Consolations for the Afflicted, Book 2 · Chapter 14
CHAP. XIIII.
That God by our afflictions doth much aduance the good of our neighbours.
THe other end of our afflictions is ourSect. 1. That our neighbours hauehave good by our afflictions as they learne by them to feare God in his iudgements. owne good, or the good of the elect; and that whether we consider our neighbors, or our selues. For the Lord our great King and commander respecteth vsus, not only as we are priuate and particular men, but as we are subiects of the same kingdome, and members of the same body: and therefore as he doth communicate his benefits vntounto vsus, not for priuate vse alone, but for the good of the whole christian common wealth; so also he inflicteth his chastisements vponupon the particular members of this body and society, that they may redound to the vse and benefit of all the rest. And this the heathen man couldPlato in Gorg. discerne by the light of nature; calamities (saith he & punishments are very profitable both to those that suffer them, & those that see them; for both by them are made better, they by paine, and these by example. As therfore the skilful Musition doth strain his strings not to break them, but to bring them to their perfect sound, that not only himselfe, but also all the standers by may take delight in their melodious harmony: so the Lord doth, as it were, stretch and straine vsus with troubles and afflictions, not to cracke our patience, or to breake vsus with their stresse, but to bring vsus to our best perfection, that not only he may delight in vsus when we sound out vntounto him, the harmonious musick of his praises, but also may make all our neighbours the better with the sweetnes of our melodie. But this will better appeare if we insist in some particulars; for first others receiue benefit by the afflictions of the faithfull, in that they learne hereby to feare God, when as they see his righteous iudgements, seeing he winketh not at sinne in those who are dearest vntounto him, but whippeth and chasteneth them for their amendment; and therefore if he so seuerely correct the slips and infirmities of those whom he so tenderly loueth, how grieuously will he punish the hainous crimes of wicked men who are as yet at enmity with him: vnlesse they preuent their destruction by vnfained repentance? according to that of the Apostle; If iudgement begin at Gods owne house and family, 1. Pet 4. 17.what shall be the end of them that obey not the Gospell? If he deale so sharpely with those whom he iustifieth and acquitteth, what rigour are they to expect who shall appeare before him in their guilt of sinne at the last iudgemen? If hee make them thus to smart for their sinnes whom he loueth, & in whom his soule delighteth; what torments hath he prepared, for those whom he hateth and abhorreth? But especially they receiue fruite and benefit by their afflictions, who are of the same society and houshould of faith; for as in the same familie, when one of the children or seruants are iustly corrected for their faul…s, it moueth all the rest (if they hauehave any grace in them) to reuerence the father & master of the family, and to carry themselues so, as they may auoide his displeasure; and as schollers in the same schole, when they see one of their fellowes whipped for their negligence, doe (being warned by his example) become the more diligent in learning their lesson: so the children and seruants of God, and disciples of Iesus Christ, when they see any of their company chastened by the hand of God they are moued hereby to feare and reuerence him, seeing hee is such an one as will not bee dallied with, but expecteth and requireth obseruance and duty of all whom he admitteth into his house, and family.
Secondly, others take profit by the afflictions of the§ Sect. 2. Secondly, our afflictions benefit others, as they serue to restraine them from committing the same sinne which they see punished in vsus. faithfull, whilest by their example they are restrained from the committing of sinne, especially of those faults which they see corrected in their fellowes, least they also tast of the same cuppe: and that the rather, because if they take not warning by their chastisements, they are iustly to expect double payment, both because they are culpable of the same faults, and because they are not reformed by their example. For as the wise commander, finding a great parte of his army guilty of such faults, as are by no mea…e… to goe vnpunished, and yet is so gracious, that hee will not hauehave all suffer the same punishment who are guilty of the same offence, as not ayming at their smart and paine, but at their reformation and amendement, doth decimate, or cull out the tenth person of the delinquents, whom hee chasteneth, for the example of all the rest: so our Lord of hoasts, and captaine generall, seeing many in the Church militant, guilty of the same faults, and on the one side, k…wing that conniuency would emboulden his souldiers in sinne, worke neglect of duty, and bring all disorder and confusion in his roiall armie, and on the other side, being in his owne nature so gracious, that hee will not let his corrections exceede necessity, either in their measure, or extent,; doth vsually chasten one, of many that offend, that by his example the rest may bee brought to amendment. But if any vn…ouched, take no warning by others corrections, and continue in his faultines, though God hath giuen him this meanes to reforme him, then is hee like to hauehave his punishment doubled, and to suffer both for his sinne, a…d his secure neglect of Gods seuerity to others, and mercy to himselfe. And thus God chastened seuerely Moses, and Aaron for their diffidence and distrust in his prouidence, that others might beware of the like infidelity: thus hee sharply corrected Dauid for his adultery, and murther, that others by his example might flee vncleanes, and the shedding of inocent blood. So he turned Lots wife into a pillar of salt, that others by her example might take heede of too much worldlines, and louelove of earthly things: to which purpose our Sauiour bids vsus to remember Lots wife, that being warned by herLuk. 17. 32. punishment, wee doe not as wee are traueiling out of this Sodom of sinne, for the safegard of our soules, looke backe to the baits of worldly vanities, which will but allure vsus to thinke of returning. For to what end (as oneVt quid enim in statuam s…lis versa est, si non homines condit vt sapiant? ergo exemplum illius malum, tibi sit bonum si caueris. Aug. in Psal. 83. enar. saith) was shee turned into a piller of salt, but that being seasoned with her example, wee might become the wiser? and therefore her ill example becommeth good vntounto thee, if thou takest warning by it. But most plainely is this expressed by the Apostle Paul, who hauing spoken of many sinnes committed by the Israelites in the wildernes, and withall of those great crosses and calamities which the Lord for these offences inflicted on them; saith, that all these things came vponupon them for ensamples, 1. Cor. 10. 6. 11.and were written to admonish vsus, vponupon whom the ends of the world are come, to the intent that wee should not lust after euill things, as they also lusted.
Thirdly, others are much benefited by the afflictions§ Sect. 3. Thirdly, our afflictions profit our neighbours, as they serue to manifest Gods graces in vsus, and make vsus examples of piety vntounto them. of the faithfull, because in their fiery triall, Gods graces and gifts clearly shining in them, they are made vntounto them notable examples, and presidents for their imitation. For the Lord pitying our ignorance in the way of vertue, especially when it lieth through the deserts of afflictions, and knowing how vncouth in it selfe it is vntounto vsus, doth cause others whom hee hath taught this way, to goe before vsus (euen as hee causeth vsus also when wee hauehave learned it, to goe before others, who follow after vsus) that the path being beaten and made plaine, may more easily bee found of those who are to trauaile it. For example, thus doth the Lord by afflictions make manifest the faith, affiance, hope, louelove, patience, obedience, and such like graces, which hee hath bestowed vponupon others, that wee admiring and louing them, may seeke and labour after them, and so carry our selues alike vertuously when wee come into the like trials; and as a man hauing lighted a candle, doth not hide it in a hole, or as our Sauiour speaketh, put it vnderunder a bushell; but setteth it in a candlesticke, that by the light thereof, they of the family may bee guided, and directed; so the Lord hauing put into these chosen lampes, the oile of his graces, which being kindled with the fire of afflictions, doth giuegive a great and glorious light, he would not hauehave them to shine to themselues alone, or to the Lord, who delighteth in their brightnesse, but hee placeth them like lights on a hill, which giuegive direction to all passengers, or like candles on a table for the vse and benefit of the whole family. And thus God tried Abraham when he willed him to sacrificeGen. 22. his sonne, that wee by his example might learne faith and obedience, if wee should bee called to the same rriall. Thus hee tried Moses, both with the prosperity, and afflictionsHeb. 11. 25▪ of Aegypt, that wee might learne to make his election, chusing rather to suffer aduersity with the people of God, then to enioy the pleasures of sinne for a season: and esteeme the rebuke of Christ, greater riches, then th… treasures of this earthly Aegypt, because we hauehave respect to the recompence of reward. Thus was Dauid afflicted, that wee might learne by his example, when we are in our greatest distresses, and fors…k…n of all worldly helpe, to comfort our selues in the Lord our God; and when1. Sam 30. 6. we are in most desperate dangers, to humble our selues before him, and to submit our willes and states vntounto his good pleasure, saying, Behold here I am, let him doe mee 2. Sam 1. 5. 26.as seemeth good in his eies. Thus God afflicted Iob, that hee might bee vntounto vsus a patterne of patience, and that we might learne by his example to praise God in all our l…sses, and though hee should kill vsus, yet to put our trust in Iob 1. 21. and 13. 15.him. As also that by so gracious a c…uerance of …m out of such great troubles and miseries, wee may bee assured that God who is euer one, & the same, without change or shadowe of change, will also deliuer vsus if wee waite and depend vponupon him. To which purpose the Apostle Iames propoundeth his example vntounto vsus. Behold (saithIam. 5. 11. hee) wee cout them blessed which endure. Yee hauehave heard of the patience of Iob, and hauehave knowne what end the Lord made; for the Lord is pittifull and mercifull. Finally, thus was Steuen persecuted to the death, that by his example, wee might learne to giuegive our liues for the name of Christ, and the Gospell; and to pray for our persecutors and tormentors. And thus Peter, Iohn, and Paul, persecuted, andAct. 5. 41. euen loaded with miseries and afflictions, that wee might by their example learne to reioice in all our tribulations,2. Cor. 11. 16. 7 to triumph ouer all worldly miseries, and in respect of the manifould benefits, which wee receiue by our crosses and afflictions to boast & glory in them. And that this vse & benefit is to bee made of the afflictions of these holy seruants of God, it may appeare in that not only the Scriptures propound their example to this end, but exhort also vsus to imitate and follow them. So the Apostle Iames, perswading to patience in afflictions, biddeth to take vp the Prophets for an example of suffering aduersity, and of long patience, which hauehave spoken in the Iam. 5. 8. 10name of the Lord: and our Sauiour Christ willeth vsus to reioyce in our sufferings for his sake, not only because our reward is great in heauen, but also because we hauehave Gods holy Prophets, who were so dearely beloued of him, copartners with vsus in such like persecutions. AndMath. 5. 12 thus doth the Apostle propound the manifold examples of Gods saints, who indured many trials, afflictions and persecutions of all kinds, that wee who follow in these after ages, being compassed with so great a cloud of witnesses, should cast away eueryevery thing that presseth downe, and the sinne which doth so easily beset vsus, and notwithstanding all worldly hinderances, run with patience the race that is set before vsus. So the Apostle Paul sayth, that Heb. 11. 35, 36 & 12. 1. 2. Cor. 1. 6.whether he were afflicted it was for the Corinthians consolation & saluation, which was wrought in the enduring of the same sufferings which he suffered, or whether he was comforted it was for their consolation and saluation. By all which it appeareth, how behouefull the afflictions of some of the faithfull, are for the vse and benefit of all the rest, seeing they become patterns and examples for their imitation, and hauehave their vertues and graces by these trials discouered, that whereas before they were profitable onelyonly to themselues, and enioyed alone the comfort of their owne light, now they shine also vntounto others, and incourage them to vse all good meanes that they may attaine vntounto the like brightnesse and perfection. To which purpose one sayth, that it was necessary,Gregor. Moral. lib. 3. cap. 2. that holy Iob who was onelyonly knowne vntounto God and himselfe, how much hee excelled in vertue and pietie, should by his afflictions be knowne vntounto all the faithful that he might be a president for their imitation. Neither could he hauehave beene an example of vertue vntounto others, if he had continued in his prosperous estate without any triall or tentation.
And another affirmeth, that if Sathan had not pierced, and (as it were) bored holes through his body withNisi Satan Iobi corpus plagis perf…rasset, rad…j intrinsecus non renituissent. &c. Chrisost. serm. ad pop. 5. To. 4. Aug. de Gen. ad literam lib. 3. cap. 15. all those plagues and punishments which hee inflicted on him, the bright beames of his graces would hauehave beene hidden within him, and would not hauehave shined vntounto vsus, if he had neuer sate downe in the ashes, we had neuer come to the knowledge of his spirituall riches. And another sayth, that the faithfull are afflicted to this end, because they are to be propounded as examples of patience for the benefit of all the rest: and as other of the faithfull are thus by their afflictions profitable vntounto vsus, so are we in ours alike profitable vntounto others, if in the fiery triall, Gods graces, and the good vertues which we hauehave receiued do shine vntounto them. For, if like spices we be punned in this morter of afflictions, the odoriferous smell of our spirituall graces, which before were scarce discerned, doth now spread abroad, to the comfort and refreshing of all that stand about vsus; and wheras if like roses we grow vntouched, we doe but for the present send forth some sweet smell to those who are next vntounto vsus: contrariwise, if we be distilled with the fire of afflictions, we shall yeeld sweet waters of durable comfort, euen to those who are farre distant, and such as liue in after-ages, when by report this sweet odour of our fame shall come vntounto them. And thus the Apostle sayth of himselfe, that his bands in Christ were famous throughout all the iudgement hall, and in all other Phil. 1. 13. 14.places, insomuch that many of the brethren in the Lord, were imboldned by his bands, so that they durst more frankly speake the word.
Yea, not onelyonly hauehave the faithfull much benefit by§ Sect. 4. That we benefit our neighbours in our afflictions, as they are patterns of humane frailty. the afflictions of others of the same family; as they are vntounto them notable examples for their imitation, when as they see the beames of Gods graces shining in them; but also as they are patterns of humane frailty, whilest in their afflictions they bewray their impatience and their infirmities; for what comfort could any man now hauehave in bearing his crosse with so great weaknesse and imperfection, if he did not discerne that Gods dearely beloued seruants and great worthies had shewed the like frailty? Whereas when wee see in Iob (the patterne of patience) so much weaknes and impatiency, by fits, when he was most pinched with his waight of affliction oppressing him; when as wee behold Dauid (an example of pietie, and man according to Gods owne heart,) in his great afflictions as a man forlorne, forsaken of God, and in a desperate condition; Elias desiring by death to be freed from a troublesome life; Ionas fretting, fuming and euen chiding with God, because he thought himselfe impeached in his credit and reputation; and Ieremy a worthy Prophet, cursing the day of his natiuity, because he came forth of the wombe to Ier. 20, 18.see labour and sorrow, that his dayes should bee consumed with shame; then are we comforted after we hauehave in the like crosses bewrayed our infirmities, if with them, when the conflict is ouer, we returne vntounto our selues, and bewaile these slips and falls by true repentance. And as we hauehave this consolation by others, so hauehave our poore weake brethren the like by vsus, when being adorned and well furnished with Gods gifts and graces, we doe notwithstanding in our afflictions bewray our weaknesse and frailty, whereas if they had only experience of their owne infirmities and imperfections, and could not obserue the like in other of Gods seruants, whom they acknowledge indued richly with his graces, and notable instruments of his glory, they would easily conclude,§ Sect. 5. That our afflictions benefit our neighbours when by them they are broght to see Gods perfections in our imperfections, that they may glorifie him in them. that they are not in the number of the faithfull, but in the ranke of the damned and reprobate; and so the waight of their sinnes and an euill conscience, being added vntounto the already-heauy burthen of affliction, would ouerwhelme and presse them downe into the bottomelesse gulph of desperation and perdition.
Moreouer, other of the faithfull hauehave much profit and benefit by our afflictions as they are occasioned hereby to acknowledge, prayse and magnifie Gods power appearing in our weaknes, his wisedome in our simplicity and feelinesse, and his goodnesse and the vertue of his graces, in our frailty and naturall corruption; for when as they plainly see, that we who are weake and impotent of our selues, and ready to faint and fall vnderunder the lightest burthen, do neuerthelesse stand stoutly and couragiously in the greatest tentations▪ and vnderunder the heauiest waight of afflictions, they are forced to ascribe the glory to God, by whose power we are supported;2. Cor. 1. 11. and when they behold vsus deliuered out of all our troubles, who in respect of all outward helpes, were in a desperate condition, they are necessarily hereby moued to giuegive God the prayse, by whose wisdome and might we are deliuered. And as when we see one of our friends and companions, whom we knew weake, impotent and vnskilfull in all feates of actiuity, wrastling with a mighty and cunning aduersary, we presently giuegive him ouer in our thoughts as foyled, shamed and ouerthrowne; but if contrary to our expectation, hee foyle and cast downe his strong and skilfull enemy, we so triumph in his victory, as that wee giuegive the chiefe prayse vntounto the master of the masteries, from whom he hath had his ability and cunning: so when we behold any of our brethren, whom we know to be naturally weake, impotent and impatient of the least paine, combating & wrastling with our puissant enemie the world, who striueth might and maine to ouerthrow them, with those powerfull forces of miseries and afflictions, as we cannot but giuegive them ouer for vanguished, if we respect their owne skill and strength; so when contrary to exexpectation we see them get the victory, and ouerthrow their enemy; as we hauehave iust cause to applaude them and to reioyce in their conquest; so most of all, to prayse and magnifie the Lord, from whom alone they hauehave receiued all their strength and skill.
Finally, others hauehave fruite and benefit by our afflictions,Sect. 6. That by our afflictions we are made compassionate and more ready and able to comfort others. both because our harts are made tender by them, and apt to pittie those whom we see subiect to the like miseries; and also because after we are deliuered, we are able out of our owne experience to comfort them with those consolations wherewith we our selues hauehave beene comforted. For, in the former respect it may truly be sayd of pitie and mercy, as of louelove and charity, that they begin at home; neither is euer a man so pitifull and mercifull vntounto those whose case is miserable, as when himselfe hath beene pinched with the like miseries; nor is there any place in his heart for compassion of others griefes, till passion and suffering of the same euils hauehave beene there before. And for the other it may be affirmed with like truth▪ that there is no man so fit to comfort others, as he who speaketh out of his owne experience, raising vp their deiected minds with those consolations, wherwith himselfe hath formerly bin comforted and refreshed. For, as in the body, the same salue serueth for the some sore, and the same medicine for the same disease, though they be applied to diuers persons, so that respect be had to fit them to their strength, constitution, and temperature; and therefore no Phisition is more able to cure another man, then hee who hath first cured himselfe of the same disease; because vntounto his art is ioined experience, whereby it is made perfect: so in the minde, the same consolations are most fit for the same crosses, so that there be a wise consideration of the disposition and spirituall constitution of the parties to whom they are applied. And therefore when we comming to comfort others, can out of our owne experience say, I my self hauehave been thus afflicted; and thus, and thus did I receiue consolation and was strengthened in patience to beare my crosses: These & these great things did the Lord for me in the time of my trouble, thus did he strengthen me in my greatest weaknesse, and thus did he support me with his might, when being feeble in my selfe I was ready to faint and fall; thus was I refreshed with spirituall consolations and the inward feelings of Gods louelove and mercy, and thus did he powerfully deliuer me, when in respect of all outward meanes my case was desperate. These comforts, as they will be in all likelihood more effectuall to cure a diseased mind, because they are approued by experience; so will the sicke patient more willingly take them, when he knoweth that his Physition doth not try new conclusions out his art and theory, but doth practise out of his owne experience, prescribing the same medicine to his patient, where with himselfe being so affected was lately cured. And thus doth Dauid, being deliuered from his troubles comfort others out of the experience which he had of Gods mercies. I sought the Lord (sayth he)Psal 34. 4, 5, 6 and heheard mee, yea he deliuered me out of all my feare: and how effectually this would be for this vse, he sheweth in the words following; they shall looke vntounto him and runne vntounto him, and their faces shall not be ashamed, saying; this poore man cryed and the Lord beard him, and saued him out of all his troubles. The Apost. Paul sayth plainly, that God comforted him in all his tribulations, that hee might be able to comfort them who are in any affliction, by the comforts wherewith himselfe was comforted 2. Cor. 1. 4.of God; and that he was afflicted for the consolation & saluation of the Corinthians, which was wrought in the induring of the same sufferings which he also suffered. Yea, thus was the great Physition of our soules, Iesus Christ, the better inabled to raise vsus, fainting in our infirmities, with the cordials of comforts, by hauing first in himselfe experience of our griefes and miseries: for as the Apostle sayth, in that he suffered and was Heb. 2. 18tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted. And therefore if Christ himselfe, as he was man and our Mediatour, though he were most exquisite in skill, had need for the full perfecting of it to hauehave experience of our trialls and tent at ons, that so he might be the better inabled to relieue and comfort vsus in all our afflictions and distresses; how much more need hauehave we of this experience that we may be fitted to giuegive consolation vntounto others, seeing we come infinite degrees short of him in skill and wisedome?
And thus it appeareth that our neighbours and brethren who are of the same houshold of faith, children of§ Sect. 7. That the good of our brethren by our afflictions shold much comfort vsus in suffering them. the same heauenly father and fellow members of the …ame head Iesus Christ, doe receiue many singular benefits by our troubles & afflictions, and that when we are like fruitfull grapes preffed with the waight of tribulation, they doe drinke from vsus the pleasant wine of consolation, whereby their fainting hearts are cheared and refreshed. The consideration wherof should much comfort vsus in all our crosses and calamities, because they not only tend to the aduancement of Gods glory, but also redound to the vse and benefit of those who are so neere and deere vntounto vsus. For if we are bound by the law of charity to louelove our neighbours, as we louelove our selues; and if we come into the world that we should not liue for our owne benefit, but for the good of eueryevery one of that christian society, whereof we are parts and members; then ought we as much to reioyce when we hauehave any occasion of aduancing the benefit of eueryevery one who li…eth in the Church, as if it …ended to our owne priuate profit, and did much further vsus in our owne particular. Wee see that eueryevery true member of the body doth suffer much with all cheerfulnes for the good of a fellow member, and is content to indore any torture and torment, euen to the separation of it selfe from the rest, for the good and preseruation of the whole body; and we may perceiue that the same affection and louelove is in the spirirituall members of the mysticall body of Iesus Christ, as we hauehave shewed in the example of Moses and Paul, who as they induced much with patience for particular members, so they wished to be out off and separated for the welfare and saluation of the whole Church. We hear also the same Apostle teaching vsus, that it is the nature of true charity not to seek her …shings, but suffereth all, and indureth all, for their saken whom it loueth and affecteth. And therefore we must be ready to seeke others good as well as our owne and with patience and cheerfulnesse to indure crosses and afflictions, which we see so much to aduance their profit and benefit, or else we must conclude hat we are destitute of charity, and consequently of all sauing grace, and that we are no true members of Iesus Christ. But with much more comfort and spirituall reioycing may we beare our crosse, when as we further consider that it doth aduance the good, not of one alone, but that our single sufferings are fruitfull vntounto many; and that not in any equality of proportion, seeing our bodily sufferings redound to the good of their soules, our corporall tribulations tend to the inriching of them with spirituall graces, and our temporary, light and moraentany afflictions doe further them in attaining vntounto that far most excellent and eternall waight of glory. Wherein we hauehave our sauiour Christ an example for our imitation, who with all alacrity and ioy suffered for vsus all the miseries of a wretched life, and the vnspeakable torments of a cursed death that by his miseries he might aduance our happinesse, & by the torments of his deathCol. …. 24. might procure for vsus heauenly ioyes and euerlasting life. Or if we thinke him a president and patterne aboue our pitch and reach, let vsus set before vsus the example of his holy Apostle, who ioyed in his afflictions which he enduerd for the Churches sake. Now I rei…i…e (saith he) in my sufferings for you and fulfill the rest of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh, for his bodies sake which is the Church. Where by the rest, … … which is behind of the afflictions of Christ, we are not to vnderstand the remainder of Christs sufferings, which he suffered for the redemption of the Church and the satisfaction of Gods iustice for sin: for these sufferings Christ himselfe alone indured and perfectly finished: but whereas there are two kinds of the sufferings of Christ, the one borne by himselfe alone, as out head for the redemtion of his body, which was his owne peculiar part, allotted vntounto him by the decree of his father, for the satisfying of his iustice for our sinnes: the other to be borne by his Church and faithfull people, who are his mysticall body, of which sufferings eueryevery particular member hath his part and share appointed vntounto him by the same decree of God; this place is to be vnderstood of afflictions of this l…tter kind, and not of the former; in which regard the Apostle calleth them here the afflictions of Christ, & not the sufferings: so that the meaning is, that as Christ himselfe suffered those first and chief afflictions for the redeeming his Church, whichRom. 8. 729. foreign was his owne part appropriated vntounto him: so the Apostle suffered his part in the remainder of these afflictions which were to be suffered in his body, that it might be conformable to him the head in sufferings, vntounto whom it was afterwards to be conformable in glory. TheAct. 9. 4. which afflictions are called the afflictions of Christ, because he suffereth with eueryevery member, as being the head of the whole body, as apeareth by those his owne words Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And the Apostle here saith that he suffereth them for the Churches sake, not to redeeme it in whole or part, or to satisfie God iustice for sinne (which had bin blasphemous) but for the Churches vse and profit, namely as his afflictions were the meanes of deriuing vntounto all the faithfull all those excellent benefits of which I hauehave already spoken.