Certain sermons preached before the Queens Majesty, and at Pauls crossCertaine sermons preached before the Queenes Maiestie, and at Paules crosse

But alas, there appeareth not in us that ⟨image 59⟩change of life that ought to be in such as turn to Christ, we are as proud, as covetous, and wicked in abusing the holy name of God, as ever we were in the time of ignorance. Thus we abuse the great mercy of God, thus we withhold his trueth in unrighteousness. We say we know God, but give him not the glory that is due unto God.

But alas, there appeareth not in vs that ⟨image 59⟩chaunge of life that ought to be in such as turne to Christ, we are as proude, as couetous, and wicked in abusing the holy name of God, as euer we were in the time of ignorance. Thus we abuse the great mercy of God, thus we withhold his trueth in vnrighteousnesse. We say we know God, but giue him not the glorye that is due vnto God.

And besides this, we are in love with our own corruption: and as the Prophet sayeth, we rejoice when we have done wickedly: we cannot abide to have our fault touched, our pride is grown up as hie as heaven, our covetousness is sunk as deep as hell, our poor weak brethren be offended, and think that these be the very fruits of Christs gospel. Yet we can in no wise suffer to be reproved, we say to the Preacher, peace, and talk not to us in the name of the Lord, tell not us of the Scriptures, tell not us of Christ, of Peter, & Paul: we did him speak us fair, and bless those things that be accursed by Gods own mouth. We say, he is too busy, he meddleth with that he knoweth not. Yes, yes man, he knoweth it well enough, he knoweth that pride is pride, that usury is usury, that sin is sin: and thou & thine own conscience knowest it too, if thou wouldest be known of it: yea, thou knowest it, & indeed in thy heart, of force art weary of it, And this is extreme misery, that we are so far plunged in sin, that we ⟨image 60⟩can neither abide our own faults, nor yet the amending of them. Is this the repentance of our life? Are these the fruits of Gods Gospel? are these the fruits of the innocent blood, that we see shed before our eyes? Are these our tears for the sins we have committed? Is this the thanks that we render unto God, for giving unto us so great blessings? But, what said I, blessings? Would God we were so blessed, that we might consider our blessedness. Many already bewray the weakness of their stomachs, they brook not the Gospel: yea, they seem already weary of these Preachers, they call them Pulpit men, men of the spirit, and I know not what: as though they themselves had nothing to do with Gods spirit. Ha merciful God, what way may GOD take to win you? Alas, what are we? what have we offended you? Are we become your enemies, for telling you the trueth? I fear me, this murmuring is not against us, but against the Lord.