laste daye I shall ryse ag 〈…〉 againe be wrapped in my owne s 〈…〉 And in my owne fleshe shall see 〈…〉 whome I my selfe shall sée and these eyes shall beholde and none other These places of holy Scripture 〈…〉 suche lyke if we diligently reme 〈…〉 and faythfully imbrace we shall pe 〈…〉 great consolation and comfort And 〈…〉 〈…〉 saint Paule reioyce that we knowe 〈…〉 ste and the power of his resurre 〈…〉 whereby death is ouercommed 〈…〉 ther is there now to these that be 〈…〉 in Christe anye thing in death ter 〈…〉 or to be feared sauing onely the 〈…〉 ge and outwarde forme hurte it can 〈…〉 Lyke as a deade serpent keepeth 〈…〉 is olde fearefull shape and forme 〈…〉 sting or to doe harme it hath no 〈…〉 r at all And lyke as by the brazen 〈…〉 ent whiche Moyses by Gods com 〈…〉 dement set vp in the desert when 〈…〉 s looked vpon through the power of 〈…〉 worde men were deliuered from 〈…〉 er of the liuely and venymous Ser 〈…〉 s so our death is made harmelesse wee deliuered from the feare and 〈…〉 er of it so oft as wyth the eyes of 〈…〉 i the wee dooe beholde the health 〈…〉 nd medicinable death of Christ In 〈…〉 ion death is nowe become an I 〈…〉 â–ª and shadowe of death yea â–ª the en 〈…〉 ce and gate of lyfe For Christe 〈…〉 s truth it selfe saith If any man my worde he shall neuer see death 〈…〉 trusting to the mercy of God 〈…〉 h faith whiche he conceiueth by hearyng and knit to Christe hys Lorde and 〈…〉 ster that he cannot be plucked nor s 〈…〉 rate from him The bodye in déede for a time is 〈…〉 rate from the soule but in certaine 〈…〉 of rysing againe to euerlasting lyfe 〈…〉 so he that beléeueth in Christe doth 〈…〉 see nor feele the euerlastinge death 〈…〉 bodye and soule whiche is euerla 〈…〉 damnation For the death of good m 〈…〉 nothyng els but a departure from 〈…〉 transitorie and mortall life to im 〈…〉 talitie to Christe to his Aungelles 〈…〉 Sainctes Hell and damnation DOeth offer it self at the wer of death so that 〈…〉 tymes manne doeth g 〈…〉 ly feare least he bee ab 〈…〉 from the fauour of 〈…〉 and appoincted to euerlastyng pain 〈…〉 Deuill whiche seeketh by all m 〈…〉 howe to deuoure vs stirryng vp i 〈…〉 myndes many dangerous and troub 〈…〉 thoughtes concernyng our election â–ª predestination ¶ A medicine against the feare of Helle and damnation WHen the deuill goeth about to cause vs to dispaire or to doubt of our election whether wee bee of the nomber of them that are appoincted 〈…〉 euerlastyng life or no. In any wise let 〈…〉 not bee to bolde in copyng with hym 〈…〉 t vs not enter disputation against hym 〈…〉 or he is to subtile and expert for vs but 〈…〉 ie shortly vnto hym A waie Sathan 〈…〉 i th sorrowe it is written thou shalte 〈…〉 t tempt the Lorde thy god For seyng 〈…〉 t God as a moste louyng father hath 〈…〉 t onely giuen vs life fedde and preser 〈…〉 vs to this hower but also hath en 〈…〉 ed and euen loden vs from tyme to 〈…〉 e with his singuler benefites what 〈…〉 dnesse were it contrary to our former 〈…〉 erience now to doubte of his mercie 〈…〉 hath receiued vs into his flocke by 〈…〉 ptisme He hath sente vs the Gospell 〈…〉 is grace wherein he hath promised 〈…〉 ecome our father We haue been sed 〈…〉 h the fleshe and bloud of his Soonne 〈…〉 Sauiour Christe in remembraunce 〈…〉 our debtes bee paied and we acquired why should wee now then doubt the good will of God towarde vs Leâ— not therefore admitte the doubtfull daungerous imaginations of our prâ—stination whiche the Deuill like a 〈…〉 tie and malicious marchaunte dooe 〈…〉 bour to iustle But lette vs thinke 〈…〉 suche sentences as God would haue myndes occupied withall whiche C 〈…〉 hymselfe hath prescribed as Ihon where he saieth GOD hath so loue 〈…〉 worlde that he hath giuen his onelâ— gotten soonne that whosoeuer bele 〈…〉 in hym shall not perishe but haue l 〈…〉 uerlastyng Loe here wee see th 〈…〉 whiche beleueth in Christ whiche 〈…〉 fully acknowledgeth Christe to b 〈…〉 sanctification iustice redemption a 〈…〉 tisfaction can not bee dampned but 〈…〉 sured of euerlastyng life So many 〈…〉 ceiue faithe by hearyng of Gods w 〈…〉 and so trust stedfastly vpon the me 〈…〉 Christ Vndoubtedly thei be of the number of those whiche bee chosen to e 〈…〉 styng blisse knowen before in C 〈…〉 predestinate and written longe s 〈…〉 the booke of life These thinges be 〈…〉 certaine and moste true God can n 〈…〉 〈…〉 ceyue nor be deceyued Suche is his 〈…〉 od will so hath he purposed and de 〈…〉 ed afore the worlde beganne what 〈…〉 nges so euer therefore oure enimie 〈…〉 Deuill spyting oure saluation and 〈…〉 king oure destruction shall put in 〈…〉 e minde contrarie to this doctrine â–ª 〈…〉 t them not moue vs let them not 〈…〉 ke vs afrayde but let vs trust truely Christe and so shall he become ours 〈…〉 wee become his who being our good 〈…〉 de we can not perishe nor bee dam 〈…〉 For he wyll lose none of those that 〈…〉 father hath giuen him wee muste 〈…〉 oure eyes vpon Christe we muste 〈…〉 to hym we muste cleaue to hym He 〈…〉 ure onely and true Sauiour who 〈…〉 te be apprehended and imbraced by 〈…〉 h if we looke to be saued For they 〈…〉 beleeue rightly in Christe they are 〈…〉 estinate to euerlastyng life â—ere we wuste diligently remember 〈…〉 earnestly expende the godly exhor 〈…〉 n of Saincte Paule whiche he wri 〈…〉 in the xij to the Hebrues whose 〈…〉 es be these Let vs runne by pa 〈…〉 e vnto the battaile that is set afore 〈…〉 ooking vnto Iesus the aucthor and finisher of faithe whiche when the ioâ—… was set afore him suffered the Crosse and dispised the shame and fitteth at 〈◊〉 right hande of the seate of God. Furthermore all the grieuous temptations and afflictions that Christe sâ—…fered he suffred them for oure sakes 〈◊〉 saincte Paule saieth also in the fourth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Hebrues we haue not a highe Prieâ—… that is not able to haue compassion 〈◊〉 our weakenesse but suche one was prâ—…ued in all pointes without synne let 〈◊〉 therefore with boldenesse go vnto tâ—… seate of his grace that we may obtayâ—… mercie and finde grace to helpe in tiâ—â—… of neede Let vs in any wyse consider and deepely imprint in our hartes Christe to 〈◊〉 giuen vnto vs not onely to the ende thâ—… we might be redeemed reconcyled aâ—… made partakers of euerlasting saluâ—tion but also that in him we might haâ—… an example bothe how to liue and alâ—… howe to ende our life Neyther can aâ—… man liue suffer or die well vnlesse 〈◊〉 looke vpon and followe the lyfe suffâ—…ring and death of Christe if therefoâ—â— wée desire to ende this life
glorie Amen â–ª A preseruatiue against desperation FOr as muche as the diseasâ— of the bodye and corpor 〈…〉 death doth so trouble maâ— minde that we commo 〈…〉 tremble quake at the o 〈…〉 mention of them Howe much ought 〈…〉 to feare the sicknes of the soule and deaâ— of the same then which ther can no grâ—ter nor more fearefull calamitie chau 〈…〉 vnto man. And seyng that euerie man doth a 〈…〉 so much as in hym lieth the paine 〈…〉 ries diseases and death of the bodie h 〈…〉 muche more ought wee to decline and 〈…〉 chewe the causes of these euils which 〈…〉 sinnes and offences and feare the yre 〈…〉 God which we so by our enormities 〈…〉 prouoke If wee be neuer so little sickeâ— our body by and by we send for the P 〈…〉 sition we spare no cost we seeke for meâ—cines and remedie though they be ne 〈…〉 so chargeable and all to patche and cl 〈…〉 vp this earthen vessel of our body whi 〈…〉 doe we neuer so muche can not last l 〈…〉 And why vse we not like diligence in 〈…〉 siryng and seekyng remedies againsâ— diseases of the soule which like as they be 〈…〉 re grieuous euen so they bryng with 〈…〉 m without comparison infinitely 〈…〉 re daunger For what can it profite a 〈…〉 nne though hee haue all the riches in 〈…〉 world though he liue a thousand yere 〈…〉 that in such health and pleasure that â—s not once touched with sicknesse or 〈…〉 e his soule in the meane time being 〈…〉 oued with synne beyng captine to than hauing god displeased with him 〈…〉 damnation readie for hym after this 〈…〉 For truely this life must once haue 〈…〉 nde neither know we whan where 〈…〉 what maner or how soone Therefore saithe Christ watch for ye 〈…〉 er knowe the daie nor houre when â—onne of man will come And least we â—short tyme of our abode omittynge 〈…〉 ges moste waightie and profitable 〈…〉 d followe trifles and things of small 〈…〉 hee hath vouchsafe to prescribe vs 〈…〉 der and as it were a briefe certaine 〈…〉 re waâ—e to come vnto true felicity 〈…〉 g. 〈…〉 eke first for the kindome of God and â—â—ghteousnesse therof and all thinges 〈…〉 e added vnto you â–ª Care for liuyng care for riches care for worldly dignitie worldly fauour worldly estimation and such like traÌ„sitorie things which in déedâ— doeth little profite but many times bycause both of filthie vices and also of grieuous calamities doth busie doth vexe doth trouble doth euen defatigat vs both day and night but in séeking for and procuring of Godly and heauenly thinges â–ª we be most negligent most slacke moste dull most forgetfull And I praye yoâ— what can be a greater blindenesse or â— more daungerous madnesse whilest wâ— be lustie whilest we be in helth whileâ— we be in prosperitie we scarcelye thinkâ— vpon anye life to come we remember not once that we shall die But when we be in perill and daunger by sickenesse â— death beginneth to knock at our dore EueÌ„ at that same houre when we should play the men and fight against our enimy beyng sufficiently armed and weaponed afore then begin we first to thinke vpon our armor to thinke vpoÌ„ our weapon to thinke vpon mending of our lyfe These thinges declare vs to be smally exercised Souldiours to bée men of preposterous iudgement and verie weakelings in faith God be mercifull vnto vs Amen But yet though a man be neuer so olde though the daye be neuer so farre past so he amende whiles he is here ere it be night his repentance coÌ„meth not out of ceasoÌ„ Neuerthelesse it wer to be wished that no man should defer his repeÌ„taunce to his last and most daungerous conflicte For euen thei shall haue muche a dooe to stand and to defend them selues from the assaultes the guiles and inuasions of the enemie which in the time of their health prepared armed them selues what thaÌ„ shal come of theÌ„ whiche not fearyng God neither mindyng once repentaunce had ledde a dissolute filthie and naughtie life howe shall thei fight how shall thei be able to withstande the force of Sathan Seing therefore the multitude of people is great and the ministers of the Gospell verie fewe neyther able to be euerie where to doe their office to euery maÌ„ I hauing a will to helpe all men haue gathered togither and written out of Scripture a certaine briefe forme howe to admonishe instruct and comfort such aâ—â—e sicke that they either reading these thinges or hearyng them red by others may conceiue certain hope and perfite consolation least in this most daungerous conflict they faint giue ouer like towards and so be ouercomed perishe For this is certaine whensoeuer a man is taken with extreme sickenesse and is in daunger of death he is assaulted wyth dyuers many and grieuous temptations â–ª First it is a grieuous and behement teÌ„taption when he séeth the moste terrible Image of death afore his eies when he séeth he must leaue this lighte leaue this lyfe leaue friendes leaue landes goodes â–ª kinsfolkes father mother wyfe children all thinges wherin he had here eyther pleasure or comfort Then suche sinnes as he against the wyll and pleasure of God hath committed shall shewe and present themselues and shall appeare more in number and more grieuous thaÌ„ euer they séemed afore and so shall wonderously vexe and tormente the conscience Then death iudgement â—ell dampnation as it were in a plumpe shall assault and layd siege with diuers daungerous ingines against the old man of ours â–ª In these Agonies except a man be armed with a sure and constaunt faith it is to be feared least he be wearied tired at last ouercommed For these temptations which chaunce vnto men liyng in extremes appéere most huge fearefull and daungerous and that for bycause out faith is verie slender and wauering neyther yet able to see perceiue or apprehende the incomprehensible and inestimable riches of the childreÌ„ of God which be remission of sinnes through Christ resurrection of the fleshe communion of sainctes euerlasting life and all these giuen vnto vs in Christ and for Christ In these articles of our fayth we must daily exercise our selues These we must diligently reuolue and earnestly expeÌ„de in our mindes For though all the articles of oure fayth are diligently to be remembred and without all wauering beleeued yet in the Agonie and poynt of death these foure that is the communion of sainctes remission of synne by the bloud of Christ the resurrection of the fleshe and euerlasting life are chiefly to be minded expended and inculcated For lyke as death is the paine and â—â—pende of synne euen so for synne God doth commonly punishe vs with diuerâ— diseases and plagues as it is to be seene in diuers places of Scripture Iohn 5 â–ª Psal. 88. Deut. 28. 2. Reg. 24. Neuerthelesse afflictions be many tymes laide vpon vs that our faith may be tryed For than is it easie
〈…〉 comfort oure selues in oure sickenesse calamitie and our brother being visit But in any wise and with all diligenc 〈…〉 is to be foreséene that we withdraw 〈…〉 mynne from the fearefull and terri 〈…〉 contemplation of synne death and da 〈…〉 nation And that wee fixe these of 〈…〉 minde and whole thought vpon Chr 〈…〉 onely that we cleane vnto him that call vpon him that we commit our sel 〈…〉 wholy to hym For in Christe wee s 〈…〉 espie nothing but innocencie iustice 〈…〉 saluation whiche all be deriued fr 〈…〉 Christe into vs so that we will acknâ—â—ledge him and receiue him for the 〈…〉 thor of our saluation and onely redée 〈…〉 if we haue Christe crucified afore 〈…〉 eyes if we imprint him in oure hart 〈…〉 wee flye to him with oure faithe if â—holye cleane to him Then shall hell 〈…〉 tes nothyng preuaile against vs then 〈…〉 all we be able to withstande all the 〈…〉 rcible assaultes of Sathan though they 〈…〉 neuer so sore neuer so fierce neuer so 〈…〉 rrible â–ª Let vs call to remembraunce with 〈…〉 hat lenitie what gentlenesse what huâ—anitie what clemencie Christe as it is the euangelicall hystorie hath called to him and receiued all suche synners hath repented them and desired his 〈…〉 pe We shall finde Marie Magdalen 〈…〉 sinner that hong vpon the right hand Christ crucified the publicane Zache 〈…〉 h other mo whome Christe mâ—oste 〈…〉 yngly receiuyng pronounced cleare 〈…〉 synne though thei had synned grea 〈…〉 and the children of saluation Christe 〈…〉 erie grace mercie helpe comfort life 〈…〉 e and saluatio to al those whiche loke these thynges at his handes and put 〈…〉 r trust in hym And all these thynges 〈…〉 God who is truthe it self and can 〈…〉 lye nor wil not deceiue promised vn 〈…〉 for Christes sake â—inally when Death approcheth wée must do as Christ did vpon the crosse wâ— muste praie for our enemies and forgi 〈…〉 them with our hart If we haue offend 〈…〉 any man we must be hartely sorie for 〈…〉 we muste desire forgiuenesse if we ha 〈…〉 iniured any man we must make hym mendes or take suche order that ameÌ„d 〈…〉 maie be made vnto hym if it passeth o 〈…〉 power to make restitution amende 〈…〉 shal be inough that we desire forgiuene 〈…〉 And with our harts forgiue others wh 〈…〉 hath hurte vs either in name bodie s 〈…〉 staunce or estimatioÌ„ For if we truly 〈…〉 giue God hath promised we shal be fo 〈…〉 uen as it is in the 6. of Mat. but aboue haue an vnmouable faithe in the for 〈…〉 promises of God made in Christe Ie 〈…〉 our lorde It is verie necessary also 〈…〉 â—â—ble for the confirmation and stren 〈…〉 ning of our faithe to receiue the i 〈…〉 blessed sacrament of the body and 〈…〉 of our sauiour Christ which we are 〈…〉 maunded to receyue in remembra 〈…〉 of his benefites that hereby wee 〈…〉 be truely certified in our consciencâ— his body to be giuen for vs and his bloud to be shed for remission of our synnes Death OF our fleashe and fraile nature is so feared and abhorred that when he approcheth mannes hart â—e filled and laden with suche sorrowes panges 〈…〉 d anxieties as tongue is not able too 〈…〉 presse ¶ A medicine against the feare of Death WE muste call to our remembraunce Death to bee ouercommed and abholished by Christe So that nowe the soules of so many as truste Christ can not dye nor perishe but de 〈…〉 tyng from the bodie goeth straight to 〈…〉 rist For thus was it saied to the these 〈…〉 is houre of death This daie shalt thou with me in paradise The body though 〈…〉 est and pause for a while yet wee bee certaine hope that at the laste daie it 〈…〉 bee raised againe to immortall and 〈…〉 rlastyng life And therefore scripture 〈…〉 eth the death of the bodie but a slepe that this same fraile weake vile mortall and corruptible bodie whiche wee cary aboute whiche lieth sicke and sore diseased whiche shortly shall bee put into the yearth burne to ashes deuour 〈…〉 with beastes or foules drowned in water that self same bodie I saie shall be raised againe incorruptible glorious beautifull stronge pure immortall 〈…〉 possesse a newe and euerlastynge life where there shall neither bee hunger thirste â–ª heate colde synne death nor a 〈…〉 kinde of calamitie but iustice innocent life ioye blesse world without ende â–ª F 〈…〉 as the bodie of Christ laied in the gra 〈…〉 rose againe the third daie neuer more 〈…〉 die euen so shall the bodies of all that beleue in Christe at the latter daie bee 〈…〉 suscitate to a life after whiche shall folowe no death God who is of infinite 〈…〉 wer and infallible truthe hath promise these thynges thei muste therefore 〈…〉 des bee so And here it shall bee 〈…〉 ble to â—all to remembraunce suche plaâ— of scripture as treateth of the resurr 〈…〉 on of the fleshe whiche bee the woor 〈…〉 not of manne but of GOD who is 〈…〉 and will certainely fulfill whatsoeuer 〈…〉 hath spoken No manne can chaunge 〈…〉 〈…〉 ill no manne can alter his purpose No 〈…〉 eature can frustrate lette or tarie his 〈…〉 tence He is omnipotent he is true he 〈…〉 faithfull his goodnesse and mercie is 〈…〉 explicable Lette no manne therefore 〈…〉 ubte of the truthe of his woordes lette 〈…〉 manne doubte of the performaunce of 〈…〉 s promise 〈…〉 Here after followeth certaine places of scripture witnessing the resurrectioÌ„ of the ded 〈…〉 accordyng to the articles of our faith wherein we saie we beleue that this fleshe shall rise againe THis is the will of my father whiche sent me that whosoeuer seeth the soonne and beleueth in hym shall haue life euerlastyng and I will 〈…〉 se hym vp at the last daie The houre commeth wherein all thei 〈…〉 t bee in the graues shall heare the 〈…〉 e of the soonne of God and shall goe 〈…〉 the thei that haue doeâ— good vnto the 〈…〉 rrection of life For if so â–ª bee that the 〈…〉 ite of him whiche raised vp Iesus froÌ„ 〈…〉 dedde dwelleth in you euen he that 〈…〉 ed vp Iesus Christe from the dedde 〈…〉 ll also quicken your mortall bodies because of his Spirite that dwelleth 〈…〉 you GOD hath bothe raised vp our Lo 〈…〉 Iesus Christe and shall also raise vs 〈…〉 by his power Christ saith Lazarus was but a sâ—e 〈…〉 where in verie deede he was dedde 〈…〉 buried But Christe is the resurrection and life â–ª as it is in the same place so th 〈…〉 he that beleueth on him though he w 〈…〉 dedde he shall liue In verefiyng whe 〈…〉 of he raised straight waie Lazarus 〈…〉 yng fower daies dedde and stinkyng A 〈…〉 because wee bee naturally in the ago 〈…〉 of death verie fearfull weake and fai 〈…〉 harted to the ende that we might bee 〈…〉 easelier perswaded in the Article of 〈…〉 surrection Scripture
perceiue mine ende to approache to the example of many that the iudgement and iustice of GOD maie openly be declared vpon me And when he had thus saide he turned his face awaie from vs turnyng himselfe on the other side then saide the reuerende father Vergerius Ah deare master Francis turne your face vnto vs I would wee praied to God togither and saie Our father c. Then he turnyng him began to say the lordes praier in his mother tongue with suche grauitie and deuotion that all wee did wonder and this vttered hee added these woordes I haue saide it with my mouth but my hearte is cleane from it God hath taken all his grace from mee My heart is vtterly hardened Ye labour in vaine And when we had spoâ—ken with hym all these wordes and many other we had hym farewell And so departed all thence with the Lord Vergerius to pray vnto God for hym entendyng to returne on the morow if the blessed God woulde vouchesafe to shew hym his mercie The next daye we came to the wretched man saluting him as the maner is to whom the reuerende lorde Vergerius sayde Right welbeloued Maister Francis is it any better with you by the grace of GOD haue ye receiued no comforte in your hart haue you conceyued any good hope to whome he aunswered nothing at all but rather coÌ„tinually worse and worse Then began we to demaunde of him many questions and especiallye what time he fell first into that coÌ„fusion and desperation and when that vnquencheable worme did firste begin to burne his conscience then recited he vnto vs the whole order and processe of his first and seconde abiuration as we haue declared in the beginning Which abiurations made by and by he perceiued himselfe to be smitten wyth the mightie haÌ„d of God not with any affliction or infirmitie of the body which he right gladly would haue acknowledged for the chasticement and correction of sinne and would not vtterlye haue cast away hope and trust But the most wretched felow from that houre and that sodainly parceyued himself to be stricken in heart spirite and conscience for God from that houre sente into his harte a gnawyng worme an vnquencheable fire that sodainely he might be filled with errour confusion and desperation which worme and fire neuer since forsooke hym in so much that hée confessed himselfe to be in farre worse estate than if his soule were deuided from his body and he with Caine and other dampned persons desiring rather to be in the place of any deade and damned soule than so to lyue in his body and that death shoulde be much more welcome to him Then wéeping he began to declare vnto vs horrible visions how that he perceyued since that time coÌ„tinually Deuils to come to his chamber yea to his bed making a noyse and businesse putting him in feare and sheauering sticking pinnes in the pillow vnder his heade and sayde that he coÌ„ceyued not these thinges by a false or corrupt imagination but euen as truely as he sawe vs all aliue and speaking with him Then sayde the reuerend Lorde Vergerius Ah deare Maister Frauncis yo 〈…〉 spirite vtterly corrupt representeth 〈…〉 to you these erronious illusions and f 〈…〉 imaginations But returne a while vnto the spirite of truth and direct your hart with hope and affiaunce vnto the blessed God mercifull and full of goodnesse and without doubt he will be good and mercifull vnto you he wyll cast from you all horror and confusion haue sure coÌ„fidence swéete M. Francis we all haue good hope of you through the infinite mercye of God and if it please you let vs saye togither from the heart the Lords prayer Then sayde he in Latine the whole prayer with pleÌ„tifull teares so deuoutly and grauely and wyth such inwarde affection as we thought that all we that stoode by did wéepe wyth hym And when I behelde both the teares the repentance and contrition of the man I sayde Maister Frauncis the blessed God be praysed Now are not these the tokens of vtter refusyng or castyng awaye You â—ourne ye cal for the fauor of God with â—arâ—est desire Doe not vtterly dispaire of his pardon and say not with a desperate minde that God is against you and that ye beleue that yée were reprobate and refused from the beginning For no 〈…〉 aâ— can know as long as he is in this mortall lyfe whether he bée worthie the hatred or loue of God through the righteousnesse of workes And when we earnestly exhorted him that in no case he shoulde fall from all hope and trust and that euerie man that is borne although he had committed all the sinnes of the whole worlde ought yet to haue some hope of the fauour and mercy of God whose goodnesse mercie is muche more plenteous than mannes vnderstandyng can perceyue and that if any of vs were fallen into suche miserie yet shoulde he not dispaire of the mercie of the high and good god To the which hée aunswered I knowe all this and I beleue that the infinite mercy of God doth farre surmount all the sinnes of the worlde and that euerye man that beléeueth and hath fayth eastlye obtayneth pardon of all the sinnes of the worlde But this hope thys faith is the gifte of god And this one thing wante I that I can neyther hope nor beleue of the fauour and mercie of God towardes mée And I would God that he would graunt me this one thing that I coulde conceyue neuer so little hope and beliefe of forgiuenesse and pardon But this is euen as possible as to take the whole water of the sea in one spoone and to drinke it vppe at a draughte If Salomon had bene in suche case as I am and had some what knowne those thinges which I prooue nowe by manifest experience hee woulde neuer haue vttered that Sentence But I doe beléeue and this I knowe most assuredly that there was neuer any man that had more manifest experience in his lyfe of the hatred wrath and indignation of the righteous god against hym then I haue I would I were in the place of any damned person You that are in blessed estate suppose thys an easie thing to be done that a sinner reknowledging his fault may lift vp himselfe to hope and faith towards God â–ª and therefore ye exhort me for as much as ye sée me repentaunt and sorowfull that I would conceiue some hope and trust to rise againe â–ª The helthfull hath no néede of a Phisâ—tion and he that is whole can soone giue councell to the sicke But herein am I tormented this is my hel this is my confusion and desperation that I knowe all grace to be taken from me that I féele my heart hardened that I can not beleue nor hope any thing at all of the attonement and mercie of god Fewe there be whome iust Iupiter hath loued We comforted the miserable estate of this desperate man by such meanes as we coulde
without all hope of your saluatioÌ„ and suppose that the spirite of God is no 〈…〉 cleane taken from you to whom he aunswered What comfort can happen to cursed and damned man yea whatsoeuer I speake heare see tast or féele all 〈…〉 turned vnto my confusion and cursse to whom the Lord Vergerius said Ah deaâ— Maister Francis why should ye not hopâ— of the goodnesse and mercie of God Do 〈…〉 not the Lorde leade doune into Hell and bring backe againe Consider Dauid the Prophet who beyng brought downe 〈…〉 Hell and to death yet praied vnto G 〈…〉 with gronyng and teares to graunt hym the renuyng of harte and spirite And hee made aunswere Dauid was alwaies elect and in Gods fauour and although he fell grieuously yet the spirite of God neuer departed from hym Yea hee praied vnto God that he woulde not caste hym from his face and that he would not take the holy ghoste from hym But I am in farre vnlike estate neither elected nor in Gods fauour but haue béene alwaies reprobate and cursed neither can I pray â—nto hym not to take awaie the holy Spirite from mee for hee is quite taken awaie alreadie and neuer shall be restoâ—ed I know that god doth raise vp again â—hose that are bodily dead and restoreth to 〈…〉 fe those that are brought vnto hell that 〈…〉 to their Sepulture as Christ raised vp â—azarus and brought hym againe from 〈…〉 ll But I that am condemned to eter 〈…〉 ll death haue no hope left of bringyng 〈…〉 gaine but so that I could conceiue neuer 〈…〉 little hope or trust of the mercy of god would moste gladly those to liue ten 〈…〉 〈…〉 ousand yeres and more in all the pai 〈…〉 s and torments of hel so that at length might hope for some ende But I dooe â–ª moste firmely beleue that I shall thus long remaine in life and in al cursing and desperation that the iudgement of God may be fulfilled in mee that I maie be an example to all the worlde of Gods vengeaunce and iuste indignation againste a reprobate man would God I were dead â–ª and in the place of any dampned person Then said I Maister Frauncis here me a little I cannot vtterly dispaire of your saluation For I dare take it in good part â–ª that the blessed GOD hath so grieuously tormented you in this present life and hath not reserued your punishment to another worlde so that I haue some hope â–ª that God will haue mercie vpon you And he made aunswere Nay I knowe moste assuredly my refusing and reprobation â–ª and that he hath not corrected my synne with corporoll punishment but rebuking mée in his anger and furie hath condemned my soule harte and spirite with perpetuall hardnesse and confusion Wou 〈…〉 God he had sodainly vexed my body and had left my spirite frée What shall I say more We talk 〈…〉 with him till it was night of manye 〈…〉 ces of Scripture and of the marueyl 〈…〉 iudgemeÌ„ts of god AmoÌ„gst other things I demaunded of him what he thought of the sleeping of soules And he aunswered Although a certaine Doctour of Germany supposeth that this is not manifestly ynough declared by the scriptures yet I beleue that the soule of the elect doth 〈…〉 raight way ascend into the place of eâ—erlasting blisse and doth not sleepe with the buried body Then the reuereÌ„d Lorde â—ergerius taking his tale by the ende â—f this sayde he ought we in no wise to â—oubt There be for this many places of 〈…〉 ripture as this day thou shalt be with 〈…〉 e in Paradice and it is also manifestly prooued by the story of Lazarus and the 〈…〉 h man and Paule desired to bee dead 〈…〉 at he might be in heauen with Christ 〈…〉 t the length beholdyng the vncurable 〈…〉 ague as me thought of this desperate 〈…〉 lowe I was so bolde to aske him thys 〈…〉 estion Maister Frauncis I praye you answere me for as much as through 〈…〉 er desperation ye saye that in this 〈…〉 e ye are worse than if ye were with 〈…〉 daÌ„pned folke in hell and for as much I sée you coÌ„tinually to wish for death 〈…〉 t ye might go to hell as though now â–ª bothe your body and soule were in more painefull torment as yée doe opeÌ„ly wytnesse I demauÌ„d of you if ye had a sworde in your hande would ye kyll your selfe as all desperate persones for the moste part doe that haue sticked themselues with weapon or strangeled themselues by hanging Then saide he giue me a sworde and ye shalt see what I will doe Nay sayde I I doe but desire you to shewe vs your will I can not tell saide he neyther can I saye what my will t 〈…〉 should be And when he had thus saide â–ª the reuerende Lorde Vergerius obtayned of him againe with much a doe 〈…〉 saye the Lordes prayer But he sayde 〈…〉 no more with such affection of hart as he was woont to doe Moreouer â–ª he did protest that his heart was quite from God and that he called hym not father with his heart but rather curssed and blasphemed him and therfore he sayde â–ª there was no cause why wee should labour any more in vaine to comfort and bring him home againe For it was euen as possible to bring him to any hope or trust 〈…〉 the mercie of God towardes him as 〈…〉 was possible to fill the whole worlde with one grain of Mill. Then all we honoring the wonderfull iudgemeÌ„t of God hade him farewell and departed And for as much as his kinsfolke had prouided a Chariot were purposed the next daye to conuey him from Padua to the place of Citadell we gaue them warning in no wise to forsake him but continuallye shoulde get him the companye of godlye men that the blessed God if it were possible by the continuall prayer and comfortyng of good men might vouchsafe to graunt him his mercie The next day after when the wretched man was readie to take his iorney and hauyng his apparell on was brought from his bed he behelde all the chamber with a fierce and cruell countenaunce horrible eyen and by chaunce espied a Woodknife liyng vppon the table which by and by he snatched to sticke hymselfe But his two sonnes that were alwaies by him tooke him sodainely by the hand and plucked the knife from him wherby we maye plainly knowe what we maye vndoubtedly thinke of that demaunde whiche we asked him the day before of kylling him to the which he would make none aunswere â—yding his intent And this did the reuerend Lorde Vergerius signifie vnto mée as an enterprise worthy to be noted being aduertised of the same by his forenamed kinsfolkes Thus was this miserable man conueyed to his house at Citadell But howe he doth and what ende hee hath I shall by all meanes go about to vnderstande and being aduertised of the truth I shall by Gods fauour declare you the whole â–ª Fare yee well From Padua the
to be perceiued howe much we loue God what faith wâ— haue in him how we trust him wheâ— we be pressed and grieued with aduersitie In thys case therefore we must â—â— wayle and acknowledge our synnes foâ— the whiche wée haue iustly incurred Gods displeasure deserued most grieuous paine we must turne to God witâ— true repentaunce in all oure hearte aâ— mynde without all fayning and counterfeyting we must haue recourse 〈…〉 the Gospell where we shall finde 〈…〉 bountifull consolation First absolutioâ— or remission of our synnes which Chrisâ— hath instituted in the Church Iohn â— Receyue sayth Christe the holy Ghoâ— whose synnes ye forgiue they are forâ—â—uen This inestimable treasure is dayâ— opened and offered vnto vs When â—â—mission of synnes is thus desired and â—â—tayned vndoubtedly then the paine â— â—ynne whiche is the disease or affliction â—hall soone ceasse and leaue vs or else acâ—ording to the most beneficiall will of our â—eauenly father shall turne to the proâ—te and soule helth of him that is diseaâ—ed or afflicted For this may we be sure â—f that the paine affliction in the body â— this worlde séeme it neuer so grieâ—ous a burthen or heauie yoke to the â—eshe as commonly nothing else but a â—therly rodde wherewyth God doeth â—aw vs his children from synne and call â—s home to him Truely our heauenly â—ther doth loue vs most feruently he â—eareth vs good minde doth all thinges â—r our amendemente and profite for â—home God loueth him he chastiseth â—rrecteth vs temporally here that wee â—oulde not be punished in hell euerlaâ—ngly Though he séemeth angrye hée â—eth singulerly Neyther is his yre the â—e of a Tyraunt or tormentor desiring â—r perdition but of a father seeking our â—endemente and safetie First thereâ—e we must crie God mercie desire parâ—n and forgiuenesse of our synnes but â— Christ but with a hart truely peniâ—t that we may be at one with God and haue him mercifull vnto vs This done we may then desire God to deliuer vs from the imminent and present affliction and disease For so teacheth Ecclesiast Sonne in thy infirmitie neglect not thy selfe but praye to the Lorde and he shall deliuer thee Also in the Psalme remember not O Lorde God our olde iniquities but let thy mercie speedily preuent vs for we be verie miserable helpe vs God our Sauiour Lorde God of power turne vs shewe thy face and we shall be saued Here we be taught first to desire remission of synne that we may be at one with God and after that to haue hys wrath and the tokens of the same taken away But whensoeuer we desire to be deliuered or to be eased of the crosse that presseth vs we must alwaye annexe this addition Thy wyll O heauenly Father bee fulfilled Neyther knowe wee so well what is profitable vnto vs Neither can we so well prouide for our selues as our most louing heauenly father Whiche is both of infinite power and also of incomprehensible wisedome whiche neuer turneth his eyes from vs whiche careth coÌ„tinually for vs whiche knowethe the number of our yeres whiche doeth quicken nourishe feede keepe defende prouide for all his creatures muche better than they can wishe or desire But to drawe to the more perticuler temptations and to shewe what thinges doe mooste fiercely and daungerously at the tyme of death assaulte vs And how wee shall withstande them ¶ There be three thynges â–ª whiche at the houre of death doeth wonderously vere trouble and feare our myndes that is to saie synne death hell or damnation Synne WHerein wee haue vngodlie mispente our life whereby we haue greeuously offended GOD and our neighbour this commyng to our remembraunce when wee lye vpon our death bed doeth driue vs to a wonderous feare pensiuenesse and anxietie As S. Paule saieth Wrathe indignation too trouble and anguishe against euery soule of man that doeth euill ¶ A medicine against synne vexyng and troublyng our conscience LET vs call earnestly to remembrauÌ„ce that the sonne of GOD came donne from heauen became man tooke vpon his backe the synnes of the worlde died for theim vppon the Crosse there makyng satisfaction for vs and paiyng our debtes This moste precious bloud of Christe was shed also for vs and of his death we be also partakers so we rightly beleue in Christe Neither neede wee to doubte but Christe died as well for vs as for Peter and Paule For wee bee baptised also as Saincte Paule saieth in the death of Christ This ought to comforte vs This ought to erecte and â—â—aâ—e our myndes For seyng we bee baptized in the death of Christe Christes death bryngeth also vnto vs healthe and saluation By Christes death we bee also dead to sinne by Christes death we haue also certain and sure remission of our sinnes by Christes death we bee raised also to a newe and euerlastyng life For baptisme is a couenaunte betwixte God and vs And a signe of his grace and 〈◊〉 toward vs wherein wee bee reconciled and made at one with God again so that wee maie now haue a ioyfull and quiete conscience for so muche as our synnes bée forgiuen vs through the resurrection of Iesus Christ yea Christ also in the institution of the moste blessed Sacrament of his last supper speaking also to vs saiyng that his bloud is shed for the remission of synne Now although we haue not liued alwaie innocently neither leade suche a life as wee ought to haue dooen yet wee maie not dispaire but without delaie resort vnto God by true repentaunce call faithfully vpon his name and we shall be â—aued Yea lette euery one of vs with a meeke harte burst out into these or like wordes and saie O moste mercifull God Father of all mercie father of our Lorde Iesu Christe bee mercifull vnto mee a wretched synner make speede to deliuer me for the moste bitter but moste precious death and passion of Iesu Christ thy onely begotten soonne our redemer and onely Sauioure Amen Enter not O lorde into iudgement with thy seruaunt handle me not accordyng to my deserâ—yng neither doe vnto me after my iniquities but accordyng to thy infinite 〈◊〉 botomelesse goodnesse and mercie tâ— mee vnto thee I a miserable and wreâ—ched creature am in thy hande I am thy debte and daunger thou maiest d 〈…〉 with me what it please thee O m 〈…〉 mercifull father forsake me not nor 〈…〉 me of I am thine all that I am there 〈…〉 no man comforte no man helpe no 〈…〉 deliuer me but thou alone Thou art 〈…〉 true comfort the moste present help t 〈…〉 surest Bulwarke in all necessitie The God art my refuge my strength my 〈…〉 in all trouble Thou art my Lorde in t 〈…〉 handes resteth all my chaunce and aff 〈…〉 res Shewe thy louyng and merci 〈…〉 face vpon thy seruaunte saue me in t 〈…〉 mercie O Lorde but in any waies in 〈…〉 extreme sickenesse and affliction let 〈…〉 beware wee looke not to earnestly
5 Christe is that most gentle fathâ—â— whiche with so great ioye and with 〈…〉 bracing armes receiued home againe 〈…〉 lost sonne Come vnto me all ye that labour 〈…〉 are laden and I shall refresh you Lo 〈…〉 calleth al he refuseth he excludeth n 〈…〉 we must include also our selues with his wordes All we must resort to him and he 〈…〉 receiue and refresh vs. God setteth forthe his loue towa 〈…〉 For Christ died for vs when we 〈…〉 yet synners muche more now the 〈…〉 we being iustified by his bloude sh 〈…〉 safe from wrath by hym Christe Iesus is become vnto vs wiâ—dome righteousnesse holinesse and reâ—â—mption Here let vs coÌ„fort our selues 〈…〉 at though we haue beene neuer so â—eat synners yet let vs confesse and â—â—owledge our synne let vs call for mer 〈…〉 and pardon let vs vnfainedly beleeue â—â—riste to be oure onelye health iustice 〈…〉 redemption and straight way he is 〈…〉 he will by and by â—â—uer and put away 〈…〉 â—ynnes in sâ—â—he sorte that we shall â—â—e feare no peril nor daunger Him that knew no fynne hath God 〈…〉 de synne j. a payement of synne for 〈…〉 that we shoulde become the righ 〈…〉 snesse of God by hym Christe gaue himselfe for our synnes 〈…〉 he might deliuer vs from this pre 〈…〉 wicked worlde according to the 〈…〉 of God our father â—hriste Iesus is come into this worlde 〈…〉 e synners â—hriste Iesus hath giuen himselfe a 〈…〉 ption for all men This let vs con 〈…〉 ly beleeue vndoubted we be of the 〈…〉 er of those that shall be saued For 〈…〉 he is come a redemption for all 〈…〉 thinges that he hath suffered pertaineth no lesse to thee and mee and euerie one of vs so we beleeue than to Pâ—ter or Paule Christ hath borne our synnes in his body vpon the Crosse By these places and suche lyke we maye see how God the father whichâ— will not the death of a synner but th 〈…〉 we shoulde tourne and liue for that m 〈…〉 seruent burning loue that he bear 〈…〉 towarde vs hath eased vs of the burth 〈…〉 of our synne and hath laide it vpon 〈…〉 backe of his moste deere beloued soon 〈…〉 whiche his sonne hath so taken bor 〈…〉 and suffered for them that they can â—uer condemne vs For God taketh 〈…〉 reputeth the death of his sonne for a 〈…〉 satisfaction and payement for all our 〈…〉 nes â–ª so that we truely beleeue in h 〈…〉 For seyng that our synnes thus laied 〈…〉 Christe coulde not ouercome him 〈…〉 taine him in death nor damne him 〈…〉 why he rose againe vndoubtedly a 〈…〉 satisfaction is alreadie made for them â–ª 〈…〉 iustice of God is fully aunswered 〈…〉 they be vtterly hid and forgiuen 〈…〉 beleeue this and we shall not peri 〈…〉 uerlastingly For Christe is now 〈…〉 ours with all that he hath wit 〈…〉 〈…〉 at h with his resurrection with his as 〈…〉 tion into heauen with his lyfe his 〈…〉 rites his glorie As sainct Paule wit 〈…〉 sseth Rom. 8. Wherefore Sathan hath 〈…〉 w no title to vs he caÌ„ not meddle with 〈…〉 he hath no power to hurt vs â–ª Forso 〈…〉 e as we be iustified by Christ pur 〈…〉 from our synnes and made the chil 〈…〉 n of God by Christ who hath recon 〈…〉 d vs and wrought our peace we must 〈…〉 refore be of good comfort For seeing 〈…〉 be in the handes of God that is om 〈…〉 otent who is now oure best moste 〈…〉 ng and trustie Father we be in a 〈…〉 porte we be without daunger there 〈…〉 o incoÌ„moditie nor aduersitie hurte 〈…〉 or we be inuironed with the custodie 〈…〉 od and the garde of Aungels out of 〈…〉 handes of this heauenlye father can 〈…〉 reature by force pluck vs When we 〈…〉 t an ende by death of this crosse and 〈…〉 orall affliction then haue we ended 〈…〉 ourney then haue wee finished oure 〈…〉 re Christe hath borne the same 〈…〉 e â–ª Christe hath passed the same 〈…〉 e he hath suffered lyke death he is heade we must be lyke to him we suffer with him if we intende to raigne with him we must leaue this â—â—â—porall life ere that we can enioye 〈◊〉 euerlasting Let not oure synnes troâ—â—… vs let them not torment oure consâ—â—â—…ces as thought they coulde not beforâ—…â—…uen They are alreadie forgiuen if 〈◊〉 repent and beleeue Christe is all 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as muche as he is He by his innoceâ—â—… hath couered and taken awaye oure â—â—…nes As Christe can not bee dampneâ—…â—…uen so we can not be dampned if wâ—â—… right faith we cleaue vnto him As siâ—â—… death and helle had no power agaiâ—… Christe so haue they no power agâ—… vs so we be in Christe and Christe iâ—â—… Yf the matter had bene lefte and â—…mitted to vs to haue borne oure oâ—â—… synnes and to haue satisfied for thâ—… they woulde haue beene to heauy 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 wee had not beene able to stande tâ—… them they woulde haue pressed 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 sunke vs downe to Hell. But Châ—â—â—â—… both God and man hath of his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 free will offered himselfe for vs he 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 taken oure tourne he hath playde 〈◊〉 parte and paide for vs all that we oâ—â—… As it is in the Psalme spoken in thâ—…â—â—…sone of Christe I paide that I oughâ—… 〈…〉 e had trespassed we wer the detters so farre behinde hande that all that was in 〈…〉 s was not able to paye the least somme 〈…〉 hat we ought Christe became our suer 〈…〉 y paied for vs acquited vs and set vs at â—ibertie yea made vs coheires with hym â—f euerlastyng glorie If it wer possible for one man to comâ—it the synnes of the whole worlde so he â—ruely repent and cleaue by true faith to Christ he cannot be dapmned his sinnes 〈…〉 e sufficiently and abouÌ„dantly by Christ 〈…〉 iffied for For Christ as touchyng his 〈…〉 dhed one in substance with the heaueÌ„ 〈…〉 father As touchyng his manhoode our 〈…〉 rie flesh and bloud hath purchased and 〈…〉 uely bought grace pardon for vs For â—hrist became man for vs was borne for 〈…〉 died vpon the Crosse for vs rose from 〈…〉 at h for vs ascended into heauen for vs 〈…〉 hath accomplished and performed al 〈…〉 ynges mete for our saluation for vs If 〈…〉 refore we beleue in Christ we are be 〈…〉 e partakers of Gods fauour we are 〈…〉 ed of the packe and burthen of synne 〈…〉 e are made the heires of God and co 〈…〉 es with Christe for euer and that by 〈…〉 iste and for Christe For without Christ there is no consolation no health no hope no helpe In Christe alone is 〈…〉 comfort all health all hope all succou 〈…〉 all refuge all grace and mercy more â—boundant more plentious more exc 〈…〉 lent then any man is able eyther â–ª 〈…〉 comprehende or to wish God graunt 〈…〉 therefore a true and a constaunte faith In this forme or in like sorte we mu
maketh menti 〈…〉 of many whiche in the tyme of the P 〈…〉 phetes Christe and the Apostles we called from death to life Christe raised the widowes soonne He raised the ruler of the Sinag 〈…〉 his dâ—ughter He raised Lazarus Peter restored to life Tabitha Paule raised againe Euâ—iâ—hus Elizâ—us the Prophet called againe 〈…〉 〈…〉 e his hostes soonne Helias raised the Babe of the woman 〈…〉 f Sareptanie GOD tooke also vnto hym out of this 〈…〉 aile and transitorie life these twoo er 〈…〉 llent and holie menne Enoch and He 〈…〉 as quicke bothe bodie and soule to giue 〈…〉 as it were a taste and representation of the true life to come leaste after the o 〈…〉 iâ—ion of the Ethnicks and Epicures we should thinke there were no worlde nor 〈…〉 eeyng after this wretched and miserable life Let vs not forget what Christe â—esus Lorde of life and death saieth in the eight of Luke Wepe not the maide 〈…〉 not dedde but a slepe Reason not comprehendyng the misteries of GOD neither perceiuyng his power dooeth laugh his saiyng to scorne but Christ proueth his saiyng true he raised by and by the 〈…〉 edde maide to life The fiftene Chapiter of the first Epistle to the Corinthians is 〈…〉 eplenished with moste godlie pleasaunt 〈…〉 d pithie consolations Truly it is more precious then any gold For in that Chaâ—ter Saincte Paule doeth so annexe and 〈…〉 uple our resurrection â–ª to the resurrection of Christe as though thei could in no wise bee separate or deuided after th 〈…〉 forme Christ is risen from death which thyng is certaine ergo wée also shall v 〈…〉 doubtedly rise For Christe is our hedd 〈…〉 and we his members this hed is neith 〈…〉 without neither will forsake his meâ—bers Then it followeth that where â–ª Chr 〈…〉 is there shall we bee For why wee 〈…〉 the members of his bodie and euen of 〈…〉 fleshe and bone what tongue what p 〈…〉 what witte is able to set foorthe as i 〈…〉 worthie this ineffable and inestima 〈…〉 glorie of the mercie and grace of GO 〈…〉 that God hath vouchsafe so lowe to h 〈…〉 ble hymself as to become mortall m 〈…〉 that this â—eble and fraile nature of m 〈…〉 vnited and knitte to the diuine nat 〈…〉 by the power and efficacie of the god 〈…〉 might be inhaunced and promoted to 〈…〉 mortalitie For truely the nature oâ— faithfull menne whiche either were fore Christe hath been since or now 〈…〉 shall be to the worldes ende vndoubtly in Christe verie GOD and ma 〈…〉 hath obtained immortalitie The 〈…〉 lation therefore that riseth of Chr 〈…〉 resurrection is of great efficacie A 〈…〉 〈…〉 ncte Paule saieth to the Corinthians â—â—riste is risen againe from dedde and is 〈…〉 e first fruictes of them that slepe for by 〈…〉 e manne truely came death and by one 〈…〉 nne commeth the resurrection of the 〈…〉 de And as al die in Adam euen so shal 〈…〉 bee made aliue in Christe but euery 〈…〉 e in his order The firste is Christe â–ª â—hen thei whiche are Christes whiche 〈…〉 h beleued in his commyng And sainct 〈…〉 ule dooeth adde a similitude taken of 〈…〉 urall thynges whereby he dooeth set 〈…〉 the and declare the resurrection of bo 〈…〉 s. The similitude is taken of seede 〈…〉 iche is cast into the yearth by the hus 〈…〉 dman dieth as it were and rotteth â–ª â—uerthelesse it is not vtterly loste but 〈…〉 ength springeth and commeth foorthe 〈…〉 he yearth goodlie beautifull and 〈…〉 saunt So our bodies shall rise again 〈…〉 feeble vile corruptible and mortall 〈…〉 stroÌ„g glorious incorruptible immor 〈…〉 neuer to dye againe but euer to liue â— The waie into true and euerlastyng 〈…〉 to our longe home as thei call it and 〈…〉 ntrie is by corporall death Fleashe 〈…〉 bloud beyng corruptible and mortal 〈…〉 not inherite the kingdome of GOD where nothyng is but life Thereforâ— this corruptible bodie must put on in t 〈…〉 ruption and this mortall muste putteâ— immortalitie Then shall the saiyng t 〈…〉 is written bee fulfilled Death is swa 〈…〉 wed vp in victorie Thei that beleeue Christe hath nowe ouercommed sy 〈…〉 death and helle Therefore not fear 〈…〉 death but strong bolde and well ha 〈…〉 in Christe Thei maie saie Death wh 〈…〉 is thy sting Death where is thy vict 〈…〉 The stynge of Death is synne and 〈…〉 power of synne is the Lawe But t 〈…〉 kes hee vnto GOD whiche hath g 〈…〉 vs the victorie through our Lorde I 〈…〉 Christe Let vs heare also more sentences 〈…〉 of godlie and mightie consolation He that hath raised vp Iesus 〈…〉 raise vs vp also with Iesus Our conuersation is in heauen 〈…〉 whence we doe looke for the sauiour 〈…〉 lorde Iesus Christ whiche shall cha 〈…〉 our 〈…〉 I le bodie that it maie be like 〈…〉 ned vnto his glorious bodie a 〈…〉 to the woorkyng of his power by 〈…〉 whiche also he is able to subdue all 〈…〉 ges vnto hymself Ye are dedde and your life is hid with â—â—riste in God but when Christe your 〈…〉 shall appeare then shall ye also ap 〈…〉 rs in glorie with hym Wee woulde not brethren that ye 〈…〉 uld bee ignoraunte concernyng theim 〈…〉 t sleape that ye sorrowe not also as o 〈…〉 r doe whiche haue no hope For if we 〈…〉 eue that Iesus Christe died and rose againe Euen theim also whiche are a 〈…〉 pe through Iesus shall GOD bryng 〈…〉 h hym â—aicte Paule also doeth comforte Tithe with the article of resurrection â–ª 〈…〉 ng RemeÌ„ber the Lorde Iesus Christ 〈…〉 yng the seede of Dauid rose againe 〈…〉 the dedde accordyng to my Gospell 〈…〉 if we bee dedde with hym wee shall 〈…〉 liue with hym If we suffer pacient 〈…〉 e shall also reigne with hym It was written also to the Hebrues 〈…〉 Christe tasted death for all menne 〈…〉 that he was partaker of fleashe and 〈…〉 d firste became verie manne that he 〈…〉 ht destroye hym whiche had the rule 〈…〉 at h that is the Deuill and that he 〈…〉 ht deliuer them whiche were in boÌ„ 〈…〉 all their life tyme by the reason of the hearing of Christes Gospell is so v 〈…〉 the feare of death God hath deliuered vs and called 〈…〉 with an holy calling not according to 〈…〉 workes but according to his purpose 〈…〉 grace whiche is giuen vs in Christe 〈…〉 before the time of the world but is n 〈…〉 made manifeste by the appearyng of 〈…〉 sauiour Iesus Christ whiche truely 〈…〉 destâ—â—ied death and hath brought lifeâ— immortalitie to light by the Gospell Wee knowe that wee are trans 〈…〉 from life to death bicause wee loue 〈…〉 brethren In this hath the loue of God appe 〈…〉 in vs bycause God sent his onely be 〈…〉 ten sonne into the worlde that we 〈…〉 lyue thorowe him I knowe that my redeemer doth 〈…〉 and in the
xxvij of Nouember 1548. These things haue we séene and sensibly knowne and haue thought good to write them vnto you to the praise and glorie of the high God whose kingdome we earnestly desire to be openly knowne to the whole worlde ¶ Here followeth a godly Prayer against desperation A godly prayer against desperation OLyuing God and most mercifull father which alone of thy almighty power prouidence and wisedome diddest create heauen earth with all things therein in most comely forme â–ª and deâ—â—â—â— order and that of verye loue that thou dearest chiefly towardes mankinde â–ª whome thou diddest not onely much safe to make after thine â—wne similitude and likenesse but also diddest â—â—ke mâ—â— Lorde and gouernour ouer 〈◊〉 thy other good creatures placing him in the Paradice of all felicitie â–ª forbidding him nothing â–ª but onely the eating of one â—â—uite among many that this one commaundemeÌ„t shoulde be a meane for him â–ª to knowe his superiour and to practise his obedieÌ„ce towardes his Creator But our father Adam nothing regarding thy fatherly loue nor inestimable benefites â–ª not waiyng the Royall state and felicitie that he was in did most vnthankfully nothing staiyng hymselfe by thy fore admonition traÌ„sgresse and wilfully break 〈…〉 thy commaundement thereby deiectinâ— himselfe cleane out of thy godly fauou 〈…〉 vtterly losing all his former beatitude 〈…〉 felicitie making himself of the frée son 〈…〉 of God bondslaue to the deuill of immoâ—tall euer to haue lyued in all feliciti 〈…〉 mortall and subiect to death and all 〈…〉 serie And alas not onely casting awayâ— hymselfe by his vnfaithfull disobediencâ— but for that he hauing the sentence 〈…〉 death and dampnation layde vpon hyâ— begatte vs as the whole parent of maâ— kinde he in his offense most iustly c 〈…〉 demned me all his posteritie Here 〈…〉 so haynously displeased thy Maiestie 〈…〉 so iustly procured thy wrath and i 〈…〉 gnation that all our deedes all our me 〈…〉 tes no not all the intercessions and 〈…〉 rites of all the creatures that euer liu 〈…〉 in this worlde coulde not once moue t 〈…〉 righteous iustice to pardon him nor 〈…〉 offence committed in him But as t 〈…〉 godly prouidence did froÌ„ euermore for 〈…〉 sée that miserable fal of manne so did t 〈…〉 mercy from euerlasting determine 〈…〉 redéeme man againe for thou so loue 〈…〉 the worlde that at the time appointeâ— thou didst sende downe thy onely begotâ—en sonne incarnate to suffer death for maÌ„kinde and by his death once for euer â—o make the frée sacrifice and omnisuffiâ—ient satisfaction to thy iustice for the 〈…〉 nnes of the whole world fréely to make â—ust in thy sight all that vnfainedly beâ—éeue therein Therefore for as much as 〈…〉 t hath pleased thee oh father so to open 〈…〉 y minde and darke senses that I doe â—ertainely knowe and vndoubtedly beâ—éeue all these things by that infallible â—estimonie of thy sacred and holy Scriâ—ture not onely that thou of thy mercie 〈…〉 oost fréelye forgiue me the offence of mine originall sinne for Christes sake â—ut also my manifolde and dayly sinnes â—oÌ„mitted actually â–ª against thy maiestie 〈…〉 most humblye beséech thée here being 〈…〉 rostrate and lowlye submitting me beâ—ore the throne of thy mercie alwayes to graunt me thy peace whiche passeth al â—nderstanding that when or how soeuer â—he worlde doe rage against me The soâ—icitie or care of lyuing losse of goodes or â—riendes or any thing visible or inuist 〈…〉 le doe molest trouble me that I may 〈…〉 uer haue thy peace rest and quietnesse in my conscience and to put my wh 〈…〉 trust and affiaunce in thée and so to prâ—serue mee from the subtill perswasio 〈…〉 and cruell assaults of Sathan that whatsoeuer my calamities my losses or minâ— aduersities bee or how great hainous 〈…〉 manifolde soeuer my sinnes be that 〈…〉 neuer fall into any kinde of desperation other of body or soule But that I maye alwayes remember and knowe thy bottomlesse mercie to surmount and passe the number and grauitie of all mine offences That I maye alwayes trust in thy mercie that thou wilte other preserue me froÌ„ sinne or of thy mere mercy fréely forgiue mee all my sinnes for thy sonne Iesu Christes sake And that thoâ— wilt neuer take from me thy spirite but euer graunt me grace that in all my necessities and troubles other of bodye or soule I maye truely repent my sinnes call vpon thée for helpe and aide and that I maye stedfastly beleue that thou lyke a mercifull father for thy sonnes sake wilt fauourably heare me mercifully forgiue me and mightily defend me against all my enimies and in all my troubles that I neuer commit nor consent to the destruction of my bodye or â—oule but euer to lyue here in thy feare and dreade vntill it shall please thée of thy mercie to call me to raigne with thée in glorie euerlasting Amen Here followeth the Godlye and wholsome preseruatiue against desperation c. I. PETER V. Be sober and watch for your aduersarie the Deuill as a roaring Lion walketh about seeking whom he may deuoure whom resist stedfast in the faith The Preface THis preseruatiue g 〈…〉 tle reader is prepar 〈…〉 for thy profite Th 〈…〉 thou readyng it at l 〈…〉 sure maiest chose oâ— suche coÌ„fortable seâ—tences as maie botâ— staie thyne owne conscience in the ty 〈…〉 of temptation and also quiet others w 〈…〉 the Deuill shall bee busie with them 〈…〉 we bee not ignoraunt of the thoughtes Sathan how he coÌ„tinually furnisheth hyâ— self to bende his ordinaunce against m 〈…〉 And nowe with the consideration of tâ—â— greatnesse and multitude of synne Noâ— with the terrour of death and dampna 〈…〉 on dâ—oe labour to beate the buckler 〈…〉 Faithe out of our handes to strike the he met of hope from our heade and to wr 〈…〉 from vs the swearde of the spirite whiâ—â— is Gods worde But here christian reader is thy swo 〈…〉 and buckler deliuered vnto thee herâ— thy helmet put vpon thy heade here th 〈…〉 shalte finde suche armoure and weapâ—â— whereby thou shalt be able to withstaâ—â— the force of our common enemie the D 〈…〉 〈…〉 and also by the counsaill to rescue 〈…〉 ers that thei perish not Yea here thou 〈…〉 lte finde choise of moste comfortable â—â—ntences whereby mannes conscience 〈…〉 e bee staied from dampnable despeâ—ion â–ª Watche therefore stande stedfaste in the plaie the manne and bee of good 〈…〉 mforte Resiste the Deuill and he will 〈…〉 from thee Not for feare of thine owne 〈…〉 wer strength or holinesse but for feare Christe in whom by faithe thou art inâ—ffed For it is Christe through whom â—od hath giuen vs victorie against synne â—ath hell and the deuill Neither is there any other name vnder heauen giuen vnto manne wherein we maie be saued but the name of Iesus Christe our Lorde To whom with the Father and the holie Ghost be all honor and