Title page, Two Godly and notable sermons preached by the excellent and famous clerk, master John… (John Calvin, 1560) | AskReformation
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Two Godly and notable sermons preached by the excellent and famous clerk, master John…Tvvo Godly and notable sermons preached by the excellent and famous clarke, master Iohn…
Two Godly and notable sermons preached by the excellent and famous clerk, master John Calvin, in the year. 1555 The one concerning patience in adversity: The other touching the most comfortable assurance of our salvation in Christ. Jesus. Translated out of French into English.Tvvo Godly and notable sermons preached by the excellent and famous clarke, master Iohn Caluyne, in the yere. 1555 The one concernynge pacience in aduersitie: The other touchyng the most comfortable assurance of oure saluation in Chryste. Iesu. Translated out of Frenche into Englyshe.
John Calvin 1509–1564printed by William Seres dwelling, 1560printed by VVyllyam Seres dvveling, 1560
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.
❧ TWO ❧ GODLY AND NOTABLE SERMONS PREACHED BY THE excellent and famous Clarke, master John Calvin, in the year .1555. The one concerning Patience in adversity: The other touching the most comfortable assurance of our salvation in Christ. Jesus.
❧ TVVO ❧ GODLY AND NOTABLE SERMONS PREACHED BY THE excellent and famous Clarke, master Iohn Caluyne, in the yere .1555. The one concernynge Pacience in aduersitie: The other touchyng the most comfortable assuraunce of oure saluation in Chryste. Iesu.
Among the manifold, sound, and most wholesome lessons, which are taught us in the heavenly school of our Saviour Jesus Christ, there be none that the holy ghost in more earnest wise requireth us to learn, or that more maketh for our comfort here and in the world to come, then to have quietness of mind in adversity, and to be assured of eternal salvation in Christ Jesus. For
(though all trouble for the present time be grievous) yet like as when we patiently run the race that is set before us, enduring such correction and chastisement as our heavenly father leieth upon us, he then causeth
⟨image 3⟩
the same to turn so much to our profit, and to bring us so quiet fruit of righteousness, that we thereby obtain more of his holiness, and become vessels more apt to serve the glory of his name, and to edify his church: Even so, of all consolations and comforts, this is most incomparable,
that through the most gracious purpose of the eternal God, our everlasting salvation is so certain and sure, that it was determined and decreed by him in Christ Jesus his eternal Son, before the foundation of the world was laid.
AMonge the manifolde, sounde, and moste holsome lessons, whiche are taughte vs in the heauenly schole of our Sauiour Iesus Chryst, there be none that the holy gost in more ernest wise requyreth vs to learne, or that more maketh for oure comforte here and in the worlde to come, then to haue quietnesse of mynde in aduersytie, and to be assured of eternal saluation in Christ Iesu. For1 (though all trouble for the present tyme be greuous) yet lyke as when we pacyently run the race that is set before vs, enduryng suche correction and chastisement as our heauenly father leyeth vpon vs, he then causeth ⟨image 3⟩the same to turne so much to our profyte, and to bringe vs so quiete fruite of ryghtuousenes, that we thereby obteyne more of hys holynesse, and become vesselles more apt to serue the glory of his name, and to edifye his churche: Euen so, of all consolations and comfortes, this is most incomparable,2 that throughe the mooste graciouse purpose of the eternall God, oure euerlastynge saluation is so certayne and sure, that it was determyned and decreed by hym in Chryst Iesu his eternall sonne, before the foundation of the worlde was leyed.
Touching these two points: namely, the quiet or patient suffering of trouble in Christs cause. And the assurance of our eternal salvation in him, thou ⟨image 3⟩hast here (gentle reader) two notable, godly and comfortable sermons, made by God's faithful servant, master John Calvin even at such time as here in England, the sword of tyranny was full of blood, and the fire burning hot. By the which worthy sermons, we all be called upon: partly to chose rather to suffer adversity with the people of God,1 then to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season: And partly in nothing to rejoice so much, as in that our names are written in heaven.2 As we be taught by our said sovereign lord and master Christ Jesus, blessed for ever ⸫ Amen.
Touchynge these two poyntes: namely, the quiet or pacient sufferynge of trouble in Christes cause. And the assuraunce of our eternall saluation in hym, thou ⟨image 3⟩hast here (gentle reader) two notable, godly and comfortable sermons, made by goddes faythful seruaunt, maister Iohn Caluine euen at such tyme as here in Englande, the sworde of tyrannye was full of bloudde, and the fyre burnynge hotte. By the whiche worthy sermons, we all be cauled vpon: partly to chose rather to suffre aduersitie with the people of God,1 then to enioy the plesures of synne for a season: And partely in nothynge to reioyse so muche, as in that our names are wrytten in heauen.2 As we be taughte by oure sayde soueraygne lorde and master Chryst Iesus, blessed for euer ⸫ Amen.
2. Tim. 1
¶ Be not therefore ashamed to testify our Lord, neither be ashamed of me which am bound for his sake: but be partaker of the afflictions of the gospel, through the power of god, who saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our deeds, but according to his own purpose and grace, which grace was given to us, through Christ Jesus before the world was: but is now declared. &c.
2. Tim. 1
¶ Be not therfore ashamed to testify our Lord, neither be ashamed of me which am bounde for his sake: but be partaker of the afflyctions of the gospell, through the power of god, who saued vs, and cauled vs with an holye caulyng, not accordyng to oure dedes, but accordynge to his owne purpose and grace, whiche grace was geuen to vs, throgh Christ Iesus before the world was: but is nowe declared. &c.
Although that almighty God hath in his Son sufficiently1 manifested his glory and majesty through his spirit and gospel, wherethrough he is of all the world to be honoured and worshipped, yet is mans unkindness such, that he needeth continual exhortation, to be nothing ⟨image 4⟩shamed of that gospel. And why? for though god by his word cauleth all creatures to him self, yet2 the more part rebel, despise and despite the doctrine whereby he would be known and worshipped: Seeing then, men are so proud, perverse and froward,3 as to elevate them selves against their creator, let us not withstanding take sure hold of this place of scripture here declared, that is,4 that we be not ashamed of the gospel. And why? because it is the testimony of our god, which we as nigh as in us lieth,5 should publish and declare, that all may be referred to this end, that he be known and glorified as he is worthy. For when the gospel is not preached, it lieth as it were buried. ⟨image 5⟩Wherefore he appointeth6 witness bearers, to testify the same unto us. And therefore let us render unto him this honour, although the whole world went astray,7 that we abide fast by this wholesome doctrine: for S. Paul setteth here forth his own parson, not for that he careth for our approbation, but to declare, that8 when we separate our selves from God's servants, it is a sufficient testimony, that the master is also forsaken and given over. Some peradventure will think, that in forsaking the minister of the word of god being tormented, disquieted and in distress, he hath forsaken but a mortal man:9 but god is therewith also displeased, in as much as the man which ⟨image 5⟩so is troubled, beareth the mark of the gospel, for God's cause there through is declared, as it were betrayed. Saint Paul therefore considering this: saith notably to Timothy,10 be not ashamed of me. And to say the truth, as I have already declared, one might laugh Timothy to scorn, and send him back to his master, as the wicked can full well spy their advantage at such times, when god humbleth his servants, and suffereth them to be unjustly tormented,11 for then they assault and hardly lay at them which have maintained their doctrine.
ALthoughe that almyghty God hath in his sonne sufficientlye1 manyfested his glorye and maiestye throughe his spirite and gospel, wherethroughe he is of all the worlde to be honored and worshypped, yet is mannes vnkindenesse suche, that he nedeth continuall exhortation, to be nothing ⟨image 4⟩shamed of that gospel. And why? for though god by his word cauleth all creatures to hym selfe, yet2 the more parte rebel, dispise and dispyte the doctrine wherby he wold be knowen and worshipped: Seynge then, men are soo proude, peruerse and frowarde,3 as to eleuate theym selues agaynst theyr creatour, let vs not withstanding take sure holde of this place of scrypture here declared, that is,4 that we be not ashamed of the gospel. And why? because it is the testimony of our god, whiche we as nyghe as in vs lyeth,5 shoulde publyshe and declare, that al may be referred to this ende, that he be knowen and gloryfied as he is worthye. For when the gospel is not preched, it lyeth as it were buryed. ⟨image 5⟩Wherefore he apoynteth6 wytnes bearers, to testifye the same vnto vs. And therfore let vs render vnto hym this honoure, althoughe the whole world went astraye,7 that we abyde faste by this holsome doctryne: for S. Paule setteth here forthe hys owne parson, not for that he careth for our approbation, but to declare, that8 when we seperate oure selues from goddes seruantes, it is a sufficient testymonie, that the maister is also forsaken and geuen ouer. Some paraduenture wyl thincke, that in forsakyng the mynister of the word of god beynge tormented, disquieted and in distresse, he hath forsaken but a mortall man:9 but god is therwith also displeased, in as muche as the man whiche
Here by mayst thou see that Timothy might be in doubt what to do, and therefore saith Saint Paul unto him, although I be made ⟨image 6⟩as it were1 an outcast in the face of the world, so as some laugh me to scorn, others detest and hate me, yet be not thou therefore ever a whit the sooner moved. For I am (saith he)2 the prisoner of Jesus Christ, As who would say, though the whole world would lay to my charge all the villainy that could be devised, yet do they it not for mine offences, for my cause is avouched in God's presence, and truly the cause is his, for I suffer not for mine offences, his trueth is always on my side, when I suffer persecution, for that3 I have maintained and do maintain the word of God. Care not for the judgement of the world, for men are led4 with froward affections. Let it suffice the then, ⟨image 6⟩that I be as it were an hostage for the Son of god, who honoureth mine imprisonment, in such wise, that though the world think it vile and detestable,5 yet before god and his angels it is not a little esteemed and honoured. Now then, let us learn hereby in no wise to defraud Jesus Christ of the testimony6 which we ought of bear of him having our mouth shut, when it shall be needful to7 maintain his honour and the authority of his gospel: but contrary wise when we see our brethren to be afflicted for the name of god,8 we be found ready to be coupled with them, and that we stand in defence as much as in us is, for the same cause,9 trembling or fearing nothing at all, for all the ⟨image 7⟩storms which might happen, though the devil have the bridle at will, and though things were never so far out of order.10 Let us always abide stead fastly in our determination, when we must bear witness of the son of god, seeing11 he will be served of us in a matter of such weight and worthiness. But yet, let us have a special eye, whether they suffer for their faults, or for the testimony of God's trueth, having a special regard12 that we set not light of any person whom we shall perceive for such a cause to be oppressed. For13 we may not rashly judge in such a case, least the injury thereof touch god him self: we must therefore make diligent inquisition, to know the cause why men do suffer.
Here by mayst thou see that Tymothe myghte be in doubte what to do, and therfore saith Sainct Paul vnto him, althoughe I be made ⟨image 6⟩as it were1 an outcast in the face of the worlde, so as some laugh me to skorne, others deteste and hate me, yet be not thou therfore euer a whit the soner moued. For I am (sayth he)2 the prysoner of Iesus Chryste, As who wolde saye, thoughe the whole worlde wolde laye to my charge all the vyllany that coulde be deuysed, yet do they it not for myne offences, for my cause is auouched in goddes presence, and trulye the cause is his, for I suffer not for myne offences, his truethe is alwayes on my syde, when I suffer persecution, for that3 I haue maynteyned and doo maynteyne the worde of God. Care not for the iudgement of the world, for men are led4 with frowarde affections. Let it suffyce the then, ⟨image 6⟩that I be as it were an hostage for the sonne of god, who honoreth myne imprysonment, in such wyse, that thoughe the worlde thyncke it vyle and detestable,5 yet before god and his aungels it is not a lyttel estemed and honored. Nowe then, let vs lerne hereby in noo wyse to defrawde Iesus Chryste of the testimonye6 which we ought of beare of him hauyng our mouthe shutte, when it shall be nedeful to7 maynteine his honour and thactoritie of his gospel: but contrary wyse when we see our bretherne to be afflicted for the name of god,8 we be founde redy to be cowpled wyth them, and that we stande in defence as much as in vs is, for the same cause,9 tremblynge or fearynge nothynge at all, for al the ⟨image 7⟩
If we perceive they have walked in an upright conscience, and nevertheless blamed, reviled and tormented, and that for serving of God, let that suffice the to blot out all the obprobries of the world: for that is the reason wherefore saint Paul addeth:1 be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel: for2 naturally, it is given to every one of us to spare gladly him self: And though we confess, & that without dissimulation,3 that it is a singular grace which God giveth when he will be served of men for the maintenance of his cause, yet is there noon which would not gladly exempt him self from persecution. We can well praise *such, as valiantly offer them selves to the conflict, ⟨image 8⟩(as the martyrs of Jesus Christ)4 are worthy to be esteemed & honoured) yet in the mean while,5 there is none which would not gladly be far of from the stripes. And why? because we respect not this admonition of s. Paul,6 that is, that the gospel bringeth afflictions. Jesus Christ having once suffered in his own person,7 will now also have his doctrine coupled and joined to many miseries: He can when it shall please him, cause the gospel to be received without contradiction, but what?8 the holy scripture must be fulfilled, which shall be declared amongest the middest of his enemies. Men also must come unto him9 upon this condition, to suffer many conflicts, for as much ⟨image 8⟩as the wicked when god cauleth them, advance them selves and rebel against god,10 it is then unpossible for us to enjoy the gospel without persecution. Not for that the coals are kindled and the faggots always set on fire, but whether it be after one sort or other, it must come to pass, that11 we be exercised, we must needs (I say) fight under our Lord Jesus Christ. Now then, he which would get him self a far of from the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ,12 renounceth he not his own salvation? where is the hope of life, but in this sacrifice of the Son of god? for thus standeth the case that he will be like unto us, and we must be transformed into his similitude. Seeing then that it ⟨image 9⟩so is, let us learn to walk after that manner, seeing we are thereunto called, as heretofore we have seen, that such is the pleasure and will of God: we must then without farther disputing or contradiction,13 bow down our shoulders, and humble our selves thereunto.
If wee perceyue they haue walked in an vpright conscience, and neuertheles blamed, reuiled and tormented, and that for seruynge of God, let that suffice the to blotte out all the obprobries of the worlde: for that is the reason wherfore sayncte Paule addeth:1 be thou partaker of the afflyctions of the gospell: for2 naturallye, it is geuen to euery one of vs to spare gladly hym selfe: And thoughe we confesse, & that without dissymulation,3 that it is a syngular grace whiche God geueth when he wyl be serued of men for the mayntenaunce of his cause, yet is there noone whiche wolde not gladdely exempt hym selfe from persecution. Wee can well prayse *suche, as valiently offer them selues to the conflicte, ⟨image 8⟩(as the martirs of Iesus Christ)4 are worthy to be estemed & honoured) yet in the meane whyle,5 there is none whiche wolde not gladly be farre of from the strypes. And whye? because we respecte not this admonytion of s. Paule,6 that is, that the gospell bryngeth afflyctions. Ihesus Chryste hauynge once suffered in his owne person,7 wyl nowe also haue his doctryne coupled and ioyned to many miseries: He can when it shall please hym, cause the gospell to be receaued wythoute contradiction, but what?8 the holy scrypture must be fulfilled, whiche shall be declared amongest the middest of hys ennemies. Men also must come vnto hym9 vpon this condition, to suffer many conflyctes, for as much ⟨image 8⟩as the wicked when god cauleth them, auaunce them selues and rebell agaynste god,10 it is then vnpossible for vs to enioy the gospel without persecution. Not for that the cooles are kyndeled and the faggottes alwayes set on fier, but whether it be after one sorte or other, it muste come to passe, that
Now let us farther see, what Saint Paul here saith: for he leadeth us by degrees to the matter, in that he1 would not have us to be ashamed of our brethren, when they be evil spoken of, and rebuked of the world, but that we should be ever united unto them: but how may that be? first he declareth, that the gospel can not be without persecution, as tofore is said: it pleaseth god2 that men be so divided: not but that God ⟨image 9⟩cauleth all men outwardly to the unity of faith,3 and the doctrine of4 the gospel is the message of reconciliation. But yet note that the faithful5 are drawn by the hour of his holy spirit,6 the unfaithful abide in their hardness of heart, as hereafter it shall be more at length entreated of.
Nowe lette vs farther see, what Saynct Paul here saythe: for he leadeth vs by degrees to the matter, in that he1 wolde not haue vs to be ashamed of our bretherne, when they be euyll spoken of, and rebuked of the worlde, but that we shulde be euer vnyted vnto theym: but howe maye that be? fyrste he declareth, that the gospell can not be without persecution, as tofore is sayd: it pleaseth god2 that men be so deuyded: not but that God ⟨image 9⟩cauleth al men outwardly to the vnitie of faythe,3 and the doctrine of4 the gospell is the message of reconsiliation. But yet note that the faythfull5 are drawen by the hower of hys holye spirite,6 the vnfaythfull abyde in theyr hardnesse of harte, as hereafter it shal be more at length intreated of.
For as the fire is kindled, when thunder being engendered in the air bringeth forth a great hurly-burly, so is it when the gospel is preached. Now then if persecution follow the gospel, and Jesus Christ would that to be1 finished in his members which he suffered in his own person, thereby to be (as it were) daily crucified,2 can it be lawful for us to withdraw our selves from that state? Seeing then that in the ⟨image 10⟩gospel consisteth all hope of salvation, and that3 thereon we should stay our selves, let us note what Saint Paul saith, who willeth us to4 stretch forth our hand towards our brethren, when we see them oppressed, trodden under feet, spit at, and despited, &5 that we should rather desire to be their companions in suffering all obprobries and villainies of the world,6 then being honoured, had in reputation and credit, to be alienated from them which suffer for the cause which is common to either of us. This have we then to learn out of this place of scripture, now because on our behalf we be weak, and think we should be swallowed up, as it were through persecutions, as soon as we are assaulted ⟨image 10⟩by the rage of the enemies,7 which we see to have the swing and power in the world. S. Paul addeth, that8 we shall not be destitute of the aide succour & help of our God, for when he sendeth us to the conflict, it is not to try our force and strength, but he armeth us immediately, & giveth us an invincible power to withstand, and therefore addeth S. Paul: According to the power of God, to take away all excuses of discouragement. Every man (as I have said) would have a colour and cloak to withdraw him self from persecutions, and say. Oh, I would to god I had the grace to suffer for his names sake, I acknowledge it to be the greattest benefit that might happen to me, every one (I say) ⟨image 11⟩will confess this, but they will add, we are weak, we shall soon be overthrown, the torments will astonish us, ye see the cruelty and rage of the enemies. Thus will every one, after he hath confessed what an excellent thing it is to suffer for the name of god, be nevertheless quit. But S. Paul plucketh from us all such excuses,9 saying that god shall be ready to strengthen us, for we may not respect what is in our selves: For true it is that besides the invasions of our enemies, there needeth but our own shadows to fray us:
For as the fyer is kynled, when thūder being ingēdred in the aire bryngeth forthe a greate hurly-burly, so is it when the gospel is preached. Nowe then if persecution followe the gospell, and Iesus Chryst wolde that to be1 fynished in his members which he suffered in his own person, therby to be (as it were) dayly crucifyed,2 can it be lawfull for vs to withdrawe our selues from that state? Seinge then that in the ⟨image 10⟩gospell consisteth all hope of saluatiō, and that3 theron we shuld stay our selues, let vs note what Saynct Paul sayth, who wylleth vs to4 stretche forthe oure hande towardes oure bretherne, when we see them oppressed, troden vnder fete, spit at, and despited, &5 that we shuld rather desire to be theyr companyons in sufferinge all obprobries and vyllanies of the worlde,6 then beynge honoured, had in reputation and credyte, to be alienated from thē which suffer for the cause which is common to eyther of vs. This haue we then to lerne out of this place of scrypture, nowe because on our behalfe we be weake, and thyncke we should be swalowed vp, as it were throughe persecutions, as sone as we ar assaulted ⟨image 10⟩by the rage of the enemies,7 whiche we se to haue the swynge and power in the worlde. S. Paule addeth, that8 we shall not be destitute of the aide succour & helpe of oure God, for when he sendeth vs to the conflycte, it is not to try our force and strength, but he armeth vs immediatelye, & geueth vs an inuincible power to wythstande, and therefore addeth S. Paule: Accordinge to the power of God, to take awaye all excuses of dyscouragement. Euerye man (as I haue sayd) wold haue a colour and cloke to withdrawe hym selfe from persecutions, and saye. Oh, I wolde to god I had the grace to suffer for his names sake, I acknowledge it to be the greatteste benefyte that myghte happen to me, euery one (I saye)
our own conceit were sufficient to put us to flight. But after we have acknowledged our weakness, let us come to the remedy: and when we behold our own ⟨image 11⟩infirmities, and what a difficulty we have to withstand our enemies,1 let it be an occasion to induce us to call upon god with all humbleness for aid: and acknowledge2 no manner of ability in our selves, let us humbly caul upon him to stretch forth his hand, to the end he fail us not when we be brought to the extremity. And so (being at rest) to acknowledge,3 that we are more then feeble, to the end that our god prepare us to the examination and trial. For that is the true consideration of our weakness: that is (say I) that we acknowledging our infirmities,4 should desire god to help our weakness, according to that he knoweth to be metest for us: for thereunto must we have ••specte. ⟨image 12⟩If this doctrine were imprinted in our hearts without farther reasoning, we should be far away better disposed to suffer then we are. But alas? there are very few which remember this lesson: nay, it seemeth that we would rather stop our ears, and shut our eyes when we are spoken unto thereof, *we make wise that we are desirous, that god should strengthen us: but in effect we can not induce our selves to behold this power, whereof S. Paul speaketh, presuming that the matter toucheth us not.5 But yet doth our lord testify unto us, that his power shall be always in us and that we shall thereof be possessed. And therefore let not our […] be occasion to withdraw ⟨image 12⟩us from the cross and persecutions, seeing that god6 hath taken the care of us, to supply that which wanteth in us, who also promiseth to do it. Now S. Paul taketh not here the power of god, to trifle withal, but7 he testifieth to all faithful people, that it shall be ready and at hand when we desire the same, so far forth as we desire to be armed & warded therewith to fight when the Son of god calleth us to the conflict,8 farthermore inasmuch as men have need to be spurred forth on all sides. S.
our owne conceyte were sufficient to put vs to flyghte. But after we haue acknowleged oure weakenesse, let vs come to the remedy: and when we beholde our owne ⟨image 11⟩infyrmities, and what a difficultie we haue to withstande our ennemyes,1 let it be an occasion to induce vs to call vpon god with all humblenesse for ayde: and acknowledge2 no maner of habilitie in our selues, let vs humblye caule vpon hym to stretche forth his hande, to thende he fayle vs not when we be brought to thextremytee. And so (beynge at rest) to acknowledge,3 that wee are more then feable, to thende that oure god prepare vs to thexamynation and trial. For that is the true consideration of our weakenesse: yt is (saye I) that we acknowlegynge oure infyrmities,4 shoulde desyre god to helpe our weakenesse, accordynge to that he knoweth to be meteste for vs: for therevnto muste we haue ••specte. ⟨image 12⟩If this doctrine were imprynted in oure hartes without farther reasonynge, wee shoulde be farre awaye better dysposed to suffer then we are. But alas? there are verye fewe whiche remembre this lesson: naye, it seemeth that we wolde rather stop oure eares, and shutte oure eyes when we are spoken vnto therof, *we make wyse that we are desyrous, that god should strenthen vs: but in effecte we can not induce oure selues to beholde this power, wherof S. Paule speaketh, presumynge that the matter toucheth vs not.5 But yet dothe our lord testifie vnto vs, that his power shal be alwayes in vs and that we shal therof be possessed. And therefore let not our 〈…〉 be occatiō to withdraw ⟨image 12⟩vs from the crosse and persecutions, seyng that god6 hath taken the care of vs, to supplye that whiche wanteth in vs, who also promyseth to do it. Nowe S. Paule taketh not heere the power of god, to trifle withall, but
French reformer and pastor at Geneva; author of the Institutes of the Christian Religion.
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so is troubled, bereth the marke of the gospell, for goddes cause there throughe is declared, as it were betrayed. Saynct Paule therfore consydering this: sayth notably to Tymothee,
be not ashamed of me. And to say the truthe, as I haue alredy declared, one myghte laughe Tymothe to scorne, and sende hym backe to his mayster, as the wycked can full well spye theyr aduauntage at suche tymes, when god humbleth hys seruauntes, and suffereth them to be vniustly tormented,
he wyll be serued of vs in a matter of suche weight and worthinesse. But yet, let vs haue a speciall eye, whether they suffer for theyr fautes, or for the testimonie of goddes truethe, hauynge a specyall regarde
we maye not rashely iudge in suche a case, least thiniurie therof touche god hym selfe: we must therfore make dylygente inquisition, to know the cause why men do suffer.
we be exercised, we must nedes (I say) fyght vnder oure Lorde Iesus Chryst. Now then, he whiche wolde gette him selfe a farre of from the crosse of oure Lorde Iesus Chryste,
renounceth he not his owne saluation? where is the hope of lyfe, but in this sacryfyce of the sonne of god? for thus standeth the case that he wyll be like vnto vs, and we must be transformed into his symilitude. Seynge then that it
⟨image 9⟩
so is, let vs lerne to walke after that maner, seynge we are thervnto cauled, as heretofore wee haue seene, that suche is the pleasure and wyll of God: we muste then without farther disputynge or contradyction,
bowe downe oure shoulders, and humble oure selues thervnto.
⟨image 11⟩
wyll confesse this, but they wyll adde, we are weake, we shal sone be ouerthrowen, the tormentes wyll astonyshe vs, ye se the crueltie and rage of thenemyes. Thus wyll euery one, after he hath confessed what an excellent thyng it is to suffer for the name of god, be neuerthelesse quit. But S. Paule plucketh from vs all suche excuses,
sayinge that god shall be ready to strengthen vs, for we may not respecte what is in our selues: For true it is that besydes the inuations of our ennemyes, there nedeth but oure owne shadowes to fraye vs:
he testifyeth to al faythful people, that it shall be redye and at hande when we desyre the same, so ferforth as we desyre to be armed & warded therwith to fight when the sonne of god calleth vs to the conflycte,
