Fruitfull lessons, vpon the passion, buriall, resurrection, ascension, and of the sending of the holy Ghost Gathered out of the foure Euangelists: with a plaine exposition of the same. By Miles Couerdall.

THE RESVRREC∣TION OF IESVS CHRIST, out of the holie Euangelists. (Book resurrection)

AND when the Sabbaoth was now past,* 1.1 euen the Sabaoth day at euen, Marie Magdalene, Marie Iames and Sa∣lome, bought sweete spices, that they might come and annoint Iesus.* 1.2 The euening when the sabaoth is ended, and the first day dawneth after the Sabaoth (namely, the first day of the weeke) while it was yet darke, and the Sun brake forth and began to arise, the women came to the Sepulchre, to see it. But there happened first a great earthquake: for the Angell of the Lord came downe from heauen, and went and rolled backe the stone from the mouth of the sepul∣chre, and sate vpon it. His countenance was like the lighte∣ning, and his raiment white as snow. And for feare of him the keepers were astonied, and became as dead men. And behold, some of them that had watched the sepulchre, came into the Citie, and told the high Priests all the thinges that had happened. Then gathered they themselues with the El∣ders,

and tooke counsaile, and gaue large money vnto the sol∣diers, saying: Say ye, that his Disciples came by night, and stole him away while yee slept. And if this come to the rulers eares, wee will perswade him, and saue you harmelesse. So they tooke the money, and did as they were taught. And this saying is noised among the Iewes vnto this day.

Now as the women were in the way going, they saide a∣mong themselues: Who will roule vs the stone away from the doore of the Sepulchre? (for it was a verie great one) & as they looked,* 1.3 they sawe that the stone was rolled awaie. Then went they into the Sepulchre, and found not the bodie of the Lord Iesu, but saw a young man sitting at the right side, clothed in a long white garment, and they were afraid. But the Aungell sayde vnto them: Feare not, I knowe whome yee seeke. Ye seeke Iesus of Nazareth, that was cru∣cified: Hee is not heere, he is risen as he saide. Beholde the place where they laide him. But goe yee and tell his Disciples and Peter, that he is risen againe from the dead. Behold hee goeth before you into Galilee, as he said vnto you. Lo I haue tolde you.

Doctrine and fruit.

THE resurrection of Iesus Christ from the dead is verie diligently and perfectly described of the foure Euangelistes, for right profitable and necessarie is it for the strengthening and stablishing of our beleefe in Christ. And whereas in the descrip∣tion of this historie they speake not all alike, the same happeneth to our wealth through the ordinaunce of the holie Ghost, that we should exercise our faith

therein, and applie our diligence, perfectly to learne and comprehend the same Resurrection of Christ: For where that is right conceyued and beleeued, there is faith perfect. The Euangelistes nowe in de∣scribing Christes Resurrection, doo most of all de∣clare, to what high honour Christ came after death, and that in one order and degree, according as our beleefe and weakenesse increaseth and groweth to∣wards perfection.

At the first, is faith in vs feeble and vnperfect, but through the grace of him that hath giuen it, it daily groweth. Verie hard also is it for our naturall reason, to receiue and beleeue the resurrection of the dead: therefore doe the Euangelistes right diligently and with manie wordes set forth the same resurrection of Christ, that our beleefe therein might be assured and stedfast. For whosoeuer truely and constantly belee∣ueth the resurrection of Iesu Christ, is readie & pre∣pared to beleeue all that concerneth Christ. Neither is there anie thing that maketh a man more ioyfull then when he beleeueth, that at the comming of the Lorde, he shal rise againe, and receiue a glorified bo∣die after Christ, and with Christ. What can be tedi∣ous to suche a faithfull beleeuing man, when hee beholdeth so high a rewarde from God. Diligently therefore ought we to heare, what the holy Euange∣lists write of his resurrection, and to giue credence to the witnesses that saw it.

First, wee heare agayne the great zeale, and the feruent loue and diligence of these deuout women, in that they desire to shew honour vnto the Lorde

being dead: but the Angell a messenger of his resur∣rection, commaundeth them to declare this ioy vnto the Disciples, and to get them vnto the Lord nowe being aliue. Heauenly is the messenger and proclai∣mer of the resurrection, for it passeth farre all natural reason and all flesh. Therefore are the women also a∣fraid of him, and at the faire brightnes of his counte∣nance and apparel. For our feeble flesh is not able to sustaine the glorious shine of the heauenly light and godly clearenes, but is afraid at it, and feareth. Ne∣uerthelesse God by his Angell doth right soon com∣fort the womens weakenes, taketh from them their feare, speaketh louingly vnto them, maketh them A∣postles, that is, messengers and proclaimers of the ioi∣full resurrection. So little doth God reiect our weak∣nes, that he maketh euen women to be the declarers of his resurrection: for he euer delighteth of the last to make the first. Forasmuch then as they were the beginners of death in sinne, they are heere first afore the Apostles, chosen to bee declarers of that immor∣tall life, which euen out of death is come forth vnto vs in Christ.

As Christ with the earthquake died on the crosse, so riseth hee with the earthquake, which also was heard in the sending of the holie Ghost. This signi∣fied, that through his death and resurrection, and by the power of the holy Ghost (when the Apostles de∣clare the same in the world) the whole world should be moued and chaunged. And though the vngrati∣ous falshood of the high Priestes, vndertooke with their lies, to hide and suppresse the trueth of Christs

resurrection, yet God did directe it an other waie. Loo•• ••her with they minded to oppresse the truth 〈◊〉〈◊〉 with the same haue they helped to set it forth: and thereby was it signified, how the Iewish people should bee blinded and refused. And forasmuch as they had no loue vnto the trueth, but reiected it, it it was moche that they should be blinded and darke∣ned in lyes, and that there shoulde errour and blind∣nsse enough fall vpon them.

The Angel is not ashamed to call Iesus the crucifi∣ed, for the crosse is the token of Christes victorie:* 1.4 through the crosse beganne his honour and glorie: through the crosse was death ouercome: the crosse is the glorious token of all Christians: In the crosse is the exaltation of Christ the heade, and of all his members. Wee ought not therefore to bee ashamed of the crosse of our Lorde which was crucified: for therein standeth our health, life, and resurrection, all our reioicing and glorie.

Commission is giuen, that vnto Peter before other disciples, they should declare the Lords resurrectiō: that from the feare wherin he stood by reason of the denial, he might be deliuered, and so comforted.

He sendeth them to Galilee (thither wil he go be∣fore them) that they might bee safe from the feare of the Iewes, which at that time raged horribly.

Grant vs (O God) an earnest zeale and loue vnto the poore, in whom we may highly honor Iesus thy son. And wheras we throgh the weaknes of the flesh are inclined to bee faint hearted, and not able of our selues to behold the bright shine and clearnes of his

glorious Resurrection, strengthen and comfort thou vs by thy holie Angell, that wee may constantly be∣leeue the Resurrection of thy sonne: whereby 〈◊〉〈◊〉 receiuing an holy hope of the life to come, 〈…〉〈…〉 immortall Resurrection of our bodies, may be 〈◊〉〈◊〉 also to comfort and strengthen others that be 〈◊〉〈◊〉. O make thou this hard earth of our fleshe to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and mooue through the power of thy spirit, to ho∣lie fruitfull pennaunce, amendment and confessi∣on of our life. Preserue vs, that wee neuer resist the truth, nor take part with lies▪ Graunt vs loue vnto the truth, keepe vs from errour and blindnesse. Let our ioye bee in the crosse of Iesu Christ thy sonne, and our life in his resurrection: that wee with him, & in him may truly rise againe, hereto a godly righ∣teous and sober life, and in the world to come to the blessed life euerlasting, Amen.

* 1.5AND the women went out quickly, and fled from the sepulchre, for they trembled and were amazed: Nei∣ther said they any thing to anie man, for they were af∣fraid. Mary Magdalen ranne, and came to Simon Peter and to the other Disciple who Iesus loued, and said vnto them:* 1.6 They haue taken the Lord away out of the Sepulchre, & we wote not where they haue laid him. Then went Peter foorth, and the other Disciple, and came to the Sepulchre. They both ranne together, and the other Disciple out-ranne Peter, and came sooner to the sepulchre. And hee stouped downe, and saw the linnen cloathes lying, yet went he not in. Then came Simon Peter following him, and went into the Sepulchre, and saw the linnen clothes lying, and the nap∣kin that was about his head not lying with the linen cloths,

but 〈◊〉〈◊〉 togeather in a place by it selfe. Ther went in 〈…〉〈…〉 Disciple, which came first to the Sepulchre,* 1.7 〈…〉〈…〉 and beleeued. For as yet they knewe not the 〈…〉〈…〉 hee should rise againe from death. And the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Disciples went away againe vnto their owne home. But Marie stood without at the Sepulchre weeping. And as shee wept, shee bowed herselfe into the Sepulchre, and saw two Aungels in white, sitting the one at the head, the o∣ther at the feete, where they had laide the bodie of Iesus. And they said vnto her: Woman why weepest thou? She said vnto them: For they haue taken away my Lorde, and I wote not where they haue laid him. When shee had thus said, she turned her selfe backe, and saw Iesus standing, and knew not that it was Iesus. Then said Iesus vnto her: Wo∣man, why weepest thou? Whom seekest thou? She supposing that he had beene a gardener, saide vnto him: Sir, if thou haue borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will fetch him. Iesus said vnto her: Marie. She turned her selfe, and said vnto him, Raboni: which is to say, Maister. Then said Iesus vnto her: Touch me not, for I am not yet as∣cended to my Father. But go to my brethren, and say vnto them: I ascend vp vnto my father and your father, vnto my God, & your God. Marie Magdalene came, & tolde the dis∣ciples (which had been with the Lord, & now were weeping and mourning) that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken such things vnto her. But though they heard that he was aliue, & that Mary had seen him, yet they beleeued not.

Doctrine and fruite.

THE Euangelists do most diligently set forth to vs the resurrectiō of Christ, as a thing necessary

profitable and ioyfull vnto all faithfull beleeuers. For in the resurrection we see how Christ 〈◊〉〈◊〉▪ and what hope we haue in him. But this resurrection do the Euangelists teach, according as mans 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••standing may comprehend it. For if Christ had so∣dainly at once opened himselfe to his Disciples, so that other exhortations & warninges were not gone before, then should they haue taken it but for a plain fantasie and vision,* 1.8 as they did when the Lorde ap∣peared vnto them vppon the water. Therefore the Euangelistes describe the matter verie distinctly and sundrie wayes, so that no man can bee able to sus∣pect anie deceyte. First, how the women and men came to the sepulchre, looked and went in, and how they viewed euerie thing throughly, not once, but oft and manie times: the clothes wherein the Lorde was wrapped, the heade kerchiefe, euerie thing fol∣den together in his seuerall place: and how they saw and perceyued, that the bodie was not there, that the Sepulchre was open, the stone rolled away, and how the Aungels and heauenly spirits testified, that hee was risen agayne. Yet for all this, they are weak and beleeue it not stedfastly, but bee as yet in a doubt. Thus GOD permitteth them to wauer, and to bee feeble of beleefe, and doth not through∣ly perswade them forthwith, and that altogether for our sakes.

Hee might well sodainely haue certified and assu∣red Thomas and them at the first, but thus is it better both for them and vs. For the more a sicke man feeleth his owne disease and woundes, the more

acceptable is the medicine vnto him: The weaker that our beleefe is, the more cause haue wee to call vpon God for the increase of faith: the more weak∣nesse we find in our selues, the farther are we in debt and the more bound to praise God. When hee ma∣keth vs strong, and seeing it is his onely strength that staieth vs, we ought the lesse to reioyce in our owne. Christ in his life time had oft tolde them afore,* 1.9 of his resurrection, but their mind was so dul, that they vnderstood it not, neither perceiued they that great mysterie. The resurrection of the bodies they could not comprehend, but alway vnderstood it otherwise There was much written thereof, and that with eui∣dent woordes, in the Scripture (as in the sixteenth Psalme, and in the figure of Ionas) and yet could not they vnderstand it. Which thing neuertheles to be∣leeue, Christ had giuen them occasion sundrie wais: As in that hee raised vp Lazarus & other which were dead, and made them aliue againe.* 1.10 In all his preach∣ing and doctrine he declared, that this was vnto him in no wise vnpossible, by reason of the diuine pow∣er working in him. For all this, the disciples are yet so weake that they vnderstand it not all.

Therfore doth the godly wisedome lead them still by little and little, to make them stronger, declaring vnto them certaine assured euidences: as that the bo∣die was not in the sepulchre, but that the clothes lay there wrapt together: for these were vndoubted to∣kens, that he was risen vp againe. For if any man had taken him out of the sepulchre (as Magdalen thoght) he could not haue had so much time and leisure, as

to loose vp the bands, and to vndoo the clothes from the bodie, but had taken and carried awaie the clo∣thes and bodie together. For the clothes dyd cleaue hard fast to the bodie, partly by reason of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉▪ and partly through the Aloes and Myrrhe than the bodie was dressed withall. But for all this, they are weake still, and in doubt, vntill such time as the Lord himselfe doth strengthen them. Therefore euen Ma∣rie also, as feruent as shee is, iudgeth not the bodie to be risen againe, but to bee stollen and priuily carryed awaie: thus God openeth himselfe vnto whom and when hee will, for though wee see sometimes many great and wonderfull workes, though wee reade and heare much of the Scriptures, yet remaineth our hart still ignorant, neither doth the doctrine take effect, till Christ open it, and till he himselfe be schoole-master within.

Who so would rather haue another and higher sense or exposition than this, it may bee vnderstood that Christ appeareth vnto those which mourne and weepe, and stande in death with Christ in subduing of the flesh, in mortifying of the body, in abiding of the crosse. For while they bee in aduersitie vnder the crosse, and buried with Christ, the greatnesse of the trouble causeth them to thinke, that Christ is not risen againe, that is, they haue nothing but heauines, and sorrowe. Notwithstanding Christ appeareth vnto them, comforteth and refresheth them, and maketh them partakers of his resurrection and ioy.

Heere may wee perceiue and see a great desire and loue vnto Christ,* 1.11 in the disciples that runne, but

specially in Marie Magdalene: for seeing that much 〈◊〉〈◊〉 forgiuen her, therefore was her loue exceeding 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Peter also and Iohn, which were more fer∣uent 〈◊〉〈◊〉 others in the loue of Christ, and drew nee∣•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 others did, when the Lorde was taken, al∣though the one fled, and the other denied him: ther∣fore vnto them, as to the principall, was this opened, before others.

Marie loued Christ verie feruently, for many sinnes were forgiuen her,* 1.12 many deuils & vices were driuen out of her, therefore vnto her dyd Christ first appeare. The crosse and trouble was not able to bring Christ out of her heart,* 1.13 it could not quench her loue vnto Christ: the seede of faith was in her heart, it had taken roote, although it were not yet ripe. Verie earnestly and with great diligence seek∣eth shee him whome shee loueth, declaring her fer∣uentnesse by her weeping, and her zeale by tarrying still at the sepulchre, when the two Apostles were gone awaie alreadie. The Lorde therefore forsa∣keth her not, but instructeth her, and comforteth her by the Angell, appeareth vnto her vnknowen, at last talketh with her, and maketh himselfe know∣en vnto her.

The Angels which are ministers for the wealth of the elect, disswade her from weeping and mour∣ning, and bring her tidinges of great ioy: for here∣in nowe is no iust cause to weepe, but rather to re∣ioyce, seeing that Christ hath ouercome death for vs, deliuering and setting vs free from the power thereof, and placing vs in eternall lyfe. Lyke

as the Aungels at the birth of Christ in this mortall life, did bring tidinges of ioy: so doe they heere also when Christ is risen againe into an immortall life. And hervnto also serueth the brightnes of the coun∣tenance, and whitenes of the clothes: for all such are tokens of ioy.

But some man might maruaile, why Christ will not suffer Marie to touch him, saying: hee would afterward bee touched of the other women, of the Disciples, and of Thomas, yea he prouoketh Thomas and the Disciples thereto.

It seemeth that Marie, with the ointment which she brought with her, thought to annoint the bodie of Christ (as she did afore in his life time) and to re∣uerence him, and to deale with him as with a mor∣tall man: which thing Christ forbad her to do. Here∣after shall wee heare how hee offreth vnto his Disci∣ples his hands, feete, and side, willing them to touch him. But with this inhibition, and that commande∣ment he hath respect to one onely thing: namelie, to deliuer Marie and the Disciples from vnbeliefe, from weake faith and doubting. Vnto Marie hee will say: Touch mee not of a carnall deuocion, as though thou wouldst anoint me. I need it no more. As for such corporall seruice, it is not necessary to do it vnto my body any more. The cause why I became man, was not that yee should alway hang vppon my corporall flesh, and honour me with bodely seruice. Thou shalt now shortly vnderstand, that I haue like power with the father. I am in thy heart, not yet as∣cended vp vnto the father. That is: Thou hast as yet

no right knowledge of my Godhead, therefore canst thou not now rightly touch me.

Thus learne wee also, to knowe and honour Christ nowe no more after the flesh,* 1.14 * 1.15 and to shew no corporall outward seruice vnto his person. In spirite will he be worshipped, with the faith and loue of the inward minde. If anie thing bodily be done of vs, the same should be done vnto the poore, & to the neigh∣bour that hath need thereof. Thus may faith & loue well vse some outwarde thinges, not to doo seruice therewith vnto God, but vnto our selues, or to our neighbour As when we take and minister bread and wine about in the supper, distributing and eating it, the same is not done principally, to the intent to de∣clare a seruice vnto God: but somewhat to prouoke our outward senses and flesh by the exteriour signes, that wee may the better consider and ponder the grace of God declared vnto vs in the death of Iesus Christ, and that wee may lifte vp our mindes vnto Christ the heauenly foode and liuing bread, which inwardly feedeth vs with his flesh, and nourisheth vs with his bloud.

Thereto also hath our sauiour Christ instituted the figuratiue tokens and sacraments of his grace, to helpe our infirmitie: for Sacraments are gracious e∣uidences of the faith that men haue or shoulde haue to God. In the which they comfortably exercise and practise themselues towards Gods promises, where∣in also they declare the obedience of theyr inwarde saith, and that they faithfully beleeue the words and promises of almightie God. For the token without

beleefe is nothing profitable, but rather hurtfull. All bodyly seruice that the flesh imagineth pleaseth not God. Hee sitteth at the right hande of GOD, there ought we to touch him with the lifting vp of a faith∣full heart, and with the worship which hee through his spirite worketh and directeth into vs: for there∣fore he dyed, rose againe, and ascended vp into hea∣uen, that hee might fulfill all things, and raigne true∣ly and spiritually in our heartes. Our heartes must wee lifte vp,* 1.16 there as Christ sitteth at the right hande of God, and our conuersation ought to bee in hea∣uen.

Whereas the Lorde willed his disciples to touch him, it was done to banish theyr doubtfulnesse, and to strengthen theyr weake faith. Which touching was not required of them as a worshippe, but that theyr flesh through the outward handling of his bo∣die, might bee quieted & stilled: and so is it a proofe and testimonie (that hee verily rose with the former bodie) rather than a worshipping or seruice. Christ dyd not therefore take vppon him his flesh, that we should alwaie hang and depend thereon, but that we by his humanitie, should ascend vp to his godhead: for when wee knowe the high and holy mysterie of his Passion and Resurrection (with the which hee hath serued our turne) wee ought to stirre vp our mindes to knowe the Godhead, wherein he is lyke vnto the father.

Therefore vnto Marie Magdalene also doeth Christ speake of ascending vp to the Father, which thing he commandeth to shew the Apostles, as if he

would say, now shortly beginneth mine honor, that I, as concerning the humanitie receiued, shall be ta∣ken vp to the glorie, which I haue had from euerlast∣ing, that is, the flesh which I haue taken vpon me for your sakes, shall sitte at the right hande of my Fa∣ther.

Oh how great a grace is this? Oh howe high is the glorie that heere is promised vnto vs in CHRIST? The onely begotten sonne of God, descended and became man for vs, that wee (so much as were possible for our nature) shoulde as∣cend vp vnto his Godhead. Hee descended downe lowe, that when wee are humbled, hee might re∣ceiue and exalte vs to his owne promotion. Hee that of nature is the Lorde, tooke vppon him the shape of a seruaunt, that of vs which naturally were bond seruauntes, hee might make vs Gods chil∣dren.

Forasmuch then as hee became man, to make vs Gods, and children of godly grace. Hee tooke vpon him that which is ours, to giue vs and to parte with vs that which is his.* 1.17 Therefore calleth hee vs bre∣thren, and maketh his owne father common vnto vs, so that hee is also our Father and our God: that same which hee hath of nature, doeth hee of grace giue vnto vs. For his spirite beareth recorde vnto our spirite, that wee are the children of GOD,* 1.18 for wee haue not receiued the spirite of bondage to feare, but the spirit of adoption, in the which wee cry, Father, Father.

Christ also calleth those that bee his,* 1.19 not ser∣uants,

but friends and brethren: he will be our God, and wee his people:* 1.20 our father, we his children: and his couenant which he hath made with vs, shall bee euerlasting, for it is sealed and confirmed with the bloud of his onely begotten sonne. Now haue wee fellowshippe and companie with God the father, the sonne, and the holy Ghost.

But such grace and glorie, is inwardly seene with the eyes of faith, and felte in the spirite, beeing hidde heere in time vnder the shape of the crosse.* 1.21 For Christ doth not straight waie by and by declare him∣selfe openly vnto Marie Magdalene, as hee is in his glorie: but standeth there as a gardener, and speak∣eth vnto hir, by the which voice she knoweth him: he long deferreth the comfort, permitting her a good while to weepe and lament, that the ioy and conso∣lation afterward may bee the greater. But the cause why he so long delaieth his helpe and comfort from these that bee his owne, is, that their inward desires may bee the more feruent and earnest, and that hee may stirre vp and kindle their faith. Now when the fire is kindled inough, then commeth hee with his comfort, as it is euident heere in Marie Mag∣dalene, and in the woman of Cananee. Matthew 26.

Moreouer, hee sendeth Marie Magdalene from him; to bring the Apostles tidings of this glorious exaltation, whereas shee doubtlesse had rather haue beene longer with him, and to haue had the comfor∣table fruition of the sight of him. Howbeit hee di∣recteth her forth, to declare that felicitie, and poyn∣teth

her to the work of charitable loue, to the seruice of her neighbour. For here in time wee cannot as yet come to the beholding & sight of God face to face, it shall first begin after this time. Now while we liue heere, wee must serue our neighbour in charitable loue, and do him good.

O God, strengthen thou our weake faith in the resurrection of thy beloued son: that by it our con∣sciences being examined, may well answere: Illumi∣nate our mindes, and expell out of vs all darkenesse, thorow the light and brightnes of the glorious resur∣rection:* 1.22 O strengthen our weaknes throgh the pow∣er of thy spirite. Raise vs from the death of sinne, in the same spirite and power wherein thou hast raised vp thy son from the dead. Comfort and strengthen vs in aduersitie, and make vs constaunt therein: that we may preasse through the same in steadfast hope, to the ioyfull and blessed resurrection. Kindle in vs the fire of thy godly loue, that with earnest and fer∣uent desire wee may seeke and finde thee through Christ. Withdraw our hearts from all earthly loue of creatures, and from filthines, vp to heauen-ward, where Christ sitteth at thy right hand, that wee may lead a godly and heauenly life vpon earth. Set vp the spirituall kingdome of Christ Iesu in our hearts, that in vs thy name may be sanctified and thy will perfor∣med: that wee may become thy vertuous children, and neuer displease thee our gracious father. that we continuing stil in thy mercifull couenant,* 1.23 doe neuer fall away from the companie and fellowship of thee and thy sonne. And where as thou hast giuen vs such

knowledge, grace, and vnderstanding, graunt that we may make the same knowne vnto many, beeing al∣way readie through charitable loue to serue our bre∣thren, Amen.

It followeth now further in the historie, how the women that first were with Marie Magdalene at the sepulchre, and being afraid, fled away (no man say∣ing ought vnto them) returned now more stoutlie & boldly to the sepulchre, to see what would come of that wonderfull terrible matter.

WHen the women came to the sepulchre & found not the bodie of Iesu, they were sore troubled in their minds. And behold, two men stoode by them in shining garments. And as the women were afraide & bowed down their faces to the earth, they said vnto them; Why seeke ye the liuing among the dead? He is not heere, he is risen. Remember how hee spake vnto you, when he was yes in Galilee, saying: that the sonne of man must bee deliuered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise againe. And they remembred the wordes of Iesu, & returned from the sepulchre, and told all these thinges vnto those eleuen, and to all the remnant. And as they went to tell his disciples,* 1.24 behold, Iesus met them, saying: All haile. And they came and helde him by the feete, and worshipped him. Then said Iesus vnto them: Bee not afraide. Go tell my bre∣thren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.

But when the women, namely; Mary Magdalene, & Ioanna, and Mary Iacob, and other that were with them, told these things vnto the Apostles, their words seemed vnto them fained things, neither beleeued they them.

Doctrine and fruite.

LOne is not idle, but diligent & zealous: which thing may well bee perceiued in these women, that ran againe to the sepulchre, although they had found it empty afore. Gladly would they haue found the body, and done reuerence to their Lorde, whom they loued. This feruent zeale of the women confoundeth our coldnes & vnmercifulnes towards the poore. Oft times do they seeke him that is absent, and that with great diligence: wee receiue him not, when (in the poore) he commeth vnto vs. No trauel, labour, nor cost greeueth them: as for vs, we pitie our substance, when wee shoulde distribute to the poore which are Christs. O that we could rightly consider, how pretious a treasure we gather vnto our selues in heauen, when we giue of our goods into the hands of the poore, lending the same vnto Christ! Then should not wee garnish and build timber and stone, but the liuing temples of God, keeping them from wind and raine, and from decay: namely, that they suffer no extreme pouertie, nor be destitute of helpe. Such a treasure had Tabitha laid vp in store,* 1.25 for when she died, it was not stones and stockes that commen∣ded her benefits, but the bodies of the widows, they lamented her death, and declared how mercifull she had beene.

Christ openeth and sheweth himselfe vnto those that earnestly seeke him, and those hee suffereth to touch him: to the intent that forasmuch as they must

declare his resurrection to the Apostles, their weake faith must be strengthned, to know and to be assured that hee was verily risen againe. For not onely the Angell, but Christ also himselfe commandeth them so to do. He comforteth them, and taketh from them the fearfulnes and sorrowe. Thus wee ought not to doubt, he shall in all aduersitie and trouble meete vs, he shall chearfully appeare vnto vs, and with his ioy∣full presence and resurrection shall hee comfort and preserue vs.

But we lacke an earnest and strong faith: our harts are slow and cold: Diligent we be in seeking of tem∣porall things, but godly things wee either despise or neglect. Loue hath no rest, she ceaseth not to runne and seeke, till she finde him whome shee loueth, and when she findeth him, she holdeth him fast, that shee loose him not againe: glad is she also, to make others pertakers of the treasure that she hath found.

O God, kindle our colde heartes with the fire of faith and loue, that we may earnestly seeke thee: and that when we haue found thee, we may feruently re∣ceiue and keepe thee, and with a right spirit worship thee. Expell all hardnes and vngentlenes out of our hearts: make vs louing and mercifull vnto the poore ones. Take from vs the terrour of all vndoubtfulnes, vnbeleefe, and feare of the world, and comfort vs in all aduersitie. Graunt vs the faith of thy resurrecti∣on, that we despising all transitory things, may set all our comfort and hope in the blessed resurrection to come, Amen.

Heere also we learne, how exceeding weake and

ignorant our flesh is, to receiue and beleeue the truth 〈◊〉〈◊〉 it of God giue not light and strength. For a∣•• 〈…〉〈…〉 of the Apostles were illuminated and 〈…〉〈…〉 the holy ghost, they esteemed the truth 〈…〉〈…〉 Resurrection (opened vnto them by the women) to be a foolish and fained thing. Neuerthe∣lesse Christ forsaketh not those whom hee hath once imbraced, but still openeth himselfe vnto them more and more, to expell out of them all dubitation & vn∣beleefe.

ANd behold, two of them went that same day to a town called Emaus,* 1.26 which was from Hierusalem about a threescore furlongs, & they talked together of all these things that had happened. And it chaunced, that while they communed together and reasoned, Iesus himself drew neare and went with them: but their eies were holden, that they should not know him. And he saide vnto them: What man∣ner of communications are these, that ye haue one to another as ye walke, and are sad? And the one of them (whose name was Cleophas) answered and said vnto him: Art thou one∣ly a straunger in Hierusalem, & hast not knowne the things which haue chanced there in these dais? He said vnto them; What things? And they said vnto him: Of Iesus of Naza∣reth, which was a Prophet, mightie in deed and word before God & all the people, & how the high Priests & our rulers deliuered him to be condemned vnto death, & haue crucifi∣ed him. But we trusted, that it had been he which shuld haue redeemed Israel. And as touching all these thinges, to day is euen the third day that they were done. Yea and certain wo∣men also of our companie made vs astonied, which came

earlie to the sepulchrt, and found not his bodie, and came saying: that they had seen a vision of Angels, 〈…〉〈…〉 that he was aliue. And certaine of them that 〈…〉〈…〉 went to the sepulchre, and found it euen so as the 〈…〉〈…〉 said, but him they saw not.

Doctrine and fruite.

THE longer the more, is set foorth vnto vs the vnoutspeakable loue and trustie faithfulnes of Iesus Christ our lord, who forsaketh not those that anie thing loue to talke of him. For look whom he admitteth into his schoole, those hee teacheth still continually (how weake soeuer they bee) vntill hee bring them to perfect vnderstanding, and expell all doubtfulnes out of their hearts. Forasmuch now as these his Disciples speake of him in the way, hee get∣teth him to them, albeit hee holdeth their eyes that they knowe him not: that by the meanes thereof, they themselues with their own words might know∣ledge & confesse their doubtfull wauering, & weak∣nes of faith: that they might open their disease vnto him, & hee to giue a conuenient medicine for theyr vnbeleefe: that through the long delay, frendly talk, and opening of the scripture, their harts and desires might more and more bee kindled and sette on fire: that their doubtfulnes might bee taken away, and theyr weake fayth strengthened. For though they helde Iesus for a great and principall Prophet, and and for an innocent good man, yet speake they vn∣certainely of the matter, and their heart wauereth:

yet were not they assured that hee had ouercome death, and by his owne death purchased life for all the world, that hee was risen againe into an immor¦•• 〈…〉〈…〉 made vs vndoubtedly partakers of the 〈…〉〈…〉 and ioyfull resurrection, and eternall life in himselfe.

Now for as much as they gladly talke and wil∣lingly holde of him (how feebly and vnperfectly so∣euer it bee) yet the gratious and louing Lorde ap∣procheth neare vnto them, and instructeth them. It shall neuer bee vnfruitfull, it shall neuer passe with∣out profite, but assuredly doo good, where Christ is gladlie and with a good heart spoken of. Where two or three bee assembled in his name, there is hee in the middest among them, and infourmeth them. That he doth to the Disciples in the way by mouth, the same declareth hee alway vnto vs inwardly by his spirite in our harts, and outwardly with the scrip∣ture and word, and with the teachings of good god∣ly men. He that well and faithfully vseth the little ta∣lent, shall not be denied a greater, if he earnestly de∣sire it.

Wheresoeuer he is earnestly & feruently thought vpon, and talked of, there is he present, & instructeth and teacheth the ignorant. For he is not ashamed to resort vnto those that lacke knowledge, and be in er∣rour, and to talke with them.

This lowlie and gentle condition ought wee to learne of our head, that we shame not to repayre vnto such as are not yet right instructed, that wee may infourme them, and commune with them. We

should despise no man, that with a single hart seeketh God, though as yet wee perceiue much wauering and weake faith in him. For if the eternall 〈…〉〈…〉 was not ashamed to humble himselfe, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the ignoraunt, much more ought wee to doo•• ••ing we are neither sufficiently instructed in the scrip∣ture, nor yet diligent and carefull to doe that which we know.

* 1.27THen said Iesus vnto them: O ye fooles and slow of hart to beleeue all that the Prophets haue spoken. Ought not Christ to haue suffred these things, and so to enter into his glorie? And hee began at Moses and all the Pro∣phets, and interpreted vnto them in all Scriptures which were written of him. And they drewe nigh to the towne that they went vnto: and he made as though he would haue gone further. And they constrained him, saying: Abide with vs, for it draweth toward night, and the day is far pas∣sed, and he went in to tarrie with them. And it came to passe as he sate at meate with them, he tooke bread and blessed it, and brake and gaue to them, and their eyes were opened, and they knew him, and he vanished out of their sight. And they said betweene themselues. did not our heartes burne within vs, while he talked with vs by the way, and opened to vs the scriptures? And they rose vp the same houre, and returned againe to Hierusalem, and found the eleuen gathered toge∣ther, and them that were with them, saying: The Lorde is risen indeed, and hath appeared vnto Simon. And they told what things were done in the way, and how they knewe him in breaking of bread.

Doctrine and fruite.

CHRIST sayth, Iohn. 5. Search the Scriptures, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 they testifie of mee. Also, If yee beleeued Moses, ye should beleeue me, for he hath writ∣ten of me. Christ therefore willing to strengthen the weake, and to teach the vnlearned, expoundeth vnto them the Scriptures, beginning at Moses, and so tho∣rough out all the Prophets. For whatsoeuer is writ∣ten in the Scripture concerning the mercie, goodnes and wisedome of God, the washing awaie of sinne, and satisfieng for the same, it belongeth properly to Christ. For so worthily and euidently haue they de∣scribed the passion & glory of Christ, that one would thinke them not to write of a matter which were to come, but done alreadie, as it is plaine in the Psalmes and Prophets. Psa▪ 22. Esa. 53. 1. Pet. 1. &c.

Thus out of the Scripture we learne, partlie the testimonies of the passion and resurrection of Christ, partly by what waie Christ came to so high honour; and glorie of his father, that wee first beleeuing that Chri••t dyed for our sinnes, and rose againe for our righteousnesse, might by his resurrection be sure of a good conscience, and consolation of the lyfe to come.

Secondly, that wee in patience and obedience might learne to be obedient to our heauenly father, to take vp our crosse, and to follow our Lord IESVS Christ, if wee will haue ioy with him, wee must also suffer and trauaile with him. Our head goeth to eter∣nall

ioy through aduersitie and trouble, and will we enter into it through the pleasure of the worlde and lust of the flesh? It passeth the boundes of all ••nitie, and comlynesse and honestie, for 〈…〉〈…〉 to bee sluggish and slouthfull, when the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••keth vppon him such trauell and paine, 〈…〉〈…〉 narrowe gate that wee must enter in at, for tho∣rough many tribulations, vexations, and miseryes must wee come into the euerlasting kingdome of heauen: and all they that will liue godly in Christ Iesu, must suffer persecution in this world. He that will possesse an inheritance, must beare and suffer all the charges belonging to the same. The eternall in∣heritance is appointed vs of our heauenly father tho∣rough Christ: but with this addition, that we receiue the possession of it in such sort as the son hath done, namely with and through the crosse and trouble. Blessed are they whome God the father maketh par∣takers of the passion of his onely begotten sonne: for who so is a companion with him in suffering, shall haue his eternal fellowship in heauen, and inioy with him euerlasting blisse and rest. Hee that vnderstan∣deth not this, is a foole and slowe of heart to beleeue the Scriptures: let that man beseech God to open the Scripture vnto him, and to make him vnderstand it. Where that commeth to passe, ignoraunce vani∣sheth awaie, and the heart is feruent and receiueth vnderstanding, for the Lorde is the right and perfect schoole-master, that toucheth the hart, and pearceth it through with the arrowes of his words and ardent loue.

In breaking of the bread, they knowe the Lorde, 〈…〉〈…〉 life time, when he nowe woulde goe 〈…〉〈…〉 and death, tooke bread, rendered 〈…〉〈…〉 it, and gaue it them, admonishing 〈…〉〈…〉 ••bit as they dyd the same, they shoulde 〈…〉〈…〉 remembrance of him. Whereby they now ••hin••••ng on the same wordes, and beeing admoni∣shed of the act, remember that it is hee. Thus the breaking of the bread before our eyes in the supper, is an admonishing token, that Christs body was bro∣ken and dyed for vs on the crosse: and the drinke an admonishing token, that his bloud was shedde for the washing awaie of our sinnes. And so when wee breake the bread, and drinke the drinke, wee ought thereby to knowe the Lorde, thanking him for his death which is our life, being mindfull of him, and following his great loue, wherein hee dyed for our sinnes.

AS they thus spake, (it was verie late the same daie; which was the first daie in the weeke: and where the disciples assembled together, the doores were shut for feare of the Iewes) Iesus came while they sate at the ta∣ble, and stoode in the middest among them, and sayde vnto them: Peace bee with you. But the disciples were afraid, thinking that they had seene a spirite. Then sayde Iesus vn∣to them, Why are yee troubled? And why doo thoughts arise in your head? And hee sayde yet agayne vnto them, Peace bee with you. And with that shewed he them his hands, feet, and side, and said: Behold my hands and feete, that it is euen I my selfe, handle me and see, for a spirit hath

not flesh and bones, as ye see me haue. The 〈…〉〈…〉 when they had seene the Lord. And 〈…〉〈…〉 ••••∣leeued not for ioy, and wondered, he sayd 〈…〉〈…〉 ye anie thing to eate? So they offered him a 〈…〉〈…〉 fish, and an honie combe. The same hee took•• 〈…〉〈…〉 before them, casting in their teeth their vnbeleefe 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••nes of heart, because they beleeued not them which 〈…〉〈…〉 that he was risen againe from the dead.

Doctrine and fruite.

IN that the Euangelists describe the true resurrecti∣on of Christ, they declare withal, vnto whom such a high mystery was opened and shewed For when we heare how the disciples were minded and beha∣ued themselues, we learne therby what becommeth vs, that we also may beleeue, that Christ is truly risen againe: yea, not only to acknowledge the same with the mouth, but also to proue and feele it in the tast of the spirite. So haue wee heard afore, what the desire & ardent loue which God stirred vp in Mary Mag∣dalene, dyd bring to passe, and what good came of the feruentnesse and diligence of Peter. This we see now here, for God hath a plesure to stir vp our desire when hee will open himselfe vnto vs. And therefore all the same daie from morning early vntill nyght, were the disciples still more and more endued with new ioy, that the desire to see Christ, might be kind∣led more and more in them. And as they were as∣sembled in loue & vniformitie (for those two things please God wel) Christ commeth and appeareth vn∣ro

them. He openeth himselfe vnto those, that long∣ing after him, are coupled in loue and vniformitie, & being assembled, doo hold themselues together, for where loue is, there is God: where discord is and diuision, there is the deuill.

O deare brethren, let vs regard charitable loue, let vs care for our brethren, that the brotherhood be not broken, and that loue be not spotted, for els fare∣wel saith. No man needeth to boast himselfe of faith that hath not charitable loue, but stirreth vp and see∣keth diuision.

Moreouer, we see here that the disciples of Christ stood in great danger of their bodies and life: for when the Iewes had no more power to rage agaynst Christ, they raged agaynst his disciples. Looke what men are partakers of the crosse and passion of Christ they verily shall vnderstand the high mysterie of his resurrection. For vndoubtedly, God with his owne consolation shall visite and comfort those, that suffer anie danger & harme for his names sake. Forasmuch then as the good disciples of Christ, must still bee in conflict and battel with the Iewes, the Lord speaketh vnto them with this comfortable worde, Peace bee with you: as if he shuld saie, be of good cheere, your matter shal stand in good case, in mee yee shal haue peace & be safe, & quiet, how hard so euer it go out∣wardly: Feare not, be not afraid, howsoeuer the Iews doo rage, ye shall doo right well. This salutation was common among the Iewes, therefore doeth Christ also vse it. Such a charge gaue hee lykewise vnto his Disciples, when hee sent them to preach, that ente∣ring

into an house, they should saie, Peace be to this house.* 1.28

And though the disciples were somewhat ama∣zed and afraide at the first blush, yet was theyr glad∣nesse great, when they were throughly instructed, that it was the Lorde. Now was fulfilled that which Christ had said and promised vnto them afore. Io. 16 Yee shall mourne, and the world shall reioyce, but I will see you againe. Your sorrow shall be turned in∣to gladnesse, your heart shall reioyce, and your ioye shall no man take from you. For the ioye of a fayth∣full beleeuing heart is constant, and endureth. If the resurrection of Iesus Christ were truely and rightly beleeued, and the same ioye comprehended as it ought to bee, all sorrowe must needs vanish, all hurt and aduersitie must needes bee little regarded. For what can bee grieuous vnto a man, when by faith & hope hee is assured, that hee in a glorified immortall bodie shall arise agayne with Christ his head, and haue euerlasting ioy with him.

And this is the cause that Christ appeareth so ofte vnto his disciples, instructing them so much and so perfectly of his resurrection, euen to make them steadfast in this faith, and to assure them of this ioy. Therefore sheweth hee them his bodie, and giueth it them to handle. The palpable bodie certifieth them, that it is a true bodie: the immortall bodie sheweth, that it is glorified, and of highest honor: the printes of the woundes declare, that it is euen the selfe same bodie that it was afore. Hee sheweth them the tokens of victorie, as a mighty ouercom∣mer

of death, and so doth hee the woundes that hee had gotten for them in the battell: and likewise the side that was opened, declaring his great loue. His woundes sheweth he to them, to heale the wounds of theyr vnbeleefe. As if hee would say: looke vp∣pon mee, and fight manfullie: Without a battaile shall no man bee crowned.* 1.29 But vnto him that o∣uercommeth in the conflict,* 1.30 will I graunt to eate of the bread of Heauen, and will crowne him for euer.

Where as hee eateth before them, it is done for the probation of the true humaine nature, and not for the great necessitie of the bodie: To them was it verie needfull, not vnto Christ. Euen so we, knowing howe to further our neighboures faith, must, and ought manie times to doe somewhat, and to leaue somewhat vndone, that for our selues wee need not.

O GOD graunt vs true loue and vniformi∣tie: Take from vs all Scisme and diuision: gather vs togeather through thy holie spirite, remooue all discord and variaunce out of thy holie Churche. Giue vs patience in aduersitie: sende thy godlie comforte and ioye vnto all such as bee in distresse and trouble for thy names sake: Strengthen the weake, lift vppe the feeble, establish the doubt∣full, and in the battaile helpe those which bee thine owne: that they lie not vnder, but that in thee, they may ouercome all daunger and harme. Amen.

THomas one of the twelue (which was called Didi∣mus) was not with them when Iesus came. The other disciples therefore sayd vnto him: We haue seene the Lord. But he said vnto them: Except I see in his handes the print of the nailes, and put my finger into the print of the nailes, & thrust my hand into his side, I will not beleeue. And after eight daies again his disciples were within, and Tho∣mas with them. Then came Iesus when the doores were shut, and stoode in the midst, and saide, Peace bee vnto you. And after that sayd he to Thomas, Bring thy finger he∣ther, and see my hands, and reach hether thy hand, & thrust it into my side, and be not faithles, but beleeuing. Thomas answered, and said vnto him: My Lord, and my God. Iesus saith vnto him, Thomas, because thou hast seene mee, thou hast beleeued, Blessed are they that haue not seene, and haue beleeued.

Doctrine and fruit.

THat which was spoken afore, is heere euident and plaine, namely, that Christ openeth him∣selfe vnto those, which are desirous of him, and long after him associating themselues together one with another in true loue, and being partakers of the passion & crosse. Forasmuch then as Thomas is lesse feruent, and therefore absent from the rest, hee sawe not Christ with the other disciples, but when he ob∣tained a desire to see Christ, & was assotiate and ioy∣ned to the other, he became also partaker of the ioye that they had.

And here we learne the nature and condition of true beleefe (which is an illumination of the grace

of God, yea a verie godly propertie) that he maketh others partakers of his holy and glorious ioyes, and that through loue, which seeketh not her owne pro∣fit, neither is disdainefull, to the intent that the glorie of God may be preferred among all men Therefore the Disciples of the Lord make Thomas their compa∣nion partaker of such gladnesse as they had receiued of Christs Resurrection opened vnto them: for hee was verie faithlesse, and too stiffe in his owne opini∣on. Which vnbeliefe God suffered to happen vnto him, and to continue somewhat the longer, that his slacknes and lacke of faith might serue to our com∣moditie: that through his vnbeliefe, wee might bee prouoked vnto faith, for as much as we heare, that he so perfectly proouing, seeing and feeling the thing, came so to an vndoubted faith: that wee also might beleeue, that the bodie of Christ which was hanged vpon the crosse for our sinnes, was of the Father ray∣sed againe vnto life. For if wee beleeue in our heart,* 1.31 and confesse with our mouth, that God hath raysed him vp from the dead, we shal be saued. Yea beleeue we must,* 1.32 that Christ (according to his wordes afore) hath through his godly power, erected vp againe from death, the temple of his bodie. Therefore tho∣row the doubting of Thomas, wee learne the myste∣rie of the resurrection of our own bodies. For Christ hath sufficiently proued, and Thomas hath confessed that the bodie of Christ which was hanged vpon the crosse, is verely risen againe from death. Wherin, our faith is confirmed, to beleeue, that our bodies also shall truely and liuely rise againe to eternall life.

When Thomas is with the other disciples, Christ sheweth himselfe vnto him. For they that in the vni∣tie of faith and of vndiuided loue, doe not associate and accompanie themselues with other faithfull be∣leeuers in the Church, shall not be partakers of hea∣uenly ioyes. Truth it is, that to beleeue with the hart iustifieth: but the confession that is made with the mouth, belongeth vnto health, & serueth vnto loue and vnitie of the Church and congregation of God, without the which there can bee no hope of health. He that saith he beleeueth, and doth not ioyne him∣selfe vnto other Christians, his faith is vaine and of none effect. And therefore did Christ for his church institute the sacraments, that is to say, exterior signes of his grace, that his people might be associate toge∣ther in the vnitie of faith. The Church of God is it, that preserueth vs poore ones (as did the Arke of Noe afore time) in the floud, and bringeth vs tho∣rough this raging sea vnto the hauen of eternall sal∣uation. Not that the grace and health is there∣fore to bee ascribed to the elements and outwarde thinges: but that it may appeare how effectuous fayth is, and what it woorketh through charita∣ble loue in the Church. Christ maketh mention of the wordes which Thomas had spoken afore to the Disciples in his absence: Namely; Except I see in his handes the print, &c. Therefore sayth Christ: Thomas, bring thy finger hither, and see &c. Whereby it is euidently prooued, that Christ is God, and euen so doth Thomas vnderstand and confesse.

The woundes are shewed of Christ, specially to this intent, that his passion might be printed and sea∣led in mens mindes. For a verie deepe and high my∣sterie is it, that Christes side is opened, out of the which floweth bloud and water: whereby the spiri∣tuall and faithfull beleeuing mindes may well per∣ceiue Christes good louing will towardes mankind. Now when we looke vpon his handes, touching his side inwardly with our desire of inward fayth, and considering why and with what loue Christ suffe∣red for vs, it shall be no hard thing vnto vs to beleeue his resurrection. If Christ were deade but euen as an other pure man or Prophet, we could haue no hope of the resurrection. Who so beleeueth it, commeth soone to this knowledge, that immortall life is giuen vnto vs. Now where there is hope of an immortall life, there is the Lorde serued with great diligence. For if God hath not spared his sonne,* 1.33 but giuen him for vs all, what good thing then may wee not looke for at his hand? If wee bee onely true beleeuers with Thomas, then shall God faithfully performe that hee hath promised vs. Christ desireth no more of vs weake feeble ones, than that we be not faithlesse, but stedfast beleeuers.

Thomas is immediately obedient vnto the voice of Christ, and becommeth foorth with a newe man. The Pharisies could by no doctrine, by no myra∣cles, bee brought to giue credence vnto Christ, and to beleeue in him, although they sawe Laza∣rus raysed againe from death: malice and hatred

did so hinder them. But Thomas acknowledgeth him freely to be his Lord and God. He seeth and hand∣leth man, he confesseth God, whom he saw not. Hee acknowledged, that he whom he saw was his God & Lord. Through the same faith was his vnbeleefe and sinne forgiuen him.

O mercifull God, graunt vs loue, that we seek not our owne commoditie nor honour, but the profit of our neighbours, and thy glorie in all thinges. Expell out of vs all disdaine, greedines, vngentlenes, headi∣nes, and flattering of our selues. Preserue vs from dis∣cord & diuision, binde vs together in vniforme loue, that wee may bee one bodie, and of one minde. Sta∣blish also our faith, that our minds may alwayes bee comforted in the resurrection of thy sonne, and im∣mortall life purchased by him, Amen.

ANd many other signes trulie did Iesus in the presence of his Disciples, which are not written in this booke. These are written, that ye might beleeue, that Iesus is Christ the sonne of God, & that ye so beleeuing, might haue life through his name.

Doctrine and fruite.

LIke as Christ, while hee yet liued, did miracles before his death, to declare his godly power: e∣uen so after his rising again from death, he wor∣keth manie tokens in the presence of his Disciples, to proue his resurrection in the flesh. Some of the same are described of the Euangelists, not of anie cu∣riositie,

or for vaine glorie, but to confirme our sayth therewith. To write all, Iohn thought it not needful: for who could haue written all? Or who could haue fastened and borne them all in minde? Who so will not beleeue these few that are written, shall neuer be∣leeue a greater multitude. A faithfull beleeuer is well satisfied with these. For these that be written of him, are therefore written, that wee should beleeue, that Iesus is Christ the Sonne of GOD, and that we through his fayth might haue eternall life. Seeing then that all thinges which are written, doo extende and serue to this ende, that wee might beleeue in him, and bee saued by him, what lacke wee then? Or what can we desire more? So that hereby we learne, with great diligence to reade, to consider, and to ap∣plie into our owne lyfe, whatsoeuer the Euange∣listes haue written of Christ: as they haue written nothing but that which is altogether excellent, deare holie and godlie, and such thinges as doe liuely de∣scribe, sette foorth, and print Christ vnto vs: that our fayth, hope, loue, patience, meeknesse, and all good thinges might growe with blessed fruite: that wee in our life might become thankfull for such an excel∣lent grace, and in no wise to contemne or despise it.

A scornefull thing is it, and the euidence of a greate vnbeleefe, whereas some thinke by these wordes to prooue, that for as much as all thinges are not written in the booke, it is lawfull for certayne men to adde the rest, and to deuise and ordayne what they will. For in these thinges that are writ∣ten,

doth Iohn comprehend the whole sum of fayth: which consisteth in this, that Iesus is the son of the li∣uing God, who for our saluation came downe from heauen, died, rose againe, & purchased for vs eternal life▪ Iesus the son of Mary, is the annointed king and high Priest, the sauior of the world promised of God, & spoken of afore by the Prophets. And euen hee it is, who being of the heauenly father annointed king euerlasting, was to come after Dauid, & to raigne for euer. This king is the redeemer and sauiour of man∣kind, & the very true sonne of God. If we beleeue in Christ, we beleeue in the true God▪ one onely God we honor, one onely God we worship. Seeing now that we honor & worship Christ, we worship God, for only God is to be worshipped. Forasmuch now as we worship the sonne no lesse than the father, it is certaine, that Christ is of one nature with the father: yea this ought we to beleeue, & that he came downe into this world to die for vs, to wash and wipe away our sins, & to kill sin in our mortal flesh, when he ma∣keth vs partakers of his passion, & mightily worketh in vs by his spirite, in mortifieng our carnall desires. We must also beleeue, that he by his godly power a∣rose againe from death, to a new, glorious & immor∣tall life. For if we thought that hee died, & beleeued not that he were risen againe to life, wee should haue no life in him. For vs he died, for our sakes hee rose a∣gaine, for our welfare reigneth he for euer. A newe godly & blessed life worketh hee in vs with his resur∣rection, and after this life haue we in him life euerla∣sting.

AFterward did Iesus shew himselfe againe at the sea of Tiberias. And on this wise shewed he himselfe. There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas (which is called Did••••us) and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, & the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples. Simon Peter saith vnto them: I will go a fishing▪ They say vnto him: We also will go with thee. They went their way, and entred into a shippe immediately, and that night caught they nothing. But when the morning was now come, Iesus stoode on the sh••••e: but the Disciples knewe not that it was Iesus. Iesus saith vnto them: Children, haue ye any meat? They answe∣red him no. And he saith vnto them; Cast out the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shal find. They cast out ther∣fore, and anone they were not able to draw it for the multi∣tude of fishes. Then said the Disciple (whom Iesus loued) to Peter: It is the Lord. When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his coate vnto him (for he was naked) and sprang into the sea. The other Disciples came by shippe, for they were not farre from lande, but as it were two hundred cubites, and they drew the nette with fishes. As soone then as they were come to land, they sawe hote coales, and fish layde thereon, and bread. Iesus saith vnto them: Bring of the fish that yee now haue caught. Simon Peter went vp, and drew the net to the land full of great fishes, an hundred and three and fiftie. And for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken. Iesus saith vnto them: Come and dine. And none of the disciples durst aske him: What art thou? For they knew that it was the Lord Iesus then came, & tooke breade, and gaue them, and fish likewise. This is now the third time that Iesus appeared to his Disciples after that he was risen againe from death.

Doctrine and fruite.

WE read in the holy Euangelists, that at the first Christ called his disciples, namelie, Peter and the others from fishing, which they also left, and came to Christ, who told them that he would make them fishers of men. Now when hee wil send them out to that office, & depart from them he appeareth againe vnto them at their fishing. And (like as he did afore at their vocatiō) he doth before them a great miracle: in the which hee admonisheth them of their office, and chargeth them diligently to care for his sheepe committed vnto them. But first he proueth his resurrection, to stablish and confirme their weake faith therby, commaunding them after∣ward, to bring other folks also thereto.

This historie in it selfe is euident enough, there∣fore ought wee first to consider it after the letter, for the letter also teacheth for it self. Christ like as he ap∣peared vnto those that were sorrowful & mourned: so doth he heere appeare vnto those that labour and trauaile. Christ gaue his disciples authoritie out of the Gospell,* 1.34 that they preach to take a competent honest liuing, as foode and necessaries of the bodie•• and yet did not hee restrayne them, that they should not or might not labour, when occasion serueth. Therefore Paule also vsed not that liberty at certaine times, but labored with his owne hands and wan his meate. So did the Disciples of Christ exercise them∣selues in their labour. For when they were come

into Galelee, from the feast of Easter which they had kept at Hierusalem, afore the holy ghost was giuen them, they would not goe idle, and thereby become a burthen vnto other men: (for he that goeth idle, li∣eth vpon other folkes, eating that theirs is, and ouer∣chargeth them) but vndertake to get their owne ly∣uing with their handy worke, which they had vsed a∣fore. Whereby wee must learne to apply our selues vnto labour, and not to bee idle: for idlenes is the mother of many and great vices. Euery man ought to haue an honest traiuaile, to bee exercised either with the body or with the minde. Who so labou∣reth not, must not eat. Man was created to labour,* 1.35 as the bird to flie. Therfore ought euery father to bring vp his children in honest exercise from their youth vp, that the deuill get no place in their hearts, which yet commeth to passe, if he finde them idle. The first commaundement giuen to our forefather Adam af∣ter the fall was this: In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat thy bread.

Now when we in true faith and confidence vnto God, doe take in hand the worke that he hath com∣mitted vnto our charge, we ought not to doubt, God shal prosper it, and giue vs his rich and gracious bles∣sing in it, as it is written, Prouer. 3. In althy waies re∣member the Lord, and hee shall direct and order thy doings. Eccles. 5.9.

Heere is also to bee considered, how Christ vtte∣reth his godly power before his disciples, in the great miracle that hee did in their sight, to confirme our faith in him. For out of the appearing of Christ grow¦eth

faith, Psal. 85. And his true resurrection will hee print in them, in that he appeareth vnto them, & eat∣eth with them.

Heere wee see the ardent desire of Peter, which leapeth into the sea, as soone as he heareth that it is the Lord: he that afore had denied him, maketh now speedie hast againe vnto him. Though wee of mans feeblenesse and feare, doo fall into sinne, yet alwaies whē we heare God in his word, we ought forth with to turne againe vnto him: and so shall hee with the lost sonne, graciously receiue and embrace is a∣gayne.* 1.36

In that Peter couereth himselfe being naked, we learne nurture and shamefastnesse, to walke & dwell with all honestie in the sight of men, specially in the presence of our superiours and gouernors.

In the corporall workes and deedes of Christ, there is nothing in vaine, nothing without effect. Be∣sides the outward appearance of the worke, there is described somewhat more excellent, where unto a faithful beleeuer ought to direct the eies of his mind as when he maketh the blind to see, it is an outwarde act, and a declaration of his godly power, & an alte∣ration there is outwardly in the eyes of the blinde, in that his fight is restored vnto him againe: neuerthe∣lesse ouer and besides the outward worke, there is gi∣uen vs to vnderstand, that Christ is the true lyght of the whole world, which driueth awaie the blindnes of our hart, and illuminateth the eyes of our mind, according to the Scriptures, Isay. 42.49. Iohn. 1.9.12. &c.

Christ taking bread and wine, giueth the same to his disciples to eate and drinke. This (as no man can denie) was an outward act, and they commaunded outwardly to doo it, albeit in the remembraunce of him. Besides and aboue the outward eating & drin∣king, the faithfull beleeuer must lift vp his heart, and looke with the eyes of faith vnto that which is spiri∣tual, namely, how that Christ is the true liuing bread which feedeth our soules to eternall life, how his bo∣die was broken for vs vpon the crosse, how we tho∣rough his death are made liuing, and washed awaie from our sinnes by his bloud. In this is set forth vnto vs the highest loue of all, namely, that Christ gaue himselfe vnto the death for vs, whereby wee are ad∣monished of his grace, yea, not onely in this descri∣bed vnto vs, but also the holy Ghost doeth mightily land fruitfully worke the same in the heartes of the true beleeuers, which in faith at the supper receyue the true body and bloud of Christ: whereby theyr heartes are kindled in loue towardes God and their neighbor, so that they dwel in Christ, & he in them. &c.

So heere likewise the outward fishing, represen∣teth a fishing spirituall. Like as in fishing it lyeth not in the fishers power or wit to take many or few, but 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the power and blessing of God. And as the labor of the disciples is in vaine afore Christ commandeth them, but when they haue his commandement, and cast out the net vpon the same, they drawe vp a mul∣ti••••on of fishes: euen so commeth it to passe at this present day that we bring forth no fruit so lōg as the

holie ghost worketh not with vs inwardly. But when Christ biddeth cast out the net: that is, when hee gi∣ueth his spirite, wee are able to draw vp many men, and to winne them vnto Christ. For all the night long had they taken nothing, till Christ came vnto them: Euen so can we doe nothing if Christ bee not with vs by his spirite.* 1.37 On Whit-sonday when the spirite came vpon his Disciples, they brought foorth much fruit, and drue many men vnto Christ.

Heereby declareth Christ vnto them in this ta∣king of fish, how it should go in their office, and how the time was now at hand, that they should shortlie drawe many men out of the sea of this worlde vnto him, and that they should prosper and haue good successe therein. The world is this wilde raging sea: the shore is the quietnes of eternall life that we haue in Christ, vnto whome we make hast with Peter and the other Disciples: neither doe wee bring men vn∣to our selues, but vnto Christ, and to the hauen of e∣uerlasting life. Faith is not idle, but is alwaies occu∣pied in the Lords businesse, causing vs to contemne all perrils, and to speede vs a pace vnto Christ with the cloathing of vertues, especially with fayth, the wedding garment: that wee appearing not naked, may make hast vnto the land of the liuyng, where Christ is, the conquerour of death: For the faythfull beleeuers are not far from the land, when their con∣uersation is in heauen. Without Christ wee must begynne nothing,* 1.38 without fayth may no man please God. In the nyght of sinne, our labour is vayne and vnprofitable:* 1.39 yea whatsoeuer is not of fayth is sinne.

Vpon the right hand must the net be cast out: That is, in the office of preaching, must respect bee had to the onely glorie of God, and edefiyng of the church and not to our owne profit or preferment.* 1.40

Christ hungreth after our health, this is the meat which he desireth: that we doe the will of his hea∣uenly father: that wee put our trust in him,* 1.41 and loue one another: that wee lead a iust and innocent life:* 1.42 that wee keepe our selues from the filthinesse of the world, & bring much people vnto God. Such meat is brought vnto Christ by the Apostles, when they through their teaching doe catche men, and bring them vnto God. Therefore doth he aske them whe∣ther they haue any thing to eat. They said: nay, for afore the receiuing of the spirite, they could doe no∣thing, but when he came, they brought many profi∣table things to passe. The haruest was so great, that they must needs haue many workmen.

So when God helpeth the faithfull ministers of the worde, that they in the ministerie of preaching haue prosperous successe, so that they draw vp ma∣ny men through the nette of the Gospell, and finde much fruite: Then the Disciples whome Christ lo∣ueth, and which loue him againe, doe know that it is the Lorde, and that the same commeth not of their owne virtue, but of the power of God. And heereof then groweth there in them a great desire to come vnto Christ, and to be with him. The office therfore of Apostles & of all ministers of the word is this, that when they do what Christ commandeth them, they turne them to Christ againe, and ascribe the honour

vnto him▪ And if ought would let or hinder them to come vnto Christ, they ought to refuse all the same, and to hast vnto him with the losse of their life. Iohn knoweth Christ afore Peter, but Peter commeth to the Lord before him, whereby we may note the di∣uersitie of ministrations and giftes in the Church. Though Peter bee more feruent, yet is hee not asha∣med to learne of Iohn.

The fishers come with the fish vnto Christ, the shepheards with the sheepe to one manner of salua∣tion, for they are not carefull onely for themselues how they may be saued: but also for those whome they haue caught, to bring the same with them vnto the shore of eternall rest. It is our saluation, when we become Christs meat, yea when Christ is our foode and sustenance. For they that in the sea of this world doe faithfully labour to drawe the fishe vnto the Ha∣uen, shall obtaine great fruit, and enioy an eternall banquet at Christs table in his kingdome. For Christ prepared them a dinner, wherein hee set foorth vnto the ministers of the worde, what they ought to doe, namely, to feed the people committed vnto them. A great honor is it, to bring much people vnto Christ. Great commendacion, and vnspeakable ioye shall those teachers haue, that faithfully trauel in the scrip∣tures and word of God.

By the multitude and great number of the fishes that the Apostles drew in the net, is figured the mul∣titude of the Heathen, who through the preaching in the whole world, should be brought into the vni∣tie of the faith. And although many Scismes and er∣ronious

diuisions arise, yet of those that are ordained vnto life, there shall no man fall out of the net. God knoweth those that be his, and they shall alway hear∣ken vnto th•• voyce of their shepheard. Thus shall there euer bee one onely Church, which cannot by vs be throughly purged: Euermore wil Ipocrites do all their diligence to continue therein, though the makers of diuision shall not be without great trauail and labour. As for such vices as bee manifest, great, and offensiue, they that bee in authority, are bound to suppresse them, according vnto the ordinaunce of Christ. Mat. 5.13.18.

First, they that be faithful beleeuers and ordained vnto life, doe cleaue vnto Christ their head, and then to the members, that is to say, all faithfull Christians. For they that are faithfull beleeuers, bee knit togea∣ther in perpetuall vnitie. And although some at this present day bee in contention, yet so farre as they are of the number of the elect, they will agree together againe one with another, afore they depart hence: that they may die in the vnitie of Gods congrega∣tion and Churche, without the which, there is no health.

After the great labour that the ministers of the woorde haue in the raging sea, Christ rewardeth his with a very costly and glorious feast in his kingdom: there will he be the bread of life, that feedeth and sa∣tisfieth them for euer.

O mercifull GOD, graunt vnto vs all that wee may faithfully cleaue vnto thee, and follow thy com∣maundement. Tame thou our bodie and members

in honest labour, that we loyter not in vices. O draw our hearts alwaie vpward: that all temporall things set apart, we may hast onely vnto thee. O gracious fa∣ther, giue vs such faithfull fishers, as beeing true and carefull in their office, may with the net of thy holie worde, drawe vs out of the raging sea: that wee with them, and they with vs, may enioye the euerlasting banquet. Amen.

SO when they had dined, Iesus saith to Simon Peter: Simon Ioanna louest thou me more than these? Hee saide vnto him: Yea Lorde, thou knowest that I loue thee. Hee saith vnto him. feed my lambes. Hee saith vnto him againe the second time: Simon Ioanna, louest thou me? He sayth vnto him: Yea Lord, thou knowest that I loue thee. He saith vnto him: feed my sheepe. Hee said vnto him the third time: Simon Ioanna, louest thou me? Peter was sory, because hee said vnto him the third time, louest thou me? And hee said vnto him: Lord, thou knowest all things, thou knowest that I loue thee. Iesus saith vnto him: feed my sheepe.

Doctrine and fruite.

FOR as much as Peter had taken a speciall gree∣uous fall, Christ lifteth him vp with a speciall comforte: but so, that hee setteth forth vnto all Shepheards of his sheepe, what theyr office is Peter had many sinnes forgiuen him,* 1.43 therefore was it meete that hee should loue the Lord the more. And seeing hee had thrise denied, hee maketh nowe a three-fold confession: so that now the song doth no

lesse seruice vnto loue, than it serued feare afore. Christ sheweth him that hee is receiued againe vnto grace, so that hee may safely put his trust in him, see∣ing he committeth vnto him his owne sheepe. As if Christ would say: As for thy deniall, I will no more remember it. And for an euidence hereof, I put thee in trust to keepe my sheepe: In no wise doe I refuse thee, but a shepheard of my sheepe will I make thee. Neither doth he cast him in the teeth with his deni∣all, but saith: If thou loue mee, then take vppon thee the care of the brethren. The loue that thou hast wil∣led to declare vnto mee in all thinges, and wherein I delight, the same declare thou now vnto my sheepe, whom I so dearely haue bought. Thy life that thou wouldest haue offered for mee, giue nowe for my sheepe. Now to the intent Peter should not say that hee were expelled from the Apost••eship through his deniall, the Lorde therefore giueth him a new com∣mission to keepe his sheepe. As for Peter, hee was no more so rash and foolish hardie, but answereth more aduisedly than afore, and taketh the Lord to witnes: for hee remembreth how it had happened vnto him alreadie, therefore standeth hee not arrogantly in his owne conceite, neyther speaketh hee agaynst the Lorde, so wittie and circumspect is hee become tho∣rough the fall.

Arrogant had hee beene and high minded, and therefore through the denyall he fell very sore. But his weeping through faith and sure confidence pu∣rifieth him againe, and in loue he becommeth more feruent, pondering, that much is forgiuen him: so

that where sinne was great, grace is more abundant and plentifull. Rom. 5.

In Peter is the office of the other Apostles, and of all preachers of the worde described: for heere may wee see, who are meet to be called to guide the peo∣ple, and what care and diligence they ought to take for them.

But here principally we must note this, that Christ minding to stablish his speciall excellent doctrine, did euer first worke a notable token and miracle. As when he fed the fiue thousand men with few loaues, he taught immediatly vpon the same,* 1.44 how wee must bee sustained with the bread of heauen. Euen so here when the Disciples had taken a great heape of fishes at Christes commaundement, and were afterward fedde of him, hee tolde them immediately vpon the same, what their office is, and that they should looke, euen so to nourish and feede those that are commit∣ted vnto them. This was spoken vnto Peter, and in him to all others.

Christ who searcheth and knoweth all harts, doth not aske this question as one ignorant, or as one that first would proue & learne, but to teach faith, and to declare it vnto others. Such a question demaundeth he. Math. 16. Whō say the people that the son of man is? shewing therby what confession & faith he requi∣reth of those that are his. Euen so here: the schoole∣maister of the whole world, minding to put them in trust, wil declare vnto them with this question, how they ought to be, and the same wil hee print sure in∣to them with this threefold interrogation. Here also

will the Lord teach, how necessary it is, that he who is to be made a shepheard & teacher of christian peo∣ple, be first well knowne, proued and tried, & that in many things afore-hand he bee found faithfull. It is not requisite to take children vnto such an office, but such godly and apt men, as haue beene tried & temp∣ted: namely, such men as haue proued, suffered and felt somwhat by experience, wherby they haue lear∣ned humilitie and nurture.

The first thing that Christ in his examination re∣quireth of those, which must guide the people, is a great, feruent, and notable loue to GOD. Without this loue shall soule shepheardes doo no good. This loue to GOD, shall bring with it loue towardes the sheepe committed vnto them. For as much then as at this day the loue of Christ is so greatly quenched, therefore are manie Curates and soule shepheardes so faint and colde to preach and teach Christ. They burne not in the loue of God against vice, they print not vertue and godlinesse feruently into the people, for there is no loue of Gods name in them. Seeing then that they haue no heauenly zeale vnto the glo∣rie of GOD, and to the amplyfiyng of his name, it is no maruaile that their preaching is so cold and vn∣fruitfull.

Therfore saith our Sauiour Christ vnto Peter: A∣gapas me? Louest thou mee? For Agapao among the Greeks signifieth, feruently, earnestly, & right hartily to loue: yea to loue with a great good will. And this word he vseth in the two first questions. In the third question he saith: Phileis me? Louest thou me? Phileo

signifieth so to loue, that one be louing to another, & shew him friendship: therefore doth Peter take the Lorde himselfe to witnesse. As for the high excel∣lent loue, hee dare not bragge of it, but saith: Philose: which is as much to say, as, I haue hitherto doone all that becommeth a friend to do. If any derogation or hinderance bee done to thy honour and name, I am hartily sorie for it: as a friend is iustly greeued, if his friend be vilely intreated.

Thus the Lorde with the three questions layeth hard vnto Peter: for a notable loue is it that hee re∣quireth of those, to whom he committeth his sheepe in his absence. Peter had a good conscience, & knew no falshood or deceite by himselfe, but bare a nota∣ble and feruent loue vnto Christ: yet by reason of his former fall, and this oft questioning, he was part∣ly out of quiet, fearing least peraduenture there laye yet hid in him some secret thing, that displeased the Lord, or were against him, or that happily he should not stand in such fauour with Christ. Therefore said he: Lord, thou knowest all things, thou knowest the harts of all men, and wotest, that I beare thee a good heart, and friendly mind: which wordes proceed of a meeke feruent hart. Christ knoweth better how we loue him, than we our selues. Thus a shepheard oght to haue an ardent loue vnto Christ, and yet not to stand high in his owne conceit, or to bragge of him∣selfe, although he loue, and bee garnished with ver∣tues more than other men.

Wherein may it bee perceiued, that a soule shep∣heard loueth Christ, and is his friend? Verely in lo∣uing

his sheepe which Christ hath cōmitted to him. Therefore saith Christ alway vpon the same: Feede my sheep. But Christ vseth here two distinct words. First he saith: Vosce, that is, feed them, pasture them, fodder them. Secondly, he saith: Poimene, that is, bee thou vnto them a heardman, take thou care for them as it beseemeth a shepheard: be thou a shepheard vn∣to my sheepe, keepe them from the wolfe, & from al such hurt. First, he requireth of him a feruent loue, then committeth hee his sheepe vnto him, a treasur•• great & deare, redeemed & bought with the pretious bloud of Christ. As if he would say: If thou loue me declare the same in care and loue toward my sheep, whom I commit to thy charge.

The sheepe are Christes, not the shepheards. As forsuch shepheards as keepe them so, that they make them hang vpon themselues, those loue themselues, not Christ. They that seeke their owne glorie, profit, and lucre among them, are not faithfull shepheards. Against such doth crie the threefold voice of Christ: Feed & keepe my sheepe: mine (saith he) not thine. Feed them, oppresse them not, flay them not: Feede them not thy selfe: Seeke my glorie, not thine own.* 1.45 For some there bee, which (as Paule with weeping teares complaineth) that seeke themselues, not the glorie of Iesus Christ. Of these spake Paule also a∣fore. 2. Timoth. 3. Men shall be louers of themselues, couetous, &c. Where the wicked roote of selfe loue is in a Curate, there followe all the vices which hee in the same place maketh mention of. Who so nowe will bee a louer of Christ, and a faythfull shepheard 〈1 page missing〉〈1 page missing〉

sciences, that they may be fruitfull and comfortable to the whole Christian congregation. If this might come to passe, then should there be no lacke of wise counsellors and actiue men, profitable to be in com∣mon authoritie: and also amongst christian people, there shuld be found men meet to be made ouer-see∣ers in the ministery of Gods word, with which men the people should be wel & worthily prouided for.

Good vertuous teachers bring foorth a vertuous and godlie people. And doubtlesse, the meaning of those that gaue such goodes to monasteries & chur∣ches, was at the first, that they thoght therby to serue God, and to doe good vnto the poore. If such goods then as heeretofore haue beene euill bestowed, bee now profitably and blessedly turned to the honour of God, and commoditie of the whole Church, then is the last will and meaning of the founders fulfilled. They also that must pay such rentes, tithes, & goods, will be the readier so to doe, if they see, that the same is well and profitably bestowed. Then shall not they vntruly, but faithfully performe and pay all thinges, when they consider that they doe seruice vnto God himselfe.

Graunt vs all (O God) to harken and be obedient vnto the voice of true shepheards: and giue vs hearts to haue in great honour, and worthily to esteeme of such faithfull shepheards as vppon earth are thy Mi∣nisters and stewards, by whome and in whome thou speakest to vs, and with vs: that wee shewing vnto them all reuerence and honour which they be wor∣thie of for thy sake, may giue them honest liuinges;

and consider, howe that Christ thy sonne our Lorde teacheth the same, Math. 10. and Paule thy seruaunt. 1. Cor. 9. Reason it is, seeing they sow spiritual things vnto vs, that they of vs reape thinges corporall. O Lord, remooue away the contempt of thy woorde and ministers, for the same neuer escaped without great punishment and harme.

IESVS said vnto Peter: verely verilie I say vnto thee: When thou wast young, thou girdest thy selfe, and wen∣test whither thou wouldest: but when thou art olde, thou shalt stretch out thine hand, and another shal gird thee, and lead thee thither as thou wouldest not. This hee said, signi∣fyng with what death he should glorifie God. And when he had spoken this, he said: follow me.

Doctrine and fruite.

IT is not sufficient to haue begunne, except the soul shepheard continue in his office and faithfulnesse.

For to take the cure and charge of the sheepe, brin∣geth great danger, losse, trauaile, and labour with it. Many a time must a faithfull shepheard ieoperd his life for his sheepe. Such perrill doth Christ promise vnto Peter, namely, that hee must die, and with what death. Afore-time when hee was young, he sought that which pertained to the flesh, he might not away with the crosse: but nowe after the receiuing of the holy ghost, he is stout, and dieth for Christs sake, and for his sheepe. Beholde, such an end had Peter, that of loue he dieth for him, with whome to die he rash∣lie

promised afore. But necessarie it was, that Christ should first die for Peters health, and that Peter af∣terward should suffer death for his names sake.

The presumption and headines of man would haue set the cart before the horse, but the euerla∣sting truth hath appointed this order. Peter thought he would haue ieoperded his life for Christ, & haue redeemed the redeemer: but Christ came to giue his life for his sheepe, of whom Peter was one. Now af∣ter that Christ died for those that bee his, there is strength giuen in the hearts of such shepheards and sheepe as be faithful, to suffer death for Christs sake. Death is not now so to be feared of vs, that we wold therefore goe backe from the truth: for by death do not wee lose life, yea Christ hath made death to bee the way vnto life: And by his Resurrection he hath set forth vnto vs an example of another life, which is immortall. Peter was first afraide and feared death, and would haue dissuaded Christ that he should not die:* 1.46 but now that the precious treasure of Christes bloud is shed, hee followeth his redeemer, yea euen vnto the death of the crosse goeth hee after him, therefore is hee nowe no more a satan, but a Pe∣ter.* 1.47

But from whence commeth such strength into a feeble man? Euen from God who dwelleth in the hearts of the faithfull, for else is the nature and flesh of man impotent and weake, beeing afraid of death: which feare (naturall heate being abated) is the grea∣ter in them that are olde. And though we all wish to to be with Christ, and be desirous of eternall life, yet

would we faine haue it without any griefe of death, if it might be. Thus came the conflict of death euen vpon Christ, whereby hee declared himselfe verie man, but the wil of God had the mastry aboue mans in the wrastling: Peter also went not with his wil to death, but with his will he both suffered it, and ouer∣came it. Christ likewise, to comfort vs, was heauie: who neuertheles came vpon earth, that he wold die: neither was it necessitie that moued him to die,* 1.48 but his owne good will and loue: for hee had power to giue his soule, and take it agayne.

Now though the feare of death be great in nature yet is it ouercome through the strength and great∣nesse of the loue,* 1.49 which wee beare vnto him who is our life, euen Iesus Christ. And albeit he was the life it selfe, yet pleased it him to suffer death for vs. See∣ing then that hee alone dyed for vs, wee ought not to be ashamed, neither should it grieue vs to die also for him, specially considering that the publishing of so excellent grace is committed vnto vs. When the shepheard dyeth for the sheepe, it is no great matter if the sheepe die for the shepheards sake. Forasmuch now as the faithfull shepheard with his loue, direct∣eth and encourageth many of the sheepe, to die for his names sake: how much more meete is it, that the shepheards bee the first which ieoparde theyr liues, striuing for the truth, and euen vnto bloud to resiste sinne, when Christ hath put them in trust to feed his sheepe? This is now the occasion why our Sauiour Christ telleth Peter of his death afore hande, and strengtheneth and incourageth him therevnto: for

though the will bee constaunt in the saints, yet is the flesh feeble and weake.* 1.50 No man dieth without paine and griefe: which thing is appointed vnto vs by the wisedome of God, to the intent no man should kill himselfe: For seeing the deuill doth now and then perswade som to murther themselues, how should it go, if the soule were not so loth to depart frō the bo∣dy? With these words therefore thought nor Christ to make Peter afraid, or to discourage him, but to fur∣nish him, and make him ripe. For Peter had a good desire to suffer somewhat for Christs sake: neuerthe∣lesse, beeing yet young, hee could not follow: but when he was olde, he followed him: therefore will Christ perfourme his desire. As if Christ would say: Peter, thou hast hitheto bin weake & fearful, but I wil strengthen thee: so that hence forth thou shalt deny mee no more, but manfully die for mee. Thou hast bene tender, in that thou wast afraid at one womans voyce: but now shalt thou stretch forth thy hand to the crosse to be bound. For by the stretching out of the handes, hee vnderstandeth and signifieth with what death hee should die, namely, vpon the crosse. Which death afore time was most shamefull: but af∣ter that Christ was hanged vpon the crosse, it is now an honorable and glorious death, with the which the faithfull doe glorifie God: and therefore saith the E∣uangelist, that the Lord would thereby signifie, with what death Peter should glorifie God.

For in Gods quarrell, and for Christs sake to die, is the highest honour, whereof no man ought to be ashamed. This ought all soule shepheards to ponder

and consider, that they faithfully and constantly fol∣lowing Christ the Lord,* 1.51 go not from that they haue taken in hand, but proceed and bring their course to an honourable ende, keeping fidelitie and trust with their Lord, and being fully appointed in themselues, to die for the sheepe of Christ. Therfore should they consider afore hand, what things they must suffer for the truth: least they destroy that, which they haue of long time builded and taught.

O gracious father: strengthen thou vs in thy worke and in thy truth: that in the thing which thou hast begun in vs, we may steadfastly continue to the end. Expell out of vs the feare of death, & stablish vs tho∣row thy holy spirite, that wee manfully may despise & ieoperd this life, for the life eternall. Grant O God to the shepheards of thy sheepe, a feruent loue to the truth and thy glory: strengthen them with thy spirit that they valiantly standing by the flocke, may euen with their death confirme thy people in the truth.

PEter turned about and saw the disciple whom Iesus lo∣ued, following (which also leaned on his breast at Sup∣per, & said: Lord, who is he that betraieth thee?) when Peter therefore saw him, he said to Iesus: Lord, what shal he heere doe? Iesus saith vnto him: If I will haue him to tarrie till I come, what is that to thee? Follow thou me. Then went this saying abroade among the brethren, that that Disciple should not die. Yet Iesus said not to him, he shall not die, but if I wil that he tarry til I come, what is that to thee? the same disciple is he, which testifieth of these things, & wrote these things, and we know that his testimony is true. There are al∣so

many other things that Iesus did, which if they should bee waitten euerie one, I suppose the world could not contain the bookes that should be written.

Doctrine and fruite.

THE former wordes which Christ spake vnto Peter (Follow me) were spoken vnto him in this meaning, that he should followe the foot-steps and passion of Christ, namely, with worde and deed to goe the waie that Christ had gone. But in asmuch as Peter is a figure of the Church, Christ spake those wordes, not onely vnto him, but vnto all faithful be∣leeuers. For the Church of Christ while shee dwel∣leth heere temporally in many troubles and afflic∣tions, she foloweth Christ her spouse and head, who also deliuereth her from all aduersitie. Shee loueth Christ, and in the behalfe of his truth she striueth vn∣till the death: for seeing Christ dyed for all, it is meet that they which are his, doo follow his foot-steppes. To followe Christ, is nothing else, than stoutly to suffer and ouercome despite and pouertie in this world for his sake. And God truly, euen in his wrath (which wee with our sinnes deserue) cannot forget his mercie. Ouer and besides the manifolde comfort and helpe which he otherwise declareth vnto vs, he hath giuen vs his own sonne, to be our mediator: by whom, if we put our trust in him, we should be saued & deliuered from eternall death, that we liuing from hence forth still in faith, hope, and charitable loue, as pilgrimes in this world: and beeing in all troubles &

aduersities preserued by the corporall and spirituall comfort of God, might walke innocently before his sight, in him who is become our way vnto God. It is no vile thing to suffer, & to be put to death for Christ and his truths sake: yea, a man cannot die a more ho∣norable death, than when for the truth innocently, he suffereth with a good conscience and with an vp∣right minde. No man in deede ought to put him∣selfe in daunger arrogantly, wilfully, or for vaine-glorie.

Wheras Peter asketh a question concerning the disciple whom the Lord loued, what he should doo, it is a nicenesse and vnprofitable curiositie, that ser∣ueth nothing to edification, and therefore it pleaseth not the Lord. Whatsoeuer edifieth not, that ought not we to desire of Christ. Let euery man looke to himselfe, waiting vpon his owne businesse and office and not to be curious in another mans matter: what∣soeuer is not committed vnto his charge, and belon∣geth not vnto him, let him not meddle withal. Peter loued Christ, so did he them also: therefore asked he what should become of him, and whether he should remayne styll ot die, for hee was verie loth and vn∣willing to departe from him. And so he passed more vpon Iohn, than vppon the precept and commissi∣on of Iesus Christ. Such curious backe looking doth the Lord rebuke.

Wee many and sundrie times doo regarde and esteeme more the thing that wee loue, than that which God commaundeth and biddeth vs. But such loue is verie hurtfull, and especially in those

that should be soul shepherds. Christs wil is, that they haue respect to his worke and commandement, and with a feruent loue to perfourme the same, not med∣ling with other busines not needfull.

To enquire curiously of other mens matters, brin∣geth not alway profit, but much rather vnquietnes. Therefore Christ remoouing Peter from such curi∣ous questions, draweth his mind vnto a better thing, namely, to follow him. As for that which he desireth to know, Christ telleth him that it is no point of his charge, as if Christ would say: what hast thou to doo with other folkes busines? Thou hast heard what I haue commanded thee: look that thou faithfully do the same. What inquirest thou after other mens mat∣ters.

Thus looking diligently and faithfully to our own charge, and expelling the affection of the flesh, wee should neither desire, curiously to aske any thing be∣yond the will of God, neither to looke vpon any o∣ther men, but vprightly to follow the Lord.

Here also we learne, that in the commission and fi∣nal departure of the faithfull, there be manifold dif∣ferēces. Some rest in the Lord blessedly, without any speciall heauy affliction: but some it pleaseth God to bring through sore trauaile and exceeding trouble, laying the greater burthen vpon him: according as it was tolde Peter afore hand, that he should be cruci∣fied, but not Iohn.

They now that are admitted to feede Christ his sheepe, prepare themselues, and bee alwaies readie, without any curiosity to follow the will of God.

Whereas Iohn in the conclusion of his booke re∣futeth the erroneous opinion of some, it is an eui∣dence of his meeknesse and sinceritie. It was not so spoken of the Lorde (saith hee) that the same Dis∣ciple should not die: whereby Iohn confessed, that he himselfe also was mortall. His writing wil he haue credited, for he hath written nothing saue onely the truth, wherof he may well testifie that which he hath seene. Yet saith he hath not written all, but only that whereby we may obtaine eternall life: as wee haue heard sufficiently afore.

THE eleuen Disciples went away into Galilee,* 1.52 into a mountaine whereas Iesus had appointed them. And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. And Iesus saide: These are the wordes which I spake vnto you, while I was yet with you, that all must needs be fulfilled, which were written of me in the lawe of Moses, and in the Prophets, and in the Psalmes. Then opened hee their wittes, that they might vnderstand the Scrip∣tures, and saide vnto them: Thus is it written, and thus it behooued Christ to suffer, and to rise againe from death the third day, and that repentance and remission of sinne, should be preached in his name among all nations, and must begin at Hierusalem. And ye are witnesses of these thinges. And behold, I will send the promise of my Father vppon you. But tarrie ye in the Cittie of Hierusalem, till ye be endewed with power from on high.

Doctrine and fruite.

THE Lorde minding to make his Disciples as∣sured of his Resurrection, instructeth them first well in his passion, which hee declareth out of the Scripture, and printeth it in their hearts. He tea∣cheth them, that it was necessarie, that Christ should suffer and die, yea euen thus to die, namely, vppon a crosse, vpon a tree. On the tree was the transgression committed: vpon the tree behooued it the restituti∣on to bee made: vpon the tree was death fetched, v∣pon the tree was life giuen: vpon the tree must satis∣faction bee made for the lustes of the flesh, which on the tree were first conceiued. And would God, that we rightly knew the passion and crosse of our Lorde Iesu Christ, then shoulde the glorie of the resurrecti∣on be well knowne and loued of vs.

O Iesu, graunt vs grace right to consider, what, wherefore, and with what loue and feruentnes thou hast suffered for vs, then shall our heart feele & pro∣fitably enioy the sweete fruite of thy resurrection: then shall our lyfe become new and of another sort, if we take vpon vs true pennance, beeing sorie for our sinnes, conuerting vs vnto thee, amending and chaunging our conuersation. Which with the grati∣ous forgiuenesse of our sinnes, is declared and pro∣mised vnto vs in the Gospell, according to thy com∣maundement.

* 1.53O what a ioyfull message is this, that such greate grace should out of Sion bee shewed vnto vs, which

come of the heathen From this grace is no man shut out: it is common vnto euerie man,* 1.54 vnlesse the vn∣thankfull exclude himselfe: as doo they that loue darknesse more than the light, and they that disdain∣fully inclose thy grace, and hedge in thy Church, which thou by the preaching of repentance, and for∣giuenes of sinnes, hast commaunded to bee gathered vnto thy selfe in the whole world: not only at Hie∣rusalem, but also in Samaria and Galilee, euen vnto the ende of the world. O God, suffer vs not to be sub∣iect vnto vain-glorie, and headines: remoue all con∣tention and strife out of thy holie Church. Preserue vs from scismes, and all dissention: knitte vs together in vniforme loue, which is an vndoubted token of thy children.

It behooued Iesus Christ to suffer, not for him∣selfe, but for our sakes, to become the sacrifice for our sinnes: that hee so satisfiyng the iustice of GOD, might make amends for our trespasse, and deliuer vs from death. It behooued him also to ryse agayne, that hee by his power might rayse vs vp from the death of sin to a new life, & by his own resurrection, to make vs assured of ours, and of immortall life.

IEsus came to his Disciples, and said vnto them:* 1.55 To me is giuen all power in heauen & in earth. As my father hath sent mee, so send I you. And when hee had thus spoken, hee breathed vppon them, and sayde: Receiue ye the holy Ghost. Whose sinnes yee forgiue, they are forgiuen: and whose sinnes yee reteyne, they are reteyned. Goe therefore and teach all people,* 1.56 baptizing them in the name of the Fa∣ther,

and of the sonne, and of the holie Ghost, teaching them to obserue all thinges whatsoeuer I haue commaunded you. And beholde, I am with you euerie day vntill the ende of the worlde. Goe yee therefore into the whole worlde, and preach the Gospell vnto all creatures. Who so beleeueth and is baptized,* 1.57 shall be saued: but he that will not beleeue, shall be condemned. The tokens which shall follow those that beleeue are these: In my name they shall cast out deuils: They shall speake with new tongues: They shall take away serpentes: And if they drinke anie venemous thing, it shall not hurt them: They shall lay handes vppon the sicke, and they shall be whole.

Doctrine and fruit.

WHEN Iesus with manie euidences had certified his Disciples of his Resurrecti∣on, he sheweth them now to what excel∣lent glorie, and how high power his heauenly father hath brought him, wherby their hearts might be sta∣blished: and how that all thinges are iustly subdued vnto him, who through the crosse hath ouercome, gotten a glorious victorie, and suppressed the Prince of this world. And though some now declare them∣selues contrary to his kingdome, and are not obedi∣ent vnto his power, but persecute and kill him in his members (saying:* 1.58 Wee will not haue him to raigne ouer vs) resisting and gathering themselues together against God and his annointed king,* 1.59 how mightie soeuer they be: yet shall he bruise them with an iron rodde, and as an earthen vessell all to breake them:

yea they must become his foot-stoole,* 1.60 and hee shall raigne for euer.

As if he would say: In most perfect humilitie, in highest patience, and beeing in greatest contumelie, I haue hitherto serued you, and all mankinde: but now is the time come, that the Father will glorifie mee, and bring me to high honor, which I had afore the worlde was made,* 1.61 that in my name all knees should bowe: for I am sette aboue all power, and dominion, hauing all thinges in my hande. From henceforth shall I bee worshipped and honoured of the Angels in heauen, and of all men vppon earth. And forasmuch as I haue receyued a whole power ouer all flesh, I sende you, not onelie vnto the Iewes as afore, but vnto all nations in the whole worlde,* 1.62 for in my selfe haue I sanctified the whole nature of man. Looke therefore that yee declare this ioyfull and gratious message vnto all men, and plant them in with baptisme vnto the Father, to the Sonne, and to the holy Ghost. And those whom ye baptize, see that ye teach to obserue and keepe all that ye haue recey∣ued of mee. Ye must also bee stout, and not faint har∣ted. Many afflictions, much euill will, great persecu∣tion, shal happen vnto you: but consider how migh∣tie a Lord ye haue, vnto whom is giuen all power in heauen and earth: hee is able enough to defend and saue you from all enemies. And albeit that I goe nowe from you as touching corporall habitation, yet will I bee still remayning with you, with my po∣wer, grace, woorking, and protection, vntil the end of the worlde. Wherefore goe your way, sette your

whole delight in mee, keepe your selues vnto me a∣lone, so can ye not miscarrie.

O how excellent and great consolation is this vn∣to all faithfull and beleeuing hearts? O how migh∣tie a strength is it in all aduersities and daungers of this worlde, to heare and consider, that all power in heauen and earth is giuen vnto Christ our Lorde and king, vnder whose protection and winges wee are safe and well preserued? And who cannot vn∣derstand that this promise reacheth not onely vnto the twelue Disciples, vnto whom it was then made, but vnto all faithfull beleeuers,* 1.63 which through their doctrine are come vnto Christ? For those twelue did not continue in this life vntill the ende of the worlde: and yet hee sayth: I will be with you vntill the end of the world. Wherefore wee may well per∣ceiue, that Christ vntill the end of the world, will be with all faithfull beleeuers: that is to say, with his ho∣lie church, to instruct, teach, strengthen, comfort, de∣fend and deliuer it, against all malitious violence of this world.* 1.64 In his hand they are safe and well kept, & no man is able to plucke them out of his hande. Al∣though the worlde rage, and the deuill the prince of the world, sette all his power (as great as it is) against the Church of Christ:* 1.65 yet are not the gates of hel a∣ble to doe anie thing against it: for it is founded and strongly builded vpon Christ the rocke: and he that is with it vnto the end of the world, is mightier than all enemies.

Now forasmuch as the disciples of Christ should bring the heauenly doctrine throughout the whole

world, man being yet of himselfe vnable to compre∣hend the doings of God: he therefore first expoun∣ded and declared the Scriptures vnto them, as Luke mentioneth: and seeing they were simple vnlearned men, hee opened to them their vnderstanding. But to the intent they might not think: What should we poore simple bodies doe against so many learned & wise men? Who wil arme vs against those that are so mightie? Therfore he breatheth vpon them, & saith: Receyue the holie Ghost, whome hee there giueth them, and therewith strengtheneth them inwardly, but with much more power and might vpon Whit∣sonday: whereupon he commandeth them to wait at Hietusalem,* 1.66 where he will send them the promise of the Father: cloathing the weake with heauenlie strength, as with a garment, and arming them as with a shield.

What good thing then can hee lacke, or what euill thing can hurt him, which is his messenger (that hath all power in heauen and in earth) and with whome such a king is euer abiding?

But when Christ would send out his disciples, he saith vnto them: As my father hath sent me, so send I you. Whereunto did the father send his sonne into the world? Euen that hee should open the glorie of the father vnto the world: that he should declare the will of the heauenly Father: that hee shoulde offer health vnto the worlde. This to doe, Christ also sent foorth his Disciples. He sent them not to seeke after vaine-glorie, after power and riches, after bodilie pleasure and worldly pompe, but to do as he himself

did.* 1.67 Christ sought the lost sheepe, brought men vnto the knowledge and loue of the true liuing GOD, taught them to lead a vertuous and honest life. Hee was a Phisition,* 1.68 went to the sicke, helped them, and healed them:* 1.69 he was not come to do his owne will, but the will of his Father: hee was not come to con∣demne the world, but to saue it.

In all this, ought the ministers of the worde to fol∣lowe Christ, and to do as he did. Vnto this new hea∣uenly and godlie life and worke, Christ giueth them the holie Ghost. For like as hee himselfe was risen into a newe life: Euen so through his holie spirite, will hee graunt and giue a newe life vnto those that are his. Therefore breatheth hee vppon them, to declare, that it is hee, who at the beginning made man, and nowe by his death had quickened him, and renewed him: and that euen he is the fountaine and giuer of the spirite. Thus vnto his Disciples he gaue the firstlinges of the promised spirite, and with it a taste of more and greater perfection, as an earnest pennie.

All this declareth, what belongeth to true Apo∣stles and Ministers of the worde, which are sent of Christ (for no man sendeth himselfe) what their of∣fice is: and that they which seeke the pleasures of the bodie, honor, praise, and riches, are not follow∣ers of Christ, and successors of the Apostles Where∣fore most diligently ought wee to pray vnto GOD, that he will giue vs faithfull Ministers of the worde, which looking truelie to the worke of Christ, maye leade vs vnto God.

But forasmuch as without the holy Ghost, no∣thing can be fruitfully done, we must neuerthelesse praie for his holy spirite, who may in vs stirre vp ho∣ly thoughts and deuout desires, directing and mo∣uing our will, and so giuing power and strength to accomplish the works of God, and steadfastly therin to continue: and that the same holy spirit may illu∣minate and kindle our minds, and prouoke them vn∣to all good and godly works. Considering then, that the keies which were promised vnto Peter, & in him to the whole Church. Matthew 16. are heere gi∣uen of Christ, wee will also intreate somewhat thereof.

These keyes are nothing else than the Gospell,* 1.70 Christ now deduceth his oration from the common custome of men. Like as things corporal are shut and opened with the key: so be the consciences of men shut or bound with the Gospell. Thus are these the keies which Christ giueth vnto the Apostles, vnbur∣dening of consciences and souls. And that commeth to passe, when the holy Ghost illuminateth the mind that it vnderstandeth the misteries of Christ, & com∣mitteth it selfe therevnto. To bee discharged or vn∣bound, is, when the minde that hath despaired of health or saluation, is lifte vp to an assured and vn∣doubted hope. To binde, is, to leaue the obstinate & vnbeleeuing minde vnto it selfe. Iesus therefore sen∣deth foorth his disciples, to publish this health vnto the whole world, and to exclude & separate no man from this grace.

But first he giueth them the holy Ghost (as Iohn

sayth) that is, he openeth their mindes that they may vnderstand the Scriptures, as Luke saith: for what is it else to open the vnderstanding, but to giue the ho∣ly Ghost? Meete is it also and conuenient, that they which by the Gospell should beare Christ through∣out the whole world, should receiue the holy ghost. For if they should preach Christ, it was necessarie they had Christs spirit, seeing that Christ & they had one manner of thing in hand: as, Christ was sent of God, so were they sent of Christ. Without fruit ve∣rily should the ministers of the word preach the go∣spel, if they were not endued, illuminated, and inspi∣red with the holy Ghost.

Preach (saith he) the gospel, that is the key where∣with the gate of heauen is opened. Who so belee∣ueth the Gospell when hee heareth it preached, and vnderstandeth it, feeleth comfort in his conscience, that he is deliuered from sinne.

Now doth the Gospell set before vs, not onely the grace of God by Christ, throgh the which grace our sinnes are forgiuen vs, but also it teacheth and re∣quireth a new life. Neyther doth anie man begin a new life, vnles he first be ashamed of the former old and wicked life.* 1.71 Therefore saith Luke, that Christ o∣pened the mindes and vnderstanding of the disci∣ples, that they might perceiue the Scriptures, name∣ly, that he might thus and thus suffer, and rise again: and that in his name, that is, in his commandement and power, conuersion of life, and forgiuenesse of sinnes should bee preached and declared among all people.

Therefore when the poore sinner through the preaching of the holy Ghost, heareth his wicked and sinfull life (for the holy gospel rebuketh the world of sinne) he beginneth to knowe himselfe a sinner, and to be displeased, repentant and sorrie for his sinnes: he considereth also, that he is well worthie of eternal punishment and damnation. By meanes whereof, through the multitude and greatnesse of his sinnes, he vtterly dispaireth in his owne power and righte∣ousnesse, and eternall saluation. But therewithall, he heareth also, that Christ (by reason of his sins) came downe from heauen, and dyed for him vppon the crosse, washed away al his sinnes with his bloud, hath reconciled him with God, made him Gods child, & an eternall inheritour of his kingdome. And this he stedfastly beleeueth: I pray you doth not such a mans heart leape for ioy, when hee heareth, that thorough Christ he is discharged of all the sinnes that so sore pressed him?

The keies therefore are the pure word of God, which teacheth men to know themselues, and to put their trust in God through Christ. With that word, with those keies do the ministers of the worde open. For they that so are taught & instructed by the word of God, that they put all their confidence in God, through Christ, those verily are loosed and dischar∣ged of their sins. But he that either wil not heare, or when he heareth, will not receiue and beleeue this grace declared to the world through Christ, & offred vnto him by the ministers of the word, him doo the ministers bind, that is, they leaue him stil in his error

according as Christ commandeth his disciples, Mat. 10. that from such as will not receiue and heare their word, they shal depart, & shake off the dust from their shooes vpon them. Thus dyd Paul binde, Act. 13.18.

To bind then with the word, is nothing else, but (when the word of the grace of God is preached, & not receiued) to leaue such impenitent people, and to haue no fellowship, neyther ought to do with the despisers of the truth and grace. For in the daie of iudgement, it shall bee easier vnto Sodome and Go∣morrha, than vnto such.

Now although the word that the Apostles preach, is not theyr own, but Gods, & no man may cleanse, vnbinde, and discharge from sinne, but onely God, yet Christ of his grace, and (according to the pro∣pertie of the Scripture) ascribeth such vnto the Apo∣stles. For the gracious father of his aboundant loue and kindnesse (and by reason of the couenant that he hath made with vs) doeth oft ascribe vnto vs many things, which can properly belong vnto none, saue onely to himselfe. Neither is this any maruell, seeing he hath giuen vs his onely begotten and most deare sonne, to be our owne: for how cannot he geue vs al things with him?

Notwithstanding, we ought not by reason here∣of to be high minded and proud, and to ascribe vnto our selues, that which onely is Gods: but much ra∣ther to be thankfull for his grace, and diligent in our vocation, faythfully to employ and bestow the high treasure & gifts of God, and not to abuse them. This thing therefore extendeth not so farre, as that euerie

one man (properly to speake) doth of his owne pow∣er and authoritie forgiue sinne. But forasmuch as the Apostles and ministers of the word, doo publish and declare remission of sinne, they bring the keyes and forgiue sinnes ministerially, and as ministers. Neuer∣thelesse, if here withal the spirit of God do not worke in the hearer to beleeue the word when it is prached, then is not the sinne forgiuen: All the power there∣fore and working is Gods.

Thus the Apostles may damne no man, but vn∣doubtedly they may by the word declare damnation to the vnbeleeuers. Where an assured promise of grace is declared, there sinnes are forgiuen.* 1.72 Nowe when the Apostles shew vnto sinners remission of sinne, they doo it out of the holy Ghost, and are not deceiued: for they preach, that our sinnes are pardo∣ned vs through Christ, who hath made satisfaction for them. If this faith vpon Christ, bee liuely in vs,* 1.73 so that we abhorre sinne, and bee desirous of heauenly things, then are our sinnes forgiuen vs through the holy Ghost, for no man can say, that Iesus is the Lord but by the holy Ghost.

The key there extendeth to this end, that the mi∣nister declare remission of sinnes thorough Christe. Who so now beleeueth the Gospell preached, shall be saued: hee that beleeueth not shall bee condem∣ned. And seeing that faith is an inwarde thing in the soul inspired of God, the minister cannot know who in the sight of God beleeueth, or beleeueth not: for God onely knoweth the heart. Howbeit by the out∣ward confession, which is done with the mouth, & by

receiuing of the preaching, and by the fruits, the mi∣nister may iudge. For who so receiueth the word, o∣penly confessing Christ, and doeth not outwardlie defile himselfe with vile deedes, to such the minister openeth with the key, and dischargeth them: that is, he taketh them into the Church of Christ, numbe∣reth them among the people of God, and receiueth thē into the kingdom of heauen. As for those that wil not heare the worde preached, or that when they heare it, doo refuse it, not confessing Christ, or vtte∣ring theyr vnbeleefe with foule grosse and open vi∣ces, those the minister bindeth: that is, hee shutteth them out of the Church, and banisheth them out of the realme of heauen. To him that is in the Church, is forgiuenesse of sinnes promised: who so despiseth charitable loue, hath not faith: vpon such one remai∣neth sinne still, and the wrath of God.

Now what the Apostles & Ministers of the word doo, that doo they not in theyr owne name, not in their own power: but as they which are sent of God and that declare his word, the holy gospell, out of the power of God, euen out of the holy Ghost, who be∣ing giuen vnto them, doth speak and work by them. What these binde, is bound before God, and in hea∣uen, for out of God is it that they iudge: and what they vnbinde, is vnbound before God, for God wyll ratifie and allowe what they doo, that beeing sent of him, keepe themselues in exercise, and meddle with∣in his word and commission. As for him that is not sent of God, and declareth not his worde and Go∣spell, but of his owne proper power will binde one

man, and vnbinde another, set this man in heauen, & that man in hell: is it any maruell if such one do ma∣ny times misse and be called a wolfe and not a shep∣heard, seeing his proceedings commeth not of God?

Heere also we learne, with what desire and thank∣fulnesse, wee ought to receiue the ministers of God, that bring vs his holy word, and comfort of our con∣science: how wee ought to esteeme them that haue the holy Ghost, who speaketh vnto vs by them.* 1.74 For if we despise them, we despise God himselfe. S. Paul therefore exhorteth vs, to be obedient vnto them, & to haue them in worthie estimation that shew vs the word of God. Worthie they be of double honour, partly, for that through them God speaketh, whose ministers and ambassadors they bee:* 1.75 for the highest king of all sendeth them out vnto vs with his com∣mission, partly, for that they be charged with so dan∣gerous and heauie an office and trauell. For,* 1.76 though as concerning themselues they liue iustly, well, and blamelesse, yet if they regarde not the life of theyr sheepe, but neglect them, they must looke for greate and sore punishment. Not only for themselues must they giue account, but for al the soules that are com∣mitted vnto them, if one of them perish throgh their negligence. Wee should not therefore haue respect to the infirmitie or basenesse of the ministerie, but vnto him that sent him, and whose commission hee executeth. When a Prince or king sendeth out a meane seruant with a commission and charge, who will despise him without the wrath and indignation

of the prince? How can we then contemne the mi∣nisters of the high eternall king, without plague and punishment?

This be spoken, not that vnworthie and vnmeet men should be placed in so high an office, or that we shoulde delight in their euill: but to the intent that malitious iudgement may be auoyded, & that there be no villanie done to the annoynted of the Lorde. More respect and regard shuld we haue to the word of God that they bring vnto vs, than to their liuing and ••aults: more to the giuer than to the minister. It is not th••y that worke, but God worketh through his owne power, he cannot faile vs in his promise. The minister lendeth his hand and mouth, but the holie Ghost worketh in the harts of the beleeuers, neither can the wickednesse of the Priest diminish or hinder that operation. If we our selues haue pure, cleane and faithfull beleeuing mindes. It is not the vncleannes of the minister that can either defile or hurt vs.

This is now the story of the Resurrection of Christ, wherein we see, how the goodnes of the Lord won∣defully striueth with the weake faith of those that are his. For when the Angels could not perswade them that he was risen againe, he himselfe appeareth vnto them aliue, and proueth by many euident testimo∣nies, that he is of a truth risen againe and reuiued, tal∣keth with them, eateth with them, offereth himselfe vnto them, that they may see him and handle him, sendeth the women and certaine disciples for wit∣nesses, and leaueth nothing vnattempted that may perswade them. For in the faith and beleefe of the re∣surrection

of Iesus Christ lieth all our welfare. We must therefore beseech Almightie God to establish in vs this faith, and by his spirite mightilie to worke, that we from sinne may truely rise againe, to a newe and godlie life, and afterward with our bodies to en∣ter into an immortall and euerlasting life. Hereunto helpe vs God the Father, the Sonne, and the holie Ghost. Amen.

Heere endeth the Sermons vpon the Resurrection of Iesus Christ, according to the true copie of the Author: and now followeth the Sermons of the As∣cension.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Marke 16.
• * 1.2

  Luk. 24. Math. 28. Iohn. 20.
• * 1.3

  Math. 28.
• * 1.4

  The crosse is the glorious & victorious token of the faithfull.
• * 1.5

  Marke 16.
• * 1.6

  Iohn 20.
• * 1.7

  Angus, he beleeued that the bo∣die was ta∣ken away.
• * 1.8

  Math. 14.
• * 1.9

  Math. 20.
• * 1.10

  Iohn. 11.
• * 1.11

  Luke. 7.
• * 1.12

  The number of seauen for many.
• * 1.13

  Mark. 16
• * 1.14

  2. Cor. 5
• * 1.15

  God is a spi¦rit, with th•• spirit will h•• be worship¦ped.
• * 1.16

  Col 3. Phil 3.
• * 1.17

  Psal. 22.
• * 1.18

  Rom. ••••
• * 1.19

  Iohn. 15.
• * 1.20

  Iere. 31.
• * 1.21

  The glory of the faithfull is hid vnder the crosse.
• * 1.22

  Rom. 6.
• * 1.23

  1. Iohn. ••.
• * 1.24

  Math. 28.
• * 1.25

  Acts 9.
• * 1.26

  Luk. 24.
• * 1.27

  Luke. 24.
• * 1.28

  Luk. 10.
• * 1.29

  2. Tim. 2.
• * 1.30

  Apoc. 2.
• * 1.31

  Acts. 2. Rom. 10.
• * 1.32

  Iohn 2.
• * 1.33

  Rom. 8.
• * 1.34

  Math 10. 1. Cor 9.
• * 1.35

  2. Thes. ••. Iob. 5.
• * 1.36

  Luke. 15.
• * 1.37

  Acts. 2.
• * 1.38

  Heb. 11.
• * 1.39

  Rom. 4.
• * 1.40

  1. Cor. 14
• * 1.41

  Iohn 4.
• * 1.42

  Iohn. ••.
• * 1.43

  Luk. 7.
• * 1.44

  Iohn. 6.
• * 1.45

  Phil. 3.
• * 1.46

  Math. 16.
• * 1.47

  Petrus of the rocke.
• * 1.48

  Iohn. 10
• * 1.49

  2. Cor. 5.
• * 1.50

  Rom. 7. Math. 26.
• * 1.51

  2. Tim. 4.
• * 1.52

  Math. 28.
• * 1.53

  Esay 2. Psal. 109.
• * 1.54

  Iohn. 5.
• * 1.55

  Math Iohn
• * 1.56

  Marke 28.
• * 1.57

  Marke 16.
• * 1.58

  Luke. 19.
• * 1.59

  Psal. 2.
• * 1.60

  Psal. 109.
• * 1.61

  Iohn. 17. Phil. 2.
• * 1.62

  Math. 10.
• * 1.63

  Iohn. 17.
• * 1.64

  Iohn. 10
• * 1.65

  Math. 16.
• * 1.66

  Ioel 2.
• * 1.67

  Luke. 15.
• * 1.68

  Math. 9.
• * 1.69

  Iohn 6. Iohn. 3.
• * 1.70

  Of the keies.
• * 1.71

  Luk. 24
• * 1.72

  The holy Ghost that worketh in the Apostles forgiueth the sinnes.
• * 1.73

  Note this conditiō wel
• * 1.74

  Luke. 1•• Heb. 13.
• * 1.75

  1. Tim. 5.
• * 1.76

  2. Cor. 5