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…

Phi. Fear not. It is his old property. If you had led as holy & as perfect a life, as ever did man in this world, yet would he deal on this manner with you. He knoweth right well, that the time of your departure is at hand, & that God will shortly call you from this sorrowful & mortal life, unto a blessed and immortal life: therefore laboureth he unto the uttermost o• his power, to pluck you from so joyful a state, and to make you his pray. But be you not afraid. For whom of Gods elect hath he let pas unassailed, untempted, or unproved?¹ He feared not to assay the Son of God, after he had put on our nature: and think you to escape free? His nature, disposition and desire, is to destroy: maruel• you therefore, if he go about to seek your destruction? His property ⟨p. 351⟩is to disquiet: wonder you therefore if he trouble you?² He is a liar: what truth therefore can come out of his mouth? If he say unto you that God is angry with you, and will destroy you, know him to be a liar, and whatsoever he saith against your salvation, believe it not: but know it to be a lye. He is a murderer: what life then can come from him?³ He is an accuser of the brethren, how than can he speak any good or comfortable thing unto you?⁴ He is your utter enemy: how then is it possible, that he may be your friend, and seek your quietness? Fear him not therefore,⁵ He is but a coward and a very slave. They be but brags, whatsoever he threateneth. He may well hiss at you, but he can not sting you. He may look upon you with a terrible & fearful countenance, but he can do you no harm. ⟨p. 352⟩He may go about to tempt you, but to overcome you, it lieth not in his power.⁶