A68306:26
The copy of an epistle sentThe copie of an epistle sent
The copy of an epistle sent by John Knox one of the ministers of the English Church at Geneva unto the inhabitants of Newcastle, & Berwick. In the end whereof is added a brief exhortation to England for the speedy embracing of Christs gospel heretofore suppressed & banished.The copie of an epistle sent by Iohn Knox one of the ministers of the Englishe Church at Geneua vnto the inhabitants of Newcastle, & Barwike. In the end wherof is added a briefe exhortation to England for the spedie imbrasing of Christes gospel hertofore suppressed & banished.
At Geneva : s.n., M.D.LIX. 1559
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 this part (I say) of Gods judgements, w before were pronounced, is executed in your eyes, so shall some of you, that this day behold the tyranny that is used, maintained & permitted amongst you, likewise behold the terrible plagues & severe judgements of God poured forth in full perfection,1 not only upon the cruel murderers, but also upon such as by silence, & flattery consent to their impiety. If ⟨p. 42⟩ye be not more then blind, ye may evidently see the potent hand of God displayed & stretched out against you. Doth not the sudden & miserable fall of Calais,2 sometimes called the key of England, yea, & the open door into foreign countries, move you to consider, what is Gods power, & how easy it is to him to overthrow all the pride of man in one moment? If it move not others, yet let it move thee,3 ô Berwick▪ she was thy sister, and your condition was one, except that as in strength, order and civil policy thou wast nothing comparable: so in theft, debate, hatred & all iniquity thou diddest far surmount her & yet she hath drunken the cup of Gods vengeance,4 because that being admonished, she did not repent: & shall or canst thou escape the same, if thou continue, as thou hast begun? No, albeit man and angel would promise the ⟨p. 43⟩assurance, thy pride shall be beaten down to hell, thy treasonable defection from God shall be punished, as before hath been pronounced in thine ears, except that by speedy repentance thou prevent Gods judgements. And therefore, dear brethren, if that ye intend or think to escape Gods vengeance, his heavy hand and hot displeasure, delay no time to return unto him,5 call upon him while he is nigh, seek him unfeignedly, while he is to be found, harden not your hearts, when he rebuketh your unthankfulness. Now he offereth him self unto you, now he is near, now he is to be sound, while he calleth you to repentance by his messengers & word. Which occasion & opportunity if ye omit, as Gods justice shall shine in your punishment & just condemnation,