A19564:185
Catechismus, that is to say, a short instruction into Christian religion for the singular…Catechismus, that is to say, a shorte instruction into Christian religion for the synguler…
Catechismus, that is to say, a short instruction into Christian religion for the singular commodity and profit of children[n] and young people. Set forth by the most reverend father in God Thomas Archbishop of Canterbury, primate of all England and MetropolitanCatechismus, that is to say, a shorte instruction into Christian religion for the synguler commoditie and profyte of childre[n] and yong people. Set forth by the mooste reuerende father in God Thomas Archbyshop of Canterbury, primate of all England and Metropolitane
printed for Gwalter Lynne, 1548
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.
And although men now a days take it but for a trifle when a man hath a true and diligent servant, to entice him away by all crafts and means, yet surely God will punish the same sharply. For as they entice their neighbours servants from them, so god suffereth other men to allure their servants away likewise. And moreover this inconvenience cometh hereby, ⟨image 125⟩that when servants perceive men to sue for them, they wax so hawte and stubborn, that they will be content with no mean wages, and be so proud, that they regard not their masters, nor stand in awe of them, but when so ever their old masters, do displease them, by and by they will seek for a new. And when they be not content with their old wages, they desire more. And this complaint of servants is now a days all most in every mans mouth, and yet it is not redressed, because it is the just punishment of God, wherewith he scourgeth them, that allure their neighbours servants from them. And God doth not punish only such as entice other mens servants from them but also all those that go about to get any other part of their neighbours goods or cattle. For ⟨p. ciii⟩if thou take thy neighbours house over his head, or put him out of his house by any crafty conveyance, then many times God taketh vengeance with sickness or loss of thy goods. If thou convey away his cattle, commonly they prosper not, but dye of some kind of murrain. And whatsoever thing we thus purchase and possess, contrary to gods commandment, it lacketh the blessing of God, wherefore it can not long endure or prosper. Therefore I pray you good children, frame your affections and lives according to this rule. Be content that every man may enjoy and keep to himself, that thing which God hath given him. When gods pleasure shall so be, he will also send to you, that which you desire. And he is able so to give it you, that your neighbour ⟨image 126⟩thereby shall suffer no loss or damage. Covet not your neighbours wife, house, servant or any thing that is his, except it be by his will and consent. And if it shall chance any of you, to be covenant servants with any man, then let no crafty or malicious fellows persuade you, to forsake your masters, but do them faithful service (as your duty is.) And trust not such flattering or slanderous tongues, as go about to entice you from your masters.