A07163:391
The sick mans salve Wherein the faithful christians may learn both how to behave…The sycke mans salue VVherin the faithfull christians may learne both how to behaue…
The sick mans salve Wherein the faithful christians may learn both how to behave them selves patiently and thankfully, in the time of sickness, and also virtuously to dispose their temporal goods, and finally to prepare them selves gladly and godly to die. Made and newly recognised by Master Tho. Becon. 1561.The sycke mans salue VVherin the faithfull christians may learne both how to behaue them selues paciently and thankefully, in the tyme of sickenes, and also vertuously to dispose their temporall goodes, and finally to prepare them selues gladly and godly to die. Made and newly recognised by Maister Tho. Becon. 1561.
London: printed by John Day, 1561London: printed by Iohn Day, 1561
Title page typeset from the transcription.
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.
Let it not dismay you, (my most dear children) that I shall now be taken away from you. For albeit, that I being your natural Father, shall no more ⟨p. 207⟩serve you nor provide for you, as hitherto I have done, yet doubt ye not, but if ye go forth, as ye have begun, to fear God, and to serve him, he will not leave you comfortless, but in my stead he will be a father unto you, receive you into his tuition, and provide better for you than ever I was able to do. Therefore if ye will have God a merciful and gentle father unto you: fear him, love him, honour him, serve him, pray unto him, call on his blessed name, be thankful unto him for his benefits, and in all things seek to please his godly Majesty. Give your minds to the reading of the holy scriptures, and what so ever ye read therein, practise it in your •ife and conversation. Be not only favourers, but followers also of the word, not only lovers but also •ivers of the gospel, not only professors, ⟨p. 208⟩but also practisers of gods holy law, so shall God bless you, & all good men love you. Avoid idleness & to much childish pastimes. Let no time of your life pass away without fruit. Eschew all evil company, and have nothing to do with them, that be ungodly. Desire alway the fellowship of them that be good and virtuous. Have all your whole confidence and trust in the Lord your God. Take nothing in hand, before the have craved his help by fervent prayer. And after the thing done, give God most hearty thanks, knowledging him to be the giver of all good things. The Sabbath day, and such other feastiful days, spend them holily and godly. Give your selves to prayer, to hearing of Sermons, and reading the word of god. See that ye defile not the name of the Lord your God ⟨p. 209⟩with vain and unlawful oaths. Reverence your elders, Honour your mother, be obedient unto her pray for her, do for her, whatsoever lieth in your power, that God may bless you and give you long and joyful life upon the earth. Be no evil speakers. Be courteous and gentle unto all men. Let no lightness appear in you, nether in gesture nor countenance. Be true and faithful. Cast away all pride, and embrace humility. Avoid superfluous eating & drinking. Use temperance in all your doings. Be not moved unto anger, but be patient and ready to forgive. Be merciful to the poor. Help all men to the uttermost of your power.