The fortress of the faithful against [the] cruel assaults of poverty and hunger newly…The fortresse of the faythfull agaynst [ye] cruel assautes of pouertie and honger newlye…
The fortress of the faithful against [the] cruel assaults of poverty and hunger newly made for the comfort of poor needy Christians, by Thomas Becon.The fortresse of the faythfull agaynst [ye] cruel assautes of pouertie and honger newlye made for the comforte of poore nedye Christians, by Thomas Becon.
Thomas Becon 1512–1567London: printed by John Day dwelling over Aldersgate, 1550London: printed by Iohn Day dwellynge ouer Aldersgate, 1550
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.
It is merry in hell, When beards wag all, and can not even in the midst of their wealth, but repent the misery of the miserable, the poverty of the poor, the famine ⟨image 3⟩of the famished,1 and to y• uttermost of their power study to re•eve the distress of the needy both with their goods and counsel. As a true Christen man joyeth with them that are glad, even so sorroweth he with them that are sad. Charity seeketh not her own, but both wisheth & doth well to all men,2 even to her enemies. Charity putteth on the property of Christ, which became poor to make other rich. Charity joyeth not at her own joy,3 if other sorrow. Charity delighteth not in her own fullness, if other want. Charity abhorreth her own rest if other be disquieted. I am cumbered daily, saith S. Paul,4 and do care for all congregations. Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is offended, and I am not grieved? Yea Charity refuseth almost to be saved, if other enjoy not the like benefit. Did not that most excellent prophet Moses desire God either to forgive the children of Israel their since5 or else to wy•e him out of y• book of life?
It is mery in hel, Whē berdes wag al, and can not euen in the myddes of their wealth, but repent the mysery of the myserable, the pouerty of the poore, the famyn ⟨image 3⟩of the famished,1 and to y• vttermost of theyr power studye to re•eue the dystresse of the nedy both wyth theyr goods and councel. As a true Christē mā ioyeth wyth them that are glad, euen so soroweth he wyth them that are sad. Charitye seketh not her owne, but both wisheth & doth wel to al men,2 euen to her enemies. Charytye putteth on the propertye of Christ, whych became poore to make other ryche. Charytye ioyeth not at her owne ioy,3 if other sorowe. Charitie delyteth not in her own fulnes, if other wāt. Charitie abhorreth her owne reaste if other be disquieted. I am combred dayly, sayth S. Paule,4 and do care for all congregacions. Who is weake, and I am not weake? Who is offended, and I am not greued? Yea Charitie refuseth almost to be saued, if other enioye not the lyke benefyt. Dyd not that most excellēt prophet Moses desyre God either to forgeue the chyldren of Israel theyr synnes5 or else to wy•e him out of y• boke of lyfe?6
1The nature of Charity. romay. xii.The nature of Charitie. romay. xii.
Did not blessed Paul wish to be accursed from God so that the Israelites his kinsmen after the flesh, might be saved?1 Did not the glorious Martyr Stephen according to the example of Christ pray for his enemies? So wholly doth Charity give her self to serve the health and wealth of other.2
Dyd not blessed Paule wyshe to be accursed from God so that the Israelites hys kynsmen after the flesh, myghte be saued?1 Dyd not the gloryous Martyr Stephen accordynge to the example of Christ praye for hys enemyts? So wholy doth Charitie geue her selfe to serue the health and wealth of other.2
And as touching the relief of the ⟨image 4⟩poor and needy, oppressed with the wan • of worldly things, what good and godly man hath not at all times, as occasion & ability hath served, sought it? Who being godly minded seeing his Christen brother or sister in necessity, seeketh not all means possible to heal them? Can a Christian abound in worldly wealth and suffer his neighbour to famish or to dye for cold? He hath not put on the bowels and render compassion of Christ, which is not moved with pity toward his needy neighbour?1 O what goodly and notable examples doth y• holy scripture minister unto us of succouring the succourless? What a mirror to behold is that most reverend Patriarch Abraham the father of the faithful,2 unto the faithful? With what alacrity and cheerfulness of mind did he receive into his house the Angels of God being in mens likeness? With what diligence prepared he all things necessary for them, as he thought, weary bodies? When Loth saw the two angels of God, whom he judged to be men, coming into Sodom at night▪ how reverently did he behave him self toward them, & instantly desired them to come into his house & there lodged y• night?3 I beseech you sirs, saith he, turn into the house of your servant, & abide there. Wash your feet, & in the morning ye shall go forth on your journey. And afterward ⟨image 4⟩he made them a feast, saith the Scripture. These two godly ancient fathers thought is not mete to suffer strangers and way faring men to pass foreby their houses without relief. They did according to Gods holy will expressed by the prophet, saying. Break thy bread to the hungry,4 and led the needy and the way faring into thy house. When thou seest a naked man, cover him, so shalt thou not despise thy flesh. Forget not hospitality, saith S. Paul, for by it, certain unawares have received angels into their houses.5 How ready patient Job was to succour y• succourless, & to relive the needy, it is evident by these his words: When the poor desired any thing of me,6 have I denied it them? Have I caused the widow to stand waiting for me in vain? Have I eaten my portion alone that the fatherless hath had no part with me?
And as touchynge the relyefe of the ⟨image 4⟩poore and nedy, oppressed wyth the wā • of worldly thinges, what good and godly man hath not at al tymes, as occasiō & habylitie hath serued, sought it? Who beynge godlye mynded seynge his Christen brother or syster in necessitie, seketh not al meanes possible to healye theym? Can a Christiā aboūd in worldly wealth and suffer hys neyghbour to famyshe or to dye for colde? He hath not put on the bowels and rēder compassion of Christ, whych is not moued wyth pitie toward his nedy neighbour?1 O what goodli and notable examples doth y• holy scripture mynyster vnto vs of socourynge the socourles? What a myrrou•e to beholde is that most reuerende Patriarke Abrahā the father of the faythful,2 vnto the faythfull? Wyth what alacritie and cherefulnes of mynde dyd he receaue into hys house the Angels of God beyng in mens lykenesse? Wyth what diligence prepared he al thynges necessary for them, as he thought, weary bodyes? When Loth saw the two aungels of God, whom he iudged to be men, cōming into Sodome at night▪ howe reuere••ly did he behaue hym selfe toward thē, & instantly desyred thē to come into his house & ther lodged y• night?3 I besech you syrs, saith he, turne into the house of your seruaunte, & abide ther. Washe your feete, & in the morning ye shal go forth on your iourney. And afterwarde ⟨image 4⟩he made them a feast, saith the Scripture. These two godly aunciēt fathers thought is not mete to suffer straū gers and way farynge men to passe foreby theyr houses wythoute relyefe. They dyd according to Gods holy wyl expressed by the prophet, sayinge. Breake thy breade to the hungry•,4 and led the nedye and the way faring into thy house. Whē thou seest a naked mā, couer him, so shalt thou not despise thy flesh. Forget not hospitalite, saith S. Paul, for by it, certeyne vnwars haue receaued angels into theyr houses.
For mercy grew up with me fro my youth, and compassion from my mothers womb. Have I seen any man perish through nakedness and want of clothing? Or any poor man for lack of raiment, whose sides thanked me not because be was warmed with the well of my sheep? Again he sayeth, I have not suffered a stranger to lye without, but I opened my doors unto him, that went by the way. As I may pass over many other examples, contained in the old Testament, ⟨image 5⟩which declare how merciful divers godly both men and women were toward strangers and poor people,1 how tender hearted and full of most loving pity and unfeigned compassion, did our Saviour Christ show him self when he fed so many people with seven loaves and a few small fishes? I am inwardly moved with compassion toward y• people, sayeth he, because they have now been with me .iii. days, and have nothing to eat, and if I send them away fasting to their own houses, they shall faint by the way. Moreover, as I may let pass divers other miracles, which he did for the relief of y• poor, as turning water into wine at the marriage in Cana Galilee,2 and feeding five thousand with five barley loa•es & two fishes, did he not show him self to take great care for the poor, when he gave the rich men this commandment? When thou makest a •ynner or supper,3 cast not thy friends, […] thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbours, least they also bid the again, and a recompense be made thee. But when thou makest a feast call the poor, the feeble, the lame, and the blind, and thou shalt be happy, for they cannot recompense thee. But thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just men.4 In the description of the general Judgement, which shall be at ⟨image 5⟩the last day, is not the reward of everlasting life ser forth to the merciful,5 and eternal damnation to the merciless? The Judgement, saith S. James, shall be without mercy, to them that hath showed no mercy. Blessed are the merciful, fo• they shall obtain mercy.6 Give alms of that ye have, and behold all things are clean unto you, saith our Saviour Christ.7 Was not the rich glo• to• damned, because he was led with no piety toward the poor?
For mercye grewe vp wyth me fro my youthe, and compassion frō my mothers wombe. Haue I sene anye man peryshe thorow nakednes and wāt of clothyng? Or any poore man for lacke of raiment, whose sydes thanked me not because be was warmed with the wol of my shepe? Agayne he sayeth, I haue not suffered a straunger to lye wtout, but I opened my doores vnto him, that went by the way. As I maye passe ouer many other examples, contay•ed in the olde Testamente, ⟨image 5⟩which declare how merciful diuers godly both men and women were towarde straungers and poore people,1 how tēder harted and ful of most louynge pitie and vnfayned compassion, dyd our Sauiour Christ shewe hym selfe when he fedde so manye people wyth seuen loaues and a fewe small fyshes? I am inwardelye moued wt compassyon toward y• people, sayeth he, because they haue nowe bene wyth me .iii. dayes, and haue nothynge to eate, and if I send them away fasting to theyr owne houses, they shal faynt by the way. Moreouer, as I maye let passe diuers other miracles, which he dyd for the reliefe of y• poore, as turnyng water into wyne at the mariage in Caua Galile,2 and feedynge fyue thousande wyth fiue barly loa•es & two fishes, did he not shew hym selfe to take great care for the poore, when he gaue the ryche men thys commaundemente? When thou makest a •ynner or supper,3 cast not thy frendes, 〈…〉 thy brethren, neyther thy kynsmen, nor thy ryche neyghbours, least they also byd the agayne, and a recompence be made the. But when thou makest a feast cal the poore, the feble, the lame, and the blynde, and thou shalt be happy, for they cannot recōpence the. But thou shalt be recompenced at the resurreccion of the iuste menne.4 In the descripcion of the generall Iudgement, whyche shalbe at ⟨image 5⟩the last day, is not the rewarde of euerlastynge lyfe ser forth to the mercyfull,5
O how diligent were the Apostles after Christs ascension to appoint Deacons to minister unto the poor,1 and to provide that they lack nothing?2 How earnest was blessed Paul in exhorting the Christians to make collections for the poor?3 Yea how wrought he with his own hands,4 that he might have whereof to give unto the needy?5 What a friendly lesson in the poor peoples behalf writeth he unto Bishop Timothy to be declared unto the rich worldlings?6 Command them that are rich (saith he) in this world,7 that they be not hie minded,8 nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, which giveth us abundantly all things to enjoy them, that they do good works, that they be ready to give, and glad to distribute, laying up in store for them self a good foundation against the time to come, ⟨image 6⟩that they may obtain eternal life. How is Dorcas a noble and virtuous woman commended in the holy Scripture? She was full of good works & alms deeds, saith blessed Luke,9 Yea she with her own hands made coats and garments for the poor.10 An example worthy to be followed of our Gentle women and Ladies now a days, which in tiring and garnishing them selves know neither measure nor end, but of preparing garments for the poor, they for the most part do not so much as once dream. Dorcas could not abide, that she herself should have a rich wardrobe full of sumptuous apparel, and see her Christen Brethren and systern go naked and dye for cold, Yea rather then they should want, she will set her own hands to work, which thing many of our fine white fingered Gentle women, yea and some inferior to them disdain to do.
O how diligent were the Apostles after Christes ascencion to appoynt Deacons to mynyster vnto the poore,1 and to prouyde that they lacke nothyng?2 How earnest was blessed Paule in exortynge the Christians to make colleccions for the poore?3 Yea howe wroughte he wyth hys owne handes,4 that he myghte haue wherof to geue vnto the nedye?5 What a frendly lesson in ye poore peoples behalfe wryteth he vnto Byshop Timothe to be declared vnto the ryche worldlynges?6 Cōmaund them that are rych (sayth he) in this worlde,7 that they be not hie minded,8 nor trust in vncertayne ryches, but in the lyuynge God, whych geueth vs abundantly al thinges to enioye thē, that they do good workes, that they be redy to geue, and gladde to dystrybute, layinge vp in store for theym selfe a good foundacion agaynste the tyme to come, ⟨image 6⟩that they may obtaine eternallife. How is Dorcas a noble and vertuous womā commended in the holy Scripture? She was ful of good workes & almes dedes, saith blessed Luke,9 Yea she with her own handes made coates and garmentes for the poore.10 An example worthi to be folowed of our Gentle women and Ladyes now a dayes, whych in tyringe and garnishynge thē selues know neyther measure nor ende, but of preparynge garmē tes for the poore, they for the most parte do not somuche as once dreame. Dorcas coulde not abyde, that she herselfe shuld haue a ryche waredroppe full of sumtuous apparel, and se her Christen Brethrē and systern go naked and dye for colde, Yea rather then they shoulde wante, she wyl set her owne hādes to worke, which thynge many of our fine whight fingred Gentyl women, yea and some inferioure to them dysdayne to do.
How instantly did a certain woman named L•dia desire.1 S. Paul and his compa•ions to come into her house, and there to have all things necessary for them?2 If ye think (saith she) that I believe on the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. Would God the like affection toward the Preachers of Gods word were found in our• men and women at this present, then should not so many of them be oppressed with poverty, and wander abroad without livings ⟨image 6⟩as they do now, unto the great slander of y• Gospel, which they preach. Is it not a shame that they should want temporal things, which minister unto us spiritual and heavenly things?3 Hath not the Lord ordained, that they which preach the Gospel, should live of the Gospel? Are not they that rule well, and labour in word and doctrine, worthy of double honour? Is it not convenient, that the husbandman which laboureth, should first take of the fruits?4 Are we not forbidden to muzzle the mouth of the o•e that treadeth out the corn?5 Is not a reward ordained for the workman?6 If we have sown among you spiritual7 things,8 is it a great matter, if we reap your carnal things? Do ye not know that they, which minister about holy things,9 live of the sacrifice? they which wait of the temple, are partakers of the temple. Even so also did the Lord ordain,10 that they which preach the Gospel, should live of y• gospel, saith S. Paul. The Apostle requireth that a Bishop, y• is, a spiritual minister should maintain hospitality. How unseemly then is it for them that should feed other,11 either miserably to live on other me•s trē chers, or else like vagabonds to hunt about for their living? Neither our ancestors nor we in times paste have so dealt with y• sorcererlyke Sacrificers, with y•⟨image 7⟩prat•yng Papists, with the monstrous Monks, with the chattering Canons, with the flattering f•yers, and such other mumryshe mummers, as under the visor of painted holiness have deceived almost all the world, leading us from Gods blessed word to mans trifle inge•radicions, from the way of salvation unto the state of damnation, from heaven to hell, from God to the devil. But so hath it ever gone for y• most part with the true Preachers in this wicked and unthankful world.
How instantly dyd a certayne womā named L•dia desyre.1 S. Paule and hys compa•ions to come into her house, and there to haue all thynges necessarye for them?2 If ye thynke (saith she) that I beleue on the Lorde, come into my house, and abyde there. Wold God the lyke affeccion towarde the Preache•s of Gods woorde were founde in our• menne and women at this present, then shoulde not so manye of them be oppressed wyth pouertie, and wander abrode wythout lyuinges ⟨image 6⟩as they do nowe, vnto the greate sclaūder of y• Gospel, which they preach. Is it not a shame that they should want temporal thynges, whych minister vnto vs spiritual and heauēly thynges?3 Hath not the Lorde ordeyned, that they which preache the Gospell, shoulde lyue of the Gospel? Are not they that rule wel, and laboure in worde and doctryne, worthy of double honoure? Is it not conueniēt, that the housbandeman whyche laboureth, shoulde fyrst take of the frutes?4 Are we not forbydden to mosel the mouth of the o•e that treadeth out the corne?5 Is not a rewarde ordeyned for the workeman?6 If we haue sowen among you spiritual7 thynges,8 is it a great mater, if we reape your carnal thynges? Doo ye not know that they, whych minister aboute holy thynges,9 lyue of the sacrifyce? they whych wayte of the temple, are partakers of the temple. Euen so also dyd the Lorde ordayne,10
In the time of king Ahab, the true Prophets of God were slain, and them that remained alive, were secretly kept in caves and there fed with bread and water of good Abdy•, which unfeignedly feared God.1 If they had not been preserved by that godly man, they had either been slain, or else famished. But the Priests of Baal abounded with all kind of wealth. Eight hundred and fifty, saith the scripture, did eat of Jezebels table.
In the tyme of king Achab, the true Prophetes of God were slayne, and thē that remained alyue, were secre•lye kepte in caues and ther fedde wyth bread and water of good Abdy•, whych vnfaynedly feared God.1 If they had not bene preserued by that godly man, they hadde eyther bene slayne, or els famished. But the Preistes of Baal abounded wyth all kynde of wealth. Eyght hundred and fy•ty, sayth the scripture, did eate of Iesabels table.
Who knoweth not,1 that the Prophet Jeremiah was thrown into prison, cruelly entreated and like to dye for hunger, when •hashur. the priests, and such other false prophets even men pleasers,2 lived in all wealth and abundance of worldly things? With what poverty the disciples of Christ were grieved,3 it may easily be known, when they for very ⟨image 7⟩hunger were compelled to pluck y• ears of corn & to eat.4 And how poor Christ was, not a few places of the Scripture do declare, when in the mean time Annas, Caiaphas, Alexander, the Scribes, the Pharisees, Lawyers, the Bishops, the Priests, y• sacrificers with all the rabble of Hypocrites lived in all pomp and pleasure. This in gratitude, churlishness & illiberality toward y• ministers of gods word shall not escape unpunished.5 He y• despiseth you, despiseth me, sayeth Christ, & he that despiseth me, despiseth him that sent me.6 But let us return unto our matter.7
Who knoweth not,1 that the Prophet Hieremie was throwen into prysō, cruelly entreated and lyke to dye for hōger, whan •hashur. the priestes, and suche other false prophe•es euen men pleasars,2 lyued in al wealth and aboundaunce of worldly thynges? Wyth what pouertie the disciples of Christe were greued,3 it may easly be knowen, whē they for very ⟨image 7⟩honger were cōpelled to plucke y• eares of corne & to eate.4 And how poore Christ was, not a fewe places of the Scripture do declare, whē in ye meane time Annas, Caiphas, Alexander, ye Scribes, ye Pharises, Lawers, ye Byshops, the Priestes, y• sacrificers wt al ye rable of Hipocrites lyued in al pompe and pleasure. This in gratitude, churlishnes & illiberalitie toward y• ministers of gods word shal not escape vnpunished.5 He y• despyseth you, despiseth me, sayeth Christ, & he that despiseth me, despiseth hym yt sent me.6 But let vs returne vnto our matter.7
1•remie. xx. •viii.
2•ath. xii.
3•athe. viii. […].•athe. viii. 〈…〉.
4Joan. xviii. zachary. •x. Math. xxi.Ioan. xviii. zachary. •x. Math. xxi.
What need I rehearse,1 Martha, Zach, Simon the tanner,2 Jason. Aquila, Philip the Evangelist,3 Publius, Philemon, Gaius,4 and such other, which all showed them selves courteous, gentle & beneficial toward all the poor, but chiefly toward them that were of y• household of faith, as s. Paul warneth. If we have recourse unto ancient histories, O how shall we learn of them the fatherly pity & Godly glad affection,5 which was in the Bishops & Deacons toward the poor people when Christs church began to flourish. Read we not, that for the comfort of the poor and oppressed Christians, the godly ancient Bishops did not only sell the Ornaments, Treasures, and Jewels of the church, but also the very boxes of Gold and Silver, wherein the Lords ⟨image 8⟩brea•, which we commonly call y• Sacrament of the altar,6 was kept? they had rather keep the Sacrament of Christs body in a basket of wickers, and to fell that they made of gold for the relief of the pore, then they should want. O godly Bishops and faithful shepherds, which so diligently watched for the preservation of their sheep both bodily and ghostly. Is it not to be thought, that the sums of money, which the beneficed men yearly pay to the archdeacon of every diocese, were first of all freely granted and given of our predecessors to be distributed among the pore people of that diocese, as necessity required, and their discretion served? But how that money is now abused, who seeth not? the office of the archdeacon,7 is yearly to visit every parish in the diocese, where he dwelleth, and diligently to see, what y• pore people of every parish want, and to make provision for them, & unto that use, as I said before, was that money given, which every beneficed man payeth to the archdeacon again, to see whither parson or vicar be resident upon his benefice, and maintain such hospitality, as y• pore of y• parish be y• better for it.
What nede I reherse,1 Martha, Zache, Simon the tanner,2 Iason. Aquila, Philip the Euangelist,3 Publius, Philemon, Gaius,4 and suche other, whyche all shewed thē selues courteous, gētyl & beneficial toward al ye poore, but chefly toward thē yt were of y• houshold of fayth, as s. Paule warneth. If we haue recourse vnto aunciēt histories, O how shal we learne of thē the fatherly pytie & Godly glad affecciō,5 which was in ye Bishops & Deacons toward the poore people when Christes churche began to florishe. Read we not, that for the comfort of the poore and oppressed Christians, the godly auncient Byshoppes dyd not onelye sell the Ornamentes, Treasures, and Iewelles of the churche, but also the verye boxes of Golde and Syluer, wherein the Lordes ⟨image 8⟩brea•, whych we cōmenly cal y• Sacramēt of the aulter,6 was kept? they had rather kepe the Sacramente of Christes bodye in a basket of wyckers, and to fell that they made of golde for the releife of the pore, then they shulde wante. O godly Byshoppes and faithfull sheppardes, whiche so diligently watched for the preseruation of their shepe both bodily and ghostly. Is it not to be thought, that the sūmes of money, which the beneficed mē yerelye paye to the archedecon of euerye dioceise, were fyrste of all frely graunted and gyuen of oure predecessoures to be distributed amōg the pore people of that diocease, as necessitie required, and theyr descrecion serued? But howe that money is nowe abused, who seeth not? the office of the archedecon,7 is yerely to visit eueri paryshe in the diocese, wher he dwelleth, and diligently to se, what y• pore people of euery paryshe want, and to make prouision for them, & vnto that vse, as I said before, was that mony geuen, which euery beneficed mā payeth to the archedecō agayne, to se whither parson or vicar be resident vpon hys benefice, and mainetaine such hospytalite, as y pore of y parish be y better for it.
But now a days y• archdeacons ask not for y• pore, nor in what condition they stand, but whether y• hosts be well kept in y• pyx from moulding & furring, whither corporas clothes be clean washed, whither the Chrismatory be safely ⟨image 8⟩locked up, whither the Priest useth any unhallowed garments or chalice in his sacrificing, whither y• copes, vestments and albs be sufficiently repaired, whither the Church, Chancel, or Church yard be in case good enough, and such other trifles. God have mercy on us, & send us once a redress of these things. Furthermore with what a Godly pity & charitable affection did our ancestors burn toward y• poor members of Christ,1 which as I may speak nothing of Abbeys, Colleges, Chantries, free chapels. &c. built with their great cost hospitals & such other houses, enduing the same with yearly revenues for the relief of y• poor? Men•rie, fathers, fathers, but the manners of these fathers are clean forgotten.2 All seek their own advantage, & not those things which pertain unto Jesus Christ. Thus see we y• all good men have ever pitied the poor, & sought all means possible to do them good. But the contrary is found among us now a days.3 For men according to s. Pauls prophecy, are the lovers of them selves & not of the poor. They are covetous to themselves, & not liberal to y• poor They heap to themselves, they provide nothing for the poor, there be many signs of y• last day to be at hand, but this cold affection, & more cold love, & most cold liberality toward y• poor prove evidently y• it is not far of. Among many other signs and tokens, which Christ declareth to go ⟨image 9⟩before the day of Judgement,4 is not this one of the most evident? Forasmuch, sayeth he, as iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. When did iniquity ever so abound? when was y• love of men ever so cold toward the poor? The rich worldlings in times paste could build great monasteries for the bellied Hypocrites,5 great Colleges, Chantries, and Free chapels, for subtle cariars and Purgatory rakers, but who build so much as a cottage now for to harbour a silly poor man? Men in times past disinherited their lawful heirs to nourish in idleness a number of idle bellies under the pretence of prayer, but who now even of his superfluities doeth any notable thing for Christs poor members?
But now a dayes y• archdcōs aske not for y• pore, nor in what cōdiciō they stād, but whether y• hosts be wel kept in y• pyxe frō moulding & furring, whither corpraise clothes be clene washed, whither the Chrismatory besafely ⟨image 8⟩locked vp, whyther the Prieste vseth any vnhalowed garmētes or chalyce in hys sacrifisynge, whyther y• copes, vestmētes and albes be sufficiētly repayred, whither the Church, Chaūcel, or Church yard be in case good ynoughe, and suche other trifles. God haue mercion vs, & sēd vs once a redresse of these thynges. Furthermore wt what a Godly pitie & charitable affecciō dyd our auncestours burne toward y• poore mēbers of Christ,1 which as I may speake nothynge of Abbeyes, Colleges, Chaūtries, frechapels. &c. bilt with theyr greate cost hospitals & suche other houses, enduing the same wt yerely reuenewes for the relife of y• poore? Men•rie, fathers, fathers, but the maners of these fathers are clene forgottē.2 All seke theyr own auaūtage, & not those thinges whych pertaine vnto Iesu Christ. Thus se we y• al good mē haue euer pityed the poore, & sought al meanes possible to do thē good. But the cōtrary is foūd amōg vs nowe a daies.3 For mē according to s. Paules prophecy, are the louers of them selues & not of the poore. They are couetous to thēselfes, & not liberal to y• poore They heap to thēselfes, they prouide nothing for the poore, ther be many signes of y• last day to be at hand, but this colde affecciō, & more cold loue, & most cold lyberalitie toward y• poore proue euidētly y• it is not far of. Amōg mani other signs and tokēs, which Christ declareth to go ⟨image 9⟩before the daie of Iudgemēt,
A number of people heretofore hath decked Idols and mawmets, with silk, velvet, and other precious vestures yea with gold, silver, pearl, and precious stones, how many now in so great a multitude do cloth y• poor naked creatures of God with canvas and rug? They gave shoes of silver & gold set with rich stones to dome mawmets, but who now giveth shoes of leather to y• poor? O touch unmercifulness. Can these things escape unplagued? If the Lord liveth, plagues be at hand, except we amend. This our ingratitude toward God, and unmercifulness toward ⟨image 9⟩the poor, will surely accelerate & haste forward the vengeance of God to fall upon us. For whether we respect and behold the spirituality or temporalty, their love toward the poor compared with the love of our Ancestors, is very cold, yea it is almost nothing. But if we compare their covetousness with the desire of our Elders toward the goods of the world,1 we shall find it so far to excel and surmount, as the hie heavens do the low earth. How do many of our spiritual men, as they are called, heap promotion upon promotion, benefice upon benefice, deanery upon deanery, prebend upon prebend, and prebend for advantage? Ah, one filthy belly to devour so many wealthy livings? O abomination. And yet the careless swine are led with no pity toward the poor, whose sweat of their brows they like up, whose labours of their hands they cormorantlyke devour. Behold their pain in teaching, it is very small, behold their hospitality, it is nothing at all. Woo be unto these shepherds, saith God by the Prophet, that feed themselves. Should not y• shepherds feed the flocks?2 Ye have eaten up the fat, ye have clothed you with y• well, the best fed have ye slain, but the flock have ye not nourished. The weak have ye not holden up, y• sick have ye not hea••d the broken have ye not bound together, ⟨image 10⟩y• outcasts have ye nor brought again, the lost have ye not sought, but churlishly & cruelly have ye ruled them.3 Again how do many of the temporal worldlings join farm to farm, office to office, lordship to lordship, pasture to pasture, land to land, house to house, & house for advantage? that the vengeance of God threatened by the Prophets may come upon them.4 Woe be unto you, y• join house to house, & couple land to land, so nigh one to another, that y• poor man can get no more ground.
A number of people heretofore hath decked Idols and mawmets, with silke, vel•et, and other precious veslures yea wyth gold, syluer, pearle, and precious stones, how many now in so greate a multitude do cloth y• poore naked creatures of God wyth canuis and rugge? They gaue shoes of syluer & golde set wt rych stones to dome mawmets, but who now geueth shoes of leather to y• poore? O to•uche vnmercyfulnes. Can these thynges escape vnplaged? If the Lorde lyueth, plages be at hande, excepte we amende. Thys oure ingratytude towarde God, and vnmercifulnes toward ⟨image 9⟩the poore, wyl surely accelerate & haste forwarde the vengeauns of God to fall vpon vs. For whether we respect and behold the spiritualtie or temporalty, their loue towarde the poore compared wyth the loue of our Aūcestoures, is very cold, yea it is almost nothing. But if we compare theyr coue•uousnes with the desire of our Elders toward the goodes of the worlde,1 we shal fynde it so farre to excel and surmount, as the hie heauens do the lowe earth. How do many of oure spiritual men, as they are called, heape promocion vpon promocion, benefyce vpon benefyce, deanrye vpon deanrie, prebend vpon prebend, and prebēd for auaūtage? Ah, one •ylthy belly to deuoure so many wealthy lyuinges? O abominaciō. And yet the carelesse swyne are led wyth no pitie toward the poore, whose sweate of theyr browes they lyk vp, whose laboures of theyr handes they cormorantlyke deuour. Behold theyr paine in teaching, it is very smal, behold their hospitalitie, it is nothinge at all. Woo be vnto these shepherdes, saith God by the Prophete, that fede thēselues. Shulde not y• shepeherdes fede the flockes?2 Ye haue eatē vp the fat, ye haue clothed you wyth y• wol, the best fed haue ye slayne, but the flocke haue ye not nourished. The weake haue ye not holdē vp, y• sycke haue ye not hea••d the brokē haue ye not boūd togither, ⟨image 10⟩y• outcasts haue ye nor brought againe, the lost haue ye not sought, but churlishly & cruelly haue ye ruled them.
Shall ye dwell alone upon the face of the earth? These things are come up unto my ears, saith y• Lord of hosts. Shall not many great & gorgeous houses be so waste that no man shall dwell in them?1 Again, woe be unto him, y• heapeth up other mens goods. How long will he lade him self with the thick clay? Woe be unto him, y• covetously gathereth evil gotten goods into his house, that he may set his nest on high, to escape from the power of misfortune. Thou hast devised y• shame of thine own house. The very stones of the wall, shall cry out of it. O how doth our saviour Christ thunder against y• rich worldlings, y• live all in pleasure, & yet are not once moved with pity & compassion toward y• pore?2 Woe be to you, y• are rich (saith he) which have your consolation. Woe be to y•u y• are filled, for ye shall hunger. Woe be to you y• laugh now, for ye shall mourn & weep. Thus see we what ⟨image 10⟩unmercifulness reigneth in the world almost universally. And how all the threatenings of Gods vengeance can not quench in y• wicked worldlings hearts y• insatiable thirst of gathering worldly goods, but that they go still for the to heap up thick clay against themselves, yea & that beyond all measure, not considering how vain & deceitful y• possession of temporal things is in this world. He heapeth treasure upon treasure,3 saith David, & yet knoweth he not for whom he gathereth these things together. Notable is the history y• our saviour Christ telleth of a certain rich man in y• Gospel of.4 s. Luke The ground of a certain rich man, saith he, brought forth plentiful fruits, and he thought win him self, saying: what shall I do, because I have no room, where to bestow my fruits? And he said, thus will I do. I will destroy my barns, & build greater, & then will I gather all my goods y• are grown unto me, & I will say to my soul, O soul y• hast much goods laid up in store for many years, take thine eas• eat, drink, & be merry. But God said unto him, y• fool, this night will they fetch away thy soul again from thee. Then whose shall those things be, which y• hast provided? So is it with him y• gathereth riches to him self, & is not rich toward god.
Shal ye dwel alone vpon the face of the earth? These thynges are come vp vnto my eares, sayth y• Lord of hostes. Shal not many great & gorgious houses be so waste that no man shal dwell in thē?1 Agayne, wo be vnto hym, y• heapeth vp other mēs goodes. How lōg wyl he lade hym selfe wt the thycke clay? Wo be vnto hym, y• couetously gathereth euyl gotten goodes into hys house, that he maye set his nest on hye, to escape frō the power of misfortune. Thou hast deuised y• shame of thyne own house. The very stones of the wal, shal cry out of it. O how doth our sauiour Christ thunder against y• rich worldlings, y• liue al in pleasure, & yet are not once moued wt pytie & cōpassiō toward y• pore?2 Wo be to you, y• ar rich (saith he) which haue your cōsolaciō. Wo be to y•u y• are filled, for ye shal hōger. Wo be to you y• laugh now, for ye shal mourne & weepe. Thus se we what ⟨image 10⟩vnmercifulnes reigneth in the world almost vniuersally. And how al the threatninges of Gods vēgeaūce can not quēch in y• wicked worldlynges hartes y• insaciable thyrst of gathering worldly gooddes, but that they go styl for the to heape vp thycke claye agaynst thēselues, yea & that beyond al measure, not consideringe how vaine & deceatful y• possessiō of temporal thinges is in this worlde. He heapeth treasure vpō treasure,3 saith Dauid, & yet knoweth he not for whō he gathereth these thinges to gether. Notable is the histori y• our sauiour Christ telleth of a certaine rich mā in y• Gospel of.4
What then remaineth, but y• they which are godly rich, remember themselves to be y• stewards ⟨image 11⟩of God, endued with worldly substance, not to spend it voluptuously or after their own foolish fancy about trifles, but upon their necessaries, and that they may conveniently spare, to distribute unto the poor, which are their brothers in Christ of the same flesh and blood, & fellow inheritors with them of one and of the same glory. O blessed is the rich, which is found without blemish, and hath not gone after gold, nor hoped in money and treasures.1 Where is there such a one, and we shall commend him, and call him blessed. For great things doth he among his people. And that the Godly rich may be the more encouraged to gratify the poor and to do good unto the needy in this wretched and beggarly time, let them ever set these and such like sentences of the holy scriptures before the eyes of2 their mind. My son defraud not the poor of his alms, and turn not away thine eyes from him that hath need. Despise not an hungry soul, and despise not y• poor in his necessity. Grieve not the heart of him that is he helpless, and withdraw not the gift from the needful. Refuse not y• prayer of one y• is in trouble turn not away thy face from the needy.3 Cast not thine eyes aside from y• poor for any evil will, that thou give him none occasion to speak evil of thee. For if he complain of the in the bitterness of his soul ⟨image 11⟩his prayer shall be herd, even he that made him, shall hear him. Be courteous unto the company of the poor, humble thy soul unto the elder, and bow down thy head to a man of worship. Let it not grieve the to bow down thine ear unto the poor, but pay thy debt, and give him a friendly answer, & that with meekness. Deliver him that suffereth wrong from the hand of the oppressor, & be not faint hearted, when thou fightest in judgement. Be merciful unto the fatherless as a father, and be in stead of an husband unto their mother, so shalt thou be as an obedient son of the hiest, & he shall love the more then thy mother doth. Help the poor for the commandments sake, and let him not go empty from thee, because of his necessity. Lose thy money for thy brother & neighbours sake,4 and bury it not under a stone where it rusteth & corrupti•h. Gather thy treasure after the commandment of the hiest, & so shall it bring the more profit than gold.
What thē remaineth, but y• thei which ar godl• ri•h, remēber thēselfes to be y• stewardes ⟨image 11⟩of God, endued wyth worldly substaūce, not to spēd it voluptuously or after their own folyshe fansye about trifles, but vpon theyr necessaryes, and that they may conueniētly spare, to distribute vnto the poore, which are their brothers in Christ of the same fleshe and bloude, & fellowe enheritours with them of one and of the same glory. O blessed is the riche, which is founde wythoute blemyshe, and hath not gone after golde, nor hoped in mony and treasures.1 Wher is ther such a one, and we shal commend hym, and call hym blessed. For great thinges doth he amōg hys people. And that the Godlye ryche maye be the more encouraged to gratify the poore and to do good vnto the nedye in thys wretched and begerlye tyme, let thē euer set these and such lyke sētences of the holy scriptures before the eyes of2 theyr minde. My sonne defraude not the poore of hys almes, and turne not away thyne eyes from hym that hathe neede. Despyse not an hongry soule, and despise not y• poore in hys necessitie. Greue not the herte of hym that is he alpelesse, and wythdrawe not the gyft frō the nedeful. Refuse not y• praier of one y• is in trouble tourne not away thy face frō the nedye.3 Cast not thine eyes asyde frō y• poore for any euil wil, yt thou geue him noue occasion to speake euyl of the. For if he complayne of the in ye bytternes of hys soule ⟨image 11⟩his prayer shalbe herd, euē he that made hym, shal heare him. Be courteous vnto the cōpany of ye poore, humble thy soule vnto the elder, and bow downe thy head to a man of worship. Let it not greue the to bowe downe thine eare vnto ye poore, but paye thy debte, and geue hym a frēdli answer, & that with mekenes. Deliuer hym that suffereth wronge frō ye hand of ye oppressour, & be not faint harted, whē thou fyghtest in iudgemēt. Be merciful vnto the fatherles as a father, and be in steade of an husband vnto theyr mother, so shalt thou be as an obediente sonne of the hiest, & he shal loue the more then thy mother doth. Helpe the poore for ye commaundementes sake, and let him not go emptie frō the, because of hys necessitie. Lese thy money for thy brother & neighbours sake,
1Eccle. xxxi.
2Sentences for •he Godly •yche to remē •er.Sentēces for •he Godlye •yche to remē •er.
Lay up thy alms in the hand of the poor, & it shall keep the from all evil. A mans alms is a purse with him, & shall keep a mans favour as y• apple of an eye, & afterward shall it arise & pay every man his reward upon his head. It shall fight for the against thine enemies better than the shield of a Giant, or spear of y• mighty.1 Who so is merciful & giveth alms, that is the right thank offering. ⟨image 12⟩Look what thine hand is able, give with a cheerful eye. For y• Lord recompenseth & giveth the seven times as much again.2 Give alms of thy goods, & turn never thy face from the poor, & so shall it come to pass, y• the face of yt Lord shall not be turned away from thee. Be merciful after thy power. If y• have much, give plē •eously, if y• have little, do thy diligence gladly to give of that little. For so gatherest thou thy self a good reward in the day of necessity. •or mercy delivereth from all sin & from death, & suffereth not the soul to come in darkness. A great comfort is mercy before the high god unto all them that show it. Eat thy bread with the hungry and poor, & cover y• naked with thy clothes.3 He that is merciful, doth him self a benefit, but whoso hurteth his neighbour, is a tyrant. He that is liberal in giving, shall have plenty, & he that watereth shall be watered also him self. Who so hordeth up his corn, shall be cursed among y• people, but blessing shall light upon his head,4 that giveth food. Whoso despiseth his neighbour, doth amiss, but blessed is he that hath pity of y• poor. He that doth a poor man wrong, blasphemeth his maker,5 but who so hath pity of y• poor doth honour unto God. He y• hath pity upon y• pore, lendeth unto y• Lord,6 & look what he layeth out it shall be payed him again. He that is bent unto mercy, shall be blessed, for he giveth of his bread unto y• poor. He y• giveth ⟨image 12⟩unto y• poor,7 shall not lack, but he y• turneth away his eyes from such as be in necessity, shall suffer great poverty him self.8 Blessed is he that considereth y• poor & needy, the Lord shall deliver him in y• time of trouble, y• Lord shall preserve him and keep him, & make him blessed upon earth, & not deliver him into the hands of his enemies, y• lord shall comfort him, when he lieth sick upon his bed, yea & make his bed in y• time of his sickness.9 Lay not up for your selves treasure upon earth, where the rust & moth doth corrupt, & where thieves break through & steal.
Lay vp thy almes in the hand of the poore, & it shal kepe the from al yuyl. A mans almes is a purse wyth him, & shal kepe a mās fauour as y• aple of an eye, & afterward shal it aryse & pay euery mā his reward vpō his head. It shall fight for the agaynst thine enemies better thē ye shyld of a Giaunt, or speare of y• mighty.1 Who so is merciful & geueth almes, that is the ryght thanke offeringe. ⟨image 12⟩Loke what thine hand is able, geue wt a chereful eye. For y• Lord recōpēceth & geueth the seuen tymes as muche agayne.2 Geue almes of thy goods, & turne neuer thy face frō the poore, & so shal it come to passe, y• the face of yt Lord shal not be turned away frō the. Be merciful after thy power. If y• haue much, giue plē •eously, if y• haue litle, do thy diligēce gladlye to giue of yt litle. For so gatherest yu thy self a good reward in ye day of necessitie. •or mercy delyuereth frō al syn & frō death, & suffereth not ye soule to come in darknes. A great cōfort is merci before ye high god vnto al thē that shew it. Eate thy bread wt the hōgry and poore, & couer y• naked with thy clothes.3 He yt is mercyful, doth him self a benefit, but whoso hurteth his neighbour, is a tiraūt. He yt is liberal in geuing, shal haue plenti, & he yt watereth shalbe watered also him self. Who so hordeth vp his corne, shalbe cursed among y• people, but blessinge shal light vpon hys heade,4 yt geueth foode. Whoso despyseeh his neighbour, doth amisse, but blessed is he yt hath piti of y• poore. He that doth a poore mā wrōg, blasphemeth his maker,5 but who so hath pity of y• poore doth honor vnto God. He y hath piti vpō y pore, lēdeth vnto y Lord,
But lay up for you treasures in heaven, where nether rust nor moth doth corrupt, & where thieves do not break through, nor steal. For where your treasure is, there will your hart be also.1 He y• hath two cotes, let him part with him y• hath none, & he that hath meat, let him do likewise. Give to every one that axeth thee.2 Be ye merciful, as your father is merciful. Sell y• ye have, & give alms. And prepare you bags, which ware not old, even a treasure that faileth not in heaven, where no these cometh, neither moth corrupteth.3 Make you friends of y• unrighteous Mammon, that when ye shall have need, they may receive you into everlasting habitations. If thou wilt be perfect,4 go and sell all that thou haste, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven.
But laye vp for you treasures in heauē, wher nether rust nor moth doth corrupt, & wher theues do not breake thorow, nor steale. For wher your treasure is, ther wil your hart be also.1 He y• hath two cotes, let him parte wt him y• hath none, & he that hath meat, let him do likewise. Geue to euery one that axeth the.2 Be ye merciful, as your father is merciful. Sel y• ye haue, & giue almes. And prepare you bags, whych ware not old, euē a treasure yt faileth not in heauē, wher no these cōmeth, neither mdth corrupteth.3 Make you frendes of y• vnrighteous Mammon, that when ye shal haue nede, they may receaue you into euerlastynge habitacions. If thou wylt be perfect,4 go and sell all that thou haste, and geue to the poore, and thou shalte haue treasure in heauen.
haue I denied it them? Haue I caused the widow to stande waityng for me in vaine? Haue I eaten my porciō alone that the fatherles hath hadde no parte with me?
and eternal damnacion to the merciles? The Iudgement, sayth S. Iames, shall be without mercy, to thē that hath shewed no mercye. Blessed are the mercyfull, fo• they shall obtayne mercye.
Was not the rytche glo• to• damned, because he was ledde wyth no pietie towarde the poore?
that they whych preache the Gospel, should lyue of y• gospel, saith S. Paule. The Apostle requireth that a Bishop, y• is, a spiritual minister shoulde mayntaine hospitalitie. How vnsemely thē is it for thē that shuld fede other,
eyther myserably to liue on other me•s trē chers, or els lyke vagaboundes to hunt aboute for theyr lyuinge? Neyther oure aūcestours nor we in tymes paste haue so dealt wt y• sorcererlyke Sacryfycers, wt y•
⟨image 7⟩
prat•yng Papistes, wyth the monstrous Monckes, wyth the chatrerynge Channons, wyth the flatterynge f•yers, and such other mumryshe mummers, as vnder the vysar of paynted holynes haue deceyued almost all the worlde, ledynge vs from Gods blessed worde to mannes tryfle inge•radicions, from the waye of saluacion vnto the state of damnacion, from heauen to hel, from God to the dyuyl. But so hath it euer gone for y• moste parte wyth the true Preachers in thys wycked and vnthankeful worlde.
is not this one of the most euident? For asmuch, sayeth he, as iniquitie shal abound, the loue of many shal waxe colde. When dyd iniquitie euer so abounde? when was y• loue of men euer so colde towarde the poore? The ryche worldelynges in tymes paste could buylde greate monasteries for the bellyed Hypocrites,
greate Colledges, Chauntries, and Freechappels, for subtle cariars and Purgatorie rakers, but who buylde somuche as a cotage nowe for to harbour a sely poore man? Men in tymes past disherered theyr lawful heyres to nouryshe in ydlenes a numbre of ydle bellies •nder the pretēce of prayer, but who now euē of his superfluities doeth any notable thyng for Christes poore mēbers?
Agay•e how do many of the temporal worldlinges ioyne ferme to ferme, office to office, lordshyp to lordshyp, pasture to pasture, land to land, house to house, & house for auauntage? that the vengeaunce of God threatned by the Prophetes maye come vpon thē.
Wo be vnto you, y• ioyne house to house, & couple land to lande, so nyghe one to another, that y• poore man can get no more ground.
s. Luke The grownd of a certaine rich mā, saith he, brought forth plētyfull frutes, and he thought win him selfe, saying: what shal I do, because I haue no roume, wher to bestow my frutes? And he sayd, thus wil I do. I wyl destroy my barnes, & buylde greater, & thē wyl I gather al my gooddes y• are growē vnto me, & I wyl say to my soule, O soule y• hast much goods laid vp in store for mani yeres, take thine eas• eat, drinke, & be mery. But God said vnto him, y• foole, this night wil they fetche awai thy soule again frō the. Thē whose shal those things be, which y• hast prouided? So is it wt him y• gathreth riches to him self, & is not rich toward god.
and bury it not vnder a stone wher it rusteth & corrupti•h. Gather thy treasure after the commaundemēt of the hyest, & so shal it bryng the more profitte thē golde.
Blessed is he yt cōsidereth y• poore & nedy, the Lord shal deliuer him in y• time of trouble, y• Lord shal preserue hym and kepe him, & make him blessed vpō earth, & not deliuer him into ye hands of his ennemies, y• lord shal cōfort him, whē he lieth sicke vpō his bed, yea & make his bed in y• time of his syckenes.
