[The flour of godly prayers] [most worthy to be used in these our days…[The flour of godly praiers] [most worthy to be vsed in these our daies…
[The flour of godly prayers] [most worthy to be used in these our days for the safeguard, health, and comfort of all degrees, and estates / newly made by Thomas Becon].[The flour of godly praiers] [most worthy to be vsed in these our daies for the sauegard, health, and comforte of all degrees, and estates / newlie made by Thomas Becon].
Thomas Becon 1512–1567London: printed by John Day, 1550London: printed by Ihon Day, 1550
[32], cliiii [i.e. 312], [14] p. · 55k words · STC 1719.5 · ESTC S1782
No title page in the transcription: set from the catalogue record.
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.
The Gospel of Christ begetteth and bringeth forth new life, and new manners. yea, and those pure, hone•• and godly. If such fruits follow not the Gospellers profession▪ in vain do they bragg• of the Gospel, of the grace of God, of the Christen liberty, of the justification of faith, of the sacrifice of Christs death, of the price of his pr• cyous blood, and of our righteous making by his glorious resurrection. If they were the sons of God, they would do the works of God. The son, saith God, honoureth his father▪ and the servant his Lord, If I be a father, where is my honour If I be a Lord, where is my f•ate, sayeth the Lord of hosts? I• we diligently mark the manner• of men, berelye the pride,1 the covetousness▪ the unmercifulness, the envy, the malice▪ the voluptuous living, feigned friendship and such other abominable since which reign and triumph now a days in us, shall evidently declare what good Gospellers and perfect Christians we are. It may shame us in this open light of the Gospel, to bring forth the works of darkness, and to live as though we knew no Gospel, no God, no Christ, no truth, God may well say of us, as he said of the Jews,2 I have nourished •nd brought up children, and they have despised […]. GOD calleth us, and we refuse to go.3 GOD stretcheth out his hand, and no man regardeth it, God commandeth us to walk in his vineyard, and we loiter abroad idly.4 GOD giveth us Talents to occupy, and we buried them in the ground and do no good with them. God calleth us unto the Marriage of his Son,5
God proffereth us the light of his glorious Gospel but we love to walk in da•ck•nes. God would show him self unto •s, but we care not for the sight of him.
saved, but we regard not our salvation, O to much unthankful chuc•yshnes. The Devil, the world, & the flesh have so •ly ne•ed our eyes, that we ca• not see what is good & profitable co•ts.
The Gospell of Christe begetteth and bryngeth forthe newe lyfe, and newe maners. yea, and those pure, hone•• and godly. If such frutes followe not the Gospellers profession▪ in vayn do they bragg• of the Gospell, of the grac• of God, of the Chrysten lybertye, of the iustificacyon of faythe, of the sacryfyce of Christes death, of the pryce of his pr• cyous bloude, and of oure ryghteous makynge by hys gloryous resurreccyon. If they were the sones of God, they woulde do the woorkes of God. The sonne, saythe God, honoureth hys father▪ and the seruaunte hys Lorde, If I be a father, where is my honoure If I be a Lorde, where is my f•ate, sayeth the Lorde of hoastes? I• we diligentlye martke the manner• of men, berelye the pryde,1 the couetousenes▪ the vnmercyfulnes, the enuye, the malyce▪ the voluptuous liuyn•e, fayened frendshyp and such• other abhomynable synnes whych reygne and tryumphe nowe a dayes in vs, shall euidentlye declare what good Gospelle•s and perfecte Christyans wee are. It maye shame vs in thys open lyghte of the Gospell, to brynge forth the workes of darcknesse, and to lyue as though we knew no Gospell, no God, no Chryste, no truthe, God may well saye of vs, as he sayed of the Iewes,2 I haue nouryshed •nd broughte vp children, and they haue dy•pysed 〈…〉. GOD calleth vs, and we refuse to goe.3 GOD stretc•eth out his hand, and no manne regardeth it, God commaundeth vs to walcke in hys vyneyard, and wee loyter abroade ydlelye.4 GOD geueth vs Talentes to occupye, and we buryed theym in the grounde and dooe no good wyth theym. God calleth vs vnto the Maryage of hys Sonne,5 and wee haue so muche mynde of oure Fearmes: of our-O•en, and of oure Wyues, that wee haue no pleasure to god. God woulde gather vs to gether,6 as the hen doothe her Chyckens, but we wyll none of it.7 God proffereth vs the lyghte of hys gloryous Gospell but we loue to walcke in da•ck•nes. God woulde shewe hym selfe vnto •s, but we care not for the syghte of hym.8 God woulde vs to bee ⟨image 6⟩saued, but we regard not our saluation, O to much vn•hākeful chuc•yshnes. The Diuell, the worl•e, & the flesh haue so •ly ne•ed our eyes, that we ca• not se what is good & profitable co•ts.
What shall I speak of the disobedient and stubborn Papists,1 which both obstinately & maliciously refute the manifest truth of Gods blessed word & will by no means consent unto it, although their own conscience accuseth and condemneth them for so •oyng?2 If any commit that moos•e grievous sin against the holy Ghost, which shall never be forgiven, certes those Papists, which know the truth of Christs Gospel, and yet maliciously and or a set purpose withal their power resy••e it, are guilty of that sin.3 These Papists, as the Prophet calleth them, are an obstinate people, unfaithful children▪ yea children that will not hear the law of the Lord. They cry continually, speak pleasant things unto us, & preach us false things. Tread out of the way, go out of the path, turn the holy one of Israel from us. Depart from us, O God, we desire not the knowledge of thy ways.4 Thieves Papists, are like the Gergesens, which for fear of losing their filthy swine, were loth that Christ should come among them. God turn their hearts What shall I speak of the Anabaptists, Libertines,5 Epicures, and such other sectaries, which scorn and mock the mysteries of God's word, and live so licentiously and voluptuously without all fear of God, as though there were no God at all▪ nor no life after this? God have mercy upon us
What shal I speake of the diso•e•yente and ••ubbourne Pap••ts,1 which bothe obstinately & malici•u•ly refute the manife•t truth of Gods blessed worde & wil by no meanes cōsent vnto it, although their own conscience accuseth and condempneth them for so •oyng?2 If any commit that moos•e greuous synne agaynst the holy Gost, which shal neuer be forgeuen, certes those Papists, whyche knowe the truthe of Christes Gospel, and yet maliciously and or a sette purpose wythall theyr power resy••e it, are gyltye of that synne.3 These Papists, as the Prophet calleth them, are an obstinate people, vnfa•thfull children▪ yea childrene that wyll not heare the lawe of the Lorde. They cry continually, speake pleasaunt thynges vnto vs, & preach vs false things. Treade out of the waye, go out of the pathe, turne the holye one of Israell from vs. Departe from vs, O God, we desyre not the knowledge of thy wayes.4 Theese Papystes, are lyke the Gergesens, whych for feare of losyng theyr fylthy swyne, were loth that Chr•st should come among them. God turne their heartes What shall I speake of the Anabaptistes, Lybe•t•ines,5 Epicures, and suche other sectaryes, whyche scorne and mocke the misteryes of Goddes worde, and lyue so licenciouslye and voluptuouslye wythout al feare of God, as though there were no God at al▪ nor no life after thys? God haue mercy vpon vs
When I consider this our both untowardness and unthankfulness, it maketh me sorrowful, because we answer not kindness for kindness but rather evil for good. And to increase my sorrow, this sentence of our saviour Christ doth many times come into my mind: The kingdom of God shall be taken away from you▪1and shall be given to a people, that shall bring forth the fruits of it. Our life is so ungodly ⟨image 6⟩and we are so unfruitful in good works that with out all doubt except we repent and amend, God's word for our unthankfulness shall not only betaken away from v•, but also for these most sweet and pleasant benefits of God, we may be sure to feel most bitter and grievous plagues. God will not be mocked. This is the condemnation, sayeth Christ, that light is come into the world,2 and men loved darkness more then light, because their deeds we•e evil. He love• cursing, saith the Psalmographe and it shall come upon him:3 he would none of the blessing, therefore shall it be far from him. The property of God, which will not the death o• a sinner, but rather that he turn and live is first to send his Prophets and Preachers, to exhort the people unto repentance and amendment of life. If they willingly hear the Preachers, repent and amend their life as the Ninevites did at the preaching of Jonah, then are all the plagues which their synn•s most justly had deserved, turned away from them,4 and the blessyng• of God lighteth upon that people. God favoureth them. God keepeth and defendeth them. God giveth them abundance of all things. God keepeth their realms quiet and free from commotions. God sendeth them good Magistrates and godly preachers. God prospereth all their doings. But if they despise the preaching of Gods word and will not redress their life according to the rule and appointment thereof, but go forth in the lewdness of their heart and continue in all their abominations then doth Gods curse fall upon them, penury and scarceness of all temporal things, insurrections and commotions, errors and heresies. battle and pla•e cruel Tyrants and false preachers, confusion of things and final destruction as God him self saith by the Prophet,5 I will send upon them swearth, hunger and pestilence, because they have not heard my words, which I sent to them sayeth the Lord by my servants the Prophets.
When I consyder thys our bothe vntowardenes and vnthankefulnes, it maketh me sorowefull, because we aunsweare not kyndenesse for kyndnes but rather euyll for good. And to encrease my sorowe, thys sentence of oure sauioure Christe dothe manye tymes come into my mynde: The kyngedome of God shall bee taken awaye frome you▪1and shal be geuen to a peop•e, that shall brynge forth the fruftes of it. Oure lyfe is so vngodlye ⟨image 6⟩and we are so vnfrutefull in good works that with out al doubt except we repent and amend, Goddes word for our vnthankfulnes shal not onely betaken away from v•, but also for these moste sweete and pleasaunte benefytes of God, we maye be sure to feele most bytter and greuous plages. God wyll not be mocked. Thys is the condempnacion, sayeth Christe, that lyght is come into the worlde,2 and men loued darcknes more then light, because theyr dedes we•e euil. He loue• cursing, saith the Psalmographe and it shall come vpon hym:3 he woulde none of the blessing, therfore shal it be farre frome hym. The propertye of God, whyche wyll not the death o• a synner, but rather that he turne and lyue is fyrste to sende his Prophetes and Preachers, to exhorte the people vnto repentaunce and amendemente of lyfe. If they wyllyn•elye heare the Preachers, repente and amende theyr lyfe as the Niniuites dyd at the preachynge of Ionas, then are all the plages whyche theyr synn•s mooste iustlye had deserued, turned away from them,4 and the blessyng• of God lyghteth vpon that people. God fauoureth them. God kepeth and defendeth them. God geueth theym aboundaunce of all thynges. God keepeth theyr realmes quiet and free from commocions. God sendeth theym good Magystrates and godlye preachers. God prospereth all theyr doynges. But if they despyse the preachyng of Gods woorde and wyll not redresse theyr lyfe accordynge to the rule and appoyntment therof, but go forth in the lewdnes of theyr hearte and contynue in all theyr abhominations then dothe Gods curse fal vppon them, penury and scarsnes of al temporal thynges, insurreccions and commocions, erroures and heresyes. battell and plae cruell Tyrauntes and false preachers, confusion of thynges and final destruccion as God hym selfe sayth by the Prophet,
Again he sayeth, because they have forsaken ⟨image 7⟩my law, that I gave them, and have not heard my voice▪ nor yet walked thereafter, but followed the wickedness o• their own hearts, and run after strange gods as their fathers taught them. Therefore thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel▪ behold.1 I will feed this people with warm wood, and give them gal• to drink. I will scatter them among the Heathen, whom neither they nor their rathers have known. And I will send a sword among them to persecute them, and I will never leave until I have brought them to nought. The Prophet also saith, if ye will be loving and obedient,2 ye shall enjoy the best things that grow upon the earth. But if ye will be obstinate and rebellious ye shall be devoured with the sword. For thus the Lord hath promised with his own mouth. Howe doth our saviour thunder against Corasin, Bethsaida, and Caper. naum▪ and threat them everlasting damnation, because they would not receive the word of God, and amend their living? Woe be to the Corasin woe be to the Bethsaida saith Christ.3 For if the miracles which were showed in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon▪ they had repented long agone in sackcloth and ashes. Nevertheless I say unto you▪ it shall de easier for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgement, then for you. And thou Capernaum which art lift up unto heaven: shalt be brought down to hell. For if the miracles which have been done in thee, had been showed in Sodom they had remained unto this day. Nevertheless I say unto you, it shall be easier for the land of Sodom at the day of judgment then for you. Again he saith to his Disciples and to all faithful preachers,4 he that heareth you heareth me▪ and he that despiseth you, despiseth me, and he that despiseth me▪ despiseth him that sent me. Therefore whosoever will not receive you▪ nor hear your sermons, when ye depart out of that house or that city: shake of the dust of your •eete. Verily I say unto you, it shall be easier for the land of Sodom and Gomor in the day of ⟨image 7⟩judgement, then for that city. The despising of Gods word and the preachers thereof, never escapeth unplagued, as it is evident by the histories of the holy scripture. Nohe preached to the old world and exhorted them to repent and to amend their life, or else God would surely plague them.5
Agayne he sayeth, because they haue forsaken ⟨image 7⟩my lawe, that I gaue them, and haue not hearde my voyce▪ nor yet walcked thereafter, but folowed the wickednes o• theyr owne heartes, and runne after straunge goddes as theyr fathers taughte them. Therfore thus saythe the Lorde of hostes, the God of Israell▪ behoulde.1 I wyll feede thys pe ople wyth warme wode, and geue them gal• to dryncke. I wyll scatter them amonge the Heathen, whome neyther they nor theyr rathers haue knowen. And I wyll sende a swearde among them to persecute them, and I wyll neuer leaue vntyll I haue broughte them to no•ghte. The Prophete also saythe, if ye wyll bee louynge and obediente,2 ye shall enioy the best thynges that growe vpon the earthe. But if ye wil be obstinate and rebellyous ye shall be deuoured with the swearde. For thus the Lorde hathe promysed with hys owne mouthe. Howe doothe oure sauyoure thonder agaynste Corasin, Bethsaida, and Caper. naum▪ and threate them euerlastynge dampnacyon, because they wolde not receiue the woorde of God, and amende theyr lyuynge? Wo bee to the Corasin wo bee to the Bethsaida saythe Christe.3 For if the myracles whyche were shewed in you, hadde bene done in Tyre and Sidon▪ they had repented longe agone in sackecloth and ashes. Neuertheles I saye vnto you▪ it shall de easier for Tyre and Sidon at the day of iudgemente, then for you. And thou Capernaum which art lift vp vnto heauen: shalte bee broughte downe to hel. For if the miracles whyche haue bene done in the, had bene shewed in Sodome they had remayned vnto thys day. Neuerthelesse I say vnto you, it shal be easier for the land of Sodō at the day of iudgment then for you. Again he saith to his Disciples and to all faithefull preachers,4 he that heareth you heareth me▪ and he that dispyseth you, dispiseth me, and he that dispisethme▪ dispiseth him that sent me. Therefore whosoeuer wyl not receiue you nor heare your sermōs, when ye departe out of that house or that cytye: shake of the dust of your eete. Verely I say vnto you, it shall be easier for the land of Sodome and Gomor in the daye of
They laughed Nohe (whom S. Peter calleth the right Preacher of righteousness) to scorn, and his doctrine. What followed▪ was not all the world drowned, eight persons only excepted?
They laughed Nohe (whome S. Peter calleth the ryghte Preacher of ryghteousnes) to scorne, and hys doctryne. What folowed▪ was not al the world drowned, eyght persons only e•cepted?
Lot seeing the unnatural and most abominable uncleanness of the stinking Sodomites,1 counselled them to cease so to much licentiously to offend their Lord God. They would not hear Lot nor his Sermons, but churlishly entreated him. What followed?2 Were they not consumed with water, fire and brimstone from heaven? O most dreadful plagues. The Jews many times fell away from their Lord God, and worshipped strange Gods, and defiled them selves with all the abominations of the Heathen. The Lord God of their fathers hauyn•• compassion on his people, sent to them by his messengers▪ yea betimes sent he to them ••ore to warn them of the plagues that should fall upon them if they did not repent & with all their hearts turn again •nto the Lord their God.3 But they mock •che messengers of God, and despised their words, & mis used his Prophets until the wrath of the Lord so arose against his people, that it was past remedy. What followed: Did not God send in their enemies among them which slew their you▪ men with the sword in their holy temple & neither spared young man nor maiden neither old man neither so much as h•m •hat s•euped fo• age? Were not all their goods spoiled, & their strong cities and •owe•s destroyed, & burnt with fire? Were not their kings bound in fetters, & had their eyes cruelly thurstou•, & so miserably carried away like bond •laves and prisoners into captivity? If any men of war, or any conning Artificers remained alive, were they not all carried away, and ⟨image 8⟩compelled to much wretchedly to serve in a strange country, yea and that their very enemies? Horrible and dreadful plagues woul•• these appear to the eyes of our mind, and make us stand in awe of Gods vengeance, if we had any fear of God in us.4 All thieves things saith S. P•ule happened un•o them for examples, and were written to put us in remembrance, whom the ends of the world are come upon. Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall For there is no respect o• persons with God, but in all people he that feareth him and worketh righteousness is accepted with him.5 So likewise he that feareth […] God nor worketh righteousness, but liveth with out all fear of God in wickedness and ungodliness, may be sure to be plagued, o• what soever country nation, for kindred he be. For there is no respect of persons with God.
Lot seyng the vnnaturall and most abhominable vnclennes of the stynkynge Sodomites,1 councelled them to cease so to much licenciouslye to offende theyr Lord God. They would not heare Lot nor hys Sermons, but churlyshe•y entreated hym. What followed?2 Were they not consumed wyth water, fyre and brymstone from heauen? O mooste dreadful plages. The Iewes many tymes fel away from theyr Lorde God, and worshypped straunge Gods, and defyled them selues wyth all the abhominacions of the Heathen. The Lorde God of theyr fathers hauyn•• compassion on hys people, sent to thē by his messengers▪ yea betymes sent he to thē ••ore to warne thē of the plages that shulde fal vpon thē if they did not repente & wyth all their herts turne aga•ne •nto the Lorde their God.3 But they mocke •che messengers of God, and de•pysed theyr wordes, & mis vsed his Prophetes vntyll the wrathe of the Lorde so arose agaynste hys people, that it was past remedye. What folowed: Did not God send in theyr ennem•es among them whyche slewe theyr you▪ men wyth the sweard in their holy tēple & neyther spared yong man nor maydē neither old man neither so muche as h•m •hat s•euped fo• age? Were not al theyr goodes spoyled, & theyr strong cities and •owe•s destroied, & brēt with fire? Wer not theyr kyngs bound in fette•s, & had theyr eyes cruelly thurstou•, & so miserably caryed away lyke bond •laues and prisoners into captiuity? If any menne of warre, or any connyng Artificers remained alyue, were they not all caryed awaye, and ⟨image 8⟩
Moreover after certain years of their captivity, God remembering his promise, even of his own goodness delivered them out of thraldom-and brought them home again into their own country,1 where by the space of certain years after their return even so long as the Plagues were who•e, and fresh in their memory as the manner of the world is they continued in the fear of God and walked according to his word. But when they once grew unto a quietness, and by that means began to ware wealthy, they straightways forgot both God and his plagues, and became the old men again▪ Ambitious, Proud, Covetous, Malicious, Disdainful, Or merciful, Voluptuous and stirred up sedition among them selves. They stryued who should be highest in authority. They bought and sold all offices and dignities. Not the worthiness of the person, but the sum of the money was considered. They gave their minds wholly to worldly honour and riches. He that could set him self in the tygheste place among the officers of the common wealth, howsoever he came by it, was counted the most worthy and ⟨image 8⟩most honourable person. God and his word were set at nought. The Prophets and Preachers of Gods word were brought unto extreme beggary made of no reputation, and not hearkened unto. In this deep silence of Gods truth, there arose certain sects (as the devil never sleepeth but watcheth his tym•) the Pharisees, the Sadducees, the Esses, which in stead of Gods word brought in their own traditions, and so corrupted the holy law of God. God seeing this their ingratitude and unthankfulness vexed them besides other pl• ges with continual wars, and brought them under the dominion of the Romans, so that where •s before they were free, now are they in most miserable subjection to strangers, yea and those their enemies. For God will not leave the contempt of his word and wicked living unpunished.
Moreouer after certayne yeares of theyr captiuity, God remembryng hys promyse, euen of hys owne goodnes delyuered them oute of thraldome-and broughte theym home agayne into theyr owne conuery,1 where by the space of certayne yeres after theyr retourne euen so longe as the Plagues were who•e, and fresh in theyr memorye as the manner of the worlde is they contynued in the feare of God and walked accordyng to hys worde. But whē they once grewe vnto a quietnesse, and by that meanes began to ware welthy, they strayghtwayes forgott both God and hys plages, and became the old men agayne▪ Ambicious, Proude, Couetous, Malycious, Dysdaynefull, Or mercifull, Voluptuous and styrred vp sedicion among them selues. They stryued who shoulde bee hyghe•t in authorytye. They bought and sold all offyces and dy•nityes. Not the worthynes of the personne, but the summe of the money was consydered. They gaue theyr myndes wholy to worldlye honoure and ryches. Hee that coulde sette hym selfe in the tygheste place amonge the offycers of the common wealthe, howesoeuer he came by it, was co•nted the mooste worthye and ⟨image 8⟩most honourable person. God and hys worde were set at noughte. The Prophetes and Preachers of Gods word were brought vnto extreame beggary made of no reputacion, and not herkened vnto. In thys deepe silence of Gods truthe, there arose certayne sectes (as the diuell neuer sle•peth but watcheth hys tym•) the Pha•iseis, the Saduceis, the Esses, whyche in steede of Gods woorde broughte in theyr owne tradicions, and so corrupted the holy law of God. God seyng thys theyr ingratitude and vnthankfulnes vexed them besydes other pl• ges wyth continual warres, and brought them vnder the dominion of the Romaynes, so that where •s before they were free, nowe are they in most miserable subieccion to straūgers, yea and those their ennemyes. For God wyll not leaue the con•empte of hys worde and wycked lyuynge vnpunyshed.
Notwithstanding God according to his old and accustomed gentleness once again having petty on them, and willing to prove, if yet now at the last they will repent and amend▪ that they may be saved, sendeth not unto them his servants the Prophets as afore but his own dearly beloved and only begotten son, to call them, by his most godly sermons unto repentance and amendment of life, and to work miracles among the•m not only for the confirmation of his doctrine, but also for their comfort. Christ preacheth. Christ• worketh miracles. Christ sendeth his Disciples and Apostles abroad to preach, Christ turneth every stone as they say, to win the Jews unto true godliness, to bring them unto repentance, unto faith, and unto amendment of life. But how is Christ and his doctrine received? Few godly persons excepted, the residue mock & scorn Christ. They call him a tea•her of new learning▪•ne possessed with a Devil a dece••e• of the people, a mad man, a glutton, a w•ne by•ber, a friend-of synne•s •nd whores a Samaritan, and all that •ought is. To be short, they never put •f their f• ry until they brought Christ unto death, e•ē un•o ⟨image 9⟩the death of the cross.1 This reward had good Christ of the churlish Jews for his unres•full pains taking. Notwithstanding Chri•• showeth him self ••yll a loving Savio••e even to his very enemies.2 For after his glorious resurrection he sent forth his Apostles to preach and to work miracles among them, to prove if they •oulde yet convert and a•ende. But what became of them, Some they priso•ed, some they whipped, some they stoned▪ some they slew with sword all even so many as they could get they most cruel•ye •n••eated▪ so nothing were they moved unto repentance either by the doctrine or miracles of the Apostles. After they had slain Christ, God gave them .xl. years respite to repent, always sending them preachers •o exhort them unto repentance and to a fore warn them of the plagues to come except they repent and amend.
Notwithstanding God accordyng to hys olde and accustomed gentlenes once agayne hauynge petye on them, and wyllynge to proue, yf yet nowe at the last they wyl repent and amend▪ that they maye bee saued, sendeth not vnto theym hys seruauntes the Prophets as afore but hys owne dearelye beloued and only begotten sonne, to cal them, by hys moste godly sermons vnto repentaunce and amendmente of lyfe, and to wo•rke miracles amonge the•m not onelye for the confirmacyon of hys doctryne, but also for theyr comforte. Christe preacheth. Christ• worketh myracles. Christe sendeth hys Dis•iple• and Apostles abrode to preache, Christe turneth euery stone as they saye, to wynne the Iewes vnto true godlynesse, to brynge them vnto repen•aunce, vnto faythe, and vnto amendemente of lyfe. But how is Christe and hys doctryne receyued? Fewe godly persons excepted, the residue mocke & scorne Christ. They cal hym a tea•her of newe learnynge▪•ne possessed wyth a Diuel a dece••e• of the •eople, a mad man, a glotten, a w•ne by•ber, a frende-of synne•s •nd whores a Samaritan, and al that •ought is. To be short, they neuer put •f theyr f• ry vntyl they br•ught Christ vnto deathe, e•ē vn•o ⟨image 9⟩the deathe of the crosse.1 This rewarde hadde good Christe of the churlyshe Iewes for hys vnres•full paynes takynge. Notwythstanynge Chri sheweth hym selfe yll a louynge Sauioe euen to hys very enemies.
They would not hear but tyrant like handled the faithful preachers of Chris• yea the godly •post•e Saint James, which in there chief city Jerusalem was Bishop and Preacher among them thirty years after Christs ascension▪ never c••ssy••e neither day nor night to exhort them unto •rue godliness, and to pray unto God to be merciful unto them, and to forgive th• ̄ their since▪ they moo••e cruelly entreated and unjustly put him to death. What followed? God which will not always wink at the wickedness of man, stirred up the Romans against them, which besieged them so long▪ that the Jews were compelled for very h•nger (O horrible act & dreadful deed) to •ate their own children, yea & to creep into the pri•eies (O most loathsome thing) and to sprat out the most fyl••ye and stinking doun•ē (which eyes abhor to see and nose to smell) and for very famine to •are it. Whose heart trembleth not to hear these things? One slew another for mea•e. One plucked another's meat ou•e of his mouth. Some died for hunger.
They would not heare but tyrant like handled the faithful preachers of Chris• yea the godly •post•e Seynt Iames, whiche in there chiefe cytye Ierusalem was Byshop and Preacher among them thyr•ye yeares after Christes ascencyon▪ neuer c••ssy••e neyther daye nor nyghte to exhor•e them vnto •rue godlinesse, and to praye vnto God to be merciful vnto theym, and to forgeue th• ̄ theyr synnes▪ they moo••e cruelly entreat•d and vniustly put him to deathe. What folowed? God whyche wyll not alwayes wyncke at the wyckednes of man, styrred vppe the Romaynes agaynste theym, which besieged them so longe▪ that the Iewes were compelled for very• h•nger (O horrible act & dredeful dede) to •ate their owne children, yea & to creepe into the pri•eies (O mooste lothesome thynge) and to s•ratte oute the mooste fyl••ye and stync•ynge doun•ē (whyche eyes abhor to se and nose to smell) and for very famyne to •are it. Whose hearte tremble•h not to heare these thynges? One slewe a nother for mea•e. One plucked anothers meate ou•e of hys mouthe. Some died for honger.
Some slew them selves. The houses were full of dead women and children. The w•yes lay ⟨image 9⟩full of dead carcasses of old people. The young folk went up and down in the city famished for hunger, and as the very shadows of death ready at every steppe to fall down, In the city was nothing but lamentation, sighing, crying, Weeping sorrow, Plague, Pestilence, Murder, Famine, fear, tearing of hear, wringing of hands, cursing the time of their birth, desperation calling for death, looking for present destruction, and what so ever […] unpleasant and deadly. The death in the City through the plagues and famine was so great, that besides, houses ••etes and great ditches full of innumerable dead carcasses, there were cast out of the gates of the city, six hundred thousand dead bodies of men, women and children, O most lamentable chance. They that were slain, were a leaven hundred .M. They that were led prisoners away of the enemies were in number fourscore and xvii. thousand. They that died for hunger in prison were .x•i. thousand. The famous temple, the princely palaces, the high towers, the strong Castles, the gorgeous building, the pleasant houses, the thick walls, the mighty Fortresses, and all that ever there was, they threw down and burnt. All things lost their old beauty. A destruction and very desolation of all things was made: what so ever was within the city it went to havoc.1 There were two thousand of them that fled out of the ci•y•, which had their belies •ypte and opened in one night, to see if they had swallowed many gold into their bodies or not. There w•s nothing s•e ••ō the enemy. O truly it is said of the Psalmographe▪ except the Lord keepeth the city, he watcheth in •aine that keepeth it. If the Lord fighteth, who can resist his power? If the Lord will destroy, who can sa•e? If the Lord will cast down▪ w•n is able to help up.2 There is no wisdom, no for••a••e, no Council that ca n•• prevail agayn••e the Lord, All the towers, Castles. Fortresses, bulwarks and •locke houses, all armours, Guns, and a•tilla••e▪ all ⟨image 10⟩strength, valiance and policy, can prevail no thing if the Lord be against us, which is almighty, as he sayeth by the Prophet, there is none that can take away any thing out of my hand, and what I will do, can no man put away nor change.
Some slewe theym selues. The houses were full of deade womenne and chyldren. The w•yes laye ⟨image 9⟩full of deade carcasses of olde people. The yonge folke went vp and downe in the cytye famished for honger, and as the verye shadowes of deathe readye at euerye steppe to fal downe, In the cytye was nothynge but lamentacion, sygh•nge, ceyinge, Wepynge sorowe, Plage, Pestilence, Murther, Famine, feare, tearynge of heare, wryngynge of handes, cursinge the tyme of theyr byrthe, desperacyon callynge for deathe, lookynge for presente de•truccyon, and what so euer 〈…〉 vnpleasaunte and deadely. The death in the City thorow the plages and famine was so great, that besides, houses ••etes and great diches ful of innumerab•e dead carcasses, ther wer cast oute of the gates of the citye, sixe hundred thousand deade bodyes of menne, women and chyldren, O moost lamenta•le ch•ūce. They that were slain, were a leauē hondred .M. They that were led prysonners awaye of the ennemies were in nomber fowrescore and xvii. thousande. They that died for hunger in pryson were .x•i. thousande. The famous temple, the princelye palaces, the hyghe towers, the stronge Castles, the gorgyous buyldynge, the pleasaunte houses, the thycke walles, the myghty Fortresses, and all that euer there was, they threwe downe and brente. All thynges lost theyr old beautye. A dystructyon and verye desolacyon of al thinges was made: what so euer was wythin the cytye it wente to hauocke.1 There were two thousande of them that fled out of the ci•y•, whyche had theyr belies •ypte and opened in one nyghte, to see if they had swalowed manye goulde into theyr bodyes or not. Ther w•s nothing s•e ••ō the ennemy. O truly it is sayde of the Psalmographe▪ excep•e the Lorde keepeth the cytye, he watcheth in •aine that keepeth it. If the Lorde fyghteth, who can resiste his power? If the Lorde wyll destroye, who can sae? If the Lord wyl cast downe wn is able to helpe vp.
From that destruction of Jerusalem unto this day,1 the Jews have ever lived like most vile•a• gaboundes and abominable abjects, having no certain country, no common weal, no kingdom, no priesthood. Verily no man, except he be flint hearted▪ can read the history of the destruction of Jerusalem, as Josephus do the describe it, without most large tears. Would God it were translated into our English tongue, that all men might read it and learn to fear God. For it God spared not the natural olive tree for their unfaithfulness & disobedience,2 I in ca•e the Jews▪ neither will he spare the wild olive tree, I mean us that are gentiles, if we commit the like offences. If god would not spare them, to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and covenants, and the law that was given, and the service of God, and the promises, whose also are the fathers▪ and they of whom (as concerning the flesh) Chris•e came, which is God over all things blessed for ever, is it too be thought that he will spare us which were heathen in time past, without Christ, reputed aliens from the common wealth of Israel and strangers from the testaments of the promise▪3& had no hope, & were without God in this world, if we be found unfaithful & disobedient?4 If God spa•ed not the angels that sinned but cast them down into hell, & delivered them into chains of darkness, to be kept unto the judgement, let us not think that he will spare us mortal & miserable wretches if we without rep• tance go forth to offend his divine majesty.5 He that despiseth Moses law, dieth without mercy, under two or three witnesses, of how much more grievous punishment suppose ye shall he be counted worthy, which treadeth under foot the son of God, and counteth the blood of the Testament ⟨image 10⟩as an ungodly thing, wherewith he was sanctified, and •oth dishonour to the spirit of grace? Oh, it is a fearful thing to •all into the hands o• the living God.6 For upon the ungodly will he rain snares, fire, brimstone, and tempest, this reward shall the wicked have to drink. God have mercy on us & give us all grace to •eare him a right, to repent and amend •ure life, to embrace his blessed gospel and to •ryng forth the fruits thereof.
From that distruccyon of Hierusalem vnto thys daye,1 the Iewes haue euerlyued like moste vile•a• gaboundes and abhominable abiectes, hauyng no certayne country, no common weale, no kingdome, no priesthode. Verely no man, e•cepte he be flynte hearted▪ can rede the historye of the destruccyon of Hierusalem, as Iosephus do the dyscribe it, wythoute moste large teares. Woulde God it were translated into our Englyshe tonge, that all men myght rede it and learne to feare God. For it God spared not the natural olyue tree for theyr vnfaythfulnes & disobedyence,2 I in ca•e the Iewes▪ neyther wil he spare the wilde oliue tree, I meane vs that are gentiles, if we commit the like offences. If god wolde not spare them, to whome pertaineth the adoption, and the glorye, and couenauntes, and the lawe that was geuen, and the seruyce of God, and the promyses, whose also are the fathers▪ and they of whome (as concernynge the fleshe) Chris•e came, whyche is God ouer al thinges blessed for euer, is it too bee thought that he wil spare vs whych were heathen in tyme past, without Christe, reputed a•iauntes from the common wealth of Israel and straungers from the testaments of the promes▪3& had no hope, & wer without God in this world, if we be foūd vnfaythful & dysobedyent?4 If God spa•ed not the aungels that synned but cast them downe into hel, & deliuered them into chaines of darcknes, to be kept vnto the iudgement, let vs not thincke that he wyl spare vs mortal & miserable wretches if we without rep• tance go forth to offend his diuine maiesty.5 He that despiseth Moses lawe, dieth without merci, vnder two or three wytnesses, of howe muche more greuous punyshemente suppose ye shall he bee counted worthye, whych treadeth vnder foote the sonne of God, and counteth the bloude of the Testamente
What shall I speak of the mighty Monarchies or Empires of the Assyrians and Greeks,1 which flourished not only with all kind of temporal riches, but also with most excellent and learned wits? Live they not now in most miserable captivity under that cruel tyrant the great Turk that mortal enemy of Christs religion? Howe came it to pass? Verily they were disobedient to Gods word, unthankful one to another, and led a life more lascivious and wanton than that effeminate king Sardanapalus. God stirred up preachers to exhort them unto repentance. They laughed them to scorn. It came to pas, that God for thei• ingratitude and churlishness gave them into such an enemies hand, as none could be found more hateful neither concerning Christ nor Christs religion, which at that time both killed & sold an infinite number, and even at this present oppresseth them with most miserable servitude, and holdeth them down in most vile slavery, unto the great decay of the christen faith, & unto the unspeakable sorrow of all godly people.
What shall I speake of the myghtye Monarchies or Empyres of the Assyryans and Greekes,1 whiche florished not only with al kinde of temporall ry•ches, but also wyth moste excellent and learned wyttes? Lyue they not nowe in most myserable captiuity vnder that cruell tiraunt the great Turke that mortall ennemye of Christes religion? Howe came it to passe? Verelye they were disobediente to Gods word, vnthanckefull one to another, and led a lyfe more lasciuious and wāton than that effeminate king Sardanapalus. God stirred vp preachers to exhorte them vnto repentaunce. They laughed theym to scorne. It came to pas, that God for thei• engratytude and churlyshnes gaue them into suche an ennemies hande, as none could be founde more hateful neyther concerning Christ nor Christes religion, whych at that tyme bothe kylled & soulde an infynyte number, and euen at this presente oppresseth them wyth most miserable seruitude, and houldeth them down in most vile slauery, vnto the great decaye of the christen faythe, & vnto the vnspeakeable sorow of al godly people.
Howe came it to pass that the Rhodes even in our time is subdued also of that most cruel Tyrant the Emperor of Turkey,1 turned from Christ unto Mahomet, from the christen religion unto the Turkish profession? Was not superstition, I•olotry, feigned holiness coloured chastity, that is to say, filthy whoredom, stinking fornication, dissolute living, usury, & such like abominable vices causes hereof? God hold his holy hand over us. To spe•e much of Germany, sometime a dear mother ⟨image 11⟩• loving Nurse, and friendly Patroness, of all learning, and a sure Sanctuary for godly learned men to •lee unto from Antichrists tyranny,2 a country sometime richly endued with all spiritual blessings of god •rom whom also brave• out the comfortable light of Christs Gospel, that now shineth here among us in this rea•me, very sorrow will not […] me. O now […]: a thing is it so noble free and famous a country to be brought into slavery, yea and that wor•e is godly and Christe• preachers to •e banishe•, and wicked papists to enter in, the preaching of Christs Gospel •oo be driven out o• the churches, and the popish service •o be used the supper of the Lord to be taken a way, and that most Idolatrous, ••ynckyng and abominable masking Mass to be received as a God. What christen heart lamenteth not too consider the•se things. Of the plague that is now fallen among them▪ the men of God. I mean the preachers told them full o•r to fore and exhorted them unto repentance. But all in vain. For re•ay•e godly Magistrates and learned men excepted with a few other, the greater part of Germany even as in the Popes kingdom walked still in the words of darkness. They talked much of Christs Gospel, but lived no part thereof. They abused the spyrytual• liberty of the Gospel, and turned it to Carnal ••edome, making the Gospel, a cloak of their wickedness. Thieves abominations •oulde no• God su•fer, seeing that before all othe• nations he had •even them the knowledge of his holy word. Notwithstanding I doubt not but that God for his mercies sake, and for the love of his elect whom that country nourisheth,3 will shortly turn away his anger from them▪ and lighten his cheerful and loving countenance again upon them▪ as he saith by the Psalmographe.
Howe came it to passe that the Rhodes euen in our tyme is subdued also of that most cruell Tyraunte the Emperoure of Turckye,1 tourned frome Christ vnto Mahomet, from the christen religiō vnto the Turkish profession? Was not superstycyon, I•olotry, fayned holynes colored chastitye, that is to say, fylthy whoredom, stinking fornication, dyssoluteliuing, vsury, & such lyke abhom•nable vyces causes hereof? God hold his holye hād ouer vs. To spe•e much of Germany, sometime a deare mother ⟨image 11⟩• louynge Nurse, and frendelye Patronesse, of all learnynge, and a sure Sanctuarye for godlye learnned men to •lee vnto from Antichristes tirannye,2 a coūtry sometime rychely endued wyth all spiritual ble•synges of god •rom whome also braue• out the comfortable lyghte of Chri••es Gospell, that nowe shineth here among vs in thys rea•me, ve•y sorowe wi•l not 〈…〉 me. O nowe 〈…〉: a thynge is it so noble fre and famous a cont•ye to be brought into •lauery, yea and that wor•e is godly and Christe• preache•s to •e banishe•, and wicked papi•tes to enter in, the preachynge of Christes Gospell •oo be dryuen out o• the churches, and the popy•he seruice o be vsed the supper of the Lord to be taken a way, and that moost Idolatrous, ynckyng and abhominable masking Masse to be receiued as a God. What christen hearte lmenteth not too consyder these thynges. Of the plage that is nowe fallen among them the men of God. I meane the preahers told them ful or to fore and exhorted them vnto repentaunce. But all in vayne. For reaye godlye Magisrates and learened men excepted wyth a few other, the greater parte of Germanye euen as in the Popes kyngedome walcked styll in the woordes of darkenes. They talked muche of Chries Gospell, but lyued no parte thereof. They abused the spyrytual lyberye of the Gospell, and tourned it to Carnall edome, makynge the Gospell, a clooke of theyr wyckednesse. Theese abhoynacyons oulde no God sufer, seynge that before all othe nacyons he had euen them the knoweledge of hys holye word. Notwithstanding I doubt not but that God for hys mercyes sake, and for the loue of hys electe whome that countrye nourysheth,
If they break my ordinances, & keep not my commandments I will •iser their offences •i•h the rod, and their sins with scourges. Nevertheless my loving kindness will I not utterly take from him, nor suffer ⟨image 11⟩my truth to f•il. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy▪ long su••erynge and of great e goodness▪•e will not •e•le with is after our sins,1 nor reward •s according to our wickedness. For look how high the hea•en is in comparison o• the earth so great is his mercy also to wa••e them that fear him. Look how wy•e the […] is from the we•t, so far wy• he set ou• sy•nes •rom us. yea, like as father p••teth his own children even •o is the Lord merciful to them that fear him. For he knoweth whereof we be made▪ he remembereth that we are but •ust▪ that a man in his time is out as grass▪ and flourisheth as a ••oure o• the field: For as soon as the wind goeth over it▪ it is gone, and the place thereof knoweth it no more. But the merciful goodness of the Lord endureth •or ever and ever upon them that fea•e him and his righteousness upon their children, such as keep his covenant, and think upon the commandments to do them.
If they breake my ordynaunces, & kepe not my commaundements I wyll •iser theyr o•fences •i•h the rod, and theyr sins wyth scourges. Neuertheles my louinge kindnes wil I not vtterly take from him, nor suffer ⟨image 11⟩my truthe to f•il. The Lord is full of compassion and me•cye▪ longe su••erynge and of great e goodnes▪•e wyl not •e•le wyth is after our sins,1 nor •ewarde •s a•cor•yng to oure wyckednes. For looke howe hye the hea•en is in compary•on o• the earthe so greate is his me•cye also to wa••e theym that feare hym. Loke howe wy•e the 〈…〉 is from the we•t, so far wy• he sette ou• sy•nes •rom vs. yea, like as father p••teth his owne children euen •o is the Lord mercyful to them that fear him. For he knoweth wherof we be made▪ he remembreth that we are but •ust▪ that a man in hys tyme is out as grasse and florysheth as a oure o the feyle: For as sone as the wynde goeth ouer it it is gonne, and the place therof knoweth it no more. But the merciful goodnes of the Lorde endureth or euer and euer vppon them that feae him and his ryghteousnesse vppon theyr children, suche as kepe his couenaunte, and thinke vpon the commaunements to do them.
Moreover, as I may let pass divers other histories, which be left he•e among us as monuments of God's vengeance against the churlish •nd unthankful, and as they say come near home. Read we not that god stirred up Gildas to preach unto the old Britons a•d too exhort them unto repentance and amendment o• life,1 and afore wa•ne them of the plagues to come▪ if they repent not? Wha• […] it? Gildas was laughed to scorn and taken for a false Prophet, and a malicious Preacher. The Britons with lusty courages, whorish faces, and unrepentant hea•tes went forth to sin, and to offend the Lord their God. What followed? God sent in their enemies upon them on every side, and destroyed them and gave the land unto other nations. And sent that rime God hath •laged this real•e full oft for their sin and disobedience. Not many years past, God seeing Idolatry, superstition, Hypocrisy, and wicked l•uynge used in this realm, raised up that godly leavened man John Wycliffe to preach unto our fathers repentance, and too exhort ⟨image 12⟩them to amend their lives, to forsake their Papistry and Idolatry,2 their Hypocrisy superstition, and to walk in the fear of God. His exhortations were not regarded. He with his sermons was despised. His books and he him self al•o after his death were bre•te. What followed? They slew their right king, and set up .iii. wrong Kings arrow, under whom all the noble blood was slain up, and half the commons thereto, what in France and what with their own sword •n fighting among them selves for the crown, and the cities and tow•es decayed, and the Land• brought hal•e to a wilderness in respect o• that it was before. O extreme plagues of gods vengeance. Sense that time even of late years God once again having pity on this realm o• England, raised up his Prophets namely William Tyndale, Thomas Bilney, John Frith, Doctor Barnes Jerome, Garret, Anthony •arsone, with divers other, which both with their writings & sermons earnestly laboured to call us unto repentance that by this means the fears wrath of God might be turned away from us? But how were they entreated? Howe were their painful labours regarded? They them selves were condemned and burnt as heretics, and their books condemned and burnt •s heretical. O most unworthy act.
Moreouer, as I maye let passe dyuers other hystoryes, whyc•e be leafte he•e amonge vs as monumentes of Goddes vengaunce agaynste the churlish •nd vnthanckeful, and as they say come nere home. Rede we not that god stirred vp Gildas to prech vnto the olde Britannes a•d too exhorte theym vnto repentaunce and amendemente o• lyfe,1 and afore wa•ne theym of the plages to come▪ if they repente not? Wha•〈…〉 it? Gildas was laughed to scorne and taken for a false Prophete, and a malycyous Preacher. The Bretannes wyth lustye courages, whorishe faces, and vnrepentaunte hea•tes wente forth to synne, and to offende the Lorde theyr God. What folowed? God sente in theyr ennemyes vpon them on euery syde, and dystroyed them and gaue the lande vnto other nacions. And sente that ryme God hathe •laged thys real•e full ofte for theyre synne and dys•bedyence. Not manye yeares past, God seinge Idolatry, supe•st•cion, Hipocrisye, and wycked l•uynge vsed in thys realme, raysed vp that godlye lea•ened manne Ihon Wyclyfe to preache vnto oure fathers rep•ntaunce, and too exh•rte ⟨image 12⟩them to amende theyr lyues, to forsake theyr Papistrye and Idolat•ye,2 theyr Hyprocrisye supersticion, and to walke in the feare of God. Hys e•hortacions were not regarded. He with his sermons was •espysed. Hys bookes and he him self al•o after hys deathe were brete. What folowed? They slewe theyr ryghte kynge, and sette vppe .iii. wrong Kynges arowe, vnder whome all the noble bloude was slayne vppe, and halfe the commones therto, what in Faunce and what with theyr owne werd n fyghtynge amonge them selues for the crowne, and the cytyes and towes decayed, and the Land broughte hale to a wildernes in respecte o that it was before. O extreame plages of gods vengaūce. Sence that time euen of late yeres God once again hauynge pytye on this realme o Englande, raysed vp his Prophets namelye Wyllyam Tindal, Thomas Bilney, Ihon Fryhe, Doctoure Barnes Ierome, Garret, Anthonye arsone, wyth dyuers other, whyche bothe wyth theyr wryghtynges & sermons earnestlye labored to cal vs vnto repenaūce that by this meanes the fears wrath of God might be tourned awaye from vs? But how were they entreated? Howe were theyr paineful labours regarded? They them selues were condempned and brēt as heretikes, and theyr bokes condemned and brēt s heretical. O moste vnworthy act.
1Britain.Bryttayne.
2Wycliffe with his books condemned & burnt for an heretic after his deathWicleffe with his bokes condempned & brent for an heretike af•er his deth
The time shall come saith Christ, that who so ever killeth you, will think that he doth God high good service. Whether any thing sense that time hath chanced •nto this realm worthy the name of a plague, let the godly wise Judge.1 If God hath differed his punyshement•, or forgiven us these our wicked deeds, as I trust, he hath, let us not therefore be proud and high minded, but most humbly thank him for his tender mercies & beware of the like ungodly enterprises hereafter. But how so ever the matter goeth, of this am I sure, that God yet once again is come on visitation to this church of England yea and that more lovingly and beneficially then ever he did afore. ⟨image 12⟩•or in this his visitation he hath redressed many abuse• and cleansed this his church of much ungodliness and superstition, and made it a glorious church, if it be compa•ed unto the old form an• state. He hath given us a most worthy Prince t• be our king,2 which haste not o• both •y•es following God and Baal▪ Chr••e and the Pope, neither turneth he unto the right hand nor unto the le•t,3 but he wa••eth ve•ye faithfully in the •ame way, that the Lord his God hath appointed: having always a respect unto God's law, that he may do all things according to the •ame. He hath given the King his Majesty also most wise and godly learned counsellors to […] his grace,4 which unto the uttermost of their pow•r study to set forth the glory of God, to maintain the true, and Christen religion: and to keep the common wealth in a decent & quiet order. He hath given us his most blessed word to read. yea and that in our own English tongue. He• hath sent us faithful· and godly preachers t• instruct us abundantly in the knowledge of his blessed will. He hath driven away that Idolatrous Mass, and restored unto us the right use of the Lords supper. He hath banished the Romish service and superstitious Ceremonies out of the temples, & placed in their stead godly Preachers and learned sermons. Certes lovingly and very mercifully hath god dealt with us in this his visitation. And all these his gifts are evident tokens of his loving kindness toward us. We have now God our loving father and merciful Saviour, let us take heed, that we make him not of a friend a• enemy.
The tyme shall come saythe Christe, that who so euer kylleth you, wyll thynke that he doothe God hye good seruyce. Whether anye thynge sence that tyme hath chaunced •nto thys realme worthye the name of a plage, lette the godlye wyse Iudge.1 If God hath dyfferred hys punyshement•, or forgeuen vs these oure wycked dedes, as I truste, he hathe, lette vs not therefore be prowde and hye myneded, but mooste humblye thancke hym for hys tender mercies & beware of the lyke vngodlye enterprises heareafter. But howe so euer the matter goeth, of thys am I sure, that God yet once agayne is come on visytacyon to thys churche of England yea and that more louingly and beneficially then euer he dyd afore. ⟨image 12⟩•or in this his visitacion he hathe redressed many abuse• and clense• this his church of much vngodlynes and superstycyon, and made it a gloryous churche, if it be compa•ed vnto the olde forme an• state. He hathe geuen vs a most worthye Prince t• be oure kynge,2 whyche haste not o• bothe •y•es folowinge God and Baal▪ Chr••e and the Pope, neyther toucneth he vnto the ryghthande nor vnto the le•t,3 but he wa••eth ve•ye faythefullye in the •ame waye, that the Lorde hys God hathe appoynnted: hauynge alwayes a respecte vnto goddes lawe, that he maye do all thynges accordynge to the •ame. He hathe geuen the Kynge hys Mage••y also moste wyse and godlye learened councellers to 〈…〉 hys grace,
I wyl sēd vpon them swearth, honger and pestylence, because they haue not heard my wordes, whyche I sente to them saye•h the Lorde by my seruauntes the Prophetes.
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iudgemente, then for that cytye. The dispisinge of Gods worde and the preachers thereof, neuer escapeth vnplaged, as it is eu•dente by the historyes of the holy scripture. Nohe preaceed to the old world and exhorted them to repente and to amende theyr lyfe, or elsse God woulde surely plage them.
cōpelled to muche wretchedly to serue in a straung• countrye, yea and that theyr very ennemyes? Horryble and dreadeful plages woul•• these appere to the eyes of oure mynde, and make vs stande in awe of Gods vengaunce, yf we had anye feare of God in vs.
All theese thynges saythe S. P•ule happe•ned vn•o them for examples, and were wrytten to putte vs in remembraunce, whome the endes of the worlde are come vpon. Wherfore let him that thinketh he standeth take hede leaste he fall For there is no respect o• persons wyth God, but in all people he that feareth hym and worc•eth ryghteousenesse is accepted wyth hym.
So lykewyse he that feareth 〈…〉 God nor worketh ryghteousenes, but lyueth wyth out al feare of God in wyckednes and vngodlynes, maye be sure to be plaged, o• what soeuer country nacion, for kynred he be. For there is no respect of persons wyth God.
For after his gloryous resurreccion he sent forth his Apostles to preach and to worcke myracles amonge them, to proue if they •oulde yet conuerte and a•ende. But what became of them, Some they priso•ed, some they whipped, some they stoned▪ some they slew with swerde all euen so manye as they cou•de get they most cruel•ye •n••eated▪ so nothynge were they moued vnto repentaunce eyther by the doctrine or miracles of the Apostles. After they had slayne Christe, God gaue theym .xl. yeares respyte to repente, alwayes sendynge them preachers •o exhorte theim vnto repentaunce and to a fore warne them of the plages to come excepte they repente and amend.
There is no wisedome, no for••a••e, no Councell that ca n•• preuayle agayn••e the Lorde, All the towers, Castles. Fortresses, bulwa•ckes and •locke houses, all armoures, Gunnes, and a•tilla••e▪ all
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st•engthe, valeaunce and pollicye, can preuayle no thynge if the Lorde bee agaynste vs, whiche is almightye, as he sayeth by the Prophet, ther is none that can take away any thyng out of my hande, and what I wil do, can no man put away nor chaunge.
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as an vngodlye thinge, wherewith he was sanctified, and •oth dishonoure to the spirite of grace? Oh, it is a fearful thynge to •all into the handes o• the lyuynge God.
For vpon the vngodlye wyl he raine snares, fyre, brymstone, and tempest, thys rewarde shall the wycked haue to dryncke. God haue mercye on vs & gyue vs al grace to •eare hym a ryght, to repente and amende •ure lyfe, to embrace hys blessed gospel and to •ryng forthe the frutes thereof.
whyche vnto the vttermooste of theyr pow•r •tudye to set forth the glorye of God, to maynetayne the true, and Christen religion: and to keepe the common wealthe in a decente & quiet or•er. He hathe geuen vs hys moste blessed woorde to reade. yea and that in oure owne Englyshe tounge. He• hathe sente vs faythefull· and godlye preachers t• instructe vs aboundauntlye in the knowledg of his blessed wil. He hath driuen awaye that Idolatrous Masse, and restored vnto vs the ryghte vse of the Lordes supper. He hathe banyshed the Romysh• seruyce and supersticious Ceremonies oute of the temples, & placed in theyr steade godlye Preachers and learned sermons. Certes louynglye and verye mercifully hath god dealt wyth vs in this his visitacion. And al these hys gyftes are euidente tokens of his louinge kindenesse towarde vs. We haue nowe God our louing father and merciful Sauioure, let vs take heede, that we make hym not of a frende a• ennemye.
