A care-cloth

2. First,¹ for the necessity of mortifying our earthly members. This ariseth partly from Gods commandment, partly from the great danger that will surely befall us, upon our negligence herein. We all yield, that the commandment of a superior, doth tie those that are under his authority,² and makes that thing needful for them to do, which before was left to their own pleasure and liking. His commandments therefore, that is the highest Superior, ⟨p. 102⟩do lay the most absolute necessity upon his inferiors. Must is for the King, we say; How much more for the King of Kings? His commandment binds our consciences, & imposeth upon our souls, a necessity of doing, what he commands: so nothing can be thought more needful, then to do what God requireth; and we have showed you before, that God hath often, and expressly required you, to ply this work. Unless therefore you will become extremely rebellious against the manifest will of the greatest Commander that is, or can be; you must endure the pains (though a painful pains it will prove) of putting your lusts to death. This is none of the things which you may do, if you please; if not, it is at your liberty; the matter is not great, if it be left undone. Nay, the strongest bond in the world doth oblige you to it; the bond of your duty to God, that made you. We may make use of Pauls words in this matter; Necessity lieth upon you, and woe unto you if you do it not; for the commandments that require this duty, will never admit of a dispensation.

2. First,¹ for the necessitie of mortifying our earthly members. This ariseth partly from Gods commandement, partly from the great danger that will surely befall vs, vpon our negligence herein. We all yeeld, that the commandement of a superiour, doth tie those that are vnder his authority,² and makes that thing needfull for them to doe, which before was left to their owne pleasure and liking. His commandements therefore, that is the highest Superiour, ⟨p. 102⟩