AN AMULET, OR PRESERVATIVE AGAINST SICKNESS AND DEATH: IN TWO PARTS, The first containing Spiritual Direction for the Sick, at all times needful; but especially in the conflict of sickness, and agony of death. The second, a Method or order of comforting the Sick. Whereunto is annexed, a most pithy and comfortable Sermon of Mortality, written by the blessed Martyr S. CYPRIAN Bishop of Carthage, translated into English by A.M. Together with sundry Prayers needful in time of sickness. Collected and set forth for the comfort of distressed souls, most especially in time of sickness & mortality. By A. M. Minister of the word of God in Henly upon Thames. LONDON, Printed by R. F. for THOMAS MAN and jonas Man, dwelling in Paternoster Row at the sign of the Talbot. 1617. ❧ To the right Worshipful and virtuous Lady, the Lady Elizabeth Periam of Greenlands, A. M. Wisheth a long & happy life, with health and prosperity here on earth, and everlasting glory in the highest heavens. GOOD MADAM, I Do unfeignedly acknowledge and confess that in my private judgement I have always distasted the too much forwardness of this age in publishing unnecessary books, and pamphlets. So far have I been from once intending myself to offend in that kind. First, in consideration of mine own weakness and insufficiency best known unto myself; Next, in regard of that great light of learning & knowledge which shineth most brightly every where at this day: And lastly, in respect of the great perverseness & curiosity that reigneth in the minds of sundry men, whom nothing pleaseth and contenteth, but that which they themselves do, or (at the least wise) affect. Howbeit notwithstanding, after that I had (for mine own private use) collected and gathered these spiritual directions and consolations; and also perceived how that the same might be of some good use to others, not only in time of sickness, but also in all other afflictions and distresses, whether of mind or body: I esteemed it a part of that great duty which I own unto the Church of God, to communicate & impart these my poor endeavours unto such, and for the benefit & comfort of all such, as shall stand in need thereof, in times of sickness and mortality, in the conflict of death, and other sharp and bitter days of trial and temptation; whensoever their sins shall stand up against them, to urge and accuse them, or the ugly appearance of death shall affright them, or the fear and horror of hell and damnation shall seem to dismay them. Against all which fearful & dangerous assaults of death, of sin, & of Satan, here in this small Treatise are provided & selected (out of the rich armory of the sacred Scriptures) several and peculiar weapons, and armour of proof, both defensive, & offensive, both for the withstanding and resisting, and also for the repelling and quenching of all the fiery darts of the wicked. Now I have been bold to dedicate and offer the same unto your Ladyship, being moved thereunto, partly by the sundry favours received from your Ladyship by myself in particular, and partly by those gracious works of piety and charity wrought, and the great and manifold benefits from time to time conferred by your Ladyship, in and upon the whole Town or Parish in general, over which God hath placed me, (though his most unworthy servant & minister:) accept (I beseech you) this small present (being as the poor widows mite) which here I presume to offer unto your Ladyship, as a pledge and testimony of my unfeigned thankfulness. Almighty God, (who is rich in mercy) grant that as you have extended the bowels of compassion and mercy always for the relieving and comforting of many his poor children: so also you may find abundant mercy in the last day, & may be filled with joy and comfort at the glorious appearing of his Son Christ jesus. Amen. Your Ladyships in all humble manner to be commanded, A. M. A preface to the Christian Reader. THe sicknesses and diseases which vex and annoy these our mortal bodies, together with the remembrance of death ensuing thereupon, how greatly do they cause both our bodies and minds to quake and tremble? Insomuch, that many times we shake, and are afraid at the only mention thereof. Verily, the nature of man being such as had rather not be at all, then to be ill apaid, or to be in misery, cannot whensoever these things befall, but be much vexed and perplexed, yea and sometimes ready to faint: And yet behold the sickness and death of the soul far more dreadful, and more horrible; then which can befall unto a man, no greater misery and torment. There is no man, but he doth fear and abhor, yea and by all means fly from corporal punishments and afflictions, and from corporal sicknesses and deaths; how much more than should we labour to eschew and avoid the causes of all these evils, which are our sins? and how ought we to fear the wrath and displeasure of almighty God, which we daily provoke against ourselves by so manifold sins and offences? If the body be never so little crazed, we run straightway to the Physician; we spare no cost nor charge, preferring our life and health before all things else: yea we are content to disburse we care not what, that we may procure remedies and preservatives for the same; and all to patch up this tattered garment of our flesh, this rotten carcase and clod of clay, which notwithstanding must needs very shortly decay and perish, and be brought to corruption. Why then do we not with like earnestness and carefulness seek for remedies against the sicknesses of the soul, being far more deadly and dangerous? For, what should it profit a man to live a whole thousand years, and during that time to possess all the riches in the world, and to enjoy the most exquisite pleasures of this life without being troubled with any sickness or grief, or other calamity? and in the mean time to have his soul tainted, and infected with the leprosy of sin, and in bondage to the tyranny of Satan? and thereupon to have God always his utter enemy, and his wrath and indignation raging against him, and lying heavily upon him? so as he knew, and were assured after this life to suffer and undergo the judgement of eternal death, and condemnation both of body and soul? Hereof our Saviour Christ admonisheth us, Math. 16.26, saying, What shall it profit a man to win the whole world, and to lose his own soul? And therefore in another place, he warneth us to watch (to wit, over our souls) watch, for ye know neither the day, nor the hour, when the Son of man will come. And lest we should without regard pass over far better things, and things far more profitable, and should pursue after toys and trifles, things base and contemptible; therefore he showeth us the shortest and surest way, whereby to come unto true happiness, which willeth us, Math. 6.33 First to seek the kingdom of God and the righteousness thereof: and then all other things shall be added unto us. We are tormented, and wearied night and day with care, how to live here, and how to settle and make sure our worldly estate, our riches & worldly possessions, and other vain and transitory things, which little avail us; yea rather which are sometimes causes of great misery unto us, and of foul and horrible sins, which drown men in perdition and destruction. But in seeking and providing ourselves of the heavenly riches, how secure and negligent? how sluggish and slothful? how foolish and how lumpish and blockish are we? and what more strange or more horrible blindness and madness than this, can there reign amongst men? So long as we are in health we have scarce the least thought in our hearts at any time, of the life to come, or of our death and departure hence. But as soon as we are cast down with any sickness (death now knocking as it were at our doors,) when as we should stand in the battle to fight, then at length we bethink ourselves of taking up arms, and of providing us weapons to fight withal against the devil and his suggestions; then we begin to think of repentance, and amendment of our lives, and not before: which is a plain proof that our faith is very weak and slender, and that we are little exercised in the Christian warfare. The Lord herein be merciful unto us: Amen. Howbeit there is no age unfit, nor any season unseasonable, or overlate to repent. Repentance is never too late, so that it be true, and unfeigned, and that it be done and performed truly and unfeignedly. But I advise and counsel, yea and earnestly exhort and admonish all men, to take heed, that they put not off their repentance to that last and most sharp and dangerous conflict of sickness and death. For if even they (who being strong, & in health) have all their life time fortified and armed themselves against this hour of their departure, yet have much ado then to defend themselves from the assaults & temptations which will offer themselves at that time: what then will become of such, as (being void of all fear of God, and having hearts that cannot repent) have led and still lead a dissolute and wicked life? how shall they be able to encounter and to resist? Now then, forasmuch as (the harvest being great) the labourers be but few, & that (infinite multitudes of simple and ignorant people abounding in all places) there are not Ministers of God's word every where at hand to instruct and comfort such as stand in need: and those that are, cannot apply themselves to all, nor minister their help and comfort at all times: I have thought good (Christian Reader) for the comfort and instruction of such as want the present help and assistance of godly Pastors and Ministers (especially in time of sickness,) to offer unto thy gentle acceptance this order and manner of comforting the sick, gathered out of the sacred word of God; most especially for their sakes, which are ignorant, & which are not armed, nor provided against such occasions, neither furnished with sentences of holy Scripture; that in reading or hearing these things read unto them, they may receive true and steadfast hope and comfort: that in the sharp and bitter conflict of sickness, and agony of death, they neither faint nor perish. The Contents of the first part. A Preface to the Christian Reader. CHAP. I. WHy sicknesses are sent of God. pag. 1 CHAP. II. The necessity of faith in time of sickness, & the means whereby to strengthen the same. 12 CHAP. III. Of three things, which in time of sickness, and in the agony of death, do much hinder and trouble men, to wit, the remembrance of their sins, the fear of death, and the horror of hell and eternal damnation. 24 CHAP. FOUR A remedy against the fear and remembrance of our sins. 28 CHAP. V Testimonies of Scripture concerning the forgiveness of all our sins. 39 CHAP. VI Reconciliation & restitution in time of sickness, (if not performed before.) 65 CHAP. VII. The lawful use of Physic in time of sickness. 70 CHAP. VIII. A remedy against the fear of death. 74 CHAP. IX. Testimonies of Scripture concerning the Resurrection of the dead. 82 CHAP. X. A Remedy against the fear & horror of hell and damnation 105 CHAP. XI. How Christ his temptations & sufferings were all for our sakes. 114 CHAP. XII. Of Christ his threefold temptations. 117 CHAP. XIII. A short Admonition concerning the ordaining of Wills and Testaments. 144 CHAP. XIIII. How to mitigate grief conceited for the loss of friends. 149 CHAP. XV An Exhortation unto all professors of the name of Christ. 157 The contents of the second part. CHAP. I HOw to comfort all such as lie upon the bed of sickness. 167 CHAP. II. How to comfort such as are in apparent danger at death. 199 A Sermon or Mortality. 224 CHAP. III. How to comfort and call upon the sick party, being ready to give up the Ghost. 311 The first part. Spiritual Direction for the Sick, very needful at all times: but especially in the conflict of sickness, and agony of death. CHAP. I. Why Sicknesses are sent of God? AS death is the wages and punishment of sin, 1 For sin. so are sicknesses also sent oftentimes unto us of God for our sins (as it is clear and manifest in holy Scripture. joh. 5. Christ saith unto the man that had been sick eight & thirty years: Behold thou art made whole, joh. 5.14. sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee: Implying plainly, that sin was the cause of his sickness. Likewise Psalm 38. David professeth of himself, Psal. 38. There is nothing sound in my flesh, because of thine anger, neither is there any rest in my bones, by reason of my sin: for mine iniquities are gone over my head, and are like a sore burden, too heavy for me to bear. The same he confesseth and acknowledgeth, 2 Sam. 24.17. 2. Sam. 24. when he saw the Angel, that smote the people with the pestilence; Behold I have sinned and done wickedly, let thy hand be against me, etc. And Deuteronomie, 28. God threateneth by Moses, that if his people will not obey his voice, (among other plagues) he will consume them, & destroy them by strange sickness and diseases; Deut. 28.21.22.27. he will make the pestilence cleave unto them; he will smite them with a consumption, verse 22 and with the fever, and with a burning ague, and with a fervent heat: and at the 27 verse, verse 27 he will smite them with the botch of Egypt, and with the emeroids, and with the scabs, and with such an itch as cannot be healed. And as sicknesses and other crosses and afflictions are sent unto us of God (for the most part) for our sins: So many times the same are sent unto us for the proof and trial of our faith, 2 For trial of our faith. (as we behold in job:) for then it is seen how much we love God; & how much we trust him and put confidence in him when we are oppressed, and vexed with some grievous cross and affliction. Her● then before all things se● that thou turn unto Go● with all thy whole heart, & mind, and understanding and with all the powers o● thy soul, unfeignedly repenting of thy evil ways and bewailing & confessing before God thy manifold sins and offences, for whic● thou hast justly deserve the wrath of God, together with all his plagues, and punishments to be powered out, and to be inflicted upon thee. Then shalt thou reap and receive plentiful comfort and consolation, even a perfect discharge, absolution, and remission of thy sins, from the promises of the Gospel; which as an infinite treasury, every day standeth open, and is offered unto thee, and that by Christ his own appointment, and ordinance given unto his Church, joh. 20.22. Receive ye the holy Ghost: joh. 20.22. whosoever's sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose sins soever ye retain, they are retained Now when thou hast thus prayed for, & obtained pardon for thy sins, doubtless the punishment (whether it be of sickness, or any other affliction, that lieth heavy upon thee) shall either cease, and leave thee altogether: or else shall (by God's good will and pleasure) turn to thy everlasting welfare and salvation. For this assuredly persuade thyself, and nothing doubt of it, that the punishment which thou sufferest (how heavy a yoke and burden soever it seemeth to the flesh) is in deed a fatherly rod, whereby God recalleth thee home unto himself, (being his child) and withdraweth thee from sinning securely. God with a tender affection loveth us, he willeth and wisheth well unto us: & he doth all that be doth to this end, that he might reform us, & make us better; Hebr. 12.6 for whom he loveth, him he correcteth and chasteneth: and he punisheth him here, that after this life he may not be condemned with the world, 1 Cor. 11.32. nor tormented and punished everlastingly in hell. And do not thou fear, nor doubt, but assuredly persuade thyself, that God thy heavenly father entirely loveth thee, and ten le●●th thee, howsoever he rec●●ueth for the time to be displeased with thee This his w●●●● and displeasure is not the wrath and rage of a tyrant or tormenter, but of a father that dearly loveth us who would not that we perish; but that we should repent and amend, & so be saved. This is so sure, that there is nothing more certain, if so be that we (who are of so little faith) could believe it. First of all therefore desire, & ask pardon, and forgiveness of all thy sins; but see it be done through Christ, and that it be done with a true repentant heart, that so thou mayest be at agreement with God; and being reconciled unto him, thou mayest have him friendly and favourable unto thee. Then afterwards thou mayest also desire, and pray to be delivered from the present affliction that molesteth & grieveth thee. This advice the son of Sirach giveth, Chap. 38. My son, Eccl. 38.9. fail not in thy sickness: but pray unto the Lord, and he will make thee whole. Esay 38.25 and 2. Kin. 20. Thus Ezekiah turned his face unto the wall, and prayed in his sickness: and his prayer was heard, and he recovered. Esa. 38.25. and 2. Reg. 20. And thus David prayeth in his great affliction, Psal. 39.8. etc. Psal. 39.8. etc. Deliver me from all my transgressions, and make me not a rebuke unto the foolish: and verse 10, and 13. Take thy plague away from me; and again, Stay thine anger from me, that I may recover my strength before I go hence, and be no more seen. Likewise, Psal. 79. Psal. 79.8. Remember not against us our former iniquities, b● make haste, let thy tender mercies prevent us: help us (〈◊〉 God of our salvation) and f●● the glory of thy name deliver us, etc. In the which place● and the like, David fir●● prayeth for remission of h● sins, that by God's fr●● grace he may be justified and then he entreateth Go● to stay his anger, to turn away his plagues, and punishments from him, an● to deliver him. And 〈◊〉 mayest thou pray for easement and deliverance fro● thy sickness, or trouble but thou must always add this condition; If it be t● will of God, & seem go● unto him: following here the footsteps of Christ himself, and saying: Father (if it be possible) let this cup pass from me: notwithstanding, not my will, but thy most holy and blessed will be done. For indeed we cannot better provide for ourselves, than our most faithful and loving Father doth provide; who is of infinite power, wisdom and goodness; who never turneth away his eyes from us, but still hath a diligent care of us; 1 Pet. 5. Mat. 10.30 who hath numbered the very hairs of our head, that they perish not; who giveth life unto all things, and who nourisheth and preserveth, provideth and careth for all things, much better than the creatures themselves can wish or desire. CHAP. II. The necessity of Faith in tim● of Sickness, and the meane● whereby to strengthen the same. WHile a man lieth upon his bed o● sickness (being in dange● of death) he is commonly assaulted and set upon with many sore and grievous temptations: as first of all, i● is a very sharp and sore temptation and trial, when as (having the horrible image of death before ou● eyes) we think with ourselves, how that very shortly we must needs relinquish and leave the most delightful and comfortable light of this world, together with all our friends, our kinsfolk, and acquaintance, and all other things, which here are most deligntsome and pleasant, and most dear unto us. By & by after, our deadly and manifold sins committed against the divine will and commandments of God, these will be ready to present themselves unto us; and rushing in upon us with great violence, will become new and fresh again unto us: wonderfully disquieting and troubling the conscience, and appearing far more in number, and more heinous & grievous, then ever they did before. Then behold, the horror and fear of death, and the terror of God's judgements, of hell and damnation, will (as it were all at once) be ready to vex & torment us, and to set upon us with most sharp & bitter assaults of grief and sorrow, causing our very hearts within us to quake and tremble. Now (amidst these agonies and conflicts) unless our hearts be fortified, and established with a constant and steadfast faith, we shall be in great danger of falling into despair, being wearied with the multitude, and greatness of the temptations. For those things which offer and present themselves unto us in time of sickness, appear much more terrible, and more heinous, and grievous, then ever before, and that for no other cause then this, for that our faith is small, and very weak and wavering, not able to rest and rely upon the word of God; and therein to apprehend and lay hold upon that infinite & inestimable treasure and riches belonging to God's dear children, (to wit, the forgiveness of all their sins through Christ, the resurrection of their bodies at the last day, that most wished for, and most sweet and joyful communion with the Saints in glory, & comfortable society and fellowship of the elect of God, Means of strengthening our faith. and life everlasting) and all these freely given, and bestowed upon them in Christ, and through Christ. Wherefore in these and other articles of our Christian faith, Continual meditation on the articles of our faith, in time of sickness very needful. it behoveth us daily and continually to exercise ourselves; and diligently to meditate thereupon. But especially in time of sickness, and agony of death, we are seriously and earnestly to meditate in our minds, and to inculcate, & repeat often those four last articles of our Creed: Namely, concerning the communion of Saints, in which number we believe, and trust steadfastly that we ourselves are, and shall be reckoned: concerning the Remission of all our sins through the blood of Christ jesus: concerning the resurrection of our bodies at the last day, and life everlasting. Now unto the serious meditation of these articles of our faith, there must be adjoined 3 other things: First of all, fervent and continual prayer for the increase, Prayer. and strengthening of our faith: praying with the Apostles of our Saviour. Luk. 17.5. Luk. 17.5. O Lord increase our faith: and with the father of the child, that had the dumb spirit, Mar. 9.24. Mark 9.24. Lord I believe, help my unbelief. Unto prayer join careful study, and diligence in reading, and hearing of the word of God. Reading & hearing the word of God. Rom 10.17. Esa. 57.19 For faith is both wrought and also increased by hearing of the word, Rom. 10. whereupon it is called the fruit of the lips, that is, of the words of God, Esa. 57.19. And Acts the 10.44, it is said, that while Peter spoke those words, Act. 10.44. the holy Ghost fell upon all them that heard the word. Yea hereupon it is called the arm of the Lord, Esa. 53.1. Esa. 53.1, and the power of God unto salvation. Rom. 1.16. Rom. 1.16. See therefore that the word of God dwell plenteously in thee; Col. 3.16. which alone is able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith in Christ jesus. 2 Tim. 3.15. 2. Tim. 3.15. And let thy heart and mind be evermore possessed with the meditation and consideration of those three main pillars and grounds of thy faith whereof thou hast assurance in the same word; namely: First, the infiniteness of Christ his merits, which thou shalt oppose unto the infiniteness and greatness of thy sins. Next, the omnipotency of God's power, and his natural inclination unto mercy, and to pardon and forgive sins and sinners. Eze. 18.32. And lastly, the universality, and generality of his gracious promises made unto all: in which number thou art to reckon thyself. Unto the careful and diligent study and meditation in the word of God and prayer, Oft receiving the Sacrament. add this also, to frequent and to have often access unto the holy Sacrament of the body and blood o● Christ; (while yet thou ar● in sound & perfect health:) But beware, that thou come unto it rightly instructed & prepared; and that thou presume not to handle the same with defiled hands, nor to receive it with an unpure and unsanctified heart. And indeed it is an horrible and fearful thing, and much to be lamented, that for so many years this holy Sacrament of the body and blood of Christ hath been so unworthily received, The unreverent handling of the Sacrament dangerous. and so unreverently handled; and of many contemned, and lightly regarded. Wherein how grievously & dangerously men offend, even the judgements and punishments which the Lord sendeth every day among us, do more then sufficiently witness & testify, (as S. Paul hath foretold should come to pass, 1 Cor. 11.30. 1 Cor. 11.30. ) For even for this cause many are weak and sick, and many sleep, and are dead. It is verily an exceeding great and a sure sign, and token of singular and incomprehensible love toward us, The benefit offered in the Sacrament. that in this Sacrament of his Supper, Christ will have it plainly confirmed unto us, that he hath given and bestowed himself wholly upon us; knitting and joining us unto himself, as members to the head; to the end we may know and be assured that we are regarded and loved, defended and saved by him. Thus ought all godly minds to esteem and make account, that Christ is effectual, and powerful in them. And it were to be wished, that we would at length consider deeply of the greatness and worthiness of so excellent a gift, that so we might be thankful, and might stir up our wavering and languishing faith; remembering how heinous and horrible a sin unthankfulness is in this kind; and how fearful punishments must needs follow the profanation of so holy a mystery. Neither indeed are we to imagine, that the grievous threatenings used by S. Paul are in vain; for God is true, yea truth itself; and certainly, we are to think that the greatest part of those plagues & judgements, (both public, and private) which befall in these last times, is to be imputed unto the profanation of this most holy mystery. It behoveth us then with godly care and zeal, to have often access unto that holy Sacrament; wherein our souls being refreshed, and comforted with that heavenly food, our faith and our repentance, our hope and our confidence may be more & more strengthened and increased CHAP. III. Of three things which in the agony of death do most grievously torment, terrify, and trouble our minds: The remembrance of our sins, the fear of death, and the horror of hell, (together with the several remedies thereof.) FIrst, the sins which in our whole life time we have wickedly and wretchedly committed, sin. and whereby we have most grievously offended, both against God, and against our neighbours, these when on the bed of sickness they come unto our remembrance, must needs greatly terrify us, and much vex & torment us, remembering that saying of S. Paul Rom. 2.9. Rom. 2.9. That indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish shall be upon the soul of every man that doth evil. Again, inasmuch as this old Adam and flesh of ours is most unwiliing to die, Death. thereof it is, that when death approacheth, men's hearts begin to quake and tremble, and are ready to fail them, through exceeding great sorrow and grief. For this our fearful nature (or natural man) is miserably afraid, lest being once dead & buried in the earth it shall never return, no● come again to the form state: but thinketh now tha● it is passed all help, and hop● of recovery. Hell and damnation. These things being thu● offered unto our sight, the at length a man gins t● fear, lest haply he be qui● cast out from the face & favour of God, beholding nothing else but eternal dead and condemnation. He● therefore men have need 〈◊〉 be courageous, & of a constant heart and mind; th●● they faint not, nor give a● place unto despair. Pra● we therefore in this manne● A prayer. O most gracious God, ● most merciful Father, gra●● (we beseech thee) that by thy grace, and help, while we are yet in health and prosperity, we may learn to fear thee, to love thy holy word, to believe and embrace thy sweet and comfortable promises; to set thee before us, as the scope & end of all our actions: and that remembering always this sharp conflict and encounter, which we are to undergo; we may fortify and arm ourselves against this day of trial; and so be saved, preserved, and defended: that serving and fearing thee, we may direct all our doings to thy glory; and at the length obtain and enjoy eternal life, which thine own Son hath purchased for us, Amen. CHAP. FOUR A Remedy against the fear and remembrance of our sins. Whensoever thy sins shall torment and trouble thee, or terrify thy conscience; consider how that the Son of God himself for thy sake, and for the purging and taking away of thy sins, came down from heaven, and humbled himself to the lowest estate that may be; & that he being made man, took upon him thy sins, and the sins of the whole world; and of his own voluntaries will died for them upon the cross, and made full satisfaction for them all, by suffering most grievous punishments in thy name, and for thy sake. This most precious blood of Christ was shed, even for thee and for thy salvation. Of this his death art thou also made partaker, if only thou shalt believe, that he died as well for thee, as for Peter and Paul, and others. Neither oughtest thou any whit to doubt, but that he died as well for thee, as for Paul: for in that thou art a sinner, even in this respect thou mayest and oughtest to be comforted. Math. 9.13. For Christ came not to call the righteous, but to call sinners to repentance. Mat. 9.13. and 1 of Tim. 1.15. 1 Tim. 1.15. It is a true saying (saith Saint Paul) and by all means worthy to be received, That jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners. Yea admit thou were one of the greatest sinners in the world, yet doubt nothing; for such a one was Paul (as he witnesseth of himself in the same place) even the greatest, and chiefest among sinners, an oppressor, a persecutor, and blasphemer. Moreover, this may and aught to comfort thee, and to confirm and settle thy mind, Rom. 6.3. that thou art baptised into the death of Christ. For seeing thou art baptised into the death of Christ▪ Christ his death shall save and help thee; by Christ his death, thou shalt die unto thy sins; by Christ hi● death thou shalt receive undoubted remission and forgiveness of all thy sins: finally, by Christ his death thou shalt rise again vn●o a new life here, and to a life eternal, and everlasting in the world to come. Th● remission of our sins confirmed in Baptism and in the Lord's Supper. For Baptism is a sure token and pledge, and a certain covenant (as it were) of God's mercy and favour, in which thou art reconciled unto God: So that by means of it, thou mayest evermore have a quiet and cheerful conscience, by reason of the forgiveness and pardoning of all thy sins through the death and resurrection of jesus Christ. Verily it is unto thee also, that Christ speaketh in the institution of his holy Supper; wherein he professeth and witnesseth, that his blood was shed for the remission of sins. Now therefore, howsoever the life which thou hast led, hath not been altogether faultless & blameless, no● in all respects pure and free from sin, yet despair not but without delay, fly for refuge & succour unto that blood of his, which was thus shed for thy sins: and without ceasing call upon his Name, and thou shalt be saved, (according to his promise, Rom. 10.13. Rom. 10.13.) Cri●● out unto him therefore and call upon him in these o● the like words: A Prayer. O most merciful God and father of al● mercies, father of our Lord jesus Christ) be favourable and merciful unto me a sinner. Take pity and compassion upon me miserable wretch; and speedily help me, even for that most bitter, but yet most precious death and passion of jesus Christ thy only Son our redeemer, and only Saviour, Amen: Amen. Enter not into judgement (O Lord) with thy servant. Deal not with me after my deserts, neither do unto me according to my sins and iniquities; but for thy infinite and endless goodness and mercy receive me unto thy grace. I miserable, wretched, weak and feeble creature am in thy hands, in thy power, and at thy disposing, to do with me, what it pleaseth thee. (● most mighty, and yet mos● meek, most gentle, & most gracious God, and merciful father) leave me not, neither reject and cast me off, as a wretch that is quite forlorn and forsaken. I am thine, whatsoever I am, and there is none can comfort me, none can help me, none can deliver me; but thou only. Thou art the true preservative and remedy against all evils and mischiefs, and against all infirmities and sicknesses both of body and soul. Thou art the surest, and most present help, refuge and succour, a strong hold, and a fortress and castle in all necessities. Psal. 46. Thou (o Lord) art our hope and strength in troubles, Psalm, 46. In thee (O my God) I put my trust, Psal. 71. & 31. let me not be confounded, nor ashamed, as being frustrate and disappointed of my hope; but deliver me in thy righteousness: Incline thine care unto me, and save me and make haste to deliver me; be thou unto me a strong rock, and house of defence, that thou mayest save me: For thou art my rock & my fortress, thou art my Lord and my God; Into thy hands I commend my spirit: for thou hast redeemed me (o Lord God of truth.) Let the light of thy countenance shine upon thy servant, & save me for thy mercy (O Lord my God.) Moreover, here thou must especially be admonished, to take heed, that the suffer not thyself, to much to be possessed wi●● the cogitation and remembrance of thy sins in particular. But rather if th● same shall at any time stan● up against thee, set befor● thine eye● the remembrance of that most inestimab● price of Christ his death & suffering; and fasten th● same into thy mind diligently (according to the advice and counsel of Sain● Augustine:) Inspice vulner● pendentis, sanguinem morie●tis, precium redimentis. Capa● habet inclinatum in cruce a● osculandum, brachia extens● ad amplexandum totum denque corpus expositum ad redimendum. Haec, quanta sint, cogitato: haec in statêra cordis appendito; ut totus tibi figatur in cord, qui totus pro te fixus est in cruse: (Behold and look steadfastly upon the wounds of him, that hanged on the cross for thee, upon the blood of him, that died for thee, upon the price of him that redeemed thee. He hath his head bowed down on the cross to kiss thee; his arms stretched out wide to embrace thee; and finally, his whole body exposed, and offered to redeem thee: Consider of how great price, and of how great weight and moment these things are; and weigh well, and ponder the same in the balance of thine own heart, that the same Christ may be wholly fixed and fastened in thy heart, who was wholly fixed and fastened upon the cross for thee. And assuredly persuade thyself, that not thou, but Christ is charged with the sins which have been committed by thee, and that they are all laid upon his shoulders: who having taken them upon himself, hath discharged us, and made full satisfaction and payment for us; so as he will never impute them unto us, not lay them to our charge: but will freely forgive them all, (as in our Creed we profess, and say, I believe the forgiveness of sins. CHAP. V. Here it will be very necessary and profitable for the comfort of the patiented, or sick party, to urge and repeat often some testimonies of the word of God; concerning the forgiveness of sins by, and through Christ (as these, and the like.) IOhn the 1.29. joh. 1.29. john the Baptist crieth out & maketh this proclamation, Ecce Agnus Dei, Behold the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sins of the world. Saint Peter likewise 1 Epist. Chap. 1.18 Know this, 1 Pet. 1.18. that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things (as silver and gold) from your vain conversation: but with the precious blood of Christ (as of a Lamb undefiled, and without spot.) Let these things (dear brother) sink deep into thy mind, to confirm and comfort thee. Thou hast no cause to doubt of the remission and forgiveness of thy sins, for in as much as thou hast professed the Name of Christ, and puttest confidence in his mercy, he will also take away thy sins. And if thou nothing doubt, but steadfastly believe this thou art already freed and discharged from all thy sins; and art already become the child of God, there is no cause for thee to waver or to fear. But yet hear and hearken unto further testimonies; and so hear them, that thou imprint them thoroughly in thy mind. john 3.16. joh. 3.16.18 God so loved the world (saith our Saviour) that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish but have everlasting life. And again: Whosoever believeth in him, shall not be condemned, etc. And again, Mat. 9.13. I am not come (saith he) to call the righteous, Mat. 9.13. but sinners to repentance, and Math. 11.28. and 11.28 Come unto me all ye that are weary, and laden, and I will ease you. Mark, how that he calleth all unto him; he refuseth none, he rejecteth and casteth off none. In this word (All) he concludeth thee. And therefore call thou, and cry unto him for mercy, and he will assuredly accept thee, and will refresh thee. Rom. 5.8. Rom. 5.8. God setteth on● herein his love toward us, t● that (while we were yet sinners) Christ died for us: much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. This joyful tidings full of singular comfort (dear brother) almighty God, thy most tender and loving father, will have to be preached and proclaimed unto thee, for thy comfort. For, even for thee it is, that Christ was sent, & for thee it was, that he died. Only believe, and commit thyself unto Christ thy redeemer and saviour. Likewise in the same Chap. to the Romans, verse 10. If when we were enemies, Rom. 5.10. we were reconciled unto God by the death of his Son, much more being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life: And 1. Cor. 1.30, Christ jesus is made unto us of God, 1 Cor. 1.30. wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification and redemption. Now then (dear brother) lift up thine heart and comfort thyself. Albeit, thou art never so great and grievous a sinner, no cause there is wherefore thou shouldst therefore be discouraged: but acknowledge and confess thyself before God, to be such a one; beg and crave for mercy in and through Christ; ask pardon and forgiveness, an● believe Christ to be th● only Saviour, & thy righteousness and salvation And he will evermore 〈◊〉 thine; and will hide and cover all thy sins; and utterly abolish them, so as tha● shalt not need to fear the● by any hurt or danger. Again, 2 Cor. 5.21. 2 Cor. 5.21. God hat● made him, who knew no sinn● to be sin for us; that 〈◊〉 might be made the righteousness of God in him. Like wise, Gal. 1.4. Galat. 1.4. Christ hat● given himself for our sins that he might deliver us from this present evil world, (according to the will of God, even our father.) And Ephes. 1.7. Ephe. 1.7. By Christ we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of our sins, according to his rich grace. And 1 Tim. 1.15. Christ jesus came into the world to save sinners, (saith Saint Paul) of whom I am chief. Now then (brother) have thou also good hope, and believe these words, as Saint Paul did; and then shalt thou assuredly be in the number of them that are justified and saved. 1 Tim. 2.6. S. Paul saith, That Christ jesus gave himself a ransom for all. 1 Tim. 2.6. Believe this then steadfastly, and without controversy thou art now one of them already that are ransomed and redeemed. Furthermore, Math. 26.26. Thou hearest Christ in 〈◊〉 last Supper, talking w● thee: and thou seest h●● nourishing & feeding th● with his body, and also offering and giving unto th● his blood to drink unto ●uerlasting life; Math. 26.26. when he sait● Take eat, this is my bod● which is given for you: do t● in remembrance of me. Like wise also after he had suppe● he took the cup and said: 1 Cor. 11.25 Th● cup is the blood of the 〈◊〉 Testament, which is shed ● you, and for many, for the remission of sins. Do this, often as ye shall drink it, remembrance of me. These words (dear br●ther) it behoveth thee 〈◊〉 fix fast in thy memory; 〈◊〉 to think them spoken to th● self. For when as he speaketh unto all, he speaketh unto thee also. And all the things which Christ did or suffered, shall be available unto thee, and shall turn to thy salvation, and to thy benefit, no less than they did to Peter, or Paul. 1 Pet. 2.24. it is said, That Christ his own self bore our sins in his body on the tree. 1 Pet. 2.24. and 3.18. And Chap. 3.18. Christ hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us unto God. And Saint john 1 Epistle 1.7 saith, 1 joh. 1.7. That the blood of jesus Christ the Son of God cleanseth us from all sin: and Chap, 2.1, If any man sin, and 2.1. we have an advocate with the Father, jesus Christ the just; and he is the reconciliation f●● our sins; and not for ou● only, but also for the sins 〈◊〉 the whole world. Thou hast heard he● (dear brother) the word not of man, but of the holy Ghost, which witness only, that God the father (who willeth not the death of a sinner, EZech. 18. but that he● should convert and live) even he, of his infinite lou● toward thee, hath ease● thee of the heavy burden of thy sins, and hath lai● them on the shoulders o● his best and only beloved Son. He hath borne them and suffered for them in hi● body, that they cannot a● any time condemn thee▪ For as much as God accepteth and reputeth the death of his Son in stead of plenary and perfect repentance, and of full payment and satisfaction for all thy sins: so that thou believe in his Son Christ jesus. Forasmuch then, as thy sins being laid upon Christ, could not hold him in death neither condemn him, verily, satisfaction is now already made for them; and to thee they are all now remitted, & pardoned. Believe these things, and thou shalt live eternally & for ever. Christ himself hath borne thy sins, and also died for them: But he is risen again, and the sins of all true believers, are by the death of Christ more than sufficiently purged and discharged; and the strict and severe justice and judgement of God, abundantly satisfied for thy sins by Christ jesus. Christ now then is thine, together with all his benefits, with his death, Rom. 8.32. resurrection, and ascension into heaven, with his merits, righteousness, & obedience, and finally wit● his life, and endless glory Satan therefore hath no right nor interest in thee nor power over thee, neither can he do unto thee any hurt or injury, sith thou art justified by Christ, seeing thou art freed and delivered from all thy sins, and seeing thou art the child o● God. For, behold God is thy father, and such a father, a● entirely loveth thee, for Christ his sake, who hath reconciled thee unto himself. Be of good comfort then, Phil. 4.4. and rejoice again & again in the Lord. For as much as thou art in the hands of almighty God thy most tender and loving father, who is also most true and faithful in his word & promises, thou art safe and out of all danger, so as no evil can befall thee, being under his custody, and environed about, and guarded with a troup of Angels, as he hath promised, Psal. 91.11. That he will give his angels charge over thee, Psal. 91.11 to keep thee in all thy ways. Christ also is thine, how mighty soever he be in power, how rich soever in goodness, and how great and high soever in majesty and glory. He it is that hath covered all thy sins with the cloak of his innocency and obedience, and taken them all quite away, Rom. 8.32. so that none shall be able to wrest or pluck thee out of the hands of thy heavenly Father. As soon as thou shalt have suffered and passed over this bodily affliction, and temporal cross, (which being compared unto everlasting life, is light and momentany,) thou hast then got the victory. Christ jesus hath gone before thee in suffering the like, yea and a far more sharp and bitter, Luke 22.44 and a far more terrible conflict. Now he is thy head, unto whom thou must of necessity be conformed & made like unto him, by dying unto thy sins, and by leaving and laying down this life so imbrued and defiled with sin: that so with thy Lord Christ, thou mayst live the blessed life, and that for ever. Let not thy sins then vex and trouble thee; there is no cause, why for them thy conscience should be disquieted; seeing that they are already taken away and abolished: the evil spirit (that seeketh the destruction of our souls) is for thee vanquished and overcome, cast down, and trodden under foot. God now in favour looketh upon thee, he taketh care of thee, to defend and keep thee: yea the society and fellowship of all the blessed Angels attend upon thee, they watch over thee, and pitch their tents about thee; ready to minister unto thee, & to carry thy soul into the bosom of Abraham: so that thou canst in no wise be condemned, no more than could thy head Christ jesus: so that with thy whole heart thou fix and repose thy confidence in him. If sin death and hell be not able to do any harm or displeasure unto thy Lord Christ, no more the● can they do unto thee; for as much as thou art i● Christ, and Christ in thee thou canst never be condemned: whereas indeed, if thou were to sustain and bear thine own sins, and to make satisfaction for them, thou shouldest never be able to sustain and undergo so great a burden; but thy sins would weigh and press thee down into hell, & utterly overwhelm and swallow thee up. But now Christ (being the self same true God and true man) he hath willingly offered himself for thee; and hath substituted himself in thy stead, making full payment of all for thee, (as he saith, Psal. 69.4. Psal. 69.4. That he made payment of the things which he never took. Thou hast indeed in thyself committed many sins: but Christ hath (in thy stead) discharged and made satisfaction for them all. He it is that hath set thee at liberty, & that hath made thee partaker with himself of eternal life; if only thou shal● believe, and give credence unto this word and Gospel. Yea assuredly (dear brother) though the sins of the whole world, did li● upon thy neck alone, ye● notwithstanding (behold there is infinite mercy with God, abundantly sufficient or rather more than sufficient for them all. Now God hath promised in Christ, his blessing of grace and mercy unto thee. And the same his promise is in thy Lord Christ ratified and assured, and fully accomplished and performed unto thee: so as thou canst not, but be saved, if only thou do but cast thine eyes upon Christ. There is then nothing more sure and certain, than thy salvation. For Christ being the natural Son of God, and in his divine essence truth itself, he is, in respect of human nature, our flesh and blood. Who then shall be, or can be more trusty, and more faithful to give and perform this promise of grace and mercy, than this Christ? who is himself the truth of the promise, & who loveth us so fervently, and earnestly, that he chose rather to suffer death voluntarily and willingly, the● that we should be frustrated of any promise. Wherefore if thou shalt believe in Christ, thou art now already made partaker of God mercy; thou art now already eased of the burden of thy sins; thou art now already the heir of God, and coheir with Christ for ever and ever. Mat. 24 35 For heaven and earth shall pass away; but the word of the Lord abideth for ever. Believe then (dear brother) and be of good hope, and of good comfort neither doubt, but that that great God, most gracious and most merciful, even the son of God Christ jesus, for thy sake, and for thy salvation, was made man: yea that for thee and for thy sake he was borne into this world: for thy sake died upon the cross; for thy sake rose again from death, and ascended into heaven, and performed all those things that are promised unto us. So that all the promises of God in and through Christ, are yea, 2 Cor. 1.20. and Amen, 2. Corinth. 1.20. Pray therefore unto God, and expect, and look for nothing else from God, but mere grace and mercy, & that through Christ, and for his sake: for as much as without Christ, there is no consolation, no salvation, no hope, no help. In Christ only and alone is all comfort, all manner of refreshing, all refuge and succour, and in a word, all the whol● means of our salvation In him is all grace, goodness, and mercy, infinitely greater, and far more abundant, than any man can wish or desire, or yet comprehend. The Lord vouchsafe to give unto us a constant and steadfast faith, to believe the same. Furthermore (dear brother) I warn and admonish thee, to be careful, that (with as much diligence, as thou canst) thou withdraw thy mind from the horrible & dreadful contemplation and view of thy sins, and of the fear of death: and bend all thy cogitation upon Christ alone. Fix the eyes of thy mind wholly upon him, cleave and stick fast unto him with thy whole heart: call upon him with full confidence and assurance, and commit thyself wholly unto him; for as much as in him thou shalt find nothing else, but absolute and perfect innocency and righteousness, life and salvation. All which being derived from Christ unto thee, are now become thine; if only thou wilt acknowledge Christ, and believe him to be thy Redeemer & Saviour, and the author and worker of thy salvation. I admonish thee therefore again and again, and I urge and repeat the same often (not without cause) that thou renew not in thy mind afresh the remembrance o● thy sins: neither vex and torment thyself by weighing and pondering too exactly the multitude and greatness of them: But rather (having thy sins removed far away) set before thine eyes only Christ crucified; let him be fixed fast in thy heart, let thy mind and cogitation be wholly upon him; flee unto him with full assurance and confidence; and with thy whole heart, stick fast unto him, without being separated from him at any time. By this means thou shalt prevail, and stand fast against the gates of hell, (though never so cruel and terrible.) Call unto thy mind, with how great humanity and kindness, with how great clemency and gentleness, & with how great meekness and mildness. Christ in the Gospel entreated and also received, and entertained all sinners that repent them of their sins, & that desired help, and craved pardon and forgiveness. There shalt thou find Mary Magdalen, out of whom went seven devils. Thou shall see there one of the thieves that were crucified with him. Thou shalt see the Publican, thou shalt see Zacheus and divers others; whom our Saviour Christ entertained with wonderful meekness and kindness; and afterward pronounced them to be freed and set at liberty fro● all their sins, (though never so heinous and grievous:) for Christ is grace ● mercy, consolation and comfort, joy and gladness itself, and a present refug● and succour, yea life and salvation itself, unto a●● that expect and hope fo● the same from him, and tha● set their affiance in him. Al● these things God hath promised for Christ his sake, who is truth itself, & cannot lie: and therefore will never deceive us, never disappoint us, never forsake us. CHAP. VI Reconciliation and restitution required in time of sickness: (if not performed before.) NOW further, Reconciliation in time of sickness required. while thou liest upon thy bed of sickness, it will perhaps come into thy mind, how thou hast wronged and injured thy neighbour, in his body or goods, or estimation and credit; or contrariwise, how he hath injured and wronged thee in all or some of these things. Here thou must do as Christ did upon the cross: thou must pray even for all thine enemies, and must from the bottom of thy heart pardon and forgive all wrongs and injuries. If thou by distraction and slander ha●● been wronged in thy goo● name and reputation, tho●● must even from thy ver● heart forgive the author thereof; and pray for the●● with S. Steven, Act. 7.60 Lord lay not this sin to the● charge; Act. 7.60. and with our Saviour Christ himself upon the cross, Luke 23.24 Father forgive them, they know not what they do. If on the contrary, thou hast slandered others, and wronged them in their good name and credit, it behoveth thee with all convenient speed, to seek reconciliation (if it be possible) at the hands of the parties so offended. If any thing of thine have been taken away by them, thou shalt not with dolence, fierceness or cru●●tie, exact and require the ●●me again. Restitution, in time of sickness required. And if thou ●aue either by fraud or violence taken away from o●hers, (if thou canst) make ●estitution, or cause restitution to be made: and do not ●n any wise hide or conceal any thing, but confess the same, and be sorry for the wrong committed, and desire pardon, first at the hands of God, & then of the party or parties wronged and offended. If the parties whom thou hast wronged be dead, make restitution unto their children, or others their heirs, executors, or administrators. If thou hast done wrong or oppression, and thou knowest not to wh● thou hast done it, in stea● the parties themselves th● hast the poor and need unto whom thou may give cheerfully, and make restitution. So 〈◊〉 Zacheus, Luke 19.8. Luke 19.8. A●● the same is the counsel th● Daniel gave unto Neb●chadnezar, Dan. 4.24. Dan. 4.24. ● break off his sins by righteousness, and his iniquities by mercy toward the poor. If it b● so, that through poverty and want thou canst no● make restitution, it shall b● sufficient if thou do it in desire and affect, when tho● canst not do it in deed and effect. 2 Cor. 8.12. If only there be a willing mind, it is accepted before God, according to that a ma● ●ath, not according to that he ●ath not. 2. Cor. 8.12. In case ●f want and poverty then ● shall be enough for thee, 〈◊〉 first thou have a will and ●esire to make restitution ●or the wrong done. Se●ondly, if freely thou contesse and acknowledge the same; and be hearty sor●ie and grieved at the remembrance of it. And thirdly, if thou shalt freely, and from thy very heart forgive others, that have any way (either in thy body or goods, or thy good name and estimation) offered, or done wrong and injury un-thee. If thus thou shalt from the bottom of thy heart unfeignedly pardon and forgive others, be of good comfort; doubt not, b● that God will also pard● and forgive thee, whatsoever wrongs & injuries do● either to himself or to others. For God cannot b● remit and forgive that m●● his offences, who ready and freely forgiveth h● neighbour. For as much a● he himself hath taught 〈◊〉 this way of requital, Mat● 6.14. If ye do forgive m● their trespasses, Mat. 6.14. your heavenly Father will also forgive you. CHAP. VII. Of the lawful use of Physic in time of sickness. A Question NOW here a question may be made, whethe● the sick man may with a good conscience crave the help of the Physician, and also use physick●? o● ought only to depend upon God for the recovery of his health? Answer. Hereunto I answer, that the sick man, as he must not despise the counsel and help of Physicians, and of physic: so in any wise he must take heed, that he do not adore and rely upon the same too much. His chief hope and confidence must be fixed and set upon God: who as he inspireth and giveth life and breath unto these our bodies, so he alone taketh the same away again when it pleaseth him. Howbeit notwithstanding sometimes it is not amis● to use the help and cou●sell of the Physician, le● herein we should seem 〈◊〉 tempt God in neglecting o● despising his ordinance an● means appointed for restoring of nature, and recovery of health. For howsoever medicines of themselves can do nothing, neither have any power and virtue to give health without the blessing of God, and his secret work and operation▪ yet notwithstanding, whe● the same are ministered and applied by the learned and well experienced Physician, they are to be held & esteemed not only healthful & profitable, but also needful and necessary; and may also rightly be called Manus Dei, the very hand of God himself. Hereupon it is that Sirach, Chap. 38. counseleth to honour the Physician with the honour that is due unto him, Eccles. 38.1.4. & that because of necessity: For the Lord (saith he) hath created, ordained, and appointed him. For of the most High cometh healing. And again, the Lord from out of the earth hath created medicines; and the man that is wise, will not abhor them. As for witches and wizards, enchanters and sorcerers, and the like, who will take upon them to heal and cure the sick, by certain feigned and devised ceremonies, or by a certain number of words, or prayers, whereunto they ascribe the virtue and power of healing diseases: these are by all means to be avoided, and to be put away far from us. For they are the very hand and instruments of the devils and evil spirits, and not the hand of almighty God; by whose word and power all things are, and aught to be ruled and governed. CHAP. VIII. A Remedy against the fear and terror of Death. IF at any time thou be terrified with the fear of death: bethink with thy self and consider, that by Christ, death is utterly vanquished and put to death, (as it were.) Indeed if that Christ (in compassion toward us) had not died for us, the fear of death must needs have vexed and troubled us. But now (death being vanquished, cast down and trodden under foot by the death of Christ) the souls of them that believe in Christ cannot die, nor perish: but after their departure out of these bodies, they go strait unto him: Phil. 1.23. as it was said unto the thief on the cross, being ready to give up the ghost; This day shalt thou be with me in Paradise. Luke 23.43 And in the mean time, the body resteth in assured hope, that it shall at the last day rise again unto a most blessed and happy life, which is immortal, and never fadeth: and that the same body shall rise with exceeding great glory and majesty, and with such beauty and comeliness as cannot be expressed: that so being renewed again, and glorified together with the soul, it may live for ever with Christ, and with all the elect. Among whom many shall be found, which here on earth were knit and joined unto us in the bond of amity and friendship. And therefore the sacred Scripture usually calleth the death of the godly by the name of sleep. Death a sleep. For this same weak, frail, mortal, and transitory body, which now rotteth in the grave, shall at the last day be raised up: even as a man that is fast asleep, is roused and raised up out of his sleep. And then forthwith (death being quite extinguished and abolished) it shall appear glorious and beautiful, strong, & in perfect health, sound and entire, pure and spiritual, immortal and incorruptible; 1 Cor. 15.53 When this corruptible shall put on incorruption, and this mortal shall put on immortality. Whereupon it is that the Prophet David pronounceth the death of the Saints to be precious, Psal. 116.15. & of excellent account. Psal. 116.15. and 16.9. and in another Psalm, His heart within him leapeth for joy, and his tongue rejoiceth, his flesh also resteth in hope. Why? Because God will not leave his soul in grave, neither will suffer his holy one to see corruption. These things (dear brother) ponder and consider well in thy mind, that thou be not deceived with the world; which imagineth, that when we die, we die for altogether; that our bodies perish together with our life, and that nothing remaineth of us after our departure hence. But the world is herein altogether deceived. For our body is not so little set by, nor so despised in the sight of God: it hath his peculiar honour, and welfare prepared, and ordained of God. For this same body, which now we carry about us, & which is now vexed and tormented with so many griefs & pains; this same body (I say) being changed & glorified, shall together with our soul live for evermore. Whereas indeed, if we should for altogether lose and forego this body, and never recover the same again at any time, the death of the Saints and children of God should not be precious and honourable, but rather vile, and of no worth, yea horrible and dreadful. Considering therefore these things diligently, raise up, and comfort thy wavering mind, and strengthen the same with sentences of holy Scripture. Believe them faithfully, & doubt nothing. For the same are most certain, undoubted, and true. As Christ his body being buried, and lying in the grave, rose again on the third day unto a new life, & the same eternal and everlasting, never to die again: so the bodies of all such, as are asleep in Christ, (that is, who have believed in Christ,) being now dead, they rest in their graves, only for a time, in a most assured hope of a joyful and glorious resurrection; whereby they shall rise again in the last day unto a new life, and that eternal and everlasting: wherein shall be neither sin nor death, nor any misery; and wherein shall be nothing else but righteousness and perfect holiness, life and salvation, joy and happiness for ever and ever. These things God himself hath promised, who is of infinite power, able to perform whatsoever he hath promised; and who is also truth itself, and therefore neither will nor can fail in performance thereof. Trust steadfastly then in his promises, and waver not. CHAP. IX. Testimonies of Scripture concerning the Resurrection of the dead. Moreover, it is good for thee to repeat often, and in thy mind to ponder and diligently to meditate upon those testimonies of holy Scripture, which concern the resurrection of the flesh. Hereof it is, that Saint Paul admonisheth us in his first Epistle to the Thessalonians: That we raise up, confirm & comfort both ourselves, 1 Thes. 4.18 and comfort one another with these and such like words concerning the resurrection. Neither indeed can there be any consolations more fruitful and plentiful, or more sure and certain, than those which we fetch from those testimonies of Scripture, which concern the resurrection of our bodies; they being the words, not of man, but of God; who both can, and will assuredly perform whatsoever he hath spoken (as hath been said.) There is none that can alter or change his will and determination, none that can let or hinder his purpose and counsel. He is of power infinite, in his word and promises most faithful and true, yea truth itself; his goodness and his mercy unspeakable, & as a fountain that never can be drawn dry. And therefore let no man doubt thereof. Math 13.43. Christ saith: Mat. 13.43 The just men shall shine as the Sun in the kingdom of their Father. john 5.24. Likewise john 5.24. Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that heareth my word, and believeth in him that sent me hath everlasting life; and shall not come into condemnation, but hath passed from death unto life. Chap. 6.40. And Chapter 6.40. This is the will of my Father, that hath sent me, that every one that seethe the Son, and believeth in him, should have everlasting life, and I will raise him up at the last day. Again, Chapter 8.51. Verily, Chap. 8.51. verily, I say unto you, if any man keep my word, he shall never see death. And Chap. 11.11. Christ saith, that Lazarus slept, and 11.11. who notwithstanding was dead, and his dead corpse did then lie in the grave. But Christ raiseth the dead to life again; and calleth those things which are not, Rom. 4.17. as if they were (as Saint Paul saith.) And therefore our Saviour Christ addeth in the 25 verse, joh. 11.25. I am the resurrection and the life, he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. And by and by after the uttering of these words, he raised up Lazarus from death, having lain rotting and stinking in the grave four days. And because in these conflicts of sickness and death, we are naturally very fearful, and faint hearted; to the end that we might be furthered and helped on forward the more to believe, that there shall be a resurrection, many have been raised up from death unto life in the times of the Prophets and Apostles. In the new Testament, Christ raised from the dead the widows son at Naim, Luke 7. Luke 8. Luke 7. He raised up jairus his daughter, Luke 8. He raised up Lazarus, john 11 Act. 9 and 20. john 11. Saint Peter raised Tabytha, Act. 9 and Saint Paul Eutychus, Act. 20. In the old Testament, the Prophet Elias raised up the widows son at Sarephtha, 1 Kings 17. 1. Kings 17. and the Prophet Elisha his hostess son the Shunamite, 2 Kings 4. Gen. 5. ● King's 2. 2. Kings 4. And God also himself rapt up Henoch and Elias alive, both body and soul, out of this miserable and transitory life, and conveyed and took them up unto himself, Gen. 5. and 2. Kings 2. That by them he might leave unto us some resemblance of the true life that is to come; lest (according to the conceit and opinion of the Epicures and heathens) we should imagine, that after this life nothing else remained unto us. Furthermore, consider & think with thyself, what that great and mighty Lord of life & death jesus Christ saith, Luke 8.52. Weep not, Luke 8.52. the Damsel is not dead, but sleepeth. Reason, not believing this, notunderstanding the mysteries of God, maketh a mock of these things. Whereupon it is added, that All laughed him to scorn when they heard it. But Christ making good his own words; as soon as he had said it, he raised up the maid that was dead, and restored her to life. And so in like manner will the same Lord jesus Christ, not only receive thy soul and preserve the same in sure custody: but will also at the last day render and deliver again this body unto thy soul, and will couple and knit them together again unto life eternal. john 5.28. Our Saviour Christ pronounceth plainly, joh. 5.28. That the day and hour shall come, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good unto the resurrection of life. And Daniel prophesieth & foretelleth also, Dan. 12.2. That many of them which sleep in the dust of the earth, shall awake unto everlasting life: and that they that be wise, shall shine, even as the brightness of the firmament: and they which turn many unto righteousness, shall shine as the stars, for ever & ever. Saint Paul in like manner proveth and confirmeth the certainty of the resurrection of our bodies, by many strong and infallible reasons & arguments, Rom. 8.11. Rom. 8.11. If (saith he) the Spirit of him that raised up jesus from the dead, dwell 〈◊〉 you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicke● your mortal bodies, because that his Spirit dwelleth in you. And 1. Cor. 6.14. 1 Cor. 6.14. The same God that raised up the Lord jesus Christ, he shall also raise us up by his power. And as for the fifteenth Chapter of his first Epistle to the Corinthians, 1 Cor. 15.12. etc. it is full of nothing else but sweet consolations and comforts, of wonderful force and efficacy. In that Chapter Saint Paul linketh and joineth our resurrection so fast and close unto the resurrection of our Saviour Christ, that they cannot be separated nor plucked asunder the one from the other. Christ (saith he) is risen from the dead (which is a thing most certain and sure:) therefore out of all doubt we shall also rise again. For Christ is our head and we his members. This head neither is, nor can be without the members; neither doth he leave or forsake his members. Where Christ therefore is, there also must we needs be. Ephe. 5.30. For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. Eph. 5.30. Now, who can sufficiently praise and magnify (according to the worthiness thereof) the infiniteness of that inestimable & unspeakable grace & mercy of God, who vouchsafed so to debase himself, a● to come down from heaven, and to be made a mortal man, in all things like unto us (sin only excepted) that this corruptible 〈◊〉 frail nature of man, being united and joined unto h● divine nature, might by the infinite and incomprehensible virtue and power o● his divinity be advanced unto immortal life, and made partaker with it of the heavenly kingdom? 〈◊〉 we did believe, so great riches to be given unto us, & to be laid up in store for us, and that so blessed and happy a kind of life shall hereafter befall us; how I pray you, could we be daunted or troubled? The human nature of all the faithful, which have been before & since Christ, and which shall be hereafter, in Christ (who is both true man, and also true God) hath and doth put on immortality & glory. Abundant then, and of great force and effect is that comfort concerning the resurrection of Christ, wherewith Saint Paul doth fortify and establish the minds of the Corinthians; when he saith: 1 Cor. 15.20. etc. That Christ is risen from the dead, being the first fruits of them that are fallen asleep; for since by man came death, by man also cometh the resurrection of the dead. For as by Adam all die: even so also by Christ shall all be ma● alive. But every man in 〈◊〉 own order: the first fruits 〈◊〉 Christ, afterward they tha● are of Christ at his coming etc. And after all this, Sain● Paul addeth a similitude concerning natural things whereby the resurrection of our bodies is most clearly perceived, verse 36. and plainly demonstrated. The similitude or comparison is taken from seed, which being dry when it is cast into the ground by the seedsman or husbandman, it dieth as it were, and rotteth in the ground. But yet doth it not perish altogether: but it sprouteth and cometh forth out of the earth, fresh and new, in an elegant and a delightful shape and form. Even so also shall our bodies arise, not corruptible, or subject to corruption, not frail and transitory, not weak and feeble, not withered and decayed, and ready to die (as now it is:) but comely and beautiful, strong and lusty, immortal and incorruptible, and full of brightness and glory. This is the way by which we are to pass into our true country which is above, even by death unto everlasting life. Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; wherein is nothing else, but life and immortality. For which cause, 1 Cor. 15.33 This corruptible body must put on incorruption, and this mortal body must put on immortality: th●● shall come to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up into victory. They that believe in Christ have now vanquished sin, death and hell. And therefore contemning & despising death and through Christ being now become bold and courageous, they shall triumph and say: Hos 13.14. 1 Cor. 15.55 ● death, where is thy sting? O hell, where is thy victory? The sting of death i● sin; and the strength of sin is the law: But thanks be unto God, who hath given us victory through our Lord jesus Christ. Hereunto also may be added other sentences of holy Scripture, full of comfort; as that 2. Cor. 4.14. He that hath raised up the Lord jesus from the dead, shall also raise us up by the same jesus. And that to the Philippians Chap. 3.20. Phillip 3.20. Our conversation is in heaven; from whence we look for the Saviour, even the Lord jesus Christ: who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body; according to the mighty working, whereby he is able to subdue all things unto himself. Again, Colos. 3.3. Ye are dead, Colos. 3.3. and your life is hid with Christ in God: but when Christ which is your life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. And 1. Thes. 4.13. 1. Thes. 4.14 I would not (saith Saint Paul) have you ignorant concerning them, which are a sleep: that ye sorrow not, as others, which have no hope. For if we believe, tha● jesus is dead, and is risen again; Even so them, tha● sleep in jesus, will God bring with him. In like manner doth S. Paul comfort his disciple Timothy, 2. Tim. 2.8. Remember, 2 Tim. 2.8. that jesus Christ made of the seed of David, w● raised again from the dea● according to my Gospel. And verse 11. verse 11 If we be dead w● Christ, we shall also live wi● him: If we suffer with him, 〈◊〉 shall also reign with him An● again, 2 Tim. 1.9. 2. Tim. 1.9. God ha● saved us (saith he) and calle● us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given: through Christ jesus before the world was; but is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality. And in his Epi. to the Heb. Chap. 2.14. he saith: That Christ was made partaker of flesh and blood, (that is, Hebr. 2.14. was made true man) that through death he might destroy him, that had power of death (that is, the devil) and that he might deliver all them, which for fear of death, were all their life time subject to bondage. S. john likewise in his 1. Epistle, Chap. 4.9. telleth us, that, 1 joh. 4.9. In this appeared the love of God toward us, that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him (to wit, eternally, and for ever:) and Chap. 3.14. and 3.14. We know that we are translated from death unto life, because we love the brethren. And (to conclude) in the same manner job comforteth himself in the midst of all his afflictions, Chap. 19.25. job. 19.25. I am sure (saith he) that my Redeemer liveth; and that he shall stand the last on the earth. And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet shall I see God in my flesh: whom I myself shall see, and mine eyes shall behold, and none other for me, though my reins be consumed within me. These testimonies of holy Scripture whosoever he be that pondereth well, and meditateth on the same diligently, he cannot but be filled with exceeding great joy and comfort. A most evident example whereof we have in Saint Paul. Phil. 3.10. Phil. 3.10. Where he professeth himself to rejoice, & glory in nothing more, than this, that he knoweth Christ, and the power of his Resurrection; whereby our death was slain (as it were) and put to death. Now then, unto as many, as believe in Christ, death is utterly vanquished, and is dead (as it were:) there is nothing now in death, that is dreadful, or to be feared, besides only a certain image and appearance. As a serpent that is dead, retaineth his wont form, which is dreadful and terrible, but yet hath no strength or power in himself to hurt. And even as by that brazen Serpent which Moses set up in the wilderness, so oft as it was beheld and looked on, the fiery Serpents, wherewith the jews were bitten and stung, were by the mighty power of the Lord smitten that they died; so as the people could not be infected with their poison: even so our death dieth (as it were) and is made harmless, and in no wise to be feared, if only with the eyes of faith we shall behold and look up unto Christ hanging on the cross, and dying for us. Whereof the said brazen serpent was a lively image and representation, as our Saviour Christ himself witnesseth, joh. 3.14. joh. 3.14. As Moses lift up the Serpent in the wilderness, so also must the Son of man be lift up, that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have eternal life. In a word, death is but a certain resemblance or image of death; or rather, it is the beginning and entrance into the true and endless life. Christ who is truth itself, telleth us: joh. 8.51. If any man keep my word, he shall never see death. How I pray you cometh this to pass? The case standeth thus: Man trusting steadfastly in the mercy of God, and merits of Christ jesus, by means of his faith is so incorporated (as I may say) and so knit and united unto his head Christ jesus his Lord & Saviour, who is the true life, that he cannot be separated nor plucked away from him. This body therefore by death is parted and severed from the soul, in an assured and undoubted hope of a glorious resurrection unto eternal life. For as much as within a short compass of time, the body shall be restored again unto the soul to enjoy eternal bliss and happiness. And so believing in Christ, he shall never see no taste of eternal death of body and soul, (that is, of eternal damnation, which is the only death indeed:) forasmuch as the death of the godly is nothing else but a passage or a departure out of this mortal life into life immortal, and unto the society and company of Christ himself, and of all his holy Saints and Angels. CHAP. X. A Remedy against the fear and horror of Hell, and eternal Damnation. THat malicious & wicked spirit the devil and Satan, here doubtless will also cast into the minds of men a care and fear also concerning their Predestination, by suggesting unto them, these or the like horrible and dreadful cogitatations: What if for all this thou do not please God? what if God have rejected thee, and cast thee out of his favour? or how knowest thou thyself to be of the number of those, whom God hath elected and chosen unto eternal life? These and the like dangerous temptations will be ready to offer themselves, which indeed are very hard and sharp, and will very grievously torment and disquiet the minds of men (especially in sickness.) And therefore a man hath need in this case to stand fast, and manfully to defend himself. Now, if in this combat and conflict thou wilt obtain the victory, it behoveth thee to withstand him by this policy: Straightway, as soon as these temptations are sent unto thee of Satan, take heed thou do not enter into the lists with him, or condescend to make him answer, or to dispute and reason the matter with him: but repel him rather, and drive him from thee with these or the like cogitations: Avoid Satan, depart & get thee hence; it is written: Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. Neither shalt thou therefore tempt any of his children, that are near and dear unto him. When as God (of his fatherly love and kindness toward me always) hath bestowed so exceeding great & infinite blessings and benefits upon me; having endued me with life, and so plentifully fed and nourished preserved & maintained the same hitherto, having filled me with all good things needful and necessary for this life, yea & ministered unto me abundantly all things behoveful and profitable both for my soul and body (& that so far above my desert, & beyond my desire and expectation:) o what madness were it once to doubt of his mercy? When as by Baptism he hath accepted me to be of his flock, and hath registered and enroled me in the Catalogue and number of Christian believers; when as he hath called me to the knowledge of his grace by the Gospel of his Son, wherein he hath promised that he will be a father unto me: how should I not expect and look for all good from him? how should I not promise unto myself all the favour that he can show me, and all the good that possibly he can do unto me? how should not his good will and affection be most readily inclined toward me? What needeth to say much in this case? It is a thing both foolish and also dangerous, to give way unto such thoughts concerning Predestination. It behoveth thee rather to prevent, to avert, & turn away, and so to overcome these cogitations with other considerations, wherewith God will have thy mind occupied; as namely those that Christ himself hath prescribed in the Gospel: where he saith, That whosoever believeth in him shall in no wise perish, joh. 3.15.16.36. but hath everlasting life. Hearest thou not, that whosoever believeth in Christ, and that acknowledgeth Christ to be his righteousness, sanctification, and redemption, can in no wise be damned, but that he shall be made partaker of everlasting life & salvation? As many then as trust steadfastly and unfeignedly in the mercy of God, and merits of Christ jesus, are of the number of them who are elect, and chosen unto eternal life, being foreknown and predestinate in Christ, and registered and written long ago in the book of life. But they who are predestinate unto eternal life, Rom. 8.29. are made like unto the Image of Christ, being justified and made righteous before God by faith in his Son. Therefore by this their faith, they are undoubtedly saved. These things are most certain and true, God neither can be deceived, neither can he deceive any man. Now this is the will and counsel of God, our most loving Father, who is truly and indeed Philanthrop●s, a lover of mankind. These things he hath thus fore-purposed and decreed from everlasting: and therefore there is no cause of fear, no cause why those things should hinder thee, or make thee afraid, which the enemy of thine the devil (envying thy welfare and salvation, & seeking the destruction of thy soul) shall seem to suggest and to oppose against these things. Only see that thou p●● thy trust and confidence i● Christ, & comfort thyself in an assurance of his mercy, and behold, there neither is nor can be any danger. For if thou fix thy hope and confidence in Christ, Christ now is thine, and thou art his. He having redeemed thee, thou canst in no wise perish, nor be damned. For as much as they that believe in Christ, are by the Father drawn unto Christ, joh. 6.44. and by him the Father's will is, that they should be saved; neither will he have any of them to perish. john 10.28. joh. 10.28. Be of good comfort then, believe faithfully, and have steadfast hope in Christ. For whosoever believe in Christ, the same are predestinated unto eternal life. Upon Christ then it behoveth thee wholly to fix the eyes of thy mind, to fly unto him, and to lay fast hold upon him by faith, if thou wilt be saved. Remembering that earnest exhortation of the Apostle, Heb. 12. Heb. 12.2. That with patience we run the race that is set before us, looking unto jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him, endured the Cross, and despised the shame, and is set at the right hand of the Throne of God. CHAP. XI. How Christ his temptations and sufferings were all for our sakes. furthermore, all the sufferings and temptations wherewith Christ was assailed and tempted, (being exceeding many and grievous) he suffered them all for us, and for our sake, (as the same Apostle witnesseth in the same Epistle, saying;) Heb. 4.15.16. We have not an Highpriest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities: but which was in all things tempted in like sort (yet without sin.) Therefore let us go boldly unto the Throne of grace, that we may receive grace, and find mercy to help in time of need. Imprint these things (dear brother) steadfastly in thy mind. Christ given unto us for two ends. Christ was given unto us for a twofold end: First, that he might redeem us, and reconcile us unto God his heavenly Father, and so make us partakers of eternal salvation. And secondly, that he might be an example unto us both of living godly, and dying happily. See then that thou set Christ his death before thine eyes, and that thou end thy life after his example: for as much as Christ is set down unto us for as example, to be followe● both in his life, and in his sufferings and death. For there is no man that shall be able to live godly, no ma● able to suffer afflictions, o● to undergo death happily, unless he shall propose unto himself both the life and death of Christ for his imitation. By Christ his death it is, that the death of all the godly is swallowed up, and quite abolished. I● will be good for thee therefore diligently to meditate and consider in thy mind, what manner of death he died, and how he behaved himself in that most sharp and bitter conflict of all others; when as hanging upon the cross, he was overwhelmed (as it were) with most grievous and horrible temptations. Imitate and follow him, and call unto God for help, that thou mayst be enabled thereunto. CHAP. XII. Of Christ his threefold Temptations. FIrst, the jews sought to tempt Christ with the fear of death, 1 Temptation of Christ. as one (in their opinion) utterly unable to deliver himself from the same, when as it was objected unto him on the Cross, saying; He saved others, himself he cannot sa●e▪ as if they should say; Now his case is altogether desperate for he must die, and so utterly perish. None shall by force or otherwise, take him away, nor deliver him out of our hands. After the like manner will that unreconciled enemy of man the devil, be ready also to strike into thee a scare & terror of death. But proceed and go on forward boldly, be strong, and of good courage & comfort. Christ hath vanquished this enemy, and utterly cast him down. And thou also through the same Christ, shalt likewise cast him down, and overcome him. Stretch out thy shield of faith in Christ jesus. Thy Lord and Saviour Christ, being Lord of life, & King of eternal glory, was not so made subject unto death, as to be overcome, or to be holden still of death: but he liveth and reigneth for ever. In this case then thy Lord and Saviour living, and reigning for ever, doubtless he will not leave thee nor forsake thee; neither will he suffer death to exercise tyranny and dominion over thee. He cannot deceive thee, nor falsify his word and promise made unto thee, sith he is truth itself. Have this confidence in him, and assure thyself of his goodness, and of his love and care, & tender affection toward thee: and behold, thou shalt most assuredly live with him for ever. A twofold benefit we receive by death. And whereas he will have thee through many afflictions and trials to undergo this bodily death, it is for thine own sake, and for thy good. For first, there is no other way whereby to pass into the true and everlasting life, then by this bodily death. We must then leave and lay down this life, if we will enjoy eternal life, and so after this life begin to live truly and indeed. Besides, this bodily death is good and profitable in this respect, that having tasted the sharpness and bitterness thereof, thou mightest by experience know and perceive, how fervent the love of Christ was toward thee, and how inestimable a benefit he bestowed upon thee, when as dying for thee, in his own body he discharged and made satisfaction for all thy sins: (death being altogether extinguished and abolished, and the very gates of hell shaken in pieces, cast down and overthrown.) For otherwise thou couldst not perceive, nor understand the operation and power of life in Christ, how great it is which hath swallowed up our death: neither shouldest thou acknowledge the greatness of the benefit, nor give due thanks (as thou oughtest) unto Christ thy Lord and thy redeemer. Wherefore in that Christ liveth, thou also shalt live; & this death shall be unto thee a happy and pleasant sleep, and ● door or entrance into that true and most blessed life. 2 Temptation of Christ. Again secondly, the jews sought to tempt Christ with the guilt of sin, as being a wicked man, and a man guilty of horrible sin when it was cast in his teeth▪ If thou be the Son of God come down from the cross. Thou savedst others, why the● dost thou not save thy s●lfe▪ These reproachful words, what else did they mean and intend, but that by imposture, guile and cozenage he deceived and deluded men; and that he was nothing less than the Son of God; nay rather that he was a most ungracious and wicked man? In like manner Satan tempting a man that is in extremity of sickness and ready to die, he layeth before him whatsoever at any time he hath committed against God or his neighbour; and he suggesteth unto his mind, whole cartlodes of his sins; and he doth aggravate the same as much as possible may be; that so by the heinousness and greatness of his sins, he may cause him to stand in doubt of God's mercy and pardon, & so drive him to despair. Here also be sure to stand fast, and to resist manfully. And when the enemy in this manner setteth upon thee, entertain him, and repel him with these or the like words: True it is, I confess myself to be as exceeding great and grievous sinner: but Christ, who is not guilty of any sin, who is also that unspotted Lamb in whose mouth was found no guile, he hath suffered most bitter & cruel death for all my sins, how manifold & how great soever they be, they are all discharged by him; he hath made full and perfect satisfaction for them all. Christ his death is a sufficient atonement and propitiation for all my sins: Esay 53.4. Christ truly and indeed hath borne mine infirmities; Christ truly and indeed hath carried my sorrows; he was wounded for my transgressions, he was broken for mine iniquities, and by his stripes I am healed: he hath taken upon him all my sins. So that now, though they have been never so many, yet now I acknowledge not any: I thank my God through jesus Christ, who in his own body, and in his own person hath discharged, and made payment and satisfaction for them all. 3 Temptation of Christ. Thirdly, the jews sought to tempt Christ with the horror of hell, and eternal damnation, when they objected unto him, and said: He trusted in God, that he would deliver him. Let him deliver him, if he will have him, (as if they should say:) All his hope and trust in God shall be vain and frustrate, God hath forsaken him, and rejected him; he hateth and abhorreth him, and he will cast him down headlong into hell, & condemn him everlastingly. Whensoever then that Tempter doth urge, and trouble thee with such like temptations, take heed thou move not one foot for all that. Fear not nor be afraid, let not these temptations trouble thee, which he presenteth unto thee (though the same be never so sore & grievous:) but shake them off, and banish out of thy mind both the fear of sin, of death, and of hell. For they have no right nor power over thee, if so be only thou cast thine eyes upon Christ; lay hold upon him, and commit thyself wholly to him, Christ is thine, he hath given and bestowed himself wholly upon thee, and for thee. He hath by an inestimable price redeemed thee, and delivered thee from the tyranny of the devil, & from eternal damnation. Christ here is become thy life, thy righteousness and innocency. Only see, that thy heart & mind be not by any tentation withdrawn nor removed from Christ crucified. If thou cleave & stick fast unto Christ, thou art safe against all the gates of hell, as being placed and set upon a most high tower, and upon a most strong and invincible rock. So as thou mayest boldly cry out with David a true type of our Saviour Christ: Psal. 16.8. I have see the Lord always before me: for he is on my right hand, the I should not be moved. Therefore is my heart glad, and my tongue also rejoiceth, & moreover my flesh also shall rest in hope: for thou wilt not le●● my soul in grave, neither 〈◊〉 thou suffer thine holy one to see corruption. Thou hast showed me the path of life, and thou shalt fill me with the joy of thy countenance. For in thy presence is the fullness of joy, and at thy right hand there is pleasure for evermore. By such a faith in Christ thou art made the child of God, Gal. 3.26. brother and fellow heir with Christ, and partaker with him of eternal life. joh. 1.12. This faith justifieth the righteous (that is, all even as many as believe in Christ.) By this faith, thou art made the blessed son of thy heavenly Father; and as soon as thou departest hence, thou shalt enter assuredly into the celestial kingdom, Mat. 25.34 which God hath prepared for all his elect children from before the beginning of the world. Now, if in the midst of thy temptations, thy faith begin for all this to waver and stagger: If thou perceive that thou dost not bear so meekly and patiently as thou shouldest, the will and pleasure of God thy heavenly Father, and his hand which is heavy upon thee▪ And if thou feelest and findest thy love to war● somewhat cold, & thy hope weak and slender; & thereupon fearest, that as ye● thou art not at agreement with God, but that he is still displeased with thee This temptation indeed is very sore and grievous, and full of difficulty. But y●● (dear brother) think thou with thyself and consider, how that Christ hath sustained for thee a far more invincible & intolerable tentation, (wherein appeared no help nor comfort, no defence nor succour) when he cried out: My God, Mat. 27.46 my God, why hast thou forsaken me? O horrible and cruel temptation, O how sharp and bitter, and how cruel & rigorous was that death, which he did undergo for us, to the end that he might make the way of affliction easy unto us? Seeing then Christ willingly submitted himself unto these, and plunged himself in these so horrible and intolerable miseries and distresses, (and that by the will & appointment of our most loving & heavenly Father) he knoweth doubtless, & accepteth also our infirmity & weakness, he verily is full of compassion; and he will in no wise deal strictly with us, but will pardon and forgive many things unto our weakness. Psal. 103.14. For he knoweth whereof we be made; he remembreth that we are but dust, etc. Psal. 103.14. Is it not he also who calleth all men unto him, saying, Come unto me all that labour and are heavy laden, Mat. 11.28 and I will ease you? I pray you what greater, or more large and ample, or more comfortable a promise could there be then this? Many things there be indeed, which molest and trouble a man (especially in time of sickness) among which what can more grievously terrify, or more cruelly torment and perplex the conscience of a man overwhelmed with his sins, then when he doubteth of God's mercy, and feareth lest God turn away his face from him, and hath rejected and cast him off? when he cannot conceive a steadfast and assured confidence in God's mercy and love toward him; but he imagineth himself to be cut off and cast away, as a member that is dry and withered? Here (sweet Saviour jesus Christ) be thou present at hand with thy aid and secure. For here indeed is need of comforting and refreshing; lest such violent and horrible waves and storms as these, overwhelm wretched man, and utterly drown him & swallow him up. But for all this, behold we have no cause either of doubt or fear. Christ is not vain, nor untrue in his word; he will assuredly in due time make his promises to appear; he will help, refresh, and comfort us. Whensoever then, thy faith & thy hope is not firm & steadfast as it should be; when thou seest and perceivest thine heart smitten with fears and terrors; & when thou findest in thyself, that thou beginnest to doubt of God's mercy, and that thou hast little or no faith at all: forthwith call upon God for help, as Peter did when he was ready to sink and to be drowned, Math. 14.30. Implore and crave for mercy from him; Mat. 14.30 and deplore and lament thine unbelief and incredulity before him. Request & desire his help with earnest prayer and entreaty; and he will ease thee, refresh and comfort thee: and thereupon thou shalt glorify & praise him: Psal. 50.15. God hath undertaken to do it, and he will do it. Only see that thou cease not to call upon him. Beg & crave incessantly with sighs and groans proceeding from the very bottom of thy heart; at the hands of almighty God the father of all mercies, & the God of all comfort, that he will not turn his face from thee. Cry out with the Disciples, Luke 17.5. Lord increase my faith, and with the father of the lunatic child, Lord I believe, help my unbelief. Mar. 9.24. A Prayer. O Lord make haste to help me before I be pressed down with this heavy burden, and overwhelmed with the same. Thy mercy is above all thy works, (O most meek, most merciful, and most gracious Father, O Lord God of my salvation, my refuge and deliverer:) enter not into judgement with thy servant. Christ is my righteousness, 1 Cor. 1.30. sanctification, and redemption. He it is that for me, and for my sake, hath endured, yea and most willingly hath offered himself to die a most sharp and cruel death. Let these things move thee, and prevail with thee (O Father of all mercies:) For this Christ thy Son his sake have mercy on me; confirm and strengthen my heart with true and steadfast faith in thy Son Christ jesus; and comfort me with the consolations of thy holy Spirit; that so I may have the fruition of true and perfect joys in Christ jesus for ever and ever: Amen. In this manner labouring and wrestling, and fight & striving with thine own weakness, yea and accusing and bewailing unto God thine unbelief and faint-heartedness; if thou shalt withal lay hold on Christ, and shalt cleave and stick fast unto him, with fervent and incessant prayer, craving and desiring his help; that he substituting himself (as it were) in thy stead, would supply whatsoever is wanting unto thee: if thou shalt do this, then behold all is well with thee, then there is no danger, thou art safe enough: for as much as there is little difference between these two, between belief in Christ, & a fervent or earnest desire to believe. How weak therefore and fainthearted soever thou art, let this comfort and relieve thee, that God willeth and commandeth thee in thy greatest trouble and distress to call upon him; Psal. 50.15 and that he hath promised, if thou do call upon him, he will hear thee and help thee. Moreover, as nothing is or can be more justly and rightfully desired of God, then true faith: so he heareth no prayer sooner, nor more willingly than that which a man poureth forth, finding no goodness in himself, acknowledging his own weakness and wretchedness, deploring and lamenting his own incredulity and unbelief, & with fervent and earnest prayers, and often sighs and groans desiring and begging for faith to be given him. These desires and requests, these sighs & groans, these prayers, this little faith (though it be never so little or so slender) it is verily a clear spark of that holy fire, it is the good seed of God, which can in no wise spring up in us, but by the effectual working of God: who by his Prophet Esay thus speaketh concerning Christ, That he will not quench the smoking flax, Esay 42.3. nor bruise the broken reed. Wherefore, see thou believe steadfastly in Christ thy Saviour; or else pray hearty and fervently, that thou mayest believe: lamenting in the mean time, and complaining unto God of thine unbelief. If thou do this, thou needest not doubt, but that thou art accepted and reputed righteous before God, and art the child of God: who not in vain laid upon Christ his only Son, our weakness and our sins. In the fift Chapter of S. Matthew his Gospel, Christ himself saith, Math. 5. That blessed are the poor in spirit; blessed are they that mourn, and blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness. These things (Christian brother) are spoken unto thee, & do properly belong to thee. Thou art humbled and cast down; thou art poor in thine own eyes, and in thine own conceit; even poor in the graces of God's spirit; thou mournest and art grieved, and vexed from thy very heart, for thy lewd and wicked life formerly spent; thou dost hunger & thirst for righteousness, desiring to have faith, whereby thou mayest be justified and saved. Be of good cheer, and comfort thyself; thou shalt have that thou desirest, thou art even now already become righteous before God. And hereupon thou mayest boldly (by the example of Saint Steven, Act. 7.59. Act. 7. and of Christ himself also, Luke 23.46 Luk. 23.) commend thy spirit into the hands of God thy heavenly Father, saying: A Prayer. O most merciful and loving Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit, or rather thy spirit: for as much as thou hast made it, and inspired it, and placed it in this earthly tabernacle of my body; committing the same only unto my charge and custody for a short time; for as much as it is thine own proper image, made after thine own similitude and likeness; and for as much also as for its sake, and to redeem it, thine only begotten Son hath vouchsafed to shed his most precious blood. This Spirit of thine (I say) I commend again and again into thy hands (O most gracious Father, thou God of all mercies:) thine I am, whatsoever I am. Receive thine own I beseech thee. Save, preserve, defend and keep it; and finally of thy free mercy, give unto it everlasting life, through jesus Christ thy true Son and our only Lord and Saviour: Amen. CHAP. XIII. A short Admonition touching the making and ordaining of last Wills and Testaments. IT were to be wished, that while men are in sound and perfect health, they would be careful to set in order all their worldly affairs; and by their wills and bequests, or otherwise, to dispose of their temporal estate, and of such earthly blessings as God hath lent them (weighing and remembering the frailty and uncertainty of this present life:) lest, if perhaps they defer this business unto the last moment and period of their life, they be prevented by death, or at the least wise hindered by extremity of sickness from performance of the same. Howbeit, if either through negligence, or upon some urgent and necessary causes, thou hast put off and deferred this business, until sickness suddenly and unawares seize upon thee: be careful then, without further delay or protracting of time, to salve thy former error and negligence by speedy diligence, and readiness in disposing of thy worldly estate, (be it more or less:) first, unto them who are (according to the flesh) nearest and dearest unto thee, (as wife, children, and parents, whom God and nature hath commended to thy care and providence;) next, unto thy poor kinsfolks, being in want and necessity; and after them (according to thy substance and ability) unto the poor in general, (as for the relief of poor widows, and fatherless children; of the aged and impotent, the lame and the blind) and unto other holy and charitable uses. And if the sick party have got into his hands any money or goods of another man's, or is indebted unto any man, let him in any case make it known, and provide carefully for the payment and discharge thereof. Which being done, let him repel and put away from him all such as shall go about to interrupt and trouble him with worldly matters. Wherein a great many (both men and women) do above all measure offend: who seeing and beholding their friend or neighbour now ready to give up the ghost, and to breath out his soul into the hands of his Creator, are ready to cast into his mind divers and sundry scruples and doubts concerning his will, and other external and worldly matters. Yea, and sometimes they enforce him to subscribe, and set his hand unto Deeds and other writings against his will, when as indeed his mind is not to do any such thing; yea, rather in his heart he abhorreth and detesteth the importunity of such friends as enforce him thereunto: by whose means it cometh to pass, that he cannot die quietly, nor departed in peace. These men, howsoever they pretend love & friendship unto the party dying, and to his issue and posterity: yet indeed can there be nothing more unfriendly, or more hurtful unto their friend in such a case. And therefore ought the same by all means to be avoided. CHAP. XIII. How to mitigate and assuage the grief which we conceive (many times more than is meet) for the death of friends. FOr men to cast off all measure and moderation in sorrowing for the death and departure of friends, (though never so near or dear unto them) as it is affirmed by S. Paul, to be the part, not of Christians, but of Ethnics and Heathen men, that have no hope. 1. Thes. 4.13 1. Thess. 4.13: so is it convicted by this only reason, to be a thing bootless and vain: In that no weeping nor wailing, nor shedding of tears, (though shed in never so plentiful measure, or continued for never so many years together) can yet call again from death unto life one man greater or less. And therefore are all such tears fruitless and unprofitable, vain, and of no effect. Whereof we have a memorable example in King David; 2. Sam. 12.16. who so long as the child was sick that was borne of Bathseba, he fasted and shed plenty of tears, he went into his privy chamber and lay all night on the earth, entreating the Lord for the life and recovery of the child. But as soon as he perceived and understood (by the whispering of his servants) that the child was dead, than he cast away his mourning attire, and changed his raiment, and washed his face, and anointed himself, & did eat his meat cheerfully. Which when his Servants admired, supposing that he would have sorrowed more, as soon as he should understand of the death of the child (seeing he had so punished himself with fasting and weeping, while the child was alive:) and thereupon asked him the cause and reason why he did so? he made them this answer: While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept: Verse 22. for I said, who can tell whether God will have mercy on me that the child may live? But now he being dead, why should I now fast? can I bring him again any more? I shall go to him, but he shall not return unto me. In which words David wisely declareth and showeth, that we ought not to grieve and lament for that which cannot be recovered nor called again. And this is that which the holy Father Saint Cyprian protesteth in his Sermon of Mortality, that he had been of ten admonished by divine revelation, yea, and charged also, and commanded of God that he should publicly advertise all men, & in his preaching teach and instruct them, not to sorrow or lament overmuch for the brethren which depart out of this world when God calleth them; for that such sorrowing is hateful and displeasing unto God. Notwithstanding, that we may not seem hard hearted, or that we loved our friend that is dead very slenderly, or no better than other common men: it is meet and requisite, that we bestow upon him some tears, and those proceeding from the sincere affection of commiseration, and of hearty and unfeigned love toward him; but yet always measured and guided by the right rule of reason, and of true piety and godliness. For Christ our Lord & Saviour himself, being the most perfect & absolute pattern of all virtues, did of a loving and tender affection, weep for Lazarus being dead. joh. 11.35. And his holy and godly sisters, Marie and Martha, are greatly commended for lamenting the death of their brother. Likewise of those serviceable women which stood by the Cross, Luke 23.27 and beheld while our blessed Saviour suffered such extreme torments, it is not with out john. 20.11. cause registered in the Gospel to their especial praise and commendation, that they shed tears over him at his death and burial. And concerning the first Martyr S. Stephen, we read in the Acts of the Apostles, Act. 8.2. that certain men fearing God, carried him to be buried, & made great lamentation for him. Whereupon it is, that the Son of Sirach giveth advice and counsel, to bestow some tears upon the dead: but yet in any wise he willeth that the same be immoderate, nor continued over long; Eccl. 22.11 Weep (saith he) for the dead, because he hath lost the light; but make small lamentation for him, because he is at rest. And hereunto do tend all those consolatory Epistles of that holy Father Saint Jerome; wherein he comforteth the living for the death of their friends hence departed; avouching and proving, both by authority of holy Scripture, and by strong reasons and arguments, that they ought not to sorrow or weep immoderately, for them that are departed hence, and have changed this life, (as that Epistle written to Heliodor) concerning the death of Nepotian; the Epistle written to Paula, concerning the death or sleep of her daughter Blesilla; the Epistle to Tyrasius, concerning the death of his daughter; and the rest of the Epistles of that holy Father which entreat of the like matter. CHAP. XV. An Exhortation to all professors of the name of Christ. NOw I beseech and entreat all, even as many as are styled and called by the name of Christians, and I charge and require you, even by the mercies of God, that once at the length forsaking your former sins and errors, and the horrible darkness and blindness in which ye have lived, ye will return unto a better course of life; with all care and diligence, and with sincere & hearty devotion, hearing and receiving the word of God, which is able to save your souls; and continually without intermission knocking at the gates of heaven, and entreating the heavenly Father through his Son Christ jesus, that he will inwardly teach and instruct you, and enlighten your hearts and minds with the true knowledge of Christ, and of his heavenly will. That denying and renouncing all ungodly lusts, Tit. 2.12. ye may live soberly, and righteously, and godly in this present world: looking for the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of the mighty God, & of our Saviour jesus Christ; who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purge us to be a peculiar people unto himself, zealous of good works. That same light of grace, and of all comfort and consolation, (as the day star from on high) hath visited us, and by the infinite goodness of God, hath in these last times in exceeding great brightness shined forth unto us. We have manifold examples both in the holy Scriptures, and every day among ourselves; which testify the infinite bounty and mercy, long suffering, patience and gentleness of our God toward us: whereby we may see, how God would not that we should be lost, but that we should convert & live; how soon his just wrath waxeth hot against us, and how easily again he is moved to succeasse from punishing us as we deserved, so soon as we unfeignedly repent of our sins, and steadfastly intend & purpose an amendment of our lives. Let these things move you (dear brethren) and stir you up to seek the Lord, Esay 55.6. while yet he may be found; to call upon him while he is yet near unto you; that the wicked forsake his own ways, and the unrighteous his own imaginations, and return unto the Lord; and he will have mercy on him; and unto our God, for he is very ready to forgive. Yea let the consideration hereof encourage you in all your troubles and distresses to fly unto God, and uncessantly to pray unto him, that he will mercifully pardon and forgive you all your sins, for his dear sons sake jesus Christ: and that he will vouchsafe to preserve and keep you, to sustain and uphold you, to cherish and comfort you, and finally to hide and cover you under the shadow of his wings, and to be present and ready to help and secure you in all your need and necessity. Thus did David when he saw himself in great distress and danger; 2 Sam. 24.17. and that for his sin there had fallen by a sore plague in three days space, seventy thousand men; straightway he flieth unto God, confessing his sin, and lamentably craving & begging for mercy and forgiveness, crying out: Ecce, Behold, I have sinned, yea I have done wickedly. And when he had built an altar in the threshing floor of Aranna the jebusite, where the Angel had appeared unto him, he offered burnt offerings and peace offerings thereupon. And then the Scripture saith, verse 25. That the Lord was appeased toward the land, and the plague ceased from Israel. By which example of David (dear brethren) confess your sins, pray unto God for grace, and entreat for mercy and pardon: offering up unto God that acceptable sacrifice of a penitent & contrite heart, which above all things is well pleasing unto him: and behold, God will be present and ready to help you, neither will he at any time fail you, or forsake you. In like manner, jona 1.3. when God sent jonas unto Nineve, he threatened to destroy that populous and famous city. But straightway, as soon as at the preaching of jonah, the Ninevites had repent, God had compassion on them, he pardoned their sins and remitted their punishment. Set before you (my brethren) these examples to be imitated & followed. Distrust not the mercy and goodness of God. Esay 59.1. Behold, the Lords hand is not shortened, that it cannot save: he both will, and can save and help, yea relieve and comfort you: so as ye refuse not, neither despise his grace and goodness so mercifully and abundantly offered: but call upon him for help and assistance of his grace, Eph. 2.4. who is rich in mercy, Ephesians 2.4 even rich unto all that call upon him, Rom. 10.12. Romans 10.12. Now I pray and beseech the Lord jesus Christ that only true and approved Physician both of body and soul, that these divine medicines, and spiritual directions collected▪ and digested out of the rich storehouse of the holy and sacred Scriptures, may have a powerful and effectual working in your hearts: whereby faith may more & more abound and increase, and the love of God, and of your brethren more and more fervently be inflamed in you. And that abiding constant and patiented in all temptations and tribulations whatsoever (after the example of the same Christ jesus,) ye may even unto the last gasp, cleave and stick fast unto him, in assured hope of eternal life and salvation, through the same Christ jesus our alone Saviour: To whom with the Father and the holy Ghost, be all glory and praise for evermore, Amen. The second part. A Method or order of comforting the Sick. CHAP. I. How to comfort all such, as lie upon the bed of Sickness. WHereas (dear brother) thou art so sore vexed & grieved with sickness, know for surety and make certain account, that thou art thus afflicted and punished, not by chance or fortune, but by the determinate will, purpose, and permission of almighty God. For whatsoever affliction or calamity befalleth unto the children of God, it is doubtless sent of God, and it cometh unto them wholly and altogether at his appointment, and by his guidance and direction. For as much as in him we live, Act. 17. and move, and have our being. Psal. 100 It is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves. And doubt not thou, but that it is indeed of his good will, and of his love and fatherly affection toward thee, that he now sendeth this sickness (whatsoever it be) not to destroy thee, but to call thee to repentance, and to exercise and stir up thy faith and confidence in him. For afflictions are undoubted signs of Gods undoubted love and favour toward us. Whom God loveth, him (saith Solomon) he correcteth and chastiseth, Prou. 3.12. Heb. 12.6. yea he scourgeth every one, whom he receiveth. Heb, 12.6. Thy merciful and heavenly Father most dearly and entirely loving thee, in his wise counsel & tender affection which he beareth unto thee, doth by this sickness mortify and bridle, repress and keep under thy old man, fast bound (as it were) in ferters and chains, that so thou mayst more willingly and cheerfully offer up thy body as a sacrifice to God, and fasten it with Christ upon his Cross. This sickness of thine is therefore a fatherly chastisement, not sent for thy hurt, or for thy destruction, but for thy great good, to the end that thereby thou mayst be reform, yea quickened and restored (as it were) to life again. God thy heavenly Father seethe perhaps, thy old Adam (that is, thy corrupt nature) too lusty and unruly, and too froward and stubborn, to wax wanton and proud, and unable to bridle and oversway his lusts; and that while he satisfieth too too much his own desires and affections, he cannot restrain himself, nor moderate and keep himself in any good measure: and therefore he doth shut him up (as it were) in this prison, and he bindeth him (as it were) with these fetters and chains of weakness and sickness, thereby to bridle, repress, and restrain him, lest he should bring the most noble and precious soul in danger to be seduced. Flesh & blood doth reign still, and bear the sway in thee more than the Spirit. Here therefore, behold, God is present with thy Spirit, aiding and strengthening the same, while it wrestleth against the rebellious and unruly flesh; that having vanquished the same, it may subdue it and keep it under. It may be, that if now at this time thou were in health and prosperity, perhaps thy flesh (as it is always inclined to nothing, but evil) having deceived thee, it would drive thee and cast thee headlong into many dangerous sins against thy God, whereby the wrath of God should be provoked, and a way prepared for thy soul unto hell fire and damnation. Now behold thy heavenly Father, preventing this loss and danger, and providing better for thee, and for thy welfare and safety; he restraineth and holdeth back (as it were with a bridle) this flesh of thine, which with tooth & nail, and with all her strength rebelleth against the Spirit, and having taken it captive (as it were) he restraineth the same, that it tumble not into a sink of sins; but rather may be subdued, and brought in obedience unto the Spirit. Now, sith this is the good will and pleasure of thy heavenly father, who doth all this in tender love unto thee, and sith that all this tendeth to thy profit and welfare: take heed in any wise that thou strive not, nor oppose thyself against the same. But rather suffer patiently, and pray that thy heavenly Father's will may be accomplished and fulfilled; that he will entreat thee, and deal with thee according to his good pleasure; that thou will and desire nothing, but that which shall seem good unto him; that all things may tend to the glory and praise of God; and that his grace may still be present with thee, to enable thee to bear meekly and patiently the Cross & affliction that lieth upon thee. For patience bringeth forth experience, and experience hope, and hope maketh not ashamed. Rom. 5.4. Rom. 5.4. Here hast thou matter and occasion of learning, and of exercising patience in all afflictions. First, thou learnest, that God afflicteth and punisheth thee with a fatherly affection. And this thou learnest by experience. For unless thou have experience hereof indeed, how behooveful & profitable it is for a man wholly to yield & give himself unto God to obey his will (according to that saying of David: Psal. 119. It is good for me that thou hast humbled me) thou canst not conceive sure and steadfast hope and confidence in him; having not had proof and experience before of so fatherly and loving affection of Almighty God towards thee, to lie hid under his rod and chastisement. But when thou hast learned the same before by experience, and hast now already some taste thereof, thy mind is not daunted, nor overcome with any crosses or afflictions: but thy hope & confidence is still more and more increased, when as once and again thou hast had experience of the help of God still present with thee. And if God (through a certain connivency) suffer thee sometimes to be plunged, and to stick fast in the mire (as it were) for a time: yet notwithstanding at the length he will reach out his helping hand, to save and deliver thee. He suffereth thee peradventure to swim a while, yea to be plunged in the water, or in the mire: but he will not suffer thee in any wise to be drowned. Hereby them thou mayest make sure account, that he will never forsake thee nor cast thee off, when as being in danger he hath so often preserved thee. In afflictions therefore thou learnest to conceive, and cherish within thyself a certain and undoubted hope & confidence in God. So as in far greater troubles and distresses (when as no help appeareth from elsewhere) thou mayst boldly put trust and confidence in him: (being already taught and assured of his usual and ordinary manner, in saving & delivering his children.) Thou hast learned, that sicknesses, and other crosses and afflictions, are sent not in anger, but in fatherly love and kindness: which when thou art persuaded of, (being taught it by experience) thou dost patiently wait for help. Neither art thou discouraged, but steadfastly hopest, that at the length he will send thee help and deliverance, howsoever he deferreth long, & hideth his face, making as if he heard not. And so at length thou understandest well, and acknowledgest, that thy grief and sickness is not sent unto thee for thy hurt or perdition, but for the glory of God, and for thine own eternal welfare and salvation. He that can thus commit and yield up himself unto God, resting and relying upon his promises, he shall no wise dye for ever. Which thing Christ himself affirmeth with an oath, that we might not doubt of it, saying; Verily, verily, I say unto you: joh. 8.51. If any man shall keep my word, he shall never see death. And in another place he saith; I am the resurrection and the life. joh. 11.25 He that believeth in me shall live, though he be dead: and he that liveth and believeth in me, shall not die for ever. These words of thy sweet Saviour Christ (dear brother) be careful to keep diligently, and to have deeply rooted in thy mind; and therewithal raise up and comfort this wavering mind of thine. He that believeth in me (saith Christ) shall not taste of death. joh. 5.24. He that believeth in me, hath everlasting life. joh. 17.3. And This is everlasting life, that they know thee to be the only true God, and whom thou hast sent jesus Christ. This life everlasting is begun in this world For whosoever hath Christ, he hath the true life: for Christ is the true life. joh. 14.6. joh. 14.6. and he is also the truth (as he witnesseth in the same place.) And therefore neither will nor can deceive us: but the promises of God in him, and through him are 〈◊〉 and Amen. 2. Cor. 1.20. 2. Corinth. 1.20. And to the end that thou mayest nothing doubt, but that God will abide by his words & promises, he hath by an especial and peculiar covenant and sign added unto thy body, bound and tied himself (as it were) unto thee. For of an earnest love and desire of thy salvation (having sent his own Son into the world, to give up himself unto death for thee) he hath made a covenant of grace with thee through Christ; in whom he hath promised, that if thou believe and be baptised, he will freely give unto thee eternal life; he will never leave thee nor forsake thee, but will be a Father unto thee, and will crown thee with his goodness & mercy. Now the sign and seal of his covenant is thy Baptism. Wherefore unto the promises annexed unto this sign it behoveth thee to cleave fast, & to lay sure hold upon the same. For God hath given thee this sign in thy flesh, that thou mightest nothing doubt of his favour and mercy promised, and of his faithfulness & goodness towards thee. Rom. 6.3. Thou art baptised (as S. Paul saith) into the death of Christ, that his death may become thy death; and that he might make a full and perfect satisfaction unto God for thee. Gal. 3.26. Yea thou hast put him on, (as it were) in Baptism (for so saith the Apostle unto the Galathians) that so thou mightest be wholly in him, and he in thee. Baptism therefore is such a covenant, and such a figure and sign as comforteth, rejoiceth, & quieteth thy conscience before God (as Saint Peter witnesseth) assuring thee, 1 Pet. 3.21. that God will never condemn thee for thy sins, being thoroughly purged and washed away in the blood of his Son For being justified by faith, Rom. 5.1. thou hast peace with God, Ro. 5.1. A quiet, peaceable, & cheerful conscience is this true peace. Now thou hast received Baptism, as a most certain sign and seal of this thy justification, and of the remission of all thy sins: that thou mightest assuredly believe, that God having mercy and compassion upon thee for Christ his sake, will save and deliver thee. Now then, forasmuch as God hath a favour unto thee, and will be a Father unto thee, and consequently will never forsake thee: and forasmuch as thou hast so infallible a sign and testimony thereof, thou oughtest to commit and give over, both all thy affairs and thyself also wholly unto him, to obey his will, and to suffer patiently his hand upon thee (whether it be his will that thou live or die) praying and desiring that his good will may be done unto his praise and glory. And it is unpossible if thou trust steadfastly in God's mercy promised through Christ, and thus dedicate thyself wholly unto him: it is unpossible (I say) that thou shouldest perish or be condemned. Forasmuch as God hath promised, that he will be thy Father, even the same God, who is most true of his word, yea truth itself; while thou dost believe & acknowledge him so to be, and thereupon hopest and lookest for all good things from him; he cannot, but (as a tender Father) take care of thee, and so consequently in good time save and deliver thee (how hardly soever for the present he may seem to entreat thee) yea forasmuch as he hath promised to be a Father not only unto thee, but also unto thy seed after thee, & thou steadfastly believest these his promises: he will without all doubt have a diligent and provident care both of thee and thine. And therefore mayest thou well recommend unto him, not only thy body and soul, but also thy wife and thy children, thy kinsfolk and thy friends, and briefly all that thou hast belonging unto thee. Nothing doubting but that he will be a true Father unto thy children, a true husband unto thy wife, and a true friend unto thy kinsfolk and friends. For God hath hitherto used thee in these, & toward these, only as a Steward. And now when he will have thee to leave the execution of this office and charge, he will doubtless substitute in thy stead another Steward over them, who shall faithfully and diligently take care of them. If with full confidence of heart, thou shalt hope and look for this from him, there is no doubt but that he will do it (as I have said.) Wherefore shake off from thee, and cast out of thy mind all care for thy friends, and for all thy worldly affairs; and commit the same over unto God. Be rather careful for thyself, and bethink how to provide for thy soul, and to resign the same over into the hands of thy Creator and Redeemer. And now, whereas God hath freely for Christ his sake pardoned and forgiven thee all thy sins: he requireth nothing else of thee for this infinite and inestimable benefit; but that thou in like manner from thy very heart forgive all those that have done wrong and injury unto thee. And he promiseth that he will forgive unto us our trespasses, so as we shall forgive unto men their trespasses. Wherefore having from the bottom of thy heart pardoned all wrongs and offences (so as thou intendest not ever after to renew, nor call to mind again the remembrance thereof) pray earnestly and hearty for them that have any way ●●iured or hurt thee, according to the doctrine and example of Christ himself. And if thou shalt recover of this thy sickness, help them to the uttermost of thy power (if they shall stand ●n need of thy help.) Now if thou hast thy mind thus void and free from inward grudge, malice and displeasure, thou hast also an undoubted sign, that God hath pardoned thee all thy sins, & utterly razed them out of his sight. For faith, whereby thy heart is purged, showing itself, & bringing forth her fruits in thee for the blessings and benefits of God towards thee, (being infinite in pardoning all thy sins, which are in number infinite) it cannot but stir thee up in like manner to forgive thy neighbour, and to do good unto him. Here the fruit of thy love and charity witnesseth unto thee, and putteth thee in assurance, that thy faith is a true and lively faith; when it bringeth forth good fruit and such as is unfeigned. This is that which S. Peter meaneth, when he willeth us to give all diligence to make our calling and election sure by our good works; 2 Pet. 1.10 giving us to understand, that those good works are witnesses and tokens that we are elect & chosen of God, and adopted to be his sons, and consequently to be heirs of eternal life and salvation. Howbeit notwithstanding all this, know, that thou canst not, neither must thou in any wise hope or look that God will for the painfulness or grievousness of thy sickness and torment, pardon and forgive thee thy sins. For there is no other satisfaction, nor other recompense for thy sins, but only the death of Christ. In this case God regardeth nothing else, neither doth he accept of any thing else, but of his beloved Son. He is that Lamb of God which only taketh away the sins of the word. joh. 1.29. 1 joh. 2.2. He is a sufficient, perfect, and absolute sacrifice, and oblation for the sins of the whole world. As for thy pains or sickness, or whatsoever torments, or afflictions, (be the same never so great or intolerable) they are not able to make satisfaction & recompense unto God for the lest of thy sins; much less than can the same deserve salvation: (as Saint Paul witnesseth) I account (saith he) that the afflictions of this present time are not worthy of the glory that shall be showed unto us. Rom. 8.18. No creature either in heaven or in earth; no man nor Angel was able to papacifie or to mitigate and assuage the wrath and indignation of God the Father: much less than is this sickness of thine, and this momentany affliction able to do it. Yea (that more is) he that must pacify the wrath and indignation of almighty God, and so reconcile God unto man, it was necessary that he should be both God and man, being to undertake and deal, yea, and to make intercession and atonement between God offended and displeased, and man standing guilty and condemned. Therefore it was necessary, that the Son of God should be made man, that in his body and in his flesh he might satisfy the wrath of God his Father by his sufferings for us, and so save and deliver us from the same: as the Prophet witnesseth, saying; Esa. 53.4.6.8. He hath borne our iniquities, and carried our sorrows. And again, The Lord hath laid upon him the iniquities of us all. And again, For the transgressions of my people was he plagued. And Saint Peter telleth us, 1. Pet. 2.24. that his own self bore our sins in his body on the Cross, and that by his stripes we are healed. For thy Lord Christ his sake it is then that thy sins are forgiven thee, and for no other thing in the whole world for no affliction nor suffering, though never so hard and sharp. Christ only and alone is our righteousness, our satisfaction & redemption, out health and salvation. 2. Cor. 5.21. Him God made sin for us, who knew no sin, that we might be made righteous, yea the righteousness of God in him. Wherefore if thou believe steadfastly, john 1.12. thou art now already the child of God: and if thou be the child of God, than art thou also the heir of God, and coheir together with Christ, Rom. 8.17. (as Saint Paul witnesseth, Rom. 8.) Now if eternal life be the inheritance of God's children, & the gift of God, Rom. 6.23. (as S. Paul calleth it) surely thou canst not deserve it by any suffering of pain or sickness. But God will therefore have thee tormented and vexed with this sickness, that so thy old man might be subdued and overcome, repressed and kept under, yea mortified and put to death (as it were) that so at length it may cease to offend. And that will be finally at the last by the death of the body. And for this cause are we to undergo this death, that our soul may departed out and enter into eternal bliss. For this death of ours is the gate unto eternal life. Then and thereby at the length, we are and shall be delivered from all calamities, miseries, and troubles, and from all errors, deceits, and suggestions of the Devil. Neither shall we any more be defiled with the most loathsome filthiness of our sins; neither shall we be seduced any more, or misled into heresies and errors, nor cast headlong into any despair or doubting. Then shall be an end of all miseries and adversities, and of all troubles and dangers. Then resting in the Lord, we shall enjoy everlasting life, and joys without end. And therefore death is in no wise to be abhorred nor feared. Nay rather, the same is earnestly to be wished for and desired; forasmuch as thereby we pass unto everlasting joys. And it is most true which Saint Paul saith: Rom. 8.28. That unto the godly all things work together for good. Sith that death itself (a thing in the sight of the world, of all other most hateful, and most hideous and horrible) is become unto the faithful most sweet and pleasant, and most joyful and acceptable. Although our old Adam (that is, this flesh of ours) doth abhor it, and by all means fly from it, yea, and trembleth for fear of it: yet notwithstanding the inward man is ready & cheerful, yea, glad and willing to undergo it: forasmuch as thereby he seethe & knoweth, that he is freed and delivered from the mire and filthiness of all his sins and corruptions, from all pains and griefs, and all cares and troubles; and also obtaineth a passage & entrance into everlasting bliss and glory, before the throne of God, and of the Lamb Christ jesus: In whose presence is the fullness of joy, Psal. 16.11 and at whose right hand are pleasures for evermore, Psal. 16.11. CHAP. II. How to comfort such as are in apparent danger of Death. GOod brother, be of good comfort, lift up thy heart, and raise up thy spirit; for behold, the day of thy redemption and dissolution draweth nigh. Thy most gracious and loving Father (in great mercy toward thee) doth now call for thee out of this wretched and miserable life, to translate and convey thee unto himself, unto the endless joys of the heavenly life. And therefore now give over, and wholly commend unto him both thyself and all thine. And let thy will and his will be all one. Say within thy heart, Thy will be done (o God, my heavenly Father) and not mine. Cry out unto Christ thy Saviour, with the good thief upon the Cross: Remember me (o Lord) when thou comest into thy kingdom; Luk. 23.42. or rather, now that thou sittest and reignest in thy glorious kingdom. Cry with the Publican, Lord be merciful unto me, Luk. 18.13. a most miserable and wretched sinner. Cry instantly and earnestly with the woman of Canaan, Mat. 15.22. O Son of David have mercy on me. And when thou thus criest, doubt not but Christ will hear thee, and will have mercy upon thee, in pardoning and forgiving thee all thy sins: And whensoever thou shalt departed hence, thou shalt assuredly be with him in his kingdom, even in Paradise. Lay hold therefore upon this thy Christ; stick fast unto him, and commit thy soul unto him as unto a faithful Creator. 1. Pet. 4.19 With this thy Christ crucified upon the Cross, cry unto God the common Father of you both, in the words of the Prophet David, Psal. 31.1. Psal. 31. In thee (o Lord) I put my trust; let me never be confounded. Deliver me in thy righteousness. Bow down thine ear unto me, make haste to deliver me. Be thou my strong rock and house of defence, that thou mayst save me. For thou art my rock, and m● fortress and strength. Into thy hand I commend my spirit: for thou hast redeemed me, o Lord God of truth. Cry also with David, Psal. 18.1. Psal. 18. Thou, even thou (o Lord) art my strength and my fortress, my refuge, and my deliverer, my God and my helper. In thee will I trust, for thou art my shield, the ●orn also of my salvation and my refuge: unto thee (o Lord) lift I up my soul; (o God) in thee do I trust; Psal. 25.1. Let me not be ashamed nor confounded Lead me and direct me in thy truth: for thou art the God of my salvation. Remember (o Lord) thy tender mercies, and thy loving kindness, for they have been for ever. Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my manifold rebellions (o Lord:) But according to the multitude of thy mercies, Look upon me for thy goodness (o lord) For thy name sake be merciful unto mine iniquity, (o Lord) for it is great. Turn thy face unto me, and have mercy upon me. Deliver me, and draw me out of my troubles. Pardon and forgive me all mine offences. Keep my soul and deliver me. Let me not be confounded: for I put my trust in thee. If in this manner thou shalt with thy whole heart call upon God for help, God will assuredly relieve thee in due time, and will say unto thee, as he did concerning David his servant: Psal. 91.14. Because he hath trusted in me, therefore will I deliver him: I will therefore save and defend him, because he hath known my name. He hath called upon me, and I will hear him; I will be with him in trouble: I will deliver him, and after glorify him. Wherefore (dear brother) fight now a good fight, fight valiantly and courageously, and also constantly and steadfastly, as becometh a true Christian, and a valiant soldier of jesus Christ. Take heed in any wise that thou lose not, nor give over thy standing. Turn not back, for behold, here is no danger at all. Thou dost not fight here alone: but jesus Christ thy Lord and King, he is thy guide and Captain in this fight. Him follow, who in this sharp combat hath gone before thee. He as he is thy guide and captain: so he will be thy defender and deliverer, to defend and deliver thee in this fight and conflict, from all the enemies of thy soul, and from all troubles and dangers whatsoever. For he is not as a mortal & earthly king, who sometimes for want of power, is frustrate of his will and purpose. But he is of endless and infinite power, able to perform whatsoever he hath purposed or promised. Yea and he it is, that hath already for thy sake vanquished and foiled Satan, death, 1 Cor. 15. and hell. Death is swallowed up into victory through Christ, who hath died for thee. And therefore everlasting death hath no interest nor power over thee. Christ for thy sake hath descended into hell; that he might free and deliver thee from that horrible and endless darkness. Be strong therefore and of good courage, and with an undaunted heart & mind now fight that good fight of faith, 1 Tim. 6.12 laying hold of eternal life, whereunto thou art called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses: shake off all fear, for here is no danger. There is no cause for thee to fear the strictness and severity of God's judgement. For behold, Christ jesus is thy mediator in the sight and presence of God; he also is thy advocate & intercessor to plead thy cause, and thine high priest to make atonement unto God for thee. He it is that hath reconciled thee unto God, and that hath recovered unto thee and for thee the love and the good will and favour of his heavenly Father, which by means of thy sins was utterly lost & alienated from thee. God almighty (in and through Christ, and for his sake) is now become thy Father, and he entirely loveth thee, and hath care of thee as of his child that is most tender and dear unto him. Now then, forasmuch as he who is so great and mighty a king is with thee; who can go about to do thee hurt? who shall impugn or oppose and set himself against thee? Hear what S. Paul saith: Rom. 8.31. If God be with us, who can be against us? who spared not his own Son: but gave him unto death for us all, how shall he not with him give us all things also? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of Gods chosen? It is God that justifieth, who shall condemn? It is Christ who ●ath died; yea rather, who is risen again; who is also at the right hand of God, and maketh request also for us. Who shall separate us from the love of God? I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor Angels, nor Principalities nor Powers, nor height nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ jesus our Lord. Seeing then that Christ with all his goodness and benefits is given unto thee; righteousness also & holiness, justification and redemption, yea everlasting life and salvation, these are all freely given and bestowed upon thee (as S. Paul witnesseth, 1. Cor. 1. That Christ is made unto us of God his Father, 1 Cor. 1.30. both wisdom and righteousness, sanctification and redemption. See then that thou have thy hope and confidence wholly settled, and firmly and steadfastly fixed upon this corner stone Christ jesus. He is a most sound and a most strong and sure foundation, whereunto thou mayest safely commit thyself, and whereupon thou mayest boldly rely. No tempest (though never so black and cloudy, or never so hideous and terrible:) no showers or storms whatsoever, are or shall be able to cast cast down or overthrow this foundation: upon this thy sweet Saviour Christ (I say) let all thy hope and happiness be founded and built. Cast thyself upon him, and give thyself over wholly unto him; put thy confidence in him, and cleave fast unto him. And let no affliction nor temptation pluck thee away from him: (howsoever things seem to come to pass never so awkwardly or contrary to reason and sense; howsoever thine own reason shall deem and judge otherwise, or flesh and blood shall never so much persuade and counsel otherwise; yea howsoever the devil now and then may suggest unto thee, & whisper into thine ears, or put into thy mind, that thou art quite undone, and art past all hope; that God cannot but still be highly displeased with thee, and that thou shalt be condemned to be punished in hell fire (as thou hast deserved.) Yet notwithstanding, all these and the like suggestions, do thou by a steadfast and true faith rely upon thy sweet Saviour Christ jesus, and stick fast unto him. Heb. 11.1. For faith is the ground (or expectation) of things, that are hoped for (to wit, being promised) not of things that are sensible, or conceived by sense: and it is the evidence of things not seen, (that is a sure and certain knowledge and proof of the things that appear not. Hebrews 11.1. It standeth thee upon therefore with the holy and faithful Patriarch Abraham, even beside hope, and above hope, 〈◊〉 believe under hope. Rom. 4.18. Thy faith & thy hope must set itself to resist all those things, which either blind rea●on shall suggest unto thee, 〈◊〉 that cunning and crafty enemy the devil (who lieth ●n wait to destroy) shall seek to infuse and put into thee. Here therefore thou ●●t to learn and observe, 1 Pet. 5.8. for thy comfort, God's manner and custom in saving those that are his: whom he will lift up into heaven, him ●e doth commonly first of all bring down to hell. Whom he will quicken and make alive, him he doth first bring down to the gates of death. Upon whom he will show his greatest mercy & kindness, in saving and delivering him, him he suffereth before to be tempted, and maketh as if he would condemn him. Wherefore even then, when thou feelest nothing else, but present death; when God seemeth most of all to be angry with thee; when he seemeth to be furthest from thee, yea and to have wholly and altogether forsaken thee, & cast thee off (as one reproved and condemned) even then is he nearest unto thee, to protect, defend, and deliver thee; then he most of all loveth thee, and then he ●ath greatest care over thee. For in the midst of trouble and affliction God remembreth mercy (as the Prophet in many places beareth witness. Psal. 30.5. ) His wrath endureth but the twinkling of ●n eye: but in his favour is life. Weep may abide at night, but joy cometh in the morning. Lam. 3.31. And again, He will not forsake (or be angry) for ever: yea rather, As a father pitieth his own children: so is the Lord merciful to them that fear him: For he knoweth whereof we be made; he remembreth that we are but dust. Now, Psal. 103.13. the mercy of the Lord is for ever and ever upon them that fear him. The Lord is gracious and full of compassion, Psal. 145.8 slow to anger, and of great mercy: yea our God is good unto all, (how much more to his children? to them that love and fear him?) and his mercy is over all his works, (as the same Prophet witnesseth, Psalm 145.8.) And therefore closing up the eyes both of thy mind, and also of thy senses, and utterly casting off the judgement of reason, submit and give over thyself wholly unto Christ, and take it in good part howsoever he shall deal with thee. Thou must not esteem and judge of death, or of the horror and pains of death, according to the judgement of outward sight, or of sense and reason; but according to the word of God, and the censure and judgement thereof. David saith, That Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his Saints. Psal. 116.15. And the voice of God himself from heaven crieth in the Revelation of S. john. Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord. Apoc. 14.13 And Christ himself saith: john 8.51. He that believeth in me shall not taste of death. Wherefore, if any thing be presented unto thee, which may seem to turn thee away from Christ: cast the same wholly out of thy mind. Stick fast unto the word of God, which abideth for ever. Meditate still upon it, and by often repeating the same, imprint it steadfastly in thy mind. For thou canst not indeed ever conceive by the quickness & sharpness of thine own reason, how all this may be; that thou shouldest pass through death unto the true life; how thou shouldst die and departed this world by breathing out thy soul; how thy soul should be kept safe in the Lord, and should abide and rest with him unto the last day; and how also thy body being putrefied and eaten up of worms, and consumed to dust and ashes, could rise again in the last day of judgement, and come forth in so fresh and glorious a form & manner. This reason in no wise is able to conceive: only faith can comprehend it. And therefore still meditate upon the Articles of thy faith, and diligently weigh and consider in thy mind all the several parts of the same, with a particular application thereof unto thyself. CHAP. III. How the sick party is to be called on and comforted, being ready to give up the Ghost. NOw (dear brother) is the time, that thou must fight that good fight, and lay hold on eternal life. Now therefore fight manfully and courageously, keep thy standing diligently, & lay hold fast on Christ jesus, that none take away thy Crown. Fix steadfastly in thy mind the promises of Christ thy Redeemer. I am (saith he) the resurrection and the life. joh. 11.25 He that believeth in me shall live, and shall not die for ever. Christ having taken our nature upon him (with all those defects and infirmities whereto we are subject) and dying upon the altar of his Cross, hath offered up himself a full and perfect sacrifice, oblation, and satisfaction for all our sins. He it is, that by his most precious blood, hath purged away the sins of all that truly and unfeignedly believe in him. And this thy Saviour jesus Christ will in no wise forsake thee. He it is that undoubtedly careth for thee, to save, protect, and deliver thee. Nothing therefore shall touch thee, nor prevail against thee to hurt thee. The foundation of God remaineth sure, having this seal: 2. Tim. 2.19 The Lord knoweth who are his. Christ saith: My sheep, john 10.27. hear my voice; and I know them, and they follow me; and I give unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish: neither shall any be able to take them out of my hand. My Father that gave them unto me, a greater than all: and none is able to take them out of my Father's hand. I and my father are one. Wherefore (dear brother, beloved in Christ) commend thy soul into the hands of God thy heavenly Father; who for his Son his sake, doubtless doth entirely love thee, having ransomed and redeemed thee with so great a price, as the death and bloodshedding of his only son. Cry out therefore confidently with thy elder brother Christ: O heavenly Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit, which thou hast redeemed with so great a price. Lord jesus receive my soul. Now the Father of all mercies, and the God of all comfort and consolation, confirm and strengthen thee, conduct and lead thee, and by the ministry of his holy Angels, transport and carry thee (as they did Lazarus) into the bosom of Abraham, even into everlasting life; and finally, preserve and keep thee unto that most joyful resurrection at the last day. Amen. A SERMON OF MORTALITY, Written by that famous and blessed Martyr Saint CYPRIAN, Bishop of Carthage. Wherein he exhorteth to a vehement desire of leaving this miserable life. Declaring withal, and showing, that (whereas the just and unjust dye alike) we must not think their end to be all one: forasmuch as the righteous are called away unto endless rest and happiness, and the wicked are violently haled and carried away to be punished. Howsoever it be true (dearly beloved brethren) that there appears to be in many of you a sound mind and a steadfast faith, & an holy & devout will and desire, which is nothing moved nor daunted at the greatness of this mortality; but rather (as a firm & strong rock) beateth back and overcometh all the violent and tempestuous assaults of the world: (It self being assailed and tried, but not vanquished nor overcome with any temptations:) yet notwithstanding, for as much as I perceive some of the common sort of people, either through weakness of mind & slenderness of faith, or through the sweetness of this worldly and temporal life, or through the tenderness of their sex, or (that which is more) through error and ignorance of the truth, not to stand so strongly & manfully as they should, nor to show forth the divine and invincible courage of their hearts and minds: It was a matter not to be concealed, nor passed over in silence; but that (according to the measure of our ability) the cowardliness and laziness of such nice and dainty minds ought, by strong force, and by some discourse conceived and gathered out of the word of our Lord jesus Christ, to be repressed and subdued; and that whosoever hath already begun to be a man of God, and of Christ, might be esteemed worthy of God, and of Christ. For whosoever he be (beloved brethren) that warreth under the ensign of God and of Christ, and being placed in the heavenly boast and army, is already in hope and expectation of heavenly things, that man ought to acknowledge and to avow and profess himself to be such a one, that amidst the stormy tempests and troubles of the world, there be in us no fear nor doubting. Especially, seeing that the Lord hath foretold that these things should so come to pass; providently encouraging, instructing, and teaching, yea arming, and preparing, confirming, and strengthening his people, and true members of his Church, unto all patience, and abiding of things to come: Foretelling and admonishing, that there should be wars and dearths, and earthquakes, and pestilences in all places. And, lest that the unlooked for and sudden fear of new and fresh troubles, might haply dismay us; he hath warned us before hand, that in the last times worldly crosses and afflictions should be more and more increased. Behold the things which were foretold, are now come to pass. And when the said things which were foretold do come to pass, then shall follow also whatsoever hath been promised (the Lord himself making unto us this warrantise and assurance, saying: Luke 21. When ye shall see all these things come to ●asse, know ye, that the kingdom of God is near.) The kingdom of God (beloved brethren) is now near at hand; the gladsome tidings and joyful reward of eternal life and salvation, and the joyful possession of Paradise, which before was lost, is now come in this last passage & end of the world. Heavenly things do now succeed, and come in place of earthly things; things of great weight and account in place of things of no price and value; and things eternal and everlasting, in place of things frail and transitory. What place then is there here for care and vexation and anguish of mind? What man amidst these things will or can be fearful and pensive, but he that is utterly void of faith and hope? It is indeed for him to fear death, that is unwilling to go unto Christ; and it is for him to be unwilling to go unto Christ that believeth not, how that now already he hath begun to reign with Christ. For it is written, that the just man liveth by his faith. Rom. 1. If thou be made just and righteous, than thou livest by faith. If then thou hast faith, and by the same faith dost truly and steadfastly trust in God, why dost thou not show thyself as one that shall assuredly be with Christ? and as one that is secure and assured of the Lords promise? Why dost thou not (I say) with gladness of heart receive and embrace this thy calling unto Christ, and rejoice that thou hast not any more to do with this earth and gravel? Furthermore, that just man Simeon, Simeon. Luke 2.25. who was truly just and righteous, and with steadfast faith kept the commandments of God, when as a revelation was given unto him from God, that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord Christ, and that Christ being a little child, was now come with his mother into the Temple; he knew in the spirit that now Christ was borne (of whom it was foretold him:) whom as soon as he saw, he knew he should die quickly. And therefore being glad, because of his death which was now at hand, & being secure & void of care for his calling hence, (which was not far off) he took the child in his hands, or in his arms, and praising God, he cried out and said: Lord now lettest thou thy servant departed in peace, according to thy word: for mine eyes have seen thy salvation. Proving undoubtedly, & testifying, that then the servants of God have peace, & have free and quiet rest, when as being drawn and taken away from the storms and tempests of this troublesome world, they arrive at the haven of everlasting rest and safety; when as this death being quite abolished and put away, they enter into the state of immortality. For that is our peace; that is our sure rest & tranquillity; that is our constant and steadfast, yea endless & everlasting safety and security. Moreover, what other thing else do we in this world, but every day wage battle against the devil? what else but with continual conflicts fight against him, and withstand and resist his darts and arrows? We are to encounter with covetousness and worldliness, Enemies, with whom we are to encounter in this world. with uncleanness and wantonness, with anger and furiousness, with ambition, and with pride and haughtiness. We are to wrestle and struggle daily and continually (yea & that with no small difficulty and danger) against the sensuality and corruptions of our flesh, and against the allurements and enticements of the world. The mind of man being compassed about and enclosed on every side with the trouble and molestation of this base earth and gravel, is hardly able to resist and withstand every one of these. If covetousness be put to flight & overthrown, behold, lust and sensuality riseth up in place. If lust and sensuality be repressed, ambition succeedeth in their stead. If ambition be despised and unregarded, than anger & rage whetteth a man & exasperateth him; pride and vain glory make him to swell, drunkenness provoketh and allureth; envy breaketh concord and unity, zeal and emulation cut off friendship and amity. Thou art moved and enforced to speak evil, or to backbite & slander, (which God in his law forbiddeth) or thou art constrained to swear, sometimes falsely, & sometimes vainly (which is a thing not lawful.) A man's mind suffereth every day so many pursuits, and his heart is vexed and molested with so many dangers. And can it take pleasure to stay any long time here amidst so many swords? When as rather we should wish & desire (by the help of death) to hasten more speedily unto Christ; especially when he hath beforehand so instructed and forewarned us, saying: joh. 16.20. Verily, verily, I say unto you: ye shall weep and lament, and the world shall rejoice: ye shall sorrow, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy. Now, what man will not make haste to come unto joy? What man would not wish to be free from sorrow? And when is the time that our sorrow shall be turned into joy? This the Lord himself declareth afterwards, saying: verse 22. I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice and your joy shall no man take from you. For as much then, as in beholding of Christ there is true and perfect joy, and that we can have no true & perfect joy, but in beholding him; what blindness and sottishness of mind, or rather what madness is it, to love the tears, and pains and sorrows of this world, that are ready to torment and oppress us, and not rather to make haste unto the joy that can never be taken away? Now surely this cometh to pass (well beloved brethren) for want of faith, because there are so few or none that believe, how that those things shall assuredly come to pass which God promiseth, who is faithful and true, and whose word unto the true believers is constant and firm, eternal and everlasting. If some grave discreet man, and one that all men did commend for his honesty and fidelity, should promise thee any thing, thou wouldst surely give him credit, and wouldst persuade thyself of him, that he will in no wise beguile thee, nor deceive thee, knowing him to be a man constant and steadfast, both in his words & deeds. Now behold, God it is, that reasoneth the case with thee, and that maketh such gracious promises unto thee: and dost thou with an unbelieving heart, like a faithless wretch still waver and stand in doubt? God promiseth unto thee, as soon as thou departest out of this world, immortality and eternal life: and dost thou doubt of it? Surely this is as much, as not to know God at all; this is as much as to displease and offend the master of all them that believe, Christ jesus, by the sin of unbelief; this is as much as for one that is placed in the Church of God, in the house of faith, to have no faith at all. How greatly behoveful and profitable also is it for us, to departed out of this world, Christ himself the master and teacher of our salvation, and the author of our welfare, showeth plainly; who when his disciples were sorrowful and grieved, because he said that he must ere long departed and go away from them, he spoke unto them in this wise: If ye had loved me, joh. 14.28. ye would verily rejoice, because I go unto the Father. Hereby declaring & teaching, that whensoever our dear friends whom we love, depart hence out of the world, we should rather rejoice then be grieved. Of which thing the blessed Apostle Saint Paul being mindful. Philip. 1. he layeth this down for a ground, and saith: Phillip 1.21. Christ is unto me life, and Death is unto me advantage: accounting it the greatest gain and advantage unto himself that might be, to be now no longer bound and held in the snares of the world, to be subject now no longer unto any sin, or corruption of the flesh: But being now exempted & freed from all troubles and vexations, and set at liberty out of the venomous laws of the Devil, (at the call and summons of his Lord and Master Christ) to pass unto the joys of eternal salvation. But yet for all this, An objection. it is a matter that still troubleth some men; That such weaknesses and sicknesses do seize upon us Christians, even alike as they do upon other Heathens. Answer. As if for this end a Christian did believe in Christ, that he might be free from the touch and feeling of miseries & troubles; and might enjoy this world, and the time that he hath to abide therein at his own pleasure, & not rather that he might be reserved for the joy to come, after that he hath suffered here all manner of crosses and afflictions patiently. It greatly moveth and troubleth some, that this death and mortality is common unto us with other men. And what is there indeed in this world, that is not common unto us with others, as long as (according to the law and condition of our first birth,) this flesh still remaineth common? In flesh we are all one like another, but are severed in spirit. So long as we are here in this world, we are knit and joined together with all other men alike, and are all one in flesh, but are severed in spirit. And therefore, until this corruptible do put on incorruption, and this mortal body do put on immortality, and that the Spirit bring us unto God our heavenly Father; whatsoever inconveniences and discommodities there be of the flesh, the same are common unto us with all mankind. So that, when as (through some unkind blasts and unseasonable weather) the ground becometh barren and unfruitful, the famine and dearth ensuing thereupon, maketh no difference nor distinction of any. And when by invasion of enemies any City is taken, all are spoiled alike, and carried away into captivity. Also when fair bright clouds put off and drive away the rain some long time, the drought is alike unto all. And when the hard rocks break in sunder the ship, the shipwreck is without exception, common alike unto all that sail therein. And so in like manner, the pains & soreness of the eyes, the vehement heat of Fevers, and the craziness and feebleness that is in all the members of our bodies, the same are common unto us as well as others, so long as in this world we carry this common flesh about us. Nay rather, in as much as upon covenant and condition a Christian doth believe in Christ, he must know and understand, yea, and hold for surety, that he is to suffer more, and to take more pains in this world, then others: having to wrestle and to encounter with the assaults of the Devil more than others are. Of this the Scripture doth forewarn and teach us. My Son, Eccle. 21.2 if thou wilt come into the service of God, stand fast in righteousness, and fear, and prepare thy soul unto temptation. Settle thy heart and be patiented, and shrink not away when thou art assailed. And again, Verse 4.5. Whatsoever cometh unto thee, receive it patiently; and be patiented in the change of thine affliction. For as Gold and Silver are tried in the fire: Even so are men acceptable in the furnace of adversity. Thus it fared with job, when as (after the loss of all his goods, and the death of his children) being grievously afflicted and tormented with botches and sores, and filthy vermin; notwithstanding he was not overcome, but rather tried and purified in the furnace of affliction: In so much that in the midst of all his conflicts, and of all his pains and griefs, showing the patience of his devout and godly mind, he broke out into these words, and said: Naked came I out of my mother's womb, job 1.21. and naked shall I return to the earth again. The Lord hath given, and the Lord hath taken away. As it hath pleased the Lord, so it is come to pass. Blessed be the name of the Lord. And when as his wife called upon him, and urged him through impatiency and grief, to murmur and complain, and to utter spiteful words against God, he answered her, saying; job 2.10. Thou speakest like a foolish woman. For if we receive good things at the hand of God why should we not tolerate and receive evil? In all these things which happened unto job, he offended not with his lips in the sight of the Lord his God. And therefore doth the Lord give this testimony of him, job 1.8. & 2.3. saying: Hast thou not considered my Servant job, how there is none like him in the earth? an upright and a just man, one that truly feareth and serveth God, and that receiveth all things patiently, without complaining or murmuring? This patience the just and righteous have always had; and this order & course the Apostles hold, and kept (according to the ordinance of God) in their adversity; not to murmur nor complain, but whatsoever happened in this world, patiently and manfully to receive and entertain the same. Whereas the people of the jews herein always offended, that they were still murmuring against God (as the Lord complaineth, and beareth witness of them, saying: Let their murmurings cease from before me, and they shall not die. But as for us, we must not murmur (beloved brethren) in any wise; but we must patiently and manfully endure whatsoever happeneth: In as much as it is written, Psal. 51. A sacrifice unto God is a troubled spirit, a broken and an humbled heart God will not despise. In Deuteronomie also, the holy Ghost by Moses giveth us warning, Deut. 8. saying: The Lord thy God will humble thee, and lay hunger upon thee, to prove & know what is in thy heart, whether thou wilt keep my commandments or not. And again, The Lord your God doth try you, to know if you love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul. Gen. 22. Thus did Abraham please God; who (to obey God's commandment, & to satisfy his will and pleasure) was neither afraid to lose his Son, not refused to execute murder upon his son. Thou that canst not be content to lose thy son by the ordinary course of death, what wouldst thou do if thou shouldst be charged of God to slay thy Son (as was Abraham?) True faith & fear of God should make thee ready and prepared for all assays (be it loss of goods, or be it daily and cruel torment of all parts of the body, by dangerous and deadly sicknesses; or be it the mournful and sorrowful departure and taking away of wife, children, or any other of our dear friends.) Let not these things offend thee, nor be any lets or impediments unto thee, but let them rather be motives unto thee, to fight and encounter so much the more manfully. Neither let christians hereupon be faint hearted and discouraged, or any thing weakened in faith: but rather in this their encounter, let them show forth their puissance and courage; sith that all the injury and despite of present miseries ought to be contemned and despised of us, in confidence and assurance of the good things that are to come. For unless there be a conflict and fight going before, there can no victory follow after. When as in joining of battle, the victory is achieved, then is the crown or garland given to the Conquerors. For it is not but in some great and dangerous tempest, that the Pilot is known and discerned what he is. And so is a soldier not tried, but in a sharp and dangerous war. It is but a nice and vain brag of men, to vaunt themselves of what they have done, when there hath been no danger at all. But for a man to encounter manfully in time of trouble and adversity, is the right trial of the truth. The tree that is deeply rooted (though the winds blow upon it with never so great force & violence) yet it is not moved at all: and the ship which is strongly jointed (though the waves beat upon it never so fast) yet is it not pierced through. Also when as the corn is threshed on the floor and winnoed, the strong & full corns contemn the winds; when as the light and empty chaff is violently carried away with every blast. Thus the Apostle Saint Paul after all his shipwrecks and scourge, and many other grievous torments of his flesh and of his body, affirmeth that he was nothing troubled, but rather that he was made better, in and by his sufferings: so that the more grievous his afflictions were, the more true and certain were his trials. There was given unto me (saith he) a prick in the flesh, 2 Cor. 12.7. the messenger of Satan to buffet me, that I should not be exalted above measure. For which thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might departed from me. And he said unto me; my grace is sufficient for thee: for my power is made perfect in weakness. Whensoever therefore any weakness and infirmity, or any raging sickness wasteth and destroyeth on every side, then is our strength made perfect; then (if our faith being tried, it doth abide & stand firm and steadfast) it is surely crowned, according as it is written: Eccl. 27.5. The furnace proveth the potter's vessel: so doth temptation try men's thoughts. Furthermore, this difference there is between us & others that know not God; that whereas they in their afflictions and troubles do murmur and complain: no afflictions nor troubles whatsoever, do turn us away from the truth of our faith, & courage; but they do rather confirm and strengthen us in the midst of grief & sorrow. Whereas we see now in some the strength of their body drawn away through fluxes and looseness of the belly; in others a certain fire engendered in the soreness of the jaws, which inwardly boileth; the bowels and entrails, in others quaking & trembling through continual vomiting; or their eyes through abundance of blood to be inflamed; some to have their feet and other parts and members of the body that are corrupt (for fear of infecting the rest of the body) to be cut off; and that by reason of feebleness, proceeding of some hurt of the body, the going is weakened, or the hearing is stopped, or the sight is darkened: all this is good for us, and profitable for the trial of our faith. For to encounter by the puissance of a constant and steadfast mind against so manifold assaults of destruction and of death, what great valour and magnanimity is it? and what an height of glory amidst the ruins of mankind, to stand upright, and not to lie prostrate & overthrown with them, who have no hope nor confidence in the Lord? How ought we not rather to rejoice, and gladly to receive and embrace the benefit of the time: in that we (while we steadfastly show forth our faith, & by suffering grief and trouble patiently, go on forward unto Christ by that straight way which he hath set down unto us) we receive (even by his own sentence and judgement) the end of our faith & confidence, even the reward of eternal life? To whom death is terrible. Let him indeed then fear to die, who being not borne again of water and of the Spirit, is delivered up to the bondage and thraldom of hell fire. Let him fear to die, that is not reckoned with those, who shall be partakers of the cross and passion of Christ. Let him fear to die who shall pass from this death unto the second death. Let him fear to die, who as soon as he departeth out of this world, shall be tormented in flames everlasting, with pains which never shall have end. Let him fear to die, who hath this only benefit by longer tarrying here, that in the mean time his torment and sorrow is a little differred. Many of our friends in this time of mortality do decease and departed hence, that is, many of our friends are released and delivered out of this wicked world. This death and mortality, as it is a plague and punishment unto jews and Pagans, and other enemies of Christ; so to the servants of God it is a comfortable departure, and behoveful for their welfare and salvation. Whereas then (without any difference of mankind) the righteous and the wicked both die alike: we must not think that good men and bad men have all one end. For behold, the righteous are called hence unto ease and rest; and the wicked are haled and carried away unto endless punishment and torment. The faithful are the more speedily received and taken into sure and safe keeping; and the faithless and unbelievers the sooner delivered over to be punished. How improvident and unadvised then are we? (beloved brethren,) and how unthankful for God's benefits, in not acknowledging nor considering what a good turn here is done unto us? Behold how virgins depart in peace, and out of danger, together with all their glory, not fearing the threats of Antichrist when he cometh, nor yet to be corrupted by the stews and brothelhouses. Little children escape the danger of that slippery age of theirs, and do happily attain unto the reward of their integrity and innocency. The delicate and dainty dame doth not now fear nor feel any torments; having gained her freedom from fear and hazard of persecution, and of the stroke and torment of the hangman and executioner, by the speediness of her death. Further also, by the fear of their mortality and of their short abiding here, cold and lukewarm Christians are more inflamed, and are made more fervent and zealous; dissolute persons are restrained, the sluggish and slothful are awakened and pricked forward, stragglers and such as have gone astray, are compelled to return back again; heathens and Pagans are made to believe: the people of God, which hath been faithful of old, are called unto rest; and a fresh and more plentiful band and troup with greater strength and courage is gathered together, being ready to fight without fear of death, whensoever the battle should be; seeing they come so readily and cheerfully to fight and encounter at the time of their death. Again moreover, what say you unto this? (beloved brethren) what a thing is it? how pertinent & ●ow needful and necessary? That this death and pestilence, which seemeth to be so mortal and deadly, trieth the righteousness of every man what it is, & searcheth out & examineth the minds and dispositions of men, whether the whole and sound will be ready to provide and care for them that are sick and weak? whether kinsfolks and near friends have any good love and sincere affection one to the other? Whether masters have any pity or compassion on their sick servants? Whether Physicians will forsake and give over their Patients or no, being sick and earnestly craving their help? Whether insolent and outragigious persons will repress and lay aside their rage and violence? Whether greedy covetous men will (at the least through fear of death) be drawn and moved to quench and abate the heat of their outrageous avarice, which otherwise is never satisfied? whether the proud and haughty will bow and ●end? whether wicked and obstinate persons will modera e and assuage their rashness and presumption? & whether rich men when they see their dear friends eye (as their w●●es or children, or near kinsfolk) and being themselves like to die without heirs, will be mo●ed thereby to distribute & give more liberally to the relief of the poor? Yea, admit that this death & mortality shall bring no further benefit; yet hath it done this great good turn unto us Christians, unto us that are the true servants of God: that we have now begun willingly to desire martyrdom, whilst we learn not to fear death. These things than are but exercises unto us, not dolours and mournful funerals; they bring unto the mind the glory and renown of fortitude and courage, and by the contempt of death, they prepare us, and make us fit and ready for a crown. But perhaps some man will here object and say: Objection. yea but this is a thing that grieveth and troubleth me much in this present mortality; that whereas I was provided and prepared to confess Christ, even to the shedding of my best blood, yea and had solemnly vowed with all my heart, and with full courage to endure & suffer whatsoever; I am now deprived of my martyrdom, while I am prevented by death. Answer. Yea, but first it behoveth thee to know, that to be a Martyr, & to suffer martyrdom is not in thine own power, but in God's acceptation; if he shall or will vouchsafe to accept thee, & to call thee to such honour. And thou canst not say that thou hast lost that, which thou know'st not whether thou art held worthy to receive. Then again, God (who is a searcher of the reins, and of the heart, and an examiner and beholder of all secrets) he seethe thee, and he doth commend & approve of thee; yea, and he understanding and perceiving thee to have such strength and courage in readiness to suffer, will assuredly recompense and reward thee for it. Had Cain when he offered up his gift and oblation unto God, at that time killed his brother? No● yet notwithstanding, the murder that he had conceived in his mind God saw beforehand, and thereupon reproved and condemned the same. So as his wicked and mischievous conceit and imagination, was in God's providence foreseen and known. Even so also is it in the true servants of God, which have a purpose and will to confess Christ, and which conceive martyrdom in their hearts and minds: the very will and affection being given and inclined to goodness, is crowned of God in his judgement. It is one thing for the mind and will to want or to be without martyrdom; and another thing for martyrdom to want or to be without the mind and will. Look after what manner God doth find thee when he calleth for thee, As a man i● found, so shall ●e be judged. after such manner likewise will he judge thee: for as much as he himself witnesseth, saying: Apoc. 2.23. All Churches shall know that I am he who searcheth the reins and the heart. Neither indeed doth God require or take pleasure in your blood, but in your faith. For neither Abraham nor Isaac, nor jacob, were slain and put to death; and yet notwithstanding they being honoured with the reward and benefit of faith and righteousness, deserved to be reckoned the chief and principal among the Patriarches: unto whose fellowship & society, whosoever is found faithful and righteous, laudable and praise worthy, shall assuredly be gathered. We must remember that we are to do not our own will, but Gods will, according to that which God hath willed us daily to pray. Now, how preposterous, and how perverse a thing is it, and contrary to reason, that (whereas we desire and pray that God his will may be done) we should not straightway when God calleth, and sendeth for us out of this world, readily submit ourselves unto the power and government of his will? In words we rest & rely hereupon, but yet indeed do struggle and strive against it: and like stubborn servants are unwillingly, and with grief drawn into the presence of our Lord and Master, departing hence, as being thereunto bound by necessity, not through any readiness of will: and we desire to be honoured of him with rewards in heaven, unto whom we come by constraint, and against our will. To what purpose them do we pray and desire that Gods heavenly kingdom may come if this earthly bondage do so much please and delight us? Why do we with often redoubled prayers beg and crave, that God will hasten his kingdom, & make speed to admit us thereinto, if our wishes and desires be greater and more earnest to serve the Devil here, then to reign with Christ there? * A vision is here reported by the Author which I thought good to omit. How often also hath it been revealed unto us (the least and meanest of others) & how many times hath God vouchsafed to give open and manifest charge, that I should make daily protestation, and publicly declare, that our brethren are in no wise to be lamented, being (at Gods call and appointment) freed and set at liberty out of this world? knowing that they are not lost and foregone, but are sent before; that departing hence they do but tread the way before us, and that (as travelers and passengers) they should be wished for and desired of us, but not lamented. Neither should we take unto us black mourning weeds here, when as they have already received white robes and garments there. And withal, that we should not give occasion unto the heathens and Pagans, justly to reprove, and worthily to reprehend us, for that we sorrow and mourn for those, as utterly lost and perished, whom we affirm notwithstanding to live with God: and that by the testimony of our own heart and conscience we reject & disallow the faith, which in word and voice we declare and profess. We are betrayers of our hope, confidence, and of our faith & holy profession. All that we say, seemeth to be but in dissimulation, and to be but feigned and counterfeit. It availeth nothing at all to talk of grace and virtue, and in our deeds to destroy the truth and verity. Lastly, the Apostle Saint Paul misliketh those, yea, and he rebuketh and blameth them that are too much grieved for the death and departure of their friends, 1. Thess. 4. 1. Thess 4. I would not (brethren) have you ignorant (saith he) concerning them that sleep: that ye sorrow not as others do which have no hope. For if we believe that jesus died and rose again, even so also them that sleep in Christ shall God bring with him. Where mark how he saith, that it is for such to be sorry for the death and departure of their friends, who are void of hope. But as for us, which live in hope and by hope, we who have hope in God, and confidently believe that Christ hath suffered for us, and is risen again, so long as we abide and continue in Christ, and rise in him and through him, why either are we our selue, so unwilling to departed hence out of this present world? or why do we grieve and lament for our friends when they depart, as if they were lost and perished? especially when as Christ himself our Lord and God admonisheth us, joh. 11. saying: I am the resurrection and the life: He that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live; and whosoever liveth and believeth in me, shall not die for ever? If we believe in Christ, let us have trust and confidence in his words and promises, and we shall not die for ever; and let us with joyful security go unto Christ, with whom we shall live and reign for evermore. And whereas in the mean while we die (as concerning our bodies,) we do but pass by death unto immortality. Neither indeed can everlasting life succeed and come in place, unless it fall out unto us to departed hence. It is then not a doath, but a passage, and after this temporal race and voyage ended, a passing unto things eternal. Now, what man would not make haste to have & enjoy better things? who would not wish to be changed and renewed, and fashioned after the image and likeness of Christ? and to come (as soon as he can) to enjoy the honour and dignity of that heavenly reward and benefit? Sith that the Apostle Saint Paul plainly pronounceth, Phil. 3.20. saying: Our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Lord jesus Christ, who shall transform and change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body. And that we shall be such, our Saviour Christ also promiseth, when as he prayeth unto the Father for us, that we may be with him, and may live together with him in the eternal mansions, & rejoice together in his heavenly kingdom. joh. 17.24. Father (saith he) I will, that they whom thou hast given me, be with me, even where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me from before the foundations of the world. He that is going to Christ his mansion, and to the brightness and glory of his heavenly kingdom, ought not to wail and mourn, but rather (according to the promise of our Lord, and according to the stableness and steadfastness of his truth) to rejoice for his departure, and for his translating & removing hence. Thus we find that Enoch was translated, in as much as he pleased God. For so the holy Scripture of God witnesseth of him in the book of Genesis, saying: And Enoch pleased God, Gen. 5.24. (or walked with God) and he was no more found; for God translated him, or took him away. This it was for him to please God, and to walk before him, even to have this honour, to be translated & taken away from the danger & infection of this present world; And this is that which the wise man teacheth us, that they who please God are more speedily taken away hence, and sooner released; lest while they abide and continue overlong in this world, they should be corrupted and defiled with worldly affairs. Wisd. 4.11.14. He was taken away (saith he) lest wickedness should alter his understanding: for his soul was pleasing unto God: therefore he hastened to take him away from the midst of iniquity. So likewise in the Psalms, David having his soul devoted & dedicated unto God, with spiritual confidence and boldness he maketh haste to go unto the Lord, as it is written of him, Psal. 84.1. Psal. 84.1. O how amiable are thy dwellings (thou Lord of hosts) my soul longeth and maketh haste unto the courts of the Lord! So then, it is for him alone to be desirous to abide long in this world, that placeth his delight and happiness in the world, & for him whom this flattering and deceitful world tickleth, and provoketh with the allurements and enticements of carnal and worldly pleasures. Moreover, whereas the world hateth every one that is truly a Christian; what meanest thou to love him, that thus hateth thee? Why rather dost thou not follow after Christ, who hath redeemed thee, and who still continually loveth thee? Hereupon it is, that S. john in his first Epistle proclaimeth, & crieth out earnestly, exhorting that we should not love the world, in following after fleshly lusts and desires. Love not the world (saith he) neither the things that are in the world If any man love the world, 1 joh. 2.15. the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world (as the lusts of the flesh, the lusts of the eyes, and the pride of life) is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lusts thereof: but he that shall do the will of God, abideth for ever, as God abideth for ever. Now therefore (dear brethren) let us with upright hearts and minds, with steadfast faith and valiant courage be evermore in readiness to submit ourselves wholly to the will of God: and (casting off all fear of death) let us meditate and think upon immortality, which is to follow after. Let us declare & show, that this is the thing which we believe and look for, in that we neither lament the death of our friends (be they never so dear unto us,) and also whensoever the day and hour cometh of our dissolution, & of our calling hence away, we are ready to come willingly & without delay when God calleth for us. Which thing as the servants of God are to do at all times: so the same aught much rather to be done now, that the world seemeth to be almost wasted and spent, and also environed and beset with tempests of mischiefs and troubles: that we (seeing and beholding so great and grievous miseries and calamities already begun; and knowing that far greater are at hand, and like to come ere it be long) should account it the greatest advantage that may be, with speed to departed hence. 2 Pithy similitudes. If the walls of the house where thou dwellest should bend & lean aside through age and long continuance, and the roof of the house shake over thy head, & the whole frame of the building (being tired and worn out, & ready to drop drown) should threaten a sudden & speedy fall: wouldst thou not with all speed get thee out thence? If while thou ●art sailing on the Seas, some fierce and tempestuous ●orme, causing the waves thereof to arise, should thereby foreshow that thou we●t certainly like to suffer shipwreck; wouldst thou not with all speed approach and draw near unto the haven? Behold, The world now bending and ready to fall. the world is now bending and declining, and even ready to fall; yea it doth openly proclaim and bear witness of his utter ruin and destruction, not so much by the antiquity or oldness, as by the conclusion and by the accomplishment and end of all things, which is now near at hand. And dost thou not thank God and rejoice in thine own behalf, that being taken away by a more speedy death, thou art freed from the ruins & shipwrecks and plagues that are now at hand? We must consider (beloved brethren) & ever now and then remember and have in mind, that we have renounced and forsaken the world; and that now in the mean time we live here as strangers & foreigners. O let us then embrace & receive gladly the day that assigneth and appointeth every one to their habitation and mansion place, where they may still abide and dwell: which also (after we are taken hence away, and set free from the snares and setters of this world) doth restore us and bring us again into Paradise, and into the kingdom of heaven. What man being in a strange country & far from home, would not hasten to return into his own country again? What man making haste to fail unto his friends (as his parents, or his wife & children) would not wish with great desire to have a prosperous wind to carry him, that so he might with as much speed as may be, behold & embrace them, who are so near and dear unto him? Our country we reckon and make certain account to be Paradise, (that is, the kingdom of heaven) & for our parents, we have the holy and blessed Patriarches. Why then do we not run and make haste, that we may behold and see our country, and may salute our parents? A great number of our loving and dear friends expect and look for us there (as our parents, our brethren, and our children.) A populous and a large multitude there is that long for us, and desire our company; being already secure, and f●llie assured of their own immortality, and further desirous earnestly of our welfare and safety. To come to the beholding and embracing of these, what great joy and rejoicing must it needs be in general, both unto them and to us? What manner of pleasure and comfort is there in the kingdom of heaven, without fear of dying any more, & with eternity of living everlastingly, time without end? How endless and exceeding great shall be the felicity and happiness? There is the glorious company of the Apostles. There is all the whole assembly of the Prophets, triumphing and rejoicing together. There is an innumerable multitude of Martyrs crowned for the conquest of their conflicts & sufferings. There are the virgins triumphing, who by the force and strength of continency subdued the lust and concupiscence of the flesh, and of the body. There are merciful men recompensed & rewarded, such as have wrought the works of righteousness, by feeding and sustaining the needy, and by giving liberally unto the poor; and finally, all they who keeping the Lords Commandments, have translated and changed their earthly riches and patrimonies into heavenly treasures. Unto these (beloved brethren) let us hasten to go with greedy and earnest desire, that we may be with them as soon as possible. And let us wish and desire speedily to come unto Christ. Now I pray and beseech God that he will behold and consider this our meditation; and the Lord jesus Christ look upon this purpose of our heart, and of our faith & belief: to give unto them greater reward of his glory, whose affection and love hath been greater, and more abundant toward him, Amen. A Prayer for the Sick. O Almighty and eternal Lord God, and our most gracious and merciful Father in jesus Christ. Whereas among thy manifold corrections and chastisements, whereby thou dost invite and call us, yea, and provoke and stir us up to come unto thee, thine usual and wont manner, is by sundry and manifold sicknesses & diseases, to bridle & keep under this flesh of ours, to remove far away from us our natural security, and to put us in mind both of our wicked life past (together with the end thereof,) and of our death and mortality, whereof we are forewarned by the griefs and pains which we suffer (as forerunners of the same,) and finally of the last day of judgement, and of life everlasting, which shall follow thereupon, and shall be continued everlastingly, unto the glory and happiness of the good and godly; and contrariwise, unto the just condemnation, and utter confusion of the wicked and ungodly; the remembrance whereof, flesh and blood (being left unto itself) will in no wise admit. And for as much as we find this our neighbour and brother cast down upon the bed of his sickness, and grievously chastised with the rod of thy correction, having a true & lively feeling of his sins, & a representation of death before his eyes: hereupon (o Lord) we miserable and wretched sinners, (in respect of our natural condition) waiting and looking for daily the like hour of adversity and sickness, we presume to come unto thee in the name and mediation of Christ jesus; praying & beseeching thee, (together with this our brother, and in his behalf) that thou wilt in no wise enter into judgement with him, neither deal extremely with him, according to his deserts, and that for jesus Christ his sake our Lord and Saviour, who hath purged and cleansed both his and all our sins, and made full satisfaction for them upon his Cross. But rather (O Lord) sith thou hast ransomed him with so great a price; give him grace, and also strength and courage, whereby he may quietly receive, and patiently suffer this thy fatherly visitation and chastisement, and with all obedience, willingly and readily submit himself unto thy good pleasure. Send him help in all his troubles, and be thou unto him a defence and fortress against this present danger. Especially (O Lord) at what time his conscience shall accuse him, and his inward, unknown, and secret sins shall stand up against him: oppose then, and set thou for his defence, the most bitter torments, and voluntary sacrifice of Christ thy dear Son; who hath borne all our iniquities and infirmities, and suffered the punishment due unto us: Being made sin for us, while he died for our sins, (purging and washing them clean away, in, and by his most precious blood) and who also rising again from death, is become our righteousness & perfect redemption. Grant we beseech thee (gracious Father) that by faith he may feel the force and the power, and virtue of these good blessings. Being in this great anguish, distress & trouble, let him have certain proof and experience of thy present aid & succour: and at this present, let him have a sure and certain taste of the fruit of all thy gifts and graces, and of all thy mercies and benefits in Christ jesus. Make him with earnest desire, with steadfast assurance and faith unfeigned, to receive so great a treasure of happiness, (to wit, the remission of all his sins through Christ jesus, and for his sake) which by the ministry of the word, and by the participation of the Sacraments hath heretofore been exhibited and offered unto him: that so it may be a comfort, a fortress, & sure refuge against the fear and trouble of his accusing conscience, and against all the subtle sleights and assaults of the Devil. Yea let the same his faith be unto him an armour of proof, whereby he may repel and beat back all the fiery darts of the wicked, & so may safely pass even through death unto life; which having once attained, he may enjoy the perfect fruition thereof for evermore. We therefore wholly commend him unto thee (O heavenly Father,) and inasmuch as he is so grievously sick and diseased, be thou his Physician to cure and heal him. Forasmuch as he is weak and feeble, confirm thou and strengthen him. Inasmuch as he is destitute and void of worldly help, send aid (we beseech thee) and in due time relieve and secure him. Forasmuch as he lieth thus dejected and cast down, raise thou him up again. Forasmuch as he is thus wounded, bind thou up his wounds. Forasmuch as he is so fearful and timorous, give him O Lord, boldness and courage. Forasmuch as he acknowledgeth his manifold sins and corruptions, wash him and cleanse him from them all, in the blood of thy Son Christ jesus, that immaculate Lamb. Yea for as much as thou knowest all things whereof he standeth in need, and (according to thy good pleasure canst bestow the same; satisfy (we beseech thee, O gracious Father) his lawful and godly desires; satisfy his inward hunger and thirst; yea satisfy him him abundantly with thy truth, and with thy salvation. Receive and embrace him (for he flieth only unto thee for secure.) Accept him therefore, and make him constant & steadfast in all things to obey, and to do thy will. Finally, we pray thee of thine infinite goodness and mercy, to pardon and forgive all those sins, whereby he hath provoked against himself thy fierce wrath and displeasure. In stead of death, and after death, grant unto him life, even life everlasting; that he may for ever live with thee in glory. And if thou think it better & more expedient for him, that he abide yet longer in this mortality; either for the benefit of others, and for the use and service of the Church, or else for his own behalf and benefit, that he may more nearly be conformed and made like unto the example and image of thy Son Christ jesus: restore unto him (merciful and gracious Lord) his former health & strength; and with health and strength, increase in him every day more and more the gifts and graces of thy holy Spirit. Howbeit thy will be done always, & in all things, which cannot but evermore be for the best. All these things grant unto us (we beseech thee most gracious and merciful Father) and to this our feeble and distressed neighbour and brother, for thy Son our Lord jesus Christ his sake, who is our only helper and redeemer; for his sake (who for the comfort of sinners) translated (by the ministery of his blessed Angels) the thief on the cross into Paradise, and the soul of Lazarus into Abraham's bosom; even for his sake who sitteth at thy right hand of power and glory to be our Advocate, and to make intercession for us; who also liveth and reigneth together with thine own majesty, in the unity of the holy Ghost, ever one God world without end, Amen. A Prayer to be said by the Sick party. LOrd jesus, thou that art the health of all men living, and the life everlasting of all that in thy true faith departed out of this wretched & transitory world; I submit, and wholly give over myself unto thy most blessed will: (whether it pl●a●e thee, that this silly soul of mine shall abide in this house and tabernacle of my body, yet for some longer time to do thee service; or whether thy will be, that I shall shortly departed hence) being certainly assured, that the same can in no wise perish, which is committed and delivered over into thy merciful hands. O Lord, I am most ready and willing to lay down this frail and corruptible flesh, in certain hope of the resurrection thereof at the last day; when it shall be restored unto me again much more glorious and happy. In the mean time, confirm and strengthen my soul, (I beseech thee) with thy grace & holy Spirit, against all temptations, and against all assaults of Satan. Gird & compass me about with the shield of thy mercy, as thou didst in times past thy holy Saints and Martyrs, making them thereby strong & invincible against all torments and deaths (though never so cruel, or so fearful and horrible.) I see that there is no help in myself (o Lord) but all my help and hope, my trust & confidence is in thine unspeakable goodness and mercy. I have no deserts nor good works (o Lord) that I can bring or allege before thee. But of misdeeds (alas) I see many and infinite, as the sands of the Sea, which having passed and gone over my head, are as a grievous burden too too heavy for me to bear. But yet through thy precious death and bloodshedding, I believe that they are all quite purged, and washed clean away. And through thy most perfect righteousness and obedience imputed unto me, I trust and am assured that I shall be, yea and am already registered and received into the number of thy righteous Saints and servants. It was for me and for my sake, that thou wast borne into the world, and waste subject unto all the miseries and infirmities of this life. Thou didst hunger and thirst for my sake; thou didst teach and preach, and work many strange wonders and miracles for my sake, thou didst fast and pray for me, and for my sake. For my sake it was that thou didst so many good deeds, while thou livedst and didst converse amongst men; for my sake didst thou suffer so many bitter pains and torments; yea and gavest thy precious body and soul unto death upon the cross for my sake. Now let all these things (sweet saviour jesus Christ) be available and profitable unto me thy poor servant, who hast willingly performed all these things for me; and hast given and bestowed thyself wholly upon me and for me. Let thy blood cleanse and wash away the filthiness of my sins; let thy righteousness hide and cover my unrighteousness; and let thy merits stand for me before thy tribunal seat of judgement. And as my sickness and pain increaseth: so increase (ò Lord) in me thy good gifts and graces, both of faith, and of patience, and of constancy and perseverance; that my faith & confidence may neither waver nor stagger, nor my love toward thee be abated, nor my human weakness be dejected and cast down by fear of death. But after that death hath seized upon, & closed up the eyes of my body, the eyes of my mind may not swerve, nor turn aside from thee. And when it hath taken away the use of my tongue, yet let my heart without ceasing cry unto thee: Lord into thy hands I commend my spirit, (or rather thy spirit) for thou hast dearly bought it and redeemed it, even with thy most precious blood. Sweet Saviour jesus Christ, receive my soul. Save and keep me, protect and defend me under the shadow of thy wings, that I sleep not in death. Save and deliver me even in death, from the power of death. In thee (o Lord my God) do I put my trust, let me not be confounded. Thou art my only Lord & Saviour; leave me not, neither forsake me (o God of my salvation.) But be thou still present with me, to sustain and uphold me, to refresh and comfort me, and finally (at the time which thou hast appointed) to convey my soul into thy heavenly kingdom, which thou hast purchased & prepared for me before the beginning of the world. Even so come Lord jesus, Amen. Amen. A prayer for the Sick being ready to give up the Ghost. LOrd jesus Christ, thou which art the resurrection and the life, in whom whosoever believeth, shall not die for ever, look down from heaven, even from thy Sanctuary and holy habitation. Behold, visit and relieve this thy servant. Correct him not in thine anger, neither chasten him in thy displeasure: but according to the multitude of thy mercies, look upon him (we beseech thee) with a fatherly affection. Restore him (if it be thy gracious will and pleasure) unto his former health and strength, that so he may live to glorify thy name. Or if it stand with thy will otherwise to deal with him, even by this present sickness to call him home unto thine own self, out of this vale of wretchedness and misery: give unto him constancy to endure faithful unto the end, and patience to suffer quietly and meekly thy rod and fatherly correction. His flesh (o Lord) is weak and frail; assist him with thy grace, & strengthen his weakness by the mighty power of thy holy Spirit. His spiritual enemies are many; and the craft and malice of Satan never wanting (especially in the hour of death, when the body is most weak) to daunt & affright (if it be possible) the souls of thy servants, that so he might destroy the soul together with the body. Cover him therefore (dear Father) under the shadow of thy wings, against all the assaults of the flesh, the world, and the devil; that neither through the infirmity and weakness of the flesh, nor through the grievousness and painfulness of his sickness, nor the love & desire of this world, nor the multitude of his sins, nor the malice of Satan, nor by any other means he be drawn away from his love towards thee, and his assured trust and confidence in thee We confess (o Lord) that there is in himself (as in ourselves) no power nor strength to help at all, being borne in sin, and conceived in iniquity; whereunto also have been added many actual sins and transgressions, both in thought, word, and deed, whereby he hath provoked thy just wrath & indignation. In whom then shall he trust? and from whom shall he look for help, but only in thee, & from thee, which art the Saviour of all that put their trust in thee? Thou didst vouchsafe for his sake to be borne into the world, and to humble thyself to the state of a servant; to suffer all the miseries and infirmities of this life for his sake; to sustain & bear all manner of reproaches & injuries for his sake; & finally, thou gavest thy most precious body to die, and thy blood to be shed upon the cross for his sake. Now let all these things profit him, we beseech thee (most merciful Saviour.) Let thy most precious blood wash away the multitude of his sins; let that pure and unspotted garment of thine obedience and righteousness, hide & cover his unrighteousness; let thy grace and power evermore defend & secure him; and let the sweet comfort of thy Spirit never departed from him, until thou hast called him out of this vale of misery, into the blessed inheritance purchased for him, where he may rest for ever with Abraham, and Isaac and jacob, and all the Saints of God. Hear us, we beseech thee, (most gracious and merciful Saviour) save thy servant that putteth his whole trust in thee. Let thy mighty hand and outstretched arm be still his defence. Let thy holy Spirit confirm & strengthen him; & let thy loving kindness and mercte still abide and continue with him, and be his stay and comfort always unto the end, and in the end, and for evermore. Amen. FINIS.