The Demands of Holy Scripture

To the godly, and right worshipful Senate, the Mayre and his brethren of Sandwich in Kent, Thomas Becon wisheth long life, continual health, and prosperous felicity.

S O oft as I consider the blessed state of your town, whereof God by his divine providence and unsearchable counsel, hath made you rulers under the Queens Majesty, our Sovereign liege Lady: I am entirely provoked and stirred up to give most entire thanks, to the Prince of Princesses, and Lord of Lord's, that mighty GOD of Hosts, for his so great and singular benifites, so bounteously and largely poured upon you, and other the inhabitauntes of your town. For I do not well know, if anything may anywhere be found, meet to beautify a common weal, that justly may be counted to lack in you, so plentifully hath GOD poured his blessings upon you. Who is able to express, what a goodly ornamente, precious jewel, and noble ouche, Christian doctrine is, to a Christian common weal? The sage and prudent Philosophers, and other wise and expert men of this world, judged these common weals most blessed, happy, and fortunate, most noble, beautiful, and flourishing, where the Princes and Rulers thereof, were either Philosophers, or studious of Philosophy. But how much is that common weal to be counted happy and blessed, where not human Philosophy, whether we respect natural, or moral, but divine Philosophy, brought from the hie Heavens, by him which is the wisdom of the father, prospereth, flourisheth, triumpheth: where also not vain and curious Philosophers, but true, faithful, and godly Philosophers reign, and bear rule? Whatsoever the Philosophers taught, although never so much enforced with sugared eloquence, probable reasons, and apparent arguments, it was the fruit of the earth, and of man's brain: but that which Christ delivered unto us, came out of the bosom of his Father, so that look howe much the noble Heavens surmount & pass the vile & base Earth in higth, & indignity: so much, and incomparable wise more, doth the heavenly Philosophy, whereof the holy Ghost alone is the aucthour, exceedeth the earthy Philosophy, whereof man is the deviser. He that cometh from an high, saith that blessed John the Baptist, is above all. He that is of the earth, is earthy, & speaketh of the earth. He that cometh from Heaven, is above all, and what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth: and no man receiveth his testimony. He that hath received his testimony, hath set to his seal, that GOD is true. For he whom GOD hath sent, speaketh the words of God. What other thing is this divine Philosophy, whereof we now speak, then the holy word of God? And what other are these faithful and godly Philosophers, then the true preachers and professors of the sacred Scriptures? All these are to be found among you plentifully. The Christian Philosophy, I mean the word of GOD, reigneth, ruleth, and triumpheth among you, so that according unto to it, all things are ordered among you in that your Town. In other places, this divine and Christian Philosophy, is counted heresy, new learning, strange doctrine, the mother of errors, the cause of rebellion, sedition, insurrection, &c. and the plain subuertion of common weals: but with you, & that most justly it is reperted & taken for the alone truth, for the ancient doctrine of the Patriarchs, Prophets, and Apostles, for the mother of all godliness and virtue, for the only & alone cause of unity, concord, quietness, amity, obedience, and for the alone stay, upholding, and maintenance of all Christean, and well ordered common weals, so that where this is not, there is a Chaos, and plain confusion of things. This holy word of GOD among you, swimmeth not in your lips only, but it also shineth in your life and conversation, unto the good example of all them that are conversant with you. By this word, according to the commandment of GOD given to Joshua, ye do not only frame your own life, but ye also govern your Town, and judge all causes that come before you, as a rule, from the which it is not lawful for you by any means to depart. Of this word ye reverently talk, commune, confer, sing, and have continual meditation, as your chief joy and comfort. This word is unto you, that noble treasure hid in the Feelde, the which a man found and hid, and for joy thereof, goeth and selleth all that he hath, and byeth the Feelde. This word is to you more sweet, then the Honey, or the Honey Comb, and more precious then Gold, or Precious stone. And as this most blessed and holy word doth occupy the principal and highest place among you: so have you both godly professors, and faithful preachers of the same, unto the great joy and singular comfort of all the inhabitauntes of your Town. For as there cannot be a greater jewel in a Christian common weal, then an earuest faithful, and constant preacher of the Lord's word: so can there not be a greater plague among any people, then when they have reigning over them blind guides, dumb dogs, wicked wolves hypocritical hyrelinges, popish Prophets, which feed them not with the pure Wheat of God's word, but with the Woormewod of men's tryfling traditions, and with the sour leaven of the Papistical Pharisees, as Solomon saith: When the preaching of God's word faileth, the people perish, and come to naught. Veryly as there is not a greater blessing given of GOD to any nation, then the gift of his word: so I know, not if a greater curse from GOD can be cast upon any people, then when the word of GOD, and the true preaching thereof is taken away from them, as these words of GOD spoken by the prophet, do manifestly declare. Behold, the time cometh (saith the Lord GOD) that I shall send an hunger into the earth, not the hunger of bread, nor the thyrst of water, but an hunger to hear the word of the LORD: so that they shall go from the one sea to the other, yea from the North, to the East, running about to seek the word of the Lord, and shall not find it. In this behalf therefore, are ye the inhabitauntes of Sandwiche greatly blessed of the Lord our God, which hath not only very richelv given you his word to be preached, taught, and read among you, but also hearts to receive and believe the same, as if we read of Lydia, whose heart (saith blessed Luke, the Lord opened, that she attended to the things which Paul spake. Out of this your fervent zeal and burning love toward this divine and heavenly Philosophy, many godly and Christian fruits of God's spirit, have issued and plentifully come forth, as brotherly concord, and unfeigned amity among yourselves, not yourselves only, but also among all the inhabitauntes of your Town, so that all contention, strife, debate, discord, enmity, variance, tumults, quarelles, lawynges. &c. banished, and avoided: benevolence, love, concord, agreement, unity, amity, freendship, gentleness, humanity, and whatsoever maketh unto the bond of peace, ruleth and reigneth among you, which godly unity and concord doth so evidently declare you to be of God, as nothing more. In this shall all men know, that ye are my Disciples (saith Christ) if one of you love another. As discord bringeth all things to havoc: so doth concord conserve, keep in good order, and make to increase what so ever is good and profitable to a common weal, or to any part thereof. As Salustius saith: By concord, small things increase and grow: but by discord, mighty and great things decay, and come to naught. It was very wittely and learnedly ansvyeared of Terence, when the noble Senate of the most noble Romans demanded of him after the destruction of Carthage, what he thought to be the cause of the subuertion if so ample, populus, and flourishing city, whether the puissaunce of the Romans, whose force seemed to be incomparable, or the feebleness of the Carthaginenses not being able to resist, No, saith he, neither your valiance, nor our want of puissance, was the subversion of our city, but the discord of the Citizens. The mightiest fortress, and strongest Bulwarcke, that either City or Town can have, is the concord of Citizens, without the which, all puissaunce, all force, all wit, all policy, all castels, all martial armonies are vain, and unprofitable, verily in this behalf, are ye also greatly blessed of God, which both in godly & worldly affairs, are of one mind, & of one meaning, without all diffencion among you. O blessed fruit of God's spirit. Moreover, howe idleness that chief maistres of vices all, utterly exiled, and banished out of your Town? No man liveth there idly. All degrees of persons are godly, virtuously, and profitably occupied, every man according to his vocation and calling. All study to be quiet, and to meddle with their own business, and to work with their own hands, that they may not only eat their own bread according to the commanndement of God, but also through those their labors have whereof they may give unto such as have need, as Saint John saith, he that hath two coats, let him give one to him that hath none. And he that hath meat, let him do likewise. Certes diligent, and virtuous travail, upholdeth the City: but idle and sluggysh hands, root up the foundacions thereof.

Furthermore, who can enough praise and sufficiently commend your studious, carefulness, and painful travail, in making provision for the poor members of Christ, which have not of them selves, whereof to live? Verily ye have a fatherly care for your poor', that none of them should want. Ye count their lack, your own lack: neither are ye less moved with their miseries, then if ye your selfs were touched with the same, according to this saying of Saint John. He that hath the substance of this woorld, and seeth his brother have need, anb shutteth up his compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? Unmercifulness toward the poor, was one of the chief causes, why that flourishing and to much wealthy City Sodom (as the Prophet teacheth) was destroyed with fire, an brimstone from heaven. Verily even so contrariwise, where the works of mercy are diligently practiced upon the poor, there is the blessing of God, conservation of the Town, or City, increase of goods, and fortunate success in all honest and godly trauayles, as Solomon saith: He that giveth to the poor, shall not want. He that lendeth to the Lord, that showeth mercy to the poor, and it be recompensed him to the uttermost, as our Savior Christ saith: Geue, and it shall be given unto you: good measure, and pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosoms: For he that giveth but a cup of cold water for Christ's sake, shall not loose his reward. If thou wilt break thy bread to the hungry, saith GOD by the Prophet, and lead the needy wayfaring man into thy house, & cover the naked man, and not turn away thy face from the poor: thy light shall break forth as the morning, and thy health florishe right shortly: yea, thy righteousness shall go before thee, and the glory of the Lord shall embrace thee. Then if thou callest, the Lord shall answer thee: if thon criest, he shall say: Here I am. O blessed is the man, saith the Psalmograph, that considereth the poor and needy: the Lord shall deliver him in the time of trouble. The Lord shall preserve him and keep him alive, that he may be blessed upon earth, and not be delivered into the will of his enemies. The Lord shall comfort him, when he lieth sick upon his bed, yea and make his bed in his sieknesse.

Agayne, what shall I speak of your gentle and loving enterteynement of strangers and forreners, which for the testemony of Christ's most glorious Gospel, and for the quietness of their conscience, that they may the more freely serve GOD with a pure mind, are not only content to suffer unworthy banishment with the loss of their goods, but also day and night to labor with their own hands for their living, that they may be no burden to any man. These most willingly and gladly ye admit, receive, and embrace, cherish, entertain, and comfort. These ye lodge & place among you, not as strangers, but as Citizens, not as forreners, but as your dearly beloved Christian brothers: for whom also ye are no less careful then for yourselves, that nothing be lacking unto them, but that they may have sufficiently of all good and necessary things. This is the true hospitality, I mean, the gentle enterteynement of godly strangers, wiche are afflicted for the words sake. Of these speaketh GOD on this manner: If a stranger sojourn with thee in your land, ye shall not vex him. But the stranger that dwelleth with you, shall be as one of yourselves, and thou shalt love him as thyself. Of these speaketh Christ on this wise: I was harborless, and ye took me in. Of these speaketh Saint Paul thus: Distribute to the necessity of the Saints. Be ready to harbor. Agayne, Be not forgetful to lodge strangers: for there by have diverse men lodged. Angels unawares Of these speaketh S. Peter on this sort: Be ye harberors one to another without grudging. Of these speaketh Saint John on this manner. Thou dooest faithfully, whatsoever thou dooest to the brethren, and to the strangers. Of these, GOD in his laws giveth a special charge both to the riche men, and also to the Bishops and spiritual Pastors of his congregation, that they should see to them, and make provision for them, that they lack nothing. Highly in God's favor must the godly strangers be, seeing GOD giveth to his people so great charge over them. Who therefore can otherwise, then highly commend the loving gentleness, and gentle love, the bounteous liberality, and liberal bounty, which ye show to the poor scattered members of Christ? These be worthy fruits of the Gospel. These works show, that ye have not received the grace of God in vain: and that ye be not of the company of those Gospellers, which with their mouth profess GOD, but with their deeds deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unapt unto every good work. Such professors or rather peruersers of the Gospel, are like to that Son, which promised his father to work in his Vineyard, and wrought nothing at all. Yea they are, as Saint Jude termeth them in his Epistle, clouds without water, trees without fruit, raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame, wandering stars, to whom is reserved the mist of darkness forever, fleshely, having no spirit. &c. and in deed like to those five foolish Virgins, which had Lamps, but in their Lamps no Oil, and not unlike to the Fig tree without fruit, which Christ cursed for her barrenness.

But God (right worshipful and dearly beloved) hath given you another mind, and grafted in you a better spirit, that ye do not only know God, but also earnestly labor to do his holy and blessed will, that by this means, ye may be found not only favorers, but also followers, not only talkers, but also walkers, not only lovers, but also livers, not only professoures, but also practicers, not only worders, but also workers of the holy scripture, and so become blessed, as our Savior Christ saith. If ye know these things, and do them, blessed are ye. For not everyone that saith unto me Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven, but he that doth the will of the father, which is in heaven, he shall enter into the kingdom of heaven. Ye are my friends, if you do those things that I command you. He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me. For in the sight of god, as The apostle saith they are not righteous, which hear the law, but the doers of the law shall be justified. If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature. They truly that are Christ's, have crucified the flesh, with the affections and lusts. We are the workmanship of God, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath ordained, that we should walk in them. Let our ears learn saith Saint Paul, to excel in good works, as far forth as need requireth, that they be not unfruitful. Herein is my father glorified (saith our Savior Christ) that ye bear much fruit, and become my Disciples. Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you to go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain.

Go therefore forth (right worshipful and dearly beloved) as ye have begun, in the way of righteousness. Receaue the Gospel of Christ, which is the word of your salvation, and bread of life, with greedy, and desirous minds. Call on God daily (as ye do) with fervent prayer, and cease not to be thankful unto him, for his benefits. Be an example in life and conversation, to them that are under you. Seke the quietness, and commodity of your Town, and of the inhabitauntes of the same, rather then your own gain, and profit: study rather to be loved, then feared. To the wicked and sinful, be severe and sharp: but to the good and godly, be gentle and loving. Continue your goodnesses and liberality to the poor strangers which are exiled for the testimony of the Lord Jesus, and tender them, as yourselves. Suffer not idleness to creep within the bounds of your town, but rather provide that all be well & virtuously occupied. Of the poor, have diligent consideratiō, but as for the sturdy & lazy lubbers, which gladly live of the labor of other men's hands, and hate to be well occupied them selves: either compel to work, or else banishe them your town. Look diligently to the bringing up of your youth, either in good letters, or else in some virtuous exercises, that in time to come, they be not unprofitable members of the common weal. But above all things, see that they be brought up in the nurture and fear of the Lord, and in the knowledge of his holy word, that they may learn even from their Cradles to serve their Lord GOD in holiness and righteousness all the days of the Lord. And that this thing may the more conveniently be brought to pass, as ye have earnestly intended, and to that end have provided large sums of money among yourselves: so with all expedition provide, that your School may be erected and set up, for the godly and virtuous education of your youth. So shall you both do a noble sacrifice unto God, deserve well of many, and also leave to your posterity a worthy monument of a most worthy enterprise. And to help forward some point of godly doctrine to be taught in your new erected School. After I had finished this little treatise, entitled, The Demaundes of holy Scripture, I thought it not vnsitting, nor unworthy our friendship, to dedicate the same to your woorships, and so by you, to commend it to the Christian youth of your School. In it they shall learn to know and understand, the principal and chief points of God's doctrine: so that by this means they shall be able to render a reason both of their faith, and doctrine, which they profess, and not be like Horses & Mules that have no understanding. The book is little, if the number of the leaves be considered: but if the matter thereof be diligently pondered, it shall be found both great, & profitable. Thus for this present, taking my leave of you, I wish to you, and to the whole Town, all good and prosperous things, both for your bodies & souls, most humbly beseeching God, to finish that good work, which he hath begun in you, unto the glory of his name, & unto the profit of his holy congregation. Amen.

The Demaundes of holy Scripture.

W HO did create us? God who also made all y ^e world of naught.

What things damned us? Sin. In so much as Adam did eat, by the persuasion of Eve, of the Apple forbidden him of God. For sin is the breaking of the commandments of GOD.

Who redeemed us, and set us in the favor of GOD again? Jesus Christ, by taking our nature on him.

What is God unto us? Whereas before he was a severe & straight Judge: through Christ he is become our most loving, tender, and merciful father.

What are we? His dearly beloved children.

What thing is GOD? An infinite substance, which only with his word of might, did create and make all things, and with his most high and incomparable wisdom governeth all thing, and of his inestimable goodness, suffereth and preserveth all thing. I call that infinite both which hath neither beginning nor ending, and that which cannot be comprehended, nor compassed by man's brain, what thing it is. And in both these significacions God is infinite. Furthermore that is to every man god or a god, that he loveth, dread • th, and worshippeth with all his heart. The Scripture also calleth the Judges and Officers of the earth gods.

What is a strange God, or another God? What soever thing we worship besides the very living God. And that also that doth alienate and turneth our heart from God's word, is called a strang or another God.

What thing is faith? It is a full and perfect confidence and trust in God through Christ, engendered in our heart, by hearing the word of God, and as Paul defineth faith: Faith is a sure confidence of things which we look for, and the certainty of promises.

What is hope? A styffe and firm expectacion, of such things as be promised us of the word of GOD.

What is charity? The principal fruit of faith, a prompte and ready will to do good to our neighbor. Otherwhyles the works of mercy are called charity.

What is the law? It is the lively will of God, given us by commandment, as well in the new testament as in the old, whose work and operacion is to show sin, to show that God is angry with us for our evil doing, and daily transgression of his commandment, whose duty is to accuse us in our conscience, to cast us down, and make us seem vile & naught worth in our sight, and by this means, either bringeth us to utter desperacion, or else leadeth us (as it were by the hand) to Christ, the only true pacifier of the conscience.

What is the Gospel? It is a glad tiding. Or else you may call it every promise that God made of Christ, and of other his good benefits, whereby the clouds of the conscience be put away, and man's mind erected and made merry, whether these promises be in y ^e new testament, or in the old: Paul, saith it is the power of God, where by all that believe are brought to health and safeguard.

What is it to be a godly man, or who is godly? He or she that hath faith, and the fear of God before their eyes.

Who is wicked, or ungodly? He or she that believeth not the promise of God, and that hath not the dread of God before them.

Who is a Christian man? He that believeth on Christ, and liveth according to his word.

Who is an Ethnike or Miscreant? He that useth not those laws, and ordinances, and hath not the faith that we have. Or else he that seeketh to be saved by some other means then by Christ.

Who is an Heretik? He which thinketh, and styfly maintaineth anything against the doctrine of faith (that is to say) the word of God. Mark here the word of God, to be called the doctrine of faith, because faith, draweth from no whence else her principles: then from the word of God. Because she only learneth, marketh, and beareth away the word of God.

What is the kingdom of Heaven? It is where the word of God is truly preached and received, and where it beareth fruit meet for the doctrine, whose king and Lord, is Christ.

What is the world? An heap and mustre of men, without the word of God, among whom the word of God is despised and persecuted: where is a rablement of all vices, whose Prince and God is Satan. In some place it is called an hot boiling Sea, which cannot rest and be asswaged.

What is the word of God? It is the decreed sentence, word, and will of God, expressed and left behind of the Prophets and Apostles to us, in y ^e canonical books of the new testament and the old, which word he that reciueth (that is to say knowledgeth in his heart to be true and holy, and liveth according to it) receiveth God, and he that refuseth it, despiseth God, and as much as lieth in him, he maketh God a liar. The word of God hath sundry names in Scripture: as the sword of the spirit, a two edged sword, a fire sword, an iron wall, a strong hold, a well fenced tower, consuming fire. It is also called whete, the rod of the mouth of the Lord, the breth of the mouth of the Lord, a mystery, an oracle, the print or secret will of the Lord.

What are man's traditions? What soever man's reason hath or doth imagen without the word of God, and ordeyneth and willeth it to be reputed and taken as good, godly, and pleasant in the sight of God. They be called in Scripture Cocle, and Chasse. Of these speaketh Christ, where he saith. They do serve me in vain, while they teach such doctrine as are nothing but the commandments of men.

Who be good? Only God is good. Notwithstanding, because all they that have the spirit of God, and are ruled by his word, be of the flock of God, and under his keeping: therefore God doth communicate and imparte his goodness to them, and so they be called good, as their Father, Lord, and Governor is.

Who be evil? They that have not y ^e spirit of God, nor be ruled by his word, whether they live upright outwardly, and according of the letter of the law: as Cato, Socrates, and they that be counted good and virtuous among the Turks, and Jews, or else they that be open transgressors of the law. For in Christ only is salvation and remission of sins. And unto that time that our sins be remitted, we be evil, unclean, and under damnation. And on this fashion we are all evil, and sinners by nature.

Who is just or righteous? He that hath faith. For through faith we are justified. To be justified is to have our sins not imputed unto us, but to have them forgiven in Christ, and for Christ. Even as David saith: blessed are they whose vnrighteousnesses are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is that man to whom the Lord imputeth no sin. Now because the faithful man only receiveth and enjoyeth this mercy forgiveness, and this no imputing of sin through faith, therefore he is called just, and we through faith said to be justified. Sometime in Scripture the Hipocrites, and they that think to be saved by their works, are called just or righteous as we rede. I came not for the righteous, &c.

Who is unrighteous? He that hath no faith.

What is everlasting life? It is the taste of the favor and manifold mercies of God, the peace of the conscience, a fervent desire of heaven, and to be with Christ, which the holy Ghost doth kendle in the hearts of the faithful. Otherwhiles everlasting life is called to know the very living God, & Jesus Christ, whom he sent down. As it is said: He that hath the Son and believeth in him: hath everlasting life.

What is everlasting death, or hell? In this life it is the perpetual grudge and horrible fear of conscience, the distress and tediousness of the mind, dreding the wrath of God, which the devil increaseth in the unfaithful: as it is plainly declared. Also hell is taken for extreme temptation, which almost ledeth us down to desperacion: as we rede: The Lord leadeth us down to hell, and bringeth us up again.

After this life it betokeneth the fire of Hell, where the damned souls be. It is called also a fiery furnesse, and the utter darkness, where is wailing and gnashing of teeth, and utter desperacion of the mercy of God.

What thing is the blessing of God? It is the favor, the grace, the help and beneficence of God▪ &c.

What is the curse of God? It is the angre, extreme wrath, and the lack of all the good benefits of God.

What is a good conscience? It is the peace of the mind, a spiritual joy, and a plain feeling and perceiving of the goodness of God towards us, through faith in Jesus Christ, which is described and set out. And is no more to say, but that when we perceive that through faith in Jesus Christ, our sins be forgiven, and that we be in the favor of God: we be heart hole, merry, and found.

What is an evil conscience? It is an inward boiling heat, and tossing of the mind, for a man's wickedness, and when for pure anguish of the sight and horrore of sin, the heart fainteth and failleth him. It is called in Scripture the worm of the conscience.

What is verity, and truth? Christ himself, the word of God, and whatsoever else agreeth with the word of God. For as Christ saith I am the way, the truth, and the life. Also, thy words be the truth. There is also a Ciuile truth, or verity (as it is called) and that is when with that which is said, the thing agreeth, & when we find words agreeing with the thing itself.

What is lesing, or falsity? What soever thing is enemy, and not agreeing to the truth and the word of God: as man's traditions, or doctrines that serve not to the same word of God.

What is the fear of God? Suche an humbleness and low behavior as natural sons have towards their loving fathers. It is also a ready, glad, and willful warenesse in ordering our selves, that we do not commit anything against God, and his word, for fear least we should offend so loving and tender a father. Which fear as it springeth only out of faith, so it is only in y ^• faithful. Then we fear God wisely: when with heart and mind, we so endeuer to live and order our selves: as if we had God a witness and looker of all our deeds, words, ye and of our preuie thoughts and cogitacious. This loving dread ingendereth wisdom and bringeth God's blessing on us, and driveth out sin out of the breast. The servile and bond fear, is the amasing, drede, and abasshing of the mind, that the wicked men have of the wrath of God, engendered by laying the law to their evil living.

What is the contempt of God? A despising, or a light regarding of the doctrine and the commandments of God, proceeding of an unclean heart and wicked mind, a pleasure and delight in sin and ignorance, the root of all mischief, which fruit of incredulity, God never left unpunished, as it appeareth. Exo. and Nume. &c.

What is thanks giving? It is a remembrance, and a thankful acknowledging of the benefits of God: when we surely think all that we have cometh of him It is called in the Scripture, sacrifice of praise giving.

What is unkindness, and privy murmuring against God? It is to grudge, and not to be content with the works of God, and to forget his benefits. Examples hereof we rede.

What is it to have the holy Ghost? To be godly disposed, and to have an heavenly burning in the mind, ever upright, whole, sincere, and pure, virtuous, always judging the best, willing and wishing well to everybody, the fruits of whom be all virtues, which ye may see in the Galatians.

What is an evil mind, or to have the devil? It is to have an evil concard mind, to be against God and his word, to be given all to wickedness, to misdeeme and judge all to the worst.

What is a good Angel? The messenger of God, or whatsoever ye will, by which God worketh us, and in us that that is good, profitable, and commodious.

What is Satan, or an evil Angel? An adversary and enemy of God, a worker of all mischefe & death unto us. Otherwhiles it is put only for the devil.

What is the Cross? It is all manner of greuaunce given to every manner of vocation & kind of life, grounded on faith and the word of God, & what that we do, goeth not forward as we would. It is also the teaching, warning, chastising rod, and staff of the Lord, which names be for to be seen in the proverbs and psalms. The Cross of Christ, is his Passion and the preaching of the same, and the persecution that followeth the preachers and believers of the same.

What is pleasure, and the ease of this life? It is when we have all at will, when God leaveth us to our selves, and troubleth us not with any adversity for faith and the word of God.

What is sin? It is the transgression, and breaking of any of God's commandments. It is also a natural propencion and inclinacion to noughtinesse, engendered with us at our birth. What soever is not of faith, is sin. It is also the distrust in God, and the ignorance and contempt of him, and a trust and confidence in our own works.

What is original sin? It is the poison and corruption that we have in our birth, through the infection of our nature in Adam, which doth bring forth in us the fruit of incredulity, and all wickedness, and maketh us unable to the works of the law, as the law requireth them to be done of us: until Christ and his word hath made us a new creature.

What is original Justice? The integrity, holenesse, & soundness of the powers of the body and the soul, whereby both the soul and the body could verily obey, do, and fulfill the law of God. Wherefore after the poison of sin entered: nature lost her integrity and soundness, and the venom of sin made weak, faint, and feeble the whole nature of man, so that it could not in no wise will or do the work, that it whole before could do. And not this only, but it infected and corrupted the flesh and the soul, and all the powers of them both, which infection engendered in the nature of man hus febled, the ignorance and contempt of God, the distrust in God, the murmuring against God when he sendeth adversity, or sickness. It causeth furthermore man to be without the fear of God; to hate the judgment of God, to flee and run away from God when he chasteneth us, to be angry with him and despair, and to trust in things corruptible, &c. These be the horrible biles, sores, pockes, and carbucles that disfigure the face of man. Which though they be never so high, yet our school men and canonistes (I mean the professors of the Bishop of Rome's laws) cowl never see, or perceive. These Chiste through faith at our baptism doth suppress and abate their power, and at the last by death doth utterly vainguishe and kill.

What mean you by these words, Poena, and Culpa? This word Culpa, which is in english a faute, or trespass properly, in this place betokeneth the gilt (as we call it) or the trespass, and that which the law punisheth in the deed or fact: as in an act of felony, the law punisheth not the coming to the Horse, nor yet the bridling, no nor the leading of the Horse from the stable, medowe, or common, for all these may be done without the evil and unlawful desire of the Horse, and again with the owners leave. But the law punisheth the coming, the brydeling, and taking away the Horse against the owners will, and with the mind of stealing him, and calleth the fact theft, or felony. This word, Poena (which is in English pain) is the wages and punishment taken for the faute. And thus some kind of vices, all hurtes, damages, sickness, pest ilences, perils, errors, and the lack of God's word that we have among us: be pains, and punishments of sin. That God punisheth sin with loss and danger both of body & goods, with sickness, pestilence, and such other (none I think doubteth) but that he punisheth sin by sin, and sin by errors and heresies: the world cannot so clearly perceive. Howe be it Paul, doth plainly declare it, where he saith: because the Gentiles turned the glory of God, and worshiped the creature more then the maker, &c. Therefore (saith he) God gave them up unto shameful lusts, &c. Which iustes be there straight after expressed. And this punishment (I mean to punish sin by sin) is a very sore punishment.

He punisheth sin by errors and heresies thus. When the word of God is plenteously and sincerely preached (as it is now) and yet men still kick against it, or in case many receive it, yet few or non regard it, or live according to it, but with their words make on it only for a fleshly liberty: then (I say) God taketh his word away from thence (as who be not worthy of it) and letteth the world prevail against his preachers, and suffereth Antechriste (who must needs succeed Christ) to kill them, so that Antichrist peaceably enjoyeth his kingdom (as he hath done all ready this great while) and he must needs have like doctrine to him self. So did he punish the Jews his own elected people at sundry times more then .ii. M. year, and suffered them to worship false God's, or else to set up their own traditions, God's precepts neglected. So also hath he punished our fore fathers these viii. or ix. C. years. And now except we thankfully receive his word, and live thereafter in the newness of life, according as we are called (no doubt of it) he will, not only revolve and cast us down again to our old ignorance, captivity and bondage: but also shortly take such vengeance on us, as he threatened Bethsaida, Chorazin, &c.

Now God remitteth the crime, gylte, and trespace to his elect through faith in Christ: but he reserveth (after a certain manner) a little portion of the pain (not to counterpeise therewith, or satisfy his justice for the crime, as the Bishop of Rome with his complices hath taught us this great while) but to chastise their flesh with all, and sometime to be an example unto other to forbear like crimes, for fear of like punishment, or to declare the ire of God for such crimes. So that what trouble, vexacion, grief, loss, sickness so ever the best men that be, have: they deserve it with much more. Howbeit (no not thus) GOD would beat, scourge, and try his: and it were not for their own profit and avail. For by this means he nourtereth, reineth, and humbleth his elect, that they may know them selves the better, and lest they run at large after the world: as it appeareth by the aduoutry of David, and many other stories in the Bible.

What is innocence? The pureness of the mind, and when the conscience is not guilty, or findeth it self culpable in anything. This innocence only the faith in Jesus Christ ingendereth in us. In this state was Paul (after many interpreters minds) when he said. I know naught by myself. &c. He said not this, that he thought not him self a sinner, and that he trespassed not afore God (for then had he ben a liar. For Moses saith to the Lord: it is thou that takest away trespass, iniquity, and sin, and none innocent before thee) but he meaneth of his conversation. In this state also was Hezekiah the good King, when he turned him to the wall, and wepte. Here we call, not to be guilty, or culpable, to have the peace of the conscience, and y ^e is when we believe through Christ that our sins be hid, for unto that time, the law ceaseth not to accuse us in our conscience.

What is the spirit? It is a Heavenly sense, or understanding, springing out of the word of God (or else the self word of God) exceeding the sense of the flesh and reason. The words that I speak unto you, they be spirit and life: meaning they amount and pass the flesh and sense of reason, they be spiritual and heavenly. It is sometime put for what so ever liveth and breatheth: as all the spirits praise ye the Lord, sometime for the breath and wind

What is the flesh? Every affection, the heart, the mind, and thought of man, and what so ever else man doth, or can do by all the powers of his reason, destitute of the word of God. For Christ saith. That which is borne of the flesh, that is, it understandeth not things that be spiritual. Fleshe other while betokeneth the letter and fleshly understanding. The flesh profiteth nothing, it is the spirit that quickeneth.

What is the new man? It is the man that is renewed and borne again by faith and the word, through the spirit of God. Except a man be borne a new, he cannot se the kingdom of heaven. To be borne anewe he calleth, where as before we were but carnal and fleshly, not understanding the misteryes of the spirit, we must be borne again in spirit (that is) to become spiritual and more meet to vnderstan • e espirituall things.

What is the old man? Our affections, appetites, and understanding according to reason, without faith: even as we be all naturally borne of our mother, as it appeareth in diverse places of the Scripture. Also the whole body of sin is called the old man in Scripture, and they live according to the old man, that live in ignorance, and follow the lusts of their heart, not walking in the newness of life.

Who is blessed, or happy? All be it I may answer with Christ: blessed is he, that heareth and keepeth the word of God: yet is he otherwise defined in the Scripture. As he is to be thought happy, who holdeth him self well content with his fortune, and thankfully receiveth whatsoever God sendeth him, and who is at one with God and all creatures, that is, doth not murmur against God, and on the other side envieth nor despiseth any man.

Who is a wretch, or unhappy? He that holdeth not him self content with that that God hath sent him. He with whom nothing goeth forward, nor agreeth not with God nor man.

Who is poor? He that cannot make any great boasts, or crakes of himself, and who is destitute of all help, as be they, of whom Christ saith: blessed are the poor in spirit, in Scripture he is called low, humble, and hungry, and he who is now in adversity.

Who is riche? He is called riche in Scripture, which needeth no help concerning his salvation, but hath works enough, and more then enough to bring him to heaven. And (as a man may call it) full up to the throat of the righteousness: as be all Hipocrites, Phariseies, and iustifiers of them selves, they also be called riche in Scripture, which be proud, mighty, and drunken with fortune and prosperity, ever polling the poor.

Who is wise, and circumspect? He which knoweth God and his word, which (when he doubteth) as keth counsel, and doth all thing thereafter.

Who is a fool? He that rashly is carried hither and thither, with every mocion, that considereth nothing, regardeth nothing, nor suffereth himself to be corrected, and warned of his evil doing, but headlong runneth as he began: forsing not whether he sink, or swymme, or what becometh of him, and who as he knoweth not the word of God, so he passeth not on it. The wisdom of God taken as foolishness before the world, is the preaching of the Cross of Christ, and the iustifiing by faith (that is to say) though to suffer persecution for the word of God, and to preach that we justified by faith, be godly and the wisdom of the spirit: yet the world laugheth it to scorn, and counteth it high foolishenesse. The wisdom of the flesh, is foolishness before God.

What is a child, or to be a child? A child in Scripture, is a wicked man, or he that is ignorant, and not excercised in godliness and God's word be he old, or be he young. Or he that lacketh spiritual judgment in discerning & choosing things. Woe be to the country whose King is a child. And he shall die a child of a .C. year old. A child also is sometime taken for humble or meek. Who soever hūbleth him self as this child, is greatest in the kingdom of Heaven.

What is an old man, ancient, or elder? He which is well taught and instructed in the word of God, and exercised therein. He which liveth honestly, and without reprose having horenesse of manners, authority, gravity, and high knowledge in the word of God.

What is Christ? The anointed king and priest of God, sitting on y ^e right hand of the father, having full power to defend and warrant his flock, and being a ready advocate for his at their need. And by him all Christian men be annointed kings and priests. They be called kings, when in Christ, and through Christ they subdue their wild affections, the devil, and death. They be called priests, and sacrificers, when they offer up their bodies into a lively, holy, and acceptable sacrifice unto God, which is our reasonable serving of God.

What is Antichrist? The adnersary of Christ, and he which goeth about to obscure, or utterly to abrogate and pull away his glory: teaching, defining, and determining, that Christ is not the king, priest, and advocate of his flock.

What is prayer? A brenning desire, or petition of the mind, lift up and directed unto God (springing and coming of the need and lack that we find in our self) as far forth as faith and the promise of God suffereth and permitteth us, where mark that we ask such things as be honest and lawful. Sometime it is taken for the lifting up of the hands, the desire, trying and sighing of the poor, and such as stand in need. And some doth call it more generally the lifting up of the mind to God.

What is temptation? The proof and trial of our faith, and an exercise and practice of the word. Otherwhiles it is called the rod and staff of the Lord, and the discipline whereby we see our selves, and perceive how well we have profited and gone forward in the word which may best be tried, then when that we go about doth not go forward as we would.

What is desperacion? It is when in temptation, and such trying of us (wheither it be by adversity, or any other thing) we fall down distrust, and cast away all hope of the mercy and goodness of God: then (I say) when of no side appeareth any hope, or succor, and when we be, as seemeth to us) utterly forgotten and cast away of God. Of which temptation we may see a manifest example. To speak properly desperacion is the utter and final despair and distrust of help.

What is vocation, or calling? It is the manner of life, unto which God hath called thee. Or else the common consent (as Mayres and other Officers) or else thou hast appointed and purposed thyself unto, by thy own accord. Or else ye may call it every kind of life, in which we exercise faith and charity. To be called to the kingdom of heavē, is to hear y ^e word of god. To be chosē or elected, is to believe it.

What is predestinacion? It is the secrete election of the wisdom of God to eternal life, without our deserving. They be predestinate and called to everlasting life which hear & receive the word of god.

What is free will? It is the liberty that man hath in doing outward things, and the natural work of man in such things as be not spiritual: as in ordering him self after a civil and political fashion, and outward fulfilling of the moral virtues. Howbeit, he hath not the power, no nor yet the will to love God, dread God, and to know him: until that he be renewed, and that Christ hath set him at liberty. For then (as John saith) If the son hath made ye free, then are ye free in deed. For unto that time that we know God, we cannot love him nor dread him. And when we love him, and dread him, then have we power through him, to keep the law. Yet when man was in the state of original justice, that is to say, when he had the integrity, wholenesse & soundness of the powers of the body and soul, then might he obey, do, and fulfill freely the law of God, but after the poison of sin entered, it made weak and feeble the whole nature of man.

What is the temple of God? A pure, clean, and single heart, without all gyle, fraud, and doubleness. Also the Church, wherein God is worshipped.

What is the Church, or congregation of Christ? It is the company, assemblement, and consent of good men on the word of God, and in the faith of Jesus Christ.

What is the Church of Satan? It is the multitude of wicked men conspiring against God and his word.

What is the Sabbath day, or to keep holy day? It is to abstain from the outward works of the flesh, and to pray unto God in spirit, hear his word, and to have our mind set on his law, after what manner true Christians ever keep the law. You may else say, that the holy day is wherein we remember the benefits of God, and give him thanks for them.

What is grace? The good will of God toward us, his favor and bounteous goodness, freely employed on us without our deserving.

What be merits and works? They be called and counted in Scripture to be the refusing and contempt of the favor of God, and a confidence to be saved by a man's own power, strength, & deserts.

What is the name of God? It is whatsoever pertaineth to God, or else to every name which we assign unto God & cal him by: as the God of hosts, the strong and gelous God.&c. Also his glory honor and majesty. To show the word of God, is to preach sincerely the Gospel, that is to say, that all that believe have their sins forgiven them, that they be delivered from death and hell, and hath given them everlasting life freely through Jesus Christ.

What is it to serve God? To live according to his word, to believe and put trust in him, to refer all things unto his glory, and to love and help our neighbor.

What is it to serve the devil? It is to resist the word, to serve Mammon, his belly, his fleshly appetites, the world, and carnal affections.

What is to worship God? It is not only to pray unto him, but also to show and exhibyte in the outward gesture honor and reverence unto him.

What is to believe in God? It is wholly to commit a man's own self in all matters to him, and to have a sure hope in him self, that whatsoever God promiseth shall be performed.

What is to fast? To beware lest we over lade our body with surfeiting, in meats or drinks, that we live chastely and soberly, to abstain from vice, to keep our body low, giving it that only that is necessary.

What is it to follow Christ? It is to believe in him, to mark and follow his doctrine, and to follow him whether soever he leadeth us, or calleth us, and to suffer wyllingly whatsoever he layeth on our backs.

What is to leave and forsake all that a man hath, to sell all, and to deny a man's self? To leave, forsake, and sell, is to repute & reckon such things as we have, as none of ours, yea, gladly to forsake and leave for Christ's sake (if the matter came to that point) wife, children, parents, country, house, land, and all other such, in so much that (if need required) we would (for Christ's sake and the Gospels quarrel) offer our self to all dangers, and death at conclusion. To deny a man's self, is frankly and freely to grant his works, and all his other good indeueringes to be unable to his salvation, and utterly to kill the old Adam in him with all his affections.

What is it to visit? When it is taken in the good part, it betokeneth that God looketh upon, and sendeth his benefits some whether. The Lord hath visited his people. When it is taken in the evil part, it betokeneth as much as the Lord punisheth and scourgeth wicked and cursed, when he taketh vengeance on them for their wickedness: as I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the sins of the fathers upon the children, unto y ^e third & fourth generatiō of them y ^e hate me.&c.

What is the hand of God? It is the power, or strength of the Lord, whereby he helpeth and doth good unto the godly, and whereby he worketh mischief and taketh vengeance on the cursed.

The arm of God betokeneth the power of him, and Christ him self, whereof ye may read abundantly.

The finger betokeneth the holy Ghoste.

What be the eyes of God? The respect, care, and regard that he hath upon the good, and his gentilnesse, mercy and redinesse to defend them.

His countenance is taken for y ^e straight and narowe looking of the wicked to their destruction and perdition. The eyes of the Lord be on the righteous, and his ears attend unto their prayers. But the countenance of the Lord is upon the sinners. His face betokeneth favor, benevolence, and the gladness in the Lord. But as sone as thou hast turned thy face, they shall be confused, and will turn again unto their earth. The mouth of the Lord hath great vehemency and pythe in it, for the Prophets when they will have their words marked and regarded say: the mouth of the Lord hath spoken this.

The outward appereaunce of anything is also called the face: as we say, Judge not according to the face and outward sight.

The face of y ^e anger of God, is y ^e feling of the curse & wrath of God, also y ^e presence, sight, & judgment of God is called his face as. Let all y ^e earth hushe or be still before the face of the Lord. As the Wax vadeth and consumeth in the face of y ^e fire: so shall all sinners perish before the face of God.

What is the eye of man? It is reason, or the wisdom of the flesh. A single eye, is reason instructed with y ^e word of God.

A wicked eye, is reason depraved and corrupt, & envy engendered against their neighboure for the gifts of God. Otherwhiles the eye, hand, right foot. &c. betoken our kinsmen and best belooued friends.

What betoken feet in Scripture? The feet be and betoken the affections, desire, and will of the heart. My foot stood straight forth, that is to say, I have neither hurt any man, nor would hurt. And though perchance I have hurt any: yet I willed none evil, or hated any. &c. To wash one an others feet, is one to love another, and to will well one to another.

What is a slander, to offend, or to be offendicle to any man? It is whereby the faith or charity of our brother is offended or hurt. The faith of the brother is offended when any man preacheth & teacheth other things then the word of God. Of this kind of slander speaketh Christ. Who soever offendeth one of these little ones. &c.

The charity of our neighbor is offended or hurt, when we help not the poor, when we be not glad of our neyghboures prosperity, and sory in his adversity. &c.

It is the obstacle and let, whereby we fall and stomble in the way of the Lord, that is to say, we have not a life upright and worthy the Lord, I mean when we stagger in the faith or love towards our neighbor, in which two every Christian ought stoutly and still to walk. Forgetting with saint Paul the things that be behind our backs, endeuering to come to the mark set before our eyes.

Otherwhiles slander, or offending is taken in Scripture for the offending where by the wicked cannot bear the word.

What is an Hipocrite? It is the wicked man coloured and cloaked with godliness. Wherefore hipocrisy is called feigned holiness.

What is an envious man? He whose heart for anger burneth at another man's prosperity, nor can suffer (with his will) any other to be enriched with the benefits of God. So did Cayn envy Abel his brother, Saul David, and Joab Amasas. But John did not envy Christ his successor, when he said. He must increase, and I decrease. Nor Ionathas Saul's son did not thus hate David his loyal and trusty friend and companion.

What is for God to sleep? When he seemeth to us to forsake us in our temptation, nor helpeth us. So slept Christ in the ship, his Apostles being in danger and ieoperdye. And so doth David call upon God to awake: saying arise & wake Lord, why doest thou sleep so long?

What is it for men to sleep? When they without all care of the word of God, slug and sleep in sin and ignorance, when they refuse, contemn, and regard it not.

To rest and sleep in the Lord: is to die in faith. &c.

What is to be awake? To exercise and put in ure the word of God, and our faith.

What is fortune? It is fate, or destiny chaunsing to any man by the will of God, without man's providence.

Who is my brother? He that hath one father with me, that is to say, God.

Who is my weak brother? He that hath one faith with me in God, and favoreth the Gospel: but yet wauereth and doubteth in his conscience of some things: as meats and difference of days.

Who is my neighbor? He on whom I exercise charity and love, or he who needeth my help.

Who is a Lord or master? He that hath a servant, governeth and ruleth another: as he which keepeth under vices and lewd appetites, is Lord and master over them, so through faith in Jesus Christ, we be Lord's over the Devil, Death and sin. Also he that useth the Sabbath or holy day as he seeth need: that is to say, doubteth not (if he see the love of his neighbor requireth the contrary) to break it, that man I say, is the Lord of the Sabbath day.

Who is a servant? He that hath a master, and is not his own man: or else he that is at the beck and commandment of another.

Thus Paul calleth himself the servant of Christ, as he that doth and accomplisheth the will of sin, he is a servant to sin.

What is a true and faithful servant? He that hath faith, and doth his duty with all diligence, according to his vocation and calling.

What is a slothful and unfaithful servant? He which believeth not in God, negligently ordereth himself in his vocation, and refuseth to bear his cross.

What is an officer or ruler? Every lawful power among men, ordained of God to the defense and protection of that that is good, and to prohibit and to punish that that is evil, according to right and equity.

What is a tyrant? An unlawful and unjust ruler, which administereth all things as he list, and layeth great burdens & yokes upon y ^e people, doing against all conscience & equity. Such a one was Pharaoh to the children of Israel. Howbeit, such be not to be resisted of Christian men, but obeyed in all things save where they will have us do that that God forbiddeth us, and have us not to do that that god biddeth. And we must tarry till God deliver us out of such tyrants hands: as the children of Israel did.

What is matrimony, or wedlock? The lawful coupling and resort of man and woman, according to the ordinance and commandment of God.

What is adultery? The unlawful company of man and woman: as is the marriage with the mother, sister, aunt, brothers wife, and such other, wherein Moses treateth. To that pertaineth stupre, incest, fornicacyon, and like abominations, touched in the foresaid Chapiters.

What is properly man's work, or that man can do? What soever that reason and the nature of man can invent and do: as to rule his house well, to govern the common weal, build, and search the nature of things, and dispute and reason upon them.

What is that that is above man's power, otherwise called spiritual and heavenly? What soever surmounteth reason, and that man cannot attain unto, except God granteth it and giveth power to obtain it: as that our sins be forgiven through faith, and that we be saved by Jesus that died on the cross. That God is our defender and loving father, yea in adversity and trouble. That God is just, yea whē he suffereth the good men to be persecuted and troubled. And on the other side, letteth the evil men to enjoy and have all their pleasure and will here, and prevail against the good men.

What is flesh and blood? The circumlocution and very descripcion of man. For man of him self is nothing but fleshly and carnal. Blessed art thou Simon the son of Jonah, for flesh and blood hath not opened this unto thee, but my father that is in heaven, saith Christ.

What is care and thought? A plain token of diffidence and distrust in God. It is an unfaithful care & pensifenesse of the mind for meat, drink, clothing, and such other necessaries, which, in whom soever you do see it: surely it cannot be denied, but that he is destitute of faith in God, and that his mind is set overmuch to worldly things. Therefore I say unto you, be not careful for the life, &c. After all such things do the heathen seek, saith Christ.

The care and thought of faith is prohibited by God's word. For faith only looketh and leaneth to God's word and promises.

Now to take thought and care least God will not fulfill his word and promises, is to mistrust and not believe God, and so much as lieth in us, to make God a liar. Wherefore, as I said before, all thought and care of matters pertaining to faith, is utterly to be put away.

The care and sorrow in things belonging to charity and love in every man's vocation, is commanded by God's word, as one to be sorry for another's mischaunce and misery.

What is the gladness of the heart? A token of confidence in God, when in adversity, trouble, or affliction, we wayle not, frown or fret within our selves, but rejoice, look stoutly on it, and hold our selves well apayde, having this ever before our eyes: The son whom GOD loveth and receiveth, he useth to chasten and beat.

Cōtrariwise, it is also a token of worldly welthinesse, and delight in pleasures of the flesh, whom God threateneth: Woe be unto you that laugh here, for ye shall weep and wayle, saith Christ.

What is to sin against the father, and the son? It is to resist and persecute the word of God: but yet by ignorance, and of a good zeal: as Paul did before he was converted.

What is the sin against the holy ghost? It is when any resisteth the open, manifest and known truth, when any believe not the open and plain promises of God, and when any dispaireth finally in the mercy of God.

What is meant by this word Zeal in Scripture? Zeal, is anger meddled and mixte with love: as when the loving father is angry with his child for doing amiss: he doth it not because he hateth his son, but in doing so he signifieth his fatherly love towards him, willing by that, that shall do no more so, but endeuer to better. For when the child is thus chidden or beaten, he taketh heed that he doth not so again, for fear of a more grievous punishment. It betokeneth also the anger that chaunseth betwixt them that love heartily together. &c.

From hence cometh iealousy, which springeth out of vehement love. God is called in Scripture a jealous God, not that because any should think that any such affections were in God? But that we might learn that God doth all the things that are done, for nothing else, but for their sake only, whom he loveth so tenderly, even his elect. Not because he looketh for any vauntage by it, but that they may be saved, and enjoy the kingdom prepared for them.

What is the body of Christ? The congregation of all faithful, and of all that 〈2+ pages missing〉 dinesse of the will to naughtiness. There dwelleth not in me (that is to say, in my flesh) ought that is good. Wherefore whatsoever is in us that is good, cometh of GOD.

What be Sacraments and Signs? Good assurances and confirmations of the word of God.

Some define them thus: Sacraments be signs and witnesses of the will of god towards us, by which he moveth and stirreth our hearts to believe. Such were the skins wherewith God clothed Adam and Eve, the Rainbow, Circumcision, &c. Such be with us, Baptism, and the Sacrament of Christ's body and blood.

What is Baptism? The dipping into y ^e water, in token of repentance, and newness of life to follow. It is also defined to be the badge and cognizaunce whereby not only we be known to be of the flock of Christ, but that also we be stablished in our conscience, that we be in the favor of God, and our sins forgiven. It is called the clean and pure water, the lauacre of our regeneration, or fountain of the new birth.

What is the Sacrament of Christ's body and blood, or of thanksgiving? An holy mystery of the body and blood of Christ, institute of Christ, to be eaten of all Christian men, in token of remission of sins through Christ: That even as sure as we take the bread, and eat it with the mouth of the body, and drink the wine: so verily and certainly evē at the same instant, with the mouth of our faith, we receive the very body and blood of Christ, and there it doth as actually comfort and sustain the soul, as doth the bread and the wyne nourish and comfort the heart, and the outward man.

And as verily as the most souereign plaster and salve laid to a wound or sore, draweth out the filth, and healeth it: so verily and really doth the body and blood of Christ thus received, put away the sores and deformities of the soul, and not alonely maketh it whole, but also pure, clean, without scar, wrinkle, and spot, and so maketh it a delectable, lovely, and fair spouse in the sight of God. Lo what it is to receive the body and blood of Christ in faith.

What is penitence or repentance? We read of two manner of kinds of repentances. One was a Legale in the old law used of the Jews and Israelites, This kind of repentance is a certain contricion of the mind, and hatred and detestation of our sin, with a sorrow and compunction of the heart, which springeth and riseth as soon as we begin to feel and perceive the abomination of our sin, by laying our deeds and desires of our heart to God's law. Suche was the repentance and penitence of the Niniuets, and of Manasseh, and of other, which were greatly sorry and compunct in their heart, what by considering their offenses on one part, & the anger & just wrath of God hanging over their head for these offenses.

The tokens and outward signs of which repentance amongst the Jews, was commonly clothing in sack cloth, sprinkling and casting asshes upon their hear, and fasting a day, two or three. This kind of penitence may also the wicked men have. For Judas that betrayed Christ, afterward when he perceived how wickedly he had done, toke such care, sorrow, and pensifnesse, that for pure anguish he hanged himself. So horrible and dreadful were in his sight hell gates, the wages & payment of his iniquity. There is also an evangelical penitence: which is a continual study, purpose, and endeuerment, and willful meditacion of mortifieng our flesh, and fashioning our lives to the will of the Lord.

And this kind of penitence is only in them that are renewed, and unto whom the forgiveness of sin through Christ is givē.

As for this word penance, because the Popes clergy hath iugled with it so craftily, and deceived the poor innocents eyes, it is well done to reprove the evil use and handling of it, as the maintaining of the same is wicked.

What signify the latter times in Scripture? The Prophets signify by them commonly the days wherein the prophesies, and the figures of the old testament going on Christ, toke effect, and were performed. For when Christ came, both the prophesies & figures ceased. And ever sense, Christ is openly sincerely, clearly, and without all shadows set out and preached, and so shall continue unto the worlds ende.

Paul calleth The latter days, y ^e time a little before the end of the world, and the day of the judgment of the Lord. In which we be even now.

What is the consummation and ende of the world? It is when the state and form of the world shall pass by. And when this change of Winter, Summer, and spring shall cease: when there shall be neither night nor day.

What is the day of the Lord? The great assemblement, court and paritament of all men that hath ben from Adam to the last man: at what day our Lord Jesus Christ shall come with great power and majesty and pronounce the last sentence and dome, both to the good, and to the evil, adiudging the evil to everlasting punishment with the devils, and granting the good and godly man everlasting joy and felicity: to the which that we may come, God through our Savior Jesus Christ grant, to whom be all honor and praise. Amen.

An other book of Demaundes of holy Scriptures: very profitable to all Students of Divinity.

W HO is the author and maker of the most beautiful frame of this world? God: which by his almighty power, wisdom, and goodness, doth now also order, govern, and preserve the same.

What is God? An endless uncreated substance, without both beginning and ending: Which by his word alone first created all things, and now disposeth and ruleth▪ yea, and conserueth all things: one substance distinguished, but not divided into three sundry persons, the Father, the Son, and the holy Ghost, and notwithstanding remaining one alone, true, and perfect God.

What is his word, whereby he first created, and now preserveth and governeth all things? It is the decreed sentence, appointment, will, power, and wisdom of God. The Son is also called the word, because he is the wisdom and might of his father, the word in the Scripture is oftentimes called by a metaphor, or similitude, water, wine, milk, a lantern or candle, the voice of the shepherd, the right hand of the Lord, the breath of the Lord's mouthe, the bread of life, a pearl or precious stone, and such like.

In what state did God create man? Perfect, righteous, and good according to his own image and likeness: having fire and water set before him to take which he would, being endued with free will to do evil, or to continue still in goodness,

What then condemned us? Sin by the law.

What is Sin? Sin is the transgression, or breaking of the whole law, or of any one commandment of God. And all that is done without faith, is sin: and therefore the good works of the infidelles do nothing profit them.

What is the Law? A learning teaching us with authority what ought to be done or avoided, in thought, word, or deed, with rewards and punishments for doing or omitting the same. This law is our schoolemaister to teach us the way to Christ, by whom the violence, sting, power, and the shadows of the law be takē away: in whose place he hath brought in grace and truth.

Howe chanced we to sin? By the choice of our free will, granted to us either to do good or evil: whereby we lost both our felicity that we were first placed in, and that our free will also.

Howe then were both we and our forefathers reconciled to the favor of God, which we lost by our disobedience, being as vnfruite full branches of the rotden root of Adam? By the performance of the merciful promise of God given to Adam, that the seed of the woman should break the serpents head: Renued to Abraham, that in his seed all Nations should be blessed and performed by Christ, which by his death paid our ransom: which promise and performance conveyed unto our forefathers and us, and unto all the Church by faith, hath ben and is the common and general mean of salvation: they (that is to say, our forefathers) believing that Christ was to come by whom alone they should be saved: & we with no doubtful faith confessing that he is come, died and rose again for to regenerate us to God, to mortify us to sin, the flesh and the world, to raise up again at the last day, and so to take us unto him self, placing us in the glory of his father.

Who receiveth this benefyte? The church of Christ only.

What is the church of Christ? The whole number of the faithful believers in Christ's coming, sufferance and resurrection: members of the mystical body of Christ, Graines to make one loaf, Graps to make one wine, lively stones to build on a spiritual house, in Christ to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God thorough the same Christ Jesus, which is the head of the same body, the corner stone of the said house, the Lord and husband to the said church his spouse married to him by faith.

Who bestoweth this benefyte upon us? God through Jesus Christ his son, by whom he hath made us his children also and fellow heirs with Christ of his 〈2+ pages missing〉

What sygnifyeth this name JESUS? A Savior, which is the chief point of his office, and cause of his coming into this world, as appeareth by the words of the Angel to Joseph, she (meaning Marie) shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: For he shall save his people from their sins.

What signifieth this name CHRIST? Anointed whereupon it may be gathered that our Savior Christ is a king, a priest and a Prophet, which .iii. were accustomed by the law ceremonial to be anointed. A king, because by inheritance he being the son of God, ought to be Lord, and Ruler of all things, and because he hath conquered and subdued unto him self by death, by bearing our sins, by redeeming us his inheritance out of the power of the devil, all the whole kingdom, power and authority over death sin and the devil. A priest because he once for all hath entered In Sancta Sanctorum into the most holy and innermost tabernacle of God, and hath offered once for all a perpetual sufficient facrifice to satisfy for all men's sins, and to purchase all men's redemption, not ceasing now still to be a perpetual Mediator and Intercessor to God his father, for man, he himself being both God and man, making an ende of, and abolishing all sacrifices and ceremonies, which were but shadows and significations to put the Jews in remembrance of his coming before he came. A prophet, for the true and only sufficient doctrine which he preached being here in earth, and left behind him, written by his Apostles for our learning, binding our conscience to be subject to none other doctrine, but to his alone.

By his kingdom he hath made us kings, and heirs of his kingdom by adoption, and conquerors through his most valiant victory of our enemies, sin, death, hell, and the devil.

By his Priesthoode, with the holy oil of his spirit he hath made and annointed us Priests, to offer to God the father acceptable sacrifices thorough him, which are y ^e sacrifices of righteousness, of praise, of thanksgiving, of an humble and contrite heart, of faith, and wholye to crucify and offer up our selves unto him: and by the same office, we being made partakers by him of the same, may be bold to come to the sight of God, to offer up our sacrifice and prayer.

By the office of his prophecy or scholemaistership, he doth lighten us with the true knowledge of his Father, instructeth us in the truth, and maketh us the Disciples of God. By this annoyntment receiveth he these three offices to communicate them with us, whereupon we are called Christians.

What is a King? A rightful magistrate, or head power under God among men, ordained of God for the defense of the good, and keeping down of the evil, according to right and justice.

What is a Priest? An officer appointed and licenced of God, to present himself to the sight of God, for to obtain his favor by intercession, or to pacify his wrath by offering up of sacrifice acceptable to him.

What is a Prophet? A messenger of God, to declare the will of God, either in showing the threatenings, or opening the promises, or expounding and declaring the mysteries contained in his holy word or will to us his children.

Why doest thou call us his children, seeing that Christ is his only son? We are not by nature the childrē of god, as Christ only is, but by adoption & grace, or favor of God. As for Christ he is of the same substance and essence with his father.

By what means do we receive at the hand of God these heavenly treasures: Or by what means are they conveyed unto us? By Faith.

What is Faith? An assured confidence and trust in the truth of God, in the merits and promises of Christ, conceived thorough Christ, by hearing of his word, hoping still for the performaunce of the said promises, in the mean season not idle, but still working by charity: Or as S. Paul defineth it in his Epistle to the Hebrews: Faith is a sure confidence of things that are hoped for, and a certainty of things that are not seen.

What is Hope? A constant looking for of those things, which we have conceived thorough faith by the word of God.

What is Charity? A godly virtue, a lovely and gentle affection of the mind, whereby we love God above all things, and our neighbor as our self. Charity also is taken for the fruits of faith, and works of mercy.

Who is my neighbor? Any man, upon whom I do execute the works of mercy, or that standeth in need of my help.

Were we predestinate by the grace of God through Christ to his vocation, election, justification, and salvation before the beginning of the world. Yea verily: so saith S. Paul, he chosed us in Christ Jesus before the foundacions of the world were laid. Agayne he saith: we know, that all things work for the best unto them that love God, which also are called of purpose. For those which he knew before, he also ordained before, that they should be like fashioned unto the shape of his Son, that he might be the first begotten son among many brethren. Moreover, whom he appointed before them also he called. And whom he hath called, them also he justified: & whom he justified, them he also glorified.

What is the grace of God? God's favor, benevolence, and kind mind, that of him self without our deserving he beareth toward us, whereby he was moved to bestow upon us his Son Christ, and all other his good gifts, with free imputacion of his goodness, and undeserved remission of our sins.

What is Predestinacion? The secret • unchangeable appointment of God before all beginninges by his counsel and wisdom to life everlasting concerning his elect and chosen people: or any other beginning, ordering, or ending of all things.

What is vocation? To be called of the Lord to any manner of benefit, office, or ministracion. There be two kinds of vocation: general, as thus in S. Matthews Gospel: come unto me all ye that labor and are laden, and I will refresh you. Particular, as the calling or appointment of Kings, Prophets, Apostles. &c.

What is election? The choice or appointment of God to any ministration, office, dignity, or preeminence, which immediately followeth the particular calling, as for an example: He that heareth the word, is called: but he that believeth, is chosen. By this hearing and believing may this place be expounded: Manye are called, but few chosen.

What is Justification? Of unrighteous to be made righteous by the rigteousnesse of Christ, which we conceive by faith.

What is Salvation? To enjoy the felicity prepared of Christ for the faithful: to be of the number of the glorified saints.

Whereby art thou certified of this liberality, and of these benefits of God toward mankind? By the office of the Apostles and Preachers appointed for the same purpose.

What is the office of the Apostles and Preachers? To preach the word of God, or the Gospel of Christ, and to minister the sacraments, which Christ himself hath ordained to be used in the Church.

Howe is that proved? Christ said to his Apostles: go and teache all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Ghost. Again: Go throughout the whole world, and preach the Gospel to every creature. And of the Supper of the Lord, Christ said: Do this in the remembrance of me.

What is the Gospel? It is a doctrine containing the promise of free remission of sins purchased by Christ alone.

What is a Sacrament? A visible sign of an invisible grace: or an outward element or corporal substance, appointed of God to certify our faith, wherewith only we receive it, of the promises of God annexed thereunto.

Of howe many partes doth a Sacrament consyst? Of two partes: that is to say, of the element and of the word.

Howe many Sacraments are there? Two: Baptism, and the Lord's supper.

What is Baptism? The washing of every believing Christian in water, that taketh upon him to profess the name of Christ, which water certifieth our faith of the inward washing and cleansing of our souls by the spirit of God: a token of our regeneration, of the mortification of our flesh, of our burial with Christ, and of our resurrection unto a new life.

If the believing Christians only be baptized, according to this saying of Christ: He that believeth and is baptized, shall be saved: Why should the Infantes be baptized, which for imperfection of age are not able to believe? Though Infantes have not power to believe, or to confess their belief, yet have they faith imputed unto them for the promise sake of God, because they be the seed of the faithful, as he said to Abraham: I will be thy God, and the God of thy seed. Seeing then that they also have y ^t promise of salvation, why should they be forbid̄ y ^e promised pledge, or seal of y ^t same promsied salvation: The Sacraments of the Jews diffred nothing from ours in effect, but only in the outward element, and form of executing the same. Why then should our Infants be more forbidden Baptism, than the Jews infantes were forbidden Circumcision at the eyght day: Seeing we read that the Apostles baptized sundry households, as of Stephana, Lidia, Onesiphorus. &c. (if a man may guess at a thing, whereof we have no certainty) it is like enough, that they baptized some Infantes also. But to leave all guesses and uncertain conjectures, we are sure, that the Jews infantes passed with their parents out of Egypt thorough the red sea, and under the cloud, which were tokens of our baptism.

What if the infants die, before they receive the Sacrament of Baptism? God's promise of salvation unto them is not for default of y ^e Sacrament, minished or made vain, and of no effect. For the spirit is not so bound to the water, that it cannot work his office, where the water wanteth, or that it of necessity must always be there, where the water is sprinkled. Simon Magus had the Sacramētal water, but he had not holy Ghost, being in deed an Hipocrit and filthy dissembler. In the Chronicle of the Apostles Arts we read, that while Peter preached, the holy Ghost came upon them that heard him, yea and that before they were baptized: by the reason whereof Peter brast out into these: words, & said: can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the holy Ghost, as well as we: True Christians, whether they be old or young, are not saved because outwardly they be washed with the Sacramental water, but because they be God's children by electron through Christ, yea and that before the foundacions of the world were laid, and are sealed up by the spirit of God unto everlasting life, the gifts and calling of God being such, that it cannot repent him of them. Notwithstanding, the Sacrament of Baptism ought not therefore to be neglected, but with all reverence to be embraced both of old and young. For he that despiseth the Sacrament, despiseth not the Sacrament only, but the author of the Sacrament, which is Christ Jesus the Lord.

What is the Supper of the Lord, or the Sacrament of the body and blood of Christ? Bread and Wine consecrated, that is to say, made and appointed of God to be a Sacrament to put us in remembrance, that as the bread is broken, and the wine poured out: so Christ's body was broken, and his blood shed for our redemption. And as the bread received through our mouth, and digested in our stomach, driveth away our hunger, and norysheth our body: the wine likewise received and digested quencheth our thirst, and quickeneth our blood: so Christ's body and blood received by faith, digested with worthy continuance therein, not disagreeing from the right receiving thereof, slaketh our hunger and thirst, that is to say, our emptynesse of grace, and dryness of faith, nourysheth and quickeneth both our body and soul, making us partakers of the whole merits and dignity of the body and blood of Christ. And as the bread of many granes is made one loaf, and the wyne pressed together of sundry grapes: so we being many, are one body in Christ: And because we are of his body, we must needs also be quickened by his blood, and live of his spirit.

Remayneth there the substance of bread and wine after the words of consecration (as they term them) or but the accidents of them only, as the authors of Transubstantiation have heretofore taught? If the substance of bread and wyne should be denied to remain in the Sacrament of the body and blood of Christ: so should it cease to be a Sacrament. For every sacrament, as we have tofore heard, consisteth of the word, and of the element. Now if we take away water from Baptism, so is there no Sacrament: verily even so in like manner take away Bread and Wine from the Lord's Supper, so ceaseth it to be a sacrament. To declare that bread remaineth after the words of consecration, Saint Paul calleth it bread diverse times, as we may see in his first Epistle to the Corinthians. S. Luke also in his Chronicle of the Apostles acts, whensoever he maketh mention of the Lord's Supper, calleth it y ^e breaking of bread. And it is to be thought that so worthy learned men would have presumed to call, so honorable a mystery, bread, if there had been no bread remaining but only the accidents of bread, as our Transsubstantiators teache: Doth not our Savior Christ after the words of consecration call the mystery of his blood, the fruit of the vine: And who is so far estranged from the right rule of reason, which knoweth not that the fruit of the vine is wyne: Here doth it evidently appear by the authority of God's word, that in the Sacrament of Christ's body and blood, there remaineth after the words of consecration, the substance both of bread and wine: whereof it truly followeth, that the Popish doctrine of Transubstantiation is nothing else than a vain dream and foolish fancy brought in by Antichrist, never known of y ^e ancient fathers of Christ's church, nor yet received of the Greeks unto this day.

Why sayst thou there but two Sacraments, when we have heretofore been taught, that there are seven Sacraments? Bicause Christ in the new Testament left no mo to be occupied in his Church. As there were given to the people of the old law but two Sacraments: That is to say, Circumcision, and the Passover: so likewise in the new Testament, Christ appointed but two Sacraments: that is, in stead of Circumcision, Baptism: and in the place of the Passover, the Lord's Supper. Therefore as for the rest, they be not aptly called Sacraments. They be honest trades, godly orders of life, and virtuous, meet to be exercised of Christians, as Matrimony, Order, Penance, Confirmation, and extreme unction.

What is Matrimony? A lawful joining together of one man and one woman to live chastlye together, forsaking all other, for to bring forth children in the fear of God, and to avoid fornication, containing an inseperable fellowship of life together.

What is Order? Order hath been wrongfully taken both for a Sacrament, and for the annointed order of Priesthode, which Christ took away. But in deed, a godly, holy, and reverend state of Ministers, Preachers, Pastors, or Apostles, is of Christ allowed in the new Testament, to be lovingly and reverently received of us, as shepeheardes of the flock. Of whom saith Saint Paul: They that rule well, are worthy of double honor, but namely they that labor in word and doctrine.

What is Confirmation? A godly allowance by the Bishop or Preacher, of the children when they came to age, into the congregation of Christ, as a due examination or trial of their continuance in the same faith, which their Godfathers or sureties in their name professed and promised for them at their Baptism to keep. And this Confirmation is as it were a discharge of the Godfathers bonds.

What is penance, or repentance? A 〈2+ pages missing〉 now, what is our duty toward him. To love him, fear him, honor him, follow him, serve him, believe in him, to fight under his standarde with all faith, charity, truth, despising of worldly things, thanksgiving, innocence, fasting, prayer, obedience, humility, and patience, to put of the old man, and to do on the new, to deny our selves, to take the Cross upon us: to forsake all that we have for his sake, and to set forth the glory of his name, that we may become a worthy Temple for the holy ghost, and meet heirs for the kingdom of heaven, the true land of promise flowing with milk and honey.

What is it to love God? To cast our whole mind and affection upon God with all reverence, and earnestly desire to follow his will.

What is it to fear God? The fear of the Lord is a like reverence as children owe to their parents: a willing and faithful heed, that we committee nothing against him or his word, that we offend not so loving a Father, but rather diligently apply our selves to live according to his commandment, always thinking that God doth presently see and behold all our deeds, words, yea, and thoughts. This fear is the beginning of wisdom. This fear maketh him blessed that hath it. This fear is the fountain of life. This fear keepeth us from sin. And besides a number of other commodities, this fear maketh us more warely to take heed of the craft of Satan. The fear of the Lord is also taken for the worshipping of the Lord, as it is written: They fear me in vain with the commandments of men. Jonah the Prophet also said: I am an Hebrew, and fear the God of heaven.

If these many profits and commodities come of the fear of God: howe chanceth it that the devils do not enjoy the same, which fear the Lord as much as we? As much in deed, but not as well. For there be two kinds of fear: A childish or reverent fear, whereof I have already spoken: and a servile, bond, or slauishe fear. The fear of the ungodly by the consideration of the law, and fear of punishment, as likewise is the fear of the devils, is bond, servile, and thrall. Of this fear speaketh Saint John in his Epistle, on this manner: Fear is not in charity, but perfect charity casteth fear out of the doors. This fear is called a mighty fear in the Psalm, because all things by it are done in vnfaythfulnesse, in such ignorance and lack of knowledge of the mercy of God, as though God were no natural fatherly God, but a severe narrow eyed Judge, or cruel tyrant. These two kinds of fear are well described of the Poet Horace on this manner:

Which may thus be translated into English:

What is it to honor and worship God? Both with our whole mind and strength thereof, and with the body and power thereof, as subject to the mind, and both to God, to reverence and praise God, to to declare our love and fear towards him.

What is it to follow God? To believe in him, to keep his doctrine and obey it, to follow him whithersoever he leadeth or calleth us, to bear what burden soever he layeth upon us, to do as he hath done before us, and given us an example to do after him.

What is it to serve God? To live according to his word, to believe in him, to refer all things to his glory, to help our neighbor, to obey him as our Lord and master, whose service is no bondage but freedom, whose burden is light, whose yoke is pleasant, as Christ saith: take my yoke upon you, and learn of me: for I am mecke and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest to your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Saint John also saith: his commandments are not grievous.

What is it to believe in God? To receive his seed and doctrine into our heart: to commit our selves wholly unto him in all things, and certainly to assure our selves that all things are true, and shall undoubtedly be performed, which he hath promised.

What is it to fight under his standarde? To follow the example of our captain Christ. As he by death hath conquered sin, death, hell, and the devil: so we by mortifiing of our flesh ought to suppress, subdue, and conquer the same, with the help of our savior and captain, whose standarde the cross unless we follow, we perish and become a pray to our enemies, never to be redeemed, if he do not ransom us.

What is truth? Christ him self the word of God, and whatsoever agreeth with him, which can neither deceive, nor be deceived. I am the way, the truth, and the life, saith Christ. And in his prayer to God the father he saith: thy word is the truth. The civil truth is an agreemente of words and deeds, to say as the thing is, and as we know it to be. Of this truth speaketh the Apostle in his Epistle to the Ephesians, saying: put away lying, and speak every man truth unto his neighbor, forasmuch as we are members one of another. Also the Prophet Zechariah: speak every man the truth to his neighbor: let none of you imagine evil in his heart against his neighbor, and love no false oaths. &c.

What is it to despise worldly things? Wholly to set our mind upon heavenly things, not regarding the transitory and uncertain vanities of this world, according to the words of S. Peter: all flesh is as the grass, and all glory of man as the flour of the grass, &c. Knowing and acknowledging with S. Paul, that we have here no certain abiding place, but seek for one to come: again, that as we brought nothing into the world, so shall we carry nothing out of it: but having meat, drink, and cloth, we ought to be content and abundantly satisfied, forasmuch as godliness is great riches: if a man be content with that he hath.

What is thanks giving to God? To remember the benefits of the Lord, confessing and acknowledging all to come of him, offryng him our whole heart, love & service for the same.

What is innocence? A mind or conscience guilty of no sin, which cometh through faith in Jesus Christ, as the Apostle saith: we being justified by faith, are at peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: by whom also it chanced unto us to be brought in through faith unto this grace, wherein we stand, and rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.

What is fasting? To beware that we oppress not the body, and so by that means the mind also, with surfeiting, drunkenness, and excess, as our Savior Christ saith: Take heed to yourselves, least at any time your hearts be overcome with surfeiting, & drunkenness, & cares of this life. &c. Agayne, to live chastely, purely, and soberly: to abstain from vices, to bring our body into bondage to the spirit, and the spirit to God: to minister to the body only y ^• that is necessary, to mortify the flesh with the affections and lusts of the same. The right abstinence from meats taken as a way or help to the abstinence from sin, consisteth not in the quality, but in the quantity of y ^e meat, not what, but how much meat & drink thou receyuest. For whether fasteth more aright, he that moderately receiveth of flesh, or he y ^t cloyeth himself with fish▪ All things are pure to them y ^t are pure, saith the Apostle. All the creatures of God are good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving. For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

Why then is this law so earnestly established with such penalty upon it, that we eat no flesh on Fridays, or other days appointed to abstain from the same? I take that as a civil positive Law, like to the acts of Parliament, made for sundry and diliers purposes concerning the state of a Realm, and for the wealth of the same. For if it were any law of God binding our conscience, no King nor Pope might dispence with the breaking of it.

What is prayer? To call upon the name of the Lord, assuredly trusting to obtain that we require, so that we ask of him in his sonnes name and none other, that thing which he will to be required and none other, that either for obtaining of good things, avoiding of evil, or releasing and forgiveness of evil and sins past. Whatsoever ye ask in my name, saith Christ, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified by the Son: If ye shall ask anything in my name, I will do it. Again: verilye, verilye, I say unto you: Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. And Saint John in his Epistle saith: This is the trust that we have in him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us. And if we know that he heareth us, we know that we have the petitions that we desire of him.

What is obedience? A lowlye and hearty submission of our selves to God, and afterward to our Parentes, to the Magistrates, to our Superiors, and to all those, to whom God hath committed the rule and governance of his flock and people in this world, or in just causes, to all them, to whom we be by any title inferior.

But what if our Superiors will enforce us to obey them in unjust causes? In this behalf we owe them no obedience. God is the highest Magistrate. If any inferior Magistrate commandeth anything, contrary to his godly commandment and blessed will, we must answer with the apostles. Oportet deo magis obedire quam hominibus. We must obey God more then men. Examples hereof we have many and diverse both in the old and in the new Testament.

What is humility? A subjection of the proud haughty courage of our mind, showing our selves inferior to all men, presuming in nothing, esteming our selves worse then all men in our own conceits. And this is that, which the apostle saith. In giving honor go one before another. Again, be not hye minded, but make yourselves equal to them of the lower sort. Be not wise in your own conceits. Hereto agreeth the saying of S. Peter: submit yourselves every man one to another. Knit yourselves together in lowlynesse of mind. For God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Submit yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you when the time is come.

What is patience? Willingly without resistance either in thought word or deed to suffer undeserved punishment after the example of Christ, which prayed for them that persecuted and moste cruelly tormented him. This patience is described of S. Peter in his first Epistle, where he saith: servants, obey your masters with fear, not only if they be good and courteous, but also though they be froward. For this is thank worthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, and suffer wrong undeserved. For what praise is it, if when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye take it patiently. But and if when ye do well, ye suffer wrong, and take it patiently, then is there thank with God. For hereunto verily were ye called: for Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that we should follow his steppes, which did no sin, neither was there guile found in his mouth: which when he was reviled, reviled not again: when he suffered, he threatened not, but committed y ^e vengeance to him that judgeth righteously &c.

What is the old man, that we must put of? The naughty, corrupt, and rotten nature, which sithens the fall of Adam we have lineally at our first generation received of our parents through the corruption of the first root Adam. Or thus: the noughty concupiscence, lust to sin, and affection of our flesh, without faith, of this old man speaketh our Savior Christ on this manner: That which is borne of flesh is flesh. And except a man be borne from above, he cannot see the kingdom of god. Also the Apostle: Laye from you the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceauable lusts. Again, put of the old man with his works.

What is the new man, that we must do on? The renewyng of man by faith and the word of God: the spirit of God given by Christ our spiritual and second Adam: Agayne, to tame the old man our fleshely and first Father Adam: to beget us again and adopte us to God, which Spirit we receive by Christ at our regeneration. Of this new man speaketh our Savior Christ thus: That which is borne of the spirit, is spirit. Also S. Paul: Be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new man, which after God is shapen in righteousness and true holiness. Again: put on the new man, which is renewed in the knowledge and image of him that made him.

What is it to deny our selves? Playnly to profess, that all our labors and works profit nothing unto saluatiō: to slay the old Adam with all his lusts & affections.

What is it to forsake all that we have for Christ's sake? To esteem all that we have not to be ours for his sake, and willingly (if need so require) for the profession of his name to depart from wife, children, parents, friends, country, house, lands, and all things else that we do or may enjoy, yea and to put our selves in danger of all peril for the name of Christ, and profession of the Gospel. He that loveth father or mother more then me (saith Christ) is not worthy of me. And he that loveth son or daughter more then me, is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not his cross and followeth me, is not worthy of me. He that findeth his life, shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake, shall find it. Agayne, if a man come to me, and hate not his father and mother, and wife and children, and brethren or sisters, yea & his own life also: he cannot be my disciple. And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me he cannot be my disciple.

What is the cross, that we must take upon on us? Any sorrow or pain that belonggeth to any vocation or trade of life for the trial and proof of our faith and patience. Also it is the correction, chastening rod and staff of the Lord, wherewith he punisheth them, whom he loveth, not to their damnation or utter casting away from his favor, but to salvation, and to teach us to fly unto him in our trouble & adversity, as children to our most dear & loving father.

What is meant by the name of the Lord whose glory we must set forth? The glory, praise, wisdom, might, power, worship, honor and majesty of the Lord. Or the knowledge, preaching and advancement of his holy word.

What is the temple of the holy Ghost? An honest, godly, and faithful Christian heart, in the which God is rightly worshipped in spirit and truth: wherein are offered spiritual sacrifices of praise, innocence, thanks giving, of an humble and contrite heart, whose chief corner stone is Christ. Knowe ye not, saith Saint Paul, that ye are the temple of God, and howe the spirit of God dwelleth in you▪ If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy. For the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. Saint Peter also saith: Ye as living stones are made a spiritual house, an holy Priesthode, for to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

What is the kingdom of heaven? The kingdom of heaven is diuerslye taken in the Scriptures. First, for the holy Gospel and word of God, because that is the scepter and iron rod, whereby God ruleth, reigneth, and dwelleth in the hearts of the faithful. Of this kingdom speaketh Christ in the Gospel on this wise: I will give thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven, that is to say: I will commit unto thee the office to preach the Gospel of salvation, which openeth and vnlocketh unto men the way and door, by the which they may be saved, and enter into the kingdom of heaven. Item, the kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took and hid in three pecks of meal, till it were all leauenned.

Secondly, the kingdom of heaven is taken for faith it self, as Saint Paul saith: The kingdom of heaven is not meat and drink, but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the holy ghost.

Thirdlye, the kingdom of heaven is expounded the whole congregation of the faithful abiding in this life, in whom the Lord by his word and spirit, doth invisibly dwell and reign. Of this kingdom speaketh Christ in the Gospel on this manner: The kingdom of heaven is like to ten virgins, which took their lamps and went to meet the Brydegrome. Fyue of them were wise, and five were foolish. &c.

Fourthlye, the kingdom of heaven is taken for the joy, felicity, and pleasure, which the souls of the believers enjoy, when they are departed out of this world: and their bodies also joined with the souls at the day of Judgment shall enjoy, even in that place, which Christ hath prepared for them to possess: where they shall be comforted with the sight of his Majesty and Godheade, and with the fruition of his perpetual felicity with him. Of this kingdom speaketh Christ in the Gospel: When ye shall see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and the Prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you to be driven out of the doors.

Finallye, the kingdom of heaven is wheresoever God's word is preached: from which kingdom they only are excluded, which believe not the word, according to this saying of Christ: He that is of God, heareth the words of God. But ye hear not, because ye are not of God. Agayne, My sheep hear my voice. Item, Euerye one that is of the truth, heareth my voice.

What meanest thou, by a lande that floweth with milk and honey? Pleasaunt, abundance of all things, both sweet and profitable. By the honey is understood sweetness, joy, gladness, and pleasure. By the milk, pure nourishment, whereby we still continue, grow, and increase in faith and godliness unto the measure of Christ.

When shall we enter upon, and enjoy this kingdom, this promised lande, that floweth with milk and honey? The church militant in this world, governed by the spirit of their most mighty, valiant, victorious, and triumphant Captayne Christ already enjoyeth after a certain manner in spirit, thorough faith in this kingdom and blessed lande, as it is written: He that believeth on the Son, hath everlasting life: He that believeth not on the Son, shall not see life, but the wrath of God abideth upon him. But when they are joined together both body and soul with the reast of the faithful congregation, which are departed out of this world in the faith of Christ, to make one whole triumphant congregation, when they have by the power of Christ conquered the malignant church of the devil, which shall be at the last day of judgment, which we do daily look for now in these latter times: then shall they truly and perfectly enjoy and possess all the joys and pleasures of that most ioiful and pleasant lande: whereof David speaketh on this manner: I believe to see the good things of the Lord in the land of the living. Now we see in a glass, saith the Apostle, even in a dark speaking: but then shall we see face to face. And as S. John saith: It doth not yet appear what we shall be. But we know, that when it shall appear, we shall be like him. For we shall see him, as he is. The eye hath not seen, and y ^e ear hath not heard, neither have entered into the heart of man the things, which God hath prepared for them that love him. And all these things shall the elect congregation of God enjoy and possess immediately after the ende of these latter times wherein we now live.

What callest thou the latter times? The first times were under the law of nature, till the law of Moses. The seconde under the law of Moses, till (the kingdom thereof abolished) Christ entered into this world. Now the third and last time is, and hath been, sithence the entering of Christ into this world, to take out flesh upon him, by joining in him together both Godheade and Manheade with an inseperable knotte to reconcile and knit together God and man, now that all the prophecies & figures of Christ be brought to an ende. The last times also are the times, that go immediately before the day of the Lord, and ende of the world. Saint John saith: Little children, it is the last time. Saint Paul saith: We are they, whom the ends of the world are come upon. Saint James saith: The coming of the Lord draweth nigh. The Judge standeth before the door. And our Savior Christ himself saith: The time is at hand. Behold, I come shortly, and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his deeds shall be.

Howe far thinkest thou that day to be hence? No man can pronounce any certainty of the time, when that day shall be, as our savior Christ saith▪ Of that day and hour knoweth no man, no not the Angels in heaven, but my father only. Agayne: It is not for you to know the times and seasons, which the father hath put in his own power. Saint Paul saith that the day of the Lord shall come even as a thief in the night. For when they shall say: Peace, peace, all things are safe: then shall sudden destruction come upon them (as sorrow cometh upon a woman trauayling with child) and they shall not scape. Notwithstanding although the holy Scriptures do pass over with silence the certainty of the time when Christ shall come to judge the world, as a thing more curious than profitable for our salvation, that by this means we might set our selves in the more readiness against his coming, because we are not certain of the day and hour: yet we may plainly perceive, that it is not far of, both by the comparison of our days with the days of Noah (For thus saith Christ as it happened in the days of Noah: so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. They did eat and drink: they married wives and were married even unto the same day that Noah went into the Ark: and the flood came and destroyed them all. &c. Even so shall it be in the day, when the son of man shall appear) and by the shortening of the days promised in the Scripture for the electes sake, and diverse other arguments besides. Now when that day shall once come, (which undoubtedly shall come out of hand) then shall the Lord separate the Sheep from the Goats, reward the ungodly with punishment due to their unbelief: and the godly he shall put in possession of that most glorious and blessed kingdom, which he purchased for them by the crucifying of his body, and shedding of his blood. To this Lord Christ, our alone Savior, with the Father and the holy Ghost, be all honor and praise, both now and ever. Amen.

To the Christian Reader.

VPon vewe of these our demands, Christian reader, if thou further demand some question of the boke, of the town for which it is, of the Author, and of the Printer, no answer I suppose so fully just (be it that the question double itself twice and again) as to adjudge the one both in name and deed holy, the other in life godly, the third in his work learned, the last in his intent careful for them, and not unmindful of thee. For in whatsoever true religion, Christian example, godly invention, and studious enterprise could be beneficial, in that have they all jointly, and severally eche, by doctrine, practice, wit, with painful and no less chargeable endeavor, served, if not satisfied thy godly contentation. And for that in doctrine, all things are written for instruction, rightly to understand, faithfully to believe, and readily to confess that reason of hope which we have, demand who will friend or adversary, answer who shall skillful or unlearned: to eche of these Christian duties, with respect of their person, and eche capacity, this little Pamphlet ministereth, readilye sufficient furniture by plain explication of the principal grounds of our religion, worthy of thy diligence, thou if not unworthy of the knowledge. But I lament with alas. What is it to talk rightly or smothly, and to walk crookedly? Is not the sweet Christian harmony in consent of saying and doing? For what discord maketh either of these by it self, or what agreement? To apply or plead very old and almost dead example, hath some force to vice or virtue, in private talk, or public sermon. And the late allegations of France or Flaunders, purporting novelty, do speedily quicken our dull sense of hearing: but the home made mention of our familiars, whose affection doth it not move to either side? What can you more greedily hear, or I long, as with child, to tell. The great grace and gift of God on Sandwich town, by the sound of the Gospel, hath it wrought in vain with the townesmen? are they taught well, & not well governed? show thei forth gods praise with mouth, and pluck it down with hand? or rather they express their faith by their works, and their works by faith, in brotherly love eche to other, in liberality to the poor, in hospitality to the Straunger, in erection and maintenance of schools, in most careful provision that no one among them live idle. Which godly proceedings, when the father of this book, that painful and godly instrument of Christ his church, master Thomas Becon did with private comfort behold, be could not with safe duty but acknowledge & sound out the same publicly, to the great praise of God, the increase of their beginnings, and example of all others, who by reason of decay through sand and shelf albeit they cannot so happily ēter their welnere stopped haven, yet by view of their race in Jesus Christ, may finish the same course by repaired life to their hoped heaven. And therefore this work he took in hand, in order and matter excellent, edifying by question, plain for capacity, and brief for memory, not as the Seraphical and Sorbonicall Doctors of the school, who give sucklings in religion vinegar for milk, the stronger hard stones for hearty meat: but following the precept of Saint Paul, teacheth and confirmeth them in such as be good and profitable. But least the author of his intent, the Senate and town of Sandwich of their benefit should be frustrate, and the commendation of their godly example hidden from such as contend to follow, we have thought it good now first separately and alone to print the same, which before, without greater charge in buying the whole works of Thomas Becon, could not be bad. This our labor if thou shalt accept, it cannot be otherwise, God giving grace, but that in all profitable manner we shall be further careful and diligent for thy Christian utility. Farewell in Christ.