An Epistle of M. Ed. Deringe , before his 24 Lecture on the Hebrues , which he preached the 6. of December , 1572. And gaue for a newe yeres gifte to the godlie in London & elsewhere . To his verie louing friend Maister M. F.

THe outward afflictions and manyfold troubles of a great nomber of gods childrie , whose trauel & labour , from day to day J had stil in experience , and the inward feelling of many wounded spirits , whose wofull sighes and bitter mournings , J beheld in other , and had tried in my selfe : it made me very desirous to seeke for remedies , to stoppe the complaints of so grieuous cryings , and to prepare our heartes in a strong defence , that the fierie dartes of the Diuell might not wound vs . Vpon this occasion when J had to expound that place of the Apostle full of notable comfort : That Christe in the dayes of his fleshe , offered vp prayers and supplications to him that was able to saue him from death , with strong cryings and teares , and was deliuered from the thinges hee feared . J taried the longer in that matter , & declared more at large what boldnes and assurance of hope was offered heere vnto all that should obey the worde . Which when I had done , as God gaue me vtterance , the poore in spirit , to whom J applyed my selfe , one or two required mee to sette it downe in writinge , that it might be profitable to manie , which was comfortable to them . I durst not reiect such a good request , but though sometime I deferred it , yee I neuer forgot it , till I had written all as I was required . Which when J had done , I purposed then with my selfe , to make it yet more common , and set it abroad in print : knowing assuredly , where God would giue it increase it should bring forth the fruite of consolation , that we might stande vpright in the day of euill . Thus hauing performed both the request of others , & myne owne desire , and the time fallinge out with the beginning of a newe yeare , I thought it not amisse to offer my labour to you , who I knowe would well accept of it as a newe yeares gift , though of no great price , yet of great good will : and though easilie obteyned , yet not little to bee esteemed . Therefore my deare brother , whom J loue in Christ , and reuerence in the worlde as many wayes J haue cause , so I offer it vnto you : The Lorde for his mercies sake worke his owne good pleasure , that J may haue of you the fruite that J desire , and you the grace that ye stande in neede of : that as God hath greatly blessed you , and made you abound in many graces to the glorie of his name , the comforte of your friends , and the benefite of his people : so your ioye , that it might be made perfect , you might also abounde in this , to haue a strong faith against the daye of triall : which God of his mercie will surelie graunte vnto you , and finishe the good worke that hee hath begunne . Though J loue not to speake faire ( for flatterie and deceytful prayses , I see what mischief they breed ) yet J feare not to beare you witnes of your well doing : the spirit of God hath planted humilitie more deepe in your breast , then that pride and arrogancie can pull it out . And in deede the better you are , the more effectuall you doe see your owne vnworthinesse , that all your righteousnes is as a defiled clothe : and the more you approche vnto God , the more you abhorre your selfe , & knowe that in our fleshe there dwelleth no goodnesse . Abraham our father ; Job , Esaie , and many other men of excellent vertue in the sight of God , they haue beene all astonished , to see howe their righteousnes hath bene scattered away as the cloudes of the heauens . Paule cryeth out : O wretched man that I am , who shall deliuer me from this body of death ! But because wee haue an enimie , that spareth not to displaye all our corruptions before our eyes , to the ende he might make vs dispaire , therefore we may be bold , to the strengthning of our hope , to set before vs againe , the spirituall graces that worke within vs , to assure our selues that we bee borne of God . So our Sauiour Christ praysed manie that beleeued on him , so did the Apostles , so may we : and our heauenly Father will ratifie and confirme our wordes , when we speake the trueth , accordinge to the measure of faith that euery one hath receyued . So Saint Iohn biddeth vs all be bolde , and not bee deceyued : He that doeth the things that are righteous , him selfe is righteous , and like vnto Christ in whom hee is sanctified . So may J say vnto you , the grace of GOD hath wrought happily in you in these yeres & condition of life , that so vnfainedly you haue sought the Lorde . It can not be of your selfe , who are not able so much as to thinke a good thought , but it is of him , whose seede abideth in you . And although , because you haue that treasure in a brittle vessell , you see sometime the fruite of olde Adam , and the prickes of his transgression within your bowelles : yet feare not his malice that hath wrought this woe : You are bought with a dearer price , then that sinne may raigne againe within you , & he that hath purchased you , hee will not suffer his inheritance to be spoyled . Jt is necessarie you should know your sinne , or you could not vnderstande howe great were your redemption . But your sinnes can not separate you away from him , who hath buried them in the earth , and will not see them any more . When you shall ascende to come into his sight , the earth will holde her owne , and keepe your sinnes behinde you . The pearcing serpent shall not clime to accuse you , nor the crooked serpent shall not hyde your redemption from you . Your care is cast vpon him that careth for you , & you knowe him who hath spoken : All power is giuen vnto me in heauen and in earth . Ye knowe him who hath a name aboue all names , that in the name of Jesus all knees shall bowe : Euen hee that bought you with a price , and you are not your owne . If it bee possible for you to perishe , then is it possible againe that Christe should suffer iniurie . This boldnes you haue through him who hath made manifest his grace vnto you , that you denying impietie & worldly concupiscence , should liue soberly , purely , and godly in this present life , and looke for the blessed hope that shall be reuealed , when all secretes shall be opened . To which issue and happy ende of life , the Lord bring both you and yours , in the fellowship of his saints , to prayse his holy name , when he shall make knowen vnto you his glorie vnspeakeable , and crowne it with immortalitie , Amen .

Farewell in Christ Iesu , and pray for me . The 26. of December . 1572. Yours in the Lord to commaund , Ed. Deringe .

A letter of M. Ed. Deringe to his brother Maister R. D.

THe grace of our Lord Iesus Christ be with you euer Amen . For Maister S. whether he be angrie or no J knowe not , if he be God is witnesse betweene him and me howe litle I haue deserued it , true it is , hee seemed not very wel pleased , but if God be pleased mans goodwil , either it shal be reconciled , or shal not doe much hurt : if I haue the losse in worldlie thinges , I am content to beare it , and God will supply my want where I am able to doe nothing . J had leuer be your Brother not worth a grote , but hauing a good conscience to praye for you , then haue ( as I might ) great liuing , & encomber my conscience with much sinne . And good Brother Dering , here followe me , you shal be a great deale richer then you are : studie the scripture , reade bookes , bee able to reason in your faith , especiallie and aboue all , haue a liuely feeling of God , that you thinke more vile of all the glorie of the world , then of the dust of the earth : you knowe we must all perishe , and you must walke the way of all fleshe : Our good Parents both Father & Mother , they are gone before : you doe but waite the time , and you must goe after , your goods and landes must abide behinde , and the riches of your minde , they are onely your owne . You are my eldest brother , & you knowe not howe glad I would be , to see you goe before me in Religion : God hath giuen you , neither a light heade nor little vnderstanding , if you would applie your selfe vnto knowledge , you should then reape the fruit of your labour in more gladnes of heart then yet you can imagine : begin once but a little , and taste how sweet the Lord is , and you shall feele the riches of his glorie , and say : Happie be the time that euer I knewe it . Let not good Brother , let not the worlde deceiue you , it is faithlesse and deceiptfull , when you shall loue it best , it will soonest deceyue you . And of me thinke thus : that in the world I can not doe you so great a pleasure , as continually to prouoke you to know God : and this I shal be able to performe , though otherwise I shal be able to pleasure you nothing , and therefore I beseeche you praye for me , and I will pray for you , & so the Lord God shall helpe vs both , that I may be faithfull which way J am called , and you may bee such as I desire . And for Maister S. or any other of such high calling , I loue them in the Lorde , euen as I loue myne owne soule , and will pray for them while they and I shall liue : Though I beare the losse of worldly things , yet by the grace of Christ , J will neuer lose a good conscience : and though they be angrie with me , yet I will not leaue to pray for them , and commit my cause vnto God , he will one day multiplie his graces , where hee hath so well begun , and they shall ( I trust ) be throughlie taught , whom God hath alreadie so farre instructed . For my L. of C. J haue bene once with him , but J meane not yet to goe the seconde time , God will worke his will , his name be praysed for euer . My L. of L. is a good man , I am often with him , I haue sene in him so good tokens of a good spirit , that I reuerence him in my heart & will serue him in Christ all wayes that J may . And for my doeing with any man , I praie you tell me wher you see me faultie , but if you know not of any sin , doe not diswade me from going vpright in the Gospell : But for my comfort , if you see me greeued , let me see in you , how you professe the gospell : & perswade your self of this , that a liuely zeale , & holy knowledg in you , and in my Sister , shal make me gladder then any bishoprike in England . The Lorde God for his mercies sake that hath called you out of the kingdome of darkenesse , and placed you in the fellowshippe of his saintes in light , make you to feele the depth of his graces , that you may be renewed , confirmed , strengthened , and made perfite vnto the ende , Amen . Fare you well in Christ Iesu , and doe my hartie commendations to my sister .

From London , the xix . of Nouember . Your louing brother Ed. Deringe .

To his brother Maister R. D.

THe grace of our Lord Jesu Christ bee with you euer , Amen . Good brother , I would gladlie write oftener vnto you , but otherwise I haue so much to doe , that some time I forget many dueties . Another cause is , J haue nothing to write as I would , so I haue no pleasure to doe that I would not . So it is , that I am forbidden to preach : which grieueth me most , then slaunderous reportes doe hurt me much , where J would fainest please , so farre as I may in the feare of God . But how so euer things are , it is a blessed sentence whiche he hath spoken , who will surelie performe it : To them that loue God , all things happen to the best , and pray for me good Brother , that I may holde stedfast that loue , and wauer not in the faith of the gospell in which we haue assured life : and as I am bounde J trust I will pray for you , that your eyes may haue perfect & pure sight , to see the louing countenance of the Lorde which is better then life : so you shall bee happie euen in the dayes of your vanitie , and when nature shall make you yeelde to the necessitie of all fleshe , to goe walke in the way of all the worlde , then shall you reape the fruite of your labour , and say with gladnes : Lord nowe lettest thou thy seruaunt depart in peace . This is all the hope we haue , and the onely ioye that is to be looked for vnder the heauens : the nearer you shall feele it , the more you shall see it , it shall delight you and set you on a sure ground , that you shall not be ashamed for euer . The Lord God for his Christes sake strengthen vs all to so good a purpose , and the mutuall debte we owe one to another in the bound of nature , let vs paye it in this holy affection , to praye for our perseuerance vnto the ende . And as touching the issue of all my businesse , looke for the worst , hope for the best , and beare whatsoeuer shall fall . J trust to God once I shall see the day wherein J shall faithfully speake it , euen as Saint Paul Vita mea non est chara mihi , vt consumam cursum meum cum gaudio The Bb. and many other seeke occasions against mee . God hath stil raysed me vp many friendes , but my hope is onely in him , that hath kept me hitherto , and not in man , when J knowe what ende will come , you shall heare : If I would lose the trueth I could winne the world , but that were a miserable change . God blesse vs and sende vs peace , make vs wise in his Gospell , and stedfast vnto the ende . My Wife hath bene I thanke God in no trouble , neyther was any toward her , that J knowe of , if any fall , God hath made her rich in grace and knowledge to giue accompt of her doing . D.W. on frydaie last as I was about to preach , forbad me in hir Maiesties name , so I stande now forbidden , not by the Bb. but by our Princesse , whom J beseech God make a happie gouernour in his church , and many yeares to giue peace vnto his people . If we prayed as we should , God would make perfite the good worke hee hath begun , and make vs see the peace of Jerusalem all the dayes of our life . And J beseeche God , that wee may wishe so effectually his mercies , that at last hee may shutt vs vp in a blessed vnitie , that they whom he hath afflicted , may reioyce . Commende me to all . Thank● my cosen , for her letters , and for the parsonage she writeth of : I will not refuse it if I may haue it , neyther will I sue for it though it were much better . If God call me to it , I pray God I may doe my duetie : if not , yet his will be done . I am perswaded , if I be setled there , it shal be a blessinge vnto the countrie : if not , without me God keepeth those that bee his . Farewell good Brother , And the Lord keepe you and all yours , Amen .

The 24. of December 1573. Your louing Brother , Edwarde Dering .

To his Brother I. D.

THE God of all grace who giueth vs eyes to see , and eares to heare , giue vnto vs euer his holy spirit , that in the middest of a darke world , we may see the brightnesse of his heauenly kingdome , and in this weake tabernacle of small continuance , we may knowe the dwelling place which we shall haue for euer in the resurrection of the iust , Amen . I thanke you , good brother , for your letter , and for your care of my recouerie , but most of all because you shewe a good testimonie of your minde , that the feare of God doeth dwell in you : of this J am gladde , and I am sure I shal be glad . For I know howe earnestlie I desire it , and I see howe vnfainedlie you are brought vnto it , and when the Lord in his good will , & his appointed time shal make vs see more cleare howe great this blessinge is , we knowe wee shall reape the fruite of it in the sight of his presence and in eternal life , this is enough for vs : a strength vnto our hope , a stay vnto our faith , a continuance vnto our loue , lett the good worke of God be finished in vs . And of this wee may be sure , whosoeuer regardeth it not , or else embraceth the present worlde , he knoweth not God , nor yet hath euer seene the length & breadth of immortalitie . And therefore good brother , ( because blessed are the eyes which see that we see , ) let vs strenghten our sight , with the sweet oyntement of Gods spirite , that we may yet see more cleare , till through all the graces of GOD our Father , we may see our bodies also raised vp from the dead , and our selues ioyned vnto our Sauior Christ by decree and sentence which neuer shal be reuersed , Come you blessed vnto eternall life : vnto this , a good conscience will carie vs with ioye & gladnes . Beyonde this our senses faile vs , and our hearte is able to comprehende nothing of the glorie which we shall see . Only J knowe it is exceeding great , whose greatnesse I can neither see , nor heare , nor comprehende with thought : And therefore if euer thinge delighted vs , or if euer we haue seene pleasure , or can wishe the thing in which we would reioyce , let vs turne all our affections hither with harte and soule , life and strength , to delight in this , which alone is all , and no body shall take it from vs . And sure brother , this is true , if God haue receyued vs to that blessed kingdome , he hath appointed the time in which he will giue vs his spirite ( though not fullie ) to comprehende it , yet so farre to see it , that wee will accounte all the worlde to be but dunge , to the ende we may winne Christ . And this J am perswaded , good brother , God hath and will giue plentifullie vnto you , so that you shall vse the worlde as though you vsed it not , and be here with men , as one whose dwelling were with the Angels of God , vsing your calling in any godly recreation , but hauing your heart nearest vnto God , that gaue it : and the Lorde graunt you this happines , that all the pleasure of your life maye bee in deede acceptable , such as shall not after be mingled with shame & sorrowe . And J beseeche God blesse my good Vncle B. and make him now to know , which in his tender yeres he could not see : for the worlde was then darke , and we were blinde in it : but since we haue bene lightened with the gospell of the Lorde Jesus , and so much more earnest lie nowe we must pray that it may be vnto vs the gospell of healthe , and wee may increase in the knowledge of the mysterie of it . And the Lorde open his gracious countenance reuealed in it , vnto my Aunte , that shee may also make a blessed chaunge , to leaue vaine imaginations of her own minde , which are full of ignorance , and learne the scripture , which can make knowen vnto her the liuinge God . And commende me hartilie vnto them both , to whom I wishe as to my selfe .

Your louing Brother , Ed. Dering .

A comfortable Letter written by Maister Ed. Deringe , to a Christian Gentlewoman , in heauines of spirite .

JT is true ( good Maistres H. ) which the spirit hath spoken , and we feele it by experience , That by many tribulations we must enter into the kingdome of heauen . This is a common decree which God hath sanctified to be a lot for all his children . So the authour and finisher of our faith , Jesus Christ him selfe was made perfect . Into his similitude we are also predestinate that we should first die with him , and then be partakers of his glorie : Lett vs not therefore refuse that condition of life in which we haue the fellowshipp of all the Saintes of God , but rather confesse with the holy Apostle , That blessed is the man who endureth temptation . But because all afflictions are bitter for the present time , and when the minde is shaken with sorrowe , it is then most easilie cast downe of the enemie , let vs learne wiselie what our troubles are , and be prepared of remedie in the day of triall . All our afflictions are eyther according to the fleshe , in hunger , colde , nakednesse , shame , contempt , slaunder , &c. or according to the Spirite , in lamentations and mourninges , which the worlde knoweth not . The firste euilles are easilie borne , for they are all but vanitie , and in vanitie they shall dye : if we see no fauour in the sight of the Sunne that shineth not here acceptable vnto vs , when we haue payde the debt we owe vnto death , the Lorde will deliuer vs from all the iniuries of men . But in this behalfe let me confort my selfe , God hath set you free from such afflictions . Your goodes are vnto you in a liberall portion , your life made happie with a louing husbande , your calling acceptable vnder a gracious and good Mistresse , in whose sight you haue founde fauour , in this estate you feele no trouble , therefore I let it passe . The other affliction which is of the spirite , and whiche can not be resisted with any earthlie blessing , looke for it assuredlie , for it will come vnto you , that you maye suffer with Christ , and reigne with him in glorie . These troubles they come many wayes , euen as the spirite of God doeth leade vs vnto life . First we are commanded to learne & knowe the worde of God , against this looke for many tentations , the enimie will trie whiche way to plucke that out of our heartes : Out of the worde we must learne a precious faith , and holde that vnmoueable before God : against this what temptations are betweene heauen and earth , you shal feeele your portion , if any thing possible can discourage you . With faith you must ioyne a liuelie hope , which is , a longinge apprehension of Gods glorie : in this also Sathan will pretermitte nothing to quenche your affections , that it may be dead , and to darken your minde that you may see nothing , without these you can not possiblie liue , and vnto these you can not possiblie come , but first you shall feele what is the strength of sinne . And yet notwithstanding faint not , the Lion hath ouercome which is of the tribe of Iuda . The force of the Serpent shall bruse our heele , but it shall not take away from vs the head-piece of saluation . Learne therefore first the worde of God , this is the seede of regeneration , by which wee are made newe creatures , this is the bread of spiritual nourishment , by which we are growne vp into eternall life . This is the weapon of our warfare , by whiche wee may wounde and driue away our enimies . This is the Scepter of our glorious kingdome , by which wee doe knowe that God doeth reigne in vs . Take this vnto you , the shielde of your defence , the strength of your age , the wisedome of your heart , and the safetie of your life , commended vnto you in the worde of Christ . Searche the Scriptures , and seale it in your heart with a good perswasion that it is the word of God and of life , and hee hath grauen in it an expresse image of eternall trueth . Let it dwell plentifullie within you , and your heart is armed with a most strong defence , all enimies shall fall before it , the wisedome of the wise shal be brought to nought , and the councell of the prudent shal be made foolish , the wayes of the aduersaries shal be scattered , and the scorners seate shall bee throwen downe , so true it is that the Lorde hath spoken . Blessed is the man whose delight is in the Lawe of the Lorde , and whose meditation is in it day and night . Lett vs then bringe downe the hautinesse of our mindes , and receyue with meekenesse the worde grafted in vs , which can saue our soules . To this desire of vnderstanding , when God hath brought vs , then let vs pray to be deliuered from temptation , and take heede we be not spoyled of so great a treasure . We haue three especiall enimies in this behalfe , of which S. Paule biddeth vs all beware : the one is , Phylosophie , that is , a vayne and curious searching of Gods mysteries , or measuring things reuealed according to our vnderstandinge , with which tentations whylest our Fathers were ouercome , they became foolishe in their owne imaginations , and chaunged the glorie of God into the likenesse of a corruptible man , making Images , praying to Angelles , imageninge of soules like little children , deuising Purgatorie , reasoning of Gods wisedome aboue our capacitie : As if we be predestinate we may liue as we list , if wee are commanded to worke , if our dayes are nombred , why seeke we any safetie to our life . Jf the Angelles doe keepe vs in all our wayes , that we shal not hurt our foote against a stone , why feare wee any falling ? These phantasies , and worse then these , disquiet our mindes and fight within vs against our humble obedience to the worde of God . Which all when we haue ouercome ( and saide with the Prophete : secrete things are for the Lorde , but things reuealed for vs and our children ) yet haue wee no peace . A seconde enimie riseth vp greater then the first , which Saint Paule calleth The traditions of men , for the heart of man which drinketh in errour , as the grounde doeth drinke water , is very obstinatlie bounde with olde customes and longe continuance , measuring trueth which is pure and holy , only by time which is corrupt and euill , and not onely this , but nature also hath inflamed our affections to loue to much our fathers wayes , to like their opinions , to esteeme their iudgementes , to prayse their doeinges , to commende their age , to talke of their names , till throughe manie entisements we are at last bewitched , our wisedome is stolen away , and trueth is taken from vs : by this meanes all corruptions which haue ouerflowed the earth , haue still wyde roomes in the heartes of manie . The Popes supremacie , Latin seruice , prayer for the dead , Masses , Diriges , Pardons , Pilgrimages , Sensinge , and all poperie , with the authours of it , Popes , Cardinalls , Monkes , Fryers , all which haue neither trueth , nor shadowe of trueth : not one worde of them is in all the Gospell of Christ , onely olde custome hath bredde it in our bones , and an opinion of our fathers hath printed it in our brestes , and wee will not cast it out . But the Lorde be thanked , who hath had mercie vpon vs , to make vs holde faste the worde of trueth , what soeuer our fathers haue vainely taught vs , and yet we are not in securitie . But a thirde enimie is in the harte of man , that the worde of God may not haue his perfect honour , and that is an opinion conceyued of earthlie thinges , and planting of holynes in corruptible creatures , as in Meates , Drinkes , Dayes , Garmentes , conditions of life , places , tymes , Ceremonies , neyther hearing our Sauiour Christ , that God is a spirite , and onely hee is to bee worshipped in Spirite and Trueth . Neither his Apostle Paule , That the Element of that worlde commende vs not vnto God , for neyther if we eate , are we euer the worse : neither if we eate not , are we euer the better . These and many great temptations stand against vs assoone as we would giue ouer our selues to the worde of God , whiche is the beginning of a christian life . Trowe you that in the continuance of our course and journey , before we come at our Sauiour Christ , shall we not be sifted and tryed to see what is within vs ? And you ( good Maistres H. ) to applie this to your selfe , tell mee howe you haue learned Christ , hath his Gospell bene peaceable in you from the first day till nowe , without all contradiction ? Was your mynde neuer puffed vp in vayne imaginations ? Did the traditions & perswasions of men neuer shake your thoughte ? Haue you not bene tempted with opinions of creatures , as though some were more holy , some more prophane ? J knowe as you long after Christ and desire his trueth in single heart : so his grace you haue not , without sharpe and bitter tryalls , and the more freely the worde of God shall possesse your soule , and fill your heart with all desire of it , the more you shall feele what fight is against it , looke for the like in all your life , and when you approche to the true feare of God , prepare your heart to the strongest assault . The worde of God thus made knowen vnto vs , and when we followe it with all our soule , that wee may haue a liuely faith to reioyce at the promises of God , to feare at his threatninge , and feele a full perswasion of a certaine performance of all his wordes : O Lorde , what is the malice of Sathan ! And though many temptations are against vs , the longe prosperitie of the wicked in which they triumphe , why lest the goodnesse of God prouoketh them still to repentance , the bitter sighting of the godly , in which they mourne vnder manie crosses , whyles God maketh their faith pretious before him : these haue rooted quite out of the heartes of the vngodly , the faith and trueth whiche they owe vnto God , so that against all his iudgementes , they haue opened their mouth , and said aloude : Where is the promise of his comming ? And against all his mercies they haue proclaymed warre , and saide , They wil not haue Christ to reigne ouer them . But these temptations Christ hath ouercome in vs , and giuen vs his spirite , in which we knowe assuredlie that the Lord reigneth : neyther slacketh he his comminge , as many accounte slacknes , but he will come , and his glorie shal be knowen . And yet we are not in peace , but Sathan will sifte vs another way : he will laye our sinnes before vs , to make vs feare , that the promises of God belonge not vnto vs , and this of all temptations is the greatest , yet we feare not , for what belongeth to all our sinnes , which Christ hath not borne ? sorrowe , sicknes , death , hell , condemnation , were they not in his body , and are they not all crucified vpon the crosse ? Is he not risen from them , & hath he not broken the chaynes of death , and so is ascended into glorie ? If this bee my feare because I am a sinner , rather let mee reioyce , for Christ hath taken my sinnes vpon him , & hath buried them deeper then the bottome of the Sea , he hath led it openly in triumphe , and nayled it vpon the crosse from henceforth & for euermore it hath no strength , whosoeuer seeme to colour it as redd as scarlet , or make it like purple , it is still nothing , and casteth but a vayne terrour before our eyes : we will neuer denie this but freelie confesse it , that we be miserable sinners , and not worthie to lifte vp our eyes to heauen , but who will lay our sinnes to our charge , nowe God hath iustified vs ? or what sinne can rest vpon vs , now Christ hath washed them awaye ? That which once was in fight with Christ , and he hath ouercome it , who shall set too his hande the seconde time , to make the victorie perfect ? This is true , and euerlasting trueth hath sealed it vp , that sinne is abolished for euer and euer , howsoeuer wee feare or tremble , or bee faint harted , yet before the Lorde with whom our life is hidde , there is no perill , no daunger , no feare , but peace & righteousnes without ende . Let our sinnes be neuer so great , neither wee nor our sinnes can chaunge the newe Testament , that God is mercifull to our sinnes , and will blot out all our transgressions : therefore this care is past , that our sinnes be many , the more they are , the greater is his mercy , who hath forgiuen them . And this is the token which God hath giuen vs , that we are his , because we are grieued with our sinnes , for our Sauior Christ ouercame sinne with paynes and sufferinges which belong vnto it , and this is the badge of our redemption , to be made like him in afflictions , wee haue sinne , and abhorre it , it woundeth vs with feare , it setteth before vs condemnation , we haue a sence and feeling of Gods anger against it , and hell gnaweth vppon our soules because of transgression . O blessed state , and treasure of gladnes , this was the Jmage of Christe when he ouercame sinne , a marke of my redemption in myne owne fleshe , that I should not fainte . As the sunne maketh the day , and the night darkenes , so this affliction of sinne is the badge and cognisance of our certaine forgiuenes . And herein see the goodnes of God , which turneth all things to the best to those that loue him . Through feare of sinne the Diuell fighteth against vs , without feare of sinne we could neuer haue boldnes : through anguishe of heart the Diuell would ouerwhelme vs with sorrowe : without anguish of hart we could neuer haue ioye . In feelinge Gods anger , the Diuell would make vs to dispaire : without feelinge his threatning , and trembling before him , we could neuer haue strength of faith , that his mercies are for euer . In all suffrings I am like to Christ , they are the marks of mine adoption , that J am his childe . Doe wee not heare the Lorde ? Himselfe doeth speake , If wee bee without correction , then are we bastardes and not sonnes : and to shewe what our correction shal bee , hee sayeth in an other place : If we bee planted with him into the similitude of his death , then shall wee also be partakers of his resurrection . Who hath heard so great saluation as this ? Euery weapon wherewith the enemie striketh , the same armeth vs to greater saluation : And euery wounde that we doe receyue , the same confirmeth vs to a surer life . Then ( as before I saide ) care not for sinne , for that is abolished , so here I maye adde , care not for hell , for the nearer wee feele it , the further we are from it . Let them feare sinne that feele it not , and let them be afraide of condemnation that knowe not what it is , vppon whom destruction shall come sodenlie as an armed man . Our eyes haue bene kept waking , and we haue seene our sinnes : our harts haue fainted before the anger of the Lorde , And wee haue not despised his heauenlie callinge , therfore in the day of trouble , we shall haue rest . In this perswasion we will liue and die : and if our soules should melte for feare within vs , although the Lorde should kill vs , yet would we trust in him . Abraham beleeued in the Lorde , and it was imputed vnto him for righteousnes , against hope hee beleeued vnder hope : and if our hope seemed to be taken from vs , yet would wee patientlie wayte the Lords leasure , vntill hee saue our hope agayne , that at the least our faith might haue againe the glorie and trueth of full assurance . Another thing we must labour in , and in another thinge wee shall haue temptation , and that is , that wee may see what is the glorie of God and immortall life : herein lett vs meditate in our beddes , and thinke on this in our secret places , in the middest of our companies , let these cogitations be often in our hartes , and in all places let these be our muses . When we shal apprehende with all the seruauntes of God what is the height , the bredth , the length , the depth , wee shall knowe that the glorie is great of immortalitie , and he is onely to bee beleued , who shall shine in honour when this vanitie is ouerpast His strength is great that layde the foundations of the world , and his brightnes exceeding , that made the Sunne and the Moone . His treasure and ritches , are aboue measure , who hath giuen Princes their golde and siluer and other pretious stones for the honour of man : he in deede is of excellent maiestie , who is King of Kings , and Lord of Lordes , and his power is aboue all , who maketh sicknesse his messengers , and death his minister , till he shall abolishe them both . For his mercies are vnspeakable , that forgiueth vs all our sinnes , and his goodnes is great , who hath had regarde to the children of men . From nothing hee brought vs into life , he kept vs from the graue , he will restore vs , and make vs see his glorie . When I would thinke on this , my soule is compassed with dulnes of fleshe , that J cannot see the fulnes of his fauour : When I would consider in my heart what is his grace : Darkenesse ouershadoweth myne understanding , & all my thoughts doe vanishe in his immortalitie . When J would speake of his louing kindnes , my tonge cleaueth to the roote of my mouthe , and my wordes sticke faste within my lippes . But this one thinge in all myne infirmities J can perceyue , that his glorie is exceeding great , whose glorie I can not comprehende , and the life is longe , appointed vnto man , where his heart and minde can see no ende . If all the worlde were a flowing water , and euery yeare one droppe should be diminished , the Sea should be all made drye , and the bottomes of the deepe should appeare , before he shall cease to lyue , whom God hath raysed from the dead , and this breadth & widenesse betweene heauen and earth , if it should bee filled vp , and euery yeare but one handfull of earth added to the worke : yet sooner should the great distance bee closed vp , and the emptie places made full , then hee shall cease from ioye and gladnes , who shall stande in the resurrection of the iust . This is the glorie that hath neither spot nor blemishe , before which me thinketh , not only Princes and the glorie of the world , but the Sunn and Moone & all the hostes of heauen are nothing els but meere vanitie , for death shadoweth the glorie of man , though hee spred his braunches neuer so farre , yet the graue closseth vp in little roome the ambitious heart , which before was enlarged from East to West . And the Heauens that are high and free from death , yet are holden vnder the tyrannie of enuious and consuming tyme , in which they shal be chaunged : Only the Lord is in honor and maiestie , who hath set eternitie rounde about him , and cast out tyme vnto confusion . Oh Lorde , where are their eyes that see not this , or their hearts that see and regarde it not ! Who hath bewitched them , in the countenances of men , to carrie the heartes of beastes , and to forget the latter ende . The Lorde turne them that runne astray , that they may knowe and see where is their glorie , but the temptations haue ouertaken them . Which are against our honour when the Lorde shall deliuer them from euill , they shall giue thankes and reioyce with vs , that they also haue eyes to see . And blessed are you ( good Mistres H. ) and God hath visited you in an acceptable time , whose heart he hath touched with feare , & whose afflictions he hath filled with hunger and thirst , that you should mourne for the redemption that is in Christ , and be pleased with nothing but with the grace of his countenance . This is a Schoolemistres to bringe you vnto him , and a bond to tye you faste , that you shall not be seperated : and accomplishe J beseeche you , this good worke of his grace , till you loue the Lord withall your heart , and till you can say with the blessed Apostle , I desire to be dissolued , and to be with Christ .

For this purpose wee are chastised of the Lorde , and when our faith is tryed , at the last it shal be made strong , that with it we may quench all the fierie dartes of Sathan , and in righteousnes and peace , and ioye of the holy Ghoste , runne the course that is set before vs , till in a blessed issue of happie dayes , with a good spirite we may say boldlie , Lorde , nowe lettest thou thy seruaunt depart in peace . Which I beseeche God the father of our Lord Jesus Christ , the God of mercie , and Father of all consolation graunt vnto you , Amen .

Pray , pray , pray , praye , this is your best seruice wheresoeuer your duetie is most bounde .