Two Godly and Learned Sermons, Sermon 2

Two Godly and Learned Sermons · Sermon 2

❧A Godly and learned Sermon, made by M. Iohn Caluin conteyning, an exhortation to ſuffer perſecution, that we may therein follow Ieſus Chriſt and his Goſpel, taken out in this ſaying, in the 13. Chapter to the Hebrewes. ver. 13.

¶Let vsus goe foorth to him without the gates, bearing his opprobrie.

AL the exhortations which can be made, to inſtruct vsus to ſuffer patiently and conſtauntlie, for Chriſte Ieſus name and his Goſpel, ſhall not much moue vsus, vnleſſe we knowe and be perfectly perſwaded of the right, truth, and woorthineſſe of the cauſe wherefore we contend. For when we be in that ieoberdy and daunger, that we muſt looſe our lyfe, we ought to be moſt certayne of that thing, wherefore we enter into ſo great perill.

But that conſtauncie and fyrmeneſſe of minde, cannot be had, vnleſſe it be déeplie founded in a certainety, and ſure perſwaſion of faith.

There be many, which wyll vnaduiſedlie and raſhlie, venter to dye, for certayne fooliſhe opinions, inuented of theyr owne brayne. But ſuch forewardneſſe of minde, ought rather to be thought a furiouſneſſe, then a Chriſtian zeale and louelove.

For aſſuredlie, there is no firmeneſſe, eyther of minde, or witte, or of common ſence, in theſe men, which doo caſt themſelues into peryll with ſuch hardy raſhnes. How ſo euer it be. God will not acknowledge, and take vsus for his Martyrs and witneſſes, without a good cauſe.

For death is common for all men, and alſo the condemnation of Théeues, and of Gods chyldren, the ſufferaunce of ſhame and puniſhment ſéemeth to be all one, but God maketh a difference betwixt them, becauſe he cannot denie, and forſake his owne trueth.

This alſo is required, that wee hauehave a ſure wytneſſe voide of all errour, of that doctrine, which we will defende. Wherefore as I ſayde, there is no exhortation ſo weightie, that can mooue and perſwade vsus, to ſuffer for the Goſpell, but if a true certayntie of Faith be imprinted in our hearts.

For to put our lyfe in daunger, without any conſideration vnaduiſedlie, and chaunceablie, is moſt againſt nature. And ſo to doo, ſhould be thought rather raſhneſſe, then Chriſtian boldeneſſe. Moreouer, God alloweth nothing that we doo, vnleſſe wee be plainly perſwaded, that it is for his names ſake, and for his cauſe that the world is ſo againſt vsus, and dooth hate vsus.

But when I ſpeake of ſuch certaintie, and perſwaſion of minde, I doo not onelie vnderſtande this, that wee ſhould knowe to diſcerne and iudge betwixte the true Religion, and the fooliſhe oppinions, and conſtitutions of menne, but alſo that wee be thorowlie perſwaded of euerlaſting lyfe, and the Crowne promyſed vntounto vsus in heauen, after our conflict in this world.

Let vsus nowe marke well, that theſe two reaſons doo pertayne to our duetie, and muſt be ioyned togeather, that the one maye in no wiſe, be ſeperated and diſioyned from the other. It is meete therefore, to take our begynning of this: that we vnderſtand and knowe, what is our Chriſtian Religion, what Faith it is that we ought to holde and followe, what rule of lyfe God hath giuen vsus? Neither muſt we onelyonly hauehave our mindes inſtructed with this godlie doctrine, but alſo hauehave our mindes ſo armed and prepared, that we maye fréely and boldly, damne all errours, lyes, and ſuperſtitions, which Sathan hath brought into the world, to corrupt the pure ſimplicity of Gods doctrine. Therefore it is no meruaile, that there is ſo ſmall a number of men, that hauehave a ready minde and deſyre to ſuffer for the Goſpel, and that the greateſt part of them, that profeſſe themſelues Chriſtians, knoweth not the power of the Chriſtian Religion, and theyr owne profeſſion.

All men are careles in a maner, and do not delight to reade the Goſpell.All men in a manner are negligent, and hauehave no deſyre, or verie ſmall, to heare and reade, who thinketh it ſufficient, if they hauehave gotten ſome ſmall taſte of the Chriſtian Faith. And this is the cauſe, why there is ſéene in theſe no ſuretie and conſtancie of minde, and that ſo ſoone as they come into any conflict, they are ſo abaſhed, as though they ſhould by and by vterlie periſhe.

For which conſideration, our deſyre ought to be greater, to purſue and ſearch out, moſt dilligentlie Gods trueth, that therewith our hearts may be perſwaded without any doubt. Neither is this all to hauehave ſuch knowledge and vnderſtanding.

For we ſée many ſo well trauayled in Gods doctrine, that they ſéeme, as though they were ſtayned and dyed therewith, in whome neuertheleſſe, there is no deſyre and louelove of GOD, no more truelie, then if they had knowne nothing at any tyme of the godlie doctrine, but by a certaine vnſure, lyght, and wauering opinion.

But what other cauſe is there, of this ſo great vncertaintie and leuitie, but that they did neuer perceyue in theyr minde, the maieſtie of the holie Scripture. And truely, if we would rightlie weigh, that it is God that ſpeaketh to vsus therein, we would heare him with more dilligence, attention, and reuerence.In reading of holy ſcripture▪ w… muſt think… vsus in a ſcol… of Angels. If we would thinke in reading the Scripture, that we are are in the ſchoole and diſcipline of Angelles, we ſhould hauehave another manner of deſyre to exerciſe our ſelues in that doctrine, which is ſet foorth vntounto vsus, to comfort, ſtrengthen, and inſtructe our mindes.

The way …ow to pre…are our …lues vntounto …atience.Now we ſée what is the waye, to prepare our ſelues to patience, and ſufferaunce for the Goſpell, that is, ſo to goe foreward in the doctrine thereof, that being thorowlie perſwaded of the true Religion, and that doctrine which we ought to holde and defend, we maye nothing eſtéeme, and deſpiſe all the fraudes and illuſions of the deuill, and all the inuentions of men, as thinges not onelyonly of no value, but alſo execrable, becauſe they vtterlie corrupt the Chriſtian ſinceritie. And héerein we differre as true Martyrs of Ieſus Chriſt, from the furious and ſtifnecked men, which ſuffer for theyr owne fooliſh opinons.

Secondlie, we ought to be ſo minded, that being aſſured of the right, and goodneſſe of the cauſe, wee ſhould be enflamed with this due deſyre to follow God, whether ſoeuer he ſhall call vsus, to embrace his word with ſuch reuerence as it is woorthy, and being called backe from the deceytfull faſhion of this worlde, as men rauiſhed, with theyr whole minde and endeuour, ſhould be caried to an heauenlie lyfe.

But O moſt myſerable caſe, that when the lyght of God dooth ſhine vntounto vsus, in theſe dayes, ſo bright as it did neuer ſhine in the remembraunce of men, yet ſo little zeale, fauour, and louelove ſhould be founde. Wherein our miſery is ſo much the greater, that in ſo great filthineſſe and vnthankfulneſſe, we are not ouerwhelmed with bluſhing ſhame.

For we muſt ſhortlie come before that Iudge, before whome our vice and euyll, which wee by all meanes goe about to hide, ſhall be brought foorth, with that rebuke and checke, whereby the iuſt cauſe of our deſtruction ſhall appeare. For if we be ſo endebted and bound to GOD, that for the knowledge hee hath giuen vsus, wee ought to giuegive to him honourable and thankefull teſtimony: why is our ſtomacke ſo abaſhed and fearefull, to enter into the battell? Eſpeciallie, ſéeing GOD in this our age, hath ſo opened himſelfe, that it may be rightly ſayde and trulie, that he hath opened and plainlie ſet foorth, the greateſt treaſures of his ſecretes.

… we had a… regard God, we …uld not …ne his …ly goſpel …o lyes.May not this be ſayd, that we ſo thinke of God, as though we ſeemed to ſtande in no néede of him at all? For if we had any conſideration of his Maieſtie, we durſt neuer be ſo bolde to turne the doctrine, which procéedeth out of his mouth, into Philoſophie and vaine ſpeculation. In fine, we can hauehave no excuſe, but this muſt be vntounto vsus the greateſt ſhame, yea, an horrible condemnation, that in ſo great knowledge, obtained by the ſinguler goodneſſe of GOD, we hauehave ſo lyttle l…ue and minde, to defend and kéepe the ſame.

…e con…ncie of …artyrs in …de time.For firſt, if we will call to our remembraunce the Martyrs of olde tyme, and compare theyr wonderfull conſtauncie, with this our tender ſlouthfulneſſe, we ſhall finde paſſing great cauſe to deteſt our owne filthineſſe. For they were not for the moſt part ſo trauailed and exerciſed in the Scriptures, that they could learnedly diſpute of all matters.

But firſt of all, they knewe and helde faſt this, that there is one God, whome they ought to ſerue and honour: then, that they were redéemed with the blood of Ieſus Chriſte, that in him onelie, and in his grace, they ſhould put their affiaunce, and truſt of ſaluation.

Moreouer, they dyd iudge all other inuentions and ordinaunces of men, to worſhippe God, ſo vnwoorthy filthineſſe, that they could eaſilie condemne all Idolatries and ſuperſtitions: to conclude in few wordes, this was theyr Diuinitie, there is one onelie God, the maker of the whole world, which hath declared vntounto vsus his will by Moſes and the Prophetes, and then by Ieſus Chriſte and his Apoſtles.

We hauehave one redéemer,Idolles ar… to be deteſted of all men. with whoſe blood we were bought, and by whoſe grace we hope to be ſaued. All the Idols of the world, are to be deteſted and accurſſed. They came ſtoutlie and boldlie to the fyre, or other kinde of death, and puniſhment, inſtructed with no other doctrine and more hidden knowledge. And the number of them was not ſmall, as of two or thrée, but ſo great that the multytude of them, which were cruellie vexed and tormented of the tyraunts, ſéemed innumerable and infinite.

But we are ſo taught and inſtructed, that we paſſe all our auncetors, in knowledge and vnderſtanding of holy Scripture.

We thinke in our ſelues, and it is true, as touching the vnderſtanding of the Scripture, God hath endued vsus with ſo much knowledge, as he hath giuen to any age at any tyme. And yet there is in vsus ſcantlie, the leaſt droppe of feruent louelove towardes God. There is no reaſon why we ſhould nouriſh this nice …owardneſſe of mind, vnleſſe we would willingly and wittingly prouoke the wrath and vengeaunce of God, againſt our ſelues.

What muſt we then doo? Truely, we muſt take to vsus a ſtoute, bolde, and conſtant minde. We muſt chéefely conſider how precious, and honorable, the confeſſion, and teſtification of our faith is before God. For we doo lyttle knowe, how God dooth eſtéeme this confeſſion, when our lyfe which is of no value, is more ſet by and deare vntounto vsus.

Wherein our wonderfull and beaſtlie fooliſhneſſe is ſhewed: for we can not in this ſort ſpare our life, but we muſt néeds confeſſe that we ſet more thereby, then by Gods honour, and our owne ſaluation. A certayne Heathen man could vſe this ſaying, that it is a myſerable thing, to forſake and betraye the cauſes why we lyue, for the conſeruation of lyfe. Yet hee and his lyke dyd neuer knowe truelie, to what ende menne were ſet in the world, and wherefore they lyued therein.

They might well ſay, that vertue is to be eſtéemed and followed,Vertue is be embraced of all and that we ought to liue an honeſt lyfe, without blame. But all theyr vertues were nothing elſe, but colours and ſhadowes. But we hauehave better vnderſtanding,God is to be honor with all uerence. wherevnto our life muſt be referred, which is, that we honour GOD, with all prayſe and glorie, that hee himſelfe may bee our glorie.

Without him, our lyfe is miſerable, the which we cannot continue the leaſt moment, but wee ſhall heape vppon our ſelues, a perpetuall malediction. And yet wee are nothing aſhamed for the winning of a fewe dayes, for this féeble lyfe, to refuſe the eternall kingdome, and to ſeperate our ſelues from him, by whoſe power we are, and hauehave our being in this lyfe.

If a man ſhould examine the moſt vnlearned, yea, thoſe whoſe wit is ſo daſed, and whoſe life ſo voluptuous, that they be moſt lyke to brute beaſtes, what manner of lyfe is appointed them, they durſt not ſaye plainelie and openlie, that it ſhould conſiſt onelie in eating, drinking, and ſleeping. For they knowe that they are created to a better, woorthier, and more higher thing: which is nothing elſe, but to ſerue and honour God with all kinde of honour, and to ſuffer our ſelues as good chyldren, to be ordered and reuealed by our moſt benigne Father, that after the ende of this frayle and vnſure lyfe, wee maye be receyued into his eternall heritage.

In the appointing, and winning of this ende, conſiſteth the chéefeſt, and greateſt point of our felicitie, yea, all the whole weight of euerlaſting lyfe. But when we carrie our mindes and thoughts another waye, and doo ſnatch faſt holde of this preſent lyfe, wurſe then a thouſande deathes, what excuſe can we hauehave? For, to liue, and be ignoraunt of the cauſes, wherefore we liue, is vnnaturall. But to forſake the cauſes, wherefore we liue héere, for the deſyre and louelove to prolong our lyfe, as it were for thrée dayes, in this deceytful world, and to be ſeperated from God, the aucthour of lyfe, is ſuch a bewitching and furious madneſſe, that I know not with what wordes we ought to expreſſe and ſhewe it. But whatſoeuer knowledge we hauehave, and how ſoeuer our lyfe is appointed, for ſo much, as notwithſtanding, the perſecutions are no leſſe and bytter, let vsus conſider how and by what meanes, the Chriſtian men maye confirme them ſelues in patiencie, and ſo ſtrengthen theyr mindes, that they maye conſtantly venter to daunger theyr lyfe, for Gods trueth.

This ſame Text which we hauehave recyted, being well vnderſtanded, may bring vsus to that indifferencie of minde, yea, to that willingneſſe, that we ſhall not refuſe, to ſuffer death for Gods name.Heb. 13, 13Heb 13:13 Let vsus goe foorth of the Cittie (ſayth the Apoſtle) after the Lord Chriſte, bearing his opprobrie. Fyrſt, he dooth teach and admoniſhe vsus, that although the ſwordes are not already drawne to kyll vsus, or the fires kindled to broyle and burne vsus, yet that we cannot truelie be ioyned with the ſonne of GOD, ſo long as we hauehave the rootes of our thoughtes and deſyres, fixed in this world. Wherefore the Chriſtian muſt alwayes, although he be in quiet, hauehave one foote lyfted vp ready to the battell, and not onelie that, but alſo his minde muſt be vtterlie ſeperated from the world, although his body be therein. Although this at the firſt ſight, may ſéeme vnreaſonable, yet one ſaying of Saint Paule, We are all …lled to …ffer per…cution.ought to be ſufficient to perſwade vsus, for that we be called and appointed to this, to ſuffer perſecution. As though he ſhould ſaye: Such is the condition of our Chriſtianitie, that we muſt néeds enter in, and paſſe thorowe this way, if we will follow Chriſte.

In the means ſeaſon, to eaſe our infirmitie, and to mitigate the tediouſneſſe and heauineſſe, which perſecutions bringeth,…ll daun…ers to be …ffered for …e goſpell …ke. wee hauehave this great and ſwéete comfort, that wee ſuffering all theſe incommodities, opprobries and daungers of lyfe for the Goſpell, doo as it were ſet our féete, in euerie footeſteppe of Gods ſonne, and doo followe him as our Prince and guide.

If it had béene onelie ſayde vntounto vsus, that we muſt paſſe thorowe all the opprobries of the world to kéepe the Chriſtian profeſſion, and alſo ſuffer death fréelie and without feare, when ſoeuer Gods wyll were, mee thinke we ſhould hauehave had ſome colour to aunſwere and ſaye contrarie, that it is a thing diuers, and abhorring from our nature, to wander ſo without a guide. But ſéeing we are charged, and commaunded to followe the Lord Ieſus, his leading ought to ſéeme ſo right and honourable, that we hauehave no iuſt excuſe, to refraine or refuſe his commaundement.

But that we ſhould hauehave more earneſt louelove and deſire towardes this lawdable and healthfull example, it was not onelie ſayde, that Ieſus Chriſte dooth leade the way as guide and Prince, but alſo that we are made lyke vntounto his image.

For ſo Saint Paule in the Epiſtle to the Romanes ſpeaketh, That God hath choſen and called all them, Rom. 9.Rom 9whome he hath taken into the number of his chyldren, that they ſhould be lyke, and be faſhioned after the Image of him, which is appointed patterne, and head ouer all. What, are we ſo nice and tender, that we can, or will beare, and ſuffer nothing at all?

Then muſt we néeds refuſe Gods grace, whereby he calleth vsus to the hope of ſaluation, and leadeth vsus thereto by this way? For theſe two are ſo ioyned together, that the one can not be ſeperated from the other, that we be the members of Ieſus Chriſte, and that by meanes of this coniunction and communion, we be exerciſed with many afflictions and calamities. This ſame manner of our lyfe, is ſo ioyned with Gods ſonne, and ſuch conformity to him, we ought to eſtéeme more then we doo, and alſo to iudge it not, onelie by all wayes moſt woorthy to be profeſſed, but alſo to be followed.

…ffering …rſecution …r the goſ…lles ſake, … the iudg…ent of the …orld, is the …eateſt in…my wee … ſuffer.The ſuffering of callamities for the Goſpell, in the opinion and iudgement of the world, is the greateſt infamy, but ſéeing we knowe that all the vnfaithfull are ſo blinded, that they can ſée or rightlie iudge nothing at all, ought not we to hauehave cleare eyes, and to iudge more perfectlie? It is ſhame to be afflicted and vexed of them, that occupie the ſeate of iuſtice.

But Saint Paule dooth ſhewe vsus by his example, that we hauehave great occaſion, To glorie in the ſcarres of Ieſus Chriſt: and as it were in certaine markes imprinted in vsus, wherewith we being marked and deckte, God dooth acknowledge and receyue vsus for his ſeruaunts and elect. And we know this, that S. Luke doth rehearſe of Peter and Iohn, That they were verie glad and ioyfull, Acts. 5.41.Acts 5:41that they were thought woorthy to ſuffer for the Lord Ieſus name, ſlaunder, rebukes, and ſhame. Wherein two thinges may be ſéene contrarie in themſelues, ſhame, and honour, by this that the world running headlong in furie and madneſſe, dooth iudge againſt all reaſon, and by this meanes dooth chaunge the glorie of God with diſhonor and infamy. Let not vsus now diſdaine ſo to be deſpiſed, and to be rebuked of the world, that we maye héereafter obtaine with God & his Angels, honour, glory, and prayſe. We ſée what great labours ambitious men, taketh to obtayne the order of ſome King, and after they hauehave atchéeued it, what triumphes they make: but the ſonne of God dooth offer to vsus his order, and yet euerie one deſpiſeth it, and is turned with the whole power of the minde, to the vanitie of the world. I pray you, when we behaue our ſelues ſo proudlie, and vnthankefullie, are we woorthy to hauehave any thing common with him? Although our vnderſtanding can perceyue and comprehend nothing héerein, yet of a trueth, theſe are the proper and honourable badges and armes of heauenlie nobilite. Impriſonmentes, baniſhments, maledictions, after the opinion of men, bring nothing elſe then great ſhame and infamie. But what, doo they let vsus ſée, what God dooth iudge and pronounce of theſe thinges, ſauing our owne infidelitie? Wherfore we muſt labour, that the name of Gods ſonne be of ſuch aucthoritie, waight, and honour with vsus, as it is moſt worthy, that we thinke we are well and honourably dealt with all, that his burnes as it were certayne badges are printed in vsus, or elſe our vnthankfulneſſe can in no wiſe be borne. If God ſhould perſecute vsus after our merits, hath he not iuſt cauſe euerie daye, to chaſtiſe and puniſhe vsus infinite wayes? Yea ſurely, no deathes put vntounto vsus, were able to recompence the leaſt part of our miſchéefe. But of his great and infinite goodneſſe, he treadeth vnderunder foote all our ſinnes, and dooth vtterlie aboliſhe the ſame, and where as hee might puniſhe vsus according to the greatneſſe of our ſinnes, he hath inuented another meruailous waye, whereby the afflictions are traduced from our deſerued paine and puniſhment, to a great honour, and a certayne priuiledge, and ſingular benefit, becauſe that by the pertaking and ſuffering of them, we are receyued into the felowſhip of Gods ſonne. Maye it be otherwayes ſayd or iudged, then that we, ſéeing we deſpiſe and diſdaine this ſo excellent and bliſful condition and manner of lyuing, hauehave lyttle profited in Chriſtian doctrine? This is the cauſe why S. Peter, After he had moued vsus to liue a godly and holy life in the feare of God, 1 Pet. 4, 15.1…1 Pet 4:151 Pet 4:1farre from that lyfe, wherfore other men as theeues, whoremongers, adulterours, and menkillers ſuffer: By and by addeth this, If we muſt ſuffer as Chriſtian men, therein we giuegive glorie to God, for that great and ſingular benefite, which he hath beſtowed vponupon vsus.

Nor it is not for nothing, that the holie man ſpeaketh thus, what are we, I praye you, that we ſhould be witneſſes of Gods trueth, and as it were proctours appointed to defend his cauſe.

Beholde, we be myſerable men, as it were woormes of the earth, creatures full of vanities and lyes, yet God will hauehave his trueth defended by vsus, which is truely ſo great honour, that it ſéemeth not to pertaine to the Angelles in heauen. This one reaſon well conſidered, ought it not to enflame and ſtyrre vp our mindes, to offer our ſelues wholie to God, and to ſhew our whole endeuour, in ſo holie and excellent a matter to pleaſe him? And yet many cannot forbeare, but that they will ſpeake againſt God, or at the leaſt they will complaine, that he hath no greater regard to eaſe theyr imbecillitie.

It is a meruailous matter (ſaye they) that ſéeing God hath borne vsus thus much fauour, that he hath choſen vsus to be his chyldren, yet hee will ſuffer vsus to be ſo cruellie vexed and oppreſſed of wicked men. I doo yet aunſwere theſe men, that although we knewe no reaſon, why GOD dooth ſo deale with vsus, yet his aucthoritie ſhould be ſuch with vsus, that we ſhould apply, and conforme our ſelues to his wyll.

…eſus Chriſt … an exam…e to vsus.But now when we ſée Ieſus Chriſte to be ſet for an example to vsus, leaſt we ſhould ſéeke any other, ought we not to thinke our ſelues greatlie happy, that we be ſo drawne after his Image and lykeneſſe? Moreouer,God doo ſhewe vsus many cauſes why w… ſhould ſufer perſecution. God dooth ſet foorth and ſhewe plaine and manifeſt cauſes, wherfore he will hauehave vsus to ſuffer perſecution, among which, if there were none other, but that reaſon and aduertiſement, which Saint Peter giueth, We muſt needes be verie peeuiſhe and ſturdy, vnleſſe we be ſatiſfied therewith

This is his reaſon, that ſéeing gold and ſyluer, which are corruptible mettalles, are purged and tryed in the fyre, it is reaſon that our faith alſo, which in value excelleth all ritches, be tryed and approoued with ſuch perrilles of lyfe and gréeues.

He could by and by after our calling, without any conflict, and ſuffering of theſe callamities, hauehave crowned vsus. But as he would hauehave Chriſte to raigne in the middes of his enimies, euen ſo he would hauehave vsus alſo dwelling among the ſelfe ſame, to beare and ſuffer theyr violence and oppreſſion, vntyll we be delyuered, from theſe afflictions and callamities by him.

Ind I am not ignoraunt, that the fleſh wyll then greatlie ſpurne, and refuſe to be ruled, when it muſt be brought into this ſtate, but yet the will of God muſt rule all our thoughts and luſtes. If wée féele in our ſelues ſome contradiction and reſiſtaunce, it is not greatly to be meruailed at. For that is planted and engrauen in our nature, to flie the Croſſe. Yet let vsus not abyde ſtyll, in that tenderneſſe of the fleſhe, but let vsus goe on forewarde, knowing, that our obedience is thankefull and acceptable to GOD, ſo that we caſt downe our ſences and appetites, and doo ſo ſubdue them, that they be vnderunder his power.

Neyther did the Prophets and Apoſtles come to death with minde, that they dyd not perceyue theyr will to be againſt it, and enclining an other waye. They ſhall leade thee whether thou wouldeſt not, (ſayth our Lorde Ieſus to Peter.) So when ſuch feare of death dooth pricke our mindes, let vsus labour by all meanes, that we maye hauehave the ouerhande, or rather, that GOD maye ouercome: and in the meane while, let vsus thus perſwade our ſelues, that it is to him a moſt pleaſaunt Sacrifice, when we reſiſt our appetites, and doo ſo withſtande them, that by this meanes being ſubdued vnderunder his power, we may order and leade our lyfe after his will and pleaſure.

This is the chéefeſt and greateſt battell, wherevnto, God will hauehave all his, with all theyr power to applie, to the end they maye labour, to caſt downe and depreſſe, all that which dooth ſo much, exalt it ſelfe in theyr ſences, wittes and appetites, that it dooth carrie and withdrawe them from the way, which God doth ſhew to them.

In the meane ſeaſon, the conſolations are ſo great and weightie, that it can not be expreſſed, how much deintie cowardneſſe is in vsus, when we wexe faint hearted, and giuegive ouer for theſe perylles and troubles.

In olde tyme, the number was almoſte infinite of them, which for the deſyre of a Garland, made of corruptyble leaues, dyd refuſe no labour, payne, and wraſtlynge, and alſo dyd ſo ſuffer Death it ſelfe, that they might ſéeme, to hauehave theyr lyfe in no price.

…od dooth …repare for …is elect, a …owne of …mortall …lory.And yet there was none of them, but did contend chaunceably being vncertayne, whether he ſhould win, or loſe the game▪ GOD dooth ſet before vsus an immortal… crowne, wherein we maye obtaine his owne glorie. And he hath not appoynted vsus, an vncertayne and chaunceable conflict, but dooth promiſe ſuch a reward, to the which we ought to conferre all the counſayles, ſtudies, and deſires of our life. What is the cauſe, that wee are ſo faynt harted in the largeneſſe and woorthineſſe of this honour, which is certaine and eternall? Doo we thinke that this was ſpoken in vaine, that wee ſhall liue with Chriſte, if we be dead with him? The triumph is prepared for vsus, but we ſo much as we maye, doo flye from the conflict and battell. But this doctrine is ſuch, that it ſeemeth plainely to diſagrée with mans iudgement. This is true.

Neither alſo Chriſt, when he pronounceth them Bleſſed, Math. 5.10.Matt 5:10which ſuffer perſecution for righteouſneſſe ſake: dooth propound ſuch a ſentence, as the opinion of the world would alowe or receyue. Yea, he will hauehave vsus to thinke, that to be the chéefeſt felicitie, which we iudge the greateſt myſerie. We thinke our ſelues moſt myſerable, when God dooth ſuffer vsus to be afflicted and oppreſſed with the tyranny and crueltie of our enimies. But we doo wonderfully erre in this, that we ſet not before our eies Gods promiſes, which doo plainelie confirme vntounto vsus, that all thinges ſhall come to our profite, ioy, and ſaluation. We caſt downe our ſtomacks and diſpayre, when we ſée wicked and naughtie men, to hauehave the vpperhand on vsus, and to doo that cruelty to vsus, that they ſéeme to treade downe our necke with theyr féete.

But this ſame moſt cruell vexation of the wicked, and ſo great trouble and confuſion of things, as Saint Paul warneth, Ought rather to confirme our mindes, rayſe vp, and lyft them into heauen. For becauſe of our owne nature, we are bent to the ſtudy, and louelove of thinges preſent, and are ſo enflamed, that with our whole knowledge, minde, and cogitation, we are occupied in to much lyuing and vſing this vanitie: God, when he ſuffereth vsus to be thus euill vexed and handled, and the wicked to growe and flouriſhe in all thinges, dooth teach and admoniſhe vsus by theſe plaine and notable ſignes of his moſt iuſt iudgement, that, that daye ſhall once come, when all thinges that be now troubled and confuſed, ſhalbe ſetled. But if that ſame time ſeeme farre and long too, let vsus flie to that remedy, and let vsus not flatter our ſelues in our vice. For this is certayne, that we hauehave no faith at all, vnleſſe we caſt the eyes of our minde, to the honourable comming of Ieſus Chriſt.

And becauſe God would leaue out no conſideration, that might be apt to mooue and ſtyrre vsus, he dooth ſet foorth on the one part promiſes, on the other part threatninges. Doo we féele, that the promiſes of God hauehave not force inough, and aucthoritie in vsus? To confirme them withall, let vsus ioyne thereto the threatnings. We ſhewe our ſelues woonderouſlie froward, ſince we beléeue Gods promiſes no more then we doo. When the Lorde Ieſus Chriſt ſayth, He will acknowledge vsus for his owne, Math. 10, 32 Luke. 2.Matt 10:32Luke 2and confeſſe ſo of vsus before his Father, ſo that we alſo confeſſe him before men: what ſhould let vsus, to giuegive to him that confeſſion, which he requireth of vsus?

The worſt they can d… vsus, is to tak… away our liues.When men hauehave doone all they can, the wurſt they maye doo, is to take away our liues. How precious then ſhall the heauenly life be vntounto vsus, when it is compared with this preſent life, which is loſt? It is not my purpoſe in this place, to collect all the promiſes ſet foorth in the ſcripture, to this ende. Yet ſince they be repeated, and ſo oftentymes renued vntounto vsus, we ought ſo to be exerciſed, not onelie in reading, but alſo in the knowledge, and conſolation of them, that we might be as it were died, and ſurelie confirmed in them.

But if when the plague hangeth ouer our heads, thrée or fowre of them are not ſufficient, to confirme and ſtrengthen vsus, truelie, an hundreth ſhould be ſufficient, to ouercome all aduerſe and contrarie temptations. But if GOD with theſe great ſwéete promiſes, can not entiſe and drawe vsus to him, are we not verie great dullardes, and betle heades, when neyther the ſeuere threatninges, can worke any more in vsus? Ieſus Chriſte dooth appoynt a daye, to accuſe all them before his Father, Which denye the trueth, for feare of looſing this life: Luke. …, 2for whome he declareth deſtruction, both of body and ſoule to be prepared. Alſo in an other place he proteſteth, that he will refuſe all manner of communion of them, That deny him before men. Theſe words,…h. 10, 32 vnleſſe we be vtterlie voide of all ſence,Gods …d dooth … terrifie … mindes, …hing I terrifie …n. ought vehementlie to mooue our minds, and ſo to fray vsus that for feare the heaires of our head ſhould ſtart vp. But how ſoeuer it be, vnleſſe we be ſo affected and mooued, as the greatneſſe of the matter and daunger requireth, there remayneth nothing elſe for vsus, but to looke for horrible and moſt myſerable confuſion: wherin we may excuſe our fault, ſo much as we luſt, and we may ſaye, that in this great frayltie and weakeneſſe of nature, we rather are woorthy of merciemercy, then of any ſeueritie & ſharpneſſe of puniſhment, it will not ſerue. For it is written on the contrarie part,…br. 11. …at faith That Moſes after he had ſeene God by faith: was ſo hardned and ſtrengthened, that no violence of temptation could melt his minde, and bend him from that great conſtancie. Wherefore, when we be ſo tender and flexible, that there appeare in vsus no power of firme and conſtaunt minde, we ſignifie and declare plainlie, that we be vtterlie ignoraunt of God and his kingdome. Alſo, when we are warned, that we ought to be ioyned and coupled with our head, we hauehave gotten a goodly colour, to exempt and ſeperate our ſelues from him, if we ſay we are men. And were not they that were before vsus, men ſo well as we are? Yea, if we had nothing elſe, but euen the bare doctrine of godlineſſe, yet were all the excuſes that we can bring, weake, and of no value. But now are we woorthy more greater checke and condemnation, ſince we hauehave ſo great and notable examples, whoſe great aucthorite, ought vehemently to excite and confirme our minds. There are two chéefe partes,Two parte… to be conſidered. of this our exhortation, or conſolation to be conſidered. The firſt is, that this hath béene a common ſtate to the vniuerſal body of the Church, alwayes, and euer ſhall be to the end of the world, that it was vexed with ſuch iniuries, and contumelies of the wicked, as it is reported in the Pſalm:Pſa. 129.2,Ps 129:2 They hauehave vexed me euen from my youth hytherto, and hauehave drawne a plough ouer and ouer, euerie part of my backe. The holy Ghoſt in this place, dooth bring in the olde Church, ſpeaking on this wiſe, that it ſhould not ſéeme now vntounto vsus, a newe thing nor greeuous, if we ſée in theſe daies our cauſe and condition to be lyke. Saint Paule alſo reciting the ſame place of an other Pſalme, where it is ſayd, We were as it were ſheepe ledde to the ſlaughter:…al. 44.22. dooth declare that this pertained not onelyonly to one age, but it was and ſhall be the common, vſuall, and continuall ſtate of Chriſtes Church. So that if we ſée in this time, the Church to be ſo handled & vexed, by the inſolencie and pride of the wicked, that ſome bark at her, ſome bite her, many afflict her, and alwayes inuent ſome miſchéefe, and peſtilent deſtruction to her, yea & ſet vponupon her without ceaſing, as it were mad dogges, and wilde rauening beaſts, let vsus call to remembrance, that ſhe was ſo vexed, afflicted, & oppreſſed in all times before. God dooth giuegive vntounto her ſometime, ſome reſt and refreſhing, and as it were a time of truce. And this is that which is ſpoken in the Pſalme aboue alleadged,…ſal. 2.3. The righteous Lord doth cut in ſunder the cordes of the wicked: And in another place, That he breaketh theyr rod, …ſa. 125.3.5.leaſt the good being too much preſſed, ſhould faint, and moue their hands to iniquitie. But God would alwayes hauehave his Church to be toſt in this world, and as it were alwaies in a certaine conflict, reſeruing for her quiet reſt in heauen. The end of theſe afflictions was alwayes bleſſed, yea truly, God wrought this, that the Church alwayes preſſed, with many and great diffycult calamities, was neuer vtterly oppreſſed. As it is ſayd in another place, the wicked with all theyr labour, dyd neuer obtaine that they deſyred. S. Paule alſo, dooth ſo glorie, of lyke happie end & iſſue of afflictions, that he ſheweth this grace of God to be perpetuall in his Church. We (ſayth he) are preſt with all kinde of afflictions, 2. Cor. 42 Cor 4but we are not kylled with ſorrowe and care: we lyue in great neede and pouertie, yet are we not forſaken, we are caſt downe, but we perish not, alwaies carrying about the mortification of our Lord Ieſus Chriſte, that his life alſo may be declared in our mortall body.

This iſſue and end, as we ſée that God hath alwayes made it happy and proſperous, in the perſecutions of the Church, ought to bolden vsus, ſeeing we know that our fathers, who alſo acknowledged their frayltie and weakeneſſe, had alwayes the victorie ouer theyr enimies, becauſe they continued conſtaunt in patiencie.

I doo entreate this firſt part of my exhortation bréefely, that I maye come the ſooner to the ſecond, which dooth more pertaine to the purpoſe. And that is, that we applie certaine examples of the Martyrs, which were before vsus, to our conſolation and comfort. And in this kinde or number, there be not two or thrée, but a great and thicke clowde, as the Apoſtle writeth to the Hebrues. Whereby he ſignifieth, That there is ſo great a multitude of them, … 1.12.which hath ſuffered for the teſtimony of the trueth, that ſo well the aboundaunce of excellent examples. As the moſt graue aucthoritie ought to prouoke vsus to contentation, patiencie, and moderation of minde.

And leaſt my Oration ſhould wexe too long, in heaping vp together an infinite multitude of examples, I will onelie ſpeake of theſe Iewes, which ſuffered moſt gréeuous perſecution for the true religion,…euous …ſecutions …ered by … Iewes. both vnderunder the tyranny of King Antiochus, & alſo ſhortlie after his death. We cannot ſay, that then the number of the afflicted men was ſmal, when a great mighty army as it were of Martyrs, was prepared to maintaine and defend the religion. Neyther can we alledge that they were certayne excellent Prophets, whom God hath choſen forth and ſeperated from the common ſort of people: for there were women, boyes, and infantes, alſo in that number of Martyrs. Neither wyll wee ſay, that they paſſed thorow the perſecution, onelyonly with ſome lyght loſſe, without great peryll of lyfe, without great paines and torments of bodies, ſéeing, there was no kinde of crueltie vnprooued in afflicting, vexing, and tormenting them.

Let vsus heare alſo what the Apoſtle dooth ſaye of them, and dooth ſet foorth for vsus to followe.Hebr. 11.36, 37, 3…Heb 11:36Heb 11:37Heb 11:3 Some (ſayth he) were hanged vp lyke belles, and ſtretched, deſpiſing to be delyuered, that they might obtayne a better reſurrection: Other were prooued with opprobrious wordes and ſtripes, or with bonds and priſonment: Other were ſtoned, or cutte in ſunder, or kylled with the ſword: Otherſome went wandering hyther and thether, thorowe hylles and caues of the earth.

Let vsus now come to make compariſon betwixt them and vsus.…ompa…n be…en them … vsus. If they ſuffered ſo many and great torments for the trueth, which was as then but obſcure, what ought we to doo in this great lyght, which hath ſhined vntounto vsus in this tyme? God ſpeaketh vntounto vsus now, as with ful mouth. The greateſt gate of the kingdom of heauen, is made open vntounto vsus. Ieſus Chriſte comming from heauen vntounto vsus, dooth ſo call vsus to him, that we hauehave him preſent as it were before our eyes. Into howe great ingratitude, and ſhamefull wickedneſſe ſhall we runne into, if we hauehave leſſe ſtomacke and louelove, to beare and ſuffer for the Goſpell, then they had which dyd beholde the promiſes of God, but as it were a farre off, who had but a very lyttle doore opened to enter into y^e kingdome of God, who had receiued onelyonly a remembraunce and obſcure teſtimony, in figures of Ieſus Chriſte?…at mat… cannot … declared … they …ght. Theſe great matters cannot be declared, & expreſſed with any wordes, as they be worthy. Wherfore I leaue them, to be weighed in eueryevery mans thoughtes and meditations. This doctrine as it hath a cōmon and vniuerſall reaſon, ſo it muſt be referred to the exerciſe, and order of eueryevery mans life. But eueryevery man muſt apply it, to his proper vſe & profite, apt for his owne conſolation. And I ſpeake this for this cauſe, leaſt that they which ſée themſelues to be in no manifeſt peryll, ſhould ſuppoſe this doctrine to be vaine, & not to pertaine to them. Now they are not in the handes of tyrantes: but what know they, how GOD will deale with them heereafter? Therfore we muſt be of the minde, that if any perſecution, which we looked not for, happen vntounto vsus, that we fall not thereinto vnwares & vnprouided, but that wee come to it, prepared long before hand. But I feare, there be many death eares, to whome this my oration is made, without fruit. For they that liue in quiet, hauing all things at will, are ſo far from preparing themſelues, to take & ſuffer death when néed ſhalbe, that they hauehave no care nor thought of ſeruing God at all. But this ought to be all our ſtudy continually, eſpecially, in theſe great troubleſome times, wherein we liue in great peril.

In the meane time, they whome God calleth to ſuffer, for the teſtimony of his name, muſt thinke in very déed, that they were prepared long before, and brought to this ſufferaunce of euylles, by the motion and certaine iudgement of the ſpirite, that they might beare themſelues therin boldlie and conſtantlie. Then alſo they muſt dilligently call to their remembrance all the exhortations which they hauehave heard before, and be ſo ſtyrred vp with aduertiſement of them, as the valiant Soldiour to take his armour, when he heareth the Trumpet blowe. But what ſeeke we? Truely in theſe perilles we doo nothing elſe:…erſecution is a …ouchſtone. but ſéeke ſhiftes and wayes how to eſcape. I meane this by the moſt part of men. For this ſame perſecution is as it were a touch ſtone, wherewith God dooth trie and prooue, who …e his: but there are few found of that faith, courage, and godlyneſſe towardes God, that they will offer themſelues franckly and fréely vntounto death, for his names ſake This is a thing almoſt incredible, that they which doo glorie, that they hauehave ſome knowledge in the Goſpell, are ſo impudent and vnſhamefaſt, they wyll vſe ſuch cauillations.

Some wyll ſay, what ſhall it auayle to confeſſe our faith before thoſe ſtubborne ſtyfnecked men, which are purpoſed to warre againſt God himſelfe? Is not this to caſt pearles before Swine? As who would ſaye, Ieſus Chriſte dooth not moſt plainlie declare, that he dooth require of vsus the confeſſion of his name, yea, among moſt peruerſe and wicked men? But if this our teſtimony doo nothing profite to theyr edifying, yet ſhall it profite to theyr confuſion. Alwayes the confeſſion of our faith, dooth ſauour ſwéetlie before God, although it bring death and deſtruction to wicked men. There be other alſo which will ſay this, what ſhall our death profite, when it ſhall ſéeme to giuegive more offence, then vtilitie? As though God hath left to themſelues frée choyſe to dye when they wil, or when they ſhall thinke it the moſt apt time of death? But we contrariwiſe doo obey him, but as for the fruite that muſt come by our death, we leaue to the hand and prouidence of God.

Wherfore the chriſtian muſt moſt chéefly in what place ſoeuer he be,Euerie ma… muſt liue in that ſimplicity and integritie, that God requireth. dilligentlie ſee, that he liue in that ſimplicitie & integrity that God requyreth, and that he be not brought from the minde & manner of godly and holy lyfe, at any time with any daungers or threatnings. Let him eſchue ſo much as is poſſible, the raging madnes of the woolues, ſo that the ſame warineſſe be not ioyned with the prudence and craftineſſe of the fleſhe.

We ought … commit …ur lyfe in… Gods …and.Firſt of all let him doo this, that he giuegive ouer and reſigne his lyfe into the handes of God the moſt faithfull kéeper. When he hath ordayned and kept dilligently, this manner and faſhion of lyfe, if afterward he fall into the handes of enimies, let him thinke and perſwade himſelfe, that he is brought into that place of God, for this cauſe, that he maye hauehave him a witneſſe of his ſonne. Therefore, ſeeing he is called and brought to the confeſſion, by the certayne decree of God, there is no way to goe backe, vnleſſe he will be vnfaithfull vntounto him, to whome we hauehave promiſed, all our endeuours both to lyue and die: yea, whoſe we are, although we had promiſed nothing at all.

I meane not héereby to driue eueryevery man of neceſſitie, at all tymes, to giuegive a full and perfect confeſſion of theyr Faith, no, not ſometymes when they be aſked. For I knowe, what meaſure and moderation Saint Paule vſed, who was ready with heart and minde to defend the Goſpell, as any other.

Neyther was this ſpoken by the Lord Ieſus, and promiſed without a cauſe, that God would giuegive vsus in that tyme & matter, a mouth and prudence. As though he would hauehave ſayde, the office of the holie Ghoſt, is not onlie to confirme vsus that we maye be willing, bolde and ſtrong, but alſo it conſiſteth in giuing vsus iudgement, prudence, and counſayle, how we may, as it becommeth, gouerne and rule our ſelues, in ſo great and ſo harde a matter. Trulie, this whole Treatiſe is to this ende, that they that be in ſuch diſtreſſes, ſhould deſire and receyue from heauen, that moderation and prudence, not following the counſayle of the fleſhe, to ſéeke ſome ſhiftes to eſcape. But there be that doo obiect in this place, that the Lord Ieſus, yea, when he was aſked, would make to them no aunſwer. But I ſay, that this ſuffiſeth not to take away that rule, which he hath giuen to vsus, to witneſſe our faith, then when the confeſſion thereof is neceſſarilie required. Furthermore, that he did neuer diſſemble or kéepe ſilence, for this purpoſe to ſaue his lyfe. Laſt of all, that he dyd neuer make ſo doubtfull an aunſwere, but that it contayned an apte teſtimony, of that which he had ſpoken before, or elſe did firſt ſatiſfie them, that laye in waite to marke bothe his wordes and déedes. Wherefore, let all Chriſtians be well perſwaded, and ſure of this thing, that no man ought more to eſtéeme his life, then the teſtimony of the truth, wherin God will hauehave the prayſe, and glorie of his name to appeare.

What this word, Martyr, ſignifieth.Is it without cauſe, that he calleth all thoſe his witneſſes (for this dooth the word Martyr ſignifie) who are brought to make aunſwer before the enimies, of Faith and Religion? Or is not this rather the cauſe, for that he would vſe all theyr ſpeaking, and whole courſe of lyfe, to the confeſſion of his name? Wherein euerie man muſt not ſo looke to his neighbour and fellowe, that he will ſeeme to doo nothing at all, without his example and teſtimony. And this curioſitie is ſo much the more to be eſchued, becauſe we are prone to this vice of our owne nature. Peter when he heard of Chriſte, That he ſhould be ledde in his olde age, whether he would not, he enquired what should become of Iohn his fellowe and companion. There is none of vsus, which to auoide peryl and daunger, would not gladly make aunſwere in that wiſe, becauſe when we ſhould ſuffer any thing, by and by this commeth into our minde, what is the cauſe wherefore I ſhould ſuffer more then others? But Ieſus Chriſte dooth counſayle and admoniſh otherwiſe vsus all in common, and euerie man priuatlie, to be prepared and ready, that as he calleth one or other, ſo euerie man come foorth in his order. And I hauehave ſhewed this before, that we ſhall be vnarmed and vnprepared, to take and ſuffer Martyrdome, vnleſſe we be fenſed and armed with the promiſes of God.

Now remaineth to declare plentifully ſuch promiſes, not that we wyll ſet foorth euerie one exactlie, but to ſhewe the cheefe and moſt excellent thing, which GOD would hauehave vsus to hope for, to comfort vsus in our callamities. And there be thrée ſuch thinges: the firſt, that ſéeing all the tymes both of our lyfe and death, doo conſiſt in his hand, he will ſo defend vsus by his power, That not one heaire of our head shall fall, but after his will. Wherefore, all faithfull men ought thus to be perſwaded, in whoſe hands ſo euer they be toſſed, that God in no wiſe wil lay aſide that gouernaunce and cuſtody, which he hath taken vppon him for them with ſo great care.

If this perſwaſion of Gods fatherlie care, and prouidence did reſt and cleaue déepe in our hearts, we ſhould be deliuered out of hande, of the greateſt parte of theſe doubtes and difficulties, which doo now trouble and hinder our duetie. We behold now the bitterneſſe of the tyrants, and vnbridled crueltie, brawling péeuiſhlie in all ſharpneſſe of puniſhments. And heereby we iudge, that God hath no more care, nor regard, to defend and kéepe vsus in ſafetie. And therefore we be ſo ſtyrred and prouoked, by our owne reaſons to look and prouide for our ſelues, as though the whole hope of Gods helpe and ſuccour were cleane taken away. But on the other part, the ſo great prouidence of God, as he hath ſhewed vntounto vsus, ought to be vntounto vsus like a ſtrong fenſed Caſtle, which can be ouercommen with no power. Let vsus therefore learne & holde faſt, this ſhort ſentence, that our bodies are in his hand and power, who alſo did create them.

And this is the cauſe, wherfore God hath deliuered his, after a meruailous ſort, and contrarie to the opinion and hope of all men, as Sydrach, Miſach, and Abednego, Dani. 3.26. Dani. 6.20foorth of the burning Ouen: Daniell out the Lyons denne: Peter out of Herodes priſon, wherein he was ſhutte and watched, and dillygentlye faſte bounde in chaines.

By theſe examples, he would declare vntounto vsus, that he could ſtaye our enimies, as it were with a certayne bridle, and that hee had that power, that when hee would, hee could preſerue, and as it were plucke vsus out of the mouth of Death it ſelfe. Not that hée dooth alwayes thus delyuer his from ſuch perylles, but of right, hauing the aucthoritie to appoint our life and death, he wyll hauehave vsus perſwaded, that we are ſo continued and kept vnderunder his cuſtodie and tuition, that whatſoeuer the tyrauntes doo inuent, or with what furie ſoeuer they ſet vppon vsus, yet it is onelie in his hande, to appoint lyfe or death: and therefore this matter ought onelie to be referred to his wyll.

But if hée ſuffer the tyrauntes to kyll vsus, yet our lyfe is vntounto him deare, and much more ſet by of him, then it is woorthy.

The which he dyd plainly declare to be ſo, when he pronounced by the mouth of Dauid, …l. 116.15.That the death of his Saints was honorable and precious in his ſight. And alſo when he ſayde by Eſaie, …y. 26.21.That the earth it ſelfe should shewe foorth the blood that was shedde, which ſeemeth altogether hidden. Nowe then let the enimies of the Goſpell, be as bountifull and prodigall in ſhedding the Martyrs blood, as they will, yet this muſt be, that they ſhall make a reckoning, and horrible account of the effuſion, of that déere and precious blood, yea, euen to the vttermoſt droppe.

…owe the …apiſts doo …lory when …hey burne …he faithful.But now, in this tyme they doo ſcornfully and proudly laugh, when they burne the faithfull men, and after they hauehave dypte and waſhed themſelues in theyr blood, they become ſo dronken, that they care nothing at all, what murthers they doo. But if we will hauehave this ſtaye and moderation of minde, that we can patiently abide▪ God wyll at the laſt declare, that it was not without a cauſe, that he ſo greatly eſteemed our life, and had it in ſo great honour.

In the meane while, let vsus not take it to gréefe, if it be nowe beſtowed to confirme and garniſhe the Goſpell, which excelleth heauen and earth in woorthineſſe. And that we may be more ſurely perſwaded, that God will neuer leaue vsus, as abiect…s in the handes of the enimies, let vsus not forgette the ſame ſaying of Ieſus Chriſte, wherein he ſayth:Acts. 9.4.Acts 9:4 That it is he himſelfe, whome men doo perſecute in his members. God ſayde before by Zacharie: Who ſo toucheth you, Zacha. 2, 8.toucheth the ſight of mine eye. This is much more expreſſed, if we ſuffer for the Goſpel ſake, it is euen as the ſonne of GOD himſelfe were, and ſuffered in that affliction.

Therefore let vsus thinke ſo, that Ieſus Chriſte muſt forget himſelfe, if he ſhould hauehave no care and thought of vsus at that tyme, when we be in priſon and daunger of lyfe for his cauſe and glorie: and let vsus alſo knowe that God wyll take all the contumelies and iniuries, as doon againſt his owne ſonne.

Let vsus come to the ſecond place of conſolation, which is one of the greateſt among Gods promiſes: that is, that God wyll ſo holde vsus vp with the vertue of his ſpirite in theſe afflictions, that our enimies whatſoeuer they doo, nor Sathan theyr chéefe captaine, ſhall in any thing goe away with the vpper hand. And trulie, we doo ſée howe in that neceſſitie, he dooth ſhew the ſuccour and helpes of his grace. For the inuincible ſtoutneſſe and conſtancie of minde, which is ſéene in the true Martyrs, is a notable token of that ſame moſt mightie power which God vſeth in his Saints.

…wo things …eeuous in …rſecution.There be two thinges in perſecutions gréeuous, tedious, and intollerable to the fleſhe, whereof, the one conſiſteth in the checkes and rebukes of men, the other, in the payne and torment of the body.…od dooth …omiſe his …lpe in …th kinds. In both theſe kindes of temptations, GOD dooth promiſe ſo his aſſiſtaunce, that we ſhall eaſily ouercome all the infamy, and violence of the gréefes and paynes. And truelie, what he promyſeth, he dooth perfourme in déede, with moſt manifeſt and aſſured helpe.

Let vsus then take this buckler to defend vsus againſt all feare, and let vsus not meaſure the power of Gods ſpirits ſo ſlenderly, that we ſhould not thinke and beléeue, that he wyll eaſily ouercome all the iniuries, bitterneſſe, and contumelies of men. And of this diuine and inuinſible operation, among all other, we hauehave a notable example in this our age.

A certayne young man, who liued godlilie héere with vsus in this Cittie,The great conſtancie of the yo… man. when he was taken at Dornicke, was condemned with this ſentence, that if he would deny the confeſſion of his Faith, he ſhould be but beheaded,Queſtion▪ but if he perſeuered in his purpoſed opinion, he ſhould be burned. When he was aſked, whether he would doo, he aunſwered plainly:Aunſwer. he who wyll giuegive me this grace to dye patientlie for his name, wyll alſo worke by the ſelfeſame grace, that I maye abide broyling and burning.

We ought to take this ſentence, not as pronounced of a mortall man, but of the holy Ghoſt, that we ſhould thinke, that GOD can ſo well confirme, and make vsus ouercome all paines and tormentes, as to mooue vsus to take any other kinde of méeker death in good parte. Yea, we ſée alſo oftentymes, what conſtancie he giueth to euyll and wicked men, who ſuffer for theyr euill déedes and wickedneſſe.

I doo not ſpeake of ſuch, as be obſtinate and hardned in theyr wickedneſſe, which hauehave no repentaunce, but of them which doo perceyue conſolation by the grace of Ieſus Chriſte, and ſo doo take and ſuffer quietlie, and with good will, moſt gréeuous and ſharpe paine: and as we ſée a notable example in that theefe,…ke 23. who turned at the death of our Lord Ieſus Chriſt. Will God, who aſſiſteth with ſo great power wicked men, that ſuffer condignly for theyr euill actes, forſake them who defend his cauſe, and will he not rather giuegive them inuinſible power?

…hat fruit … Martirs …ght to …oke for.The thyrd place of promiſes, which God promiſeth to his Martyrs, is the fruite which they ought to looke for of theyr ſuffering, and of death it ſelfe, if néede ſo require. But this fruite is, that after they hauehave ſet foorth and honoured Gods name, and edified his Church with their teſtimony, they may be gathered together, in immortall glorie, with the Lord Ieſus: But becauſe we hauehave ſpoken largely enough before, of this reward of eternall glorie, it is now ſufficient, to renue the memorie of thoſe thinges that are already ſpoken.

Wherefore, let the faithfull learne to reare vp theyr heads to the crowne of immortall glorie, wherevnto God dooth call them, let them not take the loſſe of this lyfe gréeuouſlie, conſidering the greatnes, and woorthines of the reward. And that they maye be ſure, and perfectly perſwaded of this ſo great a good thing, as cannot be expreſſed with any ſpéeche, nor in thought to be comprehended, nor with any honour enough to be eſtéemed, let them hauehave continually before theyr eyes, this lyke and conformable reaſon with our Lord Ieſus Chriſte, that in death it ſelfe they beholde lyfe, as he by ignominie of the Croſſe, and infamie, came to glorious reſurrection, wherein all our felicitie, triumphe and ioye conſyſteth. Amen.

FINIS.

End of the text · John Calvin, Two Godly and Learned Sermons (1584)