A16596:109
A double summons the one, to unfeigned repentance. The other, to the worthy receiving…A double summons the one, to vnfained repentance. The other, to the worthie receiuing…
A double summons the one, to unfeigned repentance. The other, to the worthy receiving of the Lords Supper. Delivered in two notable sermons: made, by that worthy martyr of Christ, John Bradford: who suffered in Smith-field An[n]o. Domini. 1555.A double summons the one, to vnfained repentance. The other, to the worthie receiuing of the Lords Supper. Deliuered in two notable sermons: made, by that worthy martyr of Christ, Iohn Bradford: who suffered in Smith-field An[n]o. Domini. 1555.
London: printed by George Purslowe, 1617
Title page typeset from the transcription.
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.
As first, in Contrition, I willed thee not to trust to thy free will, for the attaining of it: so do I will thee in this. Faith is so far from the reach of mans free-will, that to reason it is plain foolishness. Therefore, thou must first go to God, whose gift it is: thou must, I say, get thee to the Father of mercy, whose work it is, that as he hath brought thee down by Contrition, and humbled thee, so he would give thee faith, raise she up, and exalt thee.
As first, in Contrition, I willed thee not to trust to thy free will, for the attaining of it: so doe I will thee in this. Faith is so farre from the reach of mans free-will, that to reason it is plaine foolishnesse. Therefore, thou must first goe to God, whose gift it is: thou must, I say, get thee to the Father of mercy, whose worke it is, that as he hath brought thee down by Contrition, and humbled thee, so hee would giue thee faith, raise shee vp, and exalt thee.
On this manner therefore, with the Apostles, and the poor man in the Gospel that cried: Lord increase our faith: Lord help my unbelief, pray thou and say: O merciful God and dear Father, of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ; in whom, as thou art well pleased, so hast thou commanded us to hear him, forasmuch as he often biddeth us to ask of thee,1 and thereto promiseth that thou wilt hear us, and grant us that which in his name we shall ask of thee: lo, gracious Father, I am bold to beg of thy mercy, through thy Son JESUS CHRIST, one sparkle of true faith and certain persuasion of thy goodness and love towards me in Christ, wherethrough, I being assured of the pardon of all my sins, by the mercies of Christ thy Son, may be thankful to thee, love thee, and serve thee in holiness and righteousness all the days of my life.
On this manner therefore, with the Apostles, and the poore man in the Gospell that cryed: Lord encrease our faith: Lord helpe my vnbeliefe, pray thou and say: O mercifull God and deare Father, of our Lord and Sauiour Iesus Christ; in whom, as thou art well pleased, so hast thou commanded vs to heare him, forasmuch as he often biddeth vs to aske of thee,