¶ A poor man's benevolence to the afflicted Church. Acts. 3. a * Gold and silver have I none such as I have give I unto you ¶ Imprinted at London in little Britain, by Alexander Lacy. The. 29. of January. 1566. ¶ Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, be with all that are afflicted for the testimony of Jesus Christ. Amen. Well-beloved in our saviour Jesus Christ, understanding of your great trouble and the grievous persecutions of our brethren in Christ in Spain and else where, I could not but some what according to my duty, and to the talon which God hath given me, writ (although it were but small) trusting that it should be to the comfort of those, that for the truth be in any place afflicted: using none other order, nor collecting no other Scripture (as a particular thing to treat of) but wholly to refer you, according to your godly understanding, to the. 2. 2. Tim. 1 epistle of S. Paul to Timothe where he noteth first unto him with what he is endued, that is with an unfeigned faith, in Timothe is endued with an unfeigned faith. the self same faith which dwelled before in his grandmother Lois, and in his mother Eunica. And here S. Paul comforteth not only Timothe, that his grandmother and mother was such: but also comforteth them (if they were then alive) that they had such a son. Here is also to be noted, what comfort parents and children may have each of other (if they be Godly) but I leave that to be considered. But to the matter, sith that he knoweth Paul & Ti moth, is of one spirit, where with he is endued, he willeth him to be steadfast, for God (saith he) hath not given us the spirit of fear: but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Be not ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, neither of me his prisoner: but be partaker Paul is prsoner in Rome. of the afflictions of the gospel, according to the power of God. That worthy thing which was committed unto thee keep, through the Holy ghost. * They of Asia be turned from me, of which sort are Phigelus and Hermogenes. Thus Paul by a certain manner dismayeth Timothe: yet not tstanding he encourageth him again, and willeth him not only to be steadfast because he is endued with the spirit and power of God: but also to be patient, though all should departed from him, and he put in prison: yet though Phtgelus 2. Lim. 2 and and Hermogenes, be The faithful will stick to one, when the wicked will forsake him. gone from the preaching of the Gospel: yet Onesiphorus will visit thee in prison, & will not be ashamed of thy chains. Whereby Paul doth give to understand, though the greater number forsake thee: yet the faithful in Christ will not leave thee And therefore saith Paul, look what thou hast heard of me by many witnesses, y● put forth. As who should say: thou hast be ne a diligent learner, and thou hast nothing, but that which is approved by many witnesses, go forward in it, make no stay, detract no time, looking this way or that way, be not as a reed shaken with the wind: but like a bold soldier of Jesus Christ, suffer afflictions. Therefore I beseech you, you that have learned in God's school, and have your doctrine approved by many witnesses, stand steadfast in it: be patient. Though your friends, kindred, or country men depart from it, Gala. 4. be you fervent, continue you still, let your light so shine before Math. 5 men, that they may glorify your father which is in heaven. Therefore saith Paul, I suffer all things, & for the elects sake it is, that they might also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. For if (saith he) with Christ we suffer, we shall also reign with him. If we deny him, he also will deny us. Therefore saith he, study to show thyself approved unto GOD, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed. For God revealeth to the faithful, the wickedness of the time before it come. know that in the last days shall come perilous times, for men shall be lovers of themselves, covetous, boasters, proud, cursed speakers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affections, 2. Tim. 3 truce breakers, false accusers, This is the state of our ●●u●e, we are therefore in a perilous time. intemperate, fierce, despisers of them which are good, traitors, heady, high minded, lovers of pleasure more than the lovers of God, having a show of godliness, but have denied the power thereof. Courne away therefore from such. As Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, Exodus. 7 so do these also resist the truth, men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith: but they shall prevail no longer. For their madness shallbe evident unto all men, as theirs was. To travel in explicating of the matter I need not, for the words be so plain, that it may pass without: and therefore I leave it to your good considerations, putting you in remembrance of that which is written by S. Paul to the Romans. That Rom. 15. whatsoever is written, is written for our learning, & for our comfort. But thou Timothe, 2 Tim. 3. thou hast known my doctrine, not in part, but in whole. Fully thou hast known it, my manner of living to my doctrine is not unknown unto thee. My mind, purpose, and will, thou knewest: my faith thou understandest, my long suffering, love, and patience, is not hid from thee: and also my persecutions, and afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Listra, thou art not ignorant of, which persecutions I suffered: but from them all the Lord delivered me. Therefore The Lord only doth deliver from trouble Timothe, if thou continue in this doctrine which thou haste begun: keep the manner of living to thy doctrine, as thou hast had example of me, being faith full, being ready to bear all griefs, showing all love, and using patience: then be sure that the Lord in persecutions, will Aspecal comforc. deliver thee. For this I tell thee of a truth, that all that will live godly in Christ Jesus, shall suffer 2 Tim. 3. persecutions. And here S. Paul giveth Timothe a watch A watch word to the godly of all states, given by S. Paul to Timothe. word, and not to him alone, but to all pastors and teachers. Not to pastors & teachers only, but to all people in general, of what calling soever they be of, whether they be high or low, rich or poor, old or young, King or subject, if he will live godly in Christ Jesus (saith S. Paul) he then must suffer persecutions. But here perchance you will ask me how it may be A question. that Kings should be persecuted for the testimony of Jesus Christ, and who it is that dare persecute them for the same? But whether Kings have been Answer. persecuted or no. I refer it to them to tell, which are skilful in the Chronicles, and who they were that did persecute them. Paul doth not say here, if ye live godly in the godliness of the Augustine's, that you shall be The godliness of the papacy, is not persecuted. persecuted: or in the godliness of the Fraunciscanes, that you shall have any trouble take hold of you: or if you live godly in the godliness of the benedict's, or Dominickes and such like, that any hurt shall come unto you. But if you live godly in Christ Jesus (saith Paul) you must 2. Tim. 3. suffer persecutions. Well saith our Saviour Christ, happy are ye when men revile you & persecute The faithful hated. you for my name's sake, for Math. 5 you shall not lose your reward. For this I tell you, you shall be Math. 24 hated of all men for my name's sake, therefore if the world hate you: know ye, that it hated me Christ was hated. John. 16 before you, but for as much as ye are not of the world, but that I have chosen you out of the world Wherefore the faithful is hated of the world. therefore doth the world hate you. But be of good cheer, I have overcome Luke. 12 the world: and therefore fear not little flock, for it The faithful shall be rewarded with a kingdom is your father's will to give you a kingdom. And fear not them that can kill the body, but fear Math. 5 him that can cast both body and soul into hell fire, be faithful Apoc. 2 They shallbe ●round with the crown of everlasting life. therefore unto the death, and I will give thee the crown of life. Therefore (my beloved) sith that we have such sweet promises of God the father, in his son Christ Jesus: let us cleave unto him, he will perform them, he never God ●● faithful failed none that put their trust in him, as the prophet David saith, I have called upon the Lord and he hath heard me, I have trusted in the Lord and he hath helped me, he therefore often times crieth, as in the. 12. Psal. 12 psalm. Help me O God, in the 69. psalm. Save me O God, in Psal. 69 the. 16. psalm. Preserve me O Psal. 16 Psal. 30 God, in the. 30. psalm. I have called upon the Lord in my trouble, and he hath heard me, and delivered me. Therefore do you now with the prophet David in the. 66. psalm, burst forth Psal. 66 and say: Thou (O God) haste and dost prove us. Thou also, hast and wilt try us, even as Silver is tried. Thou broughtest us in to the snare, and laidst trouble upon our loins. Thou suffered'st men to ride over our heads, we went & go through fire & water, but we know that thou wilt bring us in to a comfortable place. Thus said Christ to his disciples, that where I am, John. 14 there shall ye be also. Therefore we beseech thee most merciful father, to aid us with thy grace, and assist us with thy holy spirit, that we may perfectly learn to know thee to be our creator, & Jesus thy son to be our only saviour, and the Holy ghost to be our only sanctifier. To these three, as to one eternal God, be all honour and glory, now and for evermore. Amen. ¶ Your brother in Christ, John Pits. ¶ To the afflicted Church, in Scotland, France, Spain, or any other land. BE of good cheer my brethren all, do not now faint nor quail: But to the Lord do ye now call, lest that in truth ye fail. For Satan's ire pass not a pin, though that he rule and rage: His power it is to small and thin, the truth for to assuage. ¶ Though Kings be strong, and wine likewise & women thought to be: Yet Truth (in any manner wise) 3. Esdr. ● more stronger shall ye see. Kings have failed, and also wine, and women have not stood: Truth hath remained from time to time as proof we have full good. Truth was good, & kept still his place, when Woman had a fall: Truth was still Truth & had his grace, when Woman was in thrall. Gene. ● What Truth hath said, ꝑformd it was as in all states we see, Let Woman speak what's cum to pas let her tell tale for me. As touching wine, what shall I say? his force I think not great: Although the heart he merry make, yet is he best with meat. Prou. 31. The empty body doth not 'gree, with wine, though it be good: Solomon to the sorry (saith he) give wine to cheer their mood. ¶ give good wine (Solomon doth say) then is there that doth fail: In Truth there is no manner way, that can make it to quail. For Truth shall stand both firm & fast, and kéepth his taste full sweet, Psal. 117 When wine and women shall be past, and kings laid under feet. ¶ With Truth is no comparison, John. 14 no match with him may be: For God and Truth, they be both one, uncompared to be. Who dwelleth in truth, doth dwell in God and God in him likewise: ●. Joh. 4 So, dwell in Truth, & then have God to make thee perfect wise. For who against the truth doth kick, against God kicketh to: Then is he like to fall on prick, which will make him cry wo. When Truth did speak in noah's days, Gene. 7. willing them to repent: Lest that they perished in their wanes, they would not, but felt dent. ¶ Truth to the Zodomites preached Gene. 9 by Lot, this is certain: Their licensiousnes he counseled, that they should not maintain. The Zodomits would not Truth hear but kept their whole desire: Therefore they paid for that full dear, for burned they were with fire. ¶ What got king Pharaoh for his pain when truth he did pursue? Exod. 14. He and his host were drowned certain, as Exodus doth show. Sisara, and Abimelech to, of women were both slain: Judi. 4. and. 9 The book of Judges declareth so, which is both true and plain. ¶ Hieroboam, because he wrought against the well known Truth: Baasa to death his stock hath brought, and thereon had no ruth. What became of queen jezabel, 4. Re. 9 the Truths great enemy? Dogs did eat her in Jezraell, Truth said it should so be. ¶ Ahabs' house, by jehu was slain, 4. Ke. 10 for that he did conspire: Gods prophets for to put to pain, and give them death for hire. So read we of Zedechias, 4. Ke. 25 which troubled Jeremy: That both his eyes destroyed was, and he felt misery. ¶ What is said of Herode the king, Acts. 12 that sought the Truth to kill? Who was full of most deadly sting, to work his cruel will. His kingly power could not prevail, nor help him in his need: When stinking worms did him assail which on his corpse did feed. How strong kings be when God doth strike, the scripture doth well sho: In other books we have the like, we need not far to go. If that the king will needs rejoice, let him rejoice in this: That he hath God to hear his voice, to keep him from all mis. Therefore let kings now serve the Lord Psalm. 2 and not put Truth to flight: But in the same for to accord, lest that they lose their might. Let them that do the Truth embrace, embrace and keep it still: For kings shall not the Truth deface, though that it be their will. What kings have done with Satan's aid Exodus. 1 Math. 2 Mar. 6. Eath. 14 it is not now unshown, What women have thereto assayed, it is not much unknown. What wine in banquets hath forth sought, many the tale can tell: How by that way Truth hath been bought as time can show full well. ¶ What Jews there be the Truth to by, I need not much to say: And Judasses that traitorously, seek Truth, him to betray. Even here at hand hard by the door, of both those sorts there be: Which persecute Truth evermore, that he can not go free. ¶ Truth to exile hath oft been brought, and driven from place to place: His confusion hath been wrought, by them of little grace. But yet how Truth prevailed hath, and worn the garland green: This day doth teach that rule and path which thought not to be seen. ¶ Thus God the Truth preserved hath, and set him in the seat: For to appoint the perfect path, which is both right and feat. Walk therefore in Truth ye godly, let ill men walk their way: To God and Truth do ye now hy, and take your joyful day. Stand fast to Truth stick to your hold fear not the cruel king: He shall not hurt you (be you bold) in any manner thing. For God is yours, and you are Gods, in God dwell you now still: Although ye have these grievous rods, it is not for none ill. For whom the Lord doth love be sure, him doth he chastise, why? Because he will have us full pure, his name to magnify. For tribulation is our part, if Christ we will confess: Confess him still, fear not the smart, you shall have life endless. Farewell brethren, be of good cheer, in Truth have you your stay: For God is Truth (your father dear) which will keep you always. Fear not the cross, nor yet the pain that you a while do suffer: You shall have heaven for your gain, which life doth last for ever. ¶ FINIS. ¶ THE. 67. PSALM. David here in this Psalm doth teach the faithful for to pray, The Lord to show his countenance that they go not a stray. And that his mighty power be known, which is of noble fame: That all the nations on the earth, may praise his holy name. GOD be merciful unto us, Psal. 67. thus doth king David write: In the three score & seventh psalm he doth the same recite. And bless thou us (saith he) O Lord, for that we stand in need: The light of thy countenance show, thy mercy give with speed. That thy right way here on the earth, unto us may be known: And thy most high and saving health, unto all natons shown. Let the people praise thee (O God) let all the people sing: O let the nations on the earth, acknowledge thee their king. For thou the righteous wilt defend, and govern every where: And make the wicked on a row, of thee to stand in fear. Let the people praise thee G God, now let them all thee praise: In this our most troublesome time, and in these heavy days. Then shall the earth her increase bring and thou our God shalt give Thy only good and great blessing, that we with thee may live. God shall us bless for evermore, and us defend from sin: And all the ends of the whole world, shall stand in awe of him. Glory be to the Father high, and to the Son therefore: And to the Holy ghost which spirit, keep us for evermore. ¶ FINIS. ¶ THE. 100 PSALM. David in this Psalm doth exhort, to praise the Lord always: For that he did us make and port, and guides us all our days. O Be ye joyful in the Lord, serve ye him all ye lands: With gladness cum, & with a song, commit you to his hands. The Lord our God he did us make, of this we may be sure: Not we ourselves, we are his folk, and sheep of his pasture. Now let us go in to his gates, with thanks to give him praise, In to his court even for to speak, good of his name always. For why? the Lord is gracious, his mercy is full sure: His Truth doth everlastingly, for evermore endure. ¶ FINIS. Christ speaketh to the people. Whosoever is of the truth, heareth my voice. John. 18. John. 10. My sheep do hear it, and I do know them, and they do follow me, and I give them everlasting life. He that hath my precepts & keepeth them, John. 14 he it is that loveth me. If any man loveth me, he will keep my word, my father will love him, and we shall come to him, and dwell with him. Walk John. 12. while ye have light, lest darkness over whelm you, he that walketh in darkness, knoweth not whether he goeth. While ye have light, believe in the light: that ye may be children of light. He that is of God, heareth God's word: if any man keep John. 8 my word, he shall never see death. ¶ God to the Prophet, or Preacher. STand in the court of the lords house, and speak unto all the cities of Juda which come Jere. 26. to worship in the Lord's house, all the words that I have commanded thee to speak, keep not a word back. If so be they will hearken, & turn every man from his evil way, that I may repent me of the plague which I have determined to bring upon them because of the wickedness of their works, and thou shalt say unto them: thus faith the Lord. etc. ¶ Moses, or Preacher, to the people. IF thou shalt obey diligently the voice of the Lord thy God, and observe & do all his commandments Deut. 28 which I command thee this day, than the Lord thy God will set thee on high above all the nations of the earth, and all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee: if thou shalt obey the voice of the Lord thy God. Blessed shalt thou be in the city, and blessed in the field. etc. But if thou wilt not obey the voice of the Lord thy God to keep & to do all his commandments and his ordinances which I command thee this day, than all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee. Cursed shalt thou be in the town and in the field. etc. From the which curses, the Lord deliver us, and grant us to be diligent hearers of his holy word, and faithful followers of the same: for his dear sons sake Jesus Christ, to whom with the Holy ghost, three persons and one God, be all honour & glory for ever. Amen. ¶ FINIS. (ꝙ) John Pits.