woman forget her Childe , that shée take not pitty of the sonne of her body ? and although shée should forget it , yet will I not forget thee : Behould , I haue marked thee in the very hand .

When the Lord God a little suffereth vs to fall into apparent need , crosse , and sufferance , and helpeth not quickly ; then faileth often-times our comfort , and we thinke God hath forgotten vs . In such tribulation , hee sheweth vs a comfortable Image to looke vpon , and to learne therby to strengthen our faith .

Thou art ( saith he ) a father or mother , & hast louing children : tell me , if thy child should be for a while from thee , couldest thou forget it ? Oh no , it is impossible for any that are in their right wits , or that haue any reason or vnderstanding : for children come from the heart , and goe to the heart againe .

But to me , saith the Lord , it is more impossible , for my heart is not so sickle as mans , neither is my grace so short or narrow .

I haue an eternall grace and mercy ; therefore can I as little forget my Christians as mine hand , they are noted in my hand .

I thinke on them continually , they are alwayes before my godly eies , that I must see them , and cannot forget them , yea & doe vphold them also , through the right hand of my Righteousnes , so that no man , neither Sinne , Hell , Death , nor Diuell , can by any meanes pull them out of my hand .

VI. Psal. 8.

Thou hast put all things vnder his feete .

WEe poore Creatures are afraid of this vile naughty world , the Turke , Death , and his beggerly sicknesse , and of the very Diuell , and are afraide of his tyranny and hellish power , which is naturall : but when wee acknowledge our Lord Iesus Christ , and what power and might hée hath , wherefore neede we be afraid ? As the Church singeth very comfortably out of the sixe and fortie Psalme .

If all the world fell diuels were , and would vs all deuoure : Yet need we not then for to seare , of vs they haue no power .

For this Champion , which is alwaies our Sauiour and Emanuel , is alwayes by vs , and hath such power to defend vs , and to vphold vs , that hee will bee our stedfast rocke and bulwarke against all our Aduersaries , Sinne , Death , and the Diuell , and preserue vs euermore : for God the Father hath put all things vnder his feete .

And this saying must not bee vnderstood of Sheepe , Oren , wilde beasts , and Fishes of the Sea , but by this word ( All ) vnderstand all Diuels , all hellish rabblement , Turks , and Heathens : In summ● , the very gates of Hell ▪ all sickenesse , Plague , Pestilence , &c. is all put vnder Christs feet , that is to say , vnder his power .

Therefore is it a sure comfort vnto vs , that wee haue a strong couragious Lord to defend vs . For all the Diuels ( how horrible soeuer they seeme ) with all their armies and hellish power , are no● able to make a Christian die , without the will of the Lord Iesus Christ , they must all acknowledge him to bee ●he ●●●rd , and now the k●ee before him . When dare not once s●●re , rec●pt 〈◊〉 bee ●is will ; much lesse , seeing hee hath with his owne blood bought vs to his euerlasting Kingdome , and will not hinder vs of our saluation .

This comfort should euerie Christian bée sure of , that hée may say , I beléeue in Iesus Christ our Lord , &c.

I am certaine that Iesus Christ is Lord of heauen and Earth ; yea , of all in the water , in the depth of Hell : that hee hath all in his hands , in his power and command , in such sort , that all the Diuels , Hell , and Death , how raging soeuer they bee , cannot crooke a ●●ire of mée , or of any member of Christ .

Also , all diseases , sicknesse , or pestilence , without his will , cannot poyson one little veine in mee : But if it doe happen with his will , then must it not bee hurtfull vnto mee , but a furtherance and seruiceable to my saluation .

A praier .

O My God , my Lord , and Father , shew vnto my poore soule , that it may perceiue thou art my rocke , bulwark , shield , tower , treasure , defence , trust , helpe , refuge , protection and goodnesse ; that I in this my great néede and tribulation , may , through thy godly grace , haue help and assistance against my aduersaries , and bee preserued for euer .

Lord , vpon thee do I trust , let me neuer be ashamed .

Into thy hands , O Lord , I commend my Spirit : O Lord , thou true God , release thou me , Amen .

Generall comfortable Sentences , wherewith a man may comfort himselfe with Gods eternall preseruation . Esay 41.

THOU shalt bée my seruant , for I haue chosen thee , and cast thee not away . Feare not , I am with thée . Goe not aside , for I am thy God , I strengthen thee , I helpe thee also , and I p●eserue thee through the right hand of my Righteousnes .

Esay 43.

Feare thou not , I haue redeemed thee , I haue called thee by thy Name , thou art mine .

Psalme 31.

Lord , on thee doe I trust , let mee neuer bée confounded , deliuer mee through thy righteousnesse .

Item .

Be comforted , and not dismayed , all you that tarry for the Lord .

Psal. 32.

The vngodly hath many sorrowes , but hee that trusteth in the Lord , shall be compassed with goodnesse .

Psal. 91.

Though a thousand fall at thy side , and tenne thousand on thy right hand , yet shall it not touch thee .

Psal. 91.

Vpon the Lion and Adder shalt thou goe , and tread vpon the young Lion and Dragon .

Psal. 23.

Goodnesse and mercifulnesse shall follow mee all my life time : and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord for euermore .

Iohn 14.

In my Fathers house are many dwellings : if it were not so , I would haue told you : I goe hence to prepare the places for you .

Iohn 14.

I will not leaue you fatherlesse : I liue , and you shall also liue .

Iohn 14.

I will come againe , and take you vnto mee , that you may be where I am .

Iohn 12.

Where I am , there shall also my seruant be .

Item .

When I shall be lifted vp from the earth , then will I draw them all vnto me .

Iohn 10.

I knowe my shéep , and am knowne of mine : and no man shall pull them out of mine hands .

Rom. 8.

If God bée with vs , who shall bée against vs ? who also hath not spared his onely son , but hath giuen him for vs ; how can hes not but giue vs all with him ?

Rom. 8.

I am sure , that neither death nor life , neither Angell nor principality , nor power , neither things present , nor to come , neither height , nor depth , nor any other creature , can separate vs from the loue of God , which is in Christ Iesus our Lord , Amen .

A Prayer .

LAud , praise and thankes , bee vnto thée , my Lord Iesus Christ , for thy holy incarnation , for thy martyrdom and litter passion ; out of which I acknowledge , that thou art my Redéemer and Sauiour ; and do beléeue , that thou hast ouercome sin , death , hell , and the diuell , that they cannot hurt me . With this onely doo I comfort me : héervpon build I : there standeth my hope : there will I bée found . Onely bee gracious and mercifull vnto mee , as I doubt not of thy sure promise . O Lord , let mee not sink or despaire in this my great tribulation and necessity , but preserue mee happily by such sure comfort , Amen .

Esay 49.

Thou shalt vnderstand that I am the Lord ; of whom they shall not bee ashamed , which tarry for me , &c.

A comfort for poore sicke people , which are troubled by reason of their grieuous sicknes . Psal. 118.

THe Lord thastiseth mée , but giueth me not ouer to death .

Psal. 119.

It is good for mée that thou hast chastised me , that I may learn thy Lawes .

WHen any outward mis-fortune , crosse or sicknesse falleth vpon vs , then are wée sundry waies assaulted : wée behaue our selues impatiently , and doo comolain and wéep for it . Such impatience is a great torment to a Christian : for , when the diuell can doo nothing else on him , then commeth he with impatience , that many in their miseries doo snarle and powt .

But if we could remember this onely word , as Dauid saith , It is good , Lord , that thou hast chastised mee ; we should rather wéepe and cry when we are without crosses , sickenesse , or other aduersity . But , what prosit or goodnesse this Crosse is of , should euery Christian earnestly thinke on in all his temptations .

The chiefest profit of the Crosse , is this : First , that thereby fleshly lust and desire may bée hindred , that it be not lasciuious , and throwe vs not into damnation , as our noerest enemie which wée daily carry in our bosomes : for , as a man must spurre a Horse , and hold him with the bridle , and bring him forward , Psalm 32. so must the Lord God also spur and bridle our olde Adam through the Crosse ; without which correction , wée shall neuer come there , whereunto woe through the Crosse haue cause .

2 Then shall wee thereby be driuen to the Word , and to Prayer , and brought also to be penitent , as the Prophet Esay saith ; Onely mischance and tribulation teach vs to mark the Word ; or ( as Dauid chastised mee , that I might learn thy Lawes .

3 If it should alwaies bée with vs according to our own carnall wils , then should wée be proud and insolent , &c. But when God catcheth hould on vs with sicknes or any other crosse , then wee acknowledge our disability .

4 Wee shall bee thereby occasioned to esteeme and acknowledge Gods gracious and almighty help ; that hee is to vs a Rock , a Bulwark , Defense , Protection , Help and Strength in all our néed and necessity ; without which gracious help , wée despaire of all things , and must bee without comfort . Now , when the diuell , with his poison , pestilence , and beggerly sicknesse , is worst-minded towards vs , and scattereth his plagues and sickenesse among vs , yet then haue wee Christians GOD for a sure comfort : wee are vnder his godly protection & defense , and do trust alwaies on Gods help ; therfore shall we neuer be ashamed .

5 Then , when wée haue obtained and gotten GOD's helpe , others shall in like maner be therewith strengthned and comforted , that they , in all their tribulation and néed , may set their comfort & hope on the Lords gracious help .

6 Although the Crosse doo bring such profit , that many more causes might bee rehearsed ; yet the greatest comfort vnder the Crosse is , that wee bee thereby assured , that wee are the children of God for euer , and so shall remain ; seeing that euery father correcteth his deare childe , if hée take it vp ( to the end it may bée kept in kindly obedience ) Hebrews 12 Prouerbs 20.

And héer it goeth after the common Prouerb , as often as the honest Parents do say before their Children ,

O dear Rod , Thou makest me good : Thou makest me gentle to be , That the Hangman Be not troubled with me .

Such causes , how fatherly soeuer our Lord God means , that hée layeth so many kinde of crosses vpon His ; and withall , the great bountifull goodnesse and profit that the same tribulations bring vnto vs , let vs earnestly thinke vpon , when we are in misery , sicknesse , or other calamities , and not murmure against GOD : for , he knowes his creatures best , and can tell what is good and profitable both for soule and body . So did the Lord Iesus well see before , the tribulation that his Disciples should haue after his death and passion : but he comforted them , Iohn 16. It is good for you that I goe hence : for , if I goe not , the Comforter wil not come to you ; but , if I go hence , I will send him to you .

Therefore should wée set our will to GOD's will , as Syrach in the 2 Chap. admonisheth : My Childe , if thou wilt bee Gods Seruant , then prepare thee to tribulation : leane thou vnto God , and shrink not , that thou maist bee alwaies stronger . Suffer whatsoeuer happeneth vnto thee , and bee patient in all thy troubles : for , like as gold is tried in the fire ; so shall they whom God pleaseth , bee tried through the fire of aduersity .

I. Against the first assaulting vnder the Crosse . God esteems vs not . Esay 27.

I The Lord do kéep my vineyard , that is , my Christians , and water it quickly that his leaues doo not wither : I will preserue it day and night .

Héer doth God the Lord comfort vs , that his Christians should not bee grieued with the Crosse : for , he compareth his Christendome to a pleasant Vineyard that standeth open on all sides , that euery one may come in ; and no man keeps it , but lets it ly , yea , that it wants rain , and all will wither and bee dry . So doo wee also think vnder the Crosse , that God careth not for vs , else should wee hée better . But it is certain , that God himself wil be Guardian ouer his Christians , and will send them the rain of grace & comfort in all their temptations , as hee héer saith , ●●●e Lord doo keep it , and will quickly water it . I will keep it both day and night , that no man hurt it : that is , My Christians shal not méet with any euill , so graciously will I watch and ward them . But ho●● is such watching and warding , and yet a man doth not see it ?

Although it séemeth , God h●th no great respect with his guar●ing of temporal things , and whatsoeuer is corporall ( whil●st they belong not to his Kingdom ) , yet must the world and the diuell let it alone , and not doo all things as pleaseth them , seeing the hairs of our head are numbred : As wee haue an example thereof in Mat. 8. that the diuell , without Christs leaue , could not goe into a filthy Swine . And such doo the Histories sufficiently shew . But the right guard and protection of vs Christians , goeth inwardly to the heart ; which , God with his holy Spirit and Word puts into vs , and day and night keeps vs , that sin growe not quite ouer vs , and that Satan be not too mighty for vs .

Of such guard speaketh he shortly after . The sin of Iacob shall thereby cease , that is , through the Crosse God defends vs against sinne , and mortifieth the old Adam .

Many a one doth lie in his bedde ; who , if hee were well , would doo all mischief . Many a one hath another assaulting , which driueth him to Sermons and Praiers , and to amendment of his life ; who , if that were not , would care nothing at all for God or his Word .

Against such assaulting , should we earnestly think vpon this defense of our Lord God : for , the world doth not sée it , and the Christians also somtimes do forget it in their néed , and think , God doth not regard them , he hath forgotten them . So did Dauid comfort himself , Psalm 32. Thou art my d●fense : thou wilt keep me from sorrow .

A Praier .

O Lord , thou kéeper of Israel , which doost neither slumber nor sléep , and hast promised to thy faithfull that lift vp their eies toward heauen to thee , and tarry for thy godly grace , comfort & help , that thou wilt kéep them day and night in their tribulations , and with the comfort of thy holy Spirit wilt moisten their hearts , and graciously accept of them , which is easie for thee to doo : I pray thée , let mee not forget thy watching and warding in my aduersity , nor bee weak in mine owne cause ; that thou wouldst kéep me from trouble . O kéep me from all tribulation . O kéep me from all euill . O kéep my soule and deliuer me : let me not be ashamed . O kéep thou my going out , and comming in , both now & for euermore , Amen .

II. Against the other a●saulting , God is our enemy . Esay 27.

With me is no anger .

Lamen. 3.

The Lord troubleth , but he hath compassion again according to his great goodnes : for hee vereth not nor troubleth man from his heart .

O God , whosoeuer could beléeue this , should yet bee merry although hee were ill . But all sorrows and complaints come of this , that we think , God is angry with vs . Therefore he giueth vs in Esay a pleasant similitude : I cannot bee so angry with my Vmeyard , that is , with my Christians , because I attend the same so diligently . It is a deare Iewell vnto me .

Therefore doe I dresse it , I hack it , I cut it ; not that I hate it , but because I loue it , and will further it , that it bring forth fruit ; which otherwise would not come foorth , if I should not in such sort hack it , and cut it : for , although it seem not friendly , that the hedger standeth ouer the Vine with his knife , and cutteth it , hath the Mattocke in his hand , and heaweth it with all his might , yet is it but for the good of the Vineyard , that it beare the more fruit .

So shall you , my deare Christians , saith the Lord , vnderstand it sol kewise , and hold it for a certaine , that I loue you , Prouerbs 3. when I come ouer you with the Crosse , with the Wine-hook and Mattocke , cut and hack you .

Another fine similitude giueth he afterward of plowing , in chapter 28. Hearken with your eares , and heare my voice : When a Husbandman breaketh and ploweth his field , it séemeth that hée doth much harme , especially when hee oftentimes in the yéere , yea , thrée or foure times , turneth it ouer , and ploweth through the same . Wherefore doth hee it ? It goeth heere after the common Prouerb ; The fourth kinde bringeth the fourth Sheaf .

Therefore dooth hee not let it rest after plowing : but when hee hath plowed thorow his field , hee soweth it ; then followeth faire and goodly fruit . So , saith the Lord GOD , doo I also . I plow you with the Crosse , and send one thing after another ; now pouerty , then sickenesse ; &c. which dooth grieue you : but it procéedeth not of anger , as if I were your enemy : it is done for your good , that the stones and rocks may be rooted out , and the ground made readie for fruit . Therefore doe I chastise you thorow right and doctrine .

Likewise doth leremy in this place also comfort : The Lord troubleth me , &c For that is his work , as Psalm 4 saith . Hee dealeth strangely with his Saints , he thrusteth them first unto hell , and lets them come into need , before he do help them out : hée lets one bee first sick , before hee make him whole .

But , in such Crosses and Tribulations , doth hée leaue them helplesse ? No ; but hath such a heart as is full of loue and compassion . Therefore is hee mercifull againe according vnto his great goodnesse ; and sheweth himselfe like a helpfull GOD , and beareth a fatherly heart toward vs . For , like as a father dooth carry an heart towards his deare childe , in that hee restraineth him , to the end he come to goodnes , and may see both ioy and honesty in him : So in GOD's heart towards vs also that he vexeth not , nor troubleth vs men from his heart , but that he may preserue vs his deare children to his glory , kingdom and euerlasting life .

Heer of hast thou a fine example of Ioseph , which praied a long time : hee was guiltlesse , and cast into Prison . God heard him not so soone , else had he come home to his parents , and béen a poor shepherd all his life time : but afterward God took pity of his misery , released him of his imprisonment , and made him a great Prince ouer all the Land of Egypt .

So will God also doo with vs his deare children : a certaine time will he leaue vs , to bée troubled in misery : but afterwards will he accept of vs , and take pity with his euerlasting mercy , will perfectly reioyce vs , preserue and bring vs to euerlasting glory .

A Prayer .

O Lord God , heauenly father , which of thy fatherly well meaning , wilt keep me thy deare Child héere on earth vnder thy rodde , to the end I may bée like thine onely Sonne , both in passion , and afterwards in glorie : I pray thee comfort mee in my tribulations and crosses , with thy holy Spirit , that I despaire not ; but according to the promises of thy Sonne , doe take sure holde of this comfort , that the crosses of me and all faithfull , be but a little , and that thou wilt with thy grace , accept of vs againe in our troubles , with euerlasting pitty , that euerlasting ioy may follow ; That I ( through this hope ) may with patience ouercome all misfortunes , Amen .

Lamen. 3.

It is a precious thing for a man , that he carry the yoke in his youth .

MAny a one doth GOD lay his crosse and yoke vpon , betimes in his young bloud and youth .

Although our flesh and bloud doe shrinke for it , and would gladly forbeare it , yet should wee know , that it is a costly thing for a man , that hée be exercised from his youth vnder the Lords yoake , and bée rocked with the deare Crosse , for thereby teacheth hée , not onely to estéeme much of Gods help , but also to thanke God from his heart : for his gratious care hath kept him thereby from so many terrible sinnes ( which the Aduersarie in his youth did trouble him with . ) And because hee is from his youth vsed to the Crosse , therefore is hee patient , for hée knoweth well , that he shall find no better life heere . Therefore hath hee is minde and longing to another world , and occasioned to pray vnto GOD , for the gracious co●●●ing of his kingdome .

For such and the like causes , will GOD preserue vs alwaies vnder his yoke .

For when one crosse is scant past , there cometh soone another . And heere must 〈◊〉 tell an example of a Christian Pastor and Preacher , which soone after the beginning of the Gospel , did preach in the precinct of Weida . This honest and godly man ( without doubt ) loued the Lord GOD and his holy Word entirely , therefore was the Diuell his sore enemy . And GOD the Lord ( through many afflictions ) did trie his faith .

For first , not onely hée , but his whole houshold , wife , and children were taken with a long lasting sickenesse of the French disease , on which his wise and children died . Not long after , the horrible plague of Pestilence fell vpon him : in the time of which sickneg , the wilde-fire kindled in o●e of his armes , that hee was forced to haue the same sawed off : and was after wards bereaued of his senses , that hée was kept in chaines . Vpon whom the Lord shewed himselfe so gracious and merciful , that he gat his senses againe But shortly after , when hee sound himselfe very ill and weake , hee called on his deare God , with these and such like words .

O Deare God , I thanke thee for thy gracious helpe , and euerlasting Redemption , which thou hast shewed to mee poore sinner , through thy deare Sonne Iesus Christ , and let so happen vnto me , that thou mightest preserue mee in the same thy euerlasting grace and mercie . Oh , how many tribulations and sicknesses hast thou layd die vpon me from my youth , hast visited me with the French disease & Pestilence , hast let my wife & children die , sent the wilde fire into my arme , to bee bereaued of my wits and memorie , and hast giuen mee the same againe : O my deare GOD , what wilt thou doe more with me , and what is thy pretence ?

Euen at that houre , as he thanked his deare GOD for his euerlasting helpe , that hee had so heartily accepted of his Soule , and yeelded him further to GODS will and pleasure , without doubt for dissoluing of this life , praying with Saint Paul with his heart , the falling sicknesse tooke him , by the meanes whereof hee departed out of this life , but was perfectly heard .

As God now dealt with this Christian , in sending him one sorrow after an other : First , on his wife ; then shortly after vpon his children , and his owne bodie , &c. So will hee often times do with his Christians in this life , from their youth , and it shall stand vs in good stead . For , nothing can bee dannable to them which bée in Christ Iesus .

This same is somewhat a horror for our senses to hear : but a Christian should yéeld himselfe with patience vnto Gods will and pleasure , as this Christian man did . For like as the Lords yoake is a very costly thing ; so againe is it also a costly thing to beare the same with patience , and tarry for his helpe .

Therefore , whosoeuer is subiect vnder the Lords yoke and crosse , let him here learne with the Prophet Dauid , to comfort himselfe , and to pray thus :

O deare God , behold how I am heere in subiection vnder thy yoke , with many miseries and troubles . I know ( if it bée thy will ) that thy right hand can turne away all . But if it bée not thy godly pleasure to helpe mee bodily ( as thou knowest what is best ) then giue mée the comfort of thy holie Spirit .

I reioyce , and am glad of thy goodnesse , that thou hast respect of my miserie , and knowest my soule in aduersitie , Psalme 31. I hope vpon thee , for thou art mercifull .

My heart reioyceth , that thou so willingly helpest .

Therefore ( O deare God ) although thou kill mee , and let mée die vnder thy yoake and crosse , yet will I not doubt nor despaire of thine euerlasting helpe .

A Prayer .

O Lord Iesus Christ , the flesh is weake , and vnpatient . O deare Lord , burne , hew , strike , and plague mée how thou wilt ; I onely pray thee for patience and méekenesse , Amen .

III. Wherefore God layeth the Crosse vpon vs . Esay 48.

Behold , I wil cleanse thee , but not as siluer , but I will make thee selected in the Furnace of Affliction , for my sake will I doe it .

WE poore Creatures haue often gone away from God , and forgotten him . Therefore it is néedfull that he do cast vs into the melting Quen , like vncleane and falsified siluer , to bée clensed and purified , to the end hée may againe haue a pleasure and delight in vs : And so wée , deliuered from sinne , and comne againe into the feare of God , may kéepe his word .

This is ( for all that ) no euill thing , but the chiefest pretence and meanes , that God spareth thy Soule , taketh a while thy body , thy goods , wife , and children , &c. Therewith hee thrusteth thée into the furnace of affliction , that thou maiest thereby learn to acknowledge thy sinnes , to be sorry for them , to humble thy selfe before GOD , and pray for Gods grace , &c. whereas otherwise ( if thou diddest not sticke in this furnace ) thou wouldest alwaies goe forward in sin , and more and more fall into damnation .

But now , whilst thou dost conuert , God hath a liking to thee , and taketh thée agayne to his mercie , for his Names sake , that is , onely therefore , that he will through Christ bee mercifull vnto vs , to the end wee acknowledge his Name and Mercie , and praise the same .

1 Cor. 11.

When we are iudged , then shall wee bee chastised of the Lord , that we be not damned with the world .

HEere doth Saint Paul shew the cause why God doth lay the crosse vpon his people .

Hée doth the same , that wée may attaine vnto his holines . For it is certaine , if GOD should giue to vs all that wee would willingly haue , wee should bée safe , and haue no regard of our sinnes , neither thinke on the Word or Prayer .

But when all goeth ouer and ouer , and now one affliction , and then another hapneth , then hath a man cause to hasten , not onely to prayer , but also to thinke , how wee with our sinnes haue well deserued such correction : And therefore hencefoorth to prepare our selues more earnestly , for amendement of our liues : As it is saide in the Epistle to the Hebrews : Our Father in Heauen doth chastise vs for our good , that we may attayne vnto his holinesse .

A Prayer .

O Deare and heauenlie Father , who of thy well meaning and loue , to keepe mée vnder thy childely obeysance for obtayning of thy holinesse , and to make mée selected , hast laide so manifold corrections vpon mee : Take pitty on my Soule , and come to help me in these mine afflictions , occurrences , and temptations of the raging Diuell .

Deliuer my soule in this great néede from the hellish dogges , Amen .

Lament. of Ieremy 3.

It is a costly thing to bée patient , and to tarry for the Lords helpe .

MAny men do often fall vnder the crosse , into Impatience , and Despaire , for they know not yet what the good God meaneth towards vs with the Crosse : and this impatience is a great affliction of the Diuell , by which the vnfaithfull are brought , either to seeke meanes that bee forbidden , or through despaire ( when a had conscience meeteth with it ) doe run their owne heart out , doe poyson , drowne , hang , or kill themselues , &c. for they haue no comfort in their hearts . It fareth with them , as the Prophet Micheas in the 7. Chap. saith , When the day of thy Preacher commeth , they shall not know what to do .

Against such afflictions doth Ieremy héere strengthen vs : O ( saith hée ) what a terrible & woful thing it is , when a man will not acknowledge , what a louing heart God hath towards him ? He begins to bee impatient , murmureth against God , and despaireth : against which , if any doe thinke thus in his heart , I know I haue a mercifull God in heauen , who esteemeth of mee , as of other his deare children ; and will through these my afflictions , sicknesse , woes , and miseries , &c. put mee in minde of my sinnes , and admonish mee to repentance , that I may bee more godly , and shall keepe mee from sinne : These are precious and happy thoughts , for they are the comfort of the Holy Ghost , and worthy to bée praised .

For whosoeuer hath such thoughts in his heart , is patient vnder the Crosse , seeketh helpe by GOD with prayer , and hopeth for the Lords gracious houre of helpe , and is of sure hope that it will come ; if not corporally , yet the Lord will perfectly heare him : Therefore tarrieth hée for his helpe with patience .

So did the Prophet Abacuk comfort in the 2. Chap. The promise shall bee yet fulfilled in due season , and lastly come to light , and not tarry away . Though it linger , tarry you : it will surely come , and not stay .

A Prayer .

O Heauenly Father , giue mee thy holy Spirit to strengthen mee , that I may beare thy will with patience , that both in good and euill , I may alwaies breake my will , offer and mortifie my selfe , and not murmure against thee , although I thinke it goeth otherwise with mee , then I gladly would ; I would rather that it went alwaies after my will , that I might bee without Crosses : but O Lord , doe thou thy will vpon mée , and giue mee obedience and patience in all Crosses and Afflictions , Amen .

IIII. God will also deliuer from the Crosse . 1 Cor. 10.

GOd is trusty , who will not let you bee tempted aboue your abilitie , but maketh the temptation to get an end , that you may beare it ,

HEere doth Saint Paul encounter with two great afflictions which greatly hinder our faith , especially when wee grone & lie bedred : The first , that wee thinke the Crosse to bée heauy , and too great , and feare wee must vnder it goe to the ground : The second , that wee sée no way nor meanes whereby wee may bee holpen ; then wée make account we are vndon , and begin to doubt and to despaire . Therefore doth Saint Paul heere comfort vs : Why should you so despaire vnder the crosse ? you haue yet a true mercifull God , which laieth vpon no man more then his ability , yea , hee himselfe giueth strength and power to them which bee not able , and maketh the affliction a gracious meanes and end , that how heauie soeuer the same seemeth , yet those which are his , doe goe through with it , and beare it : for the crosse is to a Christian but a slight burthen , and a light yoake , Math. 11. vnder which the Lord himselfe did put his godly arme , necke and shoulders , and will comfort them , as hee promiseth , Esay 51. I , euen I am your Comforter , &c. And how long or endless the crosse séemeth to our vnderstanding , yet shall there be a happy end , and but a small thing , as the Lord himselfe reckoned his suffering , that it was but little , Iohn 16.

So also the Lord GOD comforted his Christians : Yet a little while , then shall my anger for thy sinnes , and my displeasure haue an end , Esay 10. Heere doth the Lord giue a fine comparison , Iohn 16. of a Woman in Child-bed , with whom it séemeth also , as if the Crosse were importable , both Mother and Childe must goe together . The poore woman can doe no more , but yeeldeth her selfe in such smart and deadly paine , vnto Gods will and pleasure , and saith : Whether I liue or die , I am the Lords .

Now when the paine is at the greatest , and no power more to beare : behold , it goeth then after the common prouerbe , Where mans helpe endeth , there Gods helpe beginneth , It is but for a little time , and then in stead of death , two liues are brought into the world , and the woman thinketh no more on the paine , for great ioy that shée hath brought a merry birth into the world . Likewise should wée also comfort our selues , that it is but a while , then shall Gods helpe bee vnto vs ; and in stead of sorrow , ioy and comfort shall bee found .

A Prayer .

O Thou most true and good Lord GOD and Father , giue mée , for thy Son Iesus Christs sake , through thy holy Spirit , a strong trust in thee , that I may assure my self , and goe thorow with all the afflictions of the Crosse ; and stedfastly beléeue ( although the Crosse , to my thinking , and to all mens reason , séemeth too heauie and importable , and withall endlesse ) that it presse mée not downe , but bée vnto mée a light burthen , and a light yoke . And lend mée likewise strength and ablenesse , in putting-to thy holy arme and help to beare , it till I ( through thy godly help ) shall with patience ouercome the same ; and that thou wouldest send to mee a happy end , and hour of help , with grace , Amen .

Rom. 8.

I am assured , that the sufferings of this life are not worthy of the glory of God , which shall be shewed to vs .

HEer Saint Paul the Apostle puts all the miseries of mankinde together , what name soeuer they haue ; All diseases , plagues , sicknesses , crosses and passions , and how heauy and great such woes and miseries doo séem vnto vs ; and saith , If all the troubles of this world were heaped together , yet were all much too slight to bee compared to God's glory . Why wilt thou then complain so much of troubles and mans miseries ? It is but a little times : and then shall follow to euery Christian Beléeuer , an vnmeasurable and euerlasting glory .

Héer in this life let no man think that it will bee better with him , as Christ himselfe saith ; In the world you shall haue troubles , &c. For wée are héer in the diuels house : if thou hold not with the host , thou shalt haue small fauour in thy lodging . Many a one thinks hee will go to another place , and flée away from the mischief : but wheresoeuer he commeth , he findes the hoste at home . Look what great dangers the Apostle Paul endured , as in his first Epistle to the Corinthians , and eleuenth Chapter : but , the hope of euerlasting life , and glory to-come , caried him thorow , that with patience hee ouercame all .

As it is true , that No eye hath séen , nor ear hath heard , nor euer came into the heart of man , vhat ioyes , habitation , and glory is prepard for Christians , and shall bee reuealed vnto them :

So is it most certain , that they shall haue holy , cleare , immortall and powerfull bodies ; and therefore néed not feare any humane miseries , death nor diuell . And all these great gifts shall they haue through Christ for euermore . All shall bee Gods , and haue enough . A poor scabbed boy or wench , a poor scholar , a despised begger , &c. which put their trust in Christ , shall haue more , and bée more rich , th●n all the Emperors and Kin●s in this life : for , they shall possesse the euerlasting glory ; in which , the Lord Iesus Christ shall crowne them with his vnwithered Garland of honour , to euerlasting heauenly honour ; as wée vse to set Garlands on for an honour . All worldly honour shall bée but childrens play to such honour and glory : for , there shall the Christians in glory hee like the Son of GOD himself ; yea , Lords ouer all tyrants and persecuters , ouer the holy Angels , who shall bée their seruants , shall stand about them , and wait on them ; and shall in such honour and glory haue a merry , constant , and quiet conscience : where no mis-fortune more shall ouerthrowe their ioyes , their euerlasting righteousnes , innocency , and saluation . Of which glory wee all should comfort our selues in all our afflictions : then may wee , through such hope , with patience ouercome the Crosse .

So doth Saint Peter comfort vs : You shall reioyce in the saluation , who were a small time in sorrow . Likewise S. Paul saith , 2 Cor. 4. Our small and slight troubles cause to vs a far more excellent and an eternall waight of glory : for , wee look not vpon the visible , but on the inuisible things .

A Praier .

O Dear and heauenly father , I acknowledge , that I , for my sins sake , haue well deserued all woes and miseries , wherein I doo stick , besides euerlasting punishment . But I thank thée with all my heart , that thou hast ( through Christ ) redéem'd me from such euerlasting woes ; and doo beléeue , that these my sorrows and troubles are but smal , and that vpon the same , shall follow to me and all the faithfull , an euerlasting , and aboue all measure , an excéeding glory .

I pray thée , that thou wilt preserue me in this poor troublesome life , which is so full of woes and miseries , throgh comfort of thy holy Spirit in sure hope and patience , to thy euerlasting honour and glory , for thy dear Son Christ Iesus sake , his redemption , death , power , resurrection , life and glory , Amen .

Set thou thy cause on God indeed . Hee will thee help in time of need . For , he that God doth trust , Speed well alwaies he must , Help thou , Lord God , euery where ; The body heere , and the soule there .