A10781:104
A piteous lamentation of the miserable estate of the church of Christ in England…A pituous lamentation of the miserable estate of the churche of Christ in Englande…
A piteous lamentation of the miserable estate of the church of Christ in England in the time of the late revolt from the gospel, wherein is contained a learned comparison between the comfortable doctrine of the gospel, [and] the traditions of the popish religion: with an instruction how the true Christian ought to behave himself in the time of trial. Written by that worthy martyr of god Nicolas Ridley, late Bishop of London. Never before this time imprinted. Whereunto are also annexed certain letters of John Careless, written in the time of his imprisonment. Perused and allowed according to the Queens Majesties injunctions.A pituous lamentation of the miserable estate of the churche of Christ in Englande in the time of the late reuolt from the gospel, wherin is conteyned a learned comparison betwene the comfortable doctrine of the gospell, [and] the traditions of the popish religion: with an instruction how the true Christian ought to behaue himself in the tyme of tryall. Wrytten by that worthy martyr of god Nicolas Rydley, late Bysshoppe of London. Neuer before this tyme imprynted. Wherevnto are also annexed certayne letters of Iohn Careles, written in the tyme of his imprisonment. Perused and allowed according to the Quenes Maiesties iniunctions.
London: printed by William Powell, 1566London: printed by VVillyam Powell, 1566
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.
Oh that you durst pledge me of the same cup, (if need do require) whereof ⟨image 55⟩the lord of our glory hath not refused himself to drink before us, and hath left us an example to follow his footsteps, that he might crown us with his own glory, and most precious gifts. Oh lord help thy dear children that would fain come unto thee, and look not narrowly upon our sins, which are the cause of our long absence from thee, but cover them for thy Christs sake, with the mantel of thy manifold mercies, which far surmounteth all thy works, that we may not be ashamed, but rejoice at thy most glorious coming, the which do thou hasten according to thy promise, for thy chosen's sake. We have dear sister, been of long season acquainted with this earthly old man of ours to much, which is full of sin, and presseth down sore our understanding, that it is needful for us to be tried through many tribulations, that the rust thereof might be worn away, that we might be made mete vessels for the lords own use, and be sanctified to honour. Happy is he ⟨image 56⟩that endureth chastising. Which blessing (my good sister) God offereth unto us at this present, yea, and him self also as our most dear loving father. Let us willingly embrace him therefore, and give thanks unto his name, that hath triumphantly gotten victory over all our enemies, and is now pleading our cause on the right hand of God his father, in the kingdom of heaven, where he keepeth possession for us. To whom if we direct our eyes with a steadfast faith, we shall not need to fear, neither death, sin, nor hell, for their whole power is taken away, and Christs righteousness maketh answer for us. Yea he is wholly ours with all his merits, mercies and most sweet sufferings, and we are his for evermore: so that we may boldly say, the lord is our help, and therefore we will not fear what man may do unto us, for he is but flesh, and his breath is in his nostrils: but the strength of the lord, and the power of his word endureth for ever: unto the which let us ⟨image 56⟩steadfastly trust, & then shall we not be confounded. My dear friend & faithful sister K. think no unkindness in me, that I write thus boldly unto you: for verily it is of pure love and a true hart that I bear unto you, as I am most deeply bound, yea double and treble. I have plentifully reaped your temporal things, god recompense you for it.