A01136:175
A sermon preached at the christening of a certain Jew at London by John Fox. Containing an exposition of the xi. chapter of S. Paul to the Romans. Translated out of Latin into English by James Bell.A sermon preached at the christening of a certaine Iew at London by Iohn Foxe. Conteining an exposition of the xi. chapter of S. Paul to the Romanes. Translated out of Latine into English by Iames Bell.
London: printed by Christopher Barker, 1578
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Whereas the Jews were throughly persuaded in mind, and confirmed in conscience, by custom of long continuance,1 that no righteousness was acceptable in the sight of God, but that which consisted in performing the works of the Law, and celebrating the Sacrifices, ⟨image 100⟩and ceremonies of the same, and that this false conceived opinion, so deeply rooted in the hearts of men, could by no means else be extirped and plucked out, but by the undermining, and utter overthrow of the name of that nation, the whole common wealth thereof, together with all the Sacrifices and ceremonies appertaining thereunto. Hereof sprang all that blindness, and subversion of the Jews, albeit the same blindness infected not all in general, nor the same destruction was allotted unto them, to endure for ever.
Whereas the Iewes were throughly perswaded in minde, and confirmed in conscience, by custome of long continuaunce,1 that no ryghteousnesse was acceptable in the syght of God, but that which consisted in perfourming the workes of the Lawe, and celebrating the Sacrifices, ⟨image 100⟩and ceremonies of the same, and that this false conceaued opinion, so deeply rooted in the heartes of men, coulde by no meanes els be extirped and plucked out, but by the vndermyning, and vtter ouerthrowe of the name of that nation, the whole common wealth thereof, together with all the Sacrifices and ceremonies appertayning thereunto. Heereof sprang all that blyndenesse, and subuersion of the Iewes, albeit the same blyndnes infected not all in generall, nor the same destruction was allotted vnto them, to endure for euer.
But by this example it may haply be thought, that God did execute too much cruelty and rigour against those silly wretches the Jews. Admit in deed, that it was so. This was therefore a good lesson to forewarn us, according to Saint Pauls advertisement, that we should duly, and with careful consideration, exactly examine the severity of God:1 and not his severity only, but his bountiful goodness withal: That so through the often remembrance of the one, we might be restrained in a covenable fear, and through the daily recording of the other, we might ⟨image 101⟩be raised to thankfulness and dutiful love towards God. A very lively example truly of Gods severity is here expressed in the Jews, who being fallen from their ancient dignity, were overwhelmed with such blindness, that notwithstanding Christ (whose coming they looked for many hundred years) was come already, and conversant amongst them, they should yet pursue him with contumelious reproaches, rail upon him,2 and persecute him. The like president of Gods lenity and gentleness, appeared in us that are Gentiles, manifestly: whom of his free mercy, he freely vouchsafed to associate into the fellowship of such inestimable blessedness, which was neither due to our parentage, nor could be purchased by any our deservings. Sithence this is most true, what remaineth, (ye men and brethren beloved in our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ) but that according to the counsel of the Apostle,3 premeditating and continually recording the example of the Jews, we become more circumspect, and learn by their ruin, what we ought to fear, and what we ought to eschew? First, That being taught by the Jews ⟨image 101⟩unbelief, we endeavour by all means possible with earnest and hearty supplications and prayers, to escape that dangerous gulf of incredulous unbelief. But ye will demand what kind of unbelief that was wherewith they were blinded. Do they not believe in one God maker of heaven and earth?4 do they not confess as well as we, that the same God is most mighty, most merciful, yea a most righteous judge, and rewarder of deeds? The answer is ready.5 If we were Angels or such kind of men, as could not possibly decline out of the way, or had never fallen into error, then would this faith have been a sufficient cover to shroud us, in that we might need no further mediator.
But now being altogether sinful, borne of sinful parents, environed with the whole body of sin, what do we else when we call upon God without regard of the mediator,1 then raise his wrath, sharpen his vengeance, and provoke him to aggravate the judgement of our damnation, and (to speak the words of Isaiah) procure our dwelling with devouring fire,2 and make our habitations in everlasting flames? For what can be more dreadful for mans weak nature, then to debate ⟨image 102⟩with God without Christ? From that which I beseech our saviour Christ to preserve us all.
But now being altogether sinful, borne of sinfull parents, enuironed with the whole bodie of sinne, what do we els when we call vpon God without regarde of the mediator,1 then rayse his wrath, sharpen his vengeance, and prouoke him to aggrauate the iudgement of our damnation, and (to speake the words of Esay) procure our dwelling with deuouring fire,2 and make our habitations in euerlasting flames? For what can be more dreadfull for mans weake nature, then to debate ⟨image 102⟩with God without Christ? From yt which I beseech our sauiour Christ to preserue vs al.
The other is, left we should foolishly flatter our selves at other mens harms. Faith is the gift of God, and consisteth not in any demonstration of mans imagination: whereunto if it were possible to attain by force of nature, by works, by dew deservings of the Law, by ceremonies, by parentage, or nobility of race: surely the Jews as they were our ancients in years, so approached nearer the election then we.1 But considering this faith dependeth upon the free mercy of God only, and the free distribution of his especial election: and thou through the only kindness of the Lord, art endued with that blessing, that is denied to others, thou mayest worthily rejoice in this thy felicity. But beware that this singular felicity suggest not matter of pride, as may make thee tread down, and scorn the calamities of the afflicted: but learn rather by their example, what thou mayest fear thy self. Wherein no man can instruct thee more pithily, then saint Paul: Be not proud in mind (sayeth he) but fear: for if God spared not the natural branches, take heed least he spare not thee. For ⟨image 102⟩thou, whosoever thou be, that standest in faith, doest not stand so assured, that thou mayest not fall: neither is their unbelief such, as is overspread over them all, or such as shall endure for ever, and is unrecoverable. For as there are very many Jews (as I said before) which do confess and profess Christ (as is this one Jew whom ye see here present at this time) so is the Lord mighty, and of power to have compassion upon the remnant, and raise them up, which are yet forsaken, and trodden under foot.
The other is, left we should foolishly flatter our selues at other mens harmes. Faith is the gift of God, and consisteth not in anie demonstration of mans imagination: wherevnto if it were possible to attaine by force of nature, by workes, by dewe deseruings of the Lawe, by ceremonies, by parentage, or nobilitie of race: surely the Iewes as they were our auncients in yeres, so approched neerer the election then we.
And that ye may the better understand, that God is of power able to do the same, as also his determined purpose herein, and what he willeth us to conceive thereof, I will declare unto you the judgement, and hope of S. Paul touching the same, where of he doeth also under a certain secret mystery make us partakers. And to this purpose it seemed good to s. Paul to advertise us that are Gentiles, that we should be well advised, least being puffed up with pride, and swelling with a vain arrogant persuasion of our own strength, we conceive better of our selves then is requisite, because we seem to stand in better estimation then the Jews: therefore ⟨image 103⟩he would not have us ignorant of this great blindness of the Jews, as the which neither happened to all the Nation in general, but in part, upon Israel: nor that the same was past recovery, but should endure only so long, until the full number of the Gentiles were accomplished. And then (saith he) it shall come to pass, that all the people of Israel shall be saved: which testimony of the Apostle is a sufficient argument to declare, that the Jews shall be restored again, if I be not deceived. But when that return of the Jews shall be, the divines are not fully agreed upon.1 When the fullness of the Gentiles shall come (sayeth S. Paul.) But when that fullness shall come, is known only unto him, whose words in the gospel are these.2 It is not for you to know the signs and the seasons, which the father hath put in his own power. Unless peradventure we will interpret this fullness in this wise: that the Jews shall continue so long in blindness, as the Gentiles did in unbelief, whiles the Jews remained in belief: and that the fullness of the Gentiles shall seem to be accomplished,3 when as the Gentiles may prescribe as long continuance in the possession of Gods Church without the Jews, as the ⟨image 103⟩Jews did first enjoy their synagogue without the Gentiles. The number of which years will not vary much, if the computation be proportionably made. For, if according to this rule, ye derive your number from the first institution of the Jews common wealth, unto the utter subversion of the same, ye shall find 1564. the course of which years if ye compare with the calling of the Gentiles, that is to say, from the time that the holy ghost was sent, until this present time, the number of years will not be far unequal.
And yet in my judgment it shall not be amiss, if a man make his calculation, having relation to those times whereof the Lord him self made mention in the Evangelist Luke.1 And Jerusalem (sayeth he) shall be trodden under foot of the Gentiles, until the time of the Gentiles be fulfilled.
And yet in my iudgment it shall not be amisse, if a man make his calculation, hauing relation to those times whereof the Lord him selfe made mencion in the Euangelist Luke.1 And Ierusalem (saieth he) shal be troden vnder foote of the Gentiles, vntil the tyme of the Gentiles bee fulfilled.
But the knowledge of the certain moments and appointed minutes of that time, we commit unto the Lord. This only we learn most assured out of S. Paul, that God hath decreed upon an infallible certainty of time, wherein the Gentiles shall mount to their fullness, and the Jews also after that fullness of time shall return unto the faith. ⟨image 104⟩For speedy & good success whereof, this one thing doth minister plentiful matter of good hope, that our Lord Jesus Christ hath vouchsafed to cleanse his Churches every where almost so happily in these our days, & purged them from all offences & stumbling blocks, which occasioned the Jews to withdraw themselves so long from the participation of our faith.
But the knowledge of the certaine moments and appointed minutes of that time, we commit vnto the Lord. This onely wee learne most assured out of S. Paul, that God hath decreed vpon an infallible certaintie of time, wherein the Gentiles shall mount to their fulnes, and the Iewes also after that fulnes of time shall returne vnto the fayth. ⟨image 104⟩For speedy & good successe whereof, this one thing doth minister plentiful matter of good hope, yt our Lord Iesu Christ hath vouchsafed to cleanse his Churches euery where almost so happily in these our daies, & purged them frō al offences & stumbling blocks, which occasioned ye Iewes to withdraw themselues so long from the participation of our faith.
1And here I might use offered opportunity, to exclaim against the presumptuous boldness of those persons whatsoever they were, which presumed to thrust into Temples and Churches of Christians, images, and counterfeits of he saints and she saints at the first, and to convey the pure worshipping of the invisible God, to the representations of visible things, contrary to the prescript ordinance of the Law of God, contrary to reason & nature, contrary to the approved custom of the elders, & contrary to all example of the Patriarchs, Prophets & Apostles: out of which puddle as issued wonderful stench, so amongst all other, nothing more noisome than those pestilent Botches of imageworship, breadworship, wineworship, crosseworship, signs & portraits of visible creatures, the view whereof caused the true and sincere profession of the christians to be loathsome to the Jews, to their great hinderance ⟨image 104⟩and prejudice. For what marvel was it if the Jews (that were taught by the prescript rule of gods law to abhor worshipping of images) entering into the churches of christians, & beholding the walls, pillars, & all the corners •hereof, bedaubed with painted, & carved idols, besides innumerable other babbles of imagery, perceiving also open market to be made, not only of the picture of the cross, but of the sacrament of bread & wine also, displayed & blazed abroad not after the manner of communicating, but gloriously vaunted with singular magnificence to be honoured and kneeled unto: what marvel was it (I say) if they being offended with this open idolatry, did so long refrain from us, and from the discipline of our faith?
1And here I might vse offred opportunitie, to exclame against the presumptuous boldenesse of those persons whatsoeuer they were, which presumed to thrust into Temples and Churches of Christians, images, and counterfaites of hee saintes and shee saintes at the first, and to conueye the pure worshipping of ye inuisible God, to the representations of visible things, contrary to the prescript ordinance of ye Law of God, cōtrary to reason & nature, contrary to ye approued custome of ye elders, & cōtrary to al example of ye Patriarches, Prophets & Apostles: out of which puddle as issued wonderful stench, so amongst al other, nothing more noysome thē those pestilent Botches of imageworship, breadworship, wineworship, crosseworship, signes & pourtraictes of visible creatures, ye view wherof caused the true and sincere professiō of ye christians to be lothsome to ye Iewes, to their great hinderāce
But it is well now, thanked be Christ,1 that these offensive baggage & image worshippings are for yt more part defaced & scraped out of christian churches, & the ancient purity of christian profession, is begun to take so good footing, that now amongst us remain no dregs in our temples, in our religion, nor in our doctrine, that may minister just occasion of offence to the Jews, or any other enemies, though they inveigh our religion never so much. And I would to God, all other that profess the name ⟨image 105⟩of christians, would yield their like endeavour to the abolishment of all corruptions of religion, and incivility of living out of their congregations, which may breed any further loathsomeness to the Jews. Truly this is much to be lamented, that our adversaries can find no blemish of just quarrel in the person of Christ Jesus, whose name we would seem to profess: and on the other side, to wit, in us nothing consonant, and agreeable to the true touchstone of Gods holy word, and Christs religion, whereof we bear the name, but all things repugnant and unlike the pure & first pattern thereof.
But it is wel now, thāked be Christ,1 yt these offensiue baggage & image worshippings are for yt more part defaced & scraped out of christian churches, & the ancient puritie of christiā profession, is begun to take so good footing, yt now amongst vs remaine no dregges in our temples, in our religion, nor in our doctrine, that may minister iust occasion of offence to the Iewes, or any other enemies, though thei inueigh our religion neuer so much. And I would to God, al other that professe ye name ⟨image 105⟩of christians, would yeeld their like endeuour to the abolishment of al corruptions of religion, and inciuilitie of liuing out of their cō gregations, which may breede any further lothsomnes to ye Iewes. Truly this is much to be lamented, that our aduersaries can find no blemish of iust quarell in the person of Christ Iesu, whose name we would seeme to professe: and on the other side, to wit, in vs nothing consonant, and agreeable to the true touchstone of Gods holy word, and Christes religion, whereof we beare the name, but all things repugnant and vnlike the pure & first patterne thereof.
But I will not adventure further upon this quavemire: the sink is deeper than can be in this place, or at this time scoured or launched. But sithence our present purpose is now to treat only of the conversion of the Jews: of the good success whereof, as there is no hope at all else then by purging and cleansing the filthy puddles of our superstitions, the unsavoury stench whereof the Jews can by no means digest: what remaineth for us to do (my dear brethren and honourable fathers in the Lord) but that every of us in our vocation, employ all our endeavour, faculty ⟨image 105⟩and power, that nothing may be committed amongst us, in our default from henceforth, whereby the true religion of Christ (which he gave most pure without spot or blemish) may be defiled, and brought into hatred and obloquy, and blasphemed amongst the Jews, Turks, Pagans, and unbelieving infidels. My meaning here tendeth not to the determining of controversies in sects, nor of doubtful controversies debated in schools: the censure whereof, I commit to the great masters, and doctors in divinity: Only my request at this time is, that those gross monuments of manifest idolatry, those fantastical devises and frivolous forgeries of signs and Images, and those stagelike gestures and pelting trumperies, frequented in Churches, as are the praying for the dead, worshipping of creatures & signs, forbidding priests marriages, & such like peevish absurdities (wherewith the Jews were never acquainted) which are manifestly repugnant to the […] word of God, yea and contrary to common reason almost, may be rooted out and vanished from Christian Churches and congregations: that so we may open an entry to the Jews and Turks, to conceive an inward ⟨image 106⟩desire to be joined to the son of God: or if we will not do this for the Jews sake, let us yet at the least have due regard to our own estate. We have been plagued sufficiently enough by the Turks and Saracens for our idolatry, if we respect the sundry overthrows, famines, slaughters, and alterations of kingdoms, wherewith the Christians have been miserably tormented many hundred years, to the great delight of the Jews:
But I wil not aduenture further vpō this quauemire: the sincke is deeper thē can be in this place, or at this time scowred or lanched. But sithence our present purpose is now to treate only of the conuersion of the Iewes: of the good successe whereof, as there is no hope at all els then by purging and cleansing the filthie puddles of our superstitions, the vnsauerie stenche whereof the Iewes can by no meanes disgest: what remayneth for vs to do (my deare brethren and honourable fathers in the Lord) but that euery of vs in our vocation, employe all our endeuour, facultie
neither is any hope almost of redress from great calamities, like to ensue, unless we cast away this worshipping of idols out of Christian congregations and Temples, (as I said before) and by this means enter upon a new course of better conversation and purer worshipping of God.
neither is any hope almost of redresse from great calamities, like to ensue, vnlesse we cast away this worshipping of idoles out of Christian congregations and Temples, (as I said before) and by this meanes enter vpon a new course of better conuersation and purer worshipping of God.
But forasmuch as this notable enterprise of reformation of life, and purer discipline, hath over many adversaries at this day, such as will by no persuasion suffer themselves to be allured from their accustomed impiety: & that this wicked age ministereth no hope of recovery by exhortation, and that nothing can avail now to bring this to pass, but supplications and prayers: Let every of us most humbly join together in earnest & hearty prayer, ⟨image 106⟩to the eternal God, father of our Lord Jesus Christ: beseeching him for his dearly beloved sons sake, that as he hath shut up all under unbelief, because he will have compassion on all, so he will vouchsafe to deliver the Jews from their infidelity, all Christians from superstition and idolatry, and withal govern and sanctify his Church in the same pure sincerity, wherewith he did beautify it at the beginning. For which cause we humbly beseech thee also, most mild Saviour,1 which art appointed King over thy holy hill Zion to manifest thy self a redeemer unto thy people out of that thy holy hill Zion,2 and to turn away ungodliness from Jacob. Then shall that come to pass which thou diddest promise long ago by the mouth of the Prophet, that the children of Judah, and the children of Israel being gathered together under one head,3 shall all together with us, with one soul, one voice, and one mouth, acknowledge thee to be the true son of the living God, shall magnify thee our redeemer, and attain eternal salvation of body and soul, together with us, in thy everlasting kingdom, through thee, our Lord and Saviour, Amen.
But forasmuch as this notable enterprise of reformatiō of life, and purer discipline, hath ouer many aduersaries at this daye, such as will by no persuasion suffer themselues to be allured frō their accustomed impietie: & that this wicked age ministreth no hope of recouerie by exhortation, and that nothing can auaile now to bring this to passe, but supplications and praiers: Let euery of vs most humbly ioyne together in earnest & heartie praier, ⟨image 106⟩to the eternall God, father of our Lord Iesu Christ: beseeching him for his dearely beloued sonnes sake, that as he hath shut vp all vnder vnbeliefe, because he will haue compassion on all, so he will vouchsafe to deliuer the Iewes from their infidelitie, all Christians from superstition and idolatrie, and withall gouerne and sanctifie his Church in the same pure synceritie, wherewith he did beautifie it at the beginning. For which cause we humbly beseech thee also, most mylde Sauiour,
FINIS.
Imprinted at London, by Christopher Barker, Printer to the Queens Majesty.
Imprinted at London, by Christopher Barker, Printer to the Queenes Maiestie.
ANNO. 1578.
But by this example it may happely bee thought, that God did execute too much crueltie and rigour agaynst those seely wretches the Iewes. Admitte in deede, that it was so. This was therefore a good lesson to forewarne vs, accordyng to Saint Paules aduertisement, that wee shoulde duely, and with carefull consideration, exactly examine the seueritie of God:1 and not his seueritie onely, but his bountyfull goodnesse withall: That so through the often remembrance of the one, wee myght bee restrayned in a couenable feare, and through the dayly recordyng of the other, wee myght ⟨image 101⟩be raysed to thankefulnesse and duetyfull loue towardes God. A very lyuely example truely of Gods seueritie is heere expressed in the Iewes, who beeyng fallen from their auncient dignitie, were ouerwhelmed with such blyndenes, that notwithstanding Christ (whose comming they looked for many hundred yeeres) was come already, and conuersaunt amongst them, they shoulde yet pursue him with contumelious reproches, rayle vpon him,2 and persecute him. The like president of Gods lenitie and gentlenes, appeared in vs that are Gentiles, manifestly: whome of his free mercie, he freely vouchsafed to associate into the felowship of such inestimable blessednesse, which was neyther due to our parentage, nor coulde be purchased by any our deseruinges. Sythence this is most true, what remayneth, (ye men and brethren beloued in our Lorde and sauiour Iesu Christ) but that according to the counsell of the Apostle,3 premeditatyng and continually recording the example of the Iewes, wee become more circumspecte, and learne by their ruyne, what we ought to feare, and what wee ought to eschewe? First, That beeyng taught by the Iewes ⟨image 101⟩vnbeliefe, we endeuour by all meanes possible with earnest and heartie supplications and prayers, to escape that daungerous gulfe of incredulous vnbeliefe. But ye will demaunde what kinde of vnbeliefe that was wherewith they were blynded. Doe they not beleue in one God maker of heauen and earth?4 do they not confesse as well as we, that the same God is most mightie, most mercifull, yea a most righteous iudge, and rewarder of deedes? The answere is readie.5 If we were Angels or such kinde of men, as could not possibly decline out of the way, or had neuer fallen into errour, then would this faith haue bene a sufficient couer to shroude vs, in that we might neede no further mediatour.
And that yee may the better vnderstand, that God is of power able to do the same, as also his determined purpose herein, and what he willeth vs to conceiue thereof, I will declare vnto you the iudgement, and hope of S. Paul touching the same, where of he doeth also vnder a certaine secret mysterie make vs partakers. And to this purpose it semed good to s. Paul to aduertise vs that are Gentiles, that we shoulde bee well aduised, least being puft vp with pride, and swelling with a vaine arrogant persuasion of our owne strength, wee conceiue better of our selues then is requisite, because wee seeme to stand in better estimation then the Iewes: therefore ⟨image 103⟩he would not haue vs ignorant of this great blindnes of the Iewes, as the which neither happened to all the Nation in general, but in part, vpon Israel: nor that the same was past recouery, but should endure only so long, vntill the full nomber of the Gentiles were accomplished. And then (saith he) it shal come to passe, that all the people of Israel shalbe saued: which testimonie of the Apostle is a sufficient argument to declare, that the Iewes shalbe restored againe, if I be not deceiued. But when that returne of the Iewes shalbe, the diuines are not fully agreed vpon.1 When the fulnes of the Gentiles shall come (sayeth S. Paul.) But when that fulnes shal come, is knowen onely vnto him, whose wordes in the gospel are these.2 It is not for you to know the signes and the seasons, which the father hath put in his owne power. Unlesse peraduenture we will interprete this fulnes in this wise: that the Iewes shal continue so long in blindenes, as the Gentiles did in vnbeliefe, whiles the Iewes remayned in beliefe: and that the fulnes of the Gentiles shall seeme to be accomplished,3 when as the Gentiles may prescribe as long continuance in the possession of Gods Church wtout the Iewes, as the ⟨image 103⟩Iewes did first enioy their synagogue wtout ye Gentiles. The nomber of which yeres will not vary much, if ye computation be proportionably made. For, if according to this rule, ye deriue your nomber frō the first institutiō of the Iewes common wealth, vnto the vtter subuersion of the same, ye shall finde 1564. the course of which yeres if ye compare with the calling of the Gentiles, that is to say, from the time that the holie ghost was sent, vntil this present time, the nomber of yeres wil not be farre vnequal.
