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. 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,
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,
& 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?
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.
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 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.7 The sonne of man came to seke and to saue that was lost. How frequented he the cōpany of synners,8 when he was in this world, & that to this end only, tha• he might call them through his godly sermons vnto repentance,9 vnto the fauour of God, and vnto the felowship of the sainctes, in so muche that he was called a frend of open sinners and whores?10
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?
Phile. This is no let unto your salvation, so that your conversion be unfeigned.1 The righteous man sinneth .vii. times in the day.2 Who liveth & sinneth not. All go astray. There is none good but God alone. All our righteousnesses are as a cloth polluted with menstrue.3 If God should deal with the most holy and most perfect according to their deserts, ⟨p. 426⟩they should find nothing in them selves but worthy damnation▪ David with other very many of the old Testament oftentimes sinned and offended God with their wicked acts,4 yet forasmuch as they repented and unfeignedly turned unto God, they were received into favour and saved. The Disciples of Christ, Peter and his fellows were sinners also, and many times did that, which is not righteous in the sight of God, yet they be wailing their miseries, & truly returning unto God, were admitted into the number of gods elect.5 God is that Lord, which forgiveth not only one talent but the whole debt of .x. M. talents, if we come truly unto him & knowledge our beggary, yea our nothing. If God would that we should forgive one an other, so oft as we ⟨p. 427⟩offend, doubtless God will also forgive us whensoever we offend, if we unfeignedly turn unto him, be our sins never so many and grievous. Mary Magdalen sinned full oft, yet was she forgiven, as it is written of her:6 Many sins are forgiven her, because she hath loved much.7 The Publican was with out doubt a very grievous sinner, and had many times broken the commandments of god, yet so soon as he humbled him self before the throne of gods majesty, & appealed unto his mercy: he was received •nto favour & pronounced of christs •wn mouth more righteous then •he Pharisee for all his glistering works & outward holiness of life. •ing Manasseh in his prayer confessed unto God, that he had syn•ed above the number of the sands •f the sea, and that his iniquities •ere innumerable, yet after he returned ⟨p. 400⟩unto the Lord, they were all forgiven and he received into favour. If there be not daily remission of daily since at the hand of God for Christs sake,8 why are we commanded daily to pray for the forgiveness of our sins?9 If the favour of God be promised at all hours to such as unfeignedly turn unto their Lord God,10 and seek him in singleness of heart, then followeth it, that sin we never so oft and never so grievously:
Phile. This is no let vnto your saluation, so that your conuersion be vnfained.1 The righteous man sinneth .vii. times in the day.2 Who liueth & sinneth not. All go astray. There is none good but God alone. All our righteousnesses ar as a cloth polluted with mēstrue.3 If God shuld deale with the moste holy and most per•ect accordinge to their desertes, ⟨p. 426⟩they should find nothing in them selues but worthy dampnation▪ Dauid with other very many of the old Testament oftentimes sinned and offended God with theyr wicked actes,4 yet forasmuche as they repented and vnfainedly turned vnto God, they were receiued into fauour and saued. The Disciples of Christ, Peter and his felowes were sinners also, and many tymes did that, whiche is not righteous in the sight of God, yet they be wayling their miseries, & truly returning vnto God, were admitted into the nūber of gods elect.5 God is that Lord, which forgeueth not only one talent but the whole debt of .x. M. talentes, if we come truly vnto hym & knowledge our beggary, yea our nothing. If God would yt we should forgeue one an other, so oft as we ⟨p. 427⟩offend, doubtles God wil also forgeue vs whansoeuer we offend, if we vnfainedly turn vnto him, be our sinnes neuer so many and greuous. Mary Magdalē sinned ful oft, yet was she forgeuen, as it is written of her:6 Many sinnes are forgeuen her, because she hath loued much.7 The Publican was wt out doubt a very greuous sinner, and had many times broken the cōmaundemēts of god, yet so sone as he humbled him self before the throne of gods maiestie, & apealed vnto his mercy: he was receiued •nto fauor & pronoūced of christes •wn mouth more righteous then •he Pharisy for all his glistring workes & outward holines of life. ing Manasses in his praier conessed vnto God, that he had syned aboue the nomber of ye sandes f the sea, and that his iniquities ere innumerable, yet after he returned
yet if hearty repentance come, there is hope of remission of sins through the blood of Christ.1 If Christ be an everlasting Bishop, than is he able at all times to save even at the full those, which come unto God through him.2 If Christ go forth to be called Jesus,3 that is to say: a saviour, then ceaseth he not to save sinners.4 If Christ be our intercessor, mediator and advocate ⟨p. 429⟩unto God the father even unto the worlds end,5 then may we be sure through him to have remission and forgiveness of all our sins even unto the end of the world,6 yea & that at all times, sin we never so oft & grievously, if we repent, believe and amend. Therefore though you have many times grievously offended the Lord your God and broken his holy commandments, yet despair not but turn again unto the Lord your God, & he will turn unto you▪ deliver you & save you.7 For he is the father of mercies & God of all consolation. He is rich enough for all them that call upon him.8 If you do thus, though your sins be as read as scarlet, yet shall they be as white as snow. And though they were like purple, yet shall they be as white as wool. Hear what God saith by the Prophet: Commonly ⟨p. 430⟩when a man putteth away his wife and she goeth from him,9 and marrieth with an other, then the question is: should he resort any more unto her after that? Is not this field then defiled & unclean? But as for thee: thou hast plaid the harlot with many lovers, yet turn again to me, saith the Lord. &c. and I will not let my wrath fall upon you. I am merciful, (sayeth the Lord) and I will not alway bear displeasure against thee. O turn again and I will be married with you. Whom would not these words encourage to come again unto the Lord his God, and throughly to be persuaded of gods loving favour toward him, and of the forgiveness of his sins, be they never so many and grievous, if he repent, believe & amend?
yet if harty repentaunce come, there is hope of remissiō of sinnes through the bloud of Christ.1 If Christ bee an euerlasting Bishop, than is he able at all tymes to saue euen at the full those, whiche come vnto God through hym.2 If Christ go forth to be called Iesus,3 that is to saye: a sauiour, then ceaseth he not to saue sinners.4 If Christ be our intercessour, mediatour and aduocate ⟨p. 429⟩vnto God the father euen vnto the worldes ende,5 then may we be sure thorow him to haue remission and forgeuenes of all oure sinnes euē vnto thend of ye world,6 yea & that at all times, sinne we neuer so oft & greuously, if we repent, beleue and amend. Therfore though you haue many times greuously offended ye Lord your God and broken his holy commaundementes, yet despair not but turne again vnto the Lord your God, & he will turn vnto you▪ deliuer you & saue you.7 For he is the father of mercies & God of all consolation. He is riche inough for all thē that call vpon hym.8 If you doo thus, though your sinnes be as read as scarlet, yet shall they be as whyte as snowe. And though they were lyke purple, yet shall they bee as whyte as woll. Heare what God saith by the Prophet: Commonly ⟨p. 430⟩whan a man putteth away his wife and she goeth from him,9 and marieth with an other, then the question is: should he resorte any more vnto her after that? Is not this field then defiled & vncleane? But as for thee: thou hast plaide ye harlot with many louers, yet turn again to me, saith ye Lord. &c. and I will not let my wrath fall vpon you. I am mercifull, (sayeth the Lord) and I will not alway beare displeasure against thee. O tourn again and I will be maried with you. Whō wold not these words encourage to come againe vnto the Lord his God, and throughly to be perswaded of gods louing fauour toward him, and of the forgeuenes of his sinnes, be they neuer so many and greuous, if he repent, beleue & amend?
Phile. The want of merits ought not to pluck you from coming unto god.1 For God saveth not us for the righteous works, which we have done, but for his mercies sake. If our salvation came of works & merits: then were grace no more grace.2 If everlasting life were gotten by deservings:3 than were it not the gift of God through Jesus Christ our Lord.4 But the Apostle sayeth.
By grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of our selves. It is the gift of God, and cometh not of works, least any man should boast him self. If righteousness come of the law:5 then Christ is dead in vain. Christ came not ⟨p. 432⟩to call the righteous: but sinne• to repentance.6 And we are taught in the Gospel, that joy shall be […] heaven over one sinner that rep••teth,7 more then over ninety an• nine just persons, which need […] repentance.8 What had the wounded man deserved, that he should be healed?9 What had the strayshep• merited, that the shepherd should so lovingly fetch her home again What good works brought Mar• Magdalen,10 when Christ receive• her unto grace & forgave her, he• sins? And so likewise of divers other. If God should save us because of our merits & good works, so should we choose god by our works and merits, and not God us by his favour, grace and mercy. But Christ saith,11 ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you.12 And S. John wondering at this great mercy of God, bursteth out ⟨p. 435⟩••to these words▪ and saith: Behold, what love the father hath •hewed on us, that we should be called •he sons of God.13 Again herein •s love, not that we loved God, •ut that he loved us, and sent his •onne to be the agreement for our ••nnes. And S Paul saith, God the •ather hath chosen us in Christ,14 before the foundations of the world •ere laid. God therefore did choose •s by his grace, and not we him •y our works and merits:15 I will •ave mercy, said God to Moses, •n whom it pleaseth me to have mercy,16 and I will have compassion, •n whom it is my pleasure to have compassion. It lieth not therefore •n a mans will or running, but in •he mercy of God. And the Psal•ograph saith,17 speaking of God, […] of him self: he hath saved me, because it was his pleasure to have •e.18 Again he saith: Thou shalt ⟨p. 434⟩save them for nothing: what […] to say,19 saith S. Austen, thou sh•• save them for nothing? but ye th•• findest nothing in them wherf•• they should be saved, and yet sau•• thou them.20
Phile. The wāt of merits ought not to pluck you from comming vnto god.1 For God saueth not vs for the righteous works, which we haue done, but for his mercies sake. If oure saluatiō came of works & merits: then were grace no more grace.2 If euerlasting life were gotten by deseruinges:3 than were it not the gift of God through Iesus Christ our Lord.4 But the Apostle saieth.
By grace are ye saued thorowe faith, and that not of our selues. It is the gifte of God, and commeth not of workes, least any mā should boast him self. If rightousnesse come of the lawe:5 then Christ is dead in vaine. Christ came not ⟨p. 432⟩to call the righteous: but sinne• to repentance.6 And we are taug• in the Gospell, that ioye shall be 〈…〉 heauen ouer one sinner that rep••teth,7 more then ouer ninety an• nine iust persones, which nede 〈…〉 repentaunce.8 What had the wou••ded man deserued, that he shoul• be healed?9 What had ye strayshep• merited, that the shephard shoul• so louingly fetch her home again• What good works brought Mar• Magdalen,10
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.
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⟨p. 400⟩
vnto the Lord, they were all forgeuen and he receiued into fauour. If there be not dayly remission of daily synnes at the hād of God for Christes sake,
and seke him in singlenes of heart, thē followeth it, that sin we neuer so oft and neuer so greuously:
when Christ receiue• her vnto grace & forgaue her, he• sinnes? And so likewyse of diuers other. If God shoulde saue vs because of our merites & good workes, so should we chuse god by our works and merites, and not God vs by his fauor, grace and mercy. But Christ saith,
Againe herein •s loue, not that we loued God, •ut that he loued vs, and sent his •onne to be the agrement for our ••nnes. And S Paul saith, God ye •ather hath chosen vs in Christ,
and I wil haue compassiō, •n whō it is my pleasure to haue compassion. It lieth not therfore •n a mans will or running, but in •he mercy of God. And the Psal•ograph saith,
