Coales from the altar; or Foure religious treatises to kindle deuotion in this colde age. Written in French by Mounsieur du Moulin: and translated into English by N.M.

COALES FROM THE ALTAR ; OR , Foure religious TREATISES to kindle Deuotion in this colde AGE .

Written in French by Mounsieur du Moulin : And Translated into English by N. M.

LONDON , Printed for Thomas Pauier , and are to be sold at his shop in Iuie lane . 1623.

TO THE RIGHT Honourable , the Lady Elizabeth Norrisse , the onely Daughter and heire of the Right Honourable Francis , Earle of Berkeshire , and Wife to the Right Worshipfull Mr. Edward Wray , Esquire . MADAME ,

SO great is my Obligation to your Honour ; that your Honour may challenge the best seruices of my tongue , or pen , as due to your Ladiship for those brightest beames of your bounty lately cast vpon me : whereby you haue comforted , and reuiued my languishing and drooping fortunes . The lesse I am able to discharge so great a debt , the more I am bound to acknowledge it . Anaxagoras finding Perides very ready to make vse of his learning in Philosophy , but slow to contribute any thing to his maintenance , brake with him in the end after this manner : Sir , if you desire to see by my light , you must minister oyle to my lampe . I must confesse , and I willingly professe it ( Right Noble and vertuous Lady ) that you haue poured oyle into my Lampe in abundant measure ; and therefore by Anaxagoras his Apophthegne , the light of my Lampe is yours by right . A Lampe that burneth dimly at the first kindling , yet afterwards yeeldeth a cleare and comfortable light ; which putteth me in some good hope that my labours , how obscure soeuer they are now , yet hereafter by more industry , and practise in this kinde , may serue not only to illustrate my Authors , but also your Ladyships name . For the present , I must intreate a fauourable glance of your Ladiships eye vpon the worke I haue now aduentured to Translate and Dedicate to your Honour . It consisteth of foure rare pieces , drawne by an excellent hand . The first presenteth to your view the liuely image of a Christians confidence in the word ; the second , of his deuotion at the Sacrament ; the third , of his patience in aduersitie ; the fourth , of his watchfulnesse in prosperity . All the parts and lineaments of these beautifull pictures , I haue entirely represented in my translated draught : but our language did not alwayes afford mee colours answerable to my Authors : Which defect in them , if your Ladyship will dispense with , I doubt not but that they will seeme very agreeable to your Honour , and not altogether vnworthy to be laid vp in your Ladyships rich Cabinet of spirituall rarities and diuine Treatises in this kinde , which you rightly value aboue all other precious things in the world : For , iewels and precious stones adorne but the body , these beautifie the minde , and repaire the image of God in the hidden man of the heart . The first of these will dispose you to the diligent hearing of the Word ; the second will prepare you to the worthy receiuing of the Sacrament ; The third wil offer you comfort in sicknes and distresse ; The fourth will giue you wholesome counsell in prosperity . Before you goe to Sermon , to set an edge vpon your spirituall appetite for the foode of your soule , I commend to your deuout meditations , the first of them , which discourseth of the excellency of the Gospell . When you are bid to the Lords Table , to take your Sauiour , with Simeon , into your hand , peruse the second Treatise , being wholly of that subiect . And if God at any time shake his rod ouer you , and you feare a fit of sicknesse , or any grieuous trouble and affliction , make vse of the cordiall contained in the third Treatise . Lastly , when you find your selfe dull and heauy in your deuotion , & in a manner lulled a sleep by the sweet enchantments of worldly comforts and delights , then take the siluer Larum-Bell in the fourth Treatise , into your hand , and ring it out to awake you . So shall your prosperity be secure , your affliction cheerefull , your receiuing the Sacrament most comfortable , and your hearing the Word most delightfull and fruitfull . Which he neuer ceaseth to pray for , who remaines

Your Ladyships humbly deuoted , and perpetually obliged seruant , NICH. METCALFE .

Errata .

PAge 6. line 14. reade a happy newes ; p. 7. l. 17. r. declaring , p. 8. l. 11. r. acknowledge , p. 9. l 21 r. driuing , p. 15. l. 13. r. spirit , ibid. l. 17. r. we , p. 17. l. 5. r. being opposite to the course , p. 18. l. 10. r. it spoken of God that he , ibid. l. 19. r. it , ibid. l. 2● . r. they , p. 19. l. 1. r. his Kingdome , ibid. l. 2. r. deliuered , ibid. l. 11. r. to the , p. 20. l. 15. r. by a , p. 21. l. 1. r. shed his bloud for vs ? ibid. l. 20. by the sword , or of , p. 22. l. 17. r. he , ibid. l. 23. r. plainnesse , p. 23. l. 10. r. eloquence . p. 24. l. 15. r. it , ibid. l. 19. r. discourse , p. 5. l. 19. r. riseth , ibid. l. 24. r. how hardly they can stand . p. 6. l. 3. r. beareth out or vp , ibid. l. 24. r. growne , p. 27. l. 1. r. weake are scandalized at our prophannesse , ibid. l. 3. r. our , ibid. l. 17. an , ibid. l. 18. r. darke , ibid. l. 20. r. the bottomelesse pit , p. 28. l. 81. r. will , ibid. l. 22. Shepheards , p. 29. l. 6. r. proclaimer , p. 30. l. 10. r. couered , p. 31. l. 21. those good things , p. 3● . l. 7. r. glorieth in being , p. 33. l. 1. r. that , ibid. l. 10. r. it , p. 34. l. 9. r. it , ibid. l. 14. r. strike , ibid. l. 18. r. it , p. 37. l. 6. r. within , ibid. l. 7. r. on , ibid. l. 23. r. The , p. 38. l. 20. r. Wherefore , p. 39. l. 12. r. life , ibid. l. 13. r. implicit , ib. l. 20. r. by an Atturney or a proxy , p. 40. l. 2. r. his , p. 41. l. 9. r. being , p. 42. l. 22. r. strengthen , p. 43. l. 1. r. who , ibid. l. 2. r. who , ibid. l. 11. r. needles , p. 44. l. 15. r. prohibition which Christ gaue , ibid. l. 17. r. wherefore , ibid. l. 18. r. that he was sent , p. 45. l. 21. r. Goshen , ibid. l. 23. r. was , ibid. l. 24. r. palpable .

FINIS .

THE BOLDNESSE AND CONFIDENCE OF A Christian .

In a SERMON , made by Mounsieur du Moulin , Minister of the Reformed Church at PARIS .

LONDON , Printed by T. S. for Thomas Pauier , and are to be sold at his shop in Iuie lane . 1623.

A SERMON , Made by Mounsieur du Moulin , Minister of the Reformed Church at PARIS : Expounding the first Chapter of the Epistle of St. Paul to the Romanes . ROM. 1. VER. 16.

I am not ashamed of the Gospell of Christ , seeing it is the power of God to saluation to euery one that beleeueth .

EVen as the Walles of Ierico fell at the sound of Iosuahs Trumpets ; So did the Walles of Babylon fall at the sound of the Trumpet of the Gospell . For the preaching of the Gospell is the meanes by which God establisheth his Kingdome amongst men , and maketh the Kingdome of the Diuell to tremble . For euen as death entred into the world by the eare , so God hath willed that life should enter in by the same meanes : and as man is fallen by beleeuing the word of the Serpent , so man should be raised againe by beleeuing the Word of God . It is no wonder then if Sathan oppose himselfe at the preaching of the Gospel , and enforce himselfe to make it seeme odious , because it is the means to diminish his Empire . Hee hath stitched the skinne of the Foxe to the skinne of the Lyon : adding subtilty to force , coupling together with persecution the stings of Philosophy ; Euen as the Sunne that bringeth in the Spring , with Flowers and new Verdure , begetting thousands of flies and vermine , which serue to no end , but losse and dammage . Also in like sort , so soone as God hath powred out his blessings vpon a Countrey , with the Sun-shine of the Gospel , presently there ariseth a thousand lyes , trickes and conspiracies , to extinguish the growing truth , and to stifle the Church of God in the Cradle . Before the preaching of the Gospell , published by the Apostles , there was a wonderfull confusion of contrary Religions , and yet there was neuer any contention or fighting for Religion amongst themselues . When the Romanes conquered any Countrey , they carryed triumphantly away with them their Captiuates Gods of strange Religions , and made Temples for their imprisoned Gods , and so brought in into their Citie all sorts of Religion . They neuer differed with any but the Christian Religion , onely against it haue they enlighted their fire , and vnsheathed their swords : for many and diuers lies may dwell together , but there is no accord between a lie & the truth : two false Religions agree much better together then the false with the true .

Pilate and Herode , although they were enemies , yet agreed together against Iesus Christ . Also one may see at this present in Rome , the Iewes ( who maintaine that Christ Iesus was a dissembler ) are suffered to dwell there with Greeks and Turks likewise : Our Religion onely , is not suffered there , because that it alone ruinateth the Empire of Sathan , professing Iesus Christ onely for the purgation of all our sinnes , and his death onely for sacrifice , and his Word for the onely rule of our faith .

Now although Sathan worke all that is possible against vs , yet shall he neuer come to the end of his purpose . For euen as the Rayes of the Sunne cannot be mooued with the winde out of their proper lines , because their nature is heauenly ; so the world and the Diuell neuer extinguish the light of the Word of God , because it commeth from Heauen , and is of a spirituall nature .

Hee which could speake of these things with more experience then any other was , St. Paul , who suffered so many trauailes , runne so many dangers , endured so many ignominies for the testimonie of the Gospell : And being strengthened with vertue from aboue , loseth no courage , but disgesteth his bitternesse , mispriseth their misprises , and glorifying himselfe in their contempt of him , saying , I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ , &c.

The vnderstanding of these words , depend vpon the Exposition of three points : First , what the Gospell of Christ is : Secondly what the causes are that make men ashamed of the Gospell : Thirdly , what haue beene the considerations which haue encouraged our Apostle not to bee ashamed of the Gospell , whereof hee propoundeth , vnto vs the principall , that is to say , That it is the power of Christ , &c.

To begin with the first point . This word Gospell , signifieth a new man and a happy ; the Gospell of Christ is the good newes , which not onely declareth Iesus Christ vnto vs , but also is declared vnto vs by Iesus Christ : It is a happy newes , whereof Iesus Christ is not onely the subiect and the substance , but also the bringer , and the reuealer . To make vs vnderstand what the substance of this good newes is , you ought to put for foundation , that the good of the Creature dependeth vpon the Creator , and that the felicitie of man proceedeth not from his owne proper vertue , but from the grace of God , which was the cause why God did not create Adam in the earthly Paradise , but onely introduced him in , to the end hee might learne that he was not heire of Paradise by nature , but it was God that by his grace led man in , euen as it were by the hand . In this earthly Paradise , God had planted two Trees , which serue for two aduertisements , the one setting out human infirmity , the other declaring the grace of God : the Tree of knowledge of good and euill , was a figure of the Law , which gaue man to vnderstand the knowledge of good and euill : and the Tree of life was the figure of the Gospell , which presented vnto vs the fruit of life , that is to say , Iesus Christ , as hee himselfe expoundeth it , in speaking of his graces ; Whosoeuer shall ouercome , I will giue him to eate of the Tree of life , &c.

Now wee see , that if before the fall of man , God would by these documents make man know and vnderstand , he did not subsist at all by his owne proper vertue , but onely by the grace of God : How much more must he now subiect and confesse his weakenesse , seeing he is fallen away from this grace by his sinnes ? For , if a liuing man subsist not of himselfe , much lesse can a dead man raise himselfe vp by his proper vertue : whereupon God promised to Abraham the possession of the land of Canaan , which was a figure of the Kingdome of Heauen ; yet he would not put him into the possession thereof , although he were the naturall Father of all the people of God , to the end man might learne , that the possession of the inheritance of Heauen , commeth not by Nature , but by the grace of God : And moreouer , God would not that Moses , the bearer of the Law , should introduce the people into the land of Canaan , purposely to declare vnto vs , that it is not by the Law , or by our workes , that wee can come to the Kingdome of Heauen .

What then ? The charge to bring in the people of God into the promised inheritance , was giuen to Iosuah , who was also called Iesus , and a Sauiour , being onely a figure of Iesus Christ . Moses led the people to the borders of the Land , and deliuered them into the hands of Iosuah , because the law leadeth vs to the Gospell , and is a Schoolemaster to bring vs vnto Christ , chasing vs on our way by threatnings , and representing it vnto vs by shadowes and figures . Man then being so cast downe , and fallen into death , could not get vp againe , but by the onely assistance and grace of God . Hee that did blow vpon the face of Adam Respiration of life , is he onely from whom man can receiue inspiration of spirituall life . For as Epiphanius reciteth of those that trauailed by the desarts of Siria , where are nothing but miserable Marishes and Sands , destitute of all commodities ; if it hapned that their fire went out by the way , then they lighted it againe at the Sunne , by some deuice ; euen so , if man haue suffered the sparkes of diuine grace to dye in him , he hath no other meanes to inlighten himselfe againe , but at the Sunne of Iustice , there to haue reliefe at the Sunne of Iustice , and Father of lights .

The meanes that God vsed to raise man from his fall , is that which he hath declared vnto Adam ; The seed of the Woman should bruise the Serpents head , Gen. 3.15 . God himselfe being pleased to be the first Euangelist ; and as Woman brought to man the fruit of death , Woman should bring to man againe the fruit of life , the meanes is , that in the accomplishment of times , he hath sent his Sonne , his eternall Word , and taken vpon him our flesh , allying by this meanes God with man , making the Sonne of God our Brother , to the end , we might be the Sonnes of God . He hath taken our humane nature vpon him , to the end we should participate of his diuine nature ; hee hath taken our flesh , for to giue vs his spirit ; hee hath made himselfe a stranger here below , to the end wee should be domesticke with God ; he which is Father of eternitie was well pleased to haue it so ; and hath sent his word amongst vs , to the end we might speake to God with assurance ; making himselfe a seruant , to the end we might raigne with him .

By this meanes we haue familiar accesse to God , seeing he hath taken away the rayes from his face , and that Maiesty that would haue amazed and astonished vs , shewing himselfe in a familiar and accessible fashion in his Sonne , who is our Emanuel , that is to say , God with vs .

In stead of the Prouerbe which was vsed in Israell , Wee dye , for wee haue seene God ; now we ought and may say , Wee liue , for God hath made himselfe visible and accessible by his Sonne .

The second Person of the Trinitie hath bin imployed in this work : For by what means could we be made the Children of God , but by him who is his onely Son ? which bringeth vs to vnderstand that he is the wisedome of the Father ; by whom hee telleth vs , that he is the Word it selfe , putting all things into order by him , by which he hath created all things ? Yet this is not all , for in this selfe-same flesh , he would haue him suffer the paine which wee haue merited , and to satisfie for vs the diuine iustice , as he saith of himselfe , I paid them the things that I neuer tooke , Psalme 69.5 . For Iesus Christ had not wherwithall to hide his head , to the end we might haue where to repose our consciences : Hee which is the bread of Life was hungry , to the end , wee might be filled .

Hee is dead , to the end to giue vs life ; hauing drunke the Cup of the wrath of God , to the end we should drinke at the Riuer of his pleasures , and as Saint Peter saith , 1 Pet. 2. Verse 24. Hee hath borne our sinnes vpon his Body , vpon the Tree , to the end that being dead to sinne , wee should liue to righteousnesse , by the breach whereof , wee haue beene healed , for saith Saint Paul , Col. 1.19 . the good pleasure of the Father , that all fulnesse should dwell in him , and to reconcile by him euery thing to himselfe , hauing made peace with the bloud of his Crosse , &c. Death swallowed him vp , but it was like the fishes , that swallowing the Baite are taken : so Death , in taking Iesus Christ , is surmounted and ouercome by him , for he is life it selfe , and also because of his righteousnesse and innocencie death hath no power ouer him .

There is nothing so admirable as this death , by the which hee hath triumphed ouer the power of Hell , and of the Diuell , by the which God hath punished and pardoned our sinnes , declaring in one onely Action his soueraigne iustice , and his infinite mercy : all the triumphes of Emperours are of no value in comparison of the death of Christ ; the life of all men are of no value in regard of the death of Iesus Christ ; all the Crownes of Kings are not comparable to the Crosse of Iesus Christ , and all the glory of the world is inferiour to his opprobrie ; as it is the ground of our faith , so it is the summe of our knowledge , to know Iesus Christ crucified .

This death taketh away the bitternesse and malediction of our own , and maketh it , that although a farre off it seemeth a fantasie which walketh vpon the waters , when it approacheth and commeth nearer vnto vs , we shall confesse that it is Iesus Christ that commeth vnto vs , and haue by the bloud of Iesus Christ , liberty to speake to God , with assurance , that not onely wee may implore his mercy , but also wee may call for iustice , saying , Lord , thou are iust , and therefore take not two payments for one debt , and correct me not in thine anger for my sinnes , for which thy Sonne hath beene punished . By this meanes the iustice of God changeth nature towards vs , and of iustice iudging , becommeth iustice iustifying , and of iustice which punisheth sinne , it becommeth a iustice which maketh vs iust .

And consider what the Aduocate is , who not onely pleadeth for vs , but payeth for vs ; who not onely intercedeth for sinners , but of sinners maketh them iust : Where is the Phisitian which taketh the medicine , and by it healeth his Patient ? Hauing so indured death for vs , for vs also hath ouercome death ; as the combat of his death is for vs , so the victory of his Resurrection is ours , after the which hee ascended into Heauen , from whence he sendeth his graces ; there hee receiueth our soules , which he hath bought with his owne bloud : Hee is our onely assurance in the Kingdome of Heauen , to whom wee aspire and tend vnto , as strangers in this world , but domestickes with God ; as dying , but heires of eternall life , hauing to resist the Courts of this world , to publique iudgements , to customes receiued , to the ouer flowing of vices and idolatrie ; like vnto diuers kindes of Fishes , which alwaies swimme against the streame , and tend towards the Fountaine ; attending his comming to iudge the quicke and the dead , and raise our bodies from the earth , to the end , that in body and soule we may raigne with him eternally .

Behold my Brethren the substance of the Gospell of Christ , whereof Saint Paul saith , that hee is not ashamed , but glorifieth himselfe , notwithstanding humane iudgements and contradictions , which contradictions wee haue to speake of in the second place , and of the meanes wherewith Sathan and the flesh ●●●ue themselues , for to make men distaste and be ashamed of the Gospell of Christ : for Saint Paul saith , that the Gospell is a scandall to the Iewes , and folly to the Greekes , that is to say , that the Iewes were offended with it , and the Gentiles mocked at it : They were offended to heare spoken that God became man , of a crucified God , of one that was called the Sonne of Dauid , and neuerthelesse he said , he was before Abraham was ; They were offended to heare in the Gospell , where the first clause thereof begun with Blessed are those that weepe , and which promiseth afflictions to those that follow them , as if it had beene to chase away the Hearer ; found it strange that Iesus Christ had sent Disciples that were Idiots , to confound Philosophers , poore Fishers for to establish him throughout a Kingdome ; also that the Gospell is hidden in tearmes very simple and without eloquence , in a world where humane knowledges were in their height , and humane eloquence was come vp to the top of perfection : these things which seemed to be of so hard digestion to humane sence , neuerthelesse being more carefully considered , they are agreeable to wisedome , and the power of God .

For to speake of the humilitie of the Incarnation of Iesus Christ the Sonne of God , we need not thinke it strange although he were so humbled , because he was come to satisfie for our pride ; seeing that man had so farre precipitated himselfe in desiring to make himselfe like vnto God ; it was needefull that God should make himselfe like vnto man for to saue him ; it was needfull that he should become man to dye , and God for to vanquish , and that hee might be infinite in riches , because he was to pay an infinite debt .

As for the rest , be not ye scandalized for the humilitie of his Birth ; but behold the star that then appeared , & the Angels that sung , and Herode who was afraide . If you thinke it strange that he was hungry , of the other part , behold how he fed fiue thousand people with a few loaues ; if it be a thing vnworthy for the King of Kings to pay Tribute to Cesar , consider how he caused it to be paid with Fish . Briefly saith the Apostle in the same Chapter , and the fourth Verse , Hee is dead , but hee hath declared himselfe to be the Sonne of God , &c. And his diuine vertue appeared more euidently in his infirmitie , euen as the splendor of a lightening appeareth better during the Night , then at Noone-day .

We haue no cause to be offended that he would haue vs take vp his Crosse after him and prepare our selues for sufferings : For what is there more iust then to be partaker of the afflictions of Christ , seeing we desire to be partakers of his glory ? These are faire spots , and an honourable opprobrie for to carry in his Body the wounds of our Lord Iesus . Is it so great a matter to loose our goods for him that hath lost his life for our saluation ? to let fall our teares for him that hath lost his bloud ? to suffer corporall death for him that hath purchased eternall life for vs ? What matter is it to the faithfull , whether hee loose his life by the mouth , or by a wound , if he dye of a Sword , or a Feauer , seeing he dyeth the death of the iust , and that his soul enters into the promised repose , with the Children of God ?

Concerning the condition of the Apostles , who were Fishers and Idiots , it serueth to make Gods worke more admirable , then did the vertue of the Lord appeare better , when humane helpe failed : To vanquish ignorance by knowledge , is no admirable thing , but to conuince the knowledge of wise men with the simplicitie of Idiots , is a worke which none but God could doe , who in an instant gaue to ignorant men the knowledge of all Tongues , who changed the Barke of the Apostles , into the Church , their Fishes into Men , their Nets into Sermons : and of Saint Paul , who was a Wolfe , in an instant made him a Lambe ; and of a Lambe , an excellent Shepheard ; to the end he should know that his vocation came not from Men but God .

Concerning scandale taken at the rudenesse and simplicity of the stile of the Gospell , this simple stile is the stile of the Lawes , which should loose their force , if they were written with the flowers of Rhetoricke , because that Kings will not shew their eloquence but their authoritie . Also it is not reasonable to apparell a chaste Virgine in the fashion of a Strumpet , nor to clothe heauenly wisedome in fantasticall and humane knowledge .

It may be you thinke , that all this that is spoken , is not spoken but against Persecutors and Tyrants , or against Pagans and Infidels , who striue to defame the Doctrine of the Gospell . Let vs not abuse our selues : for euen amongst our selues , there are many to bee found that are ashamed of the Gospell of Christ . How few are there amongst vs , that reioyce in the Crosse of Iesus Christ ? who lay all their greatnesse at the feete of his Crosse , and glorifie themselues in his approbic ? hold it for certaine , that whosoeuer reioyceth more in his riches , or in his noblenesse , or in his honours , then in the alliance of Iesus Christ , not esteeming his true greatnesse to be one of the children of God through Iesus Christ , such an one is ashamed of the Gospell of Christ .

Is it not too true that in Company , and amongst our pleasures , wee are ashamed of the Gospell of Christ , for at any of these meetings , who is he at any time that preferreth any speach of Religion , tending to edification , but if so happen , hee haue any thought thereof , feare presently conuerteth him , least he should be thought to bring in an impertinent kinde of wisedome , where men loue better to speake vnciuilly or filthily , or any euill of his friend or Neighbour ? which truely declareth them to be ashamed of the Gospell of Christ . But if these people should dwell in a Countrey where they should suffer persecution for the cause of the Gospell , how quickely would they turne their backs on Christ ? For he that is ashamed of Iesus Christ amongst his friends , how will he acknowledge him amongst his enemies ? Hee that in a garden , or in company at Table dare not speake of Iesus Christ , how dare he defend him being tortured , or in the fire ? how can he sustaine aduersitie , that is thus corrupt in prosperitie ?

In like sort , when a stormy winde bloweth vpon a Tree that is laden with fruits , and rotten at the heart , it presently falleth : So when the winde of persecution getteth vp , we see presently those which haue their hearts thus corrupted with hypocrisy , or which hold not of Iesus Christ , but by custome , or for humane consideration , how can they stand . And thereupon when I read the History of Martyrs , the vertue of whom , euen at this day sustaineth our vices , who in our Ancestors times haue beene so liberall of their bloud , and so thirsty for Gods glory ; I finde that they dyed more willingly then wee now speake of the Gospell ; and that they powred out their bloud more willingly for the glory of God , then we at this day spend our money for his seruice : In such sort , that if any one of those good seruants of God , which haue planted the Church , during persecution , should now come againe , he could not know his flocke , but would be astonished , how in so short a time , they are so much degenerated . He should finde riches encreased , and zeale diminished : more repose , but much lesse vertue . From whence it commeth that the Gospell is become odious , and Popery insensibly gotten vp .

The infirme scandalize our prophane humour , and impute our vices to Religion , but God grant you long to preserue this peace and prosperity , and preserue your King , vnder whose wise conduct you liue quietly : But you must vnderstand , that the security of the Kings life , is the piety and innocency of his subiects : and the meanes long to preserue that grace which God hath giuen you , is not to abuse it , but to mannage the time and the Commodity which God hath giuen you , which he hath not giuen to neighbour Nations , but hath rather set before your eyes , as it were for example of seruitude and obscure ignorance , whereupon Sathan hath powred out a filthy smoake , euen out of the pits of the Abisme , whilest that in our owne Countrey shineth the clearnesse of the truth of the Gospell : to the end that by this comparison , you may learne to glorifie God , and not to abuse and corrupt his blessings with ingratitude .

Out of all this you are to learne two poynts ; First , what the Gospell of Christ is , and next , what it is to be ashamed of the Gospell : Now let vs learne the third , which is the resolution of Saint Paul , by which he glorifieth himselfe in the reproch of the Gospell , and contemneth the misprise of men , saying , I am not ashamed , &c. which is the exhortation he maketh to his disciple Timothy , Be not ashamed of the testimony of the Lord Iesus , but participate of the afflictions of the Gospell , according to the power of God . This holy Apostle knew what the hatred of the world was against the Gospell . Hee knew the Egyptians naturally hated the Pastors , as Ioseph said to his Brethren . He esteemed it no shame to doe that which Dauid did ; which is to feed the flocke of his Father , principally those which Iesus Christ hath bought with his bloud ; and glorified himselfe to be Heralde of the Ministery of reconciliation , ambassadour for Christ , and declarer of peace betweene God and men , 2 Cor. 5. and as Saint Paul saint after Isaiah , Rom. 10. Oh how faire are the feete of those which declare peace , which say to Sion , thy kingdome come ? He was not ashamed to beare that burthen which hee himselfe had carried . For euen as a King maketh a company of Knights of his owne order , of which order he himselfe is the principall ▪ So Iesus Christ hath instituted the Ministery of the Gospell , of which order he himselfe is the chiefe , & hath vouchsafed to participate of the same charge . Hee was not ashamed to publish to men the Diuine Mysteries , which the Angels themselues admired , and were diligent to behold with admiration , euen to the very bottome , as Saint Peter saith : hauing regard to the structure of the Arke of allyance , called the Eternall , whereupon the Propitiator was placed , as a figure of Iesus Christ our propitiation : also there were put two Cherubins , hauing their heads curled , and their eyes blinded towards the propitiatory , for to figure out vnto vs the attention of the Euangelicall spirits , and to admire the mysteries of our Redemption in Iesus Christ : whereupon we need not be dismayed , if in the first of Samuel the Bethsemites hauing taken away the propitiatory for to looke within the Arke , ( that is to say , to approch to God without Iesus CHRIST ) were consumed with wounds and mortality .

To be short , our Apostle was not ashamed to declare the mystery of our Reconciliation , which is aboue all other mysteries , euen surpassing the worke of the creation : For if it be an admirable thing that the Creator hath made the creature , it is also a thing much more admirable , that the Creator was made a creature . And as for the goods which God hath giuen vs ; so much difference is there betweene the earthly and celestiall Paradise , betweene the Tree of life , and betweene Iesus Christ ; betweene those foure Riuers which runne by the Garden of Eden , and these other foure , which proceede from Iesus Christ , which Saint Paul numbreth vnto vs , that he hath been made for vs , Wisedome , Iustice , Sanctification and Redemption ; So much difference is there betweene the goods which wee haue lost in Adam , and those which wee haue offered vnto vs in Iesus Christ : In such sort , that I dare say , this fall of Adam , hath beene happy for Gods children , and that there was happinesse in this vnhappinesse , and if we had not fallen into death , we should not haue come to so happy a life .

But the principall reason why the Apostle glorifieth himselfe to be a messenger of the Gospell , is , that which he expresseth in this Text , that it is the power of God to saluation to all beleeuers , that is to say , because it is the sauing vertue of God , by which hee saueth all beleeuers . For the Gospel is the meanes which serueth to purifie mens harts . Now you are cleane through the Word of God which I haue spoken vnto you , Ioh. 15. As the Spettle comming out of mans mouth makes Serpents dye , so that which commeth out of the mouth of faithfull Pastors , maketh wicked desires dye , which are a legion of domesticall spirits that hold correspondency with the Diuell . It is by the Word of God , which God toucheth the hearts of the repentant , and imprinteth Faith in them . For Faith is by hearing , and hearing by the Word of God . It is a powerfull means which by a sweet violence , and by a necessity vnconstrained , directeth the hearts and draweth them into the way of saluation , by reason of the efficacy , whereof he is called the arme of the Lord , because God by this meanes handleth the soules , and pulleth them out of the power of Sathan , leading them into the way of saluation .

The Apostle in the fourth to the Hebrewes , compareth it to a two edged sword , because of the double vertue . Ieremy calleth it a fire and a Trowell which breaketh the stones , for it warmeth the hearts with zeale , and tameth the hardnesse thereof . For as God writ with his finger the Law in stone , so he engraueth his Gospell in our hard and rebellious hearts , by the efficacy of his holy Spirit , which is the finger of God . Which I speake of the rather , fearing that some should thinke by their eloquence to giue efficacy to the Word of God ; Beleeue it not in any sort : for that vertue commeth vnto him , and to euery man also , euen from the Spirit of God , which giueth it efficacy , without the which the Word of God is but a dead letter , & a tinkling sound in the ayre . We beat your eares , but God toucheth your hearts ; we cast the seed , but God sendeth the raine , and maketh the Sunne of benediction light vpon him : He which planteth , and hee which watereth is nothing , but hee that giueth the increase .

Who was euer more eloquent then Isay ? and his quality also seemed to enforce attention ; for hee was of the blood-royall ; neuerthelesse , he complaineth that he laboured in vaine , and none would beleeue in his preaching ; to the end that those whom God employeth in this worke , if they would haue their labour to prosper , they must impute all to the blessing of God , and not to their owne industry and sufficiency . Besides , they must looke well about them , and not apply themselues to the proud distaste of their Auditors , who in this Age desire eloquence , more then solidity ; who would haue words without matter , and sawces without meate ; who would haue their eares tickled , and not their consciences pricked : like vnto a wicked Porter , who will not let an honest man enter in at the gate , because he is not well apparelled .

In the meane while , this is not the way to profit in the Word of God . Doe you thinke with the flowers of eloquence you can perswade a man to suffer Martyrdome ? or with figures & faire words , you can comfort a man at the houre of death ? Is not the Gospell the medicine of our soules ? What auaileth it for the Phisitian to be eloquent , if his medicine be wholesome ? Is not the Gospell the letter of grace and abolition of our crime ? then what matter is it in what termes it be written , seeing that it bringeth vs out of captiuitie ?

God in the Olde Testament commanded that his Altar should bee built with vnpollished stones , to testifie that he loued simplicity in his seruice , be assured of it , that hee that hath most profited in a Sermon , is not he that saith , This man spoke very well : but he that saith , Oh I haue led an euill life : how farre am I from the rules that this man hath propounded ? It is not he that wayeth periods of speeches , but hee that soundeth his own conscience : Those that ruminated were marked for cleane beasts : you shall be cleane and agreeable sacrifices to God , if you ruminate and meditate in your selues the Word of God .

I am certainely perswaded that all my Brethren and Companions in the worke of the LORD would wish with me that we were without words , so you were without vices ; and that wee were despised , so God might be glorified . If they would haue efficacie in their Sermons , they must speake with a holy boldnesse , as God speaking by their mouth , that they flatter not sinners , but in good earnest , make them feele their sinnes , without exception of persons , or flattering the great ones .

A rich man is taught no otherwise then a poore . Selfe-same medicines serue for little and great . Euen so it is in spirituall medicines . Sermons without reprehensions , are like Swords without points , or Lampes where Oyle is powred in without enlightening of them : To feare to touch the sinner , lest hee should offend him , is a cruell respect , like vnto him that feareth to saue a man that is in drowning , lest hee should hurt his arme , or pull some of his haire away .

These wholesome effects of the Word of God , are not without faith , without which the Word cannot take roote , or fructifie in our soules , as the Apostle in the fourth to the Hebrewes , saith , that hearing of the Word hath not profited them , because it was not mingled with faith . Whereof St. Paul also after he hath saide , that the Gospell is the power of God , addeth to euery beleeuer . This faith is not an historicall faith , as that is of the Church of Rome , which onely beleeueth in generall , that all that which is contained in the word of God is true ; but it is a faith which hath knowledge added to beliefe ; which besides the generall knowledge , applyeth the word of God in particular , not onely saying that Iesus Christ dyed for sinners , but also addeth with Saint Paul , the second to the Galat. Iesus Christ hath loued me , and hath giuen his soule for me .

Neither is it an inforced , or circumuenting faith , by the which they beleeue what the Church beleeueth , or what the Curate beleeueth , without knowing what they ought to beleeue , neither wherefore this beliefe of the Church is the better . One cannot beleeue by Aduocate , neither is a man saued by the beliefe of another ; He that is perswaded that another can beleeue for him , is in danger that another shall be in Paradise for him . Habacucke telleth vs , The iust shall liue by faith ; then he cannot liue by the faith of another .

Also it is not a faith of Miracles , whereof the greatnesse of a graine of Mustard-seede can transport mountaines , but the greatnesse of a Mountaine of this faith cannot remoue a soule out of hell into heauen , which chaseth into another , wicked spirits , but cannot chase from it selfe wicked desires ; which healeth corporall maladies : in another , but cannot heale his owne soule from spirituall maladies : but it is a faith which receiueth the promises of Iesus Christ with ioy , which imbraceth him as good newes sent from Heauen , who applyeth himselfe to the words which the Apostle said to the blinde Man that Iesus called , be of good courage , the Master calleth thee : it is a faith that disburdeneth his sinnes vpon Iesus Christ , which giueth repose and peace to the conscience , which beholdeth the Booke of the Gospell with the same eye that a faithfull husband beholdeth his contract in marriage , or a good Sonne that beholds the will of his Father , who by it is incited to loue God , and to glorifie him in workes and words , iust in his actions , humble in prosperity , patient in aduersitie , charitable to the Church , burning in zeale of the house of God .

For without these things , faith is a name without a thing , a shadow without a Body , and in stead of a beliefe , a confusion and spirituall lethargie : without this faith wee cannot please God , Heb. 11. without this faith , wee make God a lyar , as doubting of the truth of his promises ; without this faith wee expose our selues naked to the temptations of the aduersary , for it is a Buckler to beate backe the fiery darts of Sathan . Be not yee then amazed that the blessings of Iesus Christ are sufficient for all ; yet neuerthelesse all cannot be saued , because that all haue not faith : for misbeliefe reiecteth the remedies which God presenteth , and ouerthroweth the medicine . This faith ought to be nourished and fortified by prayer , by the hearing of the word of God , by holy companies , by all sort of good workes ; and although after all that , infirmitie remaineth in you , feare not your saluation , with a trembling hand giue not ouer taking of Almes .

All those which beheld the brasen Serpent , had not their sights equally good , and neuerthelesse were equally healed . God requireth not of vs a perfect faith , but true without hypocrisie , and which indeauoureth to fortifie it selfe , and saith as the father of him that was possessed , I beleeue Lord , but helpe my infirmitie . God which hath put these Treasures in a Vessell of earth , which perfecteth his grace in our infirmitie , in time of necessitie sustaineth our feeblenesse , aboue all at the houre of death , there he drieth vp the drops of bloud , he saith to the faithfull soule , feare not , Christ Iesus is besides thee , which sheweth thee a Crowne . The faith of the faithfull cannot be confounded , like the Nodes of Compasses in the middest of the sea remaine vnmoueable amidst the Tempest , because they gouerne themselues not according to the windes , but according to heauen : euen so the faith of the faithfull remaineth firme amongst the most rude agitations , because it gouerneth it self not according to the instabilitie of the affaires of this world , but according to the promises of God .

But to the end , that euery one being inuited to receiue this grace , esteeme himselfe not excluded , by his quality , his kindred , or his condition , Saint Paul addeth , that this saluation is addressed to the Iewes first , and afterwards to the Greekes ; leauing vs by this example to gather this generall Rule that Saint Peter propoundeth , Acts the tenth , and thirty foure , God hath no respect of persons : for Iesus Christ by the calling of the Gentiles , hath broken the partition betweene the Iewes and Gentiles ; yet neuerthelesse Saint Paul saith to the Iewes , putting the Iewes in the first place , as hauing regard to the defence which God made to his Disciples ; Goe not into the way of the Gentiles . Whereof also hee said , were sent to the lost sheepe of Israell . Following the same example , Saint Paul , Acts 13.46 . speaketh also to the incredulous Iewes , It was necessary that the word of God should first haue beene spoken vnto you , but seeing you put it from you , &c. By this meanes , the first haue beene the last , and the eldest Sonne hath beene made inferiour to the prodigall childe returned to repentance .

Then happened that to the Iewes , which happened to Gedeons fleece , which in the beginning was onely watered , whilest all the land besides was dry ; but the day after the fleece was dry onely , and all the earth wholy watered ; for vpon the Iewes onely in former times , the dewe of the grace of God rained downe , but afterwards it hath so come to passe , that they are depriued of this grace , and other Nations receiued into Gods fauour . For this purpose , the holy Scripture speaking of those which are out of the Church of God , saith , that they are in outward darkenesse : because in Egypt onely God gaue light to his people , whilest all Egypt besides round about were inuironed with outward darkenesse . But at the death of Iesus Christ there happened the contrarie : for darkenesse was onely ouer all Iudea , although Tertullian saith to the contrary , whilest the rest of the earth was inlightned ; then at that time , the darkenesse was interiour , and the light exteriour ; God signifying by this miracle the reiecting of the Iewes , and reception of the Gentiles , which is a great aduertisement vnto vs : For if they did so with greene wood , what shall become of the dry wood ? If the naturall branches haue beene so handled , what will become of wilde branches ingrafted in their places , if we sinne with like incredulitie ? For , hath God bound himselfe alwaies to protect his Churches which abuse his grace , and bring blame vpon the doctrine of the Gospell ? Let vs tremble at such examples , and preuent Gods iudgements by repentance .

It remaineth my Brethren , to gather fruit from this doctrine , for our instruction & consolation . First , this excellencie of the Gospell of Christ , wherewith God declareth his incomprehensible loue in giuing his Sonne for mortall man , for sinners , for his enemies , for the slaues of the Diuell , to the end to make them his seruants , euen his friends , and euen his Brethren , a Body and a Spirit with him , and by it , heires of eternall life ; so many sweet inuitements , which biddeth vs come to him ; so many promises to giue vs all that which we shal aske in his Sonnes Name , serueth for the comfort of all consciences that are oppressed with the burthen of their sinnes , to the end , that when the horrour of the iudgement of God , presenteth it selfe before their eyes , they presently turne their eyes towards the sacred blessing of Iesus Christ , towards the bloud of allyance , which cryeth better things then that of Abell , which cryeth vengeance , but this crieth peace and reconciliation .

If the Conscience take some by the throat , and dragge him before the Iudiciall Throne of God , it will bring forth before God this acquittance , sustained with the bloud of the Sonne of God , by which God declareth that he is fully content and satisfied .

If Sathan produceth before God his accusations against vs , and bringeth in a long sedule of our sinnes , say vnto him , I doe not excuse my selfe , but set downe vnderneath , The bloud of Iesus Christ doth cleanse vs from all our sinnes , 1 Ioh. 1.7 . and also these sinnes which thou bringest in against mee , are not my sinnes , but the sinnes of Iesus Christ , seeing hee hath taken them vpon him : as on the other part , his righteousnesse is ours , for hee is our eternall righteousnesse , and by the obedience of a Man , many shall be made iust , Rom. 5.19 . Hee who is dead for his enemies , will he not heare his friends ? He that prayed vpon the Crosse for those that crucified him , will he not intercede in his glory for those which put their trust in him ? God which vnderstandeth the cry of the little Crowes in their nests , as the Prophet saith in the 147. Ps. will he not heare his Children that call vpon him ? Should his promises be false , or the death of his Sonne without efficacie towards those that beleeue in Iesus Christ ?

In the second place , the Ministers of the word of God haue here a faire lesson , for the Apostle exhorteth them ; by his example , not to be ashamed , but to reioyce that they are the Ministers of the Gospell of Christ , and to make account of their charge : not because it giueth them occasion to be well apparelled , and plentifully fed with small trauaile , whilest they leaue to others the care of their flocke , which afterwards is often negligently taught and instructed ; but because they mannage the Scepter of the Kingdome of Heauen , which is his Word , and that God hath consecrated their mouthes to signifie vnto men his holy will .

In the third place , that they remember the Gospell of Christ which they deliuer , to the end , they mingle not humane inuentions , nor vaine subtilties , nor diuersities of tongues , to establish their knowledge ; if they would haue their preaching effectuall to touch mens hearts , & to retaine this power of God to saluation to those that heare ; and that they offer not to God a strange fire , like Nadab and Abihu ; that they remember themselues of the Law , which forbiddeth to sow two kindes of Corne in one field , or to make a stuffe of diuers sorts of matter : God teaching vs thereby , that he will not haue an artificiall mingling in his seruice , and also they must remember that which they preach be the Gospell of Christ . Euen as the Apostles which had fished all the night and got nothing ; but when at the word of the Lord they cast their Nets , they got great store of Fish : Euen so , if you cast the nets of your sermons by the word of Iesus Christ , and follow his commandements , you shall draw soules vnto you , and see fruit of your labour . If you distribute nothing but the bread of Christ which hee hath put into his hands , you shall perceiue it to increase , and to multiply it selfe in your hands , and the blessing of God to be poured out vpon your trauaile .

Seeing that the Gospell is the sauing-power of God , let let vs take heed aboue all , we take not away this efficacie by a wicked life , contrary to our preaching . For as the staffe of Elizeus had not the same vertue in the hand of Gehazi , that it had in Elizeus hand ; so the instructions that are in the mouth of a man fearing God , are full of force , but in the mouth of a prophane Minister they haue no vertue at all ; and therefore the eternall hath said to the wicked : Wherefore dost thou take my words in thy mouth ? And Iesus Christ commanded Sathan to hold his tongue , when he cryed , thou art the Christ , the Sonne of God : knowing that the Gospell in the mouth of the Diuell loseth the authority . For the people will neuer truely beleeue the Pastor , as long as they see him do the contrary , and be like the Trumpets , who incourage to the Combat , and keepe themselues out of the Battaile , or like him that carrieth the Lantern , and seeth the least . How will you that the people should come to be sober and modest in apparell , to be chast and holy in words , if the Ministers be disordered , sumptuous in apparell , and contemners of the name of God ? How would you that the people should be turned from their idlenesse , and from Theaters , and vnchaste loues and lechery , if the Pastor himselfe be giuen to it ? Wherefore , as in the time of Heli the sacrificer , because of the sinnes of his Children , the Oblation was not accepted : Euen so because of the vices of Preachers , the people misprise Preaching . For which cause howsoeuer eloquent and learned they be , they cannot escape the Iudgement of God ; they shall be like the Carpenters which builded the Arke , and yet were drowned in the floud ; or like the Tirrians , Sidonians , who furnished Salomon with Materials for the building of the Temple , and yet notwithstanding were strangers of the house of God , and his allyance .

In generall Brethren , wee exhort you in the name of God , and for the compassion of the Lord , by the precious bloud of his allyance , by the honour which you haue to be the Children of God , for that you are desirous of Gods glory , and your owne saluation , that you cherish and esteeme the Gospell of Christ , and not be carelesse of this grace of God , to haue made shine in this Country so clearely the clearenesse of his Gospell ; for it is arriued in these quarters , that which happened in Ierusalem , then when the Law was hidden in the Temple , and they thought it to be lost , it was found againe and came to light : As to the wise men , who reioyced with great ioy at the sight of the blasing Starre which brought them to Iesus Christ : As to Saint Iohn , Apoc. 5. who wept that there was none found worthy to open the booke because of the seales , but afterwards hee was comforted , for that the Lambe of God , which was also called the Lyon of the Tribe of Iuda , came before and opened the booke , to manifest to men the will of God . You are of those to whom it was manifested with most clearenesse , with least trouble and incommoditie : But take heede that you be not of the number of those that Saint Iude speaketh of , who turne the grace of God into dissolution , and with Gods patience are become idle and negligent .

Take heed that the ease of the world do not make you forget what the Crosse of Christ is . Know that although God exempt you to flie from your Countrey for the Gospel , so it is that you ought to liue like Trauellers and Strangers on the earth ; for as much as God exempteth you from the Crosse , that you ought to crucifie your flesh , and mortifie euery affection . Although you loose not your goods for Christs Gospell , yet ought you to be ready to loose and to possesse , as not possessing , being charitable to the poore , making you friends of vniust riches which will receiue you into euerlasting Tabernacles .

These things are represented vnto you by your Pastors , with more Doctrine both of grace and familiarity . But it is good that God bee glorified in euery tongue , and that you acknowledge the ioy and delight which the Stranger Churches doe receiue of Gods benedictions poured out vpon you , and the vnion which is betweene you in the same Doctrine and vnion of Faith .

The God of Heauen , who hath giuen his Sonne for our Sauiour , poure downe his graces from aboue , vpon your gracious King , & inspire him more and more with holy resolutions for the good of his Church ; and conduct by his holy Spirit , the Pastors of his flocke ; abundantly blesse the people which is chosen for his inheritance , to the end that after hee shall bee serued of you , to glorifie his Name in this world , he may glorifie you in Heauen . Amen .

FINIS .

THE COMFORT OF A Communicant : Jn a Sermon made before the receiuing of the COMMVNION ; By Peter Moulin , Minister in the Reformed Church at PARIS .

LONDON , Printed by T.S. for Thomas Pauier , and are to be sold at his shop in Iuie lane . 1623.

A SERMON , made before the receiuing of the COMMVNION . LVKE 2. VER. 28.29.30 .

28 Simeon tooke the Child in his armes , and blessed God , and said ,

29 Lord , now lettest thou thy seruant depart in peace , according to thy Word .

30 For mine eyes haue seene thy saluation .

YOV know that in all Contracts of Marriage , there is speach of death : but the alliance of Iesus Christ with vs is a spirituall marriage : The contract of this marriage , is that which we call the Gospell ; a Contract , whereof the Apostles haue beene the Writers , and Iesus Christ himselfe hath sealed it with his bloud . Let it not seeme strange vnto you then , if we speake of death to day , and of the preparation to die , because we are to speake vnto you of a contract of marriage , and of our coniunction with the onely Sonne of the Eternall God .

For these Sacraments which wee administer vnto you at this Holy Table , are kinds of assurances , which serue vs as pledges of the assurance that Iesus Christ is ours .

Now although the consummation of this marriage , shall not fully be made but in the kingdome of Heauen ; and that no man can enter in but at this gate , which is called death , which in times past was the gate of Hell , but Iesus Christ hath altered and transported it from that place , and hath made it the port of Heauen ; from whence it followeth that no man can thinke of Iesus Christ and our coniunction with him , but he must also thinke of death .

There is nothing more neerely conioyned together , then the promises of life , and the preparation to death : it is impossible for vs to thinke of Iesus Christ , but presently we must thinke that by his death , he hath taken away the bitternesse and malediction of death , like vnto that wood that being cast into the water of Mara , it maketh it sweete and wholesome . It is impossible to loue Iesus Christ as wee ought , but presently this life must needs become vnpleasant , which hindereth vs from going to him , vntill death put an ende to our banishment , and bring vs neere vnto his presence .

Know then my Brethren , that these benefits , by which God maketh you liue , teacheth you happily to dye ; and with this foode of life also teacheth you the preparations and consolations to die . You haue not meanly profited , if at your going away from the Sacrament , you say with Simeon , Lord , now let thou thy seruant depart in peace , according to thy Word : For mine eyes haue seene thy saluation : and if you carry from hence a full confidence , it will make you victorious against the terrours of death , for if you haue this saluation which Simeon speaketh of , it will bring you vnto a great peace of conscience , which is a beginning of that peace whereinto Simeon desireth to enter .

Of this ( my Brethren ) you easily conceiu what the Text meaneth , for although it seemeth not to speake of the Holy Supper , yet it is not very farre from the meaning thereof : because that this Sacrament renueth vnto vs the Contract of marriage , and that the promises which are heere propounded , are certaine remedies and preparations against death .

Whereof the Ancients were accustomed to send to the sicke , from the Holy Table , and at the same time of the action and administration thereof .

This Simeon who dyed when Iesus Christ was borne , who being full of yeeres , waited with impatience the comming of Christ Iesus , to the end to raise himselfe from the sentitinell , and to set his soule at libertie ; teacheth vs with what firmenesse , we ought to attend death , and with what desire to receiue him .

The life of man is not long lasting ; some commeth weeping , some commeth in labour , some with paine , and the abiding is so short , that man ordinarily dyeth then , when hee hath but newly learned what it is to liue .

Iacob said that his dayes had been short and euill , although hee liued vntill he was a hundred thirtie and three yeeres : how short are ours then , who rarely come to the halfe of that age , and neuerthelesse sleepe and sorrow must likewise be taken away ; for in that time we liue not ? and most people die in the flower of their age , with their Candle extinguished before it be halfe burnt out .

The Holy Scripture calleth death , the way of all the earth : it is a naturall debt , which if a man should deny , it were as much as pleading against his owne deed : to striue to be exempt , is to desire to be exempt from the generall Law , and to desire , that God for the loue of thee , should change the Lawes of the world , and make for thee another humane nature .

When death commeth it is in vaine to say any thing ; as Pope Gregory saith in his Dialogues , of one whose name was Stephen , that tolde Death being sicke , he was mistaken , and it was not he . The Pagans who haue made Altars and seruices to vices and sickenesses , to feare an euill happe neuer adressed any to death , because they were assured that shee was alwayes inexorable , and will entertaine no tearmes of composition .

This necessity being so strong , and examples so frequent in such sort , that although we daily bury our neighbours , and carry and accompany to the earth the one halfe of our selues , yet wee looke another way both in minde and heart , still holding on the same course wee haue beene accustomed vnto , as if wee should neuer dye . For our designes , wee make large liued , and taske our selues to establish our Name vpon earth , spending & lauishing out the time , as if we had but ouermuch : still taking out by handfuls , out of the sacke , with an assured presumption , neuer to be empty . We would haue long life , to loose it : as if wee should accuse God , that it is too long , because we employ it in things either vnprofitable or wicked . If any man in company speake of death , it shall be esteemed troublesome , vnfashionable , and impertinent , as if there were neuer any vse of such thoughts . Yet being truely considered , there is no thought or meditation so necessary : It is better , saith Salomon , Eccles. 7. To enter into the house of sorrow , then into the house of ioy ; From hence is deriued the placing of Churchyards round about the Churches , to the end that men may passe by the Graues before they present themselues before God : that is , to thinke and meditate well of death , before wee come to looke for life , and that first wee must acknowledge our selues mortals and sinners , before we can come to implore the grace of God . There is a great accord betweene the feare of God , and the remembrance of death : for the thought of death maketh vs feare God , and the feare of God comforteth vs against death . This thought disposeth vs to liue well , because the day of death is the day when wee must make our account to God . As Death shall finde vs , so shall the last day iudge vs ; For it will be too late to speake for our selues vpon the gybbet ; it will bee too late to iustifie our selues , when we are encompassed with Gods anger ; it behoueth therefore to make our peace whilest we haue time , and to fortifie our selues with faith against the terrours of Gods Iudgements ; let vs mannage the time , and liue as the faithfull die ; that is , liue as we would haue wished to haue liued , when we must die ; this preparation maketh a man couragious : for what can he feare that feareth not death ? whosoeuer hopeth for death , shall not feare the sorrows of life ; The threatnings of a Tyrant threatning death , are promises vnto him : He will shorten the sorrowes of the faithfull , hee will open the doore of the prison of his soule to set it at liberty . To thinke to loose a Man that feareth God in killing him , is like him that in anger throweth a Fish away into a Riuer to drowne it : for it is there where it liueth , and in that death it findeth life .

This holy seruant of God Simeon , carefully prepared himselfe , because he hath not onely attended death , but also runne before to meet it by the way . For hee knew well hee should die , so soone as hee had seene Iesus Christ : and no sooner had hee heard tell that Iesus Christ was borne , and carryed to the Temple , without delay or detracting the time with himselfe , in saying , although he be borne , yet I haue time enough to see him without making any great haste ; and I shall reioyce to see him great : The desire to prolong life neuer came into his minde : but without let or staying at all , goes before Iesus Christ : that is to say , before death , although that Iesus Christ was the Prince of life : he attendeth not vntill he be entred into the Temple , but meeteth him at the doore , with ioy imbraceth him , and humbleth his olde age before the infancy of Iesus Christ , and desireth to dye , seeing that hee hath seene the beginning of the Kingdome of God , which was all hee could see vpon earth : for to himselfe he saide , is Iesus Christ come so farre , from the very highest Heauens to visite me , & wherfore shoul-not I goe before him ? and how sweet will death be now vnto mee , hauing seene him who is come to take away all malediction ?

You may say peraduenture , that this good man made too great haste : first , for it was sufficient for Christian constancy to attend euils without hastening them , and to forbeare vntill they fall of themselues . Secondly , that it is a losse for the Church , that such a holy man as Simeon , should bee taken from the world , whose life was an edification to the Church . Thirdly , and that he abandoned his wife and his children , in hauing no more care of them and his family . Fourthly , and in conclusion , that Death is an euill which Iesus Christ himselfe , as man feared , hauing prayed that the Cup might passe from him ; and St. Peter was dragged to Martyrdome , after a sort , against his will . They shal lead thee whither thou wouldest not . Ioh. And Iesus Christ wept for the death of Lazarus , although he had resolued to raise him vp againe . First , to this I answere : the faithfull ought not to run to death , but we ought to follow when God calleth : Now God called Simeon , and by the promise which was made , that he should not dye vntill he had seene the Messias , hee knew that his houre was come . Secondly , many say that the death of a holy man is a losse to the Church . I answere , that God preserueth those that he will employ for the seruice thereof , as Iesus Christ said when the Souldiers held him , If you seeke for me , let these goe ; for he would employ them : if he meane to take any away , he will find other meanes to perfect his worke . Moses did bring the people out of Egypt , and led Israel forty yeares , euen to the very border , and conquered some part of the land beyond Iorden , yet dyed euen at the very entrance thereof : but God raised Iosuah , to whom he gaue strength to effect it . Dauid had proiected the building of of the Temple , and gathered together the materials , and made choise of the place , but God would not that he should lay the foundation , but ordained Salomon for that worke . It is the worke of God , to the which hee prouideth workemen alwayes according to his prouidence . Thirdly , may another say , but he abandoned his wife , his children and family . This which seemeth to be a kind of cruelty , is farre better then all clemency , that smothereth all naturall affection to obey God , which was the cause that made Abraham resolute to sacrifice his sonne , which made the Leuites draw their swords against their brethren and kindred , for to obey the commandements of God . Simeon at his death was resolued to obey him , and to refuse his family , to follow God : Besides , hee knew his family in this affliction wanted no consolation , for it might comfort and arme it selfe with these considerations .

How vainely would we resist the will of God , and kicke against the prickes ? God is wise , and doth all for the best , and for causes onely knowne to himselfe . Life is not giuen vs in propriety , but lent vs ; the Terme is not according to our desires , but according to his ordinance : We make vp our account amisse , and thinke we enioy our life as if it were our owne ; or else we doe not looke that God should take it way so soone : by which meanes the most of the sorrow proceedeth not from the nature of the euill it selfe , but from our selues , and our carelesnesse , and want of attendance . The Holy Scripture saith thereupon very well , That hee hath rendred his spirit : & Dauid saith , I render my soule into thy hands , for thou hast bought me . What would this word of render my soule signifie , but onely to shew vnto vs that God demaundeth nothing but that which belongeth vnto him ? as Saint Luke 12. saith , To morrow shall thy soule be asked for , and principally those whom Iesus Chirst hath bought with his blood and precious sufferings . When hee calleth vs away , hee doth like the buyer , that would haue that hee paide for : And wee ought to say with Dauid , I render my soule into thy hands , for thou hast bought it , and hast bought it , not to enrich thy selfe , but to better it .

It will be well done in our dolours and domesticke sorrowes to looke vpon others , and to behold the ruine of their Countryes and Cities : So many battels , where fifty thousand men haue beene slaine ; where so many Cities haue beene destroyed ; where Kings haue beene slaine in the middle of the Army , or amiddest their triumphs : and wee shall finde our owne miseries indifferent tollerable in comparison of theirs , hauing cause to accuse our selues of delicacy , liuing but too effeminately , especially , when we come to beholde the wounds of the Church , the forepast massacres , with the executions & burnings of so many faithfull people in the Kingdome of Sathan , vnder the which the Church breatheth so hardly : then I say , if we be disposed as we should be , we will be much more grieued with such a generall misery , then with our owne particular : for it is but of small importance to haue domesticke euils in our owne house , in comparison of the miseries that the world doth suffer . It is a small matter when God taketh one of his seruants from the world , in comparison of the streetes when they runne with the blood of the faithfull , massacred by blasphemous and bloody villaines . You who are constant in publike afflictions , where God is blasphemed , wherefore should you be carelesse in particular , that dwell where Gods name is called vpon ? wherefore should you be so sensible for your domesticall grieuances , and so insensible of the wounds of the Church ? If any sorrow more for the losse of their owne , then for the affliction of the Church , I say , his teares is cruell against the Church , and it is a signe of his little zeale to the glory of God . When Sathan holdeth the Church by the throate , we should be glad to comfort it ; Yet in the affliction of our familie , wee grow so passionate , that we reiect all consolation ; although with drie eyes , we can be content to see for the publike good , millions of people thronging downe to Hell : and if God take away from amongst vs a soule hee loueth , or if he take away a wife , or a sonne , or a husband , then we loose all constancy , and our fashion is to murmure against him ?

It is very necessary that these domesticke sorrowes be mastred by a greater power , and that the zeale to the house of God may command vs and possesse vs , as Dauid in the 66. Psalme , saith , The zeale of thy house hath eaten me . Aboue all we faile in our Teares ; for when we haue seene a friend die that was deare vnto vs , and seene him die the death of the righteous , with a holy ioy , and goe out of this world , like one that goeth out of prison , that is to say , with cheerefulnesse , and assurance of saluation ; yet neuerthelesse wee make too much lamentation for him , which is wrong to Iesus Christ , as if his children were with him in misery ; it is also a wrong to the deceased , for if wee should but taste a few drops , and behold but the sparkles of the glory and contentment which they receiue with God , we would say , our teares are iniurious ; and wherfore should we enuy their repose ? Doubtlesse if our tears could bring him againe , we ought not , to doe it ; for they would say , Wherefore hast thou troubled our rest , and brought our soules againe into this filthinesse , and put vs againe into the combat , after the victory ? They had rather that we would prepare our selues to goe to them ; and that we will thinke they are not lost , but gone before vs ; and let our chiefe worke bee to prepare our selues to dye , instead of mourning for them : and turne our mourning , with a holy feare , into a holy care , and deepe contemplation . And indeed the reason why God so soone taketh from vs those we so much affect , is , that hee would haue a pledge of vs in taking the one halfe of our selues vnto him , to the end we may so dispose of our selues , that he may also haue the rest , and that all our desires may runne that way ; in so much that there be nothing in the house , nor in the chambers , nor moueables , nor bookes , whereof the dead was owner , but that it may aduertise vs to be dissolued , and in good time , whilest it is day-light to dispose of our Soules , euer thinking to goe the same way , and to follow that currant .

These thoughts ought to change our sorrowes and desires , and turne our mindes from the memory of euils past , towards the blessings to come ; and to change sadnesse into hope , and forepast euils into aduertisements to come . Yet notwithstanding I find it sometimes very fit to be sorrowfull , but with such a kinde of respect , as it be alike for those that are without , as for those that are at home . When God taketh any that was an example of vertue , and that was of speciall worth in the Church , we ought to say God is angry , hee maketh a breach in his house : this world was vnworthy of so great vertue ; it presageth our miserie ; as the death of Iosias was presently followed with the Captiuity of Babylon ; or like the death of S. Augustine , after which presently succeeded the ruine of the citie where he was Bishop . For the life of this good man , stayed the iudgement of God , and was a kinde of Rampart to the Church . Also Elizeus althogh he were old & feeble , & hauing nothing but a staffe to vphold his weaknesse , yet neuerthelesse it serued Israel for an entire Army ; which is called by King Ioram , The Chariot of Israel disarmed , and his men of War : As if he should haue saide , that by his death Israel was disarmed , and all the force it had quite taken away . For euen as we see Swallowes remoue their yong from an olde house that is like to fall ; euen so the soules of the Saints flie from this earth here below , before the ruine thereof . This kinde of dolour is healed with feare , and the euill that one feareth , is cured by amendment of life : and the death of the faithfull shall then greatly profit , if with the sorrow we learne to forme our selues by the example of the deceased . I thinke good Brethren that such thoughts as these , possessed the kindred and friends of Simeon , by which they were not onely comforted in his death , but also instructed and edified .

But as for Simeon , how doe you thinke he prepared himselfe to dye , and with what resolution did he goe before ? His prayer to God sufficiently sheweth , when hee saide ; Lord , now let thy seruant depart in peace , Note well what hee saith , Now , without asking any delay : He was prepared for it long before , hauing nothing else to doe in the world , but to die . Like a Ship at Anchor , which is already rigged and trimmed , attending onely the wind , at last it came , and that winde was the Messias .

Hee is not the first seruant of God nor the last , that desired to die ; Elias before him , 1 Kings 19. said to God , he was sorry to see the Idolatrie of Israel ; It is enough O Eternall , now take my soule , for I am no better then my Fathers : And after him , Saint Paul , Phil. 1. I desire to be dissolued and to be with Christ : And in another place ; I desire to dye , and to be with Christ . The end wherefore Simeon desired to dye , was to enter into peace : He calleth death a peace or a repose , as Isaiah saith , The iust is dead , hee shall enter in peace ; they repose vpon their beds , whosoeuer shall haue walked before him ; and so the spirit of God saith , in the 14. of the Apoc. Blessed are they that dye in the Lord , for they Now , saith the spirit , rest from their labours . Also death is called a peaceable sleepe : as in the 2. of Iohn , Lazarus our friend sleepeth , but I goe to awake him : And Saint Stephen slept after he had said , Lord Iesus receiue my spirit . Daniel 12. saith , That many of those that sleepe in the earth , shall rise to eternall life . It is the language of Heauen , the stile of the heauenly Court , and the saying of the word of God , to call sleepe that which we call death ; from whence it commeth , that the Church-yard , where the dead are buried , is called a Resting place , or a sleeping place . For , first of all , euen as we put off our cloathes before we goe to sleepe ; euen so our soules going to rest , put off our bodies . Secondly , if we sleepe quietly , we must put off all care , and lay it vnder the Pillow ; euen so to dye quietly and peaceably , wee must put off all care and earthly thoughts , and hauing disposed of our House , as God said to Ezechias , for the best Will you can make , leaue your Soule to God , who shall not be more rich , but you shall be more happy . Himselfe dying , left his Purse to Iudas , his Body to the earth , but left his Soule to his Father : for of that was his onely care .

Also euen as those that are sober , and liue orderly , sleepe with quietnesse ; but disordered people , and Drunkards , rest with terrour and griefe , euen so shall they dye peaceably and religiously who haue so liued ; but those that haue liued disorderly , and like Swine , are in danger to dye wofully and lamentably .

And euen as the King Assuerus , when he could not sleepe , called for his Chronicle , that after the reading thereof , he might take rest ; so ought the faithfull , during their liues , exercise themselues in the reading of the holy Scripture , which is the History and the lawes of the hand of their Father ; and to sleepe thereupon in a peaceable and sweet death .

And as in sleepe , the body is vnmoueable , but the soule moueth and exerciseth : so whilst the Body remaineth in death , the Soule liueth to God , and followeth the Lambe , filled with the fulnesse of the presence of the Lord .

And as one may obserue of those that sleepe very soundly , yet if they be but called by their Names , they will rise vp in astonishment : so Iesus Christ at the last day shall call all the faithfull , and they shall suddenly awake , and come out of the Graue : euen as he raised Lazarus when hee did rise , after hee had called him by his name .

We may also say , that after sleepe we finde refreshment , & our strength renewed ; so after death our strength shall be renewed , with another kinde of vigour , then euer we had before .

Briefly , as the profound sleepe of Adam , brought him forth a Wife : so our death will bring vs neare vnto Iesus Christ our true Espouse , who marrieth vs in Righteousnesse and Mercy : for there is nothing but peace in Heauen , & in earth nothing but confusion . Neare vnto the earth are Windes and Raine , and heat after colde ; but high vp in the ayre , nothing moueth : So what peace must that be in Heauen , where the King of peace himselfe raigneth , and where the blessed spirits ioyne their Songs and affections to praise & serue God with a holy Harmony ?

Of the peace of the Blessed , the faithfull feele here a kinde of taste , which is the peace of Conscience , giuing them repose euen vpon the torture , which sustaineth Martyrs , & maketh them easily digest pouertie and misery , by the inward contentment they feele in the loue of God , to be reconciled vnto him through Iesus Christ . For euen as a man that is in health , will sleepe vpon a Bench , but he that is sicke of the Stone , cannot rest vpon a Bed ; euen so the tranquility of conscience maketh a man content , amidst the incommodities of this life , but the wicked in prosperitie finde no rest . Doe you thinke it strange that Iacob slept quietly , albeit he had but a stone for his Pillow , seeing that God spoke to him sleeping , and shewed him the gate of Heauen opened ? I thinke Ionas had more rest in the Whales belly , then Iezabel in her bed , or Nabuchadnezzar vpon his Throne ; whereof the Apostle in the 4. of the Phil. calleth the peace of Conscience , the peace of God , and saith , that it passeth all vnderstanding . Whereupon I gather , that if the first Pastes and sparkes of eternall peace surpasse all vnderstanding , how much more then the full repose , and full peace with eternall contentment ? The faithfull seruants of God hauing but halfe dipped in the end of the finger into this Hony , as Ionathan did , had their eyes enlightened , and with this sweetnesse ouercome the bitternesse of death : and Saint Paul , before he dyed , tasted of this glory , being rauished in spirit into the third heauens ; when hee came to speake of these things , hee said , that these are things which is not lawfull to expresse : and putting his finger in his mouth , glorifyeth himselfe in his infirmities and in his approbriousnesse for the name of Christ . And Dauid in the 80. Psalme , asketh in this life al the contentment that a man can haue in this world , in asking , That God would shine vpon him with the clearenesse of his face : and yet this clearenes commeth from a-farre : It is but like a little Raye of the Sunne shining through a little hole , into a darke plaee ; what will this be then when the day shall shine all out so cleare , and that God will shine clearely vpon vs so neare , that he will shew his face vnto vs , which no man did euer see and liue , as God saith to Moses ? Many giue money for olde Coines , and the formes of the buildings of auncient times , but how much would a man giue to see the persons of those times ? and how much more would a man giue to see Abraham , Isaack , Iacob , Dauid , the Prophets , and the Apostles ? To see the least of them , you would trauaile a thousand leagues ; and how much more then would you giue to see all , to see them all , and all free from sinne and infirmitie , such as they are in the Kingdome of God ? And how much more then aboue all the rest , to see this Iesus Christ , which is declared in the word , and figured by the Sacraments ; who hath suffered all euill for vs ; who descended vpon earth for to raise vs vp to heauen ; who took vpon him our flesh , to cloathe vs with his holy spirit : who made himselfe the sonne of Man , to make vs the Children of God , who suffered death to giue vs life ; who daily receiueth our prayers , presenteth them to God , sendeth his Angels from aboue , and maketh his blessings daily fall downe vpon vs ? your eyes see it : which is declared vnto you amongst the troubles and throngs of this world , you see it in the peace which Simeon did waite for .

Truely we doe but lightly esteeme these things : a humane spirit moueth but with one wing ; we haue a greater desire vnto it , then capacity to vnderstand it . For wee ought to be more occupied in keeping on the high way to come to this peace , then in the contemplation of the excellencie thereof : We shall know it one day ; now let vs striue , onely , to tend that way .

This thought putteth another into my minde , and maketh me admire many persons , who know and beleeue these things , and yet are not once moued therewith ; who knowing the truth , being in their decrepit age , and in the bed of death , yet notwithstanding feare to confesse God for the displeasure of men : they would willingly say with Simeon , Lord now let thy seruant depart in peace : but the feare of men hindreth them from making their peace with God : what hope they for , or what feare they in this world ? who for an houre of life , that they yet haue in this world ; would lose eternall life ? who to please men in dying , would displease God after death ? There is certainely besides hardnesse and rebellion , a blindnesse and an euident folly .

Some will say , this peace is to be wished for , & I aspire to it euen with all my heart , but the way to come thereto is very hard to finde out , the passage to death is dolorous & fearefull , and Sathan lyeth in Ambush euen in the way ; and all the feare , and feeblenesse , and sorrow that is there , is purposely placed to intrap a man in such extremitie : it is a good thing to be dead , but a grieuous thing to dye .

I confesse that death is very terrible in nature . Men care to dye , when they can deferre it no longer : Many cut off Legges and Armes to saue the rest , and are very glad so to liue with the one halfe of their body ; there are many troubled with the stone that resolue to be cut ; and although the combat be great , yet they hope to escape ; but if they were assured to die , they would resolue to be twenty yeares tormented : Neuerthelesse he saith , that death is not so terrible as they make it , principally to the faithfull , which are prepared for it : It is not death that is so grieuous , but the things thereto belonging .

He that feareth God , hath wherewithall to sustaine him in these trials : for it is then that God assisteth all those that call vpon him , call vpon mee in thy necessitie , and I will heare thee : and what greater Necessitie can there be then death ? Hee that giueth his Angels charge to defend those that liue in his feare , how can he abandon those that dye , calling vpon him ? Hee that openeth his eye ouer the prosperity of the wicked , can hee haue his eare shut to the sighes of the good that call vpon him in their extremitie ? and although Sathan espie him , the Angels watch ouer him , to whom our defence is committed ; and besides , Sathan is enchayned with a chayne , both great and strong , which is called the prouidence of God , hauing his Head wounded to death ; and the souldiers that he setteth to assaile vs , which are sorrow and the figure of death , their Armes and weapons are no better then strawes and pinnes , against the faith of the faithfull .

Some say the Diuell appeared to a dying man , and shewed him a Parchment that was very long , wherein was written on euery side the sinnes of the poore sicke man , which were many in number : and that there were also written the Idle words he had spoken , which made vp three quarters of the words that hee had spoken in his life ; together with the false words , the vnchaste words , and the words of iniurie ; afterwards came in rancke , his vaine and vngodly words ; and lastly , his actions ; digested according to the Commandements : whereupon Sathan said , Seest thou ? Behold thy vertues , see here what thine examination shall be : Whereunto the poore sinner answered , It is true Sathan ; but thou hast not set downe all ; for thou shouldest haue added and set downe here below , The bloud of Iesus Christ cleanseth vs from all our sinnes ; and this also should not haue bin forgotten , That whosoeuer beleeueth in him , shall not perish , but haue euerlasting life : there are none so feeble as the Diuell , nor so cowardly when he is to assaile a true Christian : onely name Iesus Christ , and hee flyeth a way : for he wayteth but for the day when hee shall be bound in chaynes , and cast into the bottomlesse pit , which made him say to Iesus Christ , art thou come to torment me before my time ? And he praied Iesus Christ that he would not send him into the Abisme . If we haue the eyes of Faith open , we shal not need to feare death , but outface her , & make our selues familiar with her ; for shee annoyeth none but those that shee surprizeth ; and we likewise loue her like one that openeth the Prison doore to those that are in durance : Euen as if the Children which come out of the Mothers wombe , should haue some reason , they would not weepe , but reioyce to come out of such a noysome and obscure place to see the Sunne : Euen so if our soules were instructed as they ought to be , and had true reason , they would not be sorry to goe out of the prison of the Body , to come into the light of God : for this issue is another Byrth , whereof we ought not to be amazed , if it be done with some sorrow : it is a meanes to enter into the light . For in the auncient Church , the day of the celebration of the death of the Martyrs , was called the day of Natiuity . Let him feare death , who hopeth not for life : let him feare death , who would not goe to Iesus Christ : let him feare death , that is a slaue to his Belly , and to gormundizing : but as for me , Christ is gaine to me to liue and die . Euen then when Iesus Christ was resolued to dye , Peter disswaded him , but Christ replyed , Get thee behinde mee Sathan ; euen so wee checke the flesh , which filleth vs with feares ; for it knoweth nothing of the things of God .

Now you see death , which was common to vs , is now become fauourable , she is nothing fearefull but in shew , for life is hidden vnder the Image of death : as if one should send vs a faire present , by a deformed Blackamore ; so God by the hand of hideous death , presenteth vnto vs the heauenly life . It is that pale & terrible Horse , which is spoken of in the 6. of the Apocalyps , which is called Death , wherupon we must get vp to goe to God : It is the passage of the Red sea , which is very fearefull to walke amongst the swelling waues that hang ouer the head : but by that , God opened the passage to the promised land . It is the Lyon of Sampson , out of the carrion whereof , they got Honie , as Sampsons companions said , That out of that which was bitter , came forth sweetnesse : Indeede there is nothing more bitter then death , when it is accompanied with the malediction of God : when it carrieth with it a terrour of conscience , an oppression of heart , a trembling of the soule , when it feeleth it selfe summoned to appeare before the iudgement seat of God ; but these things being taken away , death is sweet and blessed : for Iesus Christ hath borne our malediction , and hath suffered all the deeds of the Iudgement of God , nothing now remaining , but onely so much euill as is needfull to open the gate , for the soule to depart and be at liberty : and this little sorrow that must be endured , is not long lasting , wonderfull little in regard of our sinnes : light in comparison of the torments of hell which we haue deserued : light , in comparison of the sufferings of Christ Iesus : light in comparison of the infinite glory , and eternall waight of heauenly glory which stayeth for vs : flesh is feeble but the spirit of God fortifyeth : it mightily suffereth vnder sorrow , but an Angell dryeth vp the droppes of bloud , and Iesus Christ sheweth the Crowne .

You may say vnto mee , This is true : but wherefore is it that God will haue the death of the faithfull so full of dolour ? It is because hee will haue vs feele sinne still to dwell in vs , seeing wee perceiue the effects doe shew it : also hee will by these sorrowes , make vs feele what the grace is that he hath done vs , in deliuering vs from eternall death ; seeing that our death is an easie , short , and sweet death , in comparison of euerlasting torments ; he would haue vs in dying , pray ardently : which sorrow serueth to inlighten our prayers , quickned with the violency thereof , and enforced by Necessity : he knoweth , that one cannot come out of an euill , without euill ; he will not haue vs enter into this peace without combat and resistance .

All this good commeth by Iesus Christ , who by his death hath taken the malediction from ours : who hath changed our sepulchres into Couches , our death into a peaceable sleepe , and of the entry into Hell , hath made it the entry into Paradise . Shall we feare to enter into this prison after him . Or to enter into death , where he leadeth the way , and holdeth vs by the hand ? I am , saith he , the resurrection and the life , whosoeuer beleeueth in mee , although he be dead , shall liue .

This is the cause also why Simeon , after he desired to dye , and called death a peace , and a repose , commeth to the cause of this assurance that is to say , to Iesus Christ , whom he calleth the saluation of God , let ( saith he ) goe thy seruant in peace , for mine eyes haue seene thy saluation , that is to say , the sauing health which thou offerest vnto vs , and the onely meanes which thou hast ordained to saue vs .

For it is he which is our Iesus , because hee saueth the people from their sinnes : It is he that God hath ordained for a propitiation by the blood of the Grosse , and there is no other name vnder Heauen , by which we can possibly be saued : He is the Prince of life , because we draw from him , as from the fountaine of life , euen as the foure first dayes of the Creation , all was wholly light of it selfe , but the fourth day God created the Sunne , whereto he confined and placed all that that he had of light in the world , that it might afterwards flow from the Sunne : euen so all life is inclosed in Iesus Christ , to the end that going to him , wee may draw out of his fulnesse .

And euen as the Virgine vestals of the Pagans ( from whence proceedeth the Nunnes of these times ) had a continuall fire , which if it happened by any mischance to goe out , they might not giue it light againe but only from the Sun : so our Naturall clearenesse , and our life being extinguished by the sinne of Adam , we cannot kindle againe , but at the Sunne of Iustice , which is our Lord Iesus Christ , to whom belongeth that which is said in the 36. Psalme , The Fountaine of life lyeth in thee , and by thy clearenesse we see clearely .

It is saluation which is propounded in this Table , which is Iesus Christ , now offered vnto you . Simeon embraced him in his armes ; but you imbrace him by faith : Simeon saluted his birth in his infirmity ; but you adore and contemplate him in his glory : Simeon came to dye besides his Cradle , but you are made aliue by his kingdome : Come neere vnto him with repentance , receiue this meate with faith , digest it with carefull meditation of the excellency of saluation , make this saluation fruitfull , and of sweet odour , by your good works , that dogs and swine come not neere to eate vp childrens bread , & prophane this holy Table . I call them swine that wallow in the mire of their filthy pleasures , who serue their belly more then God , who liue of Gods gifts , and looke not from whence they come : like swine that eat Acornes , and neuer looke vp to the Trees .

I call them swine likewise , who do no good to any , till they be dead , who giue nothing whilest they are aliue , and liue basely to dye Rich. I call those dogges which are iniurious in words , who murmure against all men , who byte the renowne of their neighbour , who barke against God blasphemously , and would wrong them that reproue and instruct them ; who after a little leauing of their vices , returne to their vomitting againe . With this company , I ranke those that are negligent in participating of the holy Supper , as an impertinent thing , and loue not to declare the death of the Lord , contemning the happy helpes which God hath ordained to strengthen faith .

Such people make their owne Inditements ; and in abstaining from the Lords Table , acknowledge themselues vnworthy to be of his Houshold : they will not receiue the body of the Lord , and the Lord will not receiue their soules : they contemne his Table , and they shall not enter into his Kingdome . As much or more are they to be blamed , that know themselues stained with these things , and yet not touched with repentance , come without a holy purpose to doe better hereafter , to take the Sacrament , which is life and saluation to the faithfull , but poyson and death to the vnbeleeuer and impenitent . Doe you come to receiue the Sacrament of the Lord with prophane hearts ? Come you to take with hands full of Vsury and rapine the Body of the Lord ? Come you with riots and quarrels to receiue the assurance of your peace with God ? or with pride to declare the death of the Lord , which is the miracle of Humiliation ? or to please men with curious apparell , where onely your innocency ought to appeare before God ?

But for you that are broken-hearted , and displeased in your selues , this Table is prepared : Doe not say , I am too great a sinner to come neere it : for that is the cause wherefore thou oughtest to come neere : for the more one is sicke , so much more need is there of the Physition . Iesus Christ is not come to saue the Iust , but to call sinners to repentance : onely be displeased with your selues to haue offended God , and desire to amend and to doe better , and aske helpe at Gods hands to assist you to this Combat . He is sufficiently acceptable to God , who is displeased with himselfe . He is of the most perfect , who acknowledging himselfe Imperfect , seeketh his perfection in Iesus Christ ; whose righteousnesse is imputed vnto vs . The faithfull will haue fallings and weaknesses , but he will alwayes returne againe ; Hee will reioyce in trembling , Psalme 2. He will gather on in his way in stumbling ; He will say , I beleeue , but helpe my vnbeliefe .

This Sacament is a meanes to sustaine this feeblenesse , a restoratiue for spirituall failings , a succour to a combatted faith , to the end that you representing this saluation and this grace , you say I am lost and miserable , and haue merited death , but behold God calleth me , and offereth me his grace , and Redemption ; hee is no mocker , and his vocation cannot be frustrated , yet neuerthelesse I goe bathed with the teares of a holy sorrow , powring at his feet this precious liquour of repentance ; and I doe assure my selfe , hee will haue mercy vpon mee , because he hath so promised : I trust in his promises amidst my afflictions , and for all my sinnes , I feare not but to find a full Consolation .

And so I goe on my way , saying with Simeon , Lord , now let thy seruant depart in peace , for mine eyes haue seen thy saluation .

FINIS .

A HEAVENLY ALARVM .

OR THE HOLY SPIrituall Awakening .

By Mounsieur du MOOLIN , Minister of PARIS at CHARRENTON .

LONDON , Printed by Iohn Hauiland for THOMAS PAVIER . 1622.

THE HOLY SPIRITVALL Awakening .

IT is too much still to goe on , and grow old in vanitie : let not the foolish affections of our carnall desires transport vs any further : we loue the things here below but too well ; let vs estrange our selues from them , and addresse our selues to heauen , without frustrating it of that that belongeth vnto it : the example of Creatures without reason ( euen without sense ) leadeth vs vnto this reason : we see the water , come out of the water , returning againe to the water ; the earth drawne from the earth , seeketh for the earth ; and so consequently euery thing tendeth to his place : but wee which are borne for heauen , flie from it . The eternall Beatitude and the knowledge thereof is our beatitude , which we possesse alreadie by the assurance of our vnion with Iesus Christ , in whose death wee haue beene baptised to participate at the Resurrection , and to be at Gods appointed time coheirs of the heauenly inheritance ; should not this make vs lift vp our selues on high , and entirely vnloose our affections from the earth ? But alas ! we must confesse , that this knowledge is almost wholly vnknowne to vs ; for our conuersation is little otherwise than theirs that neuer knew God , walking without all feare of the Lord , and often doing those things which ought not euen to be so much as thought of or named amongst vs : for wee liue after the common example , euen of the most vngodly , wickedly professing that man is not borne but for his flesh , and to glut himselfe with his irregular desires and passions : O maruellous brutalitie !

Rom. 6.3 . Coloss. 3.1 . Where shall this knowledge bee ? Where is the vnderstanding and waiting for heauenly ioy ? for this Vnion doth no kinde of way exercise the functions : should wee not walke in feare and trembling all the daies of our life , to mortifie the old Man and our corrupt Nature ? Otherwise where will the fruit of our Baptisme appeare ? And where the efficacie of the passions and sufferings of Iesus Christ ? And if wee be depriued of these things , remaine wee not in death , euen in eternall death ?

Rom. 2.4 . Wherefore let vs begin to be astonished , let vs now be afraid , seeing the anger of God doth threaten vs if wee still desist : his patience inuiteth vs to repentance ; doe not vnderualue the riches of his mercie ; euen to this present day he hath supported vs , shall wee not say the mercy of God is great , he will haue pity of the multitude of our sinnes , although we haue added sinne to sinne : let vs not still deferre our conuersion till to morrow , for Mercy and Anger both come from the Lord , and his day will come when we thinke not of it , no man knoweth the houre : let vs remember that , that is vnderstood of the euill seruant in the Parable , Matth. 24.48 . who saying in his heart , My Master will be long in comming , and therefore I will leade a wicked life ; but when the vnlooked for day doth come , that hee shall be surprised by his Master , he shall be cast away where is weeping and gnashing of teeth . Let vs feare , let vs feare to be so surprized ; let vs watch to doe good , and sleepe no longer in our sinnes .

O little better than Atheists , infamous monsters , who say , let vs sinne that God may pardon vs , for what else serueth his mercy ? Is he not come to saue sinners ? Alas how you deceiue your selues ? And also those who glut their beastly appetites , and feede their odious and detestable desires , who ( profaning likewise the mercy of God ) promise rest to themselues after they haue spent all their life in such wicked wayes , with saying a Peccaui at their death , wherein they heape vp as much euill in hoping for happinesse after such a sort , as the most wicked can possibly doe ; wherein they make it to be in mans power to haue repentance , and to aske and obtaine pardon at euery moment when he pleaseth , and no speciall gift and singular Grace of God . As Ieremie manifesteth vnto vs , Ierem. 31.18 . when hee saith , Conuert me and I shall be conuerted , for thou art my Lord my God : truly after I haue beene conuerted , I repented . To the end that it shall appeare how grace commeth from God alone , euen out of his owne free will , the holy Ghost saith , Act. 11.18 . God hath giuen repentance to the Gentiles , that they might liue : which is also clearely shewed by Saint Paul , charging Timothie , 2.25 . to teach those of contrarie vnderstanding , To see if in any time God will giue them repentance for to know the truth , and that they may awake and come out of the snare of the Deuill , Isaiah 1.15 . as in this wee now vnderstand , That man sometimes crieth to the Lord for nothing , and afterwards getteth no answer .

Psal. 18.41 . Consider then to whom , when , and how is mercy done ? And in this behalfe let vs all acknowledge that we haue not to morrow to repent in : let vs no longer grow old in our iniquitie , for feare , as the Wise-man saith , Wisd. 12.10 . That wickednesse hauing taken root in vs , our heart will neuer change : Euen as the tree that hath beene planted of old , cannot easily be vnrooted : hauing alwaies remembrance of this threatning , Apoc. 3.3 . If thou dost not watch I will come against thee , like a theefe , and thou shalt not know what houre . But why should we not be wise by so many examples , which daily we see , that the strongest man , euen he that in all his affaires builds farthest from the Tombe , and that thinketh nothing lesse than of the tribute which hee oweth vnto death ; and then at the same instant hee miscaries ? And therefore no man knoweth the houre , nor how hee shall bee taken from this vile earth . Euery moment , night and day , shew vs there are a thousand and a thousand waies in the hand of God , to cut , when he pleaseth , the Threed of life , euen of the most Robust : Which was well expressed by a graue Author , saying : In what Act , or Place , or Time soeuer a man is , he is couered with death . Pause a little , O thou Temporiser , that still deferrest thy amendment to another time , let not this present time passe without thinking of it , and this shall be thy entrance in making profit of the aduertisement which Iesus Christ giueth , Mat. 24.42 . That we ought to keepe our selues alwaies ready to watch for feare to be surprised , not knowing the houre of our departing . Let vs not make our selues deafe : if we lend our hearing sometimes to an Instrument which recreateth vs , shall wee stop it when wee should vnderstand wholesome counsell ? No , no , this is spoken for our good , Prou. 1. I haue called , and you haue refused : I haue stretched out my hand , and you haue not vnderstood , you haue contemned all my counsell , and would not be corrected : therefore I wil laugh at your perdition , and will mock at your feare when it shall come vpon you : when torment and anguish shal come vpon you you will call vpon me , but I will not answer , because you haue hated knowledge , and haue not chosen the feare of God : you would not hearken to my counsell , but despised my correction : wherefore you eat the fruit of your owne waies , and shal be glutted therewith : for the fooles shall be slaine with ease ; and fooles shall be ruined by their prosperity . O peruerse people , remember how I dealt with Sodome and Gomorrah , Esdras 2.8 . euen so I will doe with them that will not heare me , saith the Eternall . Let vs be better aduised , Psal. 95.7 , 8. Prou. 19.20 . Let vs heare the voice of God , let vs not harden our hearts : but heare counsell and receiue instruction , that we may be more wise . And making profit by these admonitions , let vs not put off from one day to another ( euen euery one ) to say , I haue sinned ; and let vs repent at this present , and no longer prophane this speciall gift of God , this gift of Repentance so pretious ( Hebr. 12.17 . which Esau asketh with teares , but was not granted him ) lest that the misery of the fiue foolish Virgins fall vpon vs , who being not furnished with oile , which their leisure would haue furnished them withall , entred not in with the bridegroome : but let vs keepe watch in walking in newnesse of life , as already departed from the world , not knowing the houre when we shall be called ; witnessing that we are dead to sinne , and aliue to God through Iesus Christ , in whom we are made new Creatures to serue to righteousnesse ; and now let vs truly shew to haue more care of heauenly than of earthly things ; the couetous man in renouncing his couetousnesse ; the ambitious worldling in renouncing his insolent ambition ; and the voluptuous in hating his vile fleshly affections ; for from thence springeth all our impietie , it is the root and fountaine which begetteth and bringeth forth all wickednesse , which wicked people so much esteeme .

Without particularizing the enormitie of these vices , where the most guiltie will cleare himselfe , in saying he is no such man ; although indeed he will not forbeare the honour of God , euen to trample it vnder foote as much as he hath power , to fulfill his disordinate desires : willingly detracting from the way of saluation , and hold against his conscience the wide way of the world , with those that know not God , adoring the Creature for the Creator , not fearing to doe any thing that may please the appetite . These sinnes draw after them all iniquitie , and to make warre against God , is no better than to renounce him : can man with all the wickednesse of the world bee more abominable ? No no , it is impossible , it is in the height of iniquitie !

But to the end that wee may not condemne the parties without hearing them answer for themselues ; let vs understand what they can say : God desireth the interiour and not the exteriour , that which is within , not that without ; and if they striue to be in better concord and societie , yet they doe but apply themselues ( in shew onely ) that is , but to seeke outwardly for vnion , and by endeuour to preserue that which is not , still inwardly remaining one & the same they were before , which is contrary to the way and walke of a good soule .

O true sentence most worthy noting , Prov. 12.15 . 1 Cor. 3.19 . That the way of a foole is right in his owne eies . Poore blinde fooles , thinke you by your humane wisdome ( folly before the eternall ) to put your selues safelier vpon the pitch-banke of Gods wrath , than those whom you doe condemne ; heare what S. Paul saith of those desiring to be wise , Rom. 1.21.22 . You are become fooles , in this , that forasmuch as you haue knowne God , yet haue you not glorified him as God ; let vs learne that he which knoweth the will of his master and doth it not , shall be beaten more grieuously than hee that knoweth it not .

Your Hypocrisie is here most apparant , in desiring to be thought of , in better part than that which is within your heart : a detestable sinne , which Iesus Christ neuer speaketh of , but in wonderfull anger : it is the high way of Atheisme , for he which enforceth himselfe to faine a religion that hee condemneth in his soule , can haue no quiet in soule nor conscience , vntill hee come to beleeue that all things are indifferent , and there is no other meanes to vntie himselfe from the terror of Gods iudgements , and to free his miserable conscience , but to perswade himselfe that God will not so strictly looke to the cariages of men , and then that maketh him a spirituall theefe : or hauing lost the sense and feeling of diuine iustice , it is a true testimony , he knoweth God no more ; for to deny God and to deny his iustice is all one . Doe we not see that these for the most part , who fainingly adhere but to idolaters , in the end wholly become idolaters , or fall into the blindnesse of being of no religion , hauing wholly forgot God , and liue as if there were none ? who because men should thinke better of them , are like the Camelion , according as they meet withall , sometimes this and sometimes that : such the Prophet Elias crieth against in the 3. of Kings the 18. Wherefore do you halt of both sides ? if God be God , wherfore doe you not follow him ? if Baal , Baal . But if yet they haue any sparke of knowledge that there is a God , a terrible God , that is to be feared in his iudgements when hee is angrie ; should they not be loth to heare the Eternall say in his anger , Apoc. 3.16 . They being neither hot nor cold , but luke-warme , hee will spue them out of his mouth . And Ier. 48.10 . saith , Hee is accursed that doth the worke of the Lord loosely ; what can be more terrible , but only the execution ?

And you that say ye are the best ; you that agree with the Spirit in what you doe : Lamentable wise fooles , whose wisdome is folly , do not you know that he that is Creator of the soule , is also of the bodie ? Can wee with the one serue God , and Mammon with the other ? Wherefore did not Daniel faigne as you vse , when he was to be cast into the Lions den , or Sidrack , Misack and Abednego , when they were to be cast into the furnace ? wherefore haue not all other Martyrs spoken your language , and made a faire shew to haue escaped such horrible torments , euen of death it selfe ? But what was the cause that made many of them euen with a yea or a no , without any profession of religion ( being desired by those which thought to doe friendly offices for their escape ) rather chuse death , and so abandon their liues , than they would heare one word in hope thereof ?

Rom. 10.10 . No , no , we must , as Saint Paul saith , not only beleeue with the heart to be iustified , but confesse with the mouth to haue saluation ; for God desireth the outward with the inward , and would haue our light so shine before men , to the end that seeing our good workes he may be glorified : this is the doctrine of Iesus Christ : let vs striue to doe this , for otherwise we shall finde as in the Apocal. 2.16 . Repent , or else I will come vnto thee quickly , and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth : But let vs take vp with our selues , and at last sing with Dauid , Psal . 35. Our tongues shall sing highly of the iustice of the eternall , and the humble shall heare that our soules shall glorifie the Lord , whereat they will reioyce : and as Saint Paul exhorteth vs , Let vs glorifie our God not only in our spirit , but also in our bodies which are Gods ; and let vs giue one another a good signe of our adoption , that we haue in Iesus Christ ; which all men may witnesse that by him we are inheritors of the kingdome of heauen ; let vs reioyce in this glory , which no glory can compare with , and so pretious a blessing that no man can value with any price .

Let our pietie shine cleerely for the instruction of our families , and not shew our selues carelesse , but carefull to make them know the riches of saluation , with the means how it must be attained : otherwise we are no better than the executioners of their soules , worse than bruit beasts , who but for a while care for their young ones ; or like those that sacrificed their children to Baal ; I say if we consent that they be nourished with the milke and venome of spirituall whoredome , we doe as much as we can to make them one day participate of the malediction of the eternall , euen as if we had vowed to be instruments , to deliuer them vp into the hands of Satan : which we do testifie , if against our knowledge and conscience we nourish them not vp in the waies of the Lord . Let vs apply our whole studie to that , after a sort doing as God hath committed to our charge , for their holy conuersation , to publish to euery one the truth of our profession , as a thing that we make most esteeme of .

I pray you where is he that is borne of a noble familie , who is not iealous to be acknowledged for one of that race ? What Lord will not set out his Titles ? and will not weare his Armes ? euen in the best places for to be most beheld ? although it be but of small continuance , and little better than pure vanitie ! yet can it hold no comparison with this Title , so high aboue all , so full of glory , the top of all Honour , this Title , I say , of the childe and seruant of God , coheire with Christ ; dignities ( O the most Noble and magnificent ! ) which make Monarks happie , not for a while but eternally , in regard whereof all other things , be they neuer so pretious , which are vnder Heauen , are much lesse than nothing , euen most vnhappy , if this other be not adioyned vnto it : and moreouer if the noble man of the family , in his Armes will not suffer to take away or adde any thing , lest the world should detract from his dignitie ; how much more should we be carefull to commit any thing that is not conuenient , who are truly the children and seruants of God ? and in contempt of the world enforce our selues to walke in integritie , and striue to be so esteemed ? which if we doe not , how can we be esteemed to be in the grace and fauour of Heauen ? let vs not then be ashamed of the truth of Christs Gospell , which is the vertue of God to saluation vnto all beleeuers ; for alas ! if it be so that we are become so bruit and bestiall , that to possesse the world , or for feare of it , we will dissemble the knowledge that is in vs ; the Sonne of God himselfe saith vnto vs , Luke 9.26 . euen as we haue denied him before men , he will also denie vs before his Father , and there will be ashamed of vs , and very iustly : Let vs then hold the confession of our hope without varying for any thing , according as S. Paul teacheth vs , That that which is present and to come , height , depth , pouertie , nakednesse , persecution , affliction , nor death , nor life , shall not separate vs from the loue of Christ : alwaies prepared in euery place , and before all to render a reason to euery one of the hope that is in vs ; and as truly faithfull let vs take our neighbours by the hand and say , let vs goe vp to the Mountaine of Sion , into the house of the God of Iacob , and there will he teach vs his waies : and let vs one stirre vp another to Charitie and good Workes , without swaruing from the companie of the faithfull : for S. Paul saith , If we willingly sin after we haue receiued the knowledge of the truth , there is no more sacrifice for sinne , but a terrible looking for iudgement , and a furie of fire , which shall deuoure the aduersaries : Representing vnto vs , that if any haue misprised the Law of Moses , he was without all mercie put to death : from thence then conclude , how much greater torment doe they deserue who haue the bloud of IESVS CHRIST in no reuerence or holinesse , by which they haue beene sanctified , doing this iniurie euen to the spirit of grace ? afterwards that this commeth to be knowne , the custom is to depriue such odious people of great mens fauours , which maketh all faire designes proue abortiue ; this is no true nor faire proceeding , but rather an incouragement still to continue in their wicked waies . Here must the place be of the wrastling , behold the Combat , but before we enter the lists let vs know our enemies , they are the World and the Flesh : shall we aske of our enemies conuenient things to destroy them ? No , that would be worse than to cast flaxe into the fire to quench it .

For to defend our selues from the first assault , let vs ranke our selues like Daniel , Sidrack , Misack , and Abednego ; let vs march their pace , and we shall serue our selues with the like Armes of Martyrs which they did : hauing our reines girt with the girdle of Truth , cloathed with the brest-plate of Righteousnesse , and our feete with the preparation of the Gospell of peace , in euery thing taking the buckler of Faith , the helmet of Saluation , and the sword of the Spirit , which is the Word of God ; renouncing our selues to follow IESVS CHRIST , as euery true Christian ought : so shall we passe a greater conflict than this we haue at this present , if we meete it , and shall remaine conquerers as they haue done , which haue not only knowne , but also followed the will of the Eternall , and not the sensualitie of the Flesh , of the World ( a gift of God which he giueth to all that aske it of him with confidence ) knowing that the Almightie curseth the man that putteth his trust in Man , and in the flesh of the arme , for the greatest is but vanitie and lies , and whosoeuer should weigh al the great ones of the earth against nothing , yet should they all be found more light than nothing . But they haue not waited for saluation from any other soueraigne , but reposed wholly in him ; Doe we not see that there neuer was any Monarch in the world that displeased God , but presently was reduced to nothing ? doe we want any proofes that God euer failed in his promises ? neither hath it beene euer knowne but the wrath of God followed him that trusted in his owne arme and power ; were it neuer so powerfull ? let vs at last renounce it , for he that hath nothing but earthly force , hath none at all . Let vs therefore follow the counsell of Dauid , and put our trust alwaies in God , for he is good , and will giue vs all that is conuenient ; mightie in power and truth , and vnmoueable in all his promises for to bring euery thing to passe ; therfore let vs all say with him , God is my force , and my hope , neither is there any other helpe but from him , Psalme 28. Thou that fearest thy Honours , and fearest that the goods of the earth will leaue thee , which when they haue done so , thou art so hartlesse and without hope , that thou confirmest all this to be true ; that it is impossible to serue God and Riches , which is pronounced by the very Truth it selfe . But it behooueth thee to set the looking glasse before thy face , to see how much thou art disfigured , and if thine eyes be not offuscated , behold thy deformitie . O foole , that so much esteemest the glory and treasure of the earth , as if in that consisted thy felicitie . Horrible idolate 〈◊〉 if thy soule had beene asked for this night , what would haue become of all ? and suppose thy life shall continue euen to the vtmost of old age , it proueth but a moment : what profit haue they carried away that thou hast knowne , of all those that are now in their graues ? doest thou thinke if they died rich , that they were more happy ? alas there is much danger to thinke the contrary : Luke 18.24 . It is a hard thing for a rich man to enter into the Kingdome of heauen : What hope canst thou draw from S. Iames 5.1 . You rich men , weepe , crying for your sinnes , and your miseries : your riches are rotten , your cloathes are full of mothes , your gold and siluer is rustie , and their rustinesse shall witnesse against you , and shall eate your flesh like fire . Now wherefore wouldest thou desire abundance ? 1. Tim. 6.9 . for Those that would be rich fall into temptation , into the snares of the deuill , and into many foolish and filthie desires , which plunge men into destruction and perdition : Which the Wise man vnderstood well , when he prayed vnto God , not to giue him riches , but only his daily bread .

Iames 1.2 . What is all this but Vanitie vpon Vanitie , which haue no sooner taken their being , but presently slide away , as if they had neuer beene at all ? no more remembrance left to be seene , than of the bird that hath flowen in the ayre , which no man can finde out the tract : He that with such greedinesse heaped it vp , at his death left it behinde him , and to whom ? alas , he knoweth not , as the Prophet saith , Psalme 15.39 .

But if it should be of some continuance ; wouldest thou bastardize and shorten thy felicitie , to fix thy soueraigne good there ? tell me how many yeares hast thou liued , and in what part of thy life didst thou first delight in these riches ? hath thy life since that time beene so blessed ? if thou thinke so for a little ; at what a value wouldest thou haue prized all the World ? But listen , and consult with Iesus Christ a while . We must know , that whosoeuer searcheth and loueth these things , cannot please God : for they haue his heart , and not the Lord , and therefore let vs beware whilest it is light , and learne to misprise and contemne them ; following the counsell of IESVS CHRIST , Let vs lay vp treasure in Heauen , where neither rust nor the mothes can corrupt , and let vs thinke of things aboue , and not of those that are below : for whose euer is not ready to renounce all things that are of this world , and that he possesseth in the earth , euen as he himselfe saith , He cannot be his . But if once that come to be found in vs , we wil then striue rather to glorifie God , than to possesse all the riches of the world that are so wicked : preferring the riches of Christ aboue all the treasures of Egypt , after the example of Moses : and let vs no longer depriue our selues from the hearing of the word of God , and of the meanes of seruing him according to his knowne will , for to heape vp happinesse more commodiously than heretofore we haue beene accustomed : desiring with Dauid to be rather a doore keeper in the house of God , than to enioy all the pleasures and delights of the flesh that may be : for happy are they that dwell in Gods house , and those that are far from it most vnhappy ; Amos 8.2 . There is no greater misery than to haue a famine of Gods word .

There are , I feare , too many that to please themselues and their owne humors turne away from God , as if it were a disgrace to follow him , preferring the Temporall life before the Spirituall , hauing more care of the body than the soule , like those that loue their apparell better than themselues ; neuerthelesse , such are sometimes put to their proofe , because of the defects that are in Men , of their infirmitie and basenesse , hauing not yet tasted the promises of God : yet there cannot any thing be more detestable , and more to be condemned : No ; and we may say what we will , to colour such an offence ; but it is ( to speake properly ) no other than to put man in Gods place ; for we make lying man true , and God which is Truth it selfe , false : we make man who is altogether feeble , mightie ; and God who is Power it selfe , vnpowerfull , in putting our trust in man ( as it is in this behalfe ) and vpon his promises : and of the contrarie , we doe nothing but distrust that which is promised vnto vs by God , and hold our selues strong enough to the businesse : although this is his voice , Math. 6.25 . Take no care for your life what you shall eat or drinke , nor for what you shall put on . If God , saith Iesus Christ , feed the fowles of the aire , and clotheth the grasse of the field , will he not doe more for you , O ye of little faith : Aske then , saith he , and seeke first the kingdome of God and the righteousnesse thereof , and all these things shall be giuen vnto you : and be not carefull for to morrow . This is the Word of God , these are his promises , yet notwithstanding , for all this , in sted of turning to him , who hath promised neuer to leaue vs , nor to abandon vs ( from whence S. Paul argueth , that we must be content with things present ) we turne to men , and hope in them for all our necessities : and if any rich man haue made a profession of amitie , & promised vs that his purse shall be open in our needes , presently we make account as of a most sure possession , and we doe cherish it in such sort that we will not by any meanes displease such a friend : euen to the great dishonour of God , whom we leaue euen as he from whom we can receiue nothing , or hope for any benefit : who is he ( except it be with a maruellous and detestable ingratitude ) dare accuse God , and say he is not powerfull , or that he will not accomplish that which he hath promised , and so to make him a lyar ? a thing infinitely ( as the offence is infinite ) horrible to thinke vpon : attributing that to man which belongeth only to God , He to whom euery thing belongeth , who bringeth the rich to pouertie , and raiseth the poore into glory , making him to abound in all happinesse .

Here may some take occasion to say , we will henceforth labour no more , and cast away all care , and put our trust only in God and his promises : but we must know that that would be but only to tempt him ; who hath not made vs to shew our selues carelesse in our vocation : we haue shewed our selues carelesse in not employing our selues to that which we are called vnto , since that he himselfe hath ordained ( as a marke and cause of our iniquitie ) that we shall eat our bread in the sweat of our brow all the daies of our life : which made S. Paul say , that he that laboured not should not eat : which is the reason why the Psalmist saith , considering we are constrained to it ( speaking to him that feareth God and walketh in his waies ) Of thy labour thou shalt liue , and thy businesse shall happily goe forward : but the principall end of these promises , is to the end that we be not lost , when by Gods prouidence , we shall want all possessions , and also be depriued of receiuing fruit from any thing we can doe ; a trauell very vaine if God giue not his blessing , without the which , wherefore doe we watch so late , and rise so early , and after all this , yet we know from mans helpe commeth nothing , but only from God , who raiseth and pulleth downe whom he list ; of him I speake who wanteth nothing to giue to those that are in need : and so let vs bee brought to walke in his obedience and feare , as wholly depending vpon him , euen the most mighty and great aboue all creatures .

But let vs returne , and a little further discouer our filthinesse : doe we not see that neuerthelesse that God assureth vs , that none can take a haire from our head without his will ; and that it is that which S. Paul saith , If God be for vs , who can be against vs ? and although hee say , he will preserue his people as the apple of his eye ( inticing vs , as it were , to embrace his loue ) yet how much is our distrust notwithstanding ? and if it happen , that we bee either threatned with banishment , or to bee apprehended for the profession of God and his truth , at the first wee are wholly terrified , euen to disauow him , and to be disposed to yeeld to any thing that the aduersarie will haue vs confesse : the most part of these that follow the great and wide way ( euen of perdition ) and who ( as they say ) howle like wolues ; doe they not with a kinde of feare foresee it , even before it commeth ? although Christ doth teach vs , that we should not feare him which can kill the bodie , and not hurt the soule , but feare him that can kill the soule , and put the bodie into Hell : wee hauing spoken before , that whosoeuer would saue his life shall lose it ; but hee that for the loue of God would lose it , shall saue it .

If we be not sufficiently confuted to leade vs to condemnation : let vs imagine some silly body that hath offended a greater than himselfe , who desireth to be reuenged ; if the offender finde some fauour with the Prince , that he will defend him from all danger whatsoeuer he can be subiect vnto , the Prince declaring to all his subiects his loue to this man , and that he will defend him euen as himselfe ; will we not say , that this is a good warrant ? shall we not esteeme him out of all danger of feare ? and will we not easily beleeue the power of the Prince will preserue him ? But this great God , who is the Prince of Princes , who hath power aboue all power ( more soueraignly powerfull without all comparison aboue all Princes , than any earthly Prince hath power ouer the poorest vassall in the world ) to whom nothing is impossible , the only True , the Vnmouable , cannot hee keepe vs ? and wherefore ? so many innumerable benefits haue we receiued , and daily doe receiue of him , fulfilling his promises , ought not these to bee sufficient to make vs put all our trust and confidence in him , and no way to doubt the sure effect of his word ?

O! peruerse distrust , and disobedience more than vnthankfull ! to preferre the trust in men before the trust in God , to haue more feare to please men than God , euen to the turning backe from God , to follow Baal ; as Balaam did , who for vnjust hire put himselfe out of the right way .

Many will not confesse the debt , but will say ( although their conscience speake to the contrarie ) without feare of malediction pronounced by the Eternall , against those that will say , and make men beleeue the euill to bee good , and the good to bee euill , that they walke according to God in all integrity without dissimulation , who for hiding so much more their hypocrisie , they will bee carefull to obserue greatest idolatries and superstitions , and will bee glad to make knowne to euery one that they omit nothing of that which is necessary for such a one as they feigne to bee : and to the end they may not bee doubted at all , but to bee truly sincere , they make their children take this poyson , and nourish them in this venome , which one day they will answer for before God : wherein they openly make warre against the truth : also wee may see how such impieties and iniquities plunge them into a reprobate sense , Sap. 2.15 . Man being punished by the same things wherein he sinned , which alwayes happeneth to those that mocke God , 4. Ezdr. 16 , who knoweth the intentions of men , what they thinke in their hearts , in sinning , and in desiring to hide their sinnes : alas , the condition of such people had better neuer to haue knowne the way of righteousnesse and truth , than after they haue knowne it , to turne behinde the holy Commandement : sinfull people , people rooted in iniquity , corrupt children , to leaue the Lord in such a sort , prouoking the Holy one of Israel ! alas , what will the recompence be of such idlenesse ?

1 Kings 8.39 . Those that commit these impieties , can deceiue men , but not God , Act. 1.24 . who is the only searcher of all hearts , from whom nothing is hid . He will manifest them in their due time ; for there is nothing so secret , but when he pleaseth , it shall come to be reuealed , Matth. 10.26 . and seene euen on the house tops , euen when it is least expected : and shall say vnto them one day , ( it may be much sooner than they expect ) if they repent not presently , without abusing of his mercy , Matth. 25.41 . Goe yee accursed into euerlasting fire , which is prepared for the Deuill and his angels : and then will they crie out in vaine , Lord , but it will be answered them , Isaiah 2. I neuer knew you , yee workers of iniquity , who haue loued the glory of men more than of God .

O! how horrible it is to fall into the hands of the liuing God ; hee which not only seeth our actions , but also is Iudge of our intentions , and indeed to whose eies all things are knowne and discouered . Let vs not any longer defer our repentance ; let vs striue to doe well , being to walke before the eternall , who contemplateth all our deeds , and searcheth the reines , and examineth the thoughts , hauing neither wisdome , force , prudence , or secret place vnknowne to him , knowing that he will neuer deale better with vs , for hiding our iniquities from men , which notwithstanding we ordinarily thinke hee seemeth to suffer or forget , yet doth nothing lesse , for without repentance hee will be confessed to our wofull condemnation , that he forgetteth nothing ; and therefore in all feare , let vs apply our members to righteousnesse , and with S. Paul , Rom. 12.1 1 Pet. 1.18 , 19. Psal. 13.4 . Let vs offer our bodies as a liuing sacrifice , holy , pleasing to God , which is our reasonable seruice : Let vs sleepe no longer in our vaine conuersation , from whence we are redeemed , neither with gold nor siluer , but with the precious bloud of the Sonne of God . And now let vs awake , let vs awake , I say , to sanctification and newnesse of life , lest that it should proue the fearefull slumber of eternall death . Let not the world nor the things of the world any longer hinder our affections , to constraine our continuance in this horrible hypocrisie ; being content with the condition which it hath pleased the Lord to call vs vnto , Rom. 3. seeing that all things turne to good to those that feare God : So that pouerty when it findeth vs , may not affright vs , nor persecution astonish vs , when wee must beare it for the name of the Eternall ; but let vs suffer with Christ cheerefully , to the end to reigne with him eternally : And let not the workes of the worldly , which are seruile , euer trouble vs , nor any thing , no not the very losse of life , may make vs decline from the way of the Lord ; for S. Paul saith , Rom. 8.18 . The sufferings of the time present , are not worthy to be compared to those blessings which are to come , which are reserued for vs in Christ , which S. Paul , Philip. 1.21 . saith , It is not only gaine for vs to liue , but to die ; and hereafter let vs not run to any vnlawfull meanes , but only to God , Eccles. 11.14 . who giueth blessings and curses , life and death , pouerty and riches , and who , I say , hath so loued vs , that he hath giuen his only Sonne to die for vs , Rom. 8.3 . will he suffer vs to want those things that are infinitely lesse ? No , he will let vs want nothing that is fitting for our good : his eye watcheth ouer them alwayes that feare him and trust in him ; for he is our strength , our hope , and our sure fortresse : and let vs chase away all vanitie , and cast away the foolish & cursed confidence which wee ordinarily haue in the arme of man , and in riches , and from henceforth let vs not looke for any other thing in all the rest of our pilgrimage , but to glorifie God , and to edifie our neighbours , putting our whole trust in him ; as Dauid did , Psalme 40.4 . Blessed is the man that maketh the Lord his trust , and respecteth not the proud , nor such as turne aside to lies .

Let vs renounce our owne wisdome which is but follie , for so the Spirit of God calleth it , Isaiah 5.2 . Woe vnto them that are wise in their owne eies , and prudent in their owne sight : and let vs no longer thinke our felicitie dependeth in the desires of the flesh ( which is the all in all of bruit beasts , who die together both in soule and body ) but that there is a soueraigne and eternall good for those that walke in the feare of the Lord : let vs esteeme this aboue all other things , knowing that the world and the desires of it vanish away , and that all the glory of man is like the flower of the grasse which is fallen , but the word of God remaineth for euer , and therefore let vs say with Dauid , Psal . 62. That our soule only reposeth in God , for from him only is our saluation , euery day remembring this prayer , Psalme 90. O Lord teach vs to number our daies , that we may apply our hearts vnto wisdome ; waiting for the full enioying of all the benefits which are purchased for vs , by the Death and Resurrection of Iesus Christ , to the participation of this eternall beatitude , and of the vnion which we haue by him in God : to whom only wise , only powerfull , infinite , and our only Creator , be all honor and glory world without end , through Iesus Christ his only Sonne and our only Sauiour , who in the vnitie of the Holy Ghost , liueth and reigneth with him eternally . Amen .

The Almighty power of God and his will .

Wherein is declared , how the Almightie power of God and of his will , ought to rule our faith in the receiuing of the holy Sacrament .

TO binde vs to beleeue the Transubstantiation of bread with the bodie of Iesus Christ , our aduersaries set before vs the Almightie power of God , who ( they say ) hath wrought as great miracles ; whereupon wee say , That vse wee ought to make of the Almightie power of God , is to beleeue that hee will doe all which hee hath promised in his word , but not to beleeue all that wee would imagine . By that way one may defend the most false and absurd things in the world , in saying that God is powerfull enough to doe it : The power of God is not the rule of our religion , but his will .

For to know if the bread of the Eucharist becommeth flesh , and transubstantiateth it selfe into the bodie of Iesus Christ , one must not begin with the consideration of the Almightie power of God ; but wee must first informe our selues of his will in his word . And if wee finde that God will haue it so , we must beleeue it without all difficultie .

First , we learne in the Gospell , that Iesus Christ hauing taken the bread , gaue it . He gaue bread then . But it is not giuen vntill after the Consecration .

Also we finde , that Iesus Christ giuing this bread , said , This is my bodie . And to shew that that which he gaue was his bodie , hee addeth , that it is done in remembrance of him . For ordinarily the Scripture calleth the remembrance or representatiue signe of any thing of name , with that it signifieth and representeth , in the same manner , as when we say , This is the King , when wee see but the portrait . If then this Sacrament be the commemoration of Iesus Christ , it is not Iesus Christ himselfe : for a man cannot bee the remembrance of himselfe .

This appeareth cleerely by that which is added . For Iesus Christ giuing the cup , said , This cap is the new Testament in my bloud . From whence it appeareth , that this cup is not the bloud of Iesus Christ , for the bloud of Iesus Christ is not in the bloud of Iesus Christ , and so cannot hee bloud of his bloud . If I say that Baptisme is the new Testament in the bloud of Iesus Christ , by consequence I say , that Baptisme is not the bloud of Iesus Christ . So Iesus Christ saying , that the cup is the Testament in his bloud , also verie cleerely saith , that the cup is not his bloud .

And euen as a man doth not find it strange , that Iesus said , that the cup is an alliance , although the cup , nor that which is within is not transubstantiated into an alliance , but only is the Sacrament of the alliance of Iesus Christ ; so we may not finde it strange , if Iesus Christ giuing the bread , hath said , that it was his bodie , although it bee not transubstantiated into his bodie .

And S. Matthew in the 26. chapter 29. Iesus Christ hauing giuen the cup to his Disciples , said vnto them , Henceforth I will not drinke of the fruit of this vine : hee drunke then the fruit of the vine , and not of the bloud . For although that there had beene two cups , yet S. Matthew speaketh but of one , and calleth not the fruit of the vine , the wine of one cup , he speaketh nothing of it .

Also wee finde the Apostle S. Paul in the 1 Cor. 2.16 . saith three times , We eat of this bread , and drinke of this cup : so we see it is still bread that they did eat .

The same Apostle in the same chapter and 16. verse saith , The bread which we eat is the communion of the bodie of Christ : he saith , The bread which wee breake : it is then bread when it is broken in the Sacrament : yet it is not broken but after the consecration .

So in the 20. of the Acts 17. the Disciples are assembled to breake the bread : It was bread then they broke amongst them , and not flesh .

Iesus Christ saith in the 12. of S. Iohn 8. You shall alwayes haue the poore , but you cannot haue me alwaies . And in the 16. ver. 18. I leaue the world , and goe to my Father , And in the 10. I am no more of the world . This sentence should bee false , if we should haue Iesus Christ shut vp within a peece of bread , if hee were yet remaining in the world . For he saith , You shall not haue mee alwayes . Now may one answer , that we haue Iesus Christ no more visibly ; which is nothing to the purpose : for to haue Iesus Christ inuisibly , is alwayes to haue Iesus Christ . Hee should bee a lier that should say hee had no money , because his money was hid : or hee that should say hee had no soule , because it is inuisible .

And it is a strange libertie which the Doctors of the Roman Church take ; for to make these texts of no value , they interpret them figuratiuely , and for to shunne a naturall and vsuall figure in speaking of the Sacraments , they introduce a dozen of vnusuall figures without example .

The action intirely whole of Iesus Christ and of his Disciples , maketh for vs : for the Apostles sate at the Table without any kinde of adoration , which should haue been a very great irreuerence in them , to eat Iesus Christ , and to sacrifice him to God without making any adoration , which is so much more remarkable , because the Apostles neuer gaue assistance in such an action , and also because it was the first institution of this Sacrament , which is giuen for a patterne to the end to make them hereafter conformable . Also we see not that Iesus Christ maketh any eleuation of the Host , hee presenteth nothing to God , but only to his Disciples . To conclude , in euery action Iesus Christ doth the contrary to that which is done in the Masse .

The text of the Masse maketh for vs , wherin the Priest , after the Consecration , asketh of God that hee take this offering as acceptable as euer the Sacrifice of Abel was acceptable vnto him : a prayer that was good before Transubstantiation was beleeued . But in these daies , is it not a great offence to God , to entreat him to accept the Sacrifice of his Sonne as acceptable , as a beast offered by Abel ? And which is more , the Priest desireth of God that the Offring which he holdeth may be acceptable through Iesus Christ : he beleeueth not then that hee holdeth Iesus Christ .

And to take away all doubt , the Priest long after the Consecration , looketh vpon the Hoast and the Cup standing vpon the Altar , and saith that these are goods which God hath alwaies created , which he viuifieth and sanctifieth through Iesus Christ . All this may he say of bread and wine , but not one of these words can agree with the body of Iesus Christ : for can the bodie of Iesus Christ be called goods in the plurall ? Doth God create alwaies Iesus Christ ? Doth God alwaies viuifie Iesus Christ , seeing that Iesus Christ himselfe saith , that he himselfe is life ? Doth God create Iesus Christ by Iesus Christ ? Truly if these things should be spoken openly before the people in the vulgar tongue , they would be much offended : & that is the reason why they say their Seruice in an vnknowne tongue , against the example of Iesus Christ , and against the saying of Saint Paul , 1 Cor. 14. The Priest and the Reader speake to a people in a tongue they vnderstand not . The sixt of Saint Iohn maketh also for the truth which wee defend ; for although there is nothing spoken of the holy Sacrament of the Eucharist , which was not then instituted ; yet notwithstanding he speaketh there of the Communion of the Body of Iesus Christ ; wherof Iesus Christ speaketh in a manner , that he manifestly sheweth he speaketh of a manducation , which is not by the mouth : for he speaketh of a manducation , without the which no man can be saued ; saying , If you doe not eat my flesh , you shall not liue . So you see hee speaketh not of a manducation by the mouth , without the which so many persons are saued , as the good theefe crucified with Iesus Christ , holy Iohn Baptist , and infinite others .

Also our Lord speakes of a manducation , which how many soeuer participate thereof , haue eternall life ; for he saith , He that eateth his flesh hath life eternall ; he speaketh not then of the eating the Sacrament with the mouth , which many haue done , and yet escaped not damnation , witnesse Iudas and many moe Hypocrites . But wee may not so conclude nor say thereupon , of those that eat the flesh of Iesus Christ worthily . For wee finde in S. Paul , 1 Cor. 2. that some eat the bread vnworthily ; but we shall not finde that the flesh of Iesus Christ can be eaten vnworthily : and indeed , seeing that to eat the flesh of Iesus Christ , & to drinke his bloud , is to beleeue in his incarnation and in his death ; who knowes not that one cannot possibly beleeue in Iesus Christ vnworthily , seeing in the beleefe of Iesus Christ consisteth our dignitie .

But to eat and drinke is to be vnderstood to beleeue ; the Doctors and Canons of the Church of Rome say with vs , and the holy Scripture is full of such manner of speaking ; and Iesus Christ in the same place saith , That whosoeuer beleeueth in him , shall neuer thirst ; to the end we may know that this Thirst is quenched in beleeuing , and not in drinking with the mouth . And a little after hauing said , Who beleeueth in me , shall haue eternal life ; thence he inferreth that he is the bread of life : and aduertiseth vs that these words of eating and drinking , are spirit and life , for if they bee not taken spiritually , they cannot viuifie .

Thereupon wee ought not to feare , if Transubstantiation be taken away , the Sacrament should become contemptible : For Baptisme is not become contemptible , but is more honoured in the Church of Rome , than the Eucharist , and is esteemed a thousand thousand times more , albeit the water be not transubstantiated into bloud . For they hold , Baptisme is necessary to saluation , but not the Eucharist . They hold , that by Baptisme euery kinde of sinne is wholly forgiuen ; but the Eucharist taketh away but veniall sinnes , and those which they haue freed their consciences of before . The Sacraments ought not to be honored but for IESVS CHRISTS sake , which when you shall adore in heauen , whitherto hee is mounted , to returne againe at the last day , and shall serue him according to his word , we need not feare that the memorials which hee hath left in the Church , and by the which he worketh in our hearts , with efficacie , should euer become contemptible . We must honour the Sacraments , but wee may not put them in the place of things signified .

All this abouesaid , serueth to shew , that for to know the truth in Religion , wee must not beginne with the consideration of the Almighty power of God , but first of all enquire after his will ; which when it is learned , then the Almighty power of God that can doe all , assureth vs , that being able to doe all , hee will doe that which hee willed , and that which hee teacheth in his holy word .

I will say more : It is the Doctours of the Church of Rome , that dishonour and disgrace , the power of the Almighty God , and of Iesus Christ our Lord .

For first of all , they make it serue to doe things more miraculous than the creation of the world , and yet notwithstanding no profit commeth by it . For they hold , that Iesus Christ hath eaten himselfe , for hee hath participated in the holy Sacrament with his disciples ; and yet notwithstanding they cannot declare vnto vs , to what end such a prodigious and incomprehensible thing serueth for ; that a man hath his head and his body in his mouth , and that Iesus Christ is entred into the stomacke of IESVS CHRIST .

Also they hold , that Mise can eat the Body of the Lord . What a horrible shame and reproch doe they make the Sonne of God to be to the Church of God! For although that Iesus Chirst doe not suffer , yet hee is mightily dishonoured .

Also , they put Iesus Christ vpon the Hoast , whereupon they say , that hee can neither open his eies , nor remoue the hands , nor breath , and therefore he hath not the power which other men haue . Is this to magnifie the power of the Sonne of God ? or is it to diminish it , to the end to lift vp the power of Priests ? who haue the power giuen them , as they teach , to make Iesus Christ ; which is a thing , that the blessed Virgin Mary , and all the Angels , and Saints together , could neuer doe .

What serueth it for to the Church of God , that Iesus Christ in the Hoast hath two eies , and that he is wholly intire in euery crum of the Hoast , and his Body intire in euery drop of the Cup ? And that in the Hoast it hath the length , and yet nothing long , as the Doctors of the Romane Church doe teach ? We ought neuer to exalt the Almighty power of God in the employment of vnprofitable things .

And indeed , the examples which they bring to hold vp Transubstantiation , are examples of the workes of God , which haue beene profitable , and the vse whereof is apparent . As when God created the world , and brought forth the light ; and changed the rod into a Serpent ; and conuerted water into wine .

It is needfull to consider , that in these miracles of Transubstantiation , God hath conuerted one substance into another , which was not before the changing of it : For the rod of Moses was changed into a Serpent , which was not so before the changing ; and at the mariage in Cana in Galilee , the Lord conuerted water into wine , which was not so before the conuersion . But they would that God should heere conuert the bread into a body which is already : As if a man should beget a man that is already borne ; or should turne money into gold which is already gold : Or who would goe about to make the Moone , vnlesse it were vnmade . Besides , the word of God expresly saith , that the water was conuerted into wine ; but it saith not , that the bread was conuerted into flesh . In giuing the bread , Iesus Christ saith , That it is his body , in such sort , as it was needfull it should be bread , and also that it should bee the body of Christ . For bread cannot be in substance the body of Christ , but it may well bee in the Sacrament , and according as the signes and memorials take the name , of that which they signifie and represent .

We exalt the almighty power of the Sonne of God in this , that without descending from heauen he communicateth himselfe vnto vs ; but the Church of Rome disableth this power , in subiecting it to the will of a man , which diuers times happening is found no good man , who maketh Iesus Christ when he will , and afterwards eateth it ; whereupon it happeneth that Iesus Christ is sometimes eaten by his enemies , and also ( as they say ) euen by beasts ; if the Hoast be stollen , if it fall vpon the ground , if wormes and corruption get into it : if a lew strike it with a knife and maketh it bleed , as it is painted in the Billettes of Paris : if ( as the cautions of the Messe and the penitentiall Canons say ) the Priest or the sicke man reuomit vp the Hoast through infirmity : All which redoundeth to the misprise and dishonour of Iesus Christ , which is the eternall Sonne of God .

They say for excuse , that the dogs licked vp some of the bloud of Christ Iesus : but all that is nothing to the purpose ; for Iesus Christ was expresly heere in this world to suffer ignominie , and to be subiect to infirmities : but now he is exempt from all opprobriousnesse and infirmitie . And moreouer , all that hee then suffered : was for our saluation . But one may well say vnto me , To what end serueth it that Iesus Christ should still be subiect to so many indignities aboue spoken of ? If a Mouse hath carried away the Hoast , or the Cup bee spilt , what serueth that to our saluation ?

And if our Aduersaries were asked , what becommeth of the Bodie of Iesus Christ receiued into the stomacke : whether it goe out , or remaine alwaies there , or nothing commeth of it : also how Iesus Christ hath one body like vnto ours , and of like nature , seeing it is in an hundred thousand places at one time , and hee is wholly entire in euery part of the Hoast , hauing the feete thorowout the Hoast , and the head thorowout the Hoast , and head and feet vnder one point , and by consequence hauing a humane body without extension , and a length vnder one point , and a continuance without extension : where the Body which was at the Table , a little after in the Garden , was afflicted and sweat drops of Bloud : and he who in the same time was in the mouthes and stomacks of the Apostles , suffred nothing and was impassible , and yet neuerthelesse was but one body : I beleeue that they found themselues much troubled ; where since that Iudas hath eaten Iesus Christ in the Eucharist , and euen at the same time the deuill entred into him ; can it bee conuenient or possible to thinke that Iesus Christ and the deuill entred into one body together , and remained together ?

One thing I thinke is very conuenient , that in euery Sacrament , as also at the sacrifice , it is necessary that the thing which they administer to the people , and that they offer to God , bee consecrated : but in the Eucharist of the Roman Church there is nothing of consecrate which is administred to the people , nor which is offered to God : for is this the bread which is consecrated ? No way : for they say it is no more bread . Is it the body of Iesus Christ ? it is not : for Iesus Christ cannot bee consecrated , but it is he that consecrateth vs . Are these the accidents of bread which are consecrated , that they call formes , that is to say , the roundnesse , the colour and taste of the bread ? It is not neither ; for these things are not offered to God in sacrifice : neither are they giuen to the people for to sanctifie them . But behold one Sacrament and one sacrifice , where there is nothing consecrated : where he doth make a Consecration , but they cannot say what it is that is consecrated .

All this abuse commeth by the fault of some Priests , who could if they would , make vs all agree very easily in one way . For all confesse that Iesus Christ hath instituted the holy Sacrament as it ought to bee , and that there is nothing to say against it .

If then the Pope would reduce the Holy Supper into the same forme wherein Iesus Christ instituted it , in speaking as hee did , and doing as hee did , without further dispute , we should all agree , and so wee should all come to be of one assembly vnanimously to glorifie God . By this meanes , diuine seruice should bee done in the vulgar tongue ; there should be no more priuate Masses : All should communicate vnder both kindes ; there should be no more adoration of the Hoast , nor any eleuation of the sacrifice : & the Priests bending ouer the Altar should not pray to God for saluation through the merit of Saints whose bones and reliques are hidden vnder the Altar . But contenting our selues with the prescribed simplicity of Iesus Christ , wee should reiect these additions which disfigure this Sacrament vnder the shadow of adorning it . God giue vs grace to see this happy time , and to that end dispose of the hearts of Princes and people , for the loue of IESVS CHRIST our LORD . Amen .

FINIS .

COMFORTABLE INSTRVCTIONS for the SICKE : By Peter Moulin , Minister in the Reformed Church at PARIS .

LONDON , Printed by T.S. for Thomas Pauier , and are to be sold at his shop in Iuie lane . 1623.

Short and Familiar Instructions to comfort the SICKE .

When the sicknesse appeareth not to be mortall : For the comfort of the party , one may thus beginne .

SIR , it behooueth you first to acknowledge that this sickenesse is not fallen vpon you by chance , but by the wise conduct and prouidence of Almightie God , our Creator and Father , who so disposeth of prosperitie and aduersity , health and sicknesse vpon his children , that he neuer sendeth either the one or the other , but to his owne glory , and the parties good and saluation . As the Apostle Saint Paul saith , Rom. 8.27 . Wee know that all things worke together for good to them that loue God . He purposely speaketh of afflictions , wherein sicknesses are ranked . Those people loue God , who are first loued of him , and as the Apostle saith , called according to his owne determinated purpose . That you are of this number , you haue occasion to take assurance by the faith which hee hath giuen you , in making you beleeue that he is your Father and Sauiour , in his Welbeloued Sonne Iesus Christ our Lord , by which you receiue the spirit of adoption , which is that that witnesseth with our spirit , that we are the children of God , Heires , and co-heires with Christ , Rom. 8.11.16.17 .

You must also take assurance by the sanctification of his holy spirit , by which he hath brought you into his obedience : For those that are led by the spirit of God , are the children of God .

But to those which are such , the Apostle Saint Paul saith , that euery thing workes together for good : afflictions , sicknesses , euen death it selfe : all that they haue is turned , by the grace of God to their owne profit , and great good , and for the aduancement & furtherance of their saluation .

Three principall fruits , God maketh vs gather of our maladies and afflictions .

The first is the amendement of our life , which awaketh vs out of our sinnes . For both in health and prosperity , it is too ordinary to flatter and cherish our selues in sinne , by reason of our great corruption in Nature , which maketh vs inclined to all euill , and vnprofitable to any good : it is therefore necessarie to looke about vs , and become more sensible of our sinnes , to retire our selues , and to be displeased with them ; which is made by the meanes of sicknesses , and other aduersities of this life , occasioned by sinne , and very often purposely sent from God to chastise and correct vs : and in that this good Father of Heauen sheweth how much he loueth vs , hindering our vndoing , and confusion , in our inordinate life ; like a good Father , that very well loueth his Children , hee chastiseth and correcteth vs , to hinder and draw vs backe againe , lest we should be lost ; as Saint Paul saith , in the 1. of the Corin. 32. Verse , When we are afflicted , we are taught by the Lord , to the end , we should not be condemned with the world : and in another place he saith , Heb. 12. Ver. 6.7 . and 11. That the Lord chastiseth him he loueth , and beateth euery childe whom he auoweth : If you endure Chastisement , God presenteth himselfe vnto vs , as to his Children ; For , who is the childe that the Father correcteth not ? and although that all discipline in the instant , seeme not to be of ioy , but of sadnesse ; neuerthelesse it brings a peaceable fruit of righteousnesse to those that thereby are exercised : It behooueth vs therefore first of all , to gather this excellent fruit of our sicknesses , to feele the innumerable number of our sinnes and offences , wherof we are culpable before God ; to aske pardon of him in all humility and repentance , and to make a holy protestation to liue better hereafter ; and to walke in his obedience and feare , by the grace of God , and the conduct of his holy Spirit : which we ought to aske with ardent prayers , and with an assured faith to be heard according to his promises . And so we may say with Dauid , that excellent seruant of God , Psal. 119. Ver. 6● . & 92. Before I was afflicted , I went astray , but now I haue kept thy word . It is good for mee that I haue beene afflicted , that I might learne thy statutes .

Now we may behold the sicknesses of our Bodies , how they come to be by Gods grace wholsome medicines for our soules .

The second good which sicknesses bring vs ; is to vnloose , and pull away our hearts out of the earth , to lift them vp to heauen .

Experience teacheth , that our affections are but too much rooted and tyed here below , whilest we are in health , and at our case , we would willingly neuer part from it , wee would be content that our soueraigne good & felicitie were here assigned , so stupid and blinde wee are : But God who hath destinated vs to a better life , maketh vs behold and perceiue how vaine and deceitfull the present imaginary sweetnesses and prosperities are : For when hee pleaseth to visite vs with any sickenesse , then we begin to consider the many miseries and incommodities that lackey our liues along euen from the cradle to the sepulchre , which maketh vs know , and cry out with Esay , 47. v. 6. That all flesh is like grasse , and all the glory of it , no better then a flower of the field ; And Dauid , Psalme 90. That the flower of this short life is such , that wee are alwayes in paine and Martyrdome : And with Iob 14. That man that is borne of a woman , is but of short life , and full of care . Which is the cause wherefore God maketh vs remember , principally when we feele our selues sicke , or otherwise afflicted , to make vs contemne the world , and aspire to heauen , making this miserable life distastefull , that we may by meditation taste of the Heauenly life , to the end that where our Treasure is , there may be also our heart , and that our faith and hope being retyred from the world , and from the things of the world ; wee may be lifted vp where they haue their true obiects ; that is , to God , and to eternall life . For faith also is not of things visible , but inuisible , and Hope is not of present goods , but of goods to come , that is to say , of Heauenly and Eternall goods , purchased by Iesus Christ ; goods so great and incomprehensible , which as Saint Paul saith , 1 Cor. 1.9 . Eye hath not seene , nor eare hath vnderstood , nor is not come vp into the heart of man , which God hath prepared for those that loue him .

There is also a third fruit very excellent which God maketh vs receiue of sickenesses which he sendeth vs ; for by this meanes we come to the tryall and proofe , for to purifie and amend our faith , making it appeare to his glory , and to the edification of our neighbour . For as by this meanes , our faith is excited , and raised vp from the world to God , from earth to heauen , from this life , to the most happy and permanent for euer : So is it by such prooues examined and exercised , and euen as it were refined and purified ; like gold that is tryed and purified in the fire : as Saint Peter speaketh , 1 Pet. 1.7 . It is also brought in euidence and to the light , with patience , constancy , and other Christian vertues , which God hath put in vs , without the which wee should not be knowne of any , and so in regard of our neighbours should remaine without all vse or profit . And certainely wee should neuer haue knowne what the patience of Iob had beene , of Abraham , Dauid , and many other excellent seruants of God , if God had not made them passe through the fire of proofes and temptations , and at this day we should not haue had so many faire examples as we haue , to comfort and incourage vs to their imitation . It is the same of Christian faith and patience , as of a Souldier and his valour , who neuer seeth well but in the middle of the combat ; or of the clearenesse of Stars , which are not beheld but in the night ; or the odour of incense , which is not smelt till it be cast into the fire : So God maketh knowne to our brethren the courage which he hath giuen vs , when hee maketh it come to our hands , with some rude and violent sickenesse : hee manifesteth vnto them the clearenesse of our faith , when hee couereth vs with some night of affliction : he maketh them smell the odour of our patience , when he casteth vs into any fire of aduersity : and by this meanes our brethren are not onely instructed , edified , and comforted by this our good example ; but likwise led to praise and glorifie God , who strengtheneth and sustaineth vs in the feeblenesse of our flesh , which demonstrateth and accomplisheth his great vertue in our great infirmitie .

Now behold the principall and most notable spirituall fruits which God of his bounty propoundeth vnto vs , what we may gather of our corporall sickenesses .

And therefore Sir , now that God doth visite you with this maladie , and putteth you into this bed of infirmitie , it behoueth you to know and to acknowledge that this is his fatherly hand that handleth you after this manner , as one of his children , and by which he calleth you to reioyce in those excellent fruits and profits , which haue beene declared for his glory , and for your good and saluation .

You must likewise acknowledge , that he would raise you out of your sinnes and faults , and would haue you effectually feele a displeasure within your selfe , that you may seeke for true pardon in Christs mercies ; renouncing withall your heart your former euill life , with a sound resolution hereafter to serue him , and to walke in his feare with more zeale and affection then you haue done heretofore , wholly relying vpon his grace ; Is not this that you promise ?

Patient .

It is .

Also consider , it is his will by this meanes to make you feele the miseries of this life , that you may contemne and tread down these worldly vanities vnder foote , to the ende that with all your heart , you may aspire to the heauenly and eternall life , and thereby to answere the dignity of that condition to which you are called , to be children of God , and not children of men , to haue your conuersation as Citizens of heauen , and not of earth , and to follow after and search , as Saint Paul saith , for Phil. 3.20 . Col. 2.12 . The things which are aboue , and not those things which are below . Is not this also by Gods grace , your resolution , to doe all the dayes of your life .

Patient .

It is .

Acknowledge in the end , that the good will of God is by this sicknesse to examine & proue you , to the end , that your faith and your patience may become more perfect , and that they may be seene and manifested to your Brethren and neighbours round about you , that thereby they may be comforted and edefied , and giue glory to God , to see you so patiently and constantly to carry the violences and sorrowes of this affliction , and that you esteeme your selfe to rest with a peaceable and quiet minde , to receiue whatsoeuer else it shall please God to send vnto you : Is not this the resolution which you take ?

Patient .

It is .

I beseech God to giue you grace happily to accomplish your holy promises , to his glory , and your owne saluation ; also you must with all your heart , often beseech him , and implore his grace , otherwise you shall neuer be capable of your selfe .

But if you earnestly and ardently desire him , with a true and a liuely faith , in the Name of his blessed Son Iesus Christ our Lord , doubt not but according to his promises hee will heare you , and at the present be with you , and fill your soule full of all holy consolation , fortifying you with patience , and in like sort comforting you as much as is fit for you , by which meanes he will binde you so much more to reioyce in his bounty , and to glorifie his holy Name with all obedience . This is his owne saying , to all that are afflicted as you are ; Call vpon me in the day of trouble , and I will heare thee : Is it not then your desire that here wee call vpon him with you altogether , that he will be pleased to assist you with his mercy ?

Patient .

Yes .

A Prayer .

O Lord our God and mercifull Father , we prostrate ourselues here , in all humility , at the feet of thy diuine Maiestie , to acknowledge that it is too true , that we are vnworthy of thy fauour , and worthy of Hell , if thou shouldest deale with vs according to thy Iustice , for so many offences which we heare confesse our selues to be guilty of . But we beseech thee remember thy infinite bounty , be mercifull vnto vs miserable sinners , and take pity vpon vs , for the loue of thy blessed Sonnes sake Iesus Christ our Lord , not beholding of vs in our selues , but in the person of this Sonne of thy delight , as members of his Body , reconciled to thy Maiestie by the blessing of his death . And as thou art the Father of mercy , and God of all consolation , rich in compassion , and gratious to all those that call vpon thee , and haue confidence in thee ; we beseech thee that thou wilt be pleased to shew thy selfe liberall in generall towards vs all , who now cry out for mercy , and particularly towards the person of this thy child and seruant , lying in this bed of infirmity : giue him first of all to vnderstand , that no other hand hath strucke him but thine owne , to the end hee may learne to submit himselfe to it in all humility and reuerence : And to this end , that he may remember that it is a fatherly hand and a gentle , who strikes not to loose but to saue ; and after hauing wounded viuifieth , and woundeth by the same wounds which it hath made ; make him feele that he is a miserable and poore sinner , not onely proceeding out of this masse of corruption , from whence we all doe come in Adam , but also and principally , that since it hath pleased thee to giue him grace to acknowledge thee the onely true God , and him whom thou hast sent , Iesus Christ , in whom consisteth eternall life , manifesting by this meanes thy free adoption in thy welbeloued Sonne , receiuing him to thee , hauing also put him into the ranke amongst the number of thy children and seruants in thy Church ; although he hath not well knowne the aboundant riches of thy mercy , to loue and serue thee with all his heart as he ought , in renouncing the world and himselfe , by reason of vnthankefulnesse naturally bred in him and in vs all , continually rebelling and fighting against thy great bounty and grace . O deare Father , touch him in his heart with a liuely feeling of all his infirmities and offences , to the ende that without flattering of himselfe , he may condemne himselfe before thy Maiesty , that he may acknowledge all Righteousnesse to thee , and to himselfe nothing but confusion of face ; make him renounce himselfe wholly , and confesse that iustly and rightly thou bringest vpon him these chastisements ; and that if thou shouldest deale with him according to his deserts , thou shouldest binde him vp and throw him euen into eternall destruction . Good Lord also grant that this acknowledgement be also but to humble him , and not to deiect him into the bottome of despaire , and so being of one side cast downe , and laid vpon the ground by thy powerfull hand ( not so much from the feeling of his sickenesse , as from the feeling of his sinnes ) he may be on the other side , by the same blessed hand , relieued and raised vp againe in assured hope , by the consideration of this thy incomprehensible mercy , whereof thou hast giuen vs so precious and so rich a pledge , as thy welbeloued Sonne Iesus Christ our Lord , whom thou hast not spared , but deliuered to death , euen to the ignominious and wicked death of the Crosse , to redeeme vs from the ignominious malediction of sinne : Good Lord , grant that from hence , thy poore distressed seruant may receiue all his refuge , fortifie his faith , by the which hee may search and finde in this death and holy obedience of thy Sonne ; the forgiuenesse of all his sinnes , and firmely embrace the perfect Righteousnesse thereof , where withall being clothed , he may finde peace with thee , and glorifie himselfe in the hope of thy glory amongst all his tribulations . And that the sorrow of his sickenesse , wherewith hee is corporally visited , may be sweetned with the repose and contentment of his soule . And if it be thy pleasure to recouer him from this sickenesse , to prolong his dayes , whereof thou doest giue vs some signes ; good Lord giue him grace to vse it to thy glory , perpetually beating in minde this thy grace , to consecrate the rest of his life with much more affection and zeale then heretofore hee hath done : And make him receiue this sickenesse as a fatherly affliction to draw him from sinne , and to make him take a holy resolution by thy grace , all the dayes of his life , to remember the duty and obedience wherewithall he is bound to thee , to walke in thy feare more purely , and more feruently then euer heretofore . Blesse the remedies which thou art pleased to let him vse , that he may receiue comfort in his distresse , moderate the sharpenesse of his colour , and stay the course of it , if thou Lord thinkest it fitting , to the end he may glorifie thy Name , and bee thankefull for thy mercy . But if it be thy will still to continue or augment his paine , make that it may be for his good , and to giue him an increase of strength and constancy to beare these thy trials with a tranquile and sweet spirit , without murmure or impatience : and also in these testimonies of his faith and patience , so Christianly , we desire that thou maist be glorified , and his neighbours edified and comforted . And that he may by the experience of this miserable life , be taught to withdraw his heart and affection , and to raise them vp freely to the meditation and seeking of true repose , and to the incomprehensible felicity , which is prouided for vs in Heauen to liue eternally : Grant also good Lord , the same graces to all other that are sicke and afflicted ; Comfort them and fortifie them according to their necessitie , and aboue all , giue them grace and a liuely faith , to embrace thy mercy in Iesus Christ for their comfort . Heare vs , O Father of mercy , for the loue of thy welbeloued Sonne our Lord Iesus Christ , euen as he himselfe hath commanded vs to present our selues vnto thee : Our Father which art in Heauen , &c.

And forasmuch , O Lord , as without faith , we cannot be agreeable , or acceptable vnto thee , we beseech thee so to increase it in this thy seruant , and in vs all , that he may come to the last breath of life , and we with him , to perseuere therein , and to be alwayes disposed to render a pure confession , with heart and mouth , as wee now present our selues vnto thee , saying , I beleeue in God , &c.

This is his faith , O Lord , and ours : giue vs grace to liue and dye herein , through Iesus Christ our Lord , who in vnity of the Holy Spirit , liueth and raigneth with thee eternally , Amen .

When there is apparencie that the sickenesse is mortall , follow this forme .

Sir , It behoueth you to bee of good courage in the middle of your affliction , which it pleaseth God still to continue vpon your body ; and be assured that he hath neither sent or continued it , but for the good and saluation of your soule : to teach you by this meanes to vnderstand your selfe , as being a poore sinner ; more and more to detest your sinnes , contemne the world , to lift you vp to God , and to inuocate and call vpon him with much more feruour , with assurance to be heard , following his holy promises , and to obtaine of him Christian Constancy , which is most necessary for you in this tryall .

The assurance of the mercy of God in Iesus Christ , the true ground of all Consolation .

That which ought most to comfort you , and with courage and patience to strengthen you , is the assurance which you ought alwayes to take ; that God , for the loue of his welbeloued Sonne our Lord Iesus , hath imbraced you into his loue and free fauour , hath pardoned your offences , hath adopted you and receiued you amongst the number of his children , to make you inherite the Kingdome of Heauen , by vertue of the purchase which Iesus Christ hath made for you by the merit of his death , such an assurance will make you alwayes certaine that nothing can happen vnto you , whether it be in life or death , which can be any other then the fauour and blessing of your Heauenly Father , and so consequently are aides and meanes ordayned by his wise prouidence , to conduct you to the blessed life .

This assurance commeth from Faith .

It is true that this assurance wee cannot take of our selues , it is our good God that giueth it , when by the vertue of his holy Spirit , and holy Word , he createth in our hearts a true and a liuely faith , with the which we receiue , and wee appropriate the promises of his grace which he hath ordayned vs in the preaching of the gospel . Which promises in effect are , That God hath so loued the world , that he hath giuen his onely Sonne , that whosoeuer beleeueth in him , should not perish , but haue life euerlasting . Ioh. 3.16 . If God then hath giuen you the grace to beleeue in his only Son ; & to embrace him for your Redeemer and Sauiour , ( as we gather hitherto by the profession you haue made , and still continueth in the Church ) you may take from thence a holy assurance , that God , according to the infallible truth of his Word , hath receiued you into his loue , that you shall not perish , but haue euerlasting life . Now being so , what can you feare ? Rom. 8.30.31 . If God be with vs , who can be against vs ? Hee , who hath not spared his owne Sonne , but deliuered him vp for vs all , how shall hee not with him also freely giue vs all things ? Hee hath giuen you the most , that is his Sonne ; hee will not euerthelesse deny you any thing else that can be necessary for to keepe you from all sort of euill , corporall and spirituall , as well in life , as in death .

Faith applyeth to all the faithfull , the promises of the Gospell .

This application whereof I haue spoken , which you must make to your selfe , from the promises of the Gospel , to gather such a holy assurance , it is necessarily required by Faith . For to beleeue in Iesus Christ , it is not enough to beleeue in grosse , that there is a Iesus Christ , and who beleeueth in him , hath eternall life : neither is it enough to beleeue that the promises of the Gospell are altogether true ; the Diuell beleeueth so much , yet notwithstanding hee hath no true beleeuing faith : But to beleeue in Iesus Christ , is , when the faithfull beleeueth that there is saluation in Iesus Christ for him ; which the Diuell cannot beleeue . And the true iustifying faith , whereby the iust liueth , chiefely consisteth in that , that we apply and appropriate vnto our selues , euery one in his own particular , the promises of saluation , that euery one in his owne behalfe , may say , that which St. Paul saith , in the person of euery one of the faithfull , Gal. 2.20 . I liue in the faith of the Sonne of God , who hath loued me , and giuen himselfe for me ; and in the 2 Tim. 1.2 . I know whom I haue beleeued , and I am perswaded that he is able to keepe that which I haue committed vnto him , against that day ; and Rom. 8.37.38 . I am assured that neither death , nor life , nor Angels , nor Principalities , nor Powers , nor things to come , nor height , nor depth , nor any other creature can separate vs from the loue of God , which he hath shewed vs in Iesus Christ our Lord . This faith doth not bring vs a simple opinion or coniecture of our saluation , but a certaine knowledge , following that which Saint Iohn saith , 5.14 . Wee know that we are translated from death to life , And Iohn 10. We know that we are of God , and I haue saith he , 1 Ioh. 5.13 . written these things to you which beleeue in the Name of the Sonne of God , to the end that you should know that you haue eternall life . This faith freely lets vs goe to the treasure of Gods grace , Heb. 4.10 . With assurance , as hee saith in the 10.22 . euen with a true heart and a full assurance of faith , as Saint Paul saith , Ephes. 3.12 . that , by Iesus Christ we haue boldnesse and accesse , in our beleefe , by the faith which wee haue in him . This faith is called , Hebrewes 11.1 . the substance of things hoped for , that is to say , that maketh things beleeued and hoped subsist in our soules , neither more nor lesse then if we were already in the very Actuall possession and inioying . This Faith maketh vs finde peace and rest in our soules and consciences , chasing away the feares and terrours which sinne would set before vs , with the apprehension of Gods iudgements , following that which Saint Paul saith , Rom. 5. Verse 1. That being iustified by faith , we haue peace with God through Iesus Christ our Lord , by the which also wee haue beene led by Faith to this grace ; wherein we hold our selues fast , and glorifye our selues in the hope of the glory of God .

The gift of perseuerance assured to the Faithfull .

Moreouer , these passages propound vnto vs this holy assurance of Faith , not onely for the present , but also to come , and containeth a promise which God giueth vs to perseuere in this Faith , euen to the end . Otherwise , where should be this assurance which the Apostle speaketh of , of not being able to be separated from the loue of God in Iesus Christ ? Where should be this subsistance of things hoped for ? How should wee haue in our soules a solid peace with God ? How should wee finde our selues firme in this grace ? How can we glorifie our selues in the hope of the glory of God ? Such is then the incomprehensible bounty of this heauenly Father , that he beginneth not in vs the worke of our saluation , for to leaue it imperfect , according as Saint Paul saith to the Philippians , and in their persons , speaketh also to all truely faithfull , Phil. 1.6 . I am assured , that hee that hath begunne this good worke in you , will perfect it , euen to the comming of Iesus Christ : As also he saith in another place , Rom. 11.29 . That the gifts and calling of God are without Repentance : that is to say , hee gaine sayeth not , nor euer goeth from his word .

Against the obiection that this assurance of Faith should be a presumption .

It may not be that this certainty of Faith be blamed in vs , and to be thought rashnesse and presumption ; for on the contrary , it should be thought an extreame rashnesse and presumption , if wee should not beleeue such excellent promises of our God : And it is Humility and Obedience to receiue and rest vpon it with reuerence ; For it is said , that he which hath receiued the Testimony of God , hath sealed that God is veritable , Iohn 3.33 . that is to say , subscribed , and giuen approbation to the truth of God , which he demonstrateth in the accomplishment of his promises ; and it is said on the contrary , in the 1 of Iohn , 5.10.11 . That hee that beleeueth not God , hee hath made him a lyar : For hee hath not beleeued in the testimony which God hath witnessed of his owne Sonne , and this is the testimony , that God hath giuen vs eternall life , and this life is in his Sonne .

Two things might make vs rash and bolde in this assurance which we take of our saluation ; the one is , if wee should build vpon the merit of our workes , Rom. 3.20 . For no flesh shall be iustified before God , by the workes of the law ; and all those that seeke to be iustified thereby , are vnder malediction ; so saith Saint Paul , 3.10.2 . It is not by our owne righteousnesse , which is nothing , whereupon wee build such an assurance , but vpon the righteousnesse of him whom God hath made to be sinne for vs , 2 Cor. 5.21 . that is to say , a sacrifice for sinne : to the end that wee might be made the righteousnesse of God in him ; and by the obedience of whom we are made iust , in exchange of our disobedience in Adam , which made vs all sinners , Rom. 5.19 . The other point which might make vs bolde in this behalfe ; that if wee should presume to purchase such a knowledge of our saluation by the subtilty of our spirits , as it is said , that the Naturall man conceiueth not the things of God , 1 Cor. 2.14 . But certainly , we make account to haue receiued , as the same Apostle , 1 Cor. 2.12 . Not the spirit of this world , but the spirit which is of God , to the end that wee should know the things which haue beene giuen vs from God . Also hee saith in the same place , 1 Cor. 2.9.10 . That these things , which are altogether incomprehensible , God hath reuealed them by his holy spirit : Finally , hee addeth , 1 Cor. 1.16 . That by this meanes wee holde the intention of Christ . But by this spirit of God , are all those conducted which are the Children of God , which the same Apostle saith , Rom. 8.14 . And hee is called , The spirit of adoption , and by him we cry Abba Father , Gal. 4.6 . that is to say , wee cry and call vpon God as our Father . And also it is This same spirit , saith Saint Paul , Rom. 8.11.16 . which giueth testimony with our spirit , that we are the Children of God . In like sort the Apostle to the Ephesians , saith , 1.13.14 . That when we belieue in the Gospell , we are sealed with the holy spirit of promise , which is the earnest of our inheritance , vntill the redemption of the purchased possession , vnto the praise of his glory : by which wee learne that the testimony of the Holy Ghost receiued into our hearts with Faith , is like vnto a seale , which the holy Spirit imprinteth in our hearts , to assure vs of the promises of God , and to assure vs that we are his Children , and as men vse in the Market , giuing of earnest , that is to say , a part of the price agreed for , as well to beginne the payment , as to make the bargaine irreuocable , and assured , that it may be kept firme : Euen so the Holy Ghost , which through Faith begetteth peace and ioy in our hearts , is giuen vs for earnest of the Kingdome of Heauen , Rom. 14.17 . to the end to assure vs by this beginning of spirituall goods ( which God hath promised to his children ) that hee holdeth vs for his owne purchased possession , to the praise of his glory , and that without euer reuoking his promises , hee will at last gather vs to the full fruition of the Inheritance in Heauen .

It is needfull , if it be possible , to draw from the mouth of the sicke person , confession of his sinnes , of his Repentance and his Faith ; & if hee haue not the vse of his Tongue , but of his vnderstanding , it is necessary for him to answere by some signe .

Now Sir it behoueth you to take good courage , and willingly to apply this holy doctrine , for the comfort of your soule ; this doctrine hath been declared vnto you by the preaching of the Gospell , in the Church of God , whereof you haue beene a member ; it hath also beene confirmed vnto you by the vse of the Sacrament , with whom you haue communicated . Haue you not receiued it with Faith ?

Patient .

I haue .

Also doe you not beleeue , that God is not onely your Creator , ( but sinne hauing lost you , ) hee is your Sauiour in Iesus Christ ?

Patient .

Yes .

Doe you not acknowledge , that you are a poore and miserable sinner , that if he should reckon with you according to your sinnes , of necessitie he should make you perish in death and eternall damnation ?

Patient .

Yes .

Are you not very heartily sorry and grieued so to haue offended , and doe you repent your selfe , euen with your whole heart ?

Patient .

Yes .

Doe you not renounce all opinion and trust in our owne Righteousnesse , for to repose your selfe intirely , and your hope in the mercy of God , by which he iustifieth and saueth vs , in his blessed Sonne Iesus Christ ?

Patient .

Yes .

Doe you not beleeue that he hath receiued you into his mercie , that he is pleased and appeased with you , and hath in grace reconciled you vnto him , in the fauour , and through the obedience and merit of the same Iesus Christ his Sonne , who you firmely beleeue died for your sinnes , and is risen for your iustification ?

Patient .

Yes .

Now I beseech God to confirm & increase you more & more in this faith , following the which , you need not doubt a certaine assurance to be iustified and saued , seeing that God hath giuen you this grace to beleeue with your heart to Righteousnesse , and to make confession with your mouth to saluation . Rom. 1.1 .

For the sicke person to resolue , whether it be for life or death , according to Gods will .

Being thus resolued vpon this firme foundation of faith , now you must take a holy resolution , constantly to attend without all feare , what the Lord will be pleased to send vnto you in this your sicknesse , with a firme perswasion that all will goe well with you ; whether it bee you shall remaine here below , or that it be his pleasure to make you more happy . If his pleasure be to restore you to former health againe , as he is powerfull to draw the dead out of the sepulcher , and make them liue againe : which will bee if hee please , for to make you more affectionate to the honour and seruice of God , then euer heretofore you haue beene : But if it be his will to leade you by this sickenesse , to the end of your course , it will be to receiue you into the possession of that perfect felicity which the Sonne of God hath so dearely bought with the price of his blood . And therefore goe your wayes vnto him , with a holy chearefulnesse in the assurance of his mercies . Reioyce your selfe in the happy exchange of your remouing from earth to Heauen , from this short and miserable life , to the blessed life for euer to endure ; from these triuiall and perishing goods , to those that are heauenly and eternall , which eye hath not seene , nor eare hath heard , & which are not yet come vp into the heart of Man , which God hath prepared for those that loue him .

Are you not then well resolued in all this , to conforme your will to your Heauenly Father ? to the end , that whether you liue , you liue to the Lord , or whether you dye , you die to the Lord , Rom. 14.8 . being well assured that Christ shall be alwayes to you to liue or to dye ? Phil. 1.21 .

Patient .

Yes .

God giue you the grace .

For to assure and comfort the sicke in the infirmitie of Faith .

I am not ignorant that your faith , how great soeuer it may be , yet notwithstanding it is both little in you and feeble : for whilest the infirmities of this life remaine , the Holy Spirit is not giuen vs , but in a certaine measure , according to the which we know not but in part , and our spirituall renuing is yet but in the beginning ; it is certaine that here below we cannot attaine to the perfection of faith ; and therefore I doubt not but that your faith is yet weake , and infirme , and that it cannot but be moued with diuers temptations , and combated with diuers assaults of doubt and distrust . But yet neuerthelesse , it behoueth you to be of good courage ; for this combat which you feele in your selfe , is the combat , which as Saint Paul saith to the Galatians , 5. v. 17. is in the soule of euery faithfull , betweene the flesh and the Spirit ; and therefore this is a sure testimony which you haue by faith . For as the flesh fighteth in you through vnbeliefe , so doth the Spirit fight in you by faith : and this faith neuer faileth , being fortified by the Spirit of God , which maketh a man victorious , and whatsoeuer imperfection it hath , God will make it sufficient to saluation ; for it is not said , Who shall perfectly beleeue shall be saued , but simply , Who shall beleeue . Moreouer , as you perceiue in your selfe , your faith feeble and imperfect , also I doubt not , but you perceiue in your selfe a Holy desire that it may be encreased in you and made stronger , and that in your heart you make your prayers to God that it may be so ; Is it not true ?

Patient .

Yes .

But seeing it is so , and that this faith and desire may encrease in you , and that this prayer which you make to God , proceed from the fruit of the Spirit , and not of the flesh ? and seeing these are the fruits which the Spirit of God bringeth forth in you ? is it not a sure testimony , that you are conducted by the same Spirit , and so consequently the child of God ? for all those that are conducted by the Spirit of God , are the children of God , which Saint Paul saith , Rom. 8.14 .

Be of good cheere Sir , and boldly say with the Apostle in the middest of your combats , I am assured that nothing can seperate me from the loue of God , which he hath shewed mee in Iesus Christ our Lord .

For to assure the sicke against the affrights and temptations of Conscience .

There are foure things to be marked , which in this spirituall combat may affright you , shake your faith , and trouble the peace of your conscience ; which is the feeling of your sinnes , the apprehension of death , the feare of the Diuell , and the horror of Gods Iudgements ; before whom wee must make our appearance at the going out of this life . But against the feare of all these things , the bounty of God , in the blessings of Christ , and in the testimony of his Word , furnisheth you with all sufficient remedies , for to assure you and truely to confirme you in inuincible constancy .

Against feare proceeding from the feeling of sinne .

First of all , for the respect of your sinnes , it is very necessary to haue a liuely feeling thereof , for to humble your selfe before God : but seeing yon protest to haue a serious and true repentance , and to search and apprehend by faith the satisfaction and expiation in the blood of Iesus Christ , assure your selfe , they can no way hinder the effect of your saluation . If you bee a sinner , So Iesus Christ is come into the world to saue sinners , 1 Tim. 1.15 . He is the Lamb of God that taketh away the sinnes of the world , Iohn 1.29 . It is his blood which cleanseth vs from all iniquitie , 1 Iohn 1.7.9 . And whosoeuer shall beleeue in him , shall receiue remission of his sinnes , through his Name , Acts , 10.43 . And therefore he hath commanded , that repentance and forgiuenesse of sinnes should bee preached in his Name , Luke 24.47 . Hee himselfe inuiteth vs to come to him , for to enioy this blessing : Come vnto me all yee that labour and are ouer-laden , and I will refresh you , Matth. 11.28 . Goe your wayes then vnto him , if you finde your selues grieued with the burthen of your sinnes , in assurance to finde remedy for your soules . And for that very thing , euery day hee maketh himselfe an Aduocate to the Father for vs . If we haue sinned , saith Saint Iohn 2.1.2 . wee haue an Aduocate with the Father , that is to say , Iesus Christ the Iust , who is the propitiation for our sinnes .

Against the feare of Death .

In regard of death , wherefore doe you feare it , seeing that your sinnes are no more imputed vnto you ? for sinne was the cause that death entred into the world , as Saint Paul , Rom. 5.12 . and by consequence , there where no sinne is , there can be no death . And indeed concerning death eternall , which the Scripture calleth the second death , you haue an entire and full freedome , by the meanes of this faith which God hath giuen you . In veritie , saith the Sonne of God , Iohn 5.24 . I say vnto you , that he that heareth my Word and beleeueth in him that sent mee , shall haue euerlasting life , and shall not come to condemnation , but is passed from death to life .

And as for the corporall death , of which we are assured , it is neuer a testimony to the faithfull of the anger of God against them , as it is alwayes to the wicked ; but a singular fauour of Gods bounty , bringing an infinite number of blessings with it . First of all , it deliuereth vs from all sorts of dangers , putting an end to so many miseries and griefes , which vexeth vs without cease , both in our soules and Bodies during the course of this miserable life , or rather of this continuall death , wherewithall wee languish here below : Also it taketh vs away from amidst the throng of this wicked world , with the corruption whereof we cannot but be infected , and so we come to be freed from this vnhappy necessitie of sinfull liuing , and from the daily and hourely offending of our Heauenly Father who is so bountifull and gracious a God vnto vs .

Secondly , this bodily death is an entrance to the true life , by the death of Iesus Christ , whose sacred selfe hath passed through this death , to make our passage safe and happy vnto vs : this is now an assured bridge to passe and make our trauaile from the world to God , and from the mischieues of this life to the incomprehensible Beatitude of eternall life ; to that fulnesse of ioy , which is as Dauid saith , Psalme , 16.11 . In the contemplation of the face of the Eternall . This is the good which your Soule shall enioy at the departing from your body : And as for your body , which shall be put into the earth , it shall not be there to perish alwayes , but onely for a while to rest , attending the happy resurrection ; which is the cause why death is called in the Scripture , A Sleepe , and and they are saide to be sleeping , in regard of their bodies , which at the last day shal be awaked and rise from dust , to possesse together with their soules the glorious mortality , being made conformable to the glorious Body of our Lord Iesus Christ . Phil. 3.21 . He is the head , and they are the members : and therefore it behoueth that the members be conformable to their Head .

What finde you then in death that may affright you , seeing it deliuereth you from all euill , and will raise you to the height of all goodnesse ? Rather you shall not meete with any thing , but will giue you comfort and assurance , to confirme your attendance with resolution and tranquillitie of spirit , euen to aspire with all your hearr , when the Houre will ●ome , to say with Saint Paul , My desire is to be dissolued , and to be with Christ .

Against the feare of the Diuell .

For the feare that you may haue of the Diuell , you see now there is no great cause to doubt , seeing that death cannot annoy you , but by death , by which it domineareth . But the Apostle testifieth , that Iesus Christ hath not onely destroyed death , but him also that hath the empire of death , which is the Diuell , Heb. 2.14 .

Our Lord himselfe saith , that the Prince of this world hath nothing in him ; neither hath any thing in those that are his Members , amongst which number you are by the grace of God . Also this hath beene for vs and our profit , that the Sonne of God hath vanquished and ouercome vpon the Crosse , where He hath , as Saint Paul saith to the Collossians , 2.15 . ouercome the principalities and powers of Hell , which hee hath publikely brought in euidence , therein triumphing ouer them .

I doubt not but the enemy of our saluation , maketh warre against you , for to astonish and trouble your Faith , for as Saint Peter saith , 1.5 . Verse 8.9 . Our aduersarie the Diuell walketh like a roaring Lyon , seeking whom hee may deuoure : Saint Peter addeth , being firme in faith , it behooueth vs to resist him : Resist the Diuell , as Saint Iames saith , 4.7 . and he will flie from you . But for to resist and vanquish him , it behoueth you to be defended with the armour of God , whereof Saint Paul speaketh to the Ephesians , Chap. 6. Verse 16. Taking , aboue all , as hee saith , the Buckler of Faith , by which you shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked .

Against the Apprehension of the Iudgement of God .

Now remaineth the feare which you may take of the Iudgement of God , before whom you must appeare . But whereupon ground you your apprehension , seeing that your sinnes shall be no more imputed vnto you , seeing you shall be no more condemned to death , seeing that it will nothing auaile Sathan to accuse you , being thereby absolued and iustified by the grace of God ? It is the doctrine which the Apostle Saint Paul giueth vs , Rom. 8. Verse 32.33 . Who shall lay any thing to the charge of Gods elect ? It is God that iustifieth , Who is he that condemneth ? It is Christ that dyed , yea , rather that is risen againe , who is euen at the right hand of God , who also maketh intercession for vs .

Euen so ought we to come before God , but not as before a seuere and rigorous Iudge , but as before a Father , that is well-pleased with you through the intercession of Iesus Christ : of Iesus Christ I say , who is both your Intercessor and Aduocate to God the Father . Hee will not be refused of the Father in his request for you , by Iesus Christ , whereof you are a Member : For there is no condemnation to those that are in Iesus Christ , saith Saint Paul , Rom. 8.1 . By Iesus Christ , in the end , in whom you beleeue , But he that beleeueth in me , ( saith he ) shall haue eternall life , and shall not come to condemnation , but is passed from death to life .

Is not this then Sir your Faith , and firme beliefe , which by the benefit of our Lord Iesus Christ , you haue forgiuenesse of your sinnes , Iohn 5.24 . That you are saued from eternall death , and freed from the rigour of Gods iudgements , and by consequence , Sathan cannot annoy you by his accusations and temptations , and that this corporall death can be no other vnto you , but profitable , and euery way happy .

Also a protestation of charity , must be drawne from the sicke party to his Neighbour .

As for the rest Sir , you know Faith worketh by Charity , and necessarily bringeth it forth , seeing it hath pleased God to vnite you vnto him by Faith , also of necessitie you must be vnited to all your Brethren and Neighbours by a true christian Charity . And therefore tell vs if you freely renounce not all hatred , rancour , and enmity with euery one without exception , and desire the good and saluation of all in generall , and euery one in particular , euen as of your owne ?

Patient .

Yes .

Doe you not pardon with all your heart , all those that might haue offended you in any sort , as you likewise require pardon of all those that might haue beene offended by you ?

Patient .

Yes .

Now Sir it behooueth vs to addresse our prayer to God , to the end that he will be pleased to fortifie you in faith , which hee hath giuen you , and to make his graces more and more abound in you ; and it is your part to humble your selfe with vs before him , and to lift vp your heart to him , to implore his Mercy from the bottome of your Heart .

A Prayer for the sicke when there is any signe of death .

O Lord our God , & Mercifull Father , we are very vnworthy to lift vp our eyes vnto thee , our sins and wicked deedes are so many , wherewith wee are so polluted before thy face ; neither is this out of the confidence of our owne worth to be thus bolde to present our selues at the feete of thy diuine Maiesty , but in the assurance of the great Compassions and perfect obedience which thy welbeloued Sonne Iesus Christ our Lord hath made for vs ; with the righteousnesse whereof , wee beseech thee couer vs with thy grace , to the end wee may be by his fauour made agreeable and reconciled vnto thee . But wee beseech thee O good God , particularly vouchsafe thy great mercy to this thy poore seruant , so feeble , mightily deiected vnder thy powerfull hand : poore sinner remaining vnder the weight and rigour of thy high Iustice , if thou doest not extend thy great clemency towards him .

Giue him grace , good Lord , to enter more and more into a serious examination and acknowledgement of his faults , to conceiue that true detestation which alwayes bringeth forth true repentance , and set him forward intirely to renounce himselfe and his owne way , to haue all his refuge in thee , and in thy bounty : In the meane while receiue him gratiously , O Lord , shew him the face of a father and assure and comfort him : Say to his soule , Soule , I am he that can warrant thee . Dispose of his heart , patiently to receiue with Action of graces , this Fatherly correction , which thou hast sent him , and to put himselfe wholly into thy hands , to submit himselfe peaceably vnder all that thou shalt please to lay vpon him by thy holy prouidence . Lord thou knowest better then he himselfe , or any of vs what is most conuenient , whether he shall liue or die : If thy good pleasure be that hee shall liue , let it be that he may onely liue to thee : in such sort that hauing profited well by thy chastisements , he may learne to loue thee , honour and serue thee , all the dayes of his life in thy Church ; perpetually studying to bring forth fruits of piety and holinesse , worthy of thy Gospel , and conuenient for a childe of such a Father ; so that in him thou maist be glorified , and his neighbours edified . But contrarily of the other part , it be thy pleasure , to take him out of this miserable world , assure him that it shall be to put him into the possession of thy Heauenly kingdome , which thou hast prepared before the foundations of the world , and which thy Sonne hath purchased by the merit of his death . To this end , O Father of light , from whom proceedeth euery good gift , that thou wilt be pleased to giue him a true and a liuely faith , with the which he may search , find , and apprehend the propitiation for his sinnes , and the true righteousnes in the obedience of thy welbeloued Sonne Iesus Christ our Lord , who hath suffered for our sinnes , and risen againe for our iustification , and ascended into Heauen to take possession in our Name , and by this meanes , giueth vs accesse and entrance , which sinne had banished vs from . Imprint in his heart a full assurance of all these thy graces , to the end that by this meanes , he may peaceably repose himselfe in thy mercy , and happily ouercome all the snares and temptations which Sathan and his owne flesh would put before him , to trouble the clearnesse of his faith , and tranquility of his conscience . That his sinnes then may not make him despaire , because thy Iustice hath been so well payed , not with gold or siluer , but with the pretious blood of thy Christ , as of the Lambe without spot or blemish . Let not death affright him , seeing sinne is abolished and destroyed in him , which is the sting of death , who now is disarmed and without all power : that his spirit being separated from the body by this corporall death , it shall be to come triumphantly to thee , and deliuered from the captiuity of sinne , to the end to taste of the enioying the most happy life , which he neuer tasted in this world , but by hope : leauing his body in the earth , but not for euer , but to be refined , transformed , & in time conuenient made conformable to the glorious body of his Redeemer by the benefit of his resurrection . So Sathan shall no more astonish him but by sinne and death , which he hath vtterly lost all power in ouer our visited Brother . Assuring him in the end that this accuser can intend nothing against him , before the Throne of thy iustice , seeing hee is absolued & iustified by thy grace , there is no iudge that can condemne him . That thou wilt also be pleased , O good God , to be likewise mercifull to all other sicke soules , comfort and fortifie them according as thou knowest them needfull : and aboue all , giue them grace alwayes to embrace with a true and liuely faith , thy mercy in Iesus Christ , wherein they may euer be comforted . Good Lord vouchsafe vnto vs all this grace , that this example may profite and teach vs to renounce the world and our selues , to imploy that time we haue here below , to meditate thy wisedome , walke carefully in thy feare , retyre our hearts from the vanities of this life , to raise them vp to attend and meditate vpon the Heauenly life , and to this end to be alwayes prepared to appeare before thee , with assurance to be gathered and receiued into thy mercy , for the loue of thy welbeloued Sonne Iesus Christ our Lord : In whose name we beseech thee , O Father of mercy , heere vs in these things , and in all other things which thou knowest better to be necessary for thy poore seruant , and for vs , then we doe our selues ; as we doe now request thee in that prayer which thou hast commanded vs to present our selues before thee : Our Father which art in Heauen , &c.

Lord giue vs a good increase of Faith , which thou hast planted in the heart of this thy childe and seruant : defend him as with a Buckler , by the which he may extinguish all the fiery darts of the Diuell , and make him perseuere constantly therin , vntill the very last breath of his life , and that hee may alwaies , at the least in his heart , render vnto thee a pure and Christian confession , as we now present with heart and mouth : I beleeue in God the Father Almighty , &c.

This is his Faith O Lord , and ours , giue vs grace to liue and dye in it , through Iesus Christ thy Sonne our Lord , who in the vnitie of the Holy Spirit , liueth and raigneth with thee God eternally , Amen .

If the sicke person continue long , and still in danger of death , it will be conuenient to repeat at times necessary , the abouesaid Comforts , but especially those which are to assure and fortifie against the temptations and combats of Conscience .

And if it happen the sicke party be troubled with idle talke , or cannot vnderstand a long discourse : vse short sentences , such as hereafter followeth ; speaking but at sometimes .

Sir , it behooueth you to take good courage ; it is the fatherly hand of God that visiteth you for your good and saluation : For to those whom God loueth , all things worke together for good .

Lift vp your heart to God , and confesse your sinnes and offences , and imbrace by faith his mercy in Iesus Christ , which hee hath promised to all those that repent , and beleeue in him .

Haue you not alwaies a good assurance in the mercy of God , & a firme faith in Iesus Christ your Sauiour ?

Patient .

Yes .

Doe you not beleeue that Iesus Christ is dead for your sinnes , and risen againe for your iustification ?

Patient .

Yes .

Doe you not beleeue that hee hath before the Father , beene your wisedome , righteousnesse , sanctification , and redemption ?

Patient .

Yes .

Doe you not thinke that hee hath freely iustified you by the grace of God , through the redemption which is in Christ Iesus ?

Patient .

Yes .

Following this your faith , doubt not , but God will warrant you from all perdition , and giue you euerlasting life .

For God hath giuen his Sonne , to the end that whosoeuer shall beleeue in him , shall not perish but haue eternall life , Ioh. 16.

Feare not death , seeing by faith you imbrace Iesus Christ , who is your life . I am , saith he , the resurrection and the life , who shall beleeue in me , although he be dead , shall liue : and whosoeuer liueth and beleeueth in me , shall neuer dye , Ioh. 11.25.26 .

If your sinnes doe afflict you , addresse your selfe alwaies by faith , and runne to Christ Iesus , and you shall finde rest to your soule ; Come to mee , saith Saint Matthew , 11.28 . all you that labour , and are ouer-laden , and I will ease you : Doubt not the rigour of Gods iustice ; for there is no condemnation to those that are in Christ Iesus , as the Apostle Saint Paul saith , Rom. 8.1 . And who is he , Rom. 8.32.33 . that will bring in accusation against the elect of God ? God is hee that iustifieth , who will be hee that shall condemne ? Christ is he which is dead , and which is more , is risen againe : who is also at the right hand of God , and maketh intercession for vs .

Be not sorry to leaue this miserable life , which as Saint Iames saith , 4.14 . is but a vapour , which appeareth a little while and afterwards vanisheth ; besides , in exchange thereof , euerlasting life shall be giuen vnto you , and in that the very height of felicity , so great and incomprehensible , That eye hath not seene , nor eare vnderstood , and is not come vp into the heart of man , that which God hath prepared for those that loue him .

When the sicke person is apparantly at the point of death , or ready to yeeld vp the Ghost , it is necessary to repeat this short consolation following , with prayer .

Comfort your selfe Sir , you now approach neare vnto the end of the Combat , which cannot be otherwise but happy vnto you , assure your selfe , the victory is of your side , by meanes of your faith , which is the victory that ouercommeth the world , and the Prince of the world . Iesus Christ your head and Sauiour extendeth forth his hand , and stayeth for you at the end of the lists , to present vnto you the incorruptible Crowne of glory , which he hath purchased with the price of his bloud , commend your selfe vnto him now with all your heart : goe vnto him with ioy : throw your selfe into his Armes , and say , Into thy hands I commend my soule , for thou hast bought me O God of truth . Psal. 31. Let vs againe pray to God that he will giue you his grace .

A Prayer .

O Lord , Father of Mercy , & God of all Consolation , let fall thy mercies and comforts vpon this occasion , vpon this person , thy poore childe and seruant : Make him now gather and apply vnto himselfe excellent and abundant profit of the holy Instructions which in thy schoole thou hast taught him during the course of his life : giue him an inuincible faith in this Combat .

Arme him with all thy spirituall Armour , that hee may resist all the Temptations of Sathan : and hauing ouercome all , make him remain firme .

If thy Iustice astonish , let thy mercie assure and comfort : if his sinnes accuse him let the obedience of thy welbeloued excuse and iustifie him , if the apprehension of death , trouble him , make him contemplate the open gate of euerlasting life , to which thou goest to make him enter . Thou hast giuen him it in thy Sonne , make it perfectly happy to him . Hee is of the flocke of this great Shepheard , let it not be taken from him . Thou hast begun his saluation , let not the worke remaine vnperfect . And now that thou hast brought him to the end of his sorrowfull course , now receiue his soule into thy hands , and bring it into thy heauenly paradice , into the fulnesse of repose and beatitude , into the company of thy blessed Angels , and holy soules of thine Elect , which thou hast gathered for euer to enioy together the perfection of all ioy , which consisteth in the contemplation of his face . Heare vs , O Father of mercy , for the loue of thy welbeloued Son Iesus Christ our Lord , who in vnity of the holy Spirit , liueth and raigneth with thee God eternally , Amen .

A short comfort for those that are friends of the deceased , to be giuen after the body is interred .

Friends , it is needfull in this businesse , for you to remember , of the holy Christian instruction which you haue receiued in the schoole of Iesus Christ , for to make your profit in bearing your affliction with patience , and in humility , resting in a quiet Spirit at the will of God , to which we ought alwayes to be subiect and conformable . Our Nature in such accidents leadeth vs to teares , but the Spirit of God , author of all Regeneration , teacheth vs to keepe measure , and not to afflict our selues , like those that haue no hope ( 1 Thess. 4.13 . ) If we be men in weeping , yet wee must shew our selues Christians , adorned with faith and hope , to assure vs that this corporall death , is no other to the faithfull children of God , but a happy port to enter into eternall life , Ioh. 5.28.29 . and as for the body it must remaine in earth , vntill that day when they shall heare the voyce of the Lord , which shall make them rise out of the graue , into the resurrection of life . That the deceased is of the number of Gods children , the marks and testimonies which God hath giuen him , by the good profession of piety and wisedome , which hee hath made in the Church , vnto the last breath of his life , neede not leaue vs in doubt . He hath liued to the Lord , and is dead to the Lord , by consequence is happy , and resteth from his labour , Apoc. 14.13 . by the heauenly testimony of the Spirit of God himselfe . You haue no cause to weep ouer him , for the condition he is in , being in euery kinde thrice happy . He hath also a great aduantage of vs , that remaine in this world behinde him . For he is arriued at the port of saluation , where as we are still beaten with the storme and torment of the confused and dangerous sea of this miserable world . And therefore it is much better to aspire to go with him , then to wish him to remaine here below with vs ; for the discommodity that you may receiue by his absence , it behoueth you to consider , that God that gaue him to you , remaineth still with you , who is enough for vs without all other things , whereas all other things without him are nothing : It is hee that will continue alwayes ouer you the care of his fatherly prouidence , if you continue alwayes to walke in his feare . I beseech God to giue you grace , and fortifie you with a holy and constant resolution . Amen .

FINIS .