An Admonition to the Faithful in London

〈◊〉 To the faithful in London, Newcastel, and Warwick, & to all others within the Realm of England, that love the coming of our Lord Jesus, 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 . wisheth cō •… aunce in godliness to the ende.

V •… hen I remember the fearful threatenings of God, pronounced against •… ealmes and •… ous, to whō the light of God's word hath been offered, and contemptuously by them refused, as my heart •… fainedli mourneth for your present state (dearly beloved in our Savior Jesus Christ) so do the whole powers of my body tremble and shake for the plages y ^• are to come. But that God's true word hath been offered to the Realm of England: can none deny, eccept such, as by the Devil holden in bondage (god justly so punishyng their proud inobedience) have neither eyes to see, nor understanding to discerue good from bad, nor darkness frō light. •… inst whō none other wise will I cō tend at this preset, thē did the prophet •… gainst y ^• stiffnecked & stubborn people of Judah, saying: The wrath of the Lord shall not be turned away, till he hath fulfilled y ^• thoughts of his heart. And thus leave I them, as of whose repentance there is small hope, to the hands of him that shall not forgot their horrible blasphemies, spokē in 〈◊〉 of Christ's truth, and of his true minysters. And with you that unfeignedly mourn, for the great 〈◊〉 of God's true religion, purpose I to communicate such counsel & admonition, now 〈◊〉 mine own pen, •… sometimes it pleased god I should proclaim in your cares. The end of which my admonition is, that even as that you purpose and intend to avoid God's vengeance both in this life▪ & in the life to come, that so ye avoid and fly as well in body as in spirit, all fellowship & society with idolaters in their idolatry.

You shrincke I know even at the first: but if an Orator had the matter in handling, he would prove it honest, profitable, easy and necessary to be done, and in everyone point were store enough for a long •… ration. But as I never labored to 〈◊〉 any man in matters of •… ligion (God I take to record in my conscience) 〈◊〉 by the very 〈◊〉 and plain infallible truth of God's word, no more mind I to do in this behalf: but this I affirm that to 〈◊〉 from idolatry is so profitable and so necessary unto a Christian, that unless he so do: all worldly profit tourneth to his perpetual disprofit and condempnation.

Profit apert •… th either to the bodies or cl •… to the souls of our selves and of our 〈◊〉 . Corporal commodites consist in such things as mā chiefly 〈◊〉 for the body, as riches, estimation, long life, health and 〈◊〉 in earth. The only comfort and joy of the soul is God, by his word •… lling ignorance, 〈◊〉 and beath: & in the place of these, placyng true knowledge of him self, and with the same, justice and life by Christ his Son. 〈◊◊〉 of these aforesaid 〈◊◊〉 , thē of 〈◊〉 it is that we avoid 〈◊〉 , for plain it is that the soul •… hath neither life nor comfort, but by God alone, with whom idolaters have no other participatiō; thē have y ^e Devils. And albeit that abhominable idolaters for a moment triumph: yet approacheth the hour when God's vengeance shall strike, not only their souls, but even their vile 〈◊〉 shall be plagued, as God before hath threatened. Theyr Cities shall be 〈◊〉 , their land shall be laid waste, their enemies shall dwell in their strong holds, there wives and daughters shall be de •… led, their children shall fall in the •… dge of the sword. Mercy shall the •… find none, because they have refused the God of all mercy, when louin •… and long he called upon them.

You 〈◊◊〉 the 〈◊〉 , & 〈◊◊〉 I have hereof, to God 〈◊〉 I appoint no time, but that these and 〈◊〉 plages shall fall upon the 〈◊〉 of England, and that or it be longe. I am so sure, as that I am that 〈◊〉 god liveth.

This my affirmation shall displease many, & shall content few. God (wh •… knoweth the secretes of harts) knoweth that also it displeaseth myself, and yet like as before I have been compelled to speak in your presence, and in the presence of others, such things as were not pleasable to the ears of m •… , whereof (alas) a great part this day are come to pas: So that I am compelled now to write with the tears of mine eyes (I know to your dyspleasure.) But dear brethren, be subject unto God, and give place to his wrath, that we may escape his everlasting vengeance.

My pen I trust shall now be no more vehement, then my tongue hath been oftener then once, not only be •… ore you, but also before the chyese of the •… alme. What was said in Newcastel & •… arwicke before the sweat, I trust yet some in those places beareth in mind. What upon the day of Alsayntes, that year that the Duke of Somerset was last apprehended, let •… castel witness. What before him •… hat then was Duke of Northumberland, in the town of Newecastel, and in other places mo: What before the Kynges Majesty at Wyndsor, •… ton Court, and Westminster: And finally what was spoken in London, in mo places then, one, when Fyers of soye and •… otous bancketinges were made at the proclamation of Mary your Queen. If men will not speak, the stones and timber of those places shall cry in fire, and bear record that the truth was spoken, and shall absolve me in that behalf in the day of the lord.

Suspect not brethren, that I delight •… n your calamytyes, or in the plages that shall fall vpō that unthankful nation. No, God I take to record that my heart mourneth within me, & that I am cruciate for remembrance of your troubles. But if that I should •… ase, then did I as well against my conscience, as also against my knowledge: and so should I be gylty of the blood of those that pearished for lack of admonition, & yet should the plage not a moment the longer be delayed, for the Lord hath appointed the day of his •… geaunce, before the which he fendeth trumpets & Messengers, that his elect watching with prayers & so •… , may by his mercy escape the vengeance that shall come.

But you would •… now the grounds of my certitude, God grannt that hearing them, ye may understand, and stedfastlye believe the same. My assuraūces are not the 〈◊〉 of Merline, neither yet the dark sentences of profane prophets, but the plain [ i] truth of God's word, the 〈◊〉 [ ii] justice of the everliving God, and the [ iii] ordinary course of his plages frō the beg •… ynge, are my assuraunces and grounds. God's word threateneth destruction to all inobedient. 〈◊〉 immutable ius •… must require the •… aine. The 〈◊〉 punishments & plages, show 〈◊〉 : what 〈◊〉 then having understanding, can cease to propheci.

The word of God playnelye speaketh: that if a man shall hear the curses of God's law, and yet in his harts shall promise to him self 〈◊〉 and▪ good luck, thin •… nge that he shall have peace, all be it he 〈◊〉 after the imagynations of 〈◊〉 own barte, to •… ch a man the Lord will not be merciful, but hie wrath shall be 〈◊〉 against him, and 〈◊〉 shall destroy his name from under the heaven. 〈◊〉 the Lord threateneth plage after plage, and ever the last to be the for •… st, while finalli he will consume 〈◊〉 & Nations, if they repent not, read ye, •… vi. chap. of •… euiticus, which chapter often I have willed you to marcke, as yet I do unfeignedly. And think not that 〈◊〉 appertaineth to the 〈◊〉 only: No brethren, the Prophets ar the inter preters of the law, and they make the plages of God common to all offenders, the punishment ever beginning at the household of God.

And here must I touche a point of that diuelysh confession, made (alas) by that miserable man, whose name for sorrow I cannot recite. Thys argument he useth to prove the doct •… of •… ite years taught amongst you to be wicked. Troubles & plages (saith he) have followed the same, not o •… li here in England, but also in Ger •… , as he willed you to mark. This fragile and vain argument at this time none otherwise will I labor to confute, thē by plain scriptures: declaring that plages appertain to all 〈◊〉 , begu •… ing first where God's mercies hath been offered, and obstinately refused, and that may answer the blind rage of ignorance.

The Prophets Isaiah, Ieremi, and •… chiell, after they had proclaimed plages to fall vpō the people of Israel▪ & vpō the house of Judah, prophesied particularly against certain Natiōs & Cities, not only adiacent in circute about Jerusalem, but also against such as wer far distaūt, as against Moab▪ 〈◊〉 , Palestine, Egypt, •… irus, Damascus & Babylon. And in conclusion general prophecies are spokē against all inobedient & sinful nations, as in the four and twenty chap. of Isaiah plainli appeareth. As also the Lord cōmaūdeath Ieremye, to g •… ue the cup of his wrath to all nations one after another who should drynike of the same, 〈◊〉 though they refused it of his hand: that is: 〈◊〉 thei would not believe the voi •… of the prophet, yet should they not escape the plages that he spake, for every nation like unto this, shall I punish (saith the Lord of hosts.) Wyth the same agreeth 〈◊〉 saying: The eyes of the Lord are vpō every sinful nat on, to root it out of the earth.

These and many mo places evidently prove, that plages spokē in the law of God, appertain to eueri rebellious people, he they Jew, or be the Gentil: Christians in title, or Turckes in professyon. And the ground of the Prophets was the same, which before I have rehearsed for one of my assuraūces, that England shall be plagued, which is God's immutable and inviolable justice, which cannot spare in one realm and Nation, those offenses, that most severely he hath punished in another, for else were he unequal, & made different as touching •… cusion of his just judgments be •… wirt person and person, which is moste contrarious to the integriti of his justice, t •… us he 〈◊◊〉 by •… remi his prophet: Behold, I have begone to punysh in the house where my n •… me is incalled, and shall 〈◊◊〉 the 〈◊◊〉 lord would say: How can my justice permit those crimes 〈◊〉 in proud contemp •… , that neither regard me, nor yet my law, seeing I have not •… ared mine own people that 〈◊〉 beareth some 〈◊〉 to my name.

That God hath punished other 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 , men of 〈◊〉 understanding will easlye confess. But whether that like 〈◊〉 have been & yet are committed 〈◊〉 the •… alme of England, 〈◊◊◊〉 the last pl •… es of •… od 〈◊〉 those Nacions, that 〈◊〉 to be 〈◊〉 . In this 〈◊〉 cā nothing better 〈◊〉 us, thē God's plain word, 〈◊〉 the vices w •… ich reigned in those days. •… nd omitting all such as 〈◊◊〉 , it shall 〈◊〉 •… or this 〈◊〉 to rehearse some places of 〈◊〉 : the time of whose prophecy well considered, shall make the matter more sensible. He be 〈◊〉 in y ^• thirten yere of king 〈◊◊〉 raygue, & continueth till after the destruction of Jerusalem, which came in the leuenth yere of Zederchi •… . Long preached this godly man, to wit thyrty and nine years and two months, before the uttermost of the plages apprehended this stubbourne nation. And that he did with mutche trouble and 〈◊〉 sustained, as in his prophecy is to be seen. By all lykelyhode then there was some 〈◊〉 that were not pleased •… th the Prophet, neither yet with his preaching. And yet plain it is that no •… yng so truly turned unto God, with all his heart, with all his soul, and with all his strength, according to all the •… awe of Moses, as did Josiah, & yet (as said 〈◊〉 ) the prophet of God was troubled, and that not by a mean number, for I find him complain universally and generally upon the people's iniquity. For thus induceth he God, speaking: My people hath committed dubble •… quitye, they have forsaken me the fountain of living water, and have dygged to them selves •… storns that can contain no water. Why wilt thou justify thyself? Under thy wings is found the blood of the soul •… of the poor innocents, whom thou •… •… oundest not in corners. And yet though •… sayest: I am innocent. Thou hast gotten a wh •… res forehead. Thou canst not think shame: My people is foolish, they know me not. They ar foolish Children, and have no wisdom, wise they are to commyt myschyefe, but to do good, they are all together ignorant: Every man may beware of his neyghboure, and no man assuredly may trust his brother, for every man is become diceytfull, they have practesid their tongues to lies & gyle, they have left my law (saith the Lord) and have followed the wicked imagynations of their own hearts, they have followed after Baal •… , whom their Fathers taught them.

Of these and many mo places like, appeareth the general offenses of that people to have been, defeccion from God, sheddynge of innocent blood, justification of them selves: & defense of their iniquity, while yet they aboū ded in theft, murder, •… sion, lies, craft, practice, 〈◊〉 , and manifest idolatry, following the trade of their Fathers: who under 〈◊〉 and •… mon (of whom the one in the beginning, the other all his life, maintained idolatry) had been the ring leaders to all abomination.

The Prophet of God (wondering at so manifest iniquity) judged that such ignorance and disobedience 〈◊〉 only among the rascal sort of mē, and theefore he saith: These be but poor ones, they are foolish, they know not the wai of the Lord, nor the judgment of their God. I will go to the 〈◊〉 , and I will talk with them, for 〈◊〉 know the wai of the Lord, & the 〈◊〉 mentes of their God. But what fyndeth he amongst them? 〈◊◊〉 in these words. They have all broken the yoke: they have heaped 〈◊◊◊〉 , & one mischief upon another. From the least unto the most, all 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 vpō avarice, & gape for 〈◊〉 : 〈◊〉 the priest to the prophet, ever mā 〈◊〉 ▪ leth dis •… ytfully. Behold their •… ares be 〈◊〉 , they cannot aduert, the word of god is a rebuke unto thē, they delight not in it, they have committed abhominable myschiefe.

What this abhominatiō was, god showeth to •… echiell: all had forsaken God in their hearts, in so much that a great number openly had turned their backs unto God, and made sacrifice to the Sun, every man in his 〈◊〉 secret closet. 〈◊〉 , women mourned for that they were not permytted to commit open abomination. Is it not to be wondered that all estates 〈◊〉 so corrupt under so godly a prince? But our prophet 〈◊〉 proceed •… in his complaint, saying: they cannot repent, neither yet think shame: thei have demed the Lord, & said: it is not he, we shall neither 〈◊◊〉 nor 〈◊〉 .

•… ou hear the obedience that the Prophet found amongst the princes of 〈◊〉 . And yet (I say) 〈◊〉 it not to be wondered, that the 〈◊〉 which was so well manured, brought forth no better grapes▪ They had a •… ynge most godly minded, they had prophets (for 〈◊〉 was not alone) moste •… aythful and fervent, they were 〈◊〉 nished by •… uers plages, and always the prophets cried out for repentance; and yet followed nothing but open contempt of 〈◊〉 , and of his Messēgers. Their 〈◊〉 was 〈◊〉 the morning 〈◊〉 , it 〈◊〉 not, although they could 〈◊〉 their mouths: The Lord liveth, yet were their oaths nothing but lies. Fynde me one man that doth 〈◊〉 & justice. &c. And to him will I be merciful (saith the Lord.) Here 〈◊〉 narrow & 〈◊〉 inquisicion, 〈◊〉 so great a multitude. 〈◊〉 like there have not 〈◊〉 very many, whē he that knoweth the secret thoughts, searcheth so 〈◊〉 .

But before we proceed 〈◊◊〉 this matter 〈◊〉 shall be 〈◊〉 to see, how these 〈◊〉 do agree •… yth our estate & time. 〈◊◊〉 , y ^• we 〈◊〉 not God's word offered 〈◊◊〉 , 〈◊〉 none (eccept an 〈◊〉 papist) 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 had a 〈◊〉 of so godli 〈◊〉 towards virtue, and chiefly towards God's truth, y ^t none frō the beginning passed him, and (to my knowledge) none of his years did ever match him in that behalf, if he might have been •… ord of his own will. In this mean time if 〈◊〉 did abound, let every man accuse his own conscience, for here I am not minded to spetyfye all that I know, neither yet is it necessary, 〈◊〉 some crimes were so manifest and so heinous, that the earth could not hyde the innocent blood, nor yet could the heavens without shame behold the craft, the disceit, the violence and wrong that openly was wrought and in the mean ceason the hand of God was busy over us, and his true Messengers 〈◊〉 not silence. You •… now that the •… ealme of England 〈◊〉 visited with strange plages, and whether it were ever prophesied that 〈◊〉 plages were to •… olow, 〈◊〉 apeale to the 〈◊〉 of your own conscience.

But what ensued here upon? 〈◊〉 , I shame to rehearse it. vniuersalll contempt of all godly admonitions: hatred of those that rebu •… ed their 〈◊〉 : 〈◊〉 though •… ig of such as could invent most vilany, against the preachers of God. In this matter I may be admitted for a sufficient witness: for I heard & saw, I understood & knew with the sorrow of my heart, the manifest contempt and the crafty devices of the devil, as well against those most godly Preachers, that this last •… ent, 〈◊〉 . M. D. •… iii. were appointed to preach before the Kynges Maiestye, as also against all others, whose touges wer not tempered by the holy water of the court, to speak it plainly, who flattering against their own consciences could not say all was well, and nothing needed reformation.

What reverence and audience was given unto Preachers this last •… ent, by such as then wer in authori •… : their own countenaūces declared, assuredly even such as was givē to 〈◊〉 . Thei hated such as 〈◊〉 their 〈◊〉 , and stubbornly they said: We will not amend. 〈◊〉 yec how boldli their 〈◊〉 wer 〈◊〉 , such as wer present can witness with me. Almost there was none, who did not prophecy and plainly speak the plages that are begone, and assuredly shall end.

Master Grindal plainly spake the death of the 〈◊〉 Maiestye, complaining upon his household servants, who neither shamed, neither feared to rail against the word of God, and against the true preachers of the same.

That godly and •… ruent man Master leuer plainly 〈◊〉 the desolation of this common wealth.

And Master Bradford (whō God for Christ his son sake, comfort to the ende) spared not the proud est, but boldlye declared that God's vengeance shortly should stryke those that then were in authority, because they lothed and abhorred the true word of the everlasting God, and willed them to take ensample by the late Duke of Somerset, who became so cold in hearing God's word, that the year before his last aprehencion, he would go to viset his Masons, & would not danger him self from his Galery to 〈◊〉 to his Hall, for hearing of a Sermon. God punished him (said that godly preacher) and that suddenly: and shall he spare you, that be doubble more mycked? No, he shall not, will ye, or will ye not, ye shall drink the cup of the Lord's wrath. Iudicium Domini, Iudicium Domini, the judgment of the Lord, the judgment of the Lord cried he with a lamentable voice and weepynge tears.

M •… ster haddon mostlearnedly opened the causes of the by passed plages, and assured them that the worse 〈◊〉 after to come, if repentance shortly were not found.

Much more I heard of these four and of others, which now I may not rehearse And that which is to be noted, after that the whole counsel had said, they would here no mo of their Sermons, they were vndyscryte fellows, yea and prating Knaues, but I will not speak all, for if God continue me in this trouble, I purpose to prepare a dysh for such, as then led the 〈◊〉 , pea, and who but there? But 〈◊〉 they have been at the school of Placebo, and there they have learned among ladies to dance, as the Dyuel liest to 〈◊〉 , against those whō God hath stricken. Seyng now reasteth to them no place of repentance, nothing mind I to speak: but such as live to this day would be admonished, that he that hath punished one, will not spare the reast.

But to our matter. These presidēts I judge sufficient to prove this our age to have been, and yet to remain like wicked (if it be not worse) with the time of Ieremi. Now let us search what followed in Judah: Mischief upon mischief, notwythstādyng the continual and longe cryinge of the Prophets, while finally God in his anger toke away good king Josiah, because he was determined to destroi Iu da, as before he had destroyed Israel.

After the death of this godly King, great was y ^• trouble, divers & sundry were the alterations in that common wealth. Their Kings taken prisoners 〈◊〉 after another in short space, what other were the miseries of that stubborn nation. O God for thy great mercies sake, let never thy small and troubled flock within the Realm of England, learn in experience: But in all these troubles, no reap̄taūce apeared, as by the Prophet you may learn, for thus he crieth: Thou hast stricken thē (O Lord) but they have not mourned: Thou hast destroyed thē, but thei have not received discipline, they have hardened their faces harder then stones, they will not convert. The whole land is wasted, but no man will wey, ponder, nor consider the cause. Thys people will not hear my words, they talk in the wick •… inuencion of their own harts, they go after other gods, to worship and serve them. And of the Prophets natural friends of the mē of •… nathot, some plainly said: Speak no more to us in the name of the lord, least thou die in our hands. Selyke these men had small fantasy to God's Prophet: But yet shall a Sermō (and that which ensued the same) made in the beginning of the reign of •… him son to Josiah, make evident & better known, how much the people were bent to idolatrye, and to hear •… alse Prophets, after the death of their good •… iynge.

The Prophet is commanded by God, •… o stand in the court or entresse of the •… ordes house, and to speak to all the Cities of Judah, that then came to worship in the house of the Lord, & is commanded to keep no word back. 〈◊〉 peradventure (saith the Lord) they will hearken and turn every man frō his wicked way. The te •… or of his sermon is this: Thus saith the •… ord: if ye will not obei me, to walk in mi laws which I have given you, and to hear the words of my servants the Prophets, whom I sent unto you, •… ng up •… times, and still sending: If 〈◊〉 will not hear them (I say) then will I do to this house, as I did unto Silo, and will 〈◊〉 this City to be abhorred of all the people in the earth •… care not the words of the Prophets that sai unto you: ye shall not serve the •… nge of •… bylon. I have not sent them, saith the Lord: how 〈◊〉 then are bold to prophecy lies in my name. •… If you •… ue care unto thē, both you and your false Prophets shall perish.

Here is syrste to be noted, that the people was already entered into iniquity, and specially straight after the death of their King into idolatry: frō which the Lord by his Prophet labored to cal them back, threatening unto them desolation, if they proceeded to rebel.

Secondarelye it is to be observed that amongst thē wer false Prophets, not that they were so known and holden of the people, no they were holden and esteemed (for so they boasted them selves to be) the true Church of God that could not err, for how should the law perish from the mouth of the priest? These false Prophets were maintainers of idolatry, and boldly they promised to the people prosperity and good luck, wherewith the people wer so abused & •… ynded, that the words of Ieremye did rather harden their hearts, then p •… ouoke any to repentance, as the consequentes declared. For his Sermon ended, the Priests and Prophets & the whole people aprehēded Jeremy, & with one voice cried: he is worthy of y ^• death. Great was y ^• uproar against the poor Prophet, in which apparatli he could not have escaped the death, if the princes of Judah had not hastelie come from the Kings house into the tempel, & had taken vpō them the hearing of the cause, in which after much debate (while some defended and some accused, the Prophet most vehemently) the text saith: the hand of 〈◊〉 the son of Saphan, was with Jeremiah, that he should not be givē in to the hands of the people to be killed.

Here of you may easily consider (beloved brethren) what wer the manners of that wicked generation, immediately after 〈◊〉 death of their good king, and how they wer encouraged to idolatry by false prophets. But in all this time the Prophet ceaseth not moste faithfully to execute his office. For all be it 〈◊〉 this he might not enter into the temple (for he was forbyddē to prrach) yet at God's commandment he writeth his Sermons, and causeth them to be openly read in the temple: (Alas I fear we lack Saruch) & after they came to the ears of the •… sails, and last to the king. And all be it in despite they were once brent, yet is Jeremiah commanded to write again, and boldlye to say: Jehoiakim shall have no seed, that ever shall sit upon the seat of David. Their Carion shall be cast to the heat of the day, & to y ^e frost in the night. And I shall viset (saith the Lord) the iniquity of him, of his seed, and of his servants, and I shall bring upon them, upon the dwell lers in Jerusalem, and upon all Judah, all the calamities that I have spoken against them. 〈◊〉 when these words were spoken and written, so they were contemned & despised that they durst cry: let the counsel of the holy one of the Israel come, we will follow the 〈◊〉 of our own hearts. Yet no words of his threatenings were spoken in vain: for after mani plage •… 〈◊〉 bi the mischievous father, the wicked and miserable son in the third month of his reign, was led prisouer to Babylon. But now when the time of their desolariō approacheth. God sierreth above them such a king. 〈◊〉 Prophets and Prestes as their own hearts wished, evē such as should wychout repugnaûce lead thē to their 〈◊〉 again: that they (who never 〈◊〉 in the truth) might fill their bellies with horrible lies. Zedekiah was •… yng, and such as long had resisted poor Jeremy, had now gotten in their hand the fearful 〈◊〉 of correction. Pha •… and his companions led the Kynge as they liest. 〈◊〉 goeth 〈◊〉 (a place of 〈◊〉 .) The hill au •… ers 〈◊〉 with incense. 〈◊〉 & his bell▪ God's, 〈◊〉 y ^t vengeance of God was poured upō them, and upō them whō they disceiued, get the day they long looked for. In conclusiō, so horrible wer the abominations that newly were 〈◊〉 , that the lord crieth to his sore troubled flock: what hath my well beloved to do in my house? (meaning in the tempell of Jerusalem) seeing the multitude committeth such abhominatiō? Thei have pro uoked me to anger, burning incense unto Baal. Which great abomination, when God had shown, not onli to •… eremy (who then was in Jerusalem) but also to Ezekiel being prysoner in Babylon, their bodies being separate, in prophecy they did both agree, that whole Israel & Judah should be 〈◊〉 . Thus 〈◊〉 Ezekiel: 〈◊〉 upon all the abnominations of the house of Israel, they shall fall by the s •… rd, by •… ieluce & hunger, he that in far of, shall die of the plage: 〈◊〉 that 〈◊◊〉 , shall fall by the swe •… d. 〈◊〉 that is left and is beseged, shall die by hunger, and I shall complete my •… rathe upon them. And Jeremy saith: Behold I will give this city in the hand of the 〈◊〉 , in the hand of 〈◊〉 Kyng of Babylon, who shall take it. The 〈◊〉 verily shall euter into it. & they shall burn it with fire: they shall burn it, and the houses in which they brent 〈◊〉 to Baal. &c. The children of Israel, and the chyldre •… of Judah have don nothing from their youth but wickedness, and that before mine eyes, to provoke me to anger. They have turned unto me their backs, and not their faces: they, their Kings, their princes, their prophets, their priests, whole Judah, & all the city of Jerusalē. Thei would not hear nor be reformed. Thei have set up their dong (so termeth he their idols) in the place that is cōsecrat to my name. And whē the Kynge of Babylon was lying about the city, he saith to the messengers of Zedekiah (who are sent to demand of the Prophet what should become of this Citye.) The Chaldees shall take this City, and shall burn it with fire: yea if you had killed all the host of the Caldes, that besegeth you, and if the killed man were left, every man should rise in his tent, and should burn this City with fire. He that abideth in this Citye, shall die either by sword, by hunger or by pestilence. But he that shall go forth to the Caldes, shall live, and shall wyn his soul, for a pray. And to the liyng in 〈◊〉 asking his counsel, he boldly saith: If suddenly thou shalt go forth to the princes of the Babylonians, thy soul shall lyuc, and this Citye shall not be brent with fire: But if thou go not forth to the captains of the Babylonians, this city shall be given over in the hands of the Chaldees, who shall burn it with fire, neither yet shalt thou escape their hands.

Thus did these. ii. Proplietes (as all so did others before them) playnelye speak the desolation of that place, for such offenses as before hath been rehearsed, But how pleaseth such message the City of Jerusalem? the Priests, Princes and people of Judah? and what reward received Jeremy for his long travel & painful preaching. Derelye even such as Pha •… hur & his counsel judged meet. He spa •… e against the temple (said they) He prophesied mysthiefe against the City, he faynted the hearts of the soldiers and of the people: but principally he was vnfriendly to the faith that Phas •… hur taught the people: to wit, the faith of their 〈◊〉 fathers, who always rebelled against God. And therefore he was reputed an 〈◊〉 , accused of sedition, and dampened of treasō. Plam preachings were made against at that he had spoken, and such 〈◊〉 was promised, that within. ii. years should the yoke of 〈◊〉 be broken frō the necks of all the people, and the vessels of the Lord's house together myth all pleasures should be brought again to Jerusalem.

Now did they abound in wine and with oil. 〈◊〉 pleasing & blessed amongst the people were such Prophets. Ieremye had troubled them, and therefore he must die: to prison shall he go, for the king can deny nothing to his princes, of whom Phas •… ur appeareth to have been chief chauncelour: by whō was not only the king, but all y ^• whole multitude so blinded: that boldly they durst cry: no mischaunce shall come to us. We shall neither se pestilence not hunger, the king of Babylon shall never come against this land.

In the midst of these stormye troubels, no other comfort had the Prophet, then to complame to his God, at whose commandment he had spokē. And in this his complaint he is so kyndled against their idolatry and great vn thankfulnes, that he crieth as in a 〈◊〉 : O thou Lord of hosts, the 〈◊◊〉 the just, thou that seest the reins of the hert: let me se thy vengengeaunce taken upon th •… m, for unto the have I referred my cause. As thi •… prayer was most searfull to his enemies, if they had seen the efficacy thereof. So by the same was the Prophet assured, that God's wrath was kīdled against that sinful nation: and that it should not turn back; til he had performed the cogitations of his own hert.

I appeal to the conscience of every indifferent in 〈◊〉 : what one point differeth the Regiment, manners and state of England this day from the •… boue rehearsed estate of Judah in 〈◊◊〉 days: except that thei had a king a man, as apeareah of nature 〈◊〉 a •… then cruel: who sometimes was in •… reated in the Prophets favor, 〈◊〉 also required him of counsel in some dangers: And yeu have a Queen, a momā of a stout stomach, more •… iffe in opinion, then flexible to the truth: who in nowise may abide the presence of gods Prophets. In this one thing you disagre, in all other things so like as one •… ut is to another.

Theyr King was led by pestilent priests. Who guideth your Queen it is not unknown. Under such came idolatry to the height again. •… would to God that the worse were not among you. In Jeru •… alē was Jeremiah persecuted for speaking the truth, and for rebuking their idolatry. What prison with in London tormenteth not some true Prophet of God, for y ^• same causes: And O thou 〈◊〉 of darkness, where that idol of late days 〈◊〉 first erected, thou •… mer of London. In the do mo 〈◊〉 then one suffer 〈◊〉 and trouble, whom God s •… all comfort according to his promise, and reward their 〈◊〉 , even as they have deserved. And in that day shalt thou tremble: and such as shall purpose to defend the, shall perish with the, because thou wast first defiled in that most abhominable idol.

Consider dear brethren: if all things as pertaining to iniquity be a like between England and Judah before the destruction thereof. 〈◊〉 , if England be worse then Judah was in those days: Seyng God spared not them, shall we think that the Lord's vengeance shall sleep, man's iniquity being so 〈◊〉 ▪ No dear brethren, he that hath under standing must know the contrary: and he to whom the Lord's mouthe hath spoken, must show the causes why the Land shall be waste. It may offend you that I call England worse then was unthankful Judah: but if good and evident reasons adduced, may take place, then I fear not judgment.

From Ierusalē many passed away at the admonition of the Prophet, leuing all thei had, rather then thei would abide the dangers of God's plages that were threatened. God's Prophets have cried, but I hear not of many that prepare to flytte, God grant they repent not.

In Ierusalē were princes and Nobels, who defended Jeremiah and also that did absolve him, when wrongfully he was accused by the priests▪ But how many now of the Nobilyty with in England, boldly speak in defense of God's Messengers, is easy to be 〈◊〉 .

Amonges them had God's Prophet [ iii] liberty to speak in maintenaūce of his doctrine: How such as seek a trial of their doctrine, have been, and are entreated among you, it is heard of in strange countries.

In Jerusalem was •… demeleche, [ iiii] who when the Prophet was cast into prison (as they said worthy of death) boldly passed to the king, and defending the 〈◊〉 of the innocent, obtained his liberty: But in England I hear of none (God stir some) y ^• dare be so bold as to put their hand between the •… ons and their pray, the poor saints, & those cruel murderers

In Jerusalem, Jeremiah being damned ned to prison, was fed of the Kings charges, and that wh •… n great hunger & scarcity of bread was in the whole 〈◊〉 In London where all plenty aboundeth are God's messengers permitted to hounger, yea to horrible to be heard, and a •… cient Fathers are so cruelly entreated, that like extremity hath seldom been used upon thieves and murderers.

In this behalf I do not blame you (beloved brethren) for assuredly I know your hearts to mourn for that troubles of your brethren and faithful prechers, and that you seek 〈◊〉 means possible, home thei may be comforted or relyued: But these things I rehearse, to the ende that you may see, that more abhominatiō and less 〈◊〉 of God, more unjust dealing & less shame, more cruel persecutions against God's mess̄gers and less mercy and gentilnes, is now among your chief Rulers with in England, then in those days was in Judah. And yet did not Jerusalem escape the vengeance of God. Shall we then believe, that 〈◊〉 gland may avoid the vengeance that is thr •… ned? no dear brethren*if Idolatry continue as it is begun, no more can England escape God's vengeance, then God him self may lose his justice.

And therefore dearly beloved in our savior Jesus Christ, is profit to yourself or to your posterity, can move you anything, than must ye avoid and fly Idolatry. For if the Lord's mess̄gers that shall be sent to e •… ute his wrath, find you amongst filthy Idolaters, your bodies committinge like abhominatiō with them, ye have no warrant that ye shall escape the pla ges prepared for the wicked: But rather it is to be feared, y ^t ye shall be plagued with them. The whole Tribe of Benjamin perished with the adulterers and yet were thei not all adulterers in fact. Whole 〈◊〉 was commanded to be destroyed, and yet was not one of those living, that troubled the Israelites in their passage frō Egypt. Pharaoh was not drowned a 〈◊〉 , as in another letter I have more plainly written, •… there yet found Io •… athas mercy, as touching life corporal, in the 〈◊〉 when God's vengeance punished Saul the reprobate. And why? The Apostle answereth: Because mē knowing the justice of God (saith he) and doing the contrary, are worthy of death, not only those that do wickedly, but also such as consent to the same. And no man can be accused, but that he consenteth who daily frequentinge in the company of wicked men, geuech nether sign in word nor in work, that iniquity displeaseth them, and therefore yet I say, if profit may move us, most profitable shall it be, even for the body in this present life, to avoid Idolatry: for so doing as we shall escape the plages which y ^• ungodly shall suffer, so is God by his promise obligate and bound unto us, to be our fathe, our portion, our inheritance and defense, he promiseth, & will not deseiue, to carry us upon 〈◊〉 own wings frō all danger, to plant us and our posteriti in everlasting memorial, to feed us in the time of hon •… , and finally to fight for us, & to sau •… us from all miseries and mischaunces, but no •… e to the subsequent.

〈◊〉 it is most profitable for bod •… e & soul to avoid id •… latro, so is it necessary, that unless we so do, me refuse to be in league 〈◊〉 God: we declare our▪ selves to have no faith, and we deny to be gods witnesses. And so must he of his justice 〈◊〉 in his word, 〈◊〉 us to appertame to him or to his kingdom, & then (alas) what •… easteth for us, but perpetual death, ordained for those that will not cont •… new in league with God?

The league between God and us containeth these 〈◊〉 : that God shall be our God, and we shall be his people? 〈◊〉 shall communicate with us, of 〈◊〉 graces and goodness, we shall serve him in body and soul: he shall be our safeguard from death and 〈◊〉 , we shall stick to him, and fly from all strange God's, Thus is the league in 〈◊〉 where of we 〈◊◊〉 , never to have felowshyp with 〈◊◊〉 , 〈◊◊〉 that which God hath authorised by his manifest word▪ •… f by God's scriptures these presidēts be so plain, that reasonablye no man can deny any point thereof, then have I good hope that ye will admyt it to be necessary, that you avoid idolatry, if the league between God & you shall be kept sure. And •… yrst is to be obserserued, that God's justice being infynite, in matters of 〈◊〉 , requireth like obedience of all those that be with in his league at all times, that he requireth of any one nation or particular man in 〈◊〉 one age. For all that be within his league, ar one body, as Mosee doth witness, reconyng men, we▪ men, children, servants, princes, priests, officers and strangers with in the 〈◊〉 of the Lord. Then what God requireth of one as touching this league, he requireth of all, for his justice is immutable: and what he damneth in any one, that he must damno in others, for he is righteous without 〈◊〉 . Then let us consider what God hath required of such as have been in league with him, and what he pronounceth damnable.

Moses (the mouth of God to his people of Israel) speaketh as followeth: •… f thy brother, the son of thy mother, or y ^• wife of thine own bosōeor thy neighbor, whō thou lovest as thine own life, shall privily solicit the, saying: •… et us go & serve other God's, whō thou hast not known. &c. 〈◊〉 him not, hear him not, neither yet let thine eye spare him. Be not merciful unto him, nor hyde him not, but kill him, let thy hand be the first vpō him, that such a one may be killed, and thē the hand of the whole people. Stone him with stones till he die. And likewise commandeth he to be done with a whole City, if the indwellers thereof turn back to idolatry, adding also that the city and the whole spoil there of shall be brent, that no porciā shall be saved, nor yet that the city shall be built forever again, because it is accursed of God.

•… ere is a plain declaration, what God requireth of them, that will continue in league with him, and what he hath damned by his 〈◊〉 word. And do we 〈◊〉 (beloved brethren) that the immutable God will 〈◊〉 at our idolatry, as that he saw it not, semg he commandeth judgment to be eccecuted so severely against idolaters, and against such as onli provoked or solicited others to idolatry, that neither should blood nor affinity, neither multitude •… nor riches, save such as offend: neither yet that we should 〈◊〉 their offenses, but y ^• we should be the first that should accuse brother, son, daughter or wife: And why: because he intendeth (saith Moses) to bring the frō the Lord thy God, who led the forth from the land of Egypt▪ and therefore let him die, that all Israel hearing, may fear, and presume not after to commit the like abhominatiō. Let nothing pertaining to such a man or city cleave unto thy hand, that the Lord may turn frō the furour of his wrath, and be moved over the 〈◊〉 most tender mercy and affection, and that he may multiply the, as he hath sworen unto thy fathers.

In these words most •… uidently is e •… spressed unto us, why God will that we avoid a •… fellowship with idolatry & with the maintainers of the same. In which are three thyngeo 〈◊〉 to be noted. Fyrst that the holy Ghost instr •… cteth us, that maintamers of idolatry, and provokers to the same, intend to dr •… w us from God, and therefore he commandeth us that we shall not conceal their impiety, but that we shall make it known, and that we shall punish it, if we will have the league between us and God tō stand sure. And here is the firmament of my first cause, why it is necessary to avoid idolatrye, because that otherwise we declare our selves little to regard, yea to have broken & 〈◊〉 demed that holy league which is betwirt us and God thorough Jesus Christ.

Secondly. It is to be noted, that Idolatry so kindleth the wrath of God that it is never quenched, 〈◊〉 the oftenders & all that thei possess be destroyed from the earth, & that by fire. It may appear, that this is a scuere and rigorous judgment: but let y ^• cause be con •… idered, & then shall we understand that in the same, God she •… eth unto us his most singular love, declaring himself enemy to our enemies. For all those that would dram us frō God (be they Kings or Queens being of the 〈◊〉 nature) are enemies unto God, and therefore will God, y ^• in such cases we declare our selves enemies unto thē.

And last, it is to be noted, that obedience given unto God, in taking 〈◊〉 •… eaunce upon Idolaters, by such means as GOD hath appointed, is a cause, why God showeth his mercy. Why he multiplieth us and embraceth us with fatherly love: where contrary wise by consenting with Idolatry, are the mercies of God shut up from us, and me cut of from the body of Christ, to wither and rotte as trees without moister.

But now shall some deman̄d: what then? Shall we go to & kill all Idolaters

That were the office and duty of every civil magistrate within his 〈◊〉 and jurisdiction: But of you is required only to avoid perticipation and company of that abomination▪ as well in body as in soul, as David & Paul plainly teacheth. David in his e •… ile in the middes of Idolaters, saith I will not offer their drink offerings of blou •… , neither yet will I take their name in my mouth. And Paul saith: You may not be partakers of the lords Table▪ and of the table of devils? you may not drink the Lord's cup and the cup of devils.

As these two places of Scripture plainlye resolve the former question, so do thei confirm that which is before said: that the league between us and God, 〈◊◊〉 of all Idolatry. First, plain it is that in •… ath & in Corrinthus, was no small noumbre of Idolaters, whan David was there in ecsile, and whan s. Paul wrote his Episile: yet nether saith Da uid that he will kill any in that place, (because he was not their magistrate) nether giveth Paul any such commandment: But in one thing they both agree, that such as hath society and league with God, must so 〈◊〉 Idolatry, that no part of the body be •… efiled therewith, for David saith: I will not take their names in my mouth: As though he would say: so odious are the names of false and •… aine gods, that the mention of them is righteously compared to stinckynge dounge and vile carrion, which nether can be eaten, nether yet smelled without disyleasor of such as have not lost the judgments of their senses. And therefore saith David: I will not defile my mouth with them: That is, I will never speak one favorable word of them. I think much less would he have crouched and kneeled before them for any man's pleasure.

Aduert brethren that David inspyred with the holy ghost, knew no such shifts, as worldly wise men imagy •… now a days, that they may keep their hearts pure & clean to God, though their bodies dance with the Dyuel. Not so bear brethren, not so, the temple of God hath nothing to do myth 〈◊〉 . The cause ecspresseth David in these words, for the lord him self 〈◊〉 my portion and in my inheritance. Great is the cause if it be depely •… sidered. David illuminated by the holy Gost, saith evē the self same thing which before we have alleged of the Apostles words: that God myll not part spoil with the 〈◊〉 , permitting him to have the sctuice of the body, & he to stand content with the soul, heart or mind. No brethrē, David 〈◊〉 this the foundament and reason, whi he 〈◊◊〉 offer sacrifice to idols, neither yet defile his mouth w ^▪ their names: because (saith he) y ^• lord is my portion. As he would say: Such is the condition of the league between 〈◊〉 & my god, that as he is my 〈◊〉 of defense against my enemies preseruyng and norishing both the body & soul. So must 〈◊◊〉 whole his in body and soul: For my God is of that Nature that he will suffer no portion of his glory to be given to another.

In confirmation of this, saith 〈◊〉 after he had rebuked their idols and 〈◊◊〉 . These are thy portion. And Jeremiah likewise in 〈◊〉 of thē, saith: 〈◊〉 thy bedfellows deliver the: cal upon them, and let thē hear the. Thou hast committed for nicatiō and whoredom with stock and stone. The Prophets meaning thereby that Idolators can have no league nor covenant with God: in so 〈◊〉 as their hearts be alienated from him, which the service of their bodies doth testify. And therefore renounceth God such league and bond, as was before offered: for Isaiah would say: Even such as thou haste chosen, such shall be thy portion. And Jeremiah would say: Thou hast put thy trust in them (which he meaneth by the liyng with thē in bed) and therefore let them 〈◊〉 their power in thy deliverance: and thus he sendeth them, as it were to such water from hate burning coles.

It shall nothing 〈◊〉 us to say: we trust not in Idols, for so will every Idolater allege: But if either you or thei, in God's honor, do any thing contrary to God's word, you show yourself to put your trust in somewhat elce besides God, ant so are 〈◊〉 Idolaters. Mark brethren, that many make an Idol of their own wisdom or fantasaye: more trustinge to that with thei think good, then unto God, who plainlye saith: not that thig, which seemeth good in thine eyes, do unto thy God: But what thi lord God hath commanded the: But of this some other time God willynge more shall be spoken.

Hereof I suppose it be plain, that like as GOD is immutable, who by his law hath not only forbidden all fellowship with Idolaters in their Idolatry, but also hath commanded that 〈◊〉 and punishment be taken upon them: And as the saints of God were inspired with the holy ghost, who would not so much as once favorably speak of Idols. And last as the scriptures be infallible, which pronounceth, that God may not abide, that our bodies serve the devil in joining our bodies with Idolatri: So is it of mere necessity, that both in hodye and soul we 〈◊〉 from the same, if we will have the league between God and 〈◊〉 to stand sure.

I will not trouble this time with an swering to any such obicctions as mē sekinge to live as thei list, do now a days invent: seeing that partly in another letter I have answered the same. And if God shall grant any rest in this wicked life, I purpose bi the grace of God (as occasion shall be offered) fully to answer what can be said for their defense: which in veri dedewhā all is said that thei can, thei have said nothing that God will admit.

Now resteth to show, that inhaūting Idolatry, we declare our selves to be without faith, and do deny to bear witness unto God. But that faith perseth the heart, I trust none of you will deny. But whether that inward faith reqvireth an ecsternal confession, and if a man mane not have faith, and yet do in Ceremon: 〈◊〉 of the church as the world doth. Herein per •… ye doubt. As to the first the 〈◊〉 answereth in these words, In the heart it is 〈◊〉 unto 〈◊〉 but by the mouth, is co •… fession to salvation. And David saith, I have believed, and therefore have I spoken, but I was sore troubled. As David would say, I could not 〈◊〉 the confessiō of my faith, 〈◊〉 be it trouble did insue the same. Thus the holy ghost joy neth faith and confession, as things that be inseparable the one from the other. And therefore dare I not take upon me to disseuer thē, but must say that where true faith is, there is also cō fession of the same, when time and necessity requireth, and that where con fession is not found, there faith is a sl •… pe, if he be not from home.

Now is it to be considered, if this time requireth the confession of our faith. Christ and his gospel ar oppugned his holy sacraments are profaned. Christ's Messengers are some eccded, some cruelly tormented in prison: Our aduersarics have gotten the vpperhād, and an ecsecrable idol •… ted up in confirmation of all iniquity. What now shall I do, that am assured that all this is abomination? Here Christ is in battle. Shall I do as the multitude, or as Christeo enemies do? What 〈◊〉 give I then? Assuredlt even such as the reast doth, for neither doth foot, hand, eye nor mouth, witness the contrary. The feet carry the body to serve an idol, the eye beholdeth it with a certain reverence, the mouth dare not whysper what y ^• 〈◊〉 thinketh, yea, the hands are ecstended, and give signification of humble obedience. Have I not now justified the Devil, and dampened Christ, it cannot be denied.

But let me have no credit, unless the same be yet proved by most plain demonstrations of God's sacred scriptures. The lord by his Prophet Isaiah, saith to his people of Israel (and this is answer also to the seconde question: If I may not do as the world doth, and yet have faith) you are my 〈◊〉 whither there be any God but I alone. Is there any Creator that I should not know him? These words were spoken, as it were: 〈◊〉 an en •… 〈◊〉 to rebuke all idolatry, and the •… ayne 〈◊〉 of the same. As the •… ord would say: Thou house of Jacob, and you natural children, discendyng from Abraham. You are my people, whom peculyerly I have chosen, to show in you the greatness of my name: and for that end have I spoken unto you hid things from the beginning, that you may understand and know that there is no knowledge but in me a •… one: That you persuaded of my infinite wisdom, power, and goodness, may testify and bear witness of the same to such as hath not the like understanding with you. Hereof it is plain, y ^• of such as to whō god giveth knowledge, he requireth a confessiō, to provoke the ignorant to embrace God and his word, or at the least that by the understanding man, the vauitie of the foolish should be rebuked. So zealous is GOD over his gifts, that if we labor not to employ them to the glory of God, and to profit others his creatures, he will according to the threatening of Christ, take 〈◊〉 talent from us, and will give it tosuch as will labor thereupon. Some perchaūce would gladly labor, but thei se not what fruit shall succeed, and there fore judge they better to cease: evē as though God could bring forth no fruit, eccept he made us first of counsel. God is to be obeyed in his commandments, and the success is to be committed unto him, whose wisdom is unsearchable, He commandeth us to refrain from idolatrye, to let other men see that they do wrong. This ought we to obei, albeit the present death should follow, for we are •… alled as witnesses between God and the blind world as is before said: Israel thou art my witness.

The world asketh: is the Mass God's service, or is it idolatrye? God hath opened to us, that it is abhowinable idolatry, but when that we, for fear of our vile 〈◊〉 , do as the blind world doth, what witness bear •… e? Assuredly false wytuesse against God, and against our neighbor. 〈◊〉 God, for that we iustifye and maintain that with our presence, which God condemneth. Against 〈◊〉 neighbor, for that we confirm him in error to both our cōdempnaciōs. But when we abstain from all fellow ship of idolatry, what ever ensue there upon, we do our deuties to gods glory. 〈◊〉 no mā think that I am more severe, then necessity requireth. Na brerhren, I 〈◊〉 coutain my affirmations within the bonds of God's. 〈◊〉 , and that shall 〈◊〉 the Prophet witness, who writing to the Jews, being prisoners in 〈◊〉 , after he had sorbidden them to follow the vain religion of y ^• people amongst, whom they were then 〈◊〉 , by many reasons proving that their, idols were no God's. 〈◊〉 last he saith: 〈◊〉 shall say to them: the God's that made neither heaven nor earth, shall perish from the earth, and from under the heaven.

Here is to be observed (as Thō 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉 , that singular instrument of God, most diligently noteth) that the reaft of the Prophets work was written in the Hebrew 〈◊〉 , which then was peculiar to the Jews: but these 〈◊〉 ses and mordes above rehearsed, were written in the Chaldees tongue, in the tongue of that people where the Jews were then in thralldom, as that the Prophet would contstrain them to change their natural tongue, and in plain words declare the hatred and alienation which thei had from all worshipping of Idols. I beseech you brethren, mark the words of the pro phet. He saith not: You may think in your heart that they are 〈◊〉 , and that thei shall perish. But you shall say it, and that not priuilye, but to them who put their trust in such vanity. 〈◊〉 that the three children openly spake, denying to give the ceuerēce of their bodies before an Idol. And Daniel that would not keep secret the confession of his faith 〈◊〉 three days, as in my former 〈◊〉 more plainly is expressed. Hereof it is plain, that requi ring that 〈◊〉 profane not your bodies with Idolatri. I require no more then God's Scriptures by plain precepts and ensamples teache. Neither ver require I of eueri mā & at all times so much: for I cōstrain no mā to go to idolaters in the time of their idola try, & to sai y ^• all which they do is abhominable & naught: but only y ^t we keep our own bodies (called of the 〈◊〉 the temple of the holy ghost) clean from all such diabolical conuē •… : which that we do, is most pro •… and also necessary to the preseruaciō of our selves, and of our posterity, of whom now at the end, •… what must we speak. Every mā that is not degenerated to the nature of 〈◊◊〉 beast, will appear to bear such lone to his children, that to leave thē riches, in reast, and in good estate, he patiently will suffer troubles: & with •… grudge will do many things, that otherwise are contrary to his own pleasure: and with my heart I wish to God, that the perfection of this were deeply grounded in man's heart, I mean very love, and not fond folishnes, which under the name of love, procureth destruction of body: Wher contrariwise true love most carefully laboreth for salvation of both. 〈◊〉 this love I say, towards our 〈◊〉 (which every mā pretendeth to have) 〈◊〉 in us: thē of necessity it is, that for their causes we shall avoid all society of those filthy abominations. Thys my assertion may appear 〈◊〉 , but if it be with in difference perceived it shall be very easy to be understand.

The only way to leave out childrē blessed & happy, is to leave thē righteously instructed in God's true Religion: For what anaileth all that is in earth, if condempnatiō follow death, yea and God's vengeance go before the same? as of necessity they 〈◊〉 where the true knowledge of God is absent. Plain it is that y ^• true knowledge of God is not borne with mā, neither yet cometh it vuto him by •… tural power, but he must have school Masters to train him up in y ^t which he lacketh. The chief school Master (the holy Ghost eccepted) of the age following, is the works, practices, & the life of the forefathers: Wher unto 〈◊〉 we se the children so addicte and bound, & specially if it be in idolatry, y ^• god crying by y ^• mouths of his mes sengers, hath much to do to reaue or pluck any mā back frō their forefathers fotesteps. Now, if y ^• you altogether refusing god; stoop under idolatry, what sc •… lemasters ar you to your posteritye? What image show you to your childrē? yea, in what estate leave you thē, both touchig body & soul? assuredly you ar evē such scholemasters as •… er those fathers, who cōsētyng to Iero •… oā to his idolatry, left unto their childrē a pattern of pardiciō. To speak it plamly, you leave thē blinded in ido latri, & bond slaves to t •… e Devil, 〈◊〉 hope of redēpcion or light to be received. 〈◊〉 (will some say) y ^• •… ord knoweth his own. True it is, but his ordinary means to come by his knowledge, a •… not to be contemned. He cōmaūdeath you to teach your children his laws, statutes & cerimonies, y ^t they likewise may teach y ^• same to the generatiō sollowīg. But yet will some object: what taught our fathers to us? O dear brethrē be not so ingrate & unthankful to yet I would y ^• you should flatter 〈◊〉 selves, thinking y ^• such a trumpet shall be blown to your posterity, as hath been blown unto you, if all come to so closig s •… lence as y ^t Lord's mess̄gers found the beginning of this our age, when this whole •… ealme of England was drowned in so dead a sleep, y ^• the sound of the 〈◊〉 trumpet was not understand, while first the most part of y ^t blowers gave their blood in testimony y ^• their doctrine, was y ^• same which began 〈◊〉 blood was planted & kept in mind bi y ^t fame, & by blood increased, & did fructifi. Will the Lord have his 〈◊〉 to fight a lone: Will he bestow such aboūdāce of blood upon your childrē, to encourage thē, as y ^t he did upon you, for your insiruction & incouragemēt? Y •… that you also traitorously fly frō him in y ^t day of this his battle, the contrary is greatli to be feared. Oft 〈◊〉 how god hath •… sed my tongue (my tongue I say being most wretched of others) plainly to speak the troubles y ^t ar present, there o •… •… ureth to mind a certain admonitiō▪ y ^t god •… old I comēlie should use in all 〈◊〉 The admoniciō was this: that the last Trumpet was in blowing with in the Realm of England, & therefore ought every man to prepare him for battle. For if the trumpet should cease and be put to silence, then should it never blow again with like force in England, til the coming of the lord Jesus. O dear brethrē, how sore these threat ninges perce my heart this day, only God knoweth, and in what anguysh of heart I write the same, God shall declare when the secretes of all hearts shall be disciosed. I wish myself to 〈◊〉 accurssed of God, as touching all earthly pleasures or comfort, for on •… year of that time, which (alas) neither you nor I die righteous •… ye esteem, when all abounded with us.

I sobbe and groan, I call & I pray, that in that point I may be disceiued. But I am commanded to stand content, for it is God himself that performeth the words of his true mess̄gers: his justice and order cannot be perverted. The Sun keepeth his ordiuary course, and •… eapeth not back from the West to the South: but 〈◊◊〉 goeth down, we lack the light of it, till it rise the next day towards the Easte again. And so it is with the light of the Gospel, which hath his day appointed by God, as witnesseth Christ saying: while ye have the light, 〈◊◊〉 the light, that darkness apprchend you not. And Paul: the night is passed, & the day is come (meaning of the Gospel.) And also? this day if you hear his voice, harden not your hearts. And albeit that this day be all time from Christ's incarnacion til his last gaincōming: yet evident it is that all nations have not had at one time y ^• light of God's word, but some wer in darkness, when other some had light. But by the contrary most evident it is, that where the light of the Gospel for mans unthankfulness, hath been takē away: there is it not to this day restored again. Witnes whole Israel, & all the congregacions of the Ge •… tyis, where Christ was first preached by the Apostles. What is in Asia? ignorance of God. What in Africa? abnegaciō of Christ. What in those moste notab •… e churches of the 〈◊〉 , where Christ was planted by Paul, and long after matred of others? Mahomet and his false sect. Yea, what is in Rome? y ^t most idol of all others, that adversary to Christ, that man of sin, extolled above all that is called God. Hathe God punished those Nations before us, not only the first offenders, but even their posterity unto this day: And shall he spare us, if we be like unthankful as they were▪ yea if we be worse thē they were? For of them no small noneber susfered persecuciō, banishment, slander, poverty, and finally death, for the professing of Christ: Who having only this knowledge, that idol •… were odyous before god, could neither for loss of temporal goods▪ for honors offered if thei would obey, nor yet for most cruel torments suffered in resisting, once be persuaded to bow before Idols. And (alas) shall we after so many graces that God hath off •… red unto us, sor pleasure or vain threatenings of those whom your hearts know, and your 〈◊〉 have confessed to be odious idolaters; 〈◊〉 bac •… e to idolatrye, to the pardicion of our selves; & of our posterity to come? Shall God's holy Prophets work no grea •… obedience in you? Shall nature no otherwise mo •… your hearts? Shall not fatherlye 〈◊〉 overcome that 〈◊〉 ? O behold your children, and consider the end of their creation. Great cruelty it wer to save yourselves, & to damn them. But O more then cruelty and madness, that cannot be ecspressed, if for y ^t pleasure of a moment, ye deprive yourselves, and your posteriti of that •… ternal joy, that is ordaiued for those that continue in confessiō of Christ's name and truth to the end, 〈◊〉 assuredly ye do▪ if without resistaūce all together, ye return to idolatry again.

Alas than the trumpet hath lost his sound, the Sun is gone down, and the light vanished away. But if that God shall strengt hen you boldlye to gain stand all such impiety, then is there but ad ark misty cloud over spread the Sun for a moment, which shortly shall vanishe: so that the beams of the Sun after shall be seven fold more bryghte and amyable, then thei were before. Your pa •… ience and constancy shall be the louder trom pet to your posterity, then wer all the voices of the Prophets that cried vn to you. And therefore for the tender mercies of God, arm yourselves to stand with Christ. Fly from that abhominable Idol, y ^t maintainers where of, shall not escape the vengeance of God. Let it be known to your posterity, that ye were Christians, and not Idolaters: and so is not the trumpet seaced▪ so long as any boldly resisteth Idolatry. The precepts are sharp and hard to be observed (will some object) and yet again I affirm, that compared with the plages, which assured lie shall fall upon the coutemnours, thei shall be found easy and light. For avoiding of Idolatry, it may chance that you be contemned in the world, and compelled to leave the Realm: but obeiers of Idolatri as before god thei are abhominable, so shall thei becompelled body and soul to burn in hell. For avoiding of Idolatry, your worldly substance shall be lost & spoiled: but for obeiyng of Idolatry, heavenly riches shall be lost. By avoiding Idolatry, you may fall into the hands of earthly tyrants: But o •… , consenters and mayntainers of Idolatry shall not escape the hands of the living God. For avoiding of Idolatry, your children shall be deprived of father, of frindes, riches, and earthly rest: but by obeiynge to Idolatry, thei shall be left without God, without the knowledge of his word and without hope of his kingdom.

Consider dear br •… thren, that howe much more dolorous, it is to be tormented in hell, then to suffer trouble in earth: to be deprived of heavenly 〈◊〉 , than to be robbed of transitory riches, to fall in the hands of the living God, than to abide man's vain and uncertain displeasure: So much more fearful and dangerous it is to obey Idolatry, or (dissembling to consent 〈◊〉 that abomination, then avoiding the same) to 〈◊〉 •… hat in •… onueniēces •… ay follow therupō by mans 〈◊〉 . O be not like to Esau, y ^• sold & lost his birthright for a mes potag •… : I am not preiudicial to God's mercies, as that such as after shall repent, shall not find grace, God forbydde, for herein am I most assuredly persuaded, y ^t in 〈◊〉 soever hour a sin •… shall repent: God •… hal not 〈◊〉 one of his iniquities But albeit his offenses were as red as Scarlet, thei shall be made as why •… e as Snow: & albeit in multitude thei passed number, yet so shall thei be 〈◊〉 out, y ^• none of them shall appear to dānatiō of the very re pentaunt. For his promises be infallible, y ^• such as truly believe in Christ, shall never ēter in judgment. For the blood of Jesus Christ purgoth thē frō all sin. So y ^• how far y ^• heavē to distaūt frō the earth, so 〈◊〉 doth he remove y ^• sins frō the 〈◊〉 . But consider derelie beloved brethrē, y ^t these & like promises ar made to pem •… , & do nothing appartain to profane persons, idolaters nor to fear full sh ri •… kers srō the truth, for fear o •… 〈◊〉 trouble •… . And if any allege, god may cal thē to reap̄tāce, how wic •… y ^t ever mē be. I answer, that I acknowledge & do 〈◊〉 , God's omnipotēcy to be so 〈◊〉 , y ^t he may do what pleaseth his wisdome: But yet is he not bound to do all y ^t our fantasie requireth. And likewise, I know y ^t God is so loving and so kind to such as fear him: that he will perfourm their willes and pleasures, although Kings and prin •… had sworn the contrary.

But herein standeth the doubt, whether that such as for pleasure of men or for auoidyng temporal punishment defile them selves with Idolatry, fear god. And whether thei which all their life deny Christ, by cousentinge to Idolatry, shall at the last hour be called to repentance. No such promises have we within the Scryptures of God▪ but rather the express contrary. And therefore God is not to be tempted, but is to be hard, feared, and obeyed, wh •… thus earnestly he calleth and threteneth not without cause, pass from the middes of •… er O my people (saith the 〈◊〉 ) that you be not partakers of her plages. And that is meant of that abhominable whore and of her abomination. How longe will ye halte on both parts▪ You may not both be par takers of the cup of the lord and of the cup of the devil: 〈◊〉 that denieth me before men, I will deni him before my father: •… e that r •… fuseth not himself, and taketh up his cross and followeth me, is not worthy of me. No man putting his hand to the ploughe, and looking backwarde, is worthy of the kingdom of God. And Paul to the Hebrews only meaneth of this 〈◊〉 where he saith: Who willynly sins after the knowledge of the truth, cannot be renewed again bi repentance

O dear brethren, remember the dignity of our vocation, you have follow ed Christ, you hau •… 〈◊〉 war against Idolatry. You have laid hand upon the truth, and have communicate with the lords table, will ye now suddenly slide back? Wyll ye refuse Christ and his truth, and make pacti •… with the devil and with his discei •… able doctrine? Wyl ye tread the pr •… cious blood of his Testament under your feet, and set up an Idol before the people▪ which things assuredly you do, as oft as ever you present your bodies amongst Idolaters before y ^t 〈◊〉 Idol. God the father of all mercies for Christ his sons sake, preserve you from that sore temptation whose dolours and dangers very so row will not suffer me to express. Alas brethren, it is to be feared, that if •… e fall once a sleep, you lie to long before you be weakened. Yet some shall object Peter the denier optained mercy. To whom I answer, particular ensamples make no common law. Neither yet is there any resemblance or likelihode between the fall of Peter & our daily Idolatry. Peter upon a sudden without any former purpose, thrice denied Christ withī the space of an hour or two. We vpō determinate purpose and advised mind daily deny Christ Peter had Christ's assuraūce and pro mis, that after his de •… ial he should be converted: We have Christ's threteninges, that if we deny, we shall be de •… . Peter in the 〈◊◊〉 and a •… wicked men of war 〈◊〉 his offense for fear of life, 〈◊〉 in 〈◊◊〉 city and 〈◊◊〉 for loss of wicked 〈◊〉 do no less. Peter at the 〈◊〉 of the Cock & at 〈◊〉 loke, left the company that 〈◊〉 his sin, We after Christ's 〈◊〉 , yea after gentle erhortations and fearful threatenings, will continue in the middes of 〈◊〉 and for their 〈◊〉 , will crouch and 〈◊〉 as the devil 〈◊〉 .

What likelihode 〈◊〉 here, let every man judge. But much I wonder, that 〈◊〉 that can espy so narrow shifts 〈◊〉 to hyde 〈◊〉 selves from the presence of God, behind a bushe with 〈◊◊〉 their father, cannot also espy that 〈◊〉 was 〈◊〉 in presence of 〈◊〉 , of no less authority then Peter was: That 〈◊〉 was the first born. in the world: That Saul was the first anointed 〈◊〉 by God's •… dement and by his prophet. And that 〈◊〉 was a man of most singu •… wisdom, & 〈◊〉 none of these found place of repentance. Have we any other assuraunces and particular warrantes within the scriptures of God, then they had, that all our life we may be in league with the 〈◊〉 , & then at our pleasure that we may lay hand upon Christ, and clothe 〈◊〉 with his justice: 〈◊〉 not disceined dear brethrē: for 〈◊〉 most true it is that whosoeincalleth the name of the lord, shall be saved, yet like true it is, that who that 〈◊〉 incalleth the name of the 〈◊〉 , shall avoid and eschem all iniquity, & that whosoever continueth in opē iniquity, the same man incalleth not the name of the 〈◊〉 , neither hath God any respect to his prayer. 〈◊〉 greater iniquity was never from the beginning of the world, then is 〈◊〉 in that abhominable idol, for it is the scale of that league which y ^• 〈◊〉 hath made with the pestilent sons of •… tichrist, & is the very chief cause, why the blood of the saints of God hath been shed nye the space of a thousand years, for so long almost hath it been 〈◊◊〉 , & in decking with y ^t whoorish garment, wherein it now tryumpheth against Christ. The only one sacrifice of his death, and merits of his passion. Which whole abomination 〈◊〉 confirm and show yourselves 〈◊〉 to the murder of those that have suffered for 〈◊〉 against it, 〈◊〉 oft as ever you garnishe that Idol with your preface, and therefore avoid it, as that 〈◊〉 will be part 〈◊〉 with Christ, with whom ye have sworen to die & to live in baptism & in his holy Supper, Shame it wer to break promise unto mā, but is it not more shame to 〈◊〉 it unto God? Foolishues it were to leave that 〈◊〉 , whose victory you 〈◊〉 present, and to take parte with 〈◊〉 whō you understood & perceived to be so vanquished & overthrown, that he might neither gainstand, nether yet 〈◊〉 the coming of his adversary. O 〈◊〉 , is not the Devil the prince of this world, vanquished & cast out? 〈◊〉 not Christ made con▪ quest of 〈◊◊〉 he not carried our flesh up to glory, in despite of Satans 〈◊〉 ? Shall not our Champion 〈◊〉 tourne? You 〈◊〉 that he shall, and that with ecspedicion, when Satā and his adherents I dolatours, worshippers of that blasphemous beast, 〈◊〉 persons & 〈◊◊〉 from the truth of God, shaibe cast in y ^• 〈◊〉 or lake burning with fire & 〈◊〉 which never shall be quenched. But in the mean time you fear corporal death. 〈◊〉 Nature admitted any mā to live ever, then had your fea •… some ap pearaunce of reason. But if corporal death be common to all: why will ye ieopard to lose the life everlasting, to decline & escape that which neither rich nor poor, neither wise nor foolishly. proud of stomach, nor feable of courage, and finally no earthly creature by no craft or ingyne of man did ever escape. 〈◊〉 any have escaped the horrible fear of death, it was such as boldly did gainstand men's iniquity in the earth. But yet grudgeth the flesh (say you) for fear of the torment, let it do the own nature & office, for so must it do till it be burdened with Christian cross, & then no dout shall God send such comfort, as now we loke not for. Let us not turn back from Christ▪ albeit the fiesh complain and fear the torment. Wonder it is that the wai to life is fearful unto us, considering that so great a number of our brethrē hath passed before us, in at the same gate▪ that we so much abhor. Hath not y ^• most part of the Saints of God entered into their reast by torment and troubles, of whom witnesseth Paul: Some were racked, some hawen a sonder, some slain with sweardes; some 〈◊〉 up and down in shepes skins, in need, in tribulation and 〈◊〉 , in mountains, dens, and in caves of the earth. •… nd in all these 〈◊〉 ; what cōplaintes hear we of their mouths, eccept it be that they lament the blindness of the world; and the per dition of their persecutors? Did God comfort them, and shall he despise 〈◊〉 if in obedience to him, we follow their footesteppes? He shall not do it: for he hath promised to the contrary. And therefore dearly beloved in the Lord, as ye purpose to avoid the 〈◊〉 of God, that suddenly shall s •… rike all ob •… I dolators, as ye 〈◊〉 have the league between God mid you to stand sure, & as you will declare yourselves to have true faith, without which no man ever shall enter into life. And final lie as ye will leave the true knowledge of God in possession to your children, avoid 〈◊〉 and at partici •… aciō thereof, for it is so 〈◊〉 before God's presence, that nor only doth he punish the inuenters and first offenders, but often times their posterity are stricken with blindness and dasednes of mind, the vattail shall appear strong, which ye are to suffer, but the Lord him self shall be your comfort. He shall come in & our defense with his mighty 〈◊〉 . He shall give you victory, when none is hoped for. He shall turn your tears into everlasting joy. He shall confound •… our enemies with the breath of his month. He shall let you se their •… cion, that now are most proud. The God of all comfort and cōsolacion, for Christ Jesus his sons salt, grant that this my simple Admonicion ( 〈◊〉 rather the marnyng of the holy Go •… ) may be re •… eiued and accepted of you, with no less fear and obedience, then I have writ̄ it unto you, with unfeigned love and sorrowful heart, and thē I dout not 〈◊〉 we shall be comforted, when all such as now molest us, shall trem ble and shake, by the coming & our Lord Jesus, whose om •… spirit preserve & •… eepe you undefiled body and soul to the end.

Cum priuilegio ad imprimendum solum.