The solace of the soul against the bitter storms of sickness and death greatly…The solace of the soule agaynst the bytter stormes of sycknes and deathe greatly…
The solace of the soul against the bitter storms of sickness and death greatly encouraging the faithful, patiently to suffer the good pleasure of God in all kind of adversity, newly set forth in English by Thomas Becon.The solace of the soule agaynst the bytter stormes of sycknes and deathe greatly encouragynge the faythfull, paciently to suffer the good pleasure of God in all kynd of aduersite, newly set forth in Englysshe by Thomas Becon.
Thomas Becon 1512–1567Imprinted in Loudon sic : In Pauls church yard at the sign of the Hill by Wyllyam Hill, and are to be sold at the west side of pauls under Peter college by John Casse, Anno. M.D.XLUIII. 1548Imprynted in Loudon sic : In Pauls churche yarde at the sygne of the Hyll by Wyllyam Hyll, and are to be solde at the west syde of pauls vnder Peter college by John Casse, Anno. M.D.XLUIII. 1548
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.
THOU SHALT Ever be at this point (o thou Christian) which art sick and diseased, faithfully to believe that thy punishment & trouble cometh not unto the by chance or fortune, but by the appointment, counsel and sufferance of God. What soever sickness, calamity or misery chanceth to the godly, all that come to pass at the appointment, will & pleasure of God.1 For in him we live, move, and have our being. He hath made us,2 and not we our selves. Nether shalt thou doubt, but that of a right good and very fatherly mind he sendeth the what so ever disease thou hast, not to destroy thee, but to call the unto repē tans, and to exercise, prove, try, ⟨image 5⟩and store up thy faith. For afflictions are the sure signs & undoubted tokens of Gods high mercy, and singular good will. Whom he loveth, him he correcteth, saith Solomon.3 He scourgeth every son, that he receiveth:4 that thy most tender heavenly father, which so dearly loveth thee, according to his singular good appointment, & of an earnest bent good will toward thee, with this thy adversity even as it were with bonds doth pluck back, refrain, and mortify thy old man, that y• mayst crucify with Christ the gladlier & more cheerfully thy body & offer it as a sacrifice:5 this thy disease therefore, wherewith thou art vexed, is a fatherly chastisement laid upon thee, not that thou shouldest be destroyed, but that thou shouldest be amended, quickened & made a new man. Peradventure God the the father seeth, that thy old Adam
is fierce, stubborn, froward unruly take his pleasure, liveth more licentiously than becometh him followeth his own carnal affects, & can keep him self in no good order, therefore doth he cast this as an halter upon him, snarl him with this fetters and chains, speareth him in this prison & dungeon, overcometh him with this punishment, that he may bridle him, knock him down and keep him under awe,
that he cast in to peril & put in extreme jeopardy thy most noble and precious soul: flesh and blood reign and bear more rule in thee, than the spirit: here is god present with thy spirit, & helpeth her striving against the fierce unruly and rebellious flesh, that she may overcome, subdue and tread under foot the flesh.
THOV SHALTE Euer be at this pointe (o thou Christiane) which art sycke and dyseased, faithfulli to beleue that thy punyshement & trouble cometh not vnto the by chauns or fortune, but by the appoyntmente, councell and sufferauns of God. What soe•er syckenes, calamyte or myscry chaunchethe to the godly, all that come to passe at the appoyntmente, wyll & pleasure of God.1 For in hym we lyue, moue, and haue our beyng. He hath made vs,2 and not we oure selfes. Nether shalte thou doubte, but that of a ryghte good and very fatherly mynde he sendeth the what so euer dysease thou hast, not to destroy the, but to call the vnto repē tauns, and to exercyse, proue, trye, ⟨image 5⟩and store vp thy fayth. For afflyctions are the sure sygnes & vndoubted tokēs of Gods high mercy, and syngulare good wyll. Whō he loueth, hym he correcteh, sayth Salomō.3 He scourgeth euery sonne, that he receyueth:4 that thy moste tender heauenly father, whyche so derely loueth the, accordīg to his singulare good appointmēte, & of an ernest bent good wyll towarde the, wyth thys thy aduersyte euen as it were wyth bondes doth plucke backe, refrayne, and mortifye thy olde man, that y• mayst crucyfye wyth Christe the gladlier & more cherfully thi body & offer it as a sacryfice:5 thys thy di•ease therfore, wherwith thou art vexed, is a fatherly chastysemente layde vpon the, not that thou shuldest be distroied, but that thou shuldest be amended, quickened & made a new man. Paraduenture God the the father seeth, that thy olde Adam ⟨image 6⟩is fearse, stobborne, froward vnruly take his pleasure, liueth more licenciously thē becometh him foloweth hys awn carnal affectes, & can kepe hym selfe in no good order, therfore doth he cast thys as an halter vpon hym, snarle hym wyth thys fetters and chenes, spearethe hym in thys prison & dengden, ouercometh hym with thys punyshment, that he may brydle him, knocke him downe and kepe him vnder awe,6 that he cast in to perell & put in extreme ieoperdye thy most noble and precious soule: fleshe and bloude reygne and beare more rule in the, thā the spirit: here is god present with thy spirit, & helpeth her stryuing against the fearse vnrul• and rebellious flesh, that she maye ouercome, subdue and treade vnder foote the fleshe.
If that were in good health and in bodily prosperity now, peradventure, the flesh (as it is alway naturally disposed, ⟨image 6⟩pro•e and bent unto y• devil) should deceive thee and cast the into many and grievous since against God wherewith God being displeased thou shouldest be in danger of cursing and damnation: that thy heavenly father preventing this incō modite and peril, and providing for thee and thy health, bringeth under and keepeth down thy flesh, which with all main and fierce waxeth wood against the spirit,1 and is evermore contrary to it, that it be not wallowed forth into y• most stinking and filthy puddle of sin, but be subject and obedient to the spirit: forasmuch than as this is the pleasure of thy most loving Father, again seeing that all things turn unto thy commodity & wealth, take heed diligently (O brother) that thou dost not strive against the good will of God but, suffer & pray y• the will of thy father ⟨image 7⟩may be done in thee, that he may ham dle thee as he thinketh best, and that thou mayst not wish covet or desire any thing, but that he shall think good, that all things may turn to the glory and praise of god and that he may assist the with his grace, that thou mayst patiently and thankfully bear the cross that is laid upon thee: for patience bringeth experience, experience bringeth hope, and hope maketh not ashamed. Here hast thou an occasion to exercise and learn patience in all thy troubles. First thou learnest that God of a fatherly mind punisheth thee, and this dost thou learn by experience,2 for except thou didst prove in very deed, how health full it were to give over thy self wholly to God, to obey his will, (as David saith, it is highly for my profit, that y• hast punished me) thou couldest not conceive a certain and3⟨image 7⟩sure hope of him, having no experience before that a mind so fatherly and wonderfully desirous of the high hid under this cross and rod. But seeing thou hast learned that before by experience, and haste now some taste of that thing, thou dost not despair in any trouble, but thy hope increaseth straightways, seeing thou hast before often times proved▪ the help of God prese•t. And although he winketh at the matter, and sometime suffereth thee for a certain space to stick & stand fast in the mire, yet at the last he retcheth forth his helping hands, delivereth & saveth thee:
Yf that were in good health and in bodely prosperite now, paraduenture, the fleshe (as it is alway naturally disposed, ⟨image 6⟩pro•e and bent vnto y• deuyl) shuld deceyue the and cast the into many and greuous synnes agaynste God wherwyth God beynge dyspleased thou shuldest be in daunger of cursyng and dampnatiō: that thy heauenly father preuentyng this incō modite and perell, and prouidynge for the and thy healthe, bryngethe vnder and kepethe downe thy fleshe, whych wyth all mayne and ferse waxeth woode against the spirit,1 and is euermore contrary to it, that it be not waloued forth into y• most stynkynge and fylthy pudle of synne, but be subiecte and obedyent to the spyrite: forasmuch than as this is the pleasure of thy mooste louinge Father, agayne seynge that all thyngesturne vnto thy cōmodite & wealthe, take hede dylygenlye (O brother) that thou doste not stryue agaynst the good wyl of God but, suffer & pray y• the wyl of thy father ⟨image 7⟩may be done in the, that he may hā dle the as he thinketh best, and that thou mayst not wysshe couet or desyre any thynge, but that he shall thynke good, that all thynges may turne to the glory and praise of god and that he maye assyste the wyth his grace, that thou mayst paciently and thankefully beare the crosse that is layde vpon the: for pacience bryngethe experyence, experyence bryngeth hope, and hope maketh not ashamed. Here hast thou an occasyon to exercyse and lerne paciēce in al thi troubles. Fyrst thou lernest that God of a fatherly minde punisheth the, and thys dost thou learne by experyence,2 for excepte thou dedyst proue in very dede, how health full it were to gyue ouer thy selfe wholly to God, to obeye hys wyll, (as Dauid saythe, it is hyghly for my profyt, that y• hast punished me) thou couldest not cōceiue a certē and3⟨image 7⟩sure hope of hym, hauyng no experyēce before that a mynde so fatherlye and wōderfully desyrous of the hyghe hydde vnder thys crosse and rodde. But seyng thou hast lerned that before by experience, and haste now some taste of that thynge, thou doste not despayre in any trouble, but thy hope encreaseth streyghtewayes, seyng thou hast before oftē tymes proued the helpe of God preset. And althoughe he wynketh at the matter, and sometyme suffreth the for a certen space to styke & stand faste in the myre, yet at the laste he retcheth forthe hys helping hādes, delyuereth & saueth the:
he suffereth the to swim for a certain space, yea & to be overwhelmed with waters, but he suffereth thee not to be drowned. Hereof mayest thou gather a sure hope, that he will never leave the succourless nor cast y• away, seeing he hath preserved the being ⟨image 8⟩so oft in jeopardy: in afflictions and troubles therefore dost thou learn to conceive and nourish a good and undoubted hope of God, that even in the most grievous afflictions of all, where no help at all appeareth, thou mayest trust unto him, being now thoroughly taught his custom in delivering and saving his people, thou haste learned that afflictions be sent not of displeasure but of a Fatherly love. Which thing thou believing and having experience thereof, dost patiently abide his help, neither despairest thou, but trustest steadfastly, that he at the last will help thee, although he delayeth it never so long, hideth and keepeth him self secrete. And thus at the last dost thou know and understand that thy disease or trouble is not sent unto thee for this purpose that y• shouldest be destroyed, bu• that the glory of God may be set ⟨image 8⟩abroad, & that all things may turn unto thy health & salvation: he y• can give him self over & wholly commit him self to god on this manner, and put all his aff•auns & trust in his promises, truly that man never dyeth: which thing Christ him self even with an oath, because we should not doubt, affirming the same, sayeth, Verily, verily,1 if any man keep my word, he shall never see death. And in an other place he saith. I am the way, the truth, and the life: he that believeth in me, shall live,2 although he be dead. And he that liveth, and believeth in me, shall never dye:3 these words of christ (o brother) look that thou deeply repose them & with all diligence keep them in thy mind, and wham soever y• perceivest y••hi mind waver or is tr•bled, underprop & lift it up with this sweet and comfortable4 sayings: he that believeth in Christ, shall not taste death: ⟨image 9⟩he that believeth in me, hath everlasting5 life, saith Christ: this is ever lasting life, to know the even the true God, and whom thou hast sent Jesus Christ. Everlasting life is begun in this world: for he that hath Christ, hath the true life, for Christ is y• life: he is also the truth6 therefore will not he mock us, but all the promises of god are in him,7 yea & are in him Imē.
he suffreth the to swymme for a certayn space, yea & to be ouerwhelmed wyth waters, but he sufferethe the not to be drowned. Hereof mayste thou gather a sure hope, that he wyl neuer leaue the socou•les nor cast y• awai, seynge he hath preserued the beyng ⟨image 8⟩so ofte in ieoperdye: in aflyctyons and trubles therfore dost thou lerne to conceyue and nouryshe a good and vndoubted hope of God, that euen in the moost greuous afflyctions of al, wher no helpe at all appereth, thou mayste truste vnto hym, beynge now thorouly taughte hys custome in deliuerynge and sauing hys people, thou haste lerned that afflictiōs be sent not of dyspleasure but of a Fatherly loue. Whyche thyng thou beleuyng and hauynge experyence therof, doste pacyently abyde hys helpe, neyther dispayrest thou, but trustest stedfastly, that he at the laste wyll helpe the, although he delayeth it neuer so lōge, hydeth and kepethe hym selfe secrete. And thus at the last dost thou know and vnderstand that thi disease or trouble is not sēt vnto the for this purpose that y• shuldest be destroied, bu• that the glory of God maye be sette ⟨image 8⟩abrode, & that al thinges may turne vnto thi health & saluatiō: he y• can giue him selfe ouer & wholly cōmyt him selfe to god on this maner, and put al his aff•auns & trust in his promises, truly that man neuer dyeth: whych thyng Christ him selfe euen wyth an ooth, because we shuld not doubt, affyrminge the same, sayeth, Uerely, verely,1 yf any man kepe my worde, he shall neuer se death. And in an other place he sayth. I am the waye, the truth, and the lyfe: he that beleueth in me, shall lyue,2 although he be dead. And he that lyueth, and beleueth in me, shal neuer dye:3 these wordes of christ (o brother) loke that thou depely repose thē & wyth al diligence kepe them in thi minde, and whā soeuer y• perceiuest y••hi minde wauer or is tr•bled, vnderprope & lyft it vp wyth this swete and comfortable
And that y• shouldest doubt nothing, but that God will abide by his promises, he hath bond him self unto the with a certain peculiar covenant and sign put unto thy body.1 For when he being greatly desirous of thy health sent his son in to the world to offer him self unto the death for thy sake, he dead make and strike up a bargain of grace before y• christ, in whom he hath promised, if thou wilt believe and be Baptised, that he will give the everlasting life freely, and never ⟨image 9⟩forsake thee, yea that he will be thy father,2 and crown the with grace and mercy: thy baptism is a sign of this covenant. Now is it necessary for thee, that thou cleavest with tooth and nail to the promises, which are added to this sign. For God hath given this sign, that thou shouldest nothing doubt of the grace or favour that he hath promised, nor yet of his faith concerning the faithful performance of the same: thou art baptised to dye with Christ, as Paul saith,3 that his death should be thy death, and that he should purify all things for thy sake, yea thou hast put him on in baptism, that thou shouldest be whole in him, and he in thee.
And that y• shuldest doubt nothyng, but that God wyll abyde by hys promises, he hath bonde him selfe vnto the wyth a certen peculiar couenaunte and sygne put vnto thy body.1 For when he being gratly desyrous of thy health sente hys sonne in to the worlde to offer hym selfe vnto the deathe for thy sake, he ded make and stryke vp a bargē of grace before y• christ, in whō he hath promysed, yf thou wylte beleue and be Baptysed, that he wyll gyue the euerlastynge lyfe frelye, and neuer ⟨image 9⟩forsake the, yea that he wyll be thy father,2 and crowne the wyth grace and mercy: thy baptysme is a sygne of thys couenaunte. Now is it necessari for the, that thou cleuest with tothe and nayle to the promyses, whych are added to thys sygne. For God hathe gyuen thys sygue, that thou shuldest nothyng doubt of the grace or fauoure that he hath promysed, nor yet of hys fayth concernynge the faythfull perfyrmans of the same: thou arte baptysed to dye wyth Christe, as Paule saythe,3 that hys death shulde be thy death, and that he shulde puryfye all thynges for thy sake, yea thou hast put hym on in babtisme, that thou shuldeste be whole in hym, and he in the.
Baptism therefore is a covenant, which lifteth up, cheereth and maketh quiet thy conscience before god (as Peter testifieth) that he will never1 damn thee for thy since. For ⟨image 10⟩thou being justified by faith, hast peace with God: a quiet, clear, and pacified conscience is the true peace2 Thou hast perceived a most sure sign as a certain seal of this justification and remission of sins, •uen Baptism, that thou shouldest believe for a certainty, that God for Christs sake will have pity on thee, preserve and deliver thee.
Baptysme therfore is a couenaūte, whych lyfteth vp, chereth and maketh quyet thy consciēce before god (as Peter testifieth) that he wyl neuer1 dampne the for thy synnes. For ⟨image 10⟩thou beynge iustified by fayth, hast peace wyth God: a quyet, clere, and pacifyed consciēce is the true peace2 Thou hast perceyued a moost sure sygne as a certen seale of thys iustification and remission of sinnes, •uen Baptysme, that thou shouldest beleue for a certente, that God for Chrystes sake wyll haue pytye on the, preserue and delyuer the.
Now seeing than that God favoureth thee, and will be thy father and never forsake thee, seeing also that thou haste an undeceivable sign and wyt•es of this thing, look that thou dost commit and wholly give over to him both thy self and all that ever pertain unto y•▪ thou must also obey his will, and patiently suffer his hand, whether he will that thou live or dye, that his will, which is ever best, may be done1 unto the glory & praise of him, although it be impossible, that tho•⟨image 10⟩shouldest be damned, if thou dost faithfully trust on the mercy which he hath promised for Christs sake and consecrate thy self wholly to him, obeying his most godly will in all parts. For he hath promised, that he will be thy father, and forasmuch as he is true, when thou knoweledgest him to be thy father, and dost hope and look for all good things of him, he can none otherwise but be thy father and save thee, although he handle thee for a certain time never so hardly. Seeing than that he hath promised to be thy father, and thou dost trust on his promises, without doubt he will care both for thee and thine at all times: wherefore thou shalt commend to him not only thy body, but also thy wife and children, thy kinsmen and friends, to be short, all that ever thou haste, and doubt not but that •e will be a true Father, a true ⟨image 11⟩husband, a true kinsman and friend: for he hath hitherto used the in these things only as a steward and dispensator: But now seeing he is minded that thou shouldest leave of the function and use of this office, he will appoint another in thy room, which like a good steward shall both faithfully and diligently look upon them. If thou hopest this thing of him, and lookest for it with a full trust of heart, it is no doubt, but he will do that I have spoken: wherefore put out of thy mind, all sorrowful care of worldly things, and commend it to God. Rather take thought for thy self, how thou mayest provide for thy soul, and send that unto God. And seeing that God hath forgiven the all thy since freely for Christs sake, he requireth nothing at all of thee, for this exceeding great and in estimable benefit, but that ⟨image 11⟩thou shouldest again forgive even from the very heart them that have done the wrong:
Nowe seynge than that God fauo•eth the, and wyll be thy father and neuer forsake the, seynge also that thou haste an vndeceauable sygne and wyt•es of this thing, loke that thou dost commyt and wholly giue ouer to hym bothe thy selfe and all that euer perteine vnto y•▪ thou must also obeye hys wyll, and pacientlye suffer hys hande, whether he wyll that thou lyue or dye, that his wyll, whyche is euer best, maye be done1 vnto the glory & prayse of hym, althoughe it be impossible, that tho•⟨image 10⟩shuldest be dampned, yf thou doste faithfully trust on the mercy which he hath promysed for Christes sake and consecrate thy selfe wholly to him, obeynge his moste godly wyll in al partes. For he hath promysed, that he wyll be thy father, and forasmuche as he is true, when thou knoweledgest hym to be thy father, and dost hope and loke for all good thinges of hym, he can none otherwhyse but be thy father and saue the, although he hādle the for a certen tyme neuer so hardly. Seynge thā that he hath promysed to be thy father, and thou dost truste on hys ꝓmises, wythout doubt he wyl care both for the and thyne at all tymes: wherfore thou shalt cōmend to him not only thy body, but also thy wife and chyldren, thy kynnesmen and frendes, to be shorte, all that euer thou haste, and doubte not but that •e wyll be a true Father, a true ⟨image 11⟩husbande, a true kynnesman and frēde: for he hath hytherto vsed the in these thynges only as a stuward and dyspensatoure: But now seyng he is mynded that thou shouldeste leaue of the functiō and vse of thys offyce, he wyll appoynte another in thy roome, whyche lyke a good stuwarde shall both faythfully and dilygently loke vpon them. Yf thou hopest thys thynge of hym, and lokest for it wyth a ful trust of harte, it is no doubte, but he wyll do that I haue spoken: wherfore put out of thy mynde, all sorowfull care of worldly thynges, and commende it to God. Rather take thoughte for thy selfe, how thou mayste prouide for thy soule, and sende that vnto God. And seynge that God hathe forgyuen the all thy synnes frely for Christes sake, he requireth nothing at all of the, for thys exceding great and in estimable benefyte, but that ⟨image 11⟩thou shuldest agayne forgyue euen from the very harte them that haue done the wronge:
for he promiseth1 that he will forgive us our offences if we forgive men there offences,2 therefore when thou haste forgiven all3 offences even from the very heart, yea and that so, that thou never rememberest them afterward, pray also for them that have hurt the according to the doctrine and example of Christ,4 yea and if ever thou recoverest, help so much as lieth in thy power them that have need of thy help. If that thou hast a mind void, of dissimulation, privy displeasure, envy, malice, ill will and wrath, thou haste also a sign and earnest token that God hath forgiven the thy since: for faith wherewith thy heart is purified,5 stretching out her self, and bringing •orth her fruits for the infinite benefits of God can none otherwise ⟨image 12⟩then forgive again and to do well to her neighbour. This fruit of charity beareth the witness and maketh the sure, that thy faith is true and lively, seeing it bringeth forth true and good fruits: This meaneth Peter, where he commandeth that we should make our vocation6 and election firm & sure with good works, for he signifieth and plainly meaneth, y• this works are testimonies and signs that thou art elect of God, and purchased to be his son unto the joys of everlasting life. Nether is there any cause (o brother) that god should forgive the thy sins, for the grievousness of thy disease & cross: for there is none other satisfaction,7 none other recompense for thy since, than the only death of Christ. God beholdeth none other thing in this cause he accepteth none other thing here than his only begotten son: he is y• lamb of god ⟨image 12⟩which taketh away the since of8 the world: He is the sacrifice & oblation sufficient,9 absolute and perfect for the sins of the whole world: thy disease & pains can not satisfy before God for the lest sin that thou hast committed, much less are they able to deserve health & everlasting salvation, as Paul testifieth,10 saying I do not think that the afflictions of this life are worthy of the glory which shall be showed upon us. No creature nether in heaven nor earth, no angel was able to appease, mitigate & swage the wrath of the father, much less shall this thy disease & short trouble pacify it.
for he promysethe1 that he wyll forgyne vs our offēces yf we forgiue men ther offēces,2 therfore when thou haste forgyuen all3 offences euen from the very harte, yea and that so, that thou neuer remembreste them afterwarde, praye also for them that haue hurte the accordyng to the doctrine and exa•ple of Christe,4 yea and yf euer thou recouerest, helpe so muche as lygheth in thy powre them that haue nede of thy helpe. Yf that thou hast a mind voyd, of dissimulation, preuy dyspleasure, enuy, malice, yll wyll and wrathe, thou haste also a sygne and earnest token that God hath forgyuen the thy synnes: for fayth wherwyth thy harte is puryfyed,5 stretchynge out her selfe, and bryngynge •orth her fruites for the infynite benefites of God can none otherwyse ⟨image 12⟩then forgyue agayne and to do well to her neyghboure. Thys fruyte of charite beareth the witnes and maketh the sure, that thy fayth is true and lyuishe, seyng it bryngeth forth true and good fruytes: Thys meaneth Peter, wher he commaundethe that we shulde make our vocation6 and election fyrme & sure with good workes, for he signifieth and plainly meaneth, y• thys workes ar testimonies and sygnes that thou arte electe of God, and purchased to be hys sonne vnto the ioyes of euerlasting lyfe. Nether is ther any cause (o brother) that god shulde forgyue the thy sinnes, for the greuousnes of thy dysease & crosse: for ther is none other satisfaction,7 none other recō pense for thy synnes, than the onely deth of Christ. God beholdeth none other thynge in this cause he accepteth none other thing here than his only begottē son: he is y• lābe of god ⟨image 12⟩whyche taketh awaye the synnes of
For he that should assuage that wrath and reconcile God to man, he must needs be both god and man, seeing he must be an intercessor and advocate between god1 being angry and man condemned. Therefore was it convenient for ⟨image 13⟩the son of god to become man, that he sh•lde appease the wrath of God the father by suffering pains in his own body, and so preserve us from it, as the Prophet testifieth, saying: He hath taken upon him our diseases,2 and borne away our sorrows. God hath laid y• unrighteousness of us all on him: For the wickedness of my people have I stricken him.3 And Peter saith: By his stripes were we made whole: therefore for this Christ thy Lord are thy since forgiven thee, and for none other thing neither in heaven nor in earth, not for thy good works, nor for any affliction, although never so hard and bitter,4 Christ is our only righteousness, health, redemption & satisfaction: God made him sin for us, which knew no sin that we might be made righteous: wherefore if thou believest, thou art the son of God all ready: if thou be ⟨image 13⟩the son of God than art thou also the heir of God, and fellow inheritor with Christ: if everlasting life be inheritance and the gift of God, as Paul calleth it,5 certes then shalt thou not deserve it with the sorrows of thy disease: but God would have the punished with this sickness, that thou mightest repress break, restrain and mortify thy old man, that it may ones cease to sin, that shall come to pass at the last by the death of the body. And for this cause must we dye, that our soul may depart hence unto everlasting salvation: for this death is a gate and entrance unto eternal life, there at the last are we delivered from all wretchednesses, miseris carefulness, disquietness, from all errors and juggling castes of the devil, neither shall we any more be defiled with the most stinking filthiness of sin, neither shall we ⟨image 14⟩be seduced and led away into heresy or errors, nor yet be thrown headlong into desperation. For an end of all evils, adversities and incommodities is then come, yea then shall we rest in the Lord and enjoy eternal life and pleasure without end. Death therefore is not to be abhorred nor feared, yea it is rather most fervently to be desired, seeing by that we pass hence unto eternal joys.6 Very true is y•, which Paul saith, to the godly all things work for the best:
For he that shulde aswage that wrath and recōcile God to man, he muste nedes be both god and man, seynge he muste be an intercessor and aduocate betwen god1 being angry and man condemned. Therefore was it conuentente for ⟨image 13⟩the sonne of god to become mā, that he sh•lde apease the wrathe of God the father by sufferynge paynes in hys awne body, and so preserue vs from it, as the Prophet testyfiethe, sayinge: He hath taken vpon hym our dyseases,2 and borne awaye our sorowes. God hath layde y• vnrighteousnes of vs all on hym: For the wickednes of my people haue I striken hym.3 Aud Peter saythe: By hys strypes were we made whole: therfore for thys Christ thy Lord are thy synnes forgyuen the, and for none other thynge neyther in heauen nor in earthe, not for thy good workes, nor for any afflyction, although neuer so harde and bytter,4 Christe is our only ryhhteousnes, healthe, redemption & satisfaction: God made hym syn for vs, whych knew no syn that we myght be made righteous: wherfore yf thou beleuest, thou arte the sonne of God al redy: yf thou be ⟨image 13⟩the sonne of God than art thou also the heyre of God, and fellowe enheritoure wyth Christ: yf euerlasting lyfe be enheritaunce and the gyfte of God, as Paule calleth it,5 certes then shalte thou not deserue it wyth the sorowes of thy dysease: but God wolde haue the punyshed with this sicknes, that thou myghtest represse breake, restrayne and mortyfye thy olde man, that it maye ones cease to synne, that shall come to passe at the laste by the deathe of the body. And for this cause must we dye, that our soule may departe hence vnto euerlastyng saluation: for thys death is a gate and entrauns vnto eternall lyfe, ther at the laste are we delyuered from al wretchednesses, miseris carefulnes, dysquietnes, from al erroures and iuglynge castes of the dyuill, neyther shall we any more be defyled wyth the moost stynkynge fylthynes of synne, neyther shal we ⟨image 14⟩
Death in the sight of the world is a thing of all things most odious, most hateful, most loathsome and most horrible, yet to the faithful it is most sweat, most acceptable and most pleasant. And although it be so, that our old Adam trembleth at it, escheweth and abhorreth it, yet the inward man i• ready and willing to suffer it, forasmuch as he perceiveth & knoweth ⟨image 14⟩that by it he is delivered from all filthiness of sin, vice, & wretchedness and departeth unto everlasting joys.
Death in the syghte of the worlde is a thyng of all thinges moost odyous, mooste hatefull, most lothsome and moste horryble, yet to the faythfull it is most swet, most acceptable and most pleasaūt. And although it be so, that our old• Adam trēbleth at it, excheweth and abhorreth it, yet the inward man i• redy and wylling to suffer it, for asmuche as he perceyueth & knoweth ⟨image 14⟩that by it he is delyuered frome all fylthines of syn, vice, & wretchednes and departethe vnto euerlastynge ioyes.
THE best God and thy most loving father having pity on the (o Brother) calleth the from this most wretched & miserable life, willing to remove the unto him, and to carry the into y• perpetual joys of the heavenly life. Therefore yield, give over & commend to him wholly thy self, & all that ever thou hast, & what so ever his will is let thy will be the same, and say, let thy will be done o father God,1 and not mine: cry unto Christ with the these fastened to the cross, remember me, o Lord,2 when thou comest into thy Kingdom: erye with the ⟨image 15⟩Publican,3 Lord be merciful to m• wretched sinner cry instantly with that earnest woman the Canaanite,4 o son of David have mercy on me. If thou criest thus, Christ will hear thee, doubt not, he will have mercy on thee, he will forgive the thy since, yea thou shalt be with him in paradise: therefore lay hand on this Christ, cleave to him with tooth and nail, commit thy soul unto him: cry with this christ crucified unto God the common father,5 o Lord my trust is in thee, let me never be put to confusion, but rid me, and deliver me through thy righteousness: Bow down thine ear unto me, make haste to deliver me. Be thou my God and strong hold (whereunto I may alway flee) that thou mayst help me, for thou art my strength and refuge: thou art my defender: Into thy hands I commend my spirit: cry ⟨image 15⟩also with David:6 o Lord thou art my strength, my sure hold, my refuge and my deliverer. O my God thou art my helper, my defender, and the horn of my health and my protection. Unto the o Lord, lift I up my soul: o my God my trust is in thee, let me not be driven to shame: direct me in thy truth, thou art the God my saviour, Remember, o Lord thy tender mercies, and thy pitiful compassions, which thou hast ever used: Remember not the trespasses of my yonghe: According to thy mercy remember me for thy goodness sake: for thy names sake (o lord) forgive my sin, for it is much: look on me, and have pity on me, deliver me from my necessities: forgive me all my offences keep my soul, and deliver me: Let me not be put to confusion for my hole trust is in thee. If on this manner thou wilt call for the help of God with ⟨image 16⟩and hole hart, god will surely helpe• the in time convenient, and he will say unto the that, which is in the Psalm. Forasmuch as he hath put his trust in me,7 I will deliver him:
THE best God and thy most louing father hauyng pytie on the (o Brother) calleth the from thys most wretched & miserable lyfe, wyllyng to remoue the vnto him, and to cary the into y• perpetual ioyes of the heauēly life. Therfore yelde, gyue ouer & cōmende to hym wholly thy selfe, & all that euer thou hast, & what so euer hys wyl is lette thy wyll be thesame, and saye, lette thy wyl be done o father God,1 and not myne: cry vnto Christ with the thefe fastened to the crosse, remē ber me, o Lorde,2 when thou comeste into thy Kyngdome: erye wyth the ⟨image 15⟩Publican,3 Lorde be mercifull to m• wretched synner cry instanstly with that earneste woman the Cananite,4 o sonne of Dauid haue mercy on me. Yf thou cryest thus, Chryste wyll heare the, doubte not, he wyll haue mercy on the, he wyll forgyue the thy synnes, yea thou shalte be wyth hym in paradyse: therfore lay hande on thys Christe, cleue to him wyth tothe and nayle, commyt thy soule vnto him: cry wyth this christ crucifyde vnto God the comon father,5 o Lorde my truste is in the, let me neuer be putte to confusion, but rydde me, and delyuer me thorowe thy ryghteousnes: Bowe downe thyne eare vnto me, make haste to delyuer me. Be thou my God and stronge holde (wherunto I may alwaye fle) that thou mayst helpe me, for thou arte my strenght and refuge: thou art my defender: Into thy handes I cōmende my spirite: crye ⟨image 15⟩also wyth Dauid:6 o Lorde thou art my strenghte, my sure holde, my refuge and my delyuerer. O my God thou art my helper, my defēder, and the horne of my health and my protection. Unto the o Lord, lyfte I vp my soule: o my God my truste is in the, let me not be dryuen to shame: dyrecte me in thy truth, thou art the God my sauionre, Remēber, o Lord thy tender mercies, and thy pyteful compassions, whiche thou hast euer vsed: Remember not the trespasses of my yonghe: Accordynge to thy mercye remember me for thy goodnes sake: for thy names sake (o lord) forgyue my synne, for it is muche: loke on me, and haue pytye on me, deliuer me from my necessities: forgyue me all my offenses kepe my soule, and delyuer me: Lette me not be put to cōfusion for my hole trust is in the. Yf on thys maner thou wylte call for the helpe of God with
I will defend him because he hath known my name: He hath cried unto me, & I will favourably hear him. I am with him in his tribulation: I will deliver him & glorify him. Wherefore (o thou Christian) fight here a good fight, strive valiantly & with a good courage, as it becometh a true christian man: take heed, y• givest not over, take heed, thou turnest not thy back: there is no danger thou strivest not here alone, but Jesus Christ the king is thy guide in this agony, this thy guide & captain shall be thine avenger, & in this battle he shall defend and deliver the from all the enemies of thy soul, from all peril & from all misery and wretchedness: follow this ⟨image 16⟩captain going before the in this conflict and battle: he is a king not like to other but of an exceeding and infinite power: he hath already overcome and thrown under the foot for thy sake: death,1 Satan and hell death is swallowed up into victory Christ dyed for thee: Therefore everlasting death hath no power in the Christ went down for the unto hell, that he might deliver the from this everlasting darknesses therefore be on a lusty and bold• mind, and with a valiant courage burst into the army. Put away all fear, there is no danger in this behalf: there is no cause why thou shouldest fear the fierce and straight judgement of God. Christ Jesus is a mediator before God,2 the same is an advocate, yea and thy Patron, defender, Bishop and Priest:3 He hath reconciled the to God, and hath restored to the his fatherly ⟨image 17⟩mind, which before was estranged from thee for thy sins, God for Christs sake is now thy father, he taketh charge of thee, he entirely loveth thee as his most tender son. Now seeing that so noble a king standeth on thy side, who shall put the to any busyness, who shall be bold to assail thee or ones fight against thee? who I pray thee, shall do the any wrong? what dan ger can there be? hear Paul:4 If god be on our side, saith he, who can be against us? which spared not his own son, but gave him for us all, how is it possible, that with him he should not give us all things? who shall lay any thing to the charge of Gods elect? It is God that justifieth, who is he that can condemn? it is Christ that dyed, yea which rose again, which also is at the right hand of god, and maketh intercession for us: Who shall separate ⟨image 17⟩us from the law of?
I wyll defēde hym because he hath knowen my name: He hathe cryed vnto me, & I wyll fauorably heare hym. I am wyth hym in hys tribulatiō: I wyll delyuer him & glorifie hym. Wherfore (o thou Christiane) fyght here a good fyght, stryue valeaūtly & with a good corrage, as it becometh a true christeā man: take hede, y• geuest not ouer, take hede, thou turnest not thy backe: ther is no daunger thou stryueste not here alone, but Iesus Christ the kyng is thy guyde in thys agony, thys thy guyde & captaine shal be thyn auen ger, & in this battel he shal defende and delyuer the frō all the enemyes of thy soule, frō all perell & from all misery and wretchednes: folow this ⟨image 16⟩captayn goyng before the in this cō flicte and battell: he is a kynge not like to other but of an exceding and infinite powre: he hath alredy ouercome and throwne vnder the foote for thy sake: death,1 Satan and hell death is swallowed vp into victory Christ dyed for the: Therfore euerlastyng death hath no power in the Christ went down for the vnto hel, that he myght deliuer the from this euerlasting darknesses therfore be on a lustye and bold• mynde, and wyth a valeaūte courage brast into the army. Put awaye all feare, ther is no daunger in thys behalfe: ther is no cause why thou shuldest feare the fearce and streyghte iudgement of God. Christe Iesus is a mediatour before God,2 the same is an aduocate, yea and thy Patrone, defender, Byshoppe and Preeste:3 He hathe reconcyled the to God, and hathe restored to the hys fafatherly ⟨image 17⟩mynde, whych before was estraunged from the for thy sinnes, God for Christes sake is nowe thy father, he taketh charge of the, he entierly loueth the as his most tender sonne. Nowe seynge that so noble a kyng stādeth on thy syde, who shall putte the to any busynes, who shall be bolde to assayle the or ones fyght agaynst the? who I pray the, shal do the any wronge? what daū ger cā ther be? heare Paule:4 Yf god be on our syde, sayth he, who can be agaynst vs? whyche spared not hys awne son, but gaue hym for vs all, how is it possible, that wyth him he shoulde not gyue vs all thynges? who shal lay any thyng to the charge of Gods electe? It is God that iustifieth, who is he that cā condemne? it is Christ that dyed, yea whych rose agayne, whyche also is at the right hande of god, and maketh intercession for vs: Who shall sepaate
God I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor •yghenes, nor deepness, nor any other creature can separate us from that law of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Therefore seeing that Christ is given, to the with all that ever he hath, so followeth it that his righteousness, innocency, health and everlasting life is given to thee, as Paul witness the,1 saying. Christ is made of God our wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and redemption. Therefore put all thy hope,2 trust and confidence in this Christ, which is the head cornerstone. This stone is a valiant, strong,3 steadfast and sure foundation, whereunto thou mayest safely trust and commit thy self. No tempest although never so black and horrible, no showers,4 no storms can shake and topple ever this foundation: In this ⟨image 18⟩Christ, I say, let all thy hope and confidence be set. Caste thy self wholly on him, yield thy self altogether to him, cleave to him with strong faith, let no trouble or temptation pluck the from him, although all things seem never so much to the go to havoc, although flesh and blood yell the never so much the contrary, and reason thinketh far otherwise, yea although th•• Devil sometime whisper in thy mind that thou art utterly undone, that God is an extreme enemy unto thee, and that thou haste deserved the punishment of hell fire, and therefore thou must needs be damned▪ For faith is a sure confidence and • looking for of this things that5 are to be hoped, that is to say, promised, and a certain and evident knowledge of those things tha• do not appear with that holy ⟨image 18⟩[…] Patriarch Abraham thou must believe under hope against hope: thy faith and hope must needs resist and set them selves against all those things, which ever blind reason doth Imagine, or that most subtle, and crafty enemy do bring to remembrance and work against thee: wherefore thou must thoroughly learn what cu••tme,6 God doth keep in saving his:7 whom he will lift up into heaven,8 him he bringeth down first unto Hell:9 Whom he will quicken, him doth he first kill,10 upon whom he will exercise his exceeding Mercy, him will he first try, and make as though he would damn him. And this is that unfeigned purgatory and that true purging fire,11 into the which God casteth his Servants ⟨image 19⟩and proveth them as Gold in the fire:12
God I am sure that neyther death, nor lyfe, nor •yghenes, nor depenes, nor any other creature can seperate vs from tha law of God, whych is in Christ Iesu oure Lorde. Therfore seynge that Christ is gyuen, to the wyth all that euer he hathe, so folowethe it that hys ryghteousnes, innocency, health and euerlastynge lyfe is gyuen to the, as Paule wytnesse the,1 sayinge. Christe is made of God oure wysdome, ryghteousnes, sanctification and redemptiō. Therfore putte all thy hope,2 truste and confidence in thys Christe, whyche is the heade cornerstone. Thys stone is a valeaunte, stronge,3 stedfaste and sure foūdation, wherunto thou mayste safely truste and commytte thy selfe. No tempest although neuer so blacke and horryble, no showers,4 no stormes cā shake and topple euer thys foundation: In thys ⟨image 18⟩Christe, I saye, let all thy hope and confydence be sette. Caste thy selfe wholly on hym, yelde thy selfe altogyther to hym, cleue to hym wyth stronge fayth, let no trouble or tēptation plucke the frō him, although all thynges seme neuer somuche to the go to hauocke, althoughe slesh• and bloude yell the neuer so muche the contrary, and reason thynkethe farre otherwyse, yea althoughe th•• Deuyll sometyme whysper in thy mynde that thou arte vtterlye vndone, that God is an extreme enemy vnto the, and that thou haste deserued the punishment of hel fyre, and therfore thou must nedes be dāpned▪ For faith is a sure confidence and • lokynge for of thys thynges that5 are to be hoped, that is to saye, promysed, and a certen•e and euyden knowelege of those thynges tha• doo not appeare wyth that holy ⟨image 18⟩〈…〉 Patriarche Abraham thou must beleue vnder hope agaynste hope: thy faythe and hope muste nedes resyste and set them selfes agaynste all those thynges, whych euer blinde reason dothe Imagyne, or that mooste sutle, and craftye enemye doo brynge to remembauns and worke agaynste the: wherfore thou muste thoroulye learne what cutme,
wherefore when thou feelest none other thing then most present death, when God •emeth to be most angry with thee, to be gone away most furthest from thee, and to have forsaken the utterly, yea when he seemeth that he hath cast • the away and will condemn the even then think thou most certainly that he is most nigh unto thee, that he will defend thee and deliver thee, yea that he then most entirely loveth thee, and careth most of all for thee: for when he doth lay• affliction and trouble upon thee, th• doth he remember his mercy, as• the Prophet saith. He is not angry for ever: as the father hath pity of his sons so hath the Lord• compassion of them that fear hi• for he knoweth our making, and remembereth that we are but duste• The mercy of the Lord endureth1⟨image 19⟩ever and ever: The Lord is a tender favourer and merciful, he is long suffering and full of compassion. Wherefore spare the eyes of thy senses, caste away the judgement of reason, and submit, yield, give over, and commend thy self wholly to Christ, and take it to good worth, how so ever he handleth thee: esteem not death and the dreadfulness and sorrows thereof after the judgement of the eyes, senses or reason, but after the word of God. David say the, precious is the death of Saints in the sight of the Lord. Again, Blessed are the dead,2 which dye in the LORD.3 Christ also saith, he that believeth in me,4 shall not taste •eathe. Therefore if any things come to remembrance, which go about to turn the from Christ, and to •aste the into desperation, cast them all out of thy mind: cleave to the lively ⟨image 20⟩word of God with tooth and nail, have thy meditation in that and ever be whetting of that in thy mind: For thou shalt never by the perspicacity and quickness of thy reason perceive, how it may be possible, that by Death thou shouldest goo unto the true life, how when thou givest up the Ghost, thou shouldest depart unto a better state, how thy soul should be kept in the Lord, and rest unto the last day, again, how thy body being rotten, consumed and eaten of worms, may rise again at the last Judgement, and come forth in a new godly form, shape or fashion. This can not reason comprehend. Faith alone is able to do it.
wherefore when thou fealeste none other thynge then moste presente deathe, when God •emeth to be mooste angry wyth the, to be gone awaye moost furdeste from the, and to haue forsaken the vtterlye, yea when he semethe that he hathe cast • the awaye and wyll condemne the euen then thynke thou mooste certenly that he is mooste nyhhe vnto the, that he wyl defende the and delyuer the, yea that he then moste entyerly loueth the, and carethe moost of all for the: for when he doth lay• afflyction and trouble vpō the, th• dothe he remember hys mercye, as• the Prophete saythe. He is not angry for euer: as the father hath pytye of hys sonnes so hath the Lord• compassion of them that feare hi• for he knowethe our makynge, and remembreth that we are but duste• The mercy of the Lorde endureth1⟨image 19⟩euer and euer: The Lorde is a tender fauorer and mercyfull, he is longe sufferynge and full of compassyon. Wherfore spare the eyes of thy senses, caste away the iudgemente of reason, and submyt, yelde, gyue ouer, and commende thy selfe wholly to Chryste, and take it to good worth, howe so euer he handleth the: esteme not deathe and the dredefnlnes and sorowes therof after the iudgemente of the eyes, senles or reason, but after the worde of God. Dauid say the, precyons is the deathe of Sayntes in the syghte of the Lorde. Agayne, Blessed are the ded,2 whych dye in the LORDE.3 Chryste also saythe, he that beleueth in me,4 shall not taste •eathe. Therfore yf any thynges come to remembraunce, whyche go aboute to turne the from Chryste, and to •aste the into desperation, cast them all out of thy minde: cleue to the lyuely ⟨image 20⟩worde of God wyth tothe and nayle, haue thy medytation in that and euer be whettynge of that in thy mynde: For thou shalte neuer by the perspycacyte and quyckenis of thy reason perceyue, howe it maye be possyble, that by Deathe thou shouldeste goo vnto the true lyfe, howe when thou gyueste vp the Ghoste, thou shouldest departe vnto a better state, howe thy soule shoulde be kepte in the Lorde, and reaste vnto the laste daye, agayne, howe thy body beynge rotten, consumed and eaten of wormes, maye ryse agayne at the laste Iudgemente, and come forthe in a newe godly forme, shape or fashon. Thys can not reason comprehende. Fayth alone is able to do it.
Therefore call to thy remembrance continually the articles of thy faith, and bolt out every parcel of them ⟨image 20⟩diligently, and weigh them earnestly in thy heart.
Therfore call to thy remembraunce contynually the artycles of thy faythe, and boulte oute euerye parcell of them ⟨image 20⟩dylygently, and weyghe them earnestly in thy harte.
lyfe, sayth Christ: this is euer lastyng lyfe, to knowe the euen the true God, and whom thou hast sent Iesus Christ. Euerlastynge lyfe is begunne in this worlde: for he that hath Christe, hath the true lyfe, for Chryst is y• lyfe: he is also the truth
absolute and perfect for the synnts of the whole worlde: thy disease & paynes cā not satisfye before God for the lest syn that thou hast cōmytted, muche les are they able to deserue health & euerlasting saluatiō, as Paule testifieth,
saying I do not thynke that the affli•tions of this lyfe are worthy of the glory which shalbe shewed vpon vs. No creature nether in heuen nor erth, no āgel was able to apease, mytigate & swage the wrath of the father, much les shal this thy disease & short trouble pacyfye it.
be seduced and led awaye into heresys or erroures, nor yet be throwne hedlonge into desperation. For an ende of all euylles, aduersities and incōmodities is then come, yea thē shal we rest in the Lord and enioye eternall lyfe and pleasure wythout ende. Death therfore is not to be abhorred nor feared, yea it is rather most feruently to be desyred, seynge by that we passe hence vnto eternal ioyes.
Uery true is y•, whych Paule sayth, to the godly all thynges worke for the beste:
⟨image 16⟩
and hole hart, god wyl surely helpe• the in tyme conuenient, and he wyll say vnto the that, whyche is in the Psalme. Forasmuch as he hath put his trust in me,
vpon whome he wyll exercyse hys excedynge Mercye, hym wyll he fyrst trye, and make asthoughe he woulde dampne hym. And thys is that vnfained purgatory and that true purgyng fyre,
