two_o very_o godly_a and_o comfortable_a letter_n write_v over_o into_o england_n the_o one_o to_o a_o godly_a and_o zealous_a lady_n wherein_o the_o annabaptist_n error_n be_v confute_v and_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n plain_o declare_v ¶_o the_o other_o a_o answer_n to_o a_o godly_a merchant_n letter_n write_v for_o his_o comfort_n be_v greeve_v with_o the_o heavye_a burden_n of_o sin_n wherein_o be_v declare_v the_o true_a confession_n of_o sin_n write_a by_o t._n c._n at_o london_n print_v by_o edward_n allde_n for_o edward_n white_a 1589._o a_o comfortable_a letter_n write_v to_o a_o godly_a and_o zealous_a lady_n wherein_o the_o annabaptist_n error_n be_v brief_o confute_v and_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n plain_o declare_v madam_n where_o as_o it_o please_v your_o good_a lady_n ship_n to_o require_v i_o to_o write_v unto_o you_o my_o mind_n concern_v the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o this_o place_n of_o s._n paul_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n 4_o heb._n 6._o 4_o it_o can_v be_v that_o they_o which_o be_v once_o lighten_v &_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n and_o be_v become_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n &_o of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v if_o they_o fall_v away_o and_o as_o concern_v themselves_o crucify_v the_o son_n of_o god_n a_o fresh_a and_o make_v a_o mock_n of_o he_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v renew_a again_o by_o repentance_n madame_fw-fr many_o in_o time_n anabaptist_n the_o error_n of_o the_o novatians_n and_o now_o of_o the_o anabaptist_n past_a and_o at_o this_o present_a day_n mistake_v this_o text_n and_o not_o true_o understand_v it_o both_o have_v be_v and_o be_v encumber_v with_o the_o novacians_n erroure_n which_o be_v that_o after_o man_n by_o baptism_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v regenerate_v and_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o have_v embrace_v christ_n and_o his_o holy_a word_n if_o he_o fall_v to_o sin_n again_o he_o be_v without_o remedy_n of_o salvation_n undoubted_o this_o be_v a_o very_a damnable_a erroure_n enough_o to_o bring_v all_o they_o that_o be_v infect_v therewith_o to_o desperation_n but_o albeit_o they_o ground_n this_o their_o error_n upon_o this_o afore_o aleadge_v text_n of_o s._n paul_n and_o certain_a other_o text_n yet_o they_o miss_v the_o mark_n because_o they_o take_v this_o scripture_n too_o straitlye_o not_o referrng_a it_o to_o many_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o plain_o show_v that_o when_o soever_o and_o how_o often_o so_o ever_o a_o sinner_n repent_v he_o true_o of_o his_o sin_n and_o commit_v himself_o with_o a_o sure_a faith_n unto_o yâ—_z mercy_n of_o god_n through_o christ_n god_n receive_v he_o again_o to_o grace_n and_o salvation_n doubtless_o no_o prophecy_n in_o the_o scripture_n have_v any_o private_a 20._o 2._o pet._n 1._o 20._o interpretation_n but_o must_v needs_o be_v expound_v according_a to_o the_o general_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o agreeable_a to_o other_o text_n of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o so_o must_v this_o text_n be_v also_o now_o truth_n it_o be_v that_o there_o be_v almost_o innumerable_a text_n in_o holy_a scripture_n that_o most_o plain_o do_v declare_v that_o when_o so_o ever_o a_o true_a repentaunte_a sinner_n by_o unfeigned_a faith_n return_v unto_o god_n and_o ask_v mercy_n for_o christ_n sake_n he_o shall_v undoubt_o have_v it_o and_o albeit_o the_o holy_a scriptuâ—â—_n be_v full_a of_o such_o place_n yet_o here_o by_o god_n grace_n i_o will_v show_v and_o rehearse_v to_o you_o some_o of_o they_o to_o give_v you_o occasion_n to_o mark_v they_o and_o such_o like_a place_n as_o you_o shall_v find_v almost_o in_o every_o leaf_n of_o the_o bible_n 16._o pro._n 24._o 16._o a_o just_a man_n fall_v seven_o time_n and_o rise_v up_o again_o mark_v yâ—_z scripture_n say_v he_o rise_v up_o again_o the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o 33._o ezech._n 33._o wicked_a shall_v not_o hurt_v he_o whensoever_o he_o convert_v note_v what_o it_o say_v when_o soever_o he_o convert_v let_v the_o ungodly_a man_n forsake_v 55._o esay_n 55._o his_o own_o way_n and_o the_o unrighteous_a his_o own_o imagination_n and_o turn_v again_o unto_o the_o lord_n so_o shall_v he_o be_v merciful_a unto_o he_o thou_o disobedient_a israel_n 3_o jere._n 3_o turn_v again_o say_v the_o lord_n and_o i_o will_v not_o let_v my_o wrath_n fall_v upon_o you_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n do_v 8._o jere._n 8._o man_n fall_v so_o that_o they_o rise_v not_o up_o again_o or_o if_o israel_n do_v repent_v will_v not_o god_n turn_v again_o to_o they_o turn_v you_o unto_o i_o say_v 1._o zach._n 1._o the_o lord_n god_n of_o host_n and_o i_o will_v turn_v i_o unto_o you_o remember_v from_o whence_o 2._o apoc._n 2._o thou_o be_v fall_v and_o do_v the_o first_o work_n mark_v in_o the_o gospel_n of_o 15._o luke_n 15._o luke_n the_o example_n of_o the_o unthriftie_a son_n also_o christ_n say_v unto_o peter_n peter_n i_o have_v pray_v 22._o luke_n 22._o for_o thou_o that_o thy_o faith_n fail_v not_o and_o when_o thou_o be_v convert_v strengthen_v thy_o brethren_n mark_v he_o say_v when_o thou_o be_v convert_v etc._n etc._n lo_o if_o you_o weigh_v these_o place_n of_o scripture_n afore_o allege_v and_o almost_o innumerable_a more_o of_o the_o same_o sort_n you_o shall_v perceive_v evidentlye_o that_o though_o a_o christian_a have_v sin_v never_o so_o oft_o as_o who_o do_v not_o daily_o offend_v god_n yet_o when_o soever_o he_o return_v unto_o god_n by_o true_a repentance_n which_o consist_v of_o inward_a contrition_n &_o a_o sure_a faith_n in_o christ_n jesu_fw-la he_o be_v assure_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o recover_v and_o receive_v again_o the_o grace_n favour_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n which_o through_o his_o disobedience_n he_o have_v worthy_o lose_v and_o immediate_o to_o enjoy_v full_a absolute_a and_o perfect_a remission_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o all_o his_o sin_n through_o jesus_n christ_n in_o who_o he_o repose_v all_o his_o faith_n trust_n and_o confidence_n of_o salvation_n the_o gospel_n assure_v he_o no_o less_o say_n so_o god_n love_v the_o world_n 3._o joh._n 3._o that_o he_o give_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n that_o who_o so_o ever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n more_o over_o if_o you_o mark_v well_o the_o example_n of_o godly_a man_n which_o be_v register_v in_o holy_a scripture_n you_o shall_v plainelye_o perceive_v that_o albeit_o they_o be_v high_o in_o god_n favour_n yet_o for_o all_o that_o many_o of_o they_o have_v great_a fall_n and_o commit_v very_o heinous_a offence_n but_o they_o do_v rise_v up_o again_o return_v to_o god_n mercy_n by_o true_a repentance_n &_o faith_n and_o so_o recover_v again_o their_o former_a grace_n which_o they_o through_o their_o own_o folly_n have_v lose_v aaron_z be_v so_o much_o aaron_n aaron_n favour_v of_o god_n that_o by_o god_n calling_n he_o be_v make_v the_o high_a bishop_n and_o curate_n over_o his_o people_n and_o yet_o at_o the_o light_a request_n of_o the_o israelite_n he_o let_v they_o make_v and_o worship_v the_o golden_a calf_n contrary_a to_o his_o conscience_n by_o reason_n whereof_o both_o he_o and_o they_o commit_v that_o most_o detest_v able_a sin_n of_o idolatrye_a and_o yet_o he_o by_o true_a repentance_n and_o faith_n return_v to_o grace_n be_v save_v david_n god_n dear_a darling_n david_n david_n after_o that_o he_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o have_v much_o taste_v of_o his_o grace_n be_v endue_v abundant_o with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o gracious_a gift_n from_o above_o fall_v both_o into_o the_o sin_n of_o adultery_n and_o murder_n and_o yet_o by_o true_a and_o unfeigned_a repentance_n return_v to_o god_n mercy_n be_v accept_v and_o receive_v again_o into_o god_n favour_n manasses_n also_o contrary_a manasses_n manasses_n unto_o his_o conscience_n fall_v willing_o to_o idolatrye_a but_o yet_o he_o rise_v again_o by_o true_a repentance_n and_o faith_n and_o recover_v again_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n so_o likewise_o that_o wicked_a 5._o the_o sinful_a corinthian_a 1_o cor._n 5._o man_n of_o the_o city_n of_o corinthus_n who_o s._n paul_n straitlye_o charge_v the_o corinthian_n to_o excommunicate_v and_o erclude_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a congregation_n of_o christian_a man_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v neither_o eat_v nor_o drink_v with_o he_o because_o of_o his_o open_a and_o abominable_a crime_n of_o incest_n and_o outrageous_a whoredom_n and_o yet_o when_o he_o declare_v himself_o to_o be_v truelye_o repentant_a for_o his_o great_a and_o infamous_a sin_n saint_n paul_n admonish_v 2._o 2._o cor._n 2._o they_o with_o all_o gentleness_n and_o christian_a charity_n to_o receive_v he_o again_o
into_o the_o congregation_n as_o a_o christian_a brother_n and_o so_o to_o esteem_v he_o and_o take_v he_o what_o shall_v i_o say_v of_o peter_n christ_n apostle_n peter_n peter_n have_v not_o he_o a_o sure_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n confess_v he_o open_o before_o all_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v very_a christ_n the_o son_n the_o live_a god_n be_v not_o he_o even_o then_o endue_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o grace_n from_o above_o unto_o who_o jesus_n christ_n say_v bless_a art_n 16._o math._n 16._o thou_o simon_n the_o son_n of_o jonas_n for_o flesh_n and_o blood_n have_v not_o open_v that_o unto_o thou_o but_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o yet_o after_o all_o this_o he_o have_v such_o a_o fall_n that_o contrary_a to_o his_o own_o conscience_n willing_o wtout_o any_o compulsion_n threat_n or_o imprysonment_n he_o do_v most_o cowardlye_o and_o shameful_o forsake_v and_o deny_v christ_n not_o without_o blasphemy_n swear_v that_o he_o never_o know_v he_o curse_v and_o commit_v himself_o to_o the_o devil_n if_o ever_o he_o have_v to_o do_v with_o he_o what_o will_v the_o novatian_a and_o annabaptiste_n say_v unto_o this_o be_v it_o not_o a_o fall_n can_v there_o be_v any_o great_a sin_n than_o this_o be_v it_o not_o do_v of_o knowledge_n be_v it_o not_o do_v willing_o be_v it_o not_o against_o his_o own_o conscience_n yes_o doubtless_o it_o be_v no_o less_o but_o against_o his_o own_o conscience_n but_o yet_o thanks_n be_v unto_o almighty_a god_n it_o be_v not_o the_o sin_n of_o blasphemye_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n neither_o the_o sin_n unto_o death_n the_o which_o saint_n john_n speak_v of_o for_o he_o 5._o 1._o joh._n 5._o continue_v not_o therein_o unto_o his_o end_n but_o immediate_o he_o go_v forth_o of_o the_o bishop_n house_n and_o weep_v bitter_o very_o much_o lament_v his_o heinous_a offence_n and_o by_o faith_n he_o return_v again_o unto_o christ_n 26._o mat._n 26._o knowe_a his_o mercy_n to_o be_v infinite_a and_o without_o measure_n and_o so_o he_o be_v accept_v unto_o grace_n again_o &_o christ_n appear_v unto_o he_o to_o his_o great_a comfort_n after_o he_o rise_v again_o from_o death_n to_o life_n and_o afterward_o send_v down_o his_o holy_a spirit_n endue_v he_o with_o wonderful_a gift_n of_o grace_n from_o above_o and_o then_o peter_n become_v a_o strong_a champion_n set_v forth_o christ_n to_o be_v the_o only_a saviour_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n preach_v and_o open_o confess_v he_o before_o all_o man_n without_o any_o fear_n either_o of_o yâ—_z scribes_z pharise_n or_o magistrate_n now_o good_a madam_n lay_v this_o example_n of_o s._n peter_n to_o this_o text_n of_o s._n paul_n to_o the_o hebrew_n it_o can_v not_o be_v that_o they_o which_o be_v once_o lighten_v etc._n etc._n if_o they_o fall_v away_o etc._n etc._n that_o they_o shall_v be_v renew_a again_o by_o repentance_n if_o a_o man_n will_v apply_v the_o aforesaid_a example_n of_o s._n peter_n unto_o this_o text_n of_o s._n paul_n he_o will_v think_v that_o peter_n shall_v utter_o have_v be_v cast_v away_o from_o god_n favour_n mercy_n and_o grace_n for_o first_o it_o can_v not_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o he_o be_v once_o lighten_v that_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v the_o only_a messiah_n and_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n secondlye_o he_o have_v also_o taste_v of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n which_o be_v a_o true_a faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n open_o confess_v the_o same_o before_o all_o the_o apostle_n be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o conscience_n what_o christ_n be_v thirdlye_o that_o peter_n be_v become_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n it_o appear_v evident_o by_o christ_n sentence_n say_v bless_a art_n thou_o simon_n for_o flesh_n and_o blood_n that_o be_v man_n show_v thou_o â—â—ot_n that_o but_o my_o father_n â—hich_v be_v in_o heaven_n which_o â—as_v by_o the_o inspiration_n of_o â—is_n holy_a spirit_n final_o peter_n have_v a_o taste_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v for_o he_o do_v see_v in_o the_o mountain_n the_o transfiguration_n of_o christ_n &_o so_o do_v james_n 17._o mat._n 17._o the_o more_o and_o john_n the_o evangelist_n also_o where_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o they_o all_o christ_n be_v transfigure_v and_o show_v himself_o unto_o they_o in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o glorify_a body_n so_o that_o his_o face_n do_v shine_v as_o the_o sun_n and_o his_o clothes_n appear_v as_o white_a as_o the_o light_n there_o appear_v also_o among_o they_o moses_n and_o elias_n and_o even_o there_o the_o clear_a voice_n of_o god_n the_o father_n of_o heaven_n be_v plain_o hear_v among_o they_o out_o of_o yâ—_z cloud_n say_v upon_o christ_n this_o be_v my_o dearlye_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o delight_v hear_v he_o loe_o all_o this_o and_o much_o more_o peter_n both_o hear_v and_o see_v be_v almost_o continual_o in_o christ_n company_n eat_v and_o drink_v with_o he_o hear_v daily_o his_o heavenly_a doctrine_n preach_v and_o teach_v see_v everye_o where_n as_o occasion_n serve_v his_o great_a and_o wonderful_a miracle_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o what_o a_o great_a fall_n peter_n have_v it_o appear_v plain_o by_o his_o denial_n of_o christ_n his_o love_a master_n and_o saviour_n and_o by_o the_o circumstance_n thereof_o which_o i_o touch_v before_o but_o yet_o to_o make_v peter_n fall_n more_o horrible_a christ_n say_v unto_o he_o and_o unto_o all_o the_o other_o his_o apostle_n when_o he_o send_v they_o â—â—â—rth_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o salvation_n he_o that_o deni_v 10._o math._n 10._o i_o before_o man_n i_o shall_v deny_v he_o also_o before_o my_o father_n alas_o good_a peter_n what_o case_n standâ—â—_n thou_o in_o nowâ—_n how_o do_v this_o say_n of_o christ_n touch_v thou_o remembringe_v this_o say_v of_o christ_n be_v thou_o not_o utter_o at_o thy_o wit_n end_n be_v it_o not_o most_o certain_a and_o true_a yâ—_z thou_o have_v too_o horriblye_o fall_v after_o that_o thou_o have_v taste_v of_o all_o these_o gracious_a gift_n before_o rehearse_v have_v thou_o not_o contrary_a to_o thou_o own_o conscience_n most_o shameful_o deny_v thy_o master_n &_o saviour_n christ_n before_o man_n ah_o good_a soul_n what_o shall_v become_v of_o thou_o how_o will_v thou_o answer_v for_o thyself_o for_o it_o seem_v here_o plain_o that_o both_o s._n paul_n in_o the_o afore_o allege_v place_n to_o yâ—_z hebrew_n and_o also_o christ_n himself_o in_o the_o scripture_n afore_o rehearse_v have_v give_v sentence_n of_o condemnation_n against_o thou_o wherefore_o both_o the_o novacian_a &_o the_o annabaptist_n ground_v themselves_o upon_o these_o two_o place_n of_o holy_a scripture_n will_v plainelye_o pronounce_v thou_o to_o be_v a_o reprobate_n and_o that_o thou_o be_v dispatch_v and_o utterlye_o cast_v away_o from_o all_o hope_n of_o salvation_n but_o here_o let_v we_o not_o too_o lightlye_o pass_v over_o but_o earnest_o weigh_v and_o deep_o consider_v what_o may_v be_v say_v in_o this_o matter_n on_o peter_n behalf_n and_o first_o it_o may_v be_v right_o answer_v that_o that_o place_n of_o s._n paul_n unto_o the_o hebrew_n make_v 6._o heb._n 6._o nothing_o against_o s._n peter_n neither_o yet_o against_o any_o christian_a man_n how_o gréevouslye_o or_o how_o often_o soever_o he_o have_v sin_v so_o that_o he_o have_v not_o utterlye_o forsake_v christ_n and_o fall_v clean_o away_o from_o he_o for_o s._n paul_n say_v it_o can_v be_v that_o they_o which_o be_v once_o lighten_v etc._n etc._n if_o they_o fall_v away_o they_o shall_v be_v renew_a by_o repentance_n mark_v here_o diligent_o that_o s._n paul_n saithe_v if_o they_o fall_v away_o he_o saithe_v not_o if_o they_o fall_v but_o if_o away_o it_o be_v not_o all_o one_o thing_n to_o fall_v and_o to_o fall_v away_o they_o fall_v away_o for_o it_o be_v not_o all_o one_o thing_n to_o fall_v and_o to_o fall_v away_o for_o peter_n do_v fall_v but_o he_o do_v not_o fall_v away_o from_o christ_n but_o return_v unto_o he_o again_o a_o old_a proverb_n it_o be_v a_o man_n run_v proverbâ—_n a_o proverbâ—_n very_o far_o that_o never_o return_v again_o all_o we_o christian_n do_v daily_o fall_v for_o we_o daily_o break_v god_n commandment_n but_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o fall_v away_o from_o christ_n neither_o refuse_v we_o he_o to_o be_v our_o saviour_n but_o acknowledge_v our_o manifold_a sin_n and_o offence_n we_o daily_o return_v unto_o he_o again_o by_o true_a repentance_n faith_n and_o amendment_n of_o life_n nothing_o doubt_v of_o his_o great_a &_o unmeasurable_a mercy_n towards_o us._n they_o fall_v away_o from_o christ_n christ_n who_o fall_v away_o from_o christ_n yâ—_z utter_o forsake_v he_o &_o refuse_v he_o to_o be_v their_o saviour_n &_o never_o
for_o his_o persecutor_n who_o before_o he_o call_v stifnecked_a adversary_n 7._o act_n 7._o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n traitor_n and_o murderer_n of_o christ_n doubtless_o he_o will_v not_o have_v pray_v for_o they_o so_o ear_n nest_o unless_o their_o sin_n have_v be_v forgiveable_a and_o therefore_o their_o sin_n and_o offence_n be_v no_o more_o but_o simple_a blasphemy_n the_o third_o kind_n of_o sin_n be_v blasphemye_n against_o the_o spirit_n they_o commit_v blasphemye_n against_o the_o spirit_n or_o sin_n against_o spirit_n blasphemy_n against_o the_o spirit_n the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o willing_o upon_o knowledge_n and_o advise_o contrary_a to_o their_o own_o conscience_n do_v deny_v forsake_v impugn_v slander_n revile_v and_o persecute_v the_o plain_a open_a manifest_a and_o know_v truth_n stiff_o maliciouslye_o and_o obdurat_o persevere_v and_o continue_v without_o unfeigned_a repentance_n in_o that_o their_o wilful_a blindness_n and_o obstinate_a malice_n so_o long_o as_o they_o live_v in_o this_o world_n as_o do_v pharo_n saul_n herod_n judas_n the_o traitor_n julianus_n apostata_fw-la porphirius_fw-la himeneus_n and_o alexander_n the_o coppersmith_n with_o other_o but_o mark_v this_o diligent_o that_o we_o can_v not_o as_o far_o i_o can_v perceive_v certain_o judge_v of_o these_o blasphemer_n against_o the_o spirit_n before_o the_o time_n of_o their_o departure_n out_o of_o this_o present_a life_n because_o we_o can_v certain_o know_v whether_o at_o the_o end_n of_o their_o life_n they_o can_v repent_v and_o by_o faith_n return_n and_o take_v hold_v of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n or_o not_o we_o may_v conjecture_v uncertain_a coniecturare_fw-la uncertain_a but_o we_o can_v as_o i_o suppose_v certainlye_o define_v of_o they_o let_v we_o consider_v that_o the_o thief_n that_o hang_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o 23._o luke_n 23._o christ_n even_o at_o the_o last_o hour_n repent_v he_o with_o a_o strong_a and_o faithful_a prayer_n commit_v himself_o whole_o unto_o the_o mercy_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v save_v in_o consideration_n whereof_o let_v we_o think_v it_o to_o be_v our_o bind_a duty_n as_o the_o prophet_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v to_o revoke_v and_o calback_n again_o open_a sinner_n and_o blasphemer_n to_o earnest_a repentance_n for_o their_o own_o sinfulness_n and_o to_o have_v a_o sure_a trust_n in_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n passion_n and_o death_n though_o they_o be_v even_o at_o the_o departure_n out_o of_o this_o present_a life_n for_o it_o be_v never_o too_o late_o so_o long_o as_o life_n last_v let_v we_o therefore_o with_o all_o ferventness_n call_v upon_o they_o and_o exhort_v they_o in_o any_o wise_a with_o a_o good_a courage_n and_o a_o sure_a and_o undoubtful_a faith_n ask_v call_v and_o cry_v for_o god_n mercy_n for_o his_o sweet_a son_n our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n sake_n and_o undoubted_o they_o shall_v have_v it_o for_o since_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n hitherto_o be_v there_o never_o one_o that_o in_o faith_n ask_v mercy_n hartelye_o but_o he_o have_v it_o through_o the_o gracious_a goodness_n of_o our_o aforesaid_a merciful_a saviour_n jesus_n christ_n unto_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v all_o lawde_a and_o praise_n world_n without_o end_n amen_n a_o answer_n unto_o a_o godly_a merchant_n letter_n wherein_o be_v plain_o open_v the_o true_a way_n of_o confess_v our_o sin_n the_o grace_n and_o peace_n of_o god_n be_v give_v unto_o you_o through_o jesus_n christ_n etc._n etc._n whereas_o in_o your_o last_o letter_n to_o i_o most_o trusty_a and_o assure_a friend_n you_o instant_o desire_v i_o to_o write_v unto_o you_o what_o i_o have_v read_v and_o learn_v in_o holy_a scripture_n touch_v the_o confession_n of_o sin_n truelye_o sir_n this_o your_o reasonable_a request_n i_o will_v if_o i_o be_v able_a right_n glad_o satisfy_v but_o as_o you_o know_v i_o be_o far_o unable_a to_o pen_v this_o matter_n according_a to_o the_o worthiness_n thereof_o nevertheless_o when_o i_o consider_v with_o myself_o how_o much_o i_o be_o bind_v to_o you_o for_o your_o love_a kindness_n daily_o show_v to_o my_o poor_a kinsfolk_n and_o friend_n in_o england_n i_o cannot_a but_o think_v it_o to_o be_v my_o bind_a duty_n somewhat_o to_o gratifye_v you_o again_o and_o albeit_o that_o ignorance_n rudeness_n of_o stile_n and_o lack_v of_o learning_n pluck_v i_o back_o from_o the_o handle_n of_o this_o matter_n yet_o the_o consideratione_n of_o your_o great_a discretion_n and_o gentleness_n prick_v i_o forward_o to_o attempt_v what_o i_o can_v do_v therein_o certes_o i_o nothing_o doubt_n but_o that_o you_o will_v gentlye_o accept_v my_o simple_a rudeness_n good_a will_n and_o endeavour_n in_o this_o behalf_n no_o less_o then_o if_o the_o matter_n be_v gloryouslye_o garnish_v with_o eloquence_n and_o set_v forth_o with_o the_o most_o profitable_a persuasion_n of_o the_o fresh_a philosopher_n or_o rhetorician_n in_o both_o university_n in_o england_n i_o trust_v you_o will_v credit_n and_o embrace_v the_o truth_n though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o base_o and_o homely_a write_v or_o declare_v unto_o you_o for_o the_o truth_n shall_v abide_v and_o flourish_v when_o all_o profane_a paint_a persuasion_n and_o fond_a pharisaic_a all_o fantasy_n shall_v vanish_v away_o and_o be_v scatter_v abroad_o as_o dry_a dust_n before_o a_o whirl_n wind_n wherefore_o to_o keep_v you_o no_o long_o from_o this_o matter_n i_o shall_v by_o god_n grace_n so_o breefelye_o as_o i_o can_v declare_v unto_o you_o what_o i_o have_v learned_a &_o read_v in_o holy_a scripture_n concern_v this_o article_n of_o confession_n of_o sin_n and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o follow_v of_o confession_n of_o sin_n the_o holy_a scripture_n doothe_v diverslye_o in_o sundry_a place_n set_v forth_o &_o treat_v of_o the_o confession_n of_o sin_n in_o some_o place_n it_o make_v mention_v of_o a_o general_a and_o confession_n a_o general_a confession_n solemn_a confession_n open_o make_v of_o all_o the_o people_n be_v assemble_v and_o gather_v together_o at_o the_o appointment_n call_v and_o exhortation_n of_o their_o high_a magistrate_n bishop_n curate_n or_o public_a minister_n of_o god_n word_n the_o cause_n thereof_o be_v common_o some_o great_a plague_n vengeance_n or_o punishment_n wherewith_o god_n scourge_v they_o for_o their_o sinful_a heinous_a and_o abominable_a offence_n commit_v and_o do_v by_o they_o and_o their_o forefather_n example_n thereof_o we_o have_v in_o the_o second_o book_n of_o esdras_n where_o it_o be_v thus_o write_v in_o the_o four_o and_o twenty_o 9_o â—eem_v 9_o day_n of_o this_o month_n come_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n together_o with_o fast_v and_o sackclothe_n and_o earth_n upon_o they_o and_o separate_v the_o seed_n of_o israel_n from_o all_o the_o strange_a child_n and_o stand_v and_o knowledge_v their_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n of_o their_o father_n &_o stand_v up_o in_o their_o place_n and_o read_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n their_o god_n four_o time_n on_o the_o day_n etc._n etc._n and_o after_o a_o solemn_a rehearsal_n of_o the_o judgement_n and_o great_a mercifulnesse_n of_o god_n declare_v in_o holy_a scripture_n they_o conclude_v thus_o say_v thou_o o_o god_n be_v righteous_a in_o all_o that_o thou_o haste_v bring_v upon_o we_o for_o thou_o haste_v do_v right_o as_o for_o we_o we_o have_v be_v ungodlye_a and_o our_o king_n prince_n preeste_n and_o father_n have_v not_o do_v after_o thy_o law_n nor_o regard_v thy_o commandment_n &_o thy_o earnest_a exhortation_n wherewith_o thou_o have_v exhort_v they_o &_o have_v not_o serve_v thou_o in_o thy_o kingdom_n &_o in_o thy_o great_a good_n that_o thou_o give_v they_o etc._n etc._n and_o be_v not_o convert_v from_o their_o wicked_a work_n behold_v therefore_o be_v we_o in_o bondage_n this_o day_n yea_o even_o in_o the_o land_n which_o thou_o give_v unto_o our_o father_n to_o enjoy_v the_o fruit_n and_o good_n thereof_o behold_v there_o be_v we_o bondman_n etc._n etc._n loe_o here_o be_v a_o solemn_a open_a confession_n will_v god_n that_o this_o example_n of_o public_a confession_n of_o sin_n be_v well_o practise_v through_o out_o all_o christendom_n namely_o at_o this_o day_n see_v yâ—_z the_o plague_n of_o god_n do_v daily_o increase_v more_o and_o more_o upon_o we_o our_o sinful_a life_n &_o abomination_n just_o deserve_v the_o same_o and_o much_o more_o there_o be_v also_o three_o sin_n three_o more_o sort_n of_o confeson_n of_o sin_n more_o sort_n of_o confession_n of_o sin_n declare_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o first_o be_v secret_a confession_n of_o sin_n only_o unto_o god_n the_o second_o be_v a_o open_a confession_n before_o man_n the_o three_o be_v a_o private_a and_o secret_a confession_n make_v unto_o man_n only_o confession_n unto_o god_n only_o as_o touch_v yâ—_z first_o it_o
be_v a_o humble_a and_o lowly_a confession_n of_o sin_n make_v unto_o god_n even_o from_o the_o hart_n as_o when_o a_o sinner_n examine_v his_o life_n by_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n &_o so_o find_v his_o conscience_n burden_a and_o encumber_v with_o sin_n and_o feel_v thereby_o what_o danger_n of_o damnation_n that_o he_o be_v in_o this_o feel_n of_o his_o sick_a conscience_n will_v great_o move_v he_o to_o seek_v a_o physician_n and_o when_o he_o perceive_v that_o there_o be_v no_o medicine_n will_v heal_v his_o disease_n but_o only_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n he_o will_v not_o cease_v to_o make_v all_o the_o suit_n that_o he_o can_v to_o obtain_v it_o he_o will_v without_o any_o delay_n prostrate_v himself_o before_o god_n and_o with_o a_o humble_a lowlye_o and_o contrite_a hart_n &_o mind_n acknowledge_v himself_o gréevouslye_o to_o have_v offend_v his_o godly_a majesty_n in_o thought_n consent_n delectation_n word_n and_o deed_n he_o will_v never_o leave_v off_o his_o lamentable_a suit_n and_o faithful_a prayer_n and_o request_n of_o this_o his_o bountiful_a mercy_n till_o he_o obtain_v it_o the_o swell_a rage_n of_o his_o putrify_a conscience_n will_v never_o be_v assuage_v till_o the_o precious_a oil_n of_o god_n mercy_n have_v supple_v it_o mitigate_v it_o quiet_v it_o and_o utter_o cure_v and_o heal_v it_o of_o this_o manner_n of_o confession_n the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v many_o time_n treat_v both_o by_o plain_a authority_n and_o example_n by_o authority_n if_o we_o knowledge_n our_o sin_n 1._o authority_n 1._o john_n 1._o say_v s._n john_n god_n be_v faithful_a and_o just_a to_o forgive_v we_o our_o sin_n and_o to_o cleanse_v we_o from_o all_o unrighteousness_n example_n there_o be_v many_o of_o which_o i_o will_v at_o this_o time_n content_v my_o self_n with_o two_o or_o three_o king_n david_n féelinge_v the_o david_n david_n intolerable_a burden_n of_o his_o sin_n cry_v out_o say_v have_v mercy_n upon_o i_o o_o god_n after_o thy_o great_a goodness_n 51._o psal_n 51._o and_o according_a unto_o thy_o great_a mercy_n do_v away_o my_o offence_n wash_v i_o again_o from_o my_o wickedness_n and_o cleanse_v i_o from_o my_o sin_n for_o i_o knowledge_n my_o fault_n and_o my_o sin_n be_v ever_o before_o i_o against_o thou_o only_o against_o 24._o psal_n 24._o thou_o have_v i_o sin_v for_o thy_o name_n sake_n o_o lord_n be_v merciful_a unto_o my_o sin_n for_o it_o be_v great_a the_o publican_n also_o 18._o the_o publican_n luke_n 18._o say_v be_v merciful_a o_o god_n to_o i_o a_o sinner_n this_o confession_n and_o knowledge_v of_o our_o sin_n unto_o god_n if_o with_o a_o contrite_a and_o sorrowful_a hart_n it_o be_v do_v in_o faith_n god_n which_o know_v the_o secret_n of_o everye_o man_n mind_n will_v accept_v and_o allow_v though_o the_o repentant_a sinner_n utter_v not_o one_o word_n with_o his_o mouth_n example_n of_o the_o sinful_a 7._o the_o sinful_a woman_n luke_n 7._o woman_n that_o come_v unto_o christ_n she_o speak_v nothing_o but_o weep_v and_o lowlye_o fall_v down_o at_o christ_n foot_n and_o wash_v they_o with_o the_o tear_n of_o her_o eye_n and_o dry_v they_o with_o the_o hair_n of_o her_o head_n and_o anoint_v they_o with_o ointment_n all_o which_o thing_n be_v evident_a witness_n of_o her_o true_a and_o unfeigned_a repentance_n of_o her_o sin_n and_o fruit_n of_o her_o sure_a faith_n that_o she_o have_v in_o christ_n goodness_n for_o who_o comfort_n christ_n say_v thy_o sin_n be_v forgive_v thou_o thy_o faith_n have_v save_v thou_o go_v thy_o way_n in_o peace_n this_o earnest_a confession_n of_o sin_n unto_o god_n shall_v everye_o christian_n daily_o practice_v and_o exercise_v unfaynedlye_o of_o this_o aforesaid_a confession_n to_o god_n spring_v out_o the_o confession_n of_o our_o own_o sinfulness_n before_o man_n for_o he_o that_o feel_v a_o taste_n of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n as_o he_o shall_v see_v occasion_n to_o man_n confession_n of_o sin_n before_o man_n glorify_v god_n by_o his_o example_n will_v not_o be_v ashamed_a either_o privatelye_a before_o one_o man_n or_o open_o before_o many_o man_n yea_o though_o all_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v present_a to_o confess_v himself_o to_o have_v be_v a_o horrible_a transgressor_n of_o god_n holy_a commandment_n he_o will_v nothing_o doubt_n but_o that_o he_o with_o this_o his_o meek_a confession_n shall_v much_o glorify_v god_n and_o move_v the_o hearer_n by_o his_o example_n to_o abhor_v sin_n and_o change_v their_o evil_a life_n of_o this_o we_o have_v a_o evidente_a example_n in_o god_n choose_a vessel_n s._n paul_n which_o after_o his_o conversation_n unto_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o ashamed_a many_o time_n open_o to_o confess_v before_o 16._o act._n 22._o 16._o man_n what_o a_o unmerciful_a tyrant_n &_o ungracious_a graft_n he_o be_v against_o the_o holy_a congregation_n of_o christe_n before_o his_o conversion_n to_o the_o faith_n this_o thing_n also_o ashamed_a he_o not_o to_o write_v and_o set_v forth_o to_o the_o whole_a world_n saye_v i_o be_o not_o worthy_a to_o be_v 1._o 1._o cor._n 15._o 1._o tim._n 1._o call_v a_o apostle_n because_o i_o persecute_v the_o congregation_n of_o god_n and_o in_o a_o other_o place_n he_o say_v i_o be_v a_o blasphemer_n and_o a_o tyrant_n &c_n &c_n and_o after_o christ_n jesus_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n of_o who_o i_o be_o chief_a this_o example_n of_o saint_n paul_n very_o few_o of_o the_o papist_n in_o england_n have_v follow_v unless_o it_o example_n few_o of_o the_o papist_n of_o england_n follow_v this_o example_n be_v by_o constrainte_fw-fr for_o fear_n of_o bodilye_o punishment_n and_o therefore_o for_o my_o part_n i_o suspect_v they_o to_o remain_v papist_n still_o in_o their_o heart_n for_o if_o they_o have_v unfainedlye_o abhor_v papistrye_n they_o will_v after_o this_o example_n of_o s._n paul_n with_o all_o their_o heart_n have_v confess_v themselves_o to_o be_v deceive_v and_o also_o to_o have_v with_o false_a doctrine_n deceive_v the_o people_n and_o therefore_o have_v open_o and_o hartelye_o ask_v they_o mercy_n for_o the_o same_o by_o do_v whereof_o doubtless_o they_o shall_v very_o much_o have_v glorify_v god_n the_o third_o manner_n of_o confession_n of_o sin_n be_v a_o private_a confession_n to_o man_n and_o that_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n the_o fiâ—ste_o be_v for_o the_o direction_n establishement_n and_o comfort_n of_o a_o man_n own_o conscience_n comfort_n private_a confession_n of_o sin_n be_v needful_a to_o many_o for_o knowledge_n counsel_n and_o comfort_n towards_o god_n the_o other_o be_v touch_v the_o reconsiliation_n and_o confession_n of_o a_o man_n fault_n and_o trespass_n to_o his_o neighbour_n who_o he_o have_v offend_v and_o as_o touch_v the_o first_o way_n of_o private_a confession_n to_o man_n i_o think_v it_o be_v a_o good_a and_o wholesome_a manner_n and_o fashion_n convenient_a and_o needful_a to_o be_v use_v and_o observe_v of_o many_o of_o god_n people_n for_o three_o cause_n that_o be_v for_o knowledge_n counsel_n and_o for_o comfort_n first_o for_o knowledge_n knowledge_n for_o knowledge_n as_o when_o a_o simple_a man_n or_o woman_n that_o have_v hear_v little_a or_o not_o preach_v of_o god_n word_n by_o reason_n whereof_o they_o have_v almost_o no_o knowledge_n of_o god_n or_o his_o commandment_n neither_o of_o the_o profession_n of_o baptism_n neither_o of_o faith_n neither_o have_v they_o in_o a_o manner_n any_o knowledge_n at_o all_o of_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n death_n be_v it_o not_o needful_a think_v you_o for_o such_o ignorant_a personne_n to_o hunt_v and_o seek_v out_o some_o discrete_a and_o learned_a minister_n of_o god_n word_n and_o to_o acknowledge_v unto_o he_o their_o great_a ignorance_n and_o to_o require_v at_o his_o mouth_n the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o of_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n be_v it_o not_o write_v that_o the_o priest_n lip_n 2._o malac._n 2._o shoolde_v be_v sure_a knowledge_n that_o man_n may_v seek_v the_o law_n at_o his_o mouth_n for_o he_o be_v a_o messenger_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n it_o be_v meet_v therefore_o that_o priest_n shall_v have_v good_a knowledge_n in_o god_n word_n for_o they_o be_v appoint_v to_o be_v shepherd_n over_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n to_o feed_v the_o soul_n of_o god_n people_n with_o the_o delicate_a food_n of_o god_n word_n &_o special_o with_o the_o holy_a bread_n of_o life_n christ_n jesu_n that_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n to_o save_v all_o his_o people_n from_o their_o sin_n but_o alas_o for_o pity_n the_o spiritual_a shéepehearde_n in_o many_o place_n of_o the_o world_n and_o special_o in_o england_n be_v very_o rude_a unlearned_a and_o unable_a to_o teach_v other_o man_n because_o they_o themselves_o lack_v the_o knowledge_n and_o right_a