Physic for the Soul, very necessary to be used in the Agony of death, and in those extreme, and most perilous seasons, aswell for those, which are in good health, as those, which are endued with bodily sickness.  
Translated out of Latin into English, by H. thorn.  Quid prodest homini, si universum must 〈…〉 tur, animae autem suae detrimentum pa 〈…〉 MATH. 16. 
What shall it man avail, if all the world, he gain.  
And after that of his own soul, he do the loss sustain?  
Perused, and allowed, according to the Queen's majesties Injunctions.  
IMPRINTED AT LONDON, by Henry Denham.   

 blazon or coat of arms Physic for the Soul, very necessary to be used in the Agony of death, and in these extreme and most perilous seasons, as well for those that are in good health, as those, which are endued with bodily sickness. Translated out of Latin, into ●●●lishe, by H. thorn.  
Disease's troubling our bodies, and corporal death, shak● our minds with horrible fear, 〈◊〉 much that of● 〈◊〉 we tremb●● 〈◊〉 the recy●●●cion of them. Man's nature 〈◊〉 had leaver not to be at all 〈…〉 cannot but wax pale, 〈…〉 when these sicknesses do ap● 〈◊〉 deed, no calamity can b● 〈◊〉 more cruel, none more horrible, none more huge, than the sickness of the soul, and the death and destruction thereof. Every man abhorreth, every man detesteth and escheweth by Sea and land, punishments, pitiful labours, diseases, and this bodily death. But we ought much more to endeavour ourselves, to avoid and leave off the occasions of those evils, that is to wit, sin and wickedness, and that we ought to dread the heavy 〈◊〉 of God, which we provoke against 〈◊〉 ●ers and manifold offences.  
〈◊〉 ●our bodily health is ympaired, we strait ways post unto the Physician, here we spare for no charges, we less esteem all things than the safeguard of our life, we procure medicines & remedies at a great price, 〈◊〉 the intent, that this our earthen vessel 〈◊〉 potsherd, mought be again repaired, 〈◊〉 ●●thin short space after notwithstand 〈…〉 ●die to break. Why do we not 〈…〉 ●die and carefulness, desire, and 〈…〉 ●ies against the diseases, and 〈…〉 Soul, being far more 〈…〉 ●ore perilous? For what 〈…〉 ●an take, if he did abound 〈…〉 ●s of the whole world, and did live a thousand years togethers, a●● joyed continual and most exquisite pleasure of this life, and were not encumbered wi● any trouble of sickness, or other calamity But yet in the mean while, his soul 〈◊〉 infected with the deadly gilt and poise sin, and oppressed with the cruel tir● of Satan, God was displeased at him 〈◊〉 he most certainly knew, that after the 〈◊〉 of this life, he should suffer eternal de● and damnation both of body & soul? Therefore Christ said: Watch. For ye know ne●ther the day, nor yet the hour, in the wi●● the son of man shall come. And le● 〈◊〉 should follow light, frivolous, 〈◊〉 things, the good & most profitable no ●ded, he showeth us a most compendi●●taine, and sure way, to aspire unto tr●● 〈◊〉 city, where as he sayeth: Seek ye 〈◊〉 kingdom of heaven, and the righteous 〈◊〉 thereof, and all these things shall be ●stred unto you. The cares of living, and 〈◊〉 establishing of our wealth, & other 〈◊〉 yea, many times foolish, bruckle, 〈◊〉 ●ting, which nothing prevail us, b● 〈◊〉 ●ten the occasions of very grievous 〈…〉 and most wicked offences, 〈…〉 〈…〉 us night and day.  
But in the seeking & getting of heavenly ●●ches, what thing is more flow than we are? ●●hat more negligent? what more vnadui●●●●? what more foolish? What blindness or ●●●●nesse, I pray you, aught more to be fea● 〈◊〉 Whilst we live in good health, scarce 〈◊〉 ●uch as one little thought at any time 〈◊〉 smeth in our minds of the life to come, 〈◊〉 of that our temporal death. But when 〈◊〉 we lie down and are sick, death now (as 〈◊〉 were) knocking at our doors, when we ●●ould stand up in the front and fight, than 〈◊〉 ●ast we begin to think of the taking 〈◊〉 ●r weapons against Satan, and of 〈◊〉 ●endment of our life. These things 〈◊〉 ●ufficient argument to prove, that we 〈◊〉 ●dued with a slender and weak faith, 〈◊〉 ●at we are little exercised in the christi● 〈◊〉 warfare. God be merciful unto us.  
●ut truly every age is meet to amend, ●●d no repentance cometh to late, so that it 〈◊〉 ●ne before the end of this life. Yet I 〈…〉 ●ll and earnestly give admonishment, 〈◊〉 ●●an do linger and defer the doing 〈…〉 ●e, until this last and most bit●● 〈…〉 ●or even they which are strong and in good health all their life 〈◊〉 have prepared and furnished the●●e ●gainst this hour of departing, they 〈◊〉 and with much ado, scarcely defend ●selues, from the deceipts, guiles, 〈◊〉 and invasion of that most passing 〈◊〉 subtle enemy: what shall be d●●●● those, which being void of all fear of 〈◊〉 knowing not how to repent, have li●●●● filthy, and dissolute, and naughty life, 〈◊〉 I beseech you shall they fight, how shall th● resist?  
Now therefore, seeing that there is a gr●●● multitude and abundance of people eue●● where, and seeing that the Ministers of 〈◊〉 Gospel are not near at hand in all pla●● neither are able to perform their diligent or office always, and unto all men, we of good and godly mind, willing to profit a men, have written this way and forme● comforting, instructing, and admonishing the sick, collected out of the word of God 〈◊〉 their commodity & profit especially, which are yet ignorant, and not instructed sufficiently in the Sentences of holy Scripture 〈◊〉 such occasions, that they hearing those thing read unto them, may thereof conceive tru●● 〈◊〉 ●●solation or comfort, lest they 〈…〉 ●alse hearted, should despair and pe●●●in the bitter Agony of death.  

〈◊〉 is chief necessary for the Sick, 〈◊〉 ●de the pains of the body, and 〈◊〉 temptations, wherewith he is pestered.  
MAn therefore lying on bed by vehemency of sickness, and being in danger of death, is assailed and overwhelmed with divers and grievous temptations, against 〈◊〉 which he must contend and strive. And 〈◊〉 of all, this is a most bitter temptation, 〈◊〉 ●hen the most horrible Image of death beeyng (as it were) before our eyes, we think ●at we must forsake and leave the most de●●ctable and pleasant light of this life, and ●●ll our dear kinsfolks and friends. Finally ●hat we must here forego all our pleasant 〈◊〉 well-beloved things. And anon, our sins ●●mmitted against the will and commandment of God, do present themselves vn●o 〈◊〉 us, rushing in with a great violence, are clearly renewed, and wax raw again, and they seem to be many more in number, and more grievous, then ever they did before, so that they marvelously torment, vex, and trouble our conscience. Here death, God's judgement, Hell, damnation, fear, and trembling, like an host gathered together, torment our old man, with most violent and troublous storms of very great dolours and terrors, and doth assault and shake our hearts with most vehement engines of sorrows and heaviness. There will be great danger in those Agonies and troubles of the mind, if our heart be not established with a sure and constant faith, lest we now being weakened and wearied with the multitude and greatness of temptations, do despair. For those things, which come in our minds when we are sick, seem to be most horrible and grievous, and for none other cause, then that our faith is very little and doth waver, neither yet is so strong, that trusting unto the word of God, is able to apprehend that unmeasurable and ineastimable treasure and riches of God the son, that is to wit, the remission of sins through Christ, the resurrection of the flesh, that most pleasant and exoptable fellowship of all the elect, and the life everlasting, and that all these things are given us freely in Christ, and for Christ.  
We ought daily to exercise ourselves in these Articles of our faith, and to fasten them in us diligently, pondering & weighing them in our minds. Also we should oftentimes come unto the Sacrament, 
Synaxis.  or the Table of the Lords supper. But we must first diligently try, fashion, and prepare ourselves. For we ought especially to beware of this, that we meddle not with the most royal Sacrament Eucharist, or of thanksgiving, with unwashed minds, and spotted consciences.  
It is truly a shameful matter, and much to be lamented, that this many years this Sacrament of the body and blood of jesus Christ, hath been superstitiously administered, and of some other it hath been handled unreverently, and little according to the worthiness thereof, in so much that of some Heretics it hath been utterly contemned and despised. The present punishments and afflictions do sufficiently declare unto us, how heinously they offended therein, whereof S. Paul foretold unto the Corinthians. 
1. Corin. 11.   
This Sacrament surely is a great and marvelous pledge of his especial love and singular mercy towards us, which he would have to be testified and declared unto us, in that his last Supper, how that he adjoineth us unto him, as his mystical members, that we may know and understand, that we are beloved, regarded, and preserved of him. Thus do godly minds determine, that Christ is effectual in us. I would to God we would learn to consider in our minds, the worthiness of this so royal a gift, that we might be therefore thankful, and when we advance & lift up our faith, we mought then also have a reverent fear, and think how detestable an offence and ingratitude is, and what horrible punishments will ensue the profanation, or unholy using of this so worthy a mystery. And it is not to be thought, those most grievous threatenings, which Saint Paul maketh mention off, to be vain, and of none effect. For God is always true. And I suppose assuredly, that the greatest part of those public evils, which have been in our days, are to be imputed unto the disorderly, and gross using of that most holy pledge. Let us therefore oftentimes prepare ourselves, to come unto the Communion Table, with fervent desire of virtue and holiness, that our minds being refreshed and comforted with that heavenly food of the soul, faith and charity may be daily increased and strengthened in us.   

The Articles of our Faith, are diligently to be considered of the Sick.  
We ought also furthermore to remember, and always have in our minds, all the Articles of our Catholic Faith. But four especially are diligently to be considered, and to be poured into us, by often repartition, in the Agonies and troubles of death, that is to say, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins through the blood of Christ, the rising again of the flesh, and the eternal life.   

Wherefore sicknesses are sent unto us from God.  
THen as death is the punishment of sin: Even so diseases are many times sent unto us from God, for our sins, the which thing is manifest by many testimonies of Scripture, as in joan. 5. Psalm. 88 Deut. 28. 2. Reg. 24. We are also often afflicted, that our faith thereby mought be tried. For then surely a man may see, how much we love God, how much we trust in him, when we are afflicted, and oppressed with some grievous cross. Then here above all things see, that thou repent unfeignedly, turning thy whole heart, mind, and senses unto God, that thou mayest confess and bewail thy sins before him. For sin is the only cause, why we deserve the most just wrath, & heavy plague of God. 
joan. 20.  And thou shalt gather out of Saint john his Gospel, the most abundant comfort, off absolution or remission of sins, which Christ hath instituted and left unto his universal Church. This unmeasurable treasure, is opened and offered unto thee daily. Christ saith, receive ye the holy Ghost, 
Math. 18.  whose sins soever ye forgive, they are forgiven them, and whose sins soever ye retain, they are retained. Now when we have desired and obtained forgiveness of our misdeeds, without all question to the contrary, the pain and grief or affliction also being on us, either will cease and leave us, either will redound unto the salvation of the sick body, according to the passing good will and pleasure of almighty God. For thou must be thoroughly persuaded, that thou nothing doubt herein, but that the pain or cross (although it seem unto the flesh a very heavy yoke and burden) is a mere fatherly rod and correction, whereby God doth withhold, and call back thee, his child, from committing of sin, enticing and alluring thee unto him. God verily loveth us with a fervent zeal, he willingly tendereth our salvation, and worketh all things unto this end and purpose, that he may correct us, and bring us unto good. For look whom he loveth, him doth he correct, him doth he chasten & afflict in this world, lest after this life, he should be tormented with the everlasting pain of unquenchable fire. And waver not, but persuade thyself most certainly, that God is thy most loving Father, and much desirous of thee, howsoever he seem to be angry with thee. This is not the wrath of a tyrant, and an executioner, but of a father intéerely loving us, which would not that we should be lost, and cast away: but that we being corrected should amend, and obtain salvation. This is a most certain truth, if so be that we, whose faith is so weak, can believe it. First of all therefore, ask thou forgiveness and remission of all thy sins, but through Christ, and with a very repentant heart, that thou mayest well accord with God, that thou mayest find him pacified and merciful unto thee. After this done, thou mayest also beseech him to deliver thee from the affliction, which troubleth thee. So doth Ecclesiasticus teach us, whereas he saith: 
Eccle. 38.  My son despise not thyself, in thy sickness, but pray unto the Lord, and he shall heal thee. And so doth the Psalmist pray. Remember not (O Lord) our old iniquities, let thy mercies speedily prevent us, 
Psal. 79.  help us O God our Saviour. Convert us O thou Lord God of power, show us thy loving countenance, and we shall be safe, how long wilt thou be angry?  
First he desireth forgiveness of his sins, that he might be justified by the grace of god. Next he entreateth against the wrath of God, And when thou prayest for the deliverance and easement of the cross, which oppresseth thee, thou shalt always put to this addition: Thy most blessed and holy will be done. For we cannot better see unto ourselves, then can our most faithful Father, of his endless power, wisdom, and infinite goodness, which never turneth his eyes from us, but with all diligence taketh care of us, which knoweth the number of the hears of our heads, 
Math. 10.  which doth quicken, comfort, cherish, cover, nourish, preserve, and defend all things, which helpeth and provideth for all men, much more, and far better, than any creatures can be able, yea, to wish for.   

There be three things, which torment us most grievously, and cruelly, and do trouble our minds in the Agony of death, that is to wit, Sin, Death, Hell, or Damnation.  

Sin  
WHen those Sins come in our minds (we lying sick) wherein we have wickedly & noughtily passed over our lives, whereby we have very grievously offended both God, and our neighbour: we are stricken with great fear and sorrow, even as S. Paul sayeth unto the Romans: Indignation & wrath, 
Rom. 2.  tribulation, and anguish shall come upon the soul, of every man that doth evil.   

Death.  
ADam, our flesh, dieth very unwyllingly. Wherefore when death approacheth near, man's heart is altoo shaken with great dolours and heaviness, which no tongue is able to express. For our fearful affection, and our natural man, dreadeth miserably, least that when he is once dead and buried under the earth, he shall never return again and live, but supposeth that he is undone for ever.   

Hell fire, and Damnation.  
WHen those things come (as it were) before our eyes, than man feareth, lest he be utterly cast away from the presence of God, and seeth none other thing in himself, but everlasting death. We have need therefore of a good courage in this case, and of a strong and valiant heart, that there appear in us, no point of cowardness, and desperation.   

¶ A Prayer for the same.  
O Most merciful God, and most loving Father, I beseech thee aid us, and grant that we, which be yet in good health and safety, may learn to fear and dread thee, may love and embrace thy holy word, and that we may set thee before us, as a scope and mark whereunto we may direct all our doings, and that we being always mindful of the most bitter agony of death, may so prepare & arm ourselves, that we may order all our deeds to thy glory, as do the godly, which fear thee, and that we may in the end obtain everlasting life. Amen.    

What is to be done, when Sin doth vex, and stir our consciences.  
Think with thyself, that the son of GOD came down from heaven into the lowest parts, and was made man, he took upon him thy sins, and the sins of the whole world, he willingly died on the cross for them, and made full satisfaction for them all, suffering for thy sake most grievous pains. The most precious blood of Christ was shed for thy salvation, and thou art partaker of his death, if so be that thou constantly believe on Christ, that he died as well for thee, as for Peter and Paul. And thou oughtest not to doubt any thing at all, but that he died as effectually for thee, as for Paul. Thou art baptized through the death of Christ. This thing ought to comfort thee, this thing ought to lift up, and strengthen thy mind. For seeing that thou art baptized through the death of Christ: his death shall aid and save thee, through his death thou shalt not die in thy sins, but through his death thou shalt undoubtedly obtain forgiveness of them all, and in the end through Christ his death thou shalt rise again unto a new, and everlasting life. For baptism is a sure token, 
Baptism  pledge, and sign of God's grace and favour, wherein thou art reconciled unto God, that thou mayest have a joyous and quiet conscience through him, 
Math. 26. Mark. 14. Luc. 22. 1. Cor. 11.  for the forgiveness of thy sins by Christ his resurrection. And he certainly speaketh unto thee in the institution of his last supper, where as he professeth, and testifieth, that his blood was shed for the remission of sins.  
Now therefore although thou have not lived an upright, and pure life, in each respect, yet, 
Rom. 10.  there is no cause why thou shouldest despair, but speedily call upon the name of of the lord, without ceasing, and thou shalt be safe. And thus begin thou to say: O most merciful GOD, 
A prayer.  O father of all compassion, father of our lord jesus Christ, be merciful unto me a sinner, have compassion on me a poor wretch, and make haste to help me, for that most bitter, yea most precious passion, and death of jesus Christ, thy only begotten son, and our only redeemer, and saviour. Enter not into judgement with thy servant oh lord, 
Psal. 143.  deal not with me according to my deserts, neither reward me according to mine iniquities, but receive me for thine infinite, and endless goodness, and mercy's sake. I a wretch, and seely creature, am in thine hand, power, and danger, oh most mighty, and merciful God, oh most loving father, cast me not away utterly refused in misery. I am thine, whatsoever I am. No man can comfort me, no man can help me besides thee only. Thou art the true propulsour, & driver away of all mischief from men. Thou art the most sure, and ready help, aid, succour, and defence. Thou art the most strong tower. Thou art O God our hope, 
Psal. 46. Psal. 31.  and strength, thou art a very present help in trouble. In thee O Lord do I put my trust, let me not be confounded, let me never be ashamed, my hope being in vain, but deliver me in thy righteousness. Bow down thine ear to me, make haste to deliver me. And be thou my strong rock, and house of defence, that thou mayest save me. Thou art my strong rock, & my castle. Thou art my lord, my portion is in thine hands. Lighten thy face upon thy servant, and save me O lord in thy mercy.  
Further, thou, that art sick, must be chief admonished of this point, that thou think not what sins thou hast committed, but rather have before thine eyes to contemplate, and look on, the image of Christ, his most wholesome, & precious death. Fasten it surely in thy mind, and thoroughly persuade thyself, 
Esay. 53. Math. 8.  that thou art not now oppressed with thy sins for Christ, and that they are all laid upon his shoulders, which taking them upon him, hath made satisfaction and redemption for us, 
Pet. 32. Rom. 4.  so that he will never impute them unto us, but will freely forgive them all, even as we say in the articles of our faith: I believe the remission of sins.   

The testimonies of scripture for the remission of sins through Christ, must be diligently repeated unto the sick, whereof, I have here under recited some, that they may be in a readiness.  
Behold the Lamb of God, 
joan. 1.  which taketh away the sins of the world.  
We are not redeemed with brickle things, 
1. Petr. 1.  as with corruptible silver, and gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb undefiled and without spot. Let these things enter into the bottom of thine heart, let these things lift thee up, and give thee comfort. There is no cause why thou shouldest doubt of the forgiveness of sins, if thou constantly profess the name of Christ, and trustest in his mercy, he will also take away thy sins. If so be that thou nothing stick, nor stagger, but undoubtedly believest this, now thou art become the son of God, there is no cause why thou shouldest waver, there is nothing that thou shouldest fear. Hearken unto the testimonies of scripture, but so hearken unto them, that thou mayest surely print them in thy mind.  

joan. 3.  So God loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that none, that believe in him, should perish, but should have everlasting life. He that believeth on him, shall not be condemned.  

Math. 9  I came not to call the righteous, but sinners unto repentance.  

Math. 11.  Come unto me all ye, that labour, and are laden, and I will refresh you. He calleth all men unto him, he refuseth no man, he casteth no man in the teeth. Thou art also comprehended in this word, All. Call upon his mercy, and he will comfort thee.  

Rom. 5.  God setteth out his love, that he hath to us, seeing that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more than now, seeing that we are justified in his blood, shall we be saved from wrath thorough him. God the father, which earnestly loveth thee, would that this gospel full of comfort, should be also declared unto thee. For Christ was sent unto thee, and he also died for thee, believe only, and commend thyself unto Christ, thy preserver, and defender.  
If, when we were enemies, 
Rom. 5.  we were reconciled unto God, by the death of his son: much more, seeing we are reconciled, we shall be preserved by his life.  
Christ is made to us wisdom, 
1. Cor. 1.  and also righteousness, and sanctifying, and redemption.  
Here, dearly beloved brother, take a good heart, although thou be never so great an offender, yet there is no matter, why thou shouldest despeire, but confess, and acknowledge thyself before Christ, to be a sinner. Call upon his mercy, and desire pardon of him, ask forgiveness of thy sins, and believe that Christ is thy only saviour, thy health, and justification, and ever will be, 
Rom. 4.  he will both cover, and also abolish all thy sins, that thou shall neither fear peril nor damage for them.  
God hath made him to be sin for us, 
2. Cor. 5.  which knew no sin, that we, by his means, should be that righteousness, which before God is allowed.  

Gala. 1.  Christ gave himself for our sins, to deliver us from this present evil world, through the will of God our father.  

Ephe. 1.  By Christ we have redemption thorough his blood, even the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.  

1. Timo. 1.  Christ jesus came into the world, to save sinners.  
Have thou a confidence in these words, and give good credit unto them, and thou shalt be justified, and saved, as well as saint Paul.  

1. Timo. 2.  Christ jesus gave himself a ransom for all men.  
Constantly believe this, and without all question to the contrary, thou art one of that number which shall be saved.  

Hebr. 10.  We are sanctified by the offering up of the body of jesus Christ, once for all.  
Thou hearest Christ also speaking unto thee, in his last supper, feeding thee with his body, and giving himself unto thee spiritually, that thou mightest drink his blood, unto everlasting life. 
Luc. 22.  Where as he sayeth:  
Take eat this is my body, 
Math. 26. Mark. 14. 1. Cor. 11.  which is given for you. This do in the remembrance of me. And likewise when he had supped, he took the cup saying: This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you, for the forgiveness of sins. Do this as often as ye shall drink it, in the remembrance of me.  
Think thou, dearly beloved, that those words were spoken unto thee, fasten them in the bottom of thine heart. For when he speaketh generally unto all men, 
Mark. 13.  he speaketh to thee also. All things which Christ suffered, shall do thee good, they shall redound unto thine advantage, and salvation, they shall profit thee, as much as they shall the dear saints of God.  
Christ himself bore our sins in his body, on the tree. 
1. Petr. 2.   
Christ hath once suffered for sins, 
1. Petr. 3.  the just for the unjust, for to bring us to God.  
The blood of jesus Christ cleanseth us from all sin. 
1. joan. 1.   
If any man sin, 
1. joan. 2.  we have an advocate with the father, jesus Christ, which is righteous. He it is that abteyned grace for our sins.  
Thou mayest take more fewer or less sentences of scripture, for this purpose, even as thou shalt perceive the sick to be affected.  
The words, which thou hast now heard, are not the words of man, but of the holy Ghost, which plainly testify, that God the father, which would not the death of a sinner, 
Ezech. 18.  but that he might be converted and live, for that his fervent love, which he beareth towards thee, hath eased, and released thee, from the burden of thy sins, & hath laid them on the shoulders of his dearly beloved son, 
Esay. 53.  which hath so borne and suffered them all in his body: that they shall never be thy condemnation. For if so be that thou believe in Christ, God reputeth, and accepteth the death of his son, in the stead of a full and sufficient repentance, satisfaction, and absolution for all thy sins. Seeing therefore, thy sins laid upon Christ, could not detain, or keep him in death, and condemn him: ransom is truly paid for them, and they are all freely forgiven thee. Believe this, and thou shalt live eternally. Christ himself suffered for thy sins, 
Rom. 4. 1. joan. 2.  & died for them. But he rose again, and the sins of all faithful believers, are by his death acquitted, purged, and cleansed, so that the strait justice, severe judgement of God, is abundantly satisfied through Christ. Now therefore Christ is become thine, and all others which believe, with all his benefits, with his death, with his resurrection, with his ascension into heaven, with his life, with his merits, and with his glory. Wherefore sathan hath no power over thee at all, he can not hurt thee, 
Rom. 8.  seeing that thou art justified through Christ, seeing that thou art delivered from all thy sins, seeing that thou art become the child of God. God is thy father, earnestly loving thee for Chiist his sake, which hath reconciled, and made a tonement for thee. Wherefore be thou of good courage, and rejoice thou in the lord. For seeing that thou art in the hands of almighty God, thy good and most faithful father, thou art in safety, and out of all danger. For thou art enclosed and compassed about, with the custody of God, and guard of angels. Christ is altogether become thine, he covereth, and taketh away all thy sins, 
joan. 10.  by his innocency and righteousness. No man can by violence pluck thee out of the hands of thy heavenly father. Thou hast now the victory, when thou hast suffered, and passed over this corporal cross, & affliction, the which being truly compared with eternal life, shall appear very easy, 
2. Cor. 4. Heb. 6. Ephe. 1.  momentany, & but of a short time. Christ was in the like agony, yea, in a far more bitter, & more horrible. He is gone before thee, he is thine head, to whom thou must needs become like, and die unto sin, and must lay aside this life, spotted, and imbrued with wickedness, that thou mayest after live, the true life for ever, with thy master Christ. Let not thy sins, trouble thee. There is no cause, why thy conscience should be tormented, seeing that thy sins are now done away and abolished. Thou hast overcome, and hast cast under foot, that malignant spirit, which goeth about to work the destruction of our souls. God now hath compassion on thee, he careth for thee, he doth defend, and keep thee, all the fellowship of saints, and angels do regard thee. And even as Christ can not be damned, so likewise thou canst not be damned, if so be that, thou believe on him, with the full confidence of thine whole heart.  
If sin, death, and hell, can nothing hurt thy lord, and master Christ, neither can they hurt thee, for thou art mystically graffed into Christ by faith, and Christ is effectual in thee, therefore thou canst never be damned. If so be that, thou thyself shouldst bear thy sins, and make a tonement for them, thou wouldst by no means be able to sustain and bear so great, and heavy a burden, they would be far to weighty for thee, they would devour thee, as one drowned into the bottom of hell.  
But Christ being perfit God, and perfit man, did offer himself up of his own accord for thee, he did put himself in thy room, discharging & paying all things for thee, as it is written in the Psalm: 
Psal. 69.  I paid them the things, I never took. Truly thou didst commit sin against thyself, but Christ purged them, and made satisfaction for thee, and planted thee in liberty, if so be that thou believe this Gospel.  
Although all the sins of the whole world, were laid upon thee only, yet, God hath grace and mercy sufficient for them, & more than sufficient. God hath promised thee his grace, and blessing in Christ, and the same is ratified, certain, full absolute, and perfit in Christ thy lord, and master. Thou must needs be saved, if so be that thou fasten thine eyes upon Christ. 
Hypostasis.  For Christ is the natural son of God in divine substance, verity itself, and touching his humanity, he is our flesh, and blood. Who will be more sure, and certain, than this Christ, to give and perform the promise of grace, which is himself the verity of his promise, and loveth us unfeignedly, in somuch that, he had léefer die, then to disappoint us in any part of his promise. Wherefore if thou believe in Christ, thou art now made partaker of his heavenly blessing, thou art now eased of the burden of thy sins, now thou art the heir of God, and the fellow heir with Christ for ever. 
Math. 24.  For heaven and earth shall pass, but the word of the lord endureth for ever. Therefore believe and strengthen thy mind with good hope, and doubt not, but GOD is chiefest and almighty, yea, even for thee, he became man for thy salvation, he was also borne for thy sake, he died on the cross, he rose from the dead, for thy sake, and ascended into heaven, he offered up, and performed all things, which were promised unto us. For all the promises of God, 
2. Cor. 1.  by Christ are yea: and are by him. Amen. Wherefore desire of God, to have his mercy, and then look for none other thing at his hand, but mere grace, and mercy, and the same for Christ, and through Christ. For without him truly there is no consolation, no health, no hope, no help, or secure. In this only Christ, is all comfort, all aid, and stay, and to be brief, all the means of our salvation. In him is all grace and mercy, much more infinite, and greater, more high, plentiful, and abundant, than any man can either comprehend, or wish for. God vouchsafe to grant us a sure, and constant faith.  
After this manner, thou shalt comfort the sick body, either with longer, or shorter communication, as the matter shall require. And I admonish thee, dear brother in the lord, that thou withdraw thy mind, with as great endeavour, and study, as thou mayest, from the horrible contemplation of sin, and death, and bend all thy thoughts upon Christ only, fasten the eyes of thy mind upon him, clean unto him with all thine heart, and as it were drink him into thee, call upon him with full trust of mind, and commit thyself wholly unto him. For thou shalt find none other thing in this Christ, than excellent innocency, righteousness, life, and salvation, all the which, being derived from Christ into thee, are now become thine, if so be that thou wilt acknowledge him to be thy redeemer, and author of thy salvation. Wherefore I warn thee, & do oftentimes beat it into thee by repetition, and that for good cause, that thou renew not, or call to mind the remembrance of thy sins, nor torment thyself by weighing the multitude, and greatness of them. When thy sins are banished far off from thee, set Christ crucified only before thine eyes, fasten him in thine heart, let thy whole mind, & senses be surely set on him, clean fast unto him with all thine heart, never to be pulled away. By this means thou shalt withstand, and prevail against the gates of hell, be they never so cruel, be they never so horrible, and terrible. Call to mind with how great humanity, and clemency, with what gentleness? & benignity Christ in the evangelical history, 
Math. 9  hath received, and used all sinners, which truly repenting, have asked forgiveness, and besought his aid, and mercy. And thou shalt find Marie of Magdalene, 
Luc. 8. Luc. 23. Luc. 19  thou shalt find the thief hanged on his right hand, thou shalt find the publican, Zachaeus, and many others, whom he received with marvelous kindness, & pronounced them free from all their sins, were they never so grievous. For Christ is very grace itself, mercy, aid, consolation, life, joy, and salvation to all them which desire those things of him, and do put their trust, and confidence in him. God, which is verity, and cannot lie, hath promised all these things for Christ his sake unto us. He therefore will never deceive us, beguile us, nor forsake us.  
Furthermore, it will come into thy mind also, when thou art in danger of death, if thou have hurted, or endamaged thy neighbour by any means, as if thou either have stolen, or taken away any thing from him, or if thou have slandered him. Here thou shalt do even the same thing, which Christ did, hanging upon the Cross, 
Luc. 23.  thou shalt pray for all thine enemies, and shalt forgive them, from the bottom of thine heart, all the wrongs they have done unto thee. If any thing of thine be stolen from thee, thou shalt not violently require it again. If thou have taken away any other man's good, restore it again if thou may, or provide, that it may be restored again, neither shalt thou keep any thing privy, but shalt confess it unto God, and ask forgiveness of the same, and be sorry that thou hast so offended. If so be that thou be not able for thy poverty to repay the thing thou hast wrongfully taken, it shall be sufficient, if thou forgive others, which have done either wrong, or violence to thee in body, or goods, or have taken away thy good name. If (I say) thou forgive them with all thine heart, there is no cause, why thou shouldest be careful. Be of good comfort, and doubt not, but God will forgive thee, the wrongs which thou hast done unto others. Truly he can not but release his sins, which forgiveth his neighbour. For he himself hath taught us this order, and way of recompensing, 
Math. 6.  and losing. If ye shall forgive other men there trespasses, your heavenly father shall also forgive you.   

Whether the sick may lawfully seek the physicians help, and use physic, or no.  
THe sick body shall neither despise the physician his help, nor have it in admiration. Let his chief hope be steadfastly fastined upon God, which as he alone did put the soul into the body: So he only taketh it away, when it pleaseth him. Sometime notwithstanding, the physician is to be sent for, lest we should seem to tempt God. For seeing medicines of themselves neither can restore health, nor cause diseases, yet, notwithstanding, when they are ministered of a natural wise physician, well exercised in reasonable rules, they are wholesome, and worthily called the hands of God, as Herophilus witnesseth, the which thing also holy scripture testifieth. For it is written: Honour the physician. 
Eccle. 38.  For the most highest hath created him, for necessity's sake. The most highest hath created medicine out of the earth, and the proudest man will not abhor it. Tellers of destinies, inchauntours, wicked conjurers, and deceivers, which pretend to cure the sick with false prayers, and orisons, are to be driven away, and eschewed, as the pestilence. For witches are the hands of the devil, and not of almighty God, by whose word, and power, all things ought to be governed.   

What is to be done, when death bringeth terror, and fear upon us.  
THou shalt think that death is conquered, and utterly destroyed by Christ. And except Christ having compassion on us, had suffered death for us, the fear of death would have troubled us, with great and horrible heaviness, and intolerable torments of mind. But death being overcome, and destroyed by Christ, the souls of them, which trust in him, can not die and perish, but they go strait ways unto Christ, after their departing out of this body. As the thief being in extremity heard it said unto him: 
Luc. 23.  This day thou shalt be with me in paradise. The body in the mean season resteth in sure hope, to rise again in the last day, unto that most blessed immortal life, with great glory, magnificence, and honour, as renewed, and clarified, that it may live together with the soul, for ever with Christ, and all his elect, amongst whom we shall find many, which were either our friends, or kinsfolks here in this world. 
The death of godly men is called a sleep.  Therefore holy Scripture calleth the death of godly men, a sleep. For the very same our brickle, frail, weak, mortal, and corruptible body, shall be raised up in the last day, as a man stirred out of his sleep, and forthwith, death extinct, and abolished, it shall appear incorruptible, glorious, beautiful, sound, healthful, immortal, whole, pure, perfit, & spiritual, as it is written unto the Corinthians. 
1. Cor. 15. Psal. 116.  And hereof the psalmist sayeth: Right dear in the sight of the lord, is the death of his saints.  
weigh those things diligently in thy mind, dearly beloved, that thou mayest not be seduced with the wicked world, which supposeth us utterly to die, the body together with the soul to decay, and perish, and that no part of us shall remain, after the departing out of this life. But they are far out of the way, and greatly deceived therein. Our body is not so vile, and so little regarded in the sight of God, but great honour, glory, and salvation, is prepared and appointed for it. For the very same body, which we carry about with us, and the same, which lieth upon the bed afflicted, and tormented, the very same body (I say) renewed, and glorified, shall live together with the soul for ever. If so be that we should lose our body and never recover it again, the death of saints were not precious, and honourable, but vile, horrible, and most cruel. Wherefore these things considered diligently, thou shalt support, and hold up thy wavering mind, erected by sure hope in the sentences of holy scripture. Believe them, and doubt nothing at all. For it is undoubtedly true that I tell thee. As the body of Christ being buried, even until the third day, rose again the third day unto a new and eternal life, never to die again: so the bodies of all them, which have slept in Christ, that is to say, which have believed on Christ, do rest in there graves only for a time, to rise again in the last day, in sure hope of the most joyful, and glorious resurrection, into a new and perpetual life, where shall be neither sin, nor any death, calamity, or any other thing, 
Apoc. 21.  than righteousness, innocency, life, joy, blissfulness, and salvation world without end. God, which is of infinite power, and verity itself, hath promised those things. They shall therefore come to pass undoubtedly. Therefore trust thou steadfastly unto his promises.  
Furthermore, the testimonies of scripture for the resurrection of the flesh, are diligently to be thought upon, and earnestly to be beaten into our minds by often repetition. Thus doth saint Paul teach us, 
1. Thes. 4.  that we strengthen one another with such communication of the resurrection, that we mought thereby be comforted. There can be none more certain, nor more plentiful consolations given unto us, than those which we seek out of the testimonies of holy scripture, for the approbation of the resurrection. We declare not the words of man but of God, which surely, and mightily will perform, and bring to pass, all that he hath spoken. No man can alter the the will of God, no man can let, or hinder his purpose, and counsel. His power cannot be measured, he is true, and faithful, his goodness, and mercy is endless. Therefore let no man doubt thereof.   

The testimonies of scripture, for the resurrection of the dead.  

Math. 23.  THe just men shall shine as bright, as the Sun, in the kingdom of there Father.  

joan. 5.  Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that heareth my words, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into damnation, but is escaped from death unto life.  

joan. 6.  This is the will of him, that sent me, that every man which seeth the son, and believeth on him, have everlasting life, and I will raise him up at the last day.  

joan. 8.  Verily, verily, I say unto you, if a man keep my sayings, he shall never see death.  

joan. 11.  Christ said that Lazarus did sleep, which notwithstanding, had yielded up the ghost, whose dead body was committed unto the grave. But Christ restoreth the dead unto life again, and calleth those things which be not, as though they were. Therefore he addeth this, saying: I am the resurrection, 
Rom. 4. joan. 11.  and the life. He that believeth on me, yea though he were dead, yet shall live, and forthwith after those words, he raised up Lazarus, which had lain four days in his grave, being putrefied, and smelling.  
And because we are fearful, and faint-hearted by nature in those agonies: that we may have the better help to believe, that there shall be a Resurrection, many were restored from death to life, in the days of the prophets, and the apostles.  
Christ raised up from death to life the widows. 
Luc. 7.   
He raised up also the master of the synagogue his daughter. 
jairus was her father.  
Luc. 8.   
He restored Lazarus unto life. 
joan. 11. Act. 9 Act. 20. 4. Reg. 4.  Peter likewise made Tabytha alive again.  
Paul revived Eutychus.  
Helyseus the prophet revived his Hosts dead son.  
Helias the prophet revoked the woman's child of Sareptha to life again. 
3. Reg. 17.   
God also assumed, and took unto him, that two most holy, 
Gene. 5. 4. Reg. 2.  & mighty men: Enoch, and Elia, rapt alive both body, and soul togethers, out of this frail, and wretched world, that he might by them give us some taste, and signification of the true life to come, lest we also should believe, that no part of us remaineth after this miserable life, according to the opinion of the heathen gentiles, and Epicures.  
Furthermore, the faint hearted sick body, is to be admonished, that he remember, and think what that greatest, and mighty lord both of life, and death, jesus Christ said in saint Luke his gospel: 
Luc. 8.  
jairus daughter.  Weep not, for the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth. Man's reason hard of belief, not understanding the secret mysteries of God, did laugh these words to scorn. But Christ making it true, verifying his words, restored the dead maiden unto life again, as soon as he had spoken the words. The very same lord jesus Christ, will receive thy soul, and will preserve it, and in the last day he will restore thy body unto thy soul again, & will couple them unto eternal life.  

joan. 5.  The time shall come when all they, which are in there graves, shall hear the voice of the son of God, and they that have done good, shall come forth unto the resurrection of life. If so be that the spirit of him, that raised up jesus from death dwell in you, even he, that raised up Christ from death, 
Rom. 8.  shall quicken your mortal bodies, because that his spirit dwelleth in you. God hath raised up the lord Christ, and shall raise us up by his power. The xu 
1. Cor. 6.  chapter of the first epistle to the corinthians, is full of most sweet, and effectual consolations hereof, no gold is to be compared unto them. Saint Paul in the same chapter, so knitteth, and fasteneth our resurrection unto the resurrection of Christ, that it may not be pulled, or separated from it, as by this reason. Christ is risen again from the dead, the which thing is most certain. Therefore without all doubt, we also shall rise again. For Christ is our head, 
Ephe. 4.5. joan. 12.  and we are his members mystically. This head is not without his members, neither doth he leave, and forsake his members. Where Christ is, 
Ephe. 5.  there shall we be also. For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. Who can sufficiently declare, according to the worthiness thereof, that unmeasurable glory, of inestimable, & unspeakable grace, and mercy, that God descending from heaven into the lowest parts, did vouchsafe to become a mortal man, that this frail, and brickle nature of man, united unto his divine nature, mought be brought unto everlasting life, being made partaker of the heavenly kingdom, by the infinite, and incomprehensible might, and efficacy of his divinity, and godhead. If we believe, that so great riches were bestowed upon us, and that so blessed a life remaineth for us, how, I pray you, can we be false hearted, or troubled in mind? The nature of all faithful people, which have been both before, and also since Christ, and those which are yet to come, without all question, hath put on immortality in Christ, being perfit God and perfit man. The comfort therefore of Christ his resurrection, is most plentiful, and effectual, wherewith saint Paul doth strengthen the minds of the Corinthians, 
1. Cor. 15.  where as he sayeth: Christ is risen from the dead, and is become the first fruits of them, that sleep. For by a man came death, and by a man came the resurrection of the dead. For, as by Adam all die, even so by Christ, shall all be made alive, and every man in his own order. The first is Christ, than they that are Christ's. Here saint Paul maketh a similitude of natural things, whereby the resurrection may be the more clearly, and manifestly perceived. And the similitude is taken of dry seed, which the husbandman casteth into the earth. It dieth, & rotteth after a fashion. Yet notwithstanding, that which is committed unto the earth, doth not utterly perish, but it cometh forth of the earth again, fresh, and new, with a pleasant, handsome, joyful form, and shape. And even so shall our body rise again, not corruptible, brickle, frail, feeble as now it is, but fair, clean, beautiful, strong, of perfit force, and immortal unto everlasting life.  
This is the way by this corporal death, unto true, and eternal life, into our true country. 
1. Cor. 15.  Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, wherein is nothing but life, and therefore this mortality must put on immortality. 
Esac. 25. Oseae. 13.  Then shall the saying come to pass, which is written: Death is swallowed up into the victory, they now which believe in Christ, have overcome sin, death, and hell. They therefore contemning death, & being strong and bold in Christ, will say: Hell where is thy victory? Sin is the sting of death, the law is the strength of sin. But praise be unto God, which hath given us the victory, through our lord jesus Christ.   

We will add also, other sentences of scripture, containing plentiful comfort.  

1. Cor. 4.  HE that raised up the lord jesus Christ from death, shall raise us up also.  

Phill. 3.  Our conversation is in heaven, from whence we look for a saviour, even the lord jesus Christ, which shall change our vile bodies, that they may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working, whereby he is able to subdue all things unto him.  

Colos. 3.  Ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, which is our life, shall show himself, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.  
I would not, brethren, 
1. Thes. 4.  have you ignorant concerning them which are fallen a sleep, that ye sorrow not, as other do, which have no hope. For if we believe that jesus Christ died, and rose again: even so they also which sleep by jesus, will God bring again with him.  
And saint Paul doth comfort Tymothe his scholar in the articles of the resurrection by these words: Remember (sayeth he) that jesus Christ, being of the seed of David, rose again from death, 
2. Timon 3.2.  according to my gospel. If we are dead with Christ, we shall also live with him. If we suffer with him, we shall reign with him.  
Saint Paul sayeth, that Christ, 
Hebr. 2.  by the grace of GOD, should taste of death for all men. And in the same place he sayeth also, that Christ was made partaker of our flesh, and blood, that is to say, he became perfit man, that he might put down through death, him that had lordship over death, that is to wit, the devil, and that he might deliver them, whosoever through fear of death, were all there life time in danger of bondage.  
God saved us, 
2. Timo. 1.  and called us with an holy calling, not according to our deeds, but according to his own purpose, & grace, which grace was given us through Christ before the world was, but is now declared openly by the appearing of our saviour jesus Christ, which hath put away death, & hath brought life, and immortality to light.  

1. joan. 3.  We know that we are translated from death unto life, because we love the brethren.  

1. joan. 4.  In this appeared the love of God to us ward, because that God sent his only begotten son into the world, that we might live thorough him.  

job. 19  I am sure that my redeemer liveth, and that I shall rise out of the earth at the last day, and that I shall be clothed again with this skin, and see God in my flesh, yea, I myself shall behold him, not with other, but with the same eyes.  
He that diligently doth meditate & think upon these testimonies of scripture, cannot choose but take much comfort, and great joy thereof. Saint Paul may be a most evident example thereof unto us, which heartily rejoiceth in his own behalf, that he knoweth Christ, 
Phill. 3.  and the power of his resurrection, whereby our death is slain. Now therefore death is dead unto all them, which believe in Christ, there is nothing now in death terrible, which is to be dreaded, and feared, besides the only image and shape thereof. Even as a serpent being killed, keepeth notwithstanding that his old and fearful figure, but hath no power in him to do harm, 
Num. 21.  and even as the live serpents died, when the brazen serpent was looked on, which Moses set up in the wilderness, by the might of the power of God, and the jews could not be infected, with venom of the live serpents: Likewise also our death his dead and made harmless, and nothing to be feared, if we look upon and behold the lively death of Christ, with the eyes of our faith. And to be short, death is like the very image and shadow of death, yea, more rather she is the beginning, and entrance into the true life. Christ, which is the verity itself, sayeth: 
joan. 24. joan. 8.  If a man keep my words, he shall never see death. How, I pray you, may this be? I will show you how. A man, that trusteth in the mercy of Christ, by the faith which he hath taken out of the gospel, is so incorporated, as I may so term it, and so united, and coupled unto his lord, and master Christ, which is the true life, 
joan. 14.  that he may not be pulled or separated from him. This body therefore is sundered, and divided from the soul, in most sure hope of the glorious resurrection, unto everlasting life. For within short space, the body shall be restored again unto the soul, that they may both enjoy felicity. And he that thus believeth in Christ, shall not see eternal death of body and soul, that is to wit, perpetual damnation, which is the true death. 
The death of godly men, is a going forth into the company of the elect.  For the death of godly men, is a going forth, and departing out of this mortal life, into immortality, unto Christ, unto the angels, and unto all the saints.   

What is to be done, when hell, or eternal damnation, coming in our minds, doth fear us.  
THe malignant spirit maketh man very solicitous, & pensive about his predestination, putting those cruel, and horrible thoughts of predestination in his mind. What if thou shouldest not please God? What if he hath utterly cast thee off? How knowest thou, that thou art one of the number of them, whom God hath elected, and chosen unto everlasting life? These, and the like temptations, are most bitter, and do most grievously torment, and vex the mind. Wherefore, thou must here stand fast on both feet, as the proverb is, and it is needful, that thou constantly defend thyself in this conflict. But it thou wouldst obtain the victory in this battle, thou must set upon him, by this policy, & craft. Forthwith, as soon as these temptations come unto thee from the Devil, beware thou enter not into disputation with him, beware thou deal not with him, neither answer him again. But put him off from thee, chased away with these words, and cogitations. Satan get thee hence, depart unto thy destruction. For it is written: 
Math. 4.  Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. Seeing that God hath endued me always with most large, and infinite benefits, according to his fatherly love towards me, seeing that he hath given me this life, and hath nourished, and preserved the same even hitherto, seeing that he hath heaped me up, with all kind of goodness, what madness were it for me, to doubt of his mercy? Seeing that through baptism he hath appointed me into the number, to be one of the received flock of the christians, seeing that he hath called me unto the gospel of his grace, wherein he hath promised to be my father, why should I not then look for all goodness at his hands? Why should I not assure myself of him in all things? Wherefore should not his great good will, and kindness towards me, always be remembered of me, for my stay, and comfort? What need many words? It is a most foolish, & perilous thing, to yield our minds, & study to such cogitations concerning predestination, but forthwith confound, & prevent thou such cogitations, with others, wherewith god would have thy mind to be occupied, & prevented, that is to wit, with those, which Christ himself hath appointed, 
joan. 3.  where as he sayeth: He, that believeth in Christ, shall not perish, but shall have everlasting life. 
1. Cor. 1.  Hearest thou, that he, which believeth in Christ, which acknowledgeth Christ to be his sanctification, salvation, and justification, cannot be damned, and that he shall be partaker of eternal life? How many soever thereof do trust unto the mercy of Christ, without all doubt, they be of the number of them, which are chosen unto life everlasting, being foreknown and fore ordained in Christ, 
Ephe. 1.  now already written in the book of life. And those which are predestinate unto eternal life, are made and become, like unto the image of Christ. For they conceive there faith, for the which they are counted to be just before God, of none other thing, but of the word of God. They are saved therefore, by this faith, 
The just man liveth by faith. Gala. 3. Abac. 2. Rom. 1. Ephe. 1.  that is to say, by the trust and hope of mercy, freely given us for Christ his sake. Those things are most certain and true. God can neither be deceived, nor deceive any man. This is the purpose, and intent of God, our most bountiful father, and the true lover of mankind. He from the beginning hath so purposed, so foreknown, so before determined those things. There is no cause therefore, that thou shouldest be letted, or feared with those things, which that enemy envying our salvation, and pretending the destruction of our souls, putteth in thy mind and layeth against thee. See only that thou believing in Christ, do comfort thyself, in the confidence of his mercy, and there shall be no peril at all. For if thou fasten thy hope, 
joan. 6. Rom. 4.  & trust on Christ, Christ is made thine, and thou art Christ's. If he have redeemed thee, thou canst by no means be damned, and perish. For he that believeth on Christ, is drawn unto him by the father, 
joan. 10.  and he will have them to be saved by him, & none of them to perish. Wherefore, see that thou have a good heart, see that thou believe constantly on Christ, and conceive sure hope of him. How many soever believe on Christ, the same are predestinate unto everlasting life. We must therefore, fasten our eyes upon Christ, we must fly unto him. This our only, and true saviour, is to be taken hold on by faith, if we intend to be saved. Here let every man diligently way, that earnest exhortation of saint Paul, whose words are these: Let us run with patience unto the battle, that is set before us, 
Hebr. 12.  looking unto jesus, the author, and the finisher of our faith, which for the joy, that was set before him, abode the cross, and despised the shame, and is set down on the right hand of the throne of God.  
Furthermore, Christ for us, and for our sakes suffered all temptations, with the which, being most grievous, he was vexed, and troubled, the same saint Paul bearing witness thereof saying: 
Hebr. 5.  We have not an high priest, which can not have compassion of our infirmities, but was in all points tempted like as we are, but yet without sin. Let us therefore, go boldly unto the seat of grace, that we may receive mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Print those things, dearly beloved, in thy mind. First, Christ was given unto us for this purpose, that he might redeem us, reconcile us, and make us partakers of everlasting salvation. Secondly, that he might be an example unto us, to lead, and pass over a godly life. Therefore if so be that thou desire to finish thy life well, and virtuously, see that the death of Christ, being set before thine eyes, thou end thy life after his example. For Christ is set before us, as a pattern to be followed of us, in our life, and conversation, in all afflictions, and in our death. No man liveth godly, no man suffereth adversity, no man dieth well, except he set before him the life, and death of Christ, and do follow the same. The death of all godly men, is abolished, & swallowed up in the death of Christ. Wherefore, thou shalt consider, & diligently meditate, what kind of death he suffered, how he behaved himself in that agonies of all other most bitter, when he hanging on the cross, was troubled, and pestered with most grievous temptations. Follow this Christ, as near as thou mayest, calling for help at God's hands.  

How christ was tempted on the cross. Mark. 15. Math. 27. Luc. 23.  First, he was tempted with death, when as it was said unto him: He saveth others, but himself he cannot save. As though they should say. Now he is undone, he must die, and perish for ever, no man shall deliver him, and pluck him out of our hands. After this manner, that our old, and mortal enemy will bring the terror of death on thee. But so much the bolder go thou against him, pluck up thine heart, and strengthen thee in him with a sure hope. Christ will subdue, and tread under foot, that enemy, and thou also shalt overcome him by Christ. Hold up the shield of faith in Christ. Christ is the lord, 
Ephe. 6. 1. Petr. 5.  he is the king of glory, and he is the lord of life, he is not subject to death, but liveth and reigneth.  
This thy lord, and revenger, will not suffer death to exercise her tyranny upon thee. He cannot deceive thee, neither can he lie, seeing that he is the verity itself. conceive thou this trust, and confidence of him. Assure thyself, to receive all goodness at his hands, and thou shalt live with him for ever. And for that he would have the grieved with temptations, and to suffer death of body, it is done only for thy commodity. Thou must therefore leave and forsake this life, if thou wilt enjoy everlasting life. So after this life, thou shalt in the end begin to live in deed. Furthermore, this corporal death, profiteth thee to this purpose, that when thou hast tasted the bitterness, and sharpness thereof, thou mayest try, & know, how fervent the affection of Christ his love was towards thee, what an unestimable benefit he bestowed upon thee, that he dying for thee, did pay, and make satisfaction with his body for all thine offences, death thoroughly extinguished, and abolished, and the gates of hell thrown down, destroyed, and also broken. For thou couldst never any other ways know, and understand the strength, and power of life in Christ, which hath swallowed up our death, thou shouldst not know the largeness of his benefits neither shouldest thou be able to give so hearty thanks to Christ, thy lord and redeemer. Wherefore, seeing that Christ doth live, thou also shall live by him, and this same death shall be unto thee a certain, happy, & wholesome sleep. It shall be also an entrance, and gate into that true, and most blessed life.  
Secondly, Christ was also tempted with sin, when they did revile, and upbraid him, as a very wicked man, and guilty of most grievous crime. 
Math. 27.  If thou be the son of God, come down from the cross. Thou savest others, why dost thou not save thyself also? What other thing mean these contumelious words, then that they supposed, and thought, that he deceived the people by fraud, dole, slight, wiles, noughty craftiness, and that he was not in deed the son of God, yea, they judged him rather to be most wicked, most abominable, and most worthy of reproach. Even likewise sathan will tempt man, being in danger of death, he will present unto him, whatsoever he hath done, and committed against the commandment of God, and will put into his mind, whole waynlodes, as it were, of sins, the same heaped up, into a great abundance, that by the outrageousness, and greatness of sins, he may bring man into desperation, which staggereth, and doubteth of God's mercy, and pardon. And here thou must stand fast, and strongly, and shalt entertain thine enemy assaulting thee, with these words: I confess that I am a most manifold, and grievous sinner. But Christ free from all sin, he, that innocent lamb, in whose mouth was found no guile, 
1. Petr. 2.  hath suffered cruel death for my sins, he hath cleansed them all, be they never so great, nor never so many, and hath made sufficient satisfaction for them all. Christ his death, is the propitiation for all my sins. 
1. joan. 2.  Christ verily hath suffered all my feebleness. He in deed hath carried all my sorrows. He was wounded for mine iniquities. 
Esay. 53.  He was smitten for my sins. By his wounds am I healed. He hath taken upon him, all my sins, I now acknowledge none, I thank Christ, which hath paid ransom for them all.  
Thirdly, he was also tempted with hell, or eternal damnation, when they objected against him, saying: He hath trusted in the Lord, 
Math. 27.  let him take him, let him save him, because he will have him, as though they should say: All his hope in God shall deceive him. God is his adversary, and abhorreth him, and will cast him away for ever, as one thrust down into hell. When the same tempter provoketh thee with such like temptations, take heed thou stand fast. There is no cause why thou shouldest fear, there is no cause, why thou shouldest tremble. Let the thing, which he offereth, and presenteth unto thee, nothing move thee at all, be it never so grievous. Put out of thy mind, and banish away far from thee, as well sin, as death, and hell. They have no power over thee, if thou fasten thine eyes upon Christ. Take hold on him, and commend thyself wholly unto him. Christ is thine, and he bestoweth himself wholly upon thee. He hath redeemed thee from the tyranny of the devil, and everlasting damnation by an inestimable price. This Christ is thine innocency, thy life, and thy righteousness. Take heed only that thine heart be never withdrawn from Christ crucified, by any temptations. If thou cleave fast unto this Christ, thou shalt be safe, against all the gates of hell, as one that is placed upon an high, most sure, and invincible rock, that thou mayest cry out with Christ: 
Psal. 16.  I have set God always before me. He is on my right hand. Therefore I shall not fall. Wherefore my heart was glad, and my glory rejoiced, my flesh also shall rest in hope. Thou hast showed me the paths of life. In thy presence is the fullness of joy, and at thy right hand is pleasure for evermore. Thou art become, through such a faith in Christ, the child of God, the brother, and fellow heir with Christ, 
Rom. 4. Gal. 4. Rom. 3. Gal. 3. Ephe. 2.  and partaker of eternal life. This faith justifieth the righteous, that is to say those, which believe in Christ. For this faith, thou shalt be reputed the blessed child of God, thy heavenly father, and when thou departest hence, thou shalt enter into the kingdom of heaven, 
Math. 25.  prepared for the elect children of GOD, from the beginning of the world.  
But if so be that thy faith waver, and be doubtful in temptations, and when thou dost not suffer moderately, and patiently enough the will of thy heavenly father, when thy love towards God is somewhat cold, when thy hope is weak, and slender, and for this cause fearest, lest thou shouldest not well accord with God, or lest he will be offended with thee. Truly, this is a most grievous, most painful, and hard temptation. But thou shalt think in thy mind, and persuade with thyself, that Christ suffered for thee most intolerable, 
Invincible touching mere manhood.  and invincible temptations, wherein there appeared no help, comfort, aid, or defence, any where, wherein God, and the whole world seemed to be his most cruel, & malicious enemies, when that he cried aloud: My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?  
Oh horrible, and most cruel temptation, oh good God, how sharp, how grievous, how cruel, how bitter was the death, which he suffered for us, that he might make the way of the cross easy for us. Therefore seeing that Christ willingly put himself in subjection, and dipped himself in those so horrible, and intolerable sorrows, and calamities, our most loving heavenly father willing the same, out of doubt, he also understandeth, and knoweth our infirmity, out of doubt, he taking compassion on us, will not extremely deal with us, but will rather bear with our imbecility, & weakness. Doth not he himself calling all men unto him say: Come unto me, 
Math. 11.  all ye that labour, and are heavy laden, and I will refresh you? what more plentiful, what greater comfort, I pray you, can be given us? Truly many, & very grievous things, do molest, & trouble man. For what thing can more grievously fear, what thing can more cruelly vex, and torment his conscience, overwhelmed with sin, then when he doubteth of the mercy of God, when he dreadeth lest God be his adversary, and will reject him, when he is not able to conceive this faith of his mercy, and doth imagine himself to be cast away, as a dry member that is cut off? Be present here O jesus Christ, with thine aid and help, here we have need of thy comfort, let not this black, violent, and horrible tempest of troubles overthrow, and drown wretched man. But there is no cause why we should doubt. Christ is true, he will make his promises to appear, he will help us, and refresh us. Therefore, where as thy faith is not strong enough, where as thy heart is stricken with fear, and trembling, where as thou feelest thyself to doubt of God's mercy, and hast well near no faith at all: strait ways call upon God, bewail thy misery, and lack of belief before him, seek for his aid and secure by fervent prayer, and he will both help and refresh thee, and by this means thou shalt glorify him. He hath taken upon him thus to do, and he will bring it to pass. But take heed especially thou cease not to call upon God. 
1. Cor. 1.  Beseech thou, without all ceasing, the father of all consolation, and comfort, with sighs coming from the bottom of thine heart, that he turn not his face from thee. Say thy weakness upon him, and pour out into his bosom all other things, which trouble, and torment thee. Cry out with his disciples, 
Luc. 17. Math. 9  O lord increase my faith. Likewise, say thou with the father of the lunatic child: Lord I believe, help thou mine unbelief. Make haste O lord to help me, before that I, oppressed with this weight, be drowned. Thy mercy is above all thy works, O most merciful, O most bounteous father, O lord God of my salvation, 
Psal. 143.  my succour, and refuge, enter not into judgement with thy servant. Christ is my righteousness, redemption, and innocency, which suffered most bitter, and cruel death for my sake. Let those things move thee O father of all compassion. Have mercy on me, for this thy sons sake. Confirm and strengthen mine heart, by faith in Christ. Comfort me with the consolations of the holy ghost, that I may enjoy the true joys in Christ for ever.  
If thou after this manner labouring, striving, and fight with thine imbecility, and weakness, accusing, and bewailing thine incredulity, and faint courage, do take hold upon Christ, and stick fast and sure unto him once taken, desiring, and beseeching his aid with continual and earnest prayers, that he will vouchsafe to fulfil all things lacking in thee, substituting himself in thy room, if (I say) thou thus do, than all shall be in good case, all things shall go well with thee, and there shall be no peril. For truly these two things, to believe in Christ, and to call for faith by earnest prayer, do not much differ one from the other. Although thou be weak, and endued with a feeble mind, let this thing notwithstanding comfort, and advance thee again, that God hath commanded, and willeth that we should call upon him, and that he hath promised to here benevolently, 
Psal. 45.  and to help us when we call upon him. Furthermore, as nothing is more justly desired of God, than true faith: even so he heareth no prayer sooner, & more willingly, than that wherein man finding no goodness in himself, acknowledging his infirmity, his weakness, and misery, accuseth his unbelief, bewailing, and lamenting the same, desiring to have faith with plenty, and woeful sighs, & earnest prayers. These sighs, these prayers, this small faith, be it never so little, is in deed a godly, and a bright sparkle, and the seed of God, which never riseth, without the efficacy, and working of God in us, which speaketh of Christ, by the prophet Esay: 
Esay. 42.  A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax, he shall not quench. Wherefore see that thou believe constantly on Christ, or beseech him at the least wise with hearty prayers, that thou mayest believe, bewailing thine unbelief, before God. If thou do those things, thou shalt nothing doubt, but thou art reckoned righteous before God, and to be his child, which not without consideration, nor in vain, did lay our weakness, 
Esay. 53.  and all our sins upon Christ, his only begotten son. 
Math. 5.  Christ himself sayeth in saint Matthew: Blessed are the poor in spirit. For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn. For they shall receive comfort. Blessed are they which hunger, and thirst after righteousness. For they shall be filled. These words were spoken unto thee also, they do well agree, & accord in thee. Thou dost mourn, and art sorry for thy wicked life, it grieveth thee from the bottom of thine heart, thou dost thirst, and hunger after righteousness, have a good hope, and be of good comfort, and thou shalt obtain the things, which thou dost desire, and now thou art reputed just before God through Christ. For that cause, 
Rom. 4.  thou shalt commit thy soul into the hand of God the father, after the example of Christ, and saint Stephan saying these words: 
Acto. 7.  O most merciful father, I give, and commit into thine hands my spirit, yea, rather thy spirit, seeing that thou hast given it me, joined unto my body for a season, seeing that it is thine own image, & likeness, 
Gen. 1. &. 2.  made after thine own similitude, seeing that thine only begotten son did shed his most precious blood, for the redemption thereof. O most favourable father, O God of all mercy, & compassion, I eftsoons commend this my spirit into thine hands. I am thine, whatsoever I am. Receive thine, I beseech thee, preserve him, and give him eternal life through our Lord jesus Christ, thine only begotten son. Amen.   

Of the making of a testament, and confession of sins unto God.  
THe testament is to be made of all them, that may lawfully make a will, and give legacies, when there yet consists and remaineth perfit mind, and memory in the body. Lest if they prolong that business unto the last moment of life, they be prevented by death. Therefore, it shall be wisdom for him, that hath lawful heirs, to refer all the care of making his testament unto them. If so be that he have borrowed money, and be indebted to any man, he shall openly declare it, and provide for the payment of that he oweth. This being done, let him remove and put from him all them, which trouble him with matters of this world. Wherein many men do offend, which bring in doubts unto him, which is now at the point of death, of his testament, and other external things, and sometimes do compel him to subscribe, & that against his will, being ready to die, refusing, and detesting there importunity, which will not suffer him quietly to die, than the which friends, what thing can be more unfriendly?  
After this, if the manner, and kind of his disease will suffer him, let him endeavour rather to cure his soul, than his body, by a short confession unto God, but simple, and without dissimulation, and let the elders standing by, put him in remembrance of repentance, grounded upon a sure faith, and devotion, and let him call for God's mercy from the bottom of his heart, and purpose, and intend the amendment of life, if he happen to escape. But if so be that happily no elder, or counsel giver may be had, let not the sick strait ways fall into desperation, as some presumptuous people are wont to do for the lack of a priest, but let him declare his unrighteousness, and open his conscience unfeignedly unto God himself, which according to his clemency, will vouchsafe, to accept the desire of the mind, in the stead of the fact, and will of his peculiar grace, fulfil of himself that, which lacketh in the outward signs of the sacraments of the lords supper, which he desireth to receive. For through him, the sacraments are made effectual, which after a fashion are seals of his divine benevolence towards us. 
The sacraments are seals of God's mercy towards us.  But he saveth man, when need doth require, without these signs, only so that there be no neglecting, or contempt of the sacrament, but faith, and a ready good will is thereunto.   

Of the sacrament of the lords supper.  
LEt the sick body earnestly desire to have the most royal sacrament of thanks giving to be brought, 
Eucharistia.  and ministered unto him, after the his mind is purged by a true, and a perfit confession, made unto almighty God, as is aforesaid, and let him especially beware, that he come not to that banquet, or heavenly table with injurious hands, and spotted conscience. For we may not think, that those grievous threatenings are vain, and of none effect, 
1. Cor. 11.  which saint Paul maketh mention off. Therefore after that he hath examined, and prepared himself for that purpose, according to his power, and capacity, let him devoutly record and speak these words.  
O lord thou art the wayfaring cottage of our pilgrimage, 
A prayer.  wherewith we are refreshed, and nourished, as long as we host in the desert of this world, and run in this course. Bring me therefore, O lord, 
Psal. 27.  into the land of the living, into the region of the quick, by the receiving of this thy body, whereas I may behold thee face to face, in the glory of the father. When we have thus prayed, let him with a sure faith, receive the sacrament of Christ his body, in the remembrance of his death, and passion.  
And when the communion is ended, if it be perceived, that no skill of physic may cure his disease, then let the elders pray over the sick body, 
joan. 5.  not using any magical prayers, as the heathen were wont to do, but earnestly calling upon the name of jesus Christ, whereunto there is no kind of enchantment comparable, or like effectual, and see that he have a confidence and affiance in your prayers, then will God here you, and preserve him that is sick, and he shall not only have the health of his body, restored unto him again, if it so be good, & expedient for him: 
Bodily sickness do spring out of the wickedness of the mind.  but if he have happily committed sin, as commonly the sickness of the body do spring out of the enormities, and naughtiness of the mind, they shall be forgiven him, at the prayers of the elders, if that both they, which pray, and he for whom they do pray, be of a steadfast and constant faith.   

The sorrow which many take, more than is requisite for the death of there parents, and friends, aught to be tempered by the right rule of reason.  
IT is the part of an heathen gentile, rather than of a christian man, to give himself only unto tears, refusing all temperance, and moderation of reason in sorrowing, the which thing is convinced, and manifestly reproved by this reason especially, because that they, which are sorrowed for, cannot be revoked, and called back again unto life by weeping, be it never so much, or never so long continued, and used. Therefore those tears are vain, and of none effect, bringing no fruit or commodity with them. 
2. Reg. 12.  The which thing king David hath declared unto us, by an example, worthy of memory, which fasted, and wept abundantly. As long as the child, borne unto him of Bersabe was sick, and languished, he got himself alone, and lay flat on the ground, praying unto the lord, for the health of the child. But as soon as he understood by his servants, which whispered togethers, that the child was dead, he casteth off his sad, and mourning garments, and appareled himself in fresh array, he washed his face, and when the table was laid, he did eat cheerfully. Whereat his servants marveled, and thought, that when he had understood of his child's death, that he would the more afflict himself, which, whilst the child was yet living, did pine himself, with fasting, and weeping. He said unto his servants, demanding why he did so. I have fasted, and wept for the infant, while he yet lived. For I said: Who can tell if the lord peradventure will give me the infant, that he may live? But now, seeing that he is dead, wherefore should I fast? What, can I call him again? I shall rather go unto him, than he shall revert and come again unto me. By the which words truly, David wisely declared, that we ought not to lament, and sorrow for him, which cannot be revoked, and called back again unto life.  
¶ This sermon of saint Cyprian, is already translated into english, by the famous learned, and worshipful knight, sir Thomas Eliote. Wherefore I did ommit the same, least happily the proverb should be verified on me: Cornicum oculos configere, to endeavour to prick out the crows eyes. And saint Cyprian in his sermon entitled of mortality testifieth, that he was often admonished by divine revelation, wherein God commanded him, that he should openly warn all men, and should teach them by preaching, that the brethren which depart out of this world by God's calling, ought not to be lamented, and that such wailing is loathsome and hated of God.  
Yet notwithstanding, it is meet that we should sometime participate our tears, coming of a natural zeal of the mind, and the sincere affect of compassion, but moderated by the right rule of reason, lest we should seem to have an heart as hard as an adamant stone, & to have loved our friend little, or nothing at al. For Christ our lord, the absolute, & perfit figure of all virtues, lovingly lamented dead Lazarus. And Marry, and Martha, were highly commended, for that they lamented their brother's burial. And those friendly women, 
joan. 11.  which diligently stood by Christ, 
Luc. 23. Math. 27.  when he suffered his passion upon the cross, were therefore worthily praised, because they wept for him, when he was dead and buried. We read also in the acts of the apostles, 
Acto. 7.  of S. Stephan, the first martyr, that godly men provided for him all that appertained unto the funeral of his burial. Yea, and furthermore, Ecclesiasticus doth admonish us, to weep for the dead, but not immoderately, or any long time, 
Eccle. 22.  saying thus: Weep over him that is dead, because the light faileth him. Make but little weeping for the dead, because he is come to rest. Also very many epistles of the holy father saint Jerome, comforting us upon the death of our friends, are of great efficacy for the same purpose, whereof I now entreat. For they persuade by the authority of holy scripture, & strong reasons, that they ought not immoderately to be lamented, which change their life with death. As that epistle which he wrote unto Heliodorus, upon the death of Nepotianus, that, which he wrote unto Paula upon the death of her daughter Blesilla, and that, which he wrote unto Tyrasius of the death of his daughter, and the rest of that most reverend father his epistles, touching the like matter & argument.   

A precept containing an exhortation unto all them, which profess the name of Christ.  
I Now humbly desire, 
Paraenesis.  & heartily beseech you, by the mercy of God, as many as are called by the name of Christians, that once in the end, ye forsake your old darkness, and horrible errors, and return unto better proof of life, and to hearken unto the wholesome received word of God, with great desire of a pure heart, and devotion, knocking without ceasing, and that ye call upon the father of heaven through Christ, that he will instruct us, and lighten us with the true knowledge of Christ, 
Tit. 2.  that we may live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present life, refusing the wickedness, and concupiscence of the world, looking for that blessed hope, and appearance of the glory of almighty God, & jesus Christ our saviour, which gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all our iniquities, 
1. Petr. 2.  & cleanse us to be a peculiar people unto himself, and followers of good works.  
That word of grace, light, and all comfort, hath shined unto us, by the exceeding benefit of God. We have very many notable examples in holy scripture, testifying the abundant goodness, long suffering, and clemency of God towards us, whereby we may easily perceive, how that he would not have us to be cast away, 
EZech. 18.  but that we should be converted and live, how soon his wrath, be it never so just, waxeth cold, how soon be letteth pass the punishment, which we deserve, when we think on the amendment of our life, earnestly repenting. Let us also, dearly beloved, fly unto God in all our afflictions, being moved thereunto by these things. Let us desire him with continual prayers, that he will vouchsafe mercifully to forgive us all our sins, for that his well-beloved son, jesus Christ his sake, and that he will vouchsafe to preserve, nourish, defend, and comfort us, and to be brief, he will vouchsafe to be our present aid, and secure in all necessities.  

2. Reg. 14.  As soon as David, being cast into extreme peril, when there died three score and ten thousand, within few days, by the fierceness of the pestilence, did fly unto God, confessing his sins, desiring pardon for them, earnestly calling upon the mercy of God, & building an altar in the threshing flower of Arefnath the jebusite, and offered up burnt sacrifice, and peace offerings, God took compassion on the land, & the plague ceased from Israel. After this example call you also upon the grace and mercy of God, confessing your sins, offering up unto God an acceptable sacrifice of a penitent and contrite heart, and he will be present with you, and help you, and will never forsake you.  
Likewise God sent the prophet jonas, 
jonas. 3.  and threatened to overthrow, & destroy that most famous, and populous city Ninive. But as soon as the Ninivites did repent at the preaching of jonas, GOD took mercy on them, forgave their offences, and did withhold his punishment. Fellow their example, and mistrust not the mercy of God. His arm is not yet abbreviated, & shortened. He both can, and will help us, so that we call for his aid, and succour, and will not refuse his grace, when it is offered unto us. Doth he not cry out by S. Paul, 
Rom. 10.  & plainly testify, that he is rich unto all them that call upon him?   

Peroratio.  
I Heartily desire you, dearly beloved brethren in the Lord, to take this my simple treatise in good part, whereby I, a weak member of yours, am desirous to do you good, being other members in the lord, as far forth as I might, both for brevity of time, & also the health of my body not being perfit. I had léever comfort you face to face, if it might so be. But seeing it may not be so, I will somewhat make amends, in showing my ready good will and charity towards you, by prayer. Wherefore, I beseech jesus Christ, that true, and most approved mean, the most plentiful apothecary, that he will vouchsafe to make this physic for the soul, collected, and achieved out of his apothecary's shop, that is to wit, out of the rich storehouse of holy scripture, to be effectual in your hearts, that true faith may increase in you, the love both towards God, and your neighbour may be fervent in you, that ye may be patient in all troubles and adversity, that ye diligently following Christ his example, may cleave and stick fast unto him, even to the yielding up of the last breath, in sure hope of eternal life thorough jesus christ. Amen.   
The end of the Book entitled, Physic for the soul.   

A form and method, or right order to comfort the sick.  
THou must for a surety determine with thyself, O Christian, which art troubled and grieved with sickness, that thou art not afflicted by hap, or chance, but by the purpose, and permission of God. Whatsoever disease there be, calamity, heaviness, or infelicity, which happeneth unto the godly, it cometh all by the determination, and will of God, 
Act. 17. Psal. 99  which governeth all things. For in him we live, move, and have our being. He made us, and not we ourselves. And doubt not, but he sendeth this sickness, whatsoever it be, of his good, and fatherly love, not to the intent that he would thereby destroy thee, but that he might call thee to repentance, and that he might stir up, and exercise thy faith. 
Afflictions are the tokens of God's favour.  For afflictions are the sure, and undoubted signs, and tokens of Gods great mercy, and favour towards us. Solomon saith: 
† prover. 13.  
† Eccle. 30.  
† Hebr. 12.  Whom he loveth, him doth he correct, he scourgeth every child whom he receiveth. Thy most merciful heavenly father, which loveth thee earnestly according to his good purpose, and zeal towards thee, doth withhold, bridle, and mortify thine old man by this sickness, like as it were tied with chains, that thou mayest the more gladly, and with the better good will, as it were fasten thy body upon the cross, as a sacrifice offered up with Christ. Therefore this thy disease, wherewith thou art troubled, is a fatherly correction sent unto thee, not for that purpose, that thou shouldest be lost, or cast away, but that thou shouldest be made the better, and be quickened. God thy father peradventure doth see, that thine old Adam waxeth untractable, immoderate, and unruly, and overmuch given to affections, not able to govern, neither to inhabit, or withhold himself. Therefore he layeth this band or collar upon him, he bindeth him fast with these fetters, and chains, he shutteth him into this prison, and dungeon, he tieth him with this clog, that he may bridle, that he may keep down, and restreive him, that he do not seduce, and cast thy most dear, and precious soul into peril. The flesh, and blood do resist, & are more strong in thee, than the spirit, & here God is present with thy spirit, & doth aid him against the fierce, and unbridled will, and rebelling flesh, that he may subdue, vanquish, and bring it in subjection. If so be that thou shouldest have good, and perfit health of body, perchance the flesh, as it is prone, and ready unto nothing but evil, had brought, and seduced thee into many, & grievous sins against GOD, whereby his wrath stirred up, & provoked against thee, should make a way for thy soul unto hell, and malediction. Thy heavenly father preventing this damage, and peril, careful, and provident for thee, and thy salvation, doth keep down, and restrain, as it were with putting on a bridle upon thy flesh, & leadeth it away captive, raging, & rebelling against the spirit by all means possible, that it be not tumbled into the sink, & puddle of sin, but that it be brought under, and become obedient unto the spirit. Seeing that this is the will of thy most loving father, and seeing that all things shall redounded unto thy profit and salvation, take very good heed that thou strive not against the good will of God, and that thou be not contrary to him, but suffer thou patiently, and pray, that his fatherly will be done, that he use thee at his pleasure, and that thou wilt nothing, but that shall seem best unto him, that all things may be done unto the land, and glory of God, & that thou mayest have his grace quietly and moderately to suffer his cross, laid upon thee. 
Rom. 5.  For patience bringeth experience, experience bringeth hope, and hope maketh not ashamed. Here thou hast matter, and occasion to learn, and exercise patience in all afflictions, and troubles. First, thou dost learn, that God afflicteth, and punisheth thee with a fatherly correction, and that thou learnest by experience. For except thou shouldest know by proof, & experience how wholesome a thing it is for man wholly to commit himself unto GOD, and to be obedient unto his good will, and pleasure. Even as David sayeth, 
Psal. 119.  it is good for me that I have been in trouble, thou were not able to conceive certain, and sure hope of him, thou shouldest not know his fatherly love, & good will towards thee, which is hidden in secret, if thou didst not prove it before, by this cross and rod. But when thou hast learned it before by experience, and hast now some taste of that matter already, thou dost not faint, and fall into desperation by any afflictions, but thine hope moreover increaseth, when thou hast oftentimes tired Gods present aid, and help. And although he sometime for a season, as it were winking at the matter, do suffer thee to stick fast, and sink into dangerous places, yet at the length not withstanding he reacheth thee his helping hand, he taketh thee up and doth preserve thee. He suffereth thee sometimes to swim and to be overwhelmed with waves of this life, but he will not suffer thee to be utterly drowned. Hereby thou mayst ascertain thyself, that he will not forsake thee, or cast thee away, seeing that he hath so often preserved thee, when thou wast in danger. Therefore by afflictions thou dost learn to conceive, and nourish sure, and undoubted hope of God, that thou mayest trust unto him in most grievous diseases, & punishments, where there appeareth no succour at all, being now instructed after what means he delivereth, & preserveth his servants. Thou hast learned that God sendeth afflictions upon thee, not in his wrath, but in his fatherly love. The which thing when thou art thoroughly persuaded, and art taught by experience, thou mayest patiently look for God's aid and succour, and not despair, but constantly trust, that in the end he will help thee, although he hide himself, prolonging, and deferring thine aid, and deliverance never so long. And by this means thou shalt perceive and understand at the last, that disease, or affliction is not sent unto thee for that purpose, that thou thereby shouldst be destroyed, but that the glory of God mought be manifestly showed, and that all things mought turn unto thy salvation. He that can after this manner commit, and give himself wholly unto God, believing, & trusting in his promises, shall never die. The which thing even Christ himself affirming with an oath, least happily we should somewhat doubt, doth say: Verily, verily, if a man keep my word, 
joan. 8.  he shall never see death. And in an other place he saith: I am the way, the verity, and the life. 
joan. 14. joan. 21.  He that believeth on me, shall live, although he were dead. And whosoever liveth, and believeth on me, shall never die. See that thou diligently keep these words of Christ, fastened in the bottom of thine heart, and herewith thou shalt lift up, and strengthen thy wavering mind. He that believeth on Christ, shall not taste of death. He that believeth on me (saith Christ) hath eternal life, and this is eternal life, 
john. 17.  that they acknowledge thee, to be true God, and him whom thou hast sent jesus Christ. 
Eternal life beginneth in this world.  Eternal life first beginneth in this world. 
† joan. 14.  For he, that hath Christ, hath the true life. For Christ is life, and is the victoritie itself. Therefore he will not deceived us, 
† 2. Corin. 1.  but all the promises of God in him are yea, and are in him. Amen.  
And to the end, that thou shouldest nothing doubt, but that God will perform his word, and make his promise good, he hath assured, and bound himself unto thee, by a certain peculiar league, and sign, put, and added unto thy body. For he coveted, and desired thy salvation, 
john. 3.  when he sent his son into the world, to the intent he should offer himself, unto death for thee. He did foremake, and assure a league of grace through Christ, that he would freely give thee everlasting life, if thou believe, and art baptized, that he would never forsake thee, that he will be thy father, that he will crown thee with grace, and mercy. 
Baptism is a seal of salvation.  And thy baptsime is the seal, and token of this league, whereunto his promises being added, it is requisite, that thou stick fast unto them. For he gave this sing, that thou shouldest nothing doubt of his covenant, and promised grace. Thou art baptized into the death of Christ, as saint Paul sayeth, 
Rom. 6.  that his death should be made thine, and that he should make satisfaction in all things for thee, and thou hast put him on in thy baptism, 
Gala. 3.  that thou shouldest wholly be in him, and he in thee. Therefore baptism is a league, lifting up, making merry, and quieting thy conscience before god, as saint Peter beareth witness, 
1. Pet. 3.  that he will never condemn thee for thy sins. For thou justified by faith, 
Rom. 5.  art at peace with God. A quiet, calm, and pacified conscience, is the true peace. 
The true peace.  And thou hast received baptism as a most sure token, and certain seal of this justification, and remission of sins, that thou shouldst steadfastly believe, that God will have mercy on thee, that he will preserve and deliver thee.  
Now therefore, seeing that God favoureth thee, and will be thy father, and will never forsake thee, and seeing that thou hast received an infallible token, and testimony hereof, commend, and utterly give all the matter, and thyself also wholly unto him, and be thou obedient unto his good will & pleasure, and thou must patiently abide, and suffer his hand, whether he will have thee to die, or live, so that his own blessed will may be done, unto his own praise, & glory. Albeit it is not possible, that thou canst be damned, if thou consecrate, and dedicate thyself wholly unto him, surely trusting in his mercy, promised for Christ his sake. For he hath conditioned, that he will be thy father. And because he is true, when thou dost acknowledge him to be thy father, and dost look for, and hope to receive all goodness of him, he cannot but be thy father, and preserve thee, by what means soever he sharply useth thee for a little space. Seeing therefore, he hath promised to be thy father, & thou trustest unto his promises: without all question, he taketh earnest care of thee, and all thine. Wherefore thou shalt commend unto him, not only thine own body, but also thy wife and children, thy kinsfolks and friends, and to be short, all that thou hast, and doubt not, but he will be unto thee, in the stead of a very father, a wife, a true friend, and cousin. For hitherto he hath used thee, as a dispensatour, and steward in those things. But now seeing that he will have thee to lay aside the function of this office: he will appoint in thy room an other steward for them, which shall diligently, and faithfully take care of them. If thou hope for this of him, and look for it with a full confidence of heart, there is no doubt, but he will do as I have told thee. Wherefore put out of thy mind all care of them, and commit it unto God. Be rather careful for thyself, provide for thy soul, and think how to yield it up unto God.  
And seeing that God hath freely forgiven thee all thy sins for Christ his sake, he will require nothing of thee at all for this his great, and inestimable benefit, but that thou again forgive, from the bottom of thine heart all them, which have offended thee. And he doth promise, 
Math. 6.  that he will remit all our trespasses, if we forgive other men there misdeeds. Therefore when thou hast so forgiven all offences unfeignedly, that thou never revive them, nor call them unto memory again, pray also for them, which have done thee harm, according to the doctrine, and example of Christ, and if thou recover, help them needing thine aid, as much as thou mayest. If thou have such a mind void of strife, envy, malice, and wrath, thou hast also a sign and token, that God hath forgiven thee thy sins. For faith whereby thine heart is purified, and cleansed, exercising herself, and bringing forth her fruits, according to God's infinite benefits, cannot choose but likewise forgive, and do good unto her neighbour. This fruit of love, and charity testifieth, and doth ascertain thee, 
A lively faith, bringeth forth true fruits.  that thy faith is a true, & a lively faith, seeing that she bringeth forth good, and true fruits. 
† 2. Petr. 1.  This is the thing, that saint Peter would have, whereas he biddeth us to give the more diligence, to make our calling, and election sure by good works. For he meaneth that those works are witnesses, and signs, that thou art chosen, and adopted of God, to be his son, unto the joys of eternal salvation.  
But thou shalt not hope, dearly beloved, that God will forgive thee thy sins, 
pain cannot merit, the remission of sins.  for the pain and grievousness of thy cross & sickness. 
† Act. 4. joan. 1.  For there is none other salvation, there is none other recompense for thy sins, than the only death of Christ. God truly respecteth none other thing in this case, he accepteth none other thing, but his dearly beloved son. This is the lamb of God, which taketh away the sins of the world. And this thy sickness and pains cannot make satisfaction unto God so much as for thy least offence, much less, can it deserve salvation. As S. Paul testifieth saying: I suppose that the afflictions of this life, 
Rom. 8.  are not worthy of the glory, which shall be showed upon us. No creature, 
Peter saith. Act. 4 there is no salvation in any other than in Christ.  neither in heaven, neither in earth, no Angel could mitigate, and pacify the wrath of GOD the father, than this thy disease and temporal affliction, is much less able to assuage it. And farther it was requisite, that he, which should pacify that wrath, and reconcile god unto man, should be both God and man, as one ready to plead, and make intercession between God being offended, & man condemned. Therefore it behoved the son of God to be made man, that he might appease and satisfy the wrath of his father, & deliver us from it, as the prophet witnesseth saying: He taketh away our infirmities, 
Esa. 53.  & beareth our pains. God hath laid our iniquities upon him, I have smitten him (saith god) for the sins of my people. 
1. Petr. 2.  And s. Peter faith: By whose stripes we are healed. Thy sins therefore are forgiven thee for this thy lord Christ his sake, and for none other thing in all the world. For none afflictions, be they never so bitter, and grievous, can help us. Christ is our only justification, 
1. Cor. 2.  redemption, satisfaction and salvation.  

2. Cor. 5.  God hath made him to be sin for us, that knew no sin, that we by his means should be righteous. Wherefore, if thou believe, 
joan. 1. Rom. 8. Gala. 3. Rom. 6.  thou art now become the son of God. If thou be the son of God, thou art also the heir of God, and the fellow heir with Christ. If so be that eternal life be the inheritance, and gift of God, as saint Paul doth call it, thou canst not deserve it by the pains, and grief of thy sickness. But God would have thee punished with this disease unto this end, & purpose, that thou shouldst thereby keep down, break, and mortify this thine old man, that at the length he may cease from committing of sin, 
1. Cor. 15.  the end whereof cometh only by this corporal death. And for this cause we must die, that our souls may departed unto everlasting salvation. For death is the gate, 
Death is the entrance unto eternal life.  and entrance unto eternal life, where, in the end we are delivered from all calamities, 
† Apoc. 21.  miseries, and wretchedness, from all errors, and deceits of the devil, that we shall no more be defiled with the most filthy spots of sin, neither shall we be seduced into heresies, or errors, neither be cast headlong into desperation. 
1. Cor. 15.  Then there shall be an end of all evils, of all adversities, and discommodities. Then shall we rest in the lord, and shall obtain life, and everlasting joys. Death therefore is not to be detested, and abhorred, yea, rather it is earnestly to be desired, and embraced, seeing that we pass thorough it into eternal joys. And that is a most true saying, which saint Paul speaketh: 
Rom. 8.  That all things unto the godly, shall turn unto good. Truly death unto the world seemeth to be a thing most odious, most horrible, and cruel, but unto the believers it is most sweet, pleasant, and acceptable. Although our old Adam doth tremble at her coming, abhorreth, & escheweth her. Our inward man notwithstanding is ready, cheerful, quick, and willing to die, seeing that he understandeth and knoweth, that he shall be delivered from all filthiness of sin, wickedness, vice, and wredchednesse by her, and shall go forth unto eternal joys.  

How those are to be comforted, which lie in the danger of death.  
GOD thy good and most loving father, having compassion on thee, dearly beloved, doth call thee out of this most miserable and wretched life, willing to translate & bring thee unto himself, into the perpetual joys of the celestial life. Therefore give and commend thyself and all thine, wholly unto him, and whatsoever he will have done, will thou the same also. 
Math. 26. Mark. 14. Luc. 22. Io. 6. Lu. 23  And say, thy will be done O God my father, and not mine. Cry unto Christ as the thief did, which hanged on the cross: Remember me O lord when thou comest into thy kingdom. Cry with the publican: 
Luc. 18.  O lord be merciful unto me a wretched sinner. Cry instantly with the woman of Cana, that heathen gentile: Oh son of David, have mercy on me. 
Math. 15.  And doubt not, but Christ will hear thee calling unto him, and have compassion on thee. He will forgive thee thy sins, and thou shalt be with him in paradise. Therefore, take thou hold by this Christ, stick fast unto him, and see that thou commit thy soul unto him. Cry thou with this Christ crucified unto GOD, which is father unto you both: In thee, O lord, I put my trust, 
Psal. 31.  let me never be put to confusion, deliver me in thy righteousness. Bow down thine ear to me, make haste to deliver me. Be thou my strong rock, and house of defence, that thou mayest save me. Thou art my strong rock, and my castle, be thou my guide also. Into thy hands I commend my spirit. Cry thou with David also: O lord thou art my strength, the lord is my stony rock, and my defence, God is my saviour, and my buckler, the horn also of my salvation. Unto thee, O lord, 
Psal. 18. Psal. 25.  have I lifted up my soul, my God I have put my trust in thee. O let me not be confounded. Lead me forth in thy truth. For thou art the God of my salvation. Call to remembrance, O lord, thy tender mercies, and thy loving kindness, which hath been ever of old. Oh remember not the offences of my youth, but according to thy mercy, think thou upon me O lord, for thy goodness. For thy name's sake O lord be merciful unto my sin, for it is great. Turn thee unto me & have mercy upon me, O bring thou me out of my troubles. Forgive me all my sins, O keep my soul and deliver me. Let me not be confounded. For I have put my trust in thee. If thou call for God's aid, and secure after this manner, God will help thee in a convenient time, and will say, as it is written in the psalm: 
Psal. 91.  Because he hath set his love upon me, I will therefore deliver him, I will set him up, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will hear him, yea, I am with him in trouble, I will deliver him, and bring him to honour. Wherefore, O thou christian, here fight a good fight, fight thou valiantly, stoutly, & constantly, as it becometh a true christian to do.  
Beware thou give no ground, nor go backwards, there is no peril. Thou fightest not here alone. But the king jesus Christ is thy captain in this agony. Fellow him going before thee in this conflict. This thy captain shallbe thy revenger, & he shall save, and defend thee in this battle from all them enimiys of thy soul, from all peril, & from all calamity. He is not a king as others are, but he is of infinite, and unspeakable power. He hath vanquished, and subdued for thy sake, death, sathan, and hell. 
Esa. 25. Oscae. 13. 1. Cor. 15.  Death is swallowed up into the victory. Christ died for thee. Therefore eternal death, hath no power on thee. Christ descended into hell, that he might deliver thee from this eternal darkness. Be thou therefore of a valiant, & stout courage, run into the front of the battle with a bold heart, put away all fear, here is no danger. There is no cause why thou shouldest fear the severe, & straight judgement of God. 
1. joan. 2. 1. Timo. 2. 1. Petr. 2. Rom. 5.  jesus Christ is thy mediator before God. He is thine advocate, & patron. He is both thy bishop, & priest. He hath reconciled thee unto God, and hath restored unto you his fatherly love, which was alienated from thee, for thy sins sake. God now is now thy father for Christ his sake. 
Esay. 63. john. 14.  He taketh care of thee. He entéerly loveth thee, as his most tender child. Now seeing that this so mighty a king standeth on thy side: who shall be able to trouble thee? Who shall be able to assault & invade thee? Who, I pray thee, shall be able to do thee wrong? What danger can there be? Harcken what saint Paul saith: 
Rom. 8.  If God (sayeth he) be on our side, who can be against us? Which hath not spared his own son, but hath yielded him up for us all, how can it be, that he also will not give us all things with him? Who shall go about to lay any crime against Gods elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he then that can condemn? It is Christ that died, yea rather, which is raised up again, and is at the right hand of God, and there maketh intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of God? I am thoroughly persuaded, that neither death, neither life, neither height, neither depth, neither any other creature, can be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in our lord jesus Christ. Seeing that therefore, Christ is given thee, with all his riches, with all his righteousness, innocency, and salvation. Eternal life is given thee also. Saint Paul testifying the same, unto the Corinthians, saith: 
1. Corin. 1  That Christ is made of God to us, wisdom, and also righteousness, and sanctifying, and redemption. Therefore, see that thou have all thy hope, and confidence placed and fixed upon this Christ, and upon this corner stone. This stone is a sure, sound, 
This stone is Christ. 1. Petr. 2. Esay. 28.  and firm foundation, whereunto thou mayst lean, and safely commit thyself. No tempest, be it never so black, and boisterous, no shower, no storms, are able to throw down, and overturn this foundation. Let all thy hope and aid (I say) be placed, and set on this Christ, cast thyself upon him, stick fast unto him, let no temptation, or calamity be able to withdraw, and pull thee from him, although all things seem to happen unto thee very absurdly, and overthwartly. Although flesh, and blood, do interpret it far otherwise, and reason think it contrary, although the devil doth now and then whisper in thy mind, saying: That thou art undone, that God is highly offended with thee, that thou hast deserved the pain of hell fire, and that thou must be damned. For faith is a substance, that is to wit, 
Hebr. 11.  an expectation of things hoped for, 
Hypostasis.  that is of promises, and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is as much to say, as a sure argument, and knowledge of things that are not seen. 
Rom. 4. Gen. 15.17.  Thou must believe with that holy Patriarch Abraham in hope, over and above hope. Thy faith, and hope must resist, and set itself against all those things, which either blind reason suggesteth, either that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 our most subtle, and by all means most crafty enemy, going about to work us deceit, and our destruction, doth instill and pour into us. Wherefore thou must learn well the manner and custom of God, which he useth in preserving those that are his. Look whom he will lift up into heaven, him will he first seem to bring down unto hell. 
1. Reg. 2.  Look whom he intendeth to quicken, him will he first mortify and kill. Upon whom he mindeth to show his notable mercy, and favour, he first maketh semblance, triing him, as though he would condemn him. Wherefore when thou perceivest none other thing, but present death, when God seemeth to be grievously offended with thee, when that thou thinkest that he is gone most farthest from thee, and that he hath utterly forsaken thee, as one refused, and condemned: then is he most nearest unto thee, ready to defend, and deliver thee, he than loveth thee most especially, than thou art chief regarded of him. For when trouble, and affliction cometh upon us, then doth he remember his mercy, according to the prophets saying: 
Psal. 30.  For his wrath endureth but the twinkling of an eye, he will not be angry for ever. For like as a father pitieth his own children: 
Psal. 103.  even so is the lord merciful unto them, that fear him. For he knoweth whereof we be made, he remembreth that we are but dust. But the merciful goodness of the lord, endureth for ever, and ever. The lord is full of compassion, and mercy, long suffering, and of great goodness. Wherefore submit, put under, give, and commend thyself wholly unto Christ, closing thine eyes, & rejecting the judgement of thy senses, & reason, take it in good part, howsoever he entreateth thee. Thou must not esteem, and consider death, and horror, or the dolours of death, according to the judgement of thine eyes, sense, and reason: but according to the word of God. David sayeth: 
Psal. 116.  Right dear in the sight of the lord is the death of his saints. Likewise he sayeth: Blessed are the dead, 
Apoc. 14 joan. 8.  which die in the lord. Christ also sayeth: He that believeth on me, shall not taste of death. If any thing therefore come into thy memory, which attempteth to turn thee away from Christ, and to cast thee into desperation, put all that out of thy mind, and stick thou fast unto the lively word of God, meditate, and ponder thereon, print it in thy mind, repeating it now and then among. For thou canst never understand by the consideration, and sharpness of reason, how it may be done, that by death thou shalt pass unto the true life, how thou yielding up thy ghost mayest departed here hence, how thy soul may be preserved, and rest in the lord, even until the last day, and how also thy body being rotten, consumed, and devoured with worms, may come forth at the last judgement, with a new, and a beautiful shape. Reason cannot comprehend this, faith only can. Therefore, oftentimes think thou upon the articles of thy belief, diligently consider, and attentively examine every particular thereof.   

After what sort he is to be called upon, which lieth at the point of death.  
NOw see, dearly beloved in Christ, that thou fight a good fight. See that thou constantly, and valiantly defend thyself, thoroughly fasten in thine heart, the promises of Christ thy redeemer. I am the resurrection, 
joan. 11.  and the life, sayeth Christ. He that believeth on me, shall live, and shall never see death. Christ taking upon him the nature of man, subject to the infirmities of our estate, did offer up himself to be a sacrifice for our sins, dying upon the altar of the cross. He by his blessed blood, did purge, and cleanse the sins of all mankind. This Christ will not forsake thee, he taketh a regard of thee. Thou canst suffer no injury, or calamity, seeing that Christ doth preserve, and defend thee. 
2. Timo. 2. joan. 10.  The sure foundation of God standeth fast having this seal, the lord knoweth which are his, my sheep here my voice, and I know them, and they follow me, and I give unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My father, which gave them me is greater than all, and no man is able to take them out of my father's hand. And I and my father are one. Wherefore, O dearly beloved in Christ, commend thy soul unto God thy father, which loveth thee singularly. Cry out with thy brother Christ, 
Math. 27. Luc. 27.  hanging on the cross: Into thy hands, O father, I give and commend my spirit. God the father of all mercy, bring thee unto everlasting life, and preserve thee unto the most joyful resurrection of his last judgement. Amen.   
The end of the form and method, or right order, to comfort the sick.   

¶ A prayer to be said unto God for the sick.  
Almighty, everlasting, and most mercicifull God, which art wont amongst thy sundry disciplines, and manifold chastisements, wherewith thou dost provoke, and allure us unto thee, to bridle our flesh with divers diseases, the security thereof taken away by perilous sickness, and dost both admonish us of the end of our naughty life passed, and also of imminent death through pains, which are her fore messengers, and likewise of thy judgement in the last day, and of the eternal life to come, which shall be reserved for the good, and godly unto glory, and felicity, but for the evil unto shame and condemnation of hell fire. Of the which things, flesh being let run at her own will, hath no remembrance. But now we perceive, this silly man is laid on his bed, by his impaired health, unto whom is stirred up the feeling of his sins, and the image of death often flieth, as it were before his eyes. We wretches therefore, which look for the like hour of adversity, according to the condition of our nature, do beseech, & desire thee together with him, that thou practise not righteous judgement with him for his deserts, for our lord jesus Christ his sake, which hath made satisfaction on the cross, for the offences of this sick body, and us all. But rather grant him, as to one redeemed, grace, and strength of mind, that he may quietly take this thy fatherly discipline, and visitation, patiently bear it, and that he may suffer willingly with perfit obedience himself, to be subject, and obeisant unto the good will, and pleasure of thee, his punisher. Secure him in all his adversities, and be thou unto him a refuge, and a defence against this instant danger, wherewith he is now in peril, especially of his revealed conscience, the secret sins of his heart do accuse him unto thee. Therefore set thou against it for his preservation, the most bitter torments, and voluntary sacrifice of thy son Christ, which did bear our infirmities, 
1. Pet. 2.  and accomplished the pain due unto us, being made sin for us, 
2. Cor. 5. Apoc. 1. Rom. 4.  whilst that he died for our sins, which he washed away, with his precious blood, and rising from the dead for our justification, was made our perfit redeemer. Let him perceive through faith, the force of these fruits and benefits. Let him being oppressed in this misery, feel thine aid, and let him taste, in this moment of time, some fruit of such benefits, and gifts in Christ. Bring to pass even now by true faith, that there may be offered unto him so great a treasure of felicity, that is, I mean the forgiveness of his sins for Christ his sake, which by the mystery of the preaching of his word, as is before said, and the use of his sacraments frequented in the church, is offered unto him, that he may effectually, and of a surety receive it to his comfort, aid, and defence, against the troubles of his conscience, grievously accusing him, and the subtlety of the devil. And also that the same faith may be unto him, an armour, wherewith he being defenced may enter through death into life, ●●●●n he taking hold, may enjoy the same for ever. Therefore, O heavenly father, we do wholly commit him unto thee, for thou shalt heal him, because he is sick. He is weak, thou shalt strengthen him, he lieth a long, thou shalt set him up, he acknowledgeth his spots, and uncleanness, thou shall wash him, he is wounded, thou shalt cure him, he is fearful, thou shalt give him courage. And for because thou knowest all things, and canst bestow according to thy will, thou shalt satisfy him. For he is greatly grieved with hunger, and thirst after thee. Embrace him. For he strait way flieth unto thee, and make him constant to fulfil thy commandments. And to be brief, forgive him all things, wherewith he hath provoked thy heavy displeasure against him. Grant him in the stead of death, life, with thee in glory. But if we shall need him, in thy vinyeard, in this mortal life, and that he may be imbettred unto the example of Christ, then preserve him, until that he be increased with more ample benefits. Thy will notwithstanding, which always is best, be ever fulfilled. Grant all those things unto us, and this sick body, through jesus Christ only, thy son our lord, which is our only redeemer, & helper, and which brought the thief on the cross with him into paradise, for the example, and great comfort of all sinners, which liveth, and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the holy ghost, one God world without end. Amen.   

¶ A prayer to be said unto Christ.  
O Lord jesus, which art the only health of all men living, & the everlasting life of them, which die in faith, I give, and submit myself wholly unto thy most blessed will, whether it pleaseth thee, that this my silly soul shall tarry any longer in the mansion of this my wretched body to serve thee, or whether thou wilt have it to departed out of this world, being assured, that the thing cannot perish, which is committed unto thy mercy. Willingly now I leave this frail, and sinful flesh, in hope of the resurrection, which shall restore it unto me again far better than now it is. I beseech thee, that thou wilt strengthen my soul, with thy grace, against all temptations, and that thou wilt compass me about, and defend me with the shield of thy mercy, against all the assaults of sathan, wherewith in time past, thou madest thy martyrs invincible against horrible torments, and most cruel deaths. I see, and confess, that in myself there is no help of salvation, but all my hope, and confidence is in thine unspeakable goodness. I have no merits, or good works, which I may allege before thee, of sins, alas, I see a great heap, but through thy mercy, and righteousness, I shall be reckoned in the number of the just: Thou wast borne for my sake: Thou didst suffer both hunger, and thirst for my sake: Thou didst preach, and teach, fast, and pray, for my sake: Thou didst all good works in this life for my sake: Thou gavest thy most precious body unto death upon the cross for my sake. Let all these things profit me, which thou hast freely given me, which hast given thyself for me. Let thy blood wash away the spots of mine offences. Let thy righteousness cover, and hide mine unrighteousness. Let thy merits make me acceptable before the most high judge. Increase thy grace in me, as peril increaseth, lest faith should waver in me, lest my hope should stacker, lest my charity should wear cold, least humane weakness should be overcome, by the terror of death. But after that death possesseth my bodily eyes, yet let not the eyes of my mind be turned away from thee. And when death hath taken away the use of my tongue, yet let my heart instantly cry, and say unto thee: 
Psal. 3●  Into thy hands I commend my spirit (O lord) to whom be all honour, and glory, world without end. Amen.   

❧ A Sermon of patience, of the consummation of this world, of the second coming of the lord, the everlasting joys of the righteous, the pains of the wicked, and of other things, written by saint john Chrisostome, patriarch at Constantinople. john Theophylus, being the expositor thereof, out of Greek into Latin, and translated out of Latin● into English, by H. thorn.  
THe life of godly men, is very notable, and bright. And by what means should it shine, but through patience? Therefore embrace patience, 
Patience is the mother of Fortitude. Psal. 27.  as the mother of Fortitude. For the Psalmist giveth us admonishment saying: Tarry thou the lords leisure, and keep his ways. And saint Paul, to the end thou shouldst possess this virtue sayeth: 
Rom. 5.  Affliction worketh patience, which if thou exercise, thou shalt find hope, the fountain of all goodness. For hope maketh not ashamed. Be thou therefore subject and obedient unto the lord, 
Psal. 37. 1. Petr. 2. jaco. 4.  and pray unto him, & thou shalt thereby find that thing, which is not to be contemned: that is to wit, he will give thee all thine heart's desire. Who is more happy than he, which hath in possession the benevolent ears of so mighty a king? Who wisheth not to have the judges ears open unto him, & at his commandment. 
1. Cor. 3.  Thou (dearly beloved) art the workman & labourer of virtue. Christ hath hired thee into his vinyeard. 
Math. 20. Gala. 6.  Whiles thou hast yet time, do good works. hearken what saint Paul sayeth: Look what a man soweth, even the same shall he reap. Sow in the spirit, and thou shalt reap eternal life. 
Gala. 6.  For he that soweth in his body, reapeth corruption of his body. And hear what another counsel giver saith: Sow righteousness for yourselves, and you shall gather the fruit of righteousness. Let it not loath thee to take pains. There is an hope of harvest, and fruit time. For where conflicts are, there are rewards. Where there are contentions, there are honours. 
1. Timo. 4  Where battle is, there is a crown also. Have thou a regard hereunto, and arm thyself unto patience. Let him always sound in thine ears, which crieth with the saints: Be of good courage, that thine heart may be comforted, abide the lords leisure, 
Psal. 27.  use and exercise thy field. This life is thy field, take unto thee a good tool, I mean the old and the new instrument. Hedge thy farm, with the brambles of doctrine, prayer, and fasting. If thou have such a hedge, the beast (I say the devil) can not enter in. Toil thy soul as a good vineyard. And even as the keepers of vineyards, do clap with their hands, cry with their voice, and with such like noises, do keep off the wait layers: So cry thou out also with prayers, sing with the melody of psalms, and thou shalt put to flight that fox and wicked beast, as who saith the devil. Of the which fox the scripture maketh mention, saying: Take ye the foxes. etc. 
Cant. 5.  Always watch thine enemy, if he shoot at thine heart, with unlawful concupiscence. If he sling into thy soul, filthy cogitations, 
Ephe. 6. 1. Tessa. 5.  put forth the shield of faith, turn about the helmet of hope, take up the sword of the spirit, that is the word of God. And thou being thus armed, shalt be able to defend thine enemy, and see that thou he not faint hearted in the conflict, 
1. Petr. 5. 2. Cor. 2.  but in all things be sober, and well advised, & say thus with thyself. We be not ignorant of his subtleties. 
Phil. 4.  Rejoice always, as it is written: Let your softness be known unto all men. Let the fear of God shine in thine heart, that thou become not a fugitive soldier, that thou be not a fearful, and sluggish labourer, lest thou happily lose thy crown. This life is short. But the sentence of god's judgement, is permanent, & endless. Thou considering this, mayest boldly tell thine heart, and say with the holy prophet: Be strong, 
Psal. 27.  and tarry thou the lords leisure, and he shall comfort thine heart. Fellow David his example, 
1. Reg. 17.  and slay thine enemy by the casting of one stone. The angels stand by thee, beholding thy life. 
1. Cor. 4.  For s. Paul saith: We are become a gazing stock unto the world, both unto angels, & unto men. If they perceive that thou hast the upper hand, they will rejoice in thy well doing. But if thou be subdued, they will sorrowfully departed, not being able to look on thee, & in the contrary part, the devils will scorn thee. Therefore take up the fear of God in the stead of a sword. For the fear of God is like a two edged sword, cutting off all evil concupiscence, & desires. And also have thou always in mind the last day, 
The last day.  when the heavens set on fire shallbe dissolved. For the burning elements shall melt. The earth, & all that is thereon made, 
Math. 24. Luc. 21. joel. 2. EZech. 32. Esay. 13. joel. 3. Psal. 97. 1. Tes. 5. 2. Petr. 3.  shall be brent, when the stars shall fall down, as leaves, and the sun, and moon shall be darkened, and shall not give their light, when the son of God shall be seen, and shall come down from heaven unto the earth, and the powers of heaven shall be moved, when the angels shall run hither, and thither, the sound of trumpets shall be hard, fire shall burn before him, and he wandering about shall purge all the world with fire, and in his circuit there shallbe a mighty tempest. There shall be such earthquakes, 
Psal. 50.  and lightnings, as never shall be the like, nor have been even unto this day, in so much that the very powers of heaven, shall be taken with great trembling. 
2. Petr. 3.  What manner of men, dearly beloved in Christ, then ought we to be, at that time? What fear, and what horror, will there then come on us? Think with thyself, how the Israelites in the wilderness, were not able to abide the dimness and darkness of the air, and the voice of God speaking out of the middle of the fire, 
Exod. 20.  but willed that he should no more speak unto them, for they were not able to abide him, when he did hide the greatest part of his majesty, although he came down not offended with them, nor spoke he unto them wrathfully.  
Therefore consider this, if they were not able to abide his coming, which comforted them, when that neither the burning heavens were dissolved, neither the earth, and that is in it, was burnt, when that neither they which sound the Trumpet did blow, as that trumpet shallbe sounded, which shall raise up all them, that have slept from the beginning of the world, neither any other of the terrible things to come, did then happen: how shall we do when he shall come down with intolerable wrath, 
The second coming of the lord. Psal. 50.  & fury, and shall sit upon the throne of his glory, and shall call the earth. Even from the East, unto the West, and from all the costs of the earth, that he may discern, and know his people, and give to every man, according unto his deserts, what men (alas) behoveth us to be, when that we shall stand stripped and naked, ready to be brought forth unto the judgement seat? Where then shall that painted colour, and the force and strength of the flesh become? then where shall that deceitful and unprofitable beauty, the pleasantness of man's voice, impudent & shameless babbling become? Where then is the trimming, and decking up with clothes, and the delight & pleasure, of most foul and filthy sin? Where then are they which drink wine with piping and singing, and have no regard or respect unto the works of GOD? where then is the contempt, & despising of them, which now live without fear. Then where is delicacy and nysitie. For all those things shall pass away, and shall be dissolved as the corrupt air? 
Look for this matter. Sapi. 5.  Where then is the greedy desire of money and riches, and unmercifulness, her continual companion? Where then is pride, which disdaineth all men, & thinketh herself to be somewhat? Where then is the vain and unprofitable glory of man, the great might & tyranny? Where then is the king, the prince, the captain? Where then are the puffed up magistrates, contemning God, in comparison of their own riches? When they shall perceive, that this saying must be spoken of them: They marveled, they are moved, they are troubled, fear is come upon them: 
Oscae. 13. jere. 50. Psal. 48. 1. Cor. 1.  there shall be sorrows, as of a woman travailing with child, they shall be consumed with a vehement spirit. Where then shall be come the wisdom of the wise, with all there new inventions? Woe be unto them. They are moved, they are troubled, as a drunken man, and all there wisdom is swallowed up. 
1. Corin. 1. 2. Petr. 3.  Where then is the worldly wise, the scribe, and the treasurer, of this vain world. Way, and consider, dearly beloved, what manner of men, we ought to be, when that we must yield an account of all, that we have ●●ne, as well small, as great things. For until that we according to just judgement, fully make satisfaction: what shall our estate, and condition be in that hour, and how careful shall we be, that we may obtain favour, in the sight of God? 
Math. 25.  And what joy shall we have, which shall be placed on the right hand of God? How then shall we feel ourselves, when that all the saints of God shall greet us? Abraham shall salute thee, Isaac, and jacob, Moses, Noah, job, David, and all the holy prophets, apostles, and martyrs, and all good men, which have pleased God, in the life of there flesh. And how many shalt thou there hear, whose life thou shalt have in admiration, whom thou wouldst even now willingly see? They will there come unto thee, rejoicing at thy salvation. After what sort shall we then be affected? How inestimable shall that joy be, when the gladsome king shall say unto them, which stand on his right hand: 
Math. 25.  Come ye blessed of my father, & take to your inheritance, the kingdom, which was prepared for you, from the beginning of the world? Then shalt thou receive a most decent kingdom, 
Sapi. 5.  and crown of beauty at the lords hand, and after that shalt reign with Christ. Then shalt thou inherit all these eternal things, 
2. Timo. 4.  which God hath ordained for them, that love him. Then shalt thou ever afterward be without dread, and heaviness. Ponder, and consider, what it is to reign with Christ in heaven. For as I have told thee, thou shalt receive a diadem, at the hand of the lord, and shalt ever after reign with Christ. Think with thyself, what a thing it is, to behold the face of God, for ever, what a brightness hath it? For then there shall be no sun to give the day light, 
Esay. 60.  as Esay sayeth, and the rising of the Moon, shall not lighten the night: 
Apoc. 21. Esay. 64. 1. Cor. 2.  But the lord God shall be thine eternal light, and thy glory. Behold what joys are laid up in store for them, the fear the lord, and keep his commandments?  

The perdition of the wicked.  Consider again also, the perdition of sinners, when they shall be brought forth, unto the terrible judgement seat of God, with how great confusion then shall they be taken before the just judge? having not one word to answer, how shall they be ashamed, 
Psal. 2.  when the lord shall speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure: 
Math. 25.  saying, depart from me ye wicked into eternal fire, which is prepared for the devil, and his Angels. Alas what misery, and affliction shall there spirit suffer, when that all men shall cry out aloud, saying: Let the sinners be turned into hell, 
Psal. 9  and all nations which forget God. What time will they howl out, wailing and lamenting, when they shall be carried away, that they may be cruelly tormented, world without end? what place (alas) is that, where is wailing and gnashing of teeth, called hell, the which sathan himself abhorreth, what is that (Gehenna) fire unquenchable, 
Esay. 66. Marc. 9 Math. 22.  what is that worm venomous, & never ceasing? how grievous are those outward darkness, always continuing, what are the ministers appointed for torments, which lacking mercy, and without compassion reprove and punish? Then they that are tormented, will grievously cry unto the lord, 
Pro. 1.  and he will not here them. Then shall they understand, that all things, which they had in this life are vain, and transitory, 
Read for this Ecclesiastes.  and such things as they supposed here to be pleasant, to be found more bitter than gall, and poison. Then where is the pleasure of the flesh, so termed falsely? 
To fear God is true pleasure. Psal. 63.  For there is none other pleasure, but to fear the lord. This is the pleasure, this replenisheth the soul, as it were with marrow, & fatness. Then shall they be in desperation of themselves, and of the works, which they have done, then shall they confess and say, that the judgement of God is true, and righteous, saying: did we not here of this, and yet would we not be converted from our wicked deeds? But then they shall nothing prevail. Alas that ever I was borne, which am compassed about with sins innumerable, above the number of the sands. I have sinned, but I turn away from them, as from many iron chains. For my hope is, that I shall not see my sins above in heaven. Unto whom then shall I fly, but unto thee, Oh merciful God, unto thee I say, which forgettest, and art not mindful of injuries? 
Psal. 51.  Have mercy upon me, O God, after thy great goodness, according unto the multitude of thy mercies, do away mine offences. Wash me thoroughly from my wickedness, & cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my faults, & my sin is ever before me. Against thee only have I sinned. I fly unto thee, for thy great mercy and goodness sake. I have provoked thee, and yet I run unto thee, for thy mere placability. I have rejected thee, and now I come unto thee, for thy great goodness, and kindness sake. And I heartily beseech thee to turn away thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine offences. Make a clean heart in me, O god, & renew a right spirit within me, for thy name's sake only. For I have nothing, that I may present unto thee, not so much as one good work, not a pure heart, 
1. Cor. 4.  but I trusting in thy mercies do wholly commit myself unto them, that thou mayst stir up in me a prick of conscience, that I may not lightly fall again into sin, but that I may from this time forth, serve, and please thee, 
Luc. 1.  in holiness & righteousness all the days of my life. For thine is the kingdom, & the power for ever.  
I beseech thee therefore, dearly beloved, which hopest to obtain the forgiveness of thy sins, that thou endeavour thyself to be found in peace, clean, and without spot. If any evil thought come in thy mind, take up this sword, that is to wit, 
The fear of God is a sword.  be mindful of the fear of God, and thou shalt cut off all the power of the enemy. And take the holy scripture in the stead of a trumpet. For as the trumpet gathereth the soldiers together: even so the holy scripture crying unto us, doth gather together our thoughts, in the fear of the lord. For our thoughts are even like soldiers, which wage war against the kings enemies. And again, even as the trumpet sounding in the time of war, stirreth up the courage of the young men, battailing against their enemies: likewise the holy scriptures, do raise up thy promptness to virtue, & do make thee valiant against affections. Therefore enforce thyself, as much as in thee lieth, oftentimes to apploye the scriptures, that they may gather together thy cogitations, which the enemy hath scattered abroad, by his wicked subtlety, ministering unto thee naughty appetites and concupiscence, or oftentimes also bringing adversity, or sometimes giving prosperity, making thee careless. For he worketh these things by his deceit & guile, that he may separate man from God. For oftentimes it happeneth, that when we can not overcome and subdue one, by concupiscence, then after he offereth unto him other temptations, thereby to blind his mind, that he may after find it, an apt ground, to plant in it such things, as pleaseth him, and in the end, beginneth to minister such thoughts unto men, that they will say with an oath: At what time I do good, I have infortunate days. 
Rom. 3.  Let us therefore do evil that thereof may come good. Then if a man be not well advised, he will swallow him up as hell alive. If so be that he cannot thus overcome him, then will he offer unto him felicity, and security of life, and craftily extolleth him, bringing in deceit: an effect of all other most grievous, and troublous, which is, that he may make him proud, and without fear. This draweth the mind into the bo●●●e of pleasures. This causeth the mouth to speak blasphemy against heaven. 
Psal. 73.  For it is written: They have set, & bestowed their mouth against heaven. This maketh man to be ignorant of God, and not to understand his own infirmity, neither to think upon the day of death, and judgement. For this truly is the way of all wickedness. He that rejoiceth to walk in this way, that is to wit, of prosperity, and cockering, shall in the end come into the storehouse of death. This is the way whereof the lord said: Wide, and broad is the way, 
Math. 7.  which leadeth unto destruction. Behold thou hast heard, wherefore the enemy endeavoureth sometime to bring us prosperity, sometime adversity. For as he proveth the mind of man, which struggeleth, and striveth against him, to be affected: even so by his malignity, doth he furnish his host against him. Therefore be sober, and wary, and always give thyself unto reading, that thou mayest learn, how it behoveth thee, to eschew the snares of that enemy, and to take hold on everlasting life. For the reading of holy scripture, maketh the wandering mind to stand fast, and giveth her the knowledge of God.  

God is known out of the scriptures. Read for this matter the second epistle to Timothi. The holy ghost speaketh in the Scriptures.  Thou hearest how that he, which with an unfeigned heart ymployeth the holy scriptures, receiveth the knowledge of God. Nelect not therefore thyself, but ymploy reading, and prayer, that thy mind may be lightened, that thou mayest be made perfit, and honest in all things, wanting in no point. Let others boast of the friendship of honourable men, princes, and kings. But rejoice thou before the angels of God, speaking unto him, and to the holy ghost, by the sacred scriptures. 
† Math. 10.  For the holy ghost is he, that speaketh by them. 
* 2. Petr. 1.  Do thy diligence therefore constantly to be occupied in holy scripture, and prayers. For look how often thou art conversant with God by them: so often is thy body and soul sanctified. Then take this for certainty, that when thou happenest to read the scriptures, thou art sanctified. Therefore do thy good will, oftentimes to employ them. Although thy hands be occupied: yet mayest thou pray in thy mind. For blessed Anne, 
God is to be prayed unto with the mind. 1. Reg. 1.  Samuel the prophet his mother, prayed, and moved but her lips only, yet her prayers entered into the ears of the God of Sabaoth, & she obtained the thing she desired. Therefore although 〈◊〉 hands be otherwise busied, yet pray thou, at the least wise with thy mind. For God heareth even the silent. If thou have no skill to read, 
He that cannot read, or understandeth not what he readeth, must resort unto some wise man.  yet resort where thou mayst hear, and take profit thereof. For it is written: 
† Sirach. 6.  If thou see a wise man, go thou unto him early in the morning, and let thy foot tread the path unto his gate. For this counsel is not only good for them, that cannot read, but also for them that can. For many there be, which read, and know not what they read. Take heed therefore, that thou do not little regard, the 
* 2. Cor. 6.  grace bestowed on thee by the free gift of Christ: but be thou careful to seek, how thou mayest please the lord, that thou mayest procure, and get unto thee, the blissfulness of his saints. For it is written: Blessed are they, 
Psal. 119.  which keep his testimonies, and seek him with their whole heart. See that the enemy let thee not, that when thou wouldst read, he make thee slothful, and put other business in thy head, which shall pull thee away, saying: First finish thou these small affairs, and so shalt thou read without trouble of mind. For how often sendeth he in those things, that may encourage thee unto handy labour: And he objecteth such matters, that he may the sooner withhold thee from reading, being the greater profit. For as much as, the devil perceiving man to be disposed to read, setteth against him by these, and other like occasions, seeking if he may by any means possible, let him: yet co●●ent thou not unto him, but be even as the Hart, 
Psal. 42.  which thirsteth, and desireth to come unto the water springs, that is to say, unto the holy scriptures, that thou mayest drink out of them such things, as are meet and profitable for thee, as for example. When it is given thee to know any sentence, let it not escape thee, but powder upon it in thy mind, writ in thine heart, and thou shalt keep it, never able to be razed out of thy memory. For it is written: I will think upon thy righteousness. 
Psal. 119.  And again: I have hid thy words within my heart, that I should not sin against thee. And in an other place: Wherewith shall a young man cleanse his way? Even by ruling himself after thy word. For who is he, that is mindful of the word of the lord, and amendeth not his ways? Is not he always a reprobate, & a cast away caitiff, which remembereth nothing, but rather forgetteth that, which he once knew? Truly, God saith unto such an one. 
Psal. 50.  Wherefore talkest thou of my righteousness, and takest my testimony in thy mouth? Whereupon he commandeth that thing to be taken from him, which he seemeth to have. 
Math. 25.  And what was there commanded to be taken from him, which he seemed to have? Faith. For he calleth himself a christian, 
Tit. 1.  but denieth it in his deeds, and he is worse than an infidel. And therefore he commandeth the holy ghost to be taken from him, which he received in the day of his redemption, and that he seemed to have also. And such a man shall become like unto a wine vessel, thorough the which the wine is spilled and lost, & they that see him know it not, supposing him to he full, but when wine should be drawn out of him, than he appeareth unto all men to be empty. Therefore even so, such a man shall appear empty in the day of judgement, and his deeds shall be manifest unto all the world. And such are they, which will say unto the king in that day: 
Math. 7.  Lord have not we prophesied in thy name? and have done many great things in thy name? And the king will answer, and say unto them: Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Thou seest, dearly beloved, that such a man hath nothing at all. Be thou therefore mindful of the word of God, and amend thy life. Beware thou suffer not the birds to descend, and devour the seed of the son of God. For he himself said, that the seed is the word which ye have heard. 
Math. 13.  Therefore hide thou the seed in the sorrows of thy land, that is to wit, hide the word in the middle of thine heart, that thou mayest bring forth some fruit unto the lord in fear. And when thou readest, read diligently, and boldly, and handle each line, moderately considering thereof. Endeavour not to read over many leaves, but if any obscure sense happen unto thee, let it not grieve thee to peruse the verse twice or thrice, until thou understand the meaning, and force thereof. Furthermore, when thou preparest thyself to sit down, and read, or to hear an other: first pray unto God saying thus: 
Scripture is attenttyfely to be read with prayer. Psal. 119.  O lord jesus Christ, open mine eyes, and the ears of my heart, that they may hear thy words, and understand them, and may, O lord, fulfil thy will, hide not thy commandments from me, because I am a stranger on the earth, but open, and discover mine eyes, and I will consider the marvelous things of thy law. For in thee, Oh my God, have I trusted, that thou shouldst lighten mine heart. Also I beseech thee so pray unto God always, that he will illuminate thy mind, and open unto thee the effect, and force of his word. For many have erred, 
Rom. 1.  counted themselves wise, they became fools, not understanding what was written, and falling into blasphemies, have therein perished. Therefore, if thou in reading find any thing hard to be understood, take heed the enemy teach thee not to say within thyself, it is not so, as this word expresseth (for how should it be so?) and such like. But if thou believe God, believe his word also, and say unto the enemy: Come behind me sathan. For I know thee not. The word of God is a pure word, as tried silver, cleansed, 
Psal. 11.  and purged from the earth seven fold, and in it, is no perverse matter, other else halting, as the proverb is, but all things therein seem good in the wise man's sight, and are righteous before them, that find knowledge, and I truly am a fool, and know not the scriptures, but well understand, they are spiritually written. For the apostle sayeth: 
Rom. 7.  that the law is spiritual. Then look up towards heaven, saying these words: Lord I believe thy word, and do not gain say it, but I trust in the word of thy holy spirit. Preserve me therefore, O lord, that I may find favour in thy sight. For I seek none other thing, but only to be saved. Oh merciful father, that I may obtain thy grace, and favour. For thine is the kingdom, and mercy for ever, and ever. Amen.  

Peroratio.  
I Beseech you therefore brethren, dearly beloved in the lord, that ye endeavour yourselves to have these things daily in memory, I mean, faith, hope, charity, and humility, that they may be sealed up by prayers unto God, and meditations of holy scriptures. For if you have those things, and do abound in them, they will not leave you empty, and barren touching the knowledge of jesus Christ. For the 〈◊〉 man, which hath not those things, but neglecteth his own salvation, is blind, groping the way with his hand, 
2. Petr. 1.  forgetting that he is cleansed from his old sins, and it shall happen unto him, as it is said in the true proverb: 
2. Petr. 2.  The dog is returned again unto his domite, and the washed swine unto his durrie puddle. They therefore, 
2. Petr. 2.  that have escaped the pollutions of the world, as it is written, and have renounced them in there baptism, and are come unto the knowledge of our lord jesus Christ, and are afterwards again entangled with them, there end shall be worse, than there beginning. For it had been better for them, not to have known the way of truth, then when they have known it, to return back again unto the things, which were forsaken. Let us therefore, being the dear and faithful servants of God, and his christian chosen soldiers, diligently, and earnestly take up the foresaid armour in our hearts, and not have them in mind by an outward show, that we battayling well, and treading down all the power of the enemy, 
Ephe. 5.  3.  may be delivered from the curse to come upon the children of unbelief, and that we may find grace, 
Hebr. 4.  and mercy in that horrible day, before the just judge, 
Rom. 1.  which will reward every man, according to his deeds, to whom, with the almighty father, and the holy spirit, belongeth honour, and glory, now, and for ever, world without end. Amen.   
FINIS.   

The Table.  

Physic for the soul, very necessary to be used in the agony of death, and in these extreme and most perilous seasons. etc. folio. 1.  
Faith is chiefly necessary for the sick, to abide the pains of the body, and the temptations, wherewith he is pestered. folio. 3.  
The articles of our faith are diligently to be considered of the sick. folio. 5  
Wherefore sicknesses are sent unto us from God. folio. 5  
There be three things, which torment us most grievously, and cruelly, and do trouble our minds in the agony of death, that is to wit, sin, death, hell, or damnation. folio. 8  
¶ A prayer for the same. folio. 8  
What is to be done, when sin doth vex, and stir our consciences. folio. 9  
The testimonies of scripture for the remission of sins through Christ, must be diligently repeated unto the sick. etc. folio. 11  
Whether the sick may lawfully seek the physicians help, and use physic, or no. folio. 18  
What is to be done, when death bringeth terror, and fear upon us. folio. 18  
The testimonies of scripture, for the resurrection of the dead. folio. 20  
We will add also, other sentences of scripture, containing plentiful comfort. folio. 23  
What is to be done, when hell, or eternal damnation, coming in our minds, doth fear us. folio. 25  
Of the making of a testament, and confession of sins unto God. folio. 34  
Of the sacrament of the lords supper. folio. 35  
The sorrow, which many take, more than is requisite; for the death of their parents, and friends, aught to be tempered by the right rule of reason. folio. 37  
A precept containing an exhortation unto all them, which profess the name of Christ. folio. 39  
Peroratio. folio. 40  
A form, and method, or right order to comfort the sick. folio. 41