in me hath euerlastyng life I am the resurrection and life he that â—eleueth on me ye though he were dead â—et shall he liue and whosoeuer liueth â—nd beleueth in me shall neuer die I am come a light into the world whoâ—oeuer beleeueth in me shall not bide in â—arkenesse â–ª I am the waiâ— the truthe and the life 〈…〉 man coÌ„meth to the father but by me This is the life eternall that thei â—ight knowe thee the onely verie God â–ª â—nd whom thou hast sent Iesus Christ Sainct Peter saith Christ is the stone â—hiche was caste awaie of you builders â—hiche is become chief of the corner neiâ—her is there Saluation in any other for â—mong men vnder heauen there is giuen one other name wherein we muste bée 〈…〉 ued To Christ bare all the Prophetes witâ—esse that through his name whosoeuer â—â—leeueth in hym shall receiue remission â—f synnes â–ª Sainct Paule saieth through Christ 〈…〉 preached vnto vs the forgiuenesse of syâ—nes and that by hym all that beleeue a 〈…〉 iustified from all thynges from whichâ— wee could not bee iustified by the Lawâ— of Moises Sainct Paule to the Romanes saieth the iuste shall liue by faithe The righteousnesse of God comm 〈…〉 by the faithe of Iesus Christ vnto al 〈…〉 vpon all that beleue There is no difference for all haue 〈…〉 ned and are destitute of the glorie of g 〈…〉 but are iustified freely by his grace thâ—rowe the redemption that is in Chrisâ— Iesus whom God hath sette for the as seate of mercie through faith in his bl 〈…〉 that he might be coumpted iuste and thâ— iustifier of hym which beleueth in Iesuâ— To hym that woorketh not but belâ—ueth on hym that iustifieth the vngodl 〈…〉 his faithe is coumpted for righteousnesâ—â— By faithe is the inheritaunce giuâ—â— that it might come of fauour and the prâ—mise might be sure to all the seede Christe was deliuered to death for 〈…〉 synnes and rose againe for our iustif 〈…〉 tion Because we are iustified by faithe we are at peace with god the father through our lorde Iesus Christ by whoÌ„ we haue awaie in through Faithe to that grace wherein wee stande and reioyce in hope of the glorie of God. God setteth out his loue that he hath to vs seyng that while we were yet synners Christe died for vs muche more now seyng we are iustified in his bloud shall wée bee saued from wrathe through hym for if when wée were enemies wee were reconciled to GOD by the death of his soonne muche more seeyng wee are reconciled wée shall bee preserued by his life Not onely so but we also ioye in God by the meanes of our lorde Iesus Christ by whom wée haue now receiued the attonement Eternal life is the gift of God through Iesus Christ our Lorde There is no daÌ„nation to them whiche are in Christe Iesu whiche walke not after the fleshe but after the spirite We knowe that all thynges woorke for the best vnto them that loue God and them whiche be appointed before them he also calleth and whiche he calleth them he iustifieth and whiche he iustifieth them also he glorifieth What shall we say theÌ„ to these things if God be on our side who can be against vs whiche spared not his owne sonne but gaue him for vs all how shall he not with him giue vs all thinges also Who shall lay any thing to the charge of Gods chosen it is God that iustifieth who then shall condemne it is Christe whiche is dead ye rather whiche is risen againe whiche is also on the right hande of God and maketh intercession for vs. If thou shalt knowledge with thy mouth that Iesus is the Lorde and shalt beléeue in thy harte that God raysed him vp from death thou shalt be safe for the beliefe of the harte iustifieth to knowledge with thy mouth maketh a maÌ„ safe Christ is the ende of the lawe to iustifie all that beleue None of vs liue vnto himselfe if we liue we liue vnto the Lorde and if we die we dye vnto the Lorde whether we lyue therfore or die we are the Lordes for Christ therfore died and rose againe and reuiued that he might be Lorde both of quicke and dead Sainct Paule sayth Christe Iesu of God is made vnto vs wisedome righteousnesse sanctification and redemptioÌ„ We are washed we are sanctified we are iustified by the name of our Lorde Iesus Christ by the spirite of our God. Christ died for our sinnes agréeing to the Scriptures he was buried and rose againe the thirde daye according to the scriptures As by Adam al die euen so by Christ shal all be made aliue Death is swallowed vp in victorie death where is thy sting hell where is thy victorie the sting of death is synne and the strength of synne is the lawe hut thankes be vnto God whiche hath giuen vs victorie through oure Lorde Iesus Christe Therefore my deare brethren be stedfast and vnmoueable alwayes riche in the workes of the Lorde for as muche as ye knowe as your labor is not in vaine in the Lorde By faith ye stande According as it is written in the 116. Psalme I beleue therefore haue I spoken we also beleue and therefore speake for wee knowe that he whiche raysed vp the Lorde Iesus shall raise vs vp also by the meanes of Iesus and shall sette vs with you God hath made Christ to be synne for vs whiche knewe no synne that we by his meanes shoulde be that righteousnesse whiche before God is allowed A man is not iustified by the déedes of the lawe but by the faithe of Iesus Christe and therfore haue we beleued on Iesus Christ that we might be iustified by the faythe of Christe and not by the déedes of the lawe because that by the déedes of the lawe no fleshe shall be iustified For the lyfe whiche I nowe lyue in the fleshe â–ª I liue by the faith of the sonne of God whiche loued me and gaue himselfe for me I dispise not the grace of GOD for if righteousnesse come by the law then dyed Christ in vaine Abraham beleued to God and it was counted to him for righteousnes The scripture sawe before hande that God would iustifie the Heathen through faith and therefore shewed before handâ— glad tidings vnto Abraham in thée shall all nations be blessed so then they which be of faith are blessed with faithfull Abraham Vnderstand therefore that theâ— whiche are of faith the same are the children of Abraham Christ hath delyuered vs from the curse af the law and was made accurssed for vs. That we might receyue the promise of the spirite by fayth The scripture concludeth all thinges vnder synne that the promise by the faith of Iesus Christe shoulde be giuen to them that beléeue We are all the sonnes of God by the faith whiche is in Christe Iesus We be all one in
filled with hatred confusion cursing and blasphemie And immediatly came in his mind a heape and remembraunce of all the iniquities and faultes from the daiâ— of his natiuity What should I say morâ— â–ª By and by christ departed from him and the most swéete peace of Christe And iâ— their place came death Sathan horroâ—â— feare confusion and dispaire And thus this wretched person continuyng in this most miserable estate by â— space of sixe Monethes came at the leÌ„gth in these latter daies with his wife children and houshold vnto Padua when daily falling into worse estate and worsâ— and striken continually with greater 〈◊〉 fusion feelyng also the terrible indig 〈…〉 〈…〉 n of God against him fell at the length to vtter desperation And so laye doune his bed without any feuer léesing all 〈…〉 e vse of his body except his spéeche neiâ—er desiryng nor eatyng any thyng neiâ—er digestyng that whiche was put into â—â—m by force nor voidyng any thyng but 〈…〉 ely drinking and troubled with an vn 〈…〉 iable thirst as though he would haue â—onke vp Hister and Nilus But in coun 〈…〉 aunce and visage well liking in mind 〈…〉 d vnderstandyng most constant moste 〈…〉 ong of remembraunce neuer repea 〈…〉 ng one worde twise receiuyng all that â—ne vnto hym and vtteryng learned â—aue and sober communication that he â—as condempned by the rightous iudgeâ—ent of God that he was already in hel continuall torment that he was voide 〈…〉 d destitute of all hope and fauour of GOD that he ought not â–ª to looke for the 〈…〉 ercie of God for that hee had sinned a 〈…〉 inst the holy ghost and that his fault 〈…〉 s vnpardonable that the merites of 〈…〉 riste did auaile hym nothyng that he 〈…〉 no maner faith or hope left wishyng 〈…〉 e in the place of Iudas or Caine that looked for nothyng els daiely but the horrible sentence of the iust God and t 〈…〉 the mercie of God did farre surmount 〈…〉 the sinnes of the world but yet could 〈…〉 auaile him any thing for that he was 〈…〉 probate from the beginnyng neyt 〈…〉 written at any tyme in the booke of lyâ—â— that Christe neither suffered nor pra 〈…〉 for hym but for the elect onely that t 〈…〉 iudgement of God was declared and 〈…〉 iustice fulfilled in him onely Finally that within shorte space 〈…〉 horrible ende should come that he mi 〈…〉 giue an example to all the elect of his 〈…〉 iuration When hee had vttered all the thinges and many mo moste euiden 〈…〉 and in perfite mind in the presence of that were assembled about thirtie p 〈…〉 sons in number with the reuerend L 〈…〉 Bishop Vergerius the same Verge 〈…〉 began to comfort hym by all meanes And when I amongst other was a 〈…〉 to speake the reuerend Vergerius s 〈…〉 vnto hym â–ª Deare Maister Frauncis 〈…〉 â—s that Doctor Gribald that in this 〈…〉 uersitie of Padua â–ª professeth the la 〈…〉 godly man and faithfull who co 〈…〉 to see you Then he in his mother t 〈…〉 said Sia luiâ—l ben venuto et io il malâ— â—ato Then did I directe my communication towardes hym and saide Maister Frauncis this is the illusion and mockyng of the Deuill that euidently doth trouble your minde Wherefore with all your hart turne vnto the blessed GOD who is readie to haue mercie vppon you Doe you not knowe that the earth is full of the mercy of God and that if all the 〈…〉 nnes of the world were in one man yet 〈…〉 ould thei not bee compared to the smallest sparke of the mercy of God who said As oft as the sinner shall mourne I will remember his iniquities no more Consi 〈…〉 er Peter that denied Christ thrise and 〈…〉 hat with an othe with whom he had li 〈…〉 ed so long familiarlie of whome he had 〈…〉 eceiued so many benefites so many to 〈…〉 ens of loue and yet notwithstandyng 〈…〉 e moste mercifull God pardoned hym Consider the theefe that neuer had done 〈…〉 y good dede but had bestowed his whole 〈…〉 e in mischiefe how he through one m◠〈…〉 n of his harte and power of faithe 〈…〉 as receiued into fauour Knowe ye not 〈…〉 at the hande of the Lorde is not yet 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 whose propertie is to pardon and haue mercie â–ª Call vpon hym a little with your hart and aske for his mercie â–ª And I promise you assuredly that he is most readie to haue mercie vpon you and to receiue you into fauour through Iesus Christ his blessed Sonne â–ª Haue a su 〈…〉 confidence Maister Frauncis and riseâ— and doubt ye not at all God hath already mercie vpon you and hath pardoned yoâ— through Christe all your offence They saied he I doe not beleue And I answered againe Maister Frauncis I haue knowne many by face and acquaintance that haue bene both moste grieuous sinners and possessed of the Deuill and in farre worse estate than you are brougt into extreame desperation and yet the rowe the grace of God by the exhortatiâ—â— of their faithfull frendes haue turned in to hope and fauour and died in peace a 〈…〉 quietnesse what should let you then b 〈…〉 that ye may direct the smallest sparke 〈…〉 your hart to so oboundant mercie of God with an affection of your heart to call vppon hym in hope and faith When I h 〈…〉 saide these and many other thinges t 〈…〉 reuerend Lord Vergerius tooke my 〈…〉 by the ende and saide Ah swéete Mai 〈…〉 Frauncis and my moste dere Ma 〈…〉 Frauncis vnderstand the wordes of this â—octor who is both faithful and the Mes 〈…〉 nger of God whom God hath sent vnto 〈…〉 u to ascertaine you of his mercy Why 〈…〉 e ye not beleue this Will ye not that 〈…〉 od should haue mercie vppon you He 〈…〉 ill out of doubt haue mercie vpon you 〈…〉 d pardon all your offence howe can he 〈…〉 nie you any thing that hath graunted 〈…〉 u Christ his blessed sonne Be of good 〈…〉 éere and lifte vp your hearte a little in 〈…〉 pe and trust Will ye that wee saie the 〈…〉 rdes praier togither from the hearte 〈…〉 ee aunswered to this I beleue all that 〈…〉 saie yea the Deuils beleue and are a 〈…〉 yde but all this auaileth me nothyng 〈…〉 y sinne is to death Certes I woulde 〈…〉 ndly attaine the mercie and fauour of 〈…〉 d but hee will not All the power of 〈…〉 th is taken from me For the Lord had 〈…〉 spect vnto Peter but he hath no respect 〈…〉 to mée He was elect and I am repro 〈…〉 te I will praie vnto GOD with my 〈…〉 gue and will quickely say whatsoeuer 〈…〉 will haue me to saie But my heart is 〈…〉 of hatred cursing and blasphemie I 〈…〉 eue and feele that God is against mee 〈…〉 d as he spake thus a flie came fliyng before his face Lo said he nowe Belzabub calleth mée to a feaste ye shall
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
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
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
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
Christe Iewe Gentle bonde and frée man and woman If ye be Christes than are ye Abrahams séede and heires by promise Ye are gone quite froÌ„ Christ as many as are iustified by the Lawe and are fallen from grace we looke for and hope in the spirite to be iustified through faithe God forbidde that I shoulde reioyce in anything but in the crosse death and passion of our Lorde Iesus Christâ— For in Christe Iesu neither Circumcision auaileth any thyng at all nor vncircuÌ„cision but a new creature in Christ and of the houshold of God. By Christ we haue redemption thorow his bloude euen the forgiuenesse of oure synnes according to the riches of his grace By grace are ye made safe thorowe faith and that not of your selues for it is the gifte of God and commeth not of workes least any man shoulde boaste himselfe We are made nie vnto God by the bloud of Christe for he is our peace and hath broken downe the wall that was a stop betwene vs and by hym we haue an open waye in one spirite vnto the father nowe therefore we are no more strangers but citezens with the saintes By Christe we haue boldenesse and entrance with the confidence whiche we haue by faith in him Christe is gone vp on high â–ª and hath ledde captiuitie captiue and â—ath giuen giftes vnto men Christe is to me lyfe and death is to mée aduantage In Christe we haue redemption thorowe his bloude that is to saye the forgiuenesse of synnes In Christe dwelleth all fulnesse and thorowe the bloude of his Crosse are all thinges reconciled to God the father set at peace both in heauen and earth We whiche were deade in synne hath Christ forgiuen vs all our trespasses and hath put out the hande writing that was against vs contained in the lawe writteÌ„ and that hath he taken out of the waye and hath fastned it to his crosse and hath spoiled rule and power and hath made a shewe of theÌ„ openly and hath triumphed ouer them openly in his owne persone This is a true saying by all meanes worthye to be receyued that Christe Iesus came into the worlde to saue synners There is one God and one Mediator betwéene God and man whiche is the man Iesus Christ whiche gaue himselfe a raunsome for all men The power of God hath saued vs and calleth vs with and holy calling not according to our deedes but according to hys owne purpose grace whiche grace was giuen thorowe Christe Iesus before the worlde was whiche hath put away death and hath brought lyfe and immortalitie vnto lyght thorowe the Gospell God hath not saued vs for the deedes of righteousnesse whiche we wrought but of his mercie hath he saued vs. Christe in his owne person hath purged our synnes Christ hath put downe thorow death him that had Lordiship ouer death that is to say the Deuill and that he might delyuer them whiche for feare of death were all their life tyme in daunger and boundage Christe is an euerlastyng Priesthoode wherefore he is able also euer to saue them that come vnto God by him for as muche as he euer lyueth to make intercession for vs. We are sanctified by the offering of the body of Christ once for all With one offering hath God made perfite for euer them that shall be sanctified We are not redemed with corruptible syluer and gould but with the precious bloud of Christe as of a Lambe vnâ—efiled and without spote Christe his owne selfe bare oure synnes in his bodye on the Tree by whose stripes ye were healed Christe hath once suffered for synnes â—he iust for the vniust to bring vs vnto God. If we say we haue no synne we deâ—eyue our selues and the truth is not in â—s if we acknowledge our synnes he is â—aithfull and iust to forgiue vs our synâ—es and to clense vs from all vnrighâ—eousnesse If any man synne we haue an aduoâ—ate with the â–ª Father Iesus Christe the â—ighteous and he it is that obtayneth â—race for oure synnes Christe appeared to take away oure â—â—nnes For this purpose appeared the sonne â— God to lose the workes of the Deuill This is Gods commaundement that â—e beleeue in the name of his sonne Ieâ—â— Christ and loue one another In this appeareth the loue of God to â— warde because that God sent his one â–ª begotten soonne into this worlde â–ª that we might liue thorow him God hath loued vs and sent his sonnâ— to make agreement for vs. Hereby perceyue we his loue that 〈◊〉 gaue his life for vs. Here is the loue perfite in vs that wâ— should haue trust in the daie of iudgemeâ—â— there is no feare in loue but perfect loâ—… casteth out feare He that beleueth not God hath maâ—… hym a lyer because he beleeueth not 〈◊〉 recorde that God gaue of his soonne aâ—â— this is the recorde how that GOD hâ—â—… giuen vs eternall life and this life is his soonne he that hath the soonne haâ—… life and he that hath not the soonnâ—… God hath not life These thynges doe I write vnto yâ—â—… that beleue on the name of the soonne 〈◊〉 GOD that ye maie knowe how that haue eternall life and that ye maie bâ—…leue in the name of the soonne of God. Iesus Christ is verie GOD and etâ—â—nall life Christe hath loued vs and washed from our synnes in his owne bloud 〈◊〉 made vs Kynges and Priestes vnto 〈◊〉 his father Christe is Lorde of Lordes and kyng â— Kynges and thei that are on his side â—e called and faithfull chosen He that ouercommeth shal in all thinâ—s and I will bee his God and he shall â—e my soonne He that testifieth these thinges saieth â–ª it I come quickly euen so come lorde â—esu 1 The Paschall Lambe of the Iewes the figure of the true Paschall Lambe â—â—sus Christ whiche is the pure and vnâ—filed Lambe of GOD whiche offered â—â—mself a sweete smellyng Sacrifice to â—OD for vs whiche neuer committed 〈…〉 ne and in his mouthe no guile was 〈…〉 unde 2 Christ was figured by Manna which â—od gaue from heauen vnto the Israeli 〈…〉 to eate in the deserte 3 The rocke gushyng out the comforâ—â—ble waters signifieth Christ The brasen Serpent in the old lawe â—as a figure also of Christ 4 Whosoeuer shall drinke of the wa 〈…〉 that I shall giue hym shall neuer â—irste â–ª 1 Christe is that welbeloued soonne of God for whose sake the heauenly father was well pleased 2 Christe is that kyng whiche forga 〈…〉 the seruaunte the tenne thousande Tâ—lentes whiche he ought 3 Christe is that moste louyng Samâ—ritane whiche healed the wounded m 〈…〉 that was halfe dead 4 Christe is that tender Shephe 〈…〉 whiche fetched home vnto the sheeâ— folde euen vpon his shoulders the l 〈…〉 sheepe
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
thynges to our infirmitie Dooeth â— Christ speake to all men Dooeth he â— cal men when he saieth Come vnto â— all you that doe labour and are laden â— I shall refreshe yoÌ„u How can there â— any greater consolation Howe could â—riste speake more mercifull too vs here be many things that pinche vexe â— trouble manne gréeuously but what 〈…〉 ng is it that can trouble the conscieÌ„ce â— synner more then when he doubteth â—he mercie of God then when he feaâ—h least God will cast hym of then wheÌ„ can not perswade hymself to conceiue â— truste of Gods mercie but imagine â—t as a withered member he shal cutte and cast awaie Here we had neede of Christes present â— here we had nede of spedie comfort â—st this violent tempest ouerwhelme â—une vs But let vs not fear Christ is â—issembler he will stand by his worde wil performe his promise he wil help â—refreshe Therefore when we begin â—remble and feare in our consciente when we begin to doubt of Gods merâ— when we perceiue our faithe to be fâ—â—â— Let vs forthwith call vpon God and tâ— feruently and that instantly euen frâ—â— the bottome of our harte that he touâ— not his face from vs. Let vs poure before hym al that doâ— trouble vs Let vs disclose to hym all â— miserie our imbecilitie our increduliâ— Let vs crie with the Disciples Lorde â— crease our faiche And with the Father the lunaticke Lorde we beleue helpâ— incredulitie And with the Prophet loâ— make haste to helpe vs For thy merciâ— aboue all thy woorkes O moste louyâ— O moste mercifull father Lorde God our healthe our onely helpe and refuâ— Enter not into iudgement with thy â—nauntes Christ is our iustice our redeâ—ption and innocencie he for vs hath sâ—fered moste better and cruell death Let these thinges moue thée O fatâ— of mercie for this thy soonne our sauiâ— Christes sake haue mercie vpon vs â—firme and strength our harte in faithâ— fort vs with the consolations of thy â—â— spirite that we maie finally obtaine â—â— euerlasting through Christ our lord AFter this sort if we labouring wrestyng and striuyng with our imhecilitie accusing before God and lamentyng our puciâ—itie â–ª and Incredulitie doe catche holde Christ and cleaue fast to hym earnest â–ª â—nd feruently destryng his helpe that wil vouchsafe to take our place and to â—lie that is lackyng in vs These thinâ— if we doe surely all thynges shall bee â—ll wee shall auoide and escape easely â—aunger and perill wée shall bee saufe â—ugh For these twoo to beleeue in â—ifte and with harte to desire faithe â—th not muche differ the one from thâ—â—r For though wee féele yet greate â—kenesse and imperfection in our self â— this ought to comforte vs that God â—eth and commauÌ„deth that he should â—alled vpon that he hath promised to â—e and help these that call rightly vâ— hym Now as nothyng is more iustâ— necessarily destred then true faithe â—so God heareth no praier soner nor â—â— gladly then when man findyng no â—lesse in hymâ—elf doeth acknowledge â—wne infirmitie his owne miserie â—wne beggerlinesse doeth accuse and lamente his owne incredulitie and â—â— deepe â—ighes and hartie desires calleâ— faithe These sighes these desires tâ— praiers this little sparke of faithe is â— very séede of God wrought in vs by â— whiche saieth of Christe by the Proâ— Esaye that he shall not quenche the â—â— kyng flaxe nor breake the brused Reâ— Therefore let vs stedfastly beleeue â— the least earnestly and hartely praie â— wee maie beleeue bewailyng afore â— our lacke of faithe whiche thynges iâ— doe we neede not doubte but we beâ—â—epâ—ed of God we bee taken for his â—dren For it is not for nought nor in â— that he hath laied our imbecillitie â— synnes vpon his onely begotten sooâ— backe â–ª In Matthewe it is saied blessâ— those that mourne for thei shall bee â—forted blessed bee those that hungerâ— righteousnesse â–ª for thei shall bee satiâ— These wordes are spoken also to vsâ— maie iustly be applied to vs we moâ—â— and are sorie in our hartes that we â— mispended our life paste Wée wishâ— desire yea we euen hunger and thiâ—â—ter righteousnesse Lette vs bee oâ— cheare wee shall obtaine our desire â–ª â—ll bee comforted we shall bee compted â—e afore God for Christe our Sauiour â— sake Finally let vs after this examâ— of Christe and saincte Steuen comâ—de our soules into the handes of God â— heauenly father saiyng euery one afâ— this maner O Moste mercifull Father I coÌ„mende into thy holie handes my spirite yea thy spirite for thou hast created it thou hast committed it for a â—e to the bodie thou hast giuen it thy â—e Image and similitude Thou haste â—e for the redemption of it thy owne â—e dearely beloued soonne to shed his â—d This the spirite I resigne into thy â—es O God of all mercie I am thyne â—at I am I beseche thee refuse not â—y owne but receiue keepe and place me in euerlastyng glorie for the sake of Iesus Christ thy onelie begotten sonne Amen Esay 26. â— Ihon. 2. He had a tedie mynde to vnderstande the scriptures The holie ghost inspiryng CoÌ„science is a thousande witnesses The â—utter in remembraunce of our inwarde thoughtes Christian libertie Doe not become the seruauntes of menne The warnyng of the spirite Merites affianceof workes freewill Purgatorie intercessions of Sainctes Pardons of Bishops satisfactioÌ„s c â–ª Whosoeuer denieth me be fore men I will also bee ashamed of hym Dooe not make the holie ghost sorrowfull He recanted theÌ„ in Maie Hister Nilus be greate riuers He â—â—â—led thâ— knoweÌ„ truth for the peace of menne He knewe hymself to be foreknowne The principall ende of this matter You bee welcome and I ill founde He doeth alledge his reprobation or refusyng The seconde daies worke Eccle. ix Faithe is the gift of God. Fewe chosen The state of the desperate manne The iij. dayes woorke Roma xj Christ onely iustifieth He had not true charitie Often error ij Peter The rightuousnes which is in Christ iustifieth The beginnyng of a disputation The place of soules Mille is a small seede The .iiij. dayes woorke That maye ye see in the Preface ij Cor. ij Ephe. vj. j. thess. v. Ephe. vj. j. Cor. xvj Iacob iiij j. Cor. xv Actes iiij Matth. 25 â–ª Matth. 6. Rom. 6. Psal. 88. Heb. 12. 1. Cor. 11. Eccle. 3. Psal. 70. Matth. 5. Rom. 2. Rom. 6. Beleuyng the Gospell Rom. 10. Gen. 2. Christ our Messias promised Gen. 12. Deuter. 18. Actes 3. â— Kings â— â–ª Gen. 2. Christ our Messias promised Gen. 12. Dâ—uter 18. Actes 3. â— Kings â–ª â— â–ª Psal. 2. Psal. 2. Esay 7. Esay 9. Esay 11. Esay 42. Ieremy 23. Matth. 1. Fyue wytnesses amoÌ„g many that the true Messias is come Luke 1. Ihon. 1 â–ª Matth. 9. 17. To what end Christes comyng is Matth. 20. Mark. 16. Marke 3. Ihon. 5. Ihon. 6. Ihon. 6. Ihon. 11. Ihon. 12. Ihon. 14. Ihon. 17. Actes 4 â–ª Actes 1â— Actes xiij Rom. 1. Rom. 3. Rom 4. Roma v. Roma v. Roma vj. Roma viij Roma x. Corrin i. Corin. vj. Corin. xv Corin. xv Corin. xv Corin. j. Corin. iiij Corin. v. Gala. j. Gala. ij Gala. iij. Gala. iij. Gala. v. Gala. v. Gala. vj. Cala. vi Ephesi j. Ephe. ij Ephesi ij Ephesi iiij Philip. j. Colos j. Colos j. Colos ij Timo. j. Timo. ij Timo. ij Titus iij. Hebre. j. Hebre. ij Hebre. vij Hebre. x. Hebre. x. i. Peter j. Peter j. Peter iij. Ihon. j. Ihon. ij Ihon. iij. Ihon. iij. Ihon. iij. Ihon. iij. Ihon. iiij Ihon. iiij Ihon. iiij Ihon. v â–ª â—hon v. Apoca. j. Apoca xviâ— â–ª Apoca. xxj Apoca. xxij The ende Exod. xij Ihon. j. Ephe. v. Peter ij Exod. xvj Exod. xvij Deut. xxj Ihon. iiâ—â— Math. iij. xâ—â—â— Math. xviii Luke â— Luke xv Math. xi An exhortation Roma v. i. Cor. j. ij Cor. â— â–ª Gala. j â–ª j. Titus j â–ª j. Titus ij â–ª i. Peter ij Esay liij Qui proprio filio suo non sepercit Ihon. viij Math. vj. â— Cor. xv Ihon. vj. Ihon. v. Roma â–ª viij j. Cor. vj. Ihon. xj Luke vij Luke j. Ihon. xj Actes ix Actes xx iiij Reg. iiij iiij Reg. xvij Gâ—â—e v. iiij Reg. ii Ephe. v. j. Corin. xv Oze xiiii Esay xxv ii Cor. iiii Philip. iiii Colos iii. i. thess. iiii ii Tymot ii Hebr. ii â–ª ij Tim. iiij j. Ihon. iij. Ihon. iiij Ihon. xix Philip. iij. Ihon. viij â–ª Ihon. x. Hebr. xij Hebre. iiij Math. xxvij Esay liij Math. ij Psal. xvj Luke xvij Marke ix Plal. lxix Matth. v.