An expositio[n] vpon the two epistles of the apostle S. Paul to the Thessalonians by the reuerend Father Iohn Ievvel ... ; vvhereunto is adioined a very necessarie table of the principal matters contained in this exposition.

The first Epistle of S. Paule to the Thessalonians.

CHAP. I.

PAVLE and SYLVANVS, and Timotheus, vnto the Church of the Thessalonians, which is in GOD the father, and in the Lord Iesus Christ: Grace be with you and peace, from GOD our father, and from the Lord Iesus Christ.

THe Apostle Paule preached the Gospell of our Sauiour Iesus Christ vnto the Thes∣salonians, as hée did also in other places from Ierusalem, rounde about to Illyricum. But his trauaile had not like successe in al pla∣ces. For, in Damascus the gouernor of the peo∣ple

vnder King Aretas, laide watch in the citie * 1.1 of the Damascenes, and woulde haue caught him. At Lystra they stoned Paul, and drew him * 1.2 out of the citie, supposing he had béene dead. At * 1.3 Philippi, he and Sylas were drawne into the market place vnto the magistrates, and accu∣sed, that they troubled their Citie, they were beaten with roddes, and cast into prison. The Corinthians receiued the doctrine of the gospel, and made much of the professors thereof. But, they fel soone from their good beginning. They walked like men in enuying, in strife, in diuisi∣ons. Some called themselues after Paul, some after Apollo, some after Cephas, and some af∣ter Ghrist. They stirred contention about meates: they abused the Lordes supper: and they were doubtfull of the resurrection of the dead. In like maner the Church of God which was gathered at Rome grew proude and high minded, & boasted themselues ouer the Iewes. The Galathians forsooke the good waie of the gospel, whereunto they were called, and wher∣in they did walke. They gaue eare to false pro∣phets. Therefore the Apostle telleth them, I am in feare of you, least I haue bestowed on * 1.4 you my labour in vaine.

But, the Thessalonians, after they had heard the glad tydings of the Gospell, they receiued it gréedily, and laid it vp close and safe in their

harts. Albeit the Iews withstood them and beted them fore, albeit false brethren vsed diuers secret meanes to drawe them from the loue of the truth: yet they kept still their stedfastnesse: and could not be driuen from their faith, nei∣ther by crueltie of persecution, nor by subtiltie of craftie persuasion. Paul being at Athens, a place far distant from thence, sendeth Timothie to knowe in what case they stoode. So carefull was he for that house which he had built: for, the fire which he had kindled: for the graffes which he had planted: and, for the children which he begot among them. When Timothie made report of their constancie, that they con∣tinued stedfast in those things which they had learned: he writeth this Epistle, to commend them, and to exhort them to abide stedfast in their faith: that they become not like the foolish Israelites, which longed after the flesh pottes of Aegypt, and were vnmindfull of their de∣liuerance from bondage vnder Pharao: that they returne not like filthy dogges to their vo∣mite, and like vncleane swine to their puddles of-mire: that they looke not backe againe after they haue put their hāds to the Lords plough, and so make themselues vnworthie the king∣dome of God.

He giueth many lessons and instructions to godlinesse: that they would walke worthie of

God, and bring foorth the fruits of the gospell. There were among them that liued idlely, and did trouble the church without a cause: whom he reprooueth, willing them to be quiet, and to meddle with their owne matters, and works with their handes. Others mourned ouer the dead without measure, euen as if they had no hope: whom he instructeth in the resurrection, and comforteth with the spéech of the blessed comming of our Lord, when we which liue shall be caught vp to méete him, and so we shall euer be with the Lord. Others reasoned fond∣ly of the later daie, when it should be, when the sonne of God shoulde appeare, and when the worlde should haue an ende: as if man might reach to the knowledge hereof. But them also he reprooueth, and warneth that they take care rather to watch, and looke for the Lordes com∣ming, that they may be founde readie, hauing their loines girded, and their lampes bur∣ning.

Manie are desirous to sée the countenance of Saint Paule, to sée his sword, or the reliques of his bloud, which was shed at his death, or of his vpper garment, or of his coate, or of the haire of his head: and for purpose to sée such things, manie take painefull pilgrimage to farre places, where they are dereiued. Howe much better maie they be satisfied by reading

the storie of his life set do•…•…ne in the Scrip∣tures? In these his Epistles written to the Churches of God, he is to be séene in more ex∣cellent shewe, than when he was yet in bodie. For here is to be séene his heart filled with the holie Ghost, and the care which he had for all Saints: howe he did trauell in birth of them againe, that Christ might be formed in them, and howe he did wish himselfe separate from Christ for their sake. The matter of this E∣pistle is plaine, and treateth not of déepe and profound mysteries. The maner of vtterance which the Apostle vseth, is open and cuident. So that the whole Epistle is ful of swéete and wholsome doctrine, wherein the simplest may find great comfort.

Paul, and Syluanus, and Timotheus. These two were companions vnto Paul in his iour∣nets, and in the work of his ministerie. Whom here he ioineth in his letter to the congregati∣on at Thessalonica, to witnesse their consent and agréement with him, that they al with one mouth, and with one hand and heart set foorth the glorious Gospell of our Sauiour Christ. And, that therefore they also which are called to the felowshippe of the Gospel, should be like minded, being one bodie and one spi∣rite in Christ Iesus: and the children of one father in whome there is no dissention, but al

peace and consent, and vnitie.

Vnto the Church of the Thessalonians, which is in God the father and in the Lorde Iesus Christ. There are sundrie sorts of Chur∣ches. There is a Church of the wicked, wher∣of the Prophet saith, I haue hated the assemblie * 1.5 of the euil, and haue not companied with the wicked. Two hundred and fiftie Captaines, * 1.6 men of renowme, and famous in the congre∣gation, ioined themselues to Korah, Dathan, and Abiram. But Moses said vnto Korah, thou and al thy companie, are gathered togither a∣gainst the Lord. The builders of the great to∣wer * 1.7 of Babel were manie in number, and con∣sented to that they had imagined to do, there∣by to get them a name, but the Lord did con∣found their language, and scattered them vp∣on the face of the earth. The Scribes and Pharisées and high Priests held a c•…•…uncel, and * 1.8 conferred among themselues. But, against the Lord, and against his Christ. Iohn is comman∣ded * 1.9 to write vnto the Angel of the church of the Smyrnians, These things saith hee which is first and last, which was dead, and is aliue. I knowe the blasphemie of them, which saie they are Iews, and are not, but are the Synagogue of Sa∣tan. They reuile you, and speake al maner of euill against you for my names sake. They charge you with teaching false doctrine, and

saie you haue departed from the Church: that they are the séede of Abraham, the children of promise, the true worshippers of God, and which walke in the steppes of their forefa∣thers. But, their boast heereof is vaine. It pro∣fiteth them nothing, that Abraham was their father, that the couenant was made with them, that they were circumcised, that a lawe was giuen vnto them. Let them not trust in their fathers: let them not trust in ly∣ing words, and saie the temple of the Lorde, the temple of the Lord, this is the temple of the Lorde. If they were Abrahams children, they woulde doe the workes of Abraham. If God were their father, then would they loue Christ his sonne, and séeke to set foorth his glo∣rie. If they were of the shéepefolde of God, they woulde heare his voice. They are of their father the Diuel, and the lusts of their father they wil doe. They are in name the seruants of Christ, but serue Antichrist: they call themselues Iewes, but are the Syna∣gogue of Satan. For (saith the Apostle) he is * 1.10 not a Iew, which is one outward: neither is that circumcision which is outward in the flesh: but hee is a Iew which is one within, and the circumcision is of the heart, in the spi∣rite, not in the letter, whose praise is not of men, but of God. Of those which are such

Leo saith, Ecclesiae nomine armamini, & contra Ecclesiam dimicatis Yee arme your selues with * 1.11 the name of the Church and yet ye fight against the Church. And Chrysostome saith, The name onely of Christ, doth not make a Christian, but * 1.12 he must also haue the trueth of Christ: for there are manie which walke in the name of Christ, but fewe which walke in his truth. It is there∣fore manifest, as Lyra saith, That the Church * 1.13 is not among men, by reason of anie Ecclesia∣sticall or secular authoritie or dignitie: because manie princes and high priests, and others of the inferiour sorte haue forsaken the faith. Though they pretend shew of holines, though they drawe to themselues credite by long con∣tinuance, though their numbers be great, and they consent togither: yet if they haue for∣saken the faith, if they holde not the truth of Christ, if they fight against and persecute the Church, if their circumcision be not the cir∣cumcision of the heart, and in the spirit, if they heare not the voice of y^e shéepheard, if they loue not Christ Iesus the sonne of God, and set not foorth his glorie, if they séeke to stop the course of the gospell, if they séeke to get name among men, if they resist Moses and Aaron: they haue onelie a painted visard, and carrie onelie an emptie name of the Church: they call them∣selues so, and are not.

But, the Church of God is in God the fa∣ther, and in the Lorde Iesus Christ: it is the companie of the faithful whom God hath ga∣thered togither in Christ by his worde and by the holy ghost to honour him, as he himselfe hath appointed. This Church heareth the voice of the shephearde. It wil not followe a stranger, but flyeth from him: for it knoweth not the voyce of straungers. Of this Church Saint Iherome sayth, Ecclesia Christi in toto or∣be * 1.14 ecclesias possidens, spiritus vnitate coniuncta est, & habet vrbes legis, prophetarum, euangelij, & Apostolorum. Non est egressa de finibus suis, •…•…d est, de Scripturis. The Church of Christ which containeth the churches through al the world, is ioyned togither in the vnitie of the spirite, and hath the cities of the Law, of the Prophets, of the gospel, and of the Apostles. This church goeth not forth, or beyonde hir boundes, that is, the holy Scriptures. It is the piller of the truth: the bodie, the fulnesse, and the spouse of Christ: it is the vine, the house, the citie, and the kingdome of God. They which dwel in it, are no more straungers and forreiners, but * 1.15 Citizens with the Saints, and of the hoshould of God, and are built vpon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophetes, Iesus Christ him∣selfe being the heade corner stone, in whome all the building coupled togither, groweth

vnto an holy temple in the Lord. This Church Christ loued, and gaue himselfe for it, that he * 1.16 might sanctifie it, and cleanse it by the washing of water through the worde, that hee might make it vnto himselfe a glorious Church, not hauing spot or wrincle, or any such thing: but that it should bee holy and without blame. Such a Church was the Church of God at Thessalonica, such a Church are they who so e∣uer in any place of the worlde feare the Lord, and cal vppon his name. Their names are written in the booke of life: they haue recei∣ued the spirite of adoption, by which they trie Abba Father: they growe from grace to grace, and abounde more and more in know∣ledge and in iudgement: they cast away the workes of darkenesse, and put on the armour of light: they are made absolute, and perfect vn∣to al good works: they are euermore cōforted in the mercies of God, both by the holy scrip∣tures wherein God declareth his gracious goodnesse towardes them, and by the sacramentes, which are left vnto the Church to be witnesses, & assured pledges for performance of the promise of Gods good will, and fauour towardes them.

Grace be with you, and peace, &c. God giue you the forgiuenesse of your sins, and the peace, and comfort of your conscience. God

let al his bl•…•…ssings fal vpon you, that you may sée the riches & the treasures of his mercy: that you may be filled with al fulnesse in the spi∣rite: that you may beholde the glorie of the kingdome of God: and those thinges may bie reuealed vnto you by his spirit, which he hath prepared for them that loue him. Without this grace you can doe nothing, you can ney∣ther féele the burthen of your sinnes, nor séeke to be eased of thē, nor perceiue when they are forgiuen: you cannot rent your heart, and set apart from you the vanities and lustes of the flesh which doeth euermore fight against the soule: you cannot discerne the worde of God, and by it enter the way to euerlasting life: you cannot abhorre that which is euil, and cleau•…•… vnto that which is good: without the grace of God, you cannot continue stedfast & constant in faith, and in hope of the mercies of God through our sauiour Iesus Christ.

2 We giue thankes to God alwaies for you al, making mention of you in our prayers.

3 Without ceasing, remembring your effe∣ctual faith, and diligent loue, and the patience of your hope in our Lorde Iesus Christ, in the sight of God euen our Father.

4 Knowing, beloued brethren that ye are elect of God.

5 For our Gospel was not vnto you in word

onely, but also in power and in the holy ghost, and in much assuraunce, as ye know after what maner, we were among you for your sakes.

We giue thankes, &c. Paule teacheth what is the office of a good minister. He must euer carrie in remēbrance y^e estate of the congrega∣tion ouer which the Lord hath placed him. He must giue thankes to God in their behalfe, and pray for them that God will blesse that which he hath begunne, and con•…•…rme them vnto the end, that they may be blamelesse in the day of our Lord Iesus Christ: that he will behold them from aboue, and blesse his inhe∣ritaunce, and guide the shéepe of his pasture. Your effectual faith: Faith is not idle, it wor∣keth and is forcible, it breaketh out like fire: it is alwayes fruitefull through loue. Faith without workes is no faith, it is dead and bringeeh death. And diligent loue: Loue is paineful, and ful of trainaile: it thinketh not euil: it seeketh not hir owne things: it is boun∣tiful. This loue had the Thessalonians to the saints of God, which suffered affliction in all places for the Gospels sake. Many were spoy∣led of their goods, cast out of their houses, and banished from their countrey. Euen as at this day for the like cause manie of our brethren the good seruantes of God are driuen into ba∣nishment, cast into prisons, put to the sworde,

or consumed in fire, in those places, where the God of this worlde hath so blinded their eyes, that the light of the glorious Gospel of Christ should not shine vnto them. It is high time in such cases for charitie to shew hir self. She can not dissemble, nor despise the teares of hir bro∣ther. It sheweth foorth as the morning light: it taketh from hir selfe, to relieue them which are in neede. It dealeth bread to the hungrie, and bringeth the poore that wander vnto hir house, and couereth the naked, and hideth not hir face from hir owne flesh. Vnto them that haue this loue the Lorde giueth his blessing. Blessed is hee that considereth the poore and * 1.17 needy, the Lord shal deliuer him in the time of trouble. And Christ saith, Blessed are the mer∣ciful, * 1.18 for they shal finde mercie.

And the patience of your hope. How many are the troubles which the children of God suffer in this life? let vs beholde the times which were before vs. Abel was innocent and iust, yet was he slaine by the hands of his brother, and without a cause. The Prophet * 1.19 Dauid saieth of the Prophetes, and holy men of God: and the same words saith the Apostle of the Church of Christ vnder the Gospel, For * 1.20 thy sake are we killed al the day long: we are counted as sheepe for the slaughter. Ieremie sayeth, Thy worde is vnto them as a reproch, * 1.21

and againe, For thy sake I haue suffred rebuke. * 1.22 What vilanies were wrought against our sa∣uiour Christ? They reproched him in spéeches, brought false accusations, and false witnesse against him, and killed the innocent in whose mouth there was found no guile. Whē S. Paul * 1.23 appealed to the witnesse of Timothie who did fully know his doctrine, maner of liuing, pur∣pose, faith, long suffering, loue, and patience: and that he knewe also the persecutions and afflictions, which came vnto him, and which he suffered at Antiochia, Iconiū, and at Lystra, after he had thus remēbred his persecutions, & his owne innocencie, he saith, Al that wil liue godly in Christ Iesus shal suffer persecution.

What then hath the godly to leane vnto, but hope? the prophet Dauid therfore said, Though * 1.24 I should walke through the vallie of the sha∣dowe of death, I wil feare no euil, for thou art * 1.25 with mee. Therefore saide Iob, though hee flaie me, yet wil I trust in him. For he that put∣teth his trust in the Lorde shal neuer be con∣founded. In this hope spake S. Paule, Christ is * 1.26 to me both in life & death aduantage. Againe, Whether we liue, or die, we are the Lords. And * 1.27 againe, God forbid, that I shoule reioyce, but * 1.28 in the crosse of our Lord Iesus Christ. And to y^e Romans he saith, There is no condemnation to * 1.29 them that are in Christ Iesus. This is the foun∣dation

of faith, euen a strong rocke which shal continue for euer. Neither tribulatiō, nor an∣guish, nor persecutiō, nor famine, nor any dan∣ger can remoue the faithful from his hope.

But the wicked and vnstable fal from their hope, and their fal is miserable. They haue hard the worde of God that teacheth vnto sal∣uation, but did not regard it, they haue forgot∣ten the workes of the Lorde, and receiued his grace in vaine. For when they haue heard the worde, the Diue•…•… commeth, & taketh away the word out of their heartes, least they should be∣léeue, and be saued. And the end of these men, is worse than the beginning.

It was not so with the Thessalonians. They receiued the worde of God willingly, and it was fruitful in them, so that thereby they in∣creased in faith, in loue, and in hope. Their faith the Apostle calleth forcible or •…•…ffectual: their loue diligent & painful, their hope migh∣tie through patience, whereby they ouercome al maner of dangers: & reioyceth on their be∣halfe, because he found so great successe of his trauaile in the Gospel amongst them.

Knowing that you are elect of God. You were blind, y^e children of wrath, without vnderstan∣ding, without God, & without hope. But God hath had mercy vpō you, & hath giuē you grace to know your calling. Herein it appeareth y^t

you are the chosen of God, and of the flocke of Christ. My sheepe (saith he) heare my voice, * 1.30 and I knowe them, and they followe me, and I giue vnto them eternal life, and they shal ne∣uer perish, neither shal anie plucke them out of mine hande.

For our Gospel was not vnto you in worde only, but also in power, and in the holy ghost, and in much assuraunce. That you haue yéel∣ded obedience vnto the worde, and that my ministerie hath béene effectual amongst you, it commeth not of any power in your selues, or in me, it is the worke of God. He hath bles∣sed my ministery, he hath blessed your hearts. It is the gift of God, least any man shoulde boast thereof. Hereof he speaketh to the Corin∣thians, Who is Paule then? and who is Apol∣los, * 1.31 but the ministers by whome yee beleeued, and as the Lorde gaue to euerie man. I haue planted, Apollos watered, but God gaue the increase. It is he which hath the key of Dauid, which openeth, and no man shutteth, and shut∣teth, and no man openeth. Without him we can do nothing. He guideth vs and al our coū∣sailes, and leadeth vs into al trueth. No man * 1.32 can come vnto mee (sayth Christ) except the father which hath sent me drawe him. And by y^e Prophet Ezechiel God saith, I wil giue you * 1.33 a new heart, and a new spirite wil I put within

you. I will put my spirite within you, and will cause you to walke in my statutes, and you shall keepe my iudgements and doe them. And by the Prophet leremie, I wil put my lawe in * 1.34 their inward parts, and write it in their hearts. * 1.35 Therefore Dauid maketh his praier, Teach me O Lord, giue me vnderstanding and I will keepe thy law.

The words of the Preacher enter in at the •…•…are. The spirite of God conueyeth them into the heart. Augustine saith, Auditur euangelium, * 1.36 Auditur credunt, quidam non credunt: qui credunt, intus a patre audiunt & discunt, qui non credunt, foris audiunt, intus non audiunt, neque discunt. Hoc est, ill•…•… dat•…•…r vt credant, illis non datur. The Gos∣pesis declared. Some there are which beleeue, some there are which beleeue not. They which beleeue heare it inwardly by the father, and so learne it. They which beleeue not, heare it on∣lie with their outward sense, and not with in∣ward feeling, and therefore learne it not. As much to saie, to them it is giuen to beleeue: to the other it is not giuen. In the Actes of the Apostles Lydia a woman of the Citie of the Thiatirians heard the preaching of the Apostle Paul: But it is saide, Whose heart the Lord o∣poned, * 1.37 that shee attended vnto the things that Paul spake. The people which said vnto Pe∣ter, and the other Apostles, Men and brethren, * 1.38

what shall we do? did heare al the wordes of Peter: but they had another teacher, that gaue force vnto the worde and made it fruitefull in them, and therefore it is said, They were pric∣ked * 1.39 in their hearts. This also appeared in the Disciples which walked towards Emaus: they heard Christ open the Scriptures vnto them, they reasoned with him, yet vntill their eles were opened they knew him not. His worde crept into their eares, but it was the spirite of God which wrought within them, which in∣flamed their hearts, and made them to knowe him.

Thus God blesseth his word, and maketh it yéeld fruit in such measure, as his wisedome hath appointed. His blessing appeareth grea∣ter, when many are conuerted: yet is his word al one, and the power thereof no whit shorter when it is vtterly refused, or receiued but of * 1.40 few. Surely (saith God) as the raine commeth downe, and the snow from heauen, and retur∣neth not thither, but watereth the earth & ma∣keth it-fruitfull, that it maie giue seede to the sower, and bread to him that eateth: so shall my word be that goeth out of my mouth. It shal not returne vnto me voide, but it shall ac∣complish that which I wil, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. It is the word of the liuing God, which is blessed for euer. And

blessed is that hart which can receiue it, which GOD instructeth, and to which he giueth knowledge of his worde, which doth so learne it, that he is assured of the truth thereof, and nothing doubteth, but it is indéede the worde of life: which saieth thereof, this is the waie, in which if I walke, I shall certainely go for∣ward to the Citie of my GOD: this is the truth, if I hearken vnto it, I shall neuer be dereiued. Whosoeuer findeth himselfe indued with this grace, he doth as plainely and evidently iudge of the wordes of God, and trie out the trueth thereof, from the deuises and doctrines of men: as a man of cléere eie sight, is ahle to iudge of colours, and to knowe one col•…•…ur from an other. Yea, in this is the know∣ledge of that more certain, because colour doth fade and alter, and manie times one colour thereby waxeth like an other: but the truth of GOD doth neuer alter: it continueth one throughal ages: it is the word of euerlasting life. Heauen and earth shall perish, but one title thereof shall not be lost. The truth of God shall be established for euer. The humble shall heare it, and be glad.

As ye knowe after what maner wee were among you for your sakes. You knowe howe I behaued my selfe, & after what maner I haue liued among you. You knowe my first com∣ming

and entrie vnto you. You knowe what doctrine I haue taught, and what hath béene my conuersation of life. I neuer deceiued any, nor offered wrong vnto the simplest. I sought not you, nor yours, but those things which are Iesus. I haue liued by the labor of my hands, in watchings, in hunger, in colde, and naked∣nesse. God hath ordained, that they which teach the gospel, should liue by the gospel. Who séedeth a •…•…lacke and eateth not of the milke of the flocke? But I haue not vsed this libertie. For I haue a great care least by anie meanes I should offend you. Yet would I neuer flatter anie in that thing they had done amisse: I ne∣uer spared to rebuke ill. If I should feare, or séeke to please men, I were not the seruant of Christ. I séeke not mine owne glorie, but the glorie of him that sent me, who also hath made me a minister of his gospel. I haue forsaken al things, my goods and life, my flesh and my bo∣die: and am daily in perils, compassed daily by persecution, & séedeath death daily before mine eies, for the loue. I be are to you, and for the care I haue of the Church. You are the Lords shéepe, I am your shaepeheard: you are the house of God, I am your builder: you are Gods orchard, I am your ouerséer and workeman. I shall giue an att•…•…mpt for your soules. You know how •…•…ly I haue. loued you in th•…•…

Lord. Your griese hath béene my griese, your ioie hath béene my ioie. I haue praied for you daie and night, and haue giuen thanks to God for you, and reio•…•…ced in your behalfe. What is more deare to a man than life: yet haue I desired to yeeld vp my life, that you might liue. I haue béene readie to suffer death, if thereby I might doe you good. These things you cannot but remember, your conscience beareth mée witnesse, that I haue thus liued among you for your sake.

V. 6. And ye become followers of vs, and of the Lord, and receiued the word in much af∣fliction, with ioie of the holie ghost.

He commendeth the godlie for the practise of that which they haue learned and séene in him, in that they haue receiued the gospel, and framed their liues accordingly, and haue con∣tinued stedfast in the same in the middes of persecution. Herein he doth not onlie laie out himselfe and the other Apostles for an exam∣ple: but telleth them that this waie is also •…•…roden out by our Lorde himselfe. Who as he is the waie, and the light that lightneth eue∣rie man which commeth into the worloe, so did he heare his crosse, and did laie downe his life for his shéepe. Therefore he saide to his Disciples, The disciple is not aboue his Maister; * 1.41 nor the seruant aboue his Lorde. It is e∣nough

for the Disciple to be as his Maister is, and the seruant as his Lorde. If they haue called the maister of the house Beelzebub, how much more them of his housholde?

But this is reckoned vnto them for happi∣pinesse. * 1.42 Blessed are you when men reuile you, and persecute you, and saie al manner of euil a∣gainst you, for my sake, falsely. Reioice and be glad, for great is your reward in Heauen. For so persecuted they the Prophets which were before you. They slue them, & drowned them, hewed them with swords, and cut them in péeces * 1.43 with sawes. If anie man (saith our Sauiour) wil folow me, let him forsake himselfe, and take vp his crosse, and follow mee. So farre must the children of God be from the loue of this worlde: in such sorte must he forsake his owne life, and endure affliction that wil come vnto Christ.

In the olde lawe, the Priests went on, and carried the Arke before, and the people came after: In token that they should giue good example, and the people shoulde follow them. The Priest was appointed to be a shril trumpet sounding in the eares of the people: and the people were commanded to prepare them selues for the battel of the Lord of hostes. Therefore, saieth S. Paul, so haue I followed the Lord, and so haue you folowed me: and re∣ceiued

the word (not in affliction onelie) but in much Affliction. Where he much describeth the vnmercifull hearts, and tyrannous hate of the wicked against al those that followe the lamb, and receiue the word of God with glad∣nes. No torment so cruel, no deuise so strange, no maner of death so horrible, which hath not beene, or which is not laide vpon them. Their babies be cast into prisons: they are stript out of their houses, and spoiled of their goodes. Thus doe the enimies of God worke tyran∣nie and much affliction vnto the godlie. They consume their bodies in fire, shed their bloud without measure, throw out their bones and scatter them vppon the face of the earth, and this doe they, not as against murtherers, robbers, adulterers, or such like, but •…•…nelie because they receiue the word, and beare a loue to the trueth, and cannot denie the power thereof.

With ioy of the holie ghost. This is that which passeth al naturall sense and wisedome. Manie séeme to take in good part, and abide pa∣tiently afflictions, losse of goods, imprisonment and losse of life. But no man can reioice in the suffring of these things, but the child of god: no man but whō Christ hath chosē out of y^e world: but whose name is written in the booke of life, but he, in whom y^e spirit beareth witnes with

his spirit that he is the child of God. He knoweth that through manie tribulations he must enter intorest. He knoweth, the wicked could haue no power ouer him, •…•…nlesse it were giuen them from aboue: he knoweth that al is done for the best to them that loue God: and that God could dispose meanes, if it were so •…•…∣dient, to bring to naught all the deuises of the vngodlie.

When the •…•…ernantes of God were rast into the hote burning fornace, bicause they woulde not worship the golden Image, that the •…•…ing Nabuchodonosor had set vp: who would haue thought, that the fire could not burne. D•…•… that their bodies shoulde not haue béene consumed•…•… yet did God in the middest of the fire prefer•…•… them so, that not one haire of their head was * 1.44 burnt, neither were their coats changed, nor a∣nie smel of fire came vpon them. Let vs neuer forget this notable example of Gods power to deliuer his seruants, that we may euer be ear∣nest and carefull to professe our faith in him, & to •…•…riue vnto the death for the setting foorth of his glorie.

It •…•…areth euen so with the children of God in the persecution of this world: troubles, mi∣series, and aduer•…•…tie compasse them, as the •…•…rie •…•…nace compassed those thrée men of God. But God couereth them with his mercie,

as with a cloude, that nothing shal hurt them. I say not, al that stande in lik•…•… defence, shal in like sort be so preserued, that their bodies •…•…al not be peirced. For God suffereth the wicked to destroy and kil his seruauntes, and to consume their bodies to dust and ashes. Yet are his seruauntes warned not to feare them. When the Apostles were beaten because they had spoken in the name of Iesus, They de∣parted * 1.45 from the counsel, reioycing, that they were counted worthie to suffer rebuke for his name. We reioyce (saith Saint Paule) in •…•…bu∣lations, * 1.46 knowing that tribulation bringeth foorth patience, and patience experience, and experience hope, and hope maketh not asha∣med, because the loue of God is shed abroade in our heartes by the holy ghost which is giuen vnto vs.

The comfort which is giuen in this case to the godlie, is hidden within them. For to him that ouer commeth shal be giuen a white stone, and in the stone a newe name written, which no man knoweth sauing he that recey∣ueth it. The afflictions of this present time are * 1.47 not worthie the glorie, which shal be shewed vnto vs. When our saniour did sée the time of his passion drawe neare, he saide to his Disci∣ples, You are they which haue continued with * 1.48 me in my temptations. Therefore I appoint

to you a kingdome as my father hath appoin∣ted vnto me, that yee may eate and drinke at my table in my kingdome, and sit on seates, and iudge the twelue tribes of Israel. And in his sermon vpon the mountaine, he saith, Bles∣sed are they which suffer persecution for righ∣teousnesse * 1.49 sake, for theirs is the kingdome of Heauen. The case shal be altered. It shal be betwéene them and their persecuters as it was betwéene Lazarus and the Rich man. When the wicked and cruel tyrantes shal sée them in the presence of the throne of God, be∣cause they came out of great tribulatiō, & haue * 1.50 washed their long robes, and haue made them white in y^e bloud of the lambe: the god of Abra∣ham shal say vnto the wicked: sons, remember that you in your life time receiued your plea∣sures, & like wise these men paines: now ther∣fore are they c•…•…orted, & you tormented. They are taken out of affliction into rest, from their bondes into libertie, out of prison into a king∣dome, out of miserie vnto glory, from life vnto death. The promise of this comfort is often re∣newed. The prophet Dauid saith, They y^t sowe * 1.51 in teares, shal reape in ioy. Our sauiour telleth his Disciples, Ye shal weepe and lament, and * 1.52 the world shal reioyce: and you shal forrowe, but your sorrowe shal be turned to ioy. S. Iohn heard a voice from heauen, saying: Blessed be * 1.53

the dead, which hereafter dy in y^e Lórd. Euen so saith the spirite, for they rest frō their labours, and their workes follow them. He is comman∣ded to write vnto y^e Angel of the Church of the Smyrnians. Feare none of those things which * 1.54 thou shalt suffer, Bohold it shal come to passe, that the diuel shal cast some of you into pri∣son, that you may be tried, & ye shal haue tri∣bulation ten daies: be thou faithful vnto death, & I wil giue thee the crowne of life. Thus god suffereth his seruants to be sifted, & to be tried as pure golde in the furnace, & receiueth them as a swéete smelling sauour of burnt sacrifice. And this is it whereof the Apostle putteth the Thessalonians in remembraunce, that they are strengthned by the holy ghost not only to abide such afflictiōs as they suffer because they haue receiued the gospel: but also to reioice, because they are assured, whatsoeuer shal happen vnto them, they be the children of God.

V: 7. So that you were as ensamples to all that beleeue in Macedonia and Achaia.

8 For from you sounded out the word of y^e Lord, not in Macedonia and Achaia only: but your faith also which is toward God, spread a∣broade in all quarters, that wee neede not to speake any thing.

9 For they themselues shewe of you what maner entring in wee had vnto you, and howe

you turned from idols to God, to serue the li∣uing and true God.

10 And to looke for his sonne from hea∣uen, whome hee raised from the dead, Iesus whiche deliuereth vs from the wrath to come.

The countries rounde about them were drawen by the example of the Thessalonians, to beléeue the Gospel preached vnto them. You are (sayth he) as y^e bright sunne beames. They beholde you, and reioyce of you, euen as of the morning light. You are an holy Citie sette vppon an hil, you cannot be hid, your saith is a paterne of saith, your life is a patern of life vnto them. They haue learned of you howe to guide their wayes. You haue called them backe from errour, and from vngodi•…•…∣nesse, to serue the true and liuing God. You are made vnto them a swéete smelling sauour of life vnto life. For so it hath pleased God to make his Gospel knowne in al places through you, & to make you the builders of his church. When they beholde your godly conuersation which is in Christ, they are ashamed of them∣selues. When they behold your light, they find fault with their owne darkenesse. O say they, this is a holy people, this is a people that fea∣reth God. Let vs heare them what they teach: let vs leade our liues in holinesse and righte∣ousnesse

as they doe.

Let vs by hearing these wordes enter into our selues. God hath giuen his light to •…•…hine vppon vs, hee hath blessed vs with the knowledge of his Gospel. Let vs take héede, we turne not the light into darkenesse, nor the truth of God into lies. Manie thousande eyes are set vpon vs, to looke vpon and beholde vs. Let vs be an example of godlinesse. Let vs be as a light to them that yet abide in darkenes. Let not the name of GOD be euil spoken of through vs. His name is holy. Woe be vnto * 1.55 the worlde (sayth Christ) because of offences: for it must needes be that offences shal come, but woe be vnto that man by whome the of∣fence commeth. Whosoeuer shal offende one of these little ones, it were better for him, that a milstone were hanged about his necke, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. It were better for that man, if hee had neuer béene borne. For the bloud of them that pe∣rishe by his offence, shal be required at his handes. The wrath of God is reueiled from heauen against those that are such, because they withholde the truth in vnright con•…•…sse. The kingdome of God shal be taken away from them, and giuen to a nation that wil bring foorth the fruites thereof.

It followeth, From you sounded the

word of the Lord, not in Macedonia & Achaia only, &c. If a man carrie in his hande a light burning candle, it giueth not light to him only that carrieth it, but to al those which be in the house, and they also sée it which are without. Euen so, if any be the child of knowledge, and carrie about him the light of-God, he doth not onely tast of the comfort thereof himselfe, and worke comfort to those that appertaine to the Church of God: but lightneth also the hearts of Paganes and J•…•…dels, which are abroade. Such as are bathed or persumed with preci∣ous ointments, or pouders, haue not only the pleasure to themselues, but the sauour therof casteth if selfe out, and is pleasant to al those which stande by. The Gospel is the light of God: It shineth in the darkenesse of this worlde. It is the swéete incense and sauour of God: Wheresoeuer the breath thereof is re∣ceiued, it bringeth life.

But your faith also, which is toward God, spredde abroade in al quarters. As the light∣ning is séene from one part of the ayre to the other, and as the sounde of great noise sprea∣deth it selfe farre and wide, so deeth the light of good conuersation in the godly shewe if selfe foorth. And therefore he telleth them, they haue filled al the Countrie of Macedonia with knowledge, & with wonder at their faith, and

•…•…nesse in the truth. As if he had saide, great is the renowme of your king Alexander, and your countrey is famous. He hath ouer∣run the whole world and subdued it. He hath conquered Graecia, Asia, Arabia, Phrygia, Ar∣menia, Scythia, and India. Kings and princes sel downe before him. The whole world stoode in awe of his name. Yet Alexander had but the power, & force of men. He had great treasures of golde and siluer. He had numbers of horses, and camels, and Elephants. He had sworde, bils, speares, and dartes, and such like artille∣rie and armor. These were the things where∣with he ouercame his enemies. Hereby both he and his people were renowmed.

What then may be said of the battaile which you haue fought? or of the victorie which you haue gptt•…•… you haue won, y^e Alexander could neuer win. You haue ouercome your selues. You haue ouercome the world. He conquered the bodies of many, & had them at cōmaunde∣ment. But their soules stoode out, & would not be conquered, You haue subdued your soules, & brought them to the obedience of the Gospel. You haue ouerrun al the countrie and trium∣phed among the people. And al this is brought to passe, without force, without policie, with∣out ar•…•…ur; without artilerie, onely by your patience, and suffering for the Gospel sake.

That wee neede not to speake any thing. To make the commendation of their faith more euident, he telleth then•…•…, the same of their zeale and constancy is kno 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in al pla∣ces. Whither seener I go (saith he) they know you, and speake of you, and bearken to you. Hereby appeareth how néedeful it is, that chief townes and cities he wel gouerned, that vice in them be senerely punished, that •…•…tne and godlinesse be maineteined, and the people instructed, because the examples of such places spread abroad in al quarters nigh them.

They themselues shewe of you, what maner of enteraunce wee had vnto you: After what sort you receiued me, and ginedeare I was vnto you. Al places were laide and beset for me to séeke my life, but you enlarged your selues toward me, and tooke me in, When I was in prison, you came to me, and feared no man, you were not ashamed of my bonds, you were readie to loose your owne liues to saue me. This is spoken of to your great praise.

And howe you turned to God from idols, to serue the liuing and true God. Here are set downe in fewe words the summe and parts of Christian religion. The first is to forsake at •…•…ols to turne from them: then to turne vnto God, and to put alout trust in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to serue the liuing and true God. The •…•…nice of

God, and idols can not stand togither. No man can turne vnto God, that turneth not from i∣dols. This is a wonderfull effect of the gospell, to forsake idols, and serue God: to leaue cu∣stomes, and the vsage of forefathers, and giue eare to the trueth. To loue from the heart, that which thou diddest sometimes hate: and to detest from the heart, that which thou didbest sometimes loue, is strange and wonder∣full. But to doe this for Christ which was borne of poore Marie, whom the wise and lear∣ned, and mightie men of this worlde despised, which was crucified, and hanged betwene two théeues, whome they scorned vpon the Crosse: to follow, or beléeue, or put trust in him: to cal him the power and the wisedome of God, to confesse him to be, in whome al Israel shall be blessed, and in whom all the worlde shal be sa∣ued: to giue bodie or life for his sake is a strāge miracle. No King, no Prince, no lawe, no wisedome of man can worke this and bring it to passe. This is the Lordes doing, and it is maruelous in our eies. And this doeth he in those onelie which receiue the word of the gos∣pel with ioy of the holie ghost.

And to looke for his sonne from heauen, whome he raised, &c. The holie Scriptures do not onlie teach vs to turne vnto God, but also what it is, that god giueth vnto al them which

séeke him, euen that they be deliuered from the wrath to come: and for whose sake he deli∣uereth vs, for Jesus his sonne whome he rai∣sed from the dead. Therefore he telleth them, howsoeuer they be reiected, or despised as foo∣lish among men, if they continue in the things which they haue learned, they shall be wise vnto saluation. That therefore they lift vp their heads, and looke for their redéemer: That they saie, thy kingdome come, and, Come Lord Jesus: because he is appointed by God to be the Judge of the quicke and the dead: and hée shal come in the glorie of his father, and deli∣uereth from the wrath to come, al those that trust in him. For among men there is none o∣ther name giuen vnder heauen, whereby wée must be saued. This is the depth of al know∣ledge and the comfort which passeth al vnder∣standing, that against al temptations, and af∣flictions which oppresse our conscience, or bere and trouble our bodies, we maie growe strong by faith in the sonne of God Christ Je∣sus, and assertaine our selues of his comming from heauen for our delinerance.

CHAP. 2.

FOr you your selues know, brethren, that our entrance vnto you was not in vaine.

HE taketh witnesse of them, of his diligence and paines taken in the fulfilling of his ministery: séeing it hath so good successe among them, that they by the preaching of the gospell haue forsaken superstition, and are turned vnto, and do now serue the true and liuing God, and do b•…•…leeue for giuenes of their sinnes, and deliuerance from the wrath to come by Jesus Christ.

It is a great and deadly smart to the faithfull seruant of God, to sée the people wil∣full, and to despise the word of their saluation. Hereof Esaie complaineth, I haue spred out * 1.56 my handes al the daie long to a rebellious peo∣ple, which walked in a waie that was not good, euen after their owne imaginations. They stopped their eares, and woulde not heare, nor be reclaimed, nor returne that they might be saued. And Ieremie, O that my head * 1.57 were full of water, and mine eies a fountaine of teares, that I might weepe daie and night for the staine of the daughter of my people,

for they be adulterers, and an assemblie of re∣bels. Sword and destruction commeth vppon them, and they will not sée: Oh that they woulde giue eare and repent in time. Againe, My people is foolish, they haue not knowen * 1.58 mee: they are foolish children, and haue no vnderstanding: they are wise to doe euill, but to doe well, they haue no knowledge. Dauid crieth out: O yee sonnes of men, howe long * 1.59 wil yee loue vanitie and seeke after lies? Why forsake you the truth of GOD, and haue no regarde to his mercie? So our Sauior mour∣neth ouer Ierusalem, O Ierusalem, Ierusalem, * 1.60 which killest the Prophets, and stonest them that are sent to thee, howe often woulde I haue gathered thy children together, as the henne her broode vnder her wings, and yee woulde not? how carefully and tenderly haue I sought for thy saluation? how often haue I called vp∣on thée, sent vnto thée my seruantes, and powred out my blessings before thine eies? So bit∣ter and mourneful a thing is it to al those that séeke the glorie of God, to see no fruite followe of their labours, to sée the people continue ig∣norant, and wilfull, and to séeke their owne destruction.

Therefore they turne themselues vnto GOD, which is the father of lights, and God of all comforte, in whose hand are the

hearts of the people, that his worde maie haue frée passage, and be glorified: that God will o∣pen vnto them the doore of vtterance, to speak the mysterie of Christ, and publish the secret of the gospell boldlie: that he will giue power to his worde declared by them, and assist them with his holie spirite: that hée will open the eies of the people, that they maie sée: and turne their heartes, that they maie be conuer∣ted. So did Dauid make his praier, Open thou my lippes, O Lord, and my mouth shal shewe * 1.61 foorth thy praise. Albeit my month is simple, and rude, and barbarous, yet if thou wilt it maie bée an instrument to declare thy glo∣rie. Then shall I teach thy waies vnto the wicked, and sinners shall be conuerted vnto thee. Be fauourable vnto Sion, builde the wales of Ierusalem. Thus doe they lift vp their handes, and call vnto GOD, that he would send downe his light into the hearts of the people, that what they heare, they heare not in vaine, but maie receiue it, and vnderstande it, and kéepe it. For vn∣lesse GOD direct the heart, and make it fit to receiue instruction, the preacher, though he be neuer so desirous to doe good, doth labor in vaine.

God one lic disposeth the waies of men, it is hée which trieth the corne from the

chasse: hée knoweth whome he will bring to he of his folde, & make to heare his voice. Ma∣nie times he blesseth his word with great en∣crease among them, which at the first despise it, and intreate cruelly the preachers, and mes∣sengers thereof. When Paule disputed, and exhorted the Iewes and the Graecians at Corin∣thus, and found little fruite of his labour, and that there were few or none that liked his do∣ctrine, and manie enimies which resisted and blasphemed it: hée purposed to depart and goe awaie from them. Then the Lorde saide * 1.62 vnto Paul in the night by a vision, Feare not, but speake, and holde not thy peace: for I am with thee, and no man shall laie handes on thee to hurt thee: for I haue much peo∣ple in this citie. They shall heare thée: if not now, yet they shall heare thée at some other time. They shall beare thy sayings in minde. I will be with thée, I will open their hearts, and make them obedient to the Gospell, and they shall be turned vnto me. Thou shalt sée the fruite of thy labour, and that thy comming vnto them hath not béene in vaine.

Verse 2. But euen after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully intreated at Phi∣lippi (as ye know) we were bolde in our God,

to speake vnto you the Gospell of God with much striuing.

The story of these his persecutions is writ∣ten in the 16. of the Acts. He was stript naked, and scourged with rods, and cast into prison, and put in hazarde of life. Yet notwithstan∣ding he were thus euill entreated at Philippi, when he came to Thessalonica, he was nothing discouraged, but procéeded more boldly than before, and went into the Synagogue of the Iewes, and disputed thrée Sabbaoth daies, * 1.63 and taught them, that Christ is that Messias, euen the sonne of God.

But, that wée maie the better conceiue howe mightily GOD worketh, and what great strength he giueth to weake creatures, when he appointeth them to set foorth his glo∣rie, let vs beholde this boldnesse of the Apostle in speaking the Gospell vnto them. To whome did he speake? To the Iewes, the enimies of the crosse of Christ. Where? Not in hucker mucker, and in corners: but openly, in their synagog, for he feared no mā. What time those he? Thē when al the Iewes were assem∣bled togither. How often? 3. sabboth daies togi∣ther. In what citie? In Thessalonica, y^e greatest and most famous Citie of all that Countrey. How was hée entreated? There arose great trouble & contention. They resisted him, spake

against him, and sought to destroy him. For what cause? what had he deserued? what had he taught? the gospel of God, and of Christ, of the kingdome, and of the life to come: the gospell in which God offereth his grace, and reconciliation, and comfort, and peace, and sal∣uation.

Who woulde thinke such ioifull tidings shoulde not be welcome? what eie would not willingly open it selfe to behold the brightnes of the sunne? what eare will refuse to heare God speake? but it hath alwaies bin so. There haue euer bene some that haue loued darknes, rather than light. The worlde shall neuer be without some Annas, or Caiaphas, or Iudas, or Pilate. The children of the Diuel shal alwaies set themselues against the children of God.

The cause of tumults and troubles, procée∣deth not from the Gospell. The Gospell of Christ is the Gospell of peace. But the ene∣mies of the Gospel, are stirrers of •…•…quietnes, and inflamers of war. Abel was simple, Caine spitefull: Iacob smooth, Esau rough and hairie: Dauid gentle, Saul cruel: Ioseph innocent, his brethren wicked, and fell vpon him. The Apo∣stles humble in heart and peacemakers, the Pharises bloudthirstie, and sought to put them to death. The like examples are before vs this daie. The whole worlde is in an vp∣roare,

and great troubles and afflictions are in al places. No man is able to declare the mi∣sery thereof. Let no man therefore slaunder, or forsake the Gospel. It hath bene so from the beginning, and from time to time.

Such troubles, confusion, and miserie, are wrought not by the gospel, or them that re∣ceiue the gospel: but by those which resist it. they practise all meanes, and turne all things vpside downe, rather than it should take place. The wicked are angrie there with, they gna•…•…h their téeth, and consume awaye. This is the cause, for which, the children shall rise against * 1.64 their parentes, and shal cause them to die. Cain murthered Abel, because God had respect vn∣to Abel, and to his offring. Esau could not a∣bide Iacob, because Isaac had giuen him his blessing. The brethren of Ioseph sought to make him away, because God had a fauour vnto him. Saul was wrothfull against Dauid, because God gaue him great gifts of courage, and strength, and wisdome. The Aegyptians loathed the childrē of Israel, because they were Gods people. The Galathians resisted Paul, because he preached the trueth. Therefore (saith S. Paul) we labor and are rebuked, because we * 1.65 trust in the liuing God, which is the sauiour of al men. Speciallie of those which beleue. Like∣wise saith our sauior, They shall excommuni∣cate * 1.66

you, yea the time shal come, that whoso∣euer killeth you, wil think he doth God seruice. And these things wil they do vnto you, because they haue not knowen the father nor me.

Euen so standeth it with the Church of God this day. There is nothing new that is vnder the sunne. Whatsoeuer is done nowe, hath béene done afore. Who wil lift vp his eyes, and looke to the dooinges of men, shal sée Cain rise vp against Abel, Esau against Iacob, the cruel brethren against Ioseph, Saul against Dauid, Pharao against Moses, the Aegypti∣ans against the people of God, the High Priests and the Pharisees, against Christ, and al that wil be his disciples: they change peace into warre, they turne iudgement into gal, and the fruit of righteousnesse into wormewood, they resist the truth of God, to establish deuises and doctrines of men. But blessed be God, they shal not preuaile. Hee giueth vs peace. He hath made vs turne our swords into mattocks. He hath taught vs altogether with one mouth, and one heart to praise him, euen the father of our Lorde Jesus Christ. His truth is mightie, and shal preuaile.

V. 3. For our exhortation was not by deceit, nor vncleannesse, nor by guile.

4. But as we were allowed of God, that the Gospel should be committed vnto vs, so wee

speake, not as they that please men, but God, which tryeth our hearts.

God (sayth he) hath chosen me from my mo∣thers wombe, and set me apart to the office of an Apostle. He hath appointed me to carrie his name before the Gentiles. Therefore as he hath giuen mée charge to preach the Gospel, and to bring the people vnto him from the po∣wer of Satan: so I speake, truely, faithfully, sincerely, not as the words of men, but as the wordes of God. I haue vsed no deceit, nor taught you to folow traditions of men in •…•…de of the commaundements of God. In like sort saith he to the Corinthians: I haue receiued of * 1.67 the Lorde, that which I also haue declared vn∣to you. And againe, We are ambassadours for * 1.68 Christ, as though God did beseech you tho∣rough vs. For this cause he sayth vnto them: Seing that we haue this ministery, as we haue * 1.69 receiued mercie, we faint not, but cast from vs the cloakes of shame, and walke not in crafti∣nesse, neither handle we the word of God de∣ceitfully: but in declaration of the trueth, we approue our selued to euerie mans conscience in the sight of God. In these spéeches he asketh credit, because of his vpright handling of the word: and chargeth the false prophets for mar∣ring the worde of God with vncleane and de∣ceitful corruptions and glose•…•…

In forraine countreis, women that haue no natural beautie of their own, vse to paint and colour their faces, that wheras they lack beau∣tie in déede, yet they may séeme beautiful. E∣uen so is it oftentimes in matters of religion. Such as holde not the true religion, as it is taught by the word of God, and hath beene pra∣ctised in those Churches, which the Apostles planted, and among those Christians which liued nighest vnto that time, when the Apo∣stles preached: because they knowe, their reli∣gion which they professe nowe wil not agrée with that: they deale deceitfully and with guile. These be false Apostles, and deceitful workmen. They beguile our senses, and blind our eyes. They cal vs to worship an Idol, in stéede of the true and liuing God. They lead vs out of the light into darkenesse, from the truth into errour, from knowledge vnto ignorance. They forbid laweful matrimonie, and cal it filthinesse, and allow open stewes and harlots as a thing which nothing empaireth their ho∣linesse.

I wil not speake al that I might, nor in such sort as the matter occasioneth. Yet can I not but say somewhat of their spirituall crafti∣nesse in abusing and beguiling the people of God.

The Aegyptians furnished richly, & decked

their churches beautifully, and al in the honor of a •…•…t. Many things among these men carrie great shew of holinesse, which are nothing else, but cloakes of their shame, and manifest proofe that they are not allowed of God, but are crept in by deceit, and by guile.

Single life carrieth a faire shewe. But O merciful God what shame and vilanies haue béene couered with this cloake? Pius secundus * 1.70 sawe somewhat, when he sayde, as mariage was taken away from priests vpon great con∣siderations, so now vpon other greater conside∣rations it were to be restored to them againe. Hierome saw somewhat when he wrate thus, Vide as nonnullos accinctos renibus, pulla tunica, * 1.71 barba prolixa, à mulieribus non posse discedere, sub codem manere tecto, simul inire conuiuia: ancillas •…•…uuenes habere in ministerio, & praeter vocabulum nuptiarum omnia esse matrimonij. You may see some (that pretend grauitie) are girded, & go in blacke, and haue long beardes, who can in no wise leaue the companie of women, but keepe house with them, and banquet with them. They take young maydens into their seruice, and do al thinges as if they were married, saue that they lacke the name of mariage. Castita∣tem * 1.72 docent, & castitatem non seruant, sayth Ori∣gen. They teach chastitie and yet keepe not * 1.73 chastitie. And Epiphan. They refuse mariage,

but not lust or pleasure.

Images are faire and beautiful. The chur∣ches are decked and beset with them: but they are a cloake of shame. They are set in place of teachers. The Priestes are ignorant, and liue in idlenesse, and sende the people to learne at pictures. They cal them lay mens bookes: yet, What profiteth the Image (sayth Ab•…•…) for * 1.74 the maker there of hath made it an image, and a teacher of lies? And Ieremie saith, The stocke * 1.75 is a doctrine of vanitie.

What is their meaning to speake, and pray in the Church in a straunge tongue? This is a cloake of their shame. Their priestes be so vn∣learned, they can scarce vnderstand english, yet they saue their credite, séeing they are able to reade latine. And hereby they couer al their blasphemies, and superstitions: because the people can not vnderstande, and therefore not reproue them.

I speake nothing of their reliques, pilgri∣mages, purgatorie, and such other cloakes of shame, which they vse to hide their couetous∣nesse, and thereby drawe vnto themselues the riches of the whole worlde. They cannot say with the Apostle, our exhortation was not by deceit, nor vncleannesse, nor by guile.

I know there are some, that lay it vnto our charge, as the false Apostles did vnto Paule,

that we vse the word of God deceitfully: they finde fault with our translations of the Scrip∣tures. They spare not to say, there be a thou∣sand faults in the new Testament. Yet would they neuer set downe 500, or 100, or 50, or 25, or 5.

If there be errors in the translation, I know they were men which translated it, and might erre like men. May no translation be allowed that is not altogether perfect? As if the gréeke translation were without fault, or as if ma∣nie faultes were not in the common vulgar translation in latine, or in the translation of Hierom. What then? Must the gréeke transla∣tion be forbidden? Must Hieromes translation, or the vulgar translation be forbidden? As for the old latine common translation, though ma∣ny learned men haue shewed the grosse errors thereof: Yet haue they wel prouided for it in the counsel at Trident, Ne quis veterem vulga∣tam editionem reijcere quouis praetextu audeat, vel praesumat. Let no man dare, or presume (say they) by any maner of colour, to refuse the old common translation of the Bible. Yet is no translation of ours so corrupt, as that which they haue thus priuiledged. But if it were true which they falsely report: reason would, they did correct the errors, and so set it abroad. But thus they beare in hande, that they may

bring you in hatred of it, and pul you from the reading of the scriptures. I wil not say in what sort they abuse the word of God. What speake I of abusing? Nay they doe manifestly against, and contrarie to the worde. The worde of God teacheth vs forgiuenesse of our sinnes by the bloud of Jesus Christ once offred. They teach contrarie, that the same bloud is daylie offred, and Christ as often newe borne, as pleaseth the priest to say masse. The word of God forbiddeth to make any grauen Jmage, to bowe downe to it or worshippe it. They teach contrarie, that Images are to be wor∣shipped, and euen with such honour, as is due to the paternes themselues. The worde of God teacheth vs to pray in a knowen tongue: they teach the contrarie, and account it for he∣resie to pray in a knowen tongue. The word of God chargeth al states of men to bee sub∣iect to their Prince or higher power: They withdrawe their obedience vnto ciuile Ma∣gistrates, and teach the people to resist au∣thoritie. Erasmus sayth in his notes vppon these wordes of Christ: Let these goe their way. Nou: quendam magni nominis theologum, * 1.76 &c. I knowe a Diuine of great fame and account for his learning, which did wrest these wordes of Christ, to defende the im∣munitie or lawelesse estate of cleargie men.

but this did he ridiculè, fondly or peeuishly, saith Erasmus.

It would be ouer long to declare vnto you the foolish or rather blasphemous applying of the Scriptures, to approoue their gestures at masse, & the soueraintie and chieftie that they chalenge. One of their Bishops in y^e late coun∣sel as Trent, saide of Paulus 3. then Pope, Papa * 1.77 lux venit in mundum, the Pope which is the light is come into the world. Which are the words of the Euangelist, declaring the Godhead of Christ.

By these few, it may appeare how vniust∣ly they charge vs with corrupting the word of God. And howe truely this fault is to be laid 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to them, which either abridge the sense of the Scripture, or reach it further than it yéel∣deth, or vtterlie refuse to stande to the autho∣ritie thereof, and in no case can like that the people of God shoulde reade the Scriptures: and haue adiudged them heretiques, and con∣sumed their bodies in the fire, which haue de∣fended in spéech, and sought to maintaine the doctrine of truth set down in y^e holy scriptures.

The Apostle saith, He was allowed of God. They that enter into the ministerie, must be allowed not of men onelie, but of God. There∣fore, whosoeuer taketh that charge ouer the people, must looke narrowly into himselfe, & sée

whether his calling be of God. If be haue not a testimony that God hath called him inward∣ly, al other outward calling is to smal purpose. God is a righteous iudge. He will saie to the conscience and to the heart of such a one, friend how camest thou in hither without thy wed∣ding garment? Who brought thée in? Giue an account of thy stewardship: thine account is great.

And because some are this date to be admit∣ted into this office, let vs praie vnto God for them that god wil alow them, that he wil giue them hearts to conceiue, and tongues to speak the trueth of God, that they maie be the ser∣uants of Christ, and disposers of the mysteries of God: that they maie be the salt of the earth, and the light of the world: that they maie laie out the Lords money to his aduantage: and * 1.78 so it maie be said vnto them: Thou hast beene faithfull in little, I will make thee ruler ouer much, enter into thy maisters ioie.

V. 5 Neither yet did we vse flattring words, as you know, nor coloured couetousnesse, God is record.

6 Neither sought we praise of men, neither of you, nor of others.

The seruant and messenger of God must so speake, as God speaketh. God speaketh déeply, and to the heart. He launceth the spirit, and

woundeth the inward parts. He biddeth Esaie them the people their transgressions, and the house of Iacob their sinnes: God himselfe saith, I visite the sinne of the fathers vpon their chil∣dren, * 1.79 vnto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me. Againe he saith, If yee shall * 1.80 despise my ordinances, either if your soule ab∣horre my lawes, so that yee will not doe al my commandements, I wil set my face against you, and you shal fall before your enimies, and they that hate you shal raigne ouer you. But vnto those that repent them of their sins, and turne 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to him, God saith, Turne vnto me, & ye shal * 1.81 be •…•…aued. Againe, Thou disobedient Israel, re∣turne, * 1.82 saith the Lord, and I wil not let my wrath fall vpon you. So must the minister of God, he must •…•…hew foorth the mercie of God, & not hide his iudgements. He hath the Lords busines in band, he maie not do it negligently. A flatterer maketh it his greatest care to please men, hée séeketh their fauor, he feareth to displease, and dareth not speake that that will be euill taken. When he séeth a theefe, he runneth with him, & is partaker with the adulterers: he soweth pil∣lowes vnder the armes of sinners. Whosoeuer saith, nay, his nay is readie: & if any saie yea, he is ready to say, yea: he chāgeth often as y^e wea∣therecock: he dareth not striue against y^e stream: his hart is at the wil of others: he séeketh some

gaine, he séeketh his owne glorie, and not the glorie of God. They which are such, are called in the Scriptures, hirelings, dumbe dogs, that cannot barhe. They denie God, betraie his truth, and deceiue the people. They locke •…•…ppe the truth in lies. Of such the spirit of god saith: Woe vnto them that haue a double heart, and * 1.83 to the wicked lippes. And, A double minded man, is inconstant in al his waies. And, He that * 1.84 is not with me is against me: And, He that ga∣thereth * 1.85 not with me, scattereth. And, How long halt yee betweene two opinions? if the Lorde * 1.86 be God, follow him: but if Baal be hee, then goe after him. And againe, What communi∣on * 1.87 hath light with darknesse? and what concord hath Christ with Belial? Cursed is he which •…•…attereth the people, and is vnfaithfull in the Lordes worke.

Nothing is so requisite in the steward of God, as that he be found faithful, and that he speake those things whereunto the Lord hath sent him, boldly. That they kéepe not backe the message giuen them of God, nor feare to doe their errand, for anie malice of men. Who is it (saith Saint Peter) that wil harme you, if you * 1.88 follow that which is good? notwithstanding, Blessed are yee, if yee suffer for righteousnesse sake: yea, feare not their feare, neither be trou∣bled. If the Apostle speake this comfort to all

Christians, which haue a care to serue God, and thereby erhorteth them to stedfastnes, and to sanctifie the Lord in their bearts, and to •…•…e readie to giue an account of their faith, and of the hope that is in them: howe much more ought •…•…reachers and they which are appoin∣ted to the ministerie lay aside al feare, and flat∣terie of men? Woe vnto them that goe downe * 1.89 into Aegypt for help. The Aergyptians are men, and not God, and their horses flesh and not spi∣rite: and when the Lorde shall stretch out his hand, the helper shal fal, and hee that is holpen shal fail, and they shal altogether faile.

Christ •…•…leth his di•…•…iples, they are salt, and they are light. Salt must néedes be sharpe to a rotten wound. Light must néeds be painful to a 〈◊〉〈◊〉. A good Ph•…•…ution must néeds trouble and disguiet his sicke patient, before hée can heale his disease: and a good surgion must néeds trouble and rip vp •…•…tered woundes. We are Sur •…•…eous, we are •…•…tions. The worde of God is committed vnto vs, that by vs it mi•…•… be applied to season the earth, and that the light ther of shonl•…•… shine foorth in al the wor•…•…. Cr•…•…put aloud, lift vp •…•…hy voice as a trumpet. If * 1.90 the trumpet giue an vncertaine sound, who wa•…•… prepare himselfe to the battel? When God had called •…•…eremie to the office of a Prophet, & said, Thou shalt go to al that I shall send thee, * 1.91

and whatsoeuer I commaund thee shalt thou speake: he said further, Feare not their faces, least I destroy thee before them. For beholde this daie, I haue made thee a defenced citie, and an iron piller, and walles of brasse against the whole land. Thou shalt not bend, thou shalt not yéeld. Thou shalt be a consuming fire: they shal be stubble before thée. Likewise saith God to Abraham, Feare not Abraham, I am thy buck∣ler, * 1.92 and thine exceeding great reward. When Mo•…•…es sought to refose the message, & th•…•…ught himselfe ouer simple to goe vnto Pharao, God answered, Certainely I wil be with thee. •…•…nd * 1.93 after he saith, I haue made thee Phara•…•… God, * 1.94 he shal tremble and quake at thy voice So saith Christ, What I tell you in darkenesse, that * 1.95 speake you in light, and what yee he 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the care, that preach yee on the houses. And •…•…are ye not them which kill the bodie, but are not able to kill the soule: but rather fear•…•… him which is able to destroy both soule and bodie in hell.

The consideration hereof euer mooued the Prophets and Apostles to warrant their say∣ings with authoritie from God, and to set a∣part al feare when they spake in his name. When Ahab reprooued Elias, Art thou hee that * 1.96 troubleth Israel? He answered, I haue not •…•…u∣bled Israel, but thou & thy fathers house, in that

yee haue forsaken the commandements of the Lorde, and thou hast followed Baalim. The Prophet Esaie is bolde with the Princes of Iu∣da and Ierusalem, and saith, Heare the word * 1.97 of the Lorde, O Prince, of Sodome, hearken vnto the law of our God, O people of Go∣morrha Iohn the Baptist nothing feared to tell Herod a mightie Prince, It is not lawfull * 1.98 for thee to haue her to wife. If Balaac woulde * 1.99 giue mee his house ful of filuer and golde, sai∣eth Balaam, I cannot passe the commandement of the Lord to do good or bad of mine owne minde: What the Lord shall commaund, that same will I speake. Moses was bid to tell Pharao, The Lord God of the Hebrewes hath * 1.100 sent me vnto thee. Christ calleth Iames and Iohn the sonnes of Zebedeus Boanerges, which is, the sonnes of thunder, bicause they shoulde not flatter, but raise tempest, and lighten, and thunder in the eares and hearts of their hearers.

Saint Paul saith, I am not ashamed of the * 1.101 Gospell of Christ, for it is the power of God vnto saluation to euerie one that beleeueth. It is the worde of God, and shall endure for euer. He hath not giuen vs the spirit of feare to flat∣ter, but the spirite of might and of power to speake roughly and couragiously, where oc∣casion so requireth. And therefore saith, If I

would please men, I were not the seruaunt of Christ. But I preach Gods doctrine, and not the doctrine of men: I séeke to please God, and not men.

The Pharises sought to please men, and to deceiue the people. They taught them to walk in the waies of their forefathers, to beléetie as they beléeued, to doe as they had done. They flattered them, and saide you are the Church of God, you are Gods people, you are the sonnes of Abraham, you can not erre, you can not be deceiued. They that in this sorte flatter the people and deceiue them, they serue not Iesus Christ, but their bellie, and through flatterie and faire spéech seduce the hearts of the simple.

Nor coloured couetousnesse. The Scribes & the Pbarises deuoured vp widowes houses vnder pretense of their long praiers: they prai∣ed, and made mony of their praiers: they gaue almes, and made monie of their almes giuing: they fasted, and made monie of their fasting. This did the Scribes & the Pharises: their do∣ings continue stil: they be dead, their name is takē away, but their prosessiō abideth. As they made gains of their praiers, & alms, & fasting: so do some now make great gaines, & war rich vnder pretence of holines. They haue brought in a professiō of wilful chastity, & forbiddē ma∣riage in some whole estate of men. No doubt

•…•…astitie is a holy thing. But they haue giuen licence for money, to such as would, to for∣sake their vowe of chastity. They haue forbid∣den to eate certaine meates, vppon certaine dayes. God left meates as frée to the choise of euery man, as he left his sunne to shine fréely to the vse of al men. And they make frée liber∣tie for money, to eate what euerie man liketh. They make money of Purgatorie, money of pardons, and money of their Masses. They make money of Peter, and of Paule, of the A∣postles, and Martyrs, and of Christ himselfe. These are they of whom Saint Peter speaketh, * 1.102 Through couetousnesse shal they with fained wordes make marchaundise of you. One sayth of them, Curia Romana non captat ouem sine lana. The court of Rome careth not for that sheepe, that hath no fleece. I wil not lay foorth at large, how they do•…•… al thinges for couetousnes. I haue no pleasure in speaking it. God graunt vs, so to deliuer the gospel aright, that we vse not the trueth of God, for a cloake of couetousnesse.

Neither sought wee praise of men, neither of you, nor of others. This is an other hinde∣raunce of the course of the Gospel, when the ministers thereof loue the praise of men more than the praise of God. Howe can ye beleeue * 1.103 (sayth Christ) which receiue honour one of an

other, and seeke not the honour that commeth of God alone? how farre the Apostle was from this ambition, it appeared. For he was reui∣led, and euil spoken of, and counted the filth and outcast of the world.

V. 7. When we might haue beene chargea∣ble, as the Apostles of Christ: but we were gen∣tle among you, euen as a nourse cherisheth her childrem.

8. Thus being affectioned to you, our good wil was to haue dealt vnto you, not the Gos∣pel of God onelie, but also our owne soules, because ye were deare vnto vs.

9. For ye remember, brethren, our labour and trauaile: for wee laboured day and night, because wee woulde not be chargeable vnto any of you, and preached vnto you the Gospel of God.

10. You are witnesses, and GOD, howe holilie, and iustlie, and vnblameablie wee behaued our selues among you that be∣leeue.

I might haue required meate and drinke, & other thinges necessarie, at your hands. For who féedeth a flocke, and eateth not of the milke of the flocke? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruite thereof? who go∣eth a warfare at any time of his owne cost? who mousleth the mouth of the ore, that trea∣deth

out corne? we plant the vineyarde of the Lorde of hoastes. Wee féede Christes flocke. We goe to warfare, and stande in the watch & defence of your safetie. We are the poore oxen, that treade out the corne, which wil féede you to saluation. We are your seruaunts, we la∣bour to doe you good, we are ordained to mini∣ster in the Church of God. It were great rea∣son wee should reape your carnall thinges, which haue sowen to you spiritual thinges. The workeman is woorthie his wages. Yet taught I the Gospel fréely, and without re∣warde, and was readie to giue my bloud, my life, and my soule out of my bodie for your sakes. What coulde you aske of me more•…•… what greater gift coulde I bestowe vppon you?

V. 11. And ye know how that we exhorted you, and comforted, and besought euerie one of you (as a father his children)

12. That ye would walke worthie of God, who hath called you to his kingdome and glorie.

I tooke care of you as of mine owne soule, and dealt with you by alwayes of com∣fort, and erhortation, that you would take héede vnto your selues, and your calling. I did put you in minde, that you were pla∣ced in the middest of the vnfaithfull people,

which knewe not God: and that they watched you and your doing: that their eye was vpon your housholde, your wiues, your seruauntes, and your children: vpon your selues, and your words, to espie if they might finde any occasi∣on to speake euil of you. I did beséech you by the glorious comming of our Lorde, and saui∣our Jesus Christ, that the name of God might not be il spoken of through you. You can not denie this. You must néedes confesse, you haue thus béene taught. Ignorance can not be your excuse. What remaineth then? but that you performe it? For the seruaunt that knoweth his maisters wil, and doth it not, shal be beaten with many stripes.

As a father his children. What maner care is it that the father taketh of his children. Ma∣ny men are fathers of children: but what man taketh the care, he ought to take for them? pa∣stours, or teachers of the people should be af∣fected towardes their people, as fathers are to their natural children.

Let such as are fathers, and haue children, knowe in what sort they must be careful. Your children are a good blessing of God, they bée members of the bodie of Christ, & the sonnes of God. The kingdome of heauen belongeth to them. God hath appointed his Angels to guide and leade them, and to •…•…ield them from

euil: and their Angels be in the presence of God and doe beholde the face of their father which is in heauen. They be fresh plantes of the Church. Who knoweth what neces∣sarie instruments they may be in the common wealth, and in the house of God? It is not y∣nough to féede them, and to nourish theyr bo∣dies, with necessarie sustenaunce. For this do the heathen that knowe not God: and the sa∣uage and brute beastes, and the birdes which haue no vnderstanding. They bréede vp their young ones, and are tender and paineful to prouide for them. The asse though she be dul, the Beare, and Lion, though they be wilde and cruel, yet séeke they farre and néere to get wherewith to helpe their young. There∣fore if there be anie, or can bee any which doeth forsake and leaue his owne, he is more beastly than the foolish Asse, and more vnna∣tural than most cruel Beares, and Lions, and Tigres.

But in this part men are for the most part ouer careful. For this cause many build their houses with bloud, and séeke possessions by iniquitie: they ioyne house to house, and fielde to fielde, and wil dwel alone vpon the earth: they oppresse the poore and néedie, and doe wrong to the widowe, and the fatherlesse: they make money their God, and spoyle one

an other: and al to prouide for their children. This is the couer and cloake for al their mis∣thiefe, they may not leaue their children vn∣prouided. Unhappie are the fathers, which in this sort care for their children, by the ruine & spoyle of the néedy and innocent, and so breake the commandement of God: because their por∣tion shal be with the wicked in the lake that burneth with fire and brimstone. And vnhap∣pie are their children, because they are parta∣kers of their fathers wickednesse, and there∣fore shal also be partakers of punishment with them. The Prophet Dauid sayth, I haue seene * 1.104 the wicked strong, and spreading himselfe like a greene Bay tree. Yet hee passed away, and loe, he was gone, and I sought him, but hee could not be found. His roote was déepe, his stocke strong, his braunches broade, he spread ouer and shadowed the whole countrey, yet he passed away. He departed, his sonnes died, his house soone decayed, and his name was in lit∣tle time quite forgotten.

Oh howe much better then is it to furnish the mindes of your children, and to instruct them in godlinesse, to teach them to knowe God, to leade their life vertuously, and to re∣buke them, and correct them for dealing il.

The beginning of wisedome is the feare of God. Let them then learne what that good and

acceptable wil of God is. Shewe them the way in which they should walke, that they goe neither to the right hande, nor to the left. The worde of God is pure and giueth vnder∣standing to the simple: it is a light to their footesteps: it teacheth those that are young to amende their wayes.

When Christ came into Ierusalem, the young children receiued him. They cryed O∣zanna * 1.105 to the sonne of Dauid: Blessed is he that commeth in the name of the Lorde. Christ gi∣•…•…eth witnesse of them, By the mouth of babes and sucklinges, hast thou set foorth thy praise. The wordes of the little and simple children were able to confounde the wisedome of the Pharise is. Thus were they taught from their cradle, so careful were their godly parents for them.

Contrariwise, they can not haue any wise∣dome, that despise the lawe of the Lord. They become blinde, and wicked, & abhominable in al their waies. They haue no sense, nor féeling of the wil of God. They cannot know light frō darkenesse, nor God from Belial. Such were the little children that mocked the Prophet E∣lizeus, and said to him, Come vp thou baulde * 1.106 head, come vp thou bauld head. Their bringing vp was no better. Their wicked fathers had taught thē nothing el•…•… but wātonnes. But the

wrath of God fel vppon them, and there were destroyed by two Beares two and fortie of them.

An other care, which a father ought to haue of his children, is to leade them vp in the stu∣die of vertue, and of godly life. Blessed are the * 1.107 pure in heart, for they shal see God. They which kéepe not this way, are the children of wrath. Herein standeth the whole profession of a Christian life. For God hath not called vs * 1.108 to vncleanesse, but vnto holinesse. This is the wil of God and this is our promise made vn∣to him, that wee serue him in holynesse and righteousnesse al the dayes of our life, that we encrease in vertue, and growe from grace to grace.

A good and louing father, which sendeth his sonne to a daungerous iourney, either by sea or lande: first instructeth him with aduise, and telleth him in what sort hée shal auoyde perils. Take héede, sayth he, the way is peri∣lous, which thou must passe. The sea is terri∣ble. The waues rise vp as high as heauen, and by and by thou shalt sée a pit as lowe as hel. The sandes may swallowe thée, the rockes may destroy thée. Thou shalt passe by huge mountaines, and through wildernesse, where théeues wil assault thée. Thy heart wil quake. Thou shalt crie for succour, and finde no man

to helpe thée. In these and these places hath manie a good mans childe béene cast away. Oh take héede my sonne, thou art the staffe and the comfort of mine age. If aught come to thée o∣therwise than wel, I shall soone after ende my dai•…•… in sorrow.

If a father be thus carefull, that his child shoulde escape worldlie dangers: hée must be more carefull of spirituall daungers, in which whosoeuer is lost, is lost for euer. Ther∣fore, thus wil he saie to him: Oh my sonne, vnderstande what GOD hath doone for thy sake. Take héede to thy selfe: the worlde is al ouer •…•…rewed with snares. The dinel ran∣•…•… and séeketh whome he may deuour. Giue •…•…round to him, but resist him, and he wil 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 thée. Be strong in saith. The name of the Lorde, is a strong Tower of defence-Call vppon him in the daie of thy trouble, and he wil deliuer thee. Hée wil giue thée of his spirite.

Take hée•…•… my sonne, and be not deceiued: let 〈◊〉〈◊〉 wilfulnesse cast thée away. If sinners entire thée, be not a companion of them in wickednesse. Fashion not thy selfe to the like∣ne•…•… of this worlde: for the worlde passeth a∣waie, and the lust thereof. He that loueth this worlde, the loue of God is not in him. Be not like vnto them that perish. Thou wast

conceiued and borne in sinne, thou arte by na∣ture the childe of wrath. But God made thée méete to be partaker of the inheritance of the Saints in light, and hath deliuered thée from the power of darkenesse, and hath tran∣slated thée into the kingdome of his deare son. Receiue not this grace in vaine. Cast a•…•…aie the workes of darkenesse and put on the ar∣mor of light. Be renewed in thy heart, and in thy spirite, that it maie appeare I haue béene careful for thée. Thus a good father sée∣keth to traine vp his sonne, and to nurturs him.

Besides these, fathers must also be care∣full for their children, to giue them correction and chastisenient. God knoweth the mould of mans heart. Hée séeth our inward partes. * 1.109 He hath said it in the beginning, The imagina∣tion of mans heart is euill from his youth. Hée * 1.110 did sée that al the imaginations of the thoughts of his heart were onelie euill continually. Be∣holde mans nature, and consider it euen from our first birth. Howe full of affections, howe waiward in the young childe, which lieth in the cradle? His bodie is but smal, but hée hath a greatheart, and is altogether en∣rlined to euill. And the more hée wareth in reason by yeares, the more hée groweth prowde, froward, wilful, vnrulie and dis∣obedient.

If this sparckle be suffered to en∣crease, it will rage ouer, and burne downe the whole house. Wée are not borne good, but by education wée are changed, and become good.

Therefore the wise man saieth, Foolish∣nesse * 1.111 is bound in the heart of a childe: but the •…•…odde of correction shall driue it awaie from him. And againe, The rodde and correction * 1.112 gu•…•…e wisedome: but a childe set at libertie ma∣•…•… his mother ashamed. And in the same Chapter, Correct thy sonne and hee wil giue thee rest, and wil giue pleasures vnto thy soule. Hée that spareth the rodde hateth the childe. 〈◊〉〈◊〉, If thou bring vp thy sonne delicately, hee * 1.113 shall make thee afraid: and if thou plaie with him, hee shall bring thee to heauinesse. Bow downe his necke, whiles hee is young, and beate him on the •…•…tes while hee is a child, least he wax stubborne, & be disobedient vnto thee, and bring sorrowe to •…•…hine heart, saieth Salo∣•…•…

〈◊〉〈◊〉 Who hath not heard the storie of E∣•…•…, and of his sonnes. It is worthie to be re•…•…mbred for euer. Hee had shrewd chil∣dren, they feared not GOD, but brake his commaundements, and offended the people. Their father heard of their doings, but tooke no care for it: hée suffered them, and

let them alone, so long, that God grewe dis∣pleased thereat, and called vnto Samuel, and * 1.114 saide, Beholde I will do a thing in Ifrael, wher∣of whosoeuer shall heare, his two eares shall tingle. In that daie I will raise vp against Elie al things which I haue spoken concerning his house: when I beginne I wil also make an end. And I haue told him, that I wil iudge his house for euer, for the iniquitie which hee knoweth, bicause his sonnes ranne into a slander and hee staied them not. And it came to passe shortly after, The Arke of God was taken by the Phi∣listines, * 1.115 and the two sonnes of Ely, Hophni, and Phinees died. And Ely also when he heard the report thereof, fell from his seate backeward, and his necke was broken. Such shame and confusion came vpon him. This was the hand and iudgement of God, in sparing his children, he cast awaie his children and himselfe altogi∣ther.

But Iob dealt farre otherwise with his children, his eie was vppon them, and hée tooke care least they shoulde offende God. He sanctified them, and offered burnt offerings for them daily. For Iob thought, it maie be * 1.116 that my sonnes haue sinned, and blasphemed God in their hearts. Therefore hée praied for them. My sonnes (saieth he) are yong and tender, and lacke discretion. The wages

wherein they walke are slipperie, they maie soone be dec•…•…iued and runne into danger. O Lorde be thou their guide, be vnto them a tower of defence, let thy holie spirit goe before them to direct them in al their waies. So mind∣ful was he of his children.

Infancie is the first part of our life, and as it were the foundation thereof. Where a vertuous and godlie childhood goeth before, there a godlie and vertuous age followeth af∣ter. Contrariwise, when the fathers are not carefull to teach their children to knowe God, and to know themselues: when they doe not bréede them vppe in vertue: nor reprooue them when they doe amisse: they become corrupt in their vnderstanding, and abhomi∣nable in their doings, voide of al knowledge, and grace, and of reuerence, or féeling of na∣ture.

V. 13. For this cause also thanke we God, without ceasing, that when you receiued of vs the worde of the preaching of God, yee re∣ceiued it not, as the worde of men: but as it is in deede, the worde of God, which also work∣eth in you that beleeue.

As the Ministers duetie is to teach the word of God, and diuide it aright, without de∣ceit or guile: so ought the people to receiue

it with reuerence, and to giue obedience vnto it. But herein haue wée not power of our selues, our readinesse commeth of God, vn, lesse it please God to worke within vs, and to remooue the vaile, and to mollifie our hearts, whatsoeuer wée heare, it mooueth vs not, it helpeth not our vnbeliefe, it bringeth vs not to the obedience of Christ.

If an earthly Prince speake, or send mes∣sage vnto vs, we giue al shewe of reuerence, and heare him with al diligence. This word is not of flesh and bloud, it procéedeth not from Kings or Emperours, or from parliament, or from councels of men: but from GOD the father and from Iesus Christ. When this worde is read, Princes and Empe∣rours stande vp, and laie downe their sword, and vncouer their head, and bowe their bo∣die, and doe reuerence, bicause they knowe it is the worde of GOD, which God himselfe vttered, that it should be as the deaw of hea∣uen to moisten our soules, as a well of water springing vp to euerlasting life: as a sauour of life vnto life: and the verie power of God vnto saluation to euerie one that beléeueth. Without this worde wée can receiue no comforte, wée can not sée the light, nor growe in saith, nor abide in the Church of God. It is the word of reconciliation. By it God ma∣keth

atonement betwéene himselfe, and the sonnes of men.

Therfore when the Epistles, the Psalms, the Chapters, and the Gospell are read in our hearing, let vs remember whose worde wée heare. Let vs thinke thus with our selues. These are the words of our gracious GOD. My God openeth his mouth from heauen a∣boue. Hée speaketh to me, that I maie be sa∣ued: he speaketh to me, to kéepe mée from er∣rour: to comforte mée in the aduersities and troubles of this life: and to leade me to the life to come.

What is the cause why so manie so little regarde the worde of GOD? Why they doubt it, and suspect it? Why they are so soone wearie of it, and beare it not that reuerence, that belongeth to it? Bicause they thinke not, neither from whome it commeth, nor with whose bloud it is sealed, nor to Inhose benefite it is written. Let vs not be ashamed to giue place to the worde of GOD, to awake our senses, and to submit them, and our wisedome and learning, and bodies, and soules vnto it. Let vs not harden our hearts, Let vs hum∣ble our selues before God, and saie, Beholde, * 1.117 here am I, let him doe to me as seemeth good in his eies.

Which also worketh in you that belceue. Whosoeuer heareth the wordes of God, and doth them not, shall be likened to a foolish man that buildeth his house vppon the sand. If yee know these things (saith Christ) blessed are * 1.118 yee, if ye doe them. The same worde of God which Paule taught the Thessalonians, which was preached by Peter, and the rest of the Apostles to the faithfull, which Christ receiued of his father, and deliuered to his Church, is this day by the mercie of God purely, and tru∣ly set downe vnto you. By it you are required to amend your liues, and comforted in the pro∣mises of GOD to the forgiuenesse of your sinnes. If there he anie, in whom it worketh not this effecte: if there be anie, which (though they heare it) beléeue it not, nor are thereby renewed in their mindes: it is a token, that they haue not receiued the lous of the trueth of the Gospell: they despise the worde of saluation, and it shall i•…•…dge them in that daie.

V. 14. For brethren, you are be∣come followers of the Church of GOD, which in Iudea are in Christ Iesus, because yee haue also suffered the same things of your owne countrie men, euen as they of the Iewes.

15. Who both killed the Lorde Iesus and their owne Prophetes, and haue persecuted vs, and God they please not, and are contrarie to al men.

16. And forbid vs to preach vnto the Gen∣tiles, that they might be saued, to fulfil their sinnes alwaies. For the wrath of God is come on them to the vtmost.

Wherein became they followers? In suf∣fring as they did. This is the badge, and cog∣nisance of the sonnes of God. Christ sayth: If * 1.119 any man wil come after me, let him deny him∣selfe, and take vp his crosse dayly, and followe mee. They followed others, not in pleasure and glory, but in trouble and persecution. For that was the way of the prophetes, and Apo∣stles, and of Christ himselfe.

Esay the Prophet, was cut in sunder with a Sawe. What more cruel death? His bo∣die was rent, his bowels torne, and yet hee not quite dead. In such sort it liked the cruel tormentors to sport themselues. Why? what had he done? he was a prophet. They néeded no other matter against him. It was ynough, that they found him to be a prophet. Hieremie was stoned to death. Wherefore? because he called the people to repentaunce, that they might be saued. Because he was a prophet. A∣mos was slaine with a barre, poore olde man.

No reuerence giuen to his gray head, no re∣garde or pitie was taken of him. Wherefore? because he rebuked iniquitie. Because he was a Prophet. Zacharie was s•…•…aine when he was in his prayers, and doing sacrifice in the holy place, betwéene the entraunce and the alter. Wherefore? Because he declared the trueth: because he was a prophet.

This hath béene the malice and hatred of the Diuel. The Prince of the darkenesse of this world hath raged so euen from the begin∣ning. By this meanes he hath sought to de∣face the truth & glorie of God, and to establish his owne kingdome in shedding the bloud and murthering the saints of God.;

The Churches of God in Iudea were mi∣serably bered and afflicted, they were hated of al men, and counted vnworthie of life. Wher∣fore? because they turned to the true & liuing god, & did beléeue in the name of Jesus Christ. Therefore they were stript, spoyled, headed, quartred, drowned, burnt, and put to most reprocheful death. Who would become their •…•…ollowers? Who would willingly learne to be so persecuted, and made gazing stockes to al the worlde is discouraged not the Thessalonians. They were a thousand mile•…•… distant from Iudea, but were ioyned in fellow∣ship of the Gospel, and in brotherly loue vnto

them. They hearde of their mildenesse and of their constancie, and were stirred vp by their example. They did hearken after them, and were carefull for them as for their brethren, and the members of the same bodie.

You haue heard what numbers of late haue béene persecuted and put to death among vs. Wherefore? because they turned from idols to serus God as he hath commanded, and did put their trust in him. You haue hearde how patiently and méekely they went to their death, and what a plentiful haruest God hath raised of their bloud. For the death of his saintes is precious in the sight of the Lorde. Their bloud cannot be spent in vaine. Wee must remember their patience and zeale, and the cause why they suffred. We must not de∣spise, or set light by the Gospel of Jesus Christ, for which they so ioyfully gaue their liues.

And it is not ynough that we be mindeful of such examples as we haue had at home. We must also carefully consider of other Churches abroade. God hath kindled a fire: he wil haue it burne. O what formentes doe our brethren daily suffer? What crueltie is deuised daily against them? I speake not of death onelie but of rackings, and wonderful extremities, more painefull than death. Wherefore are

these thinges done vnto them? Because they are turned to the true and liuing God, and be∣léene in the name of Jesus Christ. Some they hang by the hands, and drawe vp with a pul∣lie, and binde great weights of leade at their héeles to rent them, and teare their bodies a∣sunder. Some they haue tied vnto great pée∣ces of timber, and haue put fire at the soales of their féete. They haue opened their mouthes, and made them drawe in Lawne into their bodie. A thing most cruel, and yet which they haue practised, the maner whereof hath béene thus reported. They laie it so farre in the mouth, that a mans breath easily draweth it into his bodie, and so it is conueighed into the stomacke. When it is wel setled, then com∣meth the tormentour and taketh the Lawne by the other ende, and rasheth it sodainelie with such a force, as it séemeth, he doth plucke out the verie heart and entrailes: such a rare & strange kinde of crueltie as is not practised vpon most notorious rebels and traitors. As for death, 40 or 50 at one time haue béene hea∣ped together, and burnt in one fire. They haue set vpon the seruauntes of God, and compassed the Church where they haue assembled togi∣ther to pray vnto God, and murthered them in their innocencie, whiles they lifted vp pure handes vnto God. The French king, by the

counfaile of such as hate the Gospel of Christ, sent his cruel souldiers, and murthered his subiects at Valois. He ouerthrew their houses, burnt their Towne, destroyed man, woman and childe: spoyled their corne, and turned their trées vpside downe. He wasted, defaced, & vnpeopled it, not for that they were théeues or rehels: but because they beléeued in the name of Christ. Consider how many are mur∣thered in Flaunders, and in the kingdome of Fraunce. They are not so farre from vs, as Iu∣dea from Thessalonica. They ioyne next vnto vs. God is blessed in his saints, and holy in al his workes, no crueltie is able to quench his truth. There is no counsel, which shal preuaile against the Lord. He giueth increase, and pla∣ceth children in fréede of their fathers. The more are slaine by the enemies, the more spring up by the working of his spirite. The more are hewne downe, the more multiplie. We may not be strangers in this case. It be∣boueth vs to consider the afflictions of our bre∣thren. They belong vnto vs: We must pray to God for them, that he wil put an ende to their misenies: otherwise, wee haue not the spirite of God, we beare no loue, nor care for his bause.

Of your countrey men. This was the greatest, and beauiest part of their troubles.

For what a heartes griefe is it to the father, if his sonne rise vp against him? or to the sonne to sée his father readie to betray him, and to seeke his bloud? Where this is done, he will say, O father I am thy sonne, alas what haue I done to haue thy displeasure? death is bitter, but thy displeasure is more bitter than death. It were a cruel thing, that any man should kil an other: what is it then, if thou shouldest kil thine own child? yet if thou be so bent, take my life and spare my conscience: spare my soule, that I may deliuer it vp into his handes that hath giuen it me. I would be obedient vnto thée, thou art my father, but I may not disobey God. He is the father of fathers. He hath saide. He that loueth father or mother more than me, * 1.120 he is not worthy of me. It is a miserable case when persecution groweth so hot, y^• the child is driuen to forsake his father, or the father his child: yet so doth the world blind many, & Sa∣tan so possesseth their harts, y^• he turneth their loue into hatred, and shutteth their senses, and thoaketh and dammeth vp the springes of na∣ture. They become so blind, and so unsensible, that they neither féele their owne fleshe, nor know their owne bloud. They thinke in so do∣ing they doe God good seruice. They are ene∣mies to the truth. They are y^e enemies of the crosse of Christ: their end is destruction.

And forbid vs to preach vnto the gentiles, that they might bee saued. This is the ende whereunto the Gospel is giuen, that the peo∣ple should be saued. S. Paule sayth, God wil * 1.121 that al men shal bee saued, and come to the knowledge of the truth. Therefore our Sa∣niour appointed his Apostles to this office of preaching his word, saying: Go and preach the gospel vnto al nations. Goe vnto the lost sheepe of Israel. He sayth, It is not the wil of my father that one of these little ones should perish. Whosoeuer beleeueth and shal bee baptised, shal be saued. S. Iames exhorteth the faithful, Receiue with meekenesse the worde * 1.122 that is graffed in you, which is able to saue your soules. By it we heare the swéete voyce of our Sauiour, Come vnto mee all ye that * 1.123 trauaile and be heauily loaden, and I wil re∣frosh you. By it, we heare the merciful cal∣ling of God: Turne vnto mee and ye shal be * 1.124 saued: By it we are warned to depart from the companie of such as are enemies to the truth: and to haue no fellowshippe with the vnfruitful workes of darkenesse, Saue your selues, sayth, S. Peter, from this frowarde ge∣neration: * 1.125 By it we are taught to beléeue that Jesus Christ is the sonne of GOD: that •…•…is name is Jesus, because he shal saue his people from their sinnes; and that there is

not salnation in any other besides him. For faith commeth by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. This is therefore the dutie of the preacher, to preach vnto the people: that so they may be saued: that they may knowe the wayes of GOD, that they may repent them of their sinnes, and be renewed vnto godlinesse.

Who would thinke there were any that would hinder the course of the Gospel•…•…? or for∣bid to preach it unto the people? The Apo•…•…e here layeth that fault to the Jewes, That they forbid him to preach to the Gentiles. The same fault Christ founde in the Scribes and Pharises, Woe be to you, interpreters of * 1.126 the lawe: for ye haue taken away the keye of knowledge: ye entred not in your selues, and them that came in ye forbad. S•…•… there haue béene alwaies, and such there are now. O say they, why should y^• people know these thinges what should they meddle with the scriptures? let them do their businesse, and apply their oc∣cupations. It is not reason, not fit, that euery one should be learned. When they thinke they know somewhat, they become proud, and de∣nise heresies and maintaine them: as if God had not left them to enstruct the people: or, as if the holy scriptures, and not the malice at S•…•…tan, were the cause of heresies.

But God hath said, Gather the people to∣gether: * 1.127 men, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 women, and children, and thy stranger that is within thy gates, that they may heare, and that they may learne, and feare the Lord your God, and keepe and obserue all the words of this law. The Prophet Dauid thought it méete y^e people shold know the scrip∣tures, therefore said, Blessed is that man whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and in that lawe doeth exercise himselfe day and night. And againe, Wherewith shal a yong man re∣dresse his waies? In keeping thy words.

When Christ himselfe came first into the world to plant his Church, he vourhsafed the poore and simple the knowledge of his trueth, and the wed it first vnto them. The first that had tidings of his birth, were not Scribes and Pharises, out a company of poore shéepheards. The first that receiued his gospel & taught it in the world, were not doctors or learned men, bar•…•…rs & tol-gatherers, & of base condition. The first that met him with triumph at Ieru∣salem, and sang Ozanna, were not Bishoppes and priests, but babes and infants. They that followed him most, and beléeued, were not the greatest men of power and policy, but such as the Pharises termed, a cursed people, which knew not the law. The first that told the Apo∣•…•…les the resurrection of Christ, were not the

sagest and wisest men, but two or thrée séelie women. The first that were •…•…nuerted to the faith after his resurrection, were not any of the great learned or other wise estéemed, & known among the people, but about 3000. poore, séely, simple men, so base, & so out of knowledge, that not one of their names could euer be knowne.

Why should any man resist the wisedom of God? and denie the people the breade whereon they should féed: the light by which they maie safelie walke: the hearing and reading of the word, by which they may be turned to GOD from idols, to serue the liuing and true God? they haue cruel hearts, and are enimies to the glorie of God, and to the saluation of his peo∣ple, which in such sorte denie them the know∣ledge of the Scriptures.

To fulfil their sinnes alwaies. They haue re∣sused the word of reconciliation, they are not contented that they haue stoned the prophets, & killed them that were sent to the, but they yet resist the holie Gospel, & deuise meanes to kéepe al others from the comforte thereof. This is a token of Gods heauie displeasure vpon them, that they repent not of their former •…•…uils, but grow worse and worse. When the Scribes & Pharises séemed to •…•…ike the crueltie of their fathers, & said, if they had béen in their daies, they would not haue béen partners with them

in the vloud of the prophets: our sauiour ma∣keth their hipocrisie knowne, that herein they should be like to their fathers, for they shoulde kil and crucifie the prophets and wise mē, and scourge them in their sinagogues, & persecute them from citie to city, & said to them: Fulfil ye also the measure of your fathers. The cause of * 1.128 this indgement of God in giuing ouer the wic•…•…ed to increase the heape of their sins, the Apo∣stle setteth down to y^e Romanes, As they regar∣ded * 1.129 not to know God, so God deliuered thē vp vnto a reprobat mind to do those things which are not conueniēt. For so he somtimes punish∣eth our sins, & suffereth the wicked to heape sin vpon sin, y^e so their dānation may be y^e greater.

For the wrath of God is come on them to the vtmost. Though GOD he patient, and long suffring, because he would haue all men come to repentance: yet in whom his mercie taketh no place to worke their amendment, vpon them he poureth out his wrath and indig∣nation to the utmost. He meaneth not, that al the whole nation of the Jewes were so ca•…•… out of the fauour of GOD, that neuer anie of them shall be saued: for in an other place he faith, Hath God cast away his people? God * 1.130 forbid. For I my selfe am an Israelite, of the seede of Abraham, of the tribe of Beniamin. God hath not cast away his people, which

he knew before. But miserable shall be their end, and a terrible damnation shall they haue, whosoeuer withstand the truth of God, and to the rest of their wickednesse, ioine such a ha∣tred, and dispitefull contempt of the poore, and simple sort of the people: that they kéepe them from the wholesome wordes of doctrine, and forbid such as are willing to preach vnto them. This is their condemnation, that light came into the world, and they loued darke∣nesse better than light. They persecute vs (saith Saint Paule) and forbid vs to preach vnto the Gentiles, that they might be saued: to fulfil their sinnes alwaies: for the wrath or God is come on them to the vtmost.

V. 17 Forasmuch brethren, as wee were kept from you for a season, concerning sight, but not in heart, we enforced the more to see your face with great desire.

18 Therefore wee would haue come vnto you, (I Paul, at least once or twice) but Sathan hindred vs.

He tolde them before how dearely and ten∣derly he loued them, exhorting, comforting, and be séeching euerie of them, as a father his children. He taketh care, least by anie meanes they should doubt of his great good wil to ward

them. And therefore doeth both witnesse the same, and shew them through what cause hée hath staied from them. Such a zeale and care had he ouer the people. O in what case then are they, that are carlesse and make no regard of the people of God: which hunt after manie liuings, and bend not themselues to do good? which serue their owne bellie, and séeke to be rich, and eate vp the people of God, as if they were breade? They cannot say they haue a desire to sée the face of their flocke, and that their heart is with them. Howsoeuer they finde time for other matters, they can neuer take time to know their shéepe, and to doe the worke of their ministerie among them. They care not for them, they thinke not of them. They plant not, they water not, they watch not, they giue no warning of the daungers at hand: they teach them not to denie ungodli∣nesse and worldlie lusts, and to liue soberly, and righteously, and godlie in this present world.

It were happy if al such were remoued out of the Church of GOD. They destroie the soules of manie, and leade them to destructi∣on by their negligence. What accompt shall they giue vnto GOD for the soules of their •…•…rethren? where shall they stand, or what will they saie, when he shall bidde them make

a straite accompt of their stewardship? this is the practise of Sathan. He vseth al meanes to snare vs, and withdraw vs from that blessed hope. Sometimes he letteth the encrease of the Gospell, by raising vp tumultes, and dis∣quieting the Church of God, and stirring the hearts of such as are in au•…•…tie to perfecute by al meanes the teachers of the Gospell of Christ. Againe, when God giueth peace and quietnesse to his Church, he leadeth the ouer∣séers of the people to a forgetfulnesse of their duetie: to séeke the pleasures and delights of this life, and to haue no regard of the worke of the Lord. Such occasions the Diuel seeketh, to hinder our saluation, and to withstand the truth and glorie of God.

V. 19 For what is our hope or ioy or crown of reioicing? are not euen you it in the presence of our Lord Iesus Christ at his comming?

20 Yea, ye are our glorie and ioie.

The greatest comfort to him that laboreth, is, to sée that his labour commeth to good effect, and worketh that which he purposed. •…•…e hath before ayprooued his diligence and wed the mercie of God in making his word fruitfull, by opening their hearts that it might sincke into them, and take roote in them. Therefore now he erhorteth them to continue stodfast: that so

he may present them vnto God, and be par∣taker with them of euerlasting glorie. This ought to be the care of al such which are mini∣sters, they should séeke aboue al things to bring the people to such perfection of vnder∣standing, and to such godlinesse of life, that they may reioice in their behalfe, and so chéer∣fully waite for the comming of our Lord Je∣sus Christ.

CHAP. 3.

WHerefore since wee could no longer for∣beare, wee thought it good to remaine at Athens alone.

2 And haue sent Timotheus our brother, and Minister of God, and our labour fellow in the Gospel of Christ, to stablish you, and to comfort you, touching your faith.

I Knowe your faith in Christ Jesus is manie waies assaul∣ted. The enuious man will take al occasions to sowe dar∣nel among the Lordes corne. He wil séeke to take awaie the good séede that is sowed in your heartes. You are deare vnto mée. Your woundes are my wounds, and your griefe, my griefe. Therfore,

since I my selfe am hindred that I can not come vnto you, to be with you in your affli∣ctions: I send vnto you my fellow labourer in the Gospel. I haue but one with me, whome I loue tenderly, and trust him as mine owne soule: him I send vnto you. I leaue my selfe destitute, and without a companion, among the Infidels, here at Athens in a citie much gi∣uen to idolatrie, and which can not abide the name of Christ. Thus haue I burthened my selfe to reléeue you, and taken from my selfe to comforte you. I haue béene carelesse of my selfe, and carefull for you, and for the Church of God, which is among you.

The Apostle had sent Timothie to other places, to the Corinthians, and to the Philippi∣ans. He alwaies found him constant in faith, and zealous to do good vnto the Saints. And now commendeth him to this congregation, and calleth him brother, a minister of God, and his labour fellow, that so they might conceiue of his great care for them, which sent so wor∣thie a mā vnto them: and also that they would estéeme him, and haue him in reputation, to hearken vnto Timothie, and to do in al things as he should direct them.

Such as S. Paul nameth Timothie, should al they be, which are sent vnto the people. They must holde the faith of Christ vnfainedly,

and professe it boldly: they must be called, and allowed of God to his seruice: and must not be idle, but paineful, and labouring to builde vp the house of God, and to gather in his har∣uest: that they may truely be called the mini∣sters of GOD, and labourers in the Gos∣pel.

They that are called to this seruice, must not thinke it ynough, that they serue God, as men of other trades doe. For princes, and al sortes of people owe seruice and homage vnto God, to serue him in holinesse & righteousnesse al the dayes of their life. This seruice of god∣ly conuersation, and obedience, must mini∣sters also most carefully performe. But the e∣special seruice, which belongeth to their cal∣ling, is to carrie the arke of the couenaunt be∣fore their people, to doe their message truely when they are sent. To teach, to instruct, to erbort, to comfort, to rebuke in season and out of season: to plant, to wéede, to graffe, to shrid, to holde vp their handes and to pray for the people. To doe this seruice for kings, for subiectes, for rich, for poore, for the wise, for the simple: for the godly, and for the wicked: to e∣stablish them, and comfort them touching their fai•…•…h.

Paul call•…•…th himselfe often, The seruant of God, the seruant of our Lord Iesus Christ.

He reioyceth in this seruice, and reckoneth it in part of his glorie. If we consider the paines and trauailes, which he tooke, we shal knowe, what diligence al others that are called to the same seruice ought to shewe. Thus he writeth of himselfe. I am debter both to the Graecians * 1.131 & to the Barbarians, both to the wise men, and to the vnwise. Therefore as much as lyeth in mee I am readie to preach the Gospel to you also that are at Rome. Againe, Though I bee * 1.132 free from all men, yet haue I made my selfe ser∣uaunt vnto al men, that I might winne the more. And vnto the Iewes I became as a Iewe, that I may winne the Iewes: to them that are vnder the lawe, as though I were vnder the lawe, that I may winne them that are vnder the lawe. I am made all thinges to all men, that I might by all meanes saue some. Againe, Wee preach not our selues, * 1.133 but Iesus Christ the Lorde, and our selues your seruauntes for Iesus sake. Againe, Wee * 1.134 are reuiled and yet wee blesse: we are perse∣cuted, and yet suffer it. I serve not my selfe sayeth hée, but GOD. I serve not to séeke mine owne affections, but in set smith his glorie. Thus in his owne example he teacheth vs that in the seruice of the Church of God, we must indure al paines, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 refuse to followe our calling for anie reprothe or

shame, or vilanie, which may be wrought a∣gainst vs by men.

V. 3. That no man should bee mooued with these afflictions, for yee your selues knowe, that wee are appointed there∣vnto.

Thinke not that you shal enioy the plea∣sures of this worlde, if you he the faithful ser∣uauntes of Christ. Christ shed his bloud for thée, that thou shouldest not refuse to giue thy bloude for him. Drinke the cup of bitter gal, whereof Christ beganne to thée. And carie thy crosse, that thou mayest followe him. If thou be ashamed of the crosse, thou art ashamed of Christ: if thou be ashamed of Christ, hee wil be ashamed of thée before his father in heauen. The crosse can not hurt thée, for Christ hath sanctified it in his bloude. Beholde not the sworde which striketh thée, but thinke on the crowne of glorie, which thou shalt re∣ceiue. Gold is clearer after it hath béene put into the fire. Be thou gold, and the firie perse∣cution shal not hurt thée. Let not the feare of death put out thy faith. Trust in the Lorde, be strong, and he shal stablish thy heart. Bée roofed and built in Christ, and stablished in the faith. Then shall thy heart re∣•…•…oyce, and no man shal take thy ioie from thée.

V. 4. For verily when wee were with you, wee tolde you before that wee shoulde suffer tribulations, euen as it came to passe, and yee knewe it.

God giueth vs warning to be readie to suf∣fer afflictions for his name. My sonne if thou * 1.135 wilt come into the seruice of God, stande fast in righteousnesse and feare, and prepare thy soule to temptation. And in the Prouerbes: My sonne refuse not the chastening of the * 1.136 Lorde, neither be grieued with his correction. For the Lord correcteth him whom he loueth, euen as the Father the childe in whome he de∣lighteth. As manie as I loue, I rebuke and cha∣sten, * 1.137 sayth Christ. Therefore the Apostle tel∣leth the Hebrewes, If you be without correc∣tion, * 1.138 whereof al are partakers, then are ye ba∣stardes, and not sonnes. In the tenth of Ma∣thew, our sauiour warneth his Disciples here∣of, * 1.139 Beholde I sende you as sheepe in the mid∣dest of Wolues. Thus God schooleth, and nour∣tereth his people, that so through many tribu∣lations, they may enter to their rest. Franken∣cense whē it is put in the fire, giueth the grea∣ter perfume: spice if it be punned, smelleth the swéeter: the earth when it is torne vp with the plough, becommeth more fruitful: the séede in the ground, after frost and snowe, and win∣ter storme, springeth the rancker: the nigher

the vine is pruned to the stocke, the greater grape it yéeldeth: the grape when it is most pressed and beaten, maketh the swéetest wine: fine golde is the better when it is cast in the fire: rough stones with hewing are squared, and made fit for building: cloth is rent, and cut, that it may bee made a garment: linnen is buckt and washt, and wrung, and beaten, and is the fairer. These are familiar examples to shewe the benefite and commoditie which the children of God receiue by persecution. By it God w•…•…sheth, and scoureth his congregati∣on. We reioyce (sayth Saint Paul) in tribulati∣ons, * 1.140 knowing that tribulation bringeth foorth patience, and patience experience, and expe∣rience hope, and hope maketh not ashamed. The power of God is made perfect in weake∣nesse. And al things turne vnto good to them that feare the Lorde.

V. 5. Euen for this cause, when I could no longer forbeare, I sent him that I might knowe of your faith, least the tempter had tempted you in any sort, and that our labour had beene in vaine.

6 But nowe lately when Timotheus came from you vnto vs, & brought vs good tydings of your faith, and loue, and that yee haue good remembraunce of vs alwayes, desiring to see vs, as we also doe you.

7 Therefore brethren wee had consolation in you, in al our affliction, and necessitie tho∣rough your faith.

8 For nowe are we aliue, if ye stande fast in the Lorde.

9 For what thankes can wee recom∣pense to GOD againe for you, for al the ioy wherewith wee reioyce for your sakes before our God?

10 Night and daye praying exceeding∣lie, that wee might see your face, and might accomplish that which is lac•…•…g in your faith.

The Apostle continueth in declaring his ear∣nest affection towards them, and how greatly he reioyted to heare of their consta•…•…ie in the faith, and of their loue and agréement toge∣ther. For he feared it might haue happened to them, as it had doone to others. He preached to the Galathians, but they gaue care to faile A∣postles, and went backe from that hee had * 1.141 taught them. I am in feare of you (sayeth he) least I haue bestowed on you labour in vaine. And, ye did runnewel, who did let you, that * 1.142 you did not obey the trueth? it is not of the persuasion of him that calleth you. The Di∣uel hath bewitched you, and beguiled your eyes. Such is the sutfeltie and the power of Satan in the children of disobedience. Iudas

was an Apostle, equal with Peter, and the o∣ther Apostles. The Diuell entred into his heart, and bewitched him, and then he became the childe of destruction. Iulian the Apostata, was a Christian, and a reader in the Church, but became an enemie of Christ, and when he was stricken in the fielde by myracle from Heauen, hée threwe vp his bloude in defi∣aunce of Christ: so had the Diuel bewitched him, and changed his heart to wickednesse. It might haue béene that their weakenesse should in like sort haue béene overcome, when the tempter tempted them. And so the gold which hée had left with them might haue béene tur∣ned into drosse, & the light into darkenes, and the kingdome of God taken away from them. For then had his labour béene in vaine, and they had receiued the worde to their owne damnation. For it had béene better for them not to haue knowen the way of righteous∣nesse, than after they haue knowen it, to turne from the holy commaundement giuen vnto them.

The Diuel is the tempter. His strength and practise is not alwaies by force of armes, but by suttle persuasions & other sleights. He reaso∣neth w^t Eue, why she would not tast of y^e apple, which was swéete, pleasant & delicate. Telleth y^e poore woman: god did nothing but mocke hir.

For God knewe, what day they shoulde eat•…•… thereof, their eies should be opened, and they should knowe as much as God. Hee came to Christ, and sayd, Commaund that these stones be made breade, and cast thy selfe downe, if thou be the sonne of God: then thou shalt be worshipped, and taken for a great Prophet. He tempted Dauid after this sort, why wilt thou serue God? he hath aduaunced thine ene∣mies, and hath forsaken thée, and left thée in miserie, I fretted (sayth Dauid) at the foolish: * 1.143 These are the wicked, yet prosper they alway and encrease in riches. Certainely I haue clen∣sed my heart in vaine, and washed my handes in innocencie, for dayly haue I beene punished, and chastened euerie morning. Mine heart was vexed: so foolish was I and ignoraunt. I was a beast before thee. He tempted Iob the faithful seruaunt of God, and tolde him, that he was righteous and holy, and gaue almes in vaine: that God had no regard to his prayers, and would not heare.

This tempter waiteth al occasions to drawe vs from our faith, and stedfastnesse in the Lorde. Yet is he neuer so busie, as when anie persecution is raised against the trueth. Then is he in his ruffe. Then playeth hee his part, and leaueth nothing vndoone, whereby he may moue vs to forsake the trueth. Wilt thou

(saieth he) be so foolish to loose their life, and knowest not wherefore? art thou wiser than thy forefathers? Why shouldest not thou be contented to doe as thy father, and mother, and friendes, and kinsfolkes? thinkest thou they haue not as good care of their soules, as thou hast of thine? wilt thou make them Pagans and Infidels? dost thou thinke they are damned? be wise, and cast not thy selfe awaie. Flesh is fraile, life is swéete, death is dreadfull, but to die in the fire, to be burned a∣liue, to see thy armes, and thy legges quite burnt from thy bodie, and that yet thou canst not die, this is most terrible, thou canst neuer abide it.

Beholde so manie Kings, and Princes, Noble men, Cardinals, Bishoppes, Doctors, and learned men, and whole kingdomes and countries of the contrarie opinion. Be not wilfull. Thinke not thy selfe wiser than al the world. What were it for thée to come to the Church, and to shew thy selfe obedient, and to doe, as others doe? It is a small mat∣ter to looke vp, and holde vp thy hands at the sacring. If it be an offence, thou shalt be excused, because thou arte forced to doe it by authoritie. GOD is mercifull, he will forgiue thée. Thus and thus doth Sathan •…•…empt vs, and sifteth vs, to leade vs from

our stedfastnesse. These deuises he practised of latedaies before our eies, with manie constant professours of Christian religion, but through the mightie power of GOD, they quenched all his fierie dartes, and through manie tribulations entred into glo∣rie.

Thankes be to God, which doth make vs a∣ble through his grace, not onelie to beléeue in him, but also to suffer for his sake. He is faith∣full, and will not suffer vs to be tempted a∣boue that we are able, but will euen giue the issue with the temptation, that we maie be a∣ble to beare it. He hath bidden vs call vppon him, in the daie of trouble, and he will deli∣uer vs. Commit thy waie vnto the Lorde, * 1.144 and trust in him (saith the Prophet) and hee shal bring it to passe. I haue set the Lord al∣waies * 1.145 before mee, for he is at my right hand: therefore I shall not slide. And againe: The * 1.146 Lord is with mee: Therefore I wil not feare what man can doe vnto mee. It is better to trust in the Lord, than to haue confidence in princes.

When our sauiour foretold his Disciples of the troubles to come, he also maketh com∣forte to them of the strength, and the helpe which they shall receiue of GOD, saying: When they deliuer you vp, take no thought

how, or what yee shall speake: for it shall bee * 1.147 giuen you in that houre, what yee shall saie: he telleth them by whom they shall be persecu∣ted: * 1.148 Yee shall be betrayed also of your pa∣rents, and of your brethren, and kinsemen, and friends. And in what sorte: They shall laie handes on you, and persecute you, and de∣liuer you to the Synagogues, and into prisons, and bring you before Kings and Rulers. And for what cause: For my names sake. Then what the godlie in this case must doe: Feare * 1.149 them not. Hee that endureth to the ende shall be saued.

Last of all, hée promiseth to be with them and to strengthen them. This shal turne * 1.150 to you for a Testimoniall. Laie it vp therefore in your heartes, that you premeditate not what yee shall aunswere. For I wil giue you a mouth and wisedome, whereagainst al your aduersaries shal not be able to speake, nor re∣sist.

Thus were the things spoken of long béefore, which we haue séene lately done. Whosoeuer will sette downe the storie thereof, nowe they are passed, muste néedes declare it in the manner as it was forespoken. Their owne kinsfolkes, and friendes betrayed many, and brought them to the Bishoppes, who deliuered them into

prisons, for the name of Christ, and for the loue of his truth. The blessed witnesses or martyres of God, feared not, but endured. Manie were simple, yong men, yong mai∣dens, men and women of great age, labou∣ring men, and men of occupations. Yet God gaue them such a mouth, and such wisedome, as al their aduersaries were not able to speake against it, nor resist it. Who readeth that Scripture diligently, and considereth this sto∣rie of our time aduisedly, can not but confesse that the light of Gods Gospell is come among vs, and that we are they vpon whom the lat∣ter ende of the world is come, and in whome he doth shew foorth the great might of his po∣wer.

Therefore such temptations as Sathan vseth can not make the name of GOD fal from his ancker holde. His hope is safely laid vp in his breast. Hée knoweth in whome hée putteth his trust, and therefore saieth: I pre∣sume not of knowledge. I estéeme not to know anie thing, saue Christ Iesus, and him cru∣cified. I beléeue not in my fathers, I reue∣rence them and loue them, but I beléeue onelie in GOD. I feare not the sworde, I feare not what man can doe vnto me: but I feare him, that can kill my bodie and soule. It is better for me to abide the fire, and

lose my life, that I may liue for euer, than to denie GOD for safegarde of my life, and be caste into hell fire. If there be so manie partakers of their errours, and so fewe that cleaue to the trueth: the multitude of them shall not saue mée: and it is no triall of Gods trueth, whether it be receiued of many, or of fews. Cardinalles, and Bishoppes, and do∣•…•…ours may be wise, and learned. So were Annas and Caiaphas, the high priests, and Scribes and Pharises which did put to death the Lord of glorie. I dare not doe ill, bicause other men do it. I may not tempt God. My conscience is truely assured by Gods worde what is idolatrie, and the dishonour of God. If I should come into the Church, and make such shew as you aduise me, and be partaker with Idolaters, I should doe hurt to others in mine ill example: I should do against mine owne conscience, which would be a heauie witnesse against mée, both whiles I liue in this world, and in the dreadfull daie of iudge∣ment.

V. 11. Now God himselfe, euen our father, and our Lord Iesus Christ, guide our iourney vnto you.

12. And the Lord increase you, and make you abound in loue one toward an other,

and toward al men, euen as wee doe toward you.

13 To make your heartes stable, and vn∣blamable in holinesse before God euen our fa∣ther, at the comming of our Lord Iesus Christ, with his Saints.

I haue planted you, you are my children, whom I haue begotten in Christ. I loue you, and haue care ouer you. I haue an ercéeding desire to sée your face. But Sathan hath with∣stoode my purpose, and found meanes to kéepe me from you. I commit my voyage to God: if it please him, that I may come vnto you, to reioice with you, and comfort you. He kno∣weth what is good for me, and what is profi∣table for you. The cause is his owne. Hée will doe all things to his glorie. Hée will treade Sathan vnder our féete. We can not purpose, and dispose of our selues. I know, * 1.151 that the way of man is not in him selfe, ney∣ther is it in man to walke and to direct his steps.

The Lord increase you, in al godlinesse, that you may abound more and more, euen as you haue heard of vs, how you ought to walk. You are but a little flocke, God increase your number, and make all them partakers of his kingdome with you, which heare of your faith and conuersation in Christ.

To make your hearts stable and vnblamea∣ble. That nothing moue you or trouble you•…•… that your hearts and consciences be quiet: that you may stand vpright, and shewe your lelues in great confidence before his iudge∣ment seate: that when you shal sée Gods haud stretched out, & his plagues prepared against the wicked, you be not afraid. This is the ha∣uen of rest, whereto no man commeth but he that hath a quiet conscience, this is the taber∣nacle of the highest, wherein they shaldwell, this is the holie mountaine, wherein they shall rest, that walke vprightly, and worke righteousnesse, and speake the truth in their heart.

Here lette vs consider the rages and tempests of a troubled minde, and of an vn∣quiet conscience: which knoweth that GOD is an auenger of all wickednesse, and that death is the due rewarde of sinne: which ac∣knowledgeth him selfe to be a sinner, and findeth no way howe he shall escape Hell fire. This man when he thinketh with him selfe of these things, hée can not but be amazed and disquieted aboue measure. The sounde of the Trumpet is euer in his eares, he heareth the voice of the Judge, saying: stand foorth sinner: now declare how thou hast vsed thy bodie, giue a reckoning of thy

whole life. Then his conscience beginneth to quake and tremble. Then he néedeth no wit∣nesse to accuse him, nor iudge to condemn him. Hée is both witnesse and iudge against him∣selfe.

The daunger hereof maie somewhat ap∣peare, in those which are taken, and priso∣ned, and arraigned before a Judge. When hée knoweth him selfe guiltie, heareth the eui∣dence prwued against him, séeth the Judge se∣uere to deale iustice without mercie, and ther∣fore is assured of death: what griefe and tor∣ment féeleth he at heart? what would he not giue? what would he not doe to scape the dan∣ger?

But the danger whereun•…•… God iudgeth vs is greater. And the maner of his iudgement is straighter. Here the Judge maie be decei∣ued, he is but a man: but there GOD is the Judge, who is the searcher of the heart and raines, and no man shall be hidde from his heate. Here nothing can be done without eui∣dence, without witnesses, and proofe: before God, he that hath offended shall accuse him∣selfe. This is the case of conscience. It selfe is witnesse, it selfe ca•…•…eth for iudgement to condemnation. His conscience shall make the sinner say, I haue offended against God: I haue despised his word, & would not giue care

to learne it. I would not knowe the time of Gods mercie, and of my visitation: I liued in fornication: and committed theft: and kept wrongfully other mens goods: I was disobe∣dient to parents: nourtered not my children in the feare of God: kept not my heart from doing iniquitie: I abused my goods, my wits, my senses, and the good grace of God: I haue sinned against heauen, and against God, and am not worthie to be called his sonne: the wrath of God is worthily fallen vpon me: hel fire is my méede: the mercie of God can not saue me, for my sinne is greater, than that it can be forgiuen. Mine owne hart & conscience, heauen and earth, the angels and archangels, God himselfe, and Christ the redéemer of them that beléeue in him, are against me: I can not cast mine eyes to any place, but euer I sée my damnation before me. Then doth he tremble with agony, and stande in feare. His hart da∣sheth and beateth, as the waues of the sea. He s•…•…leth vprore, warre, lightning, thōder, death, and hel in his heart: hée shal flée when no man followeth him. He shal say•…•… to the hilles and rockes, fal on me, and hide me from the pre∣sence of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lambe. Such is the terrour of an vnquiet mind•…•…. Though al the princes in the world would ioyne themselues

to do it. The wicked can neuer enioy peace. God kéepe vs far from such agonies, and giue vs pure hearts, and cleare consciences.

CHAP. 4.

ANd furthermore wee beseech you brethe∣ren, and exhort you in the Lord lesus, that ye increase more and more, as yee haue recei∣ued of vs, how ye ought to walke and to please God.

2. For ye knowe what commaundementes we gaue you by the Lord Iesus.

WE commaunde you not, nor vse any force, but entreat you with all pacience and méeke∣nesse, that yée wil loue your owne soules, and thinke and doe those thinges which please God. You are they to whom the promise was made. God hath called you out of darkenesse into his maruailous light. He hath not dealt so with euery nation, neither haue they kno∣wen his iudgementes.

Wee come not to you in our owne name. We haue charge to preach y^e gospell to al nati∣ons. Therefore we speake vnto you in y^e name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We shewe you the

way that you may walke in it: we declare vn∣to you the wil of God, that you may be saued. For yet wil the Lorde waite that he may haue * 1.152 mercie vpon you, and therefore wil he be ex∣alted, that he may haue compassion vpon you, sayeth the Prophet Esay. Wee haue opened vnto you that whole treasure of Gods mercie. We haue lead you to the throne of grace, and made you sée the Lambe of God that taketh a∣way the sinnes of the worlde. We haue prea∣ched vnto you remission, and forgiuenesse of your sinnes through his name. If you haue hearde vs, and beléeue, you shal be saued. If a∣ny man preach vnto you otherwise, than that you haue receiued, let him be accursed.

How ye ought to walke and please God. It is not ynough, that ye beléeue: Ye must also walke and liue according to knowledge. This is the wil of God. For we are his workeman∣ship * 1.153 created in Christ Iesus vnto good workes, which GOD hath ordained that wee should walke in them. For the grace of God hath ap∣peared, * 1.154 that bringeth saluation vnto al men, & teacheth vs that wee should liue soberly, and righteously, and godly in this life. Looking for the blessed hope, & appearing of the glorie of the mighty God, & of our Sauiour Iesus Christ. In this sort hath our teaching béene among you. That you might shewe foorth your faith

by your works: That it auaileth you nothing to say you haue faith, if you haue no workes, because the faith that hath no workes, is dead. This we are taught by the words of our Lord Iesus, he sayth, Not euery one that sayeth vn∣to * 1.155 me, Lorde, Lorde, shal enter into the king∣dome of heauen, but he that doeth my fathers wil that is in heauen. Againe, Euerie tree that bringeth not foorth good fruite, is hewen downe, and cast into the fire. The seruaunt that knoweth his maisters wil, and doeth it not, shal be beaten with manie stripes. Thus hath our Lorde commaunded vs to be like our father which is in heauen: to let our light so shine before men, that they may sée our good workes. Thus the Apostle taught: Thus the church of God this day teacheth. It requireth faith, as the instrument, and meanes to apply the merites and passion of Iesus Christ for our saluation: and good workes as fruits, and witnesses of our faith. Whosoeuer learneth a∣right and beléeneth the gospell as he ought, groweth, and goeth forwarde from vertue to vertue. If be were ignorant before, he com∣meth thereby to knowledge. If hee were weake, he groweth in strength. If hée were wicked, he turneth vnto gedlinesse.

V. 3. For this is the wil of God, euen your holinesse, and that yee should abstaine from

fornacation.

4. That euerie one of you shoulde knowe howe to possesse his vessel in holinesse and honour.

God requireth true and vnfained holinesse. Wash you, sayth the Prophet Esay, make you * 1.156 cleane, take away the euill of your workes, from before mine eyes, cease to doe ill. This is the commaundement of God, that so wee should be partakers of his heauenlie nature. As hee which hath called you is holy, so be ye * 1.157 holie in al manner of conuersation, sayth Saint Peter.

Abstaine from fornication. Nothing so much hindreth true holinesse as fornication, vncleannesse, wantonnesse, and such like. E∣uery sinne that a man doth, is without the bo∣die, but he that committeth fornication, sin∣neth against his owne bodie. God is the auen∣ger of such. He wil iudge the adulterers, and fornicatours. Be not deceiued: Neither for∣nicatours, nor adulterers, nor wantons, nor buggerers, shal inherite the kingdome of heauen.

Knowe to possesse his vessel. That is, his bodie. And the bodie is the temple of the holy ghost, as he saith to the Corinthians. And there∣fore * 1.158 glorifie God in your bodie, and in your spirite: for they are Gods. In this bodie we

shal rise out of our graue, and appeare before the iudgement seate of God: in this bodie wee shal sit vpon the twelue seates, and iudge the twelue tribes. God shal crowne it with glorie and honour. Kéepe this vessel cleane, it is precious, keepe it in honour, keepe it in ho∣lines. Make not the member of Christ, a mem∣ber of the diuel. Shame not your bodies, shame not your selues.

V. 5. And not in the lust of concupiscence, euen as the Gentiles which know not God.

Giue not your selues ouer to filthie affecti∣ons, as the horse and mule which haue no vn∣derstanding, and, as the Gentiles which haue no feare of Gods iudgement. Their heart, and minde is vncleane. They know not God, they knowe not themselues. They knowe not the difference of this life, and of the life to come. Therefore they knowe not sin, or if they know it, they refraine it not, but follow the lustes of their corrupt nature, and giue themselues to wantonnesse, to worke al vncleannesse, euen with gréedinesse. Thus the Apostle setteth downe, what is the fruite of ignoraunce, and whereto a man groweth, that knoweth not God. That deuotion therefore, which some say is the daughter of ignorance, hath no like∣nesse with true holinesse. For this is life eter∣nal, * 1.159 saith Christ, that they know thee to be the

onely very God, and whom thou hast sent, Ie∣sus Christ.

V. 6. That no man oppresse or defraude his brother in any matter, for the Lorde is an auen∣ger of al such thinges, as we haue also told you before time, and testified.

Let no man defraude his brother, neither by false weight, nor by false measure, nor by lying words. Let your measures, & weights, & wordes be true: let your gaines be iust & true, that God may blesse them. His blessing will make you rich, and whatsoeuer he blesseth not, shal wast & consume, and do you no good. Doe vnto others as you would they should do vnto you. This is true dealing and vpright.

If thou speake more than is true, if thou take more than thy ware is worth, thy conscience knoweth it is none of thine. God will destroy al the workers of iniquitie. He that delighteth in sin, hateth his owne soule. The mouth that accustometh to lie, slayeth the soule.

Defraud not thy brother: he is thy brother, whether he be rich or poore: he is thy brother, and the sonne of God. Wilt thou do wrong to thy brother? wilt thou oppresse the son of God, and y^e euen in y^e sight of god? God is his father, he wil not leaue it vnpunished in thée. If he be simple and vnskilful, abuse not his simplicitie. God is the God of righteousnes. Deale iustly,

that thine owne conscience accuse thée not. Teach not thy sonnes nor thy seruauntes to deceiue others, and to gaine by wickednesse. After they haue learned of thée to deceiue o∣thers, they wil deceiue thée also. Iob prayed daily for his children. Be thou also careful that thy children and seruauntes deceiue no man, nor hurt any. Their sinnes shal be layd to thy charge. Why askest thou of God, that hée wil féede thée & giue thée thy daily bread, & waitest not vpon his wil, but séedest vpō the bread of in∣iquitie? This meate wil not nourish thée, this wealth wil not stande by thée, for God wil not prosper it. The wise man saith, The bread of * 1.160 deceite is sweete to a man, but afterwarde his mouth shal be filled with grauel. I gotten goods haue an il end. God hath said by the pro∣phet Aggeus, Yee haue sowen much, but you * 1.161 haue brought in little: Ye brought it home, & I did blowe vpon it. We haue examples here∣of daily. We haue séene great heapes of wealth sodainely blowne away, and consumed to no∣thing: great houses decayed, and the hope of the wicked quite ouert•…•…ne.

Here wil I speake somewhat of the vnhap∣pie trade of •…•…surie, because therin standeth the most miserable, and shameful deceiuing of the brethren. I wil not speake al that may be said, for it would be too long and ouer wearisome. I

will haue regard of that shal be agréeable, and profitable, and behooueful for you to heare. And that you may the better consider hereof and sée the whole matter of Vsurie, I will shewe you first, what Vsurie is: then, whence it spring∣eth, & what are the causes of Vsarie: thirdly, what commeth of it, what hurt it worketh to the common wealth: and I will laie soorth such reasons, as may make any good man abhorre it: Then I wil declare what the holie fathers, and the Apostles, and Martyres, and Christ, and God himselfe haue thought and spoken of vsurie.

Manie simple men •…•…nowe not what is Vsu∣rie, nor neuer heard of the name of it. The world were happie, if no man knew it. For e∣uil things do lesse harm when they be most vn∣known. 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and plagues are not kno∣wen, but with great miserie. But that you maie learne to knowe it, and the more to a•…•…horre horre it, this it is.

Vsurie is a kinde of lending of money, or corne, or olle, or wine, or of anie other thing, wherein, vpon couenant and bargaine, we re∣reiue againe the whole principall, which we delivred, and somewhat more, for the vse and occupying of the same. As, if I lend 100. pounds, and for it couenant to receiue 105. li. or anie other sum, greater than was the sum,

which I did lend. This is that which we call Vsurie. Such a kind of bargaining as no good man or godlie man euer vsed. Such a kinde of bargaining as all men that euer feared Gods iudgement haue alwaies abhorred, and con∣demned. It is filthie gaines, and a worke of darkenesse. It is a monster in nature: the ouer∣throw of mightie kingdoms, the destruction of flourishing states, the decay of wealthy Cities, the plagues of the world, and the misery of the people. It is thest, it is the murthering of our Brethren, it is the curse of God, and the curse of the people. This is Vsurie. By these signes and tokens you may knowe it: for wheresoe∣uer it raigneth al those mischiefes ensue. But how and how many ways it may be wrought, I wil not declare. It were horrible to heare: and I come now to reprooue Vsurie and not to teach it.

Let vs sée then what is the cause hereof and whence it groweth, who is the mother, the nurce, or the bréeder of Vsurie. For it gro∣weth not euerie where, nor among al men. Manie hate it, and detest it, and had rather die, than liue of such spoile. It is not of God, for God straitly forbiddeth it. Neither is it founde among the children of God: for loue séeketh not her owne profite, but to doe good to her neigh∣bour.

Whence then springeth Vsurie? Soone shewed: euen thence whence theft, murther, adulterie, the plagues, and destruction of the people doe spring. Al these are the workes of the Diuell, and the workes of the flesh. Christ telleth the Pharises, You are of your father the * 1.162 Diuel, and the lustes of your father you wil do. Euen so may it truely be saide to the Usurer, thou art of thy father the Diuell, and the lust of thy father thou wilt doe, and therefore thou hast pleasure in his workes. The Diuel en∣tred into the heart of Iudas, and put in him this gréedinesse, and couetousnesse of gaine, for which he was content to sell his maister. Iudas heart was the shoppe, the Diuel was the foreman to worke in it. Saint Paul saith: They * 1.163 that wil be rich, fal into tentation and snares, and into manie foolish and noisome lustes, which drowne men into perdition and destru∣ction. For the desire of monie is the roote of euil. And Saint Iohn saith, Whosoeuer com∣mitteth * 1.164 sinne is of the Diuel. Thus we sée, that the Diuel is the planter, and the father of V∣surie.

Couetousnesse, desire of money, vnsatiable gréedinesse, deceitfulnesse, vnmercifulnesse, in∣iurie, oppression, extortion, contempt of God, hatred to the brethré, and hatred of al men, are the nurces and bréeders of vsurie. It springeth

from Sathan, and groweth, and is watered, and fed and nourished by these cruell and dam∣nable monsters.

Let vs see farther, what are the fruits which come of Vsurie. For perhappes it doeth some good, and you may thinke, that manie are the better for it. These therefore are the fruites. It dissolueth the knotte and felowship of man∣kinde: it hardeneth mans heart: It ma∣keth men vnnaturall, and bereaueth them of charitie and loue to their dearest friendes. It bréedeth miserie, and prouoketh the wrath of GOD from heauen. It consumeth rich men, it eateth vp the poore, it maketh banke∣rupts, and vndoeth manie housholdes. The poore occupiers are driuen to flée, their wiues are left alone, their children are helplesse, and driuen to begge their breade, through the vnmercifull dealing of the couetous U∣surer.

When Dauid laieth out the wickednesse of the country where he was persecuted, he saith * 1.165 of them, Non defecit Vsura & dolus in plateis eorum, Vsurie & deceit departeth not from their streetes, one séeketh to spoile and eate vp an other. These are the commodities and the fruits of Vsurie. Such is Vsurie in the middest of a Citie, and such good it worketh, as fire doth, when it is set to the roofe of a

house, or as the plague doth, when it is ta∣ken to the middest of the body and toucheth the hart.

We haue heard whence Vsurie springeth, and what hurt it doth. Which, whosoeuer considereth, may finde cause ynough to loath it, and forsake it. One asked of Cato, What it was to commit Vsurie. What is it (saieth hée againe) to kil a man? He that is an Vsurer is a murtherer. The same Cato saith, Our fathers punished a thiese, with paiment of the double of that he had taken, but the Vsurer was alwaies condemned to paie foure times the valewe. They were wise men. They thought that an vsurer was much worse than a théefe.

For a théefe is driuen by extremitie and néede: the Vsurer is rich and hath no néede. The théefe stealeth in corners, and in places where he may be vnknowne: the vsurer open∣ly and boldely at al times. and in anie place. The théefe, to relieue his wife and children: the Vsurer to spoile his neighbour, and to vn∣doe his wife and children. The théefe stealeth from the rich, which haue inough: the Vsurer from the poore that hath nothing. The théefe fléeth and will be séene no more: the Vsurer standeth by it, continueth, and stealeth still: daie & night, sléeping and waking, he alwaies

stealeth. The théefe repenteth of his déede, he knoweth he hath done wrong and is sorie for it: the Vsurer thinketh it is his owne, that it is well gotten, and neuer repenteth, nor sor∣roweth, but defendeth, and maintaineth his sinne impudently. The théefe, if he escape, ma∣ny times becommeth profitable to his coun∣trey, and bestoweth him selfe painefully in some trade of life: the Vsurer leaueth his mar∣chandise, forsaketh his husbandrie, giueth him∣selfe to nothing, whereby his countrey maie haue benefite. The théefe is satisfied at length: the Vsurer hath neuer inough. The bellie of the wicked wil neuer be filled. As the sea is neuer filled with water, though al the streams of the world runne into it: so the gréedinesse of an Vsurer is neuer satisfied, though he gaine neuer so vnreasonably. The sea is profitable: the vsurer is hurtfull and dangerous. By the sea we may passe and come safely to the hauen, but no man passeth by vsurie without lesse or shipwracke.

Now heare what the godlie and learned fa∣thers of the Church haue thought of vsurie. No doubt they were godlie men, and wrate hereof, as God had inspired them, & as others before them had done. Augustine saith: Quid * 1.166 dicam de Vsuris, quas ips•…•… leges, &c. What shall I speakē of Vsurie, whereof the lawes and Iudges

require that restitution be made? is hee more cruel which stealeth something awaie from the rich man, or hee that killeth a poore man with Vsurie? Marke this, an vsurer, saith Augu∣stine, is cruel. Why? he killeth. Whom? the poore man, whom in charitie he is bound to re∣lieue.

Ambrose hereof saith, Vsur as solvit, qui victu * 1.167 indiget, an quicquam grauius? &c. Hee that lac∣keth wherewith to keepe life, payeth you Vsu∣rie. What heauier case may there be? hee see∣keth to be healed, and you poison him: he as∣keth you bread, and you giue him a knife: hee desireth you to set him at libertie, and you bring him to further bondage. And againe, Thou Vsurer growest wealthy by other mens * 1.168 heauinesse: thou makest gaines of their teares and weeping: thou art fed with their hunger: thou coinest thy money of the skinnes of those men whome thou destroyest: howe thinkest thou thy selfe to be rich, and yet beggest an almes of hym that is poore? And the same Father saith further, Ab hoc Vsuram exige, quem non sit crimen occidere. Whomsoeuer it is lawful to kill, thou maist lend him thy mony to Vsurie. For he that taketh vsurie, killeth without a sword. These be holy Fathers, and worthie of credite: they shewe vs, that V∣surie is as badde as to kill and murther a

man wilfully.

Chrysostome likewise, In his sensibilibus pe∣cunys * 1.169 prohibuit ne quis vsuram acciperet, &c. God hath forbidden that no man shall take V∣surie, in this sensible, or common monie. Why? because either of them is much hindered. Hee that oweth money is made poorer, and he that lendeth it, by this kinde of enriching himselfe, encreaseth the number of his sinnes. Againe he saith, Sicut fermentum modicum quod * 1.170 mittitur in multam farinam totam consper sionem corrumpit, &c. Euen as a little leauen leaueneth the whole lump of dowe, euen so Vsurie, when it commeth into anie mans house, draw∣eth all his substance, and chaungeth it into debt.

He that is an Vsurer, wisheth that al others may lacke and come to him and borow of him: that al others may lose, so that he may haue gaine. Therefore our olde forefathers so much abhorred this trade, that they thought an V∣surer vnworthie to liue in the companie of Christian men: they did excommunicate him. They suffered not an Vsurer to be a witnes in matters of Lawe. They suffered him not to make a testament, and to bestow his goods by wil. When an vsurer died, they would not suf∣fer him to be buried in places appointed for y^e burial of christians. So highly did they mislike

this vnmerciful spoyling, and deceiuing our brethren.

But what speake I of the auntient fathers of the Church? there was neuer any religion, nor sect, nor state, nor degrée, nor profession of mē, but they haue disliked it. Philosophers, Gréekes, Latins, Lawiers, Diuines, Catho∣liques, Heretiques, al tongues and nations haue euer thought an Vsurer as daungerous as a theefe. The verie sense of nature proueth it to be so. If the stones coulde speake, they would say as much.

Therefore our sauiour saith, Doe good, and * 1.171 lende, looking for nothing againe. Hée sayeth not, lende and looke not for your principal a∣gaine. But looke for no gaine thereby, looke not to receiue more than thine owne for the vse and occupying of it. Defraud not another: thou wouldest not an other shoulde defraude thée. Dppresse him not, haue pitie on his wife and children: thou wouldest not haue thy wife and children vndoone. In Leuiticus God sayth, If thy brother be impouerished and fal∣len * 1.172 in decay, thou shalt take no Vsurie of him, nor vantage, but thou shalt feare thy GOD that thy brother may liue with thee. GOD saith thou shalt take no Vsurie. And hee hath power and authoritie to commaunde. And in Exodus, If thou lende money to my people * 1.173

to the poore with thee, thou shalt not bee as an Vsurer vnto him, yee shal not oppresse him with Vsurie. Shewe them mercie for my sake, they are my people. I can enrich him, I can impouerish thée. I set vp, and throwe downe whome I will. When thy neighbour néedeth thy helpe, and séeketh comfort at thy handes, afflict him not as an enemie, oppresse him not like a tyrant.

Ezechiel the Prophet setteth downe the * 1.174 wrath of God against Vsurers, He that hath giuen foorth his money vpon Vsurie, or hath ta∣ken increase, shal he liue? he shal not liue saith the Lorde. He shal perish in his owne sinne, his bloud shal be vppon his heade. Therefore when he reckoneth the offences of Ierufalem, and declareth the heauie plagues that are pre∣pared against that wicked Citie, he saith, Thou * 1.175 hast taken Vsurie and encrease, and thou hast defrauded thy neighbours by extortion, and hast forgotten me sayeth the Lorde God. Be∣holde therefore I haue smitten mine handes vpon the couetousnesse, that thou hast vsed. Thou hast doone iniurie to my people, that thou mightest make thine owne gaine. Thy wrongs and oppressions doone by Vsurie rise vp into heauen, therefore I wil gather thée, and blow the fire of my wrath vpon thée, sayth the Lorde.

Thus hath GOD spoken, euen the Lorde of heauen and earth, which can scatter thy gold in the winde, and blowe it to nothing. Thus hee speaketh to thée, that hearest, and readest his worde, which knowest that his wil is, thou shouldest not lende thy money to Vsurie. Thou doest oppresse (saith he.) Whō? thy brother for whome Christ vouchsafed to shed his bloude. And what brother? him that was poore, which came to thée for néede, to séeke thy helpe. Howe? wickedly, closely, falsely, craftily, deceitefully, like an hippo∣crite, vnder colour to doe him good. Where∣with? with thy money, thy gold, and siluer, which God hath giuen thée to relieue the poore and néedie withal.

God hath saide, thou shalt not take Vsurie, and what art thou that despisest the voyce of the Lorde? whose words wilt thou heare, that wilt not heare the words of God? remember the wordes, you can not forget them. Thou shalt not take Vsurie of thy brother, he is poore and fallen in decay: thou shalt not be an vsu∣rer vnto him: thou shalt not oppresse him with vsurie. For it is crueltie, and abhomination in the sight of God: therefore wil God powre •…•…ut his wrath, and consume the Vsurer: hee shal not enter into the Tabernarie of the highest, he shal haue no part in the king∣dome

of Christ, and of God, but shal be cast into the vtward darkenesse.

But some wil say, al kindes of Vsurie are not forbidden. There may bee cases where Vsurie may stande with reason and e∣quitie. And herein they say so much as by witte may bee deuised, to paint out a foule, and vglie Idol, and to shadowe themselues in manifest and open wickednesse. What so euer God saieth, yet this or this kinde of V∣surie, say they, which is doone in this or this sort, is not forbidden. It profiteth the com∣mon wealth, it relieueth great numbers. The poore should otherwise perish, no man woulde lende them.

By like good reason, there are some that defende theft, and murther, they say, there may be some case, where it is laweful to kil or to steale: for God willed the Hebrewes to rob the Aegyptians, and Abraham to kil his owne sonne Isaac. In these cases their robbe∣rie and the killing of his sonne were laweful. So say they. Euen so by like reason doe some of our Countreymen maintaine Concubines, Curtizans, and Brothel houses, and stand in defence of open Stewes. They are (say they) for the benefite of the Countrey: they kéepe men from more daungerous inconuenience: take them away, it wil be worse. Although

God say, There shal be no whore of the daugh∣ters * 1.176 of Israel, neither shall there be a whore keeper of the sonnes of Israel: yet these men say al maner of whoredome is not forbidden. In these and these cases it is not amisse to al∣lowe it.

God sayde to Saul, Goe and strike Amalek, * 1.177 and destroy ye al that pertaineth to them, and haue no compassion on them, but slaie both man and woman, both infant & suckling, both oxe and sheepe, both camel, and asse. So strait, and precise was Gods commaundement. Foorth marcheth Saul, setteth vppon his ene∣mies, God assisteth him, and giueth him the victorie. When he tooke Agag prisoner, and sawe him to be a goodly tall gentleman, he had pitie on him, and saued him aliue. And the best and fairest of the sheepe, and oxen, and other rattel, he did not destroy, although hee knewe wel, that GOD had commaunded him to kil man and beast, euerie one without exception. Then came Samuel vnto him, and sayde, oh why hast thou not doone as thou wert com∣maunded? Here let vs marke the wicked an∣swere of Saul, in defence of his wilfull diso∣bedience. It had béene great pitie to haue hau•…•… slaine Agag so comely, and tall a gentleman. I haue taken him, and keepe him prisoner. And if I shoulde haue destroyed this goodlie

cattle, they had come to nothing. It was better to saue them, for the vitailing of my souldiours: and the fairest of them may be offered in sacrifice. So brake he the comman∣dement of God vnder pretence of doing h•…•…nor to God.

But Samuel saide, hath the Lorde as great pleasure in burnt offeringes and sacrifices, as when the voice of the Lorde is obeyed? behold, to obey is better than sacrifice. And to disobey his holie will, is to renounce and forsake him.

So may we say to the Vsurer. Thou hast deuised cases, and colours to hide thy shame, but what regarde hath God to thy cases? what careth he for thy reasons? the Lorde woulde haue more pleasure, if when thou hearest his voice thou wouldest obey him. For what is thy deuise against the counsel, and ordinaunce of God? What bolde presumption is it for a mortal man to control the commaundements of the immortal GOD, and to weigh his heauenly wisedome in the balaunce of hu∣maine foolishnesse? When GOD sayeth, thou shalt not take vsurie, what crea∣ture of GOD art thou, whiche canst take Vsurie? When GOD maketh it unlaweful, what art thou, oh man, that say∣est, It is laweful? This is a token of a de∣sperate

minde. It is founde true in thée, that Paule saide, the loue of money is the roote of al il. Thou art so giuen ouer vnto the wicked Mammon, that thou carest not to doe the will of God.

Wilfulnesse, and presumption, are to∣kens that such men are impudent, and past shame. Hee that offendeth of simplicitie, maie finde mercie. But they whiche of pride and boldenesse goe against the knowen trueth, and doe that thing which they knowe to bee ill, and deuise shiftes to colour that, which all reason, and learning, of God, and men, and nature it selfe haue condem∣ned, they are fallen into temptation and snares; and into foolish lustes which drowne them in destruction.

GOD is the Lorde. We are but ser∣uauntes: hée hath made vs, and not we our selues: wee are but as claie in his handes: wee can not repeale the lawe that God hath established: wée must obey it. We may not do the thinges that séeme good in our owne eyes, they may deceiue vs: but we must doe whatsoeuer GOD biddeth vs to doe, and forsake to doe those thinges which hée for∣biddeth.

Thus much for an entrie to those, which

can bring so good reasons, for so il a mat∣ter.

Manie defende their Vsurie, by that li∣bertie which they thinke they haue, to vse their goods in such sorte, as séemeth best to themselues, and is most to their aduaun∣tage. May I not, say they, doe with mine owne goods what I wil? this would they not say, if they were of him, which hath sayde by his holie Apostle, Let euerie man, as he hath * 1.178 receiued the gift, so minister the same one to an other, as good disposers of the manifolde grace of GOD. It is the lawe of nature, that no man abuse the thinges that are his, to the hurt and hinderaunce of an o∣ther. May a man take his owne dagger, and therewith committe murther? or may a man take of his owne fire, and therewith burne his neighbours house? Hée that sayde, Thou shalt not kil, hath also sayde, Thou shalt not steale: thou shalt not commit Vsurie: thou shalt not defrande thy brother in bargay∣ning. Hée is not vnrighteous, that he wil iudge the murtherer, and will not condemne the Vsurer. In that day the Vsurer shall knowe, whose money it was, wherewith he defrauded his brother. His money shal not helpe him, he shall haue no shift to conueigh himselfe from the wrath of God: he and his

money shal perish togither.

But the Nsurer will saie. The poore man came to me, I was not in haste to séeke him. Hée •…•…ued his case to mée. I tooke pitie of him, and lent him money. Since then hée and al his haue béene the better. Here you shal see the great kindnesse and pitifull heart of this rich Usurer. He draweth his purse, giueth out his goods, and helpeth the poore, and the poore is much eased by him. But alas what help is this? euen such as he findeth, that in the middest of his •…•…it of an ague drinketh a greate draught of cold water. No doubt he is refre∣shed and cooled, and for that present time much the better. But after a while when his heaues renewe the heate encreaseth: his heart pan∣teth, his pulse beateth, his mouth is drie, his tongue burneth: he is more terribly tormen∣ted, than euer before. So fareth it with him that borroweth money vpon vsurie. He looketh in his hand, and séeth somewhat. It is not his owne; •…•…t is he refreshed therewith, and much eased. The yeare passeth, the daie of paiment draweth on, the creditour calleth for money: then, then the heates and fittes, and agonies beginne to growe. Thou must potte and panne trudge to redéeme this bodie. Then he •…•…leth cruel torments than euer be∣fore.

Thus doeth the gentle vsurer helpe to re∣léeue the poore in time of his necessitie: as if a man woulde cure a sore finger by cutting off the arme: or as if he woulde cure the ble∣mishe of the eie sight, by the pulling out the eies: or as if he woulde quench thirst by gi∣uing poison to drincke: or as if to saue one from drowning in a boisterous tempest, he woulde caste him ouer the boate into the sea.

The Scorpion embraceth a man swéete∣ly with his legges, but in the meane while striketh him deadly with his taile. His face looketh amiably, his taile poisoneth. So an Usurer looketh faire, and giueth good wordes: but at the end he vndoeth.

Who is st•…•…ng by an Adder, he percei∣ueth no hurt: but féeleth a gentle beating of his veines with some delight, whereat he re∣ioiceth. After this he falleth into a slumber: then the poison worketh, ouercommeth him, and killeth him. Euen so he that borrow∣eth vpon Vsurie, findeth himselfe wonderful∣ly amended, and reioiceth: but he is st•…•…ng, and hath a deadly stroke. The poison will grow ouer him, he shal die in a slumber, and be vndone before he is aware. So necessarie is an Usurer for to reléeue the poore and née∣die, as rust is to helpe iron, and as the m•…•…the

is to helpe a garment: it eateth him through from one side to an other. Therefore saieth Ambrose, Talia sunt vestra divites beneficia. Mi∣nus * 1.179 dat•…•…s, & plus exigitis. Talis humanit as, ut spo∣betis etiam dum subvenitis. Such are the bene∣fites that you rich men bestowe: you giue oue little, and require much againe. Such is your kindenesse, that you vndoe them whom yee helpe. And thus much of the ease that poore men finde in borrowing vppon Vsurie. They are bitten, and st•…•…ng, and eaten vp and de∣uoured by it. Most men confesse that this kind of vsurie is forbidden, because it relieueth not, but spoileth and consumeth. God take the liking of it out of all mennes heartes, then shall they be the better able, to iudge of the other sortes, which they yet thinke allow∣able.

What if one rich man lende money to another? What if a Marchant take money to vsurie of a Marchant, and both be the bet∣ter, and both be gainers? Here is no sting, nor byting. What shall wée thinke of this? What if a théefe or a pirate take vsurie of a pirate or a théefe, and both be partakers of the gaine, and be both of them holpen? Lette no man mistike the comparison. For, as I said before, a pirate or a théefe is not so noi∣full, as an Vsurer. Here, saie you, hée

that lendeth is a gainer, and he that borrow∣eth is a gainer. It doth good to both. If both be gainers, who is the looser? for vsurie ne∣uer passeth without working lesse. Take this as a rule, there is neuer Vsurie without losse.

Here, I pray you to lend me your minds, and consider what I saie. A Marchant ta∣keth vp of his neighbour a hundred poundes, and must answere againe a hundred and ten poundes He bestoweth it al in corne, and buy∣eth for his hundred poundes, a hundred quar∣ters of corne. He sendeth it to the market, the people haue néede of it, and buie it. If he sold it for eight groats a bushel, he might make vp his hundred pounds, and be a gainer. But vnlesse he make vp a hundred and ten pounds to discharge his vsurie, he must néedes be a looser and vndone. But vndone he wil not be: he wil rather vndoe manie others. Therefore he sefteth price at thrée shillings the bushel, and and so maketh his money, and payeth the Vsurer, and saueth himselfe, and is no loser. Who then payeth the tenne poundes? who is the loser, anie man maie sée. The poore people which buie the corne, they finde it, and féele it in euerie morsell they eate. Thus, if the Marchant borrower be not hindered by the Vsurer: yet the people that buie his

wares are plagued. Thus it is no harde matter to finde, that howsoeuer Vsurie be vsed, it is alwaies daungerous, and beguileth the people, and is therefore the destruction and ouerthrowe of the common wealth.

But, saith he, why shoulde I not make money to yéelde me gaines, as well as my wares? I lende my shoppe for a yeare, or two, or thrée, so manie péeces of Veluet, Sattins, Taffata, Grograine, Chamblet, Hollandes, &c. And for the vse he shall paie me by the yeare fortie poundes, and in the ende restore me my shoppe, so manie péeces of Veluet, &c. so long, so broade, of the same making, so good, so fine as were the other. This saieth he is lawfull, therefore the other is law∣ful.

No, no, this is not lawfull. It is not lawfull so to sette out thy shoppe. It is V∣surie, it is forbidden. But he that taketh the shoppe shall be a gainer: who shall be the loser then? they that buie the wares must néedes buie at the dearer price. Wée maie not allowe one ill thing by the allowance of another. He should rather saie, Vsurie ta∣ken vppon wares, is not lawfull, there∣fore Vsurie for bare money is lesse lawfull. Hierome vpon Ezechiel saith: Putant quidam

Vsuram tantum esse in pecunia, quod praevidens * 1.180 Scriptura divina, omni rei aufert superabundan∣tiam, ut plus non accipias, quam dedisti. Some thinke there is no Vsurie, but in money. This did the holie Scripture foresee, and therefore taketh awaie the encrease or gaines in anie manner of thing: and requireth that thou receiue no more, than thou diddest deli∣uer.

An occupier wareth olde, his occupiyng is doone. He hath in stocke two hundred pounds: he commeth to a yongman, wise, of good cre∣dite, and of honest dealing, and saith, I giue thée this money fréely, it shall be thine for e∣uer, vpon this condition: that thou giue me twentie markes by the yeare during my life. This maie be done, it is no Vsurie. Where∣fore? It is a plaine gift with a condition. The principal is gone from me for euer: I haue no right vnto it, it is none of mine. If I die to morrow before I receiue anie pennie, my ere∣cutors can not claime anie thing. But in V∣surie it is otherwise. The Vsurer requireth his whole summe againe, and somewhat more for the vse and occupying. Therefore this is a gift, and not Vsurie.

Againe, I lende my neighbour twentie poundes vntill a daie. He hath it fréely, and friendly without any vsurie. Yet I say to him,

neighbour you must néedes kéepe daie, for the nexte daie after I must discharge a paine, I stand bound for paiment. I haue no more but this, which you borrowe. If I misse, I forfaite fiue poundes. I praie you be carefull for it. The daie commeth, my neighbour commeth not: I lacke my money, and because I lacke it, I loose fiue poundes. He commeth afterward and offereth me mine owne mony. Then saie I, neighbour, I haue loste fiue pounds by your negligence and slackenesse, I hope you will not suffer mée to be a looser for my gentlenesse. This is Interest, it is no v∣•…•…rie.

Here by the waie, you may learne where∣fore it is called Interest, bicause he maie saie, Interfuit mea habuisse. It behooued mee, it stood me vpon to haue it, and nowe by your default I sustaine losse. It is good to knowe the one from the other. This kinde of dealing is In∣terest, and not vsurie. In vsurie I séeke to be a gainer: in Interest, I séeke onelie to be no looser, gaine or profite I séeke none. And hereof I maie lawfully séeke to be answered: it standeth with equitie and conscience, and good reason. This is interest, and no v∣surie, that a manne who requireth no gaine, sh•…•…nlde séeke to saue him selfe harme∣lesse.

Beare patiently with me, if I be long. My desire is, you shoulde vnderstande this whole matter, and be able to knowe one thing from an other. That so no man maie accuse his Vsurie by name of interest: and others be not offended, nor reckon all men to be Vsurers, which lende •…•…rth their money, or anie waies dispose of their stocke.

A poore Orphane left in his Cradle hath a hundred poundes stocke. This stocke may be put out to Vsurie. And the Vsurie is al∣lowed. This is a déede of charitie, it is no Vsurie, as shall appeare. For, if the hundred poundes should lie still without enerease, and be bestowed from yeare to yeare to the v•…•…e of the childe, the whole stocke woulde be spent, before the childe shoulde come to yeares. But if the stocke be put to occupy∣ing, and into an honest mans handes, some∣thing will grow to the reliefe of the Orphane, and yet his stocke remaine whole. This is charitie to reléeue the infant, that can not relieue himselfe. The like is, in •…•…ing the stocke of a man that hath not his wittes, and is not able to dispose of his g•…•…des. Or if a Marchant by sickenesse, or maime, or a∣nie other hinderance, be not able to followe his businesse, he desireth an other to vse, and

occupie for him, and to doe with his stocke, as it were his owne, only to maintaine him with the encrease therof. This is not Vsurie. Why? because hee that taketh the stocke of the Or∣phane, or of the mad man, or of the diseased marchant, is not bound to answere al aduen∣tures, and casualties that happen. As, if to like vse I take a stocke in cattaile, & they die with∣out my default: or a stocke in money or wares, and the wares be burnt by fire, or the money stollen without my default, I am not bounde to answere the principal: therefore it is no V∣surie.

But he that taketh money to Vsurie, whe∣ther he gaine or loose, or whatsoeuer happen vnto him, he must answere the whole stock he borrowed. And this is it that vndoeth so ma∣ny, and maketh them banquerupts. But this happeneth not in this case. He that occupieth the Orphanes money or stocke, is charged on∣ly to vse it as his owne, and no otherwise. If it perish, or decay, or miscarie without his fault, he is not bound to answere it. Therefore, as I saide, it is no Vsurie.

Yet say they further for defence of Vsurie. It is suffred in other countries, in France, Spaine, Italie, Rome, &c. the lawes permit it. And what lawe doth suffer it? I trowe, not the law or God, for that lawe straitly forbiddeth it.

But what speake I of the lawe of God? the ci∣uile lawe condemneth Vsurie, the canon lawe condemneth it, the temporal lawe condem∣neth it, and the lawe of nature condemneth it. And howe is that sufferable by anie lawe, that by so many Lawes is condemned? or how is he worthy to liue among men, that despiseth the authoritie of so many lawes? or what will you iudge of that man, that wil bee tempered and ordered by no law? neither by ciuile, nor by canon, nor by temporal, nor by lawe of na∣ture, nor by lawe of men, nor by lawe of God. I say not, howe may wee thinke him to be a man of GOD? But, howe may wée thinke such a one to bée a man? for it is the part and duetie of a man to bée ruled by lawe and reason.

But it is euerie where, and therefore to be suffered. Too true that it is common euerie where. Woulde God it were false. It vndo∣eth al the world. So the Diuel is euery where, and suffered: so are the Stewes suffered in Fraunce, Spaine, Italie, Lombardie, Naples, Venice, and in Rome. Rome is called the ho∣lie Citie, the most holie hath his seate there, and yet suffreth he the stewes in Rome. So were the Canaanites among the people of God and suffered. But they were as goades in their sides, and as thornes in their eyes. As these

were suffered, and as the Stewes are suffe∣red, and as the Diuel is suffered: so and no o∣therwise are Vsurers. Such good, and no bet∣ter doe they. For they are the children of the Diuel: their houses bée the shoppes, wherein the Diuel doth his worke of mischiefe. They be Canaanites, and enemies of Gods people. They bee goades in our sides, and sharpe thornes, and prickles in our eyes. God graunt that the lawe may espie them: and the people abhorre them: and they may repent and loath their wickednesse.

Some other are bolde to take authoritie for Vsurie from Christ himselfe. He sayeth, The kingdome of Heauen, is as a man that go∣ing * 1.181 into a straunge countrey, called his ser∣uants, and deliuered to them his goods, & vnto one he gaue fiue talents, and to an other two, and to an other one. And sayde vnto them, oc∣cupie vntil I come. The first did so, the seconde accordingly. They encreased his stocke, & are commended for their Vsurie. The third wrapt his talent in a Napkin, and kept it together. His maister returned, and chid him and sayde. Wherefore gauest not thou my money into the * 1.182 banke, that at my comming I might haue re∣quired it with vauntage? Therefore Vsurie is allowed by the mouth of Christ. The two first are commended, not for any thing else,

but for the gaine they made by Vsurie. The third is rated and rebuked, not for theft, nor adultery, but because he layd not out his stocke to Vsurie.

What? and is Vsurie allowed? and allowed by the witnesse of Christ? howe can that bée∣for Christ, as we hearde before doeth plainely forbid it. How is it then? what is the meaning of this parable? This it is. When Christ de∣liuered his gospel vnto his Disciples: he gaue them charge to be diligent, & to multiply, and encrease the number of them that shoulde be∣léeue. To this purpose he sayeth, be as careful in this businesse for the glorie of GOD, and the saluation of your brethren, as worldly wise men shew themselues in séeking wicked Mam∣mon. Beholde the Vsurers, they occupie their stocke, and make it growe, & so of fiue pounds make tenne, and of ten make twenty pounds, and so they become rich. So deale you in the giftes, and knowledge, that God hath bestow∣ed on you, giue them to the exchaungers, put them out to Vsurie, encrease the Lords stocke. If they be diligent and faithful in the thinges of this world, how much more ought you to be so, in heauenly thinges?

This therefore is the meaning. Couetous men, and the children of this world be wise in their generation. You are the children of light,

be you also wise, and doe you so likewise in your office and seruice, as you sée them doe. So he sayth, Beholde the foules of Heauen, learne * 1.183 how the Lilies of the fielde growe. What of this? the Lilies are but grasse: the Foules of the ayre are but Birdes. The mercie of God in his prouidence and care, wherein he giueth vs al things néedeful, is made plaine by exam∣ple of these, and thereby our distrust and ouer∣much carefulnesse reprooued. So doeth Christ speake this parable of the Vsurer, that as he is diligent in doing il, so we should be painful and readie to do wel.

But shal Vsurie therefore be lawefull, be∣cause Christ draweth a comparison, or maketh an example by an Vsurer? if it were so, wée should doe many thinges otherwise than wel. For in the scriptures we are oftentimes requi∣red to take example of those thinges which are il. In the sixtéenth of Luke, Christ biddeth his Disciples take example of the vnfaithful ste∣warde, * 1.184 to be prouident and careful as hee was. Doeth he therefore commende the falshoode of the Stewarde? or shal falshoode therefore bee lawful? S. Paule sayeth, The day of the Lorde * 1.185 shal come, euen as a theefe in the night. Is theft therefore lawful? S. Iames sayth, The Diuels beleeue, and tremble, take example of the Di∣uels. They beléeue, but their bare, vaine,

and dead faith, in which they can doe no good, can not serue them. Euen so shal not your faith if it be dead, and voyde of al good workes, saue you. God himselfe to reproue the vn∣thankefulnesse and forgetfulnesse of his peo∣ple, which did so often forsake him, and fol∣lowed Baal and Astaroth, sayeth in this man∣ner vnto them. What nation did euer forsake their Gods? Doeth he in this spéech approue, that the Idols of the heathen are Gods? or be∣cause God taketh example of idolatrie, shal ido∣latrie therefore be laweful? he biddeth his ser∣uaunts to be as faithful and willing, and rea∣die to serue him the God of heauen and earth, as the gentils were in seruice of their Idols, the workes of their owne handes. As God did wil the Israelites to take example of the Ido, laters: And as Christ biddeth take example of the false steward, and as Iames of the Diuels: so is this parable an example of that which is commendable: that is, the diligence of the ser∣uauntes: Vsurie is no more allowed by this, than idolatrie and falshoode and the diuel is by the other. Some wil say, I haue no trade to liue, I must néedes giue my money to Vsurie, or else I must begge. This is it that I spake of. This sheweth that despaire and mistrust in the prouidence of God, is the mother of V∣surie. If this were cause why he should be an

vsurer, if this be wel spoken for defence of his wickednes, why may not the théefe, or y^e bawd, or the enchanter by like answere excuse them∣selues, and stande in defence of their dooings? Augustine therefore saith, Audent etiam fenera∣rores * 1.186 dicere, non habeo aliud vnde viuam. &c. The vsurers are bold to say, they haue no other trade whereby to liue. So wil the theefe tel me, when I take him in his theft. So wil he say that brea∣keth in to other mens houses. So wil the baude say, that buieth young maidens to vse them to filthines. So wil the wicked enchanter, that sel∣leth his sinne. If we reproue any of al these they wil answere, that this is their mainteinance, and that they haue not any other way to liue. But August. sayth, Quasi non hoc ipsum in illis maxima puniendum est, quia artem nequitiae dele•…•…runt vn∣de viuerent, & inde se volunt pascere, vnde offen∣dant eum a quo omnes pascuntur. As if they were not therefore most worthie to be punished, be∣cause they haue chosen a trade of wickednesse to liue by: and will mainetaine themselues by that thing, wherewith they displease him, by whom al are mainetained. Howe much better would it be with them, if they did serue God truely in such place and calling, wherein they might most set foorth his glorie, and doe such thinges as should be profitable to themselues and others?

The seruaunt of God knoweth, there is no want to those that feare him. He knoweth the Lord hath care ouer him, and therefore casteth his care vpon the Lorde. He sayth as the Pro∣phet, The Lorde is my shephearde, I shal want * 1.187 nothing. And, The Lord is the defender of my life, of whome then shal I be afrayde? I trusted in thee O Lorde, and saide, thou art my God. My times are in thy hande.

Thus much I thought expedient to speake of the loathsome and foule trade of Vsurie. I knowe not what fruit wil growe thereby, and what it wil worke in your hearts. If it please God, it may doe that good that I wish. I haue doone my dutie. I cal God for a record vnto my soule, I haue not deceiued you. I haue speken vnto yo•…•… y^e truth. If I be deceiued in this mat∣ter, O God thou hast deceiued me. Thy word is plaine. Thou sayest, Thou shalt take no V∣surie, thou sayest, He that taketh encrease shal not liue. What am I, that I shoulde hide the words of my God, or kéepe them back from the hearing of his people? the learned old Fathers haue taught vs, it is no more laweful to take Vsurie of our brother, than it is to kil our bro∣ther. They that be of God, heare this, and con∣sider it, and haue a care that they displease him not. But the wicked that are no whit moued, and care not what God sayth, but cast his word

behind them: which haue eies and sée not, and eares yet heare not: because they are filthie they shalbe •…•…lthie stil. Their gréedie desire shal encrease to their confusion, and as their monie mcreaseth, so shal they encrease the heapes of their sinnes. Pardon me if I haue béene long, or vehement. Of those that are vsurers I aske no pardon.

I heare, that there are certaine in this city, which wallow wretchedly in this filthinesse, without repentance. I giue them warning in the hearing of you all, and in the presence of God, that they forsake that cruel and detesta∣ble sinne. If otherwise, they continue therein, I will open their shame, and denounce excom∣munication against them, and publish their names in this place, before you all: that you may knowe them, and abhorre them, as the plagues and monsters of the worlde: that if they be past all feare of God, they may yet re∣pent and amend for worldlie shame.

Tel me thou wretched wight of the world, thou vnkinde creature which art past all sense and feeling of God, which knowest the will of God, and doest the contrarie: how darest thou come into the Church? It is the Church of that GOD, which hath saide: Thou shalt take no Vsurie. And thou knowest, he hath so laid. How darest thou reade, or heare the word

of God? it is the word of that God, which con∣demneth Vsurie. And thou knowest, he doth condemne it. How darest thou come into the companie of thy breth•…•…? Vsurie is the plague, and destruction and vndoing of thy brethren. And this thou knowest. How darest thou looke vpon thy children? Thou makest the wrath of God fall downe from heauen vpon them. Thy iniquitie shal be punished in them to the third and fourth generation. This thou knowest. How darest thou looke vp into heauen? Thou hast no dwelling there: thou shalt haue no place in the tabernacle of the highest. This thou knowest. Because thou robbest the poore, deceiuest the simple, and catest vp the widows houses: Therefore shall thy children be naked, and begge their bread: therefore shalt thou and thy riches perish together.

But Christ saith, The houre shall come, and * 1.188 now is, when the dead shall heare the voice of the sonne of God, and they that heare it shall liue. Zacheus was a receiuer of tribute, & was rich, when he receiued Iesus to abide in his house: He stoode foorth, and saide vnto the * 1.189 Lord, Beholde Lord the halfe of my goods I giue to the poore: and if I haue taken from any man by forged cauillation, I restore him foure •…•…olde. Then Iesus said vnto him. This daie sal∣•…•…ation is come into this house for as much as he

also is become the sonne of Abraham. God may make his word worke so in the hearts of Usurers, that they may also receiue Iesus and forsake Vsurie, and restore f•…•…ure solde, if they haue deceiued anie, and so may also receiue saluatiō. Let vs increase in that Vsurie which is to the glorie of God. He hath giuē vs know∣ledge, and manie excellent graces. Let vs put them foorth, let vs occupie that talent which he hath left vs. He will returne: the daie of his comming is at hand. He will require his ta∣lents, we must answere them: Let vs restore them with increase that our seruice may be allowed, and we receiued into his tabernacle.

V. 7. For God hath not called vs vnto vn∣cleannesse, but vnto holinesse.

8. He therefore that despiseth these things, despiseth not man, but God, who hath euen gi∣uen you his holie spirit.

Let euerie man possesse his vessell in holi∣nesse and honour, for this is the will of God: hereto are ye called. I am the Lord your God, * 1.190 saith he, be sanctified therfore, and be holie, for I am holie. So our sauiour to his Disciples, Be ye merciful as your father also is mercifull. Un∣mercifulnesse, * 1.191 crueltie, vncleannesse, fornication, Vsurie, and such like, are not of GOD. They auns were not their calling that com∣mitte anie manner of sinne. If anie * 1.192

man therefore purge him selfe from these, hee shall be a Vessell vnto honour, sanctified and meete for the Lord.

It behoueth euery man when he is in secret and alone, to bethinke himselfe whereto God hath called him. The Magistrate, thus, I am called to doe iustice, to be mercifull to the wi∣dow, to haue pitie vpon the fatherles. I am the Minister of God for the wealth of them that do wel: and to take vengeance on him that doeth euill. The minister and preacher thus, I haue charge giuen me to leade the people of God to the way of righteousnes, I am called to do the worke of an Euangelist, to preach the word in season and out of season, to shewe the people their offences, and to reprooue them with all earnestnesse, to teach them that they denie all vngodlinesse, and turne wholie vnto God: for necessitie is laide vpon me: and wo is mee if I * 1.193 preach not the gospell. The subiect must thus thinke with himselfe, I owe obedience to my soueraigne, I must be subiect, not because of wrath onelie, but also for conscience sake. If I resist, I resist the ordinance of God, and shall receiue to my selfe damnation.

It behooueth all men, when they féele them selues led to anie euil purpose, to bethink them selues: Alas, what meane I? Why should I do it? This is not the will of God: God hath not

called me to vncleannesse, but vnto holinesse. God is my God, I am his creature, I must serue him with my heart. The eies of the Lord are ouer the righteous, and his eares open to their praiers: but the face of the Lord is vpon them that do euill.

He therefore that despiseth these things, des∣piseth not man, but God. Alas, what are wée? We are but unprofitable seruants: we are the voice of a crier in the wildernesse: by vs it hath pleased God, to make his name known throgh al the world: we are your brethren and your •…•…ruāts for Christs sake: we are your helpers, by whome you are called to the faith. Wée preach not our selues, but Iesus Christ. Wée speake vnto you in the name of God. If you despise vs in doing this seruice toward you, you despise not vs, but you despise God, who hath sent vs, and God can in due time auenge your vnthankefulnesse. Who hath giuen you his holie spirite. You haue receiued the spirit of wisdome and vnderstanding, You know these things are true, you cannot denie them. If you shal now offend, you shal offend against Gods spirite, which is giuen vnto you.

V. 9. But as touching brotherly loue, you neede not that I write vnto you: for yee are taught of God to loue one an other.

Loue is the bond of vnitie, of perfection, of

knowledge, of wisedome, and of al godlinesse. Paul the more to set foorth the swéetnesse, and comfort thereof, calleth it, brotherly loue. Bre∣thren are bound to loue one another. God, and nature, and bringing vp, doe bind them. Many brethren haue endangered themselues, to saue their brethren. It were a monster in nature, that one brother should kill an other. You are all brethren, and haue one father, euen God. How then can you hate and trouble your bre∣thren? Hereto Christ calleth vs, A newe com∣maundement * 1.194 giue I you, that ye loue one an o∣ther: as I haue loued you, that yee also loue one another. By this shal al men know that yee are my disciples, if ye haue loue one to an other. Hereof the Prophet Dauid saith, Behold, how * 1.195 good and how comely a thing it is, brethren to dwell euen together. There is peace, there is comfort, there is heauen, there is God himselfe among them. This is the dutie of the children of God, taloue together, as the parts & mem∣bers of one bodie, as brethren, and as the sons of one father.

Here let vs consider one great disor•…•… a∣mong vs that are Christians. If an action or matter at law growe betwéene man and man, then foorthwith is the bond of brotherly loue broken. They are no longer friendes. If he stand against him in sute of law, he will haue

no more to doe with him, will not pray with him, nor drink in his companie, nor talke toge∣ther with him. Whensoeuer he •…•…eeth him, his heart riseth at him; as if he did sée his enimie. This should not be so, it is a disorder in Chri∣stian behauiour.

Next after the Gospell, the law is the grea∣test comfort that god hath giuen to the sons of men. It remedieth iniuries, and giueth to eue∣rie man, that is his. He that goeth to a Iudge, goeth to him that is the minister of •…•…ice, and that sitteth in the r•…•…me of god to do right. For the seate of iustice, is the seate of God. If there were no law to be ministred, but euerie man might do what he would, & reckon al his own, whatsoeuer he could get or come by: what a lift would it be. How should any man be mai∣ster of that he hath Who can imagin what in∣•…•…ries, cruelties, •…•…thers, & streams of blood would folow? thanks be vnto god, who in mer∣cie hath giuē vs a law, & iustice to guide vs by.

Let vs be content to séeke helpe at this 〈◊〉〈◊〉 without wrath or malice, let vs come to it as we would come to our father. Let vs aske counsell at it, as we would at the mouth of GOD. As euerie man thinketh it law∣full to vse his owne, or to require his owne: so lette euerie man be content to leaue that he ho•…•…eth, when law saith, it is none

of his. The law is no breach of charitie, it is the bonde and knot to kéepe men in loue. A son may attempt law with his father, yet doe it in such dutie as becommeth a son. A subiect maie attempt law with his prince, and yet loue and reuerence his prince, as becommeth. Who v•…•… seth the law otherwise, doth abuse it. All strife and contention must be sa•…•… aside.

Loue may ancide wrong, loue may require right, loue may stand •…•…rth, and seeke defence, before Judge. Loue is patient, and gentle, it enuieth not, it doth not boa•…•… it selfe, it is not puffed up, it disdaineth not, it seeketh not, her awne things, it is not •…•…ked to anger, it thinketh not e•…•…ill, it rei•…•…ceth not in iniquitie. but it reioiceth in the truth. It •…•…uffereth all things, it beleeueth all 〈◊〉〈◊〉 it 〈◊〉〈◊〉 all things, it mdureth all things. Such is the na∣ture of loue, such it is, where•…•… it is, inben it seeketh right, wh•…•… it defendeth it selfe against chalenge of doing wrong.

V. 10. Yea, and that thing verily you do vnto all the brethren which are throughout all. Ma∣cedonia: but, we beseech you brethren, that you encrease more and more.

You loue the brethren, not onlie •…•…ose that are with you, and whome you knowe: but al, whatsoeuer they be, and in what place soe∣uer, though ye knowe them not. Some loue

none but such as are of their sort, and deuo∣tion, and sect, and felowship. If any be of an other minde, than they are of, they can not loue them. This loue is not of God, it is car∣nal, and procéedeth but from the flesh. Whoso∣euer caryeth the name of Christ, is our bro∣ther, wée must loue him for Christes sake. Christian loue doth loue those that are ene∣mies, and doe not loue vs: it blesseth them that speake ill of vs, and praieth for them that persecute vs.

Oh that these •…•…rdes of Paul might truely bée spoken of vs, As touching brotherly loue, wee neede not write vnto you. Oh that God would touch our heartes with his holy spirite, that we were all so knit togither, & loued 〈◊〉〈◊〉 another, as he hath commaunded vs. Then should we féele y^e peace, that passeth all vnder∣standing: then would it appeare, how ioyful a thing it were for brethren to dwell togither in vnitie: then should we taste of the comfort of the sonnes of God. And alas, what is our life, or what is our profession without loue? what is the sunne without light? what is the fire without heate? Though I speake with the * 1.196 tongues of men, and of Angels (sayth the Apo∣stle) & haue not loue: I am as sounding brasse, or as a tinckling Cimball. And though I had the gift of prophecie, and knewe al secrets, and

al knowledge, yea, if I had al faith, so that I coulde remoue mountaines, and had not loue, I were nothing.

That you ebcrease more and more. Men of this worlde séeke to encrease in their wealth and riches. They neuer thinke their store so great, but it may abide to haue more layde to it. Wicked, men stande not at a stay, they cease not to do it, they hea•…•…e sinne vpon sinne, and drawe iniquitie with cordes of vanitie, and sinne with Cart roapes, vntil they come to the heigth, and extremitie of wickednesse. Doe you increase in euerie thing that is good. The kingdome of God is not in worde, but in * 1.197 power: A childe that stayeth at one stature, and neuer groweth bigger, is a monster. The grounde that •…•…th not, and is not fruite∣ful, is tur•…•…ed. The trée that is barren, and pro∣ueth not, is cut downe. This must al knowe, men, and women, and babes, and infantes. They must all walke on stil in the way of godlinesse, and encrease, and goe forwarde therein. Vnlesse we goe for•…•…e, we slippe backe. If we ware wearie to do the worke of God, God wil forsake vs. 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

V. 11. And that ye studie to be quiet, and to meddle with your owne businesse, and to worke with your owne handes, as wee com∣maunded you.

12 That yee may behaue your selues ho∣nestlie towardes them that are without, and that nothing be lacking vnto you.

Let no man among you, bée a busie bodie in other mens matters. Be not caues drop∣pers, and harkening what is sayde or doone in your neighbours house. Wide eares and long tongues dwel together. They that loue to heare al that may bée tolde them, doe also loue to blab out al they heare.

Studie to be quiet, and meddle with your owne businesse. The Church of God, is as the bodie of man. In a mans bodie euerie part hath his seueral office, the arme, the legge, the hande, and foote doe that, whereto they are appointed: and doing the same, they liue together in peace. But, if the arme would take in hande to doe that is the dutie of the legge: or the foote, that is the part of the hand, it woulde bréede great disorder in the whole bodie. So if euery man in the Church of God, séeke to do that to them belongeth, the Church shal florish, and be in quiet. But when euerie man wil he busie, and take vpon him to looke into other: when euerie priuate man wil go∣uerne, and the subiect take in hand to rule the Prince: all must néedes come to wracke and decaie. Busie bodies euer finde fault, with their brethren and neighbours, with the

State, the Clergie, the Common wealth, the Church, the Gouernement, and with the Prince. They are an vnquiet kinde of men, euer looking, for that they may mislike, and neuer contented. From these men come priuie whisperings, slaunder, backbyting, mutinies, conspiracies, treasons, deposing of Princes, and vtter decay of common wealthes. These are the fruites of curiositie.

And to worke with your owne handes. God hath ordayned that all sorts of men, should la∣bour, and eate their breade in the sweate of their browes. And héere the Apostle doth not onely charge them to worke, but that they worke with-their owne handes. Thou that hast handes, and settest them not to worke, thou that abusest the grace of God by thy idle∣nesse, shalt giue an account thereof. What filleth your prisons? what dubbeth and enrich∣eth your ga•…•…wes, but idlenesse? when your children come to these places, and sée they must li•…•…e no longer, whereof complaine they, but of idlenesse? then they curse the time, and their Father and Mother that brought them vp in idlenesse.

Though Kings, and Princes, and counsay∣lours, and preachers, and magistrates digge not, and plough not, nor do any handy worke, yet they breake not therefore the commaun∣dement

of God, they breake not this rule of the Apostle. The heade walketh not as the •…•…éete nor trauaileth as the hands: yet is it not idle. There is no labour comparable to the labour of a Prince. Daie and night, sléeping, and waking, he is ful of cares, & ful of paincs. The noble man and magistrate, if he regarde his countrie, bée careful for the lawes, ayde the poore, redresse tyranny, comfort the weake, punish the wicked: is not idle. The Minister if he applie his booke, bée diligent in prayer, ex∣hort, and teach publikely, and priuatelie: is not idle. These labours are greater, than al the labours of the bodie.

V. 13. I would not, brethren, haue you ig∣noraunt concerning them which are asleepe, that yee sorrowe not euen as other which haue no hope.

14 For if wee beleeue that Iesus is dead, and is risen, euen so them that sleepe with Ie∣sus wil God bring with him.

Herein standeth the comfort of Christi∣an religion. Were it not for the hope of the se∣conde life, the godly in this worlde were in worse case than the dumbe and brute beastes. When Christ appointed his Disciples to goe and preach, hée sayde, I sende you as sheepe in the middest of wolues, They will scourge you, you shall bée hated of al men. As the Go∣spel

encreased in any place, these words were fulfilled. The godly were put to death for the name of Christ. The father did sée his sonne staine before his face, and the sonne his father cruelly tormented. Hence grewe great mour∣ning & heauinesse. Oh saide they, he was a re∣uerende sage father: oh he was a wise young man, learned, zealous, and a great stay in the Church. Why would God take him be∣fore his time? there is not nowe any one left, whom we may beholde, or heare, or followe. We are left comfortlesse, and without hope. After this sort it is likely the Thessalonians mourned, when they behelde the persecution of the Church of God among them. Herein they grewe towardes mistrust, and to be like the heathen, which had no hope. Saint Paule thought good to refourme this errour. And be∣cause this abuse grewe of ignorance, for that they knewe not the happie estate of such which die in the Lorde: hée sayeth, I would not haue you ignoraunt, what is become of them, and what GOD hath doone for them. He hath tryed them, as golde, and hath made them woorthie for himselfe. Therefore you ought rather to reioyce, there is no cause at al of mourning. When Christ sawe his dis∣ciples heauie and sad because of his depar∣ture, hée sayde, If yee loued mee, yee woulde * 1.198

verily reioyce, because I sayde, I goe to the father: for my father is greater than I. I shal sit at the right hande of my father in glorie, then shal euerie knée bowe vnto mée, and e∣nerie tongue shal confesse my greatnesse. Therefore if ye loued me, you would reioyce in my behalfe. It is ignoraunce that ma∣keth you heauie, because you knowe not whi∣ther I goe.

When Ioseph was solde into Egypt, good father Iacob thought he was dead, and there∣fore mourned day and night. Nothing could comfort him. Alas sayeth he, that I haue li∣ued to sée this day, O Ioseph my sonne, my sonne Ioseph, oh that I might giue my life to redéeme thée. Nowe shal my hoarie head goe downe to the graue in heauinesse. But when he hearde that Ioseph liued, and did sée him with his eyes: when he did sée that he was a Prince, next in place to the King, and had al the Countrey at commaundement: then hée knewe he had mourned without a cause. Then his heart leapt within him, his eyes gusht out with water, he wept for ioy. Ig∣noraunce, as we sée, made him heauie, know∣ledge of the truth as it was, reioyced his halt, and made him glad.

There is great errour, and darkenesse, and ignoraunce, in mans life. Wee reioyce

when wee haue cause to mourne, and mourne manie times when wee haue cause to reioyce. Therefore he sayeth, I would not haue you ignorant. Be not deceiued. God hath giuen you eyes to sée the right ways God hath giuen you eares to heare counsel: and a heart to knowe reason, and to vnder∣stande, and iudge. God hath giuen you the Scriptures, and by them the knowledge of his wil. He hath giuen you a face to looke vp to heauen, and the spirit of life hath he poured into you: that you should not by anie meanes be deceiued.

That ye sorrowe not as other that haue no hope. He doth not forbidde natural affection. Our parentes, and our children are deare vn to vs. They are our fleshe and bloude, and the chiefe and principal partes of our bodie. Anie part of our bodie can not be cut off, but wée shal féele it. The father if he féele not the death of his sonne: or, the sonne if he féele not the death of his Father, and haue not a déepe fée∣ling of it, he is vnnaturall. Dauid mourned for Ionathan. The whole lande mourned for Iosias. Paul sayth, God haue mercie vppon E∣paphroditus, (he was sicke, verie néere vnto death) and not on him onely, but on me also, least I shoulde haue sorrowe vpon sorrowe. If God had taken Epaphroditus out of life,

no doubt Paul would haue sorrowed. What néede more examples? Christ mourned for La∣zarus, and shed teares for him. Then saide the * 1.199 Iewes, behold he loued him.

Wée are not therefore forbidden to mourne ouer the dead: but to mourne in such sorte as the heathen did, we are forbidden. They, as they did neither beléeue in God, nor in Christ, so had they no hope of y^e life to come. When a father saw his sonne dead he thought he had beene dead for euer. He became hea∣uie, changed his garment, delighted in no companie, forsooke his meate, famished him selfe, rent his bodie, cursed his fortune, cried out of his Gods. Oh my deare sonne, (saith he) how beautifull, how learned, and wise, and vertuous wast thou? why shouldst thou die so vntimely? why haue I offered sa∣crifice, and done seruice to my Gods? they haue made me a good recompence. I wil trust them no more, I wil no more call vpon them. Thus they fel into dispaire, and spake blas∣phemies.

Therefore, saith Paul you may mourne, as did the holie men of GOD: but in such sorte as the vnfaithfull sorrowe for their dead, you maie not mourne. You are the sonnes of the holie fathers: fashion not your selues therefore like to the heathens, do not as

they did, neither in feastes, nor in marriages, nor in your attire, nor in your mourning, nor in your pastimes. But behaue your selues as becommeth the children of the most high∣est.

But why may not Christians mourne, and continue in heauinesse? because it is no newe thing, for a man to die: because he goeth the waie of al flesh. Againe, they that departe this life, are not dead, they are not gone for euer, as the heathen imagined. They are laid down to take rest quietly for a time. The deth of a godlie man is nothing else, but a sléepe. So saith our sauiour of Lazarus, Our friend * 1.200 Lazarus sleepeth: howbeit Iesus spake of his death. So it is saide of Steuen. And they sto∣ned * 1.201 Steuen, who called on God, and saide, Lord Iesus receiue my spirite. And hee kneeled downe, and cried with a loud voice, Lord laie not this sinne to their charge, and when he had thus spoken, he slept. Whosoeuer di∣eth in the peace of conscience, he may saie, I will lie downe and take my rest. Thus doeth the man of God repose himselfe. For Christ is vnto him both in life, and in death aduan∣tage. He saith with the Apostle, Whether we * 1.202 liue, wee liue vnto the Lord, or whether wee die, we die vnto the Lord: whether wee liue therefore or die, we are the Lords. He goeth in∣to

his graue, as into a bed: he forsaketh this life, as if he lay downe to sléepe: he shall shake off his sléepe, rouse himselfe, and rise againe. As we wake out of sléepe, we know not howe: so shall we rise againe, though we knowe not how. As we are much refreshed, and our bodies strengthened by sléepe: so shal we rise a∣gaine in much more strength, and our corrup∣tion shal put on incorruption, and our morta∣litie, immortalitie. So often then as we goe to our beddes, lette vs thinke of our resur∣rection from death. Who is sorie to goe into his bedde? what father lamenteth to sée his childe lie quietly, and take his reste? why then shoulde he so mourne for his death? wherein GOD dealeth mercifully with him, and doth translate him to the glorie of the sonnes of God, where is no death, nor feare: but we shal be made like to the Angels of God.

The bodie rotteth in the grounde: yet God preserueth it, that it shal not perish. His spirite shall returne to it againe, and it shal liue. God is able to bring this to passe. He hath promised so to do. He hath done it alreadie, and wil doe it againe. When Christ came neare * 1.203 to the gate of the Citie of Naim, there was a dead man carried out, the only begotten sonne of his mother, which was a widow, and much

people of the Citie was with hir, and when the Lord saw hir, hee had compassion on hir, and saide vnto hir, weepe not. And hee went and touched the coffin, and they that bare it stoode still, and he saide, I saie vnto thee, yong man, arise. And he that was dead sate vp, and beganne to speake, and hee deliuered him to his mother. Lazarus was laide in his graue, he had béene foure daies dead, his bodie did stincke, Yet when Christ cried with a loud * 1.204 voice, Lazarus come foorth: then he that was dead, came foorth bound hand and foote with bandes, and his face was bound with a napkin. Iesus saide vnto them, loose him, and let him goe. Saint Mathew saith, The graues * 1.205 did open them selues, and manie bodies of the Saints which slept, arose, and came out of the graues after his resurrection, and went into the holie Citie, and appeared vnto manie. These fewe stories witnesse vnto vs the rising a∣gaine of our bodies vnto life. But what do I speake of the bodies of men? they are the houses of GOD, the temples of the holie Ghost, God hath appointed vnto them a king∣dome.

Who considereth not the swallowes and o∣ther birdes? they sléepe al the winter long. But when the spring commeth, they come to life againe, and are séene abroad. What crea∣ture

so little, so vile, and so little worth, as the stie? Yet by those so base, and contemptible things, doth God teach vs to know our selues and our estate. The greatest part of the win∣ter, they are as dead. They créepe into chinks and corners, as into their graue, and lie there without life, without féeling. Prooue it who list, he shall sée it so. The bodie is dead, the wings moulted. Yet the verie same flie so lit∣tle and so vile shall be refrozed againe at the spring, and shall liue in the warme weather, and haue the same wings, and the same féete, and the same bodie. If we be hard of beléefe, to giue credite to the word of God, these are manifest proofes to teach vs the resurrection of our bodies. If GOD do so much for the flies, which are so vile a creature: how much rather wil he quicken vs againe, whome hée hath chosen out of this world to liue with him for euer?

The word of GOD is almightie. Hée shall but speake, and it shall be done. The Trumpet shall sounde, and the dead shal re∣turn to life. I am sure, saith Iob, that my redee∣mer liueth, and that I shall rise out of the ear•…•…h in the latter daie, and shall be couered a∣gaine with my skinne, and shall see God in my flesh. Whome I my selfe shall see, and mine eies shall behold, and none other for me.

This is my hope laide vp in my bosome. Saint Paul willeth Timothie neuer to for∣get this doctrine, Remember that Iesus * 1.206 Christ made of the seede of Dauid, was rai∣sed againe from the dead according to my Gospell. This is the foundation, the begin∣ning, and the ending of religion. If the spirit of him that raised vp Iesus from the dead * 1.207 dwell in you, hee that raised vppe Christ from the dead, shal also quicken your mortall bodies, because that his spirite dwelleth in you.

This is an article of our faith. We beleue the resurrection of the bodie, euen of this bo∣die in which we liue, and which we carrie a∣bout with vs. All flesh shal sée the saluation of our GOD. This is the hope of Christians, the resurrection of their fleshe. Set your affe∣ctions * 1.208 on things which are aboue, not on things which are on the earth. For yee are dead, saith the Apostle, and your life is hidde with Christ in God. When Christ which is our life shall appeare, then shal yee appeare with him in glorie.

Therefore let not your heartes be dull through vnbeliefe. As God was able to saue the bodies of his seruantes, that they were not hurt in the fire, as he was able to kéepe Ionas safe, in the whales bellie: so can he

preserue our bodies safe in the earth. Yea, much better, because the fire naturally con∣suineth, and the fishes bellie destroieth those things which they rauine: but the earth naturally preseruoth that which is ear∣thie.

As our GOD is of power, to diuide the waters, to make the sea stand like a wall, and giue passage to his people: as he can chaunge the course of the heauens, and make the sunne goe backe, as he can drawe water out of the harde rockes: so is he of power to raise our dead bodies againe vnto life. If he made the earth, the water, the aire, the heauens, and all creatures in them of nothing: he is much more able to restore againe those bodies which haue beene. Wee looke saieth Paule, * 1.209 for the sauiour, euen the Lord Iesus Christ, who shall change our vile bodie, and make it like his glorious bodie, according to the wor∣king whereby he is able to subdue al things to himselfe. The Prophet Esay comforteth the people of GOD in their affli•…•…ions: Thy dead men shall liue: euen with my bodie shall * 1.210 they rise: awake and sing, yee that dwell in the dust: for thy deawe is as the deawe of hearbes, and the earth shall cast out the dead. Againe, The earth shall disclose her bloud, and shal no more hide her slaine. There∣fore

saith our sauiour, This is the fathers wil, * 1.211 which hath sent me, that of al which hee hath giuen mee, I should loose nothing, but should raise it vp againe at the last daie. Againe hée saith, The houre shall come, in the which * 1.212 al that are in the graues shall heare his voice. And they shall come foorth that haue done good, vnto the resurrection of life: but they that haue doone euill vnto the resurrection of condemnation. And againe, I am the resur∣rection * 1.213 and the life: hee that beleeueth in mee, though hee were dead shal liue, and who∣soeuer liueth and beleeueth in me shall neuer die.

For if wee beleeue, that Iesus is dead, and is risen: that he was deliuered to death for our sinnes, and is risen againe for our iustifica∣tion: if we beléeue that he is ascended vp into heauen, and sitteth at the right hand of GOD his father: he will also raise vp our mortall bodies, and bring vs with him. Nowe Christ is risen from the dead, and was * 1.214 made the firste fruites of them that sleepe. He is our head, wée are his bodie: Wee are flesh of his flesh, and bone of his bone. Hée hath giuen vs his Spirite to dwell in vs. But if anie man hath not the * 1.215 Spirite of Christ, the same is not his. Christ our head liueth. His bodie then can not

he dead, Where I am, sayeth he, there shall * 1.216 also my seruaunt be. Wherefore if we be dead with Christ, we beleeue that wee shal liue also with him.

What then shal become of the infidelles, which haue no faith, which haue not the spirit of God? Shal not they rise againe? Yes verily. They shal rise, but not with Christ. They shal not rise the resurrection of the iust. Some shal rise vnto life, some vnto death: some to saluati∣on, others to damnation: some to glory, others to shame. Wee must al appeare before the * 1.217 iudgement seate of Christ, that euerie man may receiue the thinges which are doone in his bodie, according to that he hath doone, whe∣ther it be good or euil. The wicked shal rise vp again with their bodies, and their portion shal be with the Diuel and his Angels: they shal come foorth of their graues, to the resurrection of condemnation, their bodie and soule shal be cast into hel fire. Their worme shal neuer die: their fire shal not be quenched. It had béen bet∣ter for them, they had neuer béene borne.

V. 15. For this say we vnto you, by the word of the Lord, that we which liue, and are remai∣ning in the comming of the Lorde, shal not preuent them that sleepe.

16. For the Lorde himselfe shal descende from heauen with a shout, and with the voice

of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God: and the dead in Christ shal rise first.

This that we declare vnto you is not of our selues. It is the truth of God, it shal stand good & be found true for euer. God wil raise our bo∣dies out of the graue, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 restore thē from death to life. You may not reason howe, or in what order this shal be doone: or, who shal be the first or the seconde, or the third, that shal rise vp in the resurrection. Such questions are unfit and not to be moued. We shal al be chaunged in a * 1.218 moment, in the twinckling of an eye. At that houre, some shalve aliue, and some shal be dead. For he shal come to iudge both the quicke and the dead. We that are remaining, in the com∣ming of the Lorde shal not preuent them that sleepe. Neither is their part better in the re∣surrection, that shal then be founde aliue: nor their part worse, that haue béene dead manis yeares before. For they which were dead shal as soone be partakers of the glory of the sonnes of God, as the other.

Touching the state of men that shal liue in the end of the world, Christ sayth, As the daies of Noe, so likewise shal the comming of the * 1.219 sonne of man be. I doubt not but you remēber the storie, what dreadful plague of rain & tem∣pest fel, when al the world was drowned, and destroyd with water Vice and vngodlines en∣creased,

and al flesh had corrupt his way vpon earth. They had no shame, there was no feare of God before their eyes. Gods wrath was kindled against them. He sent Noah a preacher of righteousnes to reforme them, to tel them of the destructiō at hand, that they might repent, and be saued. But they regarded it not. They laught Noah to scorne, & grewe desperate, and continued in sinne. Sodenly al the fountaines of the great déepe were broken vp, & the win∣dowes of heauen were opened. As they were eating & drinking, buying & selling, building, purchasing, stirring and trauailing: as they were in the middest of their ioyes, & trauailes, and pleasures, the raine came vpon them, and the flouds grewe so great, that it destroyed the whole worlde, except Noah and a fewe of his companie. Their landes, their goods, Cities. Castles, nor any other their pleasure or wealth could saue them: so shal it be in the comming of Christ.

As it was in the daies of Lot and as it be∣tel to Sodome, and Gomortha: they liued and increased in filthinesse. Their heartes were blind and regarded no counsel. Their bo∣dies were filthie: their soules, their liues, their houses & cities were ful of filthinesse. The An∣gel of God departed from them, Loth went out from among them: and fire came downe

from heauen and consumed them to ashes, and caried them downe quick into hel. There was no father left to lament his child, no child left to lament his father. So shal it be at the com∣ming of Christ. He shal come as a théefe, so∣denly, when no man looketh for his comming: he shal come at such season, when mens harts wil be asléepe, and thinke not of him.

S. Peter sayeth, There shal come in the last * 1.220 dayes, mockers, which will walke after their lustes, and say, where is the promise of his com∣ming? for since the fathers dyed, al things con∣tinue alike from the beginning of the creati∣on. They skorne the threatninges of Gods indgement. When shal the world come to an ende? We haue winter and sommer, raine, snow, day and night as before. The sonne kée∣peth his course: the fioudes runne: the fr•…•… beare fruit: al things are as they haue béene. O, sayth Peter, know this, that god hath made the heauen and earth, and al the furniture in them. They are his creatures: he doth holde thē vp, and preserue them by the power of his word. When God shal withdrawe his word, they shal decay, and haue an ende. As for our Lorde, he shal come, and not tarie: at his com∣ming heauen shal depart away as a scrol that is rold, the element shal melt with heat, and the earth with the works that are therin, shal

be burnt vp and consumed before his face. De∣ceiue not your selues with lying wordes. For when you say, peace, peace, and al thinges are safe: then shal sodaine destruction come vpon you. Then two men shal be in the fieldes, the * 1.221 one shal bee receiued, and the other refused. Two women shal be grinding at the mil: the one shall be receiued, and the other refused. So shal also the comming of the sonne of man •…•…ée.

The number of the faithful that shal remain at his comming, shal not be many. So sayth Christ, When the sonne of man commeth, * 1.222 shal he finde faith on the earth? S. Iohn pro∣phecying of that day, sayth, The sunne was as * 1.223 blacke as sackecloath of hayre, and the Moone was like bloud. The beautie of the Church shal be defaced: the light of the Gospel shal be put out. Then shal few be left of those that shal be∣hold the glory of God. These shal giue witnesse vnto the truth. And albeit they be but few, yet are they ynough to condemne the vngodlinesse of the wicked. We shal not go in rowtes: for we shal be but few, we shal then be in the bo∣die, and liue in this world, and looke vp, and sée these things: yet when the Lord shal come, we shal not preuent them that sléepe. Although we liue, and they were dead, yet shal they be as readie as we.

Why? For the Lord himselfe shal descend with a shout, &c. Here is laide before vs, the true maner of the terrible iudgement of God. For our better vnderstanding, let vs compare heauen with earth, and the iudgement of God with the iudgement of men. The Judges sitte on high, accōpanied with noble men, and Ju∣stices, attended on with Constables, and bay∣lifes, and the state & presence of the countrey: the théefe is brought foorth piniond, and bound in chaines and fetters. The poore wretch stan∣deth in great feare: his conscience accuseth him, and sayth, thou didst steale, thou art worthie to die. The boyce of the Judge is as a blast of thunder: the face of the Judge terrible to him, as hel fire. But the innocent that is wrongful∣ly imprisoned, and hath not offended, he séeth himselfe cleare, his conscience ercuseth him, and therefore reioyceth at the comming of the Judges. He thought it long before they came. These, saith he, wil strike off my shackles, and set me at libertie. Their voice vnto him, is as the voyce of life: he beholdeth them, and they are as the angels of God.

Such shal bee the shewe and sight of the sonne of GOD, he shal come downe with maiestie from heauen: the Trumpet of God shal sounde, and be hearde from the one ende of the heauen, to the other: and whosoeuer shal

heare it, shal quake for feare. Then shal he be the iudge ouer al flesh. Then be shal shew him selfe to be King of Kings, and Lorde of Lords. Then shal he not come in humilitie, méeke nesse, and mercy: but with dread and terrour of iudgement, and iustice. Not with twelue poore Apostles: but with twelue thousande Angels to attende vpon him. Not in the preaching of the Gospel, & calling sinners to repentance: but in the sounde of a Trumpet, wherewith al the corners of the earth shal be amazed. Then shal he not say, come vnto mee al ye that trauaile, and be loaden, and I wil refresh you: I am sent to the lost Shéepe of Israel. He shal not say, Father forgiue them, for they knowe not what they do. But, you haue béene ashamed of me, and of my worde, before men: therefore now wil I be ashamed of you before my hea∣uenly father.

Then shal they that despired y^e word of God, know what they despised: and the blasphemers shal reape the fruit of their blasphemie. Then the carelesse Sheaphearde which hath not fed the Lords shéepe, but neglected them, and left them at al aduentures: which hath betrayed his flocke, and giuen them to bee a praie vnto the Woolfe: shal receiue a iust re∣warde for his treason. Then the adulte∣rer, oppressour, and Vsnrer, shal haue their

life layde open before them. Then shal euerie eye sée him. They shal see him, whome they * 1.224 pearced through: they shal sée his woundes, which they did not regarde. They shal sée his Sworde readie drawen to slaie all his ene∣mies and shal fal downe for feare of him that sitteth vpon the throne, and of the Lambe.

But the harts of the righteous shal reioyce. They shal lift vp their heades, and sée him in whome they haue trusted. Then they shal say, this is the day which the Lorde hath made, let vs reioice and be glad in it. Come, let vs reioice vnto the Lord: let vs come before his face with praise: lette vs sing lowde vnto him with Psalmes. Such shal be the state and counte∣naunce, and honour, and maiestie of our God, when he shal come downe from heauen for our deliueraunce.

And the dead in Christ shal rise, first. The earth shal open & yéelde foorth her dead bodies: that so they may be ready with vs that remain, to go before the presence of our iudge. Which are dead in Christ. Who are they? They whom he chose out of this world: and which haue cho∣sen God for their portion: whome God hath sealed vnto the day of redemption. Which haue saide, Christ is to me both in life, & death, aduantage. And, I liue, not I now, but Christ liueth in me. And againe, whether we liue or

bie we are the Lords. Which say I haue boūd my selfe to serue the Lord, all the daies of my life.

They are dead in Christ which commend them selues wholie vnto him, and say, O Lord in thée haue I trusted, let mée neuer be con∣founded. I desire to be losed, and to be with Christ. Into thy handes, O Lord, I com∣mend my spirite, thou hast redéemed mée, O Lord of truth. To be shorte, whosoeuer li∣ueth in the Lord, he dieth in the Lord. He in whom Christ liueth, which hath a tast and fée∣ling of Christ in his heart: he that reioiceth in Christ, and looketh for that blessed hope, and appearing of the glory of the mightie God, and of our sauiour Jesus Christ: he is a shéepe of his pasture, he is a member of his bodie, he is the apple of his eie: he liueth and dieth in Christ. Blessed is he that so liueth and so di∣eth, for he shall rise with Christ in the resurre∣stion of the righteous, and shal haue his part in the land of the liuing.

V. 17. Then shal we which liue and remaine, be caught vp with them also in the cloudes, to meete the Lord in the aire: and so shal wee e∣uer be with the Lord.

18. Wherefore comfort your selues one ano∣ther with these wordes.

We which shall sée al these things, shal al∣so be caught vp our selues. But here you must note, that Paul speaketh not this of his owne person, and of them that liued in his time, as if they should continue aliue vntil the ende: or that the world should haue an ende, before they should die: but he sheweth what shal be the state of such, whosoeuer shal then remaine aliue. And againe, marke, that he saith not, we which liue and remaine, shall die soorth∣with, or, our bodies shall be turned into dust, and so our soules alone go to méete the Lorde: but, whether we be standing or sitting: doing well, or ill occupied. Wee shall be caught vp. For the Trumpet shall sodainely blow, and then the dead shall rise, and we shall be chan∣ged. So saith Saint Paul: Behold, I shew you * 1.225 a secrete thing, we shal not al sleepe, but wee shal al be changed. In a moment, in y^e twink∣ling of an eie shal they that are dead arise and we shall be changed. This our mortall bodie shall be changed, and shal put on immortali∣tie: this corruptible bodie shal be changed, and put on incorruption. Christ wil change our earthly bodies, to the likenesse of his glorious heauenly bodie. Then shall our flesh be pure, and heauenly, and spirituall, and we shall be able to behold the glorie of God. Then shall be * 1.226 brought to passe the saying that is written,

death is swalowed vp into victorie. O death where is thy sting? O graue where is thy vi∣ctorie?

To meete the Lord in the aire, &c. This is a comfortable end of al troubles and persecu∣tions which the godlie suffer in this life, that they be receiued into the glorie of God, and that both their bodie and soule doth liue with him, and enioy his presence for euer. Then shall they eate of the trée of life, which is in the middest of the paradise of GOD. They shal hunger no more, nor thirst any more, neither shal the sunne light on them, nor anie heate. God shal wipe away al teares from their eies. Then shal they féele those ioies, which eie hath not séene, nor eare hath heard, nor hath entred into the heart of man. Such an end shal they haue, whosoeuer feare the Lord.

Comfort your selues one another with these wordes. You sée the turmoiles, and troubles of the world, what vexations and afflictions Sathan raiseth vp against al those that will liue godlie. Open and notorious sinners are •…•…borne. Theft, adulterie, vsurie, extortion, wilfull murther, rebellion, treason, are many times pardoned and vnpunished, but true re∣ligion which is the turning from idols to serue the true and liuing God, and faith in Jesus Christ, that by him we shall be deliuered from

the wrath to come, findeth fe•…•…e friends, and seldome escapeth without strange and most cruel tormēts. What is this but to crucifie the Lord of glory, and to set Barrabas a murtherer at libertie? Dauid saith, The Kings of the earth * 1.227 band themselues, and the Princes are assembled together against the Lord, and against his an∣nointed. They séeke to spoile the vine of the Lord, and to destroy his little flocke. They vse al meanes to put out the light of the Gospel. But be you of good chéere, cōtinue you stedfast in the truth, your redemption is euen at hand. You shal be caught vp in the cloudes, to méete the Lord, and so shall abide with him for euer. Let euerie neighbour comfort his neighbour, and euery father his childe: let vs al one com∣fort an other with these words.

CHAP. 5.

BVt of times, and seasons, brethren, you haue no neede that I write vnto you.

2 For yee your selues know perfectly, that the daie of the Lord shal come, as a theefe in the night.

3 For when they shal say, peace and safetie, then shal come vpon them sodaine destructi∣on, as the trauaile vpon a woman with child, and they shal not escape.

WHen the Disciples came vnto Christ a part, and saide, Tel vs * 1.228 when these things shall be, and what signe shal be of thy com∣ming, and of the ende of the world, hee answered, Take heede least anie * 1.229 man deceiue you. It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the father hath put in his owne power. For of that daie and houre * 1.230 knoweth no man, no, not the Angels which are in heauen, neither the sonne himselfe, saue the Father. vere not your spirite in vaine. Séeke not for that you may not knowe, you shall not be able to finde it.

Therefore saith Paul, I néede not write of times and seasons, in which these things shall be done. Your selues haue béene taught the word of God, you haue learned what his wil is: you know the day of the Lord shal come vp∣on you as a théefe. And how commeth a théefe? not in the day time, not when a man hath com∣pany about him, not when he is watched: but in the night, in the darkenesse, when al light is out, when the good man of the house taketh his rest, when the seruants are asléepe. Euen so when the light of the truth is taken away, when the hart of the goodman of the house is at rest, and his eies are darkened, that they can∣not sée: and al his senses drowned in worldlie

pleasures, when we care for nothing, and think of nothing, when we say, peace and safety: then wil the sonne of man come to iudgement, then shal destruction sodainly fal vpon vs. Therfore let vs be readie, for in the houre that we think not, wil the sonne of man come.

Marke that Paul saith, yée haue no néede that I write vnto you of times and seasons: & that our sauior saith, it is not for you to know the times or the seasons. What may we think then of them that write bookes & almanackes, and say, such a yeare, and at such a time, Christ shal come, and with these spéeches fray and mocke the world? Paul was the Apostle of Christ, an elect vessel of the holie ghost, he said, I haue no néed to write of it, you cannot know it. What néede is there nowe that such bookes and pamphlets should be written? why should the world be troubled with such vanities?

Spare me your patience, and giue me leaue a little to deale with these wisards. Tell mee, thou that doest measure and beholde the com∣passe of heauen, and markest the coniunoions, and oppositions, and aspects of the starres: and by that wisedome canst foretel the things that shalbe done hereafter: where learnest thou this skil? how commest thou by this déepe know∣ledge? Paul was taken vp into the third héauē, & heard words which cannot be spoken, which

are not lawful for man to vtter: yet he knew not this secret, nor might not know it. What art thou then? art thou greater than the Apo∣stle of Christ? hast thou béene taken vp into some place higher than the third heauen? hast thou heard such words, as are not lawfull to vtter? if it be so, why doest thou vtter them? wilt thou take that vpon thée which the holie Apostle dareth not? arte thou of Gods priuie counsel? the angels and archangels know not hereof: and shal we thinke that thou knowest it? Art thou wiser than an Angel? Consider thy selfe, thou art a miserable man, thy breath fa∣deth as the smoake. Thou art nothing but dust and ashes: thou canst not attaine to the know∣ledge hereof.

And what is that which thou boastest? the knowledge of that terrible daie, when all flesh shall appeare before the Judge. Euen of that time, which God hath put in his owne power. O vaine man, thou knowest not thine owne •…•…aie, thou knowest not when thy soule shall be taken from thée. By what helpes, and meanes camest thou vnto this knowledge? by reading the writings of the Apostles? by reading the Gospell of Christ, or anie parte of the word of GOD? No GOD wote, thou hast no great skill in this lear∣ning. Thou hast it from Manilius, Maternus,

Albumazar or Haly. What is Manilius, Ma∣ternus, Albumazar and Haly? What are they but Heathens, Painims, and Jnsidels? Were they not voide of all knowledge of God? were they not the enimies of the crosse of Christ? these neuer beléeued in God, howe could they then know that day, when he would iudge the world? Let thy common reason reforme thée. Can Saturne and Mars knowe this, when the Angels of God cannot knowe it?

To what end write they thus? to giue a token of their knowledge? nay, hereby they proclaime and publish their sollie and want of knowledge. These two hundred yeares, there haue euer béene some, which haue aduentured to tell such newes, and to saie, in this yeare or that yeare, you shal haue doomes daie. Such a daie will Christ come to iudgement, and the world shall haue an end. They haue appointed many such yeares, and daies, and houres. The yeares be gone, the daies be past, & the houres be slipt away, but the world abideth, and gi∣ueth witnesse of their follie.

But the meaning of these men is good. Here∣by they moue the people to repentance. For, when men thinke the ende of the world is at hand, they wil beare the lesse affection of the things of this world. This is not the waie to teach repentance, and amendment of life. The

people may not be taught by lies & fables. If this had béen good for thē, God himselfe would haue vsed it. God graunt them grace to re∣pent, which thus presume of knowledge, and reach so high and yet know nothing.

Let vs yet reason further with them. How haue they this knowledge? of certaintie, or by coniecture? if of certaintie, then it must néedes be so, it cannot faile, nothing can let it. But you wil say, it is a coniecture, it may so bée: and it is likely, for such a day, shal be a Con∣iunction of Saturne and Mars in a fierie house: and therefore al things shal be consumed with fire. Alas, what hath Saturne or Mars to doe with the day of the Lorde? They are but crea∣tures, they are no Goddes. They are starres made to giue vs light, why should they leade vs into darkenesse? in the day of the Lorde they shal be melted and perish with fire. Why then trouble they the worlde with such vani∣ties, and set those thinges downe for trueth, whereof they haue no certaintie, but onely a gesse and coniecture?

And what time chose they to cast abroade these newes? the same, in which the Gospel through the mercie of God, is wel knowen of most men. Euen nowe tel they these tales, when all men knowe, that Christ sayeth, the Angels in heauen knowe not of that day

and houre. The Angelles beholde the face of God, and stand in his presence, yet know they not the day of the Lorde. This is a secret, which God reuealeth not vnto any.

Children can reprooue this follie in them, and say, Mitte arcana dei, caelúmque inquirere quid sit, Seeke not to knowe the secretes of God, nor what manner thing the heauen is. Know thy self, that thou art but a mortal man crawling on the grounde like a worme. Hée that wil stare vpon the sunne, may be blinde and loose his eyes. God hath giuen thée know∣ledge in measure: thou canst not knowe, as much as thou wouldest. Knowe that is fit for thée to knowe, and speake that is laweful to be spoken. Thinke of the commaundementes of God, to followe them. Search not into his workes, to be curious in them. For he that is curious in searching the maiestie of God, shal be oppressed and confounded by his glorie.

Thus much we may wel knowe, that the Lorde wil come, that al fleshe shal appeare before him: that the worlde, the heauen, the earth, the sunne, and the moone shal haue an ende: that the day of the Lorde shall come so∣dainely, as a Théefe in the night. This war∣ning GOD hath giuen vs, that we shoulde not be taken vnwares, but that wee repent, and stande in readinesse, and watch, and

pray, that wee may bee caught vp into the cloudes to méete our redéemer.

V. 4. But you brethren, are not in darke∣nesse, that that day shoulde come on you, as it were a theese.

5 Yee are al the children of light, and the children of the day, wee are not of the night, neither of darkenesse.

6 Therefore let vs not sleepe as doe other: but let vs watch and be sober.

7 For they that sleepe, sleepe in the night, and they that be drunken, are drunken in the night.

8 But let vs, which are of the day, be sober, putting on the breaste-plate of Faith and Loue, and the hope of saluation for an hel∣met.

9 For God hath not appointed vs vnto wrath, but to obtaine saluation by the meanes of our Lord Iesus Christ.

10 Which dyed for vs, that whether wee wake or sleepe, wee should liue togither with him.

Your conuersation is in heauen, from whence you looke for the sauiour, euen the Lorde Iesus Christ. Ye were once darkenesse, but nowe you are light in the Lorde, walke as children of light, approouing that which is pleasing to y^e Lord. That day shal be dreadful,

and come sodainely vpon the wicked: but to you it shal not séeme sodaine, which feare the Lorde, and put your trust in him, and take al care to be in readines at his comming. Arme your selues strongly: the enemie séeketh to o∣uerthrowe you. Your enemie is the Deuill with al his force. Your strength standeth not in your owne prowes, or manhoode, but in the mightie power of God: put on therefore the breast-plate of faith and loue, he that belée∣ueth shal be saued, he that abydeth in loue, a∣bideth in God, & whosoeuer putteth his trust in him, shal not be confounded.

Here I may take occasion to say some∣what of the troubles of warre, howe Sathan séeketh by it to disquiet the Church of God. Who hath not hearde what force is this day raised in this realme? who hath not hearde of it? but let it not trouble you. God wil turne al to his glory. I loue not to speak of such things. Yet somewhat I must speake thereof, the time enforceth me.

This is the first disturbance and breach of that blessed peace in which God hath so long and so quietly preserued this realme since the time that hir Maiestie came to the Crowne. It giueth great occasion to the enemie, to breake in vppon vs: it is the spoyling of our Countrey. The barbarous souldiours rush

into mens houses, and take out what they list. They drawe their sworde, bende their force, ioyne themselues to warre against the Lord; and against his annointed. They haue •…•…orne and defaced, & burnt in fire the holy Bi∣ble, the Gospel of our saluation: and woulde set vp the loathsome seruice of the Masse.

What hath the worde of God offended? why should it be torne in péeces? why shoulde it be burnt? what worde is in it, which is not the worde of life? it is the power of God vnto saluation, to them that beléeue. And where should the worde of God haue place, where should it be hearde, but in the Church of God? O cursed handes that so dispitefully rent it. Woe woorth that vnhappie fire that burnt it.

As for the Masse, woulde God they that so much desire it, knewe what it is. Woulde God they knewe howe the people of God are mocked by it, and howe the precious bloud of our sauiour Jesus Christ is blasphemed by it: would God they knewe howe gréeuoustie God is offended with them in this thing, wherein they thinke, they please him so high∣lie. But the Masse, and Gods worde can not dwel in one house together: the one is so con∣trarie to the other.

God forgiue it them, and lay it not to their

charge. For they knowe not what they doe. They are drawn on to work the things which others haue most wickedly deuised. There is no doubt, but God wil confound their enter∣prise. For this is his owne cause, this quarrel is pickt against his Church, and against the knowledge and setting foorth of his Gospel: and therefore against the setting foorth of his glorie. Onely let vs lift vp pure handes into heauen, & cal for helpe from aboue. Let vs say vnto him, Rise vp for our succour, & redeme vs * 1.231 for thy mercie sake. Let vs say, They haue cast * 1.232 thy sanctuarie into the fire, and rased it to the grounde, and haue destroyed the dwelling place of thy name. Arise oh God, maintaine thine owne cause: remember thy daily reproch by the foolishe man. Let vs say, saue oh Lorde, Quéene ELIZABETH, thy seruaunt, establish that good thing which thou hast be∣gunne: open the eyes of al people, that they may sée thy sauing health, and inioy it through hearing thy Gospel, which thou hast made knowen vnto vs: saue thy people, which tru∣steth in thée, and breake the cordes of the wicked in sunder. Let vs comfort our selues with these wordes, that God hath not appoin∣ted vs to wrath, but to obtaine saluation, by the meanes of our Lorde Jesus Christ. Hée hath ouercome the worlde: let vs be of good

théere. And let vs walke as the children of light, let vs walke honestlie, as in the day. Then whether we wake or sléepe, whether wee liue or die, we shal liue together with him.

V. 11. Wherefore exhort one an other, and edifie one another, euen as ye doe.

This is the bonde of true loue and Chri∣stian friendship, that euerie man be careful of his brother as of himselfe: that euerie man •…•…hort, and teach the thinges that are good, and rebuke others in il: that euerie man séeke to bring home the lost shéepe, and to restore him to his maister. Therefore Christ sayth, If thy * 1.233 brother trespasse against thee, goe and tel him his faults, betweene him and thee alone: if he heare thee, thou hast wonne thy brother. For what knowest thou, whether thou shalt saue thy brother? Brethren, sayth Saint Iames, If a∣ny * 1.234 of you hath erred from the trueth, and some man hath conuerted him, let him knowe that he which hath conuerted the sinner, from go∣ing aftray out of his way, shall saue a soule from death, and shall hide a multitude of sinnes.

Therefore sayeth the Apostle, Exhort one an other and edifie one an other. Let the father exhort his scnne, oh son, walke vprightly be∣fore God, liue honestlie and vertuously in

the sight of al men, doe those thinges, that are good: thou art the childe of God, be holie in spirite, and holy in bodie, because he is holie. Say to the adulterer, oh brother bée not decei∣ued. Whosoeuer is an adulterer hath no inhe∣ritaunce in the kingdome of Christ and of God: God hath sayde of them that are such, they shal not enter into my rest. Say to the swearer, oh take not y^e name of God in vaine, for GOD wil not holde him giltlesse that ta∣keth his name in vaine. He that sweareth, and * 1.235 nameth God continually shal not bee fault∣lesse. A man that vseth much swearing shal be silled with wickednesse, and the plague shal neuer go from his house, nor from his cattel, nor from his corne, nor from his seruauntes, nor from his children, nor from himselfe. His house shal be ful of plagues.

Say to the Vsurer, oh heare the voyce of the Lord, thus sayth the Lord, before whom thon shalt stande to giue an account of those things which thou hast done in this life: Thou shalt not giue thy money to Vsurie. Hee that careth not for these wordes, but doeth other∣wise, shal not scape vnpunished. Say to the rich man: oh put not your trust in riches. Lay vp your treasure in heauen: lay it vp in the bosome of the poore, and it shal make interces∣sion for thée. Put thy trust in the liuing God,

which giueth vs abundantly all things to in∣ioie. Thy house, thy lande, thy money, thy golde and siluer shall not continue: thou shalt go the shalt of all flesh, and thy riches shall not be able to deliuer thée in the daie of wrath.

Saie to the learned man, to the wise man, and to the man whom God hath endued with worldly power: what hast thou, that thou hast not receiued? be not high minded. It is the gift of God. It is not thine. Thou shalt giue a reckoning of all that thou hast receiued. Abuse it not to the dishonour of God. It is of chari∣tie that I speake vnto thée. Thou art my bro∣ther, God hath a care ouer thée: it is his will, that one of vs should exhort an other. Oh why should thy life giue offence to anie man? why shoulde y^e name of God be il spoken of through thee? He hath made thée to bée a vessell of honour, thou belongest to his folde, why shouldest thou be lost, and perish in thy wil∣fulnesse?

V. 12 Nowe wee beseech you brethren, that yee knowe them which labour among you, and are ouer you in the Lord, and ad∣monish you.

13 That yee haue them in singular loue, for their workes sake: be at peace among your selues.

They which exhort you, and warne you, and are ouer you in the Lord: they be shéepeheards, and husbandmen, and watchmen for you. They féede the Lordes flocke, plough the Lordes ground, and watch the tower of the God of hosts. You are Gods shéepe, ye must be fedde, else you cannot liue. You are a field, you must be ploughed, else you will be ouer∣growen with brambles, and stand vnfruitful, and lie waste. You are the Lordes tower, you must be watched, else the enimie will breake in vpon you, and so you shoulde bée destroyed. They labour and trauell in your behalfe: they must giue an account for your soules: they are ambassadors sent from God: they come to tel you the truth: they preach not themselues, but Christ Jesus: they speake to you in the name of the Lord. Although you reckon them fooles, vnlearned, and simple, they are the mes∣sengers of the great King: euen of him that is Lord ouer all. Saint Paul saith: It pleased God * 1.236 by the foolishnesse of preaching to saue them that beleeue. The heauenly treasure is brought to you, in poore, broken, earthie vessels. The vessels are simple, but the trea∣sure is heauenly. The messenger is weake, but his word is the word of life, which can cast downe euerie high thing that is exalted against the glorie of God. Whatsoeuer they

•…•…éeme to you, they are the eies of the Church, and the mouth of God. Christ saith vnto them, whome he appointeth to this ministerie, As my father sendeth mee, so sende I you. They * 1.237 haue the same commission be they neuer so poore. He that heareth you, heareth mee, and * 1.238 he that despiseth you, despiseth me: and he that despiseth me, despiseth him that sent me, saith Christ.

Some there are, that thus say: O that I might heare Christ, or Peter, or Paule, I would verily beléeue what they should preach. This is fondnesse, and curious vanitie. For when∣soeuer thou doest heare the minister of GOD breake vnto thée the word of life, and teaching thée the trueth of the Gospell: thou hearest Paule and Peter, and Christ himselfe. If thou despisest the word of God spoken vnto thée by him, and the grace which God offereth thée by him: thou despisest Christ him selfe, and hea∣pest vp the heauie displeasure of God against thée. God wil giue thée ouer into a reprobate minde: thou shalt haue eies, yet shalt not sée: thou shalt haue eares, yet shalt not heare: thou shalt die in thy sinne. It shall be easier for Sodome at that daie, than for thée. There∣fore acknowledge them, giue credit to their message, they watch, and take paines for you.

What shal we say of them that labour not? that doe neither teach, nor exhorte, nor re∣prooue, nor correct: that haue no care to doe their message, and no regarde to the people? What may I say of such? God himselfe saith, They are dumbe dogges, and can not barke: * 1.239 they lie and sleepe, and delight in sleeping: they all looke to their owne waie: and to their owne aduantage, and euerie one for his owne purpose. Christ calleth them théeues and rob∣bers. They are vnsauerie salte, profitable for nothing, but to be cast foorth and troden vnder féete of men. Woe is vnto me, saith Paul, if I * 1.240 preach not the gospel. Wo to the seruant that wrappeth his talent in a napkin, and increa∣seth not his maisters gaine. God graunt such idle and slouthfull ministers, grace to knowe their office, and to doe it. If not, God giue the people grace to know them, and shunne them, and to flée from them.

That ye haue them in singular loue, for their * 1.241 workes sake. He telleth Timo•…•…hie, The elders that rule well, are worthie of double honour, specially they which labour in the worde and doctrine. Reuerence them, and loue them. Loue them for your owne sakes: you haue life and comforte by them. Honour them for their office sake. They are your fathers, they haue begotten you in Christ, they carrie

the keyes of the kingdome of heauen. They are the Stewards of Gods house, and the dis∣posers of his mysteries. Honor them and loue them for Gods sake. He hath sent them, and hath put his word in their mouth. He hath said to them, go ye into all the world, preach the gospell vnto euerie nation. Goe speake to the heart of Hierusalem, that they may féele the waight of thy wordes, and repent. Loue them therefore. For they loue you in Christ, and are readie to giue their liues for your sake. The Galathians so reuerenced and loued * 1.242 Saint Paule, that he saieth, Yee receiued me as an Angel of God. For I beare you record, that if it had beene possible, you would haue pluc∣ked out your eies, and haue giuen them me.

Be at peace among your selues. You are the sonnes of God. God is the God of peace. Discorde, contention, and vnquietnesse are fit for the children of Sathan. Liue in godly vnitie, as becommeth the children of peace.

V. 14. We desire you brethren, that yee admonish them that are vnruly: comforte the feeble minded: beare with the weake: be pa∣tient toward all men.

15. See that none recompence euill for e∣uill vnto anie man: but euer folow that which

is good, both towards your selues, and towards al men.

There are some which walke among you inordinately: they breake the bond of peace, they sowe diuisions, and discord betwéene the brethren: they draw disciples after them: and disquiet the Church of God: they commaunde that hath béene forbidden by God, and forbid that God hath commaunded. Warne them that are such, saie vnto them as did Saint Paul to the Corinthians, We haue no such custome, * 1.243 neither hath the Church of God. Woe to him by whome offence commeth. Say vnto them as Iosuah said to Achan, In as much as thou * 1.244 hast troubled vs, therefore God will trouble thee this daie. After this sorte admonish them and laie open their wilfulnesse, and blasphe∣mie before their eies, that they may sée the blindnesse of their heartes, and in what sorte their life is disordered, and so repent, and be saued.

But what greater disorder can there be, than that of theirs, who haue this daie assem∣bled them selues in force and in armour? which haue lifted vp their sword against their soueraigne, and disturbed the peace of this realme, and haue misted the people, and sought •…•…o ouerthrow the Church of God? Let vs ad∣monish them, if we may speake with anie

that are so ill disposed, and shew them the dan∣ger that hangeth ouer their heads. Let vs saie to them, thou hast done wickedly in the sight of God: thou hast resisted the ordināce of God, bicause thou hast resisted the power which hee hath ordained: thou hast stricken with the sword, therfore thou shalt perish by the sword: thou hast disquieted the Israel of God, there∣fore God shall disquiet thée. Such rebels are vnruly. They rise vp against their Prince, as did Dathan and Abiram against Moses: they aduance themselues against God, as did Luci∣fer, therefore shall they be cast downe aliue in∣to hetl.

Comfort the feeble minded, and those that be heauy in hart: which suffer imprisonment, and liue in pouertie, and are gréeued and can∣not help themselues. Saie vnto them, as Saint * 1.245 Iames, Blessed is the man, that end•…•…reth temp∣tation: for when he is tried, he shal receiue the crowne of life, which the Lord hath promised them that loue him. Saie vnto them, as Saint * 1.246 Peter: this is thank wo•…•…hie, if a man for consci∣ence toward god indure griefe, suffring wrong∣fully. Comfort them with the words of the * 1.247 Prophet, They that sow in teares, shall reape in ioie. Comfort them with the wordes of * 1.248 Christ, Blessed are ye which weepe now, for ye shall laugh.

See that none recompence euil for euill to anie man. Though you suffer manie things at the handes of the wicked, yet you may not be followers of that euill, which is in them. A∣uenge not your selues, but giue place vnto * 1.249 wrath: for it is written, vengeance is mine, I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore, if thine enimie hunger, feede him: if he thirst, giue him drinke. Herein shall it appeare if we loue our neighbour as our selfe: if we patiently a∣bide iniuries and séeke to doe good vnto them that grieue and oppresse vs. I saie vnto you, saith Christ, loue your enimies: blesse them * 1.250 that curse you, doe good to them that hate you: and pray for them that hurt you, and persecute you. That you may be the children of your father that is in heauen: for he ma∣keth his sunne to arise vpon the euill, and the good, and sendeth raine on the iust, and vn∣iust.

V. 16. Reioice euermore.

The ioie of the wicked shall haue an ende. They reioice in their goods, in their wisedome, in their peace and worldly safe∣tie, and in the multitude of their chil∣dren, or discent of their petidegrée. This ioie is transitorie, it fadeth and abideth not. The worlde passeth (saith Saint Iohn) * 1.251 and the lust thereof. They reioice in their

wickednesse, the Lute and the Harpe, Ta∣bret and Pype, and wine are in their feastes, but they regard not the woorke of the Lorde: They eat vp the people as it were bread: they doe whatsoeuer they can deuise against the seruantes of God: but the later ende of their ioye, shalbe heauinesse, as it is saide, Woe be * 1.252 vnto you that laugh nowe, for you shall weepe and lament.

But the ioy of the righteous is euerlasting. Their heart shal reioice, and no man shal take their ioy from them. They comfort in this, that their names are written in the booke of life. They knowe the Lorde is at hand, there∣fore they are carefull for nothing, but reioyce alwayes in the Lord. S. Peter therefore saith: You are kept by the power of God through * 1.253 faith vnto saluation, which is prepared to bee shewed in the last time: wherein yee reioyce, though nowe for a season (if neede require) ye are in heauinesse, through manifolde temptati∣ons. Againe, Ye reioyce with ioy vnspeakea∣ble and glorious, receiuing the ende of your faith, euen the saluation of your soules. This is the happinesse, the ioye, and the comfort, that the godlie haue, and shall continue with them.

V. 17. Pray continually.

It is the part of a good Christian, and a wise

man, to know himselfe: and to knowe the na∣ture of this fleshe, which wée beare about with vs, which fighteth alwaies so mightily against the spirite: to knowe the waiwardenesse, and •…•…rokendnesse of our hearte, and the weakenesse and vanity of our minde. Many are so farre from this, that they thinke all their abilitie is of themselues. I haue, sayeth he, iudge∣ment, I haue the light of reason, I haue sense, I haue vnderstanding, and counsel, and the ordering of mine owne waie. Thus say they that neyther knowe GOD nor them∣selues.

But we must humble our selues vnder the mighty hande of God, & acknowledge that we are nothing. We must confesse with S. Paul, I knowe, that in me, that is to say, in my flesh, * 1.254 dwelleth no good. And againe, It is not in him * 1.255 that willeth, nor in him that runneth, but in God that sheweth mercie. Our sauiour sayth, That which is borne of the fleshe, is flesh: and * 1.256 that that is borne of the spirite, is spirite. And God saith, The imaginatiō of mans hart is euil, * 1.257 from his youth. He hath made vs, and not we our selues: he knoweth vs, and not wee our sel•…•…s. This is his saying, and his iudge∣ment of vs. This we finde true. For our will is frowarde, and our vnderstanding blinde. Therefore sayth the prophet O Lord, I know, * 1.258

that the way of man is not in him selfe, neither is it in man to walke and direct his steppes. And Salomon, The steppes of man are ruled * 1.259 by the Lorde: how can a man then vnderstand his owne way? And the prophet Ieremie, Behold * 1.260 as the claie is in the potters hande, so are you in my hand, O Israel. I mould you, and forme you to my glorie.

When the Apostle putteth the Corinthians in minde of that good successe which God gaue vnto his ministery among them, he saith: Such * 1.261 trust haue we through Christ to GOD: not that we are sufficient of our selues to thinke a∣ny thing as of our selues: but our sufficiencie is of God. Christ sheweth this to his disciples, I am the vine, you are the braunches: he that * 1.262 abideth in me, and I in him, bringeth foorth much fruite: for without me ye can doe no∣thing. To the Colossians sayth Paul, It is God * 1.263 which worketh in you, both the wil and the deede, euen of his good pleasure. It is God that disposeth our goings, & turneth our harts, as séemeth best to him. He is able to make of the stones in the stréetes children vnto Abra∣ham, he is able to take away our stony heart, and to giue vs a heart of flesh.

The consideration hereof leadeth vs to séeke helpe and comfort by prayer at the hande of God. And then because we stande in continual

néede of Gods helpe, either to giue vs some∣thing that is good, or to deliuer vs from that is euil, the Apostle biddeth vs pray continually. The eares of the Lord are open to the praiers of the righteous. Therefore Christ sayth, Aske, * 1.264 and it shall be giuen you: Seeke, and ye shall finde: knocke and it shall be opened vnto you. God will giue you your hearts desire. Let vs therefore goe boldly to the throne of grace, * 1.265 that we may receiue mercie, and finde grace to helpe in time of neede.

Dauid prayed vnto God, Open thou mine eyes, lighten my darkenesse: direct my feete into the way of peace: encline my heart O Lorde vnto thy testimonies: stablish O God that which thou hast wrought in vs: take not thy holie spirite from vs: be thou our hel∣per in troubles, O forsake vs not vtterly. He founde no way to attaine vnto knowledge of the will of God, vnlesse God would open his vnderstanding, & endue him with his spirite. Faith is the gift of God, or else was the A∣postles prayer in vaine. Increase our Faith. * 1.266 Our Sauiour teacheth vs to pray in this ma∣ner, Halowed be thy name, thy kingdome come, thy will be done: because without the grace and mercie of God, we can doe nothing to the setting foorth of his glory.

V. 18. In all thinges giue thankes: for

this is the will of God in Christ Iesus towarde you.

These thrée are the badges or cognisance of a christian souldier: to reioyce in the mercie of God: to be feruent in prayer: and to giue thankes to God in all thinges. The heathens which haue no part in the kingdome of Christ, are thankefull for their life, and libertie, and wealth, and glorie, and worldly prosperitie. But Christians ought to be thankful in perse∣cution, in thraldome, in aduersitie, in shame, in miserie, and in death it selfe. Who would thinke that a Lyon which by nature is fierce and cruel, should yéelde foorth Hony? yet Samp∣son * 1.267 found Honie in the bodie of a Lyon. Who would thinke it likely that a man should bée preserued in the bellie of a fish? Ionas was swallowed vp of a Whale, and yet not hurt. Who would thinke that a man might be sa∣ned in the middest of burning fire? yet y^e thrée seruauntes of God walked in the fire safelie, and came safe foorth againe. We knowe, sayth * 1.268 the Apostle, that all thinges worke together for the best, vnto them that loue God. The Apo∣stles reioyced in their persecution that they were counted woorthie to suffer rebuke for Christes sake. And Paule speaking of this per∣fection in the godly, sayeth, We reioyce vnder * 1.269 the hope of the glorie of God. And not so on∣lie,

but also we reioyce in tribulations.

Who hath not heard of the patience of Iob his heardes of Cattel were driuen away: his houses consumed with fire: his children slaine: his body stricken with a scurfe or manginesse: his wife loathed him, and his friendes for sooke him. What did Iob in all these miseries? what thought hée? or what spake he? let his patience in suffering, & his wordes of thankes∣giuing teach vs howe to beare aduersitie, The Lorde (sayeth he) hath giuen, and the Lorde * 1.270 hath taken it: blessed bee the name of the Lorde: Againe, Though he slay me, yet wil I * 1.271 trust in him. Who is able to expresse the man∣ly comfort of his heart? which said, I wil trust in him though he kill me. He is my God, I am his creature. His wil be doone. I wil al∣wayes giue him thankes, and praise his holie name. By these we are learned to giue thanks in pouertie, in afflictions, in miserie, and in al things, though they are heauy and greeuous vnto vs.

What are we then that are neither thankful for riches, nor for health, nor for our pleasures, nor in the aboundance of al things? yea, which abuse the good giftes of GOD to dishonour God, who hath giuen them vnto vs? the earth is the Lords, and al that therein is: the world, & they that dwel therin. He openeth his hand,

and filleth al thinges liuing with his good bles∣sing. Let vs looke vp into the heauens: there is God the Father of lightes, from whom e∣uerie good and perfect gift commeth: there is our redeemer Iesus Christ, in whom are hid all the treasures of wisedome and knowledge-When we turne in our beddes: when we sée our fare, and the furniture of our •…•…able: when we sée our seruants, and children about vs: when we sée our money and houses, and lands: let vs thinke with our selues, how many good men, & faithful seruants of God lack the same, and haue not receiued these blessinges in such measure, as we. In al these thinges God spea∣keth to vs, and sayth, I haue giuen them thée, thou hast them at my handes: vse them well, and be not vnthankful.

If I would stande herein, and declare what rauses we haue to giue thankes vnto God, I shoulde neuer make an ende. There is no beast on the grounde, no fish in the Sea, no bird in the ayre, no starre in the heauens, no leafe of the trée, no corne of the field, no sande on the shoare, no droppe of water, no sparckle of fire: but GOD hath created them all for the sonnes of men. So much are wée bound alwayes to giue thankes to God, and to say as the Prophet, O Lorde, our Lorde, * 1.272 howe excellent is thy name in all the worlde?

Let vs confesse before the Lorde his louing kindnesse, and his woonderful workes before the sonnes of men.

But who is able to render thankes suffici∣ent to God, for that he giueth vs y^e knowledge of his Gospel, and maketh vs know the secrets of his wil? this is a great blessing, and farre a∣boue al the other comforts of this life. They that haue not this, are in darkenesse, and in the shadowe of death. To be short: euen in death, we haue to praise God: we must say, I thanke thée O God, for thou hast deliuered him frō the bodyof this death, thou hast translated him vn∣to thy selfe, that so he may remaine with thée in thy glorie. Thus whither soeuer ye turne, what state or part of life or death soeuer ye cō∣sider: whether it be trouble or peace: things present, or things to come: heauē or earth: life or death: you shall alwaies finde causes to be thankefull.

V. 19. Quench not the spirite.

Hée meaneth by the spirite, the giftes and graces of the spirite. The spirite of God is the spirit of wisedome, and the spirite of truth. No man, sayeth S. Paule, can say that Iesus is the * 1.273 Lord, but by the holy Ghost. Againe, The spi∣rite helpeth our infirmities: and againe, The * 1.274 same spirite beareth witnesse, with our spirite, that we are the children of God. It is he that

leadeth vs into all trueth, that openeth our hearts to vnderstanding, and guideth our féete into the waie of peace. O saith he, despise not the wisedome of the spirite: refuse not his help, but seek it that you may be strengthened: comforte your selues in his testimony of your adoption: quench not the light, he hath kind∣led in your hearts: disdaine not his leading: abuse not his mercy: abuse not the time of your visitation: let not so great mercie of God be bestowed on you in vaine: fulfil not your own willes, abstaine from fleshly lusts: walke in the spirite: desire the best gifts, and let euerie * 1.275 man, as he hath receiued the gift, so minister the same to another, as good disposers of the ma∣nifold grace of God.

V. 20 Despise not prophecying.

Prophecie, is the preaching, and expoun∣ding of the word of God: and he is called a Prophet and doth prophecie, that openeth vn∣to vs the wil of God. This is not meant of fond, and vain, and lying prophecies, as were those of Merline, and such like which tell you tales of lions, and beares, and goates, of the sunne, of the moone, and manie strange deui∣ses. Such prophecies must be despised: they are workes of darkenesse: and forged by the Diuell to make vproares, and to beguile the people.

But, despise not prophecying. That is, despise not to heare the word of GOD: turns not awaie thine eare from vnderstanding. God giueth power to his word, that it may worke according to his good pleasure. It will let thée sée the weakenesse of thine errour, and settle thée in the waie wherein thou shouldest walke. If it had béene dangerous for the peo∣ple to heare the preaching of the Gospell, hée would not haue sent his Apostles into all the worlde. If Lidia shoulde not haue liked to heare Paule prophecie, howe might she haue knowne GOD? If those great numbers, which heard Peter, and were connerted, had despised prophecying, and woulde not haue heard him open the G•…•…pell vnto them, they had neuer considered the great mercie of GOD, nor sought to be instructed in their saluation. Faith commeth by hearing. This hath béene the meanes by which Christ hath giuen knowledge to Kings, & Princes, and al nations. It hath pleased God, saith Saint Paul, * 1.276 by the foolishnesse of preaching to saue them that beleeue. Despise not then to come to the Church of God, to praie in the congregation of the faithful, to heare the Scriptures of God read and erpounded, it is the blessing of God offered vnto thée. Where there is no prophe∣cie, the people perisheth. He that despiseth it,

shall be despised of the Lord: he shal be cast in∣to darkenesse, because he would not delight in the light.

V. 21 Trie al things and keepe that which is good.

Trie al things. God hath giuen you the spi∣rite of discretion, and of iudgement. Be wise, and knowe what is that good and acceptable will of God. He not deceiued with wordes of mans wisedome. Let not the basenesse or simplicitie of anie, cause you to refuse the mes∣sage which he bringeth: and carrie not your selues to liking of al that whatsoeuer shall be told you of such as beare great shew and coun∣tenance. This was it that deceiued the people of GOD, they gaue eare to false teachers, which lead them to worshippe the workes of their owne hands. Therefore, they saide vnto the stone, thou art our father, thou hast deliue∣red vs: they sell downe before it, worshipped it, beléeued in it: they slewe the Prophets of God, and stoned to death such as were sent vnto them.

The Scribes and Pharises séemed so grane and wise, that the people thought nothing good but what they allowed. They were al∣together appliable to beléeue, to do, to speake,

and to thinke, whatsoeuer the Pharises wil∣led them. Christ saith vnto them, Beware of * 1.277 false Prophets, which come to you in sheepes clothing, but inwardly they are rauening wolues. S. Iohn therefore saith, Dearely belo∣ued, * 1.278 beleeue not euerie spirite, but trie the spi∣rites whether they are of God: for manie false prophets are gone out into the world. And fur∣ther directeth vs, howe we should trie them, hereby shal ye know the spirit of God: euerie spirit that confesseth that Iesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God. Againe, hereby may you trie them, Whosoeuer transgresseth, and abi∣deth * 1.279 not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. Hee that continueth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the father and the sonne. If there come anie vnto you and bring not this doctrine, receiue him not to house, neither bid him God speede. Hereby S. Paul required the Galathians to trie betwéene him, and the false Apostles. If anie man preach vnto you other∣wise * 1.280 than that yee haue receiued, let him bee accursed. For now do I preach mans doctrine or Gods? the Saduces erred touching the re∣surrection, because they searched not the scrip∣tures. God teacheth vs by the prophet Esay, to make triall of teachers and doctrines. When * 1.281 they shall saie vnto you, enquire of them that haue a spirite of diuination, and at the soothsai∣ers,

which whisper and murmur, shoulde not a people enquire at their God? from the liuing to the dead? to the law, and to the testimonie, if they speake not according to this word, it is bi∣cause there is no light in them. Paule putteth Timothie in mind wherefore he left him at E∣phesus, * 1.282 to commaund some, that they teach none other doctrine: And to warne both the teachers and the hearers, that they giue no heede to fables and genealogies, which are end∣lesse, which breede questions, rather than god∣lie edifying, which is by faith. Thus are the people of God called to trie the truth, to iudge betwéene good and il, betwéene light and dark∣nesse. God hath made them the promise of his spirit, and hath left vnto them his word. They of Berea, when they heard the preaching of Paule, searched the scriptures dailie, whether those things were so, as he taught them, and manie of them beléeued. So do you: giue héed to instruction, and yet receiue not al things, without proofe and trial, that they are not con∣trarie to the wholesome doctrine of the word of God.

Keepe that which is good.

When you haue tried, and found out the truth, be constant and setled in it. A wauering minded man is vnstable in al his waies. Fol∣low

the truth, and be not carried about with euerie wind of doctrine. The diuel wil come in the name of God, and change himselfe into an Angel of light. Let him not take the loue of the trueth from you: let him not remooue you from faith and a good conscience: returne not like swine vnto your mire. God hath purged your hearts, and made them cleane. Except they be preserued and kept occupied, the vn∣cleane spirite wil returne, and enter in, and dwell in you: so the last state of you shall be worse than the first.

We haue great cause to harken diligently to the Apostle, to keepe that is good. We see this daie great confusion in al places. Sathan woulde faine entangle vs againe with the er∣rour of the wicked, and séeketh to drawe vs from our stedfastnesse. Now is the time wher∣in God maketh some triall of his seruauntes: now iniquitie séeketh to haue the vpper hand. They seduce the people, & saie, here is Christ, there is Christ: here is the Church, there is the Church. God giue vs his holie spirite to guide vs in iudgement, that we maie dis∣cerne the truth from falshoode, and knowe the blessed and gratious will of GOD: that wee maie walke in his waies, and serue him in reuerence and feare al the daies of our life.

In this worlde, as there is a Iacob, so is there an Esau: as there are manie that loue Christ with an vnfained hart, so are there ma∣nie that serue Antichrist: and as there be many true professors of the trueth of God, so are there manie despisers of the same. This wée maie sée here at home within this realme. We maie sée it, and mourne and lament for it in our hearts.

Their practises are opened: they haue broken out into open rebellion, to the breach of the peace both of GOD and man. They saie with their lippes, GOD saue Quéene Elizabeth: yet they holde vppe their sword against her. Alas, what hath she deserued at their handes? she hath alwaies dealt mer∣cifully, without crueltie, without shedding of bloud. God preserue her that she maie long raigne ouer vs, and bring al her enimies to confusion.

What pretence make they for this their doing, that hereby they séeke to haue religion refourmed? Thankes be to GOD: religion is refourmed farre better than our fa∣thers knewe it these many hundred yeares. If those which liued before vs, might haue séene and heard as we sée & heare, they would haue reioiced, and thought themselues hap∣pie.

But they would haue the Masse. What find they or sée they in it, wherfore they should so desire it? Trie things saith Paul. There∣fore examine and trie the masse. What do we learne by it? what doctrine, what godlinesse in life, what comforte for saluation? It is a dumb and deadly seruice. The people are for∣ced to be at it, it is the verie kay of their re∣ligion: the people are bound to be present at masse: yet they neither receiue anie thing, nor eate, nor heare, nor vnderstand anie thing. You are wise, you haue reason, you are the children of GOD: be you iudges herein, and iudge vprightly, for it is Gods cause. Will they call this the Lordes supper? Is this the sacrament of our redemption? Is this that which Paule receiued of the Lord, and deliuered vnto the Church? Is this the shewing foorth of the Lordes death vntill hée come?

They woulde haue the Popes auctoritie restored. What is the Pope? they saie hée is the successour of Peter. What doth the Pope as Peter did? or what did Peter as the Pope doth? He is a mortall man. And cursed are they of God, that put their trust in man. He fee∣deth not the flocke, he teacheth not the simple, hée strengtheneth not the weake: I wil saie no more. GOD make him a seruant of

Christ, and a faithful disposer of the mysteries of God.

They are offended at the mariage of the ministers of the Church. Yet Gratian their great maister sayeth, Copula sacerdotalis, nec le∣gali, * 1.283 nec Euangelica, nec Apostolica authoritate prohibetur. The marriage of Priestes is not for∣bidden by any authoritie, either of the lawe, or of the Gospel, or of the Apostles. The holie fa∣thers that liued in the Apostles time, and short∣ly after, report that Peter, and al the other A∣postles excepting only Iohn, were maried, and had wiues: the Prophet Esay was married, and yet he sawe the Lord sitting vpon an high throne. Moses was marryed, and yet saw God face to face. Wil they reforme the Prophetes, and the Apostles? Wil they account that to be vnholie, which the Apostle calleth hono∣rable in al men? Ignatius the scholer of Saint * 1.284 Iohn saide, I wish to be found meete for God, as was Peter and Paule, and the other Apostles that were married.

They paint their banner with the Crosse, and fiue woundes. Why bring they those armes against vs? Doe not we beleeue the crosse of Christ? doe not wée reioyce and com∣forte our heartes by the remembraunce of his woundes? doe not wée reade, and she we foorth to the people the storie of his passion? GOD

knoweth it, and you can beare vs witnesse, and they can not denie it, that we make this worke of our redemption, wrought by the passion of our sauiour Christ, the chiefe and principall rocke and foundation of our faith. Therefore say wee with the Apo∣stle, GOD forbidde that we should reioyce in anie thing, but in the Crosse of our Lorde Iesus Christ. Nay rather, they are become our enemies because wée beléeue in Iesus Christ crucified. Because we say, as Gods worde teacheth, that Iesus Christ is the onely aduocate to the Father for our sinnes: and that hee hath with one offering consecrated * 1.285 for euer them that are sanctified: and that the bloud of Iesus Christ his sonne cleanseth vs * 1.286 from al sinne. For this cause are they become our enemies.

Let vs nothing feare their treacheries and attemptes: let vs kéepe that is good: and holde it fast vntil death. Nowe we haue tasted the word of God, and haue receiued the comfort of the Gospel, let vs not despise it, nor be wea∣rie of it. Let vs pray vnto God, that he esta∣blish the loue of his trueth in vs: and that he wil open the eyes of their heartes, and bring them to bee partakers of those mercies which yet through ignoran•…•…ce, they haue despised.

V. 22. Abstaine from al appearaunce of euil.

Kéepe your selues not onely from doing those thinges which are euil: but also from al appearaunce of euil. Offende not the con∣science of thy brother: that he may haue no occasion to thinke euill of thée. Commit not adulterie, and withdrawe thy selfe from the companie, of such vnthriftie, and light, and suspected persons. Bée not like to them that are such. Laie not out thy money to Usurie, nor doe anie thing, whereby others may thinke so of thée. Beware of vncharitable conueya•…•…ce of thy money. Be not Idola∣ters. And leaue off to doe anie thing that maie bring you into suspition of Idola∣trie. Giue not that honour vnto anye creature, which is proper to GOD. Haue no felloweshippe with their workes, beare no appearaunce of liking their euill. Goe not as they goe: liue not as they liue. Saint Paule repr•…•…ueth the Galathians. Yee * 1.287 obserue dayes and monethes, and times, and yeare. I am in feare of you, least I haue bestowed on you labour in vaine. So doeth hee the Colossians also. If yee bee * 1.288 dead with Christe from the ordinaunces of the worlde, why as though yee liued in the worlde are ye burdened with traditions?

as touch not, taste not, handle not. So doe the Idolaters: you shoulde not bee like vnto them. They are the children of darkenesse, you are the sonnes of light. They wil not be like vnto you, and forsake their false Gods. Why should you become like vnto them, and forsake the God that made the heauens, and the earth? You can not make them ashamed of their errors, and imbrace the trueth. Why then should you betray the trueth, and be par∣takers with them in error?

The Christians in olde time beganne to weare Garlandes made of Bay. What harme might be in that? What is a Gar∣lande but a furniture for the heade? What is Bay, but a litle trée, or bush? Yet the Fathers that liued with them to teach them, sayde it was not lawful: not for y^e the thing it self was il of it selfe, but for that they would not séeme to followe Idolaters. It had some appearance of euill. It was a ceremonie, and solemne fashion among the heathen: they woulde not be imboldened: and it would offende the heartes of manie of the faithfull, to see Christians followe the fashion of the Hea∣then.

When king Antiochus sent vnto Hierusa∣lem, and to the Cities of Iuda, that they should * 1.289 followe the straunge lawes of the Countrey:

many chose rather to die, than to bee defiled with vncleane thinges, and to breake the holie couenaunt, which God had giuen them.

Darius made a decrée, whosoeuer should * 1.290 aske a petition of any God or man for thirtie dayes, saue of the King, he should be cast into the denne of Lions. Daniel would not be kept so long from the seruice of God. Hee would not dissemble: he would not hide his zeale: nor shewe anie appearaunce of it. He prayed and praysed God, as he did before, and ope∣ned his chamber windowes, that it might bée séene.

Policarpus might haue saued his life, if he woulde haue dissembled. He would not, he coulde not. He sawe it woulde haue béene an appearaunce of euil, and a discourage vnto the brethren: therefore spake boldly, Christia∣nus * 1.291 sum, I am a Christian. And béeing required to speake il of Christ, saide, Octoginta & sex annos seruio ei, & nihil me laesit vnquā, quomodo pos∣sum maledicere ei, & blasphemare regem meum, qui salutem mihi dedit? I haue serued Christ these fourescore and sixe yeares, and he did neuer anie thing hurt mee, howe may I speake il, and blaspheme my king, which hath giuen me saluation? This is my faith, Christ is my God: this is my religion: I am not ashamed to suffer death, rather than I wil denie him,

who suffered death in his owne bodie to sau•…•… mée.

It is good sayth S. Paul, neither to eate flesh, * 1.292 nor to drinke wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weake. Againe he saith, Now when ye sin so a∣gainst * 1.293 the brethren, & wound their weake con∣sciences, ye offende against Christ. Wherefore if meate offende my brother, I wil eate no flesh while the worlde standeth, least I shoulde of∣fende my brother. He that hath once made a shipwracke, standeth watchful euer after not onely to escape that rocke, or sande, whereat he had lost before, but al other the like rockes, and sandes whatsoeuer.

Therefore, Abstaine from al appearaunce of euil, be not like the wicked of this worlde. You are the salt of the earth. You should not be parteners of their corruption, but pouder and season them. You are the light of the worlde: you may not be parteners of their darkenesse, but lighten and guide them. Dis∣semble not. Serue God in the simplicitie of your heart, and in the sight of al the world. Let it be written in your forehead what you think in your heart. Why should anie man be asha∣med of Gods trueth?

V. 23. Now the very God of peace sanctifie you throughout: and I pray God, that your

whole spirite, and soule, and bodie, may bee kept blamelesse vnto the comming of our Lord Iesus Christ.

Our God is the God of peace. He giueth peace and quiet to his Church. He doth mussel the Lion, amaze the tyrant, make blunt the sworde, and quench the fire prepared against his seruantes. He giueth his sonnes peace and quietnesse, among themselues. He abhorreth discorde and malice betwéene brethren. God is loue, sayth Saint Iohn, And he that dwelleth in * 1.294 loue, dwelleth in God, and God in him. He that loueth not his brother, abideth in death. God hath made vs al members of one bodie. There is no respect of persons with him, no difference of learned and vnlearned, wise or foolish, rich or poore. His wil is that wee al shoulde be as one, of one minde, and that we should al thinke one thing, & speake one thing: that we should be one folde vnder one shepheard, and with one month glorifie the father of our Lorde Jesus Christ. For this peace Christ prayed, sanctifie them through thy trueth. Blesse them, take a∣way al •…•…itternesse, and swelling from among them. Make them Citizens of thy heauenly Hierusalem, that they may liue in peace, and loue one an other, and delite one in other. That * 1.295 they al may be one, as thou, ô father, art one in me, and I in thee.

God is the God, and giuer of peace. Whence then commeth diuision & dissention of mindes? What is the cause that the whole worlde is so shaken with sectes and troubles? Al are not the children of peace. Christ himselfe y^e lambe of God, in whose mouth there was no guile, came into his owne, and his owne receiued him not. Cain is alwayes against Abel. Esau wil neuer loue Iacob. The darkenesse and the light can neuer agrée. This is the cause of al vnquietnesse and trouble. These thinges, * 1.296 sayth Christ to his Disciples, haue I spoken vnto you, that in mee yee might haue peace: in the worlde you shal haue affliction. The wicked shal not onely hate, but betraie, and cause them to die, which prosesse the name of Christ. Whosoeuer killeth you, will * 1.297 thinke he doth God seruice. And these thinges will they doe vnto you, because yee haue not knowen the Father, nor mee. The setting foorth of the Gospel of Christ, is that which the worlde can not abide. It reuealeth things that were hidden, it discloseth the couetous∣nesse of those, who kept the people in igno∣raunce, to make gaine and marchaundise of their soules: it ouerthroweth mightie buil∣dinges and holdes of Merites, of pardons, of Masses, of Purgatorie, which by the poli∣cie, and wisedome, and power of this worlde

were exalted against God. This is the onelie cause of al this strife and trouble.

We haue néede of peace, of the peace of con∣science within our selues: of peace, from the rage and furie of the world: and of peace and loue among those that are of Gods honsholde. Let vs séeke peace at the handes of God, and he wil stablish vs in the peace of his gospel, and so giue vs the rest and peace of our soules.

Sanctifie you throughout. The God of peace, blesse you, & kéep you vnoer the shadow of his wings, that your whole spirit, and soule, and bodie, maie be kept blamelesse vnto the comming of our Lord Iesus Christ. Here marke, that the Apostle diuideth man into thrée partes, The spirite, the soule, and the bo∣die. So that hée séemeth to make the spirit one thing, and the soule an other. Howe is it then that we diuide man into two parts, the soule and the bodie, and saie that he doth stand but of two parts? There is no difference, the mat∣ter is al one. For Paul diuideth the soule into two parts. The first is reason and vnderstan∣ding, which he calleth the Spirit. The other is, will & affection, which he calleth the Soule. For as God hath giuen vs reason to sée what is good: so hath he giuen vs wil to séeke after that which is good. Reason hath eies: Wil is blinde, and cannot sée the waie. Therefore wil

must be ledde and guided by Reason. Reason must go before. Wil must follow after. Ther∣fore Reason is compared to the husband, and Wil to the wife. If Wil take in hand to rule Reason it is no lesse disorder, than if the wife will aduenture or take vppon her to rule her husband. Therefore in this place Reason, which is the principal part of our soule is cal∣led, the Spirit, and Will which is the other part, is called the Soule. So the spirit is not a seuerall substance, but the soule and the spirit are one soule, euen as the bodie and the fleshe are one bodie. Thus therefore Paule praieth for the Church, the God of peace sanctifie you throughout, that your spirit, your reason, and vnderstanding: your soule, your will, and affe∣ction: your bodie and your flesh, may altogi∣ther be pure and holie: that they may be found innocent and vpright in the daie of the Lord.

V. 24. Faithful is hee which calleth you, which wil also doe it.

Hée hath begunne a good worke in you, he will finish it. He will leade you from vertue to vertue, from strength to strength, from glorie to glorie. Hée hath called you, hée wil also kéepe you faithful vntill the daie of the ap∣pearing of our Lord Iesus Christ. You are Christs shéep. No man shal take you out of his

bands. He hath not lost one of al them, whome his father had giuen him. He knoweth his shéepe. None shalbe confounded that put their trust in him. There is no condemnation to them that be in Christ Iesus. He is faithfull, he will performe this vnto you, not for your merites, but for his owne name, and for his mercie sake. Bicause he is faithfull, he wil not despise the worke of his owne handes.

V. 25. Brethren, praie for me.

I wrestle not with flesh and bloud, but with the prince and power of darkenesse. My enimies are strong, they are the enimies of the crosse of Christ, I am weake, and of no re∣sistance. Our sufficiencie is of him. Without him we can do nothing. Praie for me, that hée will put his word into my mouth, that I may be a vessel of his glorie to preach foorth the glad tydings of his Gospell: that I maie be a faithfull minister of the new Testament: that I may disclose the mysterie of our redēp∣tion: that his holie spirit will assist me, and make my trauels fruitfull.

V. 26. Greete al the brethren with an holie kisse.

27 I charge you in the Lord, that this Epistle be read vnto al the brethren, the Saints.

Salute one another in token of true and

vnfained loue. And withholde not this Epi∣stle from anie of the brethren. It is written for their sakes. Let them heare it, that they maie take comforte by it. How agréeth Paul in this charge with them, that in no case would haue the people reade the Scriptures? That saie, Ignorance is the mother of deuotion. It is the word of God the father: why should not the people of God vnderstand it? It is the wa∣ter, that springeth out to euerlasting life: why should the people of God be driuen away, and not suffered to drinke thereof? It is the light of the worlde: why should the people be hood∣winckt, and kept that they should not looke vp and sée it? Why should they sit and perish in the darkenesse of death? It is the will of God, that al the people should know him, from the least to the greatest among them. Saint Paule saith, Whatsoeuer things are written afore∣time, * 1.298 are written for our learning, that wee through patience and comforte of the Scrip∣tures might haue hope. Christ saieth, This is * 1.299 life eternall, to know thee to be the onelie very God, and whom thou hast sent Iesus Christ. Let vs not forget these words of Paul. I charge you in the Lord, by his death, by his crosse, by his bloud, by the daie of his appearance, that this epistle be read to the learned, and vnlear∣ned, to the wise and simple: to the Maisters

and to the seruants: to al our brethren, to all the sonnes of God.

V. 28 The grace of our Lord Iesus Christ be with you. Amen.

God open your eies, that you maie behold the waie of righteousnesse, and direct you, that you may walke in it. Through his grace you haue receiued the word, and it hath bene fruit∣full in you: and by the same grace, you shall continue in it euer. His grace, and blessing, and mercie be with you al.

AMEN.

FINIS.

Notes

• * 1.1

  〈◊〉〈◊〉. Cor. 11.
• * 1.2

  Act. 14.
• * 1.3

  Act. 16.
• * 1.4

  Galat. 4.
• * 1.5

  Psal. 26.
• * 1.6

  Num. 16.
• * 1.7

  Gen. 11.
• * 1.8

  Act. 4.
• * 1.9

  •…•…eue. 2.
• * 1.10

  Rom. 2.
• * 1.11

  Le•…•… epi. 83. •…•…d Palesti∣nos.
• * 1.12

  Hom. 19 in Mat. in opere imperf.
• * 1.13

  Lyra in 16. M•…•….
• * 1.14

  Hier•…•…n in Mich. lib. 1. cap. 1.
• * 1.15

  Ephe. 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.16

  Eph. 5.
• * 1.17

  Psal. 41.
• * 1.18

  Matt. 5.
• * 1.19

  Psal. 44.
• * 1.20

  Rom. 8.
• * 1.21

  Ierem. 6.
• * 1.22

  Ierem. 15.
• * 1.23

  2. Tim. 3.
• * 1.24

  Psal. 23.
• * 1.25

  Iob. 13.
• * 1.26

  Phil. 1.
• * 1.27

  Rom. 14.
• * 1.28

  Gala. 6.
• * 1.29

  Rom. 8.
• * 1.30

  •…•…oh. 10.
• * 1.31

  2. Cor. 3.
• * 1.32

  Iohn 6.
• * 1.33

  Ezech. 36.
• * 1.34

  Iere. 31.
• * 1.35

  Psal. 1•…•…9.
• * 1.36

  De praede∣stinat: San∣ctorum. c. 8.
• * 1.37

  Act. 16.
• * 1.38

  Act. 2.
• * 1.39

  Luke 24.
• * 1.40

  Esaie 55.
• * 1.41

  Mar. 10.
• * 1.42

  Matth. 5.
• * 1.43

  Matth. 16.
• * 1.44

  Dan. 3.
• * 1.45

  Act. 5.
• * 1.46

  Rom. 3.
• * 1.47

  Rom. 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.48

  Luke. 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.49

  Mat. 5.
• * 1.50

  Reue. 7.
• * 1.51

  Psal. 126.
• * 1.52

  Iohn 16.
• * 1.53

  Reu. 14.
• * 1.54

  Reue. 2.
• * 1.55

  Mat. 1•…•….
• * 1.56

  Esai. 65.
• * 1.57

  Iere. 9.
• * 1.58

  Iere. 4.
• * 1.59

  Psal. 4.
• * 1.60

  Luke 13.
• * 1.61

  Psalm. 51.
• * 1.62

  Acts. 18.
• * 1.63

  Act. 17.
• * 1.64

  Matth. I•…•…
• * 1.65

  1. Tim. 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 1.66

  Ioh. 16.
• * 1.67

  1. Cor. 11.
• * 1.68

  2. Cor. 5.
• * 1.69

  2. Cor. 4.
• * 1.70

  Platina, i•…•… Pio 2.
• * 1.71

  Ad rustic•…•… Gallum.
• * 1.72

  Orig. tract. 24. in Math.
• * 1.73

  Epiph. cons. Origenia. h•…•…ref. 42.
• * 1.74

  Abac. 2.
• * 1.75

  Ierem. 10.
• * 1.76

  In Eras. an•…•…. 18. Ich.
• * 1.77

  Cornelius Episc. Bit•…•…
• * 1.78

  Matt. 25.
• * 1.79

  Exod. 12.
• * 1.80

  Leuit. 26.
• * 1.81

  Esay 45.
• * 1.82

  Ierem. 3.
• * 1.83

  Eccle. 2.
• * 1.84

  Iames. 1.
• * 1.85

  Luke 11.
• * 1.86

  1. King. 18.
• * 1.87

  2. Cor. 6.
• * 1.88

  I. Pct. 3.
• * 1.89

  Esai. 3•…•….
• * 1.90

  Esai. 58.
• * 1.91

  Ierem. 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.92

  Gen. 15.
• * 1.93

  Exod. 3.
• * 1.94

  Exod. 7.
• * 1.95

  Matth. 10.
• * 1.96

  1. King. 18.
• * 1.97

  Esay 1.
• * 1.98

  Matth. 14.
• * 1.99

  Numb. 24.
• * 1.100

  Exod. 7.
• * 1.101

  Rom. 1.
• * 1.102

  2. Pct. 2.
• * 1.103

  Iohn. 5.
• * 1.104

  Psal. 37.
• * 1.105

  Matt. 21.
• * 1.106

  2. King•…•….
• * 1.107

  Matth. 5.
• * 1.108

  1. Thes. 4.
• * 1.109

  Gen. 8.
• * 1.110

  Gen. 5.
• * 1.111

  Pro. 22.
• * 1.112

  Pro. 29.
• * 1.113

  Eccle. 30.
• * 1.114

  1. Sam. 3.
• * 1.115

  1. Sam. 4.
• * 1.116

  Iob. 1.
• * 1.117

  2 King. 15.
• * 1.118

  Iohn 13.
• * 1.119

  Luke 9.
• * 1.120

  Mat. 10.
• * 1.121

  1. Tim. 2.
• * 1.122

  Iam. 1.
• * 1.123

  Matt. 11.
• * 1.124

  Esa. 45.
• * 1.125

  Act. 2
• * 1.126

  Luke. 11.
• * 1.127

  Deur. zi.
• * 1.128

  Mat. 23•…•…
• * 1.129

  Rom. 1.
• * 1.130

  Rom. 11.
• * 1.131

  Rom. 11.
• * 1.132

  1. Cor. 9.
• * 1.133

  2. Cor. 4.
• * 1.134

  1. Cor. 4.
• * 1.135

  Eccle. 2.
• * 1.136

  Prou. 3.
• * 1.137

  Reu. 3.
• * 1.138

  Heb. 12.
• * 1.139

  Matth. 10.
• * 1.140

  Rom. 5.
• * 1.141

  Gal. 4.
• * 1.142

  Gal. 5.
• * 1.143

  Psa. 73.
• * 1.144

  Psal. 37.
• * 1.145

  Psal. 16.
• * 1.146

  Psal. 118.
• * 1.147

  Mat. 10.
• * 1.148

  Luke 21.
• * 1.149

  Mat. 10.
• * 1.150

  Luke 21.
• * 1.151

  Iere. 10.
• * 1.152

  Esa. 30.
• * 1.153

  Eph. 2.
• * 1.154

  Tit. 2.
• * 1.155

  Matth. 7.
• * 1.156

  Eza. 2
• * 1.157

  1. Pet. 1.
• * 1.158

  1. Cor. 6.
• * 1.159

  Iohn 17.
• * 1.160

  Prou. 20.
• * 1.161

  Agge. 1.
• * 1.162

  Ioh. 8.
• * 1.163

  1. Tim. 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.164

  1. Ioh. 3•…•….
• * 1.165

  Psal. 54.
• * 1.166

  Aug Mace∣•…•… Epist. 54
• * 1.167

  Lib. de To•…•…. cap. 3.
• * 1.168

  Ibid. cap. 15.
• * 1.169

  H•…•…m. 41. in 18. genes.
• * 1.170

  H•…•…m. 12. in 5. Mat.
• * 1.171

  Luke. 4.
• * 1.172

  Leuit. 25.
• * 1.173

  Exod. 22.
• * 1.174

  Ezech. 18.
• * 1.175

  Ezech. 22.
• * 1.176

  Deut. 23.
• * 1.177

  1. Samu. 15
• * 1.178

  1. Pet. 4.
• * 1.179

  Lib. de Tho∣bia. ca. 13.
• * 1.180

  lib. 6. in 18. Ezech.
• * 1.181

  Matt. 25.
• * 1.182

  Luke 19.
• * 1.183

  Matth. 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.184

  Iames. 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.185

  1. Thes. 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.186

  In Ps. 128.
• * 1.187

  Psal. 23. Psa. 27. Psal. 31.
• * 1.188

  Iohn 5.
• * 1.189

  Luke 9.
• * 1.190

  Leuit. 11.
• * 1.191

  Luke. 6.
• * 1.192

  〈◊〉〈◊〉. Tim. 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 1.193

  1. Cor. 4.
• * 1.194

  Ioh. 13.
• * 1.195

  Psal. 133.
• * 1.196

  1. Cor. 13.
• * 1.197

  1. Cor. 4.
• * 1.198

  Iohn 14.
• * 1.199

  Iohn 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.200

  Iohn 11.
• * 1.201

  Act. 7.
• * 1.202

  Rom. 14.
• * 1.203

  Luk: 7.
• * 1.204

  Iohn 11.
• * 1.205

  Mat. 27.
• * 1.206

  2. Tim. 2.
• * 1.207

  Rom. 8.
• * 1.208

  Colos. 3.
• * 1.209

  Philip. 3.
• * 1.210

  Esay. 26.
• * 1.211

  Iohn 6.
• * 1.212

  Iohn 5.
• * 1.213

  Iohn 11.
• * 1.214

  1. Cor. 15.
• * 1.215

  Rom. 8.
• * 1.216

  Ioh. 12. Rom. 6.
• * 1.217

  2. Cor. 5.
• * 1.218

  1. Cor. 15.
• * 1.219

  Matth. 24.
• * 1.220

  2. Pet. 3.
• * 1.221

  Matth. 24.
• * 1.222

  Luke 18. 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 1.223

  Reu. 6.
• * 1.224

  Reu. 1.
• * 1.225

  1. Cor. 15.
• * 1.226

  1. Cor. 15.
• * 1.227

  Psal. 2.
• * 1.228

  Mat. 24.
• * 1.229

  Act. 1.
• * 1.230

  Mark. 1•…•….
• * 1.231

  Psal. 44.
• * 1.232

  Psal. 74.
• * 1.233

  Matth. 18.
• * 1.234

  Iam. 5.
• * 1.235

  Eccle. 23.
• * 1.236

  〈◊〉〈◊〉. Cor. 11.
• * 1.237

  Ioh. 20.
• * 1.238

  Luke. 10.
• * 1.239

  Esa. 56.
• * 1.240

  1. Cor. 9.
• * 1.241

  1. Tim. 5.
• * 1.242

  Gal. 4.
• * 1.243

  1. Cor. 11.
• * 1.244

  Iosuah 7.
• * 1.245

  Iam. 1.
• * 1.246

  1. Pet. 2.
• * 1.247

  Psal. 126.
• * 1.248

  Luke. 6.
• * 1.249

  Rom. 12.
• * 1.250

  Mat. 5.
• * 1.251

  1. Iohn 2.
• * 1.252

  Luke 6.
• * 1.253

  1. Pet. 1.
• * 1.254

  Rom. 7.
• * 1.255

  Rom. 9.
• * 1.256

  Ioh. 3.
• * 1.257

  Gen. 8.
• * 1.258

  〈◊〉〈◊〉. 10.
• * 1.259

  Prou. 20.
• * 1.260

  Ier. 18.
• * 1.261

  2. Cor. 3.
• * 1.262

  Iohn. 15.
• * 1.263

  Colo•…•…. 2.
• * 1.264

  Matth. 7.
• * 1.265

  Heb. 4.
• * 1.266

  Luke. 7.
• * 1.267

  Iudges 14.
• * 1.268

  Rom. 8.
• * 1.269

  Rom. 5.
• * 1.270

  Iob. 1.
• * 1.271

  Iob. 13.
• * 1.272

  Psal. 8.
• * 1.273

  1. Cor. 12. Rom. 8.
• * 1.274

  Ibid.
• * 1.275

  1. Pe•…•….
• * 1.276

  1. Cor. 1.
• * 1.277

  Mat. 7.
• * 1.278

  1. Iohn 4.
• * 1.279

  2. Ioh.
• * 1.280

  Galat. 1.
• * 1.281

  Esai. 8.
• * 1.282

  1. Tim. 1.
• * 1.283

  26. Quae. 2. Sors.
• * 1.284

  Ignat. ad Philadelphi∣enses.
• * 1.285

  Heb. 10.
• * 1.286

  1. Iohn. 1.
• * 1.287

  Gala. 4.
• * 1.288

  Col. 2.
• * 1.289

  Machab. 1.
• * 1.290

  Daniel. 6.
• * 1.291

  Euseb. lib. 4. cap. 15.
• * 1.292

  Rom. 14.
• * 1.293

  1. Cor. 8.
• * 1.294

  1. Iohn 4. 1. Iohn 3.
• * 1.295

  Iohn 17.
• * 1.296

  Iob. 16.
• * 1.297

  Ibid.
• * 1.298

  Rom. 15.
• * 1.299

  Iohn 17.