To the extent possible under law, the Text Creation Partnership has waived all copyright and related or neighboring rights to this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above, according to the terms of the CC0 1.0 Public Domain Dedication (http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/). This waiver does not extend to any page images or other supplementary files associated with this work, which may be protected by copyright or other license restrictions. Please go to http://www.textcreationpartnership.org/ for more information.
BEfore I search the sinewes of the soules safe∣tie, or enter in
to the Bowels of this Booke; I haue thought good in stead of a Preface, to set down a Preparatiue or premeditation to the minde of Man, to mooue him to be carefull and vi∣gilant for the safety of his soule, euen then when hee feeleth himselfe at rest, in health, & perfect remem∣brance, before the weight of Christ Crosse bee laid vpon him, and before hee bee visited either in bodie or minde.
First, it is meet for euery man, be he neuer so bigge, and look he neuer so high, to perswade himselfe, that
he hath two dayly Serui∣tors or Secretaries attend∣ing vpon him, from which he can neuer be freed, du∣ring the date of his dayes, vntil his life be ended, and his doome take place.
The one is without thee, [unspec 1] and is named Death, the ender of thy life, and fini∣sher of worldly care: This Seruitor is alwayes atten∣ding, behinde thee at thy backe, and followeth thee at the heeles, euen as the shadow doth follow the body.
The other is within [unspec 2] thee, and is called Consci∣ence, the very key that o∣peneth
and vnfoldeth the secrets of thy soule, and in∣wardly bewrayeth all thy thoughts, words, and workes.
These two are destinate to all men, and cannot be auoided.
First, Death cannot bee escaped, for he is alwayes at thine elbow; yea, per∣aduenture he is then nee∣rest thee in thy bosome, hacking at thy heart, when thou thinkest least of him: for, in the middest of life, we be in death. We are no sooner borne, but, Mors est in limine, Death is at the threshold. And yet many
one thinketh himselfe to be in health and safety, e∣uen then when he beareth Death in his heart, and hell in his Conscience.
It is good therefore for euery man to bee in a rea∣dinesse euery moment, lest Death cite him on the sodaine, and so hee be ta∣ken tardie in his sinnes: For this Messenger hath not any respect either of person, people, or place: Hee regardeth no more the Princes Palace, then the poore mans Cotage: a blunt Messenger, and therefore goeth bluntly and boldly to worke with
vs; his condition is, come he earely, come he late, he will giue neither day, nor houre, but speedily and readily he wil dispatch his errant, and serue such a Sub poena vpon vs, that hee wil haue our personall ap∣pearance, before the eter∣nall Iudge, without surety, bayle, or mayne-prize.
He will not be bribed of the Rich; he will not be in∣treated of the Poore; hee weigheth not friendship; he careth not for rewards; he will pardon no person, be he neuer so mighty; he feareth no mans face, look he neuer so lofty; there is
but a word and a blowe with him; he killeth downe right where he hitteth.
Let vs therefore keepe our selues continually in that estate wherein we de∣sire to die: for although this Messenger come, and tell vs not when hee will fetch vs, whether in our nonage, middle age, olde age, or dotage; yet not∣withstanding, our merci∣full and good God by di∣uers meanes doth warne and summon vs before, by other Messengers.
Gods sum∣moners before Death, are foure.
Finally, death arresteth vs, and taketh vs with him. And then the earth wher∣of we are made, deuoureth vs, Magots breed vpon vs, corruption rotteth vs, and the Wormes eate vs. This is the life and end of all flesh good and bad. The body then putrifyeth
and consumeth to dust: But the Spirit returneth to the Lord which gaue it.
Now when Death is a∣bout to doe his office, which is, to separate the Soule and the Body of Man: Then our second [unspec 2] Seruitor or Secretarie, al∣though it haue been mute all our life time, and as it were a clasped Booke that is alwaies shut and too sel∣dome opened; yet towards our end, it speaketh, and cryeth, yea it both barketh and biteth; for after death hath warned and summo∣ned vs by sharpe taste of Sicknes, to set our house in
order, and to prepare our selues to appeare before the celestiall Iudge: Then our Conscience (which is a continuall beholder of all our thoughts, words and workes) as a cleere light or Lanthorne be∣wrayeth all our former life and conuersation: it is the very Register of God, and booke 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Record, which discloseth all our counsels, and reuealeth the inward secrets of our hearts: for there is nothing hid, that shal not be opened: neither is there a secret, but that it shal come to light. Can there be any thing hid from the
Highest? Do nor his eyes pierce our hearts? Is not he the searcher of Secrets, and Discerner of spirits? Yes verily, he that will not now beleeue it, must one day both finde it, and feele it.
The thickest Trees in Paradise could not hide our first Parents Adam and Eue from the presence of God. They both appeare at the first call, euen naked as they were; their Figge∣leaues will not serue their turne; their vaine excuses will doe them no good; the more they goe about to cloke their sinne, the
more liuely it appeareth; yea, their owne Consci∣ence accuseth them, and causeth them to make con∣fession of their fact, will they, nill they.
Wee cannot then hide our sinnes, because which way soeuer wee goe, our conscience accompanieth vs; it is our Porter, carr∣ing with it whatsoeuer we haue done, be it good or bad; it iudgeth all our words and workes, and pronounceth inward sen∣tence of vs all: it is a Worme alwayes byting, and neuer dying: it is a fire alwayes burning, and
neuer quenching: for im∣mediately after the com∣mitting of sinne, the Con∣science of the sinner is his Accuser, his Witnes, his Iudge, and his Hangman.
Therefore when thine owne Conscience be∣wrayeth thee, and prouo∣keth a feeling of sinne: thinke then with thy selfe, God speaketh vnto thee: for that inward feeling of thy sinne, is as it were the peculiar and prerogatiue Court of God, whereby he exerciseth his iurisdicti∣on: Beware therefore lest thou beeing guilty, doest harden thy heart; for that
is all one, as to kick against God, and resist the motion of his holy Spirit, when we reiect such cogitations as are prouocations and summoners vnto Repen∣tance: when God there∣fore by his holy Spirit knocketh at the doore of thine heart, and moueth any such motion, either to embrace this Vertue, or a∣uoid that Vice, thou hadst best open vnto him at first call, and let him in: for if hee call thee now, thou canst not tell whether hee will call againe or no: and if he open thee the gate of his Grace to day, and will
thee friendly to enter in, thou canst not tell whe∣ther euer hee will open it againe, or neuer. Thy contempt and vnthankful∣nesse may mooue him in his wrath to shut the doore vpon thee for euer: and then thou wilt repent, but all too late.
Remember Christs words: When the good man of the house is risen, and hath shut to the doore, and yee be∣ginne to stand without, and to knocke at the doore, saying, Lord, Lord, open to vs, and he shall answere and say vn∣to you, I know you not whence yee are: Depart from me, all
yee workers of iniquitie. There shall bee weeping and [unspec 28] gnashing of teeth, when yee shall see Abraham, and I∣saac, and Iacob, and all the Prophets in the Kingdome of God, and your selues thrust out at doores.
These are words of weight, and able to pierce a stony heart, most fearfull to impenitent sinners, whē they shal behold a farre off with the rich surfetting Glutton the happy estate of the godly in Heauen in Abrahams bosome, and themselues to bee thrust out into vtter darknes, and so to take their leaue and
last farewell of God, his Angels, and all the ioyes of Heauen for euer, neuer to meet againe, nor once to behold the faire beauty of the Lord, or of his Saints: the deepe conside∣ration hereof, is able to shake the Conscience, to burst the heart of a sinner, and end his dayes, if any feeling of Gods Spirit bee in him.
It is good therefore to haue the testimonie of a cleere Conscience accom∣panying thee euen to thy graue: that when thou shalt appeare before Christ his Throne of iust iudge∣ment,
it may be a witnesse with thee of thy wealth, and not to thy woe; a de∣fender of thy purity, and not an Accuser of thine iniquitie: a iustifier of thy Righteousnes, and not a condemner of thy Wic∣kednes.
Pray to God betime, that it may be thy Helper, as it was to Paul, and not thy Hangman, as it was to Iudas.
It is not to bee spoken what a sure and singular Treasure a good Consci∣ence will be at that day; it shall stand stedfast by thy side as thy dearest friend,
when all the world shall be set on a flaming fire, aboue thee, beneath thee, and on euery side thee: when the elements shall melt with heate: when the vngodly shall bee at their wits end: when mens hearts shall faile them: when the Sea and waters shal rore: when heauen and earth shall pe∣rish: when all thy goods and gold shal be turned to drosse and Copper: when all thy Lands and riches forsake thee; yea when all thy friends and kinsfolke faile thee, as they did Iob in his greatest extremitie.
Therefore let this present
Preparatiue be a sufficient caueat for thee, to be care∣full and circumspect for the comfort of thy Con∣science, and safety of thy soule. And so I will pro∣ceede to the visitation of the Sicke: Wherein
First, we must note, that commonly God doth vi∣sit before man, and so by Gods Visitation, occasion is giuen to man, brotherly and charitably o visit one another for their comfort.
1. Sometime by losse of worldly wealth, Goods,
Lands, Offices, Dignities, &c. especially when we are too proud of them, or a∣buse them: then he pulleth downe one, and setteth vp another.
2. Sometime by perse∣cutions or manifold trou∣bles of our deadly foes, as priuate Grudges, open Warres, Slanders, Suites in Law, &c.
3. Sometime God doth visit vs by punishing our bodies with sicknes, lame∣nes, blindnes, ach, penu∣ry, famine, or other cala∣mities, whereby wee feele intolerable paine and tor∣ment; & all this is not vn∣worthily,
but deseruedly.
4. Sometime in Minde, by taking away our senses, wit, reason, memory and vnderstanding: or by ta∣king from vs our dearest and neerest friends; as our Parents, Husband, Wife, Children, Brethren, Sist∣ers, &c. which vnder God are our greatest comfort in this world: and by this meanes wee are vexed in Minde, our soules are sad, and we wonderfully trou∣bled, and so had neede of some comfortable coun∣sell to cure vs in this case.
THE first Office or Du∣tie of the Minister, is fatherly, and yet familiar∣ly to conferre and reason with the Sick person. For as the Physicion of the bo∣dy most perfectly percei∣ueth the state of his Pati∣ent, by questioning with him, by seeing his state, and feeling his Pulses: euen so the Physicion of the soule, if he vnderstand the mind and affection of the Sicke person, hee may the better apply his exhortation to
the comfort of his Con∣science, and amendment of life.
Quest. 1. NOW, good Brother, God blesse you. How is it with you? How doe you? &c.
Answ. Well, Sir, I thank God, but I take no rest; by reason of the extremitie of my paine in this my sick∣nes,
and lacke of sleepe, my memory and vnderstand∣ing (I praise God for it) is yet perfect and good, but my body is sore visited and tormented: God of his mercy, in time when it shal please him, asswage it, and in the meane season grant mee patience to beare it.
Quest. 2. You say well, truely, and as becommeth a good Christian, and I am glad to heare such godly words proceed from you, as taste so sweetly of the Spirit of God, for they signifie how well you are affectioned & minded
to Godward: And there∣fore assure your selfe, that with the Omnipotent Phy∣sician, there is no disease or pain incurable. As God doth send it for your good, no doubt: So hee can as∣swage or take it quite away at his pleasure: wee are in the Lords hand, as the clay in the Potters, to doe with vs, whatsoeuer his pleasure is: for sicknes is the louing rod of our heauenly Fa∣ther, wherewithall he doth chastice our sinnes, that we may the better know our owne frailety, and our du∣tie towards his Maiestie; therefore you are to thinke
that this bodily griefe of Sicknes, after a time of tryall, shall turne to your greater ioy and comfort. Tell me, truely, are you not thus perswaded?
Answ. Yes verily, I haue alwayes beene of that minde, I thanke my hea∣uenly Father for it; and I pray God continue mee in the same to my liues end: for I wish not to liue lon∣ger, then I may acknow∣ledge my Maker to bee both an omnipotent Lord▪ and my mercifull God.
Quest. 3. I pray God pre¦serue you, and keep you in that mind to your liues end.
Sir, I vnderstand, and partly I know of my selfe, that you are a man whom God hath blessed with a∣boundance of worldly sub∣stance: But because lands and goods are oftentimes the cause of much strife and vnquietnes, by reason of the inordinate couet∣ousnes and greedy desire of man: it were good to set your house in order now, before your depar∣ture, like a good houshol∣der, which when he goeth from home any whither, he setteth all his things in or∣der among his Family and people, telleth them his
will, what is to bee done, and so commending them to God, taketh his leaue, and biddeth them farewell vntill his returne. So you beeing now taking your iourney towards Heauen a farre Country, bid adew to the world, and take your leaue thereat willingly and orderly as a good Christi∣an ought to doe: That is, dispose your Temporall goods as may be most to Gods glorie, the commo∣ditie and comfort of your Wife and Children, and others your friends, to whom you wish well, and to your own saluation and
discharge before God, at whose hands you haue re∣ceiued them, and to whom you must giue an account for them. So that this be∣ing done, your reckoning is the sooner made, your Conscience discharged, and the world satisfied: neither need you to be fur∣ther troubled with world∣ly matters, if God lay his hand more heauily vpon you, but onely thinke of heauenly things. Tell me therefore haue you made your Will?
Answ. I haue made none yet, but I purpose to doe hereafter, if I feele my
selfe farre wrong.
Quest. 4. O good Bro∣ther, you must thinke that you are already far wrong, and farre from right and reason too, if you deferre the disposing of your tem∣porall things vntill the last gaspe, when peraduenture both your speech and me∣morie shall faile you: now you may and will not, then you would & perhaps can∣not: many haue so done and repented too late, euen then when it had bin more fit to haue minded heauen∣ly things onely. Therefore (I beseech you) take the good time and occasion
which God presently offe∣reth: if hee giue you life and memory this day, or this weeke, you know not whether you shall haue it the next weeke or no: if you put the good time off, which GOD hath giuen you, and deferre your bu∣sinesse till this day, or that day, or vntill this friend come, or that kinsman be present; then peraduenture your friends shall come too late, and you your selfe be cut short of your pur∣pose: Therefore beware in the Name of God be∣time, for you know not whether God wil giue you
the like occasion againe or no: you may purpose, but God will dispose both you and your wealth as he will: when you are once gone, your riches are none of yours, but the worlds, and are at the disposition of o∣ther men, who by corruptiō may deale vnfaithfully, and so contrarie to your will, your substance which you haue swea•• for, may come to those that neither need them, nor did euer deserue well at your hands in your life time: too many at this day know this to bee true by experience, and haue la∣mented their state all too
late, when they could not remedie it: Therefore ne∣uer put that thing in doubt, which may be out of doubt.
Answ. Lord, Lord, see how forgetfull men bee of their dutie in time of their Sicknes! I beseech you Sir, beare with my weaknesse: I confesse I was out of the way in this point, but you haue brought me vnto it, and to a further considera∣tion of my state: I must needs say your counsell is good and comfortable: and therefore I were a ve∣ry vnreasonable person, if I should not be ordered by you to mine owne good.
Wherefore I purpose now (God willing) to do as you haue said, with your better aduice, and others of my friends. And therefore I pray you take paines to set my minde downe in wri∣ting: and so that matter beeing dispatched, I will then commend my selfe both bodie and soule vnto God the giuer of all good∣nes, and the Author of life.
Heere the Minister may perswade the Testator to impart some portion of his substance to the Poore, to Schooles, exhibition of Schollers, Churches, Col∣ledges,
Bridges, High∣wayes, and other publike commodities, as shal seeme to him most expedient for the time, the place, the a∣bilitie, and state of the person; for hereupon in times past haue proceeded such workes of Charitie, and large liberalitie to∣wards the Church and godly vses, which now is pilled, and little regarded.
Quest. 5. Here (good Brother) you are further∣more deepely to consider and ponder with your selfe, how you haue come by your wealth, directly or
vndirectly, lawfully or vn∣lawfully: if honestly and according to your Vocati∣on or Art, you are the more to reioyce in Con∣science, & your account be∣fore God is sooner made: if not, but that you haue gotten them by fraude, de∣ceit, lying, forging, flatte∣ring, swearing, forswea∣ring of your selfe, briberie, polling and pilling of the poore, crueltie, Vsury, Ex∣tortion or Oppression, ga∣ming, cheating and the like, as too many doe at this day: Then you are the more deepely charged be∣fore the Iudgement seat of
God, and the testimonie of your own Conscience, and you must endeuour your selfe to make satisfaction so neere as you may: for that ancient rule of the Fa∣ther is true, Non remittitur peccatum, nisi restituatur ab∣latum: That is, the sinne is not pardoned, except re∣stitution bee made, as Za∣cheus did, who heard not that sweet sentence of Christ, This day is Saluation come to this house, before he had made restitution.
Tell me therefore (good Brother) are you willing to recompence euery one whom you haue wronged
or deceiued, and to restore your euill gotten goods with iust Zacheus, to the vt∣termost of your power, and validitie of your wealth?
Answ. God forbid else, for it is meet and right that all men should so doe; but I know not any whom I haue in such sort defrau∣ded: if any man finde him∣selfe iniured by me, I am willing euen with all my heart to satisfie him to the vttermost farthing: And therefore my desire is, that notice be giuen thereof to the whole Congregation in the Church this next Sunday, with my hearty
request that they would commend mee to God in their faithful Prayers: And if any debt be due, either to bee payed by mee to them, or by them to mee, whereof we haue no spe∣cialtie, that they would come to me, because I am now Gods Prisoner, and am not able to repaire to them. And I pray you (good Sir) publish my minde herein, and aduer∣tise mee in all other things which you thinke necessa∣rie for the saluation of my Soule, and my full dis∣charge before God and the world.
Quest. 6. You haue well done (good Brother) and haue shewed your selfe a faithfull Steward of Gods blessings, in disposing your selfe and your substance so well towards God and the world: for here you found them, and here you must leaue them.
Furthermore, seeing all things here on earth are but fickle; as Offices, Dignities, Wife, Chil∣dren, Friends, Goods, Gold and Possessions; are you not willing to forsake these worldly vanities, and transitorie trash, and to change the same for hea∣uenly
ioy and felicitie?
Answ. Yes verily; for I neuer made them my God, neither did I euer re∣pose any confidence in them, but vsed them for the time, knowing alwayes that they were not mine, but lent me to vse for a sea∣son; and the time beeing now expired, I willingly resigne and surrender the same to the world, and where I had them, there I leaue them; committing my selfe to the Mercy-Seat of God, and rendring him most heartie thankes for the vse and commoditie I haue reaped thereby in
my life time, and for all o∣ther his benefits, his name be praised for euer, who is the preseruer of men and louer of soules, and his holy will and pleasure bee fulfilled in mee euery way, whether it bee in life or death: God grant it may be to his glory, and then I haue my hearts desire.
Quest. 7. Your words are comfortable to mee and the hearers, and you haue hitherto playd the part of a good Christian, in re∣nouncing the vanities of this wicked world, and cōmitting your selfe whol∣ly both body and soule to
Gods carefull tuition, whose armes of mercie (no doubt) are now spred wide open, readie to embrace you.
But because you an∣swere so directly, I will be bold to put moe questions vnto you.
Doe you from the bot∣tom of your heart, ask for∣giuenes of all those whom you haue offended in this world, by thought, word, or deede: and are you in heart sorrie for the same?
Answ. I am heartily sor∣rie for my offences, both towards God and Man: I must needs confesse, I haue
not once, but often offen∣ded both; and therefore I humbly craue pardon of both whom I haue often a∣bused: and I must desire you to signifie so much to the Congregation, among other remembrances of mee.
Quest. 8. Doe you your selfe for Christs sake vn∣fainedly and from the bot∣tome of your heart forgiue all those, that by any means haue iniured and offended you, either in speeches, thought, or actions?
Answ. I willingly and freely forgiue al the world, euen as I looke to bee for∣giuen
my selfe at the hands of my heauenly Father, whom many times and sundry waies I haue offen∣ded: Or otherwise I know I could neuer with a good conscience repeat that Pe∣tition of the Lords Prayer, Forgiue vs our trespasses, as wee forgiue them that tres∣passe against vs.
And furthermore our Sauiour Christ saith: If you doe not forgiue men their trespasses, no more will your heauenly Father forgiue you your trespasses, &c. And therefore I know assuredly, if I had a stout and stonie stomake, and not a fleshy
and tender heart, apt and prone to forgiue, I could not die in loue and chari∣tie with the world, and then not in Gods fauour: For as Saint Iohn saith; If God haue so loued vs, wee ought also to loue one another. Which we cannot doe, ex∣cept we forgiue one ano∣ther, and that dayly; for in many things we offend all: and who knoweth how oft he offendeth? And there∣fore it remaineth, seeing the case so standeth, that if wee will be beloued, wee must loue: if wee will bee forgiuen, we must forgiue: if we will be blessed, wee
must blesse, and not curse: and if we will haue mercie, we must shew mercy. God grant vs his mercie, and giue vs grace so to do, and so to liue, that wee may make a godly and quiet end, and so die the death of the righteous.
Quest. 9. I pray God both now and euer shew the light of his countenance vpon you, and continue this good which hee hath begunne in you euen to the end: for most Christi∣anly and like a good ser∣uant of God, you haue ta∣ken your leaue of the world, in disposing your
selfe and yours towards God and Man: And I find you so furnished and fit for God, that you may boldly assure your selfe of his fauour & loue towards you, if you continue in so good and godly a minde to the end.
And truely I am glad, and so are all your wel-wil∣lers here present this day, to heare and see in you so good fruits of a Christian, whose end is commonly according to his life.
If any other thing be in your mind that you would haue done touching world∣ly matters, I pray you ad∣uertise
me thereof, and I will doe my diligence to haue your minde and will fulfilled therein, so farre forth as is requisite.
Answ. Sir, I am at a point with the world, and all worldly affaires, and I haue no more to say or to deale with such matters, but leaue them and their ap∣purtenances to those that come after: And I re∣nounce here (before you and the rest) all worldly wealth, pleasures, goods, lands, and liuings; I yeeld and surrender them vp to the longest liuer, and now resigne my selfe whol¦ly
to God that made mee and saued mee: And my heartie desire is now to dwell with the Lord, in the Land of the liuing. My faith is there fixed, and I hope assuredly to attaine vnto it, by the bloud of the In∣nocent Lambe of God, Ie∣sus Christ my Redeemer.
Quest. 10. The Lord in∣crease your faith, and God grant you your hearts de∣sire, and that Land which you long for; you are in the high-way towards it, God keepe you in it: for if you liue and die as you haue professed, assure your selfe the gate is open alrea∣die,
and you are longed and looked for: it was pre∣pared for such as you are, from the beginning: and that you may be the better perswaded hereof, I will put forth vnto you a few spirituall questions; which being answered as before, you shal sufficiently satisfie me and all that heare you this day, that you are the Child of God, and an In∣heritour of his heauenly Kingdome, and so we will proceed to Prayers. But I feare I am too tedious and troublesome vnto you.
Answ. No, good Sir, thinke not so hardly of me
(I beseech you) though I be wearie of sicknes; yet I am not wearie of well-do∣ing and of good counsell, I had neuer more neede of it, neither can it come in a better time, and I take great pleasure therein, be∣ing now past the pleasure of the world: therefore (I pray you) in Gods name say on: for my earnest de∣sire is to be prepared and made readie for the good houre that God hath ap∣pointed for my deliue∣rance out of this wretched world, and I looke euery moment for the comming of the Bridegroome; I am
ready with my Lamp bur∣ning, and my trust is, he is ready to let me in.
Quest. 1. GOd be than∣ked for your good remembrance, and for your stedfast beliefe, and I pray God continue it euen to the end. But now I will (by your patience) apply the rest of my speech onely to the safety of your Soule.
Doe you not acknow∣ledge your selfe to bee a sinner, and grieuously to
haue offended God, in not liuing so well and vpright∣ly in this world, as you ought to haue done?
Answ. I must needs ac∣knowledge and confesse, that I am a grieuous sinner, and that I haue oftentimes and many waies disobeyed and broken the Law and will of God, both in my thoughts, words, & works.
Quest. 2. How doe you know the same?
Answ. By the Law of God. For the Law hath said, Doe this, and I haue not done it: Doe not that, and yet I haue done it: and in this sort I haue sinned
both by omitting that which was good, and by committing that which was bad.
Quest. 3. What danger haue you incurred by this meanes, and what hath your negligence and diso∣bedience herein deserued at Gods hands?
Answ. Of my selfe, I must needs say, that I haue thereby deserued at Gods hands eternall death and damnation, a curse and not a blessing: and so I am taught by the word it selfe: For it is written, Cursed is euery man that continueth not in all things which are
written in the Booke of the Law, to doe them.
Quest. 4. Good Lord, if this bee true, then what a miserable case are all wee in, beeing wicked and cur∣sed creatures?
Answ. Truely, our state indeede is wretched and damnable: and but that God of his infinite good∣nes hath prouided a salue for this sore, we should vt∣terly perish, and then were we of all men most miserable.
Quest. 5. Do you beleeue then that there is a salue for so grieuous a wound, and a remedy for so great a mischiefe?
Answ. Yea verily, I firme∣ly beleeue and know it, or else I could not with so cheerefull and patient a minde beare this crosse which God hath now laid vpon me.
Quest. 6. I pray you what remedy is there against the sting of sinne, and the curse of the Law? Is there any thing in the world, that can pacifie Gods wrath, and mooue him to such mercy, as may cause him to take away this deadly curse, and giue vs a blessing?
Answ. Yea, God bee thanked that there is: I can tell you so much, though I
be not Booke-learned; yet I haue heard it, and I doe vndoubtedly beleeue it, be∣cause Gods Word doth teach it: That when there was no means to be found for man to be saued, nei∣ther in heauen nor earth, it pleased our heauenly Fa∣ther, of his meere mercy to send his only begotten Sonne into the world, to the end that all that beleeue in him should not perish, but haue life euer∣lasting. So that (that which was impossible to the Law, in as much as it was weake, be∣cause of the flesh) God sending his owne Sonne, in the simi∣litude of sinfull flesh, and for
sinne, condemned sinne in the flesh.
I doe therefore beleeue, that this Sonne of God Ie∣sus Christ, hath quite taken away the curse of the Law, and nayled it vpō the Crosse.
Quest. 7. These are good words indeed, and general∣ly spoken to all sinners: but how can you apply this to your selfe?
Answ. Because I know assuredly that I am Christs, and haue the testimonie of the Holy Ghost in mee, comforting mee, and bea∣ring witnes to my Spirit, that I am the child of God, and therefore may
Quest. 8. Then I perceiue, if you bee thus faithfully minded, as you do professe, that you are not afraid to dy; neither is death so dread full vnto you▪ as it is to ma∣ny in these sinfull dayes?
Answ. Although indeed death seemeth detestable to the most part of men, e∣specially to impenitent sin∣ners, and such as haue the wealth of the world at will: Yet notwithstanding I see no reason why any wise man should feare that which cannot be auoided; but rather (all things con∣sidered
aright) they haue cause to couet it with the holy Apostle Saint Paul, who desireth to be loosed, and to be with Christ, which is best of all; because death is the doore to eternall life, for we connot liue for euer, but first we must dye: And therefore the godly man (after he is mortified heere by crosses and griefe of sicknes) may cheerefully sing and say with the same Apostle: Christ is to mee both in life and death, ad∣uantage.
And most comfortable to a good conscience is that sentence of Ecclesiastes:
A good name is better then a good oyntment, and the day of death, then the day that one is borne. The Preacher spake not this without booke, nor without reason; for then we change sicknes for health; woe for wealth; transitorie vanities, for per∣petuall ioyes; and earthly trash, for heauenly trea∣sure, &c.
Quest. 9. You are in the right of it, and haue hit the naile on the head in this point; keepe you there and my life for yours. But be∣cause I finde you in answe∣ring both wise and willing, it incourageth mee to bee
bold in questioning. Doe you beleeue all the Articles of the Christian Faith, which the true and Catho∣like Church doth hold at this day, and all other Scriptures of the Old and New Testament, to be the very and liuely Word of God, the foode of your soule, and the perfect way to eternall life; and that there is sufficient matter contained in them, to esta∣blish your minde and con∣science to saluation, accor∣ding to the consent of Christs Apostles in the Primitiue Church?
Answ. I constantly and
vnfainedly beleeue all this you haue said to bee true, and grounded vpon the Word of God, as vpon a sure foundation which shal neuer faile nor fall. And therefore it is called the Word of Life, the Word of Grace, the Word of Truth: and the power of God to Sal∣uation, to euery one that belee∣ueth.
Quest. 10. Doe you de∣test and abhor all Idolatry, Heresies, errors, schismes, innouations and opinions, which in any point do dis∣sent or disagree from this liuely Word of GOD, and the ancient Catholike
and Primitiue Church?
Answ. As these enormi∣ties of themselues are dete∣stable and damnable; euen so I do from my very heart detest and abhorre them all, and most ardently I im∣brace the Truth of Gods Word, with all due reue∣rence to the same, as to the heauenly will of GOD therein specified, and re∣uealed to vs by his Ser∣uants the Patriarks, and Apostles of God, and his Sonne Christ Iesus our Sauiour the Head of the Church: And I am desi∣rous to die a member of the same Church, beeing
the bodie and Spouse of Christ.
Quest. 11. And do you e∣uen in heart reioyce to liue and die in this Christian Faith, and in the vnitie of this true, ancient, Catho∣lique, and Apostolique Church, militant heere on earth, which is and shall be the Communion of Saints, & the triumphant Church of God in Heauen?
Ans. I reioyce in nothing so much: for I know, that out of the Church there is no saluation or safetie. Those in old time that were found out of Noahs Arke (being a Type of the
Church) perished by wa∣ter; but they which are not of the Catholike Church of Christ, shall be tormen∣ted in Hell fire, which shall neuer bee quenched.
Quest. 12. Good Lord! mee thinke it is a fearefull thing, that the wicked should enter into euerlast∣ing paine, and vnquench∣able fire. And the words which are vsuall in the Scriptures, are able to make any man tremble e∣uen at the heart; as Hell fire, the bottomelesse pit, vt∣ter darknes, vnquenchable fire, perpetuall paine, &c. where shall bee weeping and
gnashing of teeth: where their worme dyeth not, and the fire neuer goeth out. Mee thinks this word neuer is a long one; for if there were any hope that euer the wic∣ked might feele any release or easement of their paine, or that the damned might haue any end of their tor∣ment; yea if it were but af∣ter a thousand, or a thou∣sand thousands of yeeres, there were some comfort to be expected in time to come, though it were long first; yet time would once make an end and weare it out. But these words euer∣lasting, perpetuall, and neuer;
these and such like pierce the heart, dismay the mind, and cut the throat of a sin∣ner; they crucifie the guil∣tie Conscience, and at one blow they kill downe right where they hit. How thinke you, are not you of the same minde?
Answ. Indeede I must needs confesse they bee words of great weight, in∣tolerable and heauie to beare, especially to a Con∣science clogged with sin; and words not once, but often to bee deepely consi∣dered of, euen of the best of vs all; for the best are too bad, and of our selues wee
are all sinners, and deserue such reward for our hyre as these words doe threa∣ten: but they take effect onely in the Reprobate, desperate, and impenitent sinners, such as neither feare Gods Iustice, nor feele his Mercie, neither a∣ny operation of his Holy Spirit: But are (for their contempt, obstinacie and impenitent hearts) giuen ouer of God into a Repro∣bate sense: whose eyes are blinded, whose eares are stopped, and whose hearts are hardened, that they disdaine and reiect the Word of God, and all mo∣tions
of his Spirit, wherby they should attaine to a full measure of faith in Christ Iesus, who came into the world to saue sinners. For we are sure, That whosoeuer beleeueth in him, shall not pe∣rish, but haue life euer lasting. For the soules of the righ∣teous are in the hand of GOD, and no torment shall touch them: but they shall passe from death to life: and their spirits shall returne to the Lord which gaue them. Whose hands of mercie are wide open to receiue them. For al∣though it bee said: It is a fearefull thing to fall into the
hands of the liuing God: Yet that is to bee vnderstood before repentance, not af∣ter; for God reiecteth not penitent sinners, but if we repent and turne to God, he will turne to vs: As hee hath promised: Turne vn∣to me, and ye shall be saued: So that there is now no condemnation to those that are in Christ Iesus: but wee may boldly triumph, and say, Death is swallowed vp into victory. O death, where is thy sting? O hell, where is thy victory?
Quest. 13. You haue well answered, and like a Di∣uine: you said euen now,
you were not Booke-lear∣ned, but you may be (God be thanked) for your direct answering by the Word: I cannot but maruell how you can recite so many pla∣ces of Scripture, and to so good purpose, being not learned.
Surely it seemeth you carry not your Bible vnder your arme for fashion sake, or to please men, as many doe in these dayes, but to please God, and pleasure both your selfe, & others. Therefore you haue taken a good course in this life, for the life to come. And you haue chosen the better
part with Mary, and that which shall neuer be taken a∣way from you: the most part in these dayes take part with Martha, and are too carefull for the things of this world, but seldome or neuer looke for the life to come: and therefore it is to bee doubted, they will come short of the reward and crowne of glorie: But I will leaue them to them∣selues, and to the equity of Gods Iustice, and (with your good liking) proceed forward with you in a que∣stion or two.
Quest. 14 Do you beleeue and acknowledge Iesus
Christ, the Sonne of the li∣uing God, to haue dyed and suffered his Passion for your sinnes, and that he did rise againe for your iustifi∣cation, and ascended into heauen, to prepare the way for you, and all true belee∣uers?
Answ. I doe assuredly beleeue all that to be true, or else I must thinke my selfe accursed, and in most miserable case, calling to minde my rude race, and my sinfull life led, euen from my Cradle.
Quest. 15. Doe you also beleeue that you can be sa∣ued by no other meanes,
but by the merit of Christ his Passion, & by the shea∣ding of his innocent bloud who suffered once for all; and that the oblation of himselfe vpon the Crosse, is a sufficient sacrifice for the sins of the whole world.
Answ. I doe beleeue that Christ his Passion is a full satisfaction for my trans∣gression, and his precious bloud a perfect purgation for my sinnes. Neither is there saluation in any other: for among men there is giuen none other name vnder hea∣uen wherby we must be saued: But onely the sweet name of Iesus my Sauiour.
Quest. 16. And doe you (for this his inestimable benefit, and all other his manifold graces) giue him hearty thankes? And will you daily most dutifully endeuour your selfe so to doe, so long as the breath shal remaine in your body?
Answ. I doe, and by Gods grace I will frō time to time (so long as life last∣eth) doe my best to shew my selfe thankefull, as I am indeed most bounden. For I am fully perswaded, his Fatherly goodnes towards me, is so great (being a sin∣full wretch, and vnworthy to gather vp the crummes
vnder his table) that I can neuer giue him condigne thankes for the multitude of his mercies, and diuine graces bestowed vpon me, both touching my bodie and soule: but God of his infinite goodnes pardon that which is lacking in my selfe, and fulfill it in his deare Sonne Iesus Christ my Redeemer.
Quest. 17. You must ther∣fore desire at the hands of God, of whom we receiue the bread wee eate, the ground we tread vpon, and the light we behold, that he would with the eyes of his mercie and compassion
looke vpon you, increase your faith, lighten your vn∣derstanding, strengthen your bodie, grant you pa∣tience in this your sicknes, and mooue your minde to all thankfulnes and dutifull obedience towards his Maiestie; so that, come life, come death, you may bee perswaded in your minde, and beleeue stedfastly in your heart, that you are the Lords.
Answ. My earnest request vnto my heauenly Father is, to grant all such good gifts as you haue named: And I pray God, euen with all my heart, giue me grace
so to beleeue, and so to do, all the daies and houres of my life. And that I may the better doe according to your friendly counsell, and performe some part of my dutie towards God and the world; I pray you, good Sir, both priuately when you are absent, pray to God for me, and ioyne with mee in prayer now before your departing, that it may please God my heauenly Father (whose rod of casti∣gation I willingly suffer) to dispose of mee in this his visitation, as may make most for his glorie, and mine owne saluation, in
Christ Iesus my Sauiour.
These and such like questi∣ons may the carefull Pa∣stor propound to the Sicke person, according as occa∣sion shall bee offered, al∣wayes helping his infirmi∣tie, if hee faile in answe∣ring: but he must beware that he doe not reason fur∣ther then the capacitie of the sicke will admit; that so hee may rather winne by fauour, then lose by rigour. For like as too great noise hurteth the eare, too much meate hur∣teth the body, too much raine hurteth the ground: euen so weake wits, and
fearefull consciences may soone bee surcharged and oppressed with ouer-hard questions; especially when the minde is disquieted with troubles, and the body grieued with sick∣nesse.
THe second Dutie of the Pastor, is to vse faithfull and hearty prayer for the sick: For as he is the mouth of God vnto the people: euen so hee is the mouth of the people vnto God, by his zealous sute,
and by powring out pure prayers vnto his Maiestie in their behalfe. Therefore Saint Iames saith, Is any man sicke among you? Let him call for the Elders of the Church, and let them pray for him, and anoint him with oyle in the Name of the Lord, and the Prayer of Faith shall saue the sicke, and the Lord shall raise him vp: and if he haue committed sinnes, they shall bee forgiuen him. I will not take vpon me simply to prescribe any man a forme of Prayer, but as the Spirit of God shall mooue him, and according as time and occasion shall serue; so let
him with •• groning Spirit frame his prayers vnto him that is able to helpe, and can saue both bodie and soule. Neuerthelesse, I haue thought good to set down a forme of some, for the further instruction of the vnlearned.
But before Prayer, I think it not amisse to reade any one of these three se∣lected Psalmes, as prepara∣tiues to Prayer, which I haue collected & receiued at Dauids own mouth, most meete for that purpose.
OVt of the deepe haue I called vnto thee, O Lord: Lord heare my voice.
O let thine eares consi∣der well the voice of my complaint.
If thou (O Lord) straitly markest iniquities: O Lord, who shall stand, or who shall be able to abide it?
(For sure and certaine it is) that the vngodly shall not bee able to stand in iudgement: neither the sinners in the Congregati∣on of the righteous.
O Lord, rebuke me not (therefore) in thine indig∣nation: neither chasten me in thy displeasure.
Haue mercie vpon mee, O Lord, for I am weake: O Lord heale mee, for my bones are vexed.
My soule also is sore troubled: but Lord how long wilt thou punish me?
Turne thee (O Lord) and deliuer my soule: O saue mee for thy mercies sake.
For in death no man re∣membreth thee: and who shall giue thee thankes in the pit?
I am wearie of my gro∣ning,
euery night wash I my bed: and water my couch with my teares.
My God, my God, looke vpon mee, why hast thou forsaken mee: and art so farre from my health, and from the words of my complaint?
O my God, I crie in the day time, but thou hearest not: and in the night sea∣son also I take no rest.
But thou art hee that tooke me out of my mo∣thers wombe: thou wast my hope, when I hanged yet vpon my mothers brests.
I haue beene left vnto
thee, euer sithence I was borne: thou art my God euen from my mothers wombe.
O go not from me then, for trouble is hard at hand: and there is none to helpe me.
I am powred out like wa∣ter, all my bones are out of ioynt: my heart also in the middest of my bodie, is euen like melting Wax.
My strength is dried vp like a pot-sheard: and my tongue cleaueth to my gummes.
Turne thee (therefore) vnto mee (O Lord) and haue mercie vpon me: for I
am desolate and in misery.
The sorrowes of my heart are inlarged: O bring thou me out of al my trou∣bles.
Looke vpon mine aduer∣sitie and miserie: and for∣giue me all my sinne.
How long wilt thou for∣get me (O Lord) for euer? How long wilt thou hide thy face from me?
How long shall I seeke counsel in my soule, and be so vexed in my heart?
The paines of hell came about mee: the snares of death ouertooke me.
But in my trouble will I call vpon the Lord: and
complaine vnto my God.
So shall hee heare my voice out of his holy Tem∣ple: and my complaint shal come before him, it shall enter euen into his eares.
O Lord, let it be thy plea∣sure to deliuer mee: Make haste, O Lord, to help me.
For innumerable trou∣bles are come about mee, my sinnes haue taken such hold vpon mee, that I am not able to looke vp: yea, they are more in number, then the haires of my head, and my heart hath failed mee.
presseth mee sore.
There is no health in my flesh, because of thy dis∣pleasure: neither is there any rest in my bones, by reason of my sinne.
For my wickednesses are gone ouer my head: and are like a sore burthen too heauie for me to beare.
I am feeble & sore smit∣ten: I haue rored for the verie disquietnesse of my heart.
Lord, thou knowest all my desire: and my groning is not hid from thee.
My heart panteth, my strength hath failed mee: and the sight of mine eyes
is gone from mee.
Take thy plague away from mee (O Lord) I am euen consumed by the meanes of thy heauy hand.
(For) when thou with re∣bukes doest chasten man for sinne, thou makest his beautie to consume away, like as it were a moth sret∣ting a garment: euery man therefore is but vanitie.
O spare mee a little (O Lord) that I may recouer my strength, before I goe hence, & be no more seene.
O tarry thou the Lords leisure: be strong, & he shal comfort thine heart, & put thou thy trust in the Lord.
Glory be to the Father, &c. As it was in the &c.
O Lord God of my sal∣uation, I haue cryed day and night before thee: O let my prayer enter into thy presence; incline thine eare vnto my calling.
For my soule is full of trouble: and my life draw∣eth nigh vnto hell.
Vp (therefore) O Lord, why sleepest thou? Awake, and be not absent (from vs) for euer.
Wherefore hidest thou thy face? and forgettest
our misery and affliction?
Rise vp for our succour: and redeeme vs for thy mercies sake.
My soule is athirst for God, yea euen for the li∣uing God: when shall I come to appeare before the presence of God?
O remember not the sins and offences of my youth: but according to thy mer∣cie thinke vpon mee, O Lord, for thy goodnes.
For thy name sake, O Lord: bee mercifull vnto my sinne, for it is great.
Hide not thy face from thy seruant: for I am in trouble, oh haste thee,
and heare mee.
Thy rebuke hath broken my heart, I am full of hea∣uinesse: I looked for some to haue pitie on mee, but there was no man, neither found I any to comfort mee.
Therefore I will cry vnto God with my voice: and hee shall hearken vnto me.
When I am in heauines, I will thinke vpon God: when my heart is vexed, I wil complaine.
Will the Lord absent himselfe for euer: and will he bee no more intreated?
Is his mercy cleane gone for euer: and his promise
come vtterly to an end for euermore?
Hath God forgotten to be gracious? and will hee shut vp his louing kindnes in displeasure?
Heare me, O Lord, hide not thy face from me in the time of my trouble: In∣cline thine eares vnto mee when I call, O heare mee, and that right soone.
For my dayes are consu∣med away like smoke: and my bones are burnt vp as it were a fire-brand.
My heart is smitten down and withered like grasse: so that I forget to eate my bread.
For the voice of my gro∣ning: my bones will scarce cleaue to my flesh.
(But) they that sow in teares: shall reape in ioy.
Hee that now goeth on his way weeping, and bea∣reth forth good seed: shall doubtlesse come againe with ioy, and bring his sheaues with him.
(For) the Lord is full of compassion and mercy: long suffering, and of great goodnes.
Hee will not alwayes be childing: neither keepeth he his anger for euer.
Hee hath not dealt with vs after our sinnes: nor re∣warded
vs according to our wickednes.
For looke how high the heauen is in comparison of the earth: so great is his mercy also toward them that feare him.
Looke how wide also the East is from the West: so farre hath hee set our sinnes from vs.
Yea like as a father piti∣eth his own children: euen so is the Lord mercifull vn∣to them that feare him.
For he knoweth whereof wee be made: hee remem∣breth that we are but dust.
The dayes of man are but as grasse: he flourisheth
as a flower of the field.
For as soone as the winde goeth ouer it, it is gone: and the place thereof shall know it no more.
But the mercifull good∣nes of the Lord endureth for euer & euer vpon them that feare him: and his righteousnesse vpon chil∣drens children.
Glory be to the Father, &c.
As it was in the, &c.
The Lord comfort him when hee lyeth sicke vpon his bed: make thou all his bed in his sicknes.
I said, Lord be mercifull vnto mee: heale my soule, for I haue sinned against thee.
O hide not thou thy face from me: nor cast thy ser∣uant away in displeasure.
Thou hast beene my suc∣cour: leaue me not, neither forsake me, O God of my saluation.
Heare me (therefore) O God, in the multitude of thy mercy: euen in the truth of thy saluation.
put my trust: let me neuer be put to confusion, deliuer me in thy righteousnes.
Bow downe thine eare to me: make haste to deli∣uer me.
And be thou my strong Rocke, and the house of defence: that thou mayst saue me.
Into thy hands I cōmend my spirit: for thou hast re∣deemed me, O Lord, thou God of truth.
I will be glad and reioyce in thy mercy: for thou hast considered my trouble, and hast knowne my soule in aduersitie.
Hart desireth the water∣brookes: so longeth my soule after thee, O God.
Haue mercy vpon mee (therefore) O God, after thy great goodnes: accor∣ding to the multitude of thy mercies do away mine offences.
Wash mee throughly from my wickednes: and clense me from my sinne.
For I acknowledge my faults: and my sinne is euer before me.
Turne thy face (O Lord) from my sinnes: and put out all my misdeeds.
Make me a cleane heart, (O God:) and renue a
right spirit within mee.
Cast me not away from thy presence: and take not thy holy Spirit from me.
O remember not our old sinnes, but haue mercy vp∣on vs, and that soone: for wee are come to great mi∣serie.
Heare my prayer, O Lord, and consider my de∣sire: Hearken vnto mee for thy truth and righteousnes sake.
And enter not into iudge∣ment with thy seruant: for in thy sight shall no man li∣uing be iustified.
I stretch forth my hands vnto thee: my soule gas∣peth
vnto thee, as a thirstie land.
Heare me (O Lord) and that soone, for my spirit waxeth faint: hide not thy face from me, lest I bee like vnto them that goe downe into the pit.
O remember how short my time is: wherefore hast thou made all men, for nought?
(For) what man is he that liueth, and shall not see death: and shall he deliuer his owne soule from hell?
Lord, what is man, that thou hast such respect vnto him: or the sonne of man, that thou so regardest him?
Man is like a thing of nought: his time passeth a∣way like a shadow.
For when thou art angry, all our dayes are gone: we bring our yeeres to an end, as it were a tale that is told.
The dayes of our age are threescore yeeres and ten, and though men bee so strong, that they come to fourescore yeeres: yet is their strength then but la∣bour and sorrow, so soone passeth it away, and we are gone.
Teach vs (therefore O Lord) to number our daies: that wee may apply our hearts vnto wisedome.
Lord, let me know mine end, and the number of my dayes: that I may be certi∣fied how long I haue to liue.
Behold, thou hast made my dayes as it were a span long: and mine age is euen as nothing in respect of thee, and verily euery man liuing is altogether vanity.
For man walketh in a vaine shadow, and disquie∣teth himselfe in vaine: hee heapeth vp riches, and can∣not tell who shall gather them.
And now (Lord) what is my hope? Truely my hope is euen in thee.
One thing haue I desired of the Lord, which I will require: euen that I may dwell in the House of the Lord all the dayes of my life, to behold the faire beauty of the Lord, and to visit his holy Temple.
(For) I should vtterly haue fainted: but that I be∣leeue verily to see the goodnes of the Lord, in the Land of the liuing.
Glory be to the Father, &c.
As it was in the, &c.
When the Minister, or any other good Christian that visiteth the Sicke, hath read one of these Psalmes:
Then let him with all du∣tifull reuerence, pray and say, as hereafter followeth.
The mighty God of Ia∣cob bee our defence, both now and in the houre of Death.
And let vs not bee ouer∣come by any euill temptation.
O Lord saue this thy Sicke seruant.
Which putteth his full trust in thee.
Send him help, O Lord,
from thy holy place.
And euer more most migh∣tily defend him.
Let the enemy haue none aduantage of him.
Nor the wicked once ap∣proch to hurt him.
Be vnto him, O Lord, a strong tower.
From the face of his enemy.
Grant that hee may dye the death of the righteous.
And be made partaker of thine inheritance.
Receiue his soule, O Lord, into thy holy hands.
And place it with thy Saints in heauen.
Lord heare our prayers.
And let our cry come vnto thee.
IT is thou, O Lord, onely to whom all power and praise belongeth. It is thou that raignest in heauen in glorie, in earth in mercy, & in hel in iudgment. It is thy voice, O Lord, whereunto both the seas and windes are obedient. It is thy name, O Lord God of Hosts, that maketh all the Diuels in hell to tremble and quake: and they can doe nothing without thy permission. Thou bringest
downe to hell, and raisest vp againe. Thou pluckest downe the mighty from their Throne, and exaltest the humble and meeke. Thou makest both poore and rich, strong & weake. Thou sendest sicknes, and restorest health againe in thy good time. Thou gi∣uest life, and takest it away at thy pleasure. O Lord, whose maiestie and might no creature is able to with∣stand, neither in heauen, earth, or vnder the earth: Thou that hast made the Sea and the dry land, and all things therein contai∣ned: Thou that knowest
our weaknesse, and what metall wee bee made of: haue regard vnto the work∣manship of thy hands: Pierce the heauens, O Lord, and giue eare vnto our prayers, which with sorrowfull hearts, trickling teares, bowed knees, and vnfained lips we powre out before thy presence. We acknowledge (O Lord) our owne frailetie and vnwor∣thinesse, and how that all men liuing are but vanitie, euen as the grasse in the field, which to day flourish∣eth, and to morrow withe∣reth away, as the smoke in the furnace, the bubble in
the water, or the could that swiftly passeth away and is no more seene: So soone also fedeth away our time, and our yeeres come to an end. Thou onely (O Lord) knowest the number of our dayes, and appointest vs our bounds which we can∣not passe. We confesse (O most mercifull God) that wee haue sinned against heauen, and against thee, and are no more worthy to be called thy children, no nor to tread vpon the earth, or to haue the light of the Sunne to shine vpon vs: but rather to bee burned with fire, drowned in the
waters, swallowed vp of the earth, ouerwhelmed with mountaines, or deuoured with wilde beasts & fowles of the ayre. Our transgressi∣ons and sinnes are so great, so grieuous, and many in number, wherewithall wee haue and doe dayly offend thy Maiestie, both in thought, word, and deed, that our weake conscien∣ces being loden and bur∣thened with the remem∣brance of them, are afraid to approch into thy pre∣sence, for feare of thy wrath and iust iudgement. Yet (O Lord) forsomuch as thy mercy is aboue all thy
workes, and because thou art a gentle & pitifull God, long-suffering, and full of compassion, and wouldest not the death of a sinner, but rather that hee conuert and liue. We are there∣fore the bolder not of our selues, but in the name of thy deare Son Iesus Christ (with whom thou art well pleased) to call vpon thee for mercy and comfort: That it would please thee of thy gracious goodnes to forgiue and blot out of thy remembrance all our sinnes and wickednes, and neuer hereafter to impute them vnto vs. Regard not
(good Lord) our deserts which is death and damna∣tion, but be mindfull of thy louing promises in Iesus Christ our Sauiour, who in all temptations of the Di∣uell, the World, and the Flesh, is our onely Rocke, and sure stay and defence, and neuer shrinketh from those which be wrapped in woe and misery. Comfort (O Lord) this thy Seruant, vpon whom thou hast laid the scourge of sicknes, and rod of visitation, as a sure token and pledge of thy loue, and fatherly good wil towards him: for whom thou louest, those thou cor∣rectest,
not to destruction, but to amendment and sal∣uation. Thou hast promi∣sed, that wheresoeuer two or three are gathered to∣gether in thy name, thou wilt grant their requests. We (therefore thy humble seruants) here assembled according to thy blessed commandement, doe cry and call vpon thee with fer∣uant hearts, to be mercifull to this thine afflicted crea∣ture, that it would please thee eyther to release his smart and pain in thy good time, and so to restore him to his former health, or else to grant him aboundantly
the graces of thy holy Spi∣rit, that with patience and meeke mind he may abide such tryall, as it shall please thy godly Maiestie to lay vpon him: That neither the tyrannie of Satan, griefe of sicknes, loue of the world, terrour of hell, infirmitie of the flesh, remembrance of sinne, or feare of death, withdraw him from thee, and thy sweet promises in his Lord and Sauiour Iesus Christ, who came not for the iust, but to call sinners to repentance. So guide him (good Lord) by thy blessed Spirit in his great and last iourney, that pas∣sing
quietly all troubles of this transitorie world, and this painefull pilgrimage once ended, he may safely by thy mighty power bee conducted to the Hauen of continuall quietnes and rest, which is the Kingdom of Heauen, & there reigne with Abraham, Isaac, and Iacob, and all the holy com∣pany of Angels and Saints in perpetuall ioy and safe∣ty, which thou hast prepa∣red and promised for all thine elect children, and faithfull seruants from the beginning of the world. Grant this (O heauenly Fa∣ther) which wee haue
prayed for, in the behalfe of this thy poore and pen∣siue prisoner, and all other things necessarie for our saluation, and thy glory, through our Lord and Sa∣uiour Iesus Christ: In whose holy name, wee be∣seech thee from the bot∣tome of our hearts, saying, Our Father which art in Heauen, &c.
O God the Father of our Lord Iesus Christ, continue thy goodnes to∣wards vs vnworthy wret∣ches,
which do heere with contrite hearts, and bowed knees, appeale vnto the height of thy mercy: Be∣seeching thee (O Father) ••o to remember the con∣tempt and iniury thou hast receiued at our hands; but pardon our passed faults, and accept the pitifull Pas∣sion of thy deare Sonne, in full satisfaction of our transgression. Let his pre∣cious bloud wipe away, and wash all our filthines. Let his wounds heale the sores of our sinnes: and let the holy oblation of him∣selfe, present our prayers acceptable and blamelesse
before thy Maiestie. Let no sinne bee so great and grieuous in our eyes, that it plucke away hope of pardon: No offence so pon∣derous, that it may be ••••le to ouercome thy goodnes. All haue sinned, and haue neede of thy mercy, which thou offerest aboundantly to euery one that faithfully asketh the same of thee. Our wickednes (O Lord) cannot exceed thy merits. The greater the sinner is on whom thou bestowest thy compassion; so much the greater is thy glory. And therefore thou reioy∣cest more at the finding of
one lost sheepe which hath long gone astray, then ouer ninety and nine iust per∣sons which neede no re∣pentance. Thou art ready to meet and embrace with the armes of thy mercy the Prodigall Sonne, when he turneth homewards to∣wards thee, repenting his former folly, and humbly crauing thy mercy. There∣fore there is nothing better for man, then continually to consider thy great loue and fidelitie towards him: and contrariwise, his owne infidelitie and ingratitude towards thee: for the Diuel is so enuious towards thy
seruants, that hee omitteth no time in tempting them; yea, euen then, when they are about to repent and be∣waile their sins, he causeth them to doubt of their sal∣uation, to wauer in faith, and cloggeth their consci∣ences with the curse of the Law, and equitie of Gods iustice in punishing their sinne, that thereby they might neuer be at quietnes or rest in themselues; but straight fall into the dun∣geon of desperation. It is thou onely (O Lord) that canst heale their diseases, ease their burthen, cure their wounds, and refresh
their hungry spirits. Wher∣fore if at any time the Di∣uell mooue vs to doubt or despaire of Gods good∣nes and grace; yet let vs not faint in faith, or be hol∣low-hearted, but rather bee bold in the bowels of Iesus Christ, and with a sure confidence approch vnto the Mercy-Seat of God the Father, who accepteth the satisfaction of his Son, and alloweth the same to be a full ransome for all our sinnes; and by this meanes we may finde fauour at the hands of our heauenly Fa∣ther. Many examples wee haue to perswade vs herein.
The Woman of Canaan cryed, and her Daughter was cured. The Centuri∣on beleeued, and his Ser∣uant was made whole. The Father prayed, and his Sonne was clenfed of the foule spirit. The Apostles cryed out, Helpe Lord, for wee perish: and straight∣way they were deliuered. Christ perceiued but the Faith of the people; and he said to the sicke of the Palsie, Be of good cheere, my sonne, thy sinnes are forgiuen thee. The Mo∣ther and her companions doe but weepe, and her sonne is raised from death
to life. Martha and Mary did but mourne, and La∣zarus was reuiued. Mary the sinner sheadeth teares, and hee said vnto her, Thy sinnes be forgiuen thee. A poore blinde man cryed out, O Son of Dauid, haue mercy on me, and he recei∣ued his sight. The Thiefe hanging on the Crosse, said but onely, Lord remember me: and Christ answered, This day shalt thou be with me in Paradise. O singu∣lar Faith of sinners! what man hath at any time cried Iesu haue mercy on mee; but forthwith hee hath found fauour, & obtained
grace. A sure faith procu∣reth any thing at Gods hands; but he that mistrust∣eth the Physician, hindreth his owne health. Our Saui∣our Christ hath opened vnto vs the gate of his goodnes: therefore let not vs runne headlong to the dungeon of desperation, the dunghill of the Diuell. Hee hath stretched out his hand to vs; therefore let not vs turne away our face from him. He hath ope∣ned vnto vs the Kingdome of Heauen; therefore let not vs haste to destruction, nor creepe to the lake of vnhappinesse: but let vs by
these examples of Gods graces to others, acknow∣ledge the mercies of God to bee many and maruel∣lous towards man. For whose cause doth the Sun shine by day, the Moone and the Starres by night, but for man? For whose sake doth the Lord water the earth with deaw drops and showres of raine, but for man? Why blowe the Windes? Why runne the Riuers? Why spread the Springs? Why budde the Trees? Why growe the fruits of the earth? And why increase the fishes of the seas, but for the vse of
man? He is King and Lord of all creatures vnder the cope of heauen. There is nothing that God hath not made subiect to man, one∣ly hee would that man should bee obedient vnto him. Yet many times our mercifull God sendeth vs aduersitie, eyther to cleere vs of our transgressions, or to feare vs from sinne, or to minister occasion of well-doing. Thus was A∣braham tryed: So was Iob proued with many mise∣ries: Thus is euery one which liueth godly in Christ Iesus tryed in this world with sundry afflictions, as
the gold in the fire: for whom the Lord loueth, those he chasteneth.
Therefore (wee beseech thee, O Lord) assist vs by thy might and mercy, that we may patiently beare all trouble, neede, pouertie, sicknes, slander, hatred, im∣prisonment, griefe and an∣guish of minde, temptati∣ons of our deadly Enemy, losse of lands, and worldly wealth, and all other cala∣mities, and discommodi∣ties. Looke not on vs or our sins (O Lord) but be∣hold thy Little one which was borne for vs: He was wounded for our offences,
and by his stripes wee are healed. Hee gaue his body to be beaten, his cheekes to be striken for vs finners. He turned not away his face from them that scor∣ned him, & spit vpon him. Looke (O Lord) vpon all the parts of his body, from the crowne of his head, to the sole of his foote, and no paine shall bee found like vnto his paine.
Behold (O blessed Lord) the holy head of thy deare Sonne crowned with sharp Thornes, & the bloud run∣ning downe on his goodly visage.
Behold his tender body
how it is scourged, his na∣ked brest is stricken & bea∣ten, his bloudy side is thrust thorow with a speare, his heart panteth, his sinewes bee stretched forth, his christall eyes da∣zell and lose their sight, his princely face is wan and pale, his pleasant tongue is enflamed with paine, his inward parts waxe dry and starke, his armes both blue and blacke, his bones sore, his comely legges be fee∣ble and weake, and the streames of bloud gush out of his side downe to the ground. O Lord of mercy, and God of comfort, let all
these sufferings of thine on∣ly, and deare beloued Son pacifie thy wrath, and be a sufficient recompence for all our misdemeanour to∣wards thy Maiesty; defend vs outwardly by thy might, and cheere vs inwardly by thy holy Spirit, that we may both in body & soule glorifie thy Name, feare thy might, and loue thy mercy, and hereafter walke in thy wayes so long as the breath is in our bodies: And after that receiue vs body and soule into the heauenly Kingdome, for the tender Death and Pas∣sion of our Lord and Saui∣our
Iesus Christ: to whom with thee and the Holy Ghost, be all honour, pow∣er and praise, world with∣out end.
O Most mighty & mer∣cifull God, the Father of our Lord Iesus Christ, the Prince of power, and the God of all comfort and consolation, our strong Rocke, our sure refuge and defence against the damna∣ble and dangerous assaults
of our enemies both bodi∣ly and ghostly, which hast commanded vs in our greatest perils and necessi∣ties to flye vnto thee for safety, and boldly to call vpon thee for our deliuery: which also by thy diuine power, and vnsearchable wisedome hast made hea∣uen and earth, & all things therein contained; as An∣gels, Archangels, Men, Women, Children, the beasts of the field, the fishes in the Sea, the Fowles of the Ayre, and the Fruits of the Earth; which all were made at thy Word, and are subiect to thy power, to
vse at thy good will & plea∣sure, as seemeth best to thy Maiesty; whether it bee to honour or dishonour, sal∣uation, or condemnation. We entirely beseech thee of thy goodnes (O Lord) and that with sorrowfull hearts, trickling teares, wa∣tery cheekes, and groning spirits, to be mercifull vnto vs all here assembled, and to all thy people vexed with woe throughout the wide world: but especially at this present, we heartily desire thee to looke downe from heauen with the eyes of compassion and pitie vpon this thy creature and
workmanship of thy hands, who is now grieuously vex∣ed and tormented in mind. O Lord, enter not into iudgement with thy ser∣uants: for then no flesh can be saued in thy sight. We acknowledge (O Lord) that wee are miserable sinners, vnworthy to lift vp our eyes to heauen, or to gather vp the crums which fall from thy table. Yet notwithstan∣ding, wee humbly beseech thee (O deare Father) not to deale with vs according to our deserts, which is e∣uerlasting death, vtter shame and confusion, hell fire, perpetuall paine and
damnation: But according to thy accustomed clemen∣cy, take from vs all igno∣rance, hardnes of heart, des∣peration, and all the wyly suggestions and grieuous temptations of Satan our old enemy. Let not the Di∣uell (O Lord) nor any hel∣lish hound spoile thine in∣heritance, which thou hast bought with the price of the precious bloud of thy deare Sonne our Sa∣uiour Iesus Christ. Thou onely (O Lord) reignest in heauen in glory, in earth in mercy, and in hell in iudgement. Thou onely art the author of life & death,
sicknes and health, ioy and paine. It is thou which cast∣est downe to hell, and rai∣sest vp againe to heauen: yea, it is thou, and none o∣ther which giuest thy holy Spirit to bee a comfort to thine elect people, and sometimes troublest their minds with illusions and vanities; suffering Satan the roring Lyon, and his Ministers, to haue domini∣on for a time ouer them, as appeareth at this present by thy iust iudgement, de∣clared and inflicted vpon this comfortlesse cay••ife, thy poore prisoner, and af∣flicted creature, vnto the
great anguish and torment of his soule and body, to the discomfort of his wife, friends and kinsfolke, and to the terrour and feare of all that euer heare or see him in this wofull case.
O Lord, thy iudgements are deepe, and thy counsell vnsearchable, and vnwor∣thy are wee to know the counsels and secrets of the Highest: much lesse ought wee curiously to search to vnderstand the causes of this woe, and the occasion of this thy plague and grie∣uous crosse laid vpon this miserable man. Notwith∣standing, whether thou hast
thus visited him for his for∣mer sinnes, and by that meanes to call him to re∣pentance and amendment of life: or to exercise his faith by the tryall of thy iu∣stice, or for the terrour, and warning of all those that see or heare of him, that they may therby feare thy name, acknowledge thy power, auoid thy hea∣uy displeasure, repent their sinfull liuing, and call to thee betimes for mercie and grace; or else to the end to shew thy great might & glory vpon him, and so to signifie vnto all people that thou art God
alone, that rulest both hea∣uen and earth, that stayest the madnes of the people, and the furiousnes of the Fiend, or for what cause so euer it bee that thou hast laid thy heauy hand of iudgement vpon him. Yet wee humbly beseech thee (O Lord God) not of our selues, or for our selues, but in the bowels of thy deare Sonne Iesus Christ, whom thou hast made the Re∣demption of the world; to mitigate thy sury by tender mercy; asswage thy wrath, and stay thy heauy hand al∣ready begunne and conti∣nued in fraile flesh. Let
not the Diuell nor all the powers in hell tempt him, aboue that which hee shall be able through Christ his Sauiour to beare. O Lord, restore in him of thy good∣nes, whatsoeuer hath been decayed by the malice or suggestion of Satan, or by his owne frailtie and wic∣ked disposition, or by any his enemies, the flesh, world, Diuell, or sinne. We confesse vnto thee, O Lord, that sinne is rife in vs, the flesh is fraile, the world is wicked, and the Diuell is most malicious. O Lord God, among these so many and mischieuous enemies,
what shall we deuise to do? Whithershal we fly? There is no way with vs but one, wee must lift vp our eyes, our hands and our hearts vnto thee (O Lord:) Our help is from aboue, our victory proceedeth from thy grace and Throne of thy Maiestie: To heauen therefore wee lift vp both heart, hands, eyes, and all our powers; and vnto thee (O gracious Lord) we call and cry for helpe. Breake the heauens & come down (O Lord;) let our prayers pierce thine eares. Arise (O God) and scatter thine enemies and ours; stay the
race of Satan, thon that art the glory of Sion, and strength of Israel, take from him his weapons and har∣nesse, wherewith he goeth about to spoile thine Inhe∣ritance: Bruze and breake the head of Leuiathan that subtill Serpent, which seeketh nothing but our destruction. Weaken his force, disperse and con∣found all his politique pra∣ctices, whereby hee dayly goeth about to ouerthrow thy seeble flocke. Let not this ramping and roring Lyon deuoure vs, but chain him vp, and tye him short, halter and bridle his cruell
deuices, wherewithall hee worketh woe vnto thy ser∣uants and Saints, for he can doe nothing without thy permission: thou which rulest the raging of the Sea that it cannot passe her bounds, and hast Satan fet∣tered and fast bound in chaines, so that he cannot doe what hee would, but what pleaseth thee: for thy mercy hath conquered his cruelty to our great com∣fort. Thou hast comman∣ded vs to call vpon thee in the day of our trouble, and thou wilt deliuer vs, and we shall glorifie thee. Thou hast also promised in thy
holy Word, to grant our godly Petitions, saying vn∣to vs like a most louing Fa∣ther: Aske, and you shall haue: Seeke, and you shall finde: Knocke, and it shall be opened vnto you: We aske of thee with pensiue soules, and would gladly obtaine mercy and for∣giuenes of all our offences: We seeke, and would glad∣ly finde that which wee haue lost by our vnthanke∣fulnes and sinne: we knock at the gate of Grace, and will neuer cease knocking, vntill thou open vnto vs the bowels of compassion and pitie, and grant vs the
feeling of thy good graces, to the full satisfaction and quieting of our troubled spirits, & carefull conscien∣ces. Therefore O God the Father, God the Son, and God the holy Ghost, heare our prayers, and grant our humble requests, which with sobbing sighs & con∣trite hearts cry vnto thee for succour.
O Lord haue mercy vp∣on vs, haue mercy vpon vs, most mercifull Father: and for thy Sonne Iesus Christs sake, destroy not this afflicted creature in thy fury: suffer not this troubled and tormented
person to perish euerlast∣ingly. Take away from him (good Lord) this euill spi∣rit, and vilde affection, wherewithall he is grieued and turmoiled: and indue him with thy holy Spirit, which may comfort his af∣flicted Spirit, and frame his disposition heereafter to leade a godly conuersati∣on, and a quiet life: So that after the tryall and sharpe taste of this thy fearefull iudgement, he may make a godly and quiet end, and be deliuered from euerlast∣ing damnation and destru∣ction. O Lord, the mo and the greater his sinnes be; so
much the more shall thy might and mercy appeare in his deliuerance and re∣stauration. Thy mercy (O Lord) is aboue all thy workes, and thy power is wonderfull and inuincible. Thou diddest command the Diuels which were ve∣ry fierce in two persons (yea and so terrible, that no man might goe by that way where they were) to goe out of them into the Herd of Swine, insomuch that they were quiet at thy com∣mandement, where before they were bound with chaines and fetters, and no man could tame them, but
night and day they cryed in the Mountaines, and in the Graues, and strooke themselues with stones. Thou diddest also deliuer a man which was dumbe, and possessed with a Diuel, so that the people maruel∣led thereat. Thou (O Lord) with the eyes of compassi∣on and pitie diddest looke vpon the Woman of Ca∣naan, who cryed, saying, Haue mercy on mee, O Lord, the sonne of Dauid: my Daughter is miserably vexed with a Diuell: and her Daughter was made whole the same houre. Thou also haddest mercie
on the man that kneeled downe to thee, and said: Master, haue on pitie my Sonne, for hee is Lunatike and sore vexed: for often∣times hee falleth into the water, and oftentimes into the fire; and wheresoeuer the dumbe spirit taketh him, hee teareth him, and hee fometh, and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away: and as soone as the spirit saw thee (O Lord) he tare him, and he fell down to the ground, wallowing and foming. But thou (in∣continently) diddest re∣buke the vnclean spirit, and saidst vnto him; thou dumb
and deafe spirit, I charge thee come out of him, and enter no more into him: and presently he departed, and tooke his vltimum vale of him.
And many other times (O Lord) thou hast shewed as well thy might as mer∣cie, in deliuering the halt, the maymed, the dumbe, the blinde, the furious, the sicke, the Lepers, and the lunatike, and those which were possessed with Di∣uels, by the ministery of thy Apostles and true Disci∣ples. And thou hast more∣ouer commanded vs, say∣ing: Go into al the world,
preach the Gospell, heale the Sicke, comfort the Weake, raise the Dead, clense the Lepers, and cast out Diuels. Grant vnto vs thy deare children, and faithfull seruants, who are most earnest suters vn∣to thee at this present, that we may in like maner finde fauour in thy sight, so farre forth, as we may obtain our request at thy gracious hands, and haue our Petiti∣ons heard, and that by the power of thy Word, hear∣ty Prayer, and a true Faith in Christ Iesus, thou wilt put Satan to flight, destroy his Kingdome, and vtterly
extinguish all his suggesti∣ons, and dangerous temp∣tations: and so restore vn∣to this afflicted person heere present, his former health, senses, and vnder∣standing, for thy deare Son Iesus Christ his sake. Cre∣ate (O Lord) a new heart, and reuiue thy holy Spirit in him, that he do not blas∣pheme thy holy name; but rather take thy visitation patiently, and bee content to submit himselfe to thy good will and pleasure: So that come life, come death, come sicknes, come health, come ioy, come pain, both he and wee and the whole
world may magnifie and extoll thy blessed Name in all actions: and as our bounden duty is, dayly and hourely giue thee honour and praise for thy great goodnes and mercies to∣wards vs, through our Lord and Sauiour Iesus Christ.
O Lord God of Hosts, most mighty and ter∣rible, our guide and graci∣ous Gouernour, whose iudgements and mercy are
dayly and diuersly shewed vnto vs heere on earth, whose praise the Angels and Saints aboue extol and magnifie; whose power the Diuels themselues are for∣ced to acknowledge and feare, & whose voice both windes and raging Seas do obey: Thou most mighty and eternall God, from whom proceedeth blessing, and cursing; mercy, and iudgement; health, and sicknes: Mercy to the pe∣nitent and godly, iudge∣ment without mercy to the Reprobate and wicked. Thou it is which renuest thy plagues against man
when hee offendeth, whose vengeance from heauen is so sodaine and fearefull to∣wards the rebellious and disobedient, that for one sinne in Dauid, thou did∣dest destroy with the loth∣some disease of the Pesti∣lence, many thousands of his people: Cast thine eyes of mercy vpon vs (O thou preseruer of men) which languish in this Land with the same diseases and sick∣nes: Where not Dauid one∣ly hath offended in trust∣ing to his strength, but eue∣ry Congregation, and eue∣ry houshold hath not one way, but many wayes pro∣uoked
thee to plague so vn∣godly and vngracious a people: and now that the doore of thy store-house is open, and thy plagues ap∣peare: wee see we haue of∣fended, and wee sorrow at the sight of our sinnes.
Now wee consider wee haue offended grieuously, we haue done amisse, wee haue dealt wickedly, wee haue liued vngodly, wee haue swarued from the way of Truth without any god∣ly feare, or remorse of con∣science: Thy benefits of peace, health, and wealth, haue brought too too ma∣ny of vs to such securitie
and contempt of Religion, that we abuse thy blessings as fast as thou powrest them vpon vs: Our thoughts, words, and workes are vaine, carnall and diuelish: The fruits of the flesh haue ouergrowne the force of the Spirit; Faith faileth, sinne hath gotten the vpper hand, and our reason is so ouer-ruled with affections, that few are found settled in a dutifull forme of vp∣right and spirituall obedi∣ence. Wherefore we con∣fesse, thou mightest iustly forsake vs, as wee forsake thee, and not only proceed to sting the whole body of
this Land with sundry Plagues and Diseases; but also for our sins condemne vs most iustly to eternall death: whose consciences are so guilty, that they con∣demne our selues. And yet for all this, thy mercy is vn∣measurable towards the humble and penitent, though once thou spakest to Ieremy against thine owne people being diso∣bedient to thee, saying: Though Moses and Samuel stood before mee, yet haue I no heart (or affection) vn∣to this people: Cast them out of my sight, and let them de∣part, some vnto Death, some
to the Sword, some to Famine, and some to Captiuitie. This people was in a pitiful case, and we are more miserable and sinfull, and haue defer∣ued a more heauy hand of thy iudgement to bee laid vpon vs. Notwithstanding (O Lord) wee humbly be∣seech thee to deale with vs in mercy, stay thy hand, and bid thine Angell cease from punishing: Looke with a cheerefull counte∣nance vpon thy people: Blesse vs (O heauenly Fa∣ther) within and without: Be thou our guard, thy Word our guide, thy Spi∣rit our comfort, and thy
Sonne our Sauiour. Stay by vs continually, hold vs vp by thy right hand strongly, and direct vs by thy counsell wisely. So shall we be inwardly comforted, though the world con∣spire, Satan rore, the wic∣ked rise vp against vs; yea, though the earth bee mo∣ued, the pillars of heauen shake, the Sea rage, plagues fall, & all creatures frowne: Yet shall not wee eyther feare, tremble, or bee dis∣mayed with any boisterous blast of aduersitie, so long as we trust in thee, leane to thee, serue thee, and rest vpon thee, as our strong
Rocke: for thou art migh∣ty in the heate of iudge∣ment, and yet mercifull in the middest of miseries. Haue pitie therefore vpon vs most miserable sinners, mitigate thy fury, asswage our pain, release our smart, and pardon our passed faults. Wee confesse (O deare Father) that wee of our selues are the cause of our owne woe, and prouo∣kers of this thy plague and grieuous punishmēt which is fallen vpon vs most wor∣thily. Yea, our owne dete∣stable deeds committed a∣gainst thy sacred will, our obstinate pride, in time of
plenty, our securitie in time of health; our vnthankeful∣nes towards thy goodnes, in time of prosperitie; our contempt of thy Word dayly read and preached vnto vs, did threaten long before this thy rodde and scourge of sicknes, or some greater iudgement.
Our continuall transgres∣sions; as our Idlenes, Wan∣tonnesse, Whoredome, Drunkennesse, Gaming, Swearing, Swilling, Slan∣dering, Stealing, Fighting, Quarrelling, Polling, Pil∣ling, Vsurie, Extortion and Oppression of the poore; our Bribery, Couetousnes,
Defrauding of the Wid∣dow and Fatherlesse, with a huge heape moe of such like vices, haue beene the causes of this our miserie and smart, which now wee feele to our torment and griefe, and haue mooued thee the holy One of Israel to powre out the fearefull cup of thy wrath and ven∣geance vpon vs, which thy iustice doth craue, and wee dayly deserue. Neuerthe∣lesse (deare Father of mer∣cie) though wee haue through our sinnes shewed our selues enemies vnto thee, and vessels of thy wrath, and vnworthy to
pray vnto thee with our lying lips, and polluted mouthes, much lesse to ob∣tain our suites at thy hands. Yet (most mercifull Father) we beseech thee be fauou∣rable vnto vs, in shewing thy mercy vnto vs that are miserable: For, if thou O Lord, doest strictly marke what is done amisse among men, and wilt retaine our iniquitie: O Lord, who shall then be able to abide it, or to stand in thy sight? Verily no flesh, no not the iustest man that liueth this day vpon the face of the earth.
Therefore (O Lord) wee
returne to thee with our hearts, and come home with the Prodigall Sonne, although late at night, re∣penting the rude race wee haue runned, and being heartily sorrie for the lewd life we haue led: we pro∣strate our selues, and fall downe flat to the ground before the Throne of thy Grace; beseeching thee as our tender and pitifull Fa∣ther, to embrace vs with the armes of mercy and compassion, to turne away thy face from our lothsome sinnes, and blot out of thy remembrance our former offences. Reuiue (O Lord)
our sorrowfull & penitent spirits after the time of our try all; comfort our carefull and contrite hearts, for giue vs our trespasses: Turne to vs in thy mercy, which re∣turne to thee from sinne; direct our wayes hereafter in the workes of thy com∣mandements; increase our Faith, and make these thy iudgements and grie∣uous plagues, which thou hast worthily inflicted vp∣on vs for our wickednes, be a caueat and warning blow vnto vs hereafter, that wee neuer fall againe to our former folly, nor heape vpon our owne heads thy
wrath and vengeance, lest a worse thing happen vnto vs: but that this our cha∣sticement may worke in our mindes true and vn∣fained repentance: So that when thy heauenly hand shall slake from the execu∣tion of thy iust iudgement, when thy wrath is appea∣sed, and wee safely deliue∣red, acquitted, and dis∣charged of this misery wherein we are now wrap∣ped, we may indeed amend that which is amisse in vs, tread Satan vnder our feet, contemne the world, mor∣tifie the lusts of the flesh, crucifie the whole body of
sinne, and as new-borne Babes shew our selues hereafter more thankefull for thy benefits powred vp∣on vs in most plentifull manner: as for our health, wealth, tranquillitie and li∣bertie; the preaching of thy Gospell; the true know∣ledge of thy will reuealed in thy Word; the outward peace of our bodies, and the inward comfort of our soules: All which graces, with many moe, wee haue enioyed a long time in more ample manner, then any other People or Nati∣on vnder heauen. O Lord, wee humbly beseech thee,
continue thy good bles∣sings towards vs thine vn∣worthy & vnthankefull ser∣uants; & grant that thy ho∣ly Name may be so glori∣fied hereafter, in all our thoughts, words, and workes, during this transi∣torie life; that in the end when thou hast wrought thy will with vs, we may raigne with thee and al the holy company of heauen in the life euerlasting. Grant also (deare Father) relaxa∣tion, and release of thy plagues and punishments vnto this thine afflicted towne of and to all other countries, townes,
houses, and people which be in the like calamity and distresse, for the loue and precious Passion of Iesus Christ our Lord and Sa∣uiour, in whose blessed name wee bow the knees both of our soules and bo∣dies, and humbly prostrate our selues heere before the Throne of thy glorious Maiesty, praying vnto thee as he hath taught vs, and saying, Our Father, which art in Heauen, &c.
THe third thing pertai∣ning to a good Pastor, is his godly counsell or ad∣monition: as for example,
Good Brother, you must now in this time of Gods visitation, call to minde your former life: The more vicious and faultie you haue beene, the deeper you ought to sigh and grone in spirit for your offences: and whereinsoeuer you haue displeased God, consider, that amendment of life to come, and repentance for
your sinnes past, is the way and meanes to become friends with him, and to be at peace in your owne conscience. But this re∣pentance may not bee in mouth outwardly, but inwardly in simplicitie of heart, continually detesting that which is euill, and ar∣dently louing that which is good and acceptable to God: And so though vn∣worthy of your selfe, you may be accepted of God, by faith in his beloued Sonne, with whom the Fa∣ther is well pleased; but with vs and our vnrighte∣ousnes, he cannot bee but
highly displeased: it is good therefore to acknow∣ledge and confesse your sinne to God, and to sub∣mit your selfe to his Maie∣stie, by true conuersion and sorrow of heart, with an inward griefe and lothing of those sinnes, which be∣fore you tooke pleasure in; and crauing of mercy and pardon at his hands whom you haue so often offen∣ded. So did Dauid the King; so did the poore Publican knocke at the doore of his heart, and be∣ing pressed and ouerwhel∣med with sorrow, he cryed: Lord be mercifull vnto me a
sinner. So we, spare vs, O Lord, spare thy people. And this must be done in time, euen now presently: For now is that acceptable time. Now is the Day of saluation, Now is the Day of hearing.
Christ lamented the state of Ierusalem, because shee knew not the times of her visitation. Therfore (good brother) apply this plaister to your sore: you are now visited of God by sicknesse, it is now your time to call your sins to remembrance, defer it not, but watch for your saluation offered: they say, warned men may liue. Ierusalem warnes you, sick∣nes
warnes you, your gray head warnes you, your friends warne you, I warne you, and God warnes you in his Word to repent, to renounce this world, to watch for your deliuery, to look for your redemption, and to haue your conuersa∣tion in heauen, from whence you looke for a Sauiour, euen the Lord Iesus Christ.
The fiue foolish Virgins would not watch, but slept and slumbred, and there∣fore had heauen gates shut vp against them. The dores were opened, but they were not ready with their Lamps burning, but were
taken napping in their se∣curity and sinne.
Therefore, they may now knock, and thumpe, and cry, and call as loud as they can, and yet they shall ne∣uer be heard, it is but lip-la∣bour, all is in vaine. The time was, but it neuer shall be againe: Mercy was offered, which being refused, Iu∣stice must take place. Such examples are set downe for our instruction; and happy is that man which can take heede by other mens harmes. If Gods iudge∣ment cannot feare vs to forsake sinne, yet his mercy should moue vs, and leade
vs by the hand to warch and be carefull for our sal∣uation: for God pitieth vs, his Angels fauour vs, his benefits prouoke vs, yea all his creatures, Sunne, Moone and Starres, Hea∣uen & earth do admonish vs, and should prouoke vs to beware, to watch and ward for our saluation: They cry continually, Re∣pent and amend. The short∣nes of our time may moue vs hereunto. Wee see by dayly experience, to day a man, to morrow none, he that liueth the longest, his race is soone finished & ended: and that made Iob to say,
Man hath but a short time to liue, and in that time he is subiect to many miseries, as pouerty, slaunders, per∣secutions, blindnesse, lame∣nesse, oldnesse, coldnesse, trouble and sicknesse: All these molestations and thousands mo warne vs, by course to beware that wee runne right. Let vs there∣fore (good Brother) tuck vp our garments, and pre∣pare our selues for the life to come; for the time of our departing is at hand. That little time that remaineth, let vs bestow it in the ser∣uice of God, and not of the deuill: Let vs not walke
with the wicked in the wide way that leadeth to dam∣nation, but rather keepe company with the seruants of God, and walke in the narrow way with them; though it be painefull and cumbersome for a while, yet it is comfortable in the end; when wee shall haue our recompence with the righteous, then shall death bee welcome to vs, which now is shunned of the most; then the Day of Iudgement shall lighten our hearts, when it shall load the conscience of the impenitent sinner; we may then with comfort lift vp
our heads and heartes, when the vngodly may hang them downe, and be ashamed to looke either God or man in the face. I would to God all men would remember this day of reckoning and reward; then if loue of saluation could not make vs do well, yet feare of damnation would somewhat bridle and stay vs from doing e∣uill. It would mooue the rich to pitty the poore, the Vsurer and Extortioner to restore their euill gotten goods with iust Zacheus: the Land-lord not to cut his Tenants throat, by ma∣king
him and al he hath, his bondslaues: for those wick∣ed worldings which will not now bee drawne to re∣pentance by hearing, shall then bee tormented both body and soule by feeling, when they shall bee taken tardie in their sinnes, ap∣prehended, accused, indi∣ted, and arraigned at the Barre of Gods Tribunall Iudgement Seat; where the vngodly shall not bee able to stand, much lesse to answere their crime, when Gods sword is drawne rea∣dy to strike and take ven∣geance; at that day no in∣treaty will take place, nor
prayer bee heard either of men or Angels in their be∣halfe: for all the creatures of God shall refuse to doe them seruice at their death, because they refused to do God seruice in their life; and for that occasion they shall heare & see all things cry vengeance vpon them: nothing in heauen or earth to minister comfort, but ra∣ther cause of griefe and horror: let this geere en∣ter into your braine be∣time (good brother) and let it pearce your heart now in your life time; for af∣ter death you shall haue no time to repent and turne to
God, neither is there then any mercy to be hoped for at his hands, but a fearefull looking for the sentence of Gods iust iudgement: Goe yee cursed into euerlasting fire, &c. Then they may yell, houle and cry, and yet neuer finde grace, after Gods curse hath once ta∣ken place: All their mirth shall then bee turned to mourning, their honour to shame, their pleasure to paine, their wealth to woe, and their delicate fare on earth, to the bitter torments of hell, where they shall re∣maine for euer in darke∣nesse and perpetuall paine.
This shall be the portion of the vngodly: whereas contrariwise the righteous shal be shrouded vnder the wings of Gods mercy, and safely preserued from those tortures by the bloud of the Lambe: the Angels shall gard them, the Saints shall imbrace them, the heauens receiue them, and the plea∣sures of the Celestiall Para∣dise shall replenish them with vnspeakable ioy & con∣tinuall comfort: therefore let vs prepare our selues for that Day of reward: per∣haps it is neerer then wee are aware: let vs haue con∣tinually in our mindes the
ioyes of heauen, and the paines of hell: let the one mooue vs to loue God, the other to feare him, lest wee be damned with the wick∣ed. Let vs turne to the Lord betime: Let vs promise, & perform; for many promise in their woe, that which they soone forget whē they wax wanton. They are then secure, they dreame of a dry Summer, as the rich Cormorant did, which for∣getting God, and wallow∣ing in worldly wealth, cast away all care of doing his duty, and said, Soule, thou hast much goods laid vp for many yeeres, liue at ease, eate,
drinke, and take thy pastime. Oh, iolly Gentleman, this fellow is now in his ruffe: but behold a cooling card! the Lord answered againe, and that speedily and rea∣dlly, O foole, this night will they setch away thy soule from thee: whose then shal thy goods bee that thou hast prouided?
It is wisedome therefore for man to prouide for God, & then God will pro∣uide for him. Therefore (good brother) I beseech you in the bowels of Iesus Christ, repent, and correct your selfe betime, reforme your manners and behaui∣our by the rule of Gods
Law, that you may auoid the curse thereof, and bee preserued and saued: that when Iesus Christ shall come to his Iudgement from the highest heauens, in power and Maiesty, ac∣companied with his holy Angels and Saints, you may meete him with a ioy∣full heart, and obtaine the crowne of glory and victo∣ry, which is the reward of Gods children: and so reigne with that righteous Iudge, in perpetuall peace. continuall comfort, and endlesse ioy: which God grant to you and mee, and all that loue his comming, Amen.
And that wee may the better performe the Pre∣mises, let vs in all our acti∣ons set these foure things before our eyes, that is, the Day of Death, the Day of Doome, that Condemnati∣on of the wicked, and the Saluation of the godly.
To the wicked and dam∣ned sort, death is misera∣ble, Gods Iudgements ter∣rible, and their paine into∣lerable: To the godly and such as shal be saued, death is pleasant, iudgement comfortable, and their ioy perpetuall: therefore it is better betime to repent & reforme our selues with the
godly, then to driue off from day to day, with the wicked, which neither by Gods mercy nor iudge∣ment will bee drawne to a∣mendment, but neglect all meanes and occasions: and there is no better time, nor fitter occasion to prepare our selues to our end, then when we feele Gods heauy hand laid vpon vs by any kinde of crosse, sicknesse, or other visitation; for ther∣by God giueth vs friendly warning to make our selues in a readinesse, and to giue ouer the world: and happy man is hee (whosoeuer hee bee) which forsaketh sinne,
before sinne forsake him, and that giueth ouer the world, before the world giue him ouer: for when wee haue discharged our selues of this world, and this world shall be dischar∣ged of vs, then we haue the greatest account of all to reckon for: Therefore (my deare brother) that fearest God and beleeuest in him, while thou art now chasti∣sed with sicknes and paine, and perceiuest death to ap∣proach, bestur your selfe betime, follow Christ at foote, prostrate your selfe before him, fall downe flat on the earth, deny your
selfe, acknowledge your sin, trust in him, neuer giue o∣uer, cry and call aloud, Mi∣serere mei, Domine, miserere mei: i. Haue mercy on me, O Lord, haue mercy on mee, Cry with the Cana∣nite: O sonne of Dauid, haue mercy on me: and at length he will looke back, take pit∣ty vpon you, forgiue you your sinnes, and receiue you to his mercy.
Let the innocent Lamb of God be an example vn∣to you herein: for Christ himselfe in his extreme a∣gony, when his sweat was like drops of bloud trick ling downe to the ground,
yet hee prayed earnestly to haue his Fathers Will ful∣filled. So must you do, that is now weake and feeble in body bee feruent in spirit, renounce the wicked world, with all the vanities there∣in, tread them vnder your feete, Sursum cor, Lift vp your heart to God, medi∣tate vpon heauenly things, for it is high time: Be∣hold, the Sonne of GOD your mercifull Redeemer, that sweat water and bloud for your sinnes, behold him sitting on the right hand of his Father, making interces∣sion for you, ioyne your selfe to him, pray vnto God
feruently in his name, and say as he himselfe did in the anguish of his Spirit heere on earth; Father, into thy hands I commend my Spirit. Thou hast redeemed mee, O Lord God of truth, Lord haue mercy vpon me, and forgiue me my sins. Sweet Iesu, receiue my soule into thy Kingdome, &c.
I beseech you (gentle Brother) thinke vpon my words in my absence, and continue in this minde, ha∣uing a firme faith in Christ Iesus, euen to your end.
And withall, take in good part this my friendly ad∣monition: Let it worke in
your heart true repen∣tance to saluation, and if you doubt any thing tou∣ching your beliefe, life or Religion, or any other pri∣uate causes that may in some sort trouble your con∣science: I pray you let mee resolue you, and I will doe my endeuour to satisfie you therein, so far forth as may tend to your saluation and comfort, which I hear∣tily wish in Christ Iesus: And so for this time I leaue you, committing you to the tuition of him that is a∣ble to saue you.
THe fourth duety of the Pastour is, to comfort the sick in all their distresse, danger and feare, with sen∣tences, examples, and per∣swasions out of the Word of God, especially toward their end.
I purpose not to speake
much of eyther, for if I did, I should but make the vo∣lume of this book to large, and so cause the Printer to waste paper, to his further charges, and my greater paines, and yet say nothing but that which is set downe already by those that are better learned then my self, and haue troden the way before mee. Therefore ha∣uing partly touched the same in my Questions, I wil only adde these few lines following, touching both for example sake.
It is an old rule in Phy∣sick: Take away the cause, and the effect is taken away
with it. Vnderstand there∣fore (good Brother) that the causes why men so much feare death, be ma∣ny, according to the mul∣titude of men and their manners.
The first cause is, for that [unspec 1] by death they lose many commodities and plea∣sures, which in their life time they did long enioy, and haue great delight therein; as wife, children, parents, friends, lands, li∣uings, possessions, sumptu∣ous houses, buildings, worldly honours, offices & dignities. All these and such like, be call-backs, and
dayly coueted while life lasteth, and yet dreadfull death dispatcheth vs of all these delights euen at a blow: this is the feare of worldlings.
Secondly, we feare death, [unspec 2] because of weakenesse, dis∣eases and bitter torments, which are the forerunners, warners, and messengers of death: This is the feare of the flesh.
The third cause why men [unspec 3] feare death, is, incredulity or lack of faith in Christ. This is the feare of consci∣ence, and proceedeth of ig∣norance, or lack of know∣ledge in the Scriptures,
whereof our faith is groun∣ded.
The fourth cause why [unspec 4] we feare death, is, the dan∣ger of eternall damnation both of body and soule in hell fire. This is the inward feare of the spirit.
But to bee short, one comfortable blast of Gods spirit, will extinguish and driue all these terrours quite away from vs, euen as the winde doth driue away the thick clowds or mists, which do separate vs from the light and sight of the Sunne.
First therefore, for the [unspec 1] losse of the world, and all
the drosse therein, it is in∣deede no losse, but gaine to those that by death enioy the company of God & his Angels in heauen, where they shall be immortall and incorruptible; freed from all carnall desires and diseases of the body, and deliuered from all sorrow and trouble of minde: no losse therefore to the godly that haue gai∣ned Christ, but to the wick∣ed worldlings that haue lost their riches and plea∣sures here, & in stead therof possesse perpetuall paines elsewhere, to them it shall bee said: Looke how much pleasure they haue had, and
giue them so much torment.
Secondly, touching the [unspec 2] feare of sicknesse, the more paine wee suffer heere, the more like wee are to our Master Christ, & the grea∣ter shall bee our reward in heauen: In the meane time, let vs be of good comfort, for he that smiteth, healeth, and hee that sendeth trou∣ble, sendeth strength.
Thirdly, against incre∣dulity [unspec 3] or distrust, wee must desire of God to increase our faith, that wee may be∣leeue the Scriptures, and take pleasure therein: for ignorance will not excuse vs, now that the candle is
lighted and not hid vnder a bushell, but openly reuei∣led to the wide world, and that to the comfort and sal∣uation of euery one that beleeueth: for the know∣ledge of Gods Law, and the Gospell, are necessary to our saluation: the rea∣sons be diuers.
The one doth feare vs.
The other doth comfort vs.
The Law vttereth sinne.
The Gospell forgiueth it.
The Law maketh weake.
The Gospell maketh strong.
The Law killeth.
The Gospell quicken∣eth.
The Law throweth down to hell.
The Gospel lifteth vp to heauen.
Fourthly, against the [unspec 4] feare of damnation, when Satan layeth the Law hard to our charge, threatning thereby death and damna∣tion: Let vs answere him with the Gospell, which bringeth life and saluation. Let vs haue a grounded and stedfast faith fixed in Christ Iesus our Sauiour, who hath vanquished and destroyed all our deadly e∣nemies, as the flesh, the
world, damnation, punish∣ment, dangers, sin, death, deuill and hell.
Be at vtter defiance with them all, & say boldly with the Apostle S. Paul, It is God that iustifieth, who then can condemne? and againe, God shall shortly tread downe Satan vnder your feete, &c.
If you beleeue this, and apply it right to your soule, you may then cheerefully dye, and on your dying day sing and say that merry note, to your great comfort and ioy, viz. I desire to bee loosed, and to be with Christ.
This was the marke that the blessed Apostle Saint
Paul did ayme at, all his life long; and therefore re∣ioycing in heart, hee saith, towards the end of his course,
I am now ready to be offe∣red, and the time of my depar∣ture is at hand. I haue fought [unspec 7] a good battell, I haue finished my course, I haue kept the [unspec 8] faith: from henceforth there remaineth for me a crowne of righteousnesse, which the Lord a iust Iudge shall giue me at that day, not onely vn∣to mee, but to all those that loue his comming. This made Stephen that faithfull witnesse of his Master Christ, (seeing the glory of
God) constantly to call vp∣on him, and say in his grea∣test torment of body, Lord Iesu, receiue my spirit. These men and many mo such like, haue willingly yeelded their necks to the block, their bodies to torment, & their soules to God, and boldly to depart out of the miseries of this world, em∣bracing the counsell of the wise man: who saith, Feare not the iudgment of death, re∣mēber them that haue bin be∣fore thee, and that come after: this is the ordinance of the Lord ouer all flesh.
And why wouldest thou be against the pleasure of the
most Highest? whether it be tenne, or an hundreth, or a thousand yeeres, there is no defence for life against the graue. No striuing against the streame, no resisting a∣gainst death.
But (alas) what meaneth this? There is nothing that men so often behold as death, and nothing that men so soone forget as death. As men ought not to bee carelesse of their fi∣nall end: so they ought not to feare death, especially if they haue liued in the feare of God; for seeing all must dye, wherefore should the godly be afraid of Bugges?
what a foole is he that will feare his owne shadow? what good will it doe vs, either to complaine or la∣ment for that thing which by no meanes wee can e∣scape?
Tell me, if thou canst, with all thy skill, what man is he aliue, that breatheth vpon the earth, that shall liue vn∣till hee bee an hundreth yeeres old? or, what one canst thou name for thy life, with whom thou hast beene acquainted an hun∣dreth yeeres sithens? crack me this Nut, reade me this Riddle, Et eris mihi magnus Apollo: that is, I wil account
thee as a God for thy skill. Seeing then that our life is both short and vncertaine, and that these things are generall to all, and not to thee or to me alone; Why should we not in good fel∣lowship taste of the same sawce, and drinke of the same cup one after ano∣ther, and that without feare or grudging, as all our pre∣decessors haue done? Let vs yeeld our pampred bo∣dies to the earth, and our sinfull soules to the tryall of iustice: for so haue the god∣ly alwayes done, they ac∣count the world to be but a Race, a Vale of miseries,
and a paineful Pilgrimage, and therefore they couet to haue the course of this life finished, they waite conti∣nually for the good houre, looking after death for a ioyfull resurrection. And of this hope they haue the sweete and comfortable Testimony of Gods Spirit within them, as a gage or pledge of their saluation, which will neuer forsake them, vntill it haue presen∣ted them before the Ma∣iesty of God, as heires and coheires with Iesus Christ of his heauenly Kingdome, purchased for vs with his owne bloud, wherein our
soules and filthy bodies are sprinkled and thorowly washed. What a comfort is this to a Christian heart? What neede a man thus minded to feare death after this life, any more then the laboring man (after he hath toyled sore al the day long) neede to feare sleepe and his quiet rest at night? No, no, hee may rather with a cheerefull conscience wish for death, because as Christ saith, He shall passe frō death to life.
Let vs therefore (good Christian Brother) so liue with Christ, that we may dye in him; and let vs so
glorifie him in this life by our godly conuersation, that wee may bee glorified of him in the life to come, to our comfort and saluati∣on. The best remedy to a∣uoid this friuolous feare of death, is to repent our for∣mer sinnes, and hereafter to apply our selues to liue in his true seruice and feare.
So that first wee may fi∣nish [unspec 1] our life heere, and dye well.
Secondly, that wee may receiue at Gods hands in [unspec 2] the resurrection of the iust, a comfortable and merci∣full iudgement.
Thirdly, that we may a∣uoid [unspec 3] the horrible paines of hell which are intolerable.
Fourthly and finally, that [unspec 4] we may be partakers of the life euerlasting, and vn∣speakeable ioyes of hea∣uen: which God vouchsafe to grant vnto vs for his Christs sake, our Redee∣mer and mercifull Sauiour,
IT is most certaine (good Brother) that when wee lye sick in the pangs of death, then presently our
sinnes committed against the holy Will and Com∣mandement of God, doe present themselues vnto vs, rushing in vpon vs with great violence: Then wee can behold nothing but Gods Iudgement aboue vs, hell beneath vs, damna∣tion before vs, and our sins within vs; then there is no∣thing but feare, trembling, and horror on euery side vs. All our enemies are now gathered together to assault vs with sorrow and heauines: now we had need of a strong faith and a good courage in this case: for no doubt, our old enemy
Satan will now play his part in tempting of vs; hee will with boldnesse present vnto vs all the sinnes wee haue committed all our life time, hee will heape toge∣ther whole VVain-loads of our trespasses in great a∣bundance, to the end, to dash vs out of counte∣nance with God, and to make vs doubt of Gods mercy, and so to fall to des∣peration; heere now wee stand in more need of god∣ly counsell and comfort, then euer we did in all our life time: wee are now put to our plunge, and forced to seeke shifts, for Satan
will then presse silly soules with feare and perplexity, that they cannot tell how to winde themselues out of his clawes, he will make of euery mole-hill, a moun∣taine; of a Flye, an Ele∣phant; and of euery light sinne, a deepe wound in our conscience, which breedeth such hurly-burly within vs, that we can be at no rest with our selues: when it it is day, we wish for night, and when it is night, we would haue it day our meat doth vs no good, our sleepe is vnsound, our heart cannot bee merry, sorrow ouerwhelmeth vs, all com∣fort
forsaketh vs, there is no ioy nor pleasure in the world that can delight vs. And thus the Deuil, which before allured vs vnto sin, writeth vp all in his booke, and in the time of danger, or towards our death, when hee commeth to ac∣cuse, hee will bring the whole reconing, and then turne all our former plea∣sure into present paine; then the pearcing sting and wofull worme of our con∣science pricketh and biteth vs in such fearefull sort, that many men haue beene for∣ced euen openly with trem∣bling flesh and sorrowfull
soules to cry out of their sins: now thē being broght to this wofull case, what is to be done? The next way is, to seeke for remedy; when wee lack our bodily health, and are pained with sicknesse, we straight∣way post, yea we runne and we ride with all speede vn∣to a Physician, we let for no labour, we spare no cost to procure medicines, and re∣medies for our earthly bo∣dies: why doe wee not then with like diligence seek out remedies against the noy∣some diseases and infecti∣ons of the soule, being much more grieuous and
more dangerous then these of the body?
Now therefore (deare Brother) to apply these words to the comfort of your carefull conscience, and wearisome body, be∣ing afflicted inwardly, and pained outwardly: Are you desirous of saluation? would you willingly dye in Gods fauour? would you bee receyued into his hea∣uenly Tabernacle? do you desire to bee blessed with old Iacob? And do you co∣uet to be a Citizen of the heauenly Ierusalem? then giue eare and take good heed vnto such cōfortable
counsell, as by Gods gift and grace I shall minister vnto you.
First, prostrate your selfe before the diuine Maiesty of God: Let your sinne be a griefe vnto you, but let it not grieue you to confesse it: for of all other things, our sinnes doe bite the soa∣rest, and pearce our soules the deepest, because they are aggrauated with all the threatnings of Gods ven∣geance, which maketh vs loth to haue them search∣ed or knowne to the world, or any way touched by the Word; we had rather haue them plaistred with sweete
promises, and bathed in the mercies of God, where∣as it is more safe to haue them pricked and made manifest by the rigour of the Law, although it bring both shame and blame.
Therefore (my good Brother) if you bee asha∣med of your selfe, and of your sinne (as all men may be) yet for all that, be nei∣ther abashed or ashamed to acknowledge it and craue pardon. If you see no worthinesse in your self, but the world accusing you without, and your owne conscience within, yet des∣paire not vtterly, but lift vp
your eyes to heauen, and there behold Iesus Christ your Sauiour, sitting on the right hand of God, as a Mediatour, making inter∣cession for you to his hea∣uenly Father: he was a Sauiour on earth, so he re∣maineth in heauen. Iesus Christ yesterday, and to day, the same also is for euer.
Yesterday, he called to sin∣ners, & said: Come vnto me, all yee that are weary and la∣den, & I wil ease you. And to day hee cryeth and calleth in like maner, and will do to the worlds end: Yesterday he said, I came not to call the iust, but sinners to repentance.
And to day hee saith the same. Yesterday he forgaue ten thousand Talents to one debter; his arme is not shortned to day, he is the same God he was. Yester∣day he forgaue the prodi∣gall sonne, his sinne in lea∣ding a lasciuious and lewde life, and to day he doth the like to many moe.
Yesterday hee forgaue Peter his periury, Paul his blasphemy, the sonnes of Zebede their pride, Mary Magdalene her whoore∣dome. As hee was a merci∣full Christ yesterday, so he is to day, and will bee to morrow. Yesterday hee
came to saue sinners, and to day he comes to saue, & to morrow he will come, and for euer hee will not reiect them, if they repent.
Therefore, Satan, what canst thou say, or alledge a∣gainst mee? or how darest thou presume to charge me or any one of Gods Elect? If God will saue, thou canst not condemne: If Christ will shew mercy, I defie thy cruelty.
It may bee, thou wilt ob∣iect against mee, and say, These are particular exam∣ples, and they became holy men afterward. This ma∣keth nothing for you, but
against you: you are no such man, neither are you to expect such mercy. But I say vnto thy teeth, Satan, Thou art and hast beene a lyar from the beginning. Gods VVord and his pro∣mise are stablished in Hea∣uen. And this one sentence is sufficient to comfort me, and conuince thee: Iesus Christ yesterday, to day, and the same also for euer: Al∣wayes one and the same, he cannot deny himselfe: he is mercy it selfe; by nature mercifull; by office merci∣full; in his life mercifull; in his death mercifull. Hee is no changeling: I may
change, the world may change, but he is immuta∣ble, and cannot change. He still continueth alwayes alike mighty, alwayes alike liberall, alwayes alike mer∣cifull: A Sauiour yesterday, a Sauiour to day, & a Saui∣our to morrow, & so to the worlds end, & after. There∣fore auoid and away Satan, tempt mee no longer, doe not threaten mee damnati∣on. For I know and be∣leeue assuredly, that there is no condemnation to them that are in Christ Iesus. O how sweet is this blessed name Iesus, which signifieth a Sa∣uiour, to the pensiue soule
of a sinner! O how much and how deepely are wee bound to God our heauen∣ly Father, for our saluation wrought by this his deare and onely Sonne, in whom he acknowledgeth himselfe to be fully satisfied and ap∣peased for our sinnes! This testimony proceeding from Heauen, is so certaine, that all the Diuels in hell, and enemies in earth, shall neuer be able to withstand it; for no creature but Christ alone, hath power to remit sinnes. He it is alone, that hath taken vpon him our sinnes, and borne our paines. They that are strong, need not
the Physician, but they that are sicke. Christ came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. Our names are written in heauen, and re∣corded for euer in the Book of Life. For God so loued the world, that he hath giuen vs his onely begotten Sonne, that whosoeuer beleeueth in him, should not perish, but haue euerlasting life. For God sent [unspec 17] not his Sonne into the world, that hee should condemne the world, but that the world through him might be saued. These are comfortable words to all those that are clogged in conscience: these are generall words vt∣tered
to the wide world, by him that came to saue the world; by him that hath promised & will performe; by him that calleth all, and exempteth none, as appea∣reth by that generall Sen∣tence, which cannot too often be recited: Come vn∣to me, all yee that are weary and laden, and I will ease you. This comfortable call and cheerefull cry of Christ, should bee printed in our hearts, & ring in our eares as an alarum night and day, they should awake vs out of the sleepe of sinne, and mooue vs to come at the first bidding. You see how
friendly and fatherly wee are called, no place or coun∣trie is excepted, no time prohibited, no sinner reie∣cted, but to all hee calleth, and dayly hee calleth, Come, Come.
This word may serue for the first Call in this world, and warne vs of the last Call in the day of Iudge∣ment; for the Iudge shall then rehearse the same, Come, ye blessed. If you will obey the first Call here, you shall heare the second Call hereafter to your great ioy and comfort. VVe are all heere laden with sinne, we are all weary of the burden,
it is too heauy for the best to beare. Therefore let vs come to Christ our Lord and Master for ease, hee hath already borne the bur∣then of our sinnes vpon his owne shoulders, and nailed them fast vpon his Crosse. VVhen we are most loden, then lifts he for life: when we are most in misery, then hee is most mercifull and mighty: when we are falne flat to the earth, & brought low to hell gate, then hee stretcheth out his long and large arme of mercy, and plucketh vs out of all dan∣ger, deliuereth vs from the dunghill and danger of the
Diuell, and so leadeth vs ready by the hand to his Fathers Kingdome. Thus he doth to all (there is no respect of persons) bond and free, Iew and Gentile. He refuseth not Publicans, as Zacheus: no not VVhore∣mongers and murtherers, as Dauid: not Drunkards, as Noah and Lot: not great sinners, as Mary Magdalen: not the Thiefe, hanging on his right hand: not perse∣cutors, as Paul: no, not swea∣rers & forswearers of them∣selues, as Peter: but most tenderly and louingly hee accepteth their repentance, embraceth them with the
armes of his mercie, and forgiueth them their sinnes.
Now therefore (good Brother) in the time of this your tryall and Visitation, I would wish you to apply these comfortable senten∣ces and examples to your selfe, for the better safety of your owne soule. Are you iniured by your enemies? Come to Christ, he is able to redresse it. Are you false∣ly accused or slandered? You are the more like to your Master Christ Iesus: for hee was so handled be∣fore you. Are you troubled by mighty men? Come to Christ: for he pulleth down
the mighty from their seat. Are you forsaken of your friends? Come to Christ, for he forsaketh none, ex∣cept they first forsake him. Art thou tormented with bodily sicknes? Come to Christ, for he smiteth and healeth. Art thou in dan∣ger of death? Come to Christ, for hee is the life that shall neuer haue end. Doe you feare hell & dam∣nation? Come to Christ, who hath deliuered you from hell, and wrought your saluation: who defy∣ing the Diuell, hath said by his Apostle: O death, where is thy sting? O hell, where is
thy victory? Let vs clap our hands, reioyce at heart, and say, Thankes be vnto God, [unspec 57] which hath giuen vs victorie, through our Lord Iesus Christ. VVe may now bold∣ly say with iust Iob, the faith∣full seruant of God, I am sure that my Redeemer liueth, and hee shall stand the last on the earth. And though after my skin, wormes destroy this body, yet shall I see God in my flesh. Whom I my selfe shall [unspec 27] see, and mine eyes shall be∣hold, and none other for mee, though my reines are consu∣med within me.
So that neither death, nor dānation is terrible to
those that behold Christ a∣right with the eyes of their Faith. A sure faith obtai∣neth any thing at Gods hands: as for example: The woman of Canaan cryed, O sonne of Dauid, haue mer∣cie on me, and her Daughter was healed.
The Publican cryed, God be mercifull vnto me a sinner, and he went home iustified. The Centurion beleeued, and his sonne was restored. The Master of the Synagogue prayeth, and his Daughter was reuiued.
The Apostles cry, Saue vs, O Lord, wee perish: and they are saued euery one.
Not one person can perish, no, nor one hayre of his head, without Gods diuine prouidence and permission. For although our heauenly Father try vs by troubles in this world, as the gold is tried in the fire; yet after the time of tryall hee is ne∣uer the further off. But the more grieuous our sicknes is, the greater our afflicti∣ons be, and the more heauy our hearts waxe, the more we ought to reioyce, see∣ing our reward is great in heauen, as Christ hath said, whom wee ought to follow with our crosse on our backs here on earth, if wee
meane to raigne with him in heauen.
Therefore (good Bro∣ther) in your griefe and a∣gony, hold vp your hands, and lift vp your heart to heauen, despayre not at all, feare not too much, but be of good comfort. And as Saint Augustine faith; Ille solus diffidat qui tantum penare potest, quantum Deus bonus est: that is, let that man onely distrust or des∣payre, whose sinne excee∣deth Gods goodnes. But the Diuell himselfe, and all our iniquitie is lesse then Gods mercie: and there∣fore the greatest sinners in
the world, ought not to des∣payre, if they repent, seeing his mercy is aboue all his workes: for of his mercie there is neither number, nor measure, nor end. The mercy of the Lord embra∣ceth vs on euery side. The sentence of Ezechiel is sure and sealed vp in Heauen: That God will not haue the death and damnation of a sin∣ner, but rather his life and conuersion. Wherefore wilt thou perish, O Israel? And wherefore wilt thou des∣payre, O sinful flesh? Come to God: Come to his belo∣ued Sonne Christ Iesus: the Master calleth thee, he offe∣reth
thee his mercy; hee promiseth thee forgiuenes: Come thou early, come thou late, if thou come at all, (whether it be at noone day, or at night) thou shalt haue thy penny, as well as hee that came in the mor∣ning. The thiefe on Christs right hand was called the last houre, and came, and cryed to Christ, that hee would remember him. He knocked so hard at the doore of Gods mercy, that Christ promised him that day, to haue the doore of Paradise opened vnto him, and to enter in with him∣selfe. This gate shall bee
open to vs, if we doe as hee did. For it is shut to no man but of himself; neither is it open to any, but by Christ Iesus. If wee beleeue in this Christ Iesus, that he is a Sauiour, and that hee dyed for our sinnes, and did rise againe for our iustifica∣tion, we need not to dread either death or damnation, the gates of hell shall not preuaile against vs: because Christ is our foundation, our corner-stone to leane vnto, our buckler & shield to defend vs from our ene∣mies, our head, our good Shepheard, the Bishop of our soules, our only Master,
and mercifull Redeemer. Let vs therefore be of good cheere: Let vs trust in his mercy, whose merits haue purchased our saluation with God the Father: And so we may with safety of our soules depart from worldly troubles, to heauenly rest; from death, to life; from damnation, to saluation; which God of his goodnes vouchsafe to giue vs in Christ Iesus our Sauiour: to whom with the Father and the Holy Ghost, be all ho∣nour, power, and praise, world without end.
Eccl. 12. 7.
Mar. 4. 22.
Luk. 13. 25
27,
2. Cor. 1. 12.
Luk. 19. 8.
Math. 6. 12
Math. 6. 15
1. Ioh. 4. 11
Iam. 3. 2.
Gal. 3. 10.
1. Cor. 15. 19.
Rom. 8. 3.
Col. 2. 14.
Gal 4. 6.
Phil. 1. 23.
Phil. 1. 21.
Eccl. 7. 3.
Rom. 3. 16.
Mat. 8. 12.
Mar. 9. 44.
1. Tim. 1. 15.
Ioh 3. 15.
Wisd. 3. 1.
Ioh. 5. 24.
Heb. 10. 31
Esa. 45. 22.
1. Cor. 15. 54, 55
Luk. 10. 42
Act. 4. 12.
Iam. 5. 14.
Psal. 130.
Psal. 1.
Psal. 6.
Psal. 22.
Psal. 25.
Psal. 13.
Psal. 18.
Psal. 40.
Psal. 38.
Psal. 39.
Psal. 27.
Psal. 88.
Psal. 44.
Psal. 42.
Psal. 25.
Psal. 69.
Psal. 77.
Psal. 102.
Psal. 126.
Psal. 103.
Psal. 41.
Psal. 27.
Psal. 69.
Psal. 31.
Psal. 42.
Psal. 51.
Psal. 79.
Psal. 143.
Psal. 89.
Psal. 14. 4.
Psal 90.
Psal. 39.
Psal. 27.
Mat. 3. 28.
Mat. 9. 32.
Mat. 15. 22
Mat. 17. 14
Mar. 9. 18.
Ier. 15. 1.
Luk. 18. 13.
2. Cor. 6. 2.
Phil. 3. 20.
Iob 14. 1.
Math. 25. 41.
Luk. 12. 19
Mat. 15. 22
Col. 3. 1, 2
Luk. 23. 46
Rom. 8. 33.
Rō. 16. 20.
Phil. 1. 23.
2 Tim. 4. 6
Act 7. 59.
Eccl. 4. 1, 3
Ion. 5. 24.
Heb. 13. 8.
Mat. 11. 28.
Mat. 9. 12
Mat. 18. 27
Rom. 8. 1.
Mat. 3. 1••.
Esay 53. 4.
Mat. 9. 12, 13.
Luk. 10. 20
Ioh. 3. 16,
Mat. 2. 28.
Gal. 3. 28.
Luk. 19. 5.
1. Cor. 15. 55,
Iob 19. 25,
26,
Mat. 15. 22
Luk. 18. 13
Mat. 8. 13.
Mar. 5. 23.
Mat. 8. 25.
Mat. 10. 33
Mat. 5. 12.
Aug. sent. de Poenit.
Ezec. 18. 32.
Luk. 23. 42