An expositio[n] upon the two epistles of the apostle S. Paul to the Thessalonians…An expositio[n] vpon the two epistles of the apostle S. Paul to the Thessalonians…

This tempter waiteth all occasions to draw us from our faith, and steadfastness in the Lord. Yet is he never so busy, as when any persecution is raised against the trueth. Then is he in his ruff. Then playeth he his part, and leaveth nothing undone, whereby he may move us to forsake the trueth. Wilt thou ⟨p. 97⟩(sayeth he) be so foolish to loose their life, and knowest not wherefore? art thou wiser than thy forefathers? Why shouldest not thou be contented to do as thy father, and mother, and friends, and kinsfolks? thinkest thou they have not as good care of their souls, as thou hast of thine? wilt thou make them Pagans and Infidels? dost thou think they are damned? be wise, and cast not thy self away. Flesh is frail, life is sweet, death is dreadful, but to die in the fire, to be burned alive, to see thy arms, and thy legs quite burnt from thy body, and that yet thou canst not die, this is most terrible, thou canst never abide it.

This tempter waiteth al occasions to drawe vs from our faith, and stedfastnesse in the Lorde. Yet is he neuer so busie, as when anie persecution is raised against the trueth. Then is he in his ruffe. Then playeth hee his part, and leaueth nothing vndoone, whereby he may moue vs to forsake the trueth. Wilt thou ⟨p. 97⟩(saieth he) be so foolish to loose their life, and knowest not wherefore? art thou wiser than thy forefathers? Why shouldest not thou be contented to doe as thy father, and mother, and friendes, and kinsfolkes? thinkest thou they haue not as good care of their soules, as thou hast of thine? wilt thou make them Pagans and Infidels? dost thou thinke they are damned? be wise, and cast not thy selfe awaie. Flesh is fraile, life is swéete, death is dreadfull, but to die in the fire, to be burned aliue, to see thy armes, and thy legges quite burnt from thy bodie, and that yet thou canst not die, this is most terrible, thou canst neuer abide it.

Behold so many Kings, and Princes, Noble men, Cardinals, Bishops, Doctors, and learned men, and whole kingdoms and countries of the contrary opinion. Be not wilful. Think not thy self wiser than all the world. What were it for thee to come to the Church, and to show thy self obedient, and to do, as others do? It is a small matter to look up, and hold up thy hands at the sacring. If it be an offence, thou shalt be excused, because thou art forced to do it by authority. GOD is merciful, he will forgive thee. Thus and thus doth Satan tempt us, and sifteth us, to lead us from