27 sermons preached by the right Reverend father in God and constant martyr [sic] of Jesus Christ, Master Hugh Latimer, as well such as in times past have been printed, as certain other coming to our hands of late, which were yet never set forth in print. Faithfully perused [and] allowed according to the order appointed in the Queens Majesties injunctions. 1. Hys sermon Ad clerum. 2. Hys fourth sermon upon the plough. 3. His. 7. sermons before king Edward. 4 His sermon at Stamford. 5. His last sermon before king Edward. 6. His. 7. sermons upon the Lords prayer. 7. His other. 9. sermons upon certain Gospels and Epistles27 sermons preached by the ryght Reuerende father in God and constant matir [sic] of Iesus Christe, Maister Hugh Latimer, as well such as in tymes past haue bene printed, as certayne other commyng to our handes of late, whych were yet neuer set forth in print. Faithfully perused [and] allowed accordying to the order appoynted in the Quenes Maiesties iniunctions. 1. Hys sermon Ad clerum. 2. Hys fourth sermon vpon the plough. 3. Hys. 7. sermons before kyng Edward. 4 Hys sermon at Stamforde. 5. Hys last sermon before kyng Edward. 6. Hys. 7. sermons vpon the Lordes prayer. 7. Hys other. 9. sermons vpon certayne Gospels and Epistles
Hugh Latimer 1485?–1555London: printed by John Day, 1562London: printed by Iohn Day, 1562
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.
An ensample we have in Joseph: his brethren sold him1 and handled him most cruelly and tyrannously, what did he? he toke it willingly without any revengement: what did god? Mary he fulfilled his promise, inheritabunt terram, they shall inherit the land. Therefore he made him lord over all Egypt, this did god, and so he will do unto us: but our heart is so poisoned with the poison of malice, that we think we should be undone, when we should not avenge our selves, but they that have the spirit of god, and to whom these blessings pertain, they […] charitable, and yet use the law when necessity shall […] so, but they will do it with a godly mind.
An ensample we haue in Ioseph: his brethren solde hym1 and handled him most cruelly and tyrannously, what did he? he toke it wyllyngly without any reuengement: what dyd god? Mary he fulfilled his promise, inheritabunt terram, they shall inherite the lande. Therfore he made him lorde ouer al Egipt, this did god, and so he wyll do vnto vs: but our heart is so poysoned with the poison of malice, that we thynke we shoulde be vndone, when we should not auenge our selues, but they that haue the spirite of god, and to whom these blessynges pertayne, they 〈…〉 charitable, and yet vse the law when necessitie shall 〈…〉 so, but they wyll doe it wyth a godlye mynde.
1The […] ple of […] seph to be followed of us.The 〈…〉 ple of 〈…〉 seph to be folowed of vs.
[…], they shall inherit the land: some […] the land for eternal life, but it may be understanded of this […] to: for they that be patient and bear and suffer, God will reward them here in this world and yonder to. Now ye have heard what we shall have when we be meek spirited: let us therefore set aside all stubbornness, all vengeance hatred and malice, one against another: so that we may obtain
that land which Christ promised us. Beati qui […] & […] unt […] quoniam […], Blessed be they that
⟨p. 74⟩
hunger & thirst after righteousness, for they shall be […]. These words be […] diversity: it may be […] so,Blessed be they that hunger and thirst that is to say, that have so great desire to righteousness, as a hungry man hath to his meat and drink. Some […] it of the justice of the soul: for the faithful be ever hungry, they ever think they be not well, they be […] behind the hand: and so do not yt hypocrites, for they have opera supererogationis […] have
so much that they are able to sell unto other men to: & bring them to heaven: But I will […] these words so. They that hunger, […] they that […] wrong: for when a man suffereth wrong and […], he hungereth and thirsteth to have justice, to come to his right: for it is a common saying, amongest
the people The law is ended as the […] is friended. Now he that is so injured and wronged and hath a godly hunger and thirst to righteousness, he shall be satisfied in this world, and in the world to come he shall have […] life. Ensamples we have in scripture. Joseph when he was sold to […] that great man, he was a fair young […]: now his […] Potiphars wife, seeing his beauty, […] her love upon him, in so much that he could be no where but she came after him: but Joseph […] God […] her, and would not commit with her the filthy act of […]. What followeth, she went by and by and made an out cry & accused him, as though he would have […] her. So at the length Joseph was cast into prison, where he hungered & thirst after righteousness, after […],that is he was desirous
to have his right: yet for all that he toke the matter well & godly, he sought not for vengeance: we in our own foolishness & mother wits esteem them blessed, that can […] the matter so, that the law may go with them, that they may have the over […]: they are called blessed which […] the swing, which are not exercised with trouble.
〈…〉, they shall inherite the lande: some 〈…〉 the lande for eternall lyfe, but it maye bee vnderstanded of thys 〈…〉 to: for they that be pacient and beare and suffer, God wyll rewarde them here in this world and yonder to. Now ye haue hearde what we shall haue when we be meeke spirited: let vs therfore set aside all stubburnes, al vengeance hatred and malice, one against another: so that we may obtain1 that land which Christ promised vs. Beati qui 〈…〉 & 〈…〉 unt 〈…〉 quoniam 〈…〉, Blessed bee they that ⟨p. 74⟩hungre & thurst after rightuousnes, for they shalbe 〈…〉. These wordes be 〈…〉 diuersty: it may be 〈…〉 so,Blessed be they that hunger and thurst that is to say, that haue so great desyre to rightuousnes, as a hungry man hath to his meate and drynke. Some 〈…〉 it of the iustice of the soule: for the faithfull be euer hungry, they euer thynke they be not well, they be 〈…〉 behind the hande: and so do not yt hypocrites, for they haue opera supererogationis 〈…〉 haue2 so much that they are able to sell vnto other men to: & brynge them to heauen: But I will 〈…〉 these wordes so. They that hunger, 〈…〉 they that 〈…〉 wrong: for when a man suffereth wrong and 〈…〉, he hungreth and thirsteth to haue iustice, to come to his right: for it is a common saying, amongest3 the people The law is ended as the 〈…〉 is frended. Now he that is so iniured and wronged and hath a godlye hunger and thurst to rightuousnes, he shalbe satisfied in this world, and in the worlde to come he shal haue 〈…〉 life. Ensamples we haue in scripture. Ioseph whan he was solde to 〈…〉 that great man, he was a fayre young 〈…〉: now his 〈…〉 Potiphars wife, seyng his beauty, 〈…〉 her loue vpon hym, in so much that he could be no where but she came after him: but Iosephe 〈…〉 God 〈…〉 her, and would not committe with her the filthye acte of 〈…〉. What foloweth, she wente by and by and made an oute crye & accused hym, as thoughe he would haue 〈…〉 her. So at the length Ioseph was cast into prison, where he hungerd & thurst after rightuousnes, after 〈…〉,yt is he was desiroꝰ4 to haue his right: yet for al yt he toke ye mater wel & godly, he sought not for vengeance: we in our own folishnes & mother wittes esteeme them blessed, that can 〈…〉 the matter so, that the law may go with them, that they may haue theouer 〈…〉: they are called blessed which 〈…〉 the swinge, which are not exercised with trouble.
1The […]. mile or […].The 〈…〉. mile or 〈…〉.
2[…] have […] sell.〈…〉 haue 〈…〉 sell.
3This sense […] to […], and i there fore […].This sense 〈…〉 to 〈…〉, and i ther fore 〈…〉.
I remember I red once a […] of a1 bishop which came to a rich mans house, where he had good […], and the goodman in the house she wed him all his riches and prosperities, his goodly wife & his fair children: in […]: they lacked nothing at all, he himself had […] been sick: the […] hearing that, thought in his mind ⟨image 81⟩no doubt god is not here: and so commanded his servant to make ready the horses, and by and by went […] way. when he came a little far of from the house, he sendeth his man back again to fetch a book, which was forgotten behind. when the servant came the house was sunk. So we see that worldly prosperity maketh us to forget god, and in the end to be […]. […] that holy man when he served Laban his uncle and father in law, what wrongs had he? how unjustly dealt Laban with him? No doubt he had great hunger and thirst after righteousness: therefore God satisfied his appetite, for he blessed him, and enriched him wonderfully, against2 […] mind. There be few of such servants now a days as […] was: and though he had a wicked master, yet he served him […]: I would wish all servants would follow the ensample of […]. This I speak to make you patient in tribulation, and to […] up in you a hunger and thirst after righteousness: you hear how […] was blessed in bearing godly the […] which that foolish woman did unto him.
I remember I red once a 〈…〉 of a1 bishop which came to a rich mans house, where he had good 〈…〉, and the goodman in the house she wed hym all his ryches and prosperities, his goodly wife & his faire children: in 〈…〉: they lacked nothing at all, he himselfe hadde 〈…〉 bene sicke: the 〈…〉 hearyng that, thought in hys mynde ⟨image 81⟩no doute god is not here: and so commaunded his seruaunte to make redy the horses, and by and by wente 〈…〉 way. when he came a little far of from the house, he sendeth his mā back again to fetch a booke, which was forgotten behynde. when the seruant came the house was sunke. So we see that worldly prosperity maketh vs to forget god, and in the ende to bee 〈…〉. 〈…〉 that holy man when he serued Laban his vn cle and father in lawe, what wronges had he? how vniustelye delte Laban with him? No dout he had great hunger and thurste after rightuousnes: therfore God satisfied hys appetite, for he blessed hym, and enriched hym wonderfullye, againste2〈…〉 mynde. There be few of suche seruauntes now a dayes as 〈…〉 was: and though he had a wicked maister, yet he serued hym 〈…〉: I woulde wishe all seruauntes would follow the ensample of 〈…〉. This I speake to make you patient in tribulation, and to 〈…〉 vp in you a hunger and thurst after rightuousnes: you heare howe 〈…〉 was blessed in bearyng godly the 〈…〉 which that foolish woman did vnto him.
David also […] what good […] did he unto king1 Saul? yet Saul went about to destroy him, think ye not David […] and thirsted after righteousness? […] he did, yet he might have […] himself, but he would not: for he had this […] of which Christ our […] speaketh here, And so consequently […] the land according unto his promise.
Dauid also 〈…〉 what good 〈…〉 dydde he vnto kynge1 Saule? yet Saule wente aboute to destroye hym, thynke ye not Dauid 〈…〉 and thirsted after rightuousenes? 〈…〉 he dydde, yet he might haue 〈…〉 himselfe, but he wold not: for he had this 〈…〉 of which Christ our 〈…〉 speaketh here, And so consequently 〈…〉 the land accordyng vnto his promise.
Beati […] quoniam ipsi […],1 Blessed be the merciful for they shall obtain mercy. I will not tarry long herein, you know which be the works of mercy. I was hungry sayeth Christ, I was naked. Matthew 25. There is a ghostly mercy: which is, to admonish them that be in errors: to bring them to the right way. Item to forgive them that do me wrong, this is a mercy, and a needful mercy: and therefore they that will be cruel here, so that they will not forgive unto their neighbours their faults, let them not look2 for […] at God's […]. For we must be merciful, loving, and comfortable towards our neighbour ⟨p. 75⟩when we will obtain mercy at gods hands. But this seemeth now as though malefactors ought not to be put to death, because god requireth mercy. Sir you must understand that god requireth private mercy, so that private men one shall forgive unto the other: but it is an other matter with the magistrates, the king and all other magistrates are God's officers, they must do according as god requireth them to do. he saith: Auferes […] medio populi, nec mise reberis ei, thou shalt take away, thou shalt root out the ill, (them that be malefactors) from amongest the people: and show not mercy3 unto them. Here were a place to entreat of ministering of justice, if the audience were thereafter: how justices of peace and other magistrates ought not to be bolsterers and […] with wickedness, but punish the malefactors according to their deserts: Vae qui justificatis impium, woe be unto you that justify the wicked: to justify the wicked, is not to punish the […]: Et qui justificat impium & que […] justum am4 […] abominabiles coram domino, he that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, they are both wicked and abominable before the lord. So that magistrates ought to punish sin and wickedness, but private men, one ought to show mercy unto another: that is, he ought to forgive […] any man hath done him harm: and so he shall have mercy at gods hand.
Beati 〈…〉 quoniam ipsi 〈…〉,1 Blessed be the mercifull for they shall obtayne mercye. I wyll not tarye longe herein, you knowe whyche bee the workes of mercye. I was hungry sayeth Christe, I was naked. Mathew 25. There is a ghostely mercy: whiche is, to admonish them that bee in erroures: to brynge theym to the righte waye. Item to forgeue them that doe me wronge, this is a mercye, and a needefull mercye: and therefore they that wylbee cruell here, so that they wyll not forgeue vnto theyr neyghboures theyr faultes, lette theym not looke2 for 〈…〉 at Goddes 〈…〉. For we muste bee mercyfull, louynge, and comfortable towardes our neighbour ⟨p. 75⟩whan we will obtain mercy at gods hands. But this semeth now as though malefactors ought not to be put to death, because god requireth mercye. Syr you muste vnderstand that god requireth priuate mercye, so that priuate men one shall forgeue vnto the other: but it is an other matter with the magistrates, the kyng and all other magistrates are goddes officers, they must do accordyng as god requireth them to do. he saith: Auferes 〈…〉 medio populi, nec mise reberis ei, thou shalt take away, thou shalte roote out the yll, (them that bee malefactours) from amongest the people: and shewe not mercy3 vnto them. Here were a place to intreat of ministring of iustice, if the audience were thereafter: how iustices of peace and other magistrates ought not to be bolsterers and 〈…〉 with wickednes, but punish the malefactours accordyng to their deserts: Vae qui iustificatis impium, wo be vnto you that iustifye the wicked: to iustifye the wicked, is not to punishe the 〈…〉: Et qui iustificat impium & que 〈…〉 iustum am4〈…〉 abominabiles coram domino, he that iustifieth the wycked, and he that condemneth the iuste, they are bothe wicked and abhominable before the lord. So that magistrates ought to punish sinne and wyckednes, but priuate men, one ought to shew mercy vnto another: that is, he ought to forgeue 〈…〉 any man hathe done him harme: and so he shall haue mercy at gods hande.
1The […] mile or dais jour neigh.The 〈…〉 mile or dais iour ney.
2[…] must be merciful〈…〉 must be merciful
3Magistrates may not […] mercy in judge meant.Magistrats may not 〈…〉 mercy in iudge ment.
[…] mundi corde quoniam ipse videbunt deum, Blessed be the clean of heart: for they shall see god. By these words we may perceive that we shall not look to see god, to see our1 felicity, when we be impure of heart. We can not come to that inspeakable joy and felicity which god hath prepared for his, except we be clean in our hearts: therefore David know ing that lesson, saith unto god: Cor mundum crea in me deus. O god make clean my heart within me. But ye will ask how shall our hearts be purified and cleansed. Answer, Fide purificantur corda, thorough faith the hearts of2 men must be cleansed. They that hear God des word and believe that same to be true, and live after it, their hearts shall be purified, and so they shall see GOD.
〈…〉 mundi corde quoniam ipse videbunt deum, Blessed be the cleane of heart: for they shall see god. By these words we may perceiue that we shall not looke to see god, to see our1 felicity, whan we be impure of hearte. We can not come to that inspeakable ioy and felicity which god hath prepared for his, except we be cleane in our hearts: therfore Dauid know yng that lesson, saith vnto god: Cor mundum crea in me deus. O god make cleane my hearte within me. But ye wyll aske howe shall our heartes be purified and cleansed. Aunswer, Fide purificantur corda, thorough faithe the heartes of2 menne muste be cleansed. They that heare God des woorde and beleue that same to be true, and lyue after it, theyr heartes shalbee purified, and so they shall see GOD.
There be two manner of seeing of GOD: as long as ⟨image 82⟩we be here, we must see him by saith, in believing in1 him: […] we shall see him face to face how […] is, therefore […] here, and see there. And so it appeareth, that he that will not hear God's word, and believe the same, that his heart […] be […], he shall not see god.
There be two manner of seeyng of GOD: as longe as ⟨image 82⟩we bee here, we muste see hym by saythe, in beleuynge in1 hym: 〈…〉 we shall see hym face to face howe 〈…〉 is, therfore 〈…〉 here, and see there. And so it appeareth, that he that wyll not heare goddes word, and beleue the same, that hys hearte 〈…〉 be 〈…〉, he shal not see god.
1God is seen here by […] this […] face to faceGod is sene here by 〈…〉 this 〈…〉 face to face
Beati […] quoniam ipse […] Dei vocabuntur, Blessed be the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of1 God. Here is an other journey. There is a law in […]. where god sayeth: Non erit susurro nec […] in popu […]. There shall not be a slanderer or whisperer amongest you which are my people. But I tell you this law is not kept: for there be a great number of those which […] with their tongues, as though they would […] into a mans bosom, but behind his back or before other2 men they betray him, they lye upon him and doc all they can to bring him out of estimation: these whisperers be peacebreakers, and not peacemakers: for the […] his […] to pass thorough such fellows, there be many such in England which tell false tales of others, to promote […] withal: these be the […] of the devil, and no doubt the […] many children in the world. I will show you an […]: There was one […] 3[…], a servant of Saul the king, he was […] pastorum, the master over his […]. When David flying from Saul, came to the […] very hungry4 and weary, and therefore desired some […], the […] having none other […]: but […] propositionis the holy bread: of that he gave David, and after that he gave him the sword of Goliath, whom David had killed before. Now this Doeg being there at that time, what doeth he? like a […] or […] goeth to Saul the king and told him, […] the […] had refreshed David in his journey, and […] given unto him the […] of […]: Saul hearing that, being in a great fury, sent for all the priests and their wives and their children and […] them all. This Doeg now that […] was not a peace maker,5 but a peace breaker: and therefore not a […] of GOD, but of the devil. I could […] you of […] other […], of ⟨p. 76⟩other whisperers, for I have known some in my time: but all such are the children of the […], they are not God's […]: for Christ our […] called those God's children, that are peacemakers, not them that cut […] throat. Seeing now that it is so good a thing to be a peacemaker: […] all them that be […] themselves to be peacemakers: let the […] show6 […] to be peacemakers, when they […] of contentions and […] between their tenants: send for them & here their […], and make him that is faulty to be […], and so let them be peacemakers:
Beati 〈…〉 quoniam ipse 〈…〉 Dei vocabuntur, Blessed be the peacemakers, for they shalbe called the chyldren of1 God. Here is an other iourney. There is a law in 〈…〉. where god sayeth: Non erit susurro nec 〈…〉 in popu 〈…〉. There shall not bee a slaunderer or whisperer amongest you whiche are my people. But I tell you thys lawe is not kepte: for there bee a greate number of those whyche 〈…〉 wyth theyr tongues, as thoughe they woulde 〈…〉 into a mans bosome, but behynde hys backe or before other2 men they betraye hym, they lye vppon hym and doc all they canne to bryng hym out of estimation: these whisperess bee peacebreakers, and not peacemakers: for the 〈…〉 his 〈…〉 to passe thorough suche fellowes, there be many suche in Englande whiche tell false tales of others, to promote 〈…〉 withall: these be the 〈…〉 of the diuell, and no doute the 〈…〉 many children in the worlde. I wyll shewe you an 〈…〉: There was one 〈…〉3〈…〉, a seruaunte of Saule the kynge, he was 〈…〉 pastorum, the maister ouer his 〈…〉. Whan Dauid flyeng from Saule, came to the 〈…〉 very hungrye4 and werye, and therfore desyred some 〈…〉, the 〈…〉 hauyng none other 〈…〉: but 〈…〉 propositionis the holye bread: of that he gaue Dauid, and after that he gaue him the sworde of Gohath, whome Dauid hadde kylled before. Now thys Doeg beynge there at that tyme, what doeth he? lyke a or goeth to Saule the kynge and tolde hym, the had refreshed Dauid in hys iourney, and geuen vnto hym the of : Saule hearyng that, beynge in a greate fury, sente for all the priestes and theyr wyfes and theyr chyldren and them all. Thys Doeg nowe that was not a peace maker,
1The […].The 〈…〉.
2[…] be […].〈…〉 be 〈…〉.
3The history of […] the […].The history of 〈…〉 the 〈…〉.
but there be some gentlemen in England, which think themselves borne to nothing […] but to have good cheer in this world: […] go a hawking and hunting: I would wish they would […] them selves rather to be peacemakers, to counsel and help1 poor men, and when they hear of any discord to be between neighbours and neighbours to set them together at […]: this should be rather their exercise than banqueting and spending the time in vain: But they will […], it is a great pain and labour to meddle in matters, to be a peacemaker. Sir you must consider that it is a great matter to be a child of God: And therefore we ought to be content to take pains to be peacemakers, that we may be the children of god. But in matters of religion we must take heed that we have such a peace which may stand with god and his word: for it is better to have no peace at all, then to have it with the loss of gods word. In the time of the six articles there2 was a Bishop which ever cried unity, unity: but he would have a […] unity. Saint Paul to the […] sayeth: […] unanimes, […] of one mind: but he addeth Secundum […] Christum, accordyng to […] Christ, that is, according to gods holy word, else it were better war than peace: we ought never regard unity so much that we would or should forsake gods word for her sake: when we were in […] we agreed well, because we were in the kingdom of the devil, we were in blindness. In Turkey we hear not of any dissension amongest […], for religions sake. The […] now […] have no […], because they be in ⟨image 83⟩blindness. When the rebels were up in Norfolk and Devonshire, they agreed all, there was no dissension: but their peace was not Secundum […] Christum, accordynge to Jesus Christ. Therefore S. […] hath a […] saying:3 Speciosum quidem nomen est pacis & pulchra opinio unitatis. sed […] eam solam […] Ecclesiae pacem esse quae Christi est, It is a goodly word peace, and a fair thing Unity: but who doubts but this to be the only right peace of the church, which peace is after Christ, according to his words? Therefore let us set by unity, let us be given to love and charity: but so that it may stand with godliness. For peace ought not to be redeemed jactura veritatis, with4 loss of the truth: that we would seek peace so much, that we should lose the truth of Gods word.
but there be some gentlemen in England, which thinke themselues borne to nothyng 〈…〉 but to haue good cheere in thys worlde: 〈…〉 go a haukynge and huntyng: I would wishe they woulde 〈…〉 them selues rather to bee peacemakers, to counsayle and healpe1 poore men, and when they heare of any discord to be betwene neighbours and neighbours to set them together at 〈…〉: this shoulde bee rather theyr exercise than banquettyng and spending the tyme in vayne: But they wyll 〈…〉, it is a great payne and labour to meddle in matters, to be a peacemaker. Syr you muste consider that it is a greate matter to bee a chylde of God: And therfore we ought to be contente to take paynes to be peacemakers, that we may be the chyldren of god. But in matters of religion we must take heede that we haue such a peace which may stande with god and his word: for it is better to haue no peace at all, then to haue it wyth the losse of gods worde. In the tyme of the sixe articles there2 was a Bishop whiche euer cryed vnity, vnity: but he would haue a 〈…〉 vnitie. Saint Paule to the 〈…〉 sayeth: 〈…〉 vnanimes, 〈…〉 of one mynde: but he addeth Secundum 〈…〉 Christum, accordyng to 〈…〉 Christe, that is, accordyng to gods holy word, els it were better warre than peace: we oughte neuer regard vnity so much that we wold or should forsake gods worde for her sake: when we were in 〈…〉 we agreed wel, because we were in the kingdom of the diuell, we were in blyndnes. In Turky we heare not of any discention amongest 〈…〉, for religions sake. The 〈…〉 now 〈…〉 haue no 〈…〉, because they be in ⟨image 83⟩blyndenesse. Whan the rebelles were vp in Norffolke and Deuonshire, they agreed all, there was no dissencion: but their peace was not Secundum 〈…〉 Christum, accordynge to Iesus Christ. Therfore S. hath a saying:
1A […] for all […].A 〈…〉 for al 〈…〉.
2Peace in po […] not the right peace.Peace in po 〈…〉 not the right peace.
3Be not de […] by the fair […] of peace,Be not de 〈…〉 by the faire 〈…〉 of peace,
4We may not lose truth for peace.VVe may not lose truth for peace.
Beati qui persecutionem patiuntur propter […], Blessed be they that suffer1 persecution for righteousness sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. This is the last journey, when we be demanded of our faith, and examined, and afterward be forced to believe as they will, when we come to that point: Blessed are we when we suffer rather all extremities than forsake the truth, yea we shall esteem it to be a great blessedness wham we […] in such trouble. And not only this, but who […] suffereth any thing for any manner of righteousness sake: blessed2 is he, the questmonger doing uprightly his duty in discharging of his conscience: now he shall have displeasure, happy is he: and he shall have his reward of God.
Beati qui persecutionem patiuntur propter 〈…〉, Blessed be they that suffer1 persecution for rightuousnes sake: for theirs is the kyngdom of heauen. This is the last iourney, whan we be demanded of our faith, and examined, and afterwarde be forced to beleue as they wyl, whan we come to that poynte: Blessed are we whan we suffre rather all extremities than forsake the truth, yea we shall esteme it to be a great blessednes whā we 〈…〉 in suche trouble. And not onely this, but who 〈…〉 suffreth any thing for any maner of rightuousnes sake: blessed2 is he, the questmonger doyng vprightly his duetie in dischargyng of his conscience: now he shal haue displeasure, happy is he: and he shall haue his rewarde of God.
1The eight […] journey.The eight 〈…〉 iourney.
2A questmō ger may be happy.A questmō ger may be happy.
Beati cum maledixerint vobis homines & dice. Blessed are ye when men speak ill of you. […] merces vestra multa est. &c. Be merry, because your reward is great in heaven. Now ye have heard which is the way to heaven, what manner a pilgrimage we must go: Namely first by spiritual poverty, by hunger and thirst after righteousness,1 by meekness and lenity, by weeping and wailing, by pity and mercifulness. Item we must have a clean heart: Item we must be peace makers: Item we must suffer tribulation and affliction. Than shall the end be, Merces vestra […] multa in coelis, your reward shall be great in heaven. Merces, this word soundeth as though we should ⟨p. 77⟩merit somewhat by our own works: for reward and merit are correspondent, one followeth the other: when I have merited, than I ought to have my reward. But we shall not think so: for ye must understand, that all our works are imperfect: we can not do them so perfectly as the law requireth, because of our flesh which ever letteth us. Wherefore is the kingdom of god called than a reward? because it is merited by Christ: for as touching our salvation and eternal2 life, it must be merited, but not by our own works, but only by the merits of our […] Christ. Therefore believe in him, trust in him: it is he that merited heaven for us: yet for all that every man shall be rewarded for his good works in everlasting life: but not with everlasting life. For it is written, Vita aeterna donum Dei, The everlasting life is a gift of god. Therefore we should not esteem our works so perfect as though we should or could merit heaven by them: yet god hath such pleasures in such works which we do with a faithful heart: that he promiseth to reward them in everlasting life. Now to make an end, I desire you in gods behalf, remember this pilgrimage which I have taught you, set not light by it: for it is our saviours own doctrine, he with his own mouth taught us this pilgrimage: when we will now follow him, and do according as he teacheth us, than all these blessings, of which mention is made, shall light upon us: and in the end we shall obtain everlasting life. which grant both you and me, God the father through his only Son our saviour Jesus Christ.
Beati cum maledixerint vobis homines & dice. Blessed are ye whan men speake yll of you. 〈…〉 merces vestra multa est. &c. Be merie, because your reward is great in heauen. Nowe ye haue heard whiche is the way to heauen, what maner a pylgremage we must goe: Namely first by spirituall pouertie, by hunger and thirst after rightuousnes,1 by mekenes and lenitie, by wepyng and waylyng, by pitie and mercyfulnes. Item we muste haue a cleane hert: Item we must be peace makers: Item we muste suffre tribulation and affliction. Than shall the ende bee, Merces vestra 〈…〉 multa in coelis, your rewarde shal be great in heauen. Merces, this woorde soundeth as though we shoulde ⟨p. 77⟩merite somwhat by our owne woorkes: for reward and merite are correspondent, one foloweth the other: whan I haue merited, than I ought to haue my reward. But we shall not thynke so: for ye must vnderstande, that all our workes are imperfect: we can not doo them so perfectely as the lawe requireth, because of our fleshe which euer letteth vs. Wherfore is the kyngdome of god called than a rewarde? because it is merited by Christ: for as touchyng our saluation and eternall2 lyfe, it must be merited, but not by our owne workes, but onely by the merites of our 〈…〉 Christ. Therfore beleue in hym, trust in him: it is he that merited heauen for vs: yet for all that euery man shall be rewarded for his good workes in euerlastyng lyfe: but not with euerlastyng lyfe. For it is written, Vita aeterna donum Dei, The euerlasting lyfe is a gift of god. Therfore we shuld not esteme our workes so perfect as though we should or coulde merite heauen by them: yet god hath such pleasures in suche workes which we doo with a faithfull heart: that he promiseth to rewarde thē in euerlasting lyfe. Now to make an end, I desire you in gods behalfe, remēbre this pilgremage which I haue taught you, set not lyght by it: for it is our sauiors owne doctrine, he with his owne mouth taught vs this pilgremage: whan we will now folowe hym, and doo accordyng as he teacheth vs, than all these blessyngs, of which mencion is made, shal lyght vpon vs: and in the ende we shall obteyne euerlasting life. which graunt both you and me, God the father through his onely sonne our sauior Iesus Christe.
1An itineral wherein the way to heaven is set forth plain […].An itineral vvherin the way to hea uen is set forth plain 〈…〉.
2Christ hath merited for us.Christ hath merited for vs.
DE caetero Fratres, confortamini in Domino, & in potentia virtutis eius, induite vos armaturam Dei, My bretherne be strong in the Lord, and thorough the power of his might, put on all the armour of GOD, that ye may stand against all the assaults of the devil. For we wrestle not ⟨image 84⟩against blood and flesh, but against rule, against power, against1 worldly rulers. Saint Paul that elect instrument of God, taketh muster of gods warriors: and […] christen people to war, telleth them plainly that they must be2 warriors, as it is written in the book of Job: Militia est vita hominis super terram, The life of a man or woman is nothing ells but a warfare, it is nothing but a continual battling & warring. Not very long ago I entreated of a pilgrimage I told you at that time of that very godly & ghostly pilgrimage, & such a pilgrimage, which all saints whilst they were in this world walked: they went all to that pilgrimage: but it is a […], an uneasy way to walk: but we must needs go it, there is no remedy, either we must go that painful pilgrimage, or else never go to heaven: for we may not go from […] to […] and pleasure, but from sorrow and misery to […]: we3 may not look to have here good cheer, and yonder everlasting life: for we may not look for joy and jolly cheer at both sides. We have no such promise of Christ our saviour: he promised unto us that we should be sufferers here in this world, and than in the world to come we shall have life everlasting: therefore let us be content, for though it be a hard […], yet there shall be a good end of it. Like as when a man goeth a great journey, and laboureth very sore, but in the end4 he cometh to good cheer, than all his labour is forgotten. So we shall come at the end to that […] which no […] hath seen, no ears hath heard, nor hart perceived, which God hath prepared for his elect.
DE caetero Fratres, confortamini in Domino, & in potentia virtutis eius, induite vos armaturam Dei, My bretherne be strong in the Lorde, and thorough the power of his myghte, put on all the armour of GOD, that ye maye stande agaynst all the assaultes of the deuyll. For wee wrastle not ⟨image 84⟩against blood and fleshe, but against rule, against power, against1 worldly rulers. Saint Paule that elect instrumente of God, taketh muster of gods warriors: and 〈…〉 christen people to warre, telleth them plainely that they must be2 warriors, as it is written in the boke of Iob: Militia est vita hominis super terram, The life of a man or womā is nothing ells but a warfare, it is nothing but a continuall battailyng & warring. Not very long agoe I entreated of a pilgremage I told you at yt tyme of yt very godly & gostly pilgremage, & such a pilgremage, which all saints whilst they were in this world walked: they went al to yt pilgremage: but it is a 〈…〉, an vneasy way to walke: but we must nedes go it, there is no remedie, either we must go that peinful pilgremage, or els neuer go to heauen: for we may not go frō 〈…〉 to 〈…〉 and pleasure, but from sorow and miserie to 〈…〉: we3 may not looke to haue here good cheere, and yonder euerlalasting life: for we may not looke for ioy and ioly cheere at bothe sydes. We haue no such promise of Christ our sauior: he promised vnto vs that we should be sufferers here in this world, and than in the world to come we shal haue life euerlasting: therfore lett vs be content, for though it be a harde 〈…〉, yet there shal be a good end of it. Like as whan a mā goeth a great iourney, and laboreth very sore, but in the end4 he cometh to good chere, than all his labour is forgotten. So we shall come at the end to that 〈…〉 whiche no 〈…〉 hath sene, no eares hathe heard, nor hart perceiued, whiche God hath prepared for his elect.
1Paul […]. keth […] of goddes people.Paule 〈…〉. keth 〈…〉 of goddes people.
Now here in this epistle S. Paul telleth us of a certain […]: he taketh muster, not only of the Ephesians, to whom this epistle is written, but also of us which be christians: for all that is required of them is required of us. The first point1 that pertaineth to this warfare is to be strong and bardye: & this is a commandment, as who say, you that be christians that be baptised in his name, that look to be saved through Christ, I command you be strong, ye may not be weaklings: for ye must fight hard, there is neither man nor woman but they must fight, they must come to that battle, and we may not be weaklings, because we have a strong […]: now he ⟨p. 78⟩that hath a strong and mighty enemy, ought not to be weak and fearful. For if he be, he shall be soon overcome and van quished. Therefore saint Paul would have us strong, that we may be able to fight against that fearful enemy the devil. But for all that saint Paul would not have us to stand to our own strength, to think to vanquish this mighty enemy by our own power or might: No not so, for when we2 put our hope in our own strength, we shall soon […], he shall have the victory by and by: we shall put our hope trust and confidence in god, and trust through Christ our saviour to overcome this enemy. We may not do as one Ajax did, whom his father sendeth forth with a company of men to warfare, giving him good and wholesome lessens and instructions that he should put his hope and trust in god at all times, then he should have luck: Ajax […] and said unto his father, It is not a great matter to get the victory with the help of god, yea the fearfullest and weakest man can get the victory when god helpeth him: But I will get the victory with my own strength: without the help3 of god, I am able to fight: such […] spake this […]. But we shall not do so, as he did, […] in our own strength: for when we do, we shall come to short, we shall lose the victory, to our eternal destruction. […]. […] saith: […] in domino, Be strong in the Lord: we […] be strong by a borrowed strength: for we of our own […] are to weak and feeble: Therefore let us learn […] 4shall […] our strength, namely from above: for we […] it not of our own selves. Now he sayeth: Put on all the […] of God: you know that wham a man goeth to war, and is harnessed all […], except at […] place:
Now here in this epistle S. Paule telleth vs of a certayne 〈…〉: he taketh mustre, not only of the Ephesiās, to whō this epistle is written, but also of vs which be christians: for all that is required of them is required of vs. The first point1 that pertaineth to this warfare is to be strong and bardye: & this is a cōmandement, as who say, you that be christiās that be baptised in his name, that loke to be saued thorow Christ, I cōmand you be strong, ye may not be weaklynges: for ye must fight hard, there is neither man nor woman but they must fyght, they must come to that battaile, and we may not be weaklings, because we haue a strong 〈…〉: nowe he ⟨p. 78⟩that hath a strong and mighty enemie, ought not to be weak and fearfull. For if he be, he shalbe soone ouercome and vā quished. Therfore saint Paule woulde haue vs strong, that we may be able to fight against that fearefull enemie the deuill. But for all that saint Paule wold not haue vs to stand to our owne strength, to think to vanquish this mighty enemie by our owne power or might: No not so, for when we2 put oure hope in our owne strength, we shal soone 〈…〉, he shall haue the victorie by and by: we shall put oure hope truste and confidence in god, and truste thorow Christ our sauior to ouercome this ennemie. We maye not doo as one Aiax did, whom his father sendeth foorth with a company of men to warfare, geuyng him good and holsom lessens and instructions that he should put his hope and trust in god at all times, then he should haue lucke: Aiax 〈…〉 and sayd vnto his father, It is not a great matter to get the victorie with the helpe of god, yea the fearefullest and weakest man can get the victorie whan god helpeth hym: But I wil gett the victorie with my owne strength: without the helpe3 of god, I am able to fight: such 〈…〉 spake this 〈…〉. But we shall not doo so, as he dydde, 〈…〉 in our owne strength: for whan we doo, we shall come to short, we shal lose the victorie, to our eternall destruction. 〈…〉. 〈…〉 saith: 〈…〉 in domino, Be strong in the Lord: we be strong by a borowed strength: for we of our owne are to weake and feble: Therfore lette vs learne
1The […] of a […].The 〈…〉 of a 〈…〉.
2We must not trust in our […] strength.VVe must not trust in our 〈…〉 strength.
If his enemy […] this bare place, he woundeth him as soon as though he had no harness at all: therefore S. Paul commanded us, that1 we shall have the whole […], nothing […]: for we may not go with pieces, having one thing, and lacking the other. For when we be wounded we shall do but […] good after. Wherefore doth S. Paul require such strength & such2 weapons, & teacheth us to fight? Answer: to yt end that we may […] & pull down yt devil, that we may strive against ⟨image 85⟩him, lest peradventure he overcome us and bring us in danger of our souls: for ye know, in battle as long as a man stā death he is well, he hath hope to escape: but as soon as he is down, then he is in jeopardy of his life. So likewise as long as we stand and fight against the devil, we are well, but wham we fall then we are in danger, lest he get the victory over us therefore he would have us to stand against the assaults of the devil. Now you must consider what manner an enemy he is that fighteth against us: and first consider his power: scripture saith Non est potestas, there is no power in earth, which3 may be compared unto his power. Now that strong fellow is gods enemy and ours, therefore […]. Paul biddeth us to be strong & armed round about: but to do on our own harness, that we may not: but we must do on the armour of god:4 which he hath appointed for us: therefore we must not learn of the devil to fight, he shall not teach us to battle: for it were like as when we would fight against the Scots, and had none other harness, but as they appointed unto us. No doubt if we were in that case, they would appoint such weapons5 for us, that they might get the victory, and give us an overthrow. So when we should fight against the devil, and had none other weapons, but as he appointed unto us. No doubt he would soon give us an overthrow: for he would appoint weapons wherewith we could not overcome him and withstand his power.
If his enemy 〈…〉 this bare place, he woundeth hym as soone as though he had no harnesse at all: therfore S. Paule cōmanded vs, that1 we shall haue the whole 〈…〉, nothyng 〈…〉: for we may not go with pieces, hauing one thyng, and lackyng the other. For whan we be wounded we shal do but 〈…〉 good after. Wherfore doth S. Paule require such strength & such2 weapons, & teacheth vs to fight? Answer: to yt end that we may 〈…〉 & pull downe yt deuill, yt we may striue against ⟨image 85⟩hym, lest peraduenture he ouercome vs and bring vs in danger of our soules: for ye know, in battail as long as a mā stā deth he is well, he hath hope to escape: but as soone as he is down, then he is in ieopardy of his lyfe. So likewise as long as we stand and fight against the diuell, we are wel, but whā we fall then we are in danger, lest he get the victory ouer vs therfore he would haue vs to stand agaynste the assaultes of the diuell. Now you must consider what maner an enemy he is that fighteth against vs: and first consider his power: scripture saith Non est potestas, there is no power in earth, whiche3 may be compared vnto hys power. Nowe that stronge felow is gods enemy and oures, therfore 〈…〉. Paule biddeth vs to be strong & armed round about: but to do on our own harneis, that we may not: but we must do on the armour of god:4 which he hath apointed for vs: therfore we must not learn of the deuill to fight, he shall not teache vs to battail: for it were like as whan we would fight against the Scottes, and hadde none other harneis, but as they apointed vnto vs. No doute yf we were in that case, they woulde appoint suche weapons5 for vs, that they might get the victory, and geue vs an ouerthrowe. So whan we shoulde fyghte against the diuel, and had none other weapons, but as he appointed vnto vs. No doute he would soone geue vs an ouerthrow: for he woulde appoint weapons wherwith we could not ouercome him and withstand his power.
1[…] must […] no […] of […] our〈…〉 must 〈…〉 no 〈…〉 of 〈…〉 our
2The cause why […] Paul […] us to be […] and […].The cause vvhy 〈…〉 Paul 〈…〉 vs to be 〈…〉 and 〈…〉.
but a peace breaker: and therefore not a 〈…〉 of GOD, but of the diuell. I coulde 〈…〉 you of 〈…〉 other 〈…〉, of
⟨p. 76⟩
other whisperers, for I haue knowen some in my tyme: but all suche are the chyldren of the 〈…〉, they are not Goddes 〈…〉: for Christe our 〈…〉 called those Goddes chyldren, that are peacemakers, not them that cutte 〈…〉 throate. Seeyng nowe that it is so good a thynge to be a peacemaker: 〈…〉 all them that be 〈…〉 themselues to be peacemakers: let the 〈…〉 shew
〈…〉 to be peacemakers, when they 〈…〉 of contentions and 〈…〉 betwene their tenants: send for them & here theyr 〈…〉, and make hym that is faultye to bee 〈…〉, and so let them be peacemakers:
Speciosum quidem nomen est pacis & pulchra opinio vnitatis. sed 〈…〉 eam solam 〈…〉 Ecclesiae pacem esse quae Christi est, It is a goodly word peace, and a faire thing Unitie: but who doutes but this to be the onely ryght peace of the churche, which peace is after Christ, accordyng to his wordes? Therfore let vs set by vnitie, lette vs be geuen to loue and charitie: but so that it maye stande with godlines. For peace oughte not to be redeemed iactura veritatis, with
shall 〈…〉 our strength, namely from aboue: for we 〈…〉 it not of our owne selues. Nowe he sayeth: Put on all the 〈…〉 of God: you know that whā a man goth to warre, and is harnessed all 〈…〉, except at 〈…〉 place:
