English Puritan & Reformed

A Tragedy Manifesting the Chief Promises of God Unto Man

John Bale (1495-1563) · 9,063 words · 40 min

The source for this document is https://quod.lib.umich.edu/e/eebo/A02906.0001.001

Project Note

This is licensed under Creative Commons CC BY-NC-ND. This license allows reusers to copy and distribute the material in any medium or format in unadapted form only, for noncommercial purposes only, and only so long as attribution is given to the creator.

The source of this document is the Early English Books Online (EEBO-TCP) website. Those books were transcribed in a character for character manner and can be very cumbersome to read since there was no standard spelling during that time. Many spelling variations such as "unlesse", "vnlesse", and "vnles" regularly appear.

This project was conceived to clean up those books as much as possible and make them more accessible to the interested reader, leading to the creation of a massive list of variant spellings and their corrections. This was used to clean up the text, but is of course only as complete as the list itself. Because of the nature of the original transcription, some words have missing characters or places where the original language (e.g., Greek) was not transcribed. This effort does not change that. Be aware that the original transcription can also be faulty and in some cases entire sentences may be missing.

Although this is no substitute for a properly compared, proofed, and scholarly edition, I believe that the result is a document which is far more accessible, particularly for searching for terms using standard spelling. The document has been cleaned and presented in what I hope is a pleasing and useful format for the vast majority of Christian brothers and sisters who just want access to read these spiritually nourishing works.

However, a word of warning: The Puritans were a very diverse group of people and their age was characterized with godliness, but also much upheaval, disputation and strife. They disagreed on many doctrines and some of these works contain less orthodox or Scriptural views than others. The reader is strongly advised to read with discernment, particularly if it is unknown whether author is trustworthy.

This project took a huge amount of time and skill to bring to fruition. I would particularly like to thank David Jonescue for the initial list of Puritans he found on EEBO and the concept behind this project as well as the continuous, unceasing efforts toward seeing this complete. Without his labor, this would not be available. Alex Sarrouf was invaluable in providing the initial list of over 7,000 spelling variations he had identified and corrected, as well as continuing to review more than 16,000 additions to that list for any typos.

Logan West
(with David Jonescue and Alex Sarrouf)
www.puritansearch.org

         Baleus prolocutor
        
          I
         
         F profyght may grow, most Christ̄ audyēce.
        
         By knowledge of things, which are
         
          〈…〉
         
         ,
        
         And here for a time. Of much more
         
          〈…〉
         
         Aduaūtage might spring, by the ser
         
          〈…〉
         
         ses heavenly.
        
         As those matters are, that the Gospel specyfye.
        
         Without whose knowledge, no man to the truth
         
          〈…〉
         
         Nor ever attain, to the life perpetual.
        
         For he that knoweth not, the living God eter
         
          〈…〉
         
         The father, the son, and also the holy Ghost,
        
         And what Christ suffered, for redempcyon of us all▪
        
         What he commanded, and taught in every coost.
        
         And what he forbode. That man must needs be lost.
        
         And clean secluded, from the faithful chosen sort.
        
         In the heavens above, to his most high dysconfo
         
          〈…〉
         
         Yow therefore (good friends) I louyngel
         
          〈…〉
         
          〈…〉
         
         To way such matters, as will be uttered h
         
          〈…〉
         
         Of whom ye may lo
         
          •
         
         e, to have no tryfelin
         
          〈…〉
         
         In fantasyes feigned, nor such life gaudying,
        
         But the things that shall, your inward stoma
         
          〈…〉
         
         To rejoice in God, for your iustyfycacyon,
        
         And alone in Christ, to hope for your salvation.
        
         Yea, first ye shall have, the eternal generation.
        
         Of Christ like as Johan, in his first chapt
         
          ••
         
         wryght▪
        
         And consequentlye, of man the first creacyon,
        
         The abuse and fall, through his first ouersyght,
        
         And the raise again, through God's high grace & myg
         
          〈…〉
         
         By promises first, which shall be declared all,
        
         Then by his own son, the worker pryncypall.
        
         After that Adam, bywayleth here his fall,
        
         God will show mercy, to every generation.
        
         And to his kingdom, of his great goodness call,
        
         Hys elected spouse, or faithful congregation,
        
          〈…〉
         
         shall appear, by open protestacyon,
        
          〈…〉
         
         from Christ's birthe, shall to his death conclude.
        
          〈…〉
         
         ne that thereof, will show the certytude,

         Pater coelestis.
        
          I
         
         N the beginning, before the heavens were create,
        
         In me and of me, was my son sēmpyternall.
        
         With the holy Ghost, in one degree or estate,
        
         Of the high Godhead, to me the father coequal.
        
          〈…〉
         
         his my son was, with me one God essencyall,
        
          •••
         
         hout separacyon, at any time from me.
        
          〈…〉
         
         God he is, of equal dignyte.
        
          〈…〉
         
         the beginning, my son hath ever be,
        
          〈…〉
         
         s father, in one essencyall being.
        
          〈…〉
         
         e create, by him in yche degree,
        
          〈…〉
         
          &
         
         earth, and have their diverse working.
        
          〈…〉
         
         power, was never made any thing,
        
          〈…〉
         
         wrought. But through his ordinance,
        
          〈…〉
         
         e his strength, and whole contynuaunce.
        
          〈…〉
         
         him is the life, and the just recoueraunce,
        
          〈…〉
         
         Adam and his, which naught but death deserved.
        
         And this life to men, is an high perseueraunce,
        
         Or a light of faith, whereby they shall be saved.
        
         And this light shall shine, among the people darkened,
        
         With vnfaythfulnesse: Yet shall they not with him take.
        
          •
         
         ut of wyllfull heart, his lyberall grace forsa
         
          •
         
         e.
        
         Whych will compel me, against man for to make,
        
         In my dyspleasure. And send plages of coreccyon,
        
         Most grievous and sharp, his wanton lusts to slake,
        
         By water and fire, by syckenesse and infeccyon.
        
         Of pestylent sores, molestynge his compleccyon
        
         By troublouse war, by derthe and peynefull fearsenesse,
        
         And after this life, by an extreme heauynesse,
        
         I well first begin, with Adam for his lewdenesse,
        
         Whych for an apple, neglected my commandment.
        
         He shall continue, in labor for his rashenesse,
        
         Hys only sweat shall, provide his food and raiment.
        
         Yea, yet must he have, a greatter ponnyshment.
        
         Most terrible death, shall bring him to his ende.
        
         To teache him how he, his lord God. shall offend.

Hic praeceps in terram cadit Adamus, ac post quartum uersum denuo resurgit.

         Adam primus homo.
        
         Mercyfull father, thy pytiefull grace extend,
        
         To me careful wretch, which have me sore abused.
        
         Thy precept breaking. O lord, I mind to amende,
        
         If thy great goodness, would now have me excused,
        
         Most heavenly maker, lete me not be refused,
        
         Nor taste from thy sight, for one pore sinful cr
         
          〈…〉
         
         Alas I am frail, my whole kind ys but slyme▪

         Pater coelestis.
        
         I wott it is so, yet art thu no less faultye,
        
         Thā thu haddyst been made, of matter much more worthy,
        
         I gave the reason, and wit to understand,
        
         The good from the evil. And not to take on hand,
        
         Of a braynelesse mind, the thing which I forbad the.

Adam primus homo.

Soch heavy fortune, hath chefelye chanced me,

For that I was left, to mine own liberty.

Pater coelestis.

Then thu art blameless, and the fault thu layest to me?

Adam primus homo.

Nay, all I ascribe, to my own imbecyllyte.

No fault in the lord, but in my infirmyte,

And want of respect, in such gifts as thu gavest me.

Pater coelestis.

For that I put the, at thine own liberty,

Thu oughtest my goodness, to have in more regard.

         Adam primus homo.
        
         Auoyde it I cannot, thu layest it to me so hard.
        
         Lord now I perceive, what power is in man,
        
         And strength of himself, whan thy sweet grace is absent.
        
         He must needs but fall, do he the best he can,
        
         And danger himself, as ap
         
          •
         
         reth euydent.
        
         For I sinned not, so longe as thu wert present.
        
         But whan thu wert gone, I fell to sin by and by,
        
         And the dyspleased. Good lord I axe the mercy.

Pater coelestis.

Thu shalt die for it, with all thy posteryte.

Adam primus homo.

〈…〉 fault good lord, avenge not thyself on me.

〈…〉 but a worm, or a fleshelye vanyte.

Pater coelestis:

I say thu shalt die, with thy whole posteryte.

Adam primus homo:

Yet mercy sweet lord, if any mercy may be.

Pater coelestis

I am immutable, I may change no decree.

Thu shalt die (I say) without any remedy.

Adam primus homo.

Yet gracyouse father, extend to me thy mercy,

And throw not away, the work which thu hast create,

To thine own Image, But avert from me thy hate.

Pater coelestis

But art thu sorry, from bottom of thy heart?

Adam primus homo.

Thy dyspleasure is, to me most heavy smart.

Pater coelestit

Than will I tell the, what thu shalt stycke unto,

Lyfe to recover, and my good favor also.

Adam primus homo.

Tell it me sweet lord, that I may thereafter go.

         Pater coelestis
        
         Thys ys my covenant, to the and all thy ofsprynge.
        
         For that thu hast been, deceived by the serpent,
        
         I will put hatred, betwixt him for his doing,
        
         And the woman kind. They shall hereafter dyssent.
        
         Hys seed with her seed, shall never have agrement▪
        
         Her seed shall press down, his head unto the ground,
        
         Slee his suggestyons, and his whole power confound,
        
         Cleaue to this promise, with all thy inward pour,
        
         Fyrmelye enclose it, in thy remembrance fast.
        
         Folde it in thy faith, with full hope day and hour,
        
         And thy salvation, it will be at the last.
        
         That seed shall clear the, of all thy wickedness past,
        
         And procure thy peace, with most high grace in my syghe,
        
         Se thu trust to it, and hold not the matter light.

         Adam primus homo.
        
         Swete lord the promise, that thyself here hath made me,
        
         Of thy mere goodness, and not of my deseruynge,
        
         In my faith I trust, shall so establyshed be,
        
         By help of thy grace, that it shall be remaynynge,
        
         So longe as I shall, have here contynuynge,
        
         And show it I will, to my posteryte,
        
         That they in like case, have thereby felycyte,

Pater coelestis.

For a closynge up, take yet one sentence with the.

Adam primus homo.

At thy pleasure lord, all things might ever be,

         Pater coelestis
        
         For that my promise, may have the deper effect,
        
         In the faith of the, and all thy generation.
        
         Take this sign with it, as a seal thereto connect,
        
         Crepe shall the Serpent, for his abhomynacyon.
        
         The woman shall sorrow, in painful propagacyon.
        
         Like as thu shalt find, this true in outward working.
        
         So think the other, though it be an hidden thing.

         Adam primus homo.
        
         Incessaunt praysynge, to the most heavenly lord,
        
         For this thy socoure, and vnderserued kyndenesse.
        
         Thu byndest me in heart, thy gracyouse gifts to record,
        
         And to bear in mind, now after my heauynesse,
        
         The brute of thy name, with inward joy and gladness,
        
         Thu dysdaynest not, as well appeareth this day,
        
         To fatche to thy fold, thy first sheep going a straye.
        
         Most mighty maker, thu castest not yet away,
        
         Thy sinful feruaunt, which hath done most offense.
        
         It is not thy mind, forever I should decay,
        
         But thu reseruest me, of thy benyuolence,
        
         And hast provided, for me a recompense,
        
         By thy appointment, like as I have received,
        
         In thy strong promise, here openly pronounced,
        
         Thys goodness dere lord, of me is undeserved,
        
         I so declynynge, from thy first instytucyon,
        
         At so light mocyons. To one that thus hath swerued,
        
         What a lord art thu, to give such retrybucyon?
        
         I damnable wretch, deserved execucyon,
        
         Of terrible death, without all remedy,
        
         And to be put out, of all good memory.
        
         I am enforced, to rejoice here inwardelye,
        
         An ympe though I be, of hell, death, and dampnacyon,
        
         Through my own working. For I consydre thy mercy.
        
         And pytiefull mind, for my whole generation.
        
         It is thu sweet lord, that workest my salvation,
        
         And my recover. Therfor of a congruence,
        
         From hens thu must have, my heart and obedience.
        
         Thought I be mortal, by reason of my offense,
        
         And shall die the death, like as God hath appointed.
        
         Of this am I sure, through his high influence,
        
         At a certain day, again to be reuyued.
        
         From ground of my heart, this shall not be removed.
        
         I have it in faith, and therefore I will sing,
        
         Thys Anthem to him, that my salvation shall bring.

Tunc sonora uoce, prouolutis genibus Antiphonam incipit, O Sapientia, Quam prosequetur chorus cum organis, eo interim exeunte. Vel sub eodem tono poterit sic Anglice cantari.

Oeternal Sapyence, that procedest from the mouthe of highest, reachynge fourth with a great power frō the beg 〈…〉 nynge to the ende, with heavenly swetnesse dysposynge a •• creatures, come now and enstruct us the true way of thy godly prudence.

Finit Actus primus.

Actus secundus.

         Pater coelestis
        
         I have been moved, to stryke man dyuerselye,
        
         Sens I left Adam, in this same earthly mansyon.
        
         For whyc he hath done, to me dyspleasures many,
        
         And will not amende, his life in any condycyon.
        
         No respect hath he, to my word nor monycyon.
        
         But doth what him lust, without dyscrete aduysement,
        
         And will in no wise, take mine aduertysement.
        
         Cain hath slain Abel, his brother an innocent,
        
         Whose blood from the earth, doth call to me for vengeance
        
         My children with mennis, so carnallye consent,
        
         That their vain working, is unto me moche greuaunce.
        
         Mankynde is but flesh, in his whole dallyaunce.
        
         All vice increaseth, in him contynuallye,
        
         Nothynge he regardeth, to walk unto my glory.
        
         My heart abhorreth, his willful myserye,
        
         Hys cankered malice, his cursed couetousenesse,
        
         Hys
         
          〈◊〉
         
         lecherouse, his vengeable tyranny,
        
          〈◊〉
         
          ••
         
         rcyfull mourther, and other ungodliness.
        
          •
         
         ill destroy him, for his outragyousnesse.
        
          •
         
         nd not him only, but all that on earth do stere,
        
          •
         
         or it repenteth me, that ever I made them here.

         Iustus Noah.
        
         Most gentle maker, with his fraylenesse somewhat bear
        
         Man is thy creature, thyself cannot say nay.
        
         Though thu ponnysh him, to put him somewhat in fear,
        
         Hys fault to knowledge, yet seek not his decay.
        
         Thu mayest reclayme him, though he goeth now astraye,
        
         And bring him again, of thy abundaunt grace,
        
         To the fold of faith, he acknowlegynge his trespace.

         Pater coelestis.
        
         Thu knowest I have given, to him conuenyent space.
        
         With lawful warnynges, yet he amendeth in no place.
        
         The natural law, which I wrote in his heart,
        
         He hath outraced, all goodness putting a parte,
        
         Of health the covenant, which I to Adam made,
        
         He regardeth not, but walketh a damnable trade,

Iustus Noah.

All this is true lord, I cannot thy words reprove,

Lete his weakness yet, thy merciful goodness move.

Pater coelestis.

No weakness is it, but willful working all,

That reigneth in man, through mind dyabolycall.

He shall have therefore, like as he hath deserved.

         Iustus Noah
        
         Lose him not yet lord, though he hath depelye swerued,
        
         I know thy mercy, is far above his rudeness,
        
         Beynge infynyte, as all other things are in the.
        
         Hys folye therefore, now pardon of thy goodness,
        
         And measure it not, beyond thy godly pytie.
        
         Esteme not his fault, farther than help may be,
        
         But grant him thy grace, as he offendeth so depelye,
        
         The to remember, and abhorrre his myserye.
        
         Of all goodness lord, remember thy great mercy,
        
         To Adam and Eve, breaking thy first commandment.
        
         Them thu releuedest, with thy sweet promise heavenly,
        
         Synnefull though they were, and their lives neglygent.
        
         I know that mercy, with the is permanent,
        
         And will be ever, so longe as the world endure,
        
         Than close not thy hand, from man which is thy creature.
        
         Beynge thy subject, he is vndreneth thy cure,
        
         Correct him thu mayest, and so bring him to grace.
        
         All lieth in thy hands, to leave or to allure,
        
         Bytter death to give, or grant most suffren solace.
        
         Vtterlye from man, auerte not then thy face,
        
         But lete him saver, thy sweet benyuolence,
        
         Sumwhat though he fele, thy hand for his offense.

         Pater coelestis.
        
         My true servant Noah, thy ryghtousnesse doth move me,
        
         Sumwhat to reserve, for man's posteryte.
        
         Though I drown the world, yet will I save the lives,
        
         Of the and thy wife, thy iii. sons and their wives,
        
         And of yche kind two, to maintain yow hereafter.

Iustus Noah.

Blessed be thy name, most mighty merciful maker.

With the to dyspute, it were vnconuenyent.

Pater coelestis.

Whye doest thu say so: Be bold to speak thy intent.

Iustus Noah.

Shall the other die, without any remedy?

Pater coelestis.

I will drown them all, for their willful wicked folye,

That man hereafter, thereby may know my pour,

And fear to offend, my goodness day and hour.

Iustus Noah.

As thy pleasure is, so might it always be,

For my health thu art, and souls felycyte.

         Pater coelestis.
        
         After that this flood, have had his raging passage,
        
         Thys shall be to the, my covenant everlasting.
        
         The sees and waters, so far neuermore shall rage,
        
         As all flesh to drown, I will so tempre their working.
        
         Thys sign will I add, also to confirm the thing.
        
         In the clouds above, as a seal or token clear,
        
         For safeguard of man, my raynebowe shall appear.
        
         Take thu this covenant for an ernest confirmacyon,
        
         Of my former promise, to Adams generation.

Iustus Noah.

I will blessed lord, with my whole heart and mind.

Pater coelestis.

Farewele than just Noah, here leave I the behind.

         Iustus Noah.
        
         Most mighty maker, ere I from hens depart,
        
         I must give the praise, from the bottom of my heart.
        
         Whom may we thank lord, for our health
         
          &
         
         salvation?
        
         But thy great mercy and goodness undeserved.
        
         Thy promise in faith, is our iustyfycacyon,
        
         As it was Adams, whan his heart therein rested,
        
         And as it was theirs, which therein also trusted.
        
         Thys faith was grounded, in Adams memory,
        
         And clearly declared, in Abel's innocencye.
        
         Faythe in that promise, Olde Adam ded iustyfye,
        
         In that promise faith, made Eve to prophecy.
        
         Faythe in that promise, proved Abel innocent,
        
         In that promise faith, made Seth full obedyent.
        
         That faith taught Enos, on God's name first to call,
        
         And made Mathusalah, the oldest man of all.
        
         That faith brought Enoch, to so high exercise,
        
         That God toke him up, with him into paradyse,
        
         Of that faith the want, made Cain to hate the good,
        
         And all his ofsprynge, to perish in the flood.
        
         Faythe in that promise, preserved both me and mine,
        
         So will it all them, which follow the same line.
        
         Not only this gift, thu hast given me sweet lord,
        
         But with it also, thine everlasting covenant,
        
         Of truse forever, thy raynebowe bearing record,
        
         Neuermore to drown, the world by flood inconstaunt,
        
         Makynge the waters, more peaceable and pleasant.
        
         Alac I cannot, to the give praise condygne,
        
         Yet will I sing here, with heart meek and benygne.

Magna tunc uoce Antiphonam incipit, O oriens splendor, &c, in genua cadens, Quam chorus prosequetur cum organis, ut supra. Vel Anglice sub eodem tono.

O most orient clerenesse, and light shynynge of the sempiternall bryghtnesse. O clear sun of justice and heavenly ryghtousnesse, come hither and illumyne the prisoner, sitting now in the dark prison and shaddow of eternal death.

Finit actus secundus.

Incipit actus tertius.

         Pater coelestis.
        
         Myne high dyspleasure, must needs return to man,
        
         Consyderynge the sin, that he doth day by day:
        
         For neither kyndenesse, nor extreme handelynge can,
        
         Make him to know me, by any faithful way.
        
         But still in mischief, he walketh to his decay.
        
         If he do not sone, his wickedness consydre,
        
          •
         
         t is like doubtless, to perish all togydre.
        
         In my sight he is, more venym than the spyder
        
         Through such abuses, as he hath exercysed,
        
         From the time of Noah, to this same season hyder.
        
         An vncomelye act, without shame Cham commysed,
        
         Whan he of his father, the secrete partes revealed.
        
         In like case Nemrod, against me wrought abusyon
        
         As he raised up, the castle of confusyon,
        
         Ninus hath also, and all by the devils illusyon,
        
         Through image making, up raised Idolatry,
        
         Me to dyshonoure. And now in the conclusyon,
        
         The vile Sodomytes, live so vnnaturallye
        
         That their sin vengeance, axeth contynuallye▪
        
         For my couenauntes sake, I will not drown with water.
        
         Yet shall I vysyte, their sins with other matter.

         Abraham fidelis.
        
         Yet merciful lord, thy gracyousnesse remember,
        
         To Adam and Noah, both in thy word and promise.
        
         And lose not the souls, of men in so great number,
        
         But save thine own work, of thy most dyscrete goodness.
        
         I wore thy mercies, are plentyfull and endless.
        
         Never can they die, nor fail, thyself endurynge,
        
         Thys hath faith fixed, fast in my understanding.

Pater coelestis.

Abraham my servant, for thy most faithful meaning.

Both thu and thy stock, shall have my plentouse blessing.

Where the unfaithful, under my curse evermore,

For their vain working, shall rewe their wickedness sore.

Abraham fidelis.

Tell me blessed lord, where will thy great malice light,

My hope is, all flesh, shall not perish in thy sight?

         Pater coelestis.
        
         No truly Abraham, thu chauncest upon the right.
        
         The thing I shall do, I will not hyde from the,
        
         Whome I have blessyd, for thy true fydelyte.
        
         For I know thu wilt, cause both thy children
         
          &
         
         servants.
        
         In my ways to walk, and trust unto my couenauntes,
        
         That I may perform, with the my ernest promise.

Abraham fidelis.

All that will I do, by assystence of thy goodness.

Pater coelestis.

From Sodom and Gomor, the abhomynacyons call,

For my great vengeance, which will upon them fall.

Wylde fire and brimstone, shall light upon them all.

         Abraham fidelis.
        
         Pytiefull maker, though they have kyndled thy fury,
        
         Cast not away yet, the just sort with the ungodly.
        
         Parauenture there may, be fiftye ryghteouse persons,
        
         Within those cities, wilt thu lose them all at ones?
        
         And not spare the place, for those fyftye ryghteouse sake?
        
         Be it far from the, such rygoure to undertake.
        
         I hope there is not, in the so cruel hardenesse,
        
         As to cast away, the just men with the rechelesse,
        
         And so to destroy, the good with the ungodly.
        
         In the judge of all, be never such a fury.

Pater coelestis.

At Sodom if I, may find just persons fiftye,

The place will I spare, for their sakes verily.

Abraham fidelis.

I take upon me, to speak here in thy presence,

More then become me, lord pardon my negligence.

I am but ashes, and were loath the to offend.

Pater coelestis.

Saye fourth good Abraham, for ill dost thu non intend.

Abraham fidelis.

Happlye there may be, five less in the same number.

For their sakes I trust, thu wilt not the rest accombre?

Pater coelestis

If I among them, might find but five and fortye

Them would I not lose, for that just cumpanye.

Abraham fidelis.

What if the city, may fortye ryghteouse make?

Pater coelestis

Then will I pardon it, for those same fortyes sake.

Abraham fidelis.

Be not angry lord, though I speak vndyscretelye.

Pater coelestis

Vtter thy whole mind, and spare me not hardelye.

Abraham fidelis.

Parauenture there may, be thirty found among them.

Pater coelestis

Maye I find thirty, I will nothing do unto them▪

Abraham fidelis.

I take upon me, to moche lord in thy sight?

Pater coelestis.

No, no, good Abraham, for I know thy faith is right.

Abraham fidelis.

No less I suppose, than twenty can it have?

Pater coelestis.

Coulde I find twenty, that city would I save.

Abraham fidelis.

Ones yet will I speak, my mind, and than no more,

Pater coelestis.

Spare not to utter, so moche as thu hast in store.

Abraham fidelis.

And what if there might, be x. good creatures found?

Pater coelestis.

The rest for their sakes, might so be safe and sound,

And not destroyed, for their abhomynacyon,

Abraham fidelis.

O merciful maker, moche is thy tolleracyon,

And sufferance of sin. I se it now in deed,

Wit save yet of favor, out of those cities to lead,

Those that be faithful, though their flock be but small.

Pater coelestis.

Loth and his howsholde, I will deliver all,

For righteousness sake which is of me and not them.

Abraham fidelis.

Great are thy graces, in the generation of Sem.

Pater coelestis.

Well Abraham well, for thy true faythfulnes,

Now will I give the, my covenant or third promise.

Loke thu believe it, as thu couetyst ryghtuousnesse,

Abraham fidelis.

Lord so regard me, as I receive it with gladness.

         Pater coelestis
        
         Of many people's, the father I will make the,
        
         All generacyons, in thy seed shall be blessyd.
        
         As the stars of heaven, so shall thy kynered be,
        
         And by the same seed, the world shall be redressed.
        
         In cyrcumcysyon, shall this thing be expressed,
        
         As in a sure seal, to prove my promise true,
        
         Prynt this in thy faith, and it shall thy sowle renew,

Abraham fidelis.

I will not one Iote, Lord from thy will dyssent,

But to thy pleasure, be always obedyent,

Thy laws to fullfyll, and most precious commandment.

Pater coelestis

Farwele Abraham, for hear in place I leave the.

         Abraham fidelis.
        
         Thanks will I render, like as it shall behoove me.
        
         Euerlastynge praise, to thy most glorious name.
        
         Whych sauedyst Adā, through faith in thy sweet promise,
        
         Of the womannys seed. And now confirmest the same,
        
         In the seed of me. Fosoth great is thy goodness
        
         I cannot perceive, but that thy mercy is endless.
        
         To such as fear the, in every generation,
        
         For it endureth, without abreuyacyon.
        
         Thys have I prynted in depe consyderacyon,
        
         No worldly matter, can race it out of mind.
        
         For ones it will be, the fynall restauracyon,
        
         Of Adam and Eve, with other that hath synde.
        
         Yea, the sure health, and raise of all mankind.
        
         Help have the faithful, thereof, though they be infect,
        
         They condempnacyon, where as it is reject.
        
         Mercyfull maker, my crabbed voice dyrect,
        
         That it may break out, in some sweet praise to the,
        
         And suffer me not, thy due lawdes to neglect,
        
         But lete me show forth, thy commendacyons free.
        
         Stoppe not my wind pypes, but give them liberty,
        
         To sound to thy name, which is most gracyouse,
        
         And in it rejoice, with heart melodyouse.

Tunc alta uoce cannot Antiphonam, O rex gentium, choro candem prosequente cum organis, ut prius, Vel Anglice hoc modo,

O most mighty governor, of thy people, and in heart most desired, the hard rock and true corner stone, that of two maketh one, vnynge the Jews with the gentyles in one church, come now and releue mankind whom thu hast fourmed of the vile earth.

Finit actus tertius.

Incipit actus Quartus.

         Pater coelestis.
        
         STyll so increaseth, the wickedness of man,
        
         That I am moved, with plages him to confound▪
        
         Hys weakness to aid, I do the best I can,
        
         Yet he regardeth me, no more than doth an hounde.
        
         My word and promise, in his faith taketh no ground,
        
         He will so longe walk, in his own lusts at large,
        
         That naught he shall find, his folye to dyscharge.
        
         Sens Abraham's time, which was my true elect,
        
         Ishmael have I found, both wicked, fierce, and cruel,
        
         And Esau in mind, with hateful muther infect,
        
         The sons of Jacob, to lusts unnatural fell,
        
         And into Egypt, ded they their brother sell.
        
         Laban to ydolles, gave faithful reverence,
        
         Dinah was corrupt, through Sichems violence.
        
         Reuben abused his fathers concubyne,
        
         Judas gate children, of his own daughter in law.
        
         Yea, her in my sight, went after a wicked line,
        
         Hys seed Onanspylte, his brothers name to withdraw.
        
         Achan lived here, without all godly awe.
        
         And now the children, of Israel abuse my pour,
        
         In so vile manner, that they move me every hour.

         Moses sanctus.
        
         Pacyfye thy wrath, sweet lord I the desire,
        
         As thu art gentle, benygne and pacyent.
        
         Lose not that people, in fearcenesse of thine ire,
        
         For whom thu hast shown, such tokens euydent,
        
         Conuertynge this rod, into a lyuelye serpent,
        
         And the same serpent, into this rod again,
        
         Thy wonderful power, declaring very plain.
        
         For their sakes also, puttest Pharaoh to pain,
        
         By ten diverse plages, as I shall here declare.
        
         By blood, frogs,
         
          &
         
         lyce, by flies, death, botche,
         
          &
         
         blayne.
        
         By hail, by grassoppers, by darkness, and by care.
        
         By a Soden plage, all their first gotten ware,
        
         Thu flewest in one night, for his fierce cruelnesse.
        
         From that thy people, witholde not now thy goodness.

Pater coelestis.

I certyfye the, my chosen servant Moses.

That people of mine is full of vnthankefuln 〈…〉

         Moses sanctus.
        
         Dere lord, I know it, alas yet way their weaken
         
          〈…〉
         
         And bear with their faults, of thy great bounteousnesse.
        
         In a flamynge bushe, having to them respect,
        
         Thu appoyntedest me, their passage to direct.
        
         And through the read see, thy right hand ded us lede.
        
         Where Pharaoh's hoost, the flood overwhelmed in deed.
        
         Thu wentest before them, in a shynynge cloud all day,
        
         And in the dark night, in fire thu shewedest their way,
        
         Thu sentest them Manna, from heaven to be their food,
        
         Out of the hard stone, thu gavest them water good.
        
         Thu appoyntedest them, a lande of milk and honye,
        
         Lete them not perish, for want of thy great mercy,

         Pater coelestis.
        
         Content they are not, with foul nor yet with fair,
        
         But murmour and grudge, as people in dyspayre,
        
         As I sent Manna, they had it in dysdayne,
        
         Thus of their welfare, they many times complain.
        
         Ouer Amalech, I gave them the vyctorye.

         Moses sanctus.
        
         Most glorious maker, all that is to thy glory.
        
         Thu sentest them also, a law from heaven above,
        
         And daily shewedest them, many tokens of great love.
        
         The brazen serpent, thu gavest them for their healynge,
        
         And Balaam's curse, thu turnedest into a blessing.
        
         I hope thu wilt not, dysdayne to help them still,

         Pater coelestis
        
         I gave them precepts, which they will not fulfill.
        
         Nor yet knowledge me, for their God and good lord,
        
         So do their vile deeds, with their wicked hearts accord,
        
         Whyls thu hast talked, with me famylyarlye.
        
          〈…〉
         
         mountain, the space but of days fortye,
        
          〈…〉
         
         ghtes all, they have forgotten clearly,
        
          〈…〉
         
         are turned, to shameful ydolatrye.
        
         For their God they have, set up a golden calf.

Moses sanctus.

Lete me say somewhat, sweet father in their behalf.

Pater coelestis.

I will first conclude, and then say on thy mind,

For that I have found, that people so unkind,

Nor one of them shall, enjoy the promise of me,

For enterynge the lande, but Caleb and Joshua.

         Moses sanctus.
        
         Thy eternal will, evermore fulfilled be.
        
         For dysobedyence, thu showest the sons of Aaron,
        
         The earth swellowed in, both Dathan and Abiron.
        
         The adders ded sting, other wicked persons else,
        
         In wonderful number. Thus hast thu ponnyshed rebels.

Pater coelestis.

Never will I spare, the cursed iniquity,

Of ydolatrye, for no cause, thu mayst trust me.

Moses sanctus.

Forgeue them yet lord, for this time if it may be.

Pater coelestis.

Thynkest thu that I will, so sone change my decree?

No, No, frynde Moses so light thu shalt not find me.

I will ponnysh them, all Israel shall it se.

Moses sanctus.

I wote, thy people, hath wrought abhomynacyon,

Worshyppynge false gods, to thy honors derogacyon,

Yet mercyfullye, thu mayest upon them loke.

And if thu wilt not, thrust me out of thy boke.

         Pater coelestis.
        
         Those great blasphemers, shall out of my boke clean,
        
         But thu shalt not so, for I know what thu doest mean.
        
         Conduct my people, mine Angel shall assyst the,
        
         That sin a
         
          •
         
         a day, will not uncorrected be.
        
         And for the true zeal, that thu to my people hast,
        
         I add this covenant, unto my promises past.
        
         Rayse them up I will, a prophet from among them,
        
         Not onlyke to the, to speak my words unto them,
        
         Who so heareth not, that he shall speak in my name,
        
         I will revenge it, to his perpetual shame.
        
         The pass over lamb, will be a token just,
        
         Of this strong covenant. Thys have I clearly dyscust,
        
         In my appointment, this hour for your deliverance.

         Moses sanctus.
        
         Never shall this thing, depart from my remembrance.
        
         Laude be forever, to the most merciful lord,
        
         Whych never with drawest, from man thy heavenly comfort.
        
         But from age to age, thy benefits doth record,
        
         What thy goodness is, and hath been to his sort.
        
         As we find thy grace, so ought we to report.
        
         And doubtless it is, to us most bounteouse,
        
         Yea, for all our sins, most rype and plenteouse.
        
         Abraham our father, found the benyuolouse,
        
         So ded good Isaac, in his dystresse among.
        
         To Jacob thu wert, a gyde most gracyouse,
        
         Joseph thu sauedest, from daungerouse deadly wrong.
        
         Melchizedek and Job, felt thy great goodness strong,
        
         So ded good Sara, rebecca, and fair Rachel,
        
         With Sephora my wife, the daughter of Raguel.
        
         To praise the sweet lord my faith doth me compel,
        
         For thy couenauntes sake, wherein rest our salvation.
        
         The seed of promise, all other sedes excel,
        
         For therein remaineth, our full iustyfycacyon,
        
         From Adam and Noah, in Abraham's generation.
        
         That seed procureth, God's mighty grace and pour,
        
         For the same sedes sake, I will sing now this hour.

Clara tunc uoce Antiphonam incipit, O Immanuel, quam chorus (ut prius) prosequetur cum organis, Vel Anglice canat.

O high king Immanuel, & our lege lord, the longe expectacyon of Gentyles, and the mighty saver of their multitude, the health and consolacyon of sinners, come now for to save us, as our lord and our redeemer.

Finit actus Quartus.

Incipit actus quintus.

         Pater coelestis.
        
         FOr all the favor, I have shown Israel,
        
         Delyuerynge her, from Pharaoh's tyranny,
        
         And giving the lande fluentem lac
         
          &
         
         mel,
        
         Yet will she not leave, her old ydolatrye,
        
         Nor know me for God. I abhor her myserye.
        
         Vexed her I have, with battayles and decays,
        
         Styll must I plage her, I se non other ways.

         David rex pius.
        
         Remembre yet lord, thy worthy servant Moses,
        
         Walkynge in thy sight, without rebuke of the.
        
         Both Aaron, Ietro, Eleazar, and Phinehas.
        
         Euermore feared, to offend thy mageste.
        
         Moch thu acceptedest, thy servant Joshua,
        
         Caleb and Othoniel, sought the with all their heart,
        
         Aioth end Sangar, for thy folk ded their part.
        
         Gideon and Thola, thy enemies put to smart,
        
         Iayr and Iephte, gave praises to thy name.
        
         These to leave ydolles, thy people ded coart,
        
         Samson the strongest, for his part ded the same.
        
         Samuel and Nathan, thy messages ded proclaim,
        
         What though fierce Pharaoh, wrough myschef in thy sight?
        
         He was a pagane, lay not that in our sight.
        
         I wote the Beniamytes, abused the ways of right,
        
         So ded Helyes sons, and the sons of Samuel.
        
         Saul in his office, was slothful day and night,
        
         Wycked was Semei, so was Achirophel.
        
         Measure not by them, the faults of Israel,
        
         Whom thu hast loved, of longe time so inteyrlye,
        
         But of thy great grace, remyt her wicked folye,

         Pater coelestis.
        
         I cannot abide, the vice of ydolatrye▪
        
         Though I should suffer, all other vyllanye.
        
         Whan Joshua was dead, that sort from me ded fall,
        
         To the worshipping of Asteroth and Baal,
        
         Full unclean ydolles, and monsters bestyall.

         David rex pius.
        
         For it they have had, thy ryghteouse ponnyshment.
        
         And for as much as they, ded wyckedly consent,
        
         To the Palestynes, and Chananytes ungodly,
        
         Idolaters taking, to them in matrymonye,
        
         Thu threwest them under, the king of Mesopotamye.
        
         After thu subduedest them, for their Idolatry.
        
         Eyghtene years to Eglon, the king of Moabytes,
        
         And xx. years to Jabin, the king of Chananytes.
        
         Oppressed they were, vii. years of the Madyanytes,
        
         And xviij. years vexed, of the cruel Ammonytes.
        
         In iii. great battayles, of iii. score thousand and five,
        
         Of this thy people, not one was left alive.
        
         Have mercy now lord, and call them to repentance.

Pater coelestis.

So longe as they sin, so long shall they have greuaūce.

David my servant, somewhat must I say to the,

For that thu latelye, hast wrought such vanyte.

David rex pius.

Spare not blessed lord, but say thy pleasure to me.

Pater coelestis.

Of late days thu hast, mysused Bersabe,

The wife of Vrye, and slain him in the fyelde.

David rex pius.

Mercye lord mercy, for doubtless I am defyelde:

         Pater coelestis
        
         I constytute the, a king over Israel,
        
         And the preserved, from Saul which was thy enemy.
        
         Yea, in my favor, so much thu dedyst excel.
        
         That of thy enemies, I gave the vyctorye.
        
         Palestynes and Syryanes, to the came trybutarye.
        
         Why hast thu then wrought, such folye in my sight?
        
         Despysynge my word, against all godly right.

David rex pius.

I have sinned lord, I besyche the, pardon me.

         Pater coelestis.
        
         Thu shalt not die David, for this iniquity,
        
         For thy repentance, But thy son by Bersabe,
        
         Shall die, for as much, as my name is blasphemed.
        
         Amonge my enemies, and thu the worse esteemed.
        
         From thy house for this, the sword shall not depart,

David rex pius.

I am sorry lord, from the bottom of my heart.

Pater coelestis.

To further anger, thu doest me yet compel.

David rex pius.

For what matter lord? I besyche thy goodness tell.

Pater coelestis.

Why dedest thu number, the people of Israel?

Supposest in thy mind, therein thu hast done well?

David rex pius.

I cannot say nay, but I have done vndyscretelye,

To forget thy grace, for a human pollycye.

         Pater coelestis.
        
         Thu shalt of these iii. chose which plage thu wilt have,
        
         For that sinful act, that I thy sowle may save.
        
         A scarsenesse vii. years, or else iii. months exyle,
        
         Either for iii. days, the pestylence most vile.
        
         For one thu must have, there is no remedy,

David rex pius.

Lord at thy pleasure, for thu art full of mercy,

Pater coelestis.

Of a pestylence, then iii. score thousand and ten,

In iii. days shall die of thy most puysaunt men.

David rex pius.

Oh lord, it is I, which have offended thy grace,

Spare them and not me, for I have done the trespace.

         Pater coelestis.
        
         Though thy sins be great, thy inward hearts cōtrycyon.
        
         Doth move my stomach, in wonderful condycyon.
        
         I find the a man, according to my heart,
        
         Wherfor this promise, I make the ere I depart.
        
         A fruit there shall come, forth yssuynge from thy body,
        
         Whom I will advance, upon thy seat forever.
        
         Hys trone shall become, a seat of heavenly glory,
        
         Hys worthy scepture, from right will not dysseuer,
        
         Hys happy kingdom, of faith, shall perish never,
        
         Of heaven and of earth, he was autor pryncypall,
        
         And will continue, though they do perish all.
        
         Thys sign shalt thu have, for a token specyall,
        
         That thu mayst believe, my words unfeignedly.
        
         Where thu hast minded, for my memoryall,
        
         To build a temple, thu shalt not fynysh it truly.
        
         But Solomon thy son, shall do that accyon worthy,
        
         In token that Christ, must fynysh every thing,
        
         That I have begun, to my praise everlasting.

         David rex pius.
        
         Immortal glory, to the, most heavenly king,
        
         For that thu hast given, continual vyctorye,
        
         To me thy servant, ever sense my anoyntynge,
        
         And also before, by many conquestes worthy,
        
         A bear and lyon, I slew through thy strength only,
        
         I slew Golias, which was vi. cubits longe.
        
         Agaynst thy enemies, thu madest me ever strong.
        
         My fleshly fraylenesse, made me do deadly wrong,
        
         And clean to forget, thy laws of righteousness.
        
         And thouh thu vysytedest, my synnefulnesse among,
        
         With pestylent plages, and other vnquyetnesse.
        
         Yet never tokest thu, from me the plenteousness,
        
         Of thy godly spirit, which thu in me dedyst plant,
        
         I having remorse, thy grace could never want.
        
         For in conclusyon, thy everlasting covenant.
        
         Thu gavest unto me, for all my wicked sin.
        
         And hast promised here, by protestacyon constant,
        
         That one of my seed, shall such high fortune wynne,
        
         As never ded man, sense this world ded begin.
        
         By his power he shall, put Satan from his hold,
        
         In rejoice whereof, to sing will I be bold.

Canora uoce tunc incipit Antiphonam, O Adonai, Quam (ut prius) prosequetur chorus cum organis, Velsic Anglice.

O lord God Adonai, & gyde of the faylhfull house of Israel, which sometime aperedest in the flamynge bushe to Moses, and to him dedest give a law in mount Syna, come now forto redeem us in the strength of thy right hand.

Finit actus Quintus.

Incipit actus sextus.

         Pater coelestis.
        
         I Brought up children, from their first infancye,
        
         Whych now despyseth, my godly instytucyons.
        
         An ox knoweth his lord, an asse his masters dewtye,
        
         But Israel will not, know me nor my condycyons,
        
         Oh froward people, given all to superstycyons.
        
         Unnatural children, expert in blasphemies,
        
         Prouoketh me to bate, by their ydolatryes.
        
         Take hede to my words, ye tyrants of Sodoma,
        
         In vain ye offer, your sacrifice to me.
        
         Dyscontent I am, with yow beasts of Gomorrah,
        
         And have no pleasure, whan I your offerings se.
        
         I abhor your fasts, and your solempnyte.
        
         For your traditions, my ways ye set a part,
        
         Your works are in vain, I hate them from the heart.

         Isaiah propheta.
        
         Thy city sweet lord, is now become unfaithful,
        
         And her condycyons, are turned up so down.
        
         Her life is unchaste, her acts be very hurtefull,
        
         Her murder and theft, hath darkened her renown.
        
         Couetouse rewards, doth so their conscience drown,
        
         That the fatherless, they will not help to right,
        
         The poor widows cause, come not afore their sight,
        
         Thy peceable paths, seek they neither day nor night,
        
         But walk wicked ways, after their fantasye.
        
         Conuert their hearts lord, and give them thy true light.
        
         That they may perceive, their customable folye.
        
         Leave them not helpless, in so depe myserye,
        
         But call them from it, of thy most specyall grace,
        
         By thy true prophets, to their souls health and solace.

         Pater coelestis
        
         First they had fathers, than had they patryarkes,
        
         Than dukes, than judges, to their gydes and monarkes,
        
         Now have they stowte kings, yet are they wicked still,
        
         And will in no wise, my pleasant laws fulfill.
        
         Always they apply, to ydolles worshipping,
        
         From the vile beggar, to the anointed king.

         Isaiah Propheta.
        
         For that cause thu hast, in two divided them,
        
         In Samaria the one, the other in Jerusalem.
        
         The king of Judah, in Jerusalem ded dwell,
        
         And in Samaria, the king of Israel.
        
         Ten of the twelve trybes, bycame Samarytanes,
        
         And the other two, were Hierosolymytanes.
        
         In both these cuntreyes, according to their doings,
        
         Thu permyttedest them, to have most cruel kings.
        
         The first of Judah, was wicked king Roboam,
        
         Of Israel the first, was that cruel Hieroboam.
        
         Abia than followed, and in the other Nadab,
        
         Then Basa, then Hela, then Zambri, Joram and Ahab.
        
         Then Ochosias, then Athaliah, then Joash,
        
         On the other part, was Ioathan and Ahaz.
        
         To rehearce them all, that have done wretchydlye,
        
         In the sight of the, it were longe verily.

         Pater coelestis.
        
         For the wicked sin, of filthy ydolatrye,
        
         Whych the x, trybes ded, in the lande of Samarye,
        
         In space of one day, fifty thousand men I slew,
        
         Thre of their cities, also I overthrew.
        
         And left the people, in such captyuyte,
        
         That in all the world, they wyst not whither tefle.
        
         The other ii. trybes, whan they from me went back,
        
         To ydolatrye, I left in the hand of Sesack.
        
         The king of Egypt, which toke away their treasure,
        
         Conuayed their cattle, and slew them without measure.
        
         In time of Ahaz, an hundred thousand and twentye,
        
         Were slain at one time, for their ydolatrye.
        
         Two hundred thousand, from thens were captive led.
        
         Their goods dyspersed, and they with penurye fed.
        
         Seldom they fail it, but either the Egipcyanes,
        
         Have them in bondage, or else the Assyreanes.
        
         And alone they may, thank their ydolatrye.

         Isaiah Propheta.
        
         Wele, yet blessed lord, releue them with thy mercy.
        
         Though they have been ill, by other princes days▪
        
         Yet good Hezekiah, hath taugh them godly ways.
        
         Whan the prince is good, the people are the better.
        
         And as he is naught, their vices are the greatter.
        
         Heauenlye lord therefore, send them the consolacyon,
        
         Whych thu hast couenaunted, with every generation.
        
         Open thu the heavens, and lete the lamb come hither,
        
         Whych will deliver, thy people all together.
        
         Ye planetes and clouds, cast down your dew and rain,
        
         That the earth may bear, out helthfull saver plain.

Pater coelestis

Maye the wife forget, the child of her own body?

Isaiah Propheta.

Nay that she cannot, in any wise verily.

Pater coelestis

No more can I them, which will do my commandments,

But must preserve them, from all inconuenyentes.

Isaiah Propheta.

Blessed art thu lord, in all thy acts and judgments.

         Pater coelestis.
        
         Wele, Isaiah, for this thy fydelyte,
        
         A covenant of health, thu shalt have also of me.
        
         For Syons sake now, I will not hold my peace,
        
         And for Jerusalem, to speak will I not cease.
        
         Tyll that ryghteouse lord, be come as a sūne beam bright,
        
         And their just saver, as a lamp extend his light.
        
         A rod shall shut fourth, from the old stock of Jesse,
        
         And a bright blossom, from that rote will arise.
        
         Upon whom always, the spirit of the lord shall be,
        
         The spirit of wisdom, the spirit of heavenly practice,
        
         And the spirit that will, all godliness deuyse,
        
         Take this for a sign, A maid of Israel,
        
         Shall conceive and bear, that lord Immanuel.

         Isaiah Propheta.
        
         Thy praises condygne, no mortal tunge can tell,
        
         Most worthy maker, and king of heavenly glory.
        
         For all capacytees, thy goodness doth excel,
        
         Thy plenteouse graces, no brain can cumpas truly,
        
         No wit can conceive, the greatness of thy mercy,
        
         Declared of late, in David thy true servant,
        
         And now confirmed, in this thy latter covenant.
        
         Of goodness thu madest, Solomon of wit most pregnaūt,
        
         Asa and Jehoshaphat, with good king Hezekiah,
        
         In thy sight to do, that was to the right pleasant.
        
         To quench ydolatrye, thu raysedest up Helias,
        
         Jehu, Hellseus, Micah, and Abdias.
        
         And Naaman Syrus, thu pourgedest of a leprye,
        
         Thy works wonderful, who can but magnyfye?
        
         Aryse Jerusalem, and take faith by and bye,
        
         For the very light, that shall save the, is coming.
        
         The son of the lord, appear will euydentlye,
        
         Whan he shall resort, se that no Ioye be wantynge,
        
         He is thy saver, and thy life everlasting,
        
         Thy release from sin, and thy whole righteousness.
        
         Help me in this song, to knowledge his great goodness▪

Concinna tunc uoce Antiphonam inchoat, O radix less, Quam chorus prosequetur cum organis. Vel Anglice hoc modo canet.

O fruitful rote of Jesse, that shall be set as a sign among people, against the worldly rulers shall fearcely opē their mouths. Whom the Gentyles shall worshypp as their heavenly lord, come now for to deliver us, and delaye the time no longer.

Finit actus Sextus.

Actus Septimus.

         Pater coelestis
        
         I Have with fearcenesse, mankind oft times corrected.
        
         And again I have, allured him by sweet promise.
        
         I have sent sore plages, whan he hath me neglected.
        
         And then by and by, most comfortable swetnes.
        
         To wynne him to grace, both mercy and righteousness.
        
         I have exercysed, yet will he not amende.
        
         Shall I now lose him, or shall I him defend?
        
         In his most mischief, most high grace will I send.
        
         To overcome him, by favor, if it may be.
        
         With his abusyons, no longer will I contend.
        
         But now accomplysh, my first will and decree.
        
         My word being flesh, from hens shall set him free.
        
         Hym reachynge a way, of perfect righteousness.
        
         That he shall not need, to perish in his weakness.

         Johannes baptista.
        
         Manasseh (lord) is past, which turned from the his heart,
        
         Ahaz and Amon, have now no more a do.
        
         Jeconiah with other, which ded themselves auarte.
        
         From the to ydolles, may now no farther go.
        
         The two false judges, and Bels wicked priests also.
        
         Phassur and Semeias, with Nabuchodonosore,
        
         Antiochus and Triphon shall the dysplease no more.
        
         Thre score years and ten, thy people into Babylon,
        
         Were captive and thrall, for ydolles worshipping.
        
         Jerusalem was lost, and left void of domynyon,
        
         Brent was their temple, so was their other building,
        
         Ther high priests were slain, there treasure came to nothing
        
         The strength and bewtye, of thine own heretage,
        
         Thus dedest thu leave then, in miserable bondage.
        
         Oft had they warnynges, sometime by Ezekiel,
        
         And other prophets, as Isaiah and Hieremye,
        
         Sumtyme by Daniel, sometime by Ose and Iohel,
        
         By Amos and Abdias, by Jonah and by Sophonye,
        
         By Nahum and Micah, by Agge and by Zacharye,
        
         By Malachias, and also by Abacuch,
        
         By Olda the widow, and by the prophet Baruch.
        
         Remembre Josiah, which toke the abhomynacyon.
        
         From the people then, restorynge thy laws again.
        
         Of Rechab consydre, the faithful generation,
        
         Whō to wyne drynkynge, no fryndshyppe night cōstrayne.
        
         Remembre Abdemelech, the frynde of truth certain,
        
         Zerubbabel the prince, which ded repare the temple,
        
         And Jesus Iosedech, of vertu the example,
        
         Consydre Nehemiah's, and Esdras the good scrybe,
        
         Mercyfull Tobias and constant Mardocheus.
        
         Judith and queen Hester, of the same godly trybe,
        
         Deuoute Mathathias, and Judas Maccabeus.
        
         Have mind of Eleazar, and then Johannes Hircanus,
        
         Waye the ernest faith, of this godly cumpanye,
        
         Though the other clean, fall from thy memory.

         Pater coelestis.
        
         I will Johan I will, for as I said afore,
        
         Rygour and hardenesse, I have now set a part,
        
         Myndynge from hens fourth, to wynne man evermore,
        
         By wonderful kyndenesse, to break his stubborn heart,
        
         And change it from sin. For Christ shall suffres make,
        
         In man's frail nature, for his iniquity,
        
         Thys to make open, my massenger shalt thu be.

Johannes baptista.

As thy pleasure is, so blessed lord appoint me,

For my health thu art, and my souls felycyte.

         Pater coelestis.
        
         Longe ere I made the, I the predestynate.
        
         Before thu wert borne, I the endued with grace.
        
         In thy mothers womb, wert thu sanctyfycate,
        
         By my godly gift, and so confirmed in place,
        
         A Prophet to show, a way before the face,
        
         Of my most dere son, which will come the until,
        
         Applye the apace, thine office to fulfill.
        
         Preache to the people, rebukynge their negligence,
        
         Doppe them in water, they knowledgynge their offense.
        
         And say unto them. The kingdom of God doth cum.

Johannes Baptista.

Vnmete lord I am, Quia pure ego sum.

An other than that, Alac I have no scyence,

Fyt for that office, neither yet clean eloquence.

         Pater coelestis.
        
         Thu shalt not say so, for I have given the grace,
        
         Eloquence and age, to speak in the desert place,
        
         Thu must do therefore, as I shall the aduyse,
        
         My appointed pleasure, fourth utter in any wise.
        
         My strong mighty words, put I into thy mouthe,
        
         Spare not by speak them, to east, west, north and southe.
        
         Hic extendens dominus manum, labia Ioannis digito tan get, ac ori imponet auream linguam.
        
         Go now thy way fourth, I shall the never fail.
        
         The spirit of Helias, have I given the alredye.
        
         Persuade the people, that they their sins bywayle.
        
         And if they repent, their customable folye,
        
         Longe shall it not be, ere they have remedy.
        
         Open thu their hearts, tell them their health is coming.
        
         As a voice in desert, se thu declare the thing.
        
         I promise the sure, thu shalt was he him among them,
        
         In Jordan a flood, not far from Jerusalem.

Johannes Baptista.

Show me yet good lord, whereby shall I know that mā.

In the multitude, which will resort to Jordan?

Pater coelestis.

In thy mothers womb, of him haddest thu cognycyon.

Johannes Baptista.

Yea, that was in spirit, I would now know his person.

         Pater coelestis.
        
         Have thu no fear Johan, him shalt thu know full well.
        
         And one specyall token, afore will I the tell.
        
         Super quem uideris spiritum descendentem & manentem
        
         Super eum, hic est qui baptizat spiritu sancto
        
         Amonge all other, whom thu shalt baptyse there.
        
         Upon whom thu seyst, the holy Ghost descend,
        
         In shappe of a dove, restynge upon his shuldere.
        
         Hold him for the same, that shall the world amende.
        
         By baptym of spirit, and also to man extend,
        
         Most specyall grace. For he must repare his fall,
        
         Restorynge again, the justice orygynall.
        
         Take now thy iournaye, and do as I the aduyse,
        
         First preach repentance, and than the people baptyse.

         Johannes baptista.
        
         Hygh honor, worshypp, and glory be unto the.
        
         My God eternal, and patron of all puryte.
        
         Repent good people, for sins that now are past,
        
         The kingdom of heaven, is at hand very nye.
        
         The promised light, to yow approacheth fast,
        
         Have faith, and apply, now to receive him boldelye.
        
         I am not the light, but to bear testymonye,
        
         Of him, am I sent, that all men may believe,
        
         That his blood he will, for their redemptyon give.
        
         He is such a light, as all men doth illumyne,
        
         That ever were here, or shall be after this.
        
         All the world he made, by his mighty power divine,
        
         And yet that rude world, will not know what he is.
        
         Hys own he enterynge, is not regarded of his.
        
         They that receive him, are God's true children plain,
        
         In spirit regenerate and all grace shall attain.
        
         Manye do reckon, that I Johan Baptyst am he.
        
         Deceyued are they, and that will appear in space.
        
         Though he come after, yet was he longe afore me,
        
         We are weak vessels, he is the welle of grace,
        
         Of his great goodness, all that we have we purchase.
        
         By him are we like, to have a better increes,
        
         Than ever we had, by the law of Moses.
        
         In Moses hard law, we had not else but darkness,
        
         Fygure and shaddow. All was not else but night,
        
         Ponnyshment for sin, much rygour, pain and roughness,
        
         An high change is there, where all is turned to light,
        
         Grace and remyssyon, anon will shine full bright.
        
         Never man lived, that ever se God afore,
        
         Whych now in our kind, man's ruyne will restore.
        
         Help me to give thanks, to that lord evermore,
        
         Whych am unto Christ, a cryars voice in the desert,
        
         To prepare the paths, and high ways him before,
        
         For his delight is, on the poor simple heart.
        
         That innocent lamb, from such will never depart,
        
         As will faythfullye, receive him with good mind.
        
         Lete our voice then sound, in some sweet musycall kind.

Resona tunc uoce Antiphonam incipit, O clauis David, Quam prosequetur chorus cum organis, ut prius. Vel in Anglico sermon sic.

O perfect key of David, and high scepture of the kyndred of Jacob, which openest and no man speareth, thu spearest and no man openeth, come & deliver thy servant 〈◊〉 kind bound, in prison sitting in the darkness of 〈◊〉 and bitter dampnacyon.

        Baleus Prolocutor.
       
        THe matters are such, that we have uttered here,
       
        As ought not to slyde, from your memoryall.
       
        For they have opened, such comfortable gere,
       
        As is to the health, of this kind universal,
       
        Graces of the lord, and promises lyberall,
       
        Whych he hath given, to man for every age,
       
        To knytt him to Christ, and so clear him of bondage.
       
        As Saint Paul doth write, unto the Corinthes plain,
       
        Our fore fathers were, under the cloud of darkness,
       
        And unto Christ's days, ded in the shaddow remain.
       
        Yet were they not left, for of him they had promise,
       
        All they received, one spiritual fedynge doubtless,
       
        They drunk of the rock, which them to life refreshed,
       
        For one saving health, in Christ, all they confessed.
       
        In the woman's seed, was Adam first iustyfyed,
       
        So was faytfull Noah, so was just Abraham.
       
        The faith in that seed, in Moses fourth multyplyed,
       
        Lyke wise in David, and Isaiah, that after cam.
       
        And in Johan Baptyst, which shown the very lame.
       
        Though they se a far, yet all they had one justice,
       
        One Mass (as they call it) and in Christ one sacrifice,
       
        A man cannot here, to Good do better service,
       
        Than on this to ground, his faith and understanding.
       
        For all the worlds sin, alone Christ paid the price,
       
        In his only death, was man's life always restynge,
       
        And not in will wor
        
         ••
        
        , nor yet in men's deseruynge.
       
        The light of our faith, make this thing
        
         •
        
        euydent,
       
        And not the practice of other experiment.
       
        Where is now free will, whom the hypocryte a comment.
       
        Whereby they report, they may at their own pleasure,
       
        Do good of themselves, though grace and faith be absent.
       
        And have good intents their madness with to measure.
       
        The will of the flesh, is proved here small treasure,
       
        And so is man's will, for the grace of God doth all.
       
        More of this matter, conclude hereafter we shall

Thus endeth this Tragedy or interlude manyfestynge the chief promises of God unto Man by all ages in the old law, from the fall of Adam, to the incarnacyon of the lord Jesus Christ. Compyled by Johan Bale. Anno domini, M. D. XXXVIII.