The harmonie of Holie Scriptures vvith the seuerall sentences of sundry learned and vvorthy vvriters : collected for the comfort of all such as are desirous to seeke after theyr soules health / by I.B.

¶ What manner of seruice is required of vs during this life: both towards God and our neighbour.

ECCLVS. 15. verse, 17.

Before man is life and death; good and euill; what him liketh, shall be giuen him.

¶ What seruice God requireth. &c.

§. 1.

WHen Christ our Sauiour vvas demaunded by a certaine Ru∣ler this question; Good Mai∣ster, vvhat good thing shall I doe▪ that I may haue eternall life? He pre∣sently returned him this aunswer; saying: Why callest thou mee good? there is none good, but one; euen God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keepe the commaunde∣dements.

And, beeing likewise asked at an other time by a tempting Pharisee, vvhich was the greatest, or cheefest commaundement in the lawe of God? Hee forth-with made this reply vnto the partie; saying: Thou shalt loue the Lord thy God, with all thine hart; with all thy soule; and with all thy

minde. This is the first, and the greatest commaundement. And the second is like vnto this: Thou shalt loue thy neighbour as thy selfe. On these two commaunde∣ments, hangeth the whole Lawe and the Prophets.

Also; being in talke with his owne Di∣sciples, a little before the time of his suffe∣ring; amongst many other things which he then taught, hee gaue this short lesson fol∣lowing, as a speciall rule for them to direct their life by, saying: * If yee loue me, keep my commaundements.

And, as in the 15. of S. Iohns Gospell, our Sauiour Christ counteth all those men to be his friendes, which doe whatsoeuer hee hath commaunded them.

So in the second of S. Iohns Epistle, the holy Ghost reckoneth euery one to bee a lyer, which saith, hee knoweth God, and keepeth not his commaundements.

Take heede therefore, that ye doe as the Lord your God hath commaunded you: turne not aside to the right hande, nor to the left.

But vvalke in all the vvayes vvhich the Lord your God hath commaunded you: that yee may liue, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that it may goe

well with you; and that your dayes may be prolonged in the Land which ye possesse.

§. 2.

Let not the Booke of the Law, (as saith the Lord vnto Iosua) depart out of thy mouth, but meditate therein day & night: that thou maist obserue & doe, according to all that is written therein; for, then shalt thou make thy way prosperous; and then shalt thou haue good successe.

Yea; let thy minde, be vppon the ordi∣naunces of the Almighty, & be thou con∣tinually occupied in his cōmaundements: so shall he stablish thy heart, and giue thee wisedome at thine owne desire.

For, the knowledge of the commaunde∣ments of God, is the doctrine of life: and they that obey him, shall receiue the fruite of immortalitie.

§. 3.

Delight thy selfe [then] in the Lord [thy God,] & the shall giue thee thy harts desire.

Commit thy workes vnto him, and thy thoughts shall be directed.

Loue the Lord all thy life long, and call vpon him for thy saluation.

Beleeue in him, and hee will helpe thee; order thy way 〈◊〉〈◊〉, & trust in him: hold

fast his feare; and growe old therein.

Trust in him with all thine hart, & leane not vnto thine owne wisedome. In all thy wayes acknowledge him, and hee shall di∣rect thy steps. Be not wise in thine ovvne eyes, but feare the Lord, and depart from euill▪

So health shall be vnto thy nauell, and marrow vnto thy bones.

§. 4.

The Lorde (saith Ms••ah) hath shovved thee, ô man, what is good; and vvhat hee requireth of thee: namely, to doe iustice; to loue mercy; and to humble thy selfe to walke with thy God.

And now, ô Israell, (saith Moises) what is it that the Lord thy GOD requireth of thee; but to feare the Lord thy God; to walke in all his waies; and to loue him, and serue him, with all thine hart, and with all thy soule.

For, this commaundement which I cō∣maund thee this day, is not hid from thee; neither is it farre off.

It is not in heauen, that thou shouldest say; Who shall goe vp for vs to heauen, & bring it vs, and cause vs to heare it that wee may doe it? Neither is it beyond the Sea;

that thou shouldest say; Who shall goe o∣uer the Sea for vs, and bring it vs, & cause vs to heare it, that we may doe it?

But the Word is very neere vnto thee: euen in thy mouth, and in thy hart, for to doe it.

And this (saith the Apostle) is the word of faith which vvee preach.

§. 5.

If any man (saith Saint Peter) long after life, and to see good daies; let him refraine his tongue from euill, and his lips that they speake not guile. Let him eschew euill, and doe good: let him seeke peace, and follow after it.

Let euery man be swift to heare; slowe to speake; and slow to wrath.

(For, he that hath knowledge, spareth his speech.

And, hee that sinneth not in vvord, is a perfect man; and able to bridle his vvhole bodie.)

Bee swift to heare good things; and let thy life be pure; and giue a patient aun∣swere.

If thou hast vnderstanding, aunswer thy neighbour: if not, lay thy hand vppon thy

mouth; least thou be trapped in an vndis∣creet word, and so be blamed.

Apply thine heart to instruction: and thine eares vnto the words of knowledge.

Be humble to heare the word of God, that thou maist vnderstand it: and make a true aunswere with wisedome.

For; to lacke knowledge, is a very euill thing: to thinke scorne to learne, is worse: but, to with-stand and repugne the truth, against men of knowledge teaching the same, is the worst thing that may be, and furthest from all grace.

Wherefore; if thou desire to be good, endeuour thy selfe to learne to know, and to follow the truth: for he that is ignorant therein, and will not learne, can neuer be good.

Endeuour thy selfe diligently, euen in thy youth, to learne wisedome and know∣ledge, though for the time present it seeme painfull vnto thee: for, it is lesse paine for a man to learne in youth, then in age to be vnskilfull.

§. 6.

Sanctifie the Lorde God in your harts, (saith the Apostle,) and be ready alwayes to giue an aunswere to euery man that as∣keth

you a reason of the hope that is in you: and that with meekenes & reuerence, hauing a good conscience; that when they speake euill of you, as of euill dooers, they may be ashamed, which blame your good conuersation in Christ.

Yea,] let the vvord of Christ dwell in you plenteously, in all wisedome; teach∣ing and admonishing your owne selues, in Psalmes, and Hymnes, & spirituall songs: singing with a grace in your harts vnto the Lord.

And, whatsoeuer yee shall doe in vvord, or in deed, do all in the Name of the Lord Iesus; giuing thanks to God, euen the Fa∣ther, by him.

For, God is a Spirit, and they that wor∣ship him, must worship him in spirit and truth.

He is likewise, a God of wonderfull great power, might, and majestie: and therefore we ought, alwaies to serue him truely, with feare and reuerence.

§. 7.

I beseech you brethren, by the mercies of God, (saith S. Paule) that yee giue vp your bodies a liuing sacrifice, holy, accep∣table to GOD; which is your reasonable

seruing of God. And fashion not your selues like vnto this world; but be ye chan∣ged by the renewing of your minde, that yee may proue vvhat is the good vvill of God, and acceptable, and perfect.

Lay apart all filthines, and superfluitie of maliciousnes, and receiue with meeke∣nesse the vvorde vvhich is grafted in you, which is able to saue your soules. And bee yee dooers of the vvord, and not hearers onely, deceiuing your selues.

For, if any man heare the word, & doe it not, he is like vnto a man that beholdeth his naturall face in a glasse. For, when hee hath considered himselfe, he goeth his way, and forgetteth immediatly what manner of one hee was.

But who so looketh in the perfect Lawe of libertie, and continueth therein: he not beeing a forgetfull hearer, but a dooer of the worke, shall be blessed in his deede.

For, the hearers of the Law, are not righ∣teous before God: but the dooers of the lawe shall be iustified.

And, not euery one that saith vnto Christ, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdome of heauen: but hee that doth the will of God, which is in heauen.

Take heede therefore, that yee vvalke circumspectly; not as fooles, but as wise, redeeming the time, for the dayes are euill.

That is, that ye cast off, concerning the conuersation in time past, the olde man, which is corrupt through deceiueable lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind. And put on the newe man, which after God is created, in righteousnes & true ho∣linesse.

For, the grace of GOD, that bringeth saluation to all men, hath appeared: and teacheth vs, that we should denie vngodli∣nes, and worldly lusts; and that we should liue soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world.

Looking for the blessed hope, and ap∣pearing of the glory of the mightie God, and of our sauiour Iesus Christ: who gaue himselfe for vs, that hee might redeeme vs from all iniquitie, and purge vs to be a pe∣culier people vnto himselfe, zealous of good workes.

§. 8.

Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for vs in the flesh, arme your selues likewise vvith the same minde; which is, that hee vvhich hath suffered in the fleshe, hath

ceased from sinne: that hee hence-foorth should liue, (as much time as remaineth in the flesh) not after the lusts of men; but af∣ter the will of God. For, it is sufficient for vs, that wee haue spent the time past of the life, after the lust of the Gentiles, walking in wantonnes, & lusts, in excesse of wines, in excesse of eatings, in excesse of drink∣ings: and in abhominable Idolatries.

Therefore, if any man be in Christ, let him be a newe creature.

For, they that are Christes, haue crucified the flesh, with the affections & the lusts.

§. 9.

The night (saith the Apostle) is past, & the day is at hand: let vs therefore cast a∣way the works of darknes, & let vs put on the Armour of light: so that we walke ho∣nestly, as in the day; not in gluttony, and drunkennes, neither in chambering and wantonnesse, nor in strife & enuying. But put yee on the Lord Iesus Christ, & take no thought for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof. * For, if yee liue after the flesh, ye shal die, but if yee mortifie the deedes of the body by the Spirit, ye shall liue.

VValke then I say in the Spirit, and yee shall not fulfill the lusts of the flesh: for,

the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are con∣trary one to another, so that ye cannot doe the same things that ye would.

Striue therefore to enter into heauen at the straite gate: for many will seeke to en∣ter in, and shall not be able.

§. 10.

If yee be risen with Christ, seeke those things which are aboue; vvhere Christ sit∣teth at the right hande of God. Set your affections on thinges which are in heauen, and not on things which are on the earth.

Gird vp the loynes of your minde, be so∣ber, and trust perfectly on the grace that is brought vnto you by the reuelation of Ie∣sus Christ, as obedient children: not fashi∣oning your selues vnto the former lusts of your ignoraunce: but as hee vvhich hath called you is holy; so be ye holy in all man∣ner of conuersation: because it is written; Be yee holy, for I am holy.

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouthes, but that vvhich is good, to the vse of edifying, that it may mi∣nister grace vnto the hearers.

For, euill speakings corrupt good man∣ners.

And those thinges are alwaies vnhonest to be spoken of, vvhich are filthy to bee done.

Onely let your conuersation be as it be∣commeth the Gospell of Christ.

That ye may walke worthy of the Lord, and please him in all things: beeing fruite∣full in all good works, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

Who hath saued vs, and called vs with an holy calling; not according to our workes, but according to his owne pur∣pose and grace, which was giuen to vs through Christ Iesus before the vvorlde was; but is now made manifest, by the ap∣pearing of our Sauiour Iesus Christ: who hath [as I haue already declared,] aboli∣shed death, and hath brought life and im∣mortalitie vnto light, through the Gospell▪

§. 11.

Deerely beloued, (saith S. Peter) I be∣seech you, as strangers and pilgrimes, ab∣staine frō fleshly lusts, which fight against the soule.

And haue your conuersation honest a∣mong the Gentiles, that they which speake euill of you, as of euill dooers, may by your

good workes which they shall see, glorifie God in the day of visitation.

Yea; let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good workes, and glorifie your Father which is in heauen.

§. 12.

Be sober [also] and watch: for your ad∣uersary the deuill walketh about like a roa∣ring Lyon, seeking vvhom hee may de∣uoure: whom resist stedfast in the faith.

Ioyne moreouer vertue with your faith; and with vertue, knowledge; and vvith knowledge, temperance; and vvith tem∣perance, patience; and with patience, god∣linesse; and with godlines, brotherly kind∣nes; & with brotherly kindnes, loue. For, if these things be among you, and abound, they will make you that yee neither shall be idle, nor vnfruitfull in the knowledge of our Lord Iesus Christ.

§. 13.

Be yee therefore followers of God, as deere children, and walke in loue, euen as Christ hath loued vs, and hath giuen him∣selfe for vs, to be an offering and a sacrifice of a sweete smelling sauour vnto God.

But fornication, and all vncleanenes, or couetousnes, let it not bee once named ••¦mong you, as it becommeth Saints; ney∣ther filthines, neither foolish talking, ney∣ther iesting, which are things not comelie; but rather giuing of thanks.

For, this yee know; that no whoremon∣ger, neither vncleane person, nor coue∣tous person, which is an Idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdome of Christ, and of God.

Wherefore, be yee not vnwise; but vn∣derstand what the will of the Lord is.

And be not drunke with wine, wherein is excesse, but be fulfilled with the Spirit: Speaking vnto your selues in Psalmes, and hymnes, and spirituall songs; singing and making melodie to the Lord in your harts. Giuing thanks alwayes for all things vnto God euen the Father, in the Name of our Lord Iesus Christ: and submitting your selues one to another in the feare of God.

§. 14.

Flee fornication: euery sinne that a man doth, is without the body; but he that cō∣mitteth fornication, sinneth against his own bodie.

And, who will count him iust, that sin∣n••th against himselfe; or honour him, that dishonoureth his owne soule?

Know ye not, that your body is the tem∣ple of the holy Ghost, which is in you, whō yee haue of God? & ye are not your own; for ye are bought for a price: glorifie God therefore in your body, and in your spirit: for they are Gods.

Know yee not [likewise] that to whom∣soeuer you giue your selues as seruaunts to obey, his seruaunts yee are to whom yee o∣bey: whether it be of sinne vnto death, or of obedience vnto righteousnes?

Know you not [also] that all wee which haue been baptized into Iesus Christ, haue been baptized into his death? We are bu∣ried then vvith him by Baptizme into his death, that like as Christ was raised vp frō the dead, by the glory of the Father, so we also should walke in newnes of life.

(For, all that are baptized into Christ, haue put on Christ.)

And if we be grafted with him, to the si∣militude of his death, euen so shall we be to the similitude of his resurrection: knovv∣ing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sinne might be de∣stroyed,

and hence-foorth wee should not serue sinne. For, hee that is dead, is freed from sinne.

Wherefore, if wee be dead with Christ, wee beleeue that wee shall liue also vvith him: for in that hee died, hee died once to sinne: but in that hee liueth, hee liueth to God. Likewise thinke yee also, that ye are dead to sinne, but are aliue to God, in Ie∣sus Christ our Lord.

Let not sinne raigne therefore in your mortall body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof: Neither giue yee your mem∣bers as weapons of vnrighteousnesse vnto sinne; but giue your selues vnto God, as they that are aliue from the dead: & giue your members as weapons of righteousnes vnto him.

For the wages [or reward] of sinne, is death: but the gift of God is eternall life, through Iesus Christ our Lord.

Mortifie therefore your members which are on the earth: [namely,] fornication; vncleanenes; the inordinate affection; euil concupiscence; and couetousnes, which is idolatry. For the which thinges sake, the vvrath of God commeth on the chyldren of disobedience.

§. 15.

Furthermore;] These are the thinges that yee shall doe. Speake yee euery man the truth vnto his Neighbour; execute iudgement truly, and vprightly in your gates; and let none of you imagine euill in his heart against his Neighbour; Neither loue any false oath: for, all these are the thinges that I hate, saith the Lord.

See that none recompence euill for euill vnto any man: but euer follow that which is good, both toward your selues, and to∣ward all men.

If it be possible, as much as in you is, haue peace with all men.

And, let loue be without dissimulation. Abhorring that which is euill: and clea∣uing vnto that which is good.

Also;] seeing your soules are purified in obeying the truth through the Spirit, to loue brotherly without faining, loue one another with a pure hart feruently: beeing borne a newe, not of mortall seede, but of immortall, by the word of God, who li∣ueth and endureth for euer.

Let all bitternes, and anger, and wrath, crying, & euill speaking be put away from you, with all maliciousnesse. And be yee

curteous one to another, and tender harted, freely forgiuing one another, euen as God for Christes sake freely forgaue you.

Be all of one minde; one suffer with an∣other; loue as brethren; bee pittifull; bee curteous; not rendering euill for euill, nei∣ther rebuke for rebuke: but contrariwise blesse, knowing that yee are there-vnto cal∣led, that yee should be heyres of blessing.

Blesse them which persecute you: blesse I say, & curse not: reioyce with them that reioyce, and weepe with them that weepe: Be of like affection one towards another: be not hie minded, but make your selues equall to them of the lower sort: Be not wise in your owne eyes.

But rather pray vnto the most High, that hee will direct thy way in truth.

§. 16.

Yee haue heard, that it hath been said: Thou shalt loue thy neighbour, and hate thine enemie. But I (saith Christ) say vnto you, loue your enemies; blesse them that curse you; do good to them that hate you; and pray for them that hurt you; and per∣secute you: that yee may be the chyldren of your Father which is in heauen: For, he

maketh his sunne to arise on the euill, and on the good: and sendeth downe raine on the iust and vniust.

For, if yee loue them which loue you, what reward shall yee haue? doe not the vngodly euen the same? And, if you be friendly to your Brethren onely, what sin∣guler thing doe yee? Doe not euen the vngodly likewise?

Yee shall therefore be perfect, as your Father which is in heauen is perfect.

§. 17.

Auenge not your selues, but giue place vnto wrath: for, it is written; Vengeance is mine; I will repay saith the Lord.

Therefore, if thine enemie hunger, feede him: if he thirst, giue him drink: for, in so doing, thou shalt heape coales of fire vp∣pon his head.

Contrariwise,] hee that seeketh venge∣ance, shall finde vengeance of the Lord: and he will surely keepe his sinnes.

Should a man beare hatred against man, and yet desire forgiuenes of the Lord?

Hee will shew no mercy to a man that is like himselfe; and will hee aske forgiuenes of his owne sinnes?

If he which is but flesh, nourish hatred, and aske pardon of God, who will intreat for hys sinnes?

Remember [therefore] the end, and let enmitie passe: imagine not death and de∣struction to another through anger, but perseuer in the commaundements.

And forgiue thy neighbour the hurt that hee hath done thee; so shall thy sinnes be forgiuen thee also, when thou prayest.

§. 18.

If thy Brother trespasse against thee, re∣buke him; and if hee repent, forgiue him. And though hee sinne against thee seauen times in a day, and seauen times in a day turne againe vnto thee, saying; It repen∣teth mee, thou shalt forgiue him.

For, if you doe forgiue men their trespas∣ses, your heauenly Father will also forgiue you your trespasses: but if you do not for∣giue others, God will not forgiue you.

Be alwaies therefore, as ready to forgiue thy brother vvhen hee repenteth; as thou thy selfe art willing to be pardoned of God when thou prayest.

And be not ouercome of euill, but ouer∣come euill with goodnes.

§. 19.

Nowe the end of all things (saith the A∣postle) is at hand; be yee therefore sober, and watching in prayer. But aboue all things haue feruent loue among you; for loue couereth the multitude of sinnes.

Be yee [likewise] harberous one to an∣other vvithout grudging. And let euery man, as hee hath receiued the gift, mini∣ster the same one to another, as good di∣sposers of the manifold grace of God.

If any man speake, let him talke as the wordes of God. If any man minister, let him do it as of the abilitie vvhich God mi∣nistreth; that GOD in all thinges may be glorified through Iesus Christ.

§. 20.

Cast away prophane and olde wiues fa∣bles, and exercise thy selfe vnto godlines: For, bodilie exercise profiteth little: but godlines is profitable vnto all things, which hath the promise of the life present, and of that, that is to come.

Flee also from the lusts of youth: & fol∣low after righteousnesse, faith, loue, and peace; vvith them that call on the Lord with a pure hart.

For, the end of the commaundement, is loue out of a pure hart; and of a good con∣science; and of faith vnfained.

§. 21.

Be nothing carefull, but in all things let your requests be shewed vnto GOD in prayer and supplication, with giuing of thanks. And the peace of God which pas∣seth all vnderstanding, shall preserue your harts and mindes in Christ Iesus.

Bee [also] at peace among your selues; admonish them that are vnrulie; comfort the feeble minded; beare with the meeke; be patient toward all men.

Reioyce euermore; pray continually; in all things giue thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Iesus toward you.

Quench not the Spirit; despise not pro∣phesying: try all thinges, and keepe that which is good. Abstaine from all appea∣rance of euil.

Let your conuersation be without coue∣tousnes, and be content with those things that ye haue.

Remember them that are in bonds, as though yee were bounde with them: and them that are in affliction, as if yee were al∣so afflicted in the body.

Bee [alwaies] affectioned to loue one another with brotherlie loue.

Reioyce in hope: be patient in trouble: and continue in prayer. Distributing vnto the necessitie of the Saints, and giuing your selues to hospitalitie.

Also;] vvhatsoeuer thinges are true, vvhatsoeuer things are honest, what soeuer things are iust, whatsoeuer things are pure, whatsoeuer things pertaine to loue, what∣soeuer thinges are of good report; if there be any vertue, or if there be any praise, thinke on these things, which ye haue both learned, and receiued, and heard.

Those things [also] doe, & the God of peace shall be with you.

§. 22.

Finally, my bretheren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole Armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the assaults of the deuill. For, wee wrestle not against fleshe and blood; but against principalities; a∣gainst powers; against vvorldly gouer∣nours; the princes of the darknesse of this world; and against spirituall wickednesses, which are in the hie places.

For this cause take vnto you the vvhole Armour of God, that yee may be able to resist in the euill day: and hauing finished all things, stand fast.

Stande therefore, and your loynes gir∣ded about with the truth, & hauing on the brest-plate of righteousnes, and your feete shod with the preparation of the Gospell of peace.

Aboue all, take the shielde of faith, vvhere-with yee may quench all the fierie darts of the vvicked: and take the helmet of saluation and the svvorde of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

And pray alvvaies, with all manner of prayer and supplication in the Spirit: and watch there-vnto, vvith all perseuerance, and supplication for all Saints.

Let euery one also that calleth on the Name of Christ, depart from iniquitie.

And what-soeuer yee would that men should do vnto you, euen so doe yee vnto them: for this is the Law & the Prophets.

¶ Of Prayer and thankes∣giuing.

§. 1.

ASke, (saith Christ) and it shall be giuen you; seeke, and ye shall finde; knock, and it shall be opened vnto you.

For, whosoeuer asketh, receiueth: and hee that seeketh, findeth: & vnto him that knocketh, it shall be opened.

But let him that asketh, aske in fayth, and wauer not; for hee that wauereth, is like a waue of the Sea, tost of the winde, & car∣ried away: neither let that man thinke that hee shall receiue any thing of the Lord.

Therefore, I say vnto you, whatsoeuer yee desire when yee pray, beleeue that yee shall haue it, and it shall be doone vnto you.

Prouided alwaies, that thou neuer aske in prayer, any such thing as seemeth good onely in thine ovvne conceite or fantasie: but that thy peticion be euermore aunswe∣rable to the word of God; & wholie limit∣ted within the pleasure of his holy will.

For, this is the assurance that we haue in God, that if wee aske any thing according

to his will, hee heareth vs: and if we know that hee heareth vs, what-soeuer wee aske, wee know that wee haue the peticions that we haue desired of him.

§. 2.

Before thou prayest (saith Sirach) pre∣pare thy selfe therevnto; least thou bee as one that tempteth the Lord.

For, prayer is like a shippe in the Sea, which if it be good, saueth all that is there∣in; but if it be naught, it suffereth them to perrish.

First therefore, ere thou beginnest to pray vnto GOD, examine thy selfe what thou intendest to aske; & cast away from thee (with a repentant hart) all thy former iniquities: then call vpon him with a lowly and humble spirit; and hee will assuredlie heare thee; releeue thy necessity; quiet thy conscience; and most ioyfully comfort thee.

§. 3.

And, when thou prayest, be not as the hypocrites; for they loue to stand & pray in the Sinagogues, & in the corners of the streetes, because they woulde be seene of men. Verily, I say vnto you, they haue theyr reward.

But when thou prayest, enter into thy chamber, and vvhen thou hast shutte thy doore, pray vnto thy Father which is in se∣cret, and thy Father which is in secret, shall reward thee openly.

Also, when yee pray, vse no vaine repe∣titions like the Heathen; for they think to be heard for their much babling. Be ye not like them therefore: for your father know∣eth whereof ye haue need before you aske him.

§. 4.

Furthermore, vvhen thou enterest in to pray, let thy prayer be to this end especi∣ally, that God, as he is mercifull, so he will for his promise sake, grant vnto thee those things which thou desirest, if it stand with his blessed will: otherwise, so farre foorth onely to graunt thy peticion, as it may tend to his glory, & thine owne good.

Desire him likewise, that as hee is good to all that call vpon him, so he will be mer∣cifull vnto thee, in forgiuing all thy offen∣ces past: & daily more & more purifie thy hart, through the powerfull working of his holie Spirit, that thereby thou mayst be made both apt and able to vnderstand his truth; & dutifully to appeare obedient in

the performing of his heauenly will, by ex∣pressing the fruites of faith in thy life and conuersation.

Yea; forget not to pray often vnto God for the clensing of the impuritie of thine heart, and carefully endeuour to restraine, that the corruption thereof breake not out, either to the hurt of thy selfe, or to the harme of any other.

Moreouer; thou oughtest in thy prayer, not onelie to make peticion vnto God for thy selfe; but also for the happy estate and prosperitie of thy Prince; and for all others that by him are placed in authoritie: for, of them dependeth the peace and tranqui∣litie of the weale publique.

And of this matter dooth the Apostle S. Paule himselfe admonish vs, vvhere hee saith: * I exhort therefore, that first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giuing of thanks be made for all men: for Kings, & for all that are in authoritie; that wee [vnder them] may leade a quiet and a peaceable life, in all godlines & honestie.

§. 5.

Acknowledge your faultes one to ano∣ther, and pray one for another, (saith Saint Iames) that yee may be healed: For, the

prayer of a righteous man auaileth much, if it be feruent.

Elias was a man subiect to the like passi∣ons as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not raine, and it rained not on the earth for three yeeres & sixe months.

Afterward, hee prayed againe; and the heauen gaue raine, and the earth brought forth her fruite.

The prayer also of Moises, so mightilie preuailed in the presence of his Maker, that it seemed (as it were) to stay the very power of God, from powring downe his vvrath vpon the people: and caused him to say: * Let mee alone Moises, that my vvrath may waxe hote against this Nation to de∣stroy them.

As if hee should haue said to Moises, as he said to Lot; * Get thee hence, for I can doe nothing till thou be gone.

Wee reade likewise, that after Hezekiah had receiued a speciall commaundement from God, to set the affaires of his house in good order, & to prepare himselfe to die: hee (beeing vnwilling so soone to forsake his life,) feruently prayed to the Giuer of time, & obtained so much fauour through his earnest petition, that his raigne vvas

afterward more enlarged, by the length of fifteene yeeres.

§. 6.

Let no man (saith Saint Bernard) be vn∣mindful to pray often vnto God, for pray∣er is a vertue that greatly preuaileth against temptation; against all assaults of infernall spirits; against the false delights of this lin∣gering life; and against the motions of our owne flesh.

And, like as by reuerent fasting and abstinence, the bodily passions of man are to be cured: so by feruent prayer and sup∣plication vnto God, the pestilent infecti∣ons of the minde are to be healed.

Pray therefore, as the Apostle counsel∣leth, continually.

And vvatch in the same, with thankes∣giuing.

Yea; watch and pray, that yee enter not into temptation.

And, what-soeuer yee aske in prayer, if yee beleeue, yee shall receiue it.

§. 7.

VVhether yee eate or drinke, or vvhat∣soeuer yee doe, saith the Apostle, let all be done to the glory of God.

Giuing thankes alwaies vnto him that hath made thee, and replenished thee with his goods.

For, vvee ought euermore to be as for∣ward in giuing thankes to God, for the se∣uerall blessings which vvee haue already re∣ceiued; as vvee are vvilling vvhen vvee pray, to obtaine from him those graces which are most needfull for vs.

Yea; wee ought to preuent the Sunne∣rising to giue thankes vnto God: & to sa∣lute him [vvith prayses] before the day spring.

At thy downe lying therefore, and at thy vprising; at thy sporting, eating, and ban∣quetting, be mindfull of thy Maker: be thankfull vnto him for his benefits, and re∣member his manifold mercies▪

Be thankefull vnto him for thy creation, redemption, vocation, and sanctification.

Be likewise thankfull vnto him for the sundrie helpes and succours, which many times he hath graciously extended towards thee: and also for the daily sustenaunce, which he prouidently prouideth for thee.

For, the hope of the vnthankfull, shall melt as the winter yee; and flowe away as the vnprofitable waters.

But he that offereth praise, shall glorifie mee, saith the Lorde; and to him that dis∣poseth his way aright, will I shewe the sal∣uation of God.

¶ Of Fasting and Almes-deedes.

§. 1.

THat which goeth into the mouth, (saith Christ) defileth not the man, but that vvhich commeth out of the mouth, that defileth the man.

Perceiue yee not, that vvhat-soeuer en∣tereth into the mouth, goeth into the bellie, and is afterward cast out into the draught? But those thinges vvhich proceede out of the mouth, come from the hart, and they defile the man.

For, out of the hart, come euil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, theftes, false testimonies, slaunders.

These are the thinges, vvhich defile a man: but to eate with vnwashen handes▪ defileth not a man.

§. 2.

Wherefore, if at any time thou feele thy conscience inwardly greeued vvith the re∣membrance

of thy sinnes past, and art tru∣ly willing in hart to fast for thy former of∣fences; endeuour then diligently to purge thy soule from filth, by abstaining frō euill, for, God is better pleased there-with, then by thy abstaining from meates.

If thou wilt fast, fast after the commaun∣dement of Christ in the Gospell, and keep in thy fasting the rules of the Gospell. Fast from all sinne, abstaine from the meate of hatred and malice; take no delight in vaine pleasures; be not enflamed with the vvine of excesse: fast from euill actions; for beare euill thoughts; touch not the stolne bread of wrong and peruerse doctrine; lust not after the deceitfull foode of Philosophy, which may leade thee away from the truth of Gods word. This kind of fasting plea∣seth God: and this kinde of fasting is al∣lowed of him.

§. 3.

The honour of fasting, is not the absti∣nence from meates, but the flying from sinne.

For, what auaileth it, if wee abstaine frō the lawfull vse of meates needfull, and by backe-byting and slaundering, eate & de∣uoure our brothers flesh?

The most healthfull kinde of fasting, is to keepe our bodies from excesse & surfet∣ting; and our soules from sinne & vice.

And, then are our fastings acceptable to God, when they that fast through neede and necessity, are charitably refreshed of vs.

For, it is not such a kinde of fasting as hypocrites vse, which pleaseth the Lorde; namely, that a man should afflict his soule for a day, and bowe downe his head like a Bulrush, and lie vpon the ground in sack∣cloth and ashes: but rather this is the fa∣sting which pleaseth the Lord; to wit, that thou loose him out of bondage that is in thy danger: that thou breake the oath of wicked bargaines: that thou let the op∣pressed goe free, and take from them all manner of burdens.

To deale thy bread to the hungry, and to bring the poore that vvander home to thy house: when thou seest the naked, that thou couer him, & hide not thy selfe from thine owne flesh.

Then shall thy light breake forth as the morning, and thy health shall grow spee∣dily: thy righteousnesse shall goe before thee, and the glory of the Lord shall em∣brace thee.

Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall aunswer: thou shalt cry, and hee shall say; Heere I am: If thou take away from the mids of thee the yoake: the putting foorth of the finger, & wicked speaking.

If thou powre out thy soule to the hun∣gry, and refresh the troubled soule: then shall thy light spring out in the darknesse, and thy darknes shall be as the noone day. And the Lord shall guide thee cōtinually, and satisfie thy soule in drought, and make fatte thy bones: & thou shalt be like a wa∣tred garden, and like a spring of vvater, whose waters faile not.

§. 4.

Seeke therefore, to restraine and bridle thine owne flesh, by moderate fasting and abstinence; endeuour diligently to doe good, by exercising the vvorkes of mercy towards the poore: and pray alwaies ear∣nestly vnto God for his grace, that thou maist be made willing to doe his will.

Likewise, know this; that vvee ought a great deale rather to fast from sinnes & vi∣ces, then from meates. Let therfore thine eyes fast: let thine eares fast: let thy t••nge fast: let thy handes fast: and let also thy soule fast.

Let thine eyes fast, from all vaine and wanton lookes; let thine eares fast, from filthy and naughtie tales and rumours; let thy tongue fast, from backbyting, slaun∣dering, & murmuring, and from vnpro∣fitable, vaine, & filthy words; let thy hands fast, from vaine signes, and from vvorkes what-soeuer are not▪ commaunded: but much more warily let thy soule and minde fast, from fond imaginations, and from thine owne vngodly desires. For, ••urelie, without wee fast after this manner, our fa∣sting is no true fast.

Also; vvhen yee fast, looke not sowre, as hypocrites doe; for they disfigure theyr fa∣ces, that they might seem vnto men to fast. Verily I say vnto you that they haue theyr reward.

But when thou fastest, annoynt thine head, and wash thy face; that thou seeme not vnto men to fast, but vnto thy Father vvhich is in secret: and thy Father vvhich seeth in secret, will reward thee openly.

§. 5.

To doe good, and to distribute, (saith the Apostle) forget not: for, vvith such sacrifices God is pleased▪

While we haue therefore time, let vs doe good vnto all men••: but specially vnto them that are of the houshold of fayth.

Doe good vnto the righteous, and thou shalt finde great reward: though not of him, yet of the most High.

Helpe thy neighbour according to thy power; and beware that thou thy selfe fall not.

Giue almes according to thy substance; and though thou haue but a little, be not afraide to giue a little almes.

For, if there be first a willing minde, it is accepted according to that a man hath, & not according to that he hath not.

This yet remember; that he which sow∣eth sparingly, shall ••eape also sparingly: & hee that soweth liberally, shall reape also li∣berally. As euery man wisheth in his hart, so let him giue, not grudgingly, or of ne∣cessitie: for, God loueth a cheerfull giuer.

§. 6.

Because (saith the Lord) there shall bee euer some poore in the Land, therefore, I commaund thee, saying: Thou shalt open thy hand vnto thy brother; vnto thy nee∣die; and vnto thy poore in the land.

Bestow thy treasure [then] according to the cōmaundement of th•• most High, and it shall bring thee more profite then golde. Lay vp thine almes in thy secret chambers, & it shall keepe thee from all afflictions.

Lay not vp treasures for your selues vp∣on earth, where the moth and canker cor∣rupt, and where theeues digge through & steale: but lay vp treasures for your selues in heauen: vvhere neither the moth nor canker corrupteth; & where theeues ney∣ther digge through, nor steale. For, where your treasure is, there wil your harts be also.

§. 7.

If thou wilt be a good Merchant, or a gainefull Vsurer, giue that which thou canst not keepe, that thou maist receiue that which thou canst not loose. Giue a lit∣tle, that thou maist receiue a hundred fold: giue a temporall & fading possession, that thou maist receiue an euerlasting inheri∣tance.

And vvhat-soeuer thou giuest, giue it freelie, for hee neuer giues in vaine, that giues in zeale.

Neither doe I remember, that euer I read of any one that dyed an euill death, vvho willingly exercised the vvorkes of

mercie. For, they haue the prayers of ma∣nie; and it is vn••ossible but that their pray∣ers should be heard.

§. 8.

Giue vnto the most High, according as hee hath enriched thee: & looke what thy hand is able, giue with a cheerefull eye.

For, the Lord recompenseth, & wil giue thee seuen times as much.

Stretch out thine hande vnto the poore and needy, that thy blessing and reconcili∣ation may be accomplished.

Be as a father vnto the fatherlesse, and as an husbande vnto their mother: so shalt thou be as the sonne of the most High, and hee shall loue thee more then thy mother dooth.

§. 9.

Charge them that are rich in the vvorld, (saith Paule vnto Timothie,) that they bee not high minded, and that they trust not in vncertaine riches; but in the liuing God, which giueth vs aboundantly all things to enioy. That they doe good, and be rich in good workes, and be ready to distribute & communicate: laying vp in store for them∣selues a good foūdation against the time to come, that they may obtaine eternall life.

For, hee that giueth almes, layeth vp for himselfe a good store against the day of ne∣cessity.

Because the almes of a man, is as a thing sealed vp before God, and he keepeth the good deedes of men, as the apple of the eye; and giueth repentance to their sonnes and daughters.

At the last [also] shall he arise & reward them, and shall repay theyr rewards vpon theyr heads.

Giue almes therefore, of those thinges which thou hast.

Giue of thy bread to the hungry; giue of thy garments to the needy and naked; and of all thine abundance giue almes: and let not thine eye be enuious when thou gi∣uest thine almes.

For, nothing doth so much commend a Christian, as commiseration and charitie.

§. 10.

Let it not at any time grieue thee to doe good vnto the poore and needy; but ra∣ther couet to be liberall in thy gifts, to such as want, and are distressed: for, the almes∣deedes of the liberall, doe more profit the giuer, then benefite the receiuer.

Haue alwaies compassion on the poore, the blinde, & the lame: and endeuour by good counsell to comfort him that is afflic∣ted in conscience.

Forget not often to visite the sicke; to relieue them that are in bonds; to succour poore Orphanes; and to defend the cause of the widdow and oppressed.

For, pure Religion and vndefiled before God, euen the Father, is this; to visite the fatherlesse and widdowes in their aduersi∣tie, & to keepe our selues vnspotted of the world.

Also; like as all things else that are bred vpon the earth, are all created and ordained for the vse & commoditie of man: so man for the benefit of man, is begotten & borne into the world, to the end they should con∣tinually doe good, by helping one ano∣ther.

And, they vvhich exercise almes & righ∣teousnesse, shall be filled with life.

But euery one that sinneth, is an enemie to his owne soule.

§. 11.

Almes, (saith Tobie,) is a good gift be∣fore the most High, to all them vvhich vse it.

And, it is better to giue Almes, then to lay vp gold.

Say not vnto thy neighbour, Goe and come againe, and to morrow I will giue thee, if thou now haue it.

For, he that giueth vnto the poore, shall not lack: but hee that hideth his eyes, shall haue many curses.

Giue almes therefore, of thy substance: and when thou giuest thine almes, let not thine eye bee enuious, neither turne thy face from any poore body, least that God turne his face from thee.

Giue part of that which thou possessest, though thy gift amount to no more in va∣lue then the poore vviddowes two mites.

Giue also at the first asking: for the gift is not worth thankes, vvhich is often cra∣ued.

Besides; the gift which is grudginglie giuen, may well be called a stonie loafe: which although it be hard, yet it is needfull to be receiued of him that is hungry.

§. 12.

Hee that hath mercie vpon the poore, lendeth vnto the Lorde; and the Lorde vvill recompence him that which hee hath giuen.

For, GOD so greatly loueth the poore, that what-soeuer good deede is done vnto any of them for the loue of him; he taketh it as it were doone vnto himselfe.

And, hee shall vndoubtedly finde many great blessings at Gods hand, who letteth not the poore and needy depart from him, without comfort.

§. 13.

But; vvhen thou mindest to distribute, or giue any thing vnto the poore; thou must euer-more obserue this rule therein: namelie, to doe the same, (as the Apostle counselleth) with simplicitie.

Not causing a trumpet to be blowne be∣fore thee when thou giuest thine almes, as the hypocrites doe in the Sinagogues, and in the streets, to the end they may be seene and praysed of men. For, verily I say vnto you, that they haue their reward.

VVherefore, vvhen thou giuest thine almes, let not thy left hand know what thy right hande doth: that thine almes may be in secret, & thy Father which seeth in secret, will reward thee openly.

§. 14.

Likewise, regard vvell, that the Almes which thou art willing to bestowe on the

poore, be taken from some part or portion of thine owne true-gotten goods: for, o∣ther-wise in giuing, thou shalt highly pro∣uoke GOD to anger; and sooner bring downe a curse, then a blessing vpon thee.

For, the offering of the righteous, ma∣keth the Altar fat, and the smell thereof is sweete before the Lord.

But he that giueth an offering of vnrigh∣teous goods, offereth a mocking sacrifice, and the gifts of the vngodly please not God.

The sacrifice of the righteous, is accep∣table; and the remembrance thereof shall neuer be forgotten.

But the most High doth not allowe the offerings of the wicked, neither is hee pa∣cified for sinne through the multitude of their sacrifice.

For, the sacrifice of the wicked, is an ab∣homination vnto the Lord.

And, he that bringeth an offering of the goods of the poore, doth as one that sacri∣ficeth the sonne before the fathers eyes.

VVhich, as in reason euery man may well perswade himselfe, that the father of such a child, would neuer willingly be con∣tent, eyther to see or suffer: so by the testi∣mony

of these few former places, may wee certainely assure our selues, that God vvill much more vnlikely be pleased, with the gifts of ill-gotten goods.

¶ Of Humilitie and Obedience.

§. 1.

THe greater thou art (saith Sirach,) the more humble thy selfe in all things; so shalt thou find fauour before the Lord.

For, thus saith hee that is hie and excel∣lent; he that inhabiteth the eternitie, whose Name is the Holie one; I dwell in the hie and holie place; with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit: to reuiue the spirit of the humble, & to giue life to them that are of a contrite hart.

§. 2.

There be (as Orosius saith) three degrees of humilitie; the first is of repentance; the the second is, in hungering & thirsting af∣ter righteousnesse; the third, consisteth in extending the workes of mercie, to such as haue neede of comfort.

And, the chiefest poynt of all mans true humilitie, consisteth in this, to subiect and

frame his vvill, according to the will of God, in all things what-soeuer.

For, them that be meeke, wil God guide in iudgement; and teach the humble his way.

§. 3.

It is nothing prayse-worthy for a man to be humble in aduersitie, because necessitie then compelleth him: but in the midst of prosperitie to beare an humble minde, de∣serueth great commendation.

VVherefore, if thou desire to ascende where God the Father sitteth, thou must put on the true humilitie, which Christ his Sonne teacheth.

For, euery one that exalteth himselfe, shall be brought lowe; but hee that hum∣bleth himselfe, shall be exalted.

§. 4.

Pride and humilitie be two contraries: the one is both of GOD and man greatly disliked; the other is of God and man very much beloued.

And, as the one directeth the way to hell, so the other teacheth the way to heauen.

If thou arrogantly lift vp thy selfe vnto God, hee will flee further off from thee; but if thou humble thy selfe vnfainedly be∣fore

him, he will then draw neere, & come downe vnto thee.

§. 5.

Let nothing (saith the Apostle) be done through contention, or vaine glory, but in meekenesse of minde, let euery man esteeme other better then himselfe.

For, like as lowlines of hart, and meeke∣nes of minde, maketh a man highly in fa∣uour with God; so strife, vaine-glory, and contention, procureth hatred and disdaine amongst men.

And, like as pride sleyeth loue, prouo∣keth disdaine, kindleth malice, confoun∣deth iustice, and subuer••eth Weales pub∣lique; euen so meekenes, gentlenes, or hu∣militie, doe stirre vp affection, augment beneuolence, intend charitie, support good equitie, and preserue in peace & concorde, both Countries and Common-weales.

§. 6.

It is better (saith Salomon,) to bee of an humble minde with the lowlie, then to de∣uide the spoyles with the proude.

Now therefore, as the elect of God, ho∣lie, & beloued, put on tender mercy, kind∣nesse, humblenes of minde, meekenesse, long suffering; forbearing one another, &

forgiuing one another, if any man haue a quarrell to another, euen as Christ forgaue you, euen so doe yee.

And, aboue all these things put on loue, which is the bond of perfectnes.

And, let the peace of God rule in your harts, to the which ye are called in one bo∣die; and be yee thankfull.

Likewise ye yonger, submit your selues vnto the elders, & submit your selues eue∣ry man one to another; decke your selues inwardly in lowlines of minde: for GOD resisteth the proude, and giueth grace to the humble.

Humble your selues therefore, vnder the mightie hand of God, that hee may exalt you in due time.

Cast down your selues before the Lord, and hee will lift you vp.

§. 7.

Submit your selues (saith S. Peter) vnto all maner ordinaunce of man for the Lords sake: vvhether it be vnto the King, as vn∣to the Superiour, or vnto Gouernours, as vnto them that are sent of him, for the pu∣nishment of euill dooers, and for the praise of them that doe well.

Yea; Let euery soule be subiect vnto the higher Powers; for there is no power but of God, and the powers that be, are or∣dained of God. Whosoeuer therefore resi∣steth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist, shall receiue to themselues condemnation.

Be subiect [then] to the principalities & powers: be obedient; and ready to euerie good worke.

For, obedience is better then sacrifice; and to harken, is better then the fatte of Rammes. But rebellion is as the sinne of vvitchcraft; & transgression is wickednes, and idolatry.

§. 8.

Obedience, (saith Plotinus) is an incom∣parable vertue, and due both to God and man: that is to say, first and cheefely vnto God; secondly, vnto the Prince; and so consequently, vnto all other Magistrates that by him are placed in authoritie.

For, as the Prince, beeing placed onely by the prouidence of God in the highest seate of honour, oweth equall iustice and meeke conuersation to all his subiects: so ought the people to owe dutifull obedi∣ence to their Prince, in reuerencing his

person, and fulfilling his commaunde∣ments.

And, hee that rightly obeyeth his supe∣riour, by his good ensample instructeth his inferiour.

Also; hee that honoureth and obeyeth his Prince, honoureth and obeyeth God: for the Prince is Gods Vizegerent here on earth, and representeth amongst men, (vsing his authoritie as hee ought) the glo∣rious state and high Maiestie of GOD in heauen.

§. 9.

Obey them, (saith the Apostle) that haue the ouer-sight of you, and submit your selues: for, they watch for your soules, as they that must giue accounts, that they may doe it with ioy, & not with griefe: for that is vnprofitable for you.

The Elders that rule well, (saith hee) are woorthy of double honour; specially they that labour in the Word & doctrine. For, the Scripture saith; Thou shalt not mou∣sell the mouth of the Oxe that treadeth out the corne: and, The labourer is wor∣thy of his wages.

Nowe [therefore▪] we beseech you bre∣thren, that yee knowe them which labour

among you, and are ouer you in the Lord, and admonish you; that yee haue them in singuler loue for their workes sake. * And make much of such.

§. 10.

Honour all men: loue brotherly fellow∣ship: feare God: honour the King.

For, the Kings wrath, is like the roaring of a Lyon; but his fauour is like the dewe vpon the grasse.

And as Princes are men before God; so are they Gods before men.

This alwaies yet remember; That vvee ought rather to obey God than man.

Notes

• Math, 19, 16, 17, Luke, 18, 18
• Math. 22, 36 37, &c.
• Iohn, 14, 15
• Iohn, 15, 14
• 1, Ioh, 2, 4.
• Deut, 5, 32.
• verse. 33.
• Iosua, 1, 8,
• Eccl{us}. 6, 38
• Eccl{us}, 19, 19
• Psalm, 37, 4,
• Prou, 16, 3,
• Eccl{us}, 13, 15
• Ecclus, 2, 6,
• Prou. 3. 5, 6, 7.
• verse, 8,
• Mica. 6, 8,
• Deut, 10, 12
• Deut, 30, 11
• verse, 12, 13,
• verse, 14,
• Rom, 10, 8,
• 1, Pet, 3. 10. 11.
• Iam, 1, 19,
• Prou. 17, 27
• Iames. 3, 2.
• Ecclus, 5, 12
• verse, 13.
• Prou, 23, 12.
• Ecclus, 5, 11
• Orosius.
• Pet. Lomb.
• Siluius.
• 1, Pet, 3, 15. 16.
• Colos, 3. 16.
• verse, 17.
• Iohn, 4. 24,
• Tertullian.
• Rom, 12. 1. 2.
• Iames, 1, 21. 22.
• verse, 23, 24,
• verse, 2••.
• Rom, 2. 13,
• Math, 7, 21.
• Ephe, 5. 15. 16,
• Ephe, 4, 22, 23, 24,
• Titus, 2. 11. 12.
• verse. 13. 14.
• ••, Pet. 4, 1.
• verse, 2. 3,
• 2. Cor. 5. 17.
• Gala, 5, 24,
• Rom, 13, 12 13. 14,
• Rom, 8, 13,
• Gala. 5. 16, 17,
• Luke, 13, 24
• Colo, 3, 1, 2,
• 1, Pet, 1, 13. 14, 15, 16.
• Ephe. 4. 29.
• 1, Cor, 15, 33.
• Iraeneus.
• Philip. 1. 27,
• Colos. 1, 10,
• 2. Tim, 1, 9. 10,
• 1, Pet, 2, 11,
• verse, 12.
• Math. 5, 16.
• 1, Pet. 5, 8, 9.
• 2, Pet, 1, 5, 6, 7, 8,
• Ephe. 5, 1. 2.
• verse, 3, 4,
• verse, 5.
• Ephe, 5, 17,
• Ephe. 5, 18, 19, 20, 21,
• 1, Cor, 6, 18.
• Eccl{us}. 10, 30,
• 1, Cor, 19. 20,
• Rom, 6, 16,
• Rom. 6., 4.
• Gala, 3, 27.
• Rom. 6. 5. 6, 7,
• Rom, 6, 8, 9. 10. 11.
• verse, 12, 13,
• Rom, 6. 23.
• Colo, 3, 5, 6,
• Zach, 8, 16, 17.
• 1, Thes, 5, 15
• Rom, 12, 18
• Rom, 12, 9
• 1. Pet, 1, 22. 23.
• Ephe, 4, 31, 32,
• 1. Pet. 3, 8, 9
• Rom, 12. 14 15. 16.
• Eccl{us}. 37, 15
• Math, 5, 43, 44, 45,
• verse, 46. 47,
• Luke, 6, 32,
• Math. 5. 48,
• Rom, 12. 19
• verse, 20,
• Eccl{us}. 28. 1,
• Eccl{us}, 28. 3,
• verse, 4.
• Eccl{us}, 28, 5.
• verse, 6,
• Eccl{us}. 28. 2,
• Luk, 17, 3, 4
• Math, 6, 14, 15,
• Iunius.
• Rom, 12, 21
• 1. Pet, 4, 7, 8,
• verse, 9, 10,
• 1, Pet, 4, 11,
• 1. Tim, 4, 7, 8.
• 2. Tim, 2. 22
• 1. Tim, 1. 5.
• Phil. 4. 6. 7,
• 1. Thes, 5, 13. 14,
• 1. Thes, 5. 16, 17, 18.
• 1. The. 5. 19 20, 21, 22,
• Hebr, 13, 5,
• Heb. 13, 3.
• Rom, 12, 10
• Rom, 12. 12, 13.
• Philip, 4, 8,
• verse. 9.
• Ephe. 6. 10. 11, 12.
• Ephe. 6, 13.
• Ephe, 6, 14, 15.
• verse. 16. 17,
• verse, 18.
• 2, Tim, 2, 19
• Math, 7, 12,
• Math, 7, 7,
• verse, 8,
• Iames, 1, 6, 7
• Mark, 11, 24
• Beza.
• 1. Iohn, 5, 14, 15,
• Eccl{us}. 18. 22
• Plotinus.
• Plotinus.
• Math, 6, 5.
• Math, 6, 6,
• verse, 7. 8,
• Pacuuius.
• B••con.
• Eugenius.
• Hemingius.
• 1, Tim, 2, 1, 2.
• Iames. 5. 16,
• Iames, 5, 17,
• Iames, 5, 18,
• Exod, 32, 10
• Gen, 19, 22,
• Esay, 38, 1, 2, 3, &c.
• Bernarde.
• Erasmus.
• 1, Thes. 5. 17
• Colos. 4, 2,
• Mark. 14. 38
• Math, 21. 22
• 1, Cor, 10▪ 31,
• Eccl{us}. 32, 14
• Pet. Mart.
• Wisd. 16. 28
• Tertullian.
• Becon.
• Euagoras.
• Wisd. 16. 29
• Psalm, 50. 23
• Math, 15, 11
• Math. 15. 17
• verse, 18,
• verse, 19.
• verse. 20.
• Luther.
• Origen.
• Chrisostome.
• B••con.
• Ambrose.
• Augustine.
• Esay, 58, 5, 6.
• verse. 7.
• verse, 8.
• verse, 9,
• verse, 10, 11,
• Fulgentius.
• Bernard.
• Bernard.
• Math. 6. 16.
• verse. 17, 18.
• Hebr. 13, 16
• Gala, 6, 10.
• Ecclus, 12, 2,
• Eccl{us}, 29. 22
• Tob, 4. 8.
• 2. Cor. 8, 12,
• 2, Cor. 9. 6, 7
• Deut, 15, 11
• Ecclus. 29. 11, 12.
• Math, 6, 19, 20, 21,
• Augustine.
• Augustine.
• Ierome.
• Eccl{us}. 35, 10
• verse, 11.
• Ecclus, 7, 32
• Ecclus, 4, 10
• 1. Tim. 6. 17 18. 19.
• Tob, 4. 9.
• Eccl{us}, 17, 20
• verse, 21.
• Luke, 11, 41
• Tob, 4, 16.
• Ambrose.
• Plotinus.
• Caluine.
• Gueuara.
• Iames, 1, 17.
• Cicero.
• Tob, 12, 9,
• Tob, 12, 10
• Tob, 4, 11,
• Tob. 12. 8.
• Prou, 3, 28,
• Prou. 28. 27.
• Tob, 4, 7,
• Iraeneus.
• Socrates.
• Plato.
• Prou, 19, 17.
• Ierome.
• Leo.
• Rom, 12, 8,
• Math, 6, 2, 3, 4.
• Isidorus.
• Eccl{us}, 35, 6,
• Eccl{us}, 34, 18
• Eccl{us}, 35, 7.
• Eccl{us}, 34, 20
• Prou, 15, 8,
• Eccl{us}. 34. 21
• Eccl{us}. 3, 19.
• Esay, 57, 15.
• Orosius.
• Iust. Mar.
• Psalm, 25, 9.
• Clem. Alex.
• Bernard.
• Luke, 18, 14
• Cicero.
• Mar. Bucer.
• Augustine.
• Philip, 2, 3.
• Epiphani••••.
• Pacuuius.
• Prou, 16. 19
• Colos. 3. 12. 13.
• Colos, 3, 14.
• verse, 15.
• 1, Pet, 5, 5.
• 1, Pet, 5, 6,
• Iames, 4, 10,
• 1, Pet. 3, 13 14.
• Rom, 13, 1, 2.
• Titus, 3, 1,
• 1, Sam, 15, 22, 23.
• Plotinus.
• Virgilius.
• Cyrill.
• Tertullian.
• Heb, 13, 17,
• 1, Tim, 5, 17. 18,
• 1, Thes. 5, 12, 13,
• Philip. 2. 29.
• 1, Pet, 2, 17.
• Prou, 19, 12
• Lactantius.
• Acts. 5, 29.