¶ A new years gift more precious than gold, worthy to be embraced no less joyfully than thankfully of every true christian man, newly published by Theodore Basille.  Esa. 9 
A young child is borne for our sake, and a son is given unto us.   

¶ The new years gift speaketh.  

A New years gift more precious  
Than gold or pearl certes am I,  
For I bring forth the Lord jesus  
Which of all treasures is most high.   

Many in things of vanity  
Do rejoice and delight greatly,  
Such can have no pleasure in me  
For I teach Christ that Lord most high.   

Christ and Christ's doctrine shalt thou hear  
Learn, if thou wilt, unfeignedly,  
Whereby thou mayst become right dear  
To God and his son, that Lord most high.   

To mortify thy lusts carnal  
And to walk aye innocently,  
Teach the also godly I shall  
That thou mayst please that Lord most high.   

To good works also I shall the move  
In them evermore to be busy,  
That God the father may the love  
And his son Christ that Lord most high.   

If thou therefore lovest godliness  
Take me unto the joyfully.  
I shall fill thy heart with gladness  
And join the with Christ that Lord most high.    

¶ To the right worshipful Master Thomas Roydon Esquyer and justice of peace, Theodore Basille wisheth long life, continual health, and prosperous felicity.  
I Can none otherwise but highly praise the honest fashions, commendable usages, and friendly customs, that our ancestors & elders have used heretofore unto the great example of their posterity for the maintenance of all humanity & gentleness. Among many other, who will not recount the cu●tōe of giving new years gifts to be so commendable and praise worthy, that he may seem to be estranged from all civilite, that doth not observe it unto the uttermost of his power? For what other thing do we mean by giving mutual gifts in the beginning of a new year, than that we desire, that all good, lucky, prosperous and fortunate things may chance that year unto every one of us, and that one willeth, wisheth & desireth well to another, is ready to do good one to another, and to help what so ever lieth in his power? This undoubtedly was the meaning of them, that first were the inventors of this most honest and friendly custom, & to this end hath it been observed, kept & maintained hitherto. When I considered this but lately & judged the custom to 〈◊〉 both good and godly, and nothing more meet for the preservation an● conciliation of amity. I thought tha● for as much as I was not able according to my will to give such new years gifts, as commonly be sen from one to another. Yet I would prepare something, whereby I might show myself to wish well unto all men, and to bear an honest & friendly heart to my country men of england. I have therefore provided a new years gift, not of corruptible gold or silver, but of the most sacred scriptures, which, 
Psal. xviii  as David saith, are much more worthy to be desired than gold or precious stone, & are sweeter than the honey & honey comb.  
In this my new years gift I have opened many goodly & godly things. Among all other, I have declared, what a precious treasure Christ is unto us, 
Esay. ix.  which was given us of God the father for our new years gift, and how many benefits we have received by him. I have also described the whole life of a christian man, showing what we must do, if we will enjoy so great benefits. Again, I have exhorted men to mortify their carnal affects & worldly lusts, and showed them how they must walk both toward themselves, their neighbour & God, if they will have the fruition of the celestial enheretaunce. To conclude, as I have showed that all salvation cometh by Christ, so have I proved that Christ is no saviour but to them that repent, believe, lead a virtuous life, & be plenteous in doing good works. These things with divers other not to be despised shall be found in this my new years gift, so that I doubt not, but that it shall be no les profitable for the soul, than other worldly gifts shall be for the body.  
This my labour employed herein after mine so grievous & troublous sicknesses, I dedicate and send to your right worshipful mastership for a new years gift, desiring you to accept it with no less good mind, than it is offered to your gentleness. If I shall may perceive, that this my little gift is acceptable unto you, it shall not only not repent me, but also cause me very much to rejoice of my travail in this behalf.  
GOD the Author of every year mought vouchsafe to grant that this new year with many other may ever begin unto you with good fortune, proceed with better, end with that which is best, and always be fortunate unto you so long as they last, so that ye may always enjoy continual health & prosperous felicity according to the will of God, to whom be all honour & glory. AMEN.   

The new years gift.  ¶ Philemon, the giver of the new years gift, Theophile, Eusebius, & Christopher, his friends. Philemon. 
CHrist our Lord and master doth not with out a cause compare & resemble the cares, riches, & pleasures of this life to thorns in his most holy gospel. For as thorns pricketh the flesh, & suffer him not to be in quiet, 
Math. xiii. Mar●. i●ii. Luke. viii.  that is grieved & hurt with them, so likewise the cares, riches, and pleasures of this world will not suffer by any means that man to enjoy tranquillity rest & peace that is turmoiled with them. Happy is he, that appointeth himself such kind of living, that he may be free from these great waves & rocks wherewith the life of mortal men is so miserably assailed, & so oft put in danger. The riches & pleasures of this world, seem to the flesh to be things of much pleasauns & great delectation, but they be nothing else than enticing and flattering mooremaydes', which singing songs pleasant to the ear, bring destruction to so many as be hearers of them Blessed is hetherfore, which after the example of Ulysses, can stop his ears with wax, & so pass by, being nothing moved with their vain & flattering enticements. For as S. Paul saith: 
i Timo. vi.  They that have a pleasure to wax rich, fall into temptation & snares, & into many foolish and noisome lusts, which drown men into destruction & damnation. For covetousness is the root of all evil, which while some lusted after, they erred from the faith and entangled themselves with many sorrows. Hereto pertaineth the saying of S. Iohn, 
i joan. two  Love not the world, nor those things that are in the world If any man loveth the world, the love of the father is not in him. For all that is in the world (as the lust of the flesh, & the concupiscence of the eyes, & the pride of the life) is not of the father, but of the world, & the world passeth away, 
Psal. lxxxix ●. Cor. seven Esa●. xl. joan. vi.  & the lust thereof. But he that fulfilleth the will of God, abideth for ever.  
I have not spoken these things which out a cause, I thank my lord God of his gift, I have been from my youth studious of the holy Scripture, and very glad, when I might either read it myself, & common of it with my neighbours, or else hear other preach and talk of it, that I might be edified thereby, recounting that day but a little fortunate unto me, that was transacted and passed over without some repast of god's word, seeing that man liveth not which bread alone, 
Deut. viii. Math iiii. Marc. i Luke. iiii.  but with every word that cometh out of the mouth of God. But lo, no man in this world is so happy, that he can have his mind satisfied in all points. 
Nemo exom ni part beatus.  For I desiring nothing more than to be quiet, that I might freely give my mind to the study of the holy scriptures, & sometime common of them with my neighbours, have been so turmoiled & vexed with the cares & troubles of this world for the space of six or seven months, that I have had no leisure almost ones to think of the holy scripture. O Lord what is it to live in this wretched world? 
What it is to live in this world.  any other thing than daily more & more to be plucked away & estranged from thee, & to heap sin upon sin, & provoke thine anger more fervently against us? But now seeing it hath pleased God partly to deliver me out of the troublous waves of this ocean, and to bring me into an haven of some quietness, I intend to repair unto mine old studies, & to participate them with my neighbours, as I was wont to do heretofore. For I fear much unless that dissolution & slackness may also be found in them, that these certain months hath not wanted in me, so prone & ready are we to fall from goodness unto lewdness, if we have not the spur of god's grace to prick us forward. sins I gave them a nosegay, I never spoke unto them, but good even & good morrow. Therefore have I now sent for them by my servant to come unto me, that I may impart and give them some spiritual treasure for their new years gift this holy time of Christmas. I trust they will not tarry long. What do I say, tarry long? Me think I hear their voices even now at the door. It are they. Neighbours even with one word, welcome unto you all.  Theo. 
Brother Philemon right heartily we thank you.  Phil. 
Will it please you to take the pain, for to come with me into my parlour?  Euse. 
We follow you gladly.  Phil. 
Neighbours yet once again welcome. I pray you take every man a chair & sit down quietly. For I intend to talk with you.  Chri. 
We are all set, speak what it shall please you.  Phil. 
Neighbours and brothers it is not unknown unto you, how desirous I have ever been sins our first acquaintance to seek no less your soul's health than mine own.  Euse. 
we are not ignorant of this brother Philemon, and we all give you right hearty thanks for it.  Phil. 
I have done nothing but my duty, & I confess myself to be an unprofitable servant. 
Luke. xvii.  notwithstanding neighbours this grieveth me very much, that I have been so negligent these certain months in doing my duty toward you.  Theo. 
No duty brother Philemon. It cometh of your mere goodness, what so ever ye do toward us. But it is not unknown unto us, how greatly ye have been disquieted with divers businesses for a great space.  Phil. 
Ye say truth, but now hear the cause of my sending for you. Twelve months passed, if ye do remember neighbours at this time of the year I made you a Christmas banckette, which, as I have sins perceived, ye have right well digested. The Lent ensuing, I called you all to a Potation, whereat I trust ye tasted of the wine, which maketh the spirit merry. The May following at mine instance full gentylly ye resorted unto mine house, & according to season of the year, I gave you a Nosegay. All these were not for the body, but for the soul, yea rather both for body and soul.  Euse. 
We remember all these things well, neither have we forgotten, what you taught us in them.  Phil. 
It maketh me greatly to rejoice for to hear these things of you. For now I perceive full well, 
jacob. ●.  that ye are no forgetful hearers, but diligent fulfyllers of such things, as are taught you, & therefore are ye blessed in your act. Well neighbours, my love toward you is nothing abated. I desire your furtherauns in the knowledge of God's word even now, so much as I have done heretofore. In consideration whereof, I intend at this present to give you a new years gift.  Theo. 
Can any thyng● be more welcome to us than such a gift, coming from so dear a friend and so in time & place? It is now a new year, and men use customably to give gifts one to another whereby they declare their good wy● & wish that all good & prosperous things may chance to their friends all the whole year long. Therefore in giving us this gift, we do not only acknowledge your accustomed gentleness toward us, but also confess ourselves to be more ende●●ted toward you, than we may at any time be able to recompense your kynd●nes.  Chri. 
Neighbour Philemon, th● day passeth away, let us therefore I pray you, see our New years gift. For there is nothing that can offer itself more welcome to these our e●●es.  Euse. 
Truth is this, & nothing more true.  Phil. 
your New years gift is red in the church on Christmas day in the morning at the first mass for the Epistle, & it is written of S. Paul in the second Chapter of his Epistle to bishop Titus.  Theo. 
I pray you let us hear it.  Phil. 
Behold take your new years gift.  
The gift of God that bridgeth salvation unto all men/ hath appeared/ and teacheth vs● that we should deny ungodliness and worldly lusts & that we should live soberly/ righteously/ and godly in ●his present world/ looking ●or that blessed hope and appearing of the glory of the great GOD/ and of ●ure Saviour jesus Christ/ which gave himself for us manner: 
Esa ix.  A young child is 〈◊〉 for our sake, and a son is given ●●to us. 
Rom. viii.  Also S. Paul, God hath 〈◊〉 ●●red his own son, but hath gyu●● 〈◊〉 for us all, how is it than possibl●●ut that he must give us all thing 〈◊〉 him?  Euse. 
Is Christ freely given 〈◊〉 to us?  Phil. 
Yea verily neyghbour● Eusebius Never was there any thing so freely given unto you, as Christ is.  Theo. 
The goodness than of God the father appeareth here toward us great & unmeasurable.  Phil. 
It must needs be great & unmeasurable, seeing that he loved us, when we were sinners Behold, 
Rom. v. i. joan. iii.  saith s. Iohn, what a love the father hath given unto us, that we should be called the sons of god. And that ye may well know that Christ is the free gift of God, given us without any deserts, cawl, I pray you, to remembrance the fall of Adam, in whom all we have sinned, and deserved like damnation. What had he done to pacify the wrath of God & to recover his favour, when God made him this most comfortable promise, I will set emnite between the & an woman, between thy seed and her seed. 
Gen. iii.  And that self seed shall tread down thy head?  Chri. 
For sooth I think very little.  Phil. 
Ye might have said, nothing at all right well, except ye think this somewhat, when he had once offended, to put his head in a bush, & not to knowledge his fault, nor once to dare to come in sight.  Euse. 
Ye say truth.  Phil. 
What had Abraham deserved, when God made him this promise of Christ, 
Gen. xxii. Gen. iii. Gen. xv. Roma iiii. Gala. iii. jaco. two. Ephe. i.  saying: in thy seed all nations of the earth shall be blessed? verily nothing at all, only he believed the promise of God, & it was reckoned unto him unto righteousness. He choosed us, saith saint Paul, in Christ, before the foundations of the world were laid, that we should be holy & faultless before him. Again, we were by nature, the children of wrath, even as other were. But God, which is rich in mercy, 
Ephe. two.  for his great love wherewith he loved us, even them, when we were dead thorough sin, quickened us with Christ (for by grace are ye saved) & hath raised us up with him in heavenly things, thorough Christ jesus, that in times to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ jesu. For by grace are ye saved thorough faith & that not of yourselves. For it is the gift of god & cometh not of works, lest an● man should boast himself. 
Tit. iii●  Also in another place, after that the goodness & love the God our saviour hath toward men, did appear, not of the works of righteousness, which we have done, but according to his mercy hath he saved us by the fountain of the new birth, 
joan. iii Ephe. v  & renewing of the holy Ghost, which he shed on us abundantly thorough jesus Christ our saviour, 
Act. xv. Ephe. i●  that we being made righteous by his grace, should be heirs of eternal life according to hoop. This is a saying not to be doubted of. 
joan. iii Rom. v  Christ himself also saith, God loved the world so entirely, that he gave his only begotten son, that every one that believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his son into the world, to condemn the world, but that the world should be saved by him.  
Of these scriptures heretofore rehearsed, is it evident, that Christ is freely given unto us of God the father yea & that without our merits or deserts. For when we were utterly damned, & knew not how to recover any part of our help, God the father of his own gracious goodness gave us his son Christ to be our saviour. So that as the beginning of your New years gift is, Christ is unfeignedly the gift of God▪ freely given us for our great comfort & salvation.  Chri. 
It can not be expressed how much we are bound to God the father for this his gift saying that he gave us not an Angel or any other celestial creature, but his only begotten son, even the highest and most precious treasure that he had.  Philemon. 
Y will say so when ye have once hear● what a treasure this your gift 〈◊〉 unto you, & how many pleasures & commodities ye receive by him.  Euse. 
I pray you let us hear.  Phil. 
It followeth: That bringeth salvation unto all men. Behold, your new years gift, that God the father hath given you, bringeth salvation unto all men. It is no idle & unprofitable gift, but commodious & necessary. For it work the us health & salvation.  
The gifts of the world bring many times perdition, destruction & damnation, but this gift of God bringeth life, health, joy, pleasure, salvation & an whole sea of good things. It bringeth salvation, saith the scripture. Note this word bringeth. As though it should be said, when there was no hope of health, but all things yoked in the bond of desperation, sin bare rule, & Satan triumphed over mankind as his bond captive, than came the gift of God, which drove sin out of place, vanquished Satan, destroyed the powers of hell brought salvation to man, which looked only for damnation, yea & that freely, & without any deserts, even of mere grace & pure mercy. O the inestimable excellency of this gift, which both willingly & freely bringeth salvation to mankind. How can it otherwise be? Is not the name of this our gift, JESUS, given him of God the father, 
what jesus signifieth.  & published by his Angel & ambassador Gabriel? And what other thing, I pray you, soundeth JESUS, than a saviour? This our gift Christ, 
Math. i.  is a saviour. For he saveth his people from their sins. Fear ye not, saith the angel. For behold, 
Luke. two.  I show unto you a great joy, which shall chance to all people. For this day is borne unto you a saviour, which is Christ the Lord of the city of David. Thus sew, that Christ is a saviour. Therefore may he right well bring salvation, & save so many as believe in him. 
All salvation must be looked for of Christ   Theo. 
Is there no salvation to be looked for, but only at the hand of Christ?  Phil. 
No verily, ye heard, that the gift of God, which is Christ bringeth salvation. It is Christ's office alone to save, & besides him is there no saviour neither in heaven nor in earth. Who so ever seeketh salvation at the hand of any other, 
Mark well.  but at Christ's alone, he doth not only deceive himself, but also rob christ of his office, deprive him of his glory, blaspheme his blessed name, tread under foot his most precious blood, & utterly maketh of none effect the whole mystery of Christ's incarnation.  Euse. 
It were pite that any man should be of this mind.  Phil. 
You say truth notwithstanding there have been, that have sought health at other besides Christ, would God there were none at this day. S. Paul feareth not to say, if righteousness cometh by the law, 
Gala. two. Gala. ●.  than died Christ in vain. Again, ye are gone quite from Christ so many of you as will be made righteous by the law, & are fallen from grace.  Chri. 
Let us hear it proved by the scriptures, that there is no salvation, but by this gift of God Christ alone.  Phil. 
The matter is more evident, than it needeth any probation to the faithful, & as for them that are obstinately blind, all the scriptures in the world can profit nothing at al. notwithstanding to satisfy your godly desire, of many, I will rehearse a few, yea and those, that shall seem most fit for the purpose. 
Christalone saveth.   Theo. 
I pra● you let it so be.  Phil. 
Whence shall I take my beginning, but of the Pr●●phet Isaiah, whom Christ our saviour had so oft in his mouth? By him Christ speaketh on this manner, I am, I am the Lord, & there is no saviour besides me. 
Esa. xliii.  Again in tha● same chapter, I am, I am he, which putteth away thine iniquities, yea & that for mine own sake, & will remember them no more. Put me in remembrance, & let us be judged together. Tell me if thou haste any thing, whereby thou mayest be justified Thy first father sinned and thy Prophets have trespassed against me. Also in another place, Am not I the Lord? 
Esa. x●v.  Is there any other God besides me? A righteous God, & such one as saveth, there is none but I alone. Turn unto me, and ye shall be safe, o all ye coasts of the earth, for I am God, & there is none other. Once again by the same Prophet he saith, 
Esa. lxiii.  I alone have trodden down the wine press, & there was none at all that did help me. Are not all these scriptures plain inugh to declare that Christ is the saviour & that there is no salvation, but by easeth, refresheth & comforteth the conforteles. Christ the son of man came to seek & save that, which was lost. Ergo what so ever is lost & saved again, 
Luke. nineteen.  is saved by Christ. Christ is that true light, which lighteneth every man, that cometh into this world. Ergo they that are not lightened by Christ, 
joan. i.  remain still in darkness. Christ gave to so many as received him, power to be made the sons of God because they believed in his name. Ergo they that receive not him to be their saviour, and believe that their sins are only put away by his name, are not the sons of God. Christ is that lamb 〈◊〉 God, that taketh away the fin 〈◊〉 the world. Ergo there is none other sacrifice for sin, but Christ alone No man goeth up into heaven, 
joan. iii.  but he that came down from heaven, the son of man, which is in heaven. Ergo so many as go up into heaven, go up only by Christ. He that believeth in the son, hath everlasting life. But he that believeth not in the son, shall not see life, but the wrath of GOD abideth upon him. Ergo they alone shall be saved, which with a strong faith believe Christ to be their saviour. Every one, saith Christ, that drinketh of the water, that I give him, shall nevermore thirst. 
joan. iiii  Ergo Christ is a sufficient saviour for so many as repent and believe. Christ is that living bread, which came down from heaven, if any man eateth of that bread, he shall live for evermore. Ergo he that tasteth Christ aright, 
joan. vi.  need the none other saviour to give him everlasting life. Christ is that good shepherd, which giveth his life for his sheep. 
joan. x.  Ergo so many as are saved, are saved by Christ's death. Christ is the resurrection & life. 
joan. xi.  Ergo by him w● rise out of sin, & obtain life eternal. Christ is the way, truth and life. No man cometh to the father but by him. 
joan. xiiii.  Ergo by christ alone we ascend & go up unto the presence of the father. Without christ we can do nothing. Ergo without him we can not be saved. Christ is the vine. He that abideth in him, 
joan. xv.  bringeth forth much fruit. Ergo he that casteth away christ, & seeketh any other saviour, is the tree, which bringeth forth no fruit, 
Math. iii.  & therefore shall he be hewn down & cast in to the fire. Christ died for our sins & rose again for our justification. 〈◊〉 go by Christ's death are we 〈◊〉 from our sins, 
Rom. iiii.  & by his resurre●cio● justified & made righteous. We being justified, 
Rom. v.  by faith have peace toward god thorough our Lord ●●●us christ Ergo christ it is which maketh the atonement between god the 〈◊〉 & us. By the sin of Adam alone came damnation on all men, even so by the righteousness of christ alone came the justification of life upon all men. Ergo as we were damned by the sin of Adam alone, so are we saved, justified & preserved unto everlasting life by the righteousness of christ alone. Everlasting life is the gift of god thorough christ jesus our lord 
Rom. vi.  Ergo so many as obtain everlasting life cometh unto it by the free gift of god, yea & that for our Lord jesus Christ's sake. Christ is appointed of god to be our wisdom righteousness, 
i Cor. ●.  sanctification & redemption. Ergo by Christ are we made wise, righteous, holy, & the children of redemption. We are washed, 
i Cor. vi.  we are sanctified, yea we are made righteous thorough the name of the Lord jesus & the spirit of our God. Ergo by christes name and the spirit of God are we made, pure, holy & righteous. Christ which know no sin, 
two. Cor. v.  became sin for our sake, that is to say, a sacrifice for our sins. Ergo those sins that are put away, are put away by the sacrifice of christ. Christ when he was rich, 
two. Cor. viii.  became pooore for our sake, that by his poverty he should make us rich. Ergo so many as be made rich, are enrytched by christ. 
Gala. two.  If righteousness cometh by the law, than died christ in vain. Ergo they that are made rygheteous, are made righteous by the death of christ. And who so ever seeketh to be justified by any other means than by the death of christ, he goeth about to make Christ's death of none effect, and so is he a plain Antichrist. By christ we have redemption, 
Ephe. i.  & by his blood remission of sins. Ergo by christ is our ransom paid, and by his blood are our sins forgiven us. 
Ephe. two.  Christ is our peace. Ergo by him have we tranquillity, quietness and rest in our consciences. By christ have we free entrance unto the father. 
Ephe. two. iii.  Ergo so many as come unto the father, come by Christ. Christ is gone up on high, 
Ephe. iiii.  and hath led away captivity captive, and hath given gifts unto men. 
Psa. lxvii.  Ergo he it is that giveth remission of sins. Christ loved us, and gave himself for us to God an offering & sweet smelling sacrifice. 
Ephe. v.  Ergo for this sweet & odoriferous sacrifice of christ, God the father pardoneth our sins. Christ is the head of the body of the congregation. Ergo he it is, 
Colos. i.  that saveth his members. It hath pleased the father, that in christ all fullness should dwell, & that by him all things should be reconciled unto himself, whither they be things upon earth or in heaven, that thorough the blood of his cross, he might make peace even thorough his own self. Ergo all they that are reconciled & set at one with God the father, have obtained this by the blood of christ. 
i Tim. i.  This is a true saying, & by all means, worthy that we should embrace it, that Christ jesus came into the world to save sinners. Ergo Christ it is, that saveth sinners. 
i Tim. two.  There is one God & one atonement maker between god & men even the man Christ jesus, which gave himself a ransom for all men. Ergo as there is but one God, so is there but one atonement maker, and this is jesus Christ, by whom alone we are redeemed. We are sanctified by the oblation of the body o● jesus christ, 
Heb. x.  done once for al. Wit one oblation hath christ made there perfect for evermore that are sanctified. Ergo so many as are made holy, have obtained that holiness only by the sacrifice of christ, which he once for all offered on the A●tare of the cross, so consummate & perfect that there remaineth none other sacrifice for sin. 
i Pet. i.  We are not redeemed from our vain conversation (which we received thorough the tradition of the fathers (with corruptible silver & gold, but with the precious blood of christ, as of an innocent & undefiled lamb. Ergo by christes blood are we redeemed from all vain things wherewith before we were entangled. The blood of jesus christ maketh us clean from all sin. 
i joan. i.  Ergo by christes blood are we made clean & purified from all our sins. If any man sinneth, we have an advocate with the father, jesus christ the righteous one, 
i joan. two.  & ●e it is, that obtaineth merci for our sins not for our sins only, but also for all the worlds. Ergo so oft as we sin, by our advocate christ are our sins put away. There is salvation in none other but in Christ. Nether is there any other name given unto men under heaven, wherein they must be saved, 
Act. iiii.  but only the name of christ jesus. Ergo who so ever is saved, receiveth his salvation only by the name of christ our Lord. As I may tarry no longer about this matter, all the Prophets, saith saint Peter, 
Act. ●.  bear witness of christ, that thorough his name, every one that believeth in him, shall receive the remission of sins. If all the Prophets bear witness of this thing, who dare be bold once to open his mouth to speak against it, except he be at defiance & open war with God & his son jesus Christ our Lord & saviour. But with such I love not to meddle. God bliss me from them.  
Do ye not perceive now that this gift of God the father, which he hath freely given you, I mean christ is thalone saviour, and that there is no health, salvation, comfort, and remission of sins to be looked for, but only at his hand?  Euse. 
We were to much blind, if we did not perceive it, ye have made the matter so open with plain & evident scriptures.  Chri. 
O Lord, what blindness was there in the world, when some did put their hope of salvation in stocks & stones, & old rotten bones, in gadding of pilgrimage, in gilding of Images in saints relics, & hallowed sticks, & popish pardons, in other men's works, in fancies invented of men. etc. Yea there have not wanted which sought salvation in a gray ●ryers cowl, trusting assuredly, that if they were buried in that, they could by no means be damned.  Phil. 
All these were greatly deceived. But that ye may know, that there can be no saviour, but this gift of God Christ alone, mark a few words, that I shall now say unto you. first he that shall be a saviour, & save men from their sins, must be without all sin himself. Secondly he must be both God & man. Thirdly he must by his innocency deliver us from the curse of the law, yea and fulfil the law for us, that the adversary may lay nothing against us. Fourthly he must by his puissance & power, vanquish & subdue all the power of Satan. fifthly he must slay death, that it may have no more power over the faithful. sixthly, it must be in his power to give unto his people the holy Ghost, to govern & keep them in a right trade of living. To conclude he must be such one, that when they that believe in him, do offend & provoke the heavenly father unto anger, he may at all times he both ready & able to make an atonement between God and the offenders.  
If ye can find any such, as I have here described, besides Christ, well, I will than also grant that he is a saviour. until that time will I say with all the Prophets, Apostles & our Doctor Paul, that this gift of God christ jesus is thalone saviour, bringeth health, & that there is no salvation to be gotten, but only thorough him.  Theo. 
This thing is now more manifest, than it may be doubted of, or called into question.  Phil. 
It followeth in your new years gift, To all men. Note that he saith not, 
To whom Christ is a saviour  to the wicked & damned spirits, which shall never recover their health & salvation, what so ever the Origenistes trifle in this behalf but to all men, yea and that those only, which repent, believe, and lead a good life. For to wicked men and ungodly persons is christ no saviour, except they repent, believe & amend. It is not to be passed over lightly, that the scriptures speaketh generally and universally without any exception To all men. Christ bringeth salvation to all men. 
As christ is a saviour so are all men sinners.  These words prove manifestly, that as christ is a saviour, so are all men sinners, and again, that there is no man but the receiveth salvation of christ, if he be saved. Where are they now that will justify themselves, and sell their merits and good deeds to other? The scriptures saith, we be all sinners. There is no difference, 
Rom. iii.  saith s. Paul All have sinned & want the glory● of God. 
Hyponost. Lib. iii.  What is this, saith S. Austen, and want the glory of God, but the grace of God the father by jesus christ, which is the glory of God the father? And what meaneth this they want or have need, saith he? but that no man of himself, because he is borne carnally, is able to recover the life lost, no though he bringeth the works of merits, except he be spiritually borne a new by our Lord jesus christ, which came with the undetted mercy of the father, & of his own, 
Luke. x●x.  and of the holy ghost to save & seek that which was lost? What was lost? Unreasonable beasts? Hath God also care for oxen? 
i Cor. ix.  verily mankind was lost thorough sin, in consideration whereof christ being without spot even of his own fire will giving himself to the death & rising again, hath redeemed man from sin & death evenly the largeness of free grace. These are the words of S. Austen, which ●hewe evidently what we are of ourselves, and what by Christ▪ But let us hear more scriptures. 
Psal. cxv. Rom. iii.  Every man is a liar, God alone is true. The scripture hath concluded all things under sin, 
Gala. iii.  that the promise by the faith of jesus christ should be given to the faithful. God hath comprehended all men under incredulity & unfaithfulness that he might have mercy on all men Here see we that all men were found sinners & unfaithful, & that they are saved only by the great mercies of God. 
Rom. xi.  All our righteousnesses are as a cloth polluted with menstrue. We were conceived & borne in sin. The imaginations and thoughts of man's heart are prone unto evil even from his young age. 
Esa. liv. Esay. l. Gen. viii. Ex xxxiiii. lii. Ro. viii. Eccle. seven.  There is no man innocent before God, there is no man but that sinneth. There is not a righteous man on the earth that doth good, and sinneth not. Every one is an hypocrite & wicke● and the mouths of them all have spoken foolishness. 
Esay. ix.  All we have erred and gone astray like sheep, every one hath followed his own fancy. The heart of man is wicked & inscrutable. No man is pure from sin, 
Esa. liii. Heir. xv●i  no the stars are not clean in his sight how much more is man filthy and unclean, which is nothing but corruption & a very worm in comparison of God? 
job. xxv. Prou xx Math. nineteen. Mar. x. Luke. xvii. psa. xiii. lii  Who is able to say, my heart is clean, and I am pure from sin? No man is good but God alone. We are all unprofitable servants. The Lord looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any one, that had understanding or sought after God. But all are swerved & clean gone out of the way, they are become all together unprofitable, there is▪ none that doth good, no not one. They are corrupt, & become abominable in their studies: Their throat is like a wide mouthed grave, 
Psa. v. Psa. cxxxix  they work defeat with their tongues, the poison of adders is under their lips Their mouth is full of cursing & bitterness, 
Psal. ix. Prover. i. Esa. ●i●  their feet are swift to shed blood. Destruction and weariness are in their ways, the way of peace have they not known. There is no fear of god before their eyes. How like ye these scriptures? 
Psa. xxxv. i Cor. iii.  Do they not paint out man in his native colours? What have we of ourselves to rejoice & boast of.  Chri. 
We may perceive now right well, that we be all wretched & miserable sinners.  Theo. 
If god had not given us his son christ to be our saviour, we had been in a damnable case.  Euse. 
We were so pocky & full of diseases, that if christ had not been our● Physician to heal our wounds 〈◊〉 his most precious wounds, we had continued still diseased for evermore.  Phil. 
I am glad ye have learned that all men are sinners, & that therefore they have need of christ the gift of God, which bringeth salvation to all men. For this is the first point to know christ aright. Nether can any man to much deject and cas●e down himself. For the more man humbleth himself, the more doth he exalt the glorious majesty of god. But that ye may be without doubt in this matter, I will rehearse certain unto you, out of both the Testaments, which shall declare that we be all sinners. 
Gen. iii.  Adam, as ye know, transgressed the commandment of God in Paradise, & by his transgression made us all bond to eternal damnation. 
Gen. ixi  Nohe fell into the sin of drunkenness. Loath was not only drunken, but also lay with his own daughters, 
Gen. nineteen. Gen. xx. Exod. two. two. Re. xi. and xii  & so committed the grievous sin of incest. Abraham denied his wife. Moses committed man ●aughter. David committed both manslaughter & whoredom. Solomon was an Idolater. Matthew was a tolle gatherer. The Apostles did strive among them, who should be highest & of greatest authority. 
three Reg. xi. Math. ix. Math. xx. Luke. seven. joan. xviii. Act. ix.  Marry Magdalene was a grievous sinner. Peter denied and forsook Christ thrice. Paul persecuted the congregation of christ. ●hat should I make many words? So many as ever were clad with this flesh (jesus christ alone except which was both God and man & conceived & borne without the seed of man, by the operation of the holy Ghost of the most blessed & undefiled virgin Mary) were sinners, and so many as are in the same at this day, 〈◊〉 shall be unto the worlds end, are 〈◊〉 shall be sinners, saved only by the free mercy of god thorough jesus christ. We all offend in many things, saith S. james. 
jacob. iii.  Here are none excerted. If we say, 
i joan. i  saith S. john, that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. Here S. Iohn, which was so holy, virtuous & dearly beloved of god numbereth himself among sinners neither is he ashamed so to do, that all glory may be given to God, and the praise of our salvation to jesus Christ our Lord & saviour.  Chri. 
If all be sinners with out exception, what is than to be said of the most glorious & blessed virgin Mary? Is she also to be reckoned in the number of sinners?  Phil. 
I answer with S. Austen, when so ever there is disputation of sin, 
Libro de natura & grati a cap. xxxvi.  all must needs confess themselves sinners, except the holy virgin Mary, of whom for the honour of the Lord, I will have no question at all when we entreat of sin. For we know that there was given to her more grace than to any other creature for to overcome ●yn on every part, for as much as she deserved to conceive & bring ●orth him, whom it is evident to have had no sin. Therefore this virgin except, if we could gather all the saints both men and women, wh● they lived here, & demand of them, whither they were without sin. What do we think that they would answer, as this Pelagian saith, or as Iohn the Apostle affirmeth? verily beware their excellency of holiness never so great in this body, if they might be asked this thing, they would surely cry with one voice, if we should say, that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves 〈◊〉 the truth is not in us.  
Hitherto have I rehearsed the words of S. Austen, which as they except the most blessed virgin Mary from the spot of sin, so do they prove all other without exception to be sinners. Yet this dare I boldly affirm & say, that this most holy pure and glorious virgin disdained not to confess Christ to be also her Lord and saviour. Her words are these: 
Luke. i.  My soul magnifieth the Lord, & my spirit hath rejoiced in god my saviour. Behold she boasteth not her good deeds, she crakethe not of her merits, she swelleth not with her own dignity, but humbly granting herself to be the handmaid of the lord, ready to do his most godly pleasure and will in all things, she confesseth God to be her saviour and not herself, nor her own good deeds. If so holy and pure a virgin, which was replenished with all grace, virtue and goodness, did not boast of her own dignity, worthiness, merits, deeds & good works, but cleaved to God alone and sought for salvation at his hand, how wicked and go●les are they, which se●e health at any other, saving a● this gift of God jesus christ, which brī●geth salvation to all men?  Euse. 
This is godly spoken. Doth christ therefore bring salvation to all men?  Phil. 
To all men that repent, believe, and labour to 〈◊〉 a good life▪ were they never so grievous sinners before. 
Math. ix.  For christ came not to call the righteous, that is, such as wit justify themselves by their own good deeds & merits, but sinners unto repentance. 
Luke. xxiiii.  He commanded his Apostles after his Resurrection to preach repentance and remission of sins in his name unto all 〈◊〉. For he is that saviour, 
i Tim. two.  that 〈◊〉 have almen to be saved & to come vnt● the knowledge of the truth. In the old law he was only known & preached t● be the saviour of the jews for God was known but in jewrye▪ and in Israel was his name great. 
Psa. lxxv.  He showed his word to jacob, his righteousness & judgements to Israel▪ He did not so to every nation, 
Psa. cxlviii  neither did he open unto them his ordinances▪ but now he is a saviour to all kind of people. Christ before his death, said to his disciples, when he seen them forth to preach. 
Math. x.  Go no● among the Gentiles nor Sain● 〈◊〉, but go rather to the lost sheep of 〈◊〉 of Israel, but after his resurrection he said▪ Go thorough out all the world, 
Mat. xxviii Marc. xvi.  and preach the gospel to every creature. For there is now no difference between the jew and ●he gentle. 
Roma. x. johel. two. Actum. two.  For one is Lord of all, 〈◊〉 enough for so many as call 〈…〉. For every one that calleth on the name of the Lord, will be saved▪ 
Esay. ix Math. iiii.  And this is it that the Prophet saith 〈◊〉 people that walked in darkness, 〈…〉 lygh●, & to them which s●t in the region and shadow of death, light is sprung & risen unto them. This is great consolation and comfort for us, that this gift of God, Christ, bringeth salvation to all men, so well Gentile as jew, or else had we, which were Gentiles, been damned for ever and ever.  Theo. 
blessed be God for the riches of his grace, wherewith he hath freely called, justified, saved and glorified us thorough jesus Christ our Lord▪ 
Rom. viii  Well neighbours, saying that Christ is a saviour & bringeth salvation to all men, so endeavour yourselves, that ye may be found worthy to be of that number, which shall receive salvation & 〈◊〉 saved. Repent ye of your old wicked living. Believe to have remission o● all your sins thorough the name of Christ. Have no more to do with the world, the devil and the flesh▪ but evermore garnish your life & conversation with the fruits of the spirit, that ye may be fit vessels, into whom God may power his grace.  Chri. 
I beseech God give us grace to do this.  Phil. 
Now mark, what this gift of God hath done. It hath appeared. The gift of God/ saith the scripture that bringeth salvation unto all men/ hath appeared.  
Christ hath appeared, saith your new years gift. In the old law he appeared by figures, types, clouds, & shadows, as by Manna, the Rock, the paschal lamb, the brazen serpent, etc. which all prefigured Christ, and by them did he appear to the faithful, which believed and looked for his coming, but now he hath appeared personally, even in his own flesh. He that hath been so long looked for, is now come very God and very man. He hath appeared; he hath been seen and heard. He hath preached. He hath wrought miracles. He hath suffered & died for us. He is risen again, and ascended up into heaven, where he sitteth now on the right hand of god his father. All this was not fantastically done but truly and unfeignedly. He appeared very man in the flesh, which he received of the blessed virgin Mary, having his godhead conjoined with his humanity, so that he was, and is, very God & very man.  Euse. 
There want not now a days, 
Of them that deny the humanity of Christ.  as I have heard, which plainly deny, that Christ took any flesh of the virgin Mary, and as for that body that he had, he brought down with him from heaven.  Phil. 
This is no new heresy, although it be lately renewed by the wicked and pernicious 〈◊〉 of the ungodly anabaptists, 〈◊〉 sprung up among the old Heretics, shortly after the ascension of Christ. Would God I had sufficient time and convenient leisure to utter my mind fully concerning this matter. But for asmuch as I know and am perfectly persuaded that none of you are addict neither to this, nor none other opinion that they maintain & hold contrary to the rule of the catholic faith, and the determination of Christ's church. I will not labour much in the confutation of this their damnable heresy, but only rehearse certain Scriptures unto you, that ye may in few words perceive how greatly they serve from the verity of god's word. first I will rehearse unto you the words of god the father spoken to the serpent shortly after the fall of man. I will set emnite between the and an woman, between thy seed and her seed. And that self seed shall ●read down thy head. This seed to be Christ no man doubteth, that is faithful. Mark now that he calleth christ the seed of a woman, he meaneth the most glorious virgin Mary. If christ be the seed of this woman mary, than did he take his flesh & humanity of her. So doth it than follow right well, that they err, which affirm that christ brought his body with him from heaven, and took no flesh of this most blessed and undefiled virgin●. For how can he be named to be the seed of a woman, if he had no part of her? Can a woman truly say, this is mine own and natural son, when she never brought him forth. 
Gen. xxii.  〈◊〉 Abraham also God the father said▪ In thy seed all nations of the earth shall be blessed▪ This seed is christ, 
Gala. iii.  as S. Paul declareth to the Galathians, which being borne of the virgin Mary, came of the seed of Abraham. Now i● christ had taken no flesh of Mary, how could he have come of the seed of Abraham. The Prophet Isaiah also saith, 
Esa seven. Math. i Luke. i.  Behold a maiden shall conceive & bring forth a son, and his name shall be called Emanuel. Are not these words plain enough? Could this glorious virgin both have conceived and brought forth Christ, and yet Christ have taken no part of her? This had been a marvelous conception, and a wonderful girth, seeing that all the scriptures ●yghte against it. But let us come ●● the new Testament. 
joan. i.  S. Iohn in his Gospel saith: The word, mea●yng Christ, became flesh, & dwelt among us. As though he should say, The word, which is the son of God and the second parson in trinity, took flesh of the virgin Mary and became by that means very man for our sake, and lived here among us on the earth, and wrought such things as was the will of his heavenly father. Mark that he saith, the word became flesh, that is, the son of God became very man. How came this to pass, that he was not only God, but also very man. verily in as much as he took flesh of that most pure virgin Mary, thorough the wonderful operation of the holy Ghost. Saint Paul also saith, Christ also saith, Christ was begotten of the seed of David after the flesh▪ Here S. Paul confesseth that Chri●● had flesh, 
Roma. i.  and was very man and he took this flesh of the seed of David which was Mary the most pure vi●●gine. These words are open ●nough for them that wyllie. A like thing he writeth to Timothe, 
two. Timo. two.  remember that jesus Christ is risen again from death, of the seed of David. Behold how he still maketh mention of the seed of David, because he would have us earnestly imprynte the humanity of Christ in our breasts, which he received of the virgin Mary. For he did afore see in the spirit, that there should arise certain false Prophets which should labour to wrest out of our hearts this necessary article of Christ's humanity. 
Gala iiii.  To the Galathians also he writeth on this manner, when the time was fulfilled, God sent his son borne of a woman, or rather as the Greek word ●enomenon ●oundeth, begotten or made Christ by the wonderful and supernatural operation of the holy Ghost, was begotten & made man of the virgin Mary, yea and that without the seed of any man. He only received his flesh and man he● of Mary, which God so working by his holy spirit was so pure, clean and undefiled, that there was no spot of uncleanness in her at all. And as Christ was begotten of God the father gods own son and very God from everlasting, yea and that without the company of any woman, so was he begotten, conceived, made, & borne very man of the most pure virgin Mary without the seed of any man, 
Luke. i.  the holy Ghost did so come upon her, and the power of the highest overshadowed her. And as Christ received his godhead only of God the father, ●o received he his manhed● only of the virgin Mary his mother. Whereof we may conclude the as Christ is very God of God the ●●●ther without a mother, so is he very man of Mary his mother without any father. Therefore may h●● god●hed be as justly denied, as his 〈◊〉 and flesh taking of the blessed virgin Mary. But Christ abideth very God and very man, what so ever the wicked Heretics babble in this behalf. 
Heb. iiii.  I will rehearse another text of S. Paul to the hebrews and make an end of this matter, He was tempted & made like to us in all things, sin alone except. If he were like unto us in all things, sin alone except, than followeth it that he had a body of flesh as we have, and that there was no difference, but that his most blessed body was without all sin, and our bodies are sinful. For he was borne wrapped in clouts, laid in a manger, fed, circumcised, embraced in arms, grew, was made strong in the spirit, profited in wisdom & age, hongred, thirsted, wept, was weary rejoiced, was moved with wrath and indignation, sorrowed, was heavy, sad, & at the last suffered the most spiteful death of the cross. Are not these very signs & manifest tokens of man? Could he have done these things, if he had had either a fantastical body, or else a body from heaven? Na verily, for what fantastical or heavenly thing hungereth, thyrstethe, weepeth sleepeth, rejoiceth. etc. which all Christ did. A little before his passhon was he not in such an agony, that his sweat was like drops of blood tryckeling down to the ground? 
Luke. xxii.  Did he not so greatly fear death, that he desired his father to withdraw the cup of his passion from him? Are not all these evident tokens of a very man, saying his flesh so greatly feared death▪ Seeing than that he was very man, whence had he this body, but of the most holy virgin Mary, thorough the marvelous operation of God's spirit? Confounded therefore be Manicheus, which deny the humanize of Christ. Confounded be Ualentius which affirmed that Christ brought his body with him from heaven, & took no flesh of the virgin Mary. Confounded be the anabaptists, & so many as hold & maintain this wicked doctrine contrary to God's truth. 
i Timo. iii joan. i Luke two. Ephe. iii. Phi●●. iii.  For God was showed in the flesh, justified in the spirit, seen of Angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the earth, and received up into glory.  
Thus see you neighbours, that Christ the gift of God, which bringeth salvation to all men, hath appeared yea & that in the flesh, which he received of the most blessed and pure virgin Mary He appeared, say one S. Iohn, 
i joan. iii.  that he might 〈◊〉 away our sins, & yet was there 〈…〉 in him. Again, for this cause appeared the son of God, that he might loosen the works of the devil, but of all these things ye have heard abundantly before, therefore will I go forth with your new years gift. It followeth.  
And teacheth us, that we should deny ungodliness and worldly lusts.  
We heard before, that christ being borne of the virginne Marry, brought health and salvation to all men both jew and Gentile. Here again S. Paul teacheth, what pleasure he hath done us more. He hath not only brought salvation to us, & by that means delivered us out of the miserable state, where with we were detained before but he hath also taught us what we should do, that thorough our own faul●● we lose not again the dignity whi●● we have gotten thorough the free mercy of God. And in this behalf also are we much bound to this our gift. For what doth it profit to have a treasure given us, & to lose it again straight ways? Are we not much bound to them, which both give us treasures, and show us also, how we may safely keep them to our great pleasure and comfort? How much than are we indebted to our saviour Christ, which hath not only given us the treasure of salvation which of all treasures is most excellent, but also taught us, how we shall behave ourselves, that we lose it not hereafter. But let us hear, what he hath taught us  Euse. 
I pray you speak on, for we desire greatly to hear it.  Phil. 
His doctrine is this That we should deny ungodliness and worldly lusts. We hear here none unwritten verities, nor the fansies of men, nor yet old wives fables and such things as edify not, but those things that have been taught of Moses and the Prophets many years before his coming, as we may see in the holy scriptures, therefore may they not be reject and cast a way. The old Ethnyckes hearkened not more to the Oracles and answers of Apollo, than we ought to hearken & give ear to the doctrine of this gift of God Christ our saviour. 
Deut. xviii.  For he is that Prophet, which God promised that he would raise up, and put his words into his mouth, 
joan. iii.  so that who so ever will not hear him, God will be revenged of him. He is a master sent from God. He hath the words of everlasting life. 
joan. vi. joan. viii.  He is the light of the world. Who so ever followeth him, walketh not in darkness, but shall have the light of life▪ 
ix. xii. joan. xiiii. Titum. i. Psa. xiiii. Math. xvii. Mar. ix. Luki. ix. two. Pt. two. Esa. lxi.  He is the way, truth, and life. He is the God that can not lie. He is faithful in all his words, and holy in all his works. We are commanded of god the father to hear him. The spirit of GOD is upon him, he is sent to preach merry tidings to the poor, that he might heal the broken in heart, preach deliverance to prisoners, and sight to the blind. 
Luke. iiii. joan. x. joan. viii. Esa. xlviii.  He is that good shepherd, whose voice his sheep hear. And every one that is of the truth, heareth his voice. He is that Lord God, which teacheth us profitable things, and governeth us in the way, wherein we ought to walk. saying than that he is a Lord of such and so great authority, excellency & puissance, seeing also he teacheth nothing but truth, again seeing he hath done so much for us, and tendereth nothing more than our health and salvation, we were not only to much ingrate and unkind toward him, but also very enemies unto ourselves, if we should not with all diligence apply ourselves both to hear him, and also to follow & accomplish such things as he teacheth us. Let us therefore hear, what he willeth us to do.  
And teacheth us/ that we should deny ungodliness and worldly lusts.  
Where as our english translation hath, teacheth, the Greek word is Paidevousa.  Chri. 
What signifieth that I pray you?  Phil. 
It signifieth not only to teach, but so to instruct, inform, fashion▪ & teach, as schoolmasters are wont to do their children, whom they found & received rude, gross, ignorant, and without all good knowledge both of learning & manners. 
Christ is our Scole master.  Even such did our schoolmaster and teacher Christ find us, all gross, all rude, all barbarous, all blind, all ignorant, all unlearned, all unmannered and clean out of fashion. How could it otherwise be? We were darkness. We walked in the vanity of our mind, blinded in our understanding, being strangers from the life, 
Ephe. v. Ephe. iiii.  which is in God thorough the ignorauns, that was in us, and the blindness of our hearts so that we gave over ourselves unto wantonness, to work all manner of uncleanness with greediness. For Satan the God of this world, 
two. Cor. iiii. Esa. vi. johan. xii.  had blinded our minds, that we should not believe, unless the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, which is the Image of God, 
Colos. i.  should shine unto us. But yet for all this our rudeness, ignorancy & blindness, Christ that heavenly Doctor doth not disdain us. He is contented to receive us into his school, & to become our school master, so that we will leave our wickedness and be contented to be reform Oh what a gentle point is this of our saviour jesus christ not to disdain us for all our rudeness & ignorancy but joyfully to accept us, if we will follow the trade of his school. The common saying is, an honest master loveth to have honest servants. Now who is more honest, pure godly, innocent and ●autelesse, than this master Christ? It becometh them his servants to practise & follow so nigh as they can, his manners. Therefore the first lesson that his scholars learn in his school, is to deny ungodliness & worldly lusts. They that intend not to do this, they are no fit scholars for such a schoolmaster, though they brag never so much of his name, and call them selves Christians. 
Mat. seven  For not every one, saith unto me, Lord, Lord, saith Christ, shall enter into heaven, but he that doth the will of my father, which is in heaven. And I pray you mark, how prettily and handsomely the Scripture speaketh.  
That we should deny ungodliness and worldly lusts. As though it should say, although in times paste we have both followed and maintained ungodliness, idolatry, false worshippings of God, superstition, confidence in our own selves and works, and have lived after the lusts of the world and the flesh, yet now for as much as we are come into a new school, and have another school master & teacher, which teacheth his scholars nothing but virtue, godliness, and all that ever is contrary to vice, it becometh us to deny, forsake, yea & utterly to forswear all ungodliness and worldly lusts, and what so ever is contrary to the teaching of this our new schoolmaster, and never to have to do with them here after, but studiously and with all application of mind to follow the doctrine of this our teacher.  Theo. 
What is it to deny ungodliness?  Phil. 

What it is to deny ungodliness  To deny ungodliness is utterly to forsake & to cast away all things, that should obscure, deface, or in any point hinder the honour and glory of God. For who so ever will be Christ's scholar, he must first seek the glory of God above all things, as it is written. Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, 
Deut. vi. Math. iiii.  & him only shalt thou serve.  Euse. 
which are they, that hinder the glory of God?  Phil. 

i joan. v.  Ask ye which neighbour Eusebius, when the world is altogether set on wickedness, as s. Iohn saith: They love the glory of men, 
joan. xii.  more than the glory of GOD, as Christ saith. All seek their own, and not that, which is jesus Christ's, saith S. Paul. 
Phili. two.  What a sort of Idolaters are there in the world, which steal the honour from God & give it to creatures? What a number are fallen from Christ, some putting their trust in popish pardons, some in the merits of other, some in their own works, some in the observances of men's traditions & c? What a company also is there, that love worldly things, 
Math. nineteen. Marc. x. Luke. xviii.  more than God? How doth the covetous man embrace and love his riches, so that it is not which out a cause said of Christ, It is more easy for a cable rope to go thorough the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God? How doth the glotonne make of his belly, and enfarse it with all kind of dainties? How doth the proud parsonne garnish▪ himself and delight in precious ornaments? How doth the ireful man set aside all charity and fear of God, & seek to be revenged? Again, what a swarm of wicked parsons are there, which dishonour the name of our God by unlawful and abominable oaths? What thing in earth do they leave unsworn by? Yea what part of the most glorious body of our saviour jesus Christ, whereby we received redemption and salvation, do they leave untouched with their to moche detestable oaths?  

Exo. xx. Deut. v●  Why do not these wretches call this precept of God to their remembrans, Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy GOD in vain. For the Lord will not hold him guiltless, that taketh his name in vain. The wis● man also saith, A man that useth much swearing, 
Eccl. xxiii.  shall be filled with wickedness, and the plague, that is, the vengeance of God shall not go away from his house. Furthermore what a flock is there, that hate the God's word, & so many as labour to promote and set it forth, calling them Heretics, and fellows of the new learning? How little pleasure have these swinish worldings and voluptuous belly gods either to read the scriptures themselves or to hear other? Yea I would there were not, which neither will read the most holy Bible themselves, nor yet suffer with a glad mind other to read. Against all such doth Christ thunder in the gospel, saying, Woe be to you Scribes and Pharisees hypocrites, 
Math. xxi●● Luke. xi.  which have taken away the key of knowledge, and speared the kingdom of heaven before men. Ye yourselves do not enter, nor yet sufferre them that come to enter. Do not al● these, think you, as I may let pass many other, greatly dishonour God and obscure his glory? These are no fit scholars for Christ's school, except they repent and amend. Therefore, as I said unto you before, who so ever will be Christ's scholar, he must first seek the glory of God above all things. He must love god above all things either in heaven or in earth, believe him to be his alone saviour, and ask and look for all good things of him alone. He must honour his name, and seek the glory thereof in all things that he doth Yea for the glory of this his God, he must be contented not only to bestow his goods, but his very life also, if the honour of God so requireth. He must love the word of god, as the alone treasure of his soul, study in it day and night, 
Psal. i.  talk of it with other, 
But in paul's Chyr● he may a man se the leaves of the Bybl●s torn out● & that no ma● number, and all because men should have no knowledge of God's word, neither do men love the readers thereof but seek which all guile to p●●se●ute them & to cast them in prison so that in short time there the die. etc. What it is to deny worldly lusts. Coloss. iii,  exhort his christian brothers unto the reading of it, rejoice when he see men have a pleasure in i●, and encourage them so to continue, & to follow that, which they read▪ They that do this, deny ungodliness, & unfeignedly seek the honour and glory of God.  Chri. 
I beseech god, that we all may have grace thu● to do  Phil. 
For as much as we walk not only before God but also before men, therefore doth your new years gift, I mean Christ your schoolmaster not only teach you to deny ungodliness, but also worldly lusts.  Theo. 
What meaneth he by that?  Phillip 
Even the very same that S. Paul doth writing to the Collossians▪ Mortify, saith he, your members▪ which are on the earth, fornication uncleanness, unnatural lust, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is worshipping of Idols, for which things the wrath of God cometh on the children of unbelief. In which ye walked once, when ye lived in them. But now put ye also away from you all things, wrath, fierceness, maliciousness, cursed speaking, filthy talk out of your mouths. Lie not one to another after that ye hau● put of the old man with his works, and put on the new, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that made him. Of these words may ye learn, what it is to deny worldly lusts. verily to mortify all carnal affects, which strive against the spirit. For the flesh lusteth contrary to the spirit, and the spirit contrary to the flesh. But they that pertain unto Christ, have crucified the flesh with the affects and lusts thereof. If ye live after the flesh ye shall die. But if ye mortify the deeds of the body in the spirit, ye shall live. 
Gala. v. Roma. viii.  For who so ever are led with the spirit of God, they are the sons of God. Here may ye see what pureness both of body & mind god requireth of us, seeing we may not so much as once noryssh a worldly & carnal lust in our hearts. How much less than, is it lawful for us to accomplish them in deed, and to bring them forth in external act? Hereto pertaineth the commandment, Thou shalt not covet or lust. Our schoolmaster also in the Sermon that he made in the mountain, saith, who so ever looketh on another man's wife, lusting after her, hath committed adultery already in his heart. 
Math. v.  It is not without a cause that Christ teacheth us to deny worldly & fleshly lusts. For if the heart be not refrained from evil concupiscences, & kept clean, it is not possible, that we can either speak or do, any thing at all that should ●e good or godly. 
Matth. seven. and xii.  For of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart, bringeth forth that is good And an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart, 
Luke. seven.  bringeth forth that is evil. Every tree is known by her fruit. Therefore must we above all things watch that no evil lust creep into our hearts either thorough the entys●ment of the flesh, or the flattering of the world or yet the crafty suggestion of Satan. 
i Pet. v.  Be sober, saith S. Peter and watch. For your adversary the devil goeth about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. I● the heart be once corrupt with worldly lusts, than goeth all to havoc▪ as S. james saith: 
jacob. i.  After the lust hath conceived, she bringeth forth ●ynne, and sin when i● is finished, bringeth forth death. blessed is that man, that can keep his ha●●e fire from worldly lusts & unlawful desires. For he is a fit scholar to be in Chri●tes school, yea it is an evident token that he hath learned with Christ already, & hath well profited in godly knowledge. And that you may do this, set ever before the eyes of your mind this saying of S. Iohn: Love not the world, 
i joan. two.  no● those things that 〈…〉 the world. If any man loveth the world, the love of the father is not in him. For all that is in the world, as the concupiscence of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of the life, is not of the father, but it is of the world. And the world passeth away, & the lust thereof. But he that doth the will of God, abideth for evermore.  Euse. 
Is it not lawful for us to covytte & desire such things of the world, as are necessary for our living?  Phil. 
To desire to have meat, drink & cloth, without the which ye can not live in the world, it is lawful. 
Gen. xxviii Pro thirty. Mat. vi.  Solomon and jacob prayed for them unto God. Christ also in the Pater noster taught us to pray on this manner: give us this day our daily bread. S. Paul also sayeth, If any man doth not provide for his household, 
i Tim. v.  he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. Therefore is it lawful both to desire pray, and make provision for them, so that it be done in faith & of a single heart. For all the creatures of god are good, as the scripture saith God beheld all things that he had made, 
Gen. i Tit. ●. i.  and they were very good. All things are pure to them that are pure No thing is to be cast away, that is received with thanks giving. 
i Tim. iiii.  To desire these things, I say, yea and to have the use and possession of them ye are not forbidden, but to lust & desire worldly riches with a covetous and insatiable mind, that ye may join house to house, land to land & farm to firm, to desire to be revenged, when all vengeance pertaineth to God, as he saith, vengeance is mind, 
Deut. xxxii Roma. xii  and I will reward, to lust after another man's wife, maid or servant, to desire and lust after dainty meats, that the flesh may be the more prone and ready to sin, this to do ye are forbidden, & if ye do it, ye are cursed of God, as the Psalmographe saith, cursed be they that turn away from thy commandments. 
Psal. cxv  Thus perceive ye, I trust what is meant by the denying of worldly lusts.  Theo. 
We perceive it right well.  Phil. 
Seeing ye do so neighbours, look ye be no forgetful hearers, 
jacob. i.  but diligent accomplishers of such things, as ye know, unless your knowledge turneth to your greater damnation▪ Mortify your carnal affects and worldly lusts. Suffer none of them to creep into your hearts▪ Ca●● to God for help without ceasing, that ye may ●e able thorough his grace to suppress all evil affects, concupiscences, lusts and desires▪ Keep your heart so pure, that nothing may come from you but pureness, virtue, & godly innocency. Remember, that so many as are baptized in Christ jesus, are baptized into his death. 
Roma. vi  They are buried together with him by baptism into death that as Christ was raised up from death, thorough the glory of the father, so they likewise should walk in a new life. 
Coloss. iii.  If ye be risen again with Christ, seek for those things that are above, where Christ is sitting on the right hand of GOD. provide for those things that are above and not upon the earth. For ye are dead, & your life is hid with Christ in God▪ I● ye do these things, & follow the teaching of your schoolmaster Christ, so that ye deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, than shall ye show yourselves to have been good students in the school of Christ, and ye shall take forth a new less●, which here followeth.  Chri, 
What is that?  Philemon. 
Even this. And that we should live soberly/ righteously and god●y in this present world.  Euse. 
This is a godly lesson.  Phil. 
Labour therefore the more diligently to remember it. Before ye herd, how ye must forsake sin, now ye are taught to practise virtue & godliness. 
Psal. xxxiii Esay. i.  For it is not enough to cease from doing evil, except we also do good, as the Psalmograph saith. Depart from evil, & do good Also the Prophet▪ cease to do evil, learn to do good Therefore as before we were taught to decline from evil, so are we here monished to do good & to embrace virtue. And in this our lesson, which I now last rehearsed we are taught how to behave ourselves both toward ourselves, our neighbours & god in this world we must live soberly toward our selves, righteously toward our neighbours, & godly toward God▪ Here is the hole ly●e of a christian man, painted, described, & set forth in few words. To live so, that we neither offend ourselves, our neighbours, nor God, is not this the whole sum of the christian religion? What is the duty of a christian man more to do? 
What it is to live soberly.   Chri. 
what is it to live soberly?  Phil. 
The Greek word Sophronos soundeth on such manner, that to live soberly, should seem to be, so purely, discreetly, modestly, temperately & lagely to institute our life, that our conscience should never accuse us of any evil, but testify with us, that we live & do all things godly. He that thus liveth, liveth soberly. For there is a certain sobriety so well in the mind as in the body. There is also a certain drunkenness so well in the mind as in the body. Likewise as the body is recounted sober & in salve estate so long as it is not distemperate with the superfluite of meats and drinks, so in like manner so long as the mind is not troubled with vicious affects but remain in her native purity, it is recounted sober. So that we are here taught, not only to live soberly, modestly and temperately concerning the body, but also the mind. For a christian man must have a special respect to the mind, which being drunken with vices, what doth the sobriety of the body profit? If I keep my body sober, & in never so good temperance, & my mind be drunken with wrath, ire, contention, desire of vengeance, whoredom, unclean thoughts, and such other carnal affects and worldly lusts, what doth it profit? Therefore as the body is to be kept from drunkenness, so must the mind be from vices. Than shall we be truly sober, & live well toward ourselves. But for as much as this time of Christmas men universally are most of all given to banqueting, voluptuous eating and drinking, so that the christian sobriety & moderate temperaū● is forgotten with many, and gluttony & dronckenshyp bear chief rule, therefore I desire you brothers by the tender mercies of God, 
Luke. xxi.  that ye live soberly, and beware of surfeiting and dronckeshyppe.  
Use a sober and temperate dyette. Overcharge not your stomachs which to much eating and drinking. Let other glory in their Christmas banckettes, made for the belly, have you your whole rejoicing, pleasure, & delight in that meat, which perisheth not, 
joan. vi  but abideth into everlasting life. Make no provision for the flesh to fulfil the lusts thereof. 
Rom. xii●.  Be not drunken with wine, wherein is excess. Cast away the works of darkness, & put on the armours of light. 
Ephe. v. Roma. xii●  Walk honestly as in the day light, not in banqueting and drunkenness,, not in chamburing & wantonness, nor yet in strife & envying, but put ye on the Lord jesus christ. Remember that we live not to eat, but eat to live. And nature is contented with a little. What so ever is superfluous, is sinful and damnable. 
Gene. iiii  Remember that Adam and Heva did fall thorough gluttony. Remember that Nohe when he was drunken, was uncovered in his Tent, & lay with his privities bare. 
Gen. ●●.  Remember that Loath being drunken committed incest with his own daughters Remember that when the children of Israel had sat down to eat and drink, 
Gen. nineteen.  they fell straight weys unto Idolatry, & worshipped the golden calf. Remember that Ammon the brother of Absalon was slain at a banquet, 
Ex. xxxii 1. Cor. x. two. Reg. xiii. judith. xiii.  when he was drunk. Remember that Holofernes being drunk, was slain of an woman. Remember that at a banquet, it was granted, 
Math. xiiii  that S. Iohn Baptist should lose his head, & yet no cause why, but ● little envy, & because he would tell that king truth, 
Luke. xvi.  wherewith the flatterers that were about him could not away. Remember that the rich glutton, which fared daintily every day, was buried & thrown down into hell. Remember that thoccasion of the wickedness of Sodom was pride, 
Gen. xviii. Ezech. xvi.  fullness of meat abundans & idleness. All these be terrible histories against gluttony and dronckeshyp. Again what diseases come thereof? How many sorrows & troubles do they bring to man's body? Let us hear what Solomon saith, 
Pro. xxiii.  Where is woe? Where is sorrow Where is strife? Where is brawling? Where are wounds without a cause? Where be red eyes? Even among those, that be ever at the wine, and seek out where the best is. Therefore keep no company with wine bybbers and riotous eaters of flesh, for such as be drunkards & riotous shall come to poverty. jesus the son of Syrach also saith: Be not greedy in every eating, & be not to hasty upon all meats. 
Eccl. xxxvii.  For excess of meats bringeth sickness, & gluttony cometh at the last to an vnmesurabl● heat. Thorough gluttony have ma●● perished, but he that dye●e the him 〈◊〉 temperately, prolongeth his life Therefore good neighbours, that w● may eschew all these great perils let us cast away all gluttony & drō●kennes, live soberly, practise mod●●rate temperauns, & so embrace christian sobriety, that we may be sober both in body & mind. So shall we be the more able to do our duty toward our neighbours.  Theo. 
Truth it is. For he that can not order himself well toward himself, shall evil do his duty toward his neighbour, I pray God give us grace first to look upon ourselves, as we ought to do, & afterward to behave ourselves toward our neighbours, a● it becometh us.  Phil. 
This is a godly desire. We are taught of Christ our schoolmaster not only to live soberly, which concerneth ourselves but also righteously, which to wecheth our neighbours. 
What it is to live righteously.   Euse. 
What is it to live ryghte●usly?  Phil. 
To do to every man as we are bound by the commandment of God. For the office of righteousness is, to give every one his own. This our lesson, that we should live righteously, comprehendeth all the second table of the ten commandments. For justice and righteousness requireth, that we honour our father & mother, 
Ex. xx. Deut. v. Matth. nineteen. Marc. x.  reverence than, and do for them, what so ever lieth in our power. It requireth of us that we also have in honour all temporal magistrates & so many as be our superious. It requireth again, 
Roma. xiii. i Pet. two. i Timo. v.  that we give to the ministers of God's word double honour, that is to say, both an hearty external reverence, and also all things that are necessary for their living, that their most godly exercises may not be letted. It requireth that we slay no man, nor do no man no harm, but walk charitably toward all men, speak & report well of all men, help, comfort and succour them, yea though they be our● extreme enemies, & seek our death. For the commandment of our schoolmaster is this. 
Math. v.  love your enemies, pray for them that curse you, do good to them that hate you. etc. It requireth, 
i Cor. seven.  that we commit none adultery but that every man have his own wife & every woman her own husband. It requireth that we do no thief, nor steal any thing from our neighbour, 
i Thes. iiii.  nor bribe away his goods unjustly, nor deceive him in bargaining, but help him, maintain him, succour him, & do for him unto the uttrmoost of our power, that he may want no good thing. It requireth that we bear no false witness against our neighbours, nor obscure his good name, nor yet do any thing at all, that may turn him to displeasure, but both think & speak of him gently, friendly & charitably, 
Prover. ●. 1. Pet. iiii.  enterpreting all things unto the best, and covering his faults, where there is hope of amendment. It requireth of us, that we do not covet our neighbours house, wife, servant, handmaid, nor any thing that is his, but that we wish well unto him & to all that he hath, being contented with that the God hath given us, be it little or much. To be short, 
Matth. seven. Luke. vi  to live righteously, is to do unto other, as we would they should do unto us. He that doth these things aforesaid, liveth righteously, & behaveth himself toward his neighbour, as he is bound by the commandment of God.  Chri, 
Now have we learned our duty both toward ourselves, & our neighbours Let it now be declared unto us, I pray you, how we ought to behave ourselves toward God.  Phil. 
Christ our schoolmaster teacheth us not only to live soberly and righteously, 
What it is to live godly  but also godly.  Theo. 
What is it to live godly?  Phil. 
To live godly, is to believe that there is but one true & living God, to cleave unto him as the foundation of all goodness, to look for all health & salvation at his hand, to love him with the whole mind, heart, power & soul, to call upon his most blessed name, to praise him in all kind of fortune, to seek his glory above all things, & to serve him according to his word.  Euse. 
blessed is the man, to whom it is given thus godly to live.  Phil. 
Neighbours now have ye learned the whole trade of Christ's school, & what he teacheth His doctrine is this, that ye should deny ungodliness & worldly concupiscences, & that ye should live soberly, righteously & godly. Look therefore that ye follow this teaching & practise it in your daily conversation, that ye may be found no forgetful hearers, but fervent doers of such things as ye have heard and learned. Deny ungodliness, and for sake all that ever is contrary to God's honour, praise, worship and glory. Mortify your carnal affects and worldly lusts. 
Coloss. iiii.  Become new men in your living. Away which the works of darkness, & on with the fruits of the spirit. Put on the armours of light, 
Roma. xiii.  and cast away the works of darkness. Be no longer darkness, but light in the lord. 
Ephe. v Phili. i●  Shine in the world as great light. Glorify God in your body, & in your spirit, which are Gods. Let your light to shine before men, 
i Cor. v●. Math. v.  that they may see your good works, & glorify your father, which is in heaven. Live soberly, modestly, temperately discreetly & sagely toward your selves. Do nothing, whereof your conscience may either condemn or accuse you. Live righteously toward your neighbour. Do none otherwise unto him, than ye would, he should do unto you. Live godly toward God. seek his glory in all things, & worship him according to his word, & not after your blind fancy, & fleshly imagination. Thus doing, ye shall show yourselves scholars not altogether unworthy such a schoolmaster. But ye must note that all these things must be done in this present world, as your new years gift hath. For this is the time of grace, favour, comfort and remission of sins, as God saith by the Prophet, I have heard the in a time accepted, 
Esa. xlix. two. Cor. vi.  & in the day of salvation have I succoured the. Behold now is that well accepted time, behold now is the day of salvation. 
Esa. lii.  seek the Lord while he may be found. In this world there is time of mercy favour & grace. Here is it lawful to lament our sins. Here may we undoubted believe, trust & obtain remission of our sins. After this life there remaineth nothing, but either everlasting pain or eternal glory, as S. Cyprian saith: When we go once out of this world, 
C●ntra. Demet Tractum primo.  there is no more place of repentance, there is no more satisfaction to be made. For life is here either lost or gotten, here is provision made for eternal health with the worshipping of God and the 〈◊〉 of faith. Let no man discourage himself because of the multitude of his sins, or by the reason that he hath been so long a sinner, thinking that by this means he shall obtain health the less For so long as we are in this world, there is no repentance to late. There is a way to obtain favour, and they that seek & understand the truth, shall soon come by it. Therefore in this world must we deny ungodliness & worldly lusts. In this world must we live soberly righteously and godly. So doing, we may with a good & free conscience do that which followeth.  Chri. 
I pray you let us hear, what it is.  Phile. 
Looking for the blessed hope & appearing of the glory of the great God/ and of our saviour jesus Christ. A good servant needeth not to fear his masters coming. For in his absence he hath been faithful & diligent to do that thing, which his master willed him to do. Therefore may he lawfully even with joy & gladness look for his master's return. So likewise a christian man, that walketh in the way of the Lord, & doth that, which he is appointed by the law of God, & seeketh above all things thaccomplishment of his masters will, may with a fire, glad and merry conscience look for the coming of Christ at the day of judgement, which shall be terrible to the wicked, but comfortable to the faithful. And verily so many as hope to be saved at the great day, ought so to behave themselves in this world, that they may with joy at all times look for it. And they ought to be so much the more diligent, seeing the time is uncertain when it shall be. Of the day & time, saith Christ, knoweth no man, no not the Angels, which are in heaven, neither the son himself, save only the father. Take heed, 
Actum i. Mat. xxiiii xxv. Luke. xii. nineteen.  watch, & pray, for ye know not when the time is. As a man, which is gone into a strange country, & hath left his house, and given authority to his servants, and to every man his work, & commanded the porter to watch. Watch therefore▪ for ye know not, when the master of the house will come, whither at even, or at midnight, whither at the cock crowing, or in the dawning, least if he come suddenly should find you sleeping And that I say to you I say to all, watch.  
It is to be noted, that the Scripture calleth that a blessed hope, wherewith we hope and look for the glorious coming of our Lord & saviour jesus Christ unto the judgement. And not without a cause. For although a Christian man be never so greatly vexed in this world, yet when he casteth the eyes of his faith upon that day, and hope the that Christ shall come & give him eternal glory according unto his faith, this maketh him blessed, joyful, quiet. & merry, and contented with a glad heart, patiently and thankfully to bear, what soever cross God layeth on his back. We are saved thorough hope, saith S. Paul. dearly beloved, saith S. Iohn, 
Roma. viii. i joan. iii  We are now the sons of God, & it hath not yet appeared what we shallbe. But we know that if he once appear, we shall be like unto him, for we shall see him, as he is. And every one that hath this hope in him, purifieth himself, even as he is pure. The hoop of saints is full of immortality, 
Sap. iii.  saith the wise man. It followeth.  
And the appearyng● of the glory of the great god/ and of our saviour jesus Christ.  
At Christ's coming into this world, he came altogether poorly. He was borne of a poor maid in a stable, wrapped in simple clouts, and laid in a manger among brute beasts. He was brought up homely, lived hardly, not having where once to rest his head. All the time of his life he was of such ignominy among the bishops, priests, head rulars, Scribes, Pharisees and Saducees, 
Phil. two. Math xxvii Luke. xxii. Marc. xiiii. joan. xviii.  that at the last they put him unto the most spiteful death of the cross, as a pestiferous malefa●toure, a deceiver of the people, a teacher of new learning, an enemy to our mother the holy church. etc. But when he shall appear again, & come unto the judgement, his appearing shall be glorious, his coming shall be royal, victorious and triumphant. He shall not come humbly and simply, as a base person, but like a great and almighty GOD, like a Lord full of all puissance, mighty and power, terrible to the wicked, and amiable to the faithful. He shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, 
Matth. xxv  than shall he sit upon the seat of his glory & there shall be gathered before him all nations. He shall show himself to be a great God, and such one as none is able to be compared unto him It shall well be known at that time that he was and is the true son of god & that very true Messiah, which was promised of God by the Prophets, what so ever the wicked jews say unto the contrary. Than shall it be manifest to all men, that the gods of the Gentiles are devils, and that there is no other God, but this our God alone. 
Psal. cxv  Than shall they that are the adversaries of his truth, & enemies of his most holy Gospel know how greatly they have erred, 
Sap. i. iii and .v.  blasphemed the divine verity, persecuted his faithful servants, maintained pernicious doctrine, 
Math. xxv:  yea than shall they receive a reward worthy their wickedness & tyranny. He shall show himself such a great God, that it shall lyghe in his power to give to the faithful everlasting life, & to the wicked eternal damnation. Oh great is the Lord & worthy very much to be praised, 
Psal. cxliiii  & there is no end of his greatness, saith the Psalmographe. Needs must our Lord god be great, seeing he replenisheth both heaven and ear the with the majesty of his glory. No place is there any where, but that his power retchethe unto it. 
Esa. lxvi. Act. seven.  Heaven is my seat, & earth is my footstool, what house will ye build for me, saith the Lord? or what place is it that I should rest in: Hath not my hand made all these thing? But it is to be noted that Christ is not only called a great God, but also a saviour ye & the our saviour. So that at the day of judgement he shall not only appear a great & mighty God to all men, 
Phil. iii.  but also a bounteous & merciful saviour to the faithful, as S. Paul witnesseth, our conversation is in heaven, saith he, from whence we also look for a saviour, even the Lord jesus Christ, which shall change our vile bodies, 
Colos. i.  that they may be fashioned like unto his glorious body according unto the working, whereby he is able to subdue all things unto himself. Again, when Christ, which is our life, shall show himself, than shall ye also appear with him in glory. This great god christ is our saviour, and not Mary, Peter, james, Michael, Frances, Dominicke, Austen, or any other. He shall both sa●e and lead his people wyth● him into eternal glory. For as h● shall say to the wicked, Depart & go away from me ye cursed into ever lasting fire, which is prepared fo● the devil & his angels, so shall he say to his faithful people: Come y● blessed children of my father, inherit the kingdom, which was prepared for you from the beginning of the world. O sweet saying more full of joy & comfort than it can be expressed.  Chri. 
Lord I beseech the for thy great mercies so to assist us with thy holy spirit, that, we may so walk before the in this life accor●dynge to thy most holy word, that w● may be found in the number at that day of thy blessed children, to whom ● of thy free grace shalt give the most glorious inheritance.  Phil. 
Your de●syre is godly. Ye shall hear more of your new years gift, for it beginneth to draw unto an end.  Euse. 
I pray you, let us hear.  Phile. 
which gave himself for us to redeem us from all unrighteousness. That there can be no saviour for us but christ alone, these word is prove manifestly, for as much as none other but he only gave himself for us to redeem us from all unrighteousness. Was Paul crucified for us? Or were we baptized in the name of Paul? 
i Cor. ●  What saint at any time thought himself so pure, immaculate and without all spot of sin, that he durst presume to die for us, & to avouch his death to be an oblation & sacrifice for our sins to god the father except peradventure we will admit for good payment these & such like blasphemies which were wont bookful solemnly to be song in the temples unto the great ignominy of the glorious name of God, & the dishonour of Christ's most precious blood. jesu bone per Thomae merita, nostra nobis dimit debita. Eta trina morte nos suscita. Again, jesus bone per Thomae vulnera, quae nos ligant, relaxas celera. Item, Thomae cedunt & parent omnia, Pests, morbi, mors, & demonia, Ignis, aer, tellus & maria. Thomas mundum replevit gloria. Mundat lepra conspersos maculis, soluit mortis ligatos vinculis. I let pass many more which are very easy to be searched & found out. What are, if these be not blasphemies? What obscure the price of Christ's death, if these wicked sentences do not? Ah Lord, what blindness occupied the world, when such wicked doctrine crept in and was received into the church, and made in a manner of equal authority with the holy scripture? Oh Satan, great is thy craft, unsearchable is the subtlety of thy wicked imaginations.  Chri. 
Here are some of us, which understand not the Latin tongue. english therefore the aforesaid sentences.  Phil. 
I will do it in order. O good jesus, forgive us our debts thorough the merits of Thomas. And raise us up from the three fold death. O good jesus, release us of our sins, which bind us, thorough Thomas wounds. All things give place and obey Thomas, Pestilences, diseses, death & devils, Fire, air, earth & the sees. Thomas filled the world full of glory. He maketh clean lepers. He losoneth them that are bound, from the bonds of death. How say ye to this gear? Is it not good stuff?  Euse. 
Let God be but a little merciful unto me, if I have either heard or read more pestilent & abominable blasphemies, than these are. Is this any other, than as Lucifer said, 
Esa. xiiii.  I will climb up in to heaven, & make my seat above the stars of God, I will sit upon the glorious mount toward the North. I will climb up above the clouds, and will be like the highest of all? Is not this the office of God to forgive us our debts for the merits of Christ? Doth it not pertain unto God to raise us up from death? Are not our sins only released for Christ's wounds sake? Is not all power given unto Christ both in heaven and in earth? 
Mat. xxviii  Are not all things in the hand of God, to do with them what so ever his most godly pleasure shall be? Is it not God alone that losoneth the sinful from the bonds of death? How than can these things be justly ascribed to a mortal creature begotten, conceived & borne in sin, yea & as some judge of him, & Traitor both to God and his Prince? Is a sinner fit to pay a sinners ransom? Is a Traitor a convenient parson to make means for another Traitor unto a king whom both of them have offended? What Prince can away with the sight of them?  Phil. 
Ye say truth. It therefore followeth well that neither Thomas, Frances, Dominicke, Austen, nor any other creature neither in heaven nor in earth, were they never so holy, & suffered they never so great pains, could be our saviour, but christ alone the pure & immaculate lamb of God, which gave himself for us, as your new years gift saith, to redeem us from all unrighteousness. Mark that he saith,  
which gave himself for us. These words express the unspeakable kindness of Christ toward us, saying that when we had deserved no such gentleness, he was contented to come down from the glory of his father, 
The gentleness of christ toward us.  and to become man for our sake, yea & to give himself unto the death to reconcile us unto God the father, and to make an atonement between him & us. He gave himself for us. He suffered death willingly. It was not the violence of the jews, that drew him unto his passion, but his own voluntary will. The servant & brenning love, that he had in his breast toward mankind caused him to take the death upon him, and to suffer those most cruel pains. So that he did all things willingly, 
Esa. liii.  as the Prophet saith. He was offered, because it was his pleasure and he did not once open his mouth. Christ himself also saith, Therefore doth my father love me, 
joan. x.  b●cause I put my life from me, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I put it away of myself. I have power to put it from me, and have power to take it again. Thus see we that Christ without any compulsion suffered death for our sake. He gave himself and no Angel, nor any other creature neither in heaven nor in earth, for us, for us, I say, men, although never so grievous sinners, if we repent, believe & amend. O most precious & incomparable guilt. There is one god, 
i. 〈…〉  saith S. Paul, and one atonement maker of God and men, even the man Christ jesus, which gave himself a ransom for all men. Christ gave himself for us. wherefore? To redeem us from all unrighteousness. 
What it is to redeem us   Theo. 
What is it to redeem us?  Phile. 
To redeem us is to buy us again, when we are lost, to pay our ransom, to satisfy for our sin to deliver us out of captivity, to bring us home again to our true owner, to restore us to our old liberty, to set us again in that favour, wherein we were with God the father, before we offended. All this hath Christ, and none other, done for us, by his most precious blood, the shedding of his blood, was the perfect and wholly sufficient ransom for all our sins, 
i joan. i  as S. Iohn saith: The blood of jesus Christ maketh us clean from all sin. By his own blood, saith S. Paul, 
Heb. ix.  entered Christ once for all into the holy place, 
Hebre. x  and found everlasting redemption. Again, we are made holy by the oblation of the body of jesus christ done once for all. Iten, by christ have we redention, & by his blood remission & forgiveness of our sins. 
Coloss. i  By the blood of Christ's cross are all things pacified & set at a stay, that either be in earth or in heaven.  Chri. 
Hath Christ by his blood redeemed us from all unrighteousness? 
What unrighteousness signifieth   Phil. 
Yea verily  Chri. 
Let me ask you one question, what do ye understand by unrighteousness?  Phil. 
Unrighteusnes is here taken for sin, and for all that we offend God with. From all this hath Christ redeemed us. 
Of original sin   Chri. 
I have herd some say that Christ only redeemed us from original sin, & that as for all other sins we must make amends & satisfy for them ourselves by our own works and merits.  Phil. 
This is not far from their opinion, which hold that there is no remission of those sins, that be committed after baptism. But as that is an heresy, so is this no godly doctrine. Of the remission of sin after baptism we talked the last Lent abundantly in our Potation, 
Search the Potation for Lent  therefore leaving that, I will show & prove now unto you that Christ hath redeemed us from all unrighteousness, as your new years gift saith, and that by his blood we are delivered not only from original sin, but also actual, veneall, mortal, call them by what name ye will, so that they which offend, repent, believe & take a new life upon them. Only the sin against the holy Ghost, which hath desperation & obstinate malice to her companion's, is irremissible & never forgiven, for as much as it excludeth repentance, faith & amendment of life, 
Matth. xii.  as Christ witnesseth, Every sin & blasphemy shall be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. And who so ever shall speak a word against the son of man, it shall be forgiven him. But he that speaketh against the holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, nor in the world to come. Again, All sins shall be forgiven to men's children, 
Marc. iii.  and blasphemies, wherewith so ever they blaspheme. But he that blasphemeth the holy Ghost, shall never have forgiveness, but is guilty to everlasting damnation. This is the sin, 
i: joan. v.  which S. Iohn calleth the sin unto death, for the which he would that no man should pray. Of these words it is evident that all sins shall be forgiven men if they repent, believe & amend, besides the sin against the holy ghost But now let us see by what means these sins are forgiven. Whither for our deeds & merits, or for Christ's bloods sake, and so shall we easily perceive, whither Christ by his death hath delivered us only from original sin, or rather from all other universally  Euse. 
This is it that we would gladly hear. 
Esai. xliii   Phil. 
By the Prophet Isaiah Christ speaketh on this manner, I am he, I am he, which put away thine unrighteousnesses yea and that for mine own sake, & I will remember thy sins no more. Mark that he saith, unrighteousnesses and sins in the plural number, because no man should pick a cavilation and say, the Christ only putteth away one offence, which is the original sin. S. Paul in our new years gift saith, Christ gave himself to redeem us from all unrighteousness. And by the Prophet Christ saith, that he putteth away our unryghteousnesses and sins. Is it not all one? Do they not tell both one tale? So see we that it is no new doctrine to say, that Christ putteth away all our sins both original, actual, veneall, mortal. etc. They that affirm the contrary derogate not a little the virtue & glory of Christ's death, and are very they, whom S. Paul calleth, 
Philip. iii.  the enemies of the cross of Christ, 
two. Pet. two  whole end damnation is, whose God their belly is. etc. These are those false Prophets & lying teachers, which, as Peter prophesied, should come, & privily bring in damnable sects, denying the Lord which bought them Are not they very enemies of Christ's cross, and do not they utterly deny Christ, which teach, that Christ by his pashyon, blood and death did only put away but one sin? And that for those, which we commit after baptism, we ourselves must satisfy & make amends, so that for them there is no remission and forgiveness to be asked of God the father for jesus Christis sake? 
Mark well  What any other thing is this than to make ourselves equal with Christ, yea to exalt ourselves above Christ, & to hold that our good deeds & merits be of greater price & more value, than the death & blood of christ? For this doctrine I grant teacheth that Christ is a saviour, but yet that he saveth only from original sin, which we received of our first father Adam, so that by him we are delivered but from one sin. It teacheth again, that we our selves are saviours, for as much as we save ourselves thorough our good deeds and merits from all those sins, which we commit after baptism Now let us see, whither Christ be the better saviour or we ourselves & whither there is more salvation in the death of Christ, or in our good works. Christ by his death saveth only from one sin, which is orig●●nal. We save ourselves from ma● and innumerable sins (for seven times in a day sinneth the righteous) which we commit after baptism. Ergo we are better saviours than Christ, and there is more virtue of salvation in our works, than in the blood and death of Christ: So that Christ is but a quarter saviour and we make up the whole. O pernicious and devilish doctrine. Who hath ever opened his mouth to speak blasphemies against the most highest, if they do it not, which maintain this wicked & damnable doctrine? But let us hear more scriptures. Esay the Prophet saith, unfeignedly he, 
Esa. liii. Matth. vii● i Pet. two.  that is to say Christ, hath taken upon him our sicknesses, & borne our sorrows. Again, he was wounded for our wickednesses, and broken for our mischievous and ungracious acts. Behold how universally the scripture speaketh, our sicknesses, sorrows, wickednesses, mischievous and ungracious acts. Are all these but one sin? If they be many, ergo Christ delivered us from many. If he delivered us from many, ergo not from original sin alone. To what point are the authors of this wicked doctrine become now? with what eyes do these Owls and blind Andabates look upon the holy scriptures? with what spirit do they search the mysteries of God? Let us hear what the Psalmograph saith: Praise ye the lord O my soul, 
Psal. ●ii.  and all that is within me, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord O my soul, and forget not all his benefits. Which forgiveth all thy sins, and healeth all thine infirmities. Which saveth thy life from destruction, & crowneth the in mercy and loving kindness. David here boasteth not himself of his good deeds, neither cleaveth he unto them as the Authors of his salvation, but he falleth unto the praise of the Lord & magnifieth him for his benefits confessing that what so ever he hath, being either good or godly, cometh of God and not of himself, & therefore is he worthy all praise, honour & glory. He acknowledgeth that god forgiveth him all his sins, & healeth all his infirmities. Where is any exception here I pray you? God forgiveth all, what remaineth than behind to be forgiven? Is original sin only now forgiven thorough Christ? Moreover he saith, that God saveth his life from destruction, and crowneth him in mercy and loving kindness. Are not these words plain enough? He granteth that god preserveth him from damnation, again that God crowneth him that is to say, giveth him eternal glory even of his own free mercy and tender goodness. What would we have more? God forgiveth us all our sins, healeth all our infirmities, saveth our life from destruction, crowneth us in mercy and loving kindness, what can he do more to show himself a saviour, and that there is none that saveth from sins, be they original, actual, venial or mortal, but he alone?  Theo. 
He is twice unkind to God & his son Christ, that can not broke these things.  Phil. 
Ye say truth, but let us come unto the new Testament. 
Math. i.  When Gabriel came unto the most blessed virgin Mary, & showed her, that she should conceive thorough the operation of the holy Ghost, and bring forth Christ the true Messiah, and anointed king, which was so long looked for, among all other things he said to joseph, after that Mary was perceived to be with child, & he minded to go from her privily: joseph the son of Da●uid, fear not to take marry thy wife unto thee, for that which is conceived in her, cometh of the holy Ghost. She shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS. For he shall save his people from their sins. Here are two notable things to be marked. One is, that christ is called JESUS. which, as ye heard before, is by interpretation, a saviour. Another is that it is he that saveth his people from their sins. His name declareth him manifestly to be a saviour. And because no man should think, that Christ is called a saviour only, because he saveth us from the danger of the original sin, therefore the Angel speaketh here in the plural number, and saith, that he shall save his people from their sins, and not from their sin original alone. If Christ saveth us from sins, ergo he saveth us from more sins than one. 
joan. ●  S, Iohn baptist also appointing Christ with his ●ynger, said: Behold that lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.  Chri. 
This text among other have I heard rehearsed for the establishment of this opinion, that christ redeemed us only from original sin.  Phil. 
There is no text that maketh more against it. But we will ponder every word of this sentence. first s. Iohn saith, Behold, whereby he declareth that he will show a new, strange & wonderful thing. Was not this a thing both strange and to be wondered at, to see one in so vile fashion, so beggarly appareled, so of no substance, having so slender a guard to wait upon him, and so little worship, honour and reverence showed unto him, to be the saviour of the world, & very him, that should reign over all nations and kingdoms? This was a strange thing to the gross jews and fy●e Pharisees, which thought that he ●●●ulde come into the world with great pomp & glory, subduing other nations to them by martial armours, & even by strong hand and mighty power when not withstanding the scripture saith, Tell ye the daughter of Zion, 
zach. ix. Math. xxi  behold thy king cometh unto thee, meek & sitting on an ass. etc. Therefore I think S. Iohn might say unto them, Behold, twice, or they would hearken unto him once in such a case, or at the least believe him. But let us see, what S. Iohn intendeth to show us. Behold, saith he, that lamb of God. By these words, the lamb of God, he setteth forth very much the dignity of Christ, & showeth that there is a special respect to be had unto him, and that we ought to cast our eyes upon him as our alone saviour, & upon none other. 
Exo. xi●  For he is that lamb of God, which was prefigured by the Paschal lamb, 
● Pet. ●  which whose blood they that are sprinkled, are safe & without all jeopardy of slaying. The other lamb was taken out of the flock, 
Ephe. ●●  but this lamb is the lamb of God, given us of god to be a sacrifice for our sins, to be our wisdom, righteousness, sanctification & redemption. 
●. Cor. 1  It followeth, which taketh away the sin of the world. Christ is that lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. 
1. joan. 1.  The blood of Christ maketh us clean from all sin. By the offering up of the body of jesus Christ done once for all, are we sanctified & made holy. 
●ebre. ●  But note, that S. Iohn saith, which taketh away. He useth here the present tense, and not the preter nor yet the future, which he declareth that the virtue of Christ's death abideth every one, and that it is of asmuch strength now, as ever it was, & that by it our sins are daily forgiven, no less than they were at the very hour of his death, when our ransom was paid. For his blood crieth not for vengeance, 
Gen. iiii.  as the blood of Abel, but for grace, mercy, favour, and the dignity of it is so great, that it is never said nay, but obtaineth what so ever it asketh, so that, as s. Iohn saith, Christ that pure and immaculate lamb of God doth still daily & continually take away. What? verily the sin of the world. Now if Christ taketh away sin daily & continually, so followeth it well, that he taketh away more sins than the original sin.  Chri, 
They that allege this sentence for their purpose, stick very much to this, that S. Iohn nameth the sin of the world, and not sins, so that he seemeth to speak of one sin only, which say they, is original sin. And thus do they conclude that Christ taketh away only the sin original.  Phil. 
A wise conclusion & a pretty. They conclude, before they have made their argument aright. That S. Iohn saith, sin, hynderethe nothing our purpose, if it be truly understand. For by this word, sin, doth S. Iohn understand the whole lump of sin, 
What is mente by this word sin,  that is in the world, whither it be that, which we committed in Adam, or else those, which after our baptism thorough the raging carnal affects, that are in us, we commit in thought, word or deed. All this whole lump of sin, that is to say, all that ever is contained under this word, sin, or yet pertaineth unto sin, doth Christ the lamb of God at all times take away. What authority of the scripture can be recited more open & evident against than?  Chri. 
Ye say truth. But let us hear more scriptures, that we may be thoroughly satisfied in this point  Phil. 
When Christ hanging upon the cross had paid a sufficient ransom for our sins by the shedding of his most precious blood, he commendeth his spirit into the hands of his heavenly father, and bowing down his head, 
joan. nineteen.  said, Tetelestai, that is to say, every thing is now consummate, perfect and fully finished. The sacrifice for sin is offered, & a plentiful ransom is paid, so that now all sacrifices, all oblations for sin cease. This one sacrifice, this one oblation, which I have made upon the altar of the cross, finisheth & maketh perfect all things, so that there remaineth after this none other sacrifice for any kind of sin. Hereto agreeth the saying of S. Paul, Christ our Bishop abideth for ever, 
Heb. seven  & hath an everlasting priesthood, so that he is able to save even at the full, them that come unto God by him, ever living, that he may make intercession for us. 
Heb. ix.  Again Christ by his own blood entered into the holy place once for all, & found everlasting redemption. Item, with one oblation hath Christ made them consummate & perfect for evermore, 
〈◊〉. x.  that are sanctified. Thus see we, that all things are thoroughly finished, made consummate and perfect by Christ, so that there is no more sacrifice for sin lea●te behind to put away sin, but if we will have remission of our wickednesses, we must run with the feet of our mind to that sacrifice, which Christ offered once for all upon the altar of the cross, that he might put sin to flight for evermore. Now if Christ had put away only original sin by his death, than had he not made all things perfect. For he had left more sins unforgyven, than were forgiven by his death. How great and infinite is the number of those sins, which we commit after baptism in comparison of this one original sin? This were but a slender consummation & making perfect, so to leave us in more sins, than we were found. But Christ saveth at the full. He maketh them perfect for evermore, that are sanctified. The virtue of Christ's sacrifice is so great & of so much dignity before God the father, that it lasteth ever in full strength to put away sin, yea and that not only before, but also after baptism.  Euse. 
Let us here, what s. Paul saith to this matter.  Phil. 
Paul as a good & faithful servant doth agree with his master, ye may be sure. notwithstanding I will give you a taste of his doctrine concerning this matter.  Theo. 
Let it so be, I pray you▪ To the Romans he saith on this manner: God setteth forth his love toward us, in that Christ died for us when we were yet sinners. 
Roma. v.  Much more than shall we be saved from wrath by him, saying we are now made righteous thorough his blood. For if we were reconciled unto god by the death of his son, when we were yet enemies, much more shall we be saved by him now that we are reconciled. Here S. Paul proveth, that as we are reconciled to God the father by the death of his son Christ, so are we also by him saved from all wrath and displeasure that should fall upon us. Are not these words plain enough? At baptism we are purged thorough Christ's blood from original sin & all other, that we have committed before, so that we are reconciled to God, & recounted for righteous. Now by Christ also are we preserved from the wrath of God, which we deserve thorough the wickedness, which we do after baptism. Hereof than may we gather that Christ is not only a saviour unto us before, but also after baptism. So may we conclude, that by Christ's death we are not only redeemed from original sin, but also from all other, by what so ever names they be called. Again he saith it is not with the gift as with the sin. For if thorough the sin of one, many be dead, yet much more plenteously came the grace and gift of God upon many by the favour that belonged unto one man jesus christ. And the gift is not only over one sin, as death came thorough one sin, of one that sinned. For the judgement came of one sin unto condemnation, but the gift, to justify from many sins. Do not these words evidently show, that by Christ we are justified & made righteous from many sins? If from many sins, than not from one sin alone. Again to the Corinchians, first of all I delivered unto you that, 
1. Cor. xv. Esa. liii.  which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins, according to the scriptures. 
Rom. v.  Mark that S. Paul saith, for our sins, & not for our sin, wherewith we all offended in Adam. To the Collossians also he writeth on this manner: By Christ we have redemption & by his blood remission of sins. Note, by Christ's blood we have remission of sins, not only original, but also actual, mortal, veneall, etc. and not by the works, which we do after baptism as though it lay in our power to fulfil the law, to satisfy the will of God, to appease the divine wrath, & to obtain everlasting life. For all these things chance unto us by Christ, & are obtained for us by Christ's death, & not by any works or merits of man as S. Paul saith, 
Gala. two.  if righteousness cometh by the law, than died Christ in vain. Igen, we know that man is not justified by the works of the law, 
Gala. v.  but by the faith of jesus christ, & we believe in Christ jesus, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, & not by the works of the law because that no man shall be justified by the works of the law. Item, ye are gone quite from Christ, as many of you as will be made righteous by the law, yea ye are fallen from grace. 
Rom. x.  Again in another place, they not knowing the righteousness of God, & labouring to establish their own righteousness, were not obedient to the righteousness of God. For Christ is the perfection of the law unto justification for every one that believeth. Once again, if salvation cometh of grace, 
Rom. xi  than is it not o● works, else were grace, no grace. But if it come of works, than is grace nothing. All these sentences teach us, that we are delivered from all our sins by Christ & his righteousness, & not by our own works and deservings.  
Moreover S. Paul saith, when ye were dead thorough sins, 
Colos. two. Rom. v. Ephe. two.  & the uncircumcision of the flesh, God quickened you with christ, & forgave us all our sins, & put out the handwriting, that was against us contained in the law written, & that hath he taken out of the way, 
Gen. iii. Luke. xi. joan. xii.  and fastened it to the cross, & hath spoiled rule and power, and hath made a show of them openly, & triumphed over them in his own person. God hath forgiven us all our sins, thorough christ, saith S. Paul here. Where is any exception? If there be more sins, than the original sin as there are, them also hath God the father forgiven us thorough jesus Christ our Lord. 
Heb. i.  To the hebrews again he writeth, Christ in his own parson purged our sins, & is set on the right hand of the majesty on high. Fron our sins hath Christ made us clean, and not from one sin only. 
Heb. ix.  Christ was offered once for all to take away the sin of many. All shall not be saved, for all not believe, but many shall be saved, & they have not only original sin, but also all their other sins taken away by Christ. 
Heb. x.  Again, every priest is ready daily ministering, & oftentimes offereth onemamner of offerings, which can never take away sin. But this man Christ, when he had offered for ●ynnes one sacrifice, which is of value for ever, sat him down on the right hand of God, & from hence forth tarrieth till his foes be made his footstool. 
Psal. ●ix.  For with one offering hath he made perfect for evermore, them that are sanctified. S. Paul here compareth Christ the everlasting Bishop & pressed, with the priests of the old law. He showeth that they offered sacrifices daily, & yet could they never put away sin by them. No marvel for they were only shadows of good things to come. But this our head pressed Christ hath offered but one sacrifice, not for the original sin only, but for sins saith he, & yet is it of so great virtue and strength, that it is of value for ever, the power of it never decayeth it abideth in full strength● so long as any sin remaineth, so that it needeth not often times to be offered, as the sacrifices of the old law were. For with this one sacrifice, which was the oblation of his body, hath he made them for ever so perfect, the are sanctified, that they need none other sacrifice to make them holy & acceptable in the sight of God. All that have had their sins forgiven them from the beginning of the world until this day, or shall have unto the end of the world, have had, and shall have all their sins forgiven them thorough this one sacrifice of jesus Christ. And that ye may know this to be true, consyther this one thing, that I shall now say unto you. Who was more faithful than Abraham, more dearly beloved with God than David, 
Ephe. v●  more holy than Iohn Baptist? Yet could neither they, nor none other enter into heaven, until Christ had suffered his passion, and offered his body a sweet smelling sacrifice for us unto God the father  
Thus have I opened unto you the mind of S. Paul concerning this matter.  Euse. 
His sayings prove manifestly, that we are redeemed by Christ not only from original sin, but also from all other▪  Philemon. 
You say truth. Well ye shall hear now the minds of the other Apostles. S. Peter saith, 
i Pet. two. Esa. liii.  christ his own self bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we being delivered from sins, should live unto righteousness. Note how Peter agreeth in every point with his fellow Paul. He stiffly affirmeth that christ his own self, and none other, bare our sins in his body, & not our original sin alone. By his stripes we were made so whole, that there remained not so much as a scar of all our sores, botches & wounds. 
i: joan. i.  S. Iohn also saith, the blood of jesus Christ maketh us thoroughly clean, yea & tha● from all sin. Can any thing be spoken more generally? If the blood of jesus christ maketh us clean from all sin, what remaineth there behind, I pray you? So followeth it that both the sin original, actual, mortal, veneall, & what not, is washed away by Christ's blood. Again, if we confess our sins, God is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins, and to make us clean from all wickedness. This one text alone of S. Iohn is able to subvert, overtople and throw down all the building, shores and props, wherewith these sleyghtye daubers uphold their enterprises. If we confess our sins, saith he. If which we? if we that profess the christian religion, and yet thorough our fragility and weakness of nature have offended God after our baptism contrary to our vow and promise made thereat, if we, I say after that we have fallen, confess our sins, God is faithful and righteous, what to do? to forgive us our sins. Note our sins, & to make us clean from all unrighteousness: What sin is it than, I pray you from the which he doth not make us clean? This sentence must needs be understand of them, which offend after baptism. Now saith s. Iohn although we sin after baptism, yet let us not despair, but rather repent, bewail our sinful living detest our wicked manners, turn unto God, & confess our sins unto him. If we do this, doubt we not but the God, which is faithful in performing his promise (he hath promised them that come unto him which a faithful and repentant heart, remission of their sins) & righteous in forgiving the penitent & sorrowful sinner, & in condemning the wicked, which continue in his ungodliness without any confession of his fault and amendment of life, will forgive us our sins, yea & make us clean from all unrighteousness. These words prove manifestly, that God forgiveth our sins after baptism, if we repent, confess, and amend. Whereof cometh this? of the merits of our works, or rather of the free grace & mere mercy of God, purchased for us by jesus Christ, for whose sake the wrath of God the father is pacified, and he is well pleased & fully contented with man? verily for Christ's sake doth God show to us this exceeding & great mercy in forgiving us our sins, when so ever we call unto him, wi●h a contrite & sorrowful heart, 
i joan. two.  as S. Iohn proveth by the words that follow: My little children, I write these things unto you, that ye should not sin. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the father, jesus Christ that righteous one. And he is that sacrifice, which apeaseth god's wrath & satisfieth (so soundeth the Greek word Hilasmos) for our sins, not for our sins only, but for all the worlds. As though he should say: My little children, I have declared unto you, that although we sin after baptism contrary to our profession, yet that there is grace, favour, mercy, & forgiveness of sins laid up for us in store, if that we repent, confess our faults, & intend unfeignedly to amend our lives. I have not done this to engraft in you a vain hoop, & to encourage you to have the more pleasure & to remain in your old wickedness, but I write these things unto you, that ye should not sin. I have set forth the kindness of God toward you, that ye should endeavour yourselves to live worthy of it. But for as much as there liveth no man in this world, which sinneth not, & saying we can not walk so purely, but that at sometime we must needs fall, therefore because ye should not despair, but be assuredly persuaded, that there remaineth health for you with the Lord god: I certify you, that we have one which is our advocate with the father, which pleateth our matter before the throne of the divine majesty which is ready to help us, which ceaseth not making intercession for us, until he be heard, and this is, not such one, as hath also offended, but jesus christ that righteous one, which is godly innocent, undefiled, pure, clean, faultless, immaculate, & so without all spot of vice, that even for his own dignity, worthiness & innocency, he is worthy to obtain what so ever he asketh. And I say moreover v●to you, that not our own works, nor the merits of other, but that righteous one Christ, is that very sacrifice, which apeseth God's wrath whom we have provoked unto anger with the sins, which we do commit after Baptism, and satisfieth for our sins. Yea he makteh not only a sufficient & plenteous amends for our sins, but also for all the whole worlds, I mean so many as repent them of their wicked living, confess their faults, believe, desire forgiveness, and labour to lead a new life, what will we have more? Doth not S. Iohn declare here evidently that our sins, when so ever they be committed or done are forgiven us of god thorough jesus Christ, which is our advocate, and that sacrifice, which apeaseth god the father's wrath, & plenteously satisfieth for our sins? So doth it than manifestly appear, that christ hath not only redeemed us & satisfied to God the father for original sin, but also from all other. But let us yet hear more, 
i joan. two.  what he saith. I write unto you little children, that your sins are forgiven for his name's sake. Ergo our sins, and not one sin alone, are forgiven us, not for our own works & merits, but for Christ's name, that is to say, for the dignity, worthiness, excellency, merits and deservings of Christ. 
i joan. iiii.  Again, In this thing appeared the love of God toward us, that he sent his only begotten son into the world that we should live thorough him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his son to be a sacrifice both to appease his wrath and to satisfy for our sins. what do I? Paper, ink pen, and time shall first want unto me, than I shall may be able to rehearse all the testimonies, wherewith it is evidently proved, that Christ hath not only by his most blessed & precious blood redeemed us from original sin, as some wickedly dream but also from all other, by what so ever name they be called, the sin of the holy Ghost excepted, & that when so ever we repent, believe and amend God the father forgyvethe us also those sins, which we commit after baptism, not for our own deeds, 
Deut. iiii. Heb. xiii. job. xxxvii.  works and merits, which be more unpure, than they may be able to stand in the sight of God, which is a consuming fire, a jealous God, great in strength, judgement and righteousness, and with whom there is none innocent, but for the sweet smelling sacrifice, which jesus Christ his well-beloved son offered for our sins upon the altar of the cross once for all, 
Exo. xxxiiii. Ephe. v Heb. ix.x.  whose virtue and strength abideth so perfect for evermore, that by it the sins of so many as with a truly faithful and repentant heart come unto God, are forgiven, forgotten, and nevermore remembered. And thus see you that Christ is a perfect Saviour, which, as your new years gift saith, hath by his blood redeemed us from all unrighteousness, that is to say, from all sin both original, actual, 
Actum. iiii.  mortal, veneall. etc. yea and that not only before but also after baptism. So that as S. Peter saith, there is salvation in none other, but only in Christ jesus. Nether is there any other name given to men under heaven, wherein we must be saved.  Chri. 
We have now heard it evidently proved by the holy scriptures, that we thorough Christ are delivered from all sin, both original, actual, mortal, venial. etc. So that all the whole glory of our salvation is to be given and ascribed unto God alone, as he saith by the Prophet, O Israel thy destruction cometh of thyself, 
●ze. xiii.  but thy health and salvation cometh only of me. This thing maketh all saints and the truly faithful to say, not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to thy name give the glory for thy merci & truths sake. 
Psal. ●xiiii   Phi 
Well, thus have ye heard grossly and rudely, but yet faithfully and truly uttered of me, what the holy scriptures do determine concerning the remission of sins by Christ, and that by him we are not only delivered from original sin, as some wickedly dream but also from all other, by what soever name they be called. Now because ye shall not think that I wrest the scriptures, whom all men ought to handle reverently and incorruptly, I will rehearse a saying or two unto you of the Doctors. 
Lib. two. cap. viii.  Hylichius saith: Not one sin only, but many are forgiven us thorough the sacrifice of Christ, which is the only begotten son of God. If not one sin only, but many are forgiven us thorough the sacrifice of Christ, it followeth than that by Christ's death we are not only redeemed from original sin, but also from all other. Hereto agreeth the saying of saint Ambrose, The grace of God thorough Christ hath justified men not from one sin alone, 
In Rom. cap. v.  but from many, by giving them remission of sins. Not from one sin only, saith S. Ambrose, hath God of his grace thorough Christ justified, and made us righteous, but from many, by giving us remission of sins. Now gather who lust. The words are plain enough. But I will rehearse S. Austen, one of the best among the ancient Doctors, and most faithful expositor of the holy scriptures. S. Austen writing against the Pelagians & Manicheys, 
Ad hilarity. Ep. lxxxix.  hath on this manner, what is this to say, of one fault unto condemnation, but the fault wherewith Adam offended? And what is it to say, from many faults to justification, but that the grace of Christ hath not only loosoned that fault, wherewith infants be bound, which had their beginning of that one man, but also many faults, which after the men come to age, they add and put unto it thorough their evil manners. Here saith saint Austen plainly, that the grace of christ hath not only loosened, delivered & made us free from original sin, wherewith we all offended in Adam, but also from all other, which we afterward commit, as we grow in age. I could rehearse many more authorities both of this Doctor and other, which mainly fortify this matter, but because I will not be tedious unto you, I let them pass, trusting that with these aforesaid ye are fully satisfied.  Theo. 
Yea verily neighbour Philemon, or else our hearts were more than twice stony.  Phil. 
Although this ungodly doctrine be raised up now again in this our time of the anabaptists, yet hath it had always fautoures and maintainers long before our days, in somuch as we read, that a certain man called Peter Abelharde was counted for an heretic and compelled of saint bernard to recant in the council of Senon▪ because he taught this & such like things. If his doctrine had been godly and agreeable to the holy scriptures, he had never been so handled. Alas good neighbours, what are we of ourselves, that we dare so depress and thrust down the death of Christ, and so to exalt ourselves that he by his passion saving us from one sin, we should presume to save ourselves by our own works and merits from many? This is a presumption to much to be detested. This is a standing in our own conceit more Luciferlyke than it may be suffered of any christian heart. 
Baruch. i. two  To the Lord our God, saith the Prophet, be righteousness, but to us and to our fathers, confusion of face. As touching the righteusnes, which is in the law, no man could once rebuke me, 
Philip. iii Actum. ix. Gala. i.  saith S. Paul. But those things, which were vantage unto me, I counted loss for Christ's sake Yea moreover I think all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ jesus my Lord, for whom I have counted all things loss, and do judge them but dung, that I might win Christ, & be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which cometh of the law, but that, which is by the faith of Christ, namely the righteousness, which cometh of god in faith, to know him and the virtue of his resurrection and the fellowship of his passion. How cleaveth S. Paul unto Christ? How rejecteth & casteth he away his own righteousness, which he had by the outward keeping of the law, that he might thorough faith be made righteous in Christ? How little esteemeth he his own goodness, so that he may know the virtue of Christ's resurrection, and the fellowship of his passion. All Paul's delectation & pleasure is in Christ & in Christ's death, as he saith in another place, GOD forbid, that I should rejoice in anything, 
Gala v●  but in the cross, that is to say, the death & passion of our Lord jesus Christ. If so noble and worthy Apostle had all his delight in Christ, & in Christ's merits, so that for Christ's ●ake and to win the righteousness of Christ, he esteemed his own righteousness so vile as the dung what shall we wretches than say? Shall we lift up our bristles and open our mouth to speak blasphemies against the most highest? Shall we so trust to our works, that we shall seek more salvation in them, than in the Lord christ? 
Esa. xxxiiii.  All our righteousness, saith the Prophet are as a cloth polluted with menstrue. All sort of us have erre● as sheep, 
Esa. liii.  every ●an hath followed his owns trade. Every one is an Hypocrite, a 〈◊〉 and wicked. No man is able to say, my heart is clean, I am pure from sin. There is not a righteous man on earth, 
Esa. ix. Prou. xx. Ec●l seven. Rom. iii.  that doth good and sinneth not. All have sinned, & want the glory of God. saying we are all in this case, how dare any man avouch himself to be so pure, and his works to be so good & perfect that by them he is able to satisfy for his sins committed after baptism?  Euse. 
Ye say truth. My think that those men, which are of this opinion, know neither God nor themselves aright.  Phil. 
Truth it is. For if they did know, that as god is good, righteous, holy, perfect, fau●les & with out all spot of sin, so they of themselves are evil, unrighteous, imperfect, sinful, and hedged round about with the filthiness of sin, & if any goodness they have, it cometh of God, & therefore have they nothing, whereof they may rejoice, for it is Gods, and not theirs, they would not stand so much in they● own conceit, nor crack so much o● their purity and cleanness. If the stars be not pure in the sight of god, and if the Angels be not clean and ●●uteles before him, how than dare a wretched mortal creature, which synn●th daily and heapeth wickedness upon wickedness so advance himself, that he dare presume to stand right up, and with an open face before GOD, which is a consuming fire and hateth so many as work wickedness, and to take upon him to satisfy for his sins by his own righteousness? If they would assay to go down into themselves, & could search the bottom of their heart, which is wicked & inscrutable, 
Hie. xvii.  they should there find such hepes' lopes & dung hills of sin, that they would be ready to despair and to undo them selves, so far is it of, that they would justify themselves, or take upon them to be their own saviours by their deeds, works, & merits. The consideration of the divine majesty and the true knowledge of himself made David to pray on this manner, O Lord enter not into judgement with thy servant, 
Psal.  for no man that liveth shallbe justified in thy sight. Again, O Lord, if thou shouldest mark our wickednesses, 
Psal.  O Lord who were able to abide it? But there is mercy with the. Let Israel therefore trust in the Lord. For with the Lord there is mercy and plenteous redemption. And he shall redeem Israel from all his sins.  Chri. 
God give us grace to have the true knowledge of God, and of ourselves. So shall we unfeignedly ascribe & give unto God all the glory and praise of our creation, vocation, justification, redemption, salvation, glorification, and what so ever goodness we have more, and freely confess that we are saved of the great and undeserved grace of God thorough jesus Christ our Lord and saviour.  Phil. 
I beseech God, it may so come to pass. Thus have I accomplished your desire neighbours in proving by the scriptures and the ancient Doctors, that christ by his death hath not only redeemed, delivered and set us free from original sin, but also from all other, and that the sins, which we commit after baptism, be not forgiven of God the father for the dignity and worthiness of any works which we do, but for the excellency of the sacrifice, which Christ once for all offered upon the Altar of the cross, the virtue & strength whereof abideth in so full power, that i● is able to save so many as repent, believe. & labour to lead a good and innocent life for evermore. Neither have I spoken these things to discourage any man from doing good works, but for ●o set forth christ to be a perfect saviour against the wicked doctrine of the anabaptists which now begin to creep in among us unto the great dishonour of God, the extreme blasphemy of Christ's most precious blood, & noisome perturbation of the holy catholic church. And as I may knit up all this matter in few words, know good brothers, that in Adam all we were damned, so that thorough his wickedness we were begotten, conceived & borne in sin, yea & by nature the very sons of wrath. Now to be delivered from this miserable state wherinto we were cast by Ad●̄ we of our own wit, policy, wisdom holiness, righteousness. etc. could invent no means, but so still remained in the danger of everlasting damnation. Therefore God moved with pity toward mankind, even of his own free mercy & goodness without any of our deserts, sent down his only begotten son jesus christ in to ●his vale of misery which for our sake took flesh of the most holy and pure virgin Mary, thorough the operation of the holy ghost, became man & at the time tofore appointed, he offered voluntarily his most blessed ●ody an acceptable & sweet smelling Sacrifice to God the father, which was & is of so great virtue & power, that by it alone all our sins are put away, not only that which we committed in Adam, but those also, which we ourselves in process of time do perpetrate & commit. Now so many of us as are baptized in the name of the father, of the son & of the holy Ghost, and have taken upon us a new life forsaking the world, the devil & the flesh with all their pomps & works, have at that very time of Baptism all their sins forgiven them, and are so clearly redeemed, delivered and made fire from all unrighteousness, be they young or old, as though they had never committed any of them at all. And this is it that S. Paul saith, 
Ephe. ●.  christ loved the congregation, & gave himself for it, to sanctify it, and cleansed it in the fountain of water thorough the word, to make it unto himself a glorious congregation without spot or wrinkle, or any such thing, but that it should be holy and without blame. Now if when they be once baptized and grown up in age, they thorough either fragility or ignorancy do again offend & break the law of God contrary to their profession & vow made at baptism, than have they an holy anchor ●o fly unto, which is the holy sacrament of Penance, so that if they truly repent, be sorry for the faults committed, bewail their sinful living, mortify their carnal affects, slay their worldly lusts, banish their devilish concupiscences, confess their wickedness, fly unto the mercy of god, believe to have forgiveness, and take a new life upon them. God the father will surely forgive them their sins, be they never so great or many, yea and that for the dignity of that one sacrifice which his only begotten son offered once for all upon the altar of the cross. So that if repentance & amendment of life come, Christ's sacrifice serveth to put away sins for ever & ever. But as the blood of christ is sufficient to pacify the father, although one man had committed so many offences, as all the world hath done or shall do unto the very end of the world, 
☜  so likewise is there no salvation laid up for him in store, which will not repent nor cease to sin, although christ should suffer an hundred thousand times. For christ is a saviour to penitent sinners, and not to the wicked & ungodly. 
Rom. ●●●●.  And as there is no damnation to them, that are engrafted in christ jesus, which walk not after the flesh, but after the spirit, so is there no health nor salvation to them, that live after the flesh, though they babble never so much of christ, of Christ's passion, blood & death, of the remission of sins, of the mercy of God, of the gospel, of the sweet promise● of God, & of everlasting life. God hath not called us, 
1. The●. 〈◊〉  that we should be unclean, but holy and virtuous. God saith S. Peter, sent his son to be a beneficial saviour unto you, that every one of you should turn from his wickedness. But of this we will speak more hereafter. 
A●tum. iii.  Therefore brothers, when so ever ye perceive that ye offend God in any thing, despair not, fly unto that blessed sacrament of Penance, b● sorry for your sinful living, bewail your wicked manners, thirst after strength to do the will of God, confess your sins from the very heart, call for grace, desire mercy, and pray unto God that he will forgive you your faults, & he will undoubtedly remit & forgive you all the faults, sins & trespasses, that ye ever committed against him for the love that he beareth toward his son our Lord & saviour jesus christ, which as your new years gift saith, hath redeemed us from all unrighteousness, that is to say, both from original sin and all other.  Euse. 
Brother Philemon we shall never be able to recompense this your kindness, which so gently at our request hath declared this matter unto us concerning the remission of sins thorough christ. I beseech God give us all grace, so to institute & order our life, that we may be found in the number of them whose sins are put away by this most holy sacrifice of Christ's blessed body, whose wickednesses are washed away by Christ's most precious blood.  Chri. 
Amen. For than shall we be sure not only to be delivered from all our sins, but also to enjoy everlasting life, which is the gift of GOD thorough jesus Christ our Lord.  Phil. 
We will go forth with your new years gifts and make an end. 
Rom. vi.  It followeth. And to purge us a peculiar people unto himself.  
Christ gave not himself only unto death for to redeem us from all unrighteousness, but also to purge us a peculiar people to himself. For as he hath redeemed us by his death so hath he purged, purified & made us clean by his blood, 
i joan. i.  as S. Iohn saith, the blood of jesus christ maketh us clean from all sin. For what intent hath he thus purged and made us clean? verily that we should be a peculiar people unto him self.  Chri. 
What is mente by that I pray you? 
What it is to be the peculiar people of God.   Phil. 
To be the peculiar people of God, is to be chosen out of the company of the unfaithful and wicked people, and to be consecrated dedicated, & wholly given to serve God, to seek his glory, to magnify his most blessed name, and to do all things according to his word, as the jews in times past were chosen away from the Gentiles to be the people of God, to serve him, and to walk in his holy ordinances. ye are a chosen generation, saith Peter, 
i Pet. two.  a royal priesthood, an holy nation, and a peculiar people, that ye should show forth the virtues of him, that called you out of darkness ●to his marvelous light, which in times past were not a people, yet are now the people of God, which were not under mercy, but now have obtained merci. Of these words may we learn, unto what end christ hath redeemed & purified us by his blood. verily that we should be a peculiar people to himself. Than are we here taught, that we may no more ●romhense forth serve the Prince of darkness, be conversent in his court were any longer his cogniscauns, fulfil any more his pleasure and will, but wholly give ourselves to serve God, which is the Prince of light yea & the true light itself, which lighteneth every man that cometh in to this world. 
joan. i  what nation wylyngly serveth a strange Prince? what faithful and honest servant forsaketh a gentle & loving master, & runneth unto a Tyrant? How unseemly than were it for us, which before were in so miserable a case and delivered from it only by the goodness & free heart of our Lord and master jesus Christ, 
Ephe. v. joan. i. Ephe. two. Apoc. xxi. Ephe. two.  to forsake him, & to run back again unto the powers & rulers of darkness? we are now light in the Lrde, shall we become darkness again? we are now the sons of God, shall we become the children of wrath, again▪ we are now the beautiful spouse of jesus christ shall we be made the horlot of Satan again? we are now no more Guests & strangers, but Cytysenses of the saints, and of the house hold of God, shall we become Captines & bond servitors to Satan's court again? 
Act. i.u. i Pet. two. Titus. two.  we are now by christ made priests and kings, shall we fall from this dignity, and become vilious and abjects again? we are now the peculiar people of God, sanctified unto his use, and unto the working of those things that make unto his glory, shall we neglect our dignity worship and honour, as I may so speak, fall away again from our Master and so behave ourselves, that this proverb may worthily be objected and laid against us The dog is returned unto his vomit, 
Pro. xxvi▪ two. Pet. two.  and the sow after she hath washed herself is gone again unto her old wallowing in the mire? Therefore seeing that Christ by his blood hath purified, and purged us a peculiar people unto himself let us manfully fight under the standard of our Captain against Satan the Prince of darkness, let us seek the glory of our master, let us observe such precepts as he hath commanded, let us reverence, fear honour, worship & love him above all things, let us not suffer his most precious blood to be shed in vain, let us so behave ourselves, that it may evidently appear, that we be no unkind nor unthankful persons but evermore walk worthy his kindness and tender compassion. This thing shall come to pass, if we be such, as the end of your New years gift painteth. 
Of good works.   Euse. 
What is that.  PHIL. 
Even such as be earnest followers of good works. If we will show ourselves to pertain unto Christ, to be his people, to be wholly addict unto him, we must be earnest followers of good works we may no longer loytour nor play the idle lubbers, we must worck earnestly, and as the kentish men say, a good. For Christ hath redeemed us from all unrighteousness, not that we should continue still in our old wickedness and ungodly conversation, but that we should be his peculiar people chosen out to serve him and to work his most godly pleasure, again that we should be earnest followers of good works. And here is answer to be made to them, which say. 
An objection  If Christ hath redeemed me from all unrighteousness, made me clean by his blood from all my sins, purchased freely by his death for me eternal life and made a perpetual agreement between God the father and me, what need I to work? what can my works profit what shall my labours avail me? Christ hath done enough for me. Christ is my sufficient saviour. Christ hath made all things so perfect, that nothing can be added thereunto. Therefore let us be merry and take no thought. 
The answer.  O filthy swine and careless dogs. Because Christ hath done that for them, which they could not do for themselves, behold how willingly they cast them selves in to hell fire. who treadeth the blood of Christ under his foot, if these bellygods do it not▪ Who defaceth the price of Christ'S death, & the glory of his resurrection, if these filthy swine heads do it not? Who dishonoureth Gods most holy word, if these Epicures do it not? But let these swill bellies well know, that they have no part of Christ, of Christ's passhon blood & death, nor yet of none of all his merits so long as they continue in this there wicked & to much detestable purpose, crack the never so much of Christ of Christ's blood, of faith, of the gospel, of the christian liberty. etc. They shall go to the Devil headlong without any mercy for all christ, 
Note.  Christ's blood, faith, Gospel, Christian liberty, and what soever they can allege more, if they have time & convenient leisure to do good works, & yet will not who was ever saved without good works, 
Of the thief Luke. xxiii.  having opportunity to work? Ye object and lay against me the thief. Very thevyshly done. For what leisure had he to work Nether do I know whither the way of health was ever preached unto him, or not, although he was not utterly void of good works. For he being at the point of death, bewailed his wretchedness lamented his sinful manners, confessed his wickedness, repented him of his abominable living, turned to Christ, knoweledged him to be the son of God, & the saviour of the world, and desired him to remember him; when he came in to his kingdom. If this man had had leisure, undoubtedly he would have showed forth his repentance & faith by doing external good works. Therefore the example of him help the nothing your sluggish & dissolute manner of living, which have both red & hard Christ many times preached to you, & yet are ye never the better. Only ye persuade yourself well of christ & Christ's merits, but all in vain. For he is no saviour to those sinners, which live without all fear of god, but to such as repent, believe & labour earnestly to bringforth good works, from the number of that which ye seem to be no les far, than the west is from the East. Christ hath redeemed us, saith the scripture, that we should be his people, 
Titn. two.  and earnest followers of good works, We must be his people and earnest followers of good wockes, or else have we no redemption by christ, 
In dictum. Apost. Nolo vos ignarare.  as S. Iohn Chrysostome witnesseth. Nether Baptism, saith he, nor forgiveness of sins, nor knowledge, nor the communion of the Sacraments, nor the holy table, nor the fruition of the body, nor the partaking of the blood, nor any of these things shall may be able to profit us, except we have a life, which is right, very pure, yea and fire from all sin. What will these idle lubbers say to these words of the golden mouthed Doctor? Where are all their proud cracks become of Christ, his blood and merits? All these profit nothing at all without a good life.  Chri. 
It standeth christian m●nin hand therefore to be earnest followers of good works.  Phil. 
Ye say truth, chiefly if they intend to be saved. But let us hear the scriptures. When God promised Abraham that he would bliss them that did bliss him, and curse them that did curse him, 
〈◊〉. xv. xvii  and that in his seed all nations of the earth should be blessed, & that he would multiply his seed as the stars of the firmament, and make him a father of many nations, & that he would be his defender & his sufficient great reward: He made a covenant with him, because he would have him show gentleness again, and said, I am the God omnipotent, walk before me, 
Gene. xvii.  & be perfect. As though he should say: I am the God almighty, omnisufficient, all good, all holy, all righteous, all wise, all liberal, all plenteous, all merciful, & have need of no thing, but freely giveth to all men all things, what so ever are necessary either for the body or for the soul, & so replenished with all things, that I am able and sufficient in all points to satisfy the lawful desires of all creatures, yea I have all things so in my power, that no thing that good is, can be given to any man, but of me alone, & what so ever I am or have, it is for the profit of thee, & of thy posterity. Alonely walk before me, and be perfect, take me alone for thy omnisufficient saviour, fly unto no other, as though there were in me a certain insufficiency, but cleave to me alone with all thy heart, attempt no thing but that is pleasant in my sight, order thy life in all points according to my holy will, let thy conversation be innocent, blameless, pure, honest, right and all good, and so will I be thine almighty God, thy puissant defender, & thy sufficient great reward. This covenant hath God made not only with Abraham, but also with all his posterity, that is, so many as are faithful. Now if we be of the seed of Abraham (I speak of the spituall, and not of the carnal generation) than doth God require of us also, that we walk before him and be perfect that we stedfastelye cleave unto him by strong faith, as the only and sole Authore of all goodness, & so institute our life, that we may breathe nothing but purity, innocency, holiness & intergrite, all the time of our life in this world. Thus doing, God will be our God, yea our almighty God, our strong defender, and our sufficient great reward, no less than he was Abraham's. Therefore as Abraham walked before God, so let us do. By this means shall God be no less beneficial to us, than he was to Abraham. If ye were the sons of Abraham, 
joan. viii.  saith Christ, ye would do the works of Abraham.  Euse. 
Of all these matters and how we ought to walk before God and be perfect, ye taught us full godly in the nosegay, which ye gave us. 
Search the nosegay in the second flower.   Chri. 
It was our second flower, called, Pure innocency,  Phil. 
I remember it well, and I am glad, ye have not forgotten it. I will therefore haste unto the other scriptures When S. Iohn Baptist saw many of the Pharisees & Saducees coming unto his Baptism, 
Math. iii. Luke. two.  he said unto them, O ye generation of vipers, who hath showed you that ye should fly from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, & be not of this mind to say within yourselves, Abraham is our father. For I say unto you, that God is able to bring it to pass, that of these stones there may rise up children to Abraham, The hook is now laid at the root of the trees. Therefore every tree, that bringeth forth not good fruit, shall be hewn down and cast into the fire.  Theo. 
This is a terrible saying for all them, that are not earnest followers of good works  Phil. 
Certes as it profited the Pharisees & Saducees with the other jews nothing at all to boast themselves of Abraham, except they did the works of Abraham, 
joan. viii.  so likewise it avauntedgeth us nothing at all to crack of GOD, of Christ's blood, passion, merits, faith. etc. if we do not good works. This sentence abideth alway true, Every tree, that bringeth forth not good fruit, shall be hewn down & cast into the fire. If we be not like unto those trees, which are planted by the rivers side and bring forth their fruit in due season, surely we shall be ●●wen up & cast into hell fire. 
Psal. i. Heir. xvii.  For how dare we look for any kindness at the hand of God, & do no thing that he commandeth? David saith, I being as a fruitful olive tree in the house of God, have trusted in the mercy of God for evermore, 
Psal. li.  David confesseth here that he trusted in the mercy of GOD, but he addeth that he was in the house of god, that is to say the congregation of Christ, as a fruitful olive tree, which as Pliny writeth is never without green leaves & fruit. 
Lib. 〈…〉   Eu. 
You taught us this also in the Potation for Lent, declaring to us what the Procession on Palm sondaye signifieth, with all the ceremonies pertaining thereunto.  Phil. 
So see ye then, that if we will be helped by the mercy of God, we must be as fruitful olive trees, and bring forth plenty of good works, and never cease from doing them, or else our hope and trust is but vain. Christ saith, 
Math. seven.  not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter in to the kingdom of heaven, but he that doth the will of my father, which is in heaven. For many shall say unto me at that day, Lord, Lord, have not we prophesied in thy name, & cast out devils by thy name, and wrought many miracles thorough thy name? But than shall I say unto them, 
Psal. vi.  I know you not. in Depart from me ye workers of iniquity. Here are we taught, that to profess God by our mouth, to call upon his name to talk of Christ, of faith, of the gospel, and of all the divine mysteries, yea to work miracles and to cast out devils by the power of Christ's name, shall avail nothing at the day of judgement, except we lead a good life in this world, & work the good pleasure of God. For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power, 
●. Cor. iii●  saith S. Paul. 〈◊〉 that hath my commandments, saith Christ, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me. 
joan. xiiii.  If any man loveth me, he will keep my word, and my father shall love him, & we will come unto him, & dwell with him. He that loveth not me, keepeth not my words. Here Christ measureth our love that we hear toward him by keeping his word. If we keep his word, than love we him, but if we keep it not, than love we him nothing at all. Again he saith, I am the vine, and ye are the branches. He that abideth in me, 
joan. xv.  & I in him, bringeth forth much fruit. Let us not flatter ourselves. If we a●yde in Christ, we bring forth much fruit. If we bring forth no fruit, than abide we not in Christ. If we abide not in christ, than are we none of Christ's. So followeth it, that as withered branches we shall be gathered and cast into the fire, 
Rom. i●  & there burn for ever. S. Paul saith▪ not they, which hear the law are righteous before God, but they that express the law in deeds, shall be co●ted righteous. Although no man be able, 
Mark well  so long as he liveth in this world, to fulfil the law so thoroughly, as the purity thereof requireth▪ yet is it our office to labour unto the uttermost of our power to fulfil the law, and where we perceive, that we are not able to bring to pass which so great cleanness of hart● that, which the spirit of the law requireth, to bewail our weakness▪ to desire strength, 
Rom. x.  & to pray unto God that Christ, which is the end and perfect fulfilling of the law, may supply that, which wanteth in us. 
Rom. vi.  Again he saith, we are buried with him by Baptism into death that as Christ is risen ag●●n from death thorough the glory of the father, so we should walk in a new life. And a little after, recount yourselves to be dead unto sin, but living unto God thorough jesus christ our Lord. Therefore let not sin reign in your mortal body, for to obey it thorough the lusts thereof. Neither give ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin, but give yourselves unto God, as they that are alive from death, and give your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. Again in that same chapter, as ye have given your members servants to uncleanness & to iniquity, even from one iniquity unto another, so now give your members servants unto righteousness, that ye may be sanctified. All these sentences declare unto us, how pure, innocent and faultless our living ought to be. If it be the contrary, our profession profiteth us nothing at al. In another place also he saith If any man be in Christ, 
two. Cor. v  he is a new creature, that is to say, wholly changed from his old manners unto new. He hath no more fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness but so composeth & appointeth his living, that he may appear to be the light of the world. 
Ephe. v. Math. v.  Again, they that are of Christ, have crucified the flesh with the affects & lusts thereof. If we live in the spirit, let us walk in the spirit. 
Gala. two.  For the flesh lusteth against the spirit, & the spirit against the flesh. All they therefore which live according to the appetite, lust and desire of the flesh, pertain not unto Christ. 
Ephe. two.  We are the workmanship of God, created in Christ jesus unto good works, which God hath prepared that we should walk in them. 
Search the Banquet in the fourth dish.  Behold God is out maker, & we be made a new in Christ jesus unto good works. So many therefore as apply not themselves to do good works, are not engrafted in Christ, but remain still members of Satan. 
Ephe. iiii.  Item, I being prisoner, exhort you in the Lord, that ye walk worthy your calling wherein ye are called, with all lowliness, & meekness, with softness of mind suffering one another by charity, studying to keep the unite of the spirit thorough the bond of peace. Here see we, with what virtues we ought to garnish our life, that we may walk worthy our vocation & calling. How far than are they out of the way, which defile them selves with all kind of abominable vice. Be ye, saith S. Paul, the followers of God, as well beloved children, & walk in love, 
〈…〉  as Christ hath loved us. If it be our duty to ●e the followers of God, so must we practise his goodness & follow his innocency & purity so much as lyghethe in our power, or else we are not the sons of God. Our celestial father is pure & holy, & shall we his children be profane & unholy? Our heavily father is good, godly, merciful, patient & all spirit, & shall we his sons be evil, wicked, rigorous, impatient & all flesh? Be ye holy, 
Levit. nineteen i. Pet. i  saith he, for I am holy. Ye shall be perfect, saith Christ, as your heavenly father is perfect. Moreover S. Paul writeth, Be ye pure, 
Phil. i  and such as no man can be offended with you against the day of Christ, filled full of the fruit of righteousness, which chanceth thorough jesus Christ unto the glory & praise of God. Again, do all things without grudging and disputation being such that no man can complain of you, 
Phil. two  and pure, the sons of God faultless in the mids of a froward and crokedde nation, among whom shine ye as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life. It is not without a cause, that your new years gift teacheth us to be earnest followers of good works, saying that so great purity and cleanness of life is required of us. ●o worth those filthy swine, which wallow and tumble themselves in all kind of fleshly uncleanness, unto the great slander of Christ's Gospel. Iten. 
Colos. iii. i Thes. iiii i. Thes. v  Mortify your earthly members, whoredom, uncleanness, covetousness. etc. For god hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto sanctification. All ye are the sons of light, saith he, and the sons of the day, we are not of the night nor yet of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep as other do, but let us watch and be sober. Seeing that we are no more the worlds, seeing also we have given over Satan and the flesh, with all their works, pomps & pleasures, it becometh us so to walk in all our life & conversation, that we be not found like Satan's servants, nor the voluptuous worldlings, nor yet any such, as live 〈◊〉 the flesh and not after the spirit, but pure, clean, honest, faultless, godly, and as I may so speak, even like another christ. 
i. 〈◊〉. i.  S. Peter also saith, give not yourselves to your old lusts, where with ye were led, when ye knew not Christ, but as he that called you is holy, 
Levit. nineteen.  so be ye also holy in all your conversation, for it is written, be ye holy, for I am holy. Here are we taught to forsake our old sinful living, and to fashion ourselves, like unto the manners of God, which is holy, righteous, perfect, & abundantly good in all things. Furthermore saint Iohn saith, if we say, that we have fellowship with Christ, 
i joan. i.  & yet walk in darkness, we lie & do not the truth But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have felloweshyp one with another, and the blood of jesus Christ gods own son, maketh us clean from all sin. This text proveth manifestly that we have no fellowship with Christ, so long as we walk in darkness, that is, in sinful living, again, that the blood of Christ profiteth us nothing at all, except we walk in the light of God's word, & labour to fulfil his holy precepts. For, saith S. Iohn, 
i joan. two.  by this do we know that we have known him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, & keepeth not his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, But he that doth his word, truly in him is the love of God perfect. By this do we know that we are in him. He that saith, he abideth in him, ought to walk, even as he walked. Of this & all the other texts, which I have hitherto rehearsed, we may easily learn, what is our duty and how earnestly we ought to seek occasions for to do good. Seeing we are the peo-people of God, yea his peculiar & out chosen people, we must needs show ourselves earnest followers of good works, or else have we no fellowship with Christ. God the father is not our father, neither are we Christ's brothers, nor yet fellow heirs with him, if we seek not to lead a godly and virtuous life. Let us never crack of the justification of faith, of the free mercy of God, of Christ's pashon, blood, death, merits, etc. we lead a life worthy the kindness of God. Let us never rejoice that we are delivered from the power of Satan, sin, death, & hell, for so long as we continued in our old sinful living and wicked manners, we pertain not unto Christ, but are the bond slaves of Satan, & very fire brands of hell. For as the good pressed Zachary, father to S. Iohn Baptist saith God hath performed the oath, 
Luke. ●  which he swore to our father Abraham for to give us, that we delivered out of the hands of our enemies, might serve him without fear all the days of our life in holiness & righteousness. Hereto agreeth the saying of s. Paul, 
Heb. ix  the blood of christ which thorough the everlasting spirit, hath offered himself pure to God, shall purge your conscience from dead works for to serve the living God. Here learn we, that christ hath delivered us from the power of our enemies that we should serve him in holiness and righteousness all the days of our life. Now if any be not given to the service of God, surely he is not free, but abideth still the miserable captive & bond prisoner of his enemies. Let all men therefore take heed, & prepare them selves to lead a godly life, that they may be earnest followers of good works or else neither their baptism, nor Christ, nor yet any thing that ever Christ did, shall profit them any thing at all.  Chri. 
O good Lord, how greatly be many deceived, which put their trust in Christ & crack much of faith, & yet continue still abominable livers, thinking not with standing, all this their great wickedness, to be saved?  Phil. 
To repentance, ●aythe and amendment of life, mercy is never denied. But be not you deceived neighbours. 
Rom. two.  For not they, which hear the law, are righteous before god, but they that express the law in deeds, shallbe conted righteous. Be ye the doers of the word, and not the hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 
jacob. i.   Theo. 
God give us grace thus to do, that we may garnish the doctrine of God our saviour in all things.  Euse. 
Amen I beseech the good Lord. 
Titus. two.   Phil. 
verily there are many causes, yea & those urgent and necessary, why Christian men should bring forth good works, if they did consider their vocation & calling well. 
Causes wh● we ought to do good works  first because it is the will of God, & God hath commanded so by his holy word. For what child accomplisheth not his father's will for the love that he beareth toward him? What servant fulfilleth not his master's commandment if he do but only fear him▪ Ho●● much more than ought we, w●●che have so loving a father, and so puissant a Lord and beneficial a master, for the love & 〈◊〉 ●ear●, that we bear toward him, show our 〈◊〉 obedient to his holy will. & fulfil it to the uttermost of our power▪ Where either ●ear● or love of God is, there must the ●ulfyllynge of God's law needs follow. 
Malach●  If so doth not, never let us confess ourselves either to fear or love god truly. The son honoureth his father, and the servant his Lord. 
Math. seven  If I than be your father, where is my honour▪ And if I be your Lord, where is my fear, saith the Lord or Hosts? Not every one that saith unto me, Lord Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven, saith Christ, but he tha● doth the will of my father, 
Math. iii  which i● in ●eauen. The holy 〈…〉 bring forth fruits of repentance. And christ saith, as my father gave me commandment, 
joan: x●  so I do. Again I have not spoken of myself, but he that sent me, that is to say, my father, he gave me commandment, what I should do, & what I should speak. A christian man therefore must do good because it is the commandment and will of God.  
secondly, we ought to do good works, that God may be glorified thorough them, as Christ saith, Let your light so shine before men, 
Ma●●. v  that they may see your good works, and glorify your father, which is in heaven Also S. Peter, see that ye have as honest conversation among the Hey then, 
i Pet. two  that they, which back by t● you a● evil doers, may s● your good works, and praise God in the day of visitation. For what greater dishonour ●●ther be done to god, than to profess the name of God & ignominiously to deface and obscure the glory of it, thorough our wicked and ungodly conversation? Their rulars do unrighteously, saith the lord, 
Esay. iii.  and by this means my name is blasphemed continually even all the whole day long. 
Roma. two.  S Paul also saith, the name of GOD is evil reported for you among the heathen. Again, what greater honour can there be given to God of us, than to lead a godly life, & to express the manners and livish Image of our heavenly father in all our life. By the one, God is dishonoured, by the other, he is greatly honoured, praised and magnified.  
thirdly, it is our duty to do good works, that we may be certain that our faith is right, true, livish and working. For as there is not a more certain argument & sure token that a tree is good, than by bringing ●orth good ●●●te, so is there not a better probation, that our faith is true 〈…〉 than when we work the will of God, and bring forth the sentes of the spirit. 
Note when we have the true faith  When we work the will of God, and fashion our life ●●●●rdynge to the rule of Christ's gospel, than may we be certain that ●ur saith is right, and that we are the sons of God, & fellow enherit●●rs with jesus Christ. Nether need ●e doubt of any thing, that God hath promised in his holy scriptu●●●, but believe steadfastly, that we shall ●aue all things according to his promises, in as much as we bring forth the fruits of faith. But if we live 〈◊〉 carnally, and do the filthy wor●●● of the 〈◊〉, as dronckeshyp, whore 〈◊〉, theft, covetousness. amp; c. than 〈◊〉 we no cause to rejoice, nor yet 〈…〉 of our faith. For the true 〈…〉 the great & marvelous things, as we may see in Abraham, which truly believed in God, & therefore wrought many godly works. He obeyed the word of God, 
Gene. xx. x●ii.  he left his own native country, he was contented at the commandment of God to kill & offer his own son & to what soever the spirit of God moved him to do. Of this nature are so many as truly believe. They that thus work not, have not Abraham's faith, neither are they the sons of Abraham. For Christ said to the jews, if ye were the sons of Abraham, ye would do 〈◊〉 works of Abraham. 
joan. viii.  Therefore after that we are persuaded of the goodness of god toward us, and believe faithfully, that god for his promises sak●, which h● hath made us in christ 〈…〉 be bounteous and merciful unto us, we must note that the scripture commandeth works to be dne of the faithful. For after that we be once justified by faith before GOD, we must express that faith, which is known to god alone, by external & outward works, that we may appear righteous both before God & man. Nether is there any better sign, or more manifest argument, as I said before that our faith is right, true & liveth, than when it produceth and bringeth for the good works, even ●s there is not a more manifest probation, that a tree is good, than by the bringing forth of good fruit. I faithful man therefore is not compared without a cause of the Psalmographe, 
Psal. i.  to a tree planted by the rivers side, which bringeth forth 〈◊〉 fruit in due season. I being 〈◊〉 a frtefull olive tree, saith David, 
Psal. two.  in the house of GOd, have trusted in the mercy of god for ever 〈◊〉 ever. A christian man is compared to a green olive, for he is ever full of fruit and never barren, all way green & never sear, ●●er working, and never idle. He that truly believeth, hath no need of laws to compel him to do good works, 
i. 〈◊〉. i  as the scripture saith, the law is not given unto a righteous man, but unto the unrighteous & disobedient. etc. For of his own fire will (s● livish and mighty in operation i● faith) when God giveth an occasion, he will bring forth good works, even the fruits of faith unto ●he glory of God and the health of h●s neighbour. The sons of God are not content to sit idle, 
Chrysostom  saith Chri●ostome, but the spirit provoketh them to take some great and commendable work in hand. Hereto agreeth the saying of S. Gregory, 
Gregory.  The love of GOD is never idle, for it worketh great things, if it be the love of God in deed, but if it cease the to work, than is it no love. The unfaithful is like unto a dead stock, which bringeth forth no fruit at all, but is unprofitable altogether, and therefore shall he be hewn down and cast into hell fire. 
Math. iii.  To be short in this matter, they that are fruitful & bring forth good works, pertain unto the church of God, and they which are unfruitful, and bring forth no good works, belong unto the church of the devil (for there is a double church) and shall be cursed as the sygge tree was. 
Math. xxi.   
Fortely, we ought to do good wor●es, that we may win our neighbour also unto Christ, 
i Pet. iii.  as S. Peter writeth: you wives be ye obedient to our husbands, that they also, which ●hey not the word, may be won ●y the conversation of their wives without the word, while they consider your chaste and pure conversation joined with reverence. For as christ came not into this world to win the favour of his eternal father for himself, but what so ever he did, was done for us, so in like manner what so ever we do, we must do it also for our neighbours to win them unto Christ, to make th'/ ● professors of Christ's Gospel, an● the perfect children of GOD our father. Let that same affection be in you, saith S. Paul, that was in Christ jesus, which being in the shape of God, thought it no robber to be equal with God. Nevertheless he made himself of no reputation, and took on him the shape of ● servant, and became like unto in & was found in the figure as a man He humbled himself & be●ame obe●dient unto the death, even the death of the cross.  
fifthly we must do good works, that the mouths of the ungodly may be stopped, 
i Petre. two.  as S. Peter saith, this is the will of God, that by well doing ye should stop the mouths of foolish and ignorant parsons. Do all things without murmuring and disputing, 
Phili. two.  saith S. Paul, that ye may be faultless and pure, and the sons of God without rebuke in the mids of a crooked & perverse nation, among whom, see that ye shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life. verily if it were ever expedient, that Christian men should lead a godly life, it is at this time most necessary. For when the adversaries of God's truth see them that profess the Gospel of Christ live dissolutely, not fast, not pray, not give alms, not mortify the affects of the flesh, but lead a more ungodly life, than the other sort do, than blaspheme they the gospel, than call they the word of God heresy, than hate they extremely, persecute prison, condemn and utterly destroy so many as clea●● purely to the doctrine of christ. And all this come to pass thorough the wickedness and ungodly conversation of the gross Gospelers, the railing readers of the scripture, the ●aye l●ke janglers of God's word, and br●yneles babblers of the gospel, which ●able much of god's truth, and yet ●yue no part thereof. Oh what a great hinderauns is this to god's moo●● holy word● God give us grace, both to love and live the gospel.  
Finally we ought to do good works, saying it is none ●nprofitable service, neither shall our labour be lost in so doing, but we shall highly be rewarded for doing of them, not only in this world●, but much 〈◊〉 plenteously in the world to come: 
Math. v.  Rejoice and be merry, saith Christ to all that do good works, for great is your reward in heaven. Again he that receiveth a Prophet in the name of a Prophet, he shall receive the reward of a Prophet. And he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man, 
Math. x Luke. x.  he shall receive the reward of a righteous man. And who so ever shall give to one of these little ones a cup of cold water to drink only in the name of a disciple, 
Ma●●. ix. Gala. vi.  verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward. Also in another place, who so ever shall give to you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye are of Christ ●erely I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward. Every man shall bear his own burden. 
two. Cor. v.  Al of us must stand openly before the judging place of Christ, that every one may receive according to that, 
〈◊〉. xiiii.  which he did when he was alive, whither it be good o● evil. Christ the son of man shall come in the glory of his father with his Angels, 
〈…〉  and than shall he give to every one according to their works. The hour cometh in the which all that are in the graves shall hear the voice of Christ, 
〈…〉  & they that have done good, shall come forth into the resurrection of life, & they that have done evil into the resurrection of damnation. To them that have done the works of mercy shall everlasting glory be given at the day of judgement, 
〈…〉  & to the unmerciful, eternal damnation. So that they which do good works in this world, shall receive a glorious and everlasting reward in the world to come. 
〈…〉  Of this had ●. Paul a certain assurance, when he said, I have ●ought a good fight, and have fulfilled my course, and have kept the saith. From henceforth is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, that is a righteous judge, shall give me at that day, not to me only, but unto all them, that love his coming.  
Thus much have I spoken concerning good works, & here have ye now your new years gift complete & perfect.  Theo. 
blessed be God for this our new years gift, which is more precious than gold, pearl, & precious stone, god mought give you an heavenvly gift for this your new years gift, wherewith this day ye have enriched us.  Phil. 
The christian love & tender affection, wherewith I love you all, hath moved me to do, that I have done. If I have done you any pleasure to the rejoicing of your spirit, I am glad. If I have not in all points satisfied your desire & expectation, yet accept my good will. For he is not altogether to be blamed, which intendeth well, although all things do not thoroughly answer to his intent. Well neighbours I will now knit up in few words, that I have spun in many, & show you briefly the whole effect of your new years gift. Ye have learned, the Christ is the gift of God, freely given you of God the father for your new years gift. 
〈…〉  So that not only he, but all that ever he hath, in asmuch as he is man, is ours, his fasting, watching, praying, his mercy, goodness, purity, innocency, his passion, blood, death, resurrection, and all that ever he hath besides. All is ●ures. God hath given us all thing with him, as S. Paul saith. This gift of God Christ our new years gift hath appeared no more by tynes, 
Rom. viii.  figures, clouds and shadows, but in his flesh. 
Heb. iiii.  He hath taken flesh of the most holy and pure virgin Mary and is become very man for our sake, like unto us in all things, sin alone except. And that we may 〈◊〉 that he is a precious gift unto us, he bringeth health unto all men, 
Ioh●l. ●. Act. two Rom x. Act. ●●●●.  not only unto the jews, but also to the Gentiles, so that who so ever calleth on the name of the Lord, he shall be saved, be he jeweor Gentile, free or bond, noble or unnoble. For he is thalone saviour. None saveth but he alone, neither is there any salvation but in him alone, nor yet any name given unto men under heaven wherein they must be saved, but in his name alone. Moreover ye have learned that he is not only a saviour & bringeth salvation to all men, but he is also a schoolmaster unto us. For he teacheth us, that first we should deny ungodliness & worldly lusts, and afterward live soberly, righteously and godly in this ●●esent world. What so ever vice hath reigned in us in times past, we must now utterly put it away fr●m us, were it Idolatry, false worshipping of God, superstition, confidence in ceremonies, despising of God's word, swearing by his most blessed name, breaking of the Sabbath d●y, etc. or else uncleanness, carnal affects, worldly lusts, devilish motions, whoredom theft, covetousness, dronckenshyp, glotonny, wrath, contention, blood shedding, etc. and ga●nysshe our lives with all kind of virtues, 
Gala ●.  sobriety, justice, godliness, purity, innocency, patience, long suffering, charity, peace, goodness, faith, temperance, meekness, and with all the● other fruits of the spirit, that ● good consciences and free hearts we may look for that blessed hope and glorious appearing of the great God & our saviour jesus Christ, which willingly and without any compulsion gave, no angel nor man, but himself for us, to redeem us from all unrighteousness, that is to say, from all sin, ●oth original, mortal, venial, or any other, so that we repent, believe, ask mercy and amend our sinful living, and to purge us a peculiar people unto himself, to do him service & none other, and even such, as without any feigning or cloaked holiness should be earnest followers, not of their 〈◊〉 wills, fansies and fleshly pleasures, but of good works, even such works as God commandeth and ●●● accepted be fore him, & not such ●s dame Good intent, and herself or 〈◊〉 zeal imagineth and 〈◊〉 of their own brains without ●he authority of God's word.  
Thus have ye neighbours in 〈◊〉 works, that ye received before in many. What now re●●yneth, but that, seeing God the father hath showed us so great kindness by his son jesus Christ, we do, as the new years gift teacheth us, that is 〈◊〉 say, deny ungodliness and 〈◊〉 lusts, live soberly, righteously and godly in this present ●●●ld, and be earnest followers of good works▪ we may with a good conscience and merry heart look for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of the great God and our saviour jesus Christ. Remember that to be called a christ●●● man anavayleth no thing, except we live according to our name and profession. Remember that to read the scriptures, & to have the knowledge of them, profiteth nothing at all, except we fashion our life 〈…〉 ding to the doctrine thereof. Remember that to crack of saith & of our justification by it, is nothing to the purpose, except we bring forth the fruits of faith. Remember that to glory of our salvation purchased by Christ availeth nothing, except me change our old living and become new men. Remember that all the benefits of christ serve only for them, which repent, believe and lead a godly and innocent life. All other as they have no part of christ, so remain they still the bond captives of Satan, and shall, if they amend not, be committed unto hell fire for ever more. Therefore neighbours take heed, refuse not to walk in the light of God's word. Walk while ye have light, lest darkness overwhelm you. While ye have light believe in the light, 
joan. xii.  that ye may be the children of light. While ye have time, do good unto all men. Night shall come, when no man shall be able to work. Now is the time of grace now is the time of health. 
Isaiah. xlix. ●●. Cor. vi. Math. xx. Math. xxv.  Therefore neighbours stand not idle all day, work manfully in the lords vine yard. Be not like unto that unprofitable servant, which hid up the treasure of his master in the ground, unless ye be cast into the utter darkness, where weeping and gnashing of teeth shall be, but apply the talon, 
Math. xxi. Mark. xi.  that ye have received unto the glory of god and the profit of your neighbour. Be not barren and unfruitful as the fig tree was, unless ye also be cursed. 
Math. xxv.  Be not like the five foolish virgins, which had lamps & no oil in them, & therefore could not they enter into the marriages with the Brydegrone, but were speared out. Be not like the gross & unthankful jews, 
Exod. xvi. xvii. Num. xx.  which when they were delivered out of Egypt the house of bondage, desired to be there again among the grecy ●●esh pots. Be not like to Loathes wife, 
Gene. nineteen.  which looked back unto the ●ylthy Sodomites, but be like unto Christ, and so many as be the followers of him, 
i Cor. xi. Titus. two. Philip. i.  as S. Paul saith, Be ye the followers of me, as I am of Christ. Be earnest followers of good works. Walk worthy the gospel of Christ, and so show your selves faithful in all things, that ye may garnish the doctrine of god our saviour. What should I say more unto you? Be faithful unto the death, 
Apoc. two.  that the crown of life may be given unto you. For he that continueth unto the end, he shall be safe. And here also I make an end desiring you by the tender marcyes of God, 
Roma. xii. two. Cor. vi.  and by the precious blood of jesus Christ our Saviour, that ye receive not the grace of God in vain, but so behave yourselves in all things, as it becometh the servants of GOD. So may ye be sure to receive the crown of life, 
jaco. ●●  which the Lord hath promised to so many as love him. Amen. Now neighbours here have ye your new years gift, although homely, yet godly. If it had lyghen in my power better to have given you, better ye should have had. But I pray you accept my good will for this time. If God at another time give me better, be ye sure, that ye shall not want your part of it.  Euse. 
Neighbour Philemon we thank your right heartily, and we again unto the uttermost of our power, give both ourselves and all that ever we have unto you, not only to desire but also to command.  Phil. 
I know the good hearts of you all toward me. I pray you vouchsafe to come with me into my haul, & we will drink ●●d be merry together in GOD, as 〈◊〉 time of the year and the common custom require.  Theo. 
We follow you gladly. blessed be GOD for our new years gift. CHRISTOPHER AMEN.  
¶ give the glory to God alone.   

  

¶ Imprinted at London in botulph lane at the sign of the white Bear, by Iohn Mayler for Iohn Gough. Anno Domini. 1543.  
Cum privilegio ad imprimendum solum. Per septennium.