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A sermon made in latin in Oxford in the reign of King Edward the…A sermon made in latine in Oxenforde in the raigne of King Edwarde the…John Jewel, 1581

A learned and Godly Sermon, made in the Latin tongue, in S. Maries in Oxenford, upon the Sunday after the Ascension, in the reign of King Edward the sixth, by the famous and excellent Clerk Master Ivel, late Bishop of Salisbury, and done into English by R. Ʋ.A learned and Godly Sermon, made in the Latine tongue, in S. Maries in Oxenford, vpon the Sonday after the Ascention, in the raigne of King Edward the sixt, by the famous and excellent Clearke Maister Iuel, late Bishop of Sarisburie, and done into English by R. Ʋ.

25 passages

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.

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A learned and Godly Sermon, made in the Latin tongue, in S. Mary's in Oxenford, upon the Sunday after the Ascension, in the reign of King Edward the sixth, by the famous and excellent Clerk Master Ivel, late Bishop of Salisbury, and done into English by R. Ʋ.

A learned and Godly Sermon, made in the Latine tongue, in S. Maries in Oxenford, vpon the Sonday after the Ascention, in the raigne of King Edward the sixt, by the famous and excellent Clearke Maister Iuel, late Bishop of Sarisburie, and done into English by R. Ʋ.

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The text If any man speak, let him talk as the words of God. 1. Pet. 4.11.

The text If any man speake, let him talk as the wordes of God. 1. Pet. 4.11.

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Brethren beloved in Christ I have chosen these words chiefly out of that Epistle of S. Peter, which are accustomed to be read unto the people this day, because, that whereas I must preach in Latin according to the custom of this place and time, the same in mine opinion seemed to belong properly to this assembly. The which, that they may be plainlier and better understand of you all, I must repeat a few words from the beginning of this whole Epistle. Wherefore we must call to mind, ⟨image 4⟩because in those first times, christian Religion was shut out every where, as pernicious to mens souls, and an infection of common wealths, and that it seemed great godliness to root out the bringers in of new Religion, least (I say) that Christian men and those that were Godly, should in that season utterly be discouraged, and caste away all hope: Saint Peter doeth so instruct them with this Epistle, that they should consider no new or unwonted thing to have happened, that Christ himself hath suffered far bitterer and unworthier things, that they should not be faint hearted, lastly that the way to glory is by afflictions and crosses.

A sermon made in latin in Oxford in the reign of King Edward the…A sermon made in latine in Oxenforde in the raigne of King Edwarde the…John Jewel, 1581

A learned and Godly Sermon, made in the Latin tongue, in S. Maries in Oxenford, upon the Sunday after the Ascension, in the reign of King Edward the sixth, by the famous and excellent Clerk Master Ivel, late Bishop of Salisbury, and done into English by R. Ʋ.A learned and Godly Sermon, made in the Latine tongue, in S. Maries in Oxenford, vpon the Sonday after the Ascention, in the raigne of King Edward the sixt, by the famous and excellent Clearke Maister Iuel, late Bishop of Sarisburie, and done into English by R. Ʋ.

25 passages

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.

:7img 3

A learned and Godly Sermon, made in the Latin tongue, in S. Mary's in Oxenford, upon the Sunday after the Ascension, in the reign of King Edward the sixth, by the famous and excellent Clerk Master Ivel, late Bishop of Salisbury, and done into English by R. Ʋ.

A learned and Godly Sermon, made in the Latine tongue, in S. Maries in Oxenford, vpon the Sonday after the Ascention, in the raigne of King Edward the sixt, by the famous and excellent Clearke Maister Iuel, late Bishop of Sarisburie, and done into English by R. Ʋ.

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The text If any man speak, let him talk as the words of God. 1. Pet. 4.11.

The text If any man speake, let him talk as the wordes of God. 1. Pet. 4.11.

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That godliness is placed, not in outward show and titles, but in soundness of life, and innocency of manners. That it is an ill thing with mouth and tongue only to worship GOD, and to give our mind and soul to (worship) the Devil, and to disagree from Idolaters, not in life and manners, but in words and profession (only.) And because they had departed from the most ancient Ordinances and laws of their forefathers, and that they being but a few had stirred all kind of men against them, he warneth them that they yet would in all kind of duties practise charity among themselves, one toward another, lest they should be divided at any time by any dissension of minds or studies. That this is only the token of Jesus Christ, whereby the bondslaves of the Devil may be known from the Children of GOD. That so it shall come to pass shortly, that ⟨image 5⟩all the whole world shall embrace the Gospel and the heavenly doctrine, and that the enemies and the haters of the cross of Christ, whom godliness could not mone, may through shame be overcome, and return to themselves. And the Bishops he warneth that in those most hard times, they see to their office with all diligence and care, and that they look about them diligently that the Congregation take no harm. And that it is not a sporting matter, but a very great burden that they have taken upon them. And therefore if they preach at any time to the people, that they speak as the words of God, and that they so behave themselves, that others which hear them, may think that they hear not men, but the messengers and interpreters of the word of GOD. This is the portion of scripture that I judged most fit for this time and place. For because therefore that partly we are entered into the holy ministry, & partly, as I hope, we have already directed the course of our studies to that point, we shall be taught in this place, how this heavenly office is to ⟨image 5⟩be garnished, that our labour may in time to come be very profitable to the church of God, and the holy Gospel be most largely spread abroad. But that this may be done the more orderly, and lest I should wander or go out of course in my speaking, I think it good to touch these three points in few words: First, That a Preacher should speak: secondly, What he should speak: Thirdly, How he should speak:

That godlinesse is placed, not in outwarde shewe and titles, but in soundnesse of life, and innocencie of manners. That it is an ill thing with mouth and tongue onelye to worshippe GOD, and to gyue oure mynde and soule to (worshippe) the Deuill, and to disagree from Idolators, not in life and manners, but in wordes and profession (onely.) And because they hadde departed from the moste aunciente Ordinaunces and lawes of their forefathers, and that they being but a few had stirred all kinde of menne agaynste them, hee warneth them that they yet woulde in all kynde of duetyes practyse charitie among themselues, one towarde another, leaste they shoulde bee deuyded at any tyme by any dissention of myndes or studyes. That this is onelye the token of Iesus Christe, whereby the bondestaues of the Deuill maye bee knowne from the Children of GOD. That so it shall come to passe shortelye, that ⟨image 5⟩all the whole worlde shall imbrace the Gospell and the heauenly doctrine, and that the enemies and the haters of the crosse of Christ, whome godlines coulde not mone, may through shame be ouercome, and returne to themselues. And the Bishops hee warneth that in those moste harde times, they see to their office with all diligence and care, and that they looke about them diligently that ye Congregation take no harme. And that it is not a sporting matter, but a very greate burthen that they haue taken vpō them. And therfore if they preache at any time to the people, that they speake as the wordes of God, and that they so behaue themselues, that others which heare thē, may thinke that they heare not men, but the messengers and interpreters of the word of GOD. This is the portion of scripture that I iudged most fit for this time and place. For because therefore that partely we are entred into the holy ministerie, & partly, as I hope, we haue alreadie directed the course of our studies to that point, we shall be taughte in this place, how this heauenly office is to ⟨image 5⟩be garnished, that our labor may in time to come be very profitable to the churche of God, and the holy Gospell bee moste largely spread abroade. But that this may be done the more orderlye, and leaste I should wander or go out of course in my speaking, I thinke it good to touche these three poyntes in few words: First, That a Preacher should speake: secondlye, What he shoulde speake: Thirdly, How he should speake:

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First of all I commend unto your devotion, the universal Church of Christ ⟨image 6⟩dispersed throughout the whole world, and as now it falleth out, in many places miserably afflicted, and namely this our Church of England and Ireland, and in the same for our noble King Edward his Majesty, his most noble Sisters Mary and Elizabeth, the privy Counsel, the rulers ecclesiastical and political, and all the people of England, both Universities, & chiefly this University of Oxford, the Chancellor, the Vice-Chancellor, the Proctors, Robert Noruent President of Corpus Christi Colledge, Doctor Raynald, Master of Merton College, and all the scholars in both these Colleges. Ye shall give thanks unto God almighty, for King Henry the seventh and Henry the eight, Kings of noble memory, for Humphrey Duke of Gloucester, &c. that of his infinite goodness he hath kindled those lights to the nourishing of good letters and spreading abroad of Religion: And ye shall pray that it would please him to raise up others hereafter like unto these, & to gather us all to their society into the bosom of Abraham.

First of all I commend vnto your deuotion, the vniuersall Church of Christ ⟨image 6⟩dispersed throughout the whole worlde, and as now it falleth out, in many places miserably afflicted, and namely this our Church of England and Irelande, and in the same for our noble King Edward his Maiestie, his most noble Sisters Marie and Elizabeth, the priuie Counsayle, the rulers ecclesiasticall and politicall, and all the people of England, both Vniuersities, & chiefly this Vniuersitie of Oxenforde, the Chauncelor, ye Vicechaunceler, the Proctors, Robert Noruent President of Corpus Christi Colledge, Doctor Raynald, Maister of Merton Colledge, and all the scholers in both these Colledges. Ye shall giue thankes vnto God almightie, for King Henry the seuenth and Henry the eight, Kings of noble memorie, for Humfrey Duke of Glocester, &c. that of his infinite goodnesse he hath kindled those lightes to the nourishing of good letters and spreading abroade of Religion: And ye shall praye that it woulde please him to raise vp others hereafter like vnto these, & to gather vs all to their societie into the bosome of Abraham.

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Let him that speaketh speak as the words of God. To the end that the pith of these words may be the better understanded, because I must entreat both of Pastors and before Pastors, I have used this division, To show first that a Pastor should speak often, next of all that he should speak out of the holy scriptures, last of all, That he should speak gravely and modestly according to the worthiness of the matter. And surely concerning the office of Pastors, as yet I see not sufficiently what I should speak or not speak. For to speak that which hath been before so often spoken, were not only hateful, but out of season: and to speak nothing of so great sloth, and dastardy of our times, I am much afraid might seem to show a sluggard and a dastard. Truly, in this case if the voice of the immortal God might be heard, there were no need at this time of my voice. For that I may say nothing beside, all the scriptures do sufficiently warn us of our duty, God himself hath commanded nothing at any time, either more often, or else with more weighty ⟨image 7⟩words, than that his people should be instructed to know him, themselves, and godliness. Thou son of man, saith God, in Isaiah, Cry and cease not, cry out aloud, lift up thy voice as a Trumpet, and show unto my people their wickedness. How oft doth Christ cry▪ Go ye, Teach ye, Preach ye the Gospel to every creature. Woe unto me saith the Prophet, because I have kept silence. Woe unto me, saith Paul, if I preach not the Gospel. But such is either our security or daintiness, beside that we have stopped our ear against wholesome counsel, that we account it as a reproach, if a man warn us of our duty. Nevertheless whatsoever it seemeth to us, this hath seemed to God a help both very firm and very great to the making up of his Church. For so hath GOD brought us out of darkness into light, so hath he restored us being dead unto life, so hath he brought us being prisoners and captives out of hell into heaven, so hath he broken the powers of the Devil, so hath he brought us back again into his own power and dominion, so ⟨image 7⟩hath he spread abroad the fame of his name into all lands. For if Christ, if the Apostles, if the Prophets had held their peace, in what case had we now been in? what religion had there ben any where? what worship of God had there been?

Let him that speaketh speake as the wordes of God. To the end that the pith of these wordes may be the better vnderstanded, because I must intreate both of Pastors and before Pastors, I haue vsed this diuision, To shew first that a Pastor should speake often, next of all that hee should speake out of the holy scriptures, last of al, That he should speake grauely and modestly according to the worthines of the matter. And surely concerning the office of Pastors, as yet I see not sufficiently what I shold speake or not speak. For to speake that which hath bene before so often spoken, were not only hatefull, but out of season: and to speake nothing of so great slouth, and dastardie of our times, I am much afrayde mighte seeme to shew a sluggard and a dastarde. Truely, in this case if the voyce of the immortall God might be hearde, there were no neede at this time of my voyce. For that I maye saye nothing beside, all the scriptures doe sufficiently warne vs of our duetie, God himselfe hath commaunded nothing at any time, eyther more often, or else with more weightie ⟨image 7⟩wordes, than that his people shoulde be instructed to know him, themselues, and godlinesse. Thou son of man, sayth God, in Esay, Crie and cease not, crie oute aloude, lifte vp thy voyce as a Trumpet, and shewe vnto my people their wickednesse. How oft doth Christ crie▪ Go yee, Teache ye, Preache ye the Gospell to euerie creature. Wo vnto mee sayth the Prophet, because I haue kepte silence. Wo vnto me, sayth Paule, if I preache not the Gospell. But such is either our securitie or daintinesse, beside that wee haue stopped our eare against wholesome counsaile, that we account it as a reproche, if a man warne vs of our dutie. Neuerthelesse whatsoeuer it seemeth to vs, this hath seemed to God a helpe both very firme and verye great to the making vp of his Church. For so hath GOD brought vs out of darkenesse into light, so hath he restored vs being deade vnto life, so hath he broughte vs being prisoners and captiues out of hel into heauen, so hath he broken the powers of the Diuell, so hath he broughte vs back agayne into his owne power and dominion, so ⟨image 7⟩hath he spreade abroade the fame of his name into all landes. For if Christ, if the Apostles, if the Prophets had held their peace, in what case had we now bene in? what religion had there ben any where? what worship of God hadde there bene?

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That we behold the light, that we have escaped out of bondage, that we are accounted, and be, the sons of God, all that (I say) we owe unto the preaching of the word of God. Let us not deceive our selves brethren, let us not deceive our selves. Our matters are not so firmly established, that they cannot fall. Except we take heed, except we look about, except we put to study & diligence, all things will easily slide and fall into their former estate. A lamp, except you put oil oft in it, will soon be out. The victory is kept even by such means as it is gotten. For what engines doth not the devil now use, what crafts doth he not practise, what way doth he not take, to overthrow the Church of God? He keepeth scoutwatch always, he is never wearied, he hath brought in so many vices, so much ignorance, so great blindness, ⟨image 8⟩that there is no place in which a Preacher ought to be idle. And as, if the sun were taken away from the world, all things should be left dark, disparkled and confounded, so if the voice of the Pastor be taken out of the Church, religion is left at six and seven, it is left blind, troubled, all things are mingled with error, superstition and Idolatry: of so great weight is it to be a steward of the house of God. The Gospel, religion, Godliness, the health of the Church dependeth of us alone. This is our office, this we take upon us, & this we profess. And except we do this, we do nothing, we serve to no use. It is not enough to know I wot not what learning. The Devils perhaps know more then any of us all. It belongeth unto a Pastor not so much to have learned many things, as to have taught much. Let it shame us, that the basest kind of men, even Cobblers and Porters do that which belongeth unto them, and we which ought to give light to all other are idle and do nothing. ⟨image 8⟩For God would not have us idle bellies, but he would have us both be interpreters of his mind, ministers of Jesus Christ, Attorneys of the people before the Lord of Sabaoth, the light of world, salt, Angels, and the sons of GOD, and so to be called: And we are appointed to govern, not dumb Cattle, not wild Beasts, but the flock of the Lord, but the sons of GOD, but the brethren of Christ. If any of these shall perish through our default, his blood shall be required at our hands.

That we beholde the light, that we haue escaped out of bondage, that wee are accounted, and be, the sonnes of God, all that (I saye) wee owe vnto the preaching of the worde of God. Let vs not deceaue our selues brethren, let vs not deceaue our selues. Our matters are not so firmly established, that they cannot fall. Except we take heede, excepte we looke about, except we put to studie & diligence, all thinges will easily slide and fall into their former estate. A lampe, excepte you put oyle oft in it, will soone be out. The victorie is kept euen by such meanes as it is gotten. For what engines doth not the deuill now vse, what craftes doth hee not practise, what way doth he not take, to ouerthrow the Churche of God? Hee keepeth scoutwatch alwayes, he is neuer weried, hee hath broughte in so many vices, so much ignoraunce, so great blindenesse, ⟨image 8⟩that there is no place in whiche a Preacher ought to be idle. And as, if the sunne were taken away from the world, all thinges should be left darke, disparkled and confounded, so if the voyce of the Pastor bee taken out of the Church, religion is left at sixe and seuen, it is left blinde, troubled, all thinges are mingled with error, susterstition and Idolatrie: of so great weight is it to be a stewarde of the house of God. The Gospel, religion, Godlinesse, the health of the Churche dependeth of vs alone. This is our office, this we take vpon vs, & this we professe. And excepte wee doe this, wee doe nothing, wee serue to no vse. It is not ynough to knowe I wote not what learning. The Deuils perhappes knowe more then any of vs all. It belongeth vnto a Pastor not so muche to haue learned many thinges, as to haue taughte muche. Lette it shame vs, that the basest kynde of men, euen Coblars and Porters doe that whiche belongeth vnto them, and wee whiche oughte to giue light to al other are idle and do nothing. ⟨image 8⟩For God would not haue vs idle bellies, but hee woulde haue vs both bee interpreters of his minde, ministers of Iesus Christe, Atturneyes of the people before the Lorde of Sabaoth, the lighte of worlde, salte, Angels, and the sonnes of GOD, and so to bee called: And we are appoynted to gouerne, not dumme Cattell, not wylde Beastes, but the flocke of the Lorde, but the sonnes of GOD, but the brethren of Christ. If any of these shall perishe thorowe our default, his blood shall be required at our handes.

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If these things alone were still set before us, in our eyes and minds, we would not so caste from us carelessly and unadvisedly the safeguard of our Brethren and of our selves, we would not so cast from us the blood of Christ. There is no cause why any should say: We speak to them that are deaf, the people give no ear, we labour for them which are unthankful, we prevail not, we cast that which is holy unto Dogs, We give Pearls to Swine. We know that otherwhile these things are truly ⟨image 9⟩spoken, and it grieveth me exceedingly, that they may be so truly spoken against those that be Christian men. Yet for all this we may not therefore hold our peace, but speak so much the oftener, so much the sharper, so much the hotter. For look how much the disease is more perilous, so much the more needeth there a Physician. Neither can we justly complain of the peoples stubbornness, while we our selves do all the while nothing. Let us do our endeavour, and leave the success unto the Lord. Then shall they, if they be of so froward a mind, that they will not hear, die in their own sin. But there is no cause why we should be in despair of the peoples salvation. God himself husbanded the Vine, which for Grapes brought out wild Grapes. GOD himself hath all the day long stretched out his hands to a rebellious and overthwart people. Howe oft hath Christ himself said: Jerusalem, Jerusalem, how oft would I have gathered together thy Children, as the hen gathereth together her Chickens, whereas they turned away their ⟨image 9⟩ears and would not hear? This malady will easily be taken away, if the medicine therefore be used. Let us bring forth the light, and God will open their eyes: let us beat at their ears, and god will give them a hart of flesh: Let us give the word, and God will give the spirit: let us plant and water, and god in due time will give the increase. For as it is our duty to instruct the people with words, so it belongeth to God to join unto his words, faith and force. Such is the strength of the word of God that to work nothing or to profit none, it is not possible. Much will fall into the bushes, into the beaten way, and among stones, yet some will fall into good ground and bring forth fruit.

If these thinges alone were stil set before vs, in oure eyes and myndes, wee woulde not so caste from vs careleslye and vnaduisedlye the safegarde of our Bretheren and of our selues, wee woulde not so cast from vs the blood of Christ. There is no cause why anye shoulde saye: Wee speake to them that are deafe, the people giue no eare, wee laboure for them whiche are vnthankefull, we preuayle not, we cast that whiche is holye vnto Dogges, Wee giue Pearles to Swine. Wee knowe that otherwhile these thinges are truely ⟨image 9⟩spoken, and it greeueth me exceedingly, that they may be so truly spoken against those that be Christian men. Yet for all this we may not therfore hold our peace, but speake so much the oftener, so muche the sharper, so much the hotter. For looke how muche the disease is more perilous, so much the more needeth there a Phisition. Neyther can wee iustly complayne of the peoples stubbornesse, while we our selues doe all the while nothing. Let vs doe our indeauor, and leaue the successe vnto the Lorde. Then shall they, if they be of so frowarde a minde, that they will not heare, die in their owne sinne. But there is no cause why we shoulde bee in dispayre of the peoples saluation. God himselfe husbanded the Vine, which for Grapes broughte out wilde Grapes. GOD himselfe hath all the daye long stretched out his handes to a rebelious and ouerthwarte people. Howe ofte hath Christ himselfe sayde: Ierusalem, Ierusalem, how oft woulde I haue gathered together thy Children, as the henne gathereth together her Chickens, whereas they turned awaye their ⟨image 9⟩eares and would not heare? This maladie will easily be taken away, if the medicine therefore bee vsed. Let vs bring forth the light, and God will open their eyes: let vs beate at their eares, and god will giue them a hart of flesh: Lette vs giue the worde, and God will giue the spirite: let vs plante and water, and god in due time will giue the increase. For as it is our duetie to instructe the people with wordes, so it belongeth to God to ioyne vnto his wordes, fayth and force. Such is the strength of the word of God that to worke nothing or to profite none, it is not possible. Much will fall into the bushes, into the beaten waye, and among stones, yet some will fall into good groūd and bring forth fruite.

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But because it is not enough to speak, let us now consider that which in the second place I have promised, namely, what is to be spoken. For some otherwhile speak, who had been better have held their peace, othersome while they make a noise and cry out with great contention, speak to no purpose. Wherefore regard must be had, that we neither speak unfruitfully ne yet hurtfully. For all things are not to be huddled out in a sermon before the multitude. We must take care what the Religious silence of the people, what the reverence of the place, what the greatness of our office do require. The truth must be spoken, not lies: the Scriptures, not fables: the precepts of the highest God, and not the dreams of men: For religion is to be ordered not by our judgement, but by the word of GOD. Wherein if we shall hearken to Moses, or to the Prophets, or the Apostles, or Christ, or the Father himself, we shall not much go out of the way. For Moses, whatsoever was to be said or done in so great a wilderness, when he led the ⟨image 10⟩people being banished and wandering, by a savage and desert region, always asked counsel at the Lord, he never brought them any thing of his own head. The Prophets always say, the word of the Lord, the vision of the Lord, the voice of the Lord: this saith the Lord, hear the Lord. I, saith Paul, have received my Gospel not of man, neither by man: & again, I know nothing but Jesus Christ, & the same crucified. And again, If an Angel from heaven shall teach another gospel then that which you have learned, let him be cursed, christ saith, all things which I have heard of my father, I have delivered unto you: &, preach you, saith he, not whatsoever shall come in your head, but the Gospel to all creatures: &, when as the Pharisees & Sadducees had moved the questions of divorcement, & the resurrection of the dead unto life, he never had recourse unto the Rabbins, but always to the word of the Lord. God the father crying from Heaven, This, saith he, is my dearly beloved Son: He sayeth not, Hear your Fathers, your Grandfathers, or your great Grandfathers, but he sayeth, Hear him, even him. For our heavenly Father would ⟨image 11⟩have his son & his word to be taught, and to be beat into mens heads in all places.

But because it is not ynough to speak, let vs now consider that which in the seconde place I haue promised, namelye, what is to bee spoken. For some otherwhile speake, who had bene better haue helde their peace, othersome while they make a noyse and crie out with greate contention, speake to no purpose. Wherfore regard must be had, that we neyther speake vnfruitefullye ne yet hurtfullye. For all thinges are not to be hudled out in a sermon before the multitude. Wee muste take care what the Religious silence of the people, what the reuerence of the place, what the greatnesse of our office doe require. The truth muste bee spoken, not lies: the Scriptures, not fables: the preceptes of the highest God, and not the dreames of men: For religion is to be ordred not by our iudgement, but by the worde of GOD. Wherein if we shall hearken to Moses, or to the Prophets, or the Apostles, or Christe, or the Father himselfe, wee shall not much goe oute of the waye. For Moses, whatsoeuer was to be sayde or done in so great a wildernesse, when he ledde the ⟨image 10⟩people being banished and wandering, by a sauage and desert region, alwais asked counsaile at ye Lord, he neuer brought thē any thing of his own head. The Prophets always say, the word of ye Lord, the vision of ye Lord, the voice of ye Lord: this saith the Lord, heare the Lord. I, sayth Paule, haue receaued my Gospell not of man, neyther by man: & agayne, I know nothing but Iesus Christ, & the same crucified. And again, If an Angell frō heauē shall teach another gospell then yt which you haue lerned, let him be cursed, christ sayth, al thinges which I haue heard of my father, I haue deliuered vnto you: &, preach you, sayth he, not whatsoeuer shal come in your head, but ye Gospel to al creatures: &, whē as ye Pharises & Saduces had moued the questions of diuorcement, & the resurrection of the dead vnto life, he neuer had recourse vnto the Rabins, but alwaies to the word of the Lord. God the father crying from Heauen, This, saith he, is my dearelye beloued Sonne: He sayeth not, Heare your Fathers, your Graundfathers, or your great Graundfathers, but he sayeth, Heare him, euen him. For our heauenly Father woulde ⟨image 11⟩haue his sonne & his word to be taughte, and to bee beate into mens heades in all places.

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And certainly it may not be doubted of by any man, but that that, which the most excellent, most wise, and most living father hath given unto us for our cause, is most excellent, most wise, and to our reasons most profitable. This is that river of water flowing abroad into life everlasting. This is that flesh, this is that blood of Jesus Christ, this is that only both most delicate & most wholesome food of our souls, with this only sword the devil is overcome, with this only stone Goliath is laid along, with this only Maul the roughness and hardness of hearts is softened and overcome. And were it not for this, neither could religion flourish, nor faith be confirmed, or the Church kept within the limits of her duty. Call to remembrance, I beseech you for the Lords sake, that as oft as the word of the Lord languished, how often and into how many grievous errors, and how great a breakneck evil did the whole people fall into, how oft despised they the mightiest and most loving ⟨image 11⟩God their preserver and Father, how oft worshipped they Astaroth, Belial, the Sun, the Moon, Calves and beasts, and turned away themselves from all religion and godliness, & put their whole hope and confidence in things most vain and filthy. For when as every one hatched out of his own mind a religion and holiness unto himself, superstition and such a multitude of new Gods, increased so suddenly, that the Prophet was enforced to cry out, your Gods are in number as many as your cities. For when as they had forsaken the truth, life, and religion, what remained, but that they should fall headlong into lies, into destruction, into ungodly worshippings? I had rather make mention of these old things, than to bring in examples which are fresh and in memory. There is none of us that ever was so blind, that he saw not, or so blockish that he understood not the calamity of former times. We have far gone beyond, not only the superstition and vanity of the Jews, but also of the Egyptians and Grecians.

And certainly it may not be douted of by any man, but that that, whiche the most excellent, most wise, and most liuing father hath giuen vnto vs for our cause, is most excellent, most wise, and to our reasons most profitable. This is that riuer of water flowing abrode into life euerlasting. This is that flesh, this is that blood of Iesus Christ, this is that onely both most delicate & most wholsome foode of our soules, with this only sworde the deuill is ouercome, with this onely stone Goliah is layde along, with this onelye Maule the roughnesse and hardnesse of hartes is softened and ouercome. And were it not for this, neither could religion florish, nor faith bee confirmed, or the Churche kepte within the limites of her duetie. Call to remembrance, I beseech you for the Lordes sake, that as oft as the worde of the Lorde languished, howe often and into how many greeuous errors, and how great a breakenecke euill did the whole people fall into, how oft despised they the mightiest and moste louing ⟨image 11⟩God their preseruer and Father, how oft worshipped they Astaroth, Beliall, the Sonne, the Moone, Calties and beastes, and turned away themselues from all religion and godlinesse, & put their whole hope and confidence in thinges most vain and filthie. For when as euery one hatched out of his owne mind a religion and holynesse vnto himselfe, superstition and such a multitude of new Gods, increased so sodainly, that the Prophet was enforced to crie out, your Gods are in number as many as your cities. For whē as they had forsaken the truth, life, and religion, what remayned, but that they should fall hedlong into lies, into destruction, into vngodly worshippinges? I had rather make mention of these olde thinges, than to bring in examples which are fresh and in memorie. There is none of vs that euer was so blinde, that he saw not, or so blockish that he vnderstoode not the calamitie of former tymes. We haue far gon beyonde, not only the superstitiō and vanitie of the Iewes, but also of the Egiptians and Grecians.

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For when the authority of Councils, and the conspiracy ⟨image 12⟩of a few Bishops and Monks, was placed above the scriptures, when it was doubted whether the Romish bishop were a man or a God, and whether he could sin, when all things were referred to the constitutions of men, & nothing to the knowledge of Christ, when sales of pardons, vows and masses, were made openly & without all shame, when the sacraments were miserably torn in pieces, when the word of God was condemned of fraud & heresy, when nothing was left found & pure from superstition, when error possessed all things, and the truth could not be heard, where then, or what Church of God was there? It was heresy in those days, not ye disagreed from the scriptures, but from that which liked a few Bishops. For the gospel was thrust into corners, nothing was left to the judgement of Christ. Our gods were not then according to the nun ber of our cities, but they were as many as we had streets, yea almost houses. So were all things utterly out of frame, for that religion depended not on the word of God, but on the will of man. These horrible cases, brethren, may warn us, that ⟨image 12⟩we never unadvisedly depart from the word of God. And thereof it is that all the scriptures do move us so often & so diligently, that we neither ad any thing to the word of God, nor take ought therefrom, nor that we bow to the right hand or the left. Neither would the Lord that we should be Princes and Judges, but messengers & ministers of his word. For look what serveth to our salvation, & unto godliness all that hath God himself set down in his laws. For the holy scripture, as Paul saith inspired by God, is profitable to doctrine, to reprove, to correction, to instruction, that the man of God may be perfect, instructed to every good work: that the man of God saith he, may be perfect & sound, & as far as is requisite either to godliness or manners, that he should in every respect be perfectly furnished▪ & now I pray you what should God his ambassador bring forth unto god his people, rather then the word of God? He that is an Ambassador in civil affairs, if perhaps he say any thing beside that which is commanded him, he is accused that he hath not don his embassade rightly, he is called to his trial he is arraigned ⟨image 13⟩upon life and death, and why do not we with like fidelity handle the word of God?

For when the authoritie of Councels, and the conspiracie ⟨image 12⟩of a few Bishops and Monkes, was placed aboue ye scriptures, when it was douted whether ye Romish bishop were a man or a God, and whether he could sin, when all thinges were referred to the constitutions of men, & nothing to the knowledge of Christ, when sales of pardons, vowes and masses, were made openly & without al shame, when ye sacramentes were miserably torne in peeces, when the worde of God was condemned of fraude & heresie, when nothing was left found & pure from superstition, when error possessed all things, and the truth could not be heard, where then, or what Church of God was there? It was heresie in those dayes, not ye disagreede from the scriptures, but frō that which liked a few Bishops. For the gospell was thrust into corners, nothing was left to the iudgement of Christ. Our gods were not then according to the nū ber of our cities, but they were as manye as we had streats, yea almost houses. So were all thinges vtterly out of frame, for that religion depended not on the worde of God, but on the wil of man. These horrible cases, bretheren, may warn vs, that ⟨image 12⟩we neuer vnaduisedlye departe from the word of God. And thereof it is that al the scriptures doe mooue vs so often & so diligently, that we neither ad any thing to the word of God, nor take ought therfrō, nor that we bow to the right hand or the left. Neither would the Lord yt we shold be Princes and Iudges, but messengers & ministers of his worde. For looke what serueth to our saluation, & vnto godlines al that hath God himself set downe in his lawes. For the holy scripture, as Paule saith inspired by God, is profitable to doctrine, to reproue, to correctiō, to instruction, yt the man of God may be perfect, instructed to euery good work: yt the man of God saith he, may be perfect & sound, & as far as is requisite either to godlinesse or maners, yt he shold in euery respect be perfectly furnished▪ & now I pray you what shold God his embassador bring forth vnto god his people, rather then the word of God? He that is an Embassador in ciuile affairs, if perhaps he say any thing beside yt which is cōmaunded him, he is accused that he hath not don his embassade rightly, he is called to his triall he is araigned ⟨image 13⟩vpon life and death, and why doe not we with like fidilitie handle the worde of God?

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But too too, good God, too too secure a mind, my brethren, too too secure a mind be we of. And as though men alone could not be deceived, so do we hold so do we defend that alonely, which is come from our forefathers. There were among the Jews many Murderers, thieves and adulterers, and yet did not Christ inveigh either more often or more bitterly against any than against the Pharisees & Scribes, you break, saith he the commandment of God for your own traditions. In vain do you worship me, teaching doctrines and the precepts of men. They are blind guides of the blind Harlots and sinners shall go into the kingdom of God before you. How often▪ and with what words, doeth the Lord in the Prophets complain of this? Be astonished ye Heavens, saith he, My people have done two evils, they have forsaken me the fountain of living water, and have digged unto themselves broken Cisterns, which can hold no waters. What is chaff compared with ⟨image 13⟩Wheat? what is the rashness of men compared with the eternal will of God? For Basil doth say, that that man, which dareth put to or take away any thing from the scriptures of God, is either a feeble Christian, or a notable arrogant fellow. To put to the word of God the inventions of men, what other thing may it seem, than to mingle new wine, not with old wine, but with wine that is dead, and with lees or dregs? and to join light with darkness, a wild beast with a man, a man with God? My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor my ways are not your ways, sayeth the Lord: for look how far the heaven is from the earth, so far are my ways from your ways, and my thoughts from your thoughts. Nay rather look how far a man is distant from God, so far is the understanding of man distant from the word of God.

But too too, good God, too too secure a mynd, my brethren, too too secure a mynd be wee of. And as though men alone could not be deceaued, so do we hold so doe we defende that alonely, which is come from our forefathers. There were among the Iewes manye Murtherers, theeues and adulterers, and yet did not Christe enuey eyther more often or more bitterlye againste any than againste the Phariseis & Scribes, you breake, sayth he the commaundement of God for your owne traditions. In vayne doe you worship me, teaching doctrines and the preceptes of men. They are blind guides of the blinde Harlots and sinners shall goe into the kingdome of God before you. How often▪ and with what wordes, doeth the Lorde in the Prophets complayn of this? Be astonished yee Heauens, saith he, My people haue done two euils, they haue forsaken me the fountayne of liuing water, and haue digged vnto themselues broken Cesternes, which canne holde no waters. What is chaffe compared with ⟨image 13⟩Wheate? what is the rashnesse of men compared with the eternall will of God? For Basill doth say, that that man, which dareth put to or take away any thing frō the scriptures of God, is eyther a feeble Christian, or a notable arrogant fellowe. To put to the word of God the inuentions of men, what other thing may it seeme, thā to mingle new wine, not with olde wine, but with wine that is deade, and with lees or dregges? and to ioyne light with darkenesse, a wilde beast with a man, a man with God? My thoughtes are not your thoughts, nor my ways are not your wayes, sayeth the Lorde: for looke how farre the heauen is from the earth, so farre are my wayes from your wayes, and my thoughtes from your thoughtes. Nay rather looke how farre a man is distaunt from God, so farre is the vnderstanding of man distaunte from the word of God.

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For although very much by the judgement of all men is to be given to the Fathers, yet were they men, and also might err, Truly, to speak nothing else of them, they did oftentimes very ill age ⟨image 14⟩mong themselves, about very great and weighty matters. But the word of god is sure, & firm, & certain, & appointed for every time. Peter would have this kind of learning to be delivered unto the people in a sermon. And he that will have doings (her in) with the people, must first be instructed himself with the word of God, that he may utter the word as inspired with an heaven lye power. O if Peter were now alive. What would he say, or rather what would he not say, seeing that religion, godliness, the scriptures, are all passed into the inventions & dreams of men? That is only in question at these days, whether the customs of men are rather to be retained, or the laws of God: That alone hath moved these turmoils, that hath stirred the whole world, whether more credit is to be given unto a man, or unto god. I know that these things seem new to the most of you, & not to be believed: but put from you, I beseech you, your affections, & the opinion of things which you have already conceived, & you shall well perceive, that I feign nothing for the times sake, but that I speak the thing it self. Christ hath ordained the holy ⟨image 14⟩Communion in remembrance of himself: men do neither retain any remembrance of Christ, nor yet Communion, but have changed all the whole matter into a gay show, and almost a stage play. Christ saith, Ye shall have the poor always with you, but me ye shall not have always, I leave the world and go to my father: It is expedient for you that I go away: and Christ spake this, not of his Godhead, wherewith he was equal to the father, or of his heavenly nature, but of his body: Men say, that Christ neither hath with his body left the world, nor yet gone from hence to his father. Paul saith that Christ is in heaven at the right hand of the father, Peter saith in the Acts of the Apostles, Heaven must hold him until the time that all things are restored: Men say, That the body of Christ is in heaven and in earth both at once, and is dispersed into an infinite multitude of places at one time. Paul saith, that Christ hath once entered into the holy places, & hath with one only sacrifice, & one oblation, made perfect all things:

For although very much by the iudgement of all men is to be giuen to the Fathers, yet were they men, and also might erre, Truelye, to speake nothing else of them, they did oftentimes verye ill agee ⟨image 14⟩mong themselues, about verye great and weighty matters. But the word of god is sure, & firme, & certayn, & appointed for euery time. Peter would haue this kind of learning to be deliuered vnto ye people in a sermō. And he yt wil haue doings (her in) with the people, must first bee instructed himselfe with the word of God, yt he may vtter the word as inspired with an heauē lye power. O if Peter were nowe aliue. What would he say, or rather what wold he not say, seing that religion, godlinesse, the scriptures, are all passed into the inuentions & dreames of men? That is only in question at these dayes, whether the customes of mē are rather to be retained, or ye lawes of God: That alone hath moued these turmoiles, that hath stirred the whole world, whether more credite is to be giuen vnto a man, or vnto god. I know yt these thinges seeme new to the most of you, & not to be beleued: but put frō you, I beseech you, your affectiōs, & ye opinion of things which you haue alredy cōceiued, & you shal well perceaue, yt I faine nothing for the times sake, but that I speake the thing it self. Christ hath ordeined the holy ⟨image 14⟩Communion in remembraunce of himselfe: men doe neither retayne anye remembrance of Christ, nor yet Cōmuniō, but haue chaunged all the whole matter into a gay shew, and almost a stage play. Christ sayth, Yee shall haue the poore alwayes with you, but me ye shal not haue alwaies, I leaue the world and go to my father: It is expedient for you that I go away: and Christ spake this, not of his Godhead, wherewith he was equal to the father, or of his heauenlye nature, but of his body: Men saye, that Christe neyther hath with his body left the world, nor yet gone from hence to his father. Paul saith that Christ is in heauen at the right hand of the father, Peter sayth in the Actes of the Apostles, Heauen must hold him vntil the time that al things are restored: Men say, That the body of Christ is in heauen and in earth both at once, and is dispearced into an infinite multitude of places at one time. Paule saith, yt Christ hath once entred into the holy places, & hath with one only sacrifice, & one oblatiō, made perfect al things:

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Men say, that they can sacrifice christ himself again every day, not ⟨image 15⟩[…] ⟨image 15⟩[…] ⟨image 16⟩only for remembrance sake, but in very deed, and that in infinite places. Christ saith, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve: Men worship the Eucharist, alack the while, being neither Lord nor God, but a sacrament of the Lord, without authority of the scriptures, or example of the Apostles, and that as God. For, by the living God I beseech you, consider in your minds brethren, who ever, I will not say of the Apostles, but of the holy fathers hath either worshipped the Sacrament himself, or hath showed it forth to be worshipped of others? I see that I speak these things not before the common sort of men, but before them who are profoundly learned, I appeal to all your consciences, I will use in this matter your own testimony. Christ hath commanded the Sacrament to be delivered whole: Men have torn the same after a miserable manner, Christ willed that nothing should be added to his law: Men do not only add many things, but the same they prefer before the word of God. But why should I reckon up more? ⟨image 16⟩This only will I speak, and that in a word, they which brought in transubstantiations, masses, calling upon saints, sole life, purgatory, images, vows, trifles, follies, babbles, into the Church of God, have delivered new things, and which the scriptures never heard of. Whatsoever they cry or crake, they bring not a jot out of the word of God. And these, as I have said, are the things wherewith the Church of God at these days are disquieted. Upon these lieth the watch and ward of the Church. These they honour in stead of the scriptures, and force them to the people in stead of the word of God: upon these: men suppose their salvation, & the sum of religion to be grounded. And that which is much more grievous, notwithstanding at this present by the great goodness of God, religion is restored almost to her former dignity and light, yet poor and pitiful souls they set great store by these things, they to them again, and teach them, as though without them the Church could not be in safety. O if the word of the Lord might be heard, among so many ⟨image 17⟩clamours, and in so great a hurly burly.

Men say, that they can sacrifice christ himself again euery day, not ⟨image 15⟩〈…〉 ⟨image 15⟩〈…〉 ⟨image 16⟩only for remembraunce sake, but in very deede, and that in infinite places. Christe sayth, Thou shalt worship the Lorde thy God, and him only shalt thou serue: Men worship the Eucharist, alack the while, being neyther Lord nor God, but a sacrament of the Lorde, without authoritie of the scriptures, or exāple of the Apostles, and that as God. For, by the liuing God I beseeche you, consider in your myndes bretheren, who euer, I will not saye of the Apostles, but of the holy fathers hath either worshipped the Sacrament himselfe, or hath shewed it forth to bee worshipped of others? I see that I speake these things not before the cōmon sort of men, but before them who are profoundly learned, I appeale to all your consciences, I will vse in this matter youre owne testimonie. Christ hath commaunded ye Sacramēt to be deliuered whole: Men haue torne the same after a miserable maner, Christ willed that nothing shoulde bee added to his lawe: Men doe not only adde many thinges, but ye same they preferre before the worde of God. But why shoulde I recken vp more? ⟨image 16⟩This onely will I speake, and that in a worde, they whiche broughte in transubstantiations, masses, calling vpon saints, sole life, purgatorie, images, vowes, trifles, follies, bables, into the Churche of God, haue deliuered new thinges, and whiche the scriptures neuer hearde of. Whatsoeuer they crie or crake, they bring not a iote out of the worde of God. And these, as I haue sayd, are the things wherewith the Church of God at these dayes are disquieted. Vppon these lieth the watche and warde of the Churche. These they honour in steede of the scriptures, and force them to the people in steede of the worde of God: vppon these: men suppose their saluatiō, & the summe of religion to be grounded. And yt which is much more greuous, notwithstanding at this present by the great goodnesse of God, religion is restored almost to her former dignitie and light, yet poore and pitiful soules they set great store by these thinges, they to them againe, and teache them, as though without thē the Church could not be in safetie. O if the worde of the Lorde might be heard, among so mamany ⟨image 17⟩clamours, and in so great a hurlye burly.

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If we would suffer God himself, to sit as judge in his own case, the matter would be passed over with less tumult a great deal, and more easily might we agree about the whole matter. Wherefore if all the worship of GOD, all godliness, all religion, be to be sought out of the word of GOD, If the institutions of men, have miserably perverted all things in all times, let us, my brethren, unto whom the office of teaching is allotted, consider how dangerous a thing it is to speak more: and let all, who will be, and will have themselves accounted to be Christians, remember how dangerous a thing it is to believe more. And if there be any of this whole number, which hath given himself to any other kind of life, yet let him consider that these things belong unto him, so that if he neither can, nor will teach, yet let him diligently and attentively, hear him that speaketh, and give God thanks that he hath happened on those times, in which he may hear the word of God freely and purely. Let us not be ⟨image 17⟩wedded to much to our own wit, let us not be wedded too much to the Fathers & forefathers. Let us not unadvisedly think that men are so luckily borne, that whatsoever they say, they cannot err. When we shall be placed before that dreadful judgement seat, when all things shall burn, and the Angels of God shall tremble, to what Fathers, to what decrees of our forefathers, shall we wretches than appeal? We shall than have refuge to Christ alone, than shall we use the aid and word of Christ alone. Wherefore let us not be of so secure a mind in so great a matter. Our life, our soul, our salvation is the thing in hand. The heavenly father offereth himself unto us, and of his own accord meeteth us, Jesus Christ crieth out, and calleth every one of us: Come unto me all ye which are grieved and I will refresh you. How blind be we if we see not, how blockish if we understand not, how miserable if we run from this? Where shall the word of Christ be heard, if it cannot be heard among Christians? If it cannot be heard among Christians where shall it ⟨image 18⟩be heard? Let us once yet open, brethren, let us open our eyes, that it may not be spoken against our stubbornness, therefore you hear not, because you be not of God:

If we would suffer God himselfe, to sitte as iudge in his own case, the matter woulde bee passed ouer with lesse tumulte a greate deale, and more easilye mighte wee agree about the whole matter. Wherefore if all the worship of GOD, all godlinesse, all religion, bee to bee sought out of the word of GOD, If the institutions of men, haue miserably peruerted all thinges in all times, let vs, my bretheren, vnto whome the office of teaching is alotted, consider how dangerous a thing it is to speake more: and lette all, who will be, and wil haue themselues accounted to bee Christians, remember how daungerous a thing it is to beleeue more. And if there bee anye of this whole number, whiche hath giuen himselfe to anye other kinde of life, yet let him consider that these things belong vnto him, so that if he neither can, nor wil teach, yet let him diligentlye and attentiuely, heare him that speaketh, and giue God thankes yt he hath happened on those times, in whiche he maye heare the word of God freely and purely. Let vs not bee ⟨image 17⟩wedded to much to our own wit, let vs not be wedded too much to the Fathers & forfathers. Let vs not vnaduisedly think that men are so luckily borne, that whatsoeuer they say, they cannot erre. When we shall bee placed before that dreadfull iudgement seate, when all thinges shall burne, and the Angels of God shall tremble, to what Fathers, to what decrees of our forefathers, shall we wretches than appeale? We shall than haue refuge to Christ alone, than shall wee vse the ayde and worde of Christ alone. Wherefore let vs not be of so secure a minde in so great a matter. Our life, our soule, our saluation is the thing in hande. The heauenlye father offreth himselfe vnto vs, and of his own accord meeteth vs, Iesus Christ crieth out, and calleth euery one of vs: Come vnto mee all yee whiche are greeued and I will refresh you. How blind be we if we see not, howe blockish if we vnderstande not, how miserable if we runne from this? Where shall the worde of Christ be heard, if it cannot bee hearde among Christians? If it cannot bee heard among Christians where shall it ⟨image 18⟩be heard? Let vs once yet open, bretheren, let vs open our eyes, that it may not be spoken against our stubbornesse, therfore you heare not, because you bee not of God:

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Now remaineth that which was put in the last part, namely how the scriptures are to be taught. For not only wisdom and fidelity, but also wisdom and foresight is to be used. Therefore sayeth Peter, let him not speak only, but let him speak as the words of God. Nor yet is it sufficient to profess only, and outwardly to show, that it is the word of God which we teach, and with a fair ⟨image 18⟩face and earnest countenance sing. The word of the Lord: For the Jews and Turks and false Prophets do so, they all cry out that Christ is theirs, and they all restrain true religion (as belonging) unto themselves. The Pharisees and Scribes of these days, when they confirm their own inventions, and refer all things to the Apostles as their authors, and do wrest the word of God, yet do they cry nothing either oftener, or more importunately, than, The word of the Lord. But Christ hath not taught dissimulation and hypocrisy. He rather teacheth this, that Pastors may have in mind that they represent the person of Christ▪ that they being induced through the greatness and worthiness of the thing it self, may so reverently do their office, that all men may perceive, that it is a heavenly business which they have taken upon them▪ For the image of God himself must shine in him that is the minister of God. And if the Apostles had not so used themselves, they had never laid the foundations of Religion: there would never any have left their alters, ⟨image 19⟩their Sacrifices, their Fires, and their Gods themselves, to have been of the opinion of a few fishers. They counted all that they had as nothing, in comparison of Christ Jesus. When they were taunted, they taunted not again, when they were condemned to Prisons, and Fires, they never ceased to give thanks, they always greatly rejoiced. for that they were afflicted with all manner of punishments, for Christ his sake. There was in them such uprightness of heart, such modesty, such virtue, that whatsoever they said▪ others were ashamed to speak against it. Even so brethren our life ought to •yue, that as oft as we speak, we may seem to speak the words of GOD. For we are the salt of the earth, we are the light of the world, we are that City set upon the Hill, all mens eyes are fastened on us, whatsoever we do, straight way example is taken to do the like.

Now remaineth that whiche was put in the last part, namelye howe the scriptures are to be taught. For not only wisdome and fidelitie, but also wisedome and foresight is to be vsed. Therefore sayeth Peter, let him not speake onelye, but let him speake as the wordes of God. Nor yet is it sufficient to professe onlye, and outwardly to shew, that it is the worde of God which we teache, and with a faire ⟨image 18⟩face and earnest countenaunce sing. The worde of the Lord: For the Iewes and Turkes and false Prophets doe so, they al crie out that Christ is theirs, and they all restraine true religion (as belonging) vnto themselues. The Phariseis and Scribes of these dayes, when they confirme their owne inuentions, and referre all thinges to the Apostles as their authors, and doe wreste the worde of God, yet doe they crie nothing eyther oftener, or more importunately, than, The worde of the Lord. But Christ hath not taught dissimulation and hipocrisie. Hee rather teacheth this, that Pastoures maye haue in minde that they represente the person of Christ▪ yt they being induced through the greatnesse and worthinesse of ye thing it selfe, may so reuerently do their office, that all men may perceaue, that it is a heauenly businesse whiche they haue taken vpon them▪ For the image of God himselfe must shine in him that is the minister of God. And if the Apostles hadde not so vsed themselues, they had neuer laied the foundations of Religion: there would neuer any haue lefte their alters, ⟨image 19⟩their Sacrifices, their Fiers, and their Gods themselues, to haue bene of the opinion of a fewe fishers. They counted all that they hadde as nothing, in comparison of Christe Iesus. When they were taunted, they taunted not agayne, when they were condemned to Prisons, and Fyers, they neuer ceased to giue thankes, they alwayes greatly reioyced. for that they were afflicted with all maner of punishmentes, for Christe his sake. There was in them suche vprightenesse of heart, suche modestie, suche vertue, that whatsoeuer they sayde▪ others were ashamed to speake agaynst it. Euen so bretheren our life ought to •yue, that as oft as we speake, wee maye seeme to speake the wordes of GOD. For we are the salte of the earth, wee are the lighte of the worlde, wee are that Citie set vpon the Hill, all mens eyes are fastned on vs, whatsoeuer we do, straight waye example is taken to doe the like.

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It is a burden of great difficulty and weight that we have taken upon us. Which if we would all well weigh, the ⟨image 19⟩course of the Gospel would not be so hindered, the word of God would not be so much neglected. For when as we profess God with our mouth, but deny him with our deeds, we fray away the unlearned multitude by our example from religion, and the thing that of all other is most divine, we defile, not with unpure hands, but with unpure manners. So for our sakes is godliness despised for our sake is the truth contemned, for our sake is the majesty of God impaired. These things, brethren, are diligently to be considered, and earnestly to be regarded of us. For if we live filthily and wickedly, and bring into the pulpit nothing but a rolling of the tongue and impudency, whatsoever we speak, we speak it not, either as it should, or else as the words of God. But to the end the word of the Lord may be handled according to the worthiness thereof, two things principally are by us to be taken heed of: the one that we be not weakened nor feebled by fear, the other, that out of the Gospel we reap no jot or piece of praise unto our selves. A preachers mind must be prepared and diligently fens•• ⟨image 20⟩against either of these. For the Gospel and the word of God, except it be stiffly and manfully upholden and maintained, neither will serve the gospel▪ nor the word of GOD. For error is fearful, base, and quaking, it feareth all things it dreadeth all things, it flieth sight, and light: but the truth, and the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, never abaseth it self, never flattereth any, dissembleth nothing▪ feigneth nothing, is unfearful, free, bold to show her face, and high. Wherefore as long as we speak the truth, let not the force or authority of any man make us afraid. Let us call to mind that we are the messengers and Ambassadors of God, Let us call to mind that God hath given us power to speak. For what courage doth not Christ make us, when he promiseth that he will be the revenger of the injury done unto us? he, saith he, that despiseth you, despiseth me, he which hurteth you, hurteth the sight of mine eye, wherefore let us speak, not dissemblingly, not darkly, as did the Pharisees, but freely and plainly as having authority, as meet it is that the ⟨image 20⟩Words of God should be uttered.

It is a burden of greate difficultye and weighte that wee haue taken vppon vs. Which if we would all well weighe, the ⟨image 19⟩course of the Gospell would not be so hindered, the word of God would not bee so muche neglected. For when as we professe God with our mouth, but denie him with our deedes, we fraye awaye the vnlearned multitude by our example from religion, and the thing that of all other is moste diuine, we defile, not with vnpure handes, but with vnpure maners. So for our sakes is godlines despised for our sake is the truth contemned, for our sake is the maiestie of God empayred. These things, brethern, are diligently to be considered, and earnestly to be regarded of vs. For if we liue filthily and wickedly, and bringe into the pulpit nothing but a rolling of the tongue and impudencie, whatsoeuer we speake, we speake it not, either as it shold, or else as the wordes of God. But to the ende the worde of the Lorde may be handled according to the worthinesse thereof, two thinges principallye are by vs to bee taken heed of: the one yt we be not weakened nor feebled by feare, ye other, that out of the Gospel we reape no iote or peece of praise vnto our selues. A preachers minde muste be prepared and diligentlye fens•• ⟨image 20⟩against eyther of these. For the Gospell and the word of God, except it be stiflye and manfully vpholden and mainteyned, neither wil serue the gospel▪ nor the word of GOD. For error is fearefull, base, and quaking, it feareth all thinges it dreadeth all thinges, it flyeth sight, and light: but the truth, and the truth of the Gospel of Iesus Christe, neuer abaseth it selfe, neuer flattereth any, dissembleth nothing▪ fayneth nothing, is vnfearefull, free, bolde to shewe her face, and high. Wherfore as long as we speak the truth, let not the force or authoritie of any man make vs afrayde. Let vs call to mynde that wee are the messengers and Embassadors of God, Let vs call to mynde that God hath giuen vs power to speake. For what courage doth not Christ make vs, when he promiseth that he will be the reuenger of the iniurie done vnto vs? he, saith he, that despiseth you, despiseth me, he whiche hurteth you, hurteth the sight of myne eye, wherfore let vs speake, not dissemblingly, not darkely, as did the Phariseis, but freelye and playnlye as hauing authoritie, as meete it is that the ⟨image 20⟩Wordes of God should be vttered.

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The next thing is that a preacher have not to great a conceit of him self, but that he think that that function and office happened unto him from above from God, that he should discharge his duty diligently and with very great fear, and that he should think that he is occupied not in his own business but in Gods business. So Paul saith he is nothing: John crieth that he is unworthy to pull of the shoes of Messiah: And therefore to abate arrogancy, they are in the holy scriptures ⟨image 21⟩called not Princes, not Magistrates, not Rulers, not Kings, but stewards, bailiffs, preachers or criers, ministers, servants, to the end that for as much as we do this gear in the behalf of another, we should not grow proud for another bodies praise. For the Lord hath not therefore committed his talent unto us, that we should convert it to our own commodity. For he would not have us preachers and criers of our own wit and skill, but of his will, nether do we for any other cause carry about this treasure in Earthen vessels, than for that it should be the brightness and clear light of the power of God.

The nexte thinge is that a preacher haue not to greate a conceite of him selfe, but that he think that that function and office hapened vnto him from aboue from God, that he shoulde discharge his duetie diligently and with verye great feare, and that he shoulde thinke that he is occupied not in his owne businesse but in Gods businesse. So Paule sayth hee is nothing: Iohn crieth that he is vnworthy to pull of the shoes of Messias: And therefore to abate arogancie, they are in the holy scriptures ⟨image 21⟩called not Princes, not Magistrates, not Rulers, not Kinges, but stewardes, bailiffes, preachers or cryers, ministers, seruauntes, to the end that foras muche as we doe this geare in the behalfe of another, we shold not grow proud for another bodyes praise. For the Lord hath not therefore committed his talent vnto vs, that we shoulde conuert it to our owne commoditie. For he would not haue vs preachers and criers of our owne wit and skill, but of his will, neather doe we for any other cause cary aboute this treasure in Earthen vessels, than for that it should be the brightnesse and cleare light of the power of God.

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I will not stay you with any more words. Ye have heard that a Preacher must speak both oft, and out of the word of God, and also gravely and modestly. We brethren, either are Preachers or will be Preachers: let us bear in mind that these things belong to us, and that saint Peter saith to us, He that speaketh let him speak as the words of GOD. There is need not only of our diligence but also of prudence and fidelity. Wherefore ⟨image 21⟩whatsoever we are able by nature, whatsoever by counsel, whatsoever by wit and cunning, let us bestow it all to serve the Church of God. We are the stewards of the house of God: let us not dissipate and scatter the household of God. If we be the Apostles of God, let us show Apostolic minds. If we be the brethren of Christ, let us hear Christ, let us feed his Lambs, let us feed his sheep, let us go, let us preach, let us teach. The universal world seemeth a good while since to travail of Christ, let us cast about our eyes brethren. How great is the Harvest every where, how few be the Reapers? And this I speak unto them of whom there is some good hope. If there be any that laugh at these things, or mock them, why should I hope that they will hear me, who will not hear Christ himself. Let the calamity of our brethren move us, let the curse of God move us [namely] Cursed is he that doth the work of the Lord negligently. let that most grievous threatening move us (namely) Their blood will I require at thy hand. Let us prepare our selves to ⟨image 22⟩that most sweet voice & speech of Christ (namely) Well done servant, Go in. Let us speak in season and out of season, let us speak the word of the Lord, let us speak as the words of the Lord, that Gods praise may be set forth in all things by Jesus Christ, unto whom be glory and empery for ever and ever. Amen.

I will not staye you with any more wordes. Yee haue heard that a Preacher must speake both oft, and out of the worde of God, and also grauelye and modestlye. We bretheren, eyther are Preachers or will be Preachers: let vs beare in minde that these thinges belong to vs, and that saynt Peter saith to vs, He that speaketh let him speake as the wordes of GOD. There is neede not only of our diligence but also of prudencie and fidelitie. Wherfore ⟨image 21⟩whatsoeuer wee are able by nature, whatsoeuer by counsayle, whatsoeuer by wit and cunning, lette vs bestow it all to serue the Church of God. We are ye stewardes of the house of God: let vs not dissipate and scatter the housholde of God. If we be the Apostles of God, let vs shew Apostolike mindes. If we be the brethren of Christ, let vs heare Christ, let vs feede his Lambes, let vs feede his sheepe, let vs go, let vs preache, let vs teache. The vniuersall worlde seemeth a good while since to trauayle of Christ, lette vs cast about our eyes bretheren. How greate is the Haruest euery where, how few be the Reapers? And this I speake vnto them of whome there is some good hope. If there be any that laugh at these thinges, or mocke them, why shoulde I hope that they will heare me, who will not heare Christ himselfe. Let the calamitie of our bretheren mooue vs, let the curse of God mooue vs [namelye] Cursed is hee that doth the worke of the Lord negligentlye. let that most greeuous threatning moue vs (namely) Their blood will I require at thy hand. Let vs prepare our selues to ⟨image 22⟩that most sweete voice & speeche of Christ (namely) Well done seruaunt, Goe in. Let vs speake in season and out of season, let vs speake the word of the Lord, let vs speake as the wordes of the Lorde, that Gods prayse may be set forth in al things by Iesus Christ, vnto whome bee glorye and imperie for euer and euer. Amen.

A learned and Godly Sermon, made in the Latin tongue, in S. Mary's in Oxenford, upon the Sunday after the Ascension, in the reign of King Edward the sixth, by the famous and excellent Clerk Master Ivel, late Bishop of Salisbury, and done into English by R. Ʋ.

A learned and Godly Sermon, made in the Latine tongue, in S. Maries in Oxenford, vpon the Sonday after the Ascention, in the raigne of King Edward the sixt, by the famous and excellent Clearke Maister Iuel, late Bishop of Sarisburie, and done into English by R. Ʋ.

Reformers309

Puritans1,782

Westminster Assembly24

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A learned and Godly Sermon, made in the Latin tongue, in S. Mary's in Oxenford, upon the Sunday after the Ascension, in the reign of King Edward the sixth, by the famous and excellent Clerk Master Ivel, late Bishop of Salisbury, and done into English by R. Ʋ.

A learned and Godly Sermon, made in the Latine tongue, in S. Maries in Oxenford, vpon the Sonday after the Ascention, in the raigne of King Edward the sixt, by the famous and excellent Clearke Maister Iuel, late Bishop of Sarisburie, and done into English by R. Ʋ.