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.
Thomas Becon 1512–1567London: printed by John Day, 1561London: printed by Iohn Day, 1561
[12], 545, [3] p. · 82k words · STC 1757 · ESTC S114654
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.
Epa. O Lord take away from me that stony heart, which can not repent, and give me that fleshly heart, which gladly and willingly lamenteth her since and miseries,1 and unfeignedly delighteth in a new life. But what? is repentance enough?
Epa. O Lord take away from me that stony heart, whiche can not repent, and geue me that fleshly heart, which gladlye and willingly lamenteth her synnes and miseries,1 and vnfainedly delyghteth in a newe lyfe. But what? is repētance ynough?
Phi. As you earnestly and from the very heart do repent you of your former sinful life:1 so likewise humble your self in the sight of God, ⟨p. 404⟩and confess your self unto him a most wicked & miserable sinner Cry in your heart with David, & say: have mercy upon me, O God after thy great goodness. According unto the multitude of thy mercies, do away mine offences Wash me thoroughly from my wickedness,2 & cleanse me from my sin For I knowledge my faults, and my sin is ever before me. Against thee only have I sinned, and don• evil in thy sight. O turn thy fac• from my sins, and put out al• my misdeeds. Make me a clean• heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence, and tak not thy holy spirit from me. Cry with that lost son and say:
Cry with the Centurion & say: I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof, but speak the word only, and my son shall be healed. But unto this your hearty repentance & humble confession of your sins, you must put mighty & strong faith, believing that God the father for his promise sake made unto all penitent sinners in Christs blood,
is sin. Cain repented and confessed his fault, saying: my sin is greater, then I may deserve to be forgiven. But because he wanted faith, he fell into desperation & was damned:
Judas repented & confessed his sin, saying: I have sinned, betraying the innocent blood, yea he also made satisfaction: such as it was, but not withstanding because he added no• faith unto his repentance, confession and satisfaction, all was in vain.
Phi. As you ernestly and from the very heart do repent you of your former sinnefull lyfe:1 so likewyse hūble your self in ye sight of God, ⟨p. 404⟩and confesse your selfe vnto him a moste wicked & miserable sinner Crie in your heart with Dauid, & say: haue mercy vpon me, O God after thy great goodnes. Accor•dinge vnto the multitude of thy mercies, do away myne offences Wash me thorowly from my wic•kednes,2 & clense me from my syn For I knowledge my fautes, and my sin is euer before me. Against thee only haue I sinned, and don• euill in thy sight. O turn thy fac• from my sinnes, and put oute al• my mysdedes. Make me a clean• heart, O God, and renue a righ• spirite within me. Cast me not a•way from thy presence, and tak• not thy holy spirite from me. Cry• with that lost sonne and say:3 O fa•ther I haue sinned against heauē and before thee, and am no more worthy to be called thy sonne▪ Cry with the Publicane and say:4⟨p. 405⟩O God be merciful to me a sinner. Cry with the Leper and saye:5 O Lord, if thou wilt thou art hable to make me cleane. Cry with the blinde man and saye:6 O Iesu the sonne of Dauid, haue mercye on me.7 Cry with the woman of Canane and say•: haue mercy on me O Lord thou••ne of Dauid: My doughter is greuously vexed of ye deuil.8 Cry with the Centurion & say: I am not worthy that thou shouldest entre vnder my rofe, but speke the word only, and my sōne shalbe heled. But vnto this your harty repentaunce & humble confessiō of your sinnes, you must put mighty & strong faith, beleuing yt God ye father for his promise sake made vnto all penitent sinners in Christes bloud,9 wil frely & merci•ully forgeue you all your sins, be •hey neuer so manye or greuous. for without this faith all yt euer ⟨p. 406⟩you do, is nothing worth, as thapostle saith.10 Whatsoeuer is not of faith,11 is sinne. Cain repented and confessed his fault, saying: my sin is greater, then I may deserue to be forgeuen. But because he wanted faith, he fell into desperation & was dampned:12 Iudas repented & confessed his sinne, saying: I haue synned, betraying the innocent bloud, yea he also made satisfaction: suche as it was, but not with•standinge because he added no• faith vnto his repentaunce, con•fession and satisfaction, all was in vaine.
1Confession of sins unto God.Confession of sinnes vnto God.
Peter his fellow disciple• sinned also grievously,1 but because he earnestly repented, and also faithfully believed to have remission of his sins by the precious blood of his master, whom he • fore had both denied & forsworn he was forgiven, and received i• to favour again.2 For by faith ar•⟨p. 407⟩we made of the children of wrath, the sons of God.3 By faith are we married unto Christ.4 By faith are our hearts purified. By faith satan is overcome. By faith the world is vanquished.5 By faith we are preserved from damnation. By faith we are justified & made righteous.6 By faith the wrath of God is assuaged. By faith we work the will of God.7 By faith our prayers are heard, and our requests granted. By faith we please God.8 By faith we be made the children of light. By faith we are borne a new of God.9 By faith we are made the temples of the holy ghost.10 By faith we understand the mysteries of God.
By faith we prevail against the gates of hell.11 By faith we are made the heirs of God, and fellow heirs with our Lord and saviour ⟨p. 408⟩Christ Jesus, of everlasting glory.12 Faith, as S. Austen saith▪ is the beginning of mans salvation. Without faith no man can reach or come unto the number of the sons of God. Without faith all the labour of man is frustrate and void. Faith, sayeth S▪ Ambrose,13 is the rote of all virtues▪ and whatsoever thou buildest o• this foundation, that alone profiteth unto the reward of thy work• fruit and virtue. Faith, saith he▪ is richer then all treasures: stronger then all corporal power: and more healthful then all Physicians. Therefore look that you hau• this true faith in you, and tha• you cleave both tooth and nail (as they use to say) to the merciful and comfortable promises of god: So may you be sure to have remission and forgiveness of your since.
Peter his fellowe disciple• sinned also greuously,1 but becaus• he earnestlye repented, and als• faithfully beleued to haue remis•sion of his sinnes by the precious bloud of his maister, whome he • fore had both denied & forsworne he was forgeuen, and receiued i• to fauour againe.2 For by faith ar•⟨p. 407⟩we made of the children of wrath, the sonnes of God.3 By faith are we maried vnto Christ.4 By faith are our hartes purified. By faith sathan is ouercome. By faith the world is vanquished.5 By faith we are preserued from dampnation. By faith we are iustified & made righteous.6 By faith the wrath of God is asswaged. By faith we worke the will of God.7 By faith our praiers are heard, and our requestes graunted. By faithe we please God.8 By faith we be made the children of light. By faith we are borne a new of God.9 By faith we are made the temples of the holy ghost.10 By faith we vnderstand the misteries of God.
By faith we preuaile againste the gates of hell.11 By faith we are made the heyres of God, and fellow heyres with our Lord and sauiour ⟨p. 408⟩
Epa. I believe, O Lord, help tho•⟨p. 409⟩my unbelief.1 O Lord increase my saith, O heavenly father my God and my Lord, I with an assured persuasion of thy goodness toward me, most humbly beseech thee for Jesus Christs sake, mercifully to behold me a most miserable sinner, and clearly to forgive all those sins & wickednesses, which I wretched creature have committed against thee my Lord God from the hour of my birth unto this present time. Forgive me all my sins for thy names sake,2 they •e both many and great. Oh remember not the sins and offen•es of my youth, but according unto thy mercy think upon me, O Lord,3 for thy goodness. Oh remember not mine old sins, but •ave mercy on me, yea and that ••ghtsone, for I am come to great misery. Help me, O God of my ••luation, for the glory of thy name. ⟨p. 410⟩O deliver me, and be merciful unto my sins for thy names sake. So shall I give thee thanks for ever, & magnify thy blessed name worlds without end.
Epa. I beleue, O Lord, helpe tho•⟨p. 409⟩my vnbelief.1 O Lord encrease my saith, O heauenly father my God and my Lorde, I with an assured perswasion of thy goodnesse toward me, most humbly besech the for Iesus Christes sake, mercifully to behold me a moste miserable sinner, and clearly to forgeue all those sinnes & wickdnesses, which I wretched creature haue committed against thee my Lord God from the houre of my byrth vnto this present tyme. Forgeue me all my sins for thy names sake,2 they •e bothe many and great. Oh remember not the sinnes and offen•es of my yougth, but accordynge vnto thy mercy thynke vpon me, O Lorde,3 for thy goodnes. Oh remember not mine old sinnes, but •aue mercy on me, yea and that ••ghtsone, for I am come to great •iserie. Helpe me, O God of my ••luation, for ye glory of thy name. ⟨p. 410⟩O deliuer me, and be merciful vnto my sinnes for thy names sake. So shall I geue thee thankes for euer, & magnifie thy blessed name worldes without end.
Phi. Doubt not neighbour Epaphroditus, but that god hath graciously heard this your humble suit, & also granted your request▪ He hath forgiven you all your sins He will never lay them to your• charge. He hath cast them away• behind his back, so that he will n••uer remember them more, as h• saith by the Prophet,1 I will forgive their misdeeds, and will never remember their since any more▪ Again.2 If the ungodly will tur• away from all his sins that h• hath done, and keep all my commandments, and do the thin• that is equal and right: doubtless he shall live and not die. As for […] his sins that he did before, th•⟨p. 411⟩shall not be thought upon, but in his righteousness that he hath done, he shall live. For have I any pleasure in the death of a sinner, saith the Lord God, and not rather that he convert and live? Item. Repent, & turn you from all your wickednesses: so shall there no sin do you harm. Cast away from you all your ungodliness that ye have done. Make you new harts, and a new spirit. Wherefore will ye die, O ye house of Israel? seeing I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, sayeth the Lord God. Turn you then: and ye shall live. Therefore fear not good brother: but continue faithful & repentant unto the end, & ye shall surely be saved.
Phi. Doubt not neighbour Epaphroditus, but that god hath graciouslye heard this your humble sute, & also graunted your request▪ He hath forgeuē you al your sins He will neuer laye them to your• charge. He hath cast them away• behynd his back, so that he wil n••uer remember them more, as h• saith by ye Prophet,1 I will forgeue their misdedes, and wil neuer remember their synnes any more▪ Againe.2 If the vngodly wil tur• away from all his sinnes that h• hath done, and kepe all my com•maundementes, and do the thin• that is equall and right: doubtle• he shall lyue and not die. As for 〈…〉 his sinnes that he did before, th•⟨p. 411⟩shall not be thought vpon, but in his righteousnes yt he hath doone, he shal liue. For haue I any pleasure in the death of a sinner, saith ye Lord God, and not rather that he conuert and liue? Item. Repent, & turne you from al your wickednesses: so shal ther no sinne do you harme. Cast away frō you al your vngodlines that ye haue doone. Make you new harts, and a new spirit. Wherfore will ye die, O ye house of Israel? seing I haue no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, sayeth the Lorde God. Turn you then: and ye shal liue. Therfore feare not good brother: but cōtinue faithfull & repentant vnto thend, & ye shall surely be saued.
Epa. Sin is an heavy burden,1 & very displeasant unto the lord our God, and maketh sinners to •le from the face of God, forasmuch as they know that God hateth sin ⟨p. 412⟩and all them that do commit it.
Epa. Sinne is an heauy burden,1 & very displeasāt vnto the lord our God, and maketh sinners to •le frō the face of God, forasmuche as they know that God hateth sin ⟨p. 412⟩and al thē that do commit it.
Phi. 1I confess sin to be an heavy burden and displeasant unto God yet as heavy as it is,2 Christ hath taken it on him and born it away as the Prophet sayeth, he hath taken on him our infirmities, and borne our sicknesses.3 This witnesseth. S. Peter, saying. Christ him self bare our since in his body on the tree, that we being delivered from sin, should live unto righteousness. And where as ye say that sin maketh sinners to fly from the face of God, I answer. It driveth in deed the obstinate and desperate sinners from God, but not the penitent which repent in faith, and turn unfeignedly unto the Lord their God, being persuaded that he is a father of mercies and God of all consolation,4 and that he for Christs sake will forgive them. Do they ⟨p. 413⟩which feel them self sick and diseased, fly and run away from the physician? They rather make hast unto the Physician, being nothing afraid of him, because they are sick & diseased, but rather so much the more do they desire to come unto him, to show him their wounds and to disclose their diseases, that they may be made whole. Now is Christ a physician,5 & all we through sin are diseased, shall we therefore run away from Christ, and not rather make hast unto him? what Physician is so ready to heal the body, as Christ our Physician is to heal the soul? Who ever came unto him with a faithful and penitent heart, and was refused? Who ever sought remedy at his hand, and was not holpen? Who ever opened unto him his diseases, and was not cured? he calleth all without exception, be they never ⟨p. 414⟩so diseased and laden with th• burden of sin unto him, and promiseth that he will ease them of their burdens, & make them whole, & is it to be thought, that he wyl• refuse sinners, when they come unto him?6 Come unto me, saith he, all ye that labour and are laden, & I will refresh you. Take my yoke upon you, and ye shall find rest for your souls. For I came not to ca• the righteous, but sinners unto repentance.7 The Son of man came to seek and to save that was lost. How frequented he the company of sinners,8 when he was in this world, & that to this end only, tha• he might call them through his godly sermons unto repentance,9 unto the favour of God, and unto the fellowship of the saints, in so much that he was called a friend of open sinners and whores?10
Phi. 1I confesse synne to bee an heauy burden and displeasant vnto God yet as heauy as it is,2 Christ hath taken it on hym and born it away as the Prophet saieth, he hath taken on him oure infirmities, and borne oure sycknesses.3 This witnesseth. S. Peter, sayinge. Christ hym selfe bare oure synnes in his body on the tree, that we beyng delyuered from synne, should liue vnto righteousnes. And where as ye say that synne maketh sinners to flie from the face of God, I answere. It driueth in dede the obstinat and desperate sinners from God, but not the penitent whiche repent in faith, and turne vnfaynedly vnto the Lorde theyr God, being perswaded that he is a father of mercies and God of al consolation,4 and that he for Christes sake wyll forgeue them. Doe they ⟨p. 413⟩whiche fele them selfe sick and diseased, flie and run away from the phisition? They rather make hast vnto the Phisition, being nothing afraid of him, because they ar sick & diseased, but rather somuche the more doo they desire to come vnto him, to shew him their woundes and to disclose their diseases, that they may be made whole. Now is Christ a phisitiō,5 & all we through sinne are diseased, shal we therfore runne away from Christ, and not rather make hast vnto him? what Phisition is so ready to heale the body, as Christe our Phisition is to heale the soule? Who euer came vnto him with a faithfull and penitent heart, and was refused? Who euer sought remedy at his hand, and was not holpen? Who euer opened vnto hym his disea•es, and was not cured? he calleth all without exception, be they neuer ⟨p. 414⟩so diseased and loden with th• burden of sinne vnto him, and pro•miseth that he will ease them of their burdens, & make thē whole, & is it to be thought, that he wyl• refuse sinners, when they come vn•to him?6
How defended he alway the humble & ⟨p. 415⟩penitent sinners against the proud and stifnecked Pharisees and Justiciaries?1 When Zach being a sinner & the Prince of the Publicans sought to see Christ,2 how lovingly did Christ speak unto him and friendly came into his house, eat & drank with him?3 When Mary Magdalen being a grievous sinner came unto Christ, he refused not her company, but talked most gently with her, comforted her, received her into his favour, quieted her conscience, healed her diseases, & gave her everlasting life.4 When the poor Publican, which had both oft and grievously offended the Lord his God, came into the temple to pray, and in his prayers humbled him self before the majesty of God, and confessed him self a sinner, was he not joyfully received into the favour of God, and pronounced more righteous even by ⟨p. 416⟩the mouth of Christ then the proud▪ Pharisee for all his glistering works? How joyfully was that unthrifty,5 prodigal & wasteful son received home again?6 What friendship found that thief, which was crucified with Christ, at the hand of Christ, when he said, Lord remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom? Did not Christ straightways answer him and say: This day shalt thou be with me in Paradise? And yet was he both a thief, a seditious person and a murderer. Christ refuseth none although never so grievous a sinner, if we come unto him. Turn ye unto me,7 and I will turn unto you, saith the Lord of hosts. Thou disobedient Israel.8 Turn again (saith the Lord) and I will not let my wrath fall upon you I am merciful (saith the Lord) and I will not alway bear displeasure against ⟨p. 417⟩thee: but this I will ye thou know thy great blasphemy, namely that thou hast unfaithfully forsaken the Lord thy God, and hast made thy self partaker of strange Gods under all green trees, but hast had no will to hear my voice, sayeth the Lord. O ye disobedient children, turn again sayeth the Lord, and I will be married with you. &c. O ye disobedient children, turn again, saying: Lo, we are thine: for thou art the Lord our God, and so shall I heal your back turnings. Who will not boldly come unto so merciful a Lord & most loving father, seeing he so gē tely calleth all men unto him, be they never so grievous sinners, & promiseth that he will not refuse them, but lovingly receive them, never lay their offences unto their charge:
How defended he alway the humble & ⟨p. 415⟩penitēt sinners against the proud and stifnecked Pharises and Iusticiaries?1 When Zache being a sinner & the Prince of the Publicans sought to see Christ,2 how louingly did Christ speake vnto him and frendly came into his house, eat & dranck with him?3 Whē Mary Magdalē being a greuous sinner came vnto Christe, he refused not her company, but talked most gently with her, cōforted her, receiued her into his fauour, quieted her cōsciēce, healed her diseases, & gaue her euerlasting life.4 Whan the poore Publicane, whiche had both ofte and greuously offended the Lord his God, came into the temple to pray, and in his praiers hūbled him self before the maiestie of God, and cōfessed him self a sinner, was he not ioyfully receiued into the fauour of God, and pronounced more righteous euen by ⟨p. 416⟩the mouth of Christ then ye proude▪ Pharesy for all his glistring workes? How ioyfully was that vnthrifty,5 prodigal & wastfull sonne receiued home again?6 What frēdship founde that theif, whiche was crucified with Christe, at the hand of Christ, when he saide, Lord remember me when thou comest into thy kingdome? Did not Christ straightways aunswere him and say: This day shalt thou bee with me in Paradise? And yet was he both a thief, a seditious persone and a murtherer. Christe refuseth none although neuer so greuous a synner, if we come vnto hym. Turn ye vnto me,7 and I wil turn vnto you, saith the Lord of hostes. Thou disobedient Israel.8 Turne again (saith the Lord) and I will not let my wrath fall vpon you I am mercifull (saith the Lord) and I wil not alway bear displeasur against ⟨p. 417⟩
Theo. 1The Lord is merciful, gentle and loving, patient, long suffering, & o• much kindness, and ready at all times to forgive, yea even wha• he is at the point to punish. Th• Lord is loving unto every man,2 & his mercy is over all his works▪ The lord is good and gracious, & of great mercy unto all them that call upon him.3 The Lord is full of tender compassion and great mercy, long suffering and of much goodness.4 He will not alway be chiding, neither keepeth he his anger for ever. He dealeth not with us after our since, neither rewardeth he us according to our wickednesses. For look how hie the heaven is in comparison of the earth: so great is his mercy also toward them that fear him. Look how wide also the East is from the west: ⟨p. 419⟩so far hath he set our sins from us. Yea like as a father pitieth his own children: even so is the Lord merciful unto them that fear him. For he knoweth whereof we be made, he remembereth that we are but dust.5 With the Lord there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption. And he shall redeem Israel from all his sins.
Theo. 1The Lord is merciful, gentle and louing, pacient, long suffring, & o• muche kindnes, and ready at all tymes to forgeue, yea euen wha• he is at the poynt to punyshe. Th• Lord is louing vnto euery man,2 & his mercy is ouer all his workes▪ The lord is good and gracious, & of great mercy vnto all them that call vpon him.3 The Lord is ful of tender compassion and great mer•cy, long sufferyng and of muche goodnes.4 He wil not alway be chi•ding, neither kepeth he his anger for euer. He dealeth not with vs after our synnes, neither rewardeth he vs accordyng to our wickednesses. For loke how hie ye heauen is in comparison of the earth: so great is his mercy also toward them that feare him. Loke howe wide also the East is from ye west: ⟨p. 419⟩so far hath he set our sinnes from vs. Yea lyke as a father pitieth his owne children: euen so is the Lord mercifull vnto thē that feare him. For he knoweth whereof we be made, he remembreth yt we are but dust.5 With the Lorde there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption. And he shall redeme Israel frō al his sinnes.
Phi. The great kindness & dear hearty love of God toward us, appeareth not only in this, that he both willingly and gladly admitteth and receiveth sinners, whensoever they repent and turn unto him, but •n that he also most diligently seeketh them up, fetcheth them home again, and giveth them grace to repent and turn, that they may •e saved.1 This thing is very •yuelye described and set forth in •he parables of the strayed sheep,2 of the lost groat, and of the wounded ⟨p. 420⟩man. Herein is love, saith S▪ John,3 not that we loved God, bu• that he loved us, & sent his sonn• to be the agreement for our sins Saint Paul sayeth:4 God setteth out his love toward us, seeing tha• while we were yet sinners. Christ died for us. Much more then now• we that are justified by his blud• shall be saved from wrath through him. For if when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son: much more seeing we are reconciled, we shall be preserved by his life.
Phi. The great kindnes & dere hearty loue of God toward vs, appeareth not only in this, yt he both willingly and gladly admitteth and receiueth synners, whensoeuer they repent and tourne vnto hym, but •n that he also most diligently seketh them vp, fetcheth them home again, and geueth them grace to repent and turne, that they maye •e saued.1 This thinge is verye •yuelye described and set forthe in •he parables of the straid shepe,2 of the lost groat, and of the wounded ⟨p. 420⟩man. Herein is loue, saith S▪ Iohn,3 not that we loued God, bu• that he loued vs, & sent his sonn• to be the agrement for our sinnes Saint Paule saieth:4 God settet• out his loue toward vs, seing tha• while we were yet sinners. Christ died for vs. Much more thē now• we that are iustified by his blud• shalbe saued from wrath throug• him. For if when we were enne•mies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his sonne: much• more seing we are reconciled, we shalbe preserued by his life.
Epa. I believe that God is a merciful father for Christs sake to all them tha• do truly repent, believe and convert unto him, but is it not to be• feared, that my repentance and conversion is to late?1
Epa. I beleue yt God is a mercifull father for Christes sake to all them tha• do truly repente, beleue and con•uert vnto him, but is it not to be• feared, that my repentaunce and conuersion is to late?1
1Remedies against late repentance & conversion unto God.Remedies against late repentaunce & cōuersion vnto God.
Phi. Be on good comfort neighbour Epaphroditus, there is no repentance and conversion to late in this world▪⟨p. 421⟩so that it be true & proceedeth from a contrite heart & humble spirit. For at whatsoever hour a sinner doth mourn and lament for his sins,1 God promiseth, that he will so forgive him his iniquities that he will never remember them more.2 And Christ saith.3 Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted. In the holy scriptures God doth very often call us unto repentance, but he appointeth not ether this or the time, day & hour, but he willeth us to repent, and promiseth that whensoever we return unto him, we shall be safe and escape from death unto life.4 Our saviour Christ also biddeth all that are diseased, come unto him, and promiseth that he will ease them, but he assigneth no time, but at all hours he promiseth grace, mercy, favour, help, and con •ort. Christ is a saviour for all ages, ⟨p. 422⟩& refuseth no conversion, although never so late. If we come in childhood, in youth, in middle age, or in old age, whensoever we come, we shall be received. Only let us come. It is better late then never. God is a like merciful, in all ages. Christ is a saviour able enough to save at all times.5 He ceaseth not to be called Jesus, that is to say, a saviour: neither ceaseth he at any time to save, as the Apostle saith, Jesus Christ yesterday & to day,6 and the same continueth for ever. If Christ were appointed of God the father a saviour for certain times, & not for all times: so should he be no perfect saviour.7 If he could not as effectually save at the hour of death as at the hour of the birth: he were unworthy the name of a saviour. But he abideth a saviour for all ages and for all kind of people, so that they unfeignedly ⟨p. 423⟩repent, believe, and turn. Set before your eyes the parable,8 which we read in the gospel, of them that were hired to work in the vineyard. Some came early in the morning, some about the third hour, some about the .vi. and .ix. hour, and some about the .xi. hour. And when night once came, that they should receive their wages, all had like reward. When they that came first saw that they that came last & wrought but one hour, were equal unto them, which had borne the burden and heat of the day, & received like reward: one of them murmured & grudged at the matter: but it was answered. Friend I do the no wrong.
Phi. Be on good comfort neighbor Epaphroditus, there is no repentaūce and conuersion to late in this worlde▪⟨p. 421⟩so that it be true & proceadeth frō a contrite heart & humble spirite. For at whatsoeuer hour a sinner dooth mourne and lamente for his sinnes,1 God promyseth, that he will so forgeue him his iniquities that he will neuer remember thē more.2 And Christe saithe.3 Blessed are they that mourn, for they shal be comforted. In the holy scriptures God doth very often call vs vnto repentaunce, but he appoynteth not ether this or ye time, day & hour, but he willeth vs to repent, and promiseth that whensoeuer we returne vnto him, we shall bee safe and escape from death vnto life.4 Our sauiour Christ also biddeth al that are diseased, come vnto him, and promiseth that he wil ease thē, but he assigneth no time, but at all houres he promyseth grace, mercy, fauour, help, and cō •ort. Christ is a sauior for al ages, ⟨p. 422⟩& refuseth no cōuersion, although neuer so late. If we come in childhode, in yougth, in middle age, or in olde age, whensoeuer we come, we shall be receiued. Only let vs come. It is better late then neuer. God is a like merciful, in al ages. Christ is a sauiour able inough to saue at all tymes.5 He ceaseth not to be called Iesus, that is to say, a sauiour: niether ceaseth he at any time to saue, as ye Apostle saith, Iesus Christ yesterday & to daye,6 and the same continueth for euer. If Christ were appoynted of God the father a sauioure for certaine times, & not for all times: so shuld he be no perfect sauiour.7 If he could not as effectually saue at the hour of death as at the hour of the birth: he were vnworthy ye name of a sauiour. But he abideth a sauiour for all ages and for all kind of people, so that they vnfainedly ⟨p. 423⟩
Take that is thine and go thy way. I will give unto this last even as unto thee. Is it not lawful for me to do as me listeth with mine own goods? Thus see you that they, which came at ⟨p. 424⟩the latter end of the day & wrought in the vineyard but an hour, were not refused but received the like reward with them that came first. Only let us be labourers and no loiterers, only let us come into the Lords vineyard, and not run away backward, and at whatsoever hour we come, we shall be welcome, & receive our reward with the first.1 Again the history of the thief, that hanged on the right hand of Christ, which thief was full of wicked deeds, & never turned unto God until the very hour of his death, declareth manifestly that there is no conversion in this life to late, if it be accompanied with true repentance and unfeigned faith. The thief hanging on the cross, & at the point of death only said unto Christ: Lord remember me, when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Christ well accepting ⟨p. 425⟩his conversion, said unto him: Truly I say unto thee: this day shalt thou be with me in Paradise. Who will now despair of the good will and favourable mercy of God, seeing that this thief converting at the very last hour of his death, was not of Christ rejected: but received, & made a fellow citizen with Christ of joyful Paradise?
Take that is thine and go thy way. I will geue vnto this last euen as vnto thee. Is it not lawful for me to doo as me listeth with mine owne goodes? Thus se you that they, whiche came at ⟨p. 424⟩the latter end of ye day & wrought in the vinyard but an hour, were not refused but receiued the lyke reward with thē that came first. Only let vs be labourers and no loiterers, only let vs come into the Lordes vineyarde, and not runne away backward, and at whatsoeuer hour we come, we shalbe welcome, & receiue our reward with the first.1 Againe the history of the thief, that hanged on the righthand of Christ, whiche thief was full of wicked dedes, & neuer turned vnto God vntil the very hour of his death, declareth manifestly that there is no conuersion in this life to late, if it bee accompanied with true repentaunce and vnfained faith. The thiefe hangyng on the crosse, & at the poynt of death only said vnto Christ: Lord remē ber me, when thou commest into thy kingdom. And Christ wel accepting ⟨p. 425⟩his conuersion, saide vnto him: Truly I saye vnto thee: this day shalt thou be with me in Paradise. Who will now dispaire of the good wil and fauourable mercy of God, seing that this thief cō uerting at the very last houre of his death, was not of Christ reiected: but receiued, & made a fellowe citizin with Christ of ioyfull Paradise?
Faith, as S. Austen saith▪ is the beginning of mans saluation. Without faithe no man can reache or come vnto the nomber of the sonnes of God. Withoute faith al the labour of man is frustrate and voyde. Faith, saieth S▪ Ambrose,
is ye rote of all vertues▪ and whatsoeuer thou buyldest o• this foundation, that alone profiteth vnto the reward of thy work• frute and vertue. Fayth, saith he▪ is ritcher then all treasures: strō ger then all corporall power: and more healthfull then all Phisitions. Therfore loke that you hau• this true faythe in you, and tha• you cleue both toth and nayle (as they vse to say) to the merciful and comfortable promises of god: So may you be sure to haue remission and forgeuenes of your synnes.
Come vnto me, sayth he, al ye that labour and are loden, & I wil refreshe you. Take my yoke vpon you, and ye shall find rest for your soules. For I came not to ca• ye righteous, but sinners vnto repentance.
thee: but this I will ye thou know thy great blasphemy, namely that thou hast vnfaithfully forsaken the Lord thy God, and hast made thi self partaker of straunge Gods vnder all greene trees, but hast had no wil to hear my voyce, saieth the Lorde. O ye disobedient chyldren, turne againe saieth the Lord, and I will be maried with you. &c. O ye disobedient childrē, turne agayne, saying: Lo, we are thyne: for thou art the Lorde our God, and so shal I heal your back turninges. Who wyll not boldely come vnto so mercifull a Lord & most louing father, seing he so gē tely calleth all men vnto hym, be they neuer so greuous synners, & promiseth that he wyll not refuse them, but louingly receiue them, neuer lay their offences vnto their charge:
repent, beleue, and turn. Set before your eyes the parable,
whiche we read in the gospel, of them that were hired to worke in the vineyard. Some came early in ye morning, some about the third hour, some about the .vi. and .ix. houre, and some about the .xi. hour. And when night once came, that they shuld receiue their wages, all had like reward. Whē they that came first saw that they that came laste & wrought but one houre, were equal vnto thē, whiche had borne ye burthen and heat of the day, & receiued like reward: one of thē murmured & grudged at ye matter: but it was answered. Frend I do the no wrong.
