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…

Of this be ye sure, that if the good man of the house knew what hour he thief would come, he would surely watch and not suffer his house to be broken up. Therefore be ye also ready, for in such an hour as ye think not, will the Son of man come.¹ Again he sayeth. Watch, for ye know not when the master of the house will come, whether at even: or at midnight, whether a• the cock crowing: or in the dawning, least if he come suddenly, h• find you sleeping. And that I sa• unto you, I say unto all. Watche• ⟨image 15⟩Also in an other place he saith:² behold. I come as a thief. Happy is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, least he walk naked and men see his filthiness. Ah Lord God, not yet two days past whole and strong, and now sick and weak? O the unsteadfastness of mans life. Whom would not this provoke to watch and to consider his latter end? as the godly man Moses admonisheth,³ saying: Ah would God men would be wise and understand and make provision for their latter end. So should nether sickness nor death be sudden unto them, so should all dissolution of life be rejected, and godliness of conversation embraced, as the wise man saith: In all thy works remember the latter end, and thou shalt never sin.⁴ I desire much to visit my neighbour Epaphroditus according to his hearty request, ⟨p. 6⟩and to comfort him in these his pains, & to instruct him how he ought both patiently & thankfully bear this cross of sickness, which God hath laid on him, but I wish greatly to have the company of mine old familiars and approved friends, Eusebius, Theophile, and Christopher. I sent my son Theodore and Rachel my Daughter for them, I much marvel of their long tarriance. But behold where they come. Neighbours and friends welcome,